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
Shaking up the USDA, 'The Beef Cookbook' and 'Tartine All Day' Peggy Lowe explains why Trump’s pick for USDA Secretary is rattling rural America. Dario Cecchini talks future plans for Chianti ramen, and Richard Turner shares cuts from “PRIME: The Beef Cookbook.” Writer Matthew Sedacca looks at the controversy behind liquid smoke. Jonathan Gold tries Chengdu-style dishes, and Elisabeth Prueitt of Tartine fills us in on the latest. Plus, chef Michael Beckman shares a recipe for cactus confit.
What did Trump accomplish on his first trip abroad? President Trump is wrapping up his Mideast and European tour. We find out what he has accomplished -- good and bad -- and look at what he faces when he comes home.