Japan’s number one English language magazine JUNE 2014 Songs from the Heart Chris Hart Lets His Music Do the Talking

COME TOGETHER Our Summer Festival Guide

HELL ON WHEELS Vintage Motorbikes Tear Up a Saitama Race Course

WORLD CUP 2014 The Samurai Blue Get Ready to Hit Brazil

ALSO: Director Steve McQueen Exhibits a Daring Short Film, People Parties and Places, Agenda, and More ... JUNE 2014 CONTENTS 10

HELL ON WHEELS Taking a look back at Japan’s iconic beast on his return to the big screen

7 9 12

SUMMER FESTIVALS CHRIS HART WORLD CUP GUIDE Insights from one of the most prolific Enjoy some of Tokyo’s top eats and A journey through the landscape and lore of inventors of all time cuisine with a twist two lesser-known Nagasaki islands

13 Manabu Saito Interview 18 Seisen Internatiobal School 26 Movies French luxury brand that has been Legendary culinary arts school and café Long-anticipated X-Men addition, the “Four Arts” for 142 years welcomes you in Daikanyama Fukushima aftermath coverage, and more 14 World Cup Wallchart 19 Popins International School 28 Agenda French luxury brand that has been Learning how to read the hidden histories Bill Hersey is back on the scene, hitting mastering the “Four Arts” for 142 years of Japanese antiques exhibitions and embassy parties 16 Steve McQueen 22 People, Parties, Places 30 Back in the Day A master chocolatier talks about the Bill Hersey is back on the scene, hitting Long-anticipated X-Men addition, innovation and creativity of sweets exhibitions and embassy parties Fukushima aftermath coverage, and more

JUNE 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2014 THIS MONTH IN THE WEEKENDER

iconic products of the storied S.T. Dupont to the high-concept chocolates of La Maison du Chocolat and the culinary tradition of Le JUNE 2014 Japan’s number one English language magazine JUNE 2014 Cordon Bleu. One of our features this month is on Songs from an inventor who might be just as prolific as the Heart spring itself: Dr. Yoshiro Nakamats is one of Chris Hart Lets His those characters who seems to have stepped Music Do the Talking out of a science fiction novel, but he’s as real Publisher BC Media Group as his solid gold toilet. Chairman Ray Pedersen COME TOGETHER Read on, but we’ve got a warning Our Summer Festival Guide Executive Producer Asi Rinestine for you: lurking towards the back of the magazine is the movie monster Godzilla, Editor Alec Jordan HELL ON who’s preparing to rise up to the screens Art Director Liam Ramshaw WHEELS Vintage Motorbikes Tear once again. We took a look back at the Illustrator Liam Akin Up a Saitama Race Course superstar saurian’s first steps out of the Media Director Kotaro Toda ocean and into cinematic history, and chat WORLD CUP 2014 Account Executives Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa The Samurai Blue Get Ready to Hit Brazil with a young Japanese star, Ken Yamamura, Ohad Elbaz ALSO: Director Steve McQueen Exhibits a Daring Short Film, People Parties and Places, Agenda, and More ... who appears in the latest movie. As you page your way to this legendary Media Consultant Mary Rudow hen it comes to spring, those Marketing Ingrid Dubreuil lizard, you might want to take a detour blossoms—the early plum, Editorial Consultant Sami Kawahara and visit two of Nagasaki’s lesser-known and the short-lived cherry— W isles. Lying off the north coast of Kyushu, Society Bill Hersey probably get a bit too much Iki and Tsushima both have rich histories press. It’s when you can see that green riot Editorial Associates Vivian Morelli and inviting landscapes that offer many of the trees’ leaves and the weeds along the Matthew Hernon surprises to the traveler who is willing to train lines that you really know that the Mace Bertumen take the trip. fairest of all seasons is upon us. We hope Finally, the Weekender is happy to see Film Christopher O’Keeffe you can get out there and enjoy it, because Bill Hersey back to full strength and his full Japanese springs are both fair and brief, IT Manager Nick Adams four pages; we’re tempted to think that he and the sauna they call summer will be on Development Manager Stephane Boudoux might just be tougher than Godzilla himself. before you know it. Finance & Admin Sakura Arimura Enjoy your Golden Week(end), DBA Iryna Sundutova Looking at this month’s cover, you whether you get out of town or stick might be thinking that Bastille Day came a around to enjoy a slightly quieter Tokyo, couple months early. But as this year marks and we’ll see you in June. the 90th anniversary of the Japanese- French cultural partnership, we felt a bit too impatient to wait until July to recognize EST. Corky Alexander, 1970 some of the French businesses that are making an impression in Japan, from the Editor Published monthly at the Regency Shinsaka Building, 5th floor 8-5-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 (03) 6666-4924 / (03) 6432-9229 (fax) [email protected]

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Fried Sushi by Liam Akin. To see more of Liam’s work check out www.friedsushi.net

