Since 1970 FREE

Vol.41 No.22 Dec 3-16, 2010 ’s Premier Free English Language Magazine www.weekenderjapan.com

Issey Miyake How to keep the kids busy inin TokyoTokyo overover ChristmasChristmas unfolds his Bill Hersey’s Parties People Places new line Executive Profile origami inspiration Michael Khoo moves the designer between 2 & 3-D

Table of Contents 6 Executive Profiles: Michael Khoo 28 for the holidays — Keep the kids entertained around town 7 The View From Here — Love works miracles 8 Arts and Entertainment 28 Real estate & classifieds Utau, Coco and Sou Fujimoto; the puppets of 34 Back in the Day — Merry Chirstmas and Avenue Q, Tokyo’s indie darlings and more Happy Hanukkah! 12 Tokyo Tables — Shabu shabu grabs the bottle

14 Issey Miyake unfolds — Check out what the designer’s been hiding up his sleeves for the past 13 years

20 Bill Hersey’s Parties People Places

24 A tribute to Regina Aoba founder to return to the states after 47 years

Volume 41 Number 22 PUBLISHER Ray Pedersen www.weekenderjapan.com EDITOR Donald Eubank ASSISTANT EDITOR Stephen Parker EST. Corky Alexander and Susan Scully, 1970 MEDIA MANAGER Tomas Castro MEDIA CONSULTANTS Pia von Waldau, Akira Yanagihara, Mary Rudow Weekender Magazine Office ADVISOR TO THE CEO Hiro Ishibashi & Associates Inc 5th floor, Regency Shinsaka Building BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Rosanna Kiyamu 8-5-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE Yonca Guler (03) 6846-5615 / (03) 6846-5616 Fax RESEARCHER Rene Angelo Pascua [email protected] CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Bill Hersey (Society), Owen Schaefer (Arts), Elisabeth Lambert (Health & Eco), Darrell Nelson (Sustainable Business) Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors are not necessarily CONTRIBUTORS Ian de Stains OBE, Norman Breakes, Danielle Demetriou those of the publisher. B u s i n e s s

Executives in Japan

EdwardMichael SuzukiKhoo President of WineInStyle

aised in Southern California, Michael Khoo moved to Tokyo after university and in the mid-1990s took charge of Robert RMondavi for the Japan market. In 2005, he selected a handful of the most promising wines from Napa and Sonoma Valleys and founded WineInStyle as a way to introduce Japan consumers to high quality California wines. Today, with a portfolio of critically acclaimed wine brands, WineInStyle is considered the premiere importer of California wines and respected throughout the Japan wine world.

What was your first impression of the country? course, sake. I eventually returned to Tokyo, but with open and more experienced eyes — you just have to look past the concrete. My first experience of Japan was that of Tokyo, and I vaguely recall that it was quite intimidating versus the relaxing pace and “space” of Southern What have been your greatest successes working in Japan? California. It seemed as if everybody and everything was moving so fast, and it was really hard to keep up. In just five years, WineInStyle has put together an amazing portfolio of fine wines, most specifically from California, and our wines are served How has your perception of the country changed over your time here? in some of the finest restaurants and hotels around the country. There are a handful of top wine importers out there today, and I think we have After arriving in Tokyo, I really felt the need to escape and eventually to be considered one of them even with our short history. moved to Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture. It was there that I found the true beauty of this country through the local culture, food and, of What obstacles you have encountered ?

From my days with Robert Mondavi up until now, I have been focused ‘It is commonly thought on growing the “new world wine” market, most specifically California wine. Although things have changed over the past decade or so, Japan that it is difficult to do is still very much an “old world wine” market, with France and Italy owning well over half of the total wine market. However, with per capita wine consumption under 2 liters, there is still lots of room for growth for business in Japan ... I am everyone.

not saying that it’s not, What has been the most surprising thing that you have learned working but I have learned over in Japan? It is commonly thought that it is difficult to do business in Japan and that there are barriers to entry and bureaucratic red tape especially for the years that there are foreigner businessmen. I am not saying that it is not difficult, but I have learned over the years that there are loads of opportunities out there — loads of opportunities out you just need to know where to look and how to go after them. there — you just need to The holidays are coming up — is the Christmas season particularly busy for your company?

know where to look and December is absolutely the busiest time of the year for wine. Restaurants are full with bonenkai parties, hotels occupancy is up how to go after them’ with holiday travel and retailers are busy with oseibo and Christmas gifting — as they say, “‘tis the season … to drink wine!”

6 WEEKENDER O p i n i o n

THE VIEW FROM HERE by Ian de Stains OBE

Love works miracles

ecently I found myself in the Intensive Care Unit of a cardiac stop and smell the roses. Only now, though, do I realize where those wing of a Tokyo hospital. Unexpectedly and with very little roses are, and smell them I will: I promise. Rwarning, I underwent several hours of open heart surgery Oddly enough, since leaving the hospital, I have noticed that my to put in place four coronary bypasses; veins were ripped from both sense of smell has returned along with a renewed appetite and an legs to serve as replacements for the damaged arteries that could no awakened awareness of just how beautiful the riverbank and my longer supply the blood needed for my heart to function properly. immediate surroundings are. It has long been my practice to try to be A matter of hours later, I was back in the operating theater for a mindful and to lead a contemplative life. How much more important second procedure to keep me from bleeding to death. that seems to me now, along with the need for compassion; as I have I was mercifully completely unaware of any of this, just as I did written before, that begins with the self. not share the anxiety suffered by my partner and other loved ones I have been astonished and humbled by the number of calls, cards, as they faced the distinct possibility that I was headed fast for the e-mails, floral and other gifts that have reached me, and for the exit lane. But the brilliant team of surgeons had other ideas. They moment I am at a loss as to how I might respond in a way that is both wanted me back on the highway that would lead to the slow but certain appropriate and sufficient to the task of explaining just how much each road to recovery. Thanks to their skill and dedication, and later the and every one meant — still means — to me. But I know I will find a extraordinary spirit and commitment to duty of the ICU nurses, I was way — I will be guided to it — to express my sincere thanks to everyone soon moved to a room in the general nursing ward, there to begin the who has held me in their thoughts and prayers and to share the healing that continues now that I have been permitted the comforts of extraordinary promise of a second chance to acknowledge the miracle our own home. that is life. They say that impending execution concentrates the mind. So, too, it seems does a brush with the Grim Reaper by any other means. I am Ian de Stains is the Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan. The views expressed in this column are strictly his so conscious of being given, and so very grateful for, another chance. own and are not necessarily endorsed by or shared by the Chamber. I used to readily agree with the wise old saw about taking time out to

