hidetoshi nakata running the city ice climber

Transcription

FEBRUARY 2016
Japan’s number one English language magazine
ICE
CLIMBER
Scaling Japan’s
Frozen Heights
RUNNING
THE CITY
The Tokyo Marathon
Turns Ten
HIDETOSHI
NAKATA
A Soccer All-Star on
the Sake Trail
ALSO: The Latest Updates from Tokyo’s International Schools, Valentine’s Day Activities, Hitting the Snow inwww.
Hakuba
Valley,FEBRUARY
and More
tokyoweekender.com
2016
FEBRUARY 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com
FEBRUARY 2016
CONTENTS
11
TOKYO MARATHON
The city prepares to get Japan’s biggest longdistance event running for the tenth time
14
16
18
HIDETOSHI NAKATA
VALENTINE’S DAY IN TOKYO
ICE CLIMBING
The star footballer brings passion and
Don’t feel broken-hearted if you’re at a
To scale Japan’s frozen reaches, you need
precision to promoting fine sake
loss for what to do: we’ve got you covered
ingenuity, determination, and a bit of luck
6 The Guide
22 Demons Out! Happiness In!
26 People, Parties, Places
An aphrodisiac cocktail, the cutest cafe in
town, and hot looks for a cold month
The things we can learn from an age-old
Japanese traditional ritual
Bill’s yearly party in benefit for those less
fortunate, and a tour of the party scene
8 Gallery Guide
23 The British School in Tokyo
30 Movies
Real life gods of rock and ads from the
very early days of Japanese tourism
Combining a love of learning with a sense
of adventure and independence
A crop of Oscar contenders make their
way to Tokyo’s cinema screens
20 Hakuba Valley
24 ai International School
32 Agenda
Nearly a dozen resorts, slopes for experts
and newbies alike, and après ski fun
Over 30 years of collaboration, creativity,
and truly child-centered education
The floral promise of spring, Madonna
comes to town, and Chinatown revels
www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2016
THIS MONTH IN THE WEEKENDER
FEBRUARY 2016
FEBRUARY 2016
Japan’s number one English language magazine
ICE
CLIMBER
Publisher
Executive Producer
Editor
Art Director
Account Executives
Media Consultants
Marketing
Society
BC Media Group
Asi Rinestine
Alec Jordan
Liam Ramshaw
Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa
Mary Rudow
Chris Zajko
Yumi Idomoto
Bill Hersey
Lead Writer
Matthew Hernon
Editorial Associates
Natalie Jacobsen
Vivian Morelli
Luca Eandi
Kyle Mullin
Film
IT Manager
Christopher O’Keeffe
Nick Adams
EST. Corky Alexander, 1970
Published monthly at JPR Sendagaya Building 8F
4-23-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051
(03) 6863-3096 / (03) 5413-3050 (fax)
editor@tokyoweekender.com
Scaling Japan’s
Frozen Heights
RUNNING
THE CITY
The Tokyo Marathon
Turns Ten
HIDETOSHI
NAKATA
A Soccer All-Star on
the Sake Trail
ALSO: The Latest Updates from Tokyo’s International Schools, Valentine’s Day Activities, Hitting the Snow inwww.
Hakuba
Valley,FEBRUARY
and More
tokyoweekender.com
2016
Cover Photo by Junichi Takahashi
s
British
School
in
Tokyo
Principal
Brian
Christian reminds us in
his introduction to our
education section, February can be a
trying month. The hints of spring lie just
a few weeks away, but winter’s cold grip
is still firmly on us. It makes sense, then,
for this to be a time to celebrate that
spirit of determination that enables us to
face the frigid days with something that
approaches a grin now and again.
Some of us might find some cheer
in the call of Setsubun—“Demons
out! Happiness in!”—that exhorts
participants in that Japanese tradition
of jettisoning the negative baggage of the
past and making room for better things.
A
It is certainly encouraging to witness
the runners who take to the streets for
the often grim weather of the Tokyo
Marathon. And as we see in the case of
our story on ice climbing, another way
to demonstrate what the poet Wallace
Stevens calls “a mind of winter” is to
simply take on adversity in one of the
most aggressive ways possible: scaling
cliffs by driving titanium screws into a
surface that leaves precious little margin
for error.
As our cover star Hidetoshi Nakata
explains, the best sake comes out in
the coldest months. It’s a detail about
Japan’s national beverage that the former
soccer star has learned in his new role:
promoting sake to the world at large. It’s
clear from our interview with him that he
is putting the same passion and precision
into this endeavor that he did on the field.
Finally, lest you get the idea that
the month is nothing but clenched teeth
and frozen hearts, we haven’t forgotten
about the lovers out there. Even though
Japan does things differently when it
comes to gender roles on Valentine’s Day,
we’ve assembled a collection of romantic
activities that should make any significant
other happy—or at the very least, make
sure you’re not left out in the cold.
To our neighbors to the West, we’d like
to extend our Chinese New Year greetings,
and we’ll see you all next month.
Editor
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Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors
are not necessarily those of the publisher
WRITERS WANTED
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like to hear from you. To join our team of freelancers,
please send us an email at
editor@tokyoweekender.com
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the guide
TOM FORD CLUTCH BAG
Transfer from day to night with this versatile claret shoulder bag that doubles up as a
sophisticated clutch when the shoulder strap is removed. We are craving statement accessories to enhance our spring wardrobes and found this luxurious combination of rich
berry leather with Tom Ford’s signature stunning gold-tone hardware to be the perfect
answer. While being eye-catchingly chic, this bag is also practical with an elegant flap
design and a nifty inside pocket to keep your lipstick and keys in place.
tomford.com
JIL SANDER
SWEATER
SELF–PORTRAIT DRESS
Whether it is for a special Valentine’s date or just
a reason to put on your heels and have drinks
with your friends, this lace and crepe dress
belongs in your closet. Self-Portrait received
much attention from the fashion world for their
intricate lace and lattice designs and we are also
besotted with their new collection of flawless
cocktail dresses. The delicate embroidered top
draws attention to your décolletage while the
cinched waist and panel-pleated skirt compliment
your figure. Add a pair of thick black stockings
underneath to stay comfortably elegant in the
evening air. self-portrait-studio.com
Crafted from a lightweight blend
of silk, cotton and cashmere, this
plush sweater provides a stylish
layer of protection against the
February frost. As well as being
sumptuously soft, the darker navy
side panels against the bold midsection of orange create a flattering silhouette. The intricate ribbed
design adds another element of
texture to the sweater, which is
just one more detail that will make
it your favorite go-to item of knitwear. Wear the sleeves pulled up
to 3/4 length over a white collared
shirt to complete the look.
jilsander.com
KAWAII MONSTER CAFÉ
The concept is simple: capture the heart of Harajuku culture and turn
it into an edible wonderland. To some, this Technicolor culinary experience—a dizzying array of spiral art, hypnotically blasting J-pop,
and “cute-ified” walking inanimate objects—may be nightmare-inducing, but to others, this is the rabbit hole they’ve been waiting for.
Cupcake-shaped booths, checkered karaoke stage, and the demon
pony-cake merry-go-round centerpiece aside, the menu has been given the most thought. From the rainbow-pastel spaghetti to the bubbly
salad, each item has a purpose beyond being visually satisfying, and
you won’t want to miss their too-surreal-to-eat desserts, “hospital”
cocktails, and tapioca tea served in Mason jars. (kawaiimonster.jp)
Address: Shibuya, Jingumae 4-31-10, YM Square 4F
FEBRUARY2016
JANUARY
2016 www.tokyoweekender.com
Something for the weekend...A
cocktail guide for the most
discerning of drinkers
G
JOHN SMEDLEY SHAWL-COLLAR CARDIGAN
Change up your sweater rotation with this smooth merino wool and cashmere-blend
cardigan from British knitwear specialist John Smedley. The deep midnight blue hue
of the finely knit wool is paired with discreet buttons and finished with softly ribbed
trims. The cozy shawl collar and deep V-neck keeps your neck snug while looking polished—any item that provides style and comfort is always a winning combination for
us. It can be worn over a shirt or round neck top and is slim enough to slip under your
jacket without making a bulky frame. johnsmedley.com
DRAKE’S WOOL, SILK AND
LINEN-BLEND TIE
Known for eye-catching fabrics, British
haberdasher Drake’s has a legendary
reputation for its premium quality pieces.
This dark green wool, silk and linenblend tie is no exception, creating a matte
finished traditional wide cut tie with a
striking texture. If you want to impress
during a Valentine’s date or look smart in
your next company meeting, couple this
handsome tie with a crisp white shirt for
a dapper appearance. The woven texture
should be worn with smooth cufflinks or
a plain silver tiepin so the material is not
overshadowed. drakes.com
ATELIER DE L’ARMÉE
BACKPACK
As the brand name suggests, Atelier de l’Armée
(“Army Workshop”) creates functional items from
durable high-quality materials. With water-repellent cotton canvas and tan leather, this backpack
is ideal for keeping your belongings dry through
rugged terrains or just the urban jungle of Tokyo
rush hour. Whether you have filled up the main
pocket’s 60-liter capacity or just have your daily
bare essentials, the bag’s dimensions adapt with
the drawstring top. We particularly like the subtle
color palette of amber-browns and tomato-red
accents, which are a welcome change from the
common khaki-toned utility bags we have seen for
many seasons.
iven that it’s Valentine’s Day this month
I thought that it might be appropriate to
prepare a little something for the lovers
in this edition of the Mixologist Guide. After all,
the art of cocktail and the art of seduction go
hand in hand like a couple of tipsy lovers. So
this month I thought I’d give you a sure-fire way
to make certain that your Valentine’s evening
goes off with a bang.
The Black Velvet is not only one of the most
powerful aphrodisiacs legally available over the
counter, it also tastes a damn sight better than
powdered rhino horn or dried tiger penis. The
added bonus is that this cocktail takes literally
seconds to make, leaving you to get on with
more important matters.