JUNE 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2014 YOYOGI CULTURE FESTIVALS ALL SUMMER HERE COMES What is it: You know it’s officially summer when Yoyogi Park gets overtaken by swarms of people, waiting in front of countless food stalls exuding delicious, spicy THE SUMMER aromas—for every single weekend until the leaves turn red. Sam- ple foods and performances from Indonesia, Brazil, Thailand, Latin America, Vietnam, India and Sri Lanka, to name a few. Gearing up for a summer in Tokyo? You don’t have to go too far to get your share FOR YOU IF: You’d rather not leave the city and don’t mind queuing up of fun—whether it’s music festivals, beach bashes or traditional matsuri, it’s time FUJI ROCK 2014 for food. JULY 25–27 to let you hair down and fill up your calendar with those celebrations. What is it: An outdoor, weekend-long festival tucked amidst the misty WHAT TO BRING: An empty stomach and your patience. mountains of Niigata. Whatever the weather—it will rain, and you will get a sunburn—the trip to Japan’s best-known music festival will be an epic journey. This year’s lineup includes Arcade Fire, Denki HOSTESS CLUB SUMMER SONIC 2014 Groove, Manic Street Preachers, The Flaming Lips, Jack Johnson, SUMIDA RIVER WEEKENDER AUGUST 16–17 Franz Ferdinand, Blur’s Damon Albarn, Travis, The Lumineers, Out- FIREWORKS FESTIVAL JUNE 21–22 What is it: A short (and cheap!) kast, Lorde, Basement Jaxx and a few more handfuls. JULY 26 What is it: Music festivals don’t get train ride away in Chiba prefec- What is it: By far the oldest and much more indie than this. The ture, Summer Sonic has been FOR YOU IF: Camping for three nights and skipping a few showers largest (not to mention busiest) twice yearly festival tends to bring building a solid reputation over doesn’t make you want to run away. fireworks display in Tokyo, the a mix of old favorites and obscure the last decade. Featuring, as Sumida River Fireworks Festival bands for a two-day showcase. usual, an eclectic mix of important WHAT TO BRING: Mosquito repellent, rain boots, a tent and sunscreen. is one of the most popular events This June edition presents Blonde Redhead and Cat Power as headlin- international names as well as local talent, everyone from pop me- in summer. The last Saturday of July is always synonymous with a ers, alongside Simian Mobile , Cloud Nothings, Perfume Genius, gastars to 90s punk rockers will take to the stages of Makuhari Messe, night sky filled with dazzling shades, and packed crowds below trying Sohn, Toy, Highasakite, Joan as Policewoman and The Bohicas. Marine Stadium and the beach. So far, Arctic Monkeys, Avenged to get the best spot to view them. Nearly a million spectators gather Sevenfold, Phoenix, and rock legends Queen and Robert Plant have every year to see the colorful explosions, which come in an array of FOR YOU IF: None of those band names sound obscure, and you’ve been announced. managed to install Spotify in Japan. patterns, shapes and sizes. FOR YOU IF: You like your music with a side of air conditioning. WHAT TO WEAR: Pair those New Balance sneakers with stonewash FOR YOU IF: Crowds don’t scare you. jeans, we hear normcore is big this year. WHAT TO WEAR: Flat shoes, as the distance between the Marine Stadi- WHAT TO WEAR: Your yukata (light summer kimono), of course. um and Makuhari Messe isn’t short, and a watch, as you won’t want to miss your top acts. ELECTRIC RUN KOENJI AWA ODORI JULY 11–12 AUGUST 23–24 What is it: Fitness and laser SONIC MANIA 2014 What is it: Just about the biggest shows? Run a 5K along a ne- AUGUST 15 in Tokyo, Koenji’s annual street on-adorned course on the shores What is it: The all-night dance dance festival crams the streets to of Chiba, and end the workout party is Summer Sonic’s warm-up, ASAKUSA SAMBA FESTIVAL capacity for an evening of revelry. with a huge party featuring DJs, and is held the night before the AUGUST 23 Around 12,000 Awa dancers and laser and glow-in-the dark beach- actual festival. It caters to a bit of What is it: The annual Asakusa Samba Carnival sees dancers wiggling countless more members of the balls. Participants are encouraged to wear their flashiest costumes a different crowd, but if you have their way through downtown Tokyo and shaking their feathers to public will descend upon the neighborhood to take in the parades, and to walk or even dance the race. enough energy and luck getting the beat in what is possibly the city’s sexiest summer festival. Expect which snake along nine different routes through the narrow, atmos- your hands on some tickets, you should stick around for the main everything ranging from samba vibes, shaking hips, exposed stom- pheric streets. FOR YOU IF: A 5K seems like a challenge. event. This year’s Sonic Mania presents Kasabian, Kraftwerk, Mogwai achs, glitter and sequins, samba beats, and hordes of Japanese men and Krewella. WHAT TO BRING: Your sneakers and some glow-in-the-dark gear. with zoom lenses. FOR YOU IF: You want to get lost in a haze of booze and dancing. FOR YOU IF: You’re more EDM than classic rock. FOR YOU IF: You want to spice things up with the version of the iconic WHAT TO BRING: Some coins to keep you stocked with water and ice cold beers. WHAT TO BRING: A change of clothes for the next day, as you’ll be Rio de Janeiro Carnival. pulling an over-nighter. WHAT TO BRING: Your camera...

JUNE 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2014 CHRIS HEART | MUSIC | 9

