SUMMER SONIC 2012

Summer Sonic, the most epic of Japan's music festivals, today announced the first batch of confirmed artists for this year's weekend event. In recent years, we've seen the likes of Jay-Z, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Tinie Tempah, A Tribe Called Quest, MONKEY MAJIK, and so so many more headline-worthy megastars of the world's music scene take to the famous stages in Tokyo and Osaka. Hype for 2012 is up and running now with the first glimpse of acts, with my excitement for SBTRKT, Sigur Rós and Gym Class Heroes. Can't wait to find out the rest, because it's set to be epic again.

PUMA SUEDE MID MADE IN JAPAN

This week, a special pack of suede mids came out from Puma, special because it's made in Japan. It means top quality material, deeper colour tones and a nicely embroidered "Made In Japan" tag on the tongue. The mid tops come in two equally attractive colourways, colours from a certain blog I know.

The retro sneakers have a solid monotone look, housing full burgundy or navy uppers on clean white outsoles, with gold logo details which contribute to the exclusive feel these Japanese editions inevitably hold. They dropped this week in Japan and so are available to purchase. A very nice simple bit of suede footwear.

PUMA FOOTBALL BRINGS JAPAN TOGETHER

Puma have launched their new campaign "Puma Football. Brings Japan Together." Football in the disaster-struck nation has had a huge effect over the last couple of years, with both the men and women reaching great success on the international stage, which has consequently made the sport and its players front page news.

This week, Puma released the TV commercial for their all new Powercat 1.12 boot, fitted with the latest technologies for a good grip to enhance shooting power. It features many Japanese household names, including national team captain Makoto Hasebe. It's very encouraging to see all forces of the industry working to make Japan closer and stronger.

PALLADIUM PRESENTS TOKYO RISING

Directed by Thalia Mavros, Palladium Boots has hooked up with Pharrell to present a film focusing on Tokyo post March 11. I think the "Tokyo Rising" project was unveiled in September but I've just stumbled across it today and it's definitely worth a watch. They've split it into five parts but I've got the full length film embedded below. Some of the things that are said, by various artists and designers including VERBAL, really reflect upon the effects of the disaster well, and the film as a whole showcases the Japanese people's strength and desire to stay united and to progress forward. It also looks in depth at the way in which our nation's culture has been and is being shaped to become something so originally 'Japanese', and how it will develop following the disastrous series of events. This is a wonderful piece that I think captures the essence of Japan's budding creatives, our movement and our nature.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS MADE FOR TOKYO SUPERSTAR 80

To celebrate 10 years for adidas Originals' store in Tokyo, Japan, the Made For Tokyo collection has been unveiled, a limited pack consisting of the pictured Superstar 80s and a matching jacket. The shoe embraces Tokyo's love for combinations, and often clashes, of patterns and materials. These Superstars are made of a leather upper and a rubber shell toe as well as suede, fabric and other synthetic materials in the lining and trim details. Coming in a tonal black colourway, it's a sleek, bold silhouette with sweet highlights in its laces and heel branding. It's a very strong pair of sneakers but it's exclusive to just 150, each individually numbered, making it a must-have rare item for sure.

NEW ERA TOKYO VIDEO

This promotional video came this week, showcasing the New Era flagship store in Harajuku, Tokyo. I'll definitely be checking it out when I head over this summer. They offer a free in-store steam cleaning service. Not too shabby.

JAPAN ASIAN CUP CHAMPIONS

After coming through what's been one hell of a tough ride during the Asian Cup tournament this year, Japan reached the final in Qatar to face the very competitive Australia. That's after beating the host side in the final minute with 10 men, having been trailing twice. And also after dumping out hot rivals Korea Republic after an almightily emotional turn of events and eventually penalties.

I write this article with pride and happiness, as we managed to overcome the Aussies after playing a further 120 minutes. The winner scored by one T Lee. Familiar perhaps? The Japan-born Korean shot home a superbly timed, thunderously powerful, technically incredible volley - a goal worthy of rewatching any day.

I'm just utterly impressed by the Japanese side, their attitude and togetherness shining more than anything. I reckon that with the current players under the current manager, we're going to have some exciting times ahead, and I believe Japan have now reached a level where they deserve to be respected and feared. Congratulations.

THERE'S NOBODY LEFT

And with both England and now Japan out, the World Cup means no longer intrigues me. It was a dull game against Paraguay, one which could have resulted differently had we shown more ambition and drive like we did against Demark.

Oh well, maybe in 2014. 

Honda ftw.

LINKS : FIFA World Cup