WEEKENDER 7 Arts & Entertainment > The Tokyo Agenda

“Coco” at Le Theatre Ginza The Utau Tour 2010 at TIF Coco Chanel was one of the most inspiring desginer in the modern Two giants from the 1970s are performing together on Dec. 10 and history of fashion, but few people know the real story of her life. 11 at Toyko International Forum. Taeko Onuki was a member of Gabriele Bonheur Chanel first dove into the fashion industry after Sugar Babe, one of the few Japanese Pop bands to target a more a failed attempt to become a cabaret singer. The musical “Coco” sophisticated musical audience before they broke up in 1976. Since captures the time later in her life when she returned to the world then, Onuki has released 24 , and worked together with of fashion after having retired 15 years earlier. Despite her previous Ryuichi Sakamoto. Sakamoto, a founding member of one of the first success, Chanel faced an uphill financial battle, but broke through electropop-bands, , is perhaps Japan’s best again when four major American department stores started known contemporary musician, having also composed numerous ordering her new designs. movie soundtracks and appeared on TV as a commentator. He even appeared on the silver screen in “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawewnce” Dec. 3-19 at various times Nearest station: Ginza (Ginza, Hibiya & with . The two Japanese musicians are long time Tickets: ¥11,000 Marunouchi lines collaborators, and together you can expect to hear Onuki sing her intelligent, wistful over Sakamoto’s ambient electronic music. (03) 3535-5151 / www.coco.mu Dec. 10, 7 pm & Dec. 11, 4 pm Nearest station: Yurakucho (Yurakucho & Tickets: ¥8,400 (students JR Yamanote lines) ¥4,500) (03) 5436-9600 / www. t-i-forum.co.jp

Avenue Q at TIF Indie rock across the holidays Here’s another Broadway musical, but this time, we got puppets. Some of Japan’s favorite indie bands are coming out for a series of Don’t think it’s for young kids though — this is a racy rock show about showcases in December. Grunge-rock hold-overs Hige are pairing up Princeton, a young man who can only afford to live on Avenue Q when with the popular female hip-hop duo Halcali at WWW-Shibuya on Dec. he follows his dreams to New York City. The unusual characters in 10 starting at 7 pm (¥3,800 advance/¥4,300 at the door). Both groups the neighborhood inadvertently guide Princeton in his search for the have a playful vibe that should make for a fresh, fun show. One of meaning of his life, until, when he gives a homeless person a quarter, those few Japanese bands able to draw a regular audience overseas, he realizes that helping others is more satisfying than thinking about moools are a rocking three-piece that is close with US indie heavy himself. Avenue Q won several Tony Awards, and will be performed in weight Modest Mouse, having opened for the Portland, Oregon-based Tokyo in English with subtitles in Japanese. group on multiple tours. Expect: 1) guitars, 2) shifting rhythms, and 3) occasional squalls from this “band’s band” at O-Nest on Dec. 4 (¥2,800 Dec. 15-26, various times Nearest station: Yurakucho (Yurakucho & advance/¥3,300 at the door). For the , it’s all retro-futuristic Tickets: ¥5,800, ¥7,800 & JR Yamanote lines) new wave a la channeled through contemporary Tokyo. The four ¥9,000 piece is known for its over-the-top live performances in bright orange (0570) 064-708 / www.aveq.jp/english/ boiler suits, so there is sure to be some high-energy punk electro-pop to hear on Dec. 11 at O-East in Shibuya (¥3,300). 8 WEEKENDER // // Arts & Entertainment

JAPANESE CRAFT CONSTRUCTION PHOTO Architect Sou Fujimoto at Watarium People first snapped to attention in 2008 when 39-year-old architect Sou Fujimoto revealed Wooden House. The one-of-kind bungalow in Kumamoto was a product of Fujimoto’s philosophy of the “primitive future” that sees architecture as not only being a fast developing business but is also a field that has been long practiced by people. Believing that the connection between architecture and nature needs to considered at all times, the young architect mostly uses wood in his designs. A survey of Fujimoto’s projects and his take on the future of Tokyo, including drawings, photographs and a 1:1 scale model, will be showing at the Watari Museum till Jan. 18.

Till Jan. 18, 11 am-7 pm Nearest station: Gaienmae (Ginza Line) (Wed. till 9 pm; closed .) Admission: ¥1,000 www.watarium.co.jp

CHRISTINA RUTZ PHOTO

More on the Weekender Agenda ... Kodo December Concerts The Kodo group is performing its annual traditional folk arts show in December, with taiko drumming, shamisen, fue flute and other Japanese musical instruments on Dec. 17, 6:30 and Dec. 18-19, 1:30 pm at Bunkyo Civic Dai-Hall; ¥6,000 for Rows 1-13 on the first and second floors; ¥4,500 rows 14-21 on the second floor; for tickets call (0259) 86-2330

The Temptations The Temptations, one of the most famous R&B and soul groups of the 1960s, will be performing their Christmas songs from the past five decades on Dec. 25, 7 & 9:30 pm and Dec. 26, 5 & 8 pm at the Cotton Club in Marunouchi, Tokyo; ¥20,000-¥23,000; for more information, call (03) 3215-1555

For more events listings, visit // weekenderjapan.com/tokyohappenings WEEKENDER 9 The question of a Blue Man

he one big question you will ask yourself before or after you have seen the is a bit more considered, and the Blue Man in the center is the balance in Blue Man Group performance is simple: What the heck is a Blue Man? between them who worries about holding the whole project together. T The answer is not as easy as the question. Bald, blue, mute, Despite being mute, Hinsley says “the amount of communication that we drum crazy, inquisitive, unpredictable, playful, rocking, romantic, artistic, are able to achieve with each other is incredible.” At one point the Blue Men harmless, mysterious ... there are many ways you can describe one, but enter the audience on an extended hunt for a female volunteer to participate no single way to get a grasp on a character that has been entertaining in a piece on stage. They scout several possibilities and discuss at length — audiences since 1988. Our stretch to encapsulate him at The Weekender? nonverbally of course — about which one has the right spirit for the gags. A musical humanoid dog, probing the boundaries of what is possible Phil Stanton, Chris Wink, and Matt Goldman, the three originators of in his world and happy to entertain. One thing that is true in Japan, the group, are still involved and creating new material. The Tokyo show whatever the Blue Men are, they’re popular. probably features some of the newest work the group is doing, such as “In Tokyo, people have a much bigger reaction when they find out that the light suits in a musical number near the end. Other parts are specific I am a Blue Man,” says Gareth Hinsley, who has been a Blue Man for four to Japan, such as the manga kissaten Internet cafe seen in a video section years. Hinsley says that most people here are fascinated and are likely to called “Rods and Cones”. reply with a “Really! Wow!” when they find out. Hinsley says that one of the perks of the show is that after he takes The UK actor was not a drummer originally, but trained for the show his make-up off, he can blend right in to the public world without being for four months after first going for a three-day audition in London and recognized. So if you take the kids to enjoy this bit of inspired weirdness then flying to New York to get the job. He has since travelled with the in Azabu Juban for Christmas, watch out on the ride home. That fellow show to Chicago, Moscow and Sweden, and says that in Japan, audiences gaijin in the same subway car as you just might be another Blue Man. are willing to suspend their disbelief to a greater to degree and really question whether what is happening on stage — such as a running gag Event: ”Blue Man Group in Tokyo” with a vacuum cleaner in one scene — is on purpose or a mistake, which intensifies the fun for the actors. As Hinsley points out, room for mistakes Venue: Roppongi Blue Man Theatre are built into the show, and something that the Blue Men take advantage (Azabu Juban Station) of. With some of the messy play that goes on and the interaction with the Hours: 7 pm Wed.-Fri., 1 & 5:30 pm Sat., audience, it is inevitable that something unexpected will happen that allows 12 noon & 4:30 pm Sun. the actors to explore a bit of improv within their characters. Tickets: “Poncho”seat (Front 6 rows with a plastic And that is not just as a Blue Man, but the particular Blue Man that poncho) ¥8,500, “S” seat ¥7,500, Students: ¥6,500, the individual actor is. The three, who each usually remain oriented in the same order on the stage — left, center, right — are each distinctly different. 4-12 year-old children ¥5,000 Hinsley says the Right Blue is “more of an adrenaline junkie who likes to More info: Schedule and map at www.blueman.jp or call try things for the rush of it.” Mr. Left, who does the spin painting in the start, (03) 5414-3255 for more information

