New Cyberpunk Maid Cafe Opens In Akihabara, Tokyo
Japanese maids in thigh-high stockings are ready to take you to the year 2045. With so many maid cafes in Tokyo it can be hard to pick just one to visit if you’re pressed for time and on a tight itinerary.
Now, though, the choice is easy, as Japan’s most popular maid cafe, Akiba Zettai Ryoiki, has just opened their fourth branch in Akihabara, and this one boasts a cyberpunk-kawaii fusion theme that combines the world of maids with the future. Continue reading »
Buddhist Robot Is Now Delivering Religious Teachings At A 400-Year-Old Temple In Kioto
An ancient Japanese temple has hired the help of a $900,000 (Y100 million) robot to deliver the teachings of Buddhism. The android, dubbed Kannon, is based on the traditional Buddhist deity of mercy and is designed to attract young people. The robo-deity provided its first sermon at Kyoto’s Kodaiji temple, which opened in 1619. Continue reading »
“The Paper Time Machine” Book Takes Historical Images And Imbues Them With Astonishing Color
Early photographic technology lacked a crucial ingredient — color. As early as the invention of the medium, skilled artisans applied color to photographs by hand, attempting to convey the vibrancy and immediacy of life in vivid detail (with mostly crude results).
The age-old practice of colorization has been revived with modern digital precision in a new book, “The Paper Time Machine”.
With images curated by Retronaut creator Wolfgang Wild and colorized according to meticulous period research by Jordan Lloyd of Dynamichrome, the book aims to collapse the divide between historical imagery and present-day viewers.
An overhead view of people on 36th St. between 8th and 9th Aves., New York. Manhattan’s Garment District has been the center of the American fashion industry since at least the turn of the twentieth century – in 1900, New York City’s garment trade was its largest industry by a factor of three. The entire fashion ecosystem, from fabric suppliers to designer showrooms, exists within an area just under a square mile. Native New Yorker Margaret Bourke-White was in her mid-twenties when she took this picture. She would later become Life magazine’s first female photojournalist and, during WWII, the first female war correspondent. The two cars shown are a 1930 Ford Model A 4-Door Sedan, left, and a Ford Model A Sports Coupe, right. IMAGE: MARGARET BOURKE-WHITE /TIME & LIFE PICTURES / GETTY IMAGES Continue reading »
These Winning Photos Of The 2018 Underwater Photographer Of The Year Contest Will Take Your Breath Away
The ocean is stunning as it is terrifying. Underwater Photographer of the year contest awards those who use their creative skills to capture the stunning beauty of ocean and marine life. The winners of this year contents have been announced, photographers from 63 countries submitted over 5,000 photos in 11 categories.
German photographer, Tobias Friedrich, won the grand prize for his photograph ‘Cycle – War’ which shows a panoramic view of the shipwrecked SS Thistlegorm, stocked with rows of 16H motorbikes loaded into Fordson WOT 3 trucks.
British Waters Compact Category: “Peek-A-Boo!” By Martin Edser, UK
“It’s always fun to dive with and photograph seals but this encounter was extra special. I had not seen any on this dive probably because it was late afternoon and they were enjoying a sensible nap on shore. I was beginning to lose hope when out of nowhere a head popped up out of the kelp and gave me an inquisitive stare. It disappeared again as quickly as it appeared only for the head to pop up again a few moments later in what I can only describe as a game of ‘Peek-a boo’! The water was murky and flash was not really an option, but we were shallow and it was a bright afternoon so anticipating where the head was likely to appear and using a wide aperture and as fast shutter speed as I could, allowed me to capture this memorable experience and the face of my playmate.” Continue reading »
2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer Of The Year Winners
Grand Prize Winner: Mermaid. “This calf was always with mom. A curious calf sometimes came to us. I was fortunate to have encountered a humpback whale with her calf on my first day snorkeling near Japan’s Kumejima Island. Most of the time, the calf stayed close to her mom. At one point, the calf began jumping and tapping its tail on the water near us – it was very friendly and curious. Finally, the mother, who was watching nearby, came to pick up the calf and swim away. I fell in love completely with the calf and it’s very energetic, large, and beautiful tail”. (Photo by Reiko Takahashi/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest) Continue reading »