The cocktail was originally created at the
Brooks Club in London in 1861, to mourn the
death of Prince Albert. The patrons of the club
wished to continue drinking their regular
tipple, but it was thought pretty poor form to
be drinking champagne when the rest of the
country was in mourning. Some clever soul
added a touch of Guinness to his glass to make it
black, thus allowing himself to continue drinking
champers, whilst showing the appropriate
amount of respect for the fallen monarch.
A word of warning with this one. The potency
of this cocktail is so strong that it’s a good idea to
limit yourself to just a single glass before dinner.
More than one and you may well have to cancel
those expensive dinner reservations—more than
two and you may well be calling in sick to work
on Monday. Bottoms up!
Method:
Half fill a champagne glass with Verve Clicquot
or whichever champagne takes your fancy.
Float the Guinness on top of the champagne
by poring slowly over the back of a spoon. The
difference in densities of the liquids will create
a rather attractive banding effect.
Ingredients:
– 50ml Guinness
– 100ml Verve Clicquot
atelierdelarmee.com
www.
tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY
JANUARY 2016
GALLERY GUIDE
TOKYO GALLERY GUIDE
OUR PICKS FROM THE EXHIBITIONS AROUND TOWN
by Luca Eandi
HARA DOCUMENTS 10: Masaharu Sato—Tokyo Trace
T
he “Hara Documents”
series was launched
in 1992 to promote
emerging artists. The
tenth installment
features Masaharu Sato’s newest
work, “Tokyo Trace.” In it, Sato
presents a number of vignettes
of present-day Tokyo which he
reworks using a technique he
calls “shadowing.”
This process that Sato developed is based on the meticulous
tracing of actual video stills. He
uses a camera to shoot ordinary
scenes of people and landscapes
and then augments them with a
digital pen. His goal is to “get as
close to the video image as possible by emphasizing nothing and
leaving no trace of pen behind.”
The immense time and labor, the
repetitive tracing of prosaic
scenes, the production of hundreds of frames that comprise
the animation—this seemingly
extraneous process is one that
produces the subtle skewed
reality that makes Sato’s work
special. Viewers experience a
momentary feeling of puzzlement, sensing something amiss
in the apparently ordinary
scene.
His 2014 work, titled “Calling,” created after the strife
of living through the Great
East Japan Earthquake and
consecutive bouts of illness
experienced by himself and
another member of his family
also makes up the exhibition,
as well as newly-created
two-dimensional art.
Bye bye come on, 2010, animation, loop, single-channel video
Hara Museum of Contemporary Art
Dates: January 23–May 8, 2016
Open: 11:00 am–5:00 pm, 11:00 am–8:00 pm on Wednesdays, closed
Mondays (except March 21) and March 22, last admission 30 minutes
before closing | Web: www.haramuseum.or.jp
VISIT JAPAN: Tourism Promotion in the 1920s and 1930s
I
Left: MACHIDA Ryuyou, Osaka Shosen Kaisha (Yokozuna Tachiyama), c.1917 Hakodate City
Central Library Right: Pieter I. Brown, Japan (Night scene at a shrine), 1934 Private collection
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
Dates: January 9–February 28, 2016 | Open: 10:00 am–5:00 pm, 10:00
am–8:00 pm on Fridays, last admission 30 minutes before closing
Web: www.momat.go.jp
FEBRUARY 2016 www.
www.ttokyoweekender.com
okyoweekender.com
t was reported in January
that Japan (nearly)
reached its goal of drawing
20 million visitors in 2015,
a full five years ahead of
the original 2020 target. Impressively, that figure nearly quadruples the 5.2 million people that
visited Japan when the current
government-sponsored tourism
campaign kicked off in 2003. A
true feat, considering the country
was closed to tourism until the
late 1880s, so Japan was relatively
unaccustomed to promoting its
attractions to the rest of the world
until the early 20th century.
Now, ahead of the 2020
Olympics, The National Museum
of Modern Art, Tokyo, is looking
back at advertisements that were
used to promote Japan in one of
the country’s earliest promotional
campaigns during the 1920s
and ‘30s. This era saw improved
modes of commercial aviation,
encouraging leisure travel to
Japan. The government had consciously spent the previous two
decades bolstering its railway
and hotel networks.
The exhibition features
posters, pictorial magazines and
travel brochures from the time.
Designed by well known names
such as Hisui Sugiura, Yumeji
Takehisa, Hatsusaburo Yoshida
and Munetsugu Satomi, the
posters involve motifs that include kimonos, sumo wrestlers,
cherry blossoms and Mount
Fuji—symbols now synonymous
with the land. If you’re looking
to save some money on this
exhibition, admission is free on
February 7.
GALLERY GUIDE | WEEKENDER | 9
DU KUN—Revels of the Rock Gods
A
s seen with the recent passing of David Bowie and
Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, the magnitude of
rock musicians can’t be underestimated. As soon as
news of their deaths hit the internet, fans gathered
to mourn the loss and celebrate the music, while
makeshift shrines sprung up in their honor. Undoubtedly, fans
will make pilgrimages to cemeteries for years to come, revering
their favorite musicians’ graves as hallowed mausoleums. This
level of devotion can only be described as religious in scope.
Chinese artist Du Kun is captivated with music and rock
stars. As a musician himself since his art school days, the Beijing
and Tianjin-based painter is taken by the creation of music, the
side effects of fame, and the ethereal nature of revered musical
superheroes. In his series, “Revels of the Rock Gods,” Chinese
contemporary musicians take the form of temples, pagodas and
other traditional Buddhist and Confucian structures, built into
the sides of mountains and cliffs, amidst seas and waterfalls—divine structures overlooking sacred lands.
Du Kun paints the elements of earth, water, air and fire in
mysterious atmospheres that create a mystic, misty air. Catch
this exhibition at Mizuma Art Gallery early in the month, as it
closes before Valentine’s Day.
Mizuma Art Gallery
Dates: January 13–February 13, 2016
Open: 11:00 am–7:00 pm, closed Sundays, Mondays and national holidays
Web: www.mizuma-art.co.jp
“Nirvana NiouAgyou 2015”, Synthetic resins, urethane paint, 35×30×30cm
TartarosJapan/
Alternative Idol
Saturday 13th February - Sunday 28th February, 2016
Opening Hours: 12:00 - 19:00 | Closed: Mondays
Opening Reception: Friday February 12th from 18:00 onwards
Talk by the Artist: Hikari Shimoda(Painter) ×TartarosJapan
February 20th (Sat), Doors open at 16:00 curtain 17:00 ~
Admission: Free
Temple of Heavenly Sounds, Oil on canvas, 210 x 140 cm, 2015, Image copyright of the
artist; courtesy of the artist and Mizuma Art Gallery
10 | WEEKENDER | EXPAT LIFE
Kagami Crystal Shop offers a dazzling selection
of cut glass for connoisseurs and amateurs alike
Established in Tokyo in 1934, Kagami Crystal is Japan’s first
crystal glass factory, and after a visit to their shop in Ginza, you
may be inclined to say that it is the country’s finest.
Kagami crystalware has been receiving accolades since the
company was founded, and has received commissions from
the Imperial Family, the Japanese government, and Japanese
embassies and consulates around the world. Kagami Crystal
glassware can be found in embassies and consulates in more than
250 countries around the world.
If you’re looking for an artfully cut whisky or wine glass, you
can find a wide array of exquisitely crafted pieces that will
bring elegance to the table or anywhere else you enjoy your
favorite beverages.
The Kagami Crystal Shop also has an impressive selection of
“Edo Kiriko” cut glasses, which are available in a variety of
shapes, colors, and patterns. You can find decanters, perfume
containers, vases and other vessels, which are decorated in a
variety of traditional Japanese patterns and designs. Custom
engraving, featuring a name, a family emblem, or another design
can be performed.
With the holiday seasons rapidly approaching, a fine piece of
Japanese craftsmanship just might be the perfect gift. Come see
for yourself at Kagami Crystal Shop.
Ginza Store
Daiwa Building, 2-1, Ginza 6-Chome,
Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Tel: 03-3569-0081
Open: From Mon, Fri (11:00~19:30)
Sat, Sun and holiday (11:00~18:30)
Closed: Thursday
W W W. K A G A M I . J P / E N G L I S H /
FEBRUARY 2016 www.
okyoweekender.com
by Alec Jordan
12 | FEATURE | TOKYO MARATHON
Imperial Palace
A favorite spot for runners who jog
alongside the moat of this Tokyo
landmark throughout the year, it’s a
natural location for spectators to get
set up to watch the runners in the
early stages of the race go by.
A RACE FOR ELITES AND
AMATEURS ALIKE
Ginza
Many participants recall the
billboards and fancy store fronts
of glitzy Ginza as something that
helped keep them upbeat during the
final kilometers of the marathon.
It’s also one of the areas where the
course makes a sharp turn, making
it a thrilling place to watch the
wheelchair competitors.
A
Tokyo Big Sight
There’s nothing like seeing the
runners crossing the finish, whether
they’re coming in at world-class pace
or setting their own personal bests.
Expect plenty of crowds, and a warm
atmosphere—rain or shine.
FEBRUARY 2016 www.
okyoweekender.com
quintessential demonstration of
training, resilience, and determination, the marathon is an event
that demands an intense pace from
elite runners over the length of its 42.195km
(26.2 mile) course and from less experienced
runners, sometimes just the willingness to put
one foot in front of the other.
The Tokyo Marathon was first launched
in 2007, but elite marathons have been held
in the world’s largest city since 1979. This impressive pedigree quickly made it one of the
top runs on the world marathon circuit, and
by its sixth year, it had joined Boston, London,
Chicago, New York, and Berlin in the Abbott
World Marathon Majors, a yearly series of six
races that draws the world’s best long-distance competitors.
