The Hub – Issue 13

Our cover boy is renowned Japanese contemporary artist, Takashi Murakami. His playful artwork combines traditional Japanese art, anime and pop culture elements. He’s been called Japan’s answer to Andy Warhol. From his candycoloured grinning flowers to his humorous and flamboyant installations, to his collaborations with high profile brands like Louis Vuitton, Mercedes Benz and Perrier water – all have made him one of the most influential and sought-after artist of his generation. We explore Murakami’s colourful kingdom.

How exciting was the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup which had. the population on the edge of its seat. We pay tribute to the mighty Matildas with a cunning origami pattern that shows how to fold a square sheet of paper into a ball.

We enter a realm where blacksmiths are artists. Where a kitchen knife draws on the skill and precision used to make a revered katana blade. We discover the alchemy that is involved in the legendary perfection of these samurai swords and see how this unique process has made today’s Japanese kitchen knives the envy of every chef and home cook.

Inari sushi has been called the food of the gods. While it can certainly taste that way, inari has a deeper cultural back story. We bite into the world of inari, from how they are made to the variations and their history. And always looking to provide the best quality products for its customers, Sushi Hub has added more plant-based sushi offerings to its menu. We show you the latest on offer!

While Japan and Australia share the love of food, each cuisine has a number of products, flavours and dishes that are sometimes unusual or challenging to each other. Check out some of the favourites from each country. Sultry American actress Mae West, once said: “When in doubt take a bath.” And nobody has turned bathing into an art form like the Japanese. In issue 10 of Hub we looked at the natural Japanese hots springs that are onsen baths. In this issue we look at the sento, the neighbourhood Japanese bathhouse, and explain what to expect, what to do and how they started.