Stuning Entries For The 2018 Nat Geo Travel Photographer Of The Year Contest
“Coordillera”. “After this shot, I have been traveling the same route several times. I could not see the landscape I saw when I shot this picture again. That morning the light and shadows over the coordillera were just perfect. The moment I had to shoot this series will remain in my memory as a special gift from nature”. (Photo by Karsten Hoenack/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest) Continue reading »
Artist Shoetree Creates Living, Breathing Sculptures From Old Nike Sneakers
For some it’s terracotta pots, for others it’s ceramic planters, for others still it’s plain old plastic straight from the store, but for Japanese artist Kosuke Sugimoto, aka Shoetree, when it comes to finding a home for his house plants he’s all about vintage Nike sneakers. Continue reading »
This Modern Cat Tree Designed To Feel Your Cats At Anytime
This vertically oriented piece designed by the Japanese craftsman Yoh Komiyama. Covered in natural wood offers a private space for the cat while serving as a decorative interior object that fits seamlessly with its surroundings. Continue reading »
Stunning Finalists Of The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2017
Prepare yourself for some rib-tickling laughter because the Comedy Wildlife Awards has announced its finalists. Founded by Tanzania-based photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam, the aim of the awards is to put a spotlight on wildlife conservation efforts while simultaneously injecting some humour into the world of wildlife photography.
A wild rabbit seen collecting nesting material in Belgium Flanders, Bredene, Belgium. (Photo by Olivier Colle/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards) Continue reading »
2017 National Geographic Travel Photographer Of The Year – People
Lady Havana
Enter today for a chance to be named the 2017 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year. Each year, photographers around the world send National Geographic Travel gorgeous images that captivate and astonish. The judges are looking for photos that tell the story of a place and travel moments that inspire. Continue reading »
Dead Whale Sculpture Raises Awareness On Plastic Waste In The Philippines
Greenpeace Philippines has launched a 50 ft sculpture of a dead whale made out of plastic waste in a campaign to raise awareness about the effects of dumping rubbish. Continue reading »
“Shop Cats Of New York”: Photographer Captures Cats In Shops All Over NYC
Shop Cats of New York introduces forty of New York’s favorite felines—all who have an extraordinary story to tell. Popular cat blogger Tamar Arslanian and Instagram pet photographer Andrew Marttila capture these deeply loved and well cared for animals in their city habitat and reveal how they came to reign over their urban kingdoms. A celebration of some of the city’s most revered citizens and a unique look at New York life, this enchanting illustrated volume is a must for every cat lover, and every Big Apple devotee. Continue reading »
Royal Society Photo Contest Winners Capture Breathtaking Details Of Our Rapidly Changing World
From a swirling dance of mating mayflies to a lone clownfish swimming amongst a field of bone-white sea anemones, the top photos chosen for the Royal Society Publishing’s second annual nature photography contest showcase small but significant moments in a rapidly-changing world. While these images might not seem earth-shattering, their subtle subjects inspire new ways of looking at the natural world.
Special commendation. “Butterflies and caiman” by Mark Cowan.
Colourful butterflies gather on the head of this caiman to collect salt – an important mineral for their survival. This photo was taken while on a scientific expedition to the Amazon to study reptile and amphibian diversity. The expedition was led by researchers from the Herpetology Division at the University of Michigan and included participants from Peru and Australia. A number of minerals are a scarce resource throughout Amazonia and so this behaviour allows these invertebrates access to salt, much like the clay licks that are used by a variety of vertebrates. This particular phenomenon where butterflies and bees congregate on the heads and around the eyes of caimans and turtles has been documented before but what is unique here is the simultaneous number of butterfly species and the way in which each species is associated with its own kind. Continue reading »
Rare Photos That Captured Incredible Moments from History
Carving eye on Mount Rushmore, 1930s.
