Tokyo | Motegi | Nikko | Rental819 | Yamaha MT09 850 & Takashi Murakami

November 3, 2015

Have you ever noticed how we have one hard emotion eye, and one soft? Sometime what split you can see in these pools of soul is incredible. Passion, desire, pain, deceit; each eye is different and how they mix together in our gaze totally fascinates me; is it left/ right brain; good and bad.. I am not sure; but it is totally intriguing! Eyes don't lie- and what you can recognise and see in them is the true essence of a person's spirit. I am constantly fascinated by our species and how we grow and interact; these clues and subtle awarenesses shape our lives and relationships. I love eyes, and I love smiles- do. what. you. love. because it shows.

You are me, I am you- the person in front of you is on a path you could have decided to walk or is to come in your future. Dare to create your desires.

I decided to completely trust my brain, instincts and skills and leave Tokyo on a three day adventure riding the brand new Yamaha MT09 with no GPS, two destinations and a belief, that between my knowledge, navigation, memory, decisions, and the tendency field of the universe (faith in self, trust, instincts; it's all the same thing)- it would all work out. Everything came together perfectly.

Fate is another name for Karma, which is another name for Time, which is another name for Love.

I dont belive in Luck- we make decisions that define our place and progress in this world, and I don't hippy-dippy completely hands-off-wheel rely 'on the Universe to provide' because we live in the modern world, with modern consumerist needs- we impact resources and opportunities by our actions within this. I believe in hard work, kindness and energy- and have learnt over time, that we have everything + more than we expect and that worry is completely counterproductive, and just another sneaky form of fear. It's there because it is love and doubt- we want to make the best decisions, to keep our loved ones and ourselves safe; it creates hesitation and reflection, but I've learnt over time, how to work with this emotion; not trying to change, suppress or ignore it. Often that big 'worry' we've been building like Jenga is an ash pile once we really get down the road up close. I DO believe however that we can do the best with that Monkey brain- but really, all you need to do is just open your heart, eyes and ears and just BE. The universe works- you are part of it; we ARE it- there is a bigger force than my thought and brain which is so immensely limited in comparison, and chained by ego and interpretation.

I can be a lavish squirrel with my resources- gather, stockpile, accumulate; building the pile bigger and bigger and then I'll use them up with generous and excited abandon- right before winter dawns- propelling myself into having to re-create the pile again in order to preempt the situations I see in the future. Yes- this has given me more stripes than a zebra in a line up in how to make things work- but took a few years to learn how to get the oil and water mix right without complete worry combustion. My creativity works best with a little fire behind but not with the whole damn tree on fire!

Our brains left to their own devices can become wired in loop- and negative worry bubbles go round with much more velocity than positive ones, but we can learn to change these patterns. The brain is a magnificent engine, we can teach it wonderful new tricks and indulge in thought that diminishes limitations. I call my moving passions (motorcycling and snowboarding are two biggies) 'moving mediation' because it allows me to quickly access the boundless capacity of blank thought which is to the right of this rutted racetrack. My monkey brain is focusing on the obstacles and situations infront of me, while my conscious can float free.

After locking on the the concept that 'yes- I am totally going to hunt down that incredible new Yamaha MT09 I have been dreaming about', I started amassing my nut pile and got in contact with the wonderful gentlemen at Rental819. I met with these souls last time I was in Tokyo and did a road trip with the new Ducati Monster. I cannot urge you enough to contact them if you are keen to make your own motorbike adventure memories- they are phenomenal to deal with. With brand new bikes, comprehensive insurance, English speaking staff, Dianese gear and Shoei helmets- you are set to go on the right foot feeling comfortable and looked after. Rental819 have locations all around Japan and a huge selection of perfectly maintained Triumph, Ducati, KTM, BMW, Honda, Yamaha, Harley- Davison, Suzuki, Kawasaki and other brands bikes for you to ride- ya can't beat them! Special mention going out to Adrian, Kosuke Eguchi, Yosuke and Tsutomu Tanaka at Ikebukuro- どうもありがとうございました!

Tokyo in the middle of Shibuya Hatchiko crossing on Halloween- W.O.W

T.O.K.Y.O.- it's the most incredible place on earth and filled with other motorbike enthusiasts- I met an Indonesian motorbike racer called Mak and had the pleasure to share his passion for the Motegi race circuit and surrounding facilities. It was great to have company on day one- riding with others brings another dynamic to the motorcycling experience.

