The NHK documentary about cute bentos has aired! Come watch my segments on my YouTube channel (please subscribe) or embedded below. Japanese TV is absolutely bananas, isn’t it?

In Part 1, I show the reporter how to draw and create cute character bentos. How many times can you spot my Scottish Fold cat, Basil Farrow?

Part 2 documents my visit to the Harlem elementary school to teach children (and their parents) how to make cute and healthy sandwiches. Don’t you love their enthusiasm?

Some parts didn’t make the final cut: the reporter and I had a five minute race to make cute food faces, and there was a segment where I modeled my fashion line. But I’ll post behind-the-scenes videos from the shoot later on (shot by Shichi, as were the photos above). You can see more from the NHK Japanese TV show in the last few pages of this blog — and to learn cute bento-making, do consider my book Cute Yummy Time!

Yesterday was an interesting press day. The Guardian (UK newspaper) reported that Cute Yummy Time was named one of the oddest book titles of the year — along with “Bondage for Beginners” and other head-scratchers. I hope my book makes the shortlist…

Moreover, a giant image of Ronan Farrow (Basil Farrow’s dad) is currently gracing the front page of Rosie O’Donnell’s website. The photo was taken by me! Next time, Rosie should post a photo of our fat, furry, earless son, don’t you think?

What do you think of NHK documentary? Are you eager to make kawaii character bentos now?

Save the date: I’m hosting a J-pop party on February 13, 2010 in Los Angeles! The infamous Yukiro and other familiar faces from this blog will be there… we hope to see you!

Celebrate the Lunar New Year on Saturday, February 13th at Kira Kira, a sparkling photo-sticker shop with all of the newest Purikura machines from Japan! Our special event will be hosted by Harajuku fashion and Cute Food blogger La Carmina. The DJs from Tune in Tokyo will also be there, spinning the best in J-Pop, J-Rock, and Global Dance Pop all night long.

There will also be prizes and giveaways sponsored by Hear Japan, Lime Crime, and Gloomth! (Photo of Carmina by Shichi; flyer by Greg.)

WHEN: Saturday, Feb 13th, 8PM – 12 AM. Free and all ages.
WHERE: Kira Kira is located at the Seasons Place shopping center in City of Industry (2nd floor, above Red Mango). There’s plenty of free parking.
RSVP on Facebook here.

Look forward to seeing you there!

The cauldron is bubbling, my friends… we have multiple magical adventures in the works for our time in LA and Vegas. Too bad we just missed GPKISM, Seileen and SiSeN’s stop in LA. Liz from LA Weekly wrote an awesome report on the concert (and kindly let me post a few photos, taken by Shannon Cottrell). “We’ve noticed that J-goth has developed its own devoted following in the U.S., one that’s separate from the domestic goth scene, but isn’t necessarily that different [...] It’s this strange amalgamation of now-vintage musical elements with a contemporary flair that makes J-goth so appealing to a younger generation of fans.” Check out the rest of her review here. Were you at the event, or the recent X-Japan music video shoot? What did you think?

Young author/illustrator Realm Lovejoy interviewed me for her blog and drew a charming image of me in maid cafe cosplay! I love the little bento nibbles in the background, and my ever-present earless teddy bear cat. You can read the interview on her site and pasted below.

1) Thank you for joining us, La Carmina! What is CUTE YUMMY TIME about? And what are bentos?
Imagine opening up your lunch to find Hello Kitty or Pikachu made out of rice, eggs and ham! Cute Yummy Time is inspired by Japanese “charaben” bentos, or box lunches that are arranged to look like cute faces. I created my own characters — including one based on my Scottish Fold cat Basil Farrow — and made recipes that focus on healthy, Western ingredients. You can find out more and order Cute Yummy Time here.

