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Bridge Street Market 2017

Monday, November 20th, 2017

A huge thank you to everyone who joined Bridge Street Market 2017!!

We had more stalls, more guests and more success for our second year.

See the photo album on Facebook.com/GuyPerrymanOfficial

To discover more about all of the artisan brands who joined us this year please click on the names and links below…

Here’s the full list of the artisans who joined in 2017 – click on the name and link for more information:

Artisan Honey – from Estonia
Aston Martin – luxury hand made car
Atelier Shinji Ginza – jewellery
Biku Designs – jewellery
The Botanist – craft gin
Brew Dog – craft beer & KiNoBi Kyoto gin
Bridge Street Market – original T-shirts
British Made – luxury leather goods and accessories
Candlewick – children’s toys and aromatherapy products
Choosee – organic teas and jams
Design By Henna – jewellery and cufflinks
Designer Rascal – children’s clothing
Euro-Japan Elegance – aromatherapy and scented candles
Guy Perryman – GP shirts and Sky Guy T-shirts
Joseph’s Driftwood Workshop – recycled art objects
The Kato’s – festive wreaths, drawings and live art
Kodomoparadis – kids and family T-shirts
Laurier & Eiko – cosmic readings and music
Lilzebra – keychain and necklace workshop
Linda Dot Asia – textiles and bags
Mornington Crescent – British bakery and afternoon tea
Nadia McKechnie – books
Noox Designs – playful designs
Premium Beverages – whisky and rum
RIJ – Refugees International Japan charity
Sou-Sou-Japan – kimono’s re-crafted
Swan & Lion – British delicatessen
Te Veux Quoi Pour Ton Gouter – vegan French patisserie
Turquoise Port – homeware
Y’s Creations – jewellery

Following the success of Bridge Street Market in 2016 the London market in Tokyo returns on Saturday 18 November 2017!!

Created by Guy Perryman with the British community Bridge Street Market is Tokyo’s only artisan market with a London vibe and village fair atmosphere launching the festive season in the heart of Harajuku.

Bridge Street Market features unique high quality products and as the name suggests is a bridge between Japan, Britain and the world.

Market stalls include – organic food and drinks, premium craft gin, craft beer, British bakery, afternoon tea, jewellery, fashion, homeware, aromatherapy, Christmas presents, live music, entertainment and more.

We are honoured that British Ambassador to Japan Paul Madden CMG will join the market at 4pm for an interview talk show with Guy Perryman and Madoka “Maddie” Kato for broadcast on The Guy Perryman Show on InterFM 897.

Saturday 18 November 2017
12noon – 8pm
BA-TSU Gallery Omotesando

Open to the public, free entry, everyone welcome!!

Updates on the Facebook Page.

The Guy Perryman original designed smart casual GP Shirt will be launched at Bridge Street Market 2017!!

And the Guy Perryman original designed Sky Guy T-Shirt is also being launched at Bridge Street Market 2017.

British Ambassador to Japan Paul Madden CMG interview talk show at Bridge Street Market 4pm.

British Embassy Taiko Team perform live at Bridge Street Market 3:45pm.

Bridge Street Market original short and long sleeved T-Shirts.

Posted in Check-In News, Events & Experiences, London Direct, Tokyo Direct | 1 Comment »

My Day At Buckingham Palace

Thursday, July 27th, 2017

Waking up on the morning of Friday 16 June 2017 in London was a feeling like no other – anticipation, excitement and nervousness enveloped with thoughts of – is this really happening or is it a dream? It was the day of my Investiture at Buckingham Palace to receive an MBE for services to British music in Japan. The sun was shining, a light breeze, expecting a top of 20 degrees. Perfect for what was to come.

The pink invitation said entry at the Palace from 10 o’clock AM for an 11 o’clock start. My mother and my partner were my invited guests for the ceremony. Up early, we all dressed, me in a brand spanking new three-piece suit, with its secret guilty pleasure of a gray silk lining with motifs of the iconic London skyline including St Paul’s Cathedral. And running between rooms to help each other. A cufflink here, a zip there, a sweep of a clothes brush. A final check, all done, a group hug and ready to go.

