#Osaka Furniture

[asteticas]

PIERRE PAULIN — OSAKA SOFA, (1967).

[searchfactory]

Jin Kuramoto / Hay / Osaka Shop / Inflatable Exhibition / Furniture / 2022

[almostarts]

Gaetano Pesce (8 November 1939 – 3 April 2024)

Moving against the stream of rational, functional modernism in the 1960s and early 70s, Mr. Pesce experimented with materials and production methods to create furniture pieces imbued with political or religious meaning for brands from Cassina to B&B Italia.

Many would go on to become icons of Italian design including the Up5 chair – an innovative vacuum-packed chair designed to resemble a female prisoner – which he designed for B&B Italia precursor C&B.

Pesce moved to New York in 1983 and began to move away from mass production to create "standardised series" in everyday materials like resin, adapting conventional production techniques to create varied and imperfect outcomes.

The result are pieces such as the 1884 Pratt chair, which toe the line between functional design and decorative art, helping to create a new category that would later become collectible design.

Mr. Pesce was born in the Italian city of La Spezia in November 1939, only two months after the start of world war two.

As was common at the time, he trained in both architecture and design, studying first at the University of Venice and later at the Venice Institute of Industrial Design.

Among his architecture projects is the Organic Building in Osaka from 1993, with its plant-covered facade made of orange fiberglass that served as a precursor to today's vegetation-covered green walls.

But Mr. Pesce's most pioneering and well-known work happened in the world of design. In the late 1960s, he became one of the leaders of Italy's Radical Design movement, rejecting modernism's rigid focus on forms dictated by function.

Instead, Pesce focused on the idea that functional objects, much like art, could carry a deeper message.

One of the most famous examples is the controversial Up5 chair from 1969, which manufacturer B&B Italia describes as "the first product of Italian design with a political meaning".

Rest In Power !

"Up 5 & 6" Dressed Up Chair & Ottoman, 1969 – 2014, Polyurethane foam, fabric, Height: 40.5 in (102.87 cm)Width: 47 in (119.38 cm)Depth: 51 in (129.54 cm)Seat Height: 16 in (40.64 cm),

“Square Airport Lamp” (1986/1994). Photography by Elizabeth Carababas/The Future Perfect. Light sculpture consisting of a flexible rubber membrane studded with small light bulbs. Although made from a mold, no two lamps are alike, due to the imperfections that arise from the hand-mixing and pouring of colored urethane. H 92 - W 65 Cm,

"Feltri" Armchair for Cassina, 1980 -1989, Felt, Fabric, Resin, Width: 156 cm, Depth: 80 cm, Height: 129 cm, Seat height:42 cm, Courtesy: Oldera,

"Pratt Chair #7," 1984 2018 (purple), 2018, Transparent polyurethane, :93 x 53 x 53 cm. (36.6 x 20.9 x 20.9 in.),

"The Cabinet of The Tired Man," 2018, Photo: Courtesy of Salon 94 Design and Gaetano Pesce,

"Tramonto a New York" three-door screen, for Cassina, Made of coloured resin, hinges and feet in burnished brass, Width: 221, Height: 199,

"Organic" Building, Osaka, Japan, Completed in 1993 to embody the corporate ideal of Oguraya Yamamoto Co., Ltd,

"La In-Portante" Modular Bookshelf from the "Abbraccio" Series, 2010. Comprising 57 adjustable polyurethane resin shelves. Produced by Le Fablier, Italy. Polyurethane resin, painted wood, lacquered metal, 86½ x 118¾ x 16⅞ in. (219.7 x 301.6 x 42.6 cm) Courtesy of Sotheby's,

La Michetta Modular Sofa,Compostion of 8 by Meritalia, Structure in Lacquered Wood Seat with Elastic Belts, Flexible Polyurethane & Fiberfill Padding, Dimensions: W370 x D245cm,

Unique 'Ireland' table, Made of polyurethane and metal. The table was made and exhibited in 1996 by Gallery Mourmans, Knokke-Zoute, Belgium. It was part of a series of 'EU tables', where all 15 member countries were represented as a table, in this case Ireland. The top of the table has the shape of the outlines of the country and it stands on legs in the shape of question marks. W.80.71 in;H.28.74 in;D.57.09 in; (W.205 cm;H.73 cm;D.145 cm), Courtesy: Incollect.

[bevswashere]

Koi No Yokan

Chapter 30: Miss Fushiguro

December 2009 8 months later.

"I'm glad you took the time to meet with me, Miss Fushiguro."

"What did he do this time?"

"He stabbed his classmate with a pencil."

I look to the boy at my right, slumped in his seat with his arms folded as if he hadn't done anything. No, he knows he's done something wrong, he just doesn't care. "Why?" I ask him, not the principal.

"I told him to get out of my face," Megumi says. "I used the pencil when he got closer."

I sigh largely, massaging the center of my brow. "So, what now?"

"Your son is in consideration for suspension," the principal says. "I've brought up concerns about Megumi's behavior to your husband before—"

"He's not my husband."

The principal leans back in his seat, nods slowly, surely thinking two teenagers accidentally had a baby they can't control. Whatever the presumptions, they're better than the reality. "Your son has caused repeated disciplinary offenses, and is a danger to the rest of the students here. Expulsion isn't out of the question."

"We'll correct this at home," I try to say firmly. "Megumi will apologize to the boy he hurt."

Megumi immediately objects, "Who said I would—?"

"I wasn't asking."

The principal smiles. "Good, I hope we can get all of this in order."

We enter the parking lot, extremities tucked away in our coats to keep warm from the snow. "Seriously? A pencil?"

"Would you have preferred I use something else?"

We rush into the car and turn the heater on quickly. I breathe into my palms for warmth. "Is some other kid bugging you really so big of a deal you had to stab them?"

"It's not that he was bugging me," Megumi says, "He does it to a ton of the other kids too, pushing them around, taking what he wants from their lunches."

"Then tell your teacher, and have his parents meet with the principal." I pull out of the parking lot, back towards their apartment. "I'm not saying your intentions are wrong, but Satoru and I really don't have the time to keep going to these meetings."

"Then don't go."

Megumi, bundled in his coat, so small he barely takes up half of the seat, has his gaze fixed towards the window. "Would you prefer I say I don't care about your shit attitude, and just leave you alone?"

He doesn't answer me, and we remain silent for the rest of the drive.

∞

"You're late."

I sit myself down in one of the chairs of Yaga's office. "There was an emergency."

"You'll need to fix that habit by April."

"Spoken like a true principal."

"Let's try to be serious here, Kaede," he says. "Taking this job, you'll need to become a rock for these kids. That means no more lashing out, breaking furniture."

I defend. "I replaced all of it, didn't I?"

"If you're to lead young people, you can't act on your emotions like another young person. You need to be steady, reasonable." Yaga folds his arms. "And if a student dies, you move on, and teach the next one."

"That's harsh."

He takes a piece of paper out from his desk, and slides it across to me. "Order your uniforms, move your things into your new room and office. We'll go over matters of curriculum once that's done."

I unfold the paper to find only one line of text, an address. "You're sure this is right?"

"I'm nearly certain."

Taking the paper with me, I leave Yaga's office, only to turn back in the doorway, "Yaga Sensei."

"I'm not your Sensei anymore."

"Do you really think," I hesitate, "I can do this?"

"You're more than qualified."

"But am I strong enough?"

"Brazenly so."

∞

I boarded the soonest plane possible to Osaka, navigating my way into a run down condominium where the scent is sour and the dated wallpaper peels at the ends. I knock, wondering how long I would have to wait if no one is home, but I feel reassured by the steady flow of cursed energy growing closer to the door. I hear the door unlock from the other side before I'm met with wide green eyes. "How did you find me?"

