"We seek inspiration where
others are afraid to look.
We like solutions,
but we love problems.
We don’t just reach for the stars,
we create them and
Hold on for dear life.
We fight gravity."
Details are not just appreciated in Japan but inspected, dissected and celebrated. The level of thought and craft permeates the culture which has been lost in most other parts of the world (especially disappearing in America as we give life to more and more). Robin Marich (Lead Designer) and Will Meeker (Strategy Director) just got back from separate trips to the land of the rising sun and appreciated this from the skyline down the cities, farms and factories that dot the landscape.
Aside from not wanting to return to SF, they brought back fresh perspectives with them along with a greater appreciation for high speed trains.
Maybe Elon is onto something after all.
Mt. Fuji
Nijo Castle in Kyoto
Nijo Castle garden (left), Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine (right) in Kyoto
Meiji Shrine in Tokyo
Gion district in Kyoto
Tsukiji Market in Tokyo
Tokyo Tower (right)
Robot bar in Tokyo
Hammond Orgasm bar in Tokyo (Super cool/secret spot but need to call them for directions)