2) I enjoy making bentos! I’ll have to try some of your recipes out. What are some examples of how you adjusted bento-making to suit the western palate?
My cookbook builds on the Japanese trend by “thinking outside the bento box.” There are 72 recipes for all occasions: breakfast, meals, desserts, holidays. You don’t need any special bento equipment to make the cute faces (almost everything can be decorated in under 10 minutes). And I focus on healthy ingredients that are easily found in all Western grocery stores; recipes include a baby chick egg salad wrap, cow-faced cheeseburgers and hobgoblin dark chocolate cupcakes. Cute Yummy Time is a whimsical new approach to cooking that all ages can enjoy.

3) You also have a book called CRAZY, WACKY THEME RESTAURANTS: TOKYO. It sounds like something I want to bring next time I visit Japan! Can you tell us about the book and some of your favorite wacky restaurants?
In Tokyo, a theme dining experience isn’t complete unless you’re molested by monsters, attacked by ninjas, or charmed by cross-dressing maids! I endured and photographed over 30 such cafes — and wrote about my ridiculous adventures in Crazy, Wacky Theme Restaurants: Tokyo. My favorites
are Christon Café (which features church relics and a “disco Jesus”) and Alice in Wonderland (you’ll see how my friends cosplayed as the characters). I also visited the haunted jail restaurant, Alcatraz ER, with Andrew Zimmern for an episode of Bizarre World (airing this May on Travel Channel!).

4) What aspects of the Harajuku culture inspired you and drew you in? And what exactly is the Harajuku scene like?
As a teen, I remember walking through Harajuku and feeling like I was on Mars. I love the neo-Rococo fashions, cute-meets-Gothic aesthetics, towering Visual Kei hair and theatrical makeup… there’s an exhilarating, experimental pulse heard all through this district. I post street snaps and store photos from Harajuku in this section of my blog.

5) You’ve got a popular blog and you have been on TV such as The Today Show and NHK, as well as writing articles for CNN. What’s your advice to other writers on building an effective platform to promote themselves?
My blog and YouTube channel are ongoing portfolios for my creative work. I often land writing and TV gigs when people find my site and dig the spooky-cute adventure palace I’ve built. Social networks and blogging are great ways to be in touch with readers and make connections. Be personal, reach out, write diligently about what excites you — and opportunities will naturally unfold.

CUTE YUMMY TIME can be ordered here. CRAZY, WACKY THEME RESTAURANTS can be ordered here.

We hope to see you at our Chinese New Year & Purikura party on Feb 13! Please mark your calendars, RSVP and tell your LA friends!

Anddddd here’s the other scary-sweet print from my clothing collaboration with Akumu Ink! It comes in various sizes and ships internationally.

† CARMINA IN WONDERLAND HOODIE
Features Scotitsh Fold Basil Farrow as the Cheshire Cat, grinning and pouring La Carmina tea. In tribute to Alice and Gothloli fashion, she wears a lace headdress and lace-up rocking horse shoes. Each is hand-screened in gold ink on a black background. Silver razorblade Akumu Ink logo on the chest.
BUY MENS (S-XXL), $48.50
BUY WOMENS (XS-XXL), $48.50

† CARMINA IN WONDERLAND T-SHIRT
As designer Joey comments, “Take a look at how stylish you can be all the while retaining maximum comfort!” Each tee is hand-screened in gold ink on a black background. Optional La Carmina x Akumu Ink print on the back.
BUY MENS (S-XXXL), $21.99
BUY WOMENS (S-XXL), $21.99

As always, Basil Farrow willingly participated a photoshoot. This cat is too cute to be real. As soon as I put him on the table, he went up to his image on the t-shirt… and head-bonked himself!

Basil Farrow adores my new Juicy Couture owl ring, a gift from my mother. Whenever I show it to him, he sniffs it… and taps the face with his big, furry paw! (Perhaps Basil likes it because he looks like an owl?)

For more flop-eared cat photos from this shoot, you can view my Facebook Group and Fan Page. All of the items from my clothing line can be viewed and ordered here. Hugs , everyone, for making 2010 a killer year so far!

I asked three Asian designers about 2010 style predictions for CNNGo — including Fumiko of Classical Lolita brand Chantilly! Read the article here and find out what Fumiko predicts for the future of Lolita style in Japan. Thanks to Valerie Fujita-Conchartre for the photographs; check out the Visual Kei and Gothloli photos on her blog, Alice and Peter Punk. Sachi from Kokusyoku Sumire is the cutest model – and her band is one of my favorites.