10 WEEKENDER Arts & Entertainment A ‘transformation’ that never assumes its full form

by Owen Schaefer

irst you pass through a hallway in the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo lined with dozens of humorous and grotesque busts Fof artist Jan Fabre: Antlers grow from his head, he sprouts ears like a rabbit or a narwhal’s tooth. Once through this hallway of chimeras, you are led downstairs into a sculpture garden in the venue’s indoor courtyard where you meet with the blank stare of a woman (by Bharti Kher) who has a monkey’s head and one horse’s leg, and cyborg-like female torsos (by Lee Bul) that replace flesh with machine. Clearly, these are not the classical transformations of Actaeon or Narcissus. But then again, the 21-artist show is intended to be less about magic and more about the real changes that society is coming closer to facing, the genetic, technological and social transformations that could challenge our sense of what it means to be human. Unfortunately, despite the wide scope and clever original concept of “Transformations”, the bulk of the show comes off a little jumbled and, sadly, dull. The biggest problem is simply the huge number of works on video and film. I consider myself a patient viewer and will watch a long film installation without complaint; but moving from one video work to the next, room after room, many of them clocking in at more than half an hour, is tiring for both the senses and the legs. I was in the museum for somewhere in the neighborhood of four hours and didn’t even come close to watching everything. Also, there is a star-struck quality to the show as certain works seem to have been brought in mainly for the artist’s name. I am a fan of Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s films, and yet the work here, “The Man Who Ate an Entire Tree”, is a kind of semi-documentary look at workers struggling to save a forested area from an invading species of vine. Its connection to the theme is tenuous at best, and the film not his greatest. Then there is Matthew Barney, whose “Cremaster” series of films is a guaranteed draw for crowds. For “Transformations,” Barney is given an entire room devoted to a series of related photographs, a sculpture/installation and two monitors showing “Cremaster 3”. But while there are levels of transformation involved in Barney’s basic idea for the film series, the entire thing is a morass of heavy-handed metaphor plodding along in lengthy scenes that have only the veneer of polished cinematography. Still, there are short and sweet offerings that are worth the time. I was the effects are mind-blowing. And Simon Birch, in an almost-hidden excited to see that Patricia Piccinini would be involved in the show. Piccinini installation on the bottom floor, reverses the animal-captor relationship is known for her disturbingly life-like sculptures of human-animal hybrids with “Tehlirian”. and genetically modified humans, so her work should be a perfect fit for There are great works in Transformation — it just seems a shame “Transformations”. It was disappointing to find only a single small sculpture that the butterfly which it could have been, never really spreads its wings. to represent her wealth of her physical works dealing with questions of genetics, but then, an unexpected pleasure was Piccinini’s film — a short Exhibition: ”Transformation” piece in which a woman is swimming alone in the ocean. At first, she (till Jan. 30) seems lost, perhaps even drowning, but in time we see why this isn’t the Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo case, and it’s worth every frame. (Kiba Station) Other strong pieces include the almost painful-to-watch film Hours: 10 am–6 pm (closed Mon.) “Quimera” by Brazilian artist Tunga, in which a man shaves his “beard” — a live cat curled around his chin — while a host of stray cats dart through Admission: ¥1,300 the streets outside. Masakatsu Takagi’s “Ymene” purports to allow us More info: Visit www.mot-art-museum.jp to see the world as a bird might; while the concept alone is interesting, or call (03) 5405-8686

WEEKENDER 11 Christmas Menu ¥15,750

Executive chef Shinobu Namae gained his expertise at the legendary, award- winning restaurant The Fat Duck in Berkshire, England and Michel BRAS in Toya, Japan. Now Namae has opened his own restaurant, L’Effervescence in Nishi Azabu. For Christmas this year, L’Effervescence is presenting a special seasonal menu for ¥15,750 per person.

“I tried to have fun with the concept 2-26-4 Nishi-azabu, using the best of ingredients.” Minato-ku Tokyo, 106-0031 Executive chef Shinobu Namae Tel 03-5766-9500 Fax 03-5766-9501 レフェルヴェソンス 106-0031 港区西麻布2-26-4

Lunch 12:00 — 14:00 (L.O) Dinner 18:00 — 21:30 (L.O) Closed on Monday

www.leffervescence.jp

12 WEEKENDER // Tokyo Tables

A little shabu shabu with your wine by J.K. Whelehan

hat could be better than pork shabu shabu? December is filled with Christmas celebrations and bonenkai (end-of-the-year Wparties). It’s a festive and lively time when we enjoy eating out, but how about taking a night off with your friends or family over a simple dish and some delicious wines to match with it? Nabe is perfect for guests who travel to your house on a cold night, and the dish offers the possibility of serving different wines throughout the meal. Shabu shabu consists of sliced meat and vegetables that are cooked in pot of boiling water at the table and then dipped into a variety of sauces. The name derives from the noise made when shaking the water off the meat. The reason I focus on pork is that it is versatile, and therefore your wine selection is more dependent on the sauce plus the cut, and how you combine the two. The basic rule is, if you are opting for white, you need to select the least fatty meat, and reversely for red you need to select meat with more fat. To simplify, I will divide the sauces into three types, ponzu (soy sauce and citrus), sesame sauces, and spicy sesame-based sauces with garlic (a modern derivation). If you start by serving less fatty pork with ponzu, it should pair well with non-oak-aged whites such as Gavi or a Grüner Veltiner. They will work well because of the citrus element interacting with the fruity character of the wines. Alternatively, if you serve a less fatty meat with a sesame sauce, it should work well with a light- to medium-bodied red such as Chianti or a Salice di Salento from the south of Italy. (A quick tip: When selecting the sesame sauce, choose a high quality one so that it is not too sweet — this will favor the wine.) Once you add pork to a spicy sesame sauce with garlic, your selection has definitely moved to red, and, if you switch to more fatty meat, you should consider a full-bodied red with weight and structure, such as a Dolcetto from Piemonte or a “super” Tuscan, i.e. Cabernet- based. If you do, you should find the weight concentration of these wine balances with the strong character of the sauce. In summary, simply by manipulating the sauce you use and the meat you select, you can enjoy a wide range of wines with shabu shabu.