Standouts in a strong international field this year
include Kenya’s Emmanuel Mutai, Dickson Chumba (the course record holder), and Bernard Kipyego, as well as Feyisa Lilesa (Ethiopia) and Stephen
Kiprotich (Uganda). Two of the best Japanese
male runners to look for are Masato Imai and
Arata Fujiwara. On the women’s side is a strong
Ethiopian contingent, including last year’s winner
Birhane Dibaba, Aberu Kebede, and Shure
Demise, with Kenya’s Edna Kiplagat in the pole
position. Hiroko Yoshitomi and Yukiko Okuno
lead the pack of Japan’s elite female runners. The
Tokyo Marathon is an Olympic qualifying event
for the Japanese men, so there will be a little extra
on the line for some members of the pack.
Another group to pay attention to are some of
the speedier competitors on the road: the wheelchair marathoners. The Tokyo Marathon course
is generally flat, so it is an ideal place to break
records—if the weather permits. This year marks
the first time that international elites have been
invited to compete in the Tokyo Wheelchair Marathon. Domestic athletes like Hiroyuki Yamamoto
and Kota Hokinoue will have a berth in the 2016
Paralympics at stake and are going up against
a field that includes international stars such as
World Champion Joshua George (USA) and Ernst
van Dyk (South Africa), a multiple Paralympic
wheelchair event medalist and 10-time winner
of the Boston Wheelchair Marathon. Meanwhile,
on the women’s side, eight-time Tokyo Marathon
winner Wakako Tsuchida will be up against Tatyana McFadden from the US, who won in Chicago,
Boston, New York, and London last year.
You’ll feel like a good part of the city
has come together to help everyone
cross the finish line.
RUN BY VOLUNTEERS
Along with the world-class runners
who are vying for top positions in
the race itself and the Abbott World
Marathon Majors series, the Tokyo
Marathon has also become an place
for serious amateurs and recreational
marathoners to hit their stride. Over the
years, long-distance running has been
on the rise in Japan, and marathons are
now held around the country. In order
to support this grassroots long-distance
movement, Tokyo Marathon launched
the RUN as ONE program last year,
which gives promising runners a
streamlined entry into the Marathon.
Beginning this year, this program will
be expanded to include semi-elite marathoners from around the world. And
given the popularity of the race—more
than 300,000 apply for 37,000 spots—the
Tokyo Marathon draws a huge field of
amateur marathoners (as well as, from
what we hear, a few cleverly costumed
runners) every year.
Read up on participants’ reports
from previous Tokyo Marathons and
you will find plenty of stories about
hitting the wall and making the push
for personal bests. However, another
common thread in stories about the
event is that it is well run, thanks in
no small part to a veritable army of
enthusiastic volunteers. This year,
expect about 10,000 of them (including 700 foreign language speakers)
who assist in every aspect of the race,
from distributing drinks and snacks
along the route to helping keep
the course almost spotlessly clean
and making sure that competitors’
luggage is waiting for them once the
run is done.
In addition to the volunteers who
are helping out in traditional roles in
the lead up to the competition, there
are also a wide variety of performances taking place alongside the
streets of the Marathon course: runners will be buoyed along by taiko
drummers, bands, and choirs, school
cheerleading groups, and more.
Combine this with close to 1.5 million
spectators who line the course,
yelling out a spirited “Ganbare!” to
everyone who runs by, and you’ll feel
like a good part of the city has come
together to help everyone cross the
finish line.
The 2016 Tokyo Marathon takes place
on Sunday, Feb. 28. Start time for
runners is 9:10 am.
www.marathon.tokyo/en
37,000 RUNNERS
¥308,750,711
RAISED FOR CHARITY
87
81
96,462 BANANAS
DISTRIBUTED DURING THE RACE
2:05:42
2:22:23
Photos courtesy of the Tokyo Marathon Foundation
The Spirit of
a Sportsman
by Matthew Hernon
A style icon who was once Asia’s most famous
footballer, Hidetoshi Nakata now has his heart
set on revolutionizing the sake industry
L
ike many youngsters who
grew up in Japan during
the 80s, Hidetoshi Nakata
dreamed of emulating manga hero “Captain Tsubasa”
during his youth. He dedicated his life
to football and by the age of 21, after
some stand-out performances at the
1998 World Cup, became the country’s
most sought-after player. Eight years
later, following spells in Italy and England, he stunned fans by calling time
on his career. He had yet to reach 30.
“Football was like a hobby,” he tells
Weekender from his immaculately
kept office in Roppongi. “I didn’t see
it as a job. I played because I had a
real passion for the sport. Once that
started to disappear I knew I had to
look for something else. I didn’t have
any business plan or anything. I just
decided to see the world, visiting more
than 100 countries. During my travels
people would often ask me first about
football, then Japan. It was the country
I grew up in, but I couldn’t answer well
because I didn’t truly know enough
about the place.”
He decided to embark on a journey
that would take him to all 47 prefectures of Japan, starting in Okinawa
before finishing at the northernmost
point in Hokkaido at the back end of
last year. Along the way he met numerous craftsmen, farmers and sake
makers, who seemed to make quite an
impression on him.
“I began to realize the struggle
these people faced, but also the enormous value of what they were providing,” says the 39 year old. “While there
is a big demand for Japanese goods
Photos by Junichi Takahashi
abroad, marketing them has proved
difficult. That’s where I wanted to help.
Of course I can’t make sake or anything,
but what I could do was act like a bridge
between producers and international
consumers around the world.”
During the 2012 Olympics he
opened a pop-up bar outside London
County Hall that featured 26 different kinds of sake. A year later
he launched his own brand of the
drink simply named “N.” A refined
beverage produced by the famed
14th generation Yamagata brewery
Takagi Shuzo, it requires a lot of time
and care to create. Boasting a stylish
bottle designed by Japanese firm Nendo, it’s only sold abroad and is very
exclusive: fewer than 2,500 bottles
have been produced in the past three
years.
“It’s an elegant drink that initially
tastes quite sweet, but goes down like
water,” Nakata says. “We hope people
around the world will like it and then
want to try other types of sake. This
isn’t about trying to sell big amounts
or making a huge profit. Our goal is
to try and open up the market. With
wine the quality of the product varies
greatly and subsequently you have a
wide range of prices. That isn’t really
the case with sake as most items tend
to be cheap, which makes it more
difficult for new brands to enter into
the competition. We want to show
people you can make premium sake
and be successful. It’s a niche market,
but people are beginning to realize
there are opportunities out there and
consequently you’re seeing more sake
makers selling high-end goods.”
NAKATA | FEATURE | 15
According to Nakata one of the biggest
obstacles producers face is the perception
that consumers have about sake. It’s seen as
a drink that must be consumed shortly after
purchase and therefore loses value. Last
month the ex-Roma and Bolton midfielder
introduced his solution to the problem: sake
cellars.
“Without wine cellars the wine industry
would never have flourished the way it has,”
he tells us. “The longer you can keep something the more it’s worth. People think they
have to throw sake away if it hasn’t been
other night and has tried hundreds of
brands over the past few years, but the
problem he says is that none of them are
well known around the globe. He’s hoping
the smartphone app he helped set up last
year will start to change that. Known as
“Sakenomy,” it recommends specific labels
based on a user’s taste and preference. The
information given includes alcohol content, temperature, ingredients and details
about the taste.
“Domestic sales are down, but with
so many Japanese restaurants around
I have some great memories that I will always
keep, but I don’t like to look back. There is so much I
want to do, but for now my main focus is sake.
drunk after a month or so, but that’s not
true. At the right temperature and humidity
it can be kept for years, but that can only be
achieved if you have a cellar. It’s a necessary
item for this industry and that’s why we’re
confident it’ll be successful.”
Listening to Nakata speak it’s obvious
how much it all means to him. This is not
some ex-sports player investing some of his
money into a side venture; sake is now his
passion. He drinks at least one glass every
the world, overseas interest in sake is
increasing,” Nakata says. “The problem
is many people abroad don’t know what
they’ve ordered because they can’t read
kanji. With Sakenomy they can take a
picture and it will give you the name of
the drink and other relevant information.
For example, if you say like a particular
brand it will tell you the nearest place you
can get it or where they sell it online. I’ve
been told by a number of foreigners that
this is exactly the kind of thing they need.
It’s available in Japanese, English and now
Italian. We’re also working on a French
and Chinese version.”
Determined to transform an industry
he believes has been undervalued, the
two-time Asian Footballer of the Year is on
a mission to educate people about sake:
the best brands, the way to order, the kinds
of food it can be paired with. A common
misconception, he informs me, is that it
only goes well with Japanese cuisine, when
in fact it can be enjoyed with all kinds of
dishes, including French and Italian. This
is a point he’s keen to show off at “Craft
Sake Week” in Roppongi Hills this month.
Despite the name, it’s actually a ten-day
event featuring 100 sake companies (10
different ones each day), a number of
restaurants, DJs playing a variety of music
and a sommelier who will be on hand to
answer questions.
“The best sake comes out in winter
so we felt this is the best time to have an
event like this, but isn’t just some drinking
festival,” Nakata says. “We want people to
get to know the various brands properly
and that is why we are only having 10 companies each day. Along with their drinks
guests can try some amazing dishes from
establishments I personally selected where
it is usually really difficult to book a table.
There’s a Michelin-starred restaurant, my
favorite yakitori and oden shops, an amazing French eatery and in my opinion the
best place to eat Italian in all of Japan. We
want people to come and enjoy the whole
experience, from the alcohol to the plates
and glasses, many of which we designed
ourselves.”