Motegi ツインリンクもてぎ

Ducking and diving through traffic and making our way out of Tokyo was superb complex fun and we aimed in the direction of Motegi. Famous for the Motegi GP motorbike race, Twin Ring Motegi is a motorsport venue with facilities bursting with goodies. While there I was spoilt rotten to meet with the team and riders putting the unreleased Yamaha M1 through it's paces around the circuit (vid below)- a fantastic highlight, but there are racing simulators, goKarting, mini-bikes, shops, onsen, restaurants and other things to keep you busy also.

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The Yamaha MT09 just puuuuuurrrs. Combing the best of the Triumph and the MV Agusta Brutalle, plus extras I had soO much pleasure playing with this machine! The high torque 3-cylinder engine clicks in with the most beautiful purr- literally- and between 5 and 9,000 rpm the MT09 sings. With three settings A, B, and Standard you can start your day moving up and down through the settings to match how you are feeling, the conditions and how you want to ride. With 115hp - 87,5 Nm it's got ooph in all the best ways- equipped with ABS it stops on the head of pin and shoots with adrenaline on the take off. Immensely nimble and very responsive to peg weighting the MT performed more like the III than the lighter Agusta. Perfect for touring, was fantastic for whipping around Tokyo central and handled amazingly on the gravel. I. HAD. SO. MUCH. FUN! Repeating Houston!- I. HAD. SoooOO. MUCH. Fun- yeah, you know you want to go try for yourself now!

Keeping with tradition: This bike is a mercurial triple agent. Tapping into what is needed with etherial and logical adeptness- she has already figured out what you need before you have. Sugar, spice and all things nice- you'll be playing a uphill game to oneup this intellectual mega babe. This minx has all the cards and she'll be playing them without fanfare but class so sleek you'll be begging for more.

^ GoKarting yyeeehaaww~! < Motorcyclist's run on our stomachs! Japanese food + onsen + motorbikes = bliss

The Honda Collection Hall Museum is a must see. With level one dedicated to the developments of artificial intelligence, two motorbikes through the decades and three cars. I ❤ Honda museum! My first proper motorbike was a Honda VTR 250 while my Dad loved the VFR800's: superb engineering- easy to work on and 110% reliable: Japan you winner ;)

The Japanese kanji for 'dream' welcomes you to the museum. Soichiro Honda believed and followed through- INSPIRATION in the greatest form.

My #1 riding buddy- my Da and our old beloved Honda bikes :)

The history of Soichro Honda in manga- ♥ learning!

🍁🍄 🍂 🍃🌿 🌾 🌿🍃 🍂🍄🍁

Nikko 日光

Day two brought Mak and I splitting ways after a competitive race around the goKarts (the decider not influencing our travel plans!) and back into the game of mental highway bingo for me to make my way to Nikko. Known for it's stunning scenery with the change of seasons and beautiful temples I totally recommend it as a day trip from Tokyo. There are regular trains and lots to do and see- so making a long weekend of it is highly recommended.

This time of the year (late October onwards) is perfect to see the changing colours of the flora and fauna and be wrapped in the pastel hues of autumn light.

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The detail of the woodwork and panelling in these temples is phenominal.

There are many different activities, onsen, sites and museums in Nikko- and although it can be a bit heavy in tourist population, if you hit the sites late evening and early morning it's rather chill. The countryside is stunning up in Tochigi prefecture- I'm already looking forwards to the next time I can visit.

That's the face of an incredibly happy motorbike furrball post 450km round trip! ;) Japan roads are left hand drive, can be quite variable in conditions and the IEC toll highways pack a $ sucker punch. I took the local highways, which meant more changes and turns, but less cost and didn't get lost by riding on my memory and instincts. The highways system is logical, I can read & decipher Hiragana and Katakana, but even without this skill there is English pointers here and there (& tbh- deciphering can be a stressful skill than being blissfully ignorant to all the additional information coming at you!)- trust your gut and the process and have some serious FUN!

🍁🍄 🍂 🍃🌿 🌾 🌿🍃 🍂🍄🍁

Tokyo 東京

Tokyo Where to start?! This city is friggin amazeballs. There is something for everyone and it's a dream to travel around. Safe, logical, something interesting (and tasty!) at every turn- this megalopolis holds a very special place in my heart. I was thrilled to be back for meetings, catch ups with old friends and new, and to check out events. While back for the week I was delighted to go to the just opened '500 Arhats' exhibit by Takashi Murakami at the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi.