Shabu shabu pairing Less fatty Fatty meat Non-oaked whites Grüner Veltiner, Gavi, Ponzu Verdicchio Light- to medium-bodied reds Chianti, Salento Ponzu + Sesame Medium- to full-bodied reds Dolcetto Spicy & Garlic Sesame, Spicy & Garlic Full-bodied reds “Super” Tuscan Sesame, Spicy & Garlic

WEEKENDER 13 Feature: Miyake’s origami

21_21 DESIGN SITE PHOTO

14 WEEKENDER Feature: Miyake’s origami

Issey Miyake unfolds a new line After a more than 10-year stretch in which the quintessentially Japanese designer has overseen the production of clothes under his label by other creators, this week the master has returned with an origami-inspired collection that has arrived just in time for serious fashionistas to jot down on their Christmas wish lists

BY DANIELLE DEMETRIOU

WEEKENDER 15 Feature: Miyake’s origami

dimensions of space and time — ponder that for a moment. Origami, Given Miyake’s creative heritage, it is not surprising that the Japanese the new garments were not unveiled at a fashion show but in the minimalist confines 21_21 Design Sight museum in art of folding paper Tokyo’s Midtown complex. The exhibition showcasing the new into clever shapes, has line is called “Reality Lab” — the same name that is used by the team of around a dozen or so Issey Miyake designers who long been an exercise in helped to create the new 132 5 collection with him. creative precision. Now, it is It quickly becomes clear upon entering the exhibition space that 132 5 is no conventional fashion line. Made 100 also the starting point for a new percent in Japan, pattern cutters, scientists, engineers, fashion collection by one of Japan’s artisans and regional factory workers joined forces in an unlikely collaboration to create the new collection. The most iconic designers: starting point is computer software developed by the scientist Issey Miyake Professor Jun Mitani, who produced special computer programs capable of creating complex origami designs and he Japanese designer has just unveiled his first new translating these into patterns for clothes. collection in 13 years with a range of clothing inspired The fabric itself is equally arresting: Teijin, the Japanese Tby the intricate world of origami. Called 132 5, the new textile company invented a high-tech recyclable polyester range is as unconventional as it is avant-garde. Each piece, made in part from plastic bottles. Threading the technology cut from a single sheet of fabric, starts life flat packed, its together are Japan’s traditional artisan roots: The pieces were surface intricately crossed with geometric lines that reflect woven in Fukui Prefecture, dyed at a factory in Ishikawa and each fold. foil stamped in Osaka to create an abstract metallic surface. The pieces, however, lightly spring from their two Displayed in the main area of the exhibition at 21_21 are dimensional form into three dimensional garments with the results, with neatly folded, geometrical, flat packages a gentle transformative tug — resulting in a sculptural of cloth sitting next to mannequins that wear each dramatic collection of angular dresses, arm pieces and bags. statement piece in all its unfolded glory. The 132 5 name encapsulates all these facets of the items: But it is the journey taken by each piece — as reflected 1 is for one piece of cloth; 3 for the three dimensions of in a series of installations, videos and displays detailing the the clothing; 2 for the two dimensions of the folded dress: manufacturing process throughout the exhibition — which is 5 for the action of the dress being worn in the four combined as important as the end result, according to Miyake. “How do we resuscitate the art of making things” he asks, “(and) the spirit that inspires people in the same way as it did during the era when individuals and companies alike showed enthusiasm and found great joy and pride in the quality and beauty of their work? “I want everybody to start thinking about the meaning and significance of rebirth and re-creation: design activities that create ‘reality’.”

or Miyake, now aged 72, the art of creating has long been a central motif to his life. After graduating in Fgraphic arts from Tama Art University, the Hiroshima- born designer spent stints working in fashion in Paris and New York before setting up his own studio in Japan in 1970. Since then, Miyake’s name has become a byword for iconic Japanese fashion, with previous collections ranging from his signature Pleats Please range to the innovative single piece A-POC designs. Issey Miyake’s new 132 5 line of origami-inspired dresses, skirts and tops is currently on sale in London, Paris, New York, and in Tokyo at a dedicated shop at 5-3-10 Minami-Aoyama (03 3499-6476; 11 am-8 pm). Prices range from ¥28,000

DANIELLE DEMETRIOU PHOTO to ¥85,000. For more information, visit Issey Miyake at the opening of 21_21 Desgn Sight’s “Rality Lab” www.isseymiyake.com

16 WEEKENDER F e a t u r e : Miyake’s origami

21_21 DESIGN SITE PHOTO

WEEKENDER 17 F e a t u r e : Miyake’s origami

21_21 DESIGN SITE PHOTO

But the designer has long struggled with the confines Praemium Imperiale — Japan’s most high-profile arts prize — of creative labels, as reflected in the fact that his pieces are not for fashion but, in an inspired turn, for sculpture instead. perhaps just as likely to turn up in a museum, art exhibition or His latest 16-piece collection, which is now on sale in theater stage as on a catwalk or even in a wardrobe. Further newly opened 132 5 stores in Tokyo, London, Paris and Zurich, testimony to his success in defying the “fashion designer” is not only an exercise in creativity, but is also firmly tied to the label is the fact that five years ago, Miyake was awarded the Japanese tradition of high quality manufacturing. His fears about the future of Japan’s once famed manufacturing industry prompted the creation of the new Miyake warns that collection in the first place, according to Miyake. Describing the “crisis” facing Japan’s production industry, the designer warns that countless factories are closing as production is factories are closing increasingly relocated overseas to countries with lower labor costs. As a result, the nation’s heritage of creating hand- as production is moved crafted products is in danger of dying out. Highlighting how this has led to the creation of 132 5, he to countries with lower says that “with the help of those engineers and craftsmen whom I met through our research, and textile factory people labor costs. As a result, I have long worked with, I wish to create clothes that use the best of the special technical skills of these people.” Fusing heritage with creativity and the past with the the nation’s heritage of present, the new collection most certainly achieves this. — (W)

creating hand-crafted “Reality Lab”, the exhibition showcasing the new 132 5 collection and its production process, is at 21_21 Design products is in danger Sight in Tokyo until Dec. 26. For more information, visit www.2121designsight.jp

18 WEEKENDER Christmas Dining Special A Charitable Christmas At Grand Hyatt Tokyo

One of Tokyo’s top hotels shares the joy this season.

A dramatic Christmas tree will transform the lobby of the Grand Hyatt Tokyo into a special “Angel area” during the Christmas season, with live piano and seasonal beverages to entertain visitors. A professional photographer will take photos of guests with the beautiful background for just ¥500. Photographs will be printed on the spot and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to “Save the Children”. For a small donation, hot wine prepared with a recipe created by Executive Chef Baehner will be offered; a traditional German Charity Christmas Dinner recipe from his home country. Chef Baehner will also prepare an exclusive charity Christmas dinner at The French Kitchen’s Christmas dinner produced specially by Executive Chef Chef’s Table (See box on right for details). Thomas Baehner in The French Kitchen’s Chef’s Table, limited to one couple per day. A part of the proceeds will be Christmas Photo Studio Dates: donated to “Save the Children”. 26 -27 November, 2-4 December, 9-11 December, 16-18 December, 22-25 December. Dates: 22-25 December Time: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Time: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Menu: Location: Lobby, Christmas Tree “Angel Area”. Amuse bouche Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Mille-feuille of smoked Balik slamont and mango, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 106-0032. Oscietera caviar, Mesclun French duck foie gras and scallop with cabbage Share the Joy Campaign, Win Prizes! Lobster a la nage, Poached lobster with truffle broth Visitors to the Grand Hyatt’s website can enter a lucky draw Raspberry sorbet to win a selection of prizes, including: Duck al’Orange, Roasted French duck breast, beetroot, Brussels sprouts, orange sauce • A one night stay in a Presidential Suite Selection of French artisan cheese with condiments • A one night stay in a Grand Executive Suite Bûche de Noël, French Christmas log cake • Dining Certificate Coffee or tea Dates: 20 November to 25 December Petit fours Entry: By accessing the campaign site via: Price: ¥85,000 for Two tokyo.grand.hyatt.jp Reservations: The French Kitchen on +81 3 4333 8781 About Save the Children Reservations must be made at least three days in advance. A United Nations accredited NGO, Save the Children is Cancellations from two days before will be charged at a leading, independent organisation that creates lasting 50%, or 100% on the day of the event. change for children in need in 120 countries.