Constantly searching for ways to
improve and revitalize the sake industry as
well as looking to introduce Japanese crafts
around the world, Nakata admits he is now
busier than he ever was as a footballer. It’s
been almost 10 years since his final match
as a professional when he lay in the center
circle of Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion after
Japan had crashed out at the 2006 World
Cup. Since then he has gone on to travel the
globe, take a pilgrimage in his homeland
and start his own business. Looking back,
does the man who won 77 caps for his
country have any regrets about quitting the
game at just 29?
“None whatsoever,” he answers bullishly. “I have some great memories that I will
always keep, but I don’t like to look back. I
don’t take photographs or collect memorabilia. I prefer to face ahead and take on
new challenges. There is so much I want to
do, but for now my main focus is sake.”
by Chris Zajko
V
alentine’s Day in Japan is a big deal. In
fact, you may have seen many department
stores and supermarkets wheeling out
their elaborate chocolate displays as
far as a month in advance. Aside from
the size of the event in Japan, there is another key
difference to Valentine’s Day elsewhere in the world—
only women give gifts, often to both male colleagues or
friends (giri-choco or “obligation chocolates”), as well
as their partners (Honmei-choco).
Of course, the ladies have their turn exactly a
month later (on March 14) for what is known as
“White Day,” when guys are expected to return the
favor by presenting gifts to the women in their lives.
Regardless of whether you chose to do Valentine’s
Day the Japanese way or just use the it as an opportunity
to spend some quality time with your special someone,
planning ahead is key to impressing. Here are some
creative ideas to get the ball rolling:
Musica Presents
Valentine Rock, Volume 9
F
or a slightly sweatier, noisier and more energetic
date idea, Valentine Rock is coming to the rescue.
Liquidroom’s annual V-Day party has been running for eight long years and sadly this year—its ninth
edition—will be its last. In an effort to showcase some
of Tokyo’s buzzworthy local indie acts, Musica magazine has curated a night of heartfelt live music especially for the occasion. Straying from its often acoustic
approach to programming the event, this year’s headliner will be celebrated shoegazers The Novembers,
with support duties filled by Keishi Tanaka, Homecomings, DAN, Yo Irie and the recently added special guest
Tatsuya Mitsumura (of Nico Touches the Walls fame).
Atsushi Kano will also be spinning tunes throughout
the night to keep the dance floor alive.
Where: Liquidroom, Ebisu
When: Sunday February 14 | How much: ¥3,500
More info: www.tokyoweekender.com
or www.liquidroom.net
FEBRUARY 2016 www.
okyoweekender.com
World Valentine Festival
V
Sunshine Aquarium
Heartful Valentine
alentine’s Day is celebrated in many different ways
around the world. In fact, the customs surrounding this special day can vary greatly depending on
your country of residence. This Valentine-themed festival at Yoyogi Park explores an extensive cross-section of
these different customs through music and dance performances, traditional dishes, markets, workshops and films
across the whole weekend—one of the biggest on Tokyo’s
calendar. Well, for couples at least anyway. An educational
experience, interspersed with plenty of canoodling with
your significant other.
T
o experience one of the more
quirky Valentine’s season (it runs
for two weeks) activities this
year, head along to the Tokyo Sunshine
Aquarium to see all the cute things they
have in store for smitten couples.
Divers will be feeding red, heartshaped pieces of squid to the famous
spotted eagle rays (daily at 11:30 am,
1:30 pm and 4:40 pm), sea lions will
be blowing kisses during their performances (daily at 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm
and 3:30 pm) and blocks of ice carved
into large heart shapes will be presented as gifts to the resident sea otters (daily at 12 pm and 4 pm, as well as 2 pm on
weekends).
You can even pick up a haul of Valentine’s Day-themed chocolates, snacks
and merchandise while you’re there.
Where: Yoyogi Park, Shibuya-ku | When: Feb 13-14
How much: Free | More info: www.tokyoweekender.com
Where: Tokyo Sunshine Aquarium,
Ikebukuro | How much: ¥2,000
More info: www.sunshinecity.co.jp
Andaz Tavern Valentine’s Day
Romantic Dinner
F
or those really out to impress, you can’t go past Andaz Tavern’s incredible views of Tokyo’s skyline by night from the 51st floor. The dazzling
constellation of lights is the perfect backdrop for toasting to the future
with a complimentary glass of champagne before tucking into a four-course
feast, including lobster salad and smoked sea urchin, seared scallops, Parmesan and herb-crusted slow-braised beef cheeks, and strawberries with white
chocolate.
Where: Andaz Tavern, Toranomon Hills | When: Feb 14
How much: ¥24,000 for two | More info: www.andaztokyo.com
Tokyo Tower
Valentine’s Climb
F
or a date that’s sure to impress, it’s time to get physical. Lace up your sneakers and climb up Tokyo
Tower with your crush. It’s the perfect way to burn
calories, keep warm, get a spectacular view of the city
and capture an unforgettable photo together. It will only
take a couple of hours, so for the more romantically inclined, get there early and make a dinner reservation for
your arrival back to terra firma.
If you’re planning it as a surprise, just make sure
your date doesn’t wear high heels.
Where: Tokyo Tower, Minato-ku
When: Feb 14 | How much: ¥460 - ¥820
More info: www.tokyotower.co.jp
Finding new ice climbing routes demands
patience, nerve, and more than a little
luck—and all that is before you even begin
your ascent...
by Ed Hannam
W
ith its early starts,
strange equipment
and inherent dangers, ice climbing
will never be more than a fringe
sport. Only a few months a year
conjure up the right conditions for
ice to form, climbing time doesn’t
always line up with available time,
and just when it starts getting good
the season starts to end. Changes
in the weather can upset entire
winters with too much snow or not
enough of it. Rain and sun combine
unpredictably, and it can be years
between the time when reliable ice
forms in some areas. Add this all
up and very few climbers who start
out on indoor walls will ever end up
climbing ice because it’s simply too
much hassle.
After spending years climbing
in the better known areas around
Japan, a whisper had emerged from
some older climbers about a forgotten place “up north.” Apparently
decades before the hard men
and women of the time had
found amazing ice features
and put up a dozen or so
difficult routes. As opinion
had it, this was their undoing—the
routes were too hard for most
climbers of the day to repeat, and so
it remained the stuff of legend, an
ice climbing El Dorado. Any more
searches turned up nothing aside
from a hazy photo or two and a
vague map with little detail.
A short trip to the area (let’s call
it Yamagata) brought us into contact
with shy locals who vaguely recalled
climbers going there years ago, but
it had been silent a long time. The
only clear discussion we had was
with the owner of a decaying onsen
who reckoned that, as the roads
were cleared of snow less frequently, everything out there—including
his onsen—was winding down.
Along with this uninspiring news he
told us that the season for ice was
only when the direction of the wind
sent temperatures way down, and
that period had already come and
gone a few weeks before.
After a long year of keeping
things quiet we returned, timing
things for the window of cold. Pulling into the verge at the end of the
road, our headlights illuminated old
buildings, all closed and shuttered.
Beyond, the road was covered with
settled snow. No footprints were
visible. There was no reason at all
for anyone to be there, so we pitched
our tent in the eerie, howling darkness and got our gear ready for the
morning.
Skiers dream of bright blue
ICE CLIMBING | FEATURE | 19
mornings and ice climbers do too, but they
really understand that dull and overcast
is better, as it has less effect on the ice.
The following morning granted us that. By
torchlight we ate, drank coffee and emerged
from the tent, heaved on our packs and
started down into the valley. It was certainly cold as we walked into the wind that
howled from across the mountains, creating
the rush of freezing air. It was a bittersweet
trade off that we hoped was worth it.
The valleys were narrow and the
walls were multi-tiered, meaning little
sun crossed the faces, and unique rock
formations made channels for ice to collect
and grow in. To be “good,” ice has to be
uniformly formed, well bonded to the rock
beneath, and protected from direct sun that
can break it down. Tight, tiered valleys that
catch the snow are ideal for this.
The winding geography of the valley
meant we could only see small parts of the
walls above us, and through the purple predawn light we began to get a notion of what
was around us. The walls were covered
in jewel-like ice that encrusted the rocks’
features to form chandeliers and pillars
that drooled down the cliffs and hung from
the roofs of caves. We found the ice to be
exceptionally clear, hard and well bonded
to the volcanic rock beneath. The rumors of
the area being left to obscurity due to lack
of capable climbers began to seem true:
in fact, by the look of it, the old crew had
barely gotten started. With the majority
of the walls either non-existent on the old
maps or barely recorded, for every ice line
mentioned we counted another seven or
eight not.
Deciding on a route to climb is always
hard and when there are hundreds of choices and you’re working against dwindling
time, things only get harder. Lines were
everywhere but most looked exceedingly
tough—the stuff of days to work at. Our
time in the valleys had shown
us that nothing
was going to be
easy, so the idea
of just taking a
token route was
off the table.
We decided
elegance would
give us the
right options,
and something
truly worthy
of shooting
for—even if we
failed. We went
for a line of
thin, intricately
chandeliered icicles that wove up the
back of a corner in the rock face. Unlike
many lines, this had ice to ground level
rather than starting with an overhang.
Your protection from falling are
threaded titanium tubes that have been
screwed into the ice and clipped to ropes.
Ideally a screw gets placed every five or
six meters but in reality it is wherever
you can get one in. Fat ice lets you drive
When done well, ice
climbing has a unique
dynamic, more tai chi
than brute force ... it is a
beautiful but totally
unnatural thing to do
the screws deep, but thin ice demands
total attention. It’s a matter of delicately picking away, being careful to not
drive into the rock beneath. Over the 50
meters of a pitch this is exhausting, nerve
frazzling and totally absorbing. The irony
is that the effort of placing these screws
makes a fall more likely. The fact that
many ice lines can be easily climbed but
not made safe is fundamentally accepted
by ice climbers, and is exactly what we
had going on.
