Maboroshi Hakurankai Part 2

Some more pictures of Maboroshi Hakurankai.

Maboroshi Hakurankai Part 1

Maboroshi Hakurankai is a new "theme park" in Izu. It just recently opened (July 16th) at the site of the Izu Green Park, which closed about 10 years back. Izu Green Park was pretty much in ruins (and still is) until Japanese publisher Data House took over and created this crazy attraction. Maboroshi Hakurankai is a "museum" featuring 3 areas in 3 separate buildings of the park: Ancient Civilization, the Showa Period, and Post War Japan. There are no food or souvenir stands, only a tiny bookstore featuring books on topics such as: how to kill yourself, sex techniques, famous killers, penguins, and stupid Americans. I can't even describe this place, everything inside is pretty much recycled junk, a lot of which came from two pretty amazing adult museums which are now closed: the Ganso Kokusai Hihokan and the Toba SF Miraikan, both in Mie Prefecture. The now clothed sex mannequins still stand in their sultry poses but no longer in adult situations. Yeah, they kinda go along with the themes of their respective areas, but half of the displays make no sense at all. Sounds like the last place you'd want to visit on a vacation to Izu. NOT. This place is heaven. There is just so much craziness going on it blows the mind. I can't even begin to describe the strange sensation and fear of just walking through the exhibits. The sights, smells, the mystery, the creepiness. I hope these pictures can better describe the insanity of Maboroshi Hakurankai.

Whac-A-%$#@

The Atami Adult Museum added this piece to its collection last year. It's a modified version of the classic whac-a-mole arcade game, with the moles replaced with men's and women's private parts. One more reason to visit.

Sink Or Swim

In the spirit of ocean conservation the Japan-based non-profit organization, PangeaSeed, is ramping up for it’s third annual art exhibition tailored to address one the biggest threats facing the health of world’s oceans today – the rapid mass depletion of sharks.

With each minute that passes close to 200 sharks are killed, adding up to an astonishing 80 million deaths each year. The majority of these sharks are killed only for their fins to satisfy an unsustainable appetite for shark fin soup in Asia and other parts of the world. In the cruel practice known as “finning,” the shark is hooked and brought aboard the boat where its fins are then cut off and the still alive but limbless animal is tossed back into the sea to drown.

All artwork is for sale with proceeds helping to keep sharks afloat both in Japan and around the world. Curated by Pangea Seed and Koji Harmon, featured artists include some of your favorites in the toy and art world such as: Bwana Spoons, Cometdebris, Cupco, Le Merde, Skinner, Suckadelic, and a ton more. Also, PangeaSeed will donate a percentage of proceeds to help aid animals affected by the March 2011 earthquake in Japan.

Show opens July 16th and runs through the 22nd. Check it out if you're in Tokyo!

M Event Space & Bar in Daikanyama (http://www.m-event-bar.com)

Pangea Seed (pangeaseed.com)

Acty Mori, Shizuoka