Christmas has hit Japan and KFC has been marketing small Christmas meals for this year. Since the economy is still recovering, and Kentucky Fried Chicken is such the traditional Christmas meal, KFC is marketing meals for couples who choose fast food over expensive restaurant meals. The "home party" meal is being sold for 2,000 yen.

For those of you who have been looking for that fortune cookie ornament to complete your Christmas Tree this year, Urban Outfitters is offering the Fortune Cookie Christmas Tree Ornament for sale online.

In continuation of July 2009 post "European Designed 'Chopstick Aids'", looks like the concept of adding on cutlery to common chopsticks are catching on. The Chopsticks Plus One designed by Aissa Logerot of Yanko Design is a hybrid of chopsticks and a spoon. The project is said to be geared toward the Asian market where meals require different sets of cutlery to be used however the design seems very skeptical. If one really saw how Asians ate their soups (ramen, pho, miso) the spoon/chopstick mix is not very practical. Link

Unveiled today, Aston Martin released the Cygnet concept - a new luxury commuter car. Taking design cues from the model lineup such as the DBS and Rapide, Aston Martin applied them to a Toyota iQ model, creating a very unsuspecting mix.

"The Cygnet concept represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence - and highly fuel efficient, now combined with the prestige of Aston Martin's luxury brand ownership." According to Aston Martin, the Cygnet will not receive any changes to the iQ's powertrain which is a 67-hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder, 89-hp 1.4 liter turbo-diesel, or an 97-hp 1.2 liter four cylinder. With 0 to 60 in 12 seconds, its definitely not as engaging as the typical Aston Martin lineup.

The Cygnet remains a concept however Aston Martin is planning for a production version for Europe in the first half of 2010. A rough estimation of price of the Cygnet will be around €25,000 to €30,000, around $35,000 to $42,000 USD making it the most expensive Toyota built. Link

Over 20 years in planning, China's central government recently gave The Walt Disney Company the approval to build the next Disney theme park in Shanghai Pudong district. Shanghai Disney will be the second in China and third in Asia, Hong Kong and Tokyo. It is estimated the park will be completed in five to six years, occupy 1,700 acres and about 40% owned by Disney. The remainder will be owned by a group of Chinese companies. The Shanghai park will feature the "Magic Kingdom" but will also have its own Chinese characteristics.

Photo courtesy of Wolfgang Staudt

"American Me" the debut ablbum from Dawen showcases his passion for Asian American Identity with intellectually powerful lyrics in a soulful acoustic r&b style. "As a singer-songwriter, Dawen hopes his music will further the dialogue on racism and social injustice in American society." He describes the inspiration of lyrics come from issues which are important to him, encompassing both his Asian and American heritage.  

Pizza Hut Japan latest creation, the Cheese Harmony Pizza. Featuring pieces of camembert cheese mixed with fried cheese. The crust is a mixture of mozzarella, parmesan and cheddar cheese. Interesting mix of Eastern and Western take on pizza. The distinctly Japanese style of added mayonnaise, corn, and seafood with the American take of  overload of cheese. However Pizza Hut please explain the logic of the label, Harmony Pizza. Seems like there is too much cheese in comparison to the other ingredients.

Source: JapanProbe.com

Collaboration of foreign celebrities featured in Japanese commercials:

Mariah Cary for Nescafe



Brad Pitt for Softbank


Tommy Lee Jones for Boss Coffee



Nicholas Cage for Fever Pachinko

Sacramento Hmong New Year, beginning Thanksgiving day and continuing through Sunday November 29, 2009. Hosted at Sacramento Cal Expo, the Sacramento Hmong New Year offering an opportunity to reach out to the Hmong community. The festival showcases various cultural competitions such as California Hmong Beauty Pageant, group dance, qeej, lug txaj, Hmong Idol, and swb pob (ball tossing). Link

Image courtesy of Link 

Japan Travel TV explores the etiquette in exchanging business cards (Meishi) the right and wrong way in Japan.

