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Sara Aiko founded Curated Kyoto, a travel boutique based in Kyoto, Japan, in March 2017 on her birthday. She had previously worked at a media company promoting Kyoto, but knew that there was so much more to the city than what they were in the business of advertising. Sara wants to share aspects of her city that aren’t as well known as Kyoto’s famous landmarks. Landmarks like Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic vermillion torii gates and Ginkaku-ji, a Zen temple known as the Silver Pavilion, receive many visitors all year round, and they are beautiful symbolic sites, but Sara believes more attention should be paid to other parts of the city too. Curated Kyoto introduces a new way for travelers to enjoy Kyoto from a creative perspective. Production & narration by Charis Poon Audio by Elphick Wo Photos by Mitsuru Wakabayashi See & Listen to the whole story here. What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We’re defining the future of creative culture. We don't have all the answers, but our curiosity ensures we never stop looking. Sign-Up Today If you've enjoyed this story from the archives and want to see what else MAEKAN has to offer, sign-up for your membership at MAEKAN.com. You'll unlock exclusive stories, be given exclusive member-only-access to our Slack community, and have the opportunity to participate in our monthly digital panel discussions. maekan.com Follow Us Instagram Facebook Twitter Email

In our first Sights & Sounds of 2018, we hear from Melbourne-based Jean-Paul McAllan, better known as ThirdCulture. Born in the States but raised in Japan and Hong Kong, he has never felt inseparably linked to a specific location, but rather carries a mix of curiosity and readiness wherever his travels take him. He treats his craft as meditation, practicing mindfulness and focusing on his surroundings rather than over-plan his shoots. See the whole story here. What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We’re defining the future of creative culture. We don't have all the answers, but our curiosity ensures we never stop looking. Sign-Up Today If you've enjoyed this story from the archives and want to see what else MAEKAN has to offer, sign-up for your membership at MAEKAN.com. You'll unlock exclusive stories, be given exclusive member-only-access to our Slack community, and have the opportunity to participate in our monthly digital panel discussions. maekan.com Follow Us Instagram Facebook Twitter Email

On MAEKAN It Up #037 Charis and Eugene discuss Drake's new music video for his song God's Plan, the premise of Derek Jeter's media enterprise The Player's Tribune which puts the narrative in the hands of the athletes, and why so many tech company logos are starting to resemble each other.   Drake and the Strange Spectacle of Charity What Happens When Athletes Do The Sportswriting Why Do Google, Airbnb, And Pinterest All Have Such Similar Logos?  Per usual, MAEKAN It Up features the individual illustrative talents of Charis and Eugene as they visualize the show's topics. Be inspired as you watch Eugene slowly improve week to week. MAEKAN It Up draws from our topical newsletter “the Briefing,” published twice a week. You can subscribe to MAEKAN It Up and other audio stories via your favorite podcast app or platform. What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-supported publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We’re defining the future of creative culture. We don't have all the answers, but our curiosity ensures we never stop looking. Sign-Up Today If you've enjoyed this story from the archives and want to see what else MAEKAN has to offer, sign-up for your membership at MAEKAN.com. You'll support independent media, receive exclusive stories and content, and be given exclusive member-only-access to our Slack community. maekan.com Follow Us Instagram Facebook Twitter Email

On MAEKAN It Up #037 Charis and Eugene discuss Drake's new music video for his song God's Plan, the premise of Derek Jeter's media enterprise The Player's Tribune which puts the narrative in the hands of the athletes, and why so many tech company logos are starting to resemble each other.   Drake and the Strange Spectacle of Charity What Happens When Athletes Do The Sportswriting Why Do Google, Airbnb, And Pinterest All Have Such Similar Logos?  Per usual, MAEKAN It Up features the individual illustrative talents of Charis and Eugene as they visualize the show's topics. Be inspired as you watch Eugene slowly improve week to week. MAEKAN It Up draws from our topical newsletter “the Briefing,” published twice a week. You can subscribe to MAEKAN It Up and other audio stories via your favorite podcast app or platform. What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-supported publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We’re defining the future of creative culture. We don't have all the answers, but our curiosity ensures we never stop looking. Sign-Up Today If you've enjoyed this story from the archives and want to see what else MAEKAN has to offer, sign-up for your membership at MAEKAN.com. You'll support independent media, receive exclusive stories and content, and be given exclusive member-only-access to our Slack community. maekan.com Follow Us Instagram Facebook Twitter Email

