Viewing entries tagged
Tokyo
Nomad•ness Gal, the ever amazing and original Trezure Empire, along side her ace Cav shut Tokyo's Yume Fest down in November. The duo skipped town from Brooklyn and graced the stage to an always live Japanese crowd. She did one of my favorites, 'Shibuya'. The nostalgia tho......damn, I'm saying. I miss my second home.
My friend Mieko told me I had to get in touch with Eiji my last few weeks in Japan. He lives in Tokyo and was a boxer who took his fight outside the ring, and into classrooms as a motivational speaker for kids both domestic and abroad.
During my last two weeks in Japan, based out of Tokyo, I linked with Eiji and his family for lunch and had a conversation with a man I consider a gentle giant. For years, Eiji transitioned from boxing into a believer in dreams. He started a YouTube channel that was based around interviewing people around the world, but especially in Japan, on what it's like to live a life following your dreams, and seeing them come true. He was intrigued by my story, and along with an interview in the hotel lobby, he also offered over being my book agent rep in Tokyo once my memoir is finished. He'd get it translated and all. Such a giving person, not looking for anything in return.
What is so important about people like Eiji, in Japan, is that Japan is a country built on sameness.
Their saying "The nail that sticks out farthest, is the one that can get beat down" encapsulates this idea.
I saw it a lot in the school system when I worked there. It broke my heart, but was something as a 'gaijin' I had to just swallow and accept. This is not my home country. But for Eiji, it is. He knows what it's like in this country and for these students, and he has a voice they understand and would listen to. For that, I've always respected his plight.
The above article, for Peacemakers News, is a commemoration of not only the 6 month mark of the tsunami and earthquake on 3/11, but also our 10 year anniversary of 9/11, as well. Eiji was noted for traveling to NYC on 9/11/01 and helping to find survivors of the tragedy. Since then his message has been to bring love and peace, not war.
Glad to have people like this in my corner, in Nippon.
Pharrell Williams: Hiro Ballroomm NYC
Tonight was the night. I showed up, not sure if my name was on the list (which I'm still not sure I ever got confirmed) to catch the official screening of Pharrell's documentary on Tokyo's sub culture post the tsunami and nuclear reactor explosion on 3/11. 'Tokyo Rising' director, Thalia Mabros, pieced together the magic that was this thirty minute documentary. Invigorated, heavy with nostalgia, and on a networking high I watched the screen in front of me in awe.
Dumbfounded, as usual, by all that Tokyo has to offer and how unapologetic Japan is with its sense of style. So far out the box, it's hard to even encapsulate it in words.
The energy was well...New York. Networking proved to be priceless, and I was able to continue to spread the word on Nomad•ness Travel Series amongst people who really get it!
One day I'll really be able to go in and let you all know the details of tonight. Until then let the imagination wonder and I promise that the movement continues. Shouts out to Pharrell, Karmaloop TV, and Palladium Boots for putting this together.
CHECK PART 1 BELOW and WATCH THE REST AT PALLADIUM BOOTS!
PS. Don't forget to 'Like' the Facebook Fanpage HERE. You guys rock!
So Pharrell Williams, of The Neptunes and BBC has been in Japan filming a documentary on the urban culture in Tokyo and how it has shifted since 3/11. What I see to be an amazing look into the belly of Tokyo's readjustment period since the series of quakes, tsunami, and a reactor exploding, 'Tokyo Rising' has some grand promise. Pharrell declares Tokyo his second home, as I declare the same for Niigata (Tokyo coming in at a close second).
The energy surge I got through me watching the trailer is really unparalelled. I've been talking about how much I miss Japan for awhile now. It's in the horizon and I have to hit that Asian epicenter within the next year. Nomad•ness will pop off, and then we out!
Good looks to Pharrell. He'll be hearing from me soon.
The Pink Cow Shibuya, Tokyo Open Mic This episode is unlike any so far. If you are a fan of my writing, and raw emotion, you will definitely feel the vibe in this video. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Nomad•ness Episode 3 follows me around a traditional and absurd New Year's in Tokyo, Japan. Check it out...