Renewal Spaces, Pop Up Coffee Stand in Tokyo

Take the neighborhood road behind the busy streets of Omotesando and you might catch the lingering scent of roasted coffee. It's certainly hard to miss, Omotesando Koffee gives little indication of its location. What used to be an old Japanese house is now home to a coffee stand, a minimalist cube structure plants itself in the entrance space. Having gained a lot of popularity through Instragram posts and magazine articles, a single barista works in a lightening speed fashion to accommodate the long line of curious coffee seekers. If you can find a space on the bench nearby, bask in the zen atmosphere of the small garden in front while you enjoy a delicious blend of espresso coffee. 

http://ooo-koffee.com/

Japanese Face: Cool Facial Masks!

The variety and multitude of Japanese beauty care products can be a bit overwhelming. Anti-aging, skin whitening, skin brightening... Women pursue great lengths to avoid skin damage, especially during the summer. "UV rays" is the running key phrase during the season and one can't help but take note on how to maintain beautiful skin.

But skin regiments don't always have to be serious!

Japanese company Isshin Do Honpo has proved it can be fun as well!

 Their new line of facial sheet masks since last year have struck a huge craze and it's clear to see why.

 Unfortunately they're not sold internationally, so make sure to pick one up during your next visit to Tokyo!

"Kabuki Face Pack"

Skincare addicts and traditional Japanese art fans alike can both appreciate this fun way to cleanse the skin while looking like a Kabuki theatre actor! Sold at the famous Kabukiza theatre.

"Animal Face Pack"

Animal lovers won't be left behind during this trend either! Available at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo, Animal Face Packs are on sale to not only to turn yourself into a ferocious tiger, but part of the profits go to maintaining the zoo's upkeep and animal habitats! 

Learn more about these cool masks on their website!

A Brief History of Western Salons in Japan

Look at those retro orange cushion dryers!

Hair says a lot about history. 

Coming across these old photos of Japanese hair styles makes you think about how western fashion was becoming an influence to Japanese women and how Japanese salons have adapted since.

The year is 1923. 

Japan is going through a cultural revolution as the Taisho Era (1912-1926) brings more influences from the West and push toward modernity. Chieko Yamano, a 27 year beautician who had come back from training in New York City, set up one of Japan's first western salons in the Maru building across from the iconic Tokyo station. With 20 assistants employed in western clothing, Yamano was among the many figures to help change the way Japanese women felt about hair.

Drastic setbacks like the Great Kanto earthquake and WWII made it more difficult for building new salons and many people didn't have the means to afford a new hair-do.



But Japan's rapid determination to recover during the post war period accelerated images of Western styles and soon new salon technologies made it possible for these styles to arise. Hair perms would become increasing popular.

Imagine walking into a salon and attaching this to your head!

Early Showa Era

1940's - 1950's Hair Styles

1960's Hair Styles

Sources: 

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2012/07/29/general/the-taisho-era-when-modernity-ruled-japans-masses/

http://wiki.livedoor.jp/makitaro999/c/3375/ (Japanese)

Aki is now back in Brooklyn from her home trip to Japan, and snapped just before jumping in the plane these pretty images of Tokyo by night. We definitely feel the eye of the wandering traveler...
Happy to have you back!