I had people writing letters to me about their families, concert weeping. According to his devotees, he stands out because he “truly under- hardships, dreams, all kinds of issues. There were even stands the soul of Japanese music.” There are many talented foreign artists in the businessmen telling me about the stresses of their jobs, country, but few are as dedicated as Hart. I was just amazed that these songs could have such a He started studying the language at the age of seven, began J-Pop songs in profound effect. his early teens and since moving here five years ago, he has made a concerted effort soon after the two men began working to learn about all aspects of life in Japan. on the singer’s debut . “I actually first came here when I was They decided to start with a collec- Chris Hart Factfile 13,” he says. “It was just for a two-week tion of covers—popular J-Pop hits that homestay as part of the Japanese course Hart grew up listening to from the late I was taking at school, but I quickly fell BORN: nineties onwards, including songs by When vending machine technician Chris in love with the place. The people were San Francisco, California (1984) the likes of Spitz, Masahara Fukuyama so hospitable, going out of their way to Hart started uploading some of his songs and Dreams Come True. A critical and : make sure I had a great impression of their on Youtube he was just hoping for some commercial success, Heart Songs entered Heart Song (2013), Song For You (2014) country. I knew I had to come back; it just feedback from people in Japan. what he the charts at number three in took a bit longer than I’d hoped. I did some June last year and has thus far sold more didn’t anticipate was the impact that those SINGLES: jobs that required Japanese back home and than 300,000 copies as well as winning Home (2013), Yume ga Samete (2013), I then I finally got my chance to return with videos would have, not only on his music numerous awards. For Hart, though, it LOVE YOU (2014), Mamoritai- Magic of the vending machine company in 2009. career, but also his love life. is the reaction from fans that has given a Touch (2014) I wanted to start from zero, not coming him the greatest satisfaction. with an American mindset. It was a huge es, I met my wife via YouTube,” Hart tells Weekender. “She posted “I thought that people might find AWARDS: challenge to engage in a culture that is some videos on there singing in English, then saw mine and con- some of the tracks nostalgic, bringing Japan Record Awards-Best Promoted so much more felt than spoken, but you tacted me. We decided to meet up and make some music together; back some memories of their youth or Y Work (Heart Song & Yume ga Samete), have to make the effort. I saw people who we hit it off right away and within two weeks were already talking some kind of event in their past. What Japan Gold Disc Awards- New Artist moved to the States who didn’t adapt; about marriage. After that we were invited on to a show about chance en- I didn’t expect, however, was the depth of the Year, 5 Best New Artists, Special they kept their traditions and did things counters by NHK where we performed a SMAP song. Someone from Nippon of emotion that the songs could inspire Product Album of the Year (Heart Song) their own way, which is fine up to a point, Television saw it and invited me on Nodo-jiman Za! World.” in certain individuals,” Hart says. “I had but it makes it more difficult to blend in The popular seasonal reality show features foreigners singing in people writing letters to me about their and fully appreciate what is around you. Japanese, was won by Hart in the spring of 2012. Covering Kazumasa the San Francisco–born singer, and families, hardships, dreams: all kinds of When I arrived I wanted to learn as much Oda’s ballad “Tashika na koto” and SMAP’s “Yozora no mukou,” he appeared genuinely nervous when he issues. There were even businessmen about Japan as possible and I think that wowed the judges with his pitch perfect, soulful voice. Masahiro was asked to sing alongside him. Looking telling me about the stresses of their jobs; has helped to make my experience in this Nakai, who witnessed Hart’s rendition of “Yozora,” a far more like a true professional, the majestic vocal I was just amazed that these songs could country that much better.” accomplished display than his own group had ever achieved, display helped to propel Hart from a part- have such a profound effect. It gave me Clearly loving life here, Hart plans on admitted that he felt “embarrassed to come on stage” after time club singer to a genuine J-Pop star. clear ideas about what I wanted to do for sticking around for as long as possible. “I went in to the show with no expecta- my original music.” He’s unsure how long he will remain in tions,” he tells us. “It was only after being Hart’s follow-up album, Song for the public eye, but isn’t overly concerned on it that I became aware of how popular You, gave him a chance to work on those about that. It has never been about being it is; it really is watched by a lot of people. ideas. Including popular tracks “I Love famous; he won’t be too disappointed if Consequently, this can have a big effect You” and “Yume ga samete,” which fea- he slips off the celebrity radar in the near on the sales of the songs you perform. I tures iconic singer Seiko Matsuda, it was future. His goal is simple. He just wants actually returned the following fall season released earlier this year and further to keep making music for those fans who and sang “Home” by Yusaku Kiyama and enhanced the 29-year-old’s reputation have shown him so much support over the the original version then got to number as one of the country’s most talented years. As long as they keep writing to him, one in the charts, five years after it was young musicians. Described by Hart as he will keep trying to answer them with first released. “an easy-listening J-Pop album,” it also his music. Of course it has also helped to open showed he could write songs as well as doors for foreign singers such as myself, sing them. Nicholas Edwards and Diana Garnett. “I saw it as being like a natural There is no recording contract for the progression from the debut album,” he winner like American Idol, but it helps says. “With the first one I was telling my to get you spotted. Fortunately for me history through the songs I listened to in Jeff Miyahara accidentally recorded the my youth: with this one I was trying to program when I was on it and apparently tell other peoples history. It was my re- liked what he saw.” sponse to the letters I received, with the One of country’s most sought-after re- topics ranging from love to overcoming a cord producers, Miyahara has collaborat- lack of confidence.” ed with a number of high-profile Japanese Hart has a strong bond with his fans, stars as well as many international artists who regularly bombard him with gifts in- such as Boyz II Men and Timbaland. cluding CDs, jewelry and food. For some He quickly realized the huge marketing the emotion of seeing him on stage can potential of Hart and arranged a meeting, be too much, and they spend the entire

JUNE 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2014 HELL ON WHEELS | FEATURE | 11

These old bikes have class and tie us into a past that was the start of a motorized two- wheel revolution. They are timeless and unique.

