Category Archive for Tokyo + Japan
TORTURE GARDEN JAPAN, TOKYO FETISH CLUB NIGHT. GOTH ALTERNATIVE JAPANESE NIGHTLIFE, CLUBS LISTINGS & PARTIES.
I’ve been to Torture Garden in Japan twice now. In Halloween 2010, I wore a sexy nun costume. This time, my inspiration was Goth Sailor Moon.
Steampunk skirt: gifted from Lip Service
Black lingerie top: an old thing
Gold octopus pin: gifted from Ghostlove
Horror necklace: gifted from Sourpuss Clothing
I met two spooky friends at the Shibuya Hachiko statue.
We went to a K-pop cafe, which felt like we were in Seoul.
We met more Rainbow Brite friends in front of Eleven, the club in Nishi Azabu.
Final touches to outfits before going in.
Kana (right) looks like she came straight from her burlesque boudoir. On the left: yet another example of Gothic Lolita that doesn’t play by the rules: ghoulish makeup and cute bear ears. That’s how it is in Japan clubs.
Scattered around the event: punishment demos, dancing queens, painful performances.
From Geisha to Gothic, every type of fashion is found here.
Yukiro and I have now nightcrawled together in Tokyo, Osaka, LA, NYC… and soon Berlin and Leipzig (Wave Gotik Treffen).
Pain and pleasure.
I wasn’t impressed with the clown who staple-gunned his arm and inhaled a glass of milk. But I love the rubber lady, who makes her own costumes.
Torture Garden sounds like an intimidating place, but it’s all about freedom and fun.
How do you feel about extreme performances at fetish/underground events like this one? Which outfits did you like best?
For more Tokyo nightlife, check out my Japan Goth club guide.
PS: I’ve moved my Song of the Day feature to my La Carmina Tumblr. (I’l add you back!)
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WORLD’S WEIRDEST RESTAURANTS, FOOD NETWORK: ALICE IN WONDERLAND CAFE, SHINJUKU TOKYO JAPAN. GOTH LOLITAS.
I hope you’ve been enjoying my appearances on the TV show “World’s Weirdest Restaurants,” currently airing every Wednesday on Food Network Canada. If you’re not in the land of the Canucks, don’t worry — I’ll post some clips soon.
First Mate Naomi and I “fixed” 14 of the TV segments, meaning we planned shoots at Tokyo theme restaurants, cast extras, and made sure everything went smoothly. One of my favorite episodes was Alice in Wonderland Cafe in Shinjuku.
No shoot is complete without Yukiro. Ever the shape-shifter, this is his Sweet Lolita incarnation.
At Alice Cafe, the food is as mad as the Hatter. Playing card pizza and Cheshire Cat risotto fit the theme.
An avocado and roe (fish eggs) sushi roll, in honor of the story’s Caterpillar.
This is Lewis Carroll’s vision, not Disney’s. Wonderland has a dark, topsy-turvy atmosphere.
If only Tim Burton’s movie version were like this.
Thanks to everyone who came and took part in the TV filming! I’m wearing a cute Bros Products dress, given to me by the Hong Kong designer. (I also wore it to the Hong Kong Art Fair). Lace hair accessory is a gift from my friend Heathyr.
Pumpkin glitter hair scrunchies, worn as bracelets.
Ironically, on a Food Network TV shoot, you hardly get a chance to eat. Instead of “Eat Me,” my motto was “Feed Me.”
My friends gave their opinions on the Cheshire Cat sundae.
Stuffed toys in the chandelier: a nice effect. All photos by Naomi.
Canadians, I invite you to watch Food Network every Wednesday night, to see me in the Japan episodes of World’s Weirdest Restaurants! Check your listings for the exact time and channel number.
Here is a bonus clip from tonight’s episode: La Carmina at Cos-Cha maid cafe in Akihabara. Slapping and spoon-feeding are involved…
Intrigued by cutely decorated food, and bizarre Japanese theme restaurants? I wrote books on both subjects. Check out La Carmina’s books and pick up a copy.
Would you like to have a Mad Tea Party at the Alice in Wonderland Japan restaurant? What do you think of my Food Network and NHK Kawaii TV appearances?
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LA CARMINA