My initial fear quickly became total
concentration as I picked my way up the
wall of ice crystal, smashing away anything threatening in a constant cascade
of tinkling ice shards. In the silence of
a frozen valley, ice climbing can sound
amazingly violent as every foot and tool
placement means smashing into fragile
ice. Ice is inherently frictionless, so your
only connection to it are the points of
metal. This makes those pick choices
very important and involves a process
of reaching high, swinging with careful
force and weighting the tool to make
sure it holds.
Over the 50 meters of vertical ice I
found placements just on the good side of
acceptable. I climbed silently and intently, needing no overt communication with
the guy below who fed out rope exactly
as needed. When done well, ice climbing has a unique dynamic, more tai chi
than brute force; with the right degree
of sensitivity it is a beautiful but totally
unnatural thing to do.
The line of ice topped out at a large
ledge that was safe to stand on, and to
our surprise diverted to form several
more ice falls up tiers of overhanging
rock above. Burned out from what we’d
already done, we left them for another
day, and named the new line Shimajiro
after a popular kids’ toy, and the face itself White Dragon Wall. As we rappelled
back to the snow line the afternoon snow
began to thicken and clouds rolled down
the valley.
We spent several days in the various
valleys trying out new lines: some
worked out and others did not. Each day
we would return exhausted and cold but
high on the idea we were climbing new
ground, a buzz that gets rarer every year.
Since then we have returned every
winter, silently keeping the dates all year.
In keeping with the attitude of the locals
we haven’t pushed the location into common awareness; the roadside verge is still
empty, the road still uncleared. The old
onsen has never reopened. We prefer it
this way: In a world of oversaturation not
everywhere needs to be on the map.
Ed Hannam is a strategy analyst for
Tokyo-based Tripleshot Consulting, which
has a long history of working in
complex and dangerous environments.
20 | TRAVEL | HAKUBA
Between the ski and snowboarding courses and an
abundance of accommodations, Hakuba Valley offers plenty
to do on—and off—the slopes
Skier Julie Nieuwenhuys Photo by Caroline Vanthoff
inters in Tokyo always leave
me hoping to escape to the
mountains, where I can trade
crowded subways for fresh air,
snowy trails, and a rejuvenating onsen dip.
One of the places that was on my to-do list
was Hakuba Valley, a once-secluded gateway
to the Japanese Alps that is now a premier
global ski destination complete with world
class terrain, modern accommodation, and
first class dining.
Ready to get away one afternoon, I took
a short Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Nagano, followed by a bus to the heart of Happo
village, and I was transported from the neon
lights of the city and was breathing the crisp
mountain air in just about three hours.
During my first evening, I strolled
through the narrow windy streets admiring the cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars,
each featuring a mix of alpine styling and
Japanese sensibility. The Valley has evolved
since skiing was first introduced to the area
by Austrian mountaineers in the late 1920s,
and while skiers might not have to climb the
mountains themselves any longer, Happo
Village still maintains an Old World atmosphere.
Of course, by the next morning I was
W
ready to hit the slopes. The area
played host to the 1998 Winter
Olympics, and it’s a snow paradise:
there are 11 ski resorts with more
terrain, vertical rise, and advanced
slopes than you can find anywhere
in Japan. A common lift ticket can be
used at all resorts and you can travel
from resort to resort via shuttle bus.
Happo-one is one of the most popular
resorts in Hakuba—and also one of
the country’s largest. It offers more
than 1,000 vertical feet and is blessed
with breathtaking, panoramic views.
Another impressive resort is Cortina,
which offers a ski in ski out hotel that is just
10 meters from the lift gate. Meanwhile,
All thoughts of
claustrophobic train
commutes were dispelled as
I floated down the mountain
through the powder
Hakuba47 is a sprawling complex that offers a wide range of slopes and a snow park
for free ride skiers and snowboarders.
Families and beginners can enjoy the
snow with convenient rental shops and
multilingual ski and snowboarding schools.
Spicy Rentals is a long time resident ski and
snowboard rental shop with seven stores
scattered throughout the valley where you
can pick up or drop off your skis or board
at any of their locations. If you’re looking
for a tune up or wax job, be sure to stop by
Rhythm Snow Sports. Their overnight service is a convenient option and the crew
had my board ready to hit the mountain
early the next morning.
Along with the wide variety of accommodation, there is a diverse mix of
entertainment and dining options on offer
after a day in the snow—everything from
Japanese and international restaurants to
private chefs, but I decided to try out one of
the newer restaurants on the scene.
Step into Hakuba Brewery and you may
feel as if you’d just set foot in your local
pub. Friendly staff and owners “the Two
Dans” have created an atmosphere that is
welcoming to locals and visitors alike. The
warm wooden interior is constructed from
reclaimed Japanese oak and the roaring
fireplaces give the Brewery an authentic
vibe. The Hakuba Pale Ale is one of the
region’s finest craft beers: produced on site
from natural spring water, it is a perfect
addition to a menu boasting the latest dishes from a team of international renowned
chefs—you simply can’t go wrong with their
lamb stew. A convenient free shuttle bus
service was much appreciated after a warm
evening by the fire.
A visit to Hakuba wouldn’t be complete with a soak in a local hot spring. The
recently remodeled Happonoyu onsen at
the base of Happo-one ski resort is perfect
for soothing sore muscles at the end of the
day. The unique high alkalinity levels of
the thermal waters are renowned for their
healing properties. Relaxing in the openair bath surrounded by the peace of the
mountains left my body feeling revitalized
and relaxed—but in my mind, I was already
preparing my next visit.
www.hakubavalley.com
Inside the Hakuba Brew
ery
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E D UCATIO N SP ECI AL
DEMONS OUT!
HAPPINESS IN!
by Brian Christian
The age-old holiday of Setsubun isn’t just one for the kids: it’s
another opportunity to greet the still new year, full of beans
I
have never been sure about February.
speaking, stopping the clocks until the
the old Japanese lunar calendar, sees the
Such a cold, contrary month.
emergence of better weather in March.
spirit realm at its closest to our human
Perhaps it is simply because we
It was only around 700 BC that the
world. It is a time to take care—strange
have tired of winter that it seems to
workaholic Romans decided that we
things might happen. You wouldn’t want
drag. Despite being the shortest of them
couldn’t continue to have a 304-day year
a wandering demon to sneak through
all it’s not a month that hurries itself.
and simply write off the grim bit as if we
your door and take up residence for the
Spring might be on its way but it remains
were in some sort of snug hibernation.
year ahead. In the dim, dark, distant past
tantalizingly out of reach, just around the
Thus Februarius was born: the month of
you might have banged a drum or lit a
next corner, just over the next hill. At this
purification, suggesting that even in days
bonfire and burned evil-smelling sardine
time of year I can’t help feeling like an
of old they were no strangers to the New
heads to frighten off unwelcome visitors,
impatient child on a long car journey: “Are
Year detox.
but these days mamemaki (まめまき) or
bean-throwing is the preferred method of
we nearly there yet?”
In Europe our very wise forefathers
had an interesting attitude towards the
rather dark, cold period that followed
their tenth month, December: they disliked
it so much that they tried to ignore it
completely, making the depths of winter
a monthless period and, figuratively
For all our worldly
modern-day sophistication,
I feel sure that we can
learn much from the
folklore handed down to us
through the ages
exorcism. Of course, once any itinerant
ogres have been sent on their way, it
makes sense to eat up the beans but you
must make sure that you eat just one for
every year of your age, plus one for the
year ahead—especially as they now tend
to come sugar-coated!
I like the notion of Setsubun. For all
our worldly modern-day sophistication, I
feel sure that we can learn much from the
folklore handed down to us through the
FEBRUARY 2016 www.
okyoweekender.com
It may seem odd here in Tokyo—
ages; so often there are messages worth
where February is one of the driest,
listening to in these archaic rituals and
sunniest months (and often the
customs if only we are prepared to hear
coldest)—that the ancient Britons called
them. Had a bad year? Not happy with the
it Salmonath or month of mud—hardly
cards that fate has dealt you and hoping
one for the tourist brochures! Another
for better luck this time round? Then do
equally unappealing old English name
something about it! It’s up to you to bang
for it was Kalemonath, or month of the
that drum and throw those beans because
cabbage, perhaps taking us back to that
the alternative is to let your demons walk
dreaded post-Christmas detox and those
all over you.
ghastly green “health” drinks that make
their annual appearance on office desks
month, just when all our New Year
around the world at this time of the year.
resolution is beginning to weaken, maybe
a bit of bean-throwing is just what we all
The arrival of February in Japan is
At the start of this cold, contrary
both ominous and auspicious. Ask any
need to get us back on track.
child. Setsubun (節分) on the third day of
the month, the eve of spring according to
the Year of the Monkey!
Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! Bring on
EDUC AT I ON S P E C IA L
A HOME FOR
BOLD LEARNERS
The British School in Tokyo is dedicated to developing students who combine
academic excellence with resilience, independence, and a spirit of adventure
T
he British School in Tokyo
has enjoyed an enviable
reputation for the provision
of high quality education
since first opening its doors in
Shibuya more than 25 years ago, and the
past year has seen its star continue to rise
even higher, culminating in a richly deserved place on the short list for British
International School of the Year 2015. An
accredited member of the Council of British International Schools and one of only
a small number of schools worldwide
to have been independently inspected
according to the UK standards for British
Schools Overseas, BST has once again
been adjudged to be Excellent (the highest rating) in every area. We regard this
as a very welcome endorsement of the
high standards we set for ourselves.
Following the notable achievements
of our previous graduates and their success in winning places at some of the top
universities in the UK, the Class of 2015
were keen to emulate their predecessors.
This year’s talented group of A Level students certainly set the bar high for those
who will follow them. Remarkably, 51%
of all entries were awarded A*/A grades
and a very creditable 76% achieved
grade B or better. These results are a
long way above the UK national average
(in UK schools just under 26% of entries
were awarded the top two grades) and
easily surpass our own
three-year average scores.
