Unlucky for some but not the 13th fan club member to have signed up, the winner of the October Tokyo Fan Club prize give away is lucky email address no. 13. Of course we can't tell you who they are just yet but we have contacted them and are waiting to find out where we should send the Kitty Coin Keep and Money Magic Key Holder.

If you did not receive an email from us never fear because we have a new and super gorgeous give away for the month of November.

This month one lucky Tokyo Fan Club member will win a double Pod Canvas prize pack. The nano I Love Music double Pod Canvas will go to one lucky duck.

The winner will be announced by December 5. You have got to be in it to win it so be sure to sign up for the TOKYOMADE newsletter, sending super street style to your inbox!

The Tokyo Design Week festivities and extravaganzas are already in full swing but we are planning a big weekend filled with Tokyo and international design. We plan to make good use of these sites!

How to Survive Tokyo Design Wek 2007 by Ping Mag

Jean Snow the Tokyo-based design guru has got us sorted, we are following his Design Week lead.

A great preview of Design Week in The Japan Times (also by Jean Snow)

Most looking forward to Tide Market and the 100% Design trade fair.

Happy Tokyo Design Week 2007!

Juicy newness has been flooding in and we can't hold back any longer. Watch out for fresh new Tokyo style everyday here on TOKYOMADE.

The latest pieces to become available included the rubber lusting Maria tee and rough rainbow Rock Idol tee both by Shojono Tomo for the Enoc Douter brand. More Shojono Tomo designs coming your way soon!

Those sweet Ichigo Seijin are back with new designs including a large and small zip up pouch to keep all your strawberry lip balms, strawberry scented candles and strawberry colored accessories. Made from heavy duty yet oh so yummy jersey fabric, let the aliens keep your sweet bits secure.

Tokyo fashion creator BROS WEAR DESIGNS have joined TOKYOMADE and their Neo Geomatric graphics are in hot demand! The first release from their current range is the Infernal Sphere T-shirt..

Brace yourself for a silly season filled with new Japanese design and creation, things are about to get steamy!

Onsens (hot springs) and yaki imo (baked sweet potato) to you
xx

See we told you, more new creations from Tokyo everyday!

Wakuseiya has some fresh home style baked up for you. These sweet, hand painted frames carry a fairy tale theme - super kawaii!


Tiny Azure is keeping us warm with two new resin rings for her range. Nobana and Shiawase Goldfish are making a splash.


You want it? You got it! More Japanese fashion on it's way. In between getting ready for Design Festa and a whole lot of photo shoots Masao is furiously putting new greatness on TOKYOMADE each day!


Enjoy!

This month's Tokyo Fan Club Giveaway is a Pod Canvas double pack. One for you and one for the one you love. The I Love Music Pod Canvas is perfect for the nano iPod.

A sweet treat for you this month. All you have to do is make sure that you are a member of the Tokyo Fan Club. Simply add your email address to the little space over there on the left hand side and you are instantly in with a chance PLUS you get Tokyo treats sent to your inbox.

Gambatte (Good Luck)

Want the Geisha Glam look this season?

These traditional Japanese tabi boots have been given a glamorous make over by Japanese re constructor Honmonoya.

Tabi style tips...

Teamed with funky remade tunics and shiny, sassy bottoms the Japanese tabi boots make a bold street style statement.

Match them up with a pocket dress and super skinnies for a fun and funky edge.

Go Wild! Grrrrr It is a jungle out there, why not splash some Tokyo style around.

Make the most of the sparkling Geisha style and wear them with simple clean lines and block colors.

Loving this Metal Petal Dress by Australian designer Lenko. With it's kimonoesque wrap we think it completes the geisha glam look complimented by the Silver and Gold Tabi mid calf boots.

Japanese beauty at it's funkiest!

New to TOKYOMADE designers BROS WEAR DESIGNS have loaded us up with their latest range of super stylin' Tokyo tees, designed and printed right here in Japan.

Ghost Wedge shows off a silver printed graphic that represents the outline of the conscious mind.
Printing on both front and back gives the appearance of the conscious mind image moving through the body while wearing the t-shirt.

