The Hub – Issue 2

Welcome to HUB and the first issue for 2019.  Last issue we spoke of sharing Japan’s culture, beauty and its “Cool Japan” persona, promising to bring you the timely, the quirky and the fascinating.

This issue is certainly timely, fascinating and quirky – and unquestionably cool. While we’ve been waving off the flies and sweltering through one of Australia’s hottest summers – Japan held its 70th annual Sapporo Snow Festival. From a small time event that showcased school children’s snow statues it has become one of the world’s most spectacular winter wonderlands of massive, gleaming snow sculptures that attract more than two million people.

Cooler still, we feature the immersive work of our cover girl, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, whose mesmerizing work transcends boundaries. Her infinity room Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens has taken up residency at the National Gallery of Australia (Canberra) since December. While Kusama:Infinity, a film about this “princess of polka dots”, opened in Australian cinemas this year.

We celebrate the invention of conveyor sushi 60 years ago with a snap shot of its fascinating history and report on Sushi Hub’s side splitting “All You Can Eat” competition.  We share the Sumo diet, the secrets of origami as well as examine the soul of sushi rice …and ask you a few questions as well.  So chill out …enjoy …and let us know what you think.