twin suspensions, two-strokes against four-strokes. The riders rode that thin line between control and utter mayhem: sometimes they would make heavy contact in tight berms, and sometimes a misjudged landing would launch a rider off the track. The riders stood in hearty defiance of danger, This eclectic group of riders shares lap, much less a full race. Some had and embraced the consequences. a love of building, maintaining, and been meticulously restored, while It was a collective rejoicing in most importantly, riding motorcycles others were covered with an aged days long past, when full-face helmets which probably should be relegated patina of scuffed paint and fitted and body armor were unheard of, to short Sunday jaunts. These people with fiberglass-wrapped mufflers. All a throwback reminiscent of hazy take their fun seriously, and relish in were machines that had been lovingly summer afternoons, skidding bicycles restoring motorcycles long past their cared for, sporting engines which had with playing cards clothespinned into glory days, and then thrashing them to gone under countless rebuilds, hand- spokes, and handbuilt wooden jumps. the point of near implosion. packed bearings, and frames modified The trip out to Japan was a first Connett Brewer of BA Moto lets us to handle brutal jars and slams. for the Hell on Wheels crew, and they in a bit to the appeal of riding these The race itself was simple—it was weren’t sure how things were going rustbuckets: “These old bikes have divided across engine size categories, to go with the Japanese motocrossers. class and tie us into a past that was the with a series of heats for each one— “We’d seen magazine articles and start of a motorized two-wheel revo- but in all honesty, the results were of videos on the internet but you never lution. They are timeless and unique. little concern to most involved. The know what to expect ... The Japanese Much like antique cars, I consider key element was to enjoy a single day guys didn’t disappoint. They had some them works of industrial art. Yeah they of racing which had taken months of of the best bikes we’d ever seen and leak oil and s--- breaks but as long as preparation and countless hours of their clothing and gear was dead on. you stay on top of it, they will treat you mechanical work, and hopefully not The starting grid looked straight out right. That’s old British for you...just be injured in the process. of 1969! Along with that, they were ride and enjoy life.” The Clash boomed from PA just some of the nicest guys you could The concept of “run what you speakers, and the races kicked off in meet; [we] really enjoyed hanging out brung” stands as a stark contrast to a massive cloud of fine dust. The roar with them.” the mainstream bike cultures of Japan, from raucous two-stroke engines Some may cry sacrilege at the where high-cost custom fabrications echoed from the surrounding sight of a collection of classic and high performance add-ons are forest. Bikes abandoned or vintage two-wheeled common. In this case aesthetics run at the starting gate were machines being so a far second to purpose, but function common, while bikes callously thrashed, but it is rallies and RIDING MOTOCROSS REQUIRES ou may have preconceptions of what sort of culture would also creates new forms, presenting a with engines wrung populate a dirtbike track, images of high flying, high- pleasing demonstration of styles and past their limits races like this that A CERTAIN TYPE OF ADRENALIN- octane energy drink–fuelled athletes may spring to mind. inventiveness. similarly peppered offer a glimpse Y A dusty parking lot in Kawagoe the track, stalled of the roots of SEEKING LUNATIC—IT’S A SPORT There are, however, subcultures in most action sports, and modern-day riding WITH SEVERE INHERENT DANGERS. motocrossing is just the same. Meet Hell on Wheels. was packed with transport vans, aged or sometimes just Earlier in the year this group of motorcyclists spent a full day packing trucks, and bikes representing almost plain dead. A strug- and machines. It was BROKEN BONES, LIGAMENTS, CUTS, 40 vintage motorcycles into a shipping container in California. Their pur- every country imaginable. Revelling in gle for survival had begun, a chance to see these AND BRUISES ARE ALL PART OF pose: a single day of racing at an out-of-the-way motocross track in Saita- the gritty, oily air, the 200+ participants riders intent on making bikes in action—not finished their practice runs on a course each lap faster, taking each stored carefully away in THE RISK TAKEN FOR THE RUSH OF ma. Organizer Jeff Tulinius, who usually goes by the name “Meatball,” describes the Hell On Wheels crew and affiliates as “a vintage motorcycle built and maintained for modern jump longer, and pushing a shed or showroom, but CLEARING A GAP, TAKING A TURN repair shop in California—just a couple of guys wrenching on old bikes. suspensions and high-power engines. their bikes’ finite capabilities run to their limits—and TIGHTER, OR ACCELERATING HARDER. We get out and race as often as we can. No real clubs as such came with At first glance, many of the rusty, against the unrelenting track. experience the thriving us, but the guys and gals from Von Zipper, Deus, BA Moto, Lossa Engineer- seemingly cobbled together bikes Hard-tailed Triumphs ran culture of the people who ing and a few others came along.” looked incapable of completing a full against slightly more modern ride them.

JUNE 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2014 NOT A PARTICULARLY STRONG GROUP. FRANCE ARE TALENTED BUT TEMPERAMENTAL, SWITZERLAND SHOULD BE MORE ENTERTAINING THAN AT THE LAST TOURNAMENT, ECUADOR LOOK STRONG ON THE COUNTER- ATTACK, AND LONG SHOTS HONDURAS WILL BE HOPING TO RECORD THEIR FIRST EVER WORLD CUP WIN.

TRIVIA: FRANCE STRIKER JUST FONTAINE’S 13 GOALS IN 1958 ARE THE MOST SCORED AT A SINGLE WORLD CUP. BRAZILIAN RONALDO HOLDS THE OVERALL RECORD (15 IN 4 WC’S). SUB HEADLINE GOES HERE