"I called in a favor." I teeter awkwardly on my heels. "Can I come in?"

He opens the door wide, revealing the singular room apartment. All their clothes are neatly hung onto one rack, dishes and cookware piled in one stack by the dripping sink. A mattress is tucked away into the corner, across from it a fraying mattress pad, and between them one desk with books stacked beneath a short leg. "I know," Shigeri says, "What a fall from grace."

"Are you okay? You're eating enough?" Shigeri certainly looks thinner, more aged since we last spoke. "If you need money—"

"You came here to give me money?"

"No," I quickly defend, realizing how deplorable a person I must be, stepping into someone's home, expecting them to need money at first glance. "You stopped writing. I wanted to make sure you were okay."

"The clan is still making things difficult for us." He rubs the back of his neck at the thought. "I couldn't be sure they wouldn't intercept anything I send, figure out where we're staying."

"You're already exiled. What more could they do?"

"They're already interfering with me taking any missions which would be the quickest way to get income." I can see the stress on his face when he says this, weighing him down, sinking his stature. "They could have us evicted, make us homeless for the rest of our lives."

"Why?"

"Spite," he says simply. "I was supposed to take over as head of the clan. They don't appreciate stepping away from a role like that."

"I should have found you sooner. I could have done something."

"I don't want your money, Kaede."

"Then I could have sorted things out with the Kamo clan."

"And how would you do something like that?"

"I could go there and threaten to kill anyone who messes with you."

"Since when do you kill people?"

I stutter at first. "I don't, but they wouldn't know that. Or I could arrange a way for you to get missions without interference. I'll talk to the higher ups–"

"Who will refer back to the Kamo clan saying Uematsu Kaede knows where I am." He smiles somehow. "It's okay."

I look around again, dissatisfied with the way things have turned out for someone so kind. "Where's your sister?"

"Working. When the clan cut me off from missions we both picked up part time jobs. I didn't want her to, but they're good to her anyway, give her meals to take home." He frowns. "Don't give me that look."

"I'm not giving you any look."

Shigeri steps closer, smiles in the soothing way he used to, where his eyes soften and only his top teeth can be seen. "You're pitying me."

"Of course I am. You're sleeping on the floor."

"Stop it." He takes both of his hands and rests them on my shoulders. "I'm okay, Kaede-chan, really. I know it doesn't look ideal, but we're getting through it."

I'm only half convinced. "There must be something I can do."

"You came here. That's enough." He pulls me towards the mattress pad. "Here, sit. Tell me what you've been up to."

We arrange ourselves, sitting side by side on his mattress pad. I'm relieved to find out it's well-cushioned at the least. "I'm going to start as the first-year teacher at Tokyo High in the spring."

"Really?" he says. "That's great. You love kids."

I hesitate at first to mention the Fushiguro's, or the deep despair I've tried to fight since graduation, or my attempt to join the cult of a mass-murderer, but honesty has always come easy between Shigeri and I. The second I confess one feeling, the rest pour out.

"Good thing he turned you away," Shigeri comments, "That could have been troublesome."

"I can't say I would have actually hurt anyone." The comforter above Shigeri's bed is soft, velvet. I find myself playing with the hems. "But there was nowhere else to go. All my family was gone, then my friends."

"What about Gojo-san?"

"Forget him."

"I'm sorry that didn't work out." I laugh at this. "Hey, I mean it. I never wanted you to get your heartbroken, even if it was by him."

"It's fine. It's been a long time since then." I look out through their singular window, see the snow sprinkle onto the sill, quietly, gently. "What if you came to work at Tokyo High with me?"

"Let's try to be serious about this, Kaede-chan."

"I am being serious." My eyes meet his, soothing like pine. "Yaga is still looking for a third year teacher. If you can't get missions for now, you'll still have income from teaching, and you guys wouldn't have to worry about housing anymore. Besides, I won't have to fly every time I want to see you." Whatever I had to say next is cut off when Shigeri leans in and kisses me.

It's short, lips locking for only a moment before he pulls away, "Sorry. I had to know what it felt like at least once."

I let him because it's reassuring in some ways, admitting everything I had done, and him still wanting to kiss me. "Try again."

He scans my face, taken aback. "You don't have to." So, I lean in this time, feeling the hair above his neck ruffle through my fingers, his hand on my cheek. It's unexpectedly pleasant. His lips move with a certain tenderness, hesitancy that's comforting, makes me want it more. Even when his lips trail down to my neck it's light and loving. "So," my breath grows heavier, "You'll come to Tokyo?"

His words vibrate into my collarbone. "If you want me there."

I lean into him, feel the flesh of his ear against my lips, "I want you there."

I reach for his chin, lifting it to reconnect our lips. Then by the center of his chest, my hand guides him backwards into the mattress pad. I get on top of him, leaning over to resume our kiss. When I grind myself against him, I can feel he's hard. He moans into my mouth, but breaks away, "Not like this."

"How do you want it then?"

Shigeri props himself up onto his elbows, reaches out to push the hairs away from my face. " I meant not here."

I understood, however disappointed I may feel, and remove myself from on top of him to lay down at his side instead. He wraps a hand around my jaw, stroking the skin with his thumb. "You'll really come to Tokyo?"

"I'll go wherever you want me to." 

[xitty]

Ensemble Stars 2023 Statistics

ES Countdown 2023 -> 2024 stream provided fun stats again! I have a post of 2022 here. Following are of content added in 2023 (MVs, office furniture...) and JP version.

Most Read Event Stories (Music + Basic) 1. Altered (fine-O and Altered tour) 2. New Start GO! (Hajime center) 3. Machina (Mika center)

Most Viewed MVs In-game 1. One With One (1 014 549 views) 2. Ruby Love (313 560 views) 3. Eccentric Party Night!! (297 990 views)

Most Used Stamps 1. Kanata FS2 ("arigatou gozaimasu") 2. Bkub HiMERU ("kimi no heart ni HiMERU secret") 3. Bkub Ra*bits ("yatta! pyon pyon")

The Biggest Stage (width) 1. Resurrection of Soul (60 m) 2. Romantic Xday! (58 m) 3. Les temps des fleurs (50 m)

The Biggest Stage (height) 1. Dawning Angels (39 m) 2. Romantic Xday! (28 m) 3. Twilight Pentagram (23 m)

The Biggest Elevation Change in MV 1. Dawning Angels (23 m descent to stage) 2. Meikyuu denshi kairou (pillar ascent 6.5 m) 3. tie between Melting Rouge Soul (3 m descent to stage) and Undying Holy Love (3 m ascent from underground) (btw, Dreaming Ocean doesn't count?)

Most Lights Used in MV 1. tie between Dawning Angels and Twilight Pentagram (approx. 430 lights used) 3. Starlight Parade (approx. 240 lights used) How expensive Dawning Angels (in game's world) was??

The Highest Note Sung 1. Melting Rouge Soul 2. Black Out See Saw 3. tie between Romantic Xday! and Boku Sketch (Hajime solo) Congrats Ryota Osaka (Ibara) on your pipes.

The Lowest Note Sung 1. Twilight Pentagram 2. tie between Melting Rouge Soul and Konjiki senya yumebutai This win goes to Toshiki Masuda (Rei).

