+ Tokyo Design Week is on as of today, and it's going to be impossible not to stumble upon some sort of design-related event or exhibition over the next few days. Tokyo Designer's Week, 100% Design Tokyo, and DesignTide are all running until November 4, with Swedish Style (this year more compact, and including presences at both DesignTide and 100% Design Tokyo) until November 8.

+ Yesterday we were treated to the press preview of DesignTide, and even though things were still coming together before today's official opening, we got a nice look at what is certainly a great step up from last year's edition. A more spacious location means that the various installations are easier to take in, and the outdoor shop exhibition (presented by some of the city's top interior stores) is a great idea -- and the fact that it's covered means that even the rain that's threatening to come down over the next couple of days shouldn't be too much of a bother.

+ There are of course plenty of events and parties vying for everyone's attention, but let's at least point out tomorrow night's (November 1, from 19:00) Pecha Kucha Night, which is set to be the biggest edition ever, being held at the DesignTide main site. It also marks the release - fresh off the press as of yesterday - of the Pecha Kucha Night book, which you can pick up at the Tide Mart. Photo: Jan Chipchase
JS