Hurricane proof, flood proof, fire proof, these metal Lego blocks are tough enough to be stacked 12-high empty–and thus can be used in smaller multistory buildings. Used containers (which can be picked up for $1,500 to $2,000) often have teak floors and sometimes are insulated. The bright orange, blue and rust corrugated boxes may not appeal to everyone. But contemporary hipsters find them not just the ultimate in postmodern appropriation but aesthetically pleasing as well.

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This image was taken from the Flickr group described in the latest PingMag post. Another great discovery is this loc.alize.us. I’ve seen it before, but I don’t remember it being this awesome.

“The first time I stumbled upon The Ghetto it was actually not in its physical environment of Shin-Okubo - but in a vivid Flickr group. The thing is, you encounter Love Hotels, Asian restaurants and loads of shops selling star stickers of Korean singers in this diverse neighbourhood. But you wouldn’t fanthom finding a former Love Hotel turned into a graffiti space with several skater shops and a bar - and a skate ramp in the lobby. After a renovation with lots of care for every detail, the space opened finally more than a year ago. Lovely! PingMag had a chat with skater Akihiko “AKO” Ohashi who runs it now since his grandmother handed over the reigns.”

PingMag

Planning a “What would you do if you lived there” trip mixed with tourist attractions is effing great. So much research and awesomeness you never knew existed.

The trip of all trips:

Nagano/Shibu Onsen to bathe with the monkeys (hopefully) - Link
The Korakukan, a wooden onsen ryokan, stands just below the monkey park, while dozens of ryokan with hot spring baths are located in and around Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen. Shibu Onsen with its narrow streets offers a particularly nice atmosphere.”

The Ghibli Museum - Link
“The museum is in Mitaka, about 20 minutes from Shinjuku. Mitaka is a really nice town - not like the hustling, bustling mess of Tokyo. For example, there’s a pleasant walkway along the river that has some nice greenery along it; there’s no room for trees in Tokyo. Strange buildings, elaborately designed exhibits, original short movies that can only be seen in the Museum. There aren’t any formal routes that you must follow. You should find your own way. We welcome visitors who can enjoy this space from the heart and can lose their way.”

Meguro Parasitological - Link
“Forget the usual superlatives for Tokyo - the highest concentration of pachinko balls in the world, the greatest number of geographically challenged taxi drivers anywhere, etc. - what really makes me want to punch the air in civic pride is knowing that this city is home to the world’s one and only museum devoted to parasites.

Admittedly, the Meguro Parasitological Museum might not appeal to some types, such as those of a squeamish nature or those who have just eaten lunch. But the place is certainly fascinating - vaguely sinister, perhaps, but fascinating.”

Legato - Link
“Legato sits on the 15th floor of a building located almost at the top of the Dogenzaka slope and, with large windows throughout, it commands an uninhibited view of Shibuya and beyond. You can even see the Ferris wheel in Odaiba (until the plug is pulled on the lights).”

Trouble Peach - Link
“The equally enjoyable and equally unpolished Trouble Peach up (very steep) stairs is roomier and lower lit, affording the punters a bit more personal space on weeknights at least. The black-painted walls lend the place a typical Shimokita “live” house feel. Indeed, the place boasts a respectable record collection numbering over 3,000, including classics from generations past, and it beats hands down the background music of less established places. The heavy wooden benches and tables make it clear that the main activity in this place is drinking, however, and with a sizable menu at hand there’s no shortage of refreshments.”

Christon Cafe - Link
” Only in Tokyo could you find the simultaneously ironic and non-ironic Christon Cafe. This “Christian themed” restaurant goes overboard in presenting not only Christian iconography but also gothic themes that will please metalheads and goths alike. Chandeliers and other gothic light fixtures are copiously hung throughout the cavernous and curvaceous main room as well as the split-level side areas. Gargoyles and stained glass windows adorn the walls, along with many images of Mary, angels and cherubs.

There are huge, comfortable sitting chairs - ones that you might expect to see in the smoking room of a great mansion. One of this place’s charms is that even the small tables seem quite luxurious, with their own light fixtures and unique seating. Be sure to check out the red latex booths with red velvet curtains, ideal for a romantic dinner, but perhaps more David Lynch than Jesus of Nazareth.”