The Longest Note Sung 1. Boku Sketch (Hajime solo) (approx. 4 sec) 2. tie between Shukufuku no Library and Amor Vincit Omnia (Shu solo) (approx. 3.5 sec)

The Most Difficult Song Added in 2023 (least Expert clears) 1. Resurrection of Soul 2. Love×me⇄monsteR 3. Eccentric Party Night!! (Reminiscence Mix)

Most "guests" (other people, animals) in MV 1. Dreaming Ocean (579 animals: 578 fish and 1 jellyfish) 2. Resurrection of Soul (20 bats) 3. tie between Parallel Maze (8 Ra*bits from parallel worlds) and Relax Paradise (8 animals: 2 sloths, 1 kiwi, 1 platypus, 2 elephants, 1 armadillo and 1 bear) Cheers for the animators who kept count on the fish.

Best-Selling Office Items 1. Acoustic guitar 2. Shoebill plushie 3. Collaboration drinks table Post here about which idols can play the guitar!

Total times of animals fed in Animal Plaza 39 825 059 times

Total number of fans acquired for idols 8 241 865 400 fans

[leibal]

FACES is a minimal side table created by Osaka-based designer Yosuke Shimano. His father, an explorer and furniture store owner, and his sister, a fashion buyer, provided a rich background of inspiration. After completing a Bachelor of Arts in product design at Tama Art University, he gained extensive experience working as a designer for a titanium eyewear manufacturer in Sabae, Fukui, and New York for eight and a half years.

[steampunkforever]

The thing about Cary is that he's a high-dollar pragmatist. Something about how he was raised means he expects to be given the best possible tool for the job. But he has to deem the job important.

Which is to say that he comes equipped with a highly specific (and somewhat uncommon) Italian battle rifle that fits his needs (gunning down Mothman) and owns a precision hi-fi system crafted by an insane audiophile craftsman working out of a boutique workshop in Osaka. He also only owns one set of flatware.

After the events of the campaign Cary buys a Plymouth Satellite, but not the roadrunner. Because he only needs the performance, not the flashiness. Four doors are more practical for his operations, but he specs the drivetrain to be as powerful as it can be. Best possible tool, no expense spared.

This explains why, while Cary's apartment is fitted out with a sound system and record collection the worth of several houses, his furniture is whatever the basic set from Sears was at the time. Enough to look respectable but not enough for Cary to actually pay attention to it.

[ninapi]

New to this (Atsumu version)

○●○●○●○●●○●○●○●○●●○●○●○●○●

Premise: Atsumu get's another chance to get back the love of his life, the mother of his son, and build the family he was supposed to have.

Word Count: 3643.

Warning: a tiny, very tiny bit suggestive.

Chapter 4: The price of fame

It was a beautiful morning, summer was around the corner and you could already see it, the view from your train window was breathtaking, everything so green and lush. Your son was beyond excited, this was his first time riding a bullet train so everything was extra special for him, even the sandwiches you bought to eat on the way.

You finished eating yours first and decided to read the instructions in the email you have received from your son’s new school, you saw they were requesting some additional documents that you would probably need to get before officially transferring him over. That's when you noticed his name in the application, ¨Tsumu, oh my god.¨ you shoved your phone on his face, zooming on the name for him to see what he's done, ¨What is it, love?¨ he really didn’t notice? ¨Tsumu, Seiji has my last name, not yours. And they need us to take his birth certificate to complete the registration!¨ he was honestly so confused, ¨Why does he have your last name? Isn't he my son? He should be a Miya, no?¨ you sighed, deflating onto your seat, ¨Well yes, he should be a Miya. But you can’t give out last names that aren’t yours if the dad isn’t present after birth, so he has my last name.¨ your son was using his dad’s phone to watch animal videos, so you weren’t concerned about him hearing all this, ¨Oh, I didn’t know that. We need to change it then. Shouldn’t be hard if I go with you.¨ he shrugs, not making a big deal out of it, his son should have his name, that’s obvious. You agreed to this, it was easier to just do it when you go for his certificate than to fill out another application or even look for another school. But you realized that, a week ago, the implications of doing just that would have been really heavy, and right now they weren’t, it all felt just natural.

A couple of hours later you finally arrived to Osaka, Seiji was so much better it was encouraging, his fever was almost non-existent at this point, he was just very excited to see his new house and hoping the weekend would come faster since his daddy promised to take him to USJ before he has to go to school again.

You were gathering your stuff, zipping Atsumu´s backpack shut while he picked his son up, his large hand quickly seeking yours, lacing your fingers together as he pulled you towards the exit of the station. Along the way you stopped in a few shops to get some food and other things you might need now that his bachelor’s apartment was in need of upgrades, but you arrived there relatively fast.

He was right when he said the apartment was bigger. But it was still fairly empty, it made you question why he never bothered buying proper furniture. Your mind takes you to some things he’s said over the last few days that might indicate him going through some very depressing years which could explain why everything was so empty, it must have been tough for him too.

He had the entire floor just for himself, three large bedrooms and a smaller one that looked like it could be an office, only one was occupied and had pretty much the same setup that the one back in Tokyo, a very large bed in the middle of an empty room with a larger than life screen on the wall. Though he at least had a living room there. Well, more like a sofa. It was also littered with exercise equipment and you could see how he mostly spent majority of his time there. Another big screen was adorning the opposite wall. You know it would be a challenge to make this place look like an actual home but you were kinda looking forward to it.

There were big boxes at the entrance, blocking the door, you almost couldn’t get in because they were so big. Once you both were safely inside, Tsumu brought them all in and you noticed he was moving them all to one of the empty bigger rooms. Seiji ran after his dad to ‘help’ him and to your surprise, he had bought an entire room set from Ikea, everything matched perfectly and in just a couple of hours your son had a lovely room. He got him a fancy looking bed, it almost looked like a tent and Seiji was the happiest child on earth, he was already planning what he would do with all his free space, maybe he’ll start a rock collection and display it there or maybe even a research lab, he needed to start young if he wanted to save elephants from extinction. His dad also ordered a big bookcase since he noticed his son’s love for books and a child sized desk with a matching chair. Even with all this he had so much space, you could easily see this room filled with toys and laughter in a near future.

He didn’t mention ordering anything, it was the most pleasant surprise you’ve got in a very long time. He was all sweaty and in desperate need of a shower after building all that furniture, but you brought him into an unexpected hug, going on your tippy toes to kiss his lips, ¨Thank you, Tsumu. Seiji’s never had his own room before, look at how excited he is. I didn’t know you had all this planned already!¨ he wrapped an arm around your waist, caressing your cheek with his unoccupied hand while looking down at you adoringly, ¨Yeah, well the kid needs a room. I’m glad he likes it, we still need to get him more stuff though, but for that I need your help, he needs more toys and stuff to make the room look like a kid’s room but I suck at that and got everything white. Can you help me with that, mama?¨ he slurred the last part of the sentence, placing tender kisses along your jawline. ¨Sure, let’s do that later then. I think you need a shower.¨ you pinched your nose jokingly, making him laugh, but you gotta admit he looked hot as hell building all that, specially having your child clinging onto his back supervising his work and handing him the correct tools needed while he was working. ¨I think you need a shower too though…we should save some water you know, bills are expensive and all, probably should just share it, don´t you think?¨ his face was now buried on the side of your neck, placing soft enticing little kisses to sway you to his side, your son who was now getting ready to climb his dad’s leg unbeknown to any of you, startled him when he yelled, ¨Yes, daddy! Let’s share!! I need a shower too.¨ this kid, seriously. Managing to peel yourself out of his grip you wave at him, heading over to his suitcase to look for a clean set of clothes for your child, ¨Have fun, you two.¨ Tsumu loved his son, but he was getting to his limit and needed a plan. Mumbling incoherent things, he lifted his little boy from his leg and took him to his bathroom while he thought of strategies to have you all to himself for a while. He had more fun that he thought he would though, his naked toddler running around his big shower area splashing him and making silly noises, apparently his bathroom looked like a spaceship and they were now in a quest to save humanity.