Dreaming up a creative project and making it come to life… is there anything more fulfilling? The cherry on top: working with a tireless and ultra-talented collaborator, Akumu Ink. Here are the fruits of our labor (and play!). Introducing my new La Carmina x Akumu Ink fashion website, coded by yours truly. All of the t-shirts and hoodies are available now for you to order!

† BLACK LA CARMINA + BASIL PORTRAIT T-SHIRT †
Featuring your Harajuku-Goth fashion blogger/author and her Scottish Fold cat, Basil Farrow. His worried expression, heart-shaped nose and jutting fang are too cute for words! Gothic details include a skull/cake hat, eye stickers and a key necklace. Each is hand-screened in white ink on a black background. Optional La Carmina x Akumu Ink print on the back.

BUY MENS (S-XXXL), $21.99
BUY WOMENS (S-XXL), $21.99

For the girls, we have a lovely cranberry red. Each is hand-screened in white ink on a red background. Optional La Carmina x Akumu Ink print on the back.
BUY WOMENS (S-XXL), $21.99

My personal favorite: a purple V-neck that goes great with a black feathered boa. Each is hand-screened in white ink on a purple background. Optional La Carmina x Akumu Ink print on the back.

BUY MENS UNISEX (XXS-XL), $23.99
BUY WOMENS UNISEX (XXS-XL), $23.99

This one’s for the boys. It’s too big for me, but I’ll rope some cuties into modelling the shirts for me soon! Each is hand-screened in white ink on a grey background. Optional La Carmina x Akumu Ink print on the back.
BUY MENS (S-XXXL), $21.99

I can’t take off this hoodie — it’s so unbelievably comfortable and warm. Even Basil Farrow loves to sit on it! Each is hand-screened in white ink on a black background. Silver razorblade Akumu Ink logo on the chest.
BUY MENS (S-XXL), $48.50
BUY WOMENS (XS-XXL), $48.50
SEE MORE HERE

I’m so happy with the prints; they’re of the topmost quality — you won’t be disappointed! We’ve got a range of sizes and colors, and kept prices low. Please do support indie clothing company Akumu Ink — their range of J-horror/Goth/Steampunk shirts is outstanding, and we hope to keep putting out new designs for you.

So please take a moment to check out the new La Carmina x Akumu Ink clothing line website. If you have any questions or want to carry the clothes in your store, send me a line. (Tomorrow, I’ll spotlight our Alice in Wonderland print.)

PS: Thanks for the band name suggestions! Keep them coming, you’re a devilishly creative bunch!

I began my speech by telling the Harlem schoolchildren that I brought a cute friend with me. I pulled her out of a large bag… and they awwed in recognition: “It’s Hello Kitty!”

I talked about kawaii in Japanese culture and character bentos, and gave pointers on healthy eating. The nine-year-olds were very high-energy and asked me rambling questions. Then it was time for the students to try making their own cute-faced sandwiches. They chose ingredients from the spread I had prepped the previous day. By the end of the shoot, almost everything was gone!

The children intuitively understood how to use cookie cutters, straws and other basic tools to make kawaii characters out of food. I went around the tables to help and encourage them.

Amazingly, the children ate vegetables that they’d never seen before — sprouts, green snap peas, red peppers — and said they tasted great. Their parents took away a fun, new approach to making healthy food accessible for kids. I was pleased.

Hana cheered, “Let’s make kawaii character bentos together!” — and we all raised our fists and yelled “Yayyyyy!” Ah, the wonders of Japanese TV.

You will love the episode of New York Wave, which will air next month on NHK (I’ll upload clips). Much thanks to Thomas, a teacher at the school, for his invaluable help in making the lesson possible. Arigato also to Shichi for the photos and help in dishing out the food.

For more images from the Harlem TV segment, you can watch this video slideshow. If you’re interested in cute healthy cooking for picky eaters, I have a new book out, Cute Yummy Time.

