2010 Blog
 


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Mar. 2010 Blog
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Mar. 26th, 2010
"Library"

There is a library in my office corner.
This month, March, is renew manufacture’s brochure, so I keep updating the library.
When I search certain manufacture’s item, I don’t want to look through everywhere, so I understand what’s where.
I categorize boat and residential separately and put into to smaller categories. It’s better related item together. It seems like the shelf is full, I need to add more shelf for library.
Even though it is earthquake, this shelf never falls down even a book.
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Mar. 25th, 2010
"Blog Site"

We are managing this Blog site by ourselves, but now re-building this site.
It is too much process to update the Blog. I have to go Photoshop to edit the photo and go FTP to put C language and layout the edited photo. When I do English and Japanese sites, it’s not smooth to update.
C language is so unique words, so it’s not like MS Word. It takes time.
There is a free blog site, but it links with advertise and blog address changes. So we are arranging and re-building this blog site less process and easy way.
I trust Web manager can do it.
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Mar. 23rd, 2010
"Boat Hospitality"

Since last year, I have chance to serve people on board. The ship hospitality that I’m trying to learn now.
I understand what I need to do in the boat and what my multiple role in the boat. I want to present warm hospitality to guest on boat.
How to serve the glass and drinks and to pay attention to the guest. I’m learning from professional server to see how they move. ----------------------





Mar. 22nd, 2010
"Same School"

I had a meeting at shipyard and person who I met graduated same elementary school.
When I attended several group party in Shinbashi, I met same junior and high school graduate.
I went to the Buddhist school in Tokyo, which I didn’t know when I had passed the entry test, I trained at big temple sometime and read the Buda text in six years.
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Mar. 19th, 2010
"Laminated Board"

The manufacture called Formica, Willsonart is famous for laminated board.
The domestic laminated board manufacture called AICA is producing amazing product.
The print technology makes board realistic and luxurious appearance. Embossed texture and feeling is almost same as real thing.
The board previously couldn’t do small radius curve, but now it can (1.5mm R is possible). This technology enhances to use board in many areas.
It is clear that if there are many items to be installed, that means it reflect to man power. I had meeting with manufacture’s engineer to discuss about one-formed countertop. That way makes reduce the man power and easy to install.
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Mar. 17th, 2010
"Japan Shop 2010, Report 2"

I saw this type of glass to use on boat at this year’s Miami Boat.
This glass is that there is a special liquid crystal sheet in between clear glass. It is controlled by electric, On and Off.
When it’s On, the glass is clear and it’s off, the glass is opaque.
This glass is suitable to use in between Salon and Galley partition wall, and even it can be used as part of wall. It can enhance the space wide and get privacy when it’s necessary.
Now same function’s glass is made in China and Taiwan.
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Mar. 17th, 2010
"Central Area"

The picture is the building of Art & technical collage “Nagoya Mode Gakuin”. There is one in Shinjuku, the architect is outstanding.
I see Mr. Richard Rogers influence somewhere.
It seems like it isn’t far from the station, so I will go there next time.
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Mar. 16th, 2010
"Izu"

I had a chance to go Izu where is 3 hours coastline drive from Tokyo to South.
The city is very famous for Spa and fish food. We decided to stay there overnight.
The hotel name is “Angine”. It is old hotel, but conversion to new concept hotel.
We stayed in old Japanese style room in the garden. The bed room is above the pound, so when I lay down on the mattress, I feel like I’m on the water.
The dinner was French cuisine. It was beautiful and delicious.
The below is link of the hotel.
「http://angine.jp」
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Mar. 16th, 2010
"Japan Shop 2010, Report 1"

It had been held “Japan Shop 2010”, “Architecture + Construction Materials 2010” and “LED Next Stage 2010” by March 12th at Tokyo Big Site.
I went to there under the several missions.
It is necessary to assemble suitable manufacture’s material on each project.
I checked many interesting material, so I will blog up in some parts.
The picture looks like usual Marble countertop. In fact, this is 60% less weight as 15mm thickness marble.
When we use Marble on boat, we usually use aluminum honeycomb cored Marble. But this material is costly.
This Marble top’s core is MDF sandwiched with FRP.
It is definitely lighter than usual Marble.
Light weight is the key word to design the boat and this kind of material is perfect to use the vessel in appearance and cost-wise. ----------------------









Mar. 8th, 2010
"Japan International Boat Show 2010"