It is especially encouraging that our students
continue to win places
on extremely competitive courses at top-rated
universities, including
Edinburgh, Imperial,
King’s and UCL. This year,
for the first time, BST
musicians are studying
at both the Royal College
of Music and Trinity,
while for the fourth year
running one of our talented A Level artists
will be studying at St Martin’s. Emphasizing our international outlook, our students
have also taken up places at universities in
Canada, India and the United States and,
closer to home, at Doshisha in Kyoto. Young
Students here know
that education is not
simply about passing
exams.
people today see themselves as global
citizens and they recognise that A levels
offer an academic passport that can take
them anywhere in the world. There is
certainly increasing interest in the
USA and a number of current students
are looking towards Australia and
mainland Europe.
Most universities worldwide are
very familiar with Britain’s public
examination system and are more
than happy to accept students with
A levels or their equivalent. In fact,
the specialist nature of these courses
means that students with better
grades can expect to earn significant
credit—sometimes up to a whole
year’s worth of study. At Harvard, for
example, you will need to have at least
three A/B grades to matriculate (earn a
place) but three A grades will merit a full
year’s academic credit; Boston College
will offer two courses of credit for A/B
grades, while C grades will earn one
semester’s credit, and Princeton clearly
states on its website that A/B grades will
earn Advanced Placement credit. It is a
similar story across the world.
As an international school of more
than 900 students aged 3-18 BST is, of
course, much more than an A Level
school. All examinations are important,
and many parents are impressed by the
rigor and structured progression of our
particular brand of British education.
That said, students here know that education is not simply about passing exams.
Sport, music and drama are woven into
the fabric of school life, and we see both
community service and adventurous
activity as real strengths. From their early
years in our Nursery and Reception classes, children are given countless opportunities to develop the independence and
resilience that will enable them to take
the next step in their education—wherever it might take them, with confidence—
and a smile.
For more information please visit the
official website: www.bst.ac.jp
Address: 1-21-18, Shibuya Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150-0002
E D UCATIO N SP ECI AL
OPENING DOORS IN
EARLY EDUCATION
For 30 years, ai International has been providing young learners with a
warm environment for exploration, education, and collaboration
F
ounded 30 years ago, ai International School doesn’t chase
trends. Instead, they rely on
tried-and-true methods based
around the heart of their programs since opening. As School Director
Eri Ogawa says, “Our focus isn’t just on
English language. We don’t want to be
defined as an ‘eikaiwa,’ because we aren’t.
It’s the international factor that we put
emphasis on.”
Eri explains that the school offers
head starts and opportunities she wishes
she had. “The world is a large place, and
there is much more to learn out there,
than if you stay in one neighborhood.
Students aged 18 months to 6 years
explore language, math, science, music,
and art through hands-on and play-based
activities prepared using resources and
materials from around the world. “Our
teachers help the students put on a huge
show each year,” Eri explains. Children
are given control of their roles with the
guidance from their teachers “so they can
learn to be responsible and be confident
and showcase their own talent.” Parents
often see marked progress in their children’s knowledge and personal achievements.
Some of the greatest pride that Eri has
is for her teachers, most of whom have
been here for over 10 years, and who
collaborate and design their curriculum through constant communication.
“Because the teachers are well trained
and aware of their roles at the school, we
resolve any issues that come up together.
We have a strong and trusting relation-
ship and we work as a team.“
Classes here are all-day, everyday
investments, another difference from
chain schools offering 30 to 60-minute lessons once a week. Moreover,
“all activities are tailor-made to
each student. Everyone here gets
the attention they deserve.” Those
sentiments remain from the earliest
days of the school. In a time when
children with special needs were
kept in the shadows, ai International
School opened doors.
“Even now, our door is still
open to everyone. No discrimination of
race, creed or abilities.” Eri leans forward,
knitting her fingers. “I, or the teachers,
have sat with our parents many times to
explain autism or other conditions and
how to better support their kids to further
their growth. No challenge is unmet. Nothing’s changed since then. We are honoring
that 30 years of open door policy today.”
Instill responsibility,
inspire them from a
young age, and they’ll
do the rest.
The testament to her confidence is the
classrooms. Large and warmly lit by sunlight that streams in from a large side-windows, the rooms are framed by brightly
colored walls. Redecorated and refurbished
for the school’s 30th anniversary, they
feature warmed wooden flooring
and are full of mats, ABC charts,
world maps, and walls of books.
The whole place is designed to
enhance learning.
The children are eating now;
a little while later they will have
their naps and play at the park.
Faces from around the world
are full of smiles. Kids spring up
to introduce their best friends,
read aloud pages from their
favorite books, and ask questions. They’re chattering away in
English effortlessly. “Our children are not
bound by inhibitions or overprotectiveness
that limits their potentials. They are free to
be who they are,” Eri says.
The school defies trends in another
fashion: they don’t rely on technology
for its own sake. “We believe in the old
school, tech-free teaching methods. At
such a tender age, the children need
a foundation in the basic life skills. In
some ways, technology can interfere with
creativity and our young ones learn best
through movement, hands-on tasks, and
interaction with each other.”
Lunch wraps up, and children clean
their space. An experienced teacher holds
up a book to pull them into the next lesson.
Eri beams. “We instill in the kids a strong
sense of responsibility from a young age.
They learn to clean up after themselves
and to help each other out. ai is, their
second home, after all.”
ai International School is no longer
the only international school in the Azabu
area, but it remains steadfast to its original
spirit, maintaining the same, affordable
rates from years before, allowing them to
put education first. As Eri explains, “this
choice is not just for parents for now, it’s
not just a decision for kindergarten: it’s a
decision for life.”
For more information about
ai International School:
Web: www.aiinternationalschool.com
Address: 5-4-1-3F, Mita, Minato-ku,
Tokyo, 108-0073
Email: info@aiinternationalschool.com
PROGRAMS
CURRICULUM
Our Aoba-Japan Extension and
External Student Programs offer
a learning opportunity for A-JIS,
neighborhood, and visiting overseas
students alike. The year to come will be
filled with summer and winter camps,
and continuing programs in sports
and dance.
TEAMWORK
A-JIS is a school that offers the
IB Primary Years Programme, Middle
School, and Diploma Programme,
featuring a curriculum that harnesses
the power of collaborative,
inquiry-based pedagogy and an
educational approach that
focuses on global leadership
and learning.
It’s a part of everything we do here
at Aoba-Japan International School—
from the collaboration of faculty and staff
to achieve our classroom and out-ofclassroom goals to the way that our
school works alongside our local
communities. A-JIS students
are always encouraged to
develop their individual
and collective strengths.
COMMUNITY
Students at A-JIS create
communities both on and
off campus through a variety
of activities that range from
educational fairs to study and
exploration opportunities and
collaborations with partner
schools.
HIKARIGAOKA CAMPUS
MEGURO CAMPUS
7-5-1 Hikarigaoka, Nerima-ku, Tokyo 179-0072
Phone: 03-6904-3102
2-11-5 Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0042
Phone: 03-5428-4488
The late great David Bowie and Bill first met
at a Kuwait Embassy party in the early 1970s
T
Tokyo’s Longest Running
hanks to deadline problems—which many of us have to
deal with—and the busy holiday schedule, I had to get this
issue’s PPP to the Weekender office in early January. The magazine staff are always super busy, but this year more than ever.
In addition to getting the regular issues out, they were all in the process
of getting ready and moving the Weekender office into their new digs at
PR/Marketing powerhouse Sunny Side Up’s big and beautiful offices in
Sendagaya. I don’t know how, but as always they managed to get things
done and still have prime time to spend with their great Japanese wives
and beautiful kids during their very hectic years and schedules.
HILTON-WEEKENDER-BILL HOLIDAY ORPHANS’ PARTY
Hate to start out with a back event but with my Weekender and Hilton
Hotel annual orphans’ party for the holidays in mid-December, printer
deadlines, and all kinds of special events, couldn’t as always get the rundown and photos to the printer for the January issue. Thanks for your
understanding on this.
This was the 18th year for us to do the party for the 50 aged 5 to 12
kids from six different orphanages. The institutions involved went all
out to bring really energetic fun boys and girls who all really got into
the party mood for the day.
Once again good friends—who included a few ambassadors, many
diplomats’ wives and generous giving wives of business leaders from
both the Japanese and foreign communities here—took time out of
their super-busy schedules to join us at the Hilton for a really fun
afternoon with the awesome kids. We’ve held the party for the last 17
years in the hotel’s white marble lounge. That venue has become so
popular with its spectacular sweets buffet it’s completely booked every
day. We did this year’s party in the large and tasteful St. George’s Bar.
I was a little concerned but the area has a warm homey atmosphere
FEBRUARY 2016 www.
okyoweekender.com
Society Page with Bill Hersey
and all of our Santa’s helpers really thought it was perfect. Hilton’s PR
Director Momoko Gonohe, her staff and many other Hilton people had
really decorated the venue in a colorful Christmas mood, and there was a
bountiful buffet that featured all of the kids’ favorite foods. Other Santa’s
helpers who mixed and had fun with the kids as well as the adults there
that day included Hilton Tokyo’s community-minded GM Mike Williamson,
who took time to mix with and meet many of the volunteers, including the
Guardian Angels, as well as make a welcome speech. Others included a
face painter, a balloon artist, our regular Dutch Santa Claus Rene Bosman,
talented MC Matthew Ireton, who led the kids in singing Christmas carols,
super talent Steve Haynes who was surrounded by new young fans who
were really in awe over his Rudolph the Reindeer costume. I’d also like to
say thanks to sponsors Sony Pictures, Gaga Tohokushinsha, 20th Century
Fox, Warner Brothers, Disney, Lufthansa and Hertz.