rom Pele’s dummy to Tardelli’s tears, Mara- dona’s hand to Zidane’s head, the World Cup regularly produces iconic moments that live F long in the memory. For Manabu Saito, who was recently named as one of the 23 Japanese LED BY MAGICAL MESSI, TWO-TIME WINNERS ARGENTINA SHOULD QUALIFY members going to Brazil, it was a wondrous solo effort from a WITH EASE. THE BATTLE FOR SECOND IS EXPECTED TO BE BETWEEN 17-year-old English striker at the 1998 tournament in France DEBUTANTS BOSNIA AND AFRICAN NATIONS CHAMPIONS NIGERIA, WITH that stands out most in his World Cup recollections. OUTSIDERS IRAN HOPING TO CAUSE A SURPRISE. “Michael Owen was my hero growing up,” Saito tells Week- ender. “That goal against Argentina where he just ran at their TRIVIA: OSSIE ARDILES WORE NUMBER ONE IN 1978 WHEN ARGENTINA defenders without any fear: wow, it was just tremendous. It NUMBERED THEIR PLAYERS ALPHABETICALLY. THEY DID THE SAME FOUR was the first World Cup I can remember. I was eight at the time YEARS LATER, THOUGH MARADONA WAS EXEMPT, HE WORE THE NUMBER and because of the time difference, my father would record the 10 JERSEY. games and I would watch them the following day. Four years later the final was played in Yokohama, so I got a chance to watch it at the stadium, it was a magical experience.” Now it is Saito’s turn to try to emulate his hero and create a piece of history of his own that will inspire the next generation of Japanese footballers. He’s certainly capable of it. Known for his ability to create a piece of magic out of nothing, the Yoko- hama F. Marinos winger marked his international debut last year with a spectacular strike against Australia and is a regular scorer of eye-catching goals for his club. A HARD GROUP WITH SOME INTRIGUING GAMES, INCLUDING GERMANY’S Behind Kagawa, Honda and 100TH WORLD CUP MATCH AND USA COACH JURGEN KLINSMANN COMING Okazaki in the pecking order, the UP AGAINST THE SIDE HE WON THE TOURNAMENT WITH IN 1990. ON PAPER 24-year-old is likely to start on the THE EUROPEAN SIDES APPEAR TO HAVE THE SLIGHT EDGE, BUT GHANA bench for the opening game against the Ivory Coast in Recife, but if the WITH FIVE-TIME WINNERS BRAZIL EXPECTED TO TAKE TOP SPOT, THE AND AMERICA WILL MAKE IT VERY TOUGH FOR THEM. TOUGH GROUP, CHAMPIONS SPAIN ARE AMONGST THE TOURNAMENT game is tight he may be the man MOST INTERESTING ASPECT ABOUT GROUP A WILL BE THE BATTLE FAVORITES, HOLLAND ARE ALWAYS A THREAT, WHILE CHILE ARE SEEN Alberto Zaccheroni turns to in order FOR SECOND. DESPITE BOTH STRUGGLING IN QUALIFYING, CROATIA AS DARK HORSES. DOESN’T LOOK GREAT FOR AUSTRALIA WITH FORMER TRIVIA: CRISTIANO RONALDO SCORED AN INCREDIBLE 50 GOALS IN THE to unlock the Ivorian defence. He AND MEXICO HAVE SOME EXCITING ATTACKING TALENT, WHILST CAPTAIN PAUL WADE STATING THAT THEY’LL “GET ABSOLUTELY 2013–14 SEASON, JUST NINE FEWER THAN THE REST OF THE PORTUGAL is certainly not going to Brazil UNDERDOGS CAMEROON ARE CAPABLE OF CAUSING AN UPSET. SMASHED.” SQUAD PUT TOGETHER. just to make up the numbers. “Of course I was really TRIVIA: BRAZIL HAVE WON MORE WORLD CUP GAMES THAN ANY TRIVIA: SPAIN’S GAME AGAINST HOLLAND IS THE FIRST TIME FINALISTS glad to hear about being se- OTHER COUNTRY (67), MEXICO HAVE LOST MORE THAN ANYONE (24). FROM THE PREVIOUS TOURNAMENT HAVE BEEN DRAWN TOGETHER IN lected for the squad, but just THE GROUP STAGES. being picked isn’t enough,” he says. “I want play, score and enjoy it. Now the J-League season is on a break I can start focusing on the World Cup and that means I need to do some research about our opponents. This is a great opportunity for us: I feel ONE OF THE WEAKER-LOOKING GROUPS. ALGERIA HAVE NEVER GOT PAST our team has the potential to change the THE HIPSTERS GROUP. COLOMBIA AND JAPAN LOOK GOOD GOING TRICKY GROUP FEATURING THREE PREVIOUS WINNERS. ITALY SHOWED THE FIRST ROUND, KOREA ARE THE SECOND LOWEST RANKED TEAM IN history of Japanese football.” FORWARD, WEAK AT THE BACK, FOR GREECE THE OPPOSITE IS TRUE. THEIR QUALITY REACHING THE FINAL OF THE 2012 EUROS, ENGLAND BRAZIL, WHILE RUSSIA SHOULD BE SOLID IF UNSPECTACULAR. MUCH Following the game against the Ivory IVORY COAST ARE INCONSISTENT, BUT IN YAYA TOURE BOAST THE HAVE SELECTED AN EXCITING YOUTHFUL SQUAD, WHILE URUGUAY CAN IS EXPECTED OF BELGIUM, WHO ARE PLAYING IN THEIR FIRST MAJOR Coast, Japan will travel to Natal to take on WORLD’S BEST CENTRAL MIDFIELDER. MOST DIFFICULT GROUP TO CALL. CALL ON SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST STRIKERS. OUTSIDERS COSTA TOURNAMENT IN 12 YEARS. Greece and then on to Cuiaba, where they RICA SHOULDN’T BE RULED OUT EITHER. will face the dangerous Colombians. In what TRIVIA: WITH 141 GAMES FOR HIS COUNTRY, YASUHITO ENDO WILL BE TRIVIA: KOREAN STRIKER AHN JUNG-HWAN WAS FIRED BY ITALIAN CLUB is possibly the most open of all the eight groups THE THIRD MOST-CAPPED PLAYER IN BRAZIL, BEHIND SPAIN’S IKER TRIVIA: A MONGREL NAMED PICKLES KNOCKED THE GENERAL SIDE PERUGIA AFTER HE SCORED THE GOAL THAT KNOCKED THE AZZURRI in the tournament, Japan will fancy their chances CASILLAS (156) AND USA’S LANDON DONOVAN (153). ELECTION OFF THE FRONT PAGES IN 1966 AFTER FINDING THE STOLEN OUT OF THE 2012 WORLD CUP. of making it to the knockout stages. No doubt Saito WORLD CUP TROPHY UNDER A BUSH IN SOUTHEAST LONDON. is already dreaming about scoring the goal that gets them there.