It had been held Japan International Boat Show at Yokohama in last weekend.
The show space was indoor and outdoor display.
During the show, only one day was awfully good, but it wasn’t pretty weather for rest of the days.
The hot spot in the show was Japanese TV star, Kanpei Hazama’s earth marathon yacht. There was long line to get on boat.
I had dinner with people coming from outside of Tokyo every night. It was a good time to share the information with good food and drink.
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Mar. 4th, 2010
"FF&E"

I went to several bath fixture showrooms to check the selected items.
In Grohe, which is German brand, there was the fixture designed by yacht designer. That gives me the idea.
We have to select many items. We chose items in brochure or Web first, then I always visit the manufacture’s showroom to make sure.
As designer, I have to propose something that is sure to be absolutely good by function, design, weight and feeling.
I got many sours by chatting with showroom people.
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Mar. 2nd, 2010
"Miami, FL - Part 7"

I am influenced by the Italian boat manufacture, “Azumut” interior design.
I almost forgot the brand is production boat manufacture which is target to mass people internationally. Azimut is over the production boat category and establishing own brand color. When I work on the production boat, I have very hard time to building the brand color in costwise.
There is variety of material using in interior, but it finishes as Azimut color.
Using fabric, leather, wood and stainless in a good combination that ends up sometime very busy, but as Azimut, the interior feeling is rich and modern.
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Mar. 1st, 2010
"Ship Microbubbles System"

The big ship, such as container, tanker ship, will use the microbubbles system.
The news said NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kabushikikaisha) will use this system on new build ship.
The microbubbles system is to put the air layer in between hull bottom and sea water to reduce the resistance while the ship is running. If the ship can reduce resistance, it will get better fuel efficiency and low CO2 out.
There is displacement motor yacht in the pressure yacht field. Mochi, Long range 23, is designed for ocean-going vessel.
This technology will be used in the pressure boat field after meeting the equipment size and cost requirement.
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Feb. 25th, 2010
"Hainan Rendez-Vous Superyacht Show"

I was told from my Chinese friend that there will be held very interesting show at Hainan island. This show information doesn’t appear the media much, so I will blog up this show.
The show will be held from April 2nd to 4th at Hainan island, China. The show’s character is not only motor yacht, but private jet, resort property, car, art, furniture, fashion and so on.
The sponsor for show name big names, Deutsche Bank, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Martell Cognac, Chopard and many partners.
Attend yacht manufactures are Azimut-Benetti, Ferretti Yachts, Sunseeker, Bloem & Voss, Princess Yachts, Marquis Yachts, Lurssen, Royal Huisman and Pershing.
Surprisingly the 164 feet motor yacht will be on display.
China is growing very strongly as yacht market and we have been aiming this market and building up the strong connection with Chinese company.
It seems like this is one of the kind which I want to go.
Below is the Web link for the show.
「Hainan Rendez-Vous 2010」
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Feb. 22nd, 2010
"Miami, FL – Part 6"

I always enjoy seeing the Lazzara yacht in every boat show. It’s getting know the shipbuilder in Asia region.
I enjoyed to take a look at the Lazzara LSX 92’ on display at the Miami boat show.
This is Lazzara design when I step into the inside. I can see designed and innovated things there.
It is just fun to ride on this brand and I always amazed the innovation.
There was a ship model for planning project. She has quad ZF Pod systems.
I can see where population system is heading to.
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Feb. 21st, 2010
"Miami, FL – Part 5"

I’ve heard that the Palmer Johnson is in the Lauderdale Marine Center, and asked the Lauderdale Marine Center owner to take a look at the PJ. We were attended the PJ’s captain on board.
This PJ 135ft mother port is Mediterranean. She has MCA and Lloyd classification.
She have came Ft. Lauderdale for maintenance and cruise to Bahamas on board with Dockwise. However it has been bad weather, so canceled the cruise and head back to Mediterranean with Dockwise after 2 or 3 weeks later.
As I though, PJ is great modern boat by design.
Lauderdale Marine Center is getting bigger and bigger to accept more large boat. I understand many international big boats is coming here for maintenance, because it has big boat equipment and relative things.
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Feb. 19th, 2010
"Miami, FL – Part 4"

I came back last night. I always feel that it is very far from Miami to Japan.
I will update in my blog what I see and feel in the Miami Boat Show.