Located in Tokyo's Katsushika ward, an interesting small restaurant offers hamburgers in vending machines. Upon inserting a 100 yen, the vending machine will quickly offer a hamburger. However, any attempt afterward will fail to produce a hamburger. After a closer look, it turns out the vending machine is operated manually and can only hold a single hamburger at a time by the man running the restaurant. If you would like a second hamburger, you have to go inside the store to order. A second manual vending machine was added selling "royal" hamburgers for 300 yen. These hamburgers come with the addition of tomato and bacon. Link

Kirin Brewery Company announced an alcohol-free beer, "Kirin Free." This new beer includes no alcohol, but still has the beer taste. There are many beers on the market that are labeled non-alcoholic, however Kirin claims their new product is the world's first "alcohol 0.00%" beer-taste drink. The demand for a soda with a beer-like taste has brought an overwhelming demand. The demand is especially strong among pregnant women and drivers. Kirin Free costs around 150 yen ($1.50), as compared to regular beer priced around 220 yen ($2.20) Link , Link 

O-No Sushi brand sushi figures, based off of Andrew Bell's popular Never Look Back print has recently been released after a year in development. First version was a special International Comic-Con released in blue, an edition of 150 for $30 a set. Standard red edition is available at toy and culture retailers for around $25. Link

Anyone can be a hero with the Eco Warrior Bag by Tokyo design brand, Rezon. The Eco Warrior is a eco-bag that represents that you are an environment activist. When you see someone exhibiting ungreen behavior such as dumping a cigarette butt on the street or not separating garbage by type, transform into the Eco Warrior and give them a warning! Link

PicTranslator, an amazing new iPhone application which turns the camera into a point-and-shoot pocket translator. PicTranslator automatically recognizes text, translates it, and even reads the text in the pictures out loud. Perfect for translating restaurant menus while traveling abroad. Application is 99 cents with the option of purchasing additional language packs for another 99 cents.

Promoting the new operating system Windows 7, Microsoft is teaming up with Burger King in Japan for the Windows 7 Whopper. Incredible seven beef patties hamburger available only for a week only (seven days). Cost is 777 yen ($8.50)

Domo, the japanese stop-action critter who hit the American shores last year during Target's Halloween promo is now getting a new job at 7-Eleven this fall season. From collectible Slurpee cups filled with Fuji Frost by Fanta, and Slurpee character straws to hot dog containers, coffee cups and exclusive Domo Attack Energy drink.

The goal by 7-Eleven is to attract character fans between the ages of 16 and 24 years old with collectible Slurpee cups and straws. The promotion marks a new direction for 7-Eleven stores, which typically tags its campaigns with big summer movies. Domo campaign is unique because it is underground and you have to be in the know.

Domo character, created by Japanese illustrator and director Tsueno Goda began in 1998 as a mascot for the Japanese public television station NHK and was supposed to run as a six-month campaign, but his popularity with viewers kept Domo going. Domo achieved pop culture super-status through user-generated content and thousands of viral videos on popular websites such as YouTube, Facebook and Flickr. Link , Link

Different, a film by Alchemy in Toronto for the Girl Guides of Canada and agency John St.. Stop-motion animation of paper-cut out characters with innovative transitions between scene-to-scene. Noted character design and illustrations by Nathan Jurevicius and Andrea Kang.

Directed by Ruairi Robinson, a live action version of Katshurio Otomo's manga will be split into two parts, each based on three volumes of Otomo's six-volume series about a teenager's attempt to save a fellow biker gang member from his involvement in Akira, a secret government project. While doing so, the bikers battle with anti-government activits, shady politicians and reckless scientists. Leonardo DiCaprio is rumored to be starring as biker gang leader Kaneda. Release date 2011.

Red Cliff, a Chinese epic film based on the Battle of Red Cliffs during the end of the Han Dynasty. Film directed by John Woo, Red Cliff is the most expensive Asian-financed film to date. Asian release was split into two parts, totaling over 4 hours in length. The first part grossed US $124 million in Asia and broke the box office record previously held by Titanic in mainland China.

Releasing in the United States Novemnber 20, 2009.

Mysteriously in early November 2008, a fast-food restaurant appears in two locations in Tokyo called Quarter Pounder. With a minimalistic decor; stark black and red interior color and all fixtures and furniture removed, giving a lounge atmosphere. As word got out, curious customers lined up in long lines to get a try of this mysterious menu. Only two choices were offered: Quarter Pounder with Cheese or a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, both as a value meal with a Coke and fries.