JUNE 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2014

EXPAT LIFE | WEEKENDER | 17

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Following a spate of awards for his film 12 Years a Slave, Steve graininess of the digitized Super 8 film adds to the short’s immediacy and power. McQueen goes back to his artistic roots with a challenging new The film was never meant to be dis- short on display at the Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo played publicly, but after McQueen returned to the same island in 2009, he learned that Ashes had been murdered, and he decided he trendy and stylish surround- d’Or Award at the 2008 Cannes Festival— to create the work as a tribute to the young ings around Omotesando are pri- but his short films have also gained wide man, so that his existence would not go marily known as a hub for lovers attention for their unflinching attention to entirely forgotten. of fashion and style, but there are the rawness of life in full detail. Both force Presented with McQueen’s characteristic also many places where you can his audiences to look the harsh facts of minimalism, Ashes harnesses the contrast experienceT avant-garde art. One of these is history directly in the face and develop between the sheer happiness of its subject’s the Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo, located on their own emotional reaction to these mov- face on one hand, and the events of his short the seventh floor of the Louis Vuitton store in ing canvases. life and tragically early death, which are Omotesando. This art space, which opened The short on display at the gallery, narrated in voiceovers by Ashes’s friends. in the beginning of 2011, is only the second Ashes, takes a more intimate subject for its McQueen does not push his audiences to Louis Vuitton Espace in the world—the­ first attention than IRA conflicts or slavery in reach any particular conclusion with this opened in Paris in 2006. the US, but is no less affecting. The film has powerful short; rather, he fashions an Come celebrate our 3rd anniversary The gallery holds about three exhibitions its roots in a trip that McQueen made to the environment in which viewers are forced to 3rd year anniversary This year, the presents are on us. Join us at the Sheraton Hiroshima Hotel for a year, playing host to rising international art- Caribbean in 2001, while shooting another develop their own sense of meaning, thereby promotions are special limited time promotions, including special theme events, lucky drawings, ists as well as more established players on the piece. The director was struck by the appear- becoming creators of narrative art them- available from March 1 world art scene, who often create new works ance of a young man who went by the name selves as they examine their own presump- special wedding packages and more. to June 30, 2014 with the support of Espace Louis Vuitton Ashes. He came from a humble background, tions and expectations. Tokyo. but McQueen recognized a “star quality” in Find out more at www.sheraton-hiroshima.jp or call us at 082-262-7111. Most recently, the Espace in Tokyo is his athletic grace and natural presence. showing an intriguing work by the British Not able to cast him in the piece he was McQueen’s work will be on display at the artist and filmmaker, Steve McQueen, whose working on at the time, he asked a friend, Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo until August 17. film 12 Years a Slave had a tremendous Robin Miller, to film Ashes on his boat. The Admission to the gallery space is free. showing at the 2014 Academy Awards, taking resulting clips capture the young man’s Hours: 12 pm–8 pm home the Best Picture trophy. McQueen is no ©2012 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Sheraton and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. slender figure as it rises and falls in his small Address: Louis Vuitton Omotesando Bldg. 7F, For full terms and conditions, visit www.sheraton-hiroshima.co.jp stranger to success with feature films—his fishing boat, with only the stark blues of the 5-7-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 debut full-length, Hunger, won a Camera West Indian sea and sky as a backdrop. The Phone: 03-5766-1094 | Fax: 03-5766-1089

JUNE 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2014 18 | EDUCATION | SEISEN PALIS | EDUCATION | 19

Looking into the magic of learning that occurs when cutting-edge research in early Students at one of Tokyo’s top international schools experience the joys of giving A Lesson in Active Learning childhood education is combined with young learners’ sense of wonder A backDay to the communities of Service around them

