University of California, Los Angeles
Professor and Chair of the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of California, Los Angeles and director of UCLA's Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies; principal at Atelier Hitoshi Abe, based in Sendai, Japan
Japan's March 11 Earthquake and the Future of Nuclear Energy A year ago yesterday, Japan experienced multiple disasters: an earthquake, tsunami and the meltdowns of three nuclear reactors at the Fukishima-Daichi plant in the Northeastern part of the country. Almost all of Japan's nuclear reactors have shut down in the aftermath of last year's meltdowns, and the nation is still struggling to overcome the massive earthquake and devastating tsunami. We hear from Tokyo and about plans to build new reactors here in the US.
Japan's March 11 Earthquake and the Future of Nuclear Energy One year ago yesterday, Japan experienced a massive earthquake, devastating tsunami and the meltdown of the nuclear facility at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor. Nearly all of its nuclear reactors have shut down and Japan is still struggling to overcome last year's multiple disasters. Yet Japanese companies continue to promote nuclear power elsewhere, and some 60 reactors are under construction globally. We hear from Tokyo and about plans to build new reactors here in the US.
The Battle for the Affluent Bottom The sponsor for the "Future City" Pecha Kucha was the Japanese bath manufacturer TOTO, who displayed its new Neorest 550 , a high-tech luxury toilet which includes features like an automatic lid, remote control, duel flush, and bidet. Frances hears from TOTO's Allan Dallatore on the company's strategy, then visits with Little Tokyo Design Week co-creator Hitoshi Abe on why the fancy toilet is so prized in Japanese culture. The Neorest 550 by TOTO with its nightlight to welcome evening visitors The Neorest's sculptural profile Meanwhile, the Wisconsin-based company Kohler has created its own luxury toilet, the NUMI , which debuted last month at a party in West Hollywood. Kohler product manager Michael Marbach and executive creative director Tristan Butterfield explain the NUMI's features, while Frances hears some first reactions from party guests Cameron Silver, the owner of the vintage shop Decades, and Frances's daughter, Summer. The NUMI by Kohler features square, untoilet-like edges Ads for the NUMI were photographed at the iconic Pierre Koenig-designed Stahl House
Japanese Design in Los Angeles With the devastating Japanese earthquake and tsunami still less than four months ago, Japanese culture remains at the forefront of Angelenos's minds. Two events coming up in the next month have a special emphasis on Japanese design. Michael Sylvester talks about several programs at this weekend's Dwell on Design , as well as the new Los Angeles Design Festival , happening through June 30, that will feature Japanese designers and also raise money to help the country's earthquake victims. The next month is the first-ever Little Tokyo Design Week , which will highlight fashion, furniture, architecture, and anime. UCLA's Chair of Architecture and Urban Planning Hitoshi Abe discusses the festival and what it was like to return to his hometown of Sendai after the earthquake. A table produced by Takeshi Miyakawa to raise money for earthquake victims is part of Yakitate at Dwell on Design The Japanese artist Sasaki will be painting heartbeats to raise money for Architecture for Humanity's rebuilding efforts at Dwell on Design
George Saunders: Lincoln in the Bardo (Part I) Lincoln in the Bardo dramatizes a grieving President Lincoln as he visits the grave of his beloved son Willie, who died at age eleven. In the novel, the buried dead believe they're not dead -- "they're sick and refer to their coffins as "sick boxes."
Accusations of lying fly between James Comey and White House During his testimony Thursday, former FBI Director James Comey accused President Trump and other White House officials of lying when they said the FBI was in disarray and its staff had lost confidence in him. President Trump’s lawyer said Comey was wrong -- that the president never asked for his loyalty, and never asked him to back off the investigation into former NSA director Michael Flynn.
Previewing James Comey's blockbuster testimony Former FBI director James Comey testifies Thursday in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee, but his opening statement has been released. In it, he says he felt pressured by Donald Trump to declare loyalty to him and publicly clear him of any wrongdoing in the Russia investigation.