Interestingly, this marketing strategy was for McDonald's Japan re-introduction of the Quarter Pounder burger back into the regular menu. The two specially located restaurants in Tokyo were only around for just two weeks before being transformed into the easily recognized McDonalds. The Quarter Pounder has not been available in the Japanese McDonald's restaurants for almost 30 years.

In continuation to Pepsi's Shiso soda flavor this summer, Pepsi will release it's new flavor this coming October 20 for the fall season. Pepsi Azuki is a "sweet, mellow and refined" flavor derived from the Japanese traditional food, red azuki beans.


Red azuki beans boiled with sugar is a common in many Japanese sweets such as anmitsu, taiyaki and daifuku. Azuki beans are also commonly eaten sprouted, boiled in a hot tea, or boiled with sugar, lotus seeds and orange peel, making a sweet red bean soup.

Japanese rock and pop singer, songwriter, model, and presenter, Kaela Kimura is recently starred in a commercial for Hot Pepper with a Peanuts collaboration. The song, "Hot Pepper no Uta" is infectious and highly catchy, becoming one of the popular downloaded songs in Japan. Courtesy of Howie Link

Kaiser Permanente San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival will host its fourteenth annual event this coming September 26th & 27th at Treasure Island. The SF International Dragon Boat Festival is the largest competitive dragon boat festival in the United States. This year will have over 110 dragon boat teams and 3,5000 dragon boat paddlers. In addition to the dragon boat racing, the festival features many cultural activities such as live dance and music, food, and arts & crafts. Link 

Giju John, a Silicon Valley engineer and salsa dancer and Indian music performer by night. Beginning an innovative trend of fusion, mixing two distinct cultures - Indian pop music with Latin cha-cha-cha. Interestingly, India has a number of salsa studios, influenced by the popularity of the ending song from Slumdog Millionaire by Jai Ho. Link , Link

Cosmetic advertisements shown in India which originally targeted to women are now targeting men with campaigns aimed at skin color. "These commercials are sending a not-so-subtle message to men in Asia: Get whiter skin, and you'll get the girl and the job of your dreams" With well known brands such as Nivea and Garnier, skin whiteners are becoming all the rage for men. Sales for skin whitening products have increased more than 100 percent in rural India. 

The Half Asian Conversations by David Yim briefly explores the lives of 5 young half-Asian Americans and what it means to be growing up mixed in America.

Based in New York City, DramaFever is a new community website for the fans of Asian television dramas. "We're huge fans of Asian television dramas, especially from Korea, Japan and China. With engaging story lines and top notch talent, these dramas are incredible entertainment. Unfortunately in the past, it's been difficult for North American viewers to watch their favorite dramas and discover new ones. The best options were websites with pirated content and bootleg DVDs." DramaFever was launched to provide a better way to watch drama television which is 100% free. Link

Premiered on Nickelodeon's Nick Jr. morning kids shows, Ni Hao, Kai-Lan is Nickelodeon's first animated steries to feature Chinese culture, specifically the Mandarin language. Given the huge success of the bilingual television show, Dora the Explorer, which taught Spanish to preschoolers, Nickelodeon is hoping the same cute Kai-lan Chow and her animal friends will have the same effect on learning Mandarin. The series will likely reach millions of kids across the country but Nickelodeon is hoping the show will be particularly poplular in the California Bay Area.

Beginning in 1985, the Miss Asian America Pageant is the premier event in the Asian American community and is the longest running Asian american pageant in the United States. "The Miss Asian America Pageant displays the rich ethnic diversity of our society and gives us a glimpse into the many different cultures that surrounds us today. This pageant encourages young aspiring Asian American women to reach new heights and to work hard to turn their dreams into reality." Link

A bizzarre indeed wedding photography trend that is hitting China and Korea hard. This weird trend of taking pictures of couples with the bride shrunk in Photoshop and put in various adorable poses such as miniature bride in the hands of the groom or miniature bride sitting on the shoulders of the groom. Adorable or creepy, what is your take? Link

Chinglish.com, a website format to promote linguistic and cultural communication between Chinese and English speaking countries with the creation of an internet community in which Chinese and English can coexist and enrich each other in a single location. 