students to tasks. Sister Margaret pointed out f you think back to some of the favorite that the best way for the kids to take an active teachers from your childhood, they were role in their projects during the day was to let probably the ones who brought your them choose the way in which they wanted to I classes to life, making the subjects so in- serve: “for the students, we want the service teresting that you couldn’t keep yourself to really come from the heart. So even if a from being curious about what you were learning. You student is in the choir most of the time, if they might even say that there’s something magical about want to spend their day of service cleaning those moments in your education. It’s no surprise, then, up along the river, that’s fine! We were trying that PALIS—Poppins Active Learning International to encourage that choice, and give them the School—takes part of its name from the English govern- motivation for choosing to do what they want.” ess who was famous for making learning fun. Even the youngest students played a part The Poppins Corporation has always been con- in the day of service: the primary school cerned with “Edu-care”—caring for children’s students prepared song and dance routines all-round needs while educating them to their full to perform at nearby nursing homes, and the potential at the same time. For more than 25 years, kindergarten students prepared lunches— Poppins has provided professional nanny services with some assistance from some of the upper and nursery schools for Japanese families, and today school students—for the custodial staff and has 138 nursery schools in Japan and one in Hawaii. guards on campus. The company’s name has long stood for quality and Although the Handmaids order was found- high standards, supported through links with institutions such as There is a buzz of confidence in the the esteemed Norland College in England. More recently, Maiko ed in 1877, the day in St. Raphaela’s honor was Todoroki, director of Poppins Corporation, daughter of CEO and atmosphere at PALIS as children go about a high-tech affair. The school set up a Google+ President Noriko Nakamura, recognized an opportunity to combine page for the event, and found themselves their education with confidence and the school’s traditions with top universities’ academic findings on connected with other Handmaid schools and early learning. satisfaction rriving on campus of Sei- staff of the school have gathered to honor organizations throughout the world. These new Having been educated in the UK since the age of 12 and as a par- sen International School St. Raphaela with services and various connections gave advice and encouragement as ent of a nursery-school-age boy, Todoroki saw that many students in dren, alongside that class’s lead teacher. One of the more popular mid-morning on May 16, ceremonies, but this year, Seisen decided the runup to St. Raphaela’s Day. Along with the Japan “were forced into doing things…I saw situations where young specialist classes is “Kids’ Yoga,” in which students learn how to use there was a buzz of excite- to celebrate Raphaela’s memory with a volunteer groups, 10 students took responsi- A their bodies to make shapes of letters and combine those shapes for children didn’t have the chance to awaken their individual talents. ment in the air. Students Day of Service. bility to record the service day with iPads and This inspired me to create an environment where young children phonics practice. were running around the halls, discuss- Students at all levels are involved with cameras. By the end of the afternoon, the stu- could wonder about things, and where they could be helped to PALIS’s curriculum is made richer thanks to the academic research ing their plans for the day. A group of community service projects throughout dents were able to see a video of the activities, discover the world.” being conducted at leading institutions in early childhood develop- middle-schoolers were working with a the year, but the recent decision to honor and share it with their new connections. As Principal Bill Ward explains, empowering students to take a ment. As a part of training and summer programs, Poppins’s staff PE teacher to assemble new basketball St. Raphaela in this way seemed fitting, It was plain to see that this was just the proactive approach towards their own learning process lies at the members attend symposia at Harvard University as well as Stanford hoops for the recreation area. The school as Sister Margaret Scott, head of Seisen beginning for Seisen’s newest tradition, and heart of Active Learning, but the fundamentals are never ignored: University in the United States, felt like it was getting ready for a festival School explained: “In the past, we’ve we’re looking forward to seeing how the school “We let the children branch off to follow their interests as they where they are exposed to some of or party: it wasn’t the kind of atmosphere always had a Mass, where we would hear continues to inspire its students to find joy in explore, guiding them while following the Early Years Foundation the latest ideas in early childhood that you’d expect to find on a day dedicat- the story of Raphaela: She came from a taking an active role in their communities. Stage Framework as it’s used in England. This includes specific top- pedagogy; this constant updating ed to community service. wealthy family near the city of Córdoba ics, such as Social Growth, Numeracy, and Literacy, which are de- adds depth and innovation to the The date has always been an impor- [in Spain], and was raised in luxury. But in veloped through focus activities and regular face-to-face individual school’s methodology. tant one for Seisen: it is the saint’s day of her teens, she said to herself, ‘I have been talk. Through this approach young children gradually find out how There is a buzz of confidence St. Raphaela, co-founder of Handmaids of served long enough: the time has come to to negotiate and take responsibility for their learning schedule.” in the atmosphere at PALIS as the Sacred Heart of Jesus. (the school was serve.’ And we realized that the real way One unique aspect of the pedagogy at PALIS is the specialist children go about their education founded by the Handmaids organization to celebrate Raphaela is for students to go teacher program. For these classes, an expert in a particular subject with confidence and satisfaction in 1949.) Every year, the students and and do what she did.” area—for example, knowing that they are learning High school and middle school stu- the specialist music and discovering. dents participated in 14 different activities teacher is a concert for the day: some groups went to parks by pianist, the art teacher PALIS will be hosting open-campus events on June 7, 14, and 21. Tamagawa and Futako-Tamagawa to help is a graduate of Gold- An eight-week summer program, offering a different learning theme each local communities with beautification pro- smiths University of week, begins July 1 and runs until August 29. For more information, see jects, visited several local nursing homes London, while the sci- contact information below: to give musical performances for resi- ence teacher worked dents, volunteered at a local soup kitchen, on NASA projects— 03-5791-2105 (phone) | 03-5791-2106 (fax) 11 months–5 years Seisen International School painted murals, and cleaned up around visits the class during www.poppins-palis.jp/en/ [email protected] the campus. As the plans developed for the 03-3704-2661 (phone)| 03-3701-1033 (fax) the week to deliver day of service, Seisen staff realized that www.seisen.com [email protected] an age-appropriate Poppins Active Learning International School, Yebisu Garden Terrace Nibankan 1F + 2F, 4-20-2 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0013 they didn’t want to simply assign groups of 1-12-15 Yoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0097 lesson to the chil-

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JUNE 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2014 22 | SOCIETY | PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 23