There’s been a bit of excitement around MAEKAN with Alex opening his first-ever photo exhibition, “Flower,” at McNamara Art Projects. The show, as the name suggests, revolves around still life botanical photos that may or may not be of the illicit variety. “Flower” is not meant to be any sort of hard-stanced commentary on cannabis in a region of the world where it’s frowned upon. Instead, for Alex it was about bringing friends together to work together on a passion project. It drew in the likes of Mike Cherman of Chinatown Market, and Ariel Stark-Benz of Mister Green, who each contributed something to the show ranging from T-shirts to totebags. On the refreshments side, Raf Holzer of Fernet Hunter and Matt Abergel of Yardbird are respectively ensuring that food and drink (did somebody say chicken finger sandwich?!) are taken care off with some custom concoctions. Hosted by Charis Poon, Eugene Kan & Alex Maeland Audio by Elphick Wo Photos by Christopher Lim See the whole story here. What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We’re defining the future of creative culture. We don't have all the answers, but our curiosity ensures we never stop looking. Sign-Up Today If you've enjoyed this story from the archives and want to see what else MAEKAN has to offer, sign-up for your membership at MAEKAN.com. You'll unlock exclusive stories, be given exclusive member-only-access to our Slack community, and have the opportunity to participate in our monthly digital panel discussions. maekan.com Follow Us Instagram Facebook Twitter Email

There’s been a bit of excitement around MAEKAN with Alex opening his first-ever photo exhibition, “Flower,” at McNamara Art Projects. The show, as the name suggests, revolves around still life botanical photos that may or may not be of the illicit variety. “Flower” is not meant to be any sort of hard-stanced commentary on cannabis in a region of the world where it’s frowned upon. Instead, for Alex it was about bringing friends together to work together on a passion project. It drew in the likes of Mike Cherman of Chinatown Market, and Ariel Stark-Benz of Mister Green, who each contributed something to the show ranging from T-shirts to totebags. On the refreshments side, Raf Holzer of Fernet Hunter and Matt Abergel of Yardbird are respectively ensuring that food and drink (did somebody say chicken finger sandwich?!) are taken care off with some custom concoctions. Hosted by Charis Poon, Eugene Kan & Alex Maeland Audio by Elphick Wo Photos by Christopher Lim See the whole story here. What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We’re defining the future of creative culture. We don't have all the answers, but our curiosity ensures we never stop looking. Sign-Up Today If you've enjoyed this story from the archives and want to see what else MAEKAN has to offer, sign-up for your membership at MAEKAN.com. You'll unlock exclusive stories, be given exclusive member-only-access to our Slack community, and have the opportunity to participate in our monthly digital panel discussions. maekan.com Follow Us Instagram Facebook Twitter Email

In this second episode of Grilling Me Softly, Iris Van Kerckhove sits down with high school friend, Jonathan Jay Lee. Jon’s inspirations revolved around Marvel comics growing up. His passion followed him from the States to Hong Kong, where he moved in 1992. But after a period of dormancy, the dream of becoming an illustrator would return after some encouragement from a teacher. Production by MAEKAN & Sunday's Grocery Hosted by Iris Van Kerckhove Photography by Justine Tai See the whole story here. What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We’re defining the future of creative culture. We don't have all the answers, but our curiosity ensures we never stop looking. Sign-Up Today If you've enjoyed this story from the archives and want to see what else MAEKAN has to offer, sign-up for your membership at MAEKAN.com. You'll unlock exclusive stories, be given exclusive member-only-access to our Slack community, and have the opportunity to participate in our monthly digital panel discussions. maekan.com Follow Us Instagram Facebook Twitter Email