Seven months after receiving the news of the honour via a phone call from then British Ambassador to Japan Tim Hitchens this really was happening. I made a pact with myself to relax, enjoy the day, remember as many tiny details as I could and just be in the moment. In fact Ambassador Hitchens gave me the best advice “Be authentic”.

The invitation also included a Buckingham Palace parking pass and Jaguar very generously loaned me a motorcar for the occasion. We drove through the London traffic and down the Mall. The Royal Standard was flying over Buckingham Palace. The Queen is in! But would she be hosting the Investiture? No one is ever told until the start of proceedings on the day.

I drove to the assigned gate – Central South, on the left as you face the Palace. Guided by the police, who were genuinely welcoming, said “Good morning Sir” and congratulated me on the honour, we drove at walking pace through the crowds of tourists waiting for Changing the Guard, their cameras clicking and peering through the car windows to see if it was a member of the Royal family arriving. I’m sorry to have disappointed them. But my mother, who has often been told she looks a bit like the Queen, was a passenger looking quite regal, so we giggled that maybe we had just made someone’s day! I have to admit driving a smart motorcar through the gates of Buckingham Palace with hundreds of people taking photos of you is quite a feeling. After security checks we parked in the inner quadrangle.

Other honour recipients and their guests, all dressed for the day were also arriving as we entered the Palace foyer. Everyone sparkling, some perhaps not feeling comfortable. “Be authentic” I reminded myself. My first impression continued throughout the morning – big ornate rooms with thick red carpets and huge paintings in gold frames, the luxurious aromas of polished furniture and perfumed guests. I wasn’t expecting the mood to be somber but surprisingly there was a very festive atmosphere with everyone chatting, laughing and introducing themselves to each other. The Palace staff were incredibly friendly and also genuinely welcoming, putting everyone at ease throughout the process. And it became apparent quickly that this is a very well-oiled machine.

As requested we checked our mobile phones and cameras into the cloakroom (no photos to be taken inside the Palace) and then walked up the grand staircase. Life Guards of the Household Cavalry, very young men in their uniforms of red and gold splendour lined the stairs not moving a muscle. Honour recipients were directed to reception rooms for the Investiture briefing and our guests were guided to the Ballroom to be seated.

In the MBE reception room we were offered apple juice and mineral water served in elegant glasses etched with ER. A couple of us quipped that these would make nice “souvenirs”. We mingled and chatted with our fellow recipients sharing stories of what we were being honoured for. I met Gillian Smith a delightful lady from Suffolk who has worked for decades with the Girl Guides. She is from Framlingham, the same town as Ed Sheeran (who I have interviewed and she has met) and the boarding school my father attended, so we found some common ground for conversation. It is interesting to observe how quickly people find their tribes in these situations.

At 10:45am we were briefed and told today’s Investiture would be hosted by HRH Prince Charles. We would remain in this reception room until it is our turn to be received. We can watch the proceedings on the large TV monitors. We will then be escorted to the Ballroom, our name will be called, we walk up to the Prince of Wales, gentlemen bow, ladies curtsy, there will be a little private conversation with him as he hooks our medal onto a clip that will be fastened to our lapel just before we enter the Ballroom. We address the Prince as Your Royal Highness once and thereafter as Sir. When he shakes your hand it is the signal that your time is up, take three steps back, bow or curtsy once again and head off to the right. Everyone in the room murmured “Will I remember all of that?” A few of the ladies rehearsed their moves. One lady’s hat fell off.

Over the years I have witnessed many shows backstage and this was very similar. We had the performers, the script, the costumes, choreographed moves, spectacular sets, an audience and pre-show nerves. We even had the music with a small orchestra on the balcony at the back of the Ballroom playing classical and popular tunes softly throughout the ceremony. I heard the Skyfall theme at one point. A James Bond moment in Buckingham Palace, now that was quite cool! I even heard a tune from West Side Story which was a delightful coincidence as I was going to the Broadway cast show on my return to Japan after this UK trip and had recently been listening to the soundtrack repeatedly.