You went to stash your son’s clothing in his new closet and left the rest of his things there on the floor for him to decorate his new space, while you prepared lunch.

Once they got out of the shower adventure, Seiji ran into his room noticing all his things waiting for him and called his daddy in, he wanted to show him that one polaroid picture of a beatle he took at the park, what he didn’t see was his dad’s face when he was looking at all the other polaroid pictures in the box. Pictures of newborn Seiji in your arms, pictures of his first birthday, his first steps. Beach trips, theme park fun, silly pictures all over the place, all of them being just the two of you. A hole was growing fast in his heart and that’s when his son found the beatle. He wanted his daddy to help him pinning them to the wall above his desk, he really loved his polaroid collection. While he was at it, he also gave him some drawings and other trinkets to place higher in places he couldn’t get himself to reach and while he did as his son requested, he realized what he’s missed was bigger than he ever thought.

After a hearty lunch, Seiji had finally crashed for nap time and you were filling all the forms online that you needed to get the documents requested by the school, it seemed like it would be much easier than you thought getting his name changed and all you had to do was to go in person and sign together. You were about to rely the good news to Atsumu when you noticed his sullen look so you scooted closer to him on the sofa, ¨Hey, what’s wrong?¨ you placed a hand over his arm, giving him a concerned look, ¨I just realized I missed so many of Seiji’s firsts, it made me feel lonely. Those are things I’ll never be able to experience, you know? Like seeing him walk for the first time or hearing his first words, his first day of school, things like that…¨ you nodded, smiling at the thought of your son’s first words and steps, ¨Did you know his first word wasn’t mama? It was actually pudding¨ you imitate your baby boy and this made Tsumu smile, leaning over to rest his head on your shoulder, ¨A very Miya thing to do if you ask me.¨ he nuzzles your neck, sadness still embedded in his soul, ¨I wish I could have heard it though.¨ you held his hand, gently rubbing his knuckles with your thumb in thought, ¨We can't go back in time, Tsumu. But who knows, maybe you’ll get another chance…¨ you were being vague, not wanting to get ahead of yourself, you just wanted to lift his mood up but hearing you say that was like swallowing fireworks to him. ¨Another chance as in, another baby?¨ the hopeful look in his eyes was squeezing your heart raw, would you give him that chance? To be a dad for real, from the start? ¨Well, who knows what could happen. Was just saying.¨ you were getting shy and his heart was in cloud9. Maybe he would get a chance, a bigger chance than he ever expected to have.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

The next day you went to get the paperwork you requested the previous day after Atsumu finished his morning practice. He went back home to pick you both up and headed over to register your son officially as Miya Seiji.

Once you got all the papers straighten out and printed for the school, you stopped to get some ice cream, enjoying the lovely weather. Your son raved about how he tried that fancy ice cream his daddy picked and wanted him to pick a new one for him, going for one called, ¨Spring cookie waterslide fun¨, who comes up with this names- but he loved it nonetheless. 

After a lovely family date, Tsumu had to go back to practice and when he arrived at the gym every single pair of eyes were on him right away, making him shiver.

Hinata was the first one to move, walking ever so slowly over to his setter. He showed him his phone that was full of pictures of him with his family in different locations; pictures of you holding hands at the train station, of him kissing ice cream out of your lips, of him holding his son. ¨Where did you get those, Shoyo?¨ his tone was honestly pretty scary, so cold it could freeze them all in a second, making Hinata want to flee to safety, but he was brave, he could do this. ¨They are all over the internet. Your name is actually trending in different platforms.¨ he’s gotten the attention of the media before, but never like this, he didn’t think it was a big deal though, you were there to stay, might as well let the world know.

He went to get changed ignoring all the stares and all resumed their practice as normal.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

When he got home, he saw you laying on your shared bed, scrolling through social media. The comments were pretty intense. Women of all ages calling you ugly and a whore. Even insulting your child calling him a bastard. But you knew none of this was his fault, it comes with the package if you get involved with someone remotely famous.

He plopped on the bed feeling awfully tired, crawling all the way over to rest his head on your chest. You ran your fingers through his hair while reading some more comments, ¨Is it real bad, baby?¨ he didn't even want to look into your screen, burying his face on the softness of your chest. ¨Well, if you erase all those fangirls from it, it’s not as bad. Seems like you have very good and supportive friends rooting for you.¨ that was unusual, so he peeked up at you for clarifications. You went to the main trending page to show him, ¨C´mere look.¨ 

¨Kageyama Tobio Official: Miya-san is a great setter, you should all be ashamed of yourselves.¨

¨00_SunaRin_00: They’ve been together since high school, if you didn’t know about her is because you don't know anything about your beloved Tsumukyun.¨

¨The new Tiny Giant: We love you, don’t listen to all this nonsense!¨

¨NOT the real Bokuto Kotarou from MSBY: TsumTsum is the greatest setter one could ever wish to have, if you are mean to him and he leaves our team I will hate you all forever! 👿 ¨

Atsumu was beyond moved with all the comments from his actual friends, people that actually knew him for who he was and who wanted him to be comfortable and embrace his happiness. His heart felt tight and his eyes filled with tears. You were holding him gently, throwing the phone away to the side. ¨Everything will be fine, Tsumu. I don't really care about what they said. Even if they said I’m ugly and don’t deserve you, all it matters is what you and I think.¨ you smiled, but he knew you better than you knew yourself, the look in your eyes, the forced smile, of course this was affecting you.

He buried his face on your chest once more, wanting to be babied by you but also thinking of a way to protect you from all this. He was placing soft gentle pecks in between your breasts, while you caressed his back lovingly in silence. ¨Baby, I think I should say something. I know you said it doesn't matter, but it does to me. I don't want them saying bullshit about the woman I love or my son.¨ he was looking into your eyes now with determination. ¨Would you let me post a picture of me and Seiji together in my account?¨ you nodded at his request, his face was all over the internet now anyways so its not like it mattered. ¨And maybe this…if you don´t mind of course…¨ he was acting strangely shy while roaming his bedside table’s drawer. He brought out a small red velvet box, opening it for you to see what was inside, your breath hitching at the content. ¨I…well, I’ve had this with me since back in the day when I was going to propose, is it ok if maybe you wear it for a sec and we take a picture of our hands so I add it to the post? I know we aren’t engaged or anything, but it would bury all those rumors down and they would have no other choice than to accept it.¨ he was so ridiculously nervous, his ears were ringing and all he could hear was his heartbeat. Your face was bright red, but your eyes never left the ring.

So it was true, he really wanted to marry you all those years ago.

You gave him a small smile, trying to swallow down your own tears and handed him your hand for him to put it on for you. He complied immediately, giving your finger a light kiss after sliding it down. It fitted to perfection. He snapped a quick picture of your joint hands, quickly posting both of them to his account. 

¨THE_Miya_Atsumu: Sorry I’m late. I know you’ve already seen pictures of my family going on online, but wanted you to hear it from me. Meet my son, he is five and is as promising as his dad. And even if I would like to tell you that the beautiful woman in the pictures is my wife, well we aren’t there yet, but as you can see, she will be soon. I really don’t appreciate you being mean to the woman I love or even worse, my son. So I hope you understand and to continue having your support.¨ 

The likes were going off the roof, in less than a minute he was trending once again. While others were sulking, majority of his real fans respected him for coming out clean, for valuing their support, and they were all dying due to Seiji's cuteness. Things were slowing down and he could finally breathe once again.

