Latest news with #Nakanishi
Los Angeles Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Steve Aoki Launches Venture-Focused Aoki Labs
Global DJ, producer, and entrepreneur Steve Aoki launched Aoki Labs to fund investments at the intersection of entertainment, wellness, consumer innovation and longevity. 'This is about channeling the same energy and curiosity I've brought to music into a new chapter – one focused on investing in things that make life better,' said Aoki, in a statement. 'Whether it's longevity, mental performance or culture-shifting consumer brands, I want to help build the future I want to live in and create a better world for future generations. That means backing founders and companies who share that passion and purpose.' Aoki has been a private investor for decades and was an early investor in Uber and Pinterest. Aoki Labs formalizes these efforts into a structured investment vehicle. He will work alongside founding partners and his longtime managers Matt Colon and Dougie Bohay, with Tashi Nakanishi serving as the CEO. Nakanishi brings deep venture experience, having co-founded Dreamers VC with Keisuke Honda and Will Smith, and launched X&KSK, alongside one of Japan's first influencer-led investment vehicles. 'This fund reflects a serious commitment to long-term value for founders, for culture and for human health,' said Nakanishi, in a statement. Aoki Labs' early portfolio includes Audio Media Grading (a collectibles grading company founded by Aoki in 2022), Mantel (Alex Ohanian's content and community platform for collectors), Freaks of Nature (Kelly Slater's skincare line) and Neuro (functional gum and mints for energy and focus). Aoki has also invested in Sanzo, an Asian-inspired sparkling water, and focuses on AAPI-led ventures across wellness and lifestyle with a mission to expand access and amplify diverse voices in venture. Information for this article was sourced from Aoki Labs.
Yomiuri Shimbun
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Nihonga Paintings Express World of Classical Text ‘Manyoshu'; New Book Shows How Artforms Connect
Japanese literature specialist Susumu Nakanishi has published a book introducing the appeal of manyo nihonga, paintings inspired by works in Manyoshu, a compilation of classic waka poems of the eighth century. The 95-year-old author of 'Nakanishi Susumu to Manyoga o Tanoshimu' (Find enjoyment in manyo nihonga with Susumu Nakanishi), published by Tankosha Publishing, believes that poetry and painting are closely related. He talked about the pleasure of enjoying waka poetry together with paintings in an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun. Manyo nihonga was created for the opening of the Nara Prefecture Complex of Man'yo Culture in Asuka, Nara Prefecture, in 2001. Nakanishi served as the complex's first director. The collection features work by 154 artists, including Matazo Kayama and Shoko Uemura. They depict landscapes and figures described in Japan's oldest anthology of poems. The ancient waka poetry and modern paintings meet and resonate with each other, creating vivid imagery. Nakanishi said that adding pictures to poetry is something 'essential' for human beings. The leading scholar of Manyoshu was a member of a university art club when he was a student. 'What you hear becomes literature, and what you see becomes pictures. Poetry and pictures are two sides of the same coin in terms of sensitivity, and, depending on the way we perceive nature, it becomes a picture or a poem,' he said. Manyoshu is a collection of poems by a wide range of people, from emperors to commoners. Various areas in Japan serve as settings, with many being composed by people while traveling for leisure or for example, a poem by Yamabe no Akahito about snow-capped Mt. Fuji reads: 'Tagonoura yu / uchiidete mireba / mashiro niso / fuji no takane ni / yuki wa furikeru' (When going out along the shore of Tago and looking at the lofty peak of Mt. Fuji, I see white, glittering snow on top) Inspired by this poem, Tamako Kataoka, in 'Mt. Fuji Seen from Tagonoura,' boldly depicted the mountain with a halo of light. 'The painting depicts well the deep shock the people of that period, who were accustomed to rounded mountains, must have had when they saw the sharp figure of Mt Fuji. It depicts the sacredness of the mountain, too,' Nakanishi said. He said Kataoka did not paint the mountain as it was, but instead 'broke down the concrete image of the mountain and reconstructed people's surprise.'Nakanishi also talked about colors. Shunei Nishida painted 'Losing My Way among Autumn Leaves,' inspired by a poem by Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, which reads: 'Akiyama no / momichi o shigemi / matoinuru / imo o motomen / yamaji shirazumo' (With the lush yellow leaves of autumn mountain, I wander the mountain path seeking my lost wife) Nishida painted most of the canvas in red, depicting a landscape of autumn leaves. 'I was stunned by the bold blood-red color,' said Nakanishi. He also pointed to a small white waterfall painted in the background. Since ancient times, white has been considered a sacred color, and that is why he sees the waterfall as a symbol of an 'unobtainable, pure white soul' that Hitomaro was seeking. 'While you stare at paintings, you begin to feel as if they grow eyes and stare back at you,' Nakanishi said. The new book carries about 30 paintings and text by Nakanishi containing knowledge and thoughts about Manyoshu and columns by Sayaka Inoue, the planning and research section chief at the cultural facility. Written in simple yet profound language, the book serves as an introduction to the world of Manyoshu. Nakanishi believes that the world of poetry, which conveys something more than facts, is indispensable for modern people. He compared it to 'frills' on clothing. 'They may not serve any practical purpose but can comfort people and soothe their hearts. The role of poetry is essential to human beings,' he said. Poems in Manyoshu still stir the imaginations of people and touch their hearts. Manyo nihonga, which bring together the sensibilities of ancient and modern times, remind us of poetry's universal power.