The design concept of the Infact Plus tee is symbolic of a melting pot where all things become one incorporates Japanese kanji. The Japanese symbol in the back of the t-shirt says toku which symbolizes the dissolving of one thing into another.

Rock out with the Shojono Tomo Satifaction tee. Oh no no no, that's what I say, a hey hey hey.

Pod Canvas has released their new season designs and they are moving with the changes. The latest in Japanese iPod fashion comes in the shape of the new iPod Touch.

Maple iPod Touch Seal by Pod Canvas features the autumn leaves of the Japanese maple. A representation of the changing seasons and the Japanese love of nature.

The head nurse at the blabla hospital has just dispatched her latest fall/winter fashion remedies. They are on their way, soon to make everything all warm and better this chilly season. Don't forget to get your fashion prescription refilled!

Design Festa Vol. 26 is being held this Saturday (Nov 17) and Sunday (Nov 18) and we have been getting a few questions, so we answering them all right here, right now!

When is Design Festa?

Vol. 26 is this weekend, November 17 and 18. The event space will open at 11am and close at 7pm on both days.

What is your booth number?

TOKYOMADE will have a two mat booth at space C0066. We have been designing and building, sprucing and decorating all week so please come and celebrate with us! At least stop in and say hi!

What is Design Festa?

Design Festa is an International art event. It is the largest art event in Asia. This year there is forecast to be about 6500 exhibitors and a whopping 52 000 spectators.

Basically, if you are a first timer to the event you can expect aisle after aisle of booths built and decorated by artists, designers, creators, makers, painters, drawers, dancers, singers, djs, crafters, activists and lovers of life. You can also expect 51 999 other buyers, lookers, scouts, photographers, drifters, artists, shoppers, friends, family and lovers of life to be filing through the aisles in search of treasures in many forms.

Aside from the booths filled with color and creation there is also an outdoor space for the musicians and their fans, a large catwalk and stage, a performance art space, film space, short shorts showing and a large food and bev area.

Where is it?

Design Festa is held at the Toyko Big Site. A spaceship like structure that is better known as an International exhibition center.

How do I get there?

Well that all depends on where you are coming from but it is usually a pretty relaxing train ride.

The closest station to the Tokyo Big Site is Kokusai-tenjijo Station. It is about 25 minutes from Shinjuku or Tokyo station, an hour from Narita airport and about 50 minutes from Yokohama.

You can jump on the Saikyo or Yamanote at Shinjuku station head to Osaki station (160 yen) and change to the Rinkai line to Kokusaitenjijo (320 yen) and be there in less than half an hour.

I find the easiest way to check all the times and routes is through the Jorudan website.

Check here for more access info.

Here are some extra special tips we thought might make your day(s) easier...

- If you are catching the train, buy your return ticket when you get to the station. You will thank us for this tip when you bypass the mass of people lining up for tickets to get home. You can breeze straight through the ticket gates, because you were a smarty pants and got yours early.

- There are coin lockers outside of the display area.

- It is a little walk from the station and being near the water it can get quite cold and windy (I know, I know I sound like my mum but this is important comfort factor info). Once inside the event space it almost becomes too warm. Consider locking up your jacket and any extra baggage (emotional or otherwise) it is way too stimulating and often crowded to carry any extras. Plus you need all hands free to fondle the goods and plenty of bag space for all of your purchases.

- There are plenty of bathrooms both in and outside of the event space.

- Design Festa provide a plastic (ugh) bag and event guide upon entry, while we are trying to keep our Earth gorgeous and green both of these things will probably come in handy but might we suggest that you bring your own cloth bag from home for all of your collections. You do collect A LOT of flyers, paper, stickers, business cards and the like, not telling you what to do, but please try to take only what you think you will need and truly use. Carbon neutrality is sexy!!

- There is a Tully's and conbini just before you enter the Tokyo Big Site through the main entrance on the Kokusaijijo station side, should you need to refuel after your train journey. The convenience store also has an ATM.