He was staring at the empty box, knowing he should probably just put the ring back inside, he didn’t want to make you even more uncomfortable, but you were happily looking at it in awe.

¨It’s a beautiful ring, Tsumu. It’s a bit surprising that it still fits, don’t you think?" his sneaky self was going under the shirt you were wearing, he just wanted to hide from you, he didn’t want the ring back, so his head went inside the shirt seeking for shelter, you were actually wearing one of his shirts as you haven’t finished unpacking yet, so he fit in it just fine, looking to stuff his face on his favorite bouncy set of pillows. ¨Tsumu, what are you doing?¨ you were laughing, squirming at his cold hands, ¨I just, don’t want to see you taking off the ring, so I’m going to live here now.¨ he was so silly, but you loved this side of him, ¨Do I have to take it off?¨ his heart stopped for a minute there, did you not want to? ¨Well, no not really. It’s yours after all, I just never got a chance to give it to you.¨ he was mumbling, half suffocated by your supple skin, ¨Well you kindda just did…¨ his head popped out of the collar of the shirt just a bit, making you burst out laughing again at how ridiculous the two of you looked right now, ¨Do you, want to…you know…marry me? Doesn’t have to be now, we can wait as long as you want until you actually want to-¨ you shut him up by kissing the tip of his nose, pushing his head back down to rest on your chest, ¨Yeah…I think I’ll keep it for now.¨ his heart was over the moon, you didn’t want to take it off! He felt so grateful, so accomplished, there’s just so much love in his heart right now, he doesn’t even know how to express it, so he kisses every inch of your skin he has available in his proximity.

Your son came in running into your room, laughing at how silly his daddy looked right now, ¨Daddy, you look like a fat taco.¨ refusing to go out of his safe heaven he just waved his son off, cuddling your soft body, sneakily trying to get you off your bra, only to get his hand swatted away by an angry mother. ¨kay, kay. I’ll wait till the slimy demon child goes to bed.¨ he grumbles, going out of his little paradise and lifting his son up to tickle his tummy as an act of revenge. Your son’s laughter being the cherry on top for the happiest night of his existence.

¨Daddy, can we go to USJ tomorrow?¨ you were supposed to go on the weekend, but fighting those puppy eyes was something he just couldn’t do. He had late practice tomorrow so you all could go in the morning. ¨Ok, but daddy has to go to work after lunch.¨ the child went out in a frenzy, hurrying to pack his bag for tomorrow's adventure.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

You weren’t so sure about going out in public so quickly after all the mess from the day before, but Seiji insisted and he was going back to school next week so you wanted to indulge your son.

You all had so much fun, all Seiji wanted to do was go on the same rides over and over again in the Mario land and you both complied, now being proud owners of power-up bands and defeating Bowser.Jr with team effort. Your son has never had so much fun in his life. You ate so many yummy snacks and took pictures with every single character available.

You also officially took your first family polaroid in front of the castle, this becoming Seiji´s new treasure, quickly defeating the beatle.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

The next morning Atsumu was trending once more, pictures of you having fun at Universal being in the front page of many local news sites, this time however, the comments were all positive, all talking about how cute you all looked wearing the same shirt and matching headbands. Some of them even on your side saying you were actually very pretty and looked super cute together, that you made the perfect couple, the perfect family.

And all of the sudden, the price of fame didn’t feel as high and you both felt you could live with it.

○●○●○●○●●○●○●○●○●●○●○●○●○●

Previous Chapter Master List Next Chapter

[ughmiyans]

suna is a huge the 1975 fan. problematic frontman aside, their songs are absolute bangers, and he always has them playing on the speakers to make the chores more bearable.

it’s the off-season, and he has a whole two weeks to himself which he spends in his boyfriend’s apartment in downtown osaka. osamu had been pretty busy as of late, what with the second onigiri miya branch opening in shinsaibashi, and it shows with the state his apartment is in. he’s generally a tidy person, but lately the dirty clothes have been piling up in the hamper, washed clothes sit outside in the balcony for days, and a thin layer of dust has begun to settle on the furniture. suna, being the thoughtful boyfriend that he is, decides to dedicate the entire afternoon doing some spring cleaning, busting out the vacuum, loading the washing machine, and folding his and osamu’s clothes. if he uses the broom as a mic stand to perform a few songs in the living room, no one has to know.

He’s just finished vacuuming under the couch when his favorite song from the latest album comes on.

Heartbeat, is coming on so strong

Oh, if you don’t stop, I’m gonna need a second one

He’s about to proceed to the kitchen, but then the chorus comes on and he can’t help it. The lyrics are repetitive but really catchy, so he abandons the vacuum in a corner in favor of full on bopping and wiggling his hips as he belts out the words he’s memorized by heart:

Yeah, it’s simple and it goes like this

I’m in love with you, I- I- I- I- I-

I’m in love with you, I- I- I- I- I-

He’s so into it that he doesn’t hear the front door opening, doesn’t notice Osamu toeing off his shoes in the genkan with an amused grin on his face as he watches Suna’s mini-concert. Watching his boyfriend like this, singing and dancing in his living room without a single care in the world… he could get used to this.

I’m in love with you, I- I- I- I- I-

Suna twists around to find Osamu leaning against the wall, arms crossed as he watches him with nothing but fondness in his eyes.

I’m in love with you, I- I- I- I- I-

Suna points to him at “you”, shuffling over to his boyfriend while still very much bopping to the beat, and he takes Osamu’s hands in his to pull him to the center of the stage (the middle of the living room).

I’m in love with you, I- I- I- I- I-

He continues to wiggle his boyfriend and Osamu finally relents, chuckling and singing the last few lines of the chorus with Suna, never breaking eye contact:

I’m in love with you, I- I- I- I- I-

I’m in love with you, I- I- I- I- I-

“In love with you,” Suna murmurs the last line as he loops his arms around his boyfriend’s neck. Osamu immediately places his hands on Suna’s waist, leaning in to bump their foreheads together.

“Fuckin’ sap,” he teases.

“Hey, I was simply singing along, you just happened to walk in mid-performance.” Suna flashes his own cheeky grin at him.

Osamu chuckles. “Whatever ya say, Rin.” He kisses the tip of his nose because he likes how it scrunches up immediately after.

“Fuckin’ sap,” Suna echoes as he pulls away. “C’mon now, you’re just in time to take out the laundry while I finish up here.”

But Osamu holds him in place. “How ‘bout ya keep doin’ yer mini-concerts here instead, for your number one fan?”

“What do you mean?” Suna asks, confused.

“Move in with me,” Osamu says as he pulls Suna closer. “I wanna keep comin’ home to this, to you.”

Suna gasps. Well he certainly wasn’t expecting that, even though they’ve been dating for close to two years already.

Flustered, he says the first thing that pops into his mind. “I’m gonna start charging you for my talent fees, then.”

Osamu lets out a laugh, eyes crinkling shut. “S’alright with me, as long as I get to wake up to yer face every morning from now on.”

Fuckin’ sap, Suna thinks again, but instead he leans forward to seal his answer with a kiss.

[ran2011]

神戸散策３　うろこの家

In the Kitano Ijinkan district, the best view can be found at 'Uroko House.' After passing through the bustling streets of Sannomiya and enjoying the exotic ambiance of mosques and churches, a 10-minute ascent up the hillside leads to the Ijinkan district. Uroko's House, located on the upper part of the hill, is a Western-style edifice covered in natural slate stone. Its distinctive exterior, reminiscent of fish scales, gave it the nickname 'Uroko House' (House of the Scales).