Started in a local village of Inakadate, Japan (600 miles north of Tokyo) sixteen years ago, rice art is a yearly project to revitalize the local economy. Farmers sketch out their designs on computers to help determine where each rice needs to be planted. Murals are created by planting purple and yellow-leafed kodaimai rice along with the green-leafed tsugaru roman variety. A different design is shown each year where more than 15,000 visitors travel to see.

California State Assembly Member, Paul Fong is attempting to take the issue of a landmark bill torequest an apology for the Chinese Exclusion Act to Congress. Fong's bill will aplologize to the state's Chinese-American community for racist laws enacted during the 19th century Gold Rush. It will also recognize the contribution Chinese immigrants made to California, in particular the Transcontinental Railroad.

2009 World Games, taking place in Kaohsiung, Taiwan from July 16 to July 26 features sports that are not contested in the Olympic Games. This features such games as aikido, parachuting, bodybuilding, bowling, casting, flying disc (frisbee), sport ju-jitsu, karate, netball, orienteering, sumo, surfing, tug of war, dragon boat, korfball, climbing and many more. Over 3,000 athletes are competing from 91 countries. View the schedule.

Hayao Miyazaki has been announced the winner of University of California, Berkeley Center for Japanese Studies 2009 Berkeley Japan Prize. The prize recognizes individuals from all disciplines and professions who have, over a lifetime, influenced the world's understanding of Japan.

Cute Asian girl obsessed, Steve has created a blog to help recognize and document Asians and their notoriously known quirky and cute poses, Asianposes.com. According to Steve, "Why are poses so important? One reason is the phenomena known as 'boring photos lowers cuteness' effect. I find this problem to be particularly noticeable while scanning through a large amount of photos." Link

32 years running, the Asian American International Film Festival continues to be the leading showcase of films created by media artists of Asian descent and about the Asian community. Running July 23 through July 26, AAIFF will showcase original feature films, short films, documentaries, and other works from throughouth the world. "AAIFF continues to be a leading showcase for Asian American film and video, placing a substantial focus on local and independent works and working to enrich New York's Asian arts community." Learn more

Upcoming 2009 California Obon and Bazaar schedule:

The largest celebration of Filipino Americans in San Francisco returns and is set for August 8 & 9 2009. The celebration will include the Adobo Cook-off and balut eating contest, Filipino cuisine and deserts, cultural exhibits, and the second annual San Francisco Filipino American jazz festival. The two-day event is expected to draw over 50,000 people. Learn more

Bentō, a single portion takeout or home-packed meal is a common sight in Japan but is now becoming a popular trend in the United States. Generally consisting of rice, fish or meat, and one or more pickled or cooked vegetables as a side dish, Bento is becoming a fun, colorful, money saving, environmentally friendly, and a way to conserve leftovers.

Obon - the annual Japanese Buddhist festival to honor departed spirits or one's ancestors, has evolved into a family reunion celebration which traditionally includes a dance known as Bon-Odori. Obon lasts for three days however starting date varies with regions of Japan. Shichigatsu Bon (Bon in July) is celebrated around July 15, Hachigatsu Bon (Bon in August) is celebrated around August 15, and Kyu Bon (Old Bon) is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar.

Bánh mì is a Vietnamese baguette made up of thinly sliced pickled carrots and daikon, onions, cucumbers, cilantro, jalapeno peppers and meat or tofu. The sandwich is a product of French colonialism in Indochina, combining ingredients from French (baguettes, pate and mayonnaise) with native Vietnamese ingredients like cilantro, hot peppers, fish sauce and pickled carrots. Bánh mì, in Vietnamese translates to bread but also can be used to refer to bread stuffed with meat. Vietnamese food including Bánh mì and pho is becoming very popular in the United States especially in areas with a Vietnamese immigrant community. "The contrasting flavors and textures of the sandwich - as well as its relatively low cost - make it a popular dish. Bánh mì is referred to as a 'Saigon Sub,' 'Vietnamese Po' boy' in the New Orleans community, or 'Vietnamese Hoagie' in other part of the United States." Link