Fashion Network
02-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Alain Miklitarian revives Solamor with a premium eyewear relaunch
French eyewear label Solamor is gearing up for a long-anticipated relaunch, nearly four years after acclaimed designer Alain Miklitarian stepped in to take over the brand. Its first official collection under his creative direction will premiere this September at the Silmo Paris optics and eyewear trade show. Miklitarian has teamed up with Ludovic Edouard Dader, owner of the Paris-based boutique Eyeshowroom, to lead the revival. The project has been years in the making, shaped by trial and error. Before finalizing a concept they were proud of, the duo went through several rounds of prototype designs that never made it to production. Every step was guided by a shared goal: to bring Solamor back without compromising its legacy of craftsmanship. 'I've always been drawn to this brand,' Miklitarian said. 'It's been on my radar for years, but the timing never aligned—until Ludovic reached out and brought the opportunity to life.' A first look coming this September Miklitarian initially hesitated to join the project, but in 2021, he committed fully, bringing financial backing and technical know-how. The early prototypes fell short of expectations, delaying the launch. From the outset, he and Dader made one thing non-negotiable: they wouldn't attach the Solamor name to anything less than exceptional. They partnered with Japanese manufacturer Nakanishi to uphold the brand's luxury standards and selected titanium for the frames. The result is a Made in Japan collection, with two models set to preview at Silmo Paris. The full lineup includes twelve styles—offering both standard and customizable options—and will launch by the end of the year. While developing the line, Miklitarian referenced Solamor's archives but intentionally introduced modern design details. Still, he steers clear of leaning too heavily on vintage material. 'If you dig into the archives too much, it starts to feel like plagiarism,' he said. He aims to honor the brand's legacy while keeping the aesthetic relevant and forward-looking. Customization plays a big role in the relaunch. The Sport 1000, one of the standout styles, will be available at different price points — from €450 to €1,000, and up to €2,000 for the gold-plated 2027 edition. Prices vary depending on the frame and lens quality. Lens options range from durable polycarbonate with classic finishes to high-performance polyurethane that mimics mineral glass. The more advanced lenses offer better brightness and polarized glare reduction. 'Solamor isn't a sports brand,' Miklitarian added, 'but I'm using every tool available.' Target: Made in France by 2027 Although Miklitarian stands by the quality of the Japan-made collection, he admits the experience came with a bittersweet edge. 'I had to adapt to Japanese production methods, but there's still an aftertaste — the brand was born in the Jura region, and it misses that French système D spirit that gives it its charm,' he said. He and Dader now plan to bring production back to France by 2027 — a move that would also allow Miklitarian to reconnect with long-standing industrial partners. 'It's not just about flying the Made in France flag,' he said. 'It's about working with manufacturers with the expertise to craft exceptional products.' This approach is part of a bigger strategy. Although Italy continues to lead the global eyewear market — driven by giants like EssilorLuxottica, which reported €26.5 billion in revenue in 2024 — Miklitarian believes French craftsmanship still sets itself apart. 'Walk into a French factory and you'll see it — the way metal is worked, how materials are shaped and finished. That's the kind of expertise we still have,' he said. Reviving Solamor wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. Miklitarian had been contemplating it for years. Now in his 70s, he brings decades of experience at the crossroads of design and social impact — from launching his namesake label and co-creating Starck Eyes to founding Mikli Diffusion, an initiative that made art more accessible to the visually impaired. With this relaunch, he's breathing new life into one of France's heritage brands. Founded in 1946 by Georges Lissac, Solamor became a fixture in both cinema and fashion, worn by icons like Jean-Luc Godard, Michèle Morgan and Jean-Paul Belmondo. Crafting a premium identity Solamor is positioning itself as a high-end contender in a competitive market dominated by fashion houses such as Dior, Saint Laurent and Chanel. But Miklitarian insists the brand will stand out not for its name, but for its craftsmanship. He's well aware of the challenges ahead. 'Luxury brands are slowing down. With unstable economies and global tensions, any brand without a solid foundation could be at risk,' he said. To stay agile, Miklitarian and Dader plan to keep operations lean — outsourcing most tasks and limiting the core team to just five people. For now, Solamor does not plan to sell directly to consumers. Instead, it will distribute through opticians and operate under a B2B model, working only with what Miklitarian calls 'committed and willing' partners. If direct-to-consumer sales are introduced later through the brand's website, he emphasizes the platform must provide value and support — not serve purely as a sales channel. While no direct data is available for the brand itself, industry publication Acuité reported a 0.9% increase in optician sales for 2024 — a positive sign for Solamor's distribution strategy.