WEEKENDER 19 Parties, People, Places

David Foster Concert

Roberta Ireton, Filipino singer Charice Pempengco, Charo Ireton

Above: Kyodo President Al Arashida with David Foster and his friend Yolanda; right: Bill Hersey with Natalie Cole, daughter of Nat King Cole

ovember was National Indian Heritage week in the good old USA, and really I wish I could have gone back Nto Arizona where I lived for three years to take part in many of the special events to celebrate the occasion. My major at Arizona State University was anthropology, and I spent PARTIES considerable time living with several different Southwestern tribes, the Navajos, Hopis, Pima, Papagos, Apaches, etc. Believe me, I spend a lot of time reminiscing about all my PEOPLE marvelous experiences during my time in Arizona, New Mexico, California and Utah. My great grandmother was a full-blooded Cherokee Indian PLACES and passed away in her 90s after falling out of a tree she was trimming. During my university days, I was adopted into two tribes, the Hopi and the Yaqui, who came up from Mexico and WITH BILL HERSEY had a village outside of Phoenix. Looking back, I marvel and am so thankful for the awesome times I had at the annual Pow Wow in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Gallup New Mexico Ceremonials and the Red Earth Festival in Oklahoma City. My adoption

2020 WEEKENDER Parties,Parties, People People, & Places

Park Hyatt Party

Far left: Stuart Deeson, GM Park Hyatt Dubai; Malene Rupdahl, Hyatt Director of Communications; left: Park Hyatt Tokyo GM Philippe Roux-Dessarps with Executive Chef Nadine Waechter Moreno; above (l-r): John Wallis, Hyatt Global Marketing; Chistophe Lorvo, GM Grand Hyatt Tokyo; Rakesh Sarna, COO Hyatt International Operations; David Udell, Senior VP Operations Hyatt

Bulova Watch Launch Party

Above: Bulova Japan GM Hiroyuki Baba and Flair bartender Shoko; Left: DJ Taku Takahashi

into the Hopi tribe gained me entrance to all of their many annual ceremonials as possible. Just a few years ago I went to ceremonies and festivals, including the awesome snake and Gallup, New Mexico for their August Inter-tribal Ceremonials. kachina dances in their villages on three mesas in northern Thanks to Isetan Department Store I was at one time able to Arizona. I also remember endless nights in the desert dancing bring a group of young Indian dancers from St. John’s Indian in the Navajo social dances. School, a mission school I worked with outside of Phoenix, Here in Japan, the master bedroom in my apartment is like to Japan to do several days of performances at the store’s an Indian museum, with paintings, pottery, Hopi baskets and rooftop summer festival. That was not only gratifying, it was wooden kachina dolls, Navajo dreamcatchers, beadwork, bon really fun. Well, enough blasts from the past, let’s move onto chokers, shields and spears, and a nice collection of silver and our city’s always busy social scene. turquoise — mostly Navajo — jewelry. Sometimes I wonder how I ever got all this stuff to Japan. I spent much of my leisure Culinary paradise at the Park Hyatt time in November checking out photos of my Arizona years, It was first class all the way at the event “A Taste of Park recalling memories that the room decor brought back to me Hyatt” which was held in the world famous New York Grill on and listening to music on CDs like the Black Lodge Singers, the 52nd floor of Tokyo’s prestigious Park Hyatt in . Thunder Magic, Navajo Chants, Squaw Dance Music and The That evening 30 chefs from Park Hyatts the world over had Best of Pow Wow music. Once again, what great memories. gathered to prepare a feast of true culinary art that had to be I have kept my relationship with many of my Native seen and tasted to be believed. It was a super cool, wonderful American friends and still try and get back to as many of their evening that gave me the opportunity to see a lot of longtime

WEEKENDER 21 Parties, People, Places

Columbian Festival

Above: Maria and Juan with their uncle, preserved flower importer, Eduardo Cardenas; right: Patricia Cardenas (Colombian amb.) with her daughter Maria and male model Seigo

Colombian singer Axel Rodriquez, Rosa Cardenas and Seigo

Party for the F1 drivers at the New Lex

Bill and German F1 driver Adrian Sutil

University student Luai (Saudi) and Motorcycle Club President Yumiko Ozaki with F1 super star Yomiuri Giants pitcher Seth Greisinger, Bill Hersey and Seibu Lions Lewis Hamilton shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima,

Hilton Tokyo Hotel’s GM Naoki Oto, the hotel’s restaurant service manager Masaaki Martin Fluck, Country Manager Oakwood; Nagoshi, and the hotel’s Golden Key club New Lex manager Masuda and La Tuna Konishiki; and Mark Ferris, Vice President member Kazuo Yamaguchi at the club’s musical group visiting here from Spain Tyler Foundation annual gala dinner party

