I'm going to this Friday night at 1015 Folsom: the launch of Tenori-On, featuring media designer Toshio Iwai and I am Robot and Proud.

Tenori-On is a new electronic instrument designed by Toshi Iwai. Check out this demo:

They call it "WoW" for a reason... because that is MY reaction to this.

(From Joi on Twitter)

He's not bad but the "freak show" culture around his TV appearance is so typically Japanese and kinda depressing. There are plenty of shows like this on Japanese TV, shows that are basically, "OMG LOOK this non-Japanese person can use chopsticks/do kendo/play the shamisen/speak JAPANESE."

It's not that hard, people. Get over yourselves. Japanese people don't have a monopoly on singing Japanese songs.

That said, it's a pretty rare coincidence of personal history, interest, and talent that created a marketable and decent black enka singer...

This is super-adorable as well as being super-practical; form+function, what could be better?

Rock Band drum cozies!

The look cute AND dampen the annoying clickety-clack of the plastic heads. Great idea!

(Thanks, Alex!)

I would SO play the bard class! OMG.