On the dot of 11am the music stopped, everyone in the Ballroom stood and Prince Charles entered escorted by two Gurkha Officers. He took his place on the dais with five Yeoman of the Guard Officers and the orchestra played God Save the Queen. This was followed by one minute’s silence to honour the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire which happened three days prior. The Queen and Prince William were visiting those affected as this Investiture took place.

Everyone was gestured to sit and the day’s 96 recipients started flowing through. People receiving honours included percussionist Evelyn Glennie who has been deaf since the age of twelve and has taught herself to sense music through her body; race driver Suzanne Wolff one of the only women to have competed in F1; and hockey player Giselle Ansley an Olympic gold medalist. We all waited quietly as we watched, wondering what Prince Charles might ask us. This part we did not have a script for.

Then it was my turn. This is the moment. My heart pounded. I rehearsed it all one more time in my head. I was escorted down a corridor to a smaller reception room and the clip for the medal was attached to my suit lapel, then moved to a spot in the wings of the front of the Ballroom. And there was the Prince of Wales just a few steps away. My few steps away. My name was called, I walked, turned, faced the Prince, bowed and stepped up to him. He smiled and immediately started to talk in a very soft, gentle voice. I had to lean in to hear him clearly. He complimented me on my work. He said how wonderful it must be living and broadcasting in Japan. I agreed. I cheekily told him I had DJ’d for his son the Duke of Cambridge a couple of years ago in Tokyo. He looked a little concerned for a moment. I added that it was not cause for scandal but at a reception at the British Embassy. He laughed. The conversation felt genuine and authentic. There was a bit more banter, he congratulated me and shook my hand. I said thank you Sir, took my three steps back, we locked eyes for a moment (I wonder what he was thinking), I bowed, turned right and walked away.

My head was swimming. I was “off stage” in another room where the medal was unclipped and placed inside its handsome case. The tending staff shook my hand and congratulated me again. And then suddenly all of the emotion, anticipation, nerves, thoughts of my family and the meaning of all of this caught up with me and I promptly shed tears. The staff were amazing and let me have my moment in private, they said it happens to a lot of people. I composed myself, was taken to my seat in the Ballroom with the other recipients, saw my mother and my partner up on the left, they were beaming smiles. I could now just sit, take it all in and enjoy.

The Investiture lasted about another 20 minutes, and then everyone was done. We all stood and Prince Charles was escorted by the Gurkhas out of the Ballroom. Recipients met up with their guests and it was hugs, chat, laughter and tears all around the room.

The festive spirit continued as we made our way back to the entrance foyer. Walking down the grand staircase my mother made a flirty compliment to one of the silent standing Household Cavalry “I may not be allowed to tell you this but you look beautiful”. He blushed.

Back in the foyer we gathered our goods from the cloakroom and used the restrooms. Mother came back with a gold Buckingham Palace carry bag. Apparently only the ladies restrooms have these. I placed my MBE medal case and the Investiture program in the bag – tangible mementos from a fantastical experience. In fact these bags became a secret form of identification when later in the day walking through Hyde Park I spotted a well dressed couple holding the same bag. They spotted mine, we had a laugh, introduced ourselves and shared more moments from our very special day at Buckingham Palace.

The Investiture concluded in the quadrangle for the official photos. It was once again a “back stage” revelation seeing how and where these familiar images of people smiling with their Order of the British Empire medals are created. I met the daughters of Gillian Smith and we took snaps with our mobile phones not wanting to forget the fun time we had and the people we met.

Driving back out through the gates of Buckingham Palace to meet my sisters and an aunt for a celebratory lunch were once again the crowds of tourists looking and clicking cameras. And again it was not a member of the Royal family in the car, but this time it was a proud man who had just shaken the hand of the future King of England.

Reflecting on the day I can say it really was authentic and my mother noted it was also mysterious.

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British Collectors Market

Wednesday, May 24th, 2017

Everyone is invited to the British Collectors Market at British Made Aoyama shop on Sunday 28 May 2017.