Taken at sunset from Mori Art Museum looking over to Tokyo Tower

One of my favourite artists and a creative who I have much admiration for his ethos and direction; Murakami is a Japanese art powerhouse. He exploded onto the Western art scene with a collaboration with Louis Vuitton and the worldwide visual combustion of his 'Superflat' cartoon pop characters. At the time, I was in New York, and every it girl, poster advertisement and fakie merchant was wearing and pushing his and LV's goodies. What I love about Murakami is that he embraces high and low consumerism; viewers and the ordinary consumer are encouraged by him to continue to engage with the work on whatever platform they have- highlighted in this exhibition by being allowed and encouraged to take photos of the art and share on social media. He is fascinated with exploring hopelessness- yet his work often evokes feelings in viewers quite the opposite; he is the quintessential Japanese mix of colour and darkness, good and bad, traditional and modern.

Two portions of 'The 500 Arharts' (below center- couldn't figure out what was more fascinating- the picture or the coat..)

The epic The 500 Arhats (2012), a 3-meterhigh, 100-meter-long painting of the 500 enlightened followers (Arhats) of Buddha, created in response to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Some large sculptural pieces and abstract paintings are also included. This work explores the power of prayer and how this transcends religious differences through the exploration of finite life and the infinite nature of the universe. It allows us to understand Murakami's new artistic interests and directions.

Real, forthright; an ardent supporter of young artists and consistently true to his vision, his work is enthralling, energising, modern, technologically embracing and brilliant.

🍁🍄 🍂 🍃🌿 🌾 🌿🍃 🍂🍄🍁

Kamakura 鎌倉市

Kamakura is a really nifty and relaxed seaside city an hour and a bit out of Tokyo. Surrounded by small mountains on three sides and the Pacific Ocean to the south, you can enjoy swimming, hiking and surfing in the clean ocean air. Famous for the great Daibutsu Buddha located at the Kotokuin Temple in Hase, and the location of the first Buddhist Zen Temple in Japan, the area is steeped in history, yet maintains a funky, relaxed and easygoing feeling.

^ You can jump on the train at Shinjuku and for ¥1470 get to Fujisawa where you change onto a local train. You can jump on and off this one as many times as you like on your day pass and enjoy the attractions along the way. The local train is gorgeous and was a juxtaposition from the city connect where people were engrossed in their cellphones. The local winds gently thorough the residencies to Kamakura with people chatting and interacting along the way.

'Daibutsu' - Great Buddha — **'Daibutsu'** - Great Buddha

At 11.312m in height the Great Buddha is a sight to see and fascinated me as it is cast and joined from bronze. The interior is hollow and you can walk around inside. It really is a wonder to behold in person and it's majesty is surrounded by stunning gardens.

Along with the Buddha I was keen to see the largest sculpture of Kannon (Guanyin Bodhisattva) at the Hasedera Temple (above pictured with Buddha's feet). Golden, carved from wood and standing at 9.18m it is breathtaking and exudes reverence. However it was the cave and winding catacombe below that really fasicnated me. Filled with hundreds of small sculptures and statues of worship it is a powerful and spiritual experience as you wind through bent double as the ceiling is so low. Outside the Ojizō-sama statues (pictured below) allow us to remember and pray to the Guardian of Children for the protection of those living and past 🙏🏻

In hindsight, potentially a night here would have been lovely, but that may be for another trip. The ease of transport in Japan encourages and allows for access to spectacular opportunities. Wherever you go there is something fascinating to entice the senses- if you are like me, your curiosity can only be rewarded. Being curious means you are engaged- and being engaged means you are learning, to me this is the key to happiness, appreciation and being content.

すばらしい!😜

🍁🍄 🍂 🍃🌿 🌾 🌿🍃 🍂🍄🍁

Japan Autumn Festival Time! 🍃🌿🌾🍄🍂🍁

October 19, 2015

The leaves are slowly changing from gold to burnt terracotta, the days are getting shorter, the sunsets getting more vivid and slooooowly, ever so gently, Japan is slipping into winter. It's simply glorious.

Unlike my home in New Zealand where gale force winds, extremes and theatricality of weather patterns and a shunting, pushing and less visual departmentalising of the seasons gathers us up and deposits us in colder months, Japan is so very much more elegant about this transition. Dare I say; more organic. Although I miss the push and pull- the fever and passion of New Zealand's weather, climate and landscape is intrinsically woven into my psyche. Yin and Yang. Living in an environment where I haven't had to worry about 'bringing things in', 19 incase items of clothing or the environmental challenges of getting from A to B, has been really pleasurable- but has made me giggle as my mind still thinks these things over.

