News
Fuzz and Fur
Our second book is officially out! Fuzz and Fur delves into the world of kigurumi or fur suit mascots. The adoration of mythical creatures and popular anime characters is nothing new in Japan, but kigurumi, is a growing pastime and successful marketing tool. An oversized daikon radish, a skiing egg, a bear with an apple for a head, an erupting volcano – these furry mascots wander the streets of Japan, and the pages of Fuzz & Fur.
Ektopia
Ektopia has got to be one of my favourite blogs (just after boing boing). There’s always loads of awesome links, the author has impeccable taste in art, he seems to uncover the most unusual and experimental music, showcases great books and cool t-shirts. Anyway I’m really happy to see a glowing review of Idle Idol on the site.
Boing Boing
I’m really really pleased that the always awesome boing boing have picked up on Idle Idol. I selected a number of my favourites and some of the most important Japanese mascots from the book, see it here.
Buy the Book
Idle Idol is now available to buy from the What What Shop. To look inside before you buy check it out here and here.
Metropolis
Nestled between an article on pink films (softcore Japanese porn) and a piece on the beautiful Meisa Kuroki was an interview with me about characters, Japan and Idle Idol. The article was featured in the September issue of Metropolis (Japans No1 English Magazine) and now available online.
The Daily Yomiuri
Last month I was interviewed by Tom Baker for the Daily Yomiuri. The article appeared in the Friday August 20th issue but you can read it online here.
Competition Winners
We had lots of great entries to the Idle Idol competition but have finally decided on the winning three. The winners should be receiving their prizes soon. Thanks to everyone who entered
Win a Signed Copy of the Book!
Idle Idol: The Japanese Mascot is officially out and to celebrate the occasion we’re offering the chance to win one of three signed copies of the book.
Now Available In All Good Bookshops
My first sighting of the Idle Idol book happened at the Tate Modern bookshop on the weekend. The book was proudly on display alongside Drainspotting by Remo Camerota. Idle Idol will also be available at all good bookshops, and if it’s not stocked I’m sure if you ask them nicely they can order it in for you.
Idol Eyes
Fun with the Idol Eyes badge set in the park. If you attempt this at home make sure you don’t poke your eye out with the pin, and If you take any photos of yourself with Idle Idol badges we’d love to see them, send us an email. You can buy the badge set at the whatshop.
Pecha Kucha – Tokyo
I presented at PechaKucha in Tokyo on the 26th of May. Was a great night, thanks to everyone who came and chatted to me, the free badges seemed to go down well.
You can watch it here.
Press Release
Greeting you with large moving claws from on top of buildings, outside shops with a fist raised to the sky and in restaurant windows staring unblinkingly, the Japanese mascot is almost unavoidable. Idle Idol: The Japanese Mascot collects these wonderful 3D characters found all over Japan. Discover antique advertising characters, modern mass-produced mascots and unique one-off designs.
Face off
Using the business cards I got a couple of weeks ago I photographed some friends holding them in front of their face.
Badges
We love badges and have been making them for years now. We needed no excuse to make two different sets to accompany the book. One set features random mascot faces and the other mascot eyes. I’m particularly pleased with the badge set name ‘Idol Eyes’.
Preview – First look at Idle Idol
I got a few cards and parcels for my birthday today but the best present was from MBP who’d sent me copies of the newly published Idle Idol. Here’s the first look at some of the pages. Its a great size and I’m really happy with the quality. The title on the front cover and spine is embossed and looks great.
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