I Tweeted a link that got a lot of responses: Condom Fashion Show in China. A very creative use of the material (and my mom sent me the link!). Birth control couture: kawaii or ai-yah?

Received my Akumu Ink x La Carmina t-shirts today and AHH the prints are so eye-catching! Each tee and hoodie is hand-screened; you won’t be disappointed by the quality. (They’re available for order at www.akumuink.com — I’ll post photos of me in them soon.)

What’s next? My visit to NYC Lolita store Tokyo Rebel, my spooky Goth girl band, Bowie’s birthday party, and more undead adventures in LA!

Day 3 of the NHK Japan TV shoot. Regi came to NYC to witness the cute cookery. We both happened to be wearing black and our favorite shade of blue. She refers to it as hyper-active or BAM turquoise; I call it 0099CC (since that’s its hex color for CSS and Photoshop).

My long-sleeve top with a face on it: Etnies, an action apparel brand. Random, eh? This TV segment called for “casual clothes” so I had to do my best!
Skull scarf worn as a skirt: A mall vending cart. Casual, cheap and random: check.
Black leggings: Mall vending cart again.
Blue fishnets worn on forearms: Socks from Barcelona that I wear on my arms.
Cute penguin bands worn below knees: These are actually bento box straps from Daiso, the Japanese dollar store. I’d say the overarching theme of this outfit is… random?

Just like in Food Network competitions, I had to prep a large amount of food for the next day. Believe it or not, I was going to Harlem to teach nine-year-olds how to make cute bentos! Wait til you see the photos…

Since we’re in random mode today, I thought I’d go off on some thought tangents. Digital cameras versus film: this and the previous photo are from a vintage camera Shichi bought, and the difference is perceptible. I’m determined to tinker further with toy cameras — I think the results are worth the price of processing.

And I like Regi’s armbands. Practical and stylish. They add a Goth element and work with a variety of short-sleeved tops.

Top-hatted Shichi took all the photos in this post (except the one he’s in, of course). People often ask if my hair is the result of extensions. Nope, it’s all me. For this style, I tied small bundles with black elastics to fluff up the natural volume.

There was a major kitchen clean-up after the cameras left. On a scale of 1 to 10, how much of a clean freak are you? I’m probably around a 9…

Two random recommendations. Patti Smith’s new book, Just Kids, is impossible to put to down. It’s a memoir of her adventures with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe; 1960s NYC bohemia is a time that has always fascinated me. Pick up a copy and share it with your partners in crime.

Second, if you’re in New York City, go to Kenka. The Japanese word means fighting…

… and it’s the name of a much-loved Japanese izakaya (bar-style restaurant) on St Mark’s Place. There’s always a lineup outside, so try to come at 6pm when the doors open. If you put down your name, don’t go away — the man in the turban skips over absentees!

Don’t order the soggy gyoza, but do get a bottle of sake and yuzu shochu. Gather a group of friends and sample the takoyaki, unagi (eel), grilled mackerel, cod roe onigiri (rice balls), miso tofu, egg and mushroom rice, okonomiyaki, yakitori… so so yummy. At the end, you get a little cup of magic to pour into the cotton candy machine outside. Then you grab a stick and swirl it around and… FAIL. (A Kanae manga for your amusement!)

My new CNNGo articles that I think you’ll like (do take a moment to peruse):
† Asia’s BEST fabric markets unraveled. Crafters, sewers, DIY cosplayers – here’s where to shop.
† 5 unusual world records set in Asia. Why do you think we chose that photo for the world’s biggest orgy? Give me your best guess in the comments, and I’ll reveal the answer tomorrow.

Ah, the scratch-your-head experience of being on Japanese TV! Here’s day two of behind-the-scenes photos from my NHK Japan filming (courtesy of Shichi). I call this my “genki outfit”; think energetic, fun, bright:

Cobweb sweater top: Black Peace Now, from Closet Child. (It comes with trailing sleeves, not worn.)
Ganesh elephant god top: Vivienne Tam. Bought it almost 10 years ago in Hong Kong.
Punk plaid skirt with furry dangles and detachable leg covers: Peace Now, from Closet Child. (Such a unique piece.)
Hair: tied up in two loose, messy bundles. The TV director marveled: “How very spiky!”

