Moshi Moshi Japan!

I love Japanese culture, Tokyo is in my top 5 of holidays I must take! At the moment I can’t afford these mysterious things called holidays so for now it’s just on one of my many lists of things I must do.

In the meantime I am going to get my Japanese fix at Hyper Japan 2012 

Hyper Japan is the UK’s biggest J-Culture event with stands and shops selling and promoting all things Japanese, both traditional and contemporary!

Theres Japanese Holiday Tours and food, including Sake Tasting and the Sushi Awards 2012 are part of the event, films (including a showcase of Third Window films), books, comics, music, including performances by actress and J-Pop singer Natsuko Aso

 There is also going to be stalls selling Vintage Kimonos, Modern Street Fashion, Gifts and Home wares. I think this will be my favorite part of the show and I’m sure to spend a silly amount of money!

I can’t wait to see all the Harajuku and Lolita girls all dressed up! They put so much effort and detail into what they wear it’s so impressive, whislt on the subject of dressing up there will also be Cosplay events taking place over the Hyper Japan weekend. Cosplay is short for Costume Play, it’s a hobby where people make and wear costumes based on their favourite Anime, Manga, Film or Video Game Characters and there are competitions for the best costumes!

To get me even more excited and in the mood for some Japanese fun I’m going to watch the achingly cute but equally very strange J-Pop music video Pon Pon Pon by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

 

 

Exhibitions in 2012

I am already very excited about 2 exhibitions opening in 2012, rather frustratingly they neither open until May!

First up is a new exhibition: Ballgowns – British Glamour since 1950 19 May 2012 – 6 January 2013; from my absolute favoritist Museum ever the V&A , I would live there if I could. They are renovating the Fashion Galleries and to celebrate the completion of it they are exhibiting a selection of fantastic gowns, over 60 dresses from the past 60 years. They will include items by designers like Zandra Rhodes, Jonathan Saunders, Hussein Chalayan, Alexander McQueen, Giles Deacon and Erdem.

Also included are some Royal Gowns such as a Norman Hartnell dress created for Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Princess Diana’s “Elvis Dress” by Catherine Walker, plus a Metallic Leather Dress by Gareth Pugh specially designed for the exhibition.

Second on my list is: Tracy Emin’s - She Lay Down Deep Beneath the Sea. 26 May 2012 – 23 September 2011 at the Turner Contemporary in Margate. This is Tracy Emin’s first major solo show at the Turner Contemporary and is specially conceived for Margate, her home town and inspiration for many of her great works. The exhibition explores themes of love, sensuality and romanticism. The central themes are continued with a display of works by Emin alongside those of JMW Turner and Auguste Rodin, whose sculpture The Kiss is currently on show at TC. OHHHH hurry up May 2012 get here quick!!