22 WEEKENDER Parties, People, Places friends and make some new ones as well. It was really nice Colombian food and drinks, the butt-shaking music, and fun, seeing senior VP of operations David Udell. He used work for fantastic dancing. Our Latin friends really know how to move Hyatt in Japan, has been a long time friend and always goes and really get into it. I’ve been listening to the CDs a couple of out of his way to make me feel important. Following Japanese the Colombian bands gave me almost every day since. tradition, each guest was given a gift when they left. What I thought was a cake turned out to be 24 chic coupons, each David Foster and Friends Hitman Concert good for a two-night stay at a Park Hyatt in about every major Happy to see that friends in showbiz promotion are doing well. city in the world. There were also coupons for dinner for two at Kyodo’s Al Arashida really gave the two days of full-house each of the hotels’ best restaurants. That my friends, and I’ll audiences at the A hall in Tokyo International Forum a great use the words again, is real class. night of marvelous music by noted composer/musician/singer David Foster and a group of his talented friends. They included Ceremony hosts party for F-1 drivers at the New Lex Nat King Cole’s daughter Natalie, the Grammy Award-winning Ceremony president Tsukasa Shiga is a real fan of Formula songwriter; “The Canadian Tenors” group; Peter Cetera; and 1 racing and, for the fourth year in a row, he hosted a party 18-year-old Filipino singer Charice Pempengco, who has after the race for the drivers and their friends, which, of appeared on Oprah, guest starred on Fox TV’s Glee and had a course, included many Japanese and international fashion number one hit with “Pyramid” on Billboard’s Dance Charts. models at the New Lex. A half a dozen of the racers and many Thanks to Kyodo’s generosity and hospitality we got to of their fans got to the club about midnight and partied on meet and mix with all the performers at an after party in the until the early AM. This was the first time one of the world’s forum. I especially enjoyed talking with Natalie. I was a good greatest athletes, driver Lewis Hamilton, attended the Tokyo friend of her father’s right-hand man Sparky, and learned he celebration and, happy to hear, he was really down to earth, was also an important man in helping raise Natalie. Sparky mixed with the crowd and had a good time. Other sporty was a great guy with endless tales of his travels with King figures at the party included Yomiuri Giants pitcher Seth Cole. Robby Wada, who has a wonderful homemade cake Greisinger and Seibu Lions shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima. factory/shop near the Sanno Hotel and is also a promoter Shiga was able to get to the next race in Abu Dhabi and stayed was there, told me he’s auditioned 150 Japanese male at the new Armani Hotel in Dubai, which he said is really chic. singers and plans on making a group here like the Italian Pop phenomenon Il Divo. Sounds like a smart idea. Bulova Watch hosts launch and thanks reception Bill and Charo Ireton were there with three of their five kids, Bulova VP Eric Hoffman flew in to join Bulova’s Japan GM Matthew, Roberta and Edward. Roberta and Matthew liked the Hiroyuki Baba in hosting a launch and thanks party for their show so much that they went the next night as well, and as I valued partners here. They chose Ark Hills as their venue, mentioned in my last column, he got to sing in front of 5,000 and the evening’s program included a juggling performance people. It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving guy. I’m by talented bartender Shoko Tomita, a live-painting session sure you’ll be hearing a lot about him in the near future. by Shuko Tsuchiya and music by DJ Taku. Bulova has a rich history of 135 years and a tradition as being a leader in design, Tyler Foundation charity party at Oakwood Midtown and their latest creations really look good. It was a lively, Oakwood Midtown is proof positive of why Oakwood is the laid-back evening, thanks to Elizabeth Hildebrand who was most trusted name in serviced apartments worldwide. I’m working for Ogilvy at that time. Recently got an e-mail from always happy to see friends use the luxurious lounge and her regarding her changing jobs. We wish her all the best. food and beverage facilities for worthwhile events. On Sept. 29, the Tyler Foundation had a successful evening and raised Colorful Colombia festivals at Hibiya Park a considerable amount to help less fortunate children in Colombia, unlike most countries who have their Hawaii. Former sumo champ, Konishiki, now all annual culinary and cultural festivals at Yoyogi around entertainer, was guest of honor and sang Koen, held theirs in Hibiya. It was a dynamic a couple of his own compositions. He’s a good event with an energy-packed crowd enjoying the musician and a good man. Congratulations to all.

Warner Bros. Entertainment Japan President Segafredo’s Ilija Naumovski and Segafredo Weekender’s Ray Pedersen and his wife Pam Bill Ireton with former Philippines Amb. Asia Pacific President Mitsuru Sakuraba Romeo and Annie Arquelles, who were visiting from San Francisco

WEEKENDER 23 A Tribute to Regina Doi Goodbye Tokyo Sayonara Regina As many of you know, the two things that really make my life worthwhile are people and travel. Thanks to friends like Regina Doi, people are the most important. Needless to say, I was surprised and a bit shocked when I learned that after 47 years in Japan, Regina was selling her two super successful Aoba International Schools and moving back to the USA. She’s been so much — mother-figure, sister, helper and first-class friend to so many over the years. Like all of us, she’s had her problems, but with her strong personality, intelligence, sense of humor, philosophy of life, smile, and sometimes even a song, she always manages to come out on top. Her move will really leave a vacuum in the expat as well as the Japanese community here. Like all who have had the privilege of knowing this special human being, this super lady, I will really miss her. Many thanks, God bless my friend and all the best in your new ventures. Bill Hersey A Farewell Letter from Regina Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight, but never a goodbye. Many of you I known and loved for a long time, others we may have only shared moments. Time is somehow irrelevant. It is those special areas that we have shared that quietly remain. Thank you so much for what you have given me. Japan after 47 years will always be a part of me, and I go back to America as a good ambassador of Japan and Asia. I return to my America as a far better citizen with a great expectation of what I can share. Regina Doi (Regina can be reached at [email protected] as of February 2011)

24 WEEKENDER // A Tribute to Regina Doi

In the words of her friends ...

Regina Rogers Doi is an extraordinary Regina has been one of my closest I have been asked to write a few personality who will be sorely missed friends for nearly a half century. words about Mrs. Regina Doi. in this community. Her magnanimous Always a friend in deed. Never failed Ordinarily, this would not be an easy charm and respect for those she has to help me when I was in need. God task since I have only known her for encountered during her incredible bless Regina’s new life in America. just over a year. But in this case, this career has benefited legions. She has We miss you! is not a difficult task at all since I feel been an influential supporter and Jun Takahashi that I have known her for many years. mainstay to the many whom she has In the short time that I have touched during her life here in Japan. Dear Regina, known Regina I have come to realize Children of multi-cultural I just wanted to take this that what makes Regina different backgrounds who have experienced opportunity to thank you for your from many others that have started her educational blessings are already support and love during the over 30 international schools here in Japan making a difference in the world. years we have known each other. is her true love for children and, in We will dearly miss you Regina, our I would especially like to thank you many cases, forsaking the financial daikoku bashira and inner strength! for guiding me in the early part of my side of it. I knew right from the start May your successes continue on your career and your constant support even that she had picked the right career new path. in the most difficult times. I wish you path. I have witnessed the caring and With lasting friendship, love and all the best for your future and will devotion to children that she gives on respect, continue to visit you from time to time. a daily basis. This is something that I will never forget the laughs, movies, most of us have to work at, but for Sandra, Sei and Daniel Mori dinners, music, and conversations we Regina it is a natural gift. shared over the many years. Her many friends and students will certainly miss her but will not forget I’ve been blessed to know Regina for Till we meet again, her when she moves back to the a zillion years. Lucky me — Regina’s Warmest Regards, United States. I feel privileged to have one of my very best friends! Regina Lance E. Lee had the opportunity to work with her is Tokyo, and Tokyo is Regina. She’s President and be her friend. given so much to all of us; it’s really Tokyo American Club I wish her all the best in whatever hard to imagine Tokyo without it is that she does with the rest of her Regina. Somehow we’ll all survive, but life. I am sure that our friendship will it’ll be very different. I will miss her not be limited to the borders that will short phone calls. separate us. Regina, may you always Marc Gleason keep the love you have for children close to your heart and remember that you have lots of friends here in Japan.

