FOLLOWING the record-breaking bouts of snow that hit Tokyo and the east coast of North America in 2014, we await cherry blossom season anxiously. Soon, Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park will be full of revelers basking in the glory of its many cherry blossom trees. Yoyogi Park is of course the location of the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Village and the iconic Yoyogi National Gymnasium.
Architect Paul Tange
This masterpiece was built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics by famed Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. Tokyo Journal talks with his son Paul, who has followed in his father’s footsteps. Paul gives his opinion of the new National Stadium for the 2020 Olympics. The plans for this building have been attracting some controversy recently. He also talks about his remarkable MODE GAKUEN Cocoon Tower, a 50-story school building in Nishi-Shinjuku that continues to make people grab their cameras.
The Amazing Yoko Ono
From a remarkable building to a more than remarkable person. On the 33rd anniversary of John Lennon’s death, Tokyo Journal had an exclusive interview with Yoko Ono, undoubtedly the world’s most famous Japanese person. The legendary artist and musician talked about her many accomplishments in art, music and peace activism; her relationship with John, and why she has been so misunderstood over the years. Legendary rock ‘n’ roll photographer Bob Gruen, longtime friend of John and Yoko’s, shares his insight.
KISS’s Gene Simmons
This issue’s cover story is another exclusive. Tokyo Journal shows you the many sides of Gene Simmons, co-founder of celebrated rock-band KISS. Find out about his many memories of Japan, as well as his varied business endeavors outside of KISS. They range from the new L.A. KISS Arena Football team, music producing, and financial consulting, to his reality TV show. Did you know it was TV’s longest-running celebrity family reality show?
Spider-Man Creator Stan Lee
From rock heroes we take you to the creator of heroes. Many of the world’s best-loved superheroes, including Spider-Man, the Hulk, Iron Man and over 300 more, were created by Tokyo Journal’s superhero Stan Lee. In this issue, Stan Lee tells us about his post-Marvel adventures into the world of multimedia with POW! Entertainment.
Yoshiki
You may recall that the cover story for the last issue of Tokyo Journal was about Japan’s rock and classical music superstar Yoshiki. Did you know that Yoshiki has ties with two of TJ’s feature interviews this issue? Not only did he design the red “Yoshikimono” worn by KISS’s Gene Simmons on this issue’s cover, but “Blood Red Dragon” created by Stan Lee was based on Yoshiki!
Horiyoshi III
We go from comic art to body art with Japan’s legendary tattoo master Horiyoshi III telling about his remarkable life. It may surprise you to find out that this traditionally trained tattoo artist even finds inspiration on Instagram!
Boyé Lafayette De Mente
Tokyo Journal is very pleased to welcome back our former Associate Publisher and acclaimed author and expert on Japan, Boyé Lafayette De Mente. First arriving in Japan in 1948, Boyé has had remarkable encounters with the likes of Admiral Nimitz, Hustler Magazine’s Larry Flynt, and Sony Founder Akio Morita. Boyé helped turn the Tokyo Journal into a publishing powerhouse back in the mid 1980’s and in his first contribution returning to TJ 26 years later, Boyé bares all by sharing what is revealing about not revealing in his article “Saving the Sexy Cover-It-All-Up Kimono!”
Cool Colors
With the Tokyo Fashion Week blasting off as I write, I quickly introduce you to some of the colors that are trending on Tokyo’s streets: light sky blue, cardinal red and licorice. Just in time for your spring shopping and the upcoming cherry blossom parties! In homage to the closing signature line of Stan Lee’s editorial pages, ‘Nuff Said!’ tj
Kjeld Duits
Tokyo Street Editor
The original article can be found in Issue #274 of the Tokyo Journal. Click here to order from Amazon.