The only problem was one of our staff lost a photo chip, and we’re
missing several important super volunteers pics. These included Matthew
Ireton who always helps so many, Mrs. Hassan, the wife of the Bahrain
Ambassador, Mary Aida and super chic Kyoko Fujisawa, wife of the head
of Yodobashi Camera: We also want to thank the many Ambassadors’
wives and others who were busy that day but did send some great gifts for
the child they were assigned.
OMAN NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION—PALACE HOTEL
Thanks to all concerned to celebrate the 45th National Day of Oman Amb.
Khalid Al-Muslahi and his wife Abeer hosted a midday reception in the
Yamabuki Room at the Palace Hotel. The hosting couple are very popular
and there was a big turnout for their celebration. Khalid is a very professional diplomat—a little quiet, but very outgoing and personable. Abeer is
a live wire who is really full of energy.
The special couple has children, including one daughter Iman with
PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 27
Panama Amb. Ritter Diaz Gomez, his new wife Ayana,
Philippines Amb. Manuel Lopez, Amb. Castellon,
Kyoko Spector
Brunei Amb. Haji Ahmad, his 2nd secretary Jessica
Thai King’s
Birthday Reception
Thai Amb. Phuangketkeon, his wife Varaporn, Nicaraguan
Amb. Saul Castellon
Min-on’s
Flamenco Show
Bahrain Amb. Dr. Khalil Hassan, Yemen Amb. Samir
Khamis, Min-on President Kobayashi-san, Solange Weya
(Ivory Coast), Moroccan Amb. Samir Arrour
Najwa, her granddaughter Tamara, her daughter Jamilah
Khamis (Yemen)
Flamenco dancers Andoitz Ruybal, Santiago Erranz,
Yoko Komatsubara, Bill
Segafredo’s Toshiro Brian Mori, Daniele Yoshikoshi,
National Azabu Supermarket’s Dale Toriumi
The hosting couple Omani Amb. Khalid Al-Muslahi, his
wife Abeer, former minister of Justice Yoko Kamikawa
Helge Maruyama, his mother Lilo, Tunisian Amb. Kais
Darragi
Oman
National Day
Afghanistan Amb. Sayed Fatimie, his wife Wahida, Palestine
Rep. Waleed Siam
Cote d’lvoire Amb. and Mrs. Jerome Kloh Weya
Shake Shack
Grand Opening
Chef Kihashi, Kaz Kazui, Jiro Ishikawa, Mr. & Mrs. Ryuji
Isunoda, guest, Fran Kazui
Fran Kazui, Sayaka Masuda
28 | SOCIETY | PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES
Hiroko Inayama, Iman’s teacher, Santa, Iman Al-Muslahi
Jamilah Al-Otaibi (Kuwait)
Mika Nigitsch
Orphans
Christmas Party
Itsumi Santo
Kids, Bahrain’s Amb. Dr. and Mrs. Khalil Hassan
Lilo, Mrs. Vahekeni (Angola)
Daniele Yoshikoshi
Teresa Dejean (Argentina)
Steve Haynes, Fran Kuzui
Paula Bowers (Canada)
A few of our beautiful kids that day
Mary Katayama (Aston Martin)
PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 29
special needs and they make sure she gets the special attention she
needs and is always looked after. The other children are Areej, who
goes to art school in Scotland and their son, Ryham studies physics in
London. In Japan, Abeer not only took care of her family, she helped
many Japanese with handicapped kids, and is really active in so many
worthwhile charity projects. Believe me she stays busy, but I’m happy
to see she took time off for herself. One of her major accomplishments
was taking several courses in photography at Temple University, and
her photos at an exhibition at the embassy of Oman really had her
personal touch.
The reception was laid back with a lot of interesting people from
all walks of life enjoying the bountiful buffet, the company, and the
ambiance. Everyone I’ve talked to who visited Oman loves it. Hope to
get there later this year. You may have seen Abeer in Hiroo where she
drives a blue VW Beetle and shops at National Azabu supermarket.
MIN-ON’S DYNAMIC FLAMENCO SHOW
The highlight of showbiz entertainment for me in December was the
Min-On Concert Association’s Flamenco Show at Nakano Sun Plaza. Normally I’m not all that much into Japanese students doing dances from
other countries but believe me, the Japanese girls in the show were really professional and looked good in the colorful flamenco costumes. The
music included familiar songs from the opera “Carmen” to top tangos
from Argentina. Min-On had brought in several musicians from Spain
and two male dancers, Andoitz Ruibal and Santiago Erranz, who were
really sensational and got the standing ovations they certainly deserved.
Min-On President Kobayashi-san, who treats me like one of the family,
gave me a wonderful surprise when he had his staff take me backstage
to meet the dancers. Japan’s top flamenco dancer Yoko Komatsubara,
a long-time friend I hadn’t seen for a long time, had put the dynamic
show together. It was a really happy reunion with a hug and a kiss. Yoko
emceed the show and did the choreography, as well as joining the cast
in several numbers. She still looks great and can really dance. It was a
great night of fiery flamenco in every way.
THAI KING BUMBIBOL’S 88TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
AT THE IMPERIAL
My thanks to Thai Amb. Sihasak Phuangketkeow and his wife, Varaporn
for the invitation to a very special reception for long-time and much
loved H.M. King Bumbibol Adulyadej’s birthday. The sparkling evening
took place in the luxurious Peacock Room in the Imperial Hotel. Many of
the Thai ladies wore chic colorful Thai national costumes, and the buffet
featured all our favorite Thai foods. For entertainment, there was Thai
music and traditional dances by groups of very talented performers.
Many years ago I had the privilege of meeting his majesty at a
reception at Bangkok’s legendary Oriental Hotel. I still have a CD of
King Bhumbibol playing the saxophone with a Thai jazz group. Birthday
celebration of the beloved King was festive and elegant, perfect for the
occasion, and sure brought back a lot of great memories of my
many visits to beautiful Thailand.
SHAKE SHACK OPENS IN TOKYO
Anthony Tsunoda, the Board Director/President of the
The good-looking Yuji Tamada family at National Azabu
recently opened Shake Shack in Meiji Park had told me they invited
1500 people for the opening party. I went with film gurus Kuz and Fran
Kuzui. We got there pretty much on time, and from the looks of the long
lines of guests just about everyone who was invited must have come. We
really appreciated Anthony, who spotted us in the crowd, came over and
took us to the VIP section. I was amazed at the number of people I knew
but hadn’t seen for a long time. The Sazeby group, which Shake Shack
belongs to, also has the famous Chaya restaurants both here and in
Los Angeles. The guests that evening were mostly Japanese, and a very
international-oriented group who were very successful in whatever they
did. Our hamburgers and shakes that night were well worth the wait,
and the rustic décor with many trees, picnic tables and several areas to
relax and enjoy has already become a favorite with the trendies—even
with the cool weather. Anthony is also in the fashion market and owns
the outlet for my favorite shoes: “Campers” on Omotesando.
Shake Shack there has already become a favorite hangout and a
great place to meet interesting people and to be seen. Hope to see you
there. Just heard there are already plans to open another shop in Ebisu.
TO DO
Hate to admit it, but I’ve become somewhat of a couch potato recently
and try not to miss any of AXN’s “Outlanders.” The story about England
and Scotland’s troubled history is interesting and the cast truly talented.
If you watch CNN you know they’re doing a lot of new adventure travel
series, and advertising that really give you a rundown on where to go,
where to stay, what to do and see in this old world of ours.
Most of my friends have seen at least one of Guy Laliberté’s Cirque
du Soleil shows either here in Japan, or perhaps Las Vegas and other
major cities around the world. My all-time favorite was the one based
on Michael Jackson’s career I saw at Saitama Stadium. Happy to hear
Daihatsu is bringing the latest Cirque du Soleil show “Totem” to Tokyo
soon and will be performing here from February 3 through May 22. For
ticket info/reservations call 0570-020-520 or visit totem-jp.com/en.
If you really want something special for a bargain the Tolman collection in Shiba Daimon is consolidating framed prints from their three
galleries—Hong Kong, Atago Jinja and the main gallery in Shiba Daimon
with all prints at a 40 percent discount for cash sales. The sale goes on
for the entire month of February. See you there.
Really happy to see one of my all-time favorite travel destinations,
the Philippines, is getting some of the attention it deserves. The country
of 7000 islands really has something for everyone, there’s some of the
greatest hospitality anywhere, it’s just a four-hour flight from Tokyo, and
the inexpensive shopping has to be seen to be believed. Guarantee you’ll
shop till you drop in the country of smiles—and bargains.
If you like Italian food, which everyone I know does, check out the
new winter menus at any of Segafredo Zanetti Espresso’s shops. The one
across from H&M in Shibuya has really gotten a stylish makeover. You
can be sure to run into expat friends at the one across the street from
National Azabu in Hiroo. The popular café’s marketing man K.
Hattori just sent me a list of additions to their regular menu.
These include spinach and smoked salmon panini, several
risottos, avocado open sandwiches and vongole bianco
pasta. Prices are very reasonable.
Panamanian Ambassador Ritter Diaz Gomez and his new wife
Ayana
COMING TO A CINEMA NEAR YOU IN FEBRUARY
FEB 27
FEB 5
UNBROKEN
U
nbroken” made headlines for all the
wrong reasons last year when rightwing activists demanded for the film
to be banned and its director, Angelina Jolie, to
be told she was no longer welcome in Japan.
Thankfully, distributors saw sense when film
industry insiders called on them to stand up
for free speech. Why were the far right so
worked up? Jolie’s film tells the remarkable
true story of former Olympian and WWII
pilot Louis Zamperini, who is shot down over
the Pacific. He and his crew members are
found, captured, and made prisoners of war.
Zamperini is sent to a camp in Tokyo were he
suffers terribly at the hands of one Japanese
corporal in particular, Mutsuhiro Watanabe
(star rocker Miyavi). A biographical war
drama that charts an incredible life and a
redemptive tale of survival.