- If you are thinking of staying late and having dinner with friends in the area be aware that many of the restaurants close to Tokyo Big Site close quite early. There are a few small cafes and a Saizeria (that is usually packed with starving exhibitors filling up on the drink bar and 299 yen carafes of house wine). Odaiba is not far away, a 10 or so minute walk beyond the Fuji Television building and you will find yourself at the Odaiba DECKS and Aqua City. Here is a restaurant guide for the Tokyo Big Site area, if you are still unsure.

- Design Festa is BIG and if you are hoping to take in as many booths and performances as you can you are best to start early. Take water and a small snack to keep you going. You could easily walk up and done each aisle systematically for a solid 9 hours and not see everything.

Above all, Design Festa is a place where you are sure to find a new treasure, meet a new friend and be greatly inspired to do that thing that you 'have been meaning to do'.

See you there!

Imagine holding a party in a big open space surrounded by over 50 000 of your most amazing friends and acquaintances. That is the overwhelming feeling we had all weekend, our first time to have a TOKYOMADE booth at Design Festa.

We had been planning and preparing for this party for a long time and were excited when the morning finally arrived. Getting up early and braving the Tokyo chill, with bags in tow we headed out to the Tokyo Big Site.

The event began at 11am, we got there early although underestimated the time it would take to get everything ready,set, go! Lucky for us Kana, Chi and Ryo were there to help us. After fitting all the puzzle pieces together our booth was finally ready.



We are used to confined spaces in Tokyo but the Design Festa booth gave new meaning to teeny, tiny. Stepping outside of the box we let the stunning array of colorful accessories, art and fashion wow and amaze while we greeted friends and customers. Positioning ourselves out in the aisle amongst the human traffic it was like one big and constant street party. Great times!

We were lucky to be placed next to Sonja, designer and creator of Discrete Bags as well as divine handmade, original fashion pieces.

Many friends and TOKYOMADE designers stopped by over the course of the two days. We were on such a super high on the train ride home recalling all the fabulous people that came to lend a hand, a chocolate bar, a much needed coffee, a smile, a hug or a quick hello.



We were overjoyed with the amount of interest and curiosity expressed, it truly was a top opportunity for TOKYOMADE, all of the contributors and for us personally.
A huge thank you to you all for your coolness and support, will definitely be back next time bigger and better! See you there!





Special thanks
Thank you so much to Kana and Chi for all of your help setting up. It was really awesome to hang out with you this weekend, we look forward to doing it again soon. Thank you both for bringing along your new range of stunning creations.
A big thanks to Ryo Honda for bringing extra figurines and books especially for Design Festa. Thank you for supporting us all weekend and for helping to pack up.
Thank you a million to all of my friends at TKS for stopping in many times to say hi and give us lots of treats, hope you had a cool day. Thanks Mark, Nick, Erin, Lindsey, Ryan and Finntan was lovely having lunch with you.
Thank you to my fair lady Leila, looking forward to that lunch you promised. Thanks Julie, lulu and Alison for coming to give hugs and smiles, it was great to see you all looking so fabulous and ready for shopping action.
It was great to meet you Yuki.
Thank you to Bros Wear Designs, LADE and Pod Canvas for all of your help, we could not have done it without you.
Thank you to Pink Salon, BLITZ Kiss, Lissita and Tiny Azure. Yamaji San the onigiri were very delicious thank you.
Thanks to Jaimie a lurking blog fan who stopped in to say hi, you really made my month! Make sure to say hi and hope you can make it to a Dr Sketchy's or another event soon so we can catch up.
Thank you guys from ro ro design for stopping in.
Thanks to Shojono Tomo for your guidance and bringing intense funkiness to our booth while you were there. You are pure inspiration.
Thank you to the Spank! girls for your never ending cuteness.
Thanks to all of the boothers surrounding us your displays and friendliness added so much tot he weekend.
Thank you Daniela, James and Rita we treasure your warmth so much and the fudge was freakin amazing!
Thank you to Sidney Pink and April for your greatness. Congratulations April on your Design Festa success.
Thanks to Karryn and Rachel from Kyoto and Mie, you are seriously rad chicks and deserve way more than a medal for your mammoth effort.
Thanks to Muck and Chris, shall be sporting those bandanas with pride on the streets of Tokyo.
Thank you so much Sonja and Mina, your smiles, conversation and Pocky kept us going!
Thank you to all of the gorgeous shoppers, browsers and TOKYOMADE fans you are truly the ones who keep things ALIVE!
Thank you to the new friends and creators that we met we are really looking forward to meeting up with you soon!
Thank you Cometman for your generosity and kindness. Let's party soon!
Thank you to all of our friends that emailed in their support, it means a lot to us!
Have we forgotten you? No we haven't really it is just taking a while to process things in the calm after such a top weekend. Sending our thanks to you all a million times over!