Ebisu - Link
“Its small size makes for a comfortable atmosphere and it features many quirky restaurants and bars. Together with the trendy neighboring communities of Daikanyama and Hiroo, they offer high-class boutiques, funky vintage stores and hip patisseries all within easy walking distance from Ebisu station.”

Hakone, Kanagawa - Link
“A town in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, in the Ashigarashimo District, the western more mountainous part adjacent to Mt. Fuji and relatively close to Tokyo.”

Musashino Bekkan - Link
“It’s pretty old fashion. They take your shoes when you check in and you don’t get them until you check out. You get a kimono to wear and cool socks. The rooms are all tatami style. When you eat they bring a table in to your room and set it up; when you sleep they come and set up your beds. It’s also set in this dense ass bamboo forest, it felt the most like old school samurai soap opera. They also make their own Sake.”

Yunessun in Hakone - Link
“The Yunessun is our largest spa resort zone where you can enjoy more than 25 different kinds spa related services and fun water recreational activities (see the complete list below). It is like being at the beach, so bring your swimsuits.

The main Spa facility is called The God’s Aegean Sea and will amaze you with its fantastic aqua surroundings.There is a Mediterranean theme for the amusement spas including the Dead Sea Bath, where your body floats in the bath, along with the Turkish Hamam and the Ancient Roman Baths.”

Museum of Saint-Exupery and The Little Prince in Hakone - Link
“Display Saint-Exupery’s youth age lived town in France such as a chapel and downtown, and you’ll be able to stroll around the town and feel his life time. Also souvenir stores and south France restaurant are included.”

Owakudani Valley, Kakone - Link
“A breath-taking view can be seen from above this volcanic gorge. Jets of sulfurous steam rise from crevasses and hot spring bubbles. Mt.Fuji and the surrounding mountain ranges can be viewed as well.”

The Doraemon Shop - Link
“The Doraemon Shop in ShimoKitaZawa is one of those places, designers would die for to visit if they only knew it existed! If you ever tried to find something in ShimoKita, you know how hard it is to find your way through this labyrinth of tiny back streets, which probably creates the strongest attributes of this area: adventure, discovery and surprise. In one of those windy roads, slightly far from ShimoKita West Exit one can find this funky little shop all stuffed with Japanese dolls, characters, old style Japanese sweets, stickers, batches…. hundrets of boxes just waiting to be opened and rummaged out. This is where the Doraemon Uncle lives! He opens his little magic shop every night: from 6PM until 3AM!”

WOFL 2106

GraphicAirlines is a Hong Kong-based creative team consisting of two people, Tat and Vi. They use every available medium as a canvas, covering street, paper, and screens with characters. Tat must be doing something right as he’s won the Threadless tee design competition an impressive nine times.

“Why am I half way into writing an essay about a piece of work that’s not my best?” If it isn’t the best, leave it out. If it is your best, you should probably step it up.

After my escort departs, I wander to the men’s restroom where I find treasures Aladdin could never dream up. Cloth like paper towels, pearly urinals, gold flake embedded sink basins, whicker chairs that could be used for napping, and enclosed stalls with personal sinks and full-bodied mirrors in stalls so you can watch yourself defecate and dream about how the shit squished from your browneye.

After leaving the comforts of the bathroom I braved the hallway leading to the lounge far away from the 40 year-old mongos.heading towards the light I heard the siren call of Genesis, followed by the sight of angels.

This my friends… is luxury. Fuck leather seats that blow cold air on your ass, or a light strategically placed right above your cupholder, this is now my sanctuary. Within a month, they will know my name.

UPDATE: After paying my tab of $225 for a tuneup, I was given two golden boxes of truffles. I ate one giggling on the way home.

You always had the quickest wit
The quickest quips and I can’t keep up
It’s clear that you have a real gift of gab
And I’m just jealous
Maybe that’s the way you and I will always relate

But I won’t let how I sincerely feel here stand in my way
‘Cause there’s no love lost that i can’t find again, my dear friend

Uou always said that we’re friends
But that must depend which way the wind blows
It’s clear that you have your own set of plans
Maybe that’s the way you and I will always relate

So I won’t let how I sincerely feel here stand in my way
‘Cause there’s no love lost that I can’t find again, my dear friend

Menomena.

Vader Project Flickr