Joe Lestage

WEEKENDER 25 A Tribute to Regina Doi

As Susanna in a production of Singing in a competition for the “The Marriage of Figaro” in NYC Ted Mack Show in Woodstock, New York

Regina as a young woman at her father’s house in Florida Five decades of memories,

Sayonara Regina! An invitation from Robert Downey Jr.’s father to appear on a TV talent show when Regina was 14

Wit tahe famous jazz musician Yosuke Yamashita and American A monthly teaching session for parents and children when Regina composer Frank Becker worked at Labo

Regina giving a lecture regarding Ethiopia in With Nick Zappetti, the Roppongi club owner who introduced pizza to Japan, and the late 1970s first secretary Men Gesha at a birthday party at the Ethiopian Embassy

26 WEEKENDER // A Tribute to Regina Doi

Regina teaching at the Seisen International School in Yoga, enjoying her students as usual At the opening for Regina’s Aoba International School in Meguro in 1976 — above: Regina with Hisa Oki, an up- and-coming politician under prime minister Kakuei Tanaka; above right: Prince Tomohito of Mikasa (right); below: the Weekender’s own dapper Bill Hersey with a mystery blonde

With Princess Chie at a ball for animal welfare

Regina teaching through music at Nishimachi International School, founded by her mentor Tane Matsukata

Regina and wrestler Antonio Inoki travelled to Afghanistan and Pakistan in the 1980s during the Soviet occupation to distribute clothes that they had collected for charity in Japan and to entertain with wrestling matches that brought together Inoki, who became a partner with Regina in the opening top competitors from around the world; above: of Japan International School, on a ski trip with friends Afghanistani refugees from the Soviet invasion and staff

Inoki with one of the Aoba students Regina with Aoba students at a pajama party; former students singer Utada Hikaru and TV actor Masi Oka not in the picture!

WEEKENDER 27 F a m i l i e s

Christmas with kids in Tokyo

KYLE HASEGAWA PHOTO by Aimee Weinstein

ith the holidays fast approaching, many families are planning extensive trips for the time that their Wchildren are not in school. The long winter break, however, can be the perfect time to stay in the city and participate in activities close to home. The recent economic situation has caused people to coin a new phrase: the “staycation”, a time when people have time off from work and school but stay in town. Here are some suggestions DAVID NAGY PHOTO NAGY DAVID to make any vacation-at-home special:

Camps for kids There’s even a planned stop to see the famous onsen monkeys I recommend two camps, both of which fill up fast, so hurry at Jigokudani. For more information, contact Discover Japan and sign up today. The first is I Can Gymnastics, Dec. 20-24 at [email protected] at the gym at the Nishimachi International School, where kids from ages six to 12 can stay all day from 10 am to 3 pm Activities in Tokyo (children between three and five can attend from 10 am to Bowling is always popular with the kids on a cold day, and 1 pm). Kids of all ages receive gymnastic instruction on the there’s nowhere better than the Shinegawa Prince Hotel. trampoline, bar, balance beam, mini-trampoline and tumbling The hotel has 80 lanes available, so there’s almost never mats. As a bonus, kids staying through the afternoon get to a wait. Your bowling score is displayed on huge, 40-inch play dodge ball during the lunch break. For more information plasma screens (which can be good or bad, depending), so about this excellent program, visit www.icanjapan.com or call there’s no guess-work on scoring. The great thing about program administrator Mika Wakabayashi at (03) 3440-0384. bowling at the Shinegawa Prince is all of the other activities The second camp I recommend is Mr. Green’s Winter that come along with the day. There are restaurants, a cinema, Ski/Board Camp for Students. Aimed at upper elementary a bit of shopping and even an aquarium in the hotel annex, and middle school students, the camp runs Dec. 18-21. David so families can easily spend a whole day there. Green, a former Nishimachi teacher, has been running these Ice skating is another great family activity in the winter. trips for upwards of 25 years, and he is set to take students The best place is Jingu Gaien, not far from the Meiji into Nagano Prefecture for four days of skiing adventures. Shrine. The price is right — ¥900 for children and a ¥500 for The kids have supervised lessons much of the day and can rental skates. During the weekend, the rink is open 10 am-6 only go off for a run by themselves with the instructors’ pm with last entry at 5 pm (the rink doesn’t open until 12 noon permission. The trip rents out a place at the New Yakote lodge during the week). It tends to get very crowded on weekends, in Shiga Kogen, and the kids have plenty of adults around but the earlier you go, the less crowded it is — weekdays when to see that they eat, sleep and have fun evening activities. school is not in session are the perfect time. The rink is part

28 WEEKENDER F a m i l i e s of a greater complex of activities that includes a tiered golf driving range, batting cages and a futsal park. Entry to each section is separate, but not too costly. This area is another In the cinemas for Xmas great place for a family to spend the day. See the website for complete details at www.meijijingugaien.jp/english/ “Amelia” — This biopic of the mistress of flight, Amelia A different sort of museum experience Earhart, was released in the United States last winter but The Mori Art Center Gallery on the 52nd floor of the Mori is just coming to Japan, starting Nov. 27. Earhart could Tower in Roppongi Hills plays host to a very special event this be considered as a role model for preteen girls, as she winter: a walk-through planetarium. The exhibition “Journey strives to set flight records despite the fact that her gender 1000 Light Years Through the Universe” by artist Takayuki should have held her back at that time. The movie, however, Ohira opens this Thursday and shows through Jan. 13. Tickets, portrays her as a flawed heroine, which is probably more which cost ¥1,800, also include entrance to the Tokyo City View realistic. “Amelia” features underwear-clad people, observation tower, which provides a 360 degree tour of Tokyo an affair, and has a fair bit of smoking and some social from the sky. If you haven’t been up there before, then now is drinking according to Common Sense Media, which advises definitely the time to go. that the film is appropriate for children over age 11. “Tron: Legacy” — The much-hyped sequel to the 1980s The movies movie “Tron” and is being released in Japan at the same When I was growing up, no winter holiday break was complete time as in the US. At press time, the film had not yet been without at least one or two jaunts to the movies. The studios in rated, but the previews depict it as a sci-fi thriller with the United States plan big blockbuster openings for this time plenty of computer-graphics and computer-generated of year so that parents can plan time to take their kids. There action scenes. Opens Dec. 17. are a few movies that are appropriate for kids that will come “Shrek Forever After” — Rated PG, the final chapter of out during the holiday break, including “Amelia”, “Tron” and the Shrek series shows the ogre as a busy yet bored father “Shrek Forever After”. The requisite “Harry Potter” movie will, who, of course, falls for a spell that might cure his ennui. no doubt, still be playing at holiday time, but of course most The only way to break the spell is to share true love’s kiss. people will probably have been to see it well before then. The movie is in 3D, so some scenes can be intense, but the Between holiday meals, play-dates with friends, and a few violence is typically cartoonish and not too scary. Common well-planned days out, spending the holidays at home can Sense media says that the film is appropriate for children be great fun. Take time to enjoy the city and have a great over the age of 6. Opens in Japan on Dec. 18. holiday season!

