Jake Davis: Japan's Classic Style.

Another trip to Japan, this time with one of my favourite short film directors, Jake Davis. His Test Shot series has become a bit of an obsession of mine. I really like the way Jake approaches the subjects he shoots, his attention to detail really manages to bring out the characters and personalities. He's got a great sense of pace with his videos, letting them unravvel before you as you become more and more involved in the films. His choice of music is always on point too.



In his latest project, he was sent by K-Swiss shoes to discover examples of classic style. Japan has always fascinated me in the sense of it's dedication to both the old and the new. It is famous for the traditions it has upheld for many centuries, but it is just as famous for the creative and innovative output it has, enough to match any Western culture. This clash is captured perfectly in this series, as Jake finds places as traditional as they are fresh. His exploration took him to an opticians, Globe Specs; a coffee shop, Bear Pond; a record shop, Bonjour Records and a more traditional shop, Bedwin.



As I mentioned earlier, Jake manages to capture the energy and culture behind not just the shops themselves but also the people that created and run theses on a daily basis. Each is different in their own way, and there is a lot to be learnt from each video. Scan through Jake's blog to read more.

Across The Ocean.

Before this blog has featured Pharrell Williams travelling to Japan to see how the country has recovered from the absolutely devastating Tsunami. This beautifully shot video, by Sundry productions, features the accounts of two woman as they retold the moments the wave hit and the very real fear and panic that struck them. Looking at the scenes, you can more than understand this, it was brutal and merciless. However what has really struck me from various accounts and videos I've read and watched on Japan is the sheer resilience the nation has shown, the determination not to be defeated. It is truly wonderful.

Photographing The Yakuza: It's All Luck.

Though not being much a photographer myself, I have always been fascinated by photos and the stories they tell, how one single split second can be so defining. And I can come across few projects that are as fascinating as photographing the Japanese Mafia, The Yakuza.

The photos taken by Anton Kusters all beg to have their stories told. They all look dark, rushed and as if they were shot from the hip, probably because many were. It must have been a terrifying and exhilarating experience all at the same time. You instantly get the feeling of what it must have been like to be surrounded by some of the most dangerous men in the world whilst they conduct some of the most illegal deals in the world.

Luckily enough for us Anton conducted a TED talk to speak about his project. You get the feeling he could talk for hours about the crazy stories and situations that he found himself in. But what really stuck me about his talk is the importance of luck. But not just hoping for luck, making that luck for youself. And you do this by getting experiences and knowledge. The more of these you get, the more you have to relie on, the more prepared you are for any situation.

Palladium Boots: Tokyo Rising W/ Pharrell Williams [Full]

You've seen the trailer, now it's time for the full documentary. Walk with Pharrell Williams as he talks to some of Toyko's most influential and innovative creatives as he discovers their reaction the earthquake that triggered the Fukushima Nuclear Powerplant disaster, 3-11 as they call it. Whether it be a protest, graffiti or just the general notion that this is an opportunity to start a fresh for the country, each creative has belief that Japanese people's resilience can over come this. This videos also approach the importance of Japanese creating their own culture, how it originated from copying Western society, but they got it wrong and when over the top, creating their own vision of society. It is an inspiring watch as people are keen to talk about the devistating effects 3-11 had on themselves, their community and their country, but they are more keen to speak about how they will overcome it and benefit. Watch:

Palladium Presents: Tokyo Rising W/ Pharrell Williams [Trailer]

Japan as a whole is a country that has always intrigued me. It is a country that is so rich in tradition and history, yet is on the very forefront of innovation. Japan is constantly saluted for it's steps forward in fashion, technology and art.

It's always interesting and often inspiring to see how a country reacts to a disaster. Japan and Toyko recently experienced their own disaster of literally nuclear proportions. Palladium, along with a certain Pharrell Williams, goes and investigates: While persistent challenges still lay ahead, the city’s creative class is hell-bent on making sure that their hometown thrives. Innovative and resilient, they are defining the future of Tokyo on their own terms. We put our boots on and went exploring.

Full documentary drops 1st September.

Keep your friends close and the talented ones closer.

In this post I would just like to draw your attention to a very talented photographer, who just happens to be a good friend of mine. I don't wish to blow his head up, yet Jake Baggaley has developed his own style of photography over the years and has produced some beautiful and interesting photographs. His latest travels have taken him to New York, Chernobyl and Japan capturing moments that we all see, yet we all miss. Below is just a few of my favourite photos from his website and his weekly blog, both of which are worth checking out.









Please check him out and let me know what you think.