issue #09: the tokyo toilet project

Japan recommendations, noteworthy LA coffee shops, design resources & some healthy snacks

Happy May everyone!

It’s been a busy month over here with work, planning out my trip to Japan, and getting this newsletter up and running. I am embracing it all, but it will be very nice to have a chunk of time off work.

During my research on Japan, I came across the The Tokyo Toilet Project, where acclaimed architects and designers were commissioned to create 17 unique public restrooms throughout the city of Tokyo. The restroom above was designed by architect Shigeru Ban, featuring a concept in which the colorful stalls are transparent when unoccupied and become opaque when in use—ensuring privacy. Very cool.

One of my favorite things about Japan is its hospitality & cleanliness culture (shocking, I know). You can truly feel it while you’re there, and this project only reinforces their commitment to creating and maintaining beautiful, clean spaces—even something as mundane as a toilet.

Stay tuned for a google map/travel guide that I will share with you all when I am back! And as always if you’re new here and would like to read the previous issues, check them out here.

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01. curated by: tokyo foodie recommendations

I have gotten so many amazing Japan itineraries & recommendations and have been using them to design my upcoming trip. I thought I would highlight a few foodie spots that I discovered during my research, that are supposedly worth the hype.

1. Age 3
   These fried, whipped cream sandwiches look SO good.

2. Imo Pippi
   I will 100% be eating this toasted, caramelized Japanese sweet potato.

3. Savoy Pizza
   Apparently the pizza (especially the crust) is amazing in Japan.

4. Good Good Not Bad
   Their scones & lattes look incredible.

5. Iyoshi Cola

   Craft Japanese soda in a pouch.

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02. curated by: LA coffee shops

I love trying unique coffee drinks wherever I go, and LA has no shortage of great (albeit pricey) coffee shops with some pretty creative concoctions. Below are a few I’ve tried—and a few more on my wishlist.

1. Maru Coffee (📍Los Feliz, Arts District, Beverly Hills)
   I went here recently for the famous “cream top” coffee and it was SO good.

2. Amai Coffee (📍Santa Monica)
   Asian inspired coffee & pastries. Their honeycomb latte is delicious.

3. Mandarin Coffee Stand (📍Pasadena)
   I have been wanting to try their Vienna Latte with sweet cream, espresso, brown sugar & coffee grounds.

4. Good Friend Coffee (📍East Hollywood)
   This new coffee shop has the cutest branding plus a peanut butter & jelly flavored latte!

5. Olive & James (📍West Hollywood)
   Tiramisu coffee? Say less.

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03. curated by: graphic design resources

Many of you liked this section last time around, so we are back with some helpful online design resources. More AI resources to come as well, I have been experimenting!

1. Open Peeps
   A free hand-drawn illustration library.

2. Lummi
   Free AI stock photography.

3. Fonts Ninja
   This chrome extension lets you identify fonts from any website.

4. Muz.li
   Your daily dose of design news & inspiration, right in your browser homepage.

5. Design Calendar
   A design calendar with events, advice and resources.

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04. curated by: healthy snack swaps

Most people who know me are aware of my sweet tooth. My weaknesses typically include cereal, gummy candy, and the occasional piece of chocolate. Luckily for me, there are so many new, healthier alternatives to traditional “junk foods.” Here are five that I have been loving lately:

1. Seven Sunday’s Little Crispies
   Think Cocoa Pebbles, but better & only 7 clean ingredients! This brand makes a bunch of other cereal/granola flavors as well.

2. Tandy Mellow Melons
   I have tried a lot of the “healthy” gummy candy and these are definitely at the top of my list. Only 90 calories per bag with 3g of protein & 4g of fiber!

3. Fruit Riot Sour Grapes
   These are basically frozen grapes, covered in sour powder. Perfectly sweet & sour.

4. Unreal Dark Chocolate Nougat Bars
   A healthier snickers bar. Even better frozen.

5. Solely Fruit Gummies
   These gummies have only 1 ingredient (mangos) & no added sugar. The texture is more in line with gummy candy than a dried mango.
   

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05. curated by: Japanese graphic design

I try not to play favorites with my business cards, but I picked up some pretty cool ones while I was in Japan a few years ago. I love seeing the different graphic design styles—especially how they incorporate Japanese characters. I can’t wait to collect more this time around, but in the meantime, here are a few of my favorites:

1. Graphic Cube
   A graphic design archive exhibit at the Kyoto ddd gallery.

2. Aien Coffee & Hostel
   Communal hostel meets coffee shop.

3. Hitosara
   Delicious curry in Osaka.

4. Kisso
   A colorful accessory shop.

5. Ace Hotel Kyoto
   The Ace Hotel never disappoints and the Kyoto location was beautifully designed with it’s history in mind.

6. Folk Bookstore
   I loved this artsy bookshop that also serves up some amazing Japanese curry.

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✽ Quote of the month ✽
“When you focus on the good, the good gets better."
– Abraham Hicks

Thanks for scrollin’ and feel free to forward to anyone who might like this sort of thing. Keep an eye out for issue #10 coming in June!