2005 SUMMER

SPECIAL FEATURE

Japanese Textiles for Today Merging High-tech and Hand-craft Innovative Japanese fashion designers are creating fabrics specifically to meet their own style visions instead of relying on available materials. The latest trend in this age of new materials reveals a focus on unique textiles that integrate tradition and cutting-edge technology. We explore imaginative new directions that are attracting international attention.

SUMMER FEATURE

New Wave of Aquariums by the Sea Our Guide to the 20 Best Surrounded by water on all sides, Japan boasts the largest number of aquariums in the world. They are pioneering in technology and exhibit design, and there's no better time than summer to immerse yourself in these cool water-filled attractions. Rich in variety, Japan's aquariums invite you into the world beneath the seas.

PERFORMING ARTS

New York Hails the Modern Way to Say Noh Yukio Mishima's Vision of Ancient Tales Yukio Mishima—one of Japanese literature's greatest voice of the 20th century—reshaped themes and techniques of traditional noh drama to create his Modern Noh Plays. This summer, director Yukio Ninagawa, acclaimed as the theater's "perfect interpreter of Mishima," will stage performances both in New York and in Japan.

LIVING

Takashi Sugimoto: The spirit of Japanese hospitality in design Leading Japanese interior designer Takashi Sugimoto has unveiled his latest work: the Park Hyatt Seoul, offering a relaxing atmosphere and premier hospitality. We explore Sugimoto's philosophy of design through a closer look at his lifestyle.

FASHION

Summer Kimono & Yukata, PUFFY-style PUFFY, the Japanese duo that has soared up pop-music charts, is also finding fame as characters in the Hi Hi PUFFY AMIYUMI animated television show. On our pages they pose at the Tokyo hot spot ageHa, modeling a unique take on kimono fashion for summer.

LIVING

Banquet of Traditions In a grand collaboration of heritage between the U.K. and Japan, Old Parr Classic 18 Years scotch whiskey celebrated its recent debut in Japan by presenting an evening of noh drama and Japanese haute cuisine. Cooling Indigo The many shades of blue that result from indigo dyeing are truly the colors of summer. Dyer Kimiyo Anzai shows many ways to bring indigo—and the Japanese sense of coolness—into your home. Afternoon Delight: Lolling in Perfection A seaside home bathed in the ever-changing sunlight of summer is the place to showcase home furnishings with the spirit of wabi-sabi and the serene looks that relieve the heat. Beauty in the Bath is Spelled MI-TA-TE This chic and innovative line of fine bathroom fixtures created a trade-fair frenzy when unveiled in Europe recently. Its washbasins epitomize the talents of Japan's top craft artists, as well as the country's culture of water and bathing.

PEOPLE

Asian Leader: Meet Adrian Zecha In our series on cultural personalities who will make the 21st century the Asian Age, we interview the founder and chairman of Amanresorts, which now operates 17 luxury properties worldwide. We asked the renowned hotelier about the essence of Aman-style hospitality and his passion for service.

TRAVEL

Shiretoko—Splendor at the Earth's Edge This pristine peninsula of rugged mountains and ancient virgin forest pokes into the sea off northeastern Hokkaido. The jewel-like cape, perhaps Japan's last natural paradise for wildlife, may soon be designated a World Natural Heritage Site. Continental Brings You Hawaii Continental Airlines connects Japan with your resort vacation in luxurious comfort.

ART SCOOP

Pattern and Passion from Colored Clay The beauty of nerikomi ceramics will stun visitors to this summer's Tokyo exhibition of artist Yusuke Aida's pottery. His 200 works include ceramic walls and monuments. Aida's own collection dating back to the Tang period is also on display. Lalique's New Home in Hakone An avid Japanese collector has opened the world's first museum dedicated to the works of RennLalique. You can browse galleries filled with creations of the French glass artist who bridged the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements.

REGULAR FEATURES

Letters / Footnotes

Souvenirs: Sweets to Soothe a Sizzling Summer
Traveling gourmet Fuku Fukuda shares his favorite cooling summer sweets: treats crunch like ice, look like blossoms, and smell like fresh-sliced fruit.

Like a Bird — Animation art by Koji Yamamura
Learn what lurks beneath the surface of Karo and Piyobupto's summer. Koji Yamamura's talents are also on exhibit at EXPO 2005 AICHI this summer.

Arts & Culture
News from four cities abroad: Singapore, Paris, London, and New York
Interviews: Seiki Torige / glass artist

Special section on EXPO 2005 AICHI

Plus Art & Design / Performing Arts / Recyclings / Out & About
Nine-Star Horoscope

Et Cetera