As the seasons change in Japan so too does the food that is cooked up in households all over the country. Temperatures are dropping outside so it is time to start warming up our insides. One of the highlights of Japanese winters for us is the prospect of nabe parties.

Nabe or nabemono (pot plus food) is a Japanese one pot recipe usually cooked up in a big clay pot over a gas stove or burner. Much like the fun of fondue a nabe pot can be placed on a portable gas burner in the middle of the table. With a miso or soy based soup bubbling and boiling various ingredients such as cabbage, mushrooms, spring onions, tofu, onions, green leaves, shirataki noodles and for non-vegetarians a variety of meats can be added. Gathering around the cooking pot each hungry party goer has their own small bowl of dipping sauce as well as an empty small bowl.

The combination of fresh vegetables, miso and soy bowling in the pot lets off an irresistible smelling steam that warms the room and awakens the senses.

When the ingredients are cooked each person scoops out a mixture of chunky food and soup into their empty bowl. The deliciously brewed pieces can then be dipped in the ponzu (dipping sauce) or some people top them with raw egg.

After the vegies and other chunks have been eaten many people like to use up the broth by adding cooked rice or udon noodles and sprinkle dried seaweed on top. This is called zousui.

All in all the nabe party, whether catering for two or twenty-two is a delectable and warming experience. It is one of those Japanese food experiences that has been created to bring families, friends, workmates and partners together, sharing from the one large pot is not only an entertaining way to spend dinner time it is also a way of creating warmth and togetherness.

Some nabe videos to get you warmed up...

Itadakemasu!
Oishii!!

Tomorrow is a holiday in the city!

Yay for holidays and being grateful for the abundance around us!
Happiness to you all from Tokyo,
Masao and Deanne
xx

Japanese illustrator, Ryo Honda launched his first figurine at the tokyomade Design Festa booth. The signed toy attracted the attention of many collectors, designers and fans.

A symbol of the father and son bond, this Japanese designed toy is a model of Kabakuro and his little son Shiro. The same characters that are featured in Ryo Honda's first picture book, Kabakuro First Story, also released at the Tokyo Design Festa.

Made from high quality, black and white polystone material, the bottom of this figurine is signed in white by the Japanese artist and reads Kabakuro First Figurine model designed by Ryo Honda.

Kabakuro comes in a uniquely illustrated gift box designed by Ryo Honda. A unique holiday gift from Tokyo.

Candy Nurse Scarf

The blabla hospital head nurse has whipped up some Tokyo fashion warmth this season for all of you style lovers. As the temperature drops her red hot fashion remedies rise.

Keep warm!
Get well soon!
xx

Red Cross Scarf

After the success and fun of the last S.A.I.A.S at And Zone Shinjuku we are ready to rumble yet again.

Sunday, December 2 from 1pm - 9pm. Live painting, rockin tunes, drink with entry, live art and plenty of TOKYOMADE creations for your viewing and purchasing pleasure!

Hope to see you there to celebrate the end to a truly awesome year!

Kampai!
xx

Check out our Japanese Street Style group on Facebook where you can discuss your favorite styles from the streets of Tokyo OR click on the TM Facebook logo below to make your way to the new, official TOKYOMADE facebook page, become a fan and be the first to receive giveaway updates and Tokyo fashion reports.

P.S. I am a complete Facebook addict at the moment (can you relate?) I have also created a group called I cut my own hair! so if you are a self-styler be sure to upload your funky hair pics. Let's create the greatest, grooviest hall of hair fame on Facebook!