The house showcases antique furniture and luxurious furnishings, along with exquisite ceramics once favored by European royalty. On the third floor of the adjacent Uroko Museum, there is an exceptional observation gallery with a remarkable view. From here, you can take in the stunning views of Kobe's cityscape and the sea right in front of you. In the distance, the magnificent panorama extends to Osaka Bay and Awaji Island, a sight so breathtaking it can leave you speechless.

異人館街で最も見晴らしの良い場所に、'うろこの家'があります。三ノ宮の繁華街を抜け、異国情緒溢れるモスクや教会が並ぶ街並みを楽しみながら、約10分坂道を上るとそこには異人館街が広がります。坂の上方に位置するうろこの家は、天然石のスレートで覆われた洋館で、特徴的な魚の鱗を思わせる外壁が、その愛称の由来となっています。

館内にはアンティーク家具や豪華な調度品、さらに欧州王��が愛用していた華麗な陶磁器が展示されています。隣接するうろこ美術館の3階には、ひときわ見晴らしの良い展望ギャラリーがあります。ここからは、目の前に迫る美しい神戸の街並みや海を一望でき、遠くには大阪湾や淡路島まで見渡せる壮大な景色が広がっており、その光景には息をのむほどでした。

[bnhaobservation]

BNHA Observations, speculations and assorted info: Hospitals (Part 1: Fujitani Hospital)

So, in order to write my fic, I spend much time observing canon scenes, comparing the manga and the anime version, take note of details, translations and info in them as well as finding out how are some things called.

Since what I noticed/speculated/found out can be of use for other fic authors I thought to share as well.

Resources:

Chap. 44 "Relaxing Day Off" (休め振替休日 Yasume Furikae Kyūjitsu) Chap. 187 "Flaming Roar! vs. Nomu: High-End" (燃えよ轟け！VS脳無：ハイエンド Moeyo Todoroke! vs Nōmu: High-End) Chap. 290 "Dabi's Dance" (ダビダンス Dabi Dance)

Ep. 25 "Todoroki vs. Bakugo" (轟VS爆豪 Todoroki vs. Bakugō) Ep. 38 "Encounter" (エンカウンター) Ep. 88 "His Start" (始まりの Hajimarino) Ep. 105 "The Hellish Todoroki Family" (地獄の轟くん家 Jigoku no Todoroki-kun-chi) Ep. 124 "Dabi's Dance" (ダビダンス Dabi Dance)

School Briefs I "Notice from School"

OBSERVATIONS, SPECULATIONS AND ASSORTED INFO:

The place in which Todoroki Rei is hospitalized is Fujitani Hospital (藤谷病院 ‘Fujitani Byōin’). Fujitani can be translated as "wisteria valley" and is apparently not a real place. There's a Fujitani clinic (藤谷医院 'Fujitani iin') in Osaka but it's clearly not the same place.

Japanese fans speculated the name comes from one of Horikoshi's assistants, Fujiya (藤谷), whose surname is written the same, though the spelling is different. Honestly I couldn't see any spelling notation for the hospital so it can be we're just spelling it wrong... or I missed the spelling notation.

The hospital is likely not close to the Todoroki home.

In chap 189 Fuyumi and Natsuo in order to return home after visiting their mother take a taxi.

Episode 25 instead shows Shouto had to walk quite a bit, then take a train then walk some more.

OUTSIDE

The best image of the outside of the hospital comes from chap 290 of the manga, in which Horikoshi clearly finalized the design, while we could fist read the hospital's name in chap 187

ENTRANCE

We can only see there are sliding doors in both versions.

RECEPTION

No big changes here the image on the manga is more accurate and shows the nurses also have pc. The ceiling is kind of different.

CORRIDOR

The corridor is mostly the same, the anime only adds a support so people who've to walk through it can support themselves with them.

REI'S ROOM ENTRANCE

The differences between manga and anime are minimal, the window on the door in the manga seems smaller and the sign with Rei's name is different though the number of the room is the same, 315.

REI'S ROOM INSIDE VIEWS

Episode 25 adds some details to Rei's room but changes the type of window... though they'll change it into one that matches the manga in episode 88 (same goes for the desk which also gets changed in one matching the one in the manga). The anime also turns the door into a sliding one. Accessories (a lamp and other controllers) are added on the wall next to Rei's bed only to be removed later on.

I do wonder if the slight wisteria tinge in episode 25 is due to the hospital name... later though it will be removed the head of the bed turned first grey and then brown.

They also first will add a furniture on top of which there's a tv next to Rei's bed, to remove it and replace it with a wardrobe and in an episode we'll see a chair that'll disappear in the following ones.

Long story short, there's no consistency whatsoever in how the anime depicts Rei's room, which becomes particularly evident in Episode 105 in which they change the disposition of the furniture, moving the desk in front of the window and the bed on the other side of the room, changing even the kind of window Rei had (but everything will be back to their places in episode 124)

CEILING

We get some other additional info from "School Briefs".

Fujitani Hospital is described as “…a large white building lit up in shades of orange by the setting sun. The hospital where his mother was institutionalized. Though clinic hours were just about over, the lobby was brimming with patients waiting to check out. Todoroki glanced at the scene as he hurried into an elevator destined for the upper levels. It wasn’t his first time coming here, but the boy noticed how nervous he was as he stared at the floor display, tickling up.”

“The elevator doors slid open quietly, and Todoroki emerged into a corridor bathed in silence, unlike the lobby below. The faint scent of antiseptic common to most hospitals reminded him of his own recent stay…”

“As he passed the nurses’ station, a nurse he’d become acquainted with called out to Todoroki.”

“He had half a mind to ask a question, but the station phone started ringing, so he kept walking.”

We move to Rei's room, for which we only get the story to mention tiny bits of furniture and the fact there's actually a minifridge in the room under the desk.

“With the barred window at her back, a soft smile crept into her eyes, which opened wide.”

““Oh… Nothing, honey. Come on in. Sit,” replied his mother, offering Todoroki her own chair.”

“Todoroki checked the minifridge under the desk and found a few bottles of soft drinks, as well as a yogurt drink with a cartoon cow on the carton, clearly meant for children.”

“As if she’d done it a million times before, Fuyumi stuffed the bundle of clothing onto a shelf.”

And that's all I could find on the place.

[meadowmines]

OC-Tober Day 17: Lie

[In which Aoyagi's cover is blown]

"Hey, Master. Can I get another one of those bacon things?" The guy chuckles. "And another cup of kitty treats. Miyuki-chan's no cheap date, is she?"

"Comin' right up." Aoyagi warms up a bacon cheddar scone and scoops a cup of treats and sets them on a tray. "How ya doin' on coffee?"

"Ehh... it could stand warmin' up."

"You got it." Aoyagi picks up the tray in one hand and the coffee pot in the other and makes his way through the main room, deftly weaving around furniture and cats. He sets the tray down and unloads the scone and treats onto the guy's table. He reaches over to refill the coffee and--

Nothing happens. Of course nothing happens. He just tops up the guy's cup like he'd do anyone's and nothing else happens. But he thinks, just for a split second, he feels something in the air sort of turn and just for that split second he is certain the guy is going to grab him.

Got some shady characters in town lately, Chiba had said the other night, watching what Aoyagi guessed was a couple of said shady characters from across the Grand. They're not stirrin' up trouble. Probably nothin', but... Chiba didn't have to finish that sentence. Aoyagi heard about the ten bil missing from the Tojo vault. About the Third Chairman turning up dead. Is news like that the sort of thing that makes an ex-Tojo man in hiding a little nervous? You bet your ass it is.