Created by my lovely friends at Watanabe Co. this is the 2nd annual market event based on the concept of Stories of British Life.

The market features some fabulous fashion, antiques and kitchenware plus yummy sweets, bakery and deli foods, tea, beer and cider!!

British Collectors Market
Sunday 28 May 2017
12:00-7:00pm
British Made Aoyama shop
1F Kizuna Bldg. 5-14-2 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Free entry.

More information www.british-made.jp

Special workshop at the market with GLENROYAL British leather goods creating your own keyring!!
12:30pm and 2:30pm cost ¥5,000 per person.

Posted in Check-In News, Events & Experiences, London Direct, Tokyo Direct | Comments Closed

New Year Honour

Saturday, December 31st, 2016

I am absolutely overwhelmed to be included in the British New Year Honours 2017 list appointed MBE for services to British music in Japan.

Music is one of the most vital elements of life and I never underestimate its power. I could not live without it. Being able to connect with people through music and interviewing the musicians who create it is ever inspiring and an honour itself.

It has been an amazing journey broadcasting my favourite music on various radio stations around the world since starting out on public radio as a teenager in the 1980’s. The Japan chapter began in 1990 with Virgin Megastores continuing at InterFM, radio:on and DJ In The Sky.

This very special honour is not just for me, but also for my family, friends and colleagues – you are a huge part of this journey.

Thank you so so much.

Wishing you an exceptional new year filled with music!!

大変光栄なことに、これまでの音楽活動に対し、この度British New Year Honours 2017のMBE(大英帝国勲章5等勲爵士)を受勲することができました。

音楽は私の人生の中でも極めて重要な要素の一つであり、音楽の持つ力を信じて活動して参りました。音楽なしの人生など考えることなどできません。音楽を通して人々と繋がることや、ミュージシャンへの取材ができたことそのものが私にとって大変名誉なことです。

1980年代、私が10代の頃にラジオでの音楽放送のキャリアをスタートし、1990年代にはヴァージンメガストアのDJとして日本での活動を始め、これまでInterFMやDJ In The Sky(ヴァージンアトランティック航空機内でのDJ)といった様々な場で大好きな音楽を皆様にお届けし続けることができたことは、本当に素晴らしいものでした。

この特別な栄誉は決して私だけのものではなく、支えてくれた家族や友人、同僚の皆様のおかげです。

この場を借りて皆様に御礼申し上げます。本当にありがとうございました。

それでは皆様、たくさんの音楽で溢れた良い新年をお過ごしください!!

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Bridge Street Market

Monday, October 17th, 2016

A huge thank you to the 30 market stall holders and over 400 visitors who joined Bridge Street Market on Saturday 3 December 2016 – what a fantastic day we had to launch the festive season!!

See the photo album here www.facebook.com/GuyPerrymanOfficial

I think we’ll have to do it again in 2017!!

On Saturday 3 December 2016 I am producing Bridge Street Market – a London market in the heart of Harajku!!

Bridge Street Market コンセプトは、活気と創造に溢れるロンドンのマーケットを原宿の真ん中に再現し、12月の年の瀬やクリスマスシーズンの到来を軽食やお飲み物、
エンターテインメントとともに皆様にお楽しみいただきます。

At the fabulous BA-TSU Art Gallery space just off Omotesando near the very cool Cat Street.

12:00noon-8:00pm
Open to the public.
Free entry.
Join us to launch the year end festive season at this one day only event.

And it’s the first weekend of the Omotesando Christmas illuminations!!

The market is a bridge between Japan and the world with Christmas gifts, fashion, jewellery, home ware, art, food, drinks and afternoon tea.

Live entertainment:
1pm Nature Airliner guitar vocal duo.
2pm Robert Taira Wilson solo guitarist/vocalist.
3pm Tokyo Bees children’s drama school mime and Christmas song.
4pm Interview talk show with British Ambassador to Japan Tim Hitchens CMG LVO.
4:30pm Kamakura Women’s University taiko drumming group Okinawa Dance.
5pm The Watanabes acoustic guitar vocal duo.
6pm Andrew Sloman solo guitarist/vocalist.
6:30pm DJ Fiveoclockhero.
7pm Icon Girl Pistols acoustic guitar pop.