THE HATEFUL EIGHT
A
bulging cast of colorful character
actors, violence as comic as it
is extreme, and a liberal use of
every bit of profanity under the sun can
only mean one thing: maverick filmmaker
Quentin Tarantino is back with another
unique slice of fast-talking film action.
For “The Hateful Eight” the filmmaker
has assembled a typically eclectic cast.
Kurt Russell heads proceedings as
gruff bounty hunter John Ruth, who’s
bringing fugitive Daisy Domergue (Oscarnominated Jennifer Jason Leigh) to the
town of Red Rock for justice. The pair
hook up with infamous bounty hunter
and former union soldier Major Marquis
Warren (Tarantino regular Samuel L.
Jackson) and a man who claims to be the
town’s new sheriff (Walter Goggins). The
four become eight when the group take
refuge from a blizzard in a stagecoach
stopover populated by a quartet of
sinister ne’er-do-wells (Tim Roth, Bruce
Dern, Michael Madsen and Demian
Bircher). Tensions rise with the storm
and it soon becomes obvious that a Red
Rock rendezvous may not be in the cards
after all…
WHILE THE WOMEN ARE SLEEPING
FEB 12
A
n
eclectic
assemblage
of
international talent comes together
for this darkly comic tale of sex
and stalking. Hong Konger Wayne Wang,
best known to western audiences for
directing J-Lo in toothless rom-com “Maid
in Manhattan,” adapts celebrated Spanish
novelist Javier Marías’s short story “While
the Women Are Sleeping” with Japan’s
own cinema bad boy “Beat” Takeshi in a
main role. The story follows Kenji, a bored
writer on vacation who spies a young
beauty with a sinister older man. The
film marks the first time in over a decade
Kitano has appeared in another director’s
work. Mozu’s Hidetoshi Nishijima, Sayuri
Oyamada and Shiori Kutsuna join him.
FEB 27
STEVE JOBS
I
nventor, entrepreneur, Apple cofounder and cultural icon, Steve
Jobs—and the conflicting sides of
his personality—have warranted two
biographical films in the four years since
his 2011 death. While the Ashton Kutcher–
starring 2013 effort “Jobs” proved less than
successful at the box office, the big guns
are out for this second exploration of the
Apple genius’s life. Danny Boyle directs
Oscar nominee Michel Fassbender in a film
that covers all the behind-the-scenes action
at the launch of three of Jobs’s most iconic
products—the Apple Macintosh, the NeXT
Computer, and the iMac. Kate Winslet, Seth
Rogan and Jeff Daniels complete the cast
of this movie based on biographer Walter
Isaacson’s investigation into the life of the
digital visionary.
FEB 5
PREVIEWS | MOVIES | 31
OFOFTHETHEBEST:
MOVIES OF 2013
>10BEST
REST THE
ThisMUST
Month’sSEE
Releases
POINT BREAK
FEBRUARY 20
Kathryn Bigelow’s cult action hit
gets an update as Edgar Ramirez
and Luke Bracey take over the
roles made famous by Keanu
Reeves and Patrick Swayze.
One’s an undercover cop, the
other is the leader of a bank-robbing extreme sports gang.
THE MARTIAN
R
idley Scott has made some of his finest films in the sci-fi genre.
Heading back to the stars, Scott’s new feature “The Martian”
is a less horrifying affair than his former sci-fi voyages (think
“Alien”) but it’s no less lacking in drama and intensity. Matt Damon
stars as Mark Watney, an astronaut belonging to a team carrying out
a manned mission on Mars. After an emergency evacuation the crew
presumes Watney to be dead and abandons the planet, leaving him
behind. Stranded on the red planet the astronaut must find a way to
survive against impossible odds on an unforgiving landscape using
what little provisions he has at his disposal. Back home scientists and
crewmates Kate Mara, Michael Pena, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor,
and Donald Glover work tirelessly to mount a daring rescue mission.
Scott returns to his towering best and picked up a Best Picture
nomination for his effort.
FEB 11
SHERLOCK: THE
ABOMINABLE BRIDE
FEBRUARY 19
A testament to the popularity of
both Benedict Cumberbatch and
Japan’s love of a good mystery,
this feature-length episode of
the excellent BBC television
series gets a full theatrical release.
LOVE THE COOPERS
FEBRUARY 19
Still feeling Christmassy?
Probably not but this is Japan:
things don’t have to make
sense. Discover the true
meaning of Christmas in this
ensemble comedy with Diane
Keaton, John Goodman, Anthony Mackie, Amanda Seyfreid, Ed
Helms and more.
MAGGIE
FEBRUARY 5
Arnie takes a stab at a serious
role as he plays a loving father
in a zombie-ravaged near future
who will stop at nothing to
protect his infected daughter.
CAROL
O
ne of this year’s biggest Oscar hopefuls with a total of six
nominations, “Carol” arrives on our screens having already
obtained numerous accolades and featured on many critics’
“Top Films of 2015” lists. An adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith
novel “The Price of Salt,” the film tells the story of a young woman,
Therese Belivet, who dreams of a better life while working as a shop
girl in a Manhattan department store. After a chance encounter
with Carol, an alluring woman who frequents the store, a romance
blossoms between the two. Set against the backdrop of New York
City in the less-than-tolerant 1950s, Carol struggles to break free from
the confines of a stifling, loveless marriage while dealing with the
problems caused as she finally begins to embrace her true feelings.
Cate Blanchett takes the title role and has been honored with a Best
Actress nomination for her efforts. Co-star Rooney Mara is similarly
honored in the Best Supporting category for her turn as Therese.
Classily directed by Todd Haynes, the two leads give magnificent
performances in this touching romance.
HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2
FEBRUARY 20
Adam Sandler’s computeranimated family comedy
returns as Dracula attempts to
make a real vampire out of his
fangless son. Fun for the kids, if
not quite on Pixar’s level.
COOTIES
FEBRUARY 20
Elijah Wood leads a group
of oddball teachers against
an elementary school full of
zombified kids in this R-rated
horror-comedy.
This month’s movie previews were written by Christopher
O’Keeffe. For more movie news and reviews visit
AGENDA
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5
AGENDA: THE WEEKENDER ROUNDUP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY
1 FEB 13-14
3 FEB 17
2 FEB 14-15
4 UNTIL MAR 6
Madonna’s Rebel
World Valentine Festival
Chvrches
Takashi Murakami: The
Heart Tour
This romantic Val-
These Scottish indie darlings
500 Arhats
Expect a giant production,
entine-themed festival
have been going from
Considered one of the most
incredible costumes, dancers, amazing
takes place across the whole week-
strength to strength over the past few
active and significant Japanese artists in
back up singers and all the hits.
end—one of the biggest on Tokyo’s
years, becoming one of the biggest
the global art scene today, this exhibition
Where: Saitama Super Arena
calendar. Well, for couples at least
touring bands in the world and an
will focus on Murakami’s recent works,
How much: ¥9,000 - ¥50,000
anyway.
international festival mainstay.
mainly his epic “The 500 Arhats.”
Where: Yoyogi Park | How much: Free
Where: Akasaka Blitz | How much: ¥6,500
Where: Mori Art Museum | How much: ¥600 -
¥1,600| More info: www.tokyoweekender.com
5 FEB 11 - MAR 6
6 UNTIL FEB 29
7 FEB 29
8 FEB 28
Setagaya Ume Matsuri
Toshimaen Skate Rink
Bon Iver
Tokyo Marathon 2016
Check out the stalls selling
Outdoor ice skating fun
US indie folk poster boy
The annual Tokyo Mara-
plum-related knick-knacks,
for the whole family.
Justin Vernon is bringing
food and green tea, as well as koto
Just pay the entry fee once and you
his band to Japan for the first time ever
dedicated runners 42 grueling kilometers
instrument performances, haiku
can come and go as you please all
this month. In what is a long-anticipat-
to pit themselves against. Join the throngs
classes, tea ceremonies and plant
day. Perfect for those wanting to grab
ed visit, expect a selection of hits from
to cheer on the competitors!
markets.
some lunch or dinner from nearby
across the bands whole discography.
Where: Shinjuku to Odaiba’s Tokyo Big Sight
Where: Hanegi Park, Umegaoka
restaurants.
Where: Studio Coast
How much: Free to attend (registration for
How much: Free
Where: Toshimaen
How much: ¥7,500 (standing)
runners has closed)
How much: ¥1,600 - ¥2,100
thon offers the city’s most
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY | AGENDA | 33
9
10
11
12
9 FEB 7-22
10 UNTIL FEB 14
Chinese Spring
Yoko Ono: From My
Festival
Window
Two full weeks of fun
Avant-garde artist, musi-
and events in Yokohama’s Chinatown,
cian and activist Yoko Ono returns
with the countdown party on the
home for a show at the Museum of
night of February 7 being a highlight.
Contemporary Art.
Where: Yokohama China Town
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art
How much: Free
Tokyo | How much: ¥600 - ¥1,100
11 FEB 7-8
12 FEB 3
Pixar in Concert
Setsubun Festival
Can’t get enough of
This bean throwing
soundtracks from
festival happens annually
your favorite Pixar films? The live
and signifies the arrival of spring. To
orchestral showcase is back in Tokyo
attract health and fortune for the year,
for another round of tear-jerking
make sure you grab an omamori charm
moments and childhood-reminiscing.
at one of the stalls wile you’re there.
Where: Akasaka Blitz
Where: Zojoji Temple
How much: ¥6,500 - ¥8,500
How much: Free
BACK IN THE DAY: FEBRUARY 1974
Check out the scene in Tokyo from 1974! You can read the rest of this issue (No.6
1974) and view Weekender’s 45-year archive online. www.tokyoweekender.com/
weekender-archives/

hidetoshi nakata running the city ice climber

Transcription

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