I had a chance to ride on the “Albemarle”, “Deep Impact”, “Midnight Express” and “Bonadeo”.
When I did the sea trial, I could understand what the boat is designed for. It may be good looking on the land, but each boat has own bottom shape, how and where to use the boat and initial concept of the boat.
It’s good chance to know the character of the boat for sea trial. In other words, we can’t understand without sea trial.
Albemarle has first Volvo IPS system. The captain controlled the boat as the marlin has hit. Go astern and curves. It is typical IPS movement. It is good match with the Albemarle with Volvo IPS. There is enough space in the engine room still.
I ridded on many outboard engine boat. Some boat was very scary when the boat was running over 50 knots. I couldn’t hold my hands off from the grab bar. Bonadeo was outstanding construction method.
One of the Miami Boat Show’s benefits is to do the sea trial.
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Feb. 18th, 2010
"Miami, FL – Part 3"

I went to floating 2 areas in a boat show.
I wanted to sea trial on a quad Zeus boat, unfortunately I missed the sea trial time. I’ll make an appointment on next time.
I took a look at Ferretti, Riva, Hatteras, Cabo, etc.
It is interesting to see each manufacture’s color and taste.
I amazed the Riva’s innovation. It’s functional and fun. I will try and get into this kind of functional luxury area.
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Feb. 16th, 2010
"Miami, FL – Part 2"

I went to the Bertram shipyard to be accompanied with Japanese Bertram dealer, Yasuda Shipyard. The shipyard is exclusive area.
When I saw the bottom shape, I can understand Bertram soft ride. The exhaust bypass is interesting, though.
After visiting Bertram shipyard, I went to the yard called “Glass Tech”.
This yard is repair yard to do everything related to the boat repair, maintenance and refit. I was glad to see the whole refit project of Sports Fisherman.
I had a lunch at Coconut Grove marina and saw 5 stories boat lack. It’s strong enough to stand even the hurricane.
As boat interior architect, It is very good chance to visit the shipyard. I have to see structure behind the beautiful wood veneer. Also it’s good way to learn the yard operation.
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Feb. 15th, 2010
"Miami, FL – Part 1"

We solved internet problem. I will update my blog day by day.
My flight was transferred at Chicago. Snow storm was attacking east coast of State, so I was said that it might be no flight from Chicago to Miami. I was start thinking to stay in Chicago and what I will do there.
As picture shows there was a lot of snow in Chicago airport. Luckily, my flight to Miami was on schedule.
My first meal in FL is famous crab restaurant “Rustic Inn”. Very delicious.
We went to the Miami Boat Show place at midnight to sneak preview. It was stunning to show up the boat at night.
I will update my blog from my point of view to see the boat show and related things.
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Feb. 12th, 2010
"Can’t connect"

Since I came in FL, I can’t access to the blog file by FTP (now luckily connecting by chance).
Right now, it is trying to solve the problem in Japan.
If I can’t access to the FTP, I will update the blog when I go back to Japan.
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Feb. 9th, 2010
"Miami International Boat Show"

I’m going to fly to State from tomorrow for attend the Miami International Boat Show.
In the Marine business, there are a lot of things that can be seen only in the US, especially one of the biggest Marine business center, Florida.
It is very, very efficient to attend the boat show and good opportunity to see new stuff.
It is limited time while I’m in FL, but I will see, touch, ride and talk to many things and get something to back.
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Feb. 8th, 2010
"Important Things・・"

The pictured Montblanc Pen was given from a CEO of several companies in Tokyo. This pen is very special for me.
I clearly remember the conversation we had on the Ferretti boat in US. He talked about what he aims in three years. The story is over my head, but I can start to get a picture of it and that is what I want it.
I am still deeply thinking what I should do NOW and what I can do NOW for seeing three years later.
Anyway, I will keep moving for the future.
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Feb. 8th, 2010
"Spanish Restaurant “Bikini Tapa”"

I want to have Spanish cuisine, so I go to a restaurant called “Bikini Tapa” in Shibuya.
We have pasta Paella which doesn’t use rice, cream source chicken with vegetable, Spanish sandwich and more.
Pasta’s Paella is something new taste and every food is excellent! I love Spanish sandwich that is called Bikini.
Pintoxos, which is some taste on the bread, is very good for some party.
I will definitely go to dinner and try Gaba wine.
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/a801210/ 
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Feb. 5th, 2010
"Aston Martin “Rapide” @ Joel Robuchon"

It was held Aston Martin “Rapide” party at Joel Robuchon restaurant in Ebisu at last night (Feb. 4th).
When I heard the place would be Joel Robuchon, I imagined the collaboration between Aston Martin car and Robuchon’s atmosphere. In fact, it is perfect match to car blend into the interior perfectly.
The advertisement beside the reception desk, I can assume there is some connection to the Marine.
The place was packed for people. The hospitality of this party was really good and smooth. There is not only car display, but a Bang & Olufsen stereo display in a same space which is good contents of the party.
There is a good reference for me to get into a Rapide to capture the space design.
At the same time, it is very good resource for me to see the material box in a heavy leathered suite case.
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Feb. 1st, 2010
"Keep taking care"