Still, Aoyagi shakes that out of his head, collects the empty tray, and heads back to the other side of the counter. This is just one guy and he's behaving and being nice to the cats and ordering food and generally being a perfectly decent customer. It's fine.

"What'd you say your name was, Master?"

"Amano," Aoyagi says. It's automatic now. He had a few close calls early on. But it's not like this is the first time he's had to get used to a new name, right? Sojiro Amano is just the latest in the string. "And you?"

The guy doesn't answer, like he just didn't hear. Aoyagi doesn't press the issue. To be fair, Ringo (so named because he was one of an orphaned litter found in a fruit crate; his siblings Momo, Yuzu, and Ichigo have already been adopted) is currently trying to sneak into the dude's lap and that's enough to distract anyone.

"How's a guy get into the cat cafe business, Amano-san?" the guy asks while Aoyagi washes some of the dishes.

"Some guy with more money than sense bought the place," Aoyagi replies, with a little smirk he can't quite help. It's not entirely untrue, is it? "And he threw me at it to see if I'd stick."

"Looks like ya stuck."

"Looks like."

The guy munches on his scone and feeds treats to the cats in silence for a while. "You originally from around here? Ya sound like it."

"Osaka born n' bred," Aoyagi replies. There's a grain of truth in the bred part, he thinks--his bachan was from somewhere out Kansai way after all and all the Japanese he heard growing up was hers and his dad's. "You here on business?"

"Something like that."

The tone is pleasant enough but that's the kind of answer that both warns you not to press for details and dares you to do it at the same time. Aoyagi frowns as he scrubs a plate. The guy isn't wearing a pin. He looks like he could be a "family man" but could also just be some random dude speaking regular old tough-guy Japanese. He sure doesn't feel like a Majima man. He's being paranoid. Shit's poised to hit the fan in Tokyo. His boss (in Tokyo) tried to kill him. Of course he's nervous about some rando talking like a Tokyo tough guy sitting in his cafe, but it's not worth shitting bricks over in the middle of a shift.

"Sotenbori's a hell of a town, huh?" the guy asks him out of nowhere. "You never know what you're gonna see here."

Despite his nerves, Aoyagi can't help but grin. "Ya got that right. Just when ya think you've seen everything, this place throws ya a whole new curveball."

"Heh. No kidding. Always some wild shit goin' on." The guy laughs, a nice normal easy laugh, and Aoyagi starts to think he's being really, really stupid about this. "Ya ask me... I think this place is haunted."

"Haunted?" Aoyagi sputters out a laugh. "Dunno if I'd go that far, but..."

It hits him, then. What the guy means. What that nasty smile on his face means.

"Y'know," the guy says, and it's all Aoyagi can do to not leap over the counter and snatch Ringo away from the dude, "if I had a yen for every yakuza that disappeared in Kamurocho and turned up here a couple years later..." He laughs again. It's not the easy laugh. It's a sharper one. Uglier. "Well. I'd have two yen. Which ain't much... but it sure is weird that it happened twice." He goes on petting Ringo like none of this is happening and Aoyagi does his damndest to keep his poker face on but he can feel the blood draining out of his head. "Ain't that weird... Aoyagi-chan?"

[procyo9]

Get to know me!

Thanks for tagging me @hydrasshole !! :3

Tagging: @quaddmgd, @juststayquiete, @ghostoffuturespast (i know most of you were already tagged but im curious lol) - no pressure ofc!! :3

Relationship: taken by the most beautiful girl on earth and anywhere else actually <3

Favourite Colour: hardest question ever sjdbbs,, black i guess?? i love greens too

Song Stuck in My Head: hateful - health

Favourite Food: anything with well prepared spinach and feta cheese! like dumplings or pancakes

Last Song Played: sick of being honest - milkblood

Dream Trip: Japan!! Especially somewhere in Hokkaido or maybe Osaka <3 I want to taste all the food... and take a lot of pictures...

Last Thing I Googled: i have no idea lmfao i google everything in incognito... it was either robert cop the furniture of law or name research for my new ocs 😳

[konradnews]

Toyoko INN Higashi-Osaka" opened on July 3; ¥1,000 discount campaign until August 2.

Toyoko Inn will open Toyoko INN Higashi Osaka (3-4-16 Arakawa, Higashi Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture) on July 3. The 14-story building has a total of 231 rooms, including single and economy double rooms. The hotel is positioned as a model store for coexistence with the local community, and in addition to installing tables made by local furniture manufacturer “PALLET HOUSE JAPAN” in the hotel, a…

[chemanalystdata]

Polyol Prices, Trend, Supply and Demand & Forecast | ChemAnalyst

Polyol Prices: During the Quarter Ending December 2023

North America

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the North American Polyol market experienced a downturn characterized by a bearish price trend. This was primarily due to decreased demand and sluggish manufacturing activities within the Polyurethane segment. The decline in prices can be attributed to subdued consumption rates across various end-user industries. Initially, demand for Polyurethane materials from Automotive manufacturers was sluggish, partly due to decreased manufacturing activities amidst the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike.

Moreover, the support for costs declined for feedstock Propylene Oxide at the quarter's onset, as demand weakened from Glycol industries and upstream Propane stocks remained abundantly available. Midway through the quarter, Polyol inventory levels were sufficient in the market, yet demand remained subdued, particularly after Black Friday sales, and due to decreased retail sector sales and Automotive sector consumption.

Get Real Time Prices of Polyol: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/polyols-60

Towards the quarter's end, cautious buying activities persisted among buyers. Ultimately, the combination of low demand from downstream industries and the introduction of bio-based Polyurethane negatively impacted petrochemical-based Polyurethane component consumption, leading to a nearly 30% decrease in prices compared to the previous quarter. At the close of Q4 2023, the price for Polyether Polyol MW 3000, µ 400-650 FOB Texas in the USA stood at USD 2130/MT.

Asia

In the Asia-Pacific region, the Polyol market similarly faced bearish conditions throughout Q4 2023, marked by low to moderate demand from downstream industries and a decline in manufacturing sector activities. This led to consistent price decreases during the quarter. Propylene Oxide prices declined due to stockpiling, stemming from reduced offtakes from Glycol industries. This reduction in production costs maintained firm Polyol production rates in the region.

Midway through the quarter, procurement activities decreased as winter arrived, and consumption rates for Polyurethane components and PU materials remained sluggish in the Automotive and manufacturing sectors. Towards the quarter's end, destocking practices by regional isocyanates producers, coupled with sluggish consumption rates, further pushed prices downwards. However, there was an improvement in Polyol consumption rates from the PU segment as the regional wood furniture market gained momentum alongside increased retail sector sales and improved PU foam consumption rates in the manufacturing sector. By the end of Q4 2023, Polyether Polyol MW 3000 FOB-Osaka in Japan hovered at USD 1284/MT.

Europe

Mirroring North America, the Polyol market in Europe exhibited bearish movements during Q4 2023, with prices declining steadily. Low demand from the Polyurethane segment and sluggish manufacturing activities during peak winter contributed to this trend. Moreover, decreased offtakes from domestic buyers and the shifting interest towards bio-based Polyurethane materials impacted demand negatively.

Midway through the quarter, Polyol supply rates remained firm in the regional market, supported by consistent shipping rates from European hubs. The Eurozone Manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index indicated a contraction in manufacturing sector activities, further exacerbating market conditions. Towards the quarter's end, the European Wood Furniture market suffered due to a housing bubble burst, leading to decreased demand for wood furniture and a subsequent decline in Polyurethane foam demand from the manufacturing sector.

