So besides having the Japanese marvel of keeping your tush warm while doing the number two, Tokyo is rising rapidly in my rankings of "Fav. Cities" (Don't worry Manhattan my heart will always be with you). Bottom line: Japan has good taste. The people are well dressed without being loud; the architecture is minimalist yet grand; the palate is refined and delicate.
Everyone, read my lips, everyone has a raised level of aesthetic standards. The hole in the wall restaurant serves a mean katsudon and even the old men are outstandingly dapper with their form fitting trench coats, tartan scarves, and polished wingtips.
And, with good taste comes an amazing shopping experience. O-M-G, the stores! Despite the off-sounding English names, Japanese vendors United Arrows, Tomorrowland, Urban Research, Rugged Museum, Beams, Recency of Mine Abahouse all carry impeccable, well-fitting merchandise. Luckily, Japanese men's clothing isn't a Lolita-Harjuku-goth explosion; it has acquired a heavy Anglo-American feel and sometimes it's even hard to distinguish if you're in Brooklyn or in Toyko. Flanel, military, vintage are all things present in Japanese men's wardrobe; yet, everything seems to be much more suited for us skinny-Asian folk.
BUT, everything is so goddamn expensive. Sigh.
Much more updates to come (and with pictures as well; I left my camera cord at home. Sad.)!
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