BA-TSU Art Gallery 5-11-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
www.ba-tsuartgallery.com

Covent Garden is just one of the many London markets inspiring Bridge Street Market.

British Ambassador to Japan Tim Hitchens CMG LVO will join Bridge Street Market for an interview talk show with Guy and LHR – London Hit Radio co-host Madoka “Maddie” Kato at 4pm!! We’ll be discussing Mr Hitchens’ past four years in Japan just before he returns to London.

The British Council join Bridge Street Market with an interactive booth.
ブリティッシュ・カウンシルは、教育機会と文化交流を目指す、英国の公的な国際文化交流機関です。1934年より世界中で活動を広げ、現在100以上の国と地域で展開。日本では60年以上の歴史を誇り、教育と文化を通じて、英国と日本を結ぶ架け橋になることを目指しています。
Bridge Street Marketでは英語を使ったゲームを用意しています。チャレンジしていただいた方には、オリジナルグッズをプレゼントしますので、ぜひお立ち寄りください。
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. In Japan, the British Council opened its first office in 1953 and has been active in the country ever since. Currently the British Council operates in over 100 countries worldwide.
In the Bridge Street Market, we will play fun English games and have little gifts to you.

Here are all of the brands participating..

British Made
Luxury British leather goods and accessories.
英国のクラフトマンシップから生まれたブランドストーリーを、日本や世界のお客様に語り伝えていきたいと考えています。流行に左右されず、定番で永く愛用できるモノが多い英国ブランドは、作り手の想いや様々なストーリーが溢れています。彼らのストーリーテラーとして、英国のクラフトマンシップに宿る想いと共に、使い続ける喜び、育てる楽しみをお届けします。

Candlewick
This creative and marketing communications agency bring some of their fabulous brands including AnieR candle oil concentrate, de Mamiel organic essential oils and Cubetto wooden robot toy.

5 Senses
Customised ikebana displays and installations for hotels, events, corporate or private parties, adding a touch of modern European flair to traditional Japanese art. Now introducing the first collection of 100% wool scarves, designed and produced by 5 Senses K.K. All original designs feature elements of 5 Senses ikebana artwork. Made in Japan.
5 Sensesでは、生け花のディスプレイや空間演出のフラワーアートをカスタムメイドでご提案しています。ホテルの装花やイベント、パーティーなど、それぞれの空間にナチュラルに寄り添い、テーマをより印象的に演出する独創的な作品を数多く発表しています。このたび、これまでに創作した生け花アートの数々を、グラフィック化したデザインストールをつくることになりました。日本の伝統芸術にヨーロッパの感性をプラスしたモダンな生け花アートデザインを、ウール100%のぬくもりとともにお楽しみください。日本製。

Paper & Pearls
Beautiful hand made jewelry inspired and created using Japanese cotton pearls and decorative papers.

Paradiddle
Paradiddle is an international furniture and decor online shop based in Tokyo, Japan. At our shop, we sell products that are carefully designed and selected to meet functional means in urban or outdoor spaces and to fuel our customers’ passion to live stylishly.
Paradiddleは、東京を拠点とする世界中から集めた家具と装飾品、アイデアに溢れた面白い製品を扱うオンラインショップです。私たちのショップでは、丁寧に設計され、都会または野外空間において高い機能性を持つものとして厳選され、そしておしゃれな生活をしたいというお客様の熱い気持ちを盛り上げるような商品を販売しています。

Choosee
Organic food and drinks including Clipper Tea and Whole Earth Peanut Butter at special market day sale prices!!

Swan & Lion
Classic British delicacies including fabulous Christmas puddings, brandy butter, mince pies and onion jam and piccalilli chutney!!

Cuphana
Original sake cup flower pots.