Consequently, the consumption of Polyurethane components diminished, and inventory levels remained high. Overall, Polyol prices witnessed a decline of approximately 22% in the region. At the end of Q4 2023, Polyether MW 3000, µ 400-650 FD Antwerp quotations in Belgium were accessed at USD 1880/MT.

Get Real Time Prices of Polyol: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/polyols-60

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[earaercircular]

Designer Tomhiro Kishida opts for very slow fashion: 'I have made ten pieces in 4.5 years'

Why would you go to a store? Wouldn't it be better to make your own fabrics? And while you're at it, sow what you need yourself? When Japanese designer Tomohiro Kishida started thinking about the core of fashion, he found himself in his grandfather's field. He grows the cotton for his very slow fashion, according to the rhythm of nature, not the fashion seasons.

How did you actually end up in fashion?

“I started studying architecture because I wanted to make beautiful things. I soon felt that I wanted to design on a more human scale and started studying ergonomics. The plan was to become a furniture maker. But during an internship I noticed that I don't have much of a feeling for furniture either.

I felt lost. I was able to work as an engineer at Panasonic. That may sound banal in the West, but they conduct progressive research. However, I became increasingly aware of how such a company is driven by economic interests. I wanted to put my soul into my work and came to the conclusion that I would only find peace of mind in manual work. And so I enrolled in the Osaka Institute of Fashion[1].”

There are also other disciplines for crafts. Why did you choose clothing?

'In most disciplines you are forced to work together with others and you cannot actually do what you want. I wanted to be self-centred. (laughs) Fashion is a freer discipline, in which you can easily experiment. Moreover, if a fashion project fails, no one gets hurt. That is different with architecture.'

At the fashion academy you discovered sakiori, an ancient Japanese weaving technique. What is that exactly?

'Sakiori[2] consists of two words: saki and ori. The first means pulling, the second weaving. It is a technique that is at least three hundred years old, in which you tear worn-out pieces of fabric into thin strips and weave them into new clothing.'[3]

'I discovered it rather by chance. Students make their assignments from simple white cotton. When the task is completed, everything is thrown away. I thought it was a shame, because we were producing waste all the time. So I started with sakiori to give that mountain of fabric value again. Originally, sakiori was used because there was a textile shortage. Now I use it to address an opposite problem.'

Is it a difficult technique?

'Technically not, but it does take a lot of time and patience. Mentally speaking, it is difficult for people today. Sakiori is almost meditative work. I think it is a luxury to spend my time in this way.'

Sakiori is recycling. You also grow your own cotton and then use it to make clothes. Why did you start that?

'That idea also originated at fashion school. The teachers advised us to look for good materials. Once again I wanted to question that logic. Why go to a store? Can't I make fabric myself? And so I bought a loom. But then I thought: why do I buy yarn instead of making it myself? That's how I started planting cotton myself.' (laughs)

How did you approach that? Just buy a field and start farming?

'I was lucky. My grandfather is a winegrower and has a vineyard close to Osaka. He is now too old to farm anymore. I now grow cotton in a part of his field. In this way I not only return to the roots of fashion, but also to those of my family. My father, who is a dental technician, comes to help me from time to time. He grew up in those fields and enjoys them.”

Can you briefly describe the process, from seed to thread?

'Everything starts in May with sowing. I harvest in October or November. Then I remove the seeds from the cotton balls — quite a job. The next steps are carding (untangling the fibres, ed.), spinning the yarn and boiling the yarn. Then I weave.”

In fashion we always talk in terms of seasons. You choose the seasons of a farmer.

'Indeed. Fashion essentially implies “trend”. As a result, we also view clothing with those eyes: as something that is relevant for a certain time. I am looking for a different meaning, one that is healthier for nature and for our peace of mind.”

Why do you do everything by hand?

'If a factory made my clothes, the meaning would be lost to me. Repetitive hand movements really fascinate me. It is part of the Japanese concept of shosa[4]: the beauty of the perfectly efficient, repeated action. You can also find this in the tea ceremony, for example. In the West you undoubtedly have better techniques, but in Japan shosa is an important element.'

Considering you do everything by hand, how many pieces do you produce per year?

'As for sakiori: about forty a year. With the cotton project I made ten pieces in 4.5 years.' (laughs) That is very slow fashion.

'And because I keep everything in my own hands, I now think that I should also do the sales myself. In the current production model, each task is highly divided. Because everyone has very limited responsibility for the end product, you get the problems that arise today. The entire chain produces clothes without paying attention to the consequences before and after the sale. I want to take all responsibility.”

You are to fashion what a monk is to religion: an extremely pure example to others. Do you also view it that way?

“Maybe I am. I rather see myself as experimental. I try things that most people think will not succeed.'

Next month you will move from Osaka City to the farm. Why?

“Part of me wants to stay in Osaka and part of me wants to leave. I don't have a good answer for it. I especially want to concentrate on the cotton project. I want to be able to deliver one piece a month and make a living from it. That would be great.'

WHO IS TOMOHIRO KISHIDA?

Japanese designer Tomohiro Kishida ('Tomo' for short) first studied architecture and then ergonomics. He worked as an engineer at Panasonic, but then the itch started: he wanted to create with his own hands. He enrolled in a fashion course and since 2018 he has been making his clothing line entirely by hand. On the one hand, he uses sakiori, a traditional Japanese way of recycling cotton. On the other hand, he weaves clothes from the cotton that he grows in his grandfather's field.

Source

Ringo Gomez-Jorge, Ontwerper Tomohiro Kishida kiest voor very slow fashion: ‘Ik heb op 4,5 jaar tijd tien stukken gemaakt’, in DS Magazine, 1/10,2023, https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20230927_93766767

[1] Although the level of skill of Japan's apparel industry is among the top in the world, unique ideas and designs did not blossom in Japan. We believe the ability to "generate ideas and design" is essential for winning the international race. The tutors at Osaka Institute of Fashion (OIF) have themselves studied repeatedly at fashion schools in Italy, the U.K. and the U.S., mastered ways to teach 'inspiration method and design expression', and established the program to relay their experiences to Japanese students. https://www.graduatefashionweek.com/universities/osaka-institute-of-fashion

[2] Beginning in the 18th century, Japanese farm women, during seasonal cold periods in Northern Japan, used a home loom to weave scraps of old fabrics into sakiori textiles. These hardy women would turn their woven lengths of rather narrow sakiori weavings (5 ~ 14 inches wide) into utilitarian household textiles like rugs, kotatsu (heated table) covers and practical garments like warm work jackets, vests and informal kimono obi. Although indigo was the most common color, often these domestically made sakiori textiles, especially the obi and rugs, included very colorful designs because of mixing into the weave random varieties of old brightly dyed fabrics that had been specifically set aside for making sakiori. The Japanese word sakiori comes from "saki," which means to tear or rip up, and "ori," which means weave. "Saki" relates to preparing the fabric by striping it into pieces and "ori" refers to weaving it together. The process is the same as in American & European rag weaving. With Japanese sakiori, torn cloth pieces are rolled into 13 to 16 inch lengths and loomed together in weft (width) rows and using cotton or hemp (rare) as the warp yarn. (length). Recycling such old fabric remnants into sakiori weavings follows the Japanese indispensable concept of “mottainai” or not wasting precious cloth when one can prolong the fabric’s useful life through recycling and reuse. https://www.kimonoboy.com/sakiori.html

[3] https://koromo-sakioritamura.jimdofree.com/english/

[4] 所作 (Shosa)