Latest news with #AzabudaiHills
Metropolis Japan
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Tokyo's Juiciest Burger Battle Returns—Now Across Three Hills
Back for a sizzling summer run through to August 31 in Tokyo, the Hills Gourmet Burger Grand Prix 2025 isn't your average burger fest—it's a culinary turf war. For the first time, Roppongi Hills, Azabudai Hills and Toranomon Hills join forces (and rivalries), each sending out their top chefs to compete for burger glory. This year's theme is bold: 'A burger that only your restaurant could create.' That means 34 one-off, wildly imaginative creations —no repeats, no shortcuts. You'll find burrata oozing over perfectly grilled patties, lamb simmered in red wine and cola, Thai 'laap' reimagined between buns and even a ¥4,800 wagyu-truffle-eggsplosion from La Brianza. From wagyu to wild herbs, Peruvian chiles to wasabi mayo, these aren't just burgers— they're edible flexes. Every order is a vote, and only one burger will take the Grand Prix crown. The winners? They get extended runs—and eternal bragging rights. Bring your appetite and get ready to judge Tokyo's most over-the-top burger inventions.
Japan Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Ghibli's Isao Takahata exhibit shows how beloved anime is made
Rather than a single-minded lone auteur, Isao Takahata was a receptive collaborator at heart. That's the thrust of a new exhibition dedicated to the works and creative process of the acclaimed animation director and Studio Ghibli cofounder, who died in 2018. 'The man who planted Japanese animation' opened on June 27 at Tokyo's Azabudai Hills Gallery. It's an exhibit best appreciated through its details; its displays are as meticulously assembled as the works of the late director of 'Pom Poko' and 'Grave of the Fireflies.' The show is very much one of paper. Though there are, of course, anime cels and finished animations, the exhibition unearths vast amounts of archival photographs, sketches, memos, storyboards, watercolors, aided by informative wall texts in English, with the occasional Chinese and Korean. As a result, viewers are steeped in the tactile laboriousness employed by Takahata and the animators of his generation, which seems to fly in the face of the rise of AI in the animation and creative industries at large. Takahata encouraged collaboration and the exhibition showcases works by his team members, such as image boards for "Pom Poko" illustrated by animators Yoshiyuki Momose and Shinji Otsuka. | © 1994 Isao Takahata / Studio Ghibli, NH 'The man who planted Japanese animation' gives considerable attention to Takahata's lesser known works, including his commercial flop debut feature in 1968, 'Little Norse Prince Valiant,' about a folk prince fighting black magic. A sizable space is devoted to Takahata's 'communal, democratic' approach to teamwork. The director (who himself didn't draw) was keen to incorporate opinions, ideas and designs from his animators on all areas of the film. Display cases show the extensive collaborative effort by the staff, including its youngest animator, Hayao Miyazaki, whose memos made strong arguments for realistic depictions of the villagers and featured design proposals for a troll and an ice mammoth, which became significant to the film. A highlight in the 'Little Norse Prince Valiant' gallery is a 'tension chart,' translated into English as 'emotion curve,' for the film, a painstakingly hand-drawn chart of rises and falls in drama, plotted against the individual emotions of twenty characters. One of the hallmarks of Studio Ghibli films is the way even small movements and actions of the characters can convey great emotion or intention. Even in moments of high drama or extreme comedy, they react in recognizable and quotidian ways — a slumping shoulder, a mindful door-closing, a ravenously consumed meal. The exhibition evidences the hard and meticulous work that goes into making animation. | Thu-Huong Ha The gallery spaces devoted to Takahata's TV work, which includes the domestic and global hit 'Heidi, Girl of the Alps,' convey how he and Miyazaki were building these skills well before Studio Ghibli existed. They focused on depicting everyday life vividly, through characters' interactions with food, for example. Not surprisingly, Miyazaki features as a prominent character in his own right in the exhibition, and his contributions are underscored. 'Meeting Miyazaki was significant,' Takahata says in a video about their process. 