IS JAPAN COOL? – SoraNews24 —Japan News— https://soranews24.com Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today. Mon, 02 Sep 2013 15:51:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/05/en_rocket_1024.png?w=32 IS JAPAN COOL? – SoraNews24 —Japan News— https://soranews24.com 32 32 176746664 The amazing 3D latte art of Kohei Matsuno: But is it too cute to drink? https://soranews24.com/2013/09/02/3d-latte-art-from-japan-too-cute-to-drink/ https://soranews24.com/2013/09/02/3d-latte-art-from-japan-too-cute-to-drink/#comments Mon, 02 Sep 2013 02:00:37 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=81303 
Kohei Matsuno is no ordinary barista. What started as his way of sprucing up an ordinary cup of complimentary coffee for patrons at his part-time job has blossomed into a form of creative expression that has people around the world smiling. Known as “Mattsun” by his Internet followers, Mr. Matsuno brings life and whimsy to an otherwise ordinary cup of joe. Come with us now for a sneak peek at the work that goes into some of Japan’s most beautiful latte art.
“When I was thinking about how to surprise customers, I happened to come up with latte art. Lately, customers aren’t satisfied with ordinary pictures. So I practiced making 3D images, rather than being limited by a flat surface,” explains Mr. Matsuno. His portfolio includes flat images of traditional Japanese landscapes, popular manga characters and realistic portraits, but he’s best known for producing pop-out coffee.
Mr. Matsuno receives numerous requests from his fans on the Internet and tries to visualize his design before stepping near the steamer. When creating 3D latte art, he starts by making an enormous amount of foam. Since it requires a significant amount more compared to regular latte art – which is generally made by controlling the flow of milk or adding things like cocoa powder for decoration – he is always sure to prepare enough before sitting down to sculpt. With the espresso brewed and the milk heated, he’s ready to show off his craft.
Contrary to what you might expect, Mr. Matsuno’s foam figures are all created within a short amount of time. “I pour in the foam without hesitation and draw the picture quickly. Because we have barely five minutes to enjoy the clear shape of subjects, this is a battle against time,” he explains. Working swiftly and deliberately, he forms the soft peaks of frothy milk into the shape of one of his famous 3D art creations. Next, he uses a sharp tool to accent each piece, giving spirited expressions to his fluffy blank canvas.
This is indeed a special cup of coffee, but is it too cute to drink? If an adorable little puppy was staring up at you, would you have the heart to take a sip? It’s hard to say, but one thing’s for sure: Mr. Matsuno’s 3D latte art is completely cool.
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2013/09/02/3d-latte-art-from-japan-too-cute-to-drink/feed/ 0 81303 3D latte art from Japan: Too cute to drink? 3D latte art from Japan: Too cute to drink? 3D latte art from Japan: Too cute to drink? 3D latte art from Japan: Too cute to drink? Screen Shot 2013-08-27 at 8.26.24 AM Screen Shot 2013-08-27 at 3.56.17 AM Screen Shot 2013-08-28 at 7.17.34 AM Screen Shot 2013-08-28 at 7.18.17 AM 3D latte art from Japan: Too cute to drink? 3D latte art from Japan: Too cute to drink? 3D latte art from Japan: Too cute to drink? 3D latte art from Japan: Too cute to drink? I’m dreaming of Kitty: One fashion designer’s love of Japan’s most famous feline https://soranews24.com/2013/08/21/im-dreaming-of-kitty-one-fashion-designers-love-of-japans-most-famous-feline/ https://soranews24.com/2013/08/21/im-dreaming-of-kitty-one-fashion-designers-love-of-japans-most-famous-feline/#comments Wed, 21 Aug 2013 02:00:23 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=76785 
Romi Mizukami, a fashion designer for popular Japanese clothing brand BEAMS, is without a doubt one of Japan’s biggest Hello Kitty fans, or rather “Kittylers.” Her home is a veritable shrine to the little kitty that could, with blacks, whites, and reds as far as the eye can see, and for the past few years she has slowly incorporated the uniquely kawaii Hello Kitty style into not just her design work but her very own wardrobe.
Come on in and meet the real-life Kitty-chan!
Ms. Mizukami’s infatuation with Sanrio’s Hello Kitty began several years ago after seeing a t-shirt featuring the cat’s classic image at an exhibition. A talented fashion designer, she began incorporating the familiar feline’s form into her own designs and artwork, eventually producing an entire line of Kitty-themed clothes which her employer BEAMS picked up and began selling at their many outlets. Before she knew it, she was hooked, and well on her way to becoming a full-time Kittyler.
With a Kitty-themed hand mirror and iPhone case that she designed herself, Ms. Mizukami is an unmistakable figure around her workplace, and no doubt even on the busy streets of Tokyo. She loves to incorporate a little bit of Hello Kitty into her outfit each day, switching between subtle and full-on kitty mode, and even made her own extra-large red ribbon just for special occasions.
“We had a Kitty-themed company party on the roof of a hotel,” Ms. Mizukami explains, “DJ Kitty even came along to provide the music. I thought to myself ‘I really have to go as Kitty,’ so I made this ribbon for the event. DJ Kitty actually pointed it out during her set–I was absolutely thrilled!” she says, bursting into laughter.
But roughly how much Hello Kitty merchandise does Ms. Mizukami have in her apartment? Well, enough to turn into home furnishings, it would appear!
“I have a Kitty noren [a Japanese-style curtain] that I made out of my stuffed toys,” she laughs. “I had so many that I ran out of places to put them, so I decided to hang them up by their heads to make a noren for my window!”
Despite the thousands of unique Hello Kitty designs that exist all across Japan, it would seem that Ms. Mizukami is something of a Hello Kitty purist, and only interested in “classic kitty.”
“There is a wide variety of Hello Kitty styles,” she explains, “but for me, it has to be Kitty-chan from the 1970s; the one who wears blue overalls and is pictured sitting, looking over her right shoulder. That’s the only kind I like or buy. So when I dress, I focus on those colors–white, red, navy, maybe a bit of yellow.”
But just how far could this fascination really go? Color coordination is one thing, but does this Kittyler really feel that her love of Hello Kitty will continue long into the future? Apparently so!
“My dream? When I get married, I’d like to be dressed as Kitty-chan and have my husband be dressed as Daniel [Hello Kitty’s childhood friend]!” she beams. Clearly, this is one love affair that’s destined to last.
What do you think, RocketNews24 readers? Is Ms. Mizukami the height of kitty kawaii, or do you know a a worthier kitty queen? Cast your vote for cute here!
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