Category: Culture

Flashnote: Red Light, Green Light

I just finished watching Squid Game, a Netflix new Korean series about a brutal game where the players need to win each game or else die. The first challenge is Green Light, Red Light where a massive doll will gun down anyone she caught moving. And that massive 10-foot doll is now at the entrance of Robinsons Galleria mall.

Starry Starry Night: Van Gogh Alive in Manila

An Australian company, Grande Exhibitions, has paid a tribute to the painter Vincent van Gogh by creating Van Gogh Alive, a multi-sensory exhibit on his life and works. The exhibit ran in Manila from October 26 to December 8 at One Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The exhibit wants us to interpret the thoughts, feelings and mental state of van Gogh during his time in his homeland Netherlands, Paris, Arles, Saint Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise, the locations where he created many of his timeless masterpieces.

Mascots Inc.

When it comes to mascots, Japan takes it to a whole new level. Whether it’s for corporate branding, sports teams, or even public services, it appears that there is a mascot for nearly every aspect of life in Japan. This phenomenon has become deeply rooted in Japanese culture, captivating both residents and tourists with its widespread appeal.

Meeting Kumamon

Kumamon is a mascot created by the local government of Kumamoto Prefecture in 2010 as a campaign drive by the region to draw more tourist when the bullet train Kyushu Shinkansen opened. He is a bear, about 1.5 metres (5ft) tall, with black glossy fur, circular red cheeks and wide, staring eyes. Kumamon was voted the most popular yuru-kyara in 2011.

Hyakudan Hina Matsuri

Considered as one of Tokyo’s fanciest display of Hina Matsuri dolls, it is held at hotel’s culturally relevant Hyakudan Kaidan. This is a series of seven traditional rooms linked by a 100-step staircase. It was preserved from the old Gajoen building that was tore down in 1988 because of the constructions done at the Meguro River. It was assigned as one of Tokyo’s tangible cultural properties since 2009 by the Tokyo Metropolitan government.

“Art To Thinking, Art To Talking” Exhibit

The “Art to thinking, Art to talking” exhibit runs at the Hokkaidoritsu Obihiro Bijutsukan (Art Museum) showing contemporary art pieces from Seiji Yamagishi, Toshihiko Shibuya, Narumi Hiroshi Makoto, Midori Ikeda and others.

A Tinge Of Setsubun

Japanese celebrate Setsubun by throwing soybeans either out the door or at a person wearing an Oni (demon or ogre) mask. This is done to ward off evil spirits that bring misfortune and bad health. This custom known as mamemaki was originally introduced by the Chinese during the 8th century.

Hokkaido’s Penchant For Taxidermy

Either you are at a university or a museum, a park or a resting area, a restaurant or a souvenir shop located in Hokkaido, you will definitely notice at least one taxidermied animal. Their fondness to taxidermy is very obvious, with the basic reason of showcasing the animals native to Hokkaido.

Egyptian Revival Exhibit at the San Francisco Airport

The Egyptian Revival exhibit showcases a wide range of objects spanning a century, all inspired by Egypt. From mantel clocks of the 19th century to elaborate Victorian table stands and Art Deco beaded purses, the collection includes a diverse array of items. Visitors can also admire jewelry, sculptures, and silver pieces among the numerous other artifacts on display, all influenced by the ancient Egyptian aesthetic.