The good folks at superfuture have created an iPhone app for Tokyo explorers. Not only does it pinpoint necessary locations, but it is GPS driven. Check out the best spots and not get lost in Tokyo! Get it here!

urban cartography is now available for mobile global shopping experts. finally!. who ever said making map based apps was a no brainer? well it’s not!. after exploring endless options and variations we think we have come up with a pretty tidy mobile version of our popular PDF city superguides. first city off the rank – tokyo.

whereas our PDFs are pure old-skool print-out fold-up origami, the app version takes it completely next level. maps are all GPS driven and as much as possible we have tweaked the pins to the front doormat. even better, when you are traveling you do not need data roaming for the GPS to work. [unlike all them nasty google map apps]. we can now show stores within department stores [very handy in asian megacities], and you can filter out all the mens or womens only related stores. day and night maps make much more sense. eliminate screen flare in the sunshine, or go discreet dark and mysterious when out on the town.

with over 450 tightly edited reviews of selected establishments and the ability to create your own itineraries, this app will satisfy the needs of the most seasoned superjetsetter. if all goes according to plan [which it never does] more cities will roll out over the months ahead!

Verbal and Yoon of AMBUSH DESIGN have become the design duo of the moment in Tokyo. The two give us an insight on AMBUSH DESIGN. The visit to their studio gives a peak at their inspiration and stashed away goods. via

Freshness released a great feature on Self Edge, a retail joint by Kiya Babzani and Andrew Chen (of 3Sixteen). Denim is something all of us wear daily. But good quality denim isn’t produced in big numbers. The feature covers the reasons why nothing comes close to Japanese denim. Created in the USA and mastered in Japan. Read the interview here.

Comme des Garçons has been having a following in Korea for some time now. Seoul is the home to the new 6 level 600 square meter space. The store will be completely stocked with the collection. In addition the space will serve as an art space. via

Square Enix has released a new trailer for Final Fantasy XIV available on September 1, 11am. Not much else to be said besides the excitement for one of the longest running titles in gaming!

Takashi Murakami always has surprises up his sleeves. For the latest release of Japanese design magazine, POP, Murakami art directed a shoot featuring one of pop culture’s biggest names, Britney Spears. via

PRESENTS
NIPPON EIGA SERIES PART 24

NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE OF

A GOOD HUSBAND

Director: Isao Yukisada
Cast: Etsushi Toyokawa, Hiroko Yakushimaru

Japan | 2010 | 128 min. | 35mm Film | Japanese with English Subtitles

Date: Tuesday, August 31
(1) Doors 3:30PM, Film 4:00PM
(2) Doors 6:30PM, Film 7:00PM
Venue: Big Cinemas Manhattan (Former ImaginAsian)
239 E 59th St, NYC
Entry: www.newyork-tokyo.com/wp/husband
Entries by Sunday, August 29 at midnight
Not on first come first served basis. Confirmation will be sent.

INTRODUCTION

A couple has been married for 10 years. The husband is unfaithful but his wife continues to love him. One day, an incident befalls them. The husband tearfully confesses to his wife, “I promise to be a good husband.”

A Good Husband is originally a play by Mayumi Nakatani. Her works are staged internationally.

STORY

Ten years into his marriage, Shunsuke Kitami, who once had a thriving career as a still photographer, now mostly picks fights with his wife, Sakura. Breaking his marriage vow to Sakura to “Have children and always be faithful,” he cheats constantly. Sakura, who is desperate to have a child, finally erupts and right before Christmas, drags her reluctant husband on a vacation to Okinawa.

About one year later, Shunsuke has mysteriously lost his will to work and is living a self-indulgent life off his quickly dwindling savings. Shunsuke shows no interest in the photo assignments his assistant Makoto and Bunta bring to him. Fed up with Shunsuke, Sakura goes on a trip by herself. While she’s gone, Shunsuke invites Ranko, an aspiring actress to his house.

When Sakura comes home two weeks later, an irritated Shunsuke lashes out at her. Sakura responds, “So, you’re ready to live alone?” and disappears upstairs.

Several days later, as Sakura asks Shunsuke for a divorce, she asks her bewildered husband to take a picture of her to “commemorate our divorce.” Reluctantly Shunsuke picks up his camera and starts taking pictures again.

After Sakura leaves him, Shunsuke spends time in his dark room, alone with the last photographs he took of his wife.

One photo after another develops in the darkroom but all they reveal are a blurry background. Sakura is not in any of the images. Finally, an image of Sakura appears in one of the photos. It is an image of Sakura running away, her back facing the camera.

DIRECTOR: Isao Yukisada

Isao Yukisada made his youthful cinematic reputation with GO and Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World. With A Good Husband, he has directed a fantasy for adults.

CAST: Etsushi Toyokawa

Etsushi Toyokawa plays the husband, Shunsuke. After achieved international acclaim in Love Letter and other Shunji Iwai, he has recently performed in Sinking of Japan, Hula Girls, and 20^th Century Boys.

CAST: Hiroko Yakushimaru

Hiroko Yakushimaru playes the wife, Sakura. With her riveting debut in Proof of the Wild as a teenager, she has established her as an iconic actress. Best known for her recent performance in Always.

honeyee has a feature of John Mayer’s visit to Tokyo in May. His visit was shot by 13th Witness. JM and Tokyo just go hand in hand. Check out the photos here.

House Industries is a prolific type foundry with their work ubiquitous across the map. Design heads will recognize the name and work immediately. House Industries will be holding a special Tokyo lecture. Andy Cruz from the foundry will speak about his work and House’s most recent collaboration with the estate of Charles and Ray Eames. via

neojaponisme discusses the recent closing of the infamous HMV Shibuya. The entry discusses the perception of HMV’s existence in Tokyo’s pop culture. Many considered the retail space a cultural destination and point of cultural growth for the Tokyo youth. Read the article here.