The cameras filmed me doing what I do: chilling with Hello Kitty, reading Japanese bento books, blogging and writing all day. Let’s play Where’s Waldo! Can you spot…

† The blue feather I wore at the Halloween Vampire Masquerade ball?
† The gift that came with Blablahospital’s Xmas card?
† The dead kitty scarf I wore to Christon Cafe Shibuya?
† Part of my Phoenix Wright bento lady cosplay outfit?

The director interviewed me about my work. I don’t mind cameras in my face; I’ve had a lot of practice on my YouTube.

After, I Gothed up my lips for a fashion segment. Black lipstick from Lime Crime and a dab of dark blue from Make Up For Ever.

Fuzzy black beret with sparkles: Nile Perch, from Laforet Harajuku.
Silver and black crucifix ring: What’s your guess? Guess again? (Oh that never gets old!)
Crystal and black leather cuff: Yohji Yamamoto (one of my favorite pieces ever, from a Shibuya vintage store)
Spiky ankle boots: Tripp NYC, from Trash and Vaudeville in NYC

Here’s a closeup of one of my favorite eye makeup techniques. First, put on loads of black eyeliner (I use Urban Decay). I swept Aromaleigh Sonic Rocks in a teal shade over the edges, added blue glitter from Too Faced to the inside of my eyelids, and finished with Japanese dollar store stickers.

In one of those classic “montage” segments, I modeled the coats from my previous collection. Can’t wait for the first printing of the Akumu Ink collaboration t-shirts, now available for order here (and more info here – thanks for your enthusiasm!).

You’ll see how the TV shoot turned out in early February when it airs on NHK (and I’ll put up video clips on my YouTube.) Please keep in touch: I added Google Friend Connect and Facebook Fan boxes to the right sidebar. You can also receive special announcements via my Twitter and mailing list; please subscribe by entering your email in the top right box on the sidebar. And here’s a brilliant song for you…

NHK Japan documentary shoot, day one… lights, cameras, action! Photo-journalist Shichi took a zillion behind-the-scenes photos, which we’ll share with you in upcoming posts. He also gave me this stuffed Domo (the NHK mascot!).

Dress: Yumi, a flirty London brand inspired by Asian fashion. I couldn’t resist the Yorkie terriers print and the price (on sale for $70).
Leggings: Vivienne Westwood, a gift from my cousin and aunt. This is the first Westwood item I’ve owned!
Cute animal hair ties: from Daiso, the 100 yen (dollar) store.

TV shoots involve a truckload of equipment: lighting, tripods, cameras, you name it. The crew consisted of a cameraman, audio person, director, reporter, makeup artist — and yours truly. (The NHK team spoke to each other in Japanese; luckily, I knew what was going on!)

Before the cameras roll, there are hours and hours of preparations. The previous night was a mad rush to create sample character bentos (animal pancakes, frog pita sandwich, eggs dyed yellow with turmeric and transformed into chicks). I showed the host, Hana, how to draw kawaii animals.

Top: We had a five minute race to make cute faces out of healthy ingredients. Right: Our completed character bento sandwiches (can you recognize my cat, Basil Farrow?). Left: This is Japanese TV — so we had to be extra smiley and energetic and cute. Hana picked up a cashew nut and said, “This looks like a smile.” I held raspberries in front of her eyes and made them dance. V-fingers!

Filming involves take after take after take… Hana had to repeat a line six times: “Kawaii, ne? I’m going to turn this into a sandwich!” We began at 10 am and kept on going until well past 6pm. TV work is tiring, but oh so fun…

The New York Wave episode about cute bento boxes will air this February on NHK; I’ll be sure to let you know the exact time and put up segments on YouTube (please subscribe so you won’t miss out). More goofy photos from the shoot to come.