YScreations
YScreationsは、2009年に日野嘉子が立ち上げた、 “Create happy life Your Self”をサポトートするハンドメイドオリジナルジュエリーブランドです。この名前の大文字は、Your selfと製作者Yoshiko HinoのYSが貴方と一緒に夢をサポートする製作者の思いも込められています。
YScreations was created by Yoshiko Hino in 2009. It is an original handmade jewelry brand that supports the idea of “creating a happy life yourself”. The name stems from the word “yourself” and the owner’s name, Yoshiko Hino. The concept is to support the brand idea together with the customer.

Tokyo Bees
Children from Tokyo Bees drama workshop will be performing their own original mime piece at the market at 3pm.

Walk Japan
Pioneers of off-the-beaten-track walking tours in Japan will have a stall at Bridge Street Market showcasing their spectacular walks.

Brew Dog
Scottish craft beer stall.

Design by Henna
Artisan jewellery from polymer clay. ポリマー粘土職人のジュエリー.

Premium Beverages
Bringing a taste of unique American craft spirits to Asia.

Bikudesigns Jewellery
Silver, resin, found materials, vintage kimono fabric and kimono accessories.

The Botanist Gin
アイラ島、初にして唯一のジン“ザ・ボタニスト”。クラシカルな9つのボタニカルに加え、アイラ島原生の22種類ものボタニカルを使用したプレミアム・ジンです。ヘブリディーズ諸島のアイラ島に自生している”野生”のボタニカルを手で”採取”し、島で丁寧に”蒸留” してつくられるザ･ボタニストは、この荒々しい島の自然と文化、造り手の哲学と情熱が詰まったエッセンスです。
The Botanist is a gin of layered complexity distilled using 22 local botanicals, a progressive exploration of the botanical heritage of our isle of Islay. Wild, foraged, distilled. This first and only Islay Dry Gin is a rare expression of the heart and soul of our remote Scottish island home.

Spinningdale
British artisan jewellery will be on sale exclusively at Bridge Street Market.
Spinningdale は、日本に英国職人が作っている高品質の作品を紹介することを目的とした会社でございます。

Necklush
Infinity scarves, the perfect winter accessory on sale at the market.

Selection K+
One and Only kimono fabric bags and accessories.

Grand Aroma
Essential oils created just for Christmas.

Joseph’s Driftwood Workshop
An alchemist who changes unused items into objects. Please enjoy time travel with magical goods.
ガラクタをオブジェにする魔術師。不思議なオブジェで時間旅行を楽しんで下さい。

Kinu Outfitters
Vintage kimono fabric ties, bow ties and bags.

Tiernan’s Spiritual Art and Readings
U.K.-trained fourth-generation Canadian psychic medium Laurier Tiernan will give individuals readings, as he and photographer E.H. Tiernan sell their spiritual art and handicrafts.
英国で学んだ4代続く家系のカナダ人サイキックミディアム　ロリエ・ティエナンによるミニリーディングと彼のスピリチュアルアート、その他ハンドクラフトやビンテージアクセサリの販売をいたします。

Kodomoparadis
Art T-shirts for kids & family.
私は日本で生まれ育って、この国の文化や風習をとても素晴らしいものだと誇りに思っています。もっとそのかっこよさを沢山のひとに伝えたい。そんな思いから、手頃な値段で販売できるオリジナルな子どもＴシャツを手作りしてみました。こどもの頃から、手を使ってなにか作ることが大好きです。手から何かが生みだされる楽しさ、ものが形になっていく喜びにいつもわくわくしています。私の作ったTシャツがあなたのお気に入りの一枚になってくれたら。。こんなにうれしいことはありません！

ANIKO
Contemporary bling handcrafted and endowed with quirk & playfulness. Each piece is completely unique. The brand is a special collaboration between emerging artist/designer/makers Eriko Matsuda and Anna Okamoto who are both active in Japan and internationally.
ANIKO は遊び心に溢れるコンテンポラリー BLING作品は全てユニークな一点物国内外で活動をしている若手アーティスト／デザイナー／作家である松田英理子と岡元アンナのコラボ・ジュエリー・ブランドである.