Sometimes, one simple picture can tell you more about history than any story you might read or any document you might analyze. These photographs all tell stories about the historical figures or events that they represent. Once taken simply to document their present, they now help us witness the past. Continue reading »
Pandas Get To Know Their Wild Side
Pandas are one of the world’s most beloved bears, an animal that is not only adorable to many, but also a cultural icon, an economic mainstay and a source of national pride in China – the only country in which these Asian bears still survive. Continue reading »
Old Toys Receive Donated Limbs To Educate Kids About Organ Transplants
Second Life Toys is an organisation in Japan that’s hoping to raise awareness about organ donation. And as you can see, their smart-thinking campaign is sure to catch people’s attention. The organisation is giving new limbs to old broken plushies in order to make them complete again. And the best part is that you can join the campaign by donating your own unwanted toys. You’ll even receive a letter from the “recipient” plushie telling you how your donation has helped to improve their lives. Continue reading »
New Entries For The 2016 National Geographic Travel Photographer Of The Year Contest
The National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest is now accepting entries. Harness the power of photography and share your stunning travel experiences from around the globe. Enter your most powerful photos for a chance to become the 2016 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year. Show us photos that tell the story of a place or reveal insights about what inspires you when you travel. The contest ends May 27, 2016.
Eid ul Fitr Prayer
This is a general view of Eid ul Fitr Prayer at Alamgir Mosque in Varanasi, Uttarpradesh, India. Eid prayers, also known as Salat al-Eid and Salat al-Eidain , is the special prayer offered to commemorate two Islamic festivals.This image depicts the Hindu–Muslim brotherhood exploring the dynamics of communal relations in Varanasi-a holy city of the Hindus. Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India (Photo and caption by Sirsendu Gayen / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest) Continue reading »
Ancient Traditional Honey Hunters Of Nepal
Andrew Newey, an award-winning UK-based travel photographer, has captured gripping photographs of central Nepalese Gurung tribe members engaged in a dangerous and ancient tradition – honey hunting. Continue reading »
Musical Roads That Play Melodies When Cars Drive Over
The Civic Musical Road in Lancaster, California. Photo credit: roadtrippers
A Japanese engineer by the name of Shizuo Shinoda was digging with a bulldozer when he accidentally scraped some markings into a road with its claw. Later when he drove over the markings he realized that the vibration produced in his car can be heard as a tune. In 2007, a team of engineers from the Hokkaido Industrial Research Institute refined Shinoda’s designs and built a number of “melody roads” in Japan. Continue reading »
Ten Awe-Inspiring Routes You Need to Travel Along at Least Once in Your Life
Many of us have been on relaxing and comfortable trips abroad, with our flights, hotels and food already conveniently arranged for us. But you’re only ever going to feel the real spirit of adventure if you head of somewhere with nothing but a rucksack on your back. That’s the only way to really get to know a foreign land, as well as get to know you’re own inner strengths and resourcefulness and truly feel that you are part of the wonderful world we live in.
To encourage you to seize the opportunity, we picked out some of the most incredible footpaths you can take into the wild in various countries of the world. Continue reading »
The Final Selection Of Entries From The National Geographic 2015 Photo Contest
The National Geographic Photo Contest is accepting entries in three categories: people, places and nature. The grand-prize-winning image will be published in National Geographic magazine, and the winning photographer will receive $10,000 (USD) and a trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual National Geographic Photography Seminar. Continue reading »
15 Untranslatable Love Words From Around The World For Romantic Sweethearts Everywhere
“Firgun,” Hebrew.
If you are one of those fortunate people who knows more than one language, you’ll know that some words are just untranslatable. But help is at hand from illustrator Emma Block (working with Vashi.com), who shows us the meaning of these “untranslatable” words with her truly beautiful drawings. Continue reading »
September 23-24: These Days in Photos from the Past
A steel worker rests on a girder at the 86th floor of the new Empire State Building during construction in New York City, September 24, 1930. The tower of the Chrysler Building can be seen in background, left. (Photo by AP Photo) Continue reading »
September 8: This Day In Photos From The Past
Evel Knievel parachutes down in a rocket after an ill-fated attempt to soar across the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls, Idaho, on September 8, 1974. The jump failed when the parachute on his rocket malfunctioned, opening prematurely. Knievel was uninjured. (Photo by AP Photo)
Continue reading »
Tiny Oyster Pearls Are Intricately Carved into Wearable Skull Sculptures
Japanese artist Shinji Nakaba transforms elegant oyster pearls into intricately carved anatomical forms. His wearable sculptures come in many different shapes and sizes, but the jeweler’s most unique pieces are carved into the shape of human and animal skulls. Continue reading »
