Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
There’s that number again, $200 million dollars. That’s how big AKB 48 is. According to the Cnet report, it’s more than what U2 makes. There’s 90 members and growing and their all day live performances which began as a novelty in geekville Akihabara is now a larger enterprise. Number one hits, sponsorships, commercials, and more. They’ve become a serious household name and it shows how a geek idea can be taken to the top. Five years ago, no chance. (Cnet – AKB48)
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It’s a bit scary to think that Yakuza, the gangsters in Japan are public, but like the leader of a gang in southern Japan says about the recent crackdowns as written in the NY Times, ““If they crush us, organized crime will just become harder to see, and more violent, like in Mexico,”” They’re throwing grenades as seen in Outrage, the gangster film by Takeshi Beat Kitano. The issue with the crackdown is sort of a breaking with tradition. (NY Times – Yakuza)
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Cool piece about Nendo Design in the NY Times. From high design to standard form and function, the “small” design group that began in 2002 always makes a splash at design and furniture fairs. Their early works were of a different scale and budget but their works are usually fun. The article is inspiring and it makes you wish you were doing this too – and maybe you can. (NY Times – Nendo) The early Bubble Wrap Calendar is one to remember. Imagining popping a bubble each time… Affordable and cool. That’s how a lot of design companies need to start. Today, it’s off to the races. With Porter they make bags. Furniture? Of course!
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Japan’s population is shrinking. It’s been in the news for ages. The youth don’t want to have sex, the population is growing older, and the result? A population that’s getting smaller. According to CNN, “The current population will shrink from the current level of 128 million to 86.74 million, as the graying nation’s aging accelerates and the birthrate continues to stay low.” (CNN – Decline)
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