In recent press

† Popular Philadelphia radio show Chef’s Table interviewed me about my recipe book Cute Yummy Time (you can stream the show on the site).
† CNNGo is doing a four-part series about Cute Yummy Time recipes; the first one gives a tigerish makeover to India’s chicken tikka masala.
† If you’re interested in many more cute-faced recipes, please check out my new cookbook, in stores and available online.

Ladies and gentleman… introducing my new clothing line! A J-horror/kawaii collaboration with Montreal company Akumu Ink!

Akumu Ink’s designs are “inspired by everything coming out of Japan from its cute pop icons to its terrifying horror movies.” They sent me three spooky-Goth t-shirts, which I adored (remember this and this post?) The creative wheels began turning…

… and in record time, we had two prints ready to launch!

† La Carmina Portrait (first photo): Your Harajuku-Goth fashion blogger/author and her Scottish Fold cat, Basil Farrow. His fold-ears are simply perfect; Basil’s worried expression, heart-shaped nose and jutting fang are too cute for words! I love the Gothic details: skull/cake hat, stickers around my eyes, key necklace. (White ink; black/red/grey/purple background.)

† Carmina in Wonderland (second photo): Basil Farrow as an earless Cheshire Cat, grinning and pouring me tea. In tribute to Alice and Gothloli fashion, I wear a lace headdress and lace-up rocking horse shoes. (Gold ink; black background.)

† All shirts and hoodies are available in MENS and WOMENS sizes (S to XXL). There is an optional ‘La Carmina x Akumu Ink’ print on the back.

† T-shirts are $21.99-$23.99; hoodies are $48.50.

† All items ship internationally — and are available to order now from Akumu Ink’s website!

I hope you like the new fashion collection: you’re getting the first peek and opportunity to order! Very soon, you’ll find Akumu Ink x La Carmina in international retail stores. We’ll also be showcasing the designs at MAGIC clothing tradeshow in Vegas — hope to see you there.

To order, visit the Akumu Ink website and click on the shirt/hoodie you desire. Wholesalers, if you’re interested in carrying the clothes in your stores, contact me and we will send you line sheets/prices. Any questions? Email me or let me know in comments.

Yaoi = yow-ee! Welcome to 2010, kiddies. The first half of the year will be absolutely insane. So hold onto your top hats… I’m unfurling the roadmap.

First off… more TV work and more time in Japan! In May, French TV station Canal Plus will fly me to Tokyo to be featured in a 90-minute documentary. It’s part of an ongoing series that takes a surprising and subversive look at world capitals. And the host is none other than Antoine de Caunes, one of France’s biggest TV and film stars. Perhaps you may know him from the hit UK series Eurotrash, which he co-hosted with Jean Paul Gaultier!

So you can look forward to much more Tokyo Decadance (literally — we’ll be painting the town red with party organizer Adrien le Danois.) Of course, all my favorite Tokyo Spooks will be involved in the filming, like the Andrew Zimmern Bizarre World shoot (which will air this April).

Next week, I’ll be in front of the cameras for a Japanese TV station, NHK. As I mentioned before, I’ll be the subject of a New York Wave documentary on cute food and character bentos. Hello Kitty and schoolchildren will be involved… yes!

And where will I be in February/March? The City of Angels, with the infamous Yukiro Dravarious! (Above: Yukiro with Das Ich and DJ SiSEN.) We’ll be rooming together (!!) and collaborating with LA luminaries, leaving a trail of ostrich feathers and blood in our wake…

What else do I have planned for 2010? Quite a lot. I’m continuing to write about Asia pop culture/music/fashion/food for CNNGo (see all my articles here), and I want to get started on my next book project. There’s additional TV stuff in the works, which I can’t talk about quite yet… but so far, everything’s pointing to a green light. And the fashion collaboration will be revealed soon, so keep checking back.

2010 is going to be a killer year of filming, friends, fashion, and flamboyance — can’t you feel the electricity in the air? Who’s coming along with me on the wild ride?

Song of the Day #274: I’ve been blasting Cure Radio, the free 24 hour J-rock stream, nonstop.