WEEKENDER 29 Real Estate

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To search for more properties in Tokyo, go to // www.weekenderjapan.com/apartmentsearch WEEKENDER 31 Bulletin Board

WEEKENDER Serving the Tokyo community with postings and classified sales since 1970 B ulletin Board Gospel Time with the Children, Christmas Gospel, Christmas COMMUNITY Homily, Prayer and Holy Communion. New visitors and old friends are welcome to worship on Dec. 24, 8:30 am & Dec. 25, ILBS Christmas Charity Fair 11 am; Fujimi 1-2-32, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0071; Rev. Dr. Don’t miss this chance to buy lovingly made Xmas decorations & handicrafts, home and embassy baked desserts, white Kwanza Yu, Pastor; for more information, call (03) 3261-3740 elephants & jewelry, stationery, mini-mart items. ILBS- supported institutions will also participate. This annual FOUR WHEELS Fair will be held Sat., Nov. 27, from 11am-3pm, at the Grand Build attractive Japanese and stand out from Prince Hotel Akasaka. Entrance tickets ¥ 500 at door. Great Build attractive Japanese and stand out from the crowd! the crowd!Only We cOnlyan mee Wet you rcan very smeetpecific nyoureeds! C veryall now specific! raffle prizes, tickets ¥ 500 each on site, drawing at 1:30pm needs! Call now! (need not be present). Proceeds support ILBS charities. Located in the bustling neighborhood of Shibuya, We Japanese Language School prides itself on innovative CONTACT: (03) 3498-2828 Locatedcust oinm ether ser vbustlingice and effe cneighborhoodtive, results-driven oftra inShibuya,ing We for professional types. JapaneseExper iLanguageenced instruct oSchoolrs offer c upridesstomized itself lesson son to minnovativeeet learners' specific business and communication aims, customerso you service're guaran andteed t effective,o acquire the results-drivenJapanese you actuall trainingy The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators need for your working life. for professional types. Experienced instructors offer presents Children’s Literature Save An Animal Today And We Japanese Language School is offering Start-up Campaign from November 1st to November 20th, Adopt or sponsor orphaned dogs, cats, and other ani- customizedor until s elessonsats are fille dto. meet learners’ specific busi- mals rescued both in Tokyo and Osaka at Animal Refuge ness andReser vcommunicatione your spot while you aims,can! so you’re guaranteed

Kansai. ARK animals need you! To adopt or foster a pet, to acquireAccess： the3 m inJapaneseutes walk fro myou Shib uactuallyya station, aneedcross f roform your please email [email protected] or call (050)1557- working OIO life.I (MA AR greatUI). 4F, way1-22-8 to Jin checknan, Shib outuya- Weku T oforkyo yourself. is ： 2763. www. arkbark.net at theT Christmasel 03-5489-64 8party0 on December 11 at the student lounge.ww Havew.we-j aap afunn.co timem while experiencing the school AUDI TT Road Star Open 2007 model one owner atmosphere and meeting We teachers and students. AUDI TT, right hand drive ,Convertible Road Star Turbo (TSFI) Real Trees for Xmas ! You can bring your friends and family, too—contact the , Automatic transmission. Nov. 2007 model first registration 150- to 160-cm pine. Early school for more details! Access 3 minutes walk from 6,800 Km, Silver body color and red leather seat .very clean and price — ¥10,000 (Dec 1 Shibuya station, in front of OIOI almost new. Price ¥ 3.400.000, Chaken 2012/10 to Dec 10). From Dec 11 Department Store. 4F, 1-22-8 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku Scholar Leonard Marcus: Advice from a Legendary Editor: CONTACT: [email protected] — ¥12,000. Email name, Tokyo. How Ursula Nordstrom Made Children’s Books That Last; address, phone no. for CONTACT: (03) 5489-6480 www.we-japan.com

Nov. 28, 10-11:30 am; Tokyo Women’s Plaza, Conference Room JOBS reservations. Sent via COD. 1, 5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, by Children’s Castle and UN For details see All postings on our website are free. www.oce-center.org under University; for a map see www.scbwi.jp/map.htm Fee: ¥1,000 Fixed income futures broker sought for an Premium postings will be printed in SCBWI members/¥1,500 nonmembers. international securities house. “product” . Order now ! the Weekender and available online. CONTACT: [email protected] by Nov. 26, 2010 Must have experience in screen based trading environment and have JSDA 1&2. Urgent hire with immediate interview for se- For more information contact our sales St. Paul International Lutheran Church lected candidates. Contact: Warwick at Slate Consulting on 03 team at: (03) 6846-5615 or Christmas services will include Special Christmas Music, 6890 7711 or [email protected] [email protected]

Saint Maur International School Quality Education within a Caring Family Environment since 1872 Pre-K (Age 2 1 / 2 ) to Grade 12 - Coeducational ● Montessori ● International Primary Curriculum (IPC) ● International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) ● International Baccalaureate (IB) ● Advanced Placement (AP) ● SAT Reasoning Test ● SAT Subject Tests ● PSAT/NMSQT ● Lions-Quest international programme ● Trinity International Music Examination ONLY

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32 WEEKENDER Bulletin Board

discovering his knowledge of Japanese, writing and teaching. He taught courses on the Army enrolled him in a special military Japanese culture, history and language at the intelligence training unit on Japan at the University of Texas at Dallas and at Austin University of Michigan Ann Arbor where he College, and lectured frequently throughout graduated two years later second in his class. the states including television appearances Jack served under General Douglas on Japanese culture and how to do business MacArthur’s staff command during the with the Japanese. In later years, he worked occupation of Japan. This was the beginning for Ecology and Environment of New York of his 25 years spent living in Japan. After as director of international operations, and his tenure in the Army, he served in the then served as president of International U.S. Central Intelligence Agency as part Consulting Services, Inc in Houston. of their Asian operations before moving Jack wrote a total of 45 books, published into the private sector where he worked in Japan and the U.S., covering a broad in Tokyo as the Far East representative of spectrum of fiction and non-fiction. His best Jack Seward, 1924-2010 several U.S. companies such as Sunbeam known work was ‘The Japanese’, published by Corp and Scholastic Books, as well as for William Morrow & Co in 1972 which was the ack Seward, a legendary authority on Japanese companies such as the Yashica most widely read book on Japanese culture Japan and a U.S. military veteran, passed Camera Company. His father John Sr., a WW at a time of growing Japanese economic Jaway on November 10, 2010 at the age I veteran, moved to Japan during these years power. His longest selling book was ‘Japanese of 86 in Houston, Texas from post-stroke to join Jack. John Sr. lived in Japan for over a in Action’, a commentary on the Japanese complications. A man of great intelligence, decade, where he remarried to Kimiko Uema language. He also wrote books in Japanese in Jack leaves behind a legacy of international of Okinawa, and together had one son — order to explain American culture. accomplishment and service. John Sr. passed away in Tokyo in 1964. In 1986, the Emperor of Japan awarded Born John Neil Seward Jr. in Houston on In 1963, Jack married Aiko “Jean” Jack the Order of the Sacred Treasure, for his October 11, 1924, ‘Jack’ grew up in Dallas Morimoto of Shikoku, and together had widely-recognized contributions to mutual and upon graduating from Woodrow Wilson two sons. Over the course of these years, understanding and strengthening of relations High School in 1941, started attending the he built his reputation as a leading Japan between the U.S. and Japan. University of Oklahoma. During this period, expert and linguist, obtained a doctorate’s Jack leaves a legacy of international values an act of chance introduced him to his life- degree following post-graduate studies at the stretching beyond Japan, which is partially long connection to Japan — while spending University of Hawaii, and also commenced reflected in his surviving family — wife several summers with his father John Seward pursuing his interest in writing books. Jean, sons John Neil Seward III and William Sr. working on the Frank Phillips ranch in Thereafter, Jack returned to his native Kenneth Seward, brother Robert Uema Bartlesville, Oklahoma, two Japanese co- Texas with his family in order to spend time Seward, grandchildren, extended family workers started to teach him some Japanese with his mother Lanelle Denny and her members and friends. language. At the age of 18, he volunteered husband Jack Newman on their family ranch Jack’s iconic spirit will be dearly missed by for active duty in the U.S. Army, and upon near Celeste, Texas, and to concrete on his family and friends around the globe.

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