The Mainichi
22-06-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Japan Expo volunteer with Down syndrome fulfills dream to help others through English
WAKAYAMA -- "Please enjoy the Expo!" says a volunteer at the ongoing Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai to a foreign visitor. Kenshi Nakanishi, 26, wears a badge that says "English," and waves his hand and smiles when he notices guests from abroad. Nakanishi, who is from the city of Wakayama, southwest of Osaka, has Down syndrome. Apart from answering questions from visitors who need help finding pavilions, he also responds to curveballs, like where to buy sunscreen. Holding a map, he carefully points them in the right direction. Given his condition, it takes Nakanishi time to learn each word in English. But, that's where he proves himself to be a hard worker. He has continued to study with the goal of guiding people from overseas in English, and cultivated the spirit of hospitality through the tea ceremony. Nakanishi first became interested in English while in junior high school. As his body was frail, there were things he couldn't do as well as his peers, but he enjoyed practicing pronunciation and memorizing English vocabulary, including words like "hospitality" which feel unlike anything in Japanese. While studying in special needs classes at a local junior high school, Nakanishi took English in regular classes, and even tried his hand at an English play. After school, he would continue listening and speaking exercises such as by listening to radio lectures by public broadcaster NHK. This was when he started to think, "I want to speak English with people from overseas." From speech contest to Expo After enrolling in a correspondence high school, Nakanishi continued to develop his skills, entering events such as the Wakayama Prefecture high school English speech contest. When he told his high school teacher, "I want to help people through my strong English skills," the teacher suggested volunteer opportunities he could pursue even within Japan. The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021 were supposed to be the first big step toward fulfilling his dream. Nakanishi applied to be a venue guide volunteer for the events, but the Games ultimately took place without spectators due to the spread of COVID-19, canceling his planned participation. While discouraged, he remained determined and did not give up. In autumn 2021, Nakanishi gave a tea ceremony demonstration and delivered an English speech at the local Kinokuni Wakayama Cultural Festival. Later, upon learning about volunteer opportunities at the upcoming Osaka Expo, his motivation was renewed. On April 21, Nakanishi stood for the first time as an Expo volunteer at Yumeshima, the event's venue. Due to environmental considerations, printed maps were not being distributed to visitors, and the information centers selling maps were packed with long lines. Directional signs provided were also limited, and he noticed many visitors appeared lost and confused. After returning home, he carefully studied the Expo map and by hand, made a version labeled so as to easily understand at a glance what kind of facilities are found where. "It is nice to hear them say 'Arigato' after showing someone around from overseas," said Nakanishi. However, he also experienced some misunderstandings, recalling one incident when someone asked him for directions to the popular sushi chain "Kura Sushi" (referred to as "Kura") at the venue, which he mistakenly confused with "cooler" at first. The theme of this Expo focuses on "life" and "diversity." Watching him overcome challenges in the background, Nakanishi's mother reflected with pride, "When he was young, he had health issues and was hospitalized. Back then, we could never have imagined such an energetic future for him. I'm so glad he found something he truly enjoys and has had the opportunity to pursue it." At first, Nakanishi planned to participate as a volunteer five times over the Expo period running until Oct. 13. But, determined to convey Japanese hospitality and kindness using his best English, he later doubled that amount to 10 times. Nakanishi's strong desire to improve continues. "I wonder if I study what is popular among foreign tourists now, that conversations will become livelier." (Japanese original by Rihi Anzai, Wakayama Bureau)
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Resident Evil 9 Leaker Asks Fans to Brace for Major Changes
It has been nearly four years since Resident Evil Village launched for PS5 and PS4. While Capcom has released games within the franchise, including Resident Evil Re:Verse and the Resident Evil 4 remake, the next mainline entry has yet to be revealed. However, it seems we may finally get the first look at sometime this year according to a known leaker. According to Dusk Golem, most known for their horror video game leaks, Resident Evil 9 will 'almost definitely' be revealed sometime this year. They also claim that the reason why it has yet to be revealed is due to the scope of the game. It is, supposedly, a 'big reinvention of the series,' similar to how entries like Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 7 revolutionized the franchise. 'The thing I think people will realize when RE9 is revealed is the reason this game is taking so long is because it's like a big reinvention of the series, to the same level as RE4 & RE7,' claims the leaker. 'It's not going to play just like RE7/RE8 or the Remakes, it's trying new things & very ambitious. It will almost definitely be revealed this year, so just hold tight.' Details on Resident Evil 9 are very sparse, and are mostly just rumors. One rumor suggests the next mainline entry in the beloved horror franchise will be open-world. One concrete detail we do know is Resident Evil 7's Koshi Nakanishi is heading development for Resident Evil 9, which was revealed during Capcom Next last year. 'We're making a new Resident Evil,' Nakanishi said during the Capcom Next showcase. 'It was really difficult to figure out what to do after (Resident Evil 7). But I found it, and to be honest, it feels substantial. I can't share any details just yet, but I hope you're excited for the day I can.' The post Resident Evil 9 Leaker Asks Fans to Brace for Major Changes appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.