Listen to the story here and see the accompanying photos at MAEKAN.com for the best experience. If you listen to our MAEKAN It Up podcast series, you’ll undoubtedly have noticed some sketches to accompany the story and no, we’re not talking about Eugene’s stick figures. Charis Poon is MAEKAN’s Community Manager, but she’s also a freelance designer and illustrator. In this Tools, she shares three of her go-to drawing implements that have seen her through many projects over the past decade. Narration by Charis Poon Audio by Elphick Wo Photos by Chirs Lim What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We’re defining the future of creative culture. We don't have all the answers, but our curiosity ensures we never stop looking. Sign-Up Today If you've enjoyed this story from the archives and want to see what else MAEKAN has to offer, sign-up for your membership at MAEKAN.com. You'll unlock all of our stories, be given exclusive member-only-access to our Slack community, and have the opportunity to participate in our monthly digital panel discussions. maekan.com Follow Us Instagram Facebook Twitter Email  

Daniel uses standard round tip brushes. The nature of his work, as well as the corrosive materials he works with, limits him to these inexpensive tools. Yet, he’s happy to use them, especially the larger brushes, because he doesn’t have to worry about replacing them. https://www.maekan.com/article/daniel-arsham-meaningful-things (Members Only) What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We’re defining the future of creative culture. We don't have all the answers, but our curiosity ensures we never stop looking. Sign-Up Today If you've enjoyed this story from the archives and want to see what else MAEKAN has to offer, sign-up for your membership at MAEKAN.com. You'll unlock all of our stories, be given exclusive member-only-access to our Slack community, and have the opportunity to participate in our monthly digital panel discussions. www.maekan.com Follow Us Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/maekan) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/storiesforthecurious) Twitter (https://twitter.com/maekan) Email (stories@maekan.com)

Countless trips to Japan led to Daniel’s fascination with the traditional art form, Bonsai. There are several varieties in his studio, the most notable of which is an elm bonsai that’s over 40 years old. Daniel continues to shape and style these miniature trees, which were originally trained in Florida. https://www.maekan.com/article/daniel-arsham-meaningful-things (Members Only) What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We’re defining the future of creative culture. We don't have all the answers, but our curiosity ensures we never stop looking. Sign-Up Today If you've enjoyed this story from the archives and want to see what else MAEKAN has to offer, sign-up for your membership at MAEKAN.com. You'll unlock all of our stories, be given exclusive member-only-access to our Slack community, and have the opportunity to participate in our monthly digital panel discussions. www.maekan.com Follow Us Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/maekan) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/storiesforthecurious) Twitter (https://twitter.com/maekan) Email (stories@maekan.com)

Close friend Ronnie Fieg and his boutique Kith have been a collaborative product juggernaut of over the past few years. An item released by Kith that has been especially appealing to Daniel, are the collaborative “Kinney” sunglasses created with Los Angeles-based eyewear brand, Garrett Leight. https://www.maekan.com/article/daniel-arsham-meaningful-things (Members Only) What is MAEKAN? MAEKAN is a membership-based publication and community focused on the sights and sounds of creative culture. We're about learning, participating, and connecting with a global community on a deeper level that social media just doesn't provide. We’re defining the future of creative culture. We don't have all the answers, but our curiosity ensures we never stop looking. Sign-Up Today If you've enjoyed this story from the archives and want to see what else MAEKAN has to offer, sign-up for your membership at MAEKAN.com. You'll unlock all of our stories, be given exclusive member-only-access to our Slack community, and have the opportunity to participate in our monthly digital panel discussions. www.maekan.com Follow Us Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/maekan) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/storiesforthecurious) Twitter (https://twitter.com/maekan) Email (stories@maekan.com)