'He didn't learn from me, but I'm sure he learned a lot from our work together.' In the sections devoted to Takahata's best known features, there is plentiful archival material for diehards. The 'Grave of the Fireflies' gallery contains location-scouting photos from the 1988 war film, including several photos that inspired the memorable pole against which the main character slumps against and dies in the opening scene. The 'Pom Poko' room exhibits a long display case of image boards illustrated by animators Yoshiyuki Momose and Shinji Otsuka, giving fans a chance to see their early ideas in vivid riotous splendor. A caption quoting Takahata — 'I think of this film as a documentary' — is a simultaneously funny and poignant remark on the zany, moralistic film about Tama Hills supernatural tanuki losing their home to human urban over-development. A color simulation board for Kaguya's kimono by Kazuo Oga from "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya" film shows Takahata's method of stylization. | © 2013 Isao Takahata, Riko Sakaguchi / Studio Ghibli, NDHDMTK The final section is dedicated to 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya,' Takahata's last film which was released in 2013. A video shows Takahata and his team at work; the director explains his technique, which I think of as selective realism. In his films, some aspects of a given scene might be intricately detailed while others are barely sketched in. In 'Princess Kaguya' in particular, the coloring is pale, relying on watercolor, and many scenes have no margins or look half-finished. Takahata explains he didn't want to visualize too much on the part of the viewer. 'Humans are more imaginative,' the director says in the video. 'They can feel empathy even through depersonalized drawings.' The last gallery space contains drawings from the film's two most memorable scenes, one in which the princess is dancing for joy under cherry blossoms and one in which she's running out of fear and fury under a full moon. Clips of the final products loop side-by-side above, one exuberant, and one literally breathtaking, their propelling motion a dynamic finale to Takahata's exacting life's work. . 'The man who planted Japanese animation' is on view at Tokyo's Azabudai Hills Gallery through Sept. 15. For more information, visit
Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
BRDB and Award-Winning Heatherwick Studio to Unveil Community-Focused Development in Damansara Heights
The project will blend retail, residential, and community spaces to encourage an interconnected, people-centered living experience KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 April 2025 - BRDB, one of Malaysia's most trusted property developers for 60 years, has officially acquired the land at Kuala Lumpur's Wisma Damansara, marking the beginning of an architecturally-led mix-use development in partnership with world-renowned British design firm Heatherwick studio. Strategically located near MRT Semantan, the development will serve as a gateway between Damansara Heights and the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The project will introduce an interconnected residential and retail experience that enriches the lives of those within. Envisioning Community-Focused Urban Spaces in Kuala Lumpur Heatherwick studio's debut project in Malaysia brings its signature human-centric design approach to one of Kuala Lumpur's most sought-after neighbourhoods. The retail component will offer a hybrid indoor-outdoor experience, mindfully blending natural landscapes with convenient amenities. Poised to be a vibrant community hub, it will encourage social engagement, wellness, and a closer relationship with nature. 'This partnership with Heatherwick studio marks a transformative moment for BRDB and Malaysian architecture,' said Dato' Sri Akbar Khan, Executive Chairman of BRDB. 'This development is not just about redefining the skyline of Damansara Heights; it's about rethinking how people engage with urban spaces. As BRDB celebrates its 60th anniversary, we are committed to creating a legacy project that will evolve alongside the community and stand the test of time.' Heatherwick studio's First Venture in Malaysia Thomas Heatherwick, Founder and Design Director of Heatherwick studio shared his excitement about the partnership. 'We are thrilled to partner with BRDB for our first project in Malaysia. This is an exciting time in the region, and we hope to bring a joyful and impactful community hub to Damansara.' Heatherwick studio's Azabudai Hills project in Tokyo Globally, Heatherwick studio is celebrated for its portfolio of award-winning projects. These include: Heatherwick studio's Changi East project in Singapore Now, in collaboration with BRDB, the studio will bring its innovative, design-driven approach to Damansara Heights. The new development will not only introduce a fresh perspective on mixed-use spaces but also reinforce BRDB's commitment to quality, innovation, and timeless design. For more information about the project and BRDB's vision, please visit image can download from this link - (L-R): Thomas Heatherwick, Founder and Design Director of Heatherwick studio; and Dato' Sri Akbar Khan, Executive Chairman, BRDB Hashtag: #BRDB#Heatherwickstudio The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. BRDB BRDB (BRDB Developments Sdn Bhd) is a leading property developer in Malaysia, renowned for crafting timeless and high-quality living spaces. For 60 years, BRDB has shaped the urban landscape with premium residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments that blend thoughtful design, sustainable living, and engaging communities. Driven by a commitment to excellence, BRDB continues to set new benchmarks in modern living, delivering spaces that inspire and endure.