It is different as the daily maintenance job, we asked the original shipbuilder for the maintenance job.
They were coming by 6 people.
The material and tool were prepared to send by DHL at the site before engineer arrives. There were 4 card board boxes, size is approximately 1m x 1m x 1m, and some wood veneer. Only the material and tools, it takes quite amount of space.
Like thinner and acetone picked at Customs. The chemical package arrived very late. I was worried about the schedule, because their departure day was fixed.
The engineers solved many, many problems quickly which we couldn’t solve. When I saw how we should do, it was quite easy.
The leader of this group, he had been seen this boat from very beginning and his knowledge based upon the experience, he knew the boat very well. I always count on him when something happened.
He is my friend and we talked a lot of thing, something like ship engineering, building a boat and life. I always have fun to talk to him.
Hope to see you soon, Bro.
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Jan. 26th, 2010
"Late Dinner in the Office"

Many designer and architect is suffered from back pain and wrist pain by sitting in front of PC and using CAD drawing for a long time a day.
I’m wearing back supporter and titanium inside wrist band.
When I stop in a middle of designing, it’s gonna take more time and work to re-start where I was doing, so I will finish through in a certain point.
Of course, it’s gonna be late in the office and getting hungry. I usually order Pizza for our late dinner. The brand name Pizza La’s pizza is the best delivery pizza!!
Mozzarella cheese and fresh tomato’s combination is really good.
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Jan. 22nd, 2010
"Bay Side Marina Hotel Yokohama"

The brand new hotel, Bay Side Marina Hotel Yokohama, was just completed last month.
View from the room is moored Sailing Yacht and Motor Yacht. The atmosphere is some sort of resort feeling.
Room ceiling is high, so even the width is narrow, I didn’t feel tiny space. Interior is modern with using the indirect light and bed room is loft.
There is quite big all white shower room which is good.
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Jan. 19th, 2010
"Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture"

I had a chance to visit Nagoya in a day trip. It takes 1 hour and half minutes from Shinagawa by bullet train.
I visit Nagoya 5 or 6 years ago.
It’s been quite developing the city. There is a tall building that is Marriott Hotel in front of Nagoya station.
Nagoya is famous for “Udon” noodle. I had noodle at lunch and dinner. I think I only eat noodle in Nagoya, though.
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Jan. 12th, 2010
"Yacht Project Manager"

I have chatted with my American friend in the boat building industry and it ends up with very interesting conversation.
We talk about China is becoming a big boat sales market, at the same time China is a number of shipbuilders in the coastlines.
I mention about the “quality of the yacht”, but he replies that
『Good project management is essential to build the high standard yacht. The project manager doesn’t build the boat, the departments do the building. The project manager assists communication between owners and shipyard and monitors the progress of the project.』
I totally agree what he said. As the project manager has to have total shipbuilding knowledge and also high communication skill.
He mentions one more impressive sentence.
『Project manager has to be a competent advocate.』
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Jan. 9th, 2010
"Symbolic Photo"

The photo is representing the Uchiyama Design, Inc.’s direction in 2010.
Sports Fishing Boat and Mega / Super Yacht ahead.
I am sure to which direction we are heading and no doubt about it. We have been building up strong foundation.
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Jan. 6th, 2010
"First Thing・・・"

This is my custom, most Japanese custom, to go Shrine or Temple at the New Year’s Day morning. This is the first thing to do in the New Year.
I prayed for my family’s health and business going good through the year.
After visit the shrine, I always feel fresh.
There were tons of people from New Year’s Day to Jan. 3rd at nationally famous Kawasaki Daishi.
I wish you for the very best year, 2010.
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Jan. 4th, 2010
"2010"

Happy New Year, 2010!
I wanted to look back on year 2009 in the end of October, but I had a serious back pain and throat pain, so I couldn’t even move a bit. I learned the health is very important!
Well, this year, 2010, is building up the shape we have been designing.
I am exciting to meet many people thru this year and would like to step forward to the next level.
I would like to try some new things in this year and our focus is Asia. I have good relationship some Asian country, but would like to expand this chain and make things happen!
Please take a look at what we will do in this exciting year and hope to see somewhere!

UCHIYAMA Design, Inc.
Yoshi Uchiyama
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