I love a party, and especially here positivity is accompanying this new period in Japan. It is a time of celebration, reflection and progression- looking forwards to winter and what delights this brings. The intensity and passion of the autumn festival happenings is totally infectious and kinetic. Being a winter bunny at heart I adore the tidings of colder months as they announce opportunity for adventure; snow and playtime within. But as I get older I understand more the longing and sadness of some for Summer, with her gentle comforts, easier living and melancholy that leaving another quarter of memories behind can bear.

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Memories and longing are an immensely powerful emotional combination- ones that encourage us to turn back, to live in the past, as they can become glossier and massively assertive. But these must be looked at, cared for, touched and placed BACK into the filing cabinet with love and respect- because we cannot go that direction. That can be tremendously hard- I find this tremendously hard. Yes, we must be positive, but we can love and hold our negative. The environment of Japan for me hightens this need as it itself is not encompassing of negative. Japanese language is extremely complex when communicating anything dissentient; all the niceness can get you a little in need of an outlet! But this is my story, my experience- you will carve your own and come to your own values. For me it comes down to love- for others, for myself, for the world we have the pleasure to inhabit. I was given a heavy dosing of this to give and have experienced the full spectrum of love beyond measure; it is a gift to continue best as I can to keep this wheel going and build on it. Being loved makes you brave but to give love makes you fearless.

Each morning I have my Inspector Gaget talk with myself: “Your mission today, if you choose to accept it… blah blah blah what I am working on”. Priority positive number one. Yes it may make me want me to ‘self destruct in 5 seconds’ at some point during the day- but I remind myself: in the morning you chose to accept this, and you can get through. My injuries, the physical pain and discomfit I am now in most days by mid-afternoon greatly affects my psyche and I need mental reminders like this to put things back in perspective. I am a fix it, add to it, sort it personality- if I do not mentally do this I have a catalogue of negative behaviours which I can revert to. I prefer not to- I look at them and think- ‘Been there, done that, got the t-shit, puked on it, washed it, re-wore it… rather wear something else thank you for your reminder ;) they were interesting times in the past”.

Other times- when I have bitten off a large chunk of action to chew on and I feel I might be getting speed wobbles, I remember when I first started snowboarding. I LOVE snowboarding, snow, mountain action. I LOVED keeping up with my partner who was much better than me at that point- and I am fiercely competitive. I would smash myself up quite horrendously when I was learning how to ride- they say pushing 6% more than what you currently sit at is a healthy amount of stress indusive to bettering yourself. I used to go redline in almost everything. There are two ways down the mountain. You can heel side it and grind your way to the bottom; yep you got there, but it was painful for everyone involved. Or you can ease off a notch and get in flow. I highly recommend going through option one and coming quickly to option two- especially to conserve the old relationship matters- I learnt to just stop and sit down- yeah you get a wet bum, but the cluster-fuck will pass and worse case scenario; it all comes out in the wash.

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Some say ‘We can become what we fear’ which is why I am here. I push to face my demons but realisation does not come from fear. I brought myself back here to get down and dirty with the sugar, the spice and the inbetween that makes me me because by b.e.i.n.g I also make some amazing productive things, become a better person and meet wonderful other humans that are going through life learning and living. Just like my surroundings, I am transitioning from this with enlightenment, bumps, colour and new viewpoints- but it aint all gloss and never will be- but that’s me; and this is LIFE- I want the whole hog; the extremes; but I didn’t want to recognise the price I must pay for this- I had to become even with the things that haunted me also. The wonderful thing about growing through transition and active participation is that when we re-group our metaphysics, we are inevitably a better, stronger version than before.

Fear is stressful. In small doses it can be indusive to pushing us beyond our limits- but in larger portions it can be immensely counterproductive. However- sometimes it can be very hard to distinguish what is pleasure and what is pain. I garner an extra ordinate amount of pleasure out of what may be considered pain, or another way of looking at it may be my pain threshold is too high; along with my expectation threshold of the ones who love me to watch or join me on this path; and I have an underestimation of the cost of this. This being pysical, mental, emotional and spiritual. When you are more intimately connected with your surroundings you are intune and feeding off every energy. There is nothing to fear, but worries must be worked out and through. I do not fear death, or love or life- those cornerstones, I believe, make circumstances where you rise with the connections you feel rather than blocking or imposing barriers because of perceived image or ego.

I love walking at night. In dodgy areas, we puff proud and resolute when passing under the streetlights- showing off our plumage; strong, impenetrable, ain’t buying into the danger around us and when the darkness envelops us, quicken our steps and get on through to the next lamp where we can open our wings. But where I see the true art is to slow down and feel and experience the dark and deal with what comes at you, just like in the light; with genuine integrity, passion and respect. I am primal- fear is what makes me feel, instinct is what drives me and a drive to be better, to know myself and accept myself for the whole package. It’s absolutely fucking terrifying sometimes.

