Japan- Lights, Creativity, and Fashion.

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, the characters that make up Japan's name mean "sun-origin" (because it lies to the east of nearby countries), which is why Japan is sometimes referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun".

The Nightlife

Tokyo's nightlife is wild and crazy, there is no place one can consider "the place to be" over other spots. Hotspots of the night are all over the city, varying in their price range, workers and most importantly, their atmosphere. Famous spots include Roppongi and Ginza, Kabuki-cho found in Shinjuku. A good way to start the night off is to just walk around the town, taking a look at the neighborhoods and just taking it all in. The atmosphere is unlike any other city. The streets will be overflowing with people and the neon lights will blind your eyes, but there are plenty of surprises to keep an eye out for.
The Fashion

The first Tokyo Fashion Week began in the 70’s, a period where Japanese apparel industry was a booming business and the demand for newer designer clothes was growing. At that time, the world knew little of Japanese fashion, but couldn’t dispute the fact that the work these designers presented were artistic, creative and different.

Keita Maruyama

After graduating from Fashion Apparel Design course of Bunka Fashion College in 1987, Maruyama started his career as a designer in a Japanese apparel company. He designed costumes for musicians and actors for freelance in 1996, making his debut in Tokyo collection in 1994. Maruyama won Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix New Face Award and Shiseido Sponsorship Award in 1996. He made a debut in Paris collection in 1997. Maruyama won FEC Designer Award in 1998, Maruyama celebrated the 10th year since Paris Collection debut in 2008.

The Tattoo Artist

Hiroshi Kawai is a well known Japanese tattoo artist. He has travelled extensively throughout Europe and South America as an importer. In 1990 he eventually decided to take up tattooing as a result of seeing tattoos from around the world from his many business trips.

Hiroshi Kawai is located at:
Tattoo Art Maruyama
1-25-12, Dearheim 203,
Nakamachi, Meguro-ku,
Tokyo, Japan
(Tel / Fax) 81-3-3715-586


The Harajuku

Adjacent to Shibuya, Harajuku in Tokyo one of the eye opener for most tourist with the most hip, trendiest for the very young Japanese. Here you can find almost anything with the latest clothing, accessory especially along the narrow pedestrian lane called Takeshita Dori. However, to some, the fashion there could be weird or so to speak too outstanding to be going out except in Japan.

Chaniwa Cocktail

Chaniwa cocktail (Cha mean “tea” and niwa means “garden”) which combines vanilla ice cream, fresh banana slices and the light
 flavor of Zen Green Tea Liqueur, for a creamy alternative to tea time.


1 part Zen Green Tea Liqueur
¼ parts Banana Liqueur
1 part Light Rum
2 Scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream
2 Biscuits
Banana Slices for Garnish
Matcha Powder for Garnish 
Mix green tea liqueur, banana liqueur, rum, and ice cream in a blender until smooth. Break biscuits into pieces, add, and stir. Pour into a chilled martini glass. Place a few banana slices on top and sprinkle with matcha powder. Serve with a spoon.