citylikeyou — London / Noriko Okaku

Based in London and Kyoto, Okaku explores the laws and transcendent forces that shape the world. Integrating theoretical frameworks from philosophy, religious studies, quantum mechanics, and information thermodynamics with myths, legends, and occult folklore, she combines collage, animation, VR, and AI technologies and performance to create works that encourage active participation from the audience and present diverse perspectives.

http://www.norikookaku.com

Animator Artist

Current city: Kyoto

Other cities: London

norikookaku.com

Kyoto / Nature

Kyoto's summers are famously hot, but if you take the Eizan Railway and get off at Yase-Hieizanguchi Station, you'll find a spot along the Takano river where you can cool off, enjoy a barbecue, or relax by the water with a drink and read. This spot is particularly recommended for those staying in Kyoto long-term rather than for short-term tourists.

Kyoto / kiosk

This is a local liquor store that has been here since before I was born, offering not only alcohol but also rice, tobacco, and other daily necessities. The owner, who is always there in the mornings and afternoons, is a very friendly and wonderful person. You can buy and drink inside the store, and smoking is allowed as well. I often see people gathering to enjoy a drink, smoke, and have casual conversations with the owner. This kind of super-local, cozy atmosphere is one of my favorite things about the place.

Kyoto / Art

Monade Contemporary is a hidden gem of a gallery located in the Gion area of Kyoto. Despite its small size, it leverages the extensive network of its curator, Mr. Atsumi, to host exhibitions featuring a diverse range of fascinating artists from both Japan and abroad. Nestled in the basement of a multi-tenant building, the compact space exudes a unique charm, offering visitors an exciting sense of discovery.

Kyoto / Place

The Murin-an Garden is a Japanese garden designed by Jihei Ogawa VII, one of the most renowned garden designers of the Meiji era. Established in 1894, it is a relatively modern garden by Kyoto standards, yet its beauty makes it well worth a visit. The garden employs the technique of "borrowed scenery," seamlessly incorporating the surrounding natural landscapes and the flow of water, showcasing Jihei Ogawa's innovative approach as a pioneer of "naturalistic gardens." While Zen gardens are particularly famous in Kyoto, comparing them with Murin-an allows visitors to appreciate the distinctive features of each. This comparison enriches the experience of explorin Japanese gardens. Admission Fee: General admission ¥500 (please check the official website for details). Opening Hours: Usually 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (subject to change depending on the season or events).

Kyoto / Place

When it comes to Zen gardens that represent Kyoto, the rock garden of Ryoan-ji, established in 1460, is the most famous. It features 15 stones arranged in a way that one stone is always hidden, no matter the angle from which it is viewed. This design symbolises the Zen philosophy that "nothing is perfect or complete." While Kyoto has other well-known Zen gardens, this time I introduce Ryoan-ji, the most famous of them all. Visiting in conjunction with Murin-an allows you to experience the contrasting philosophical approaches to nature in Zen gardens and Murin-an, making it a highly recommended pairing. Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (subject to change depending on the season) Admission Fee: General ¥500 (please check the official website for details)

London / Animator

Emmanuelle is a Swiss-Canadian animation director and illustrator living in London. She studied animation at the world renown Gobelins school in Paris. She's been working for international client since 2004, and published a few illustrated books too.

London / Graphic Designer

Director, Regular Practice

London / Graphic Designer

Joe Joiner is a freelance design creative raised and based in East London. Since graduating from Chelsea College of Art & Design, he has built himself a multi-disciplined portfolio that contains a wide variety of clientele, media and approach; with work recently featuring on It's Nice That and Bitique.

London / Cinematographer

Brought up in the Cotswolds, Oliver began his photographic education studying photography at the renowned course at Filton Technical College in Bristol. He went on to study film and television at the London College of Printing and has been balancing work in stills and moving image ever since. His first solo exhibition entitled Volte-face will premier at London's Royal Geographical Society in September 2016. Taken over a period of four years, Volte-face is a series of images taken at the world’s most photographed historic sites, buildings and monuments - but looking away from them. To coincide with the exhibition at the RGS a book of the project, featuring an essay by Geoff Dyer, will be published by Dewi Lewis Publishing Ltd. Oliver continues to produce stills portraiture for major broadcasters as well as generating his own projects for exhibition and publication. He cites as key influences William Eggleston, Saul Leiter and Andre Kertesz. He continues to plough a distinctly idiosyncratic path as Director of Photography on feature films as diverse as Clare Kilner’s The Wedding Date, Frank Oz’s Death At A Funeral and Joanna Hogg’s Unrelated as well as experimental gallery-based installations such as Gideon Koppel’s Borth. He remains in great demand worldwide shooting commercials for high profile clients such as Pantene, L’Oreal, La Perla, Ferragamo, Palmolive, Rimmel, Coca Cola, Sony, Guinness, Canon and Cadbury’s.

London / Art Director

Documentary Photographer & Art Designer

More People in London 509