The one me has many angles- there are many hats, many facets and one helluva conscious and internal monolog. I met someone once who said they had absolutely no little voice in their head- totally blindsided me. I'm happy with mine until the day it goes silent- then I know somethings serious really is up! Is mine my creativity?- I believe it is my heart and spirit and I have unequivocal intuition to follow it. I give less of a fuck about worrying about it. Shake it like a polaroid baby and just shine as is. The world is huge- you will inevitably find others who think similar- let the haters slip to the wayside- there are shit loads of 'em if you are flying your flag high, but there also comes the people who respect and understand how hard it is to do just that. I am honest, unique and not everyones favourite jelly bean- but I am true to myself and what my radar inclines me ride- and I get you- I see the how, the why and I don’t judge for it. You are what you are- and there comes a point when you realise that self evaluation, self bettering is actually completely counterproductive and useless- you. are. what. you. are. just get. ooooon wit it.

An old employer said to me once “I get the impression that when you walk down the street, you are the type of person that when a crazy is coming towards you, you don’t avert your eyes- you SEE them”. Hell yes. Don’t avert your eyes. My journey has taken me to the brink, past and back into the light so there is no fear for me in what I can see in others. I understand journeys are our own and the complexities that these will bring. I unabashedly air (in my head) my dirty laundy and hang it out to dry on a daily basis.. and then make more and have to do another load in a few days time. Took me a long time to stop getting pissed that the laundry basket kept filling up and none else was helping me unfill it though- but as I get older the washing pile is greatly diminishing also!

We have the answers inside us. They don’t exist in a relationship or a belonging. Experience gives us a bigger toolkit and sometimes makes it harder to select actually what tool you now need- but whoever upstairs dealt out why and how we are has put us here to take these and use them to effect. I, just like us all, get the wrong tool, don’t think I have the right tool and freak out sometimes I NEEEEEED more tools- but it simply is not the case. Nothing like sending yourself to an island in the middle of a completely different culture to move on with this and many other wonderful perspectives. Experience is knowledge, knowledge is power, but coming to grips with the effect this has is compassionate love for yourself. Fuck the art- thats a product of yesterdays news; experience and these learning lessons- ain’t this what it’s all about in life?

The world will spin, we will be up, down, and sideways- but inevitably we have new days and these hold the most incredible opportunity for living- untagged and unlabelled as a nominated name or vocation and get to bumping, cuddling, clicking and jiving our energy with the other spirits that inhabit our zone. On darker days, yes put a smile on your dial, but you don’t have to ‘fake it till you make it’-- we all have pain. Have a sit in the park, close the eyes and listen to your breath- the birds- the engines- the footsteps- and feel what colour you are beautiful human… wait, it will change.. enjoy this change and LOOK at it from all angels, turn it over and give it a squish and watch it develop, and resume your day with that just b.e.i.n.g, being the exceptional ok. ॐ

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o-O ⭕️ 〰 👀 〰 ⭕️ O-o

Last time I was in the Setouchi islands and visited Teshima I missed going to Teshima Yokoo House. Well Well WELL- sooo happy I went for a round two. Every day is different and seeing the other art installations and presentations three months later was fascinating all over in new lights. Gotta say though- I'm now a rather big fan of Yokoo. His work is colourful, thought provoking and intriguing- the architecture of this installation is fascinating. I spun around and around with my arms wide in the mirrored 'chimney' lined with postcards of waterfalls and thoroughly enjoyed what this did to my senses!

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The "Teshima Yokoo House", a collaboration between artist Tadanori Yokoo and architect Yuko Nagayama, was created by altering and renovating an old private house located in a hamlet in the Ieura District, facing the harbor that forms the entrance to Teshima Island. Making full use of the building's existing layout, the exhibition areas are divided into a "Main House," a "Warehouse," and an "Outhouse," displaying 11 two-dimensional works. Other features–a stone garden with a pond, and a cylindrical tower–are devoted to installations, so that the art spaces seem to expand symbolically to cover the entire site, making it a philosophical zone that simultaneously calls to mind thoughts of both life and death. Thanks to the building's use of tinted glass to control light and color, the sunshine, breezes, and natural hues of the island, as well as the artworks themselves, assume a range of different appearances, turning visitors' spatial experience into a series of interconnected collages.

Concept＆Artworks: Tadanori Yokoo Architecture: Yuko Nagayama