Ayako Suwa

Food Artist




──Your goals for 2012?



Intuition and refinement.

“Danzon”

Turtle Island String Quartet

Koch Int'l Classics


Elegant.

“Night In Tunisia”

It makes me want to meet that person.

1001 Foods to Die For

Author: Liz Franklin et al. (52 contributors)

Shinchosha


Inspiration.

It ignites desire and imagination.

The Blue Closet

Director: Steven Scheinberg

Gaga Communications


Sympathy.

It makes you want to knock on doors out of curiosity.

Yoshiyuki Shimazu

Stylist




──Your goals for 2012?



“Trip.” I want to travel and see Japan from an objective perspective.

“A Very She & Him Christmas”

She & Him

P-Vine Records


This album is by SHE & HIM, a duo comprising Zooey Deschanel, the lead actress from the film “(500) Days of Summer,” and singer-songwriter Matt Ward. While it features traditional Christmas songs, it doesn’t feel overly festive, making it perfect as subtle background music throughout the year. The production has a Beach Boys-esque quality, with a languid feel reminiscent of Chet Baker, creating a comfortably mellow listening experience. The product design is also very stylish. It’s a sound that everyone can enjoy.

Art Spirit

Author: Robert Henri

Kokushokan


This book by Robert Henri, an American artist who influenced many renowned artists like David Lynch and Keith Haring and also founded an art school, was instrumental in the rise of American art during a time when “art meant France.” While art books can often seem intimidating, this one is far from it, and I highly recommend it. What moved me was his philosophy that the expression of thoughts and emotions in everyday life is art itself. This book, filled with Henri’s ideas, can be called a “bible of the art spirit.”

The Adventures of Tintin

Director: Steven Spielberg

Universal Pictures


I’m a Tintin collector. When I lived in Paris, I even wore knickerbockers inspired by Tintin (laughs). I’ve actually known for 22 years that Spielberg was going to make a Tintin movie. I never imagined it would take this long, but I was so happy because I had been looking forward to it! It’s not just because I’m a Tintin collector; it’s a superb film as a work of art. The impressive CG is typical of Spielberg. The Hergé-style illustrations and other characters in the film are also interesting, so please enjoy them.

Junko Fukuoka

Well-being Coordinator / Food Creator




──Your goals for 2012?



To live in harmony with nature, in tune with the rhythms of the earth, and to live mindfully.
To convey joy and charm. To continue expressing food that resonates with mind and body.
To continue expressing.

“Carmel”

Joe Sample

Blue Thumb



Joe's powerful solo piano and the soft touch of acoustic guitar combine in “More Beautiful Each Day.” Perfect for a refreshing morning.

The Sense of Wonder

Author: Rachel L. Carson

Shinchosha



A Sense of Wonder, in Carson’s words, is “a sense of the mystical and the marvelous.” It’s a warm message that reminds children and parents alike of what is truly precious.

The Piano Teacher

Director: Chris Kraus

Gaga Communications



A woman with conviction is beautiful. Instinctive, genius, the shocking final scene is breathtaking.

Arashi Yanagawa

Designer, JOHN LAWRENCE SULLIVAN




──Your goals for 2012?



To continue challenging myself without being satisfied with the status quo, just as I have always done.

“High For This”

The Weeknd



A mysterious band recommended by a friend. I was captivated by their dark world. They are one of the bands I most want to see live right now.

Asakusa Portraits

Author: Hiroh Kikai

Steidl



Portraits taken in Asakusa (1973-2007). They embody Japanese dandyism and “iki” (chic), showcasing the energy of dressing up. I believe it’s a statement, an expression of attitude.

The Fighter

Director: David O. Russell

Gaga



This film almost made me reconsider my perception of Stallone. It’s a story that depicts the loneliness and vulnerability of a boxer from an internal perspective, intertwined with family, which are emotions we all possess. It’s not just a simple success story; it’s a well-crafted human drama.

Kaori Nakano

Fashion Historian and Essayist




──Your goals for 2012?



In 2011, I was absorbed in planting and nurturing new seeds, guided by curiosity and connections. I want 2012 to be a year of “harvest.” I would be delighted if I could then give back to those who have supported me and to society.

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 - Original Soundtrack

Universal Classics




I listened to this before meeting people, before lectures, and before important performances. Especially “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.” It dramatically and romantically transforms my inner world.
Transforms my inner world.

100 Unforgettable Dresses

Author: Hal Rubenstein

Harper Design



100 “actresses” in 100 unforgettable dresses. The life dramas of women who changed their destinies with the dresses they wore for crucial moments are fascinating. Princess Diana, Nicole Kidman, Elizabeth Hurley—these formidable women who seized life's opportunities with their beautiful and striking dresses inspire me.
Elizabeth Hurley, and many other formidable women who seized life's opportunities with their beautiful and striking dresses inspire me.

Kick-Ass

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Distributor: Culture Publishers



This film effortlessly moves my emotions from rock bottom to the heavens, with every scene filled with surprise, laughter, and excitement. It’s been a long time since a movie provided such exhilarating catharsis. While masquerading as a B-movie, it’s a meticulously crafted piece of first-class work. Hit-Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) in particular delivers a performance so cool it’s breathtaking. It possesses a relentless quality, humor, and sharp wit that even rivals Tarantino.