Tanya Kumar and Kristopher Brown at their wedding in New Dehli

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7 8 9 PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES TOKYO’S LONGEST RUNNING SOCIETY PAGE, WITH BILL HERSEY

y doctor told me I can’t drive for a couple of months. man who owns the really run-down Goto Bldg. 2. As the old saying goes I enjoy driving and am sorry about that. Once again it “What goes up must come down,” and according to what I heard, #2 has been good people—good friends have come to the will go under the wrecking ball in June. This building—which housed 10 11 12 rescue, pick me up and take me all around this great first the Lexington Queen and later the New Lex Tokyo, a half-dozen Mcity of ours. I’ve been here a long time, and drive all over. Even so, different hostess bars over the years, and a few offices that no one relaxing in friend’s cars instead of driving has really given me the really seemed to know went on in—has recently really gone down hill. opportunity to see so much I hadn’t seen or perhaps just didn’t pay all That’s a long story I’ll tell later. that much attention to before. It really makes one realize what a big As most of you know I hosted a lot of happenings with so many and wonderful city Tokyo is. international celebrities there: it was interesting and fun for 35 years, We all see so many changes almost overnight, and with all the and I hope to get a book on much of it out later this year. building and redevelopment, we’re sure to see a lot more. I will Boy George, who recently cut his first album in 18 years, dropped update you on things as I learn about them. Let’s start out with a huge, into the Lexington Queen when both he and the club were pretty much beautiful new project—Mori Buildings’ Toranomon Hills Mori Tower, on top of the charts. We put him and the others in his entourage in the which is scheduled to open June 11. The new landmark boasts 52 floors VIP section where they could relax and enjoy. Nature called and as the and is 255.5 meters tall. Extended roads, tunnels, broad sidewalks, star got up and headed for he restroom one slightly overweight, but 13 14 15 tree-lined streets, modern residences, offices, conference halls and fast moving, young girl fan managed to tackle him on the dance floor. a variety of retail outlets will, according to the developers, make He’s a big guy and didn’t fall down: He just kept walking (dragging Maruyama’s Dinner Hilton Tokyo Ambassador Mackenzie Clugston 9. Jamilah Al-Otaibi, Maali Siam, Ala Hassiny, Maria 1. Tony Matsubara, Toshiko Yanai, PM Abe’s mother Yoko Abe, Hisako Uemura, Midori Toranomon the “gateway to Tokyo” Hyatt lovers are really looking the girl who wouldn’t let go) over to where I was standing, and loudly Teresa Lopez (Philippines) 10. Shima-san, Pakistani Ambassador Farukh Amil, Albanian Ohga, Abe’s mother-in-law Emiko Matsuzaki, Sadako Nagano 2. Mary Katayama, Grace Ambassador Bujar Dida 11. Philippines Ambassador Manuel Lopez, Kuwaiti Ambassador exclaimed “I didn’t know what it is, but something has attached itself to forward to. One highlight is the new Andaz Hyatt Boutique Hotel at the Saito, Utako Arrour (Morocco), Lilo Maruyama 3. Palestine Ambassador Waleed Siam, Abdul Al-Otaibi, Iraq Ambassador Nadid Al-Rabaee, Palestine Ambassador Waleed Siam, top of the beautiful new building with its “special grade” anti-seismic my leg.” It took two security guys to get him free. his wife Maali, Iraq Ambassador Nadid Al-Robaee, his wife Ala Hassa Hassiny, Kuwaiti Moroccan Ambassador Samir Arrour 12. Emiko Matsuzaki, Colombian Ambassador Patricia construction. This, my friends, is all really going to be really special. Ambassador Abdul Al-Otaibi and his wife Jamilah, Yasmine Tsamados (Greece), Fumiko Cardenas, Teressa Dejean, Akio Matsuzaki, Hisako Uemura 13. Toshiko Yanai, Fumiko MARUYAMA’S CHINESE DINNER—HILTON Tottori 4. Teressa Dejean (Argentina), Reko Dida (Albania), Heidi Vahekeni (Angola) 5. Tottori, EU Ambassador Hans Schweisgut, Yoko Abe, Mitsuo Maruyama Sitting in one of my favorite coffee shops, Tully’s, recently, and was Paula Bowers (Canada), Helge Maruyama, Djibouti Ambassador Ahmed Araita Al, his about to write about the clean, modern, artistically decorated Goto Mitsuo, Lilo and Helge Maruyama’s Chinese New Year’s dinner party, daughter Emely 6. Mitsuo Maruyama, Philippines Ambassador Manuel Lopez, Moroccan India’s Nat’l Day at the Okura Bldg. on Roppongi Dori. The owner that houses Tully’s is the same with its VIP guest list, family hospitality, and a superbly prepared Ambassador Samir Arrour 7. Swedish Minister Counselor Ulf Sormark, Mary Katayama, 14. French Ambassador Christian Masset and his wife Hélène 15. Indian Minister Sanjay Argentine Ambassador Raul Dejean 8. Utako Arrour, Kaoru Schweisgut, Lilo, Canadian Panoa, his wife Minalti.

JUNE 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2014 24 | SOCIETY | PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 25

11-course dinner by Hilton Tokyo’s popular Dynasty restaurant was her. By the way, she looked gorgeous at the ILBS Ball, which she perfect in every way. In addition to many diplomatic couples, guests once chaired. included a group of really important and always busy ladies. Got an overseas call from someone who spoke good English but with a very French accent. Thought it was a friend who is really good THE HUNGS’ VIETNAMESE NEW YEAR PARTY at accents so joked a bit until I realized it really was world famous I enjoyed wishing friends at the Dynasty dinner a Happy New Year hotelier Xavier Destribits. He ran the Grand Hyatt for seven years (“Gung Hay Fat Choy!”), and a week or so later, I had the opportunity here and moved to Switzerland, where he heads a huge hotel group. to walk over to my neighbors a few minutes from my house and join Anyway Xavier had heard about my health problem and called to see the wall-to-wall friends of Ambassador Doan Xuan Hung, his family “How I was doing.” Really enjoyed talking with him, and he and his and his staff in their New Year’s celebration—“Cung Chuc Tan Nien” wife Tatiana send their best to their many friends here. to all our Vietnamese friends on this festive occasion. The ambiance 1 2 3 at the party was great, with all the guests really enjoying the bountiful JUST TALK buffet (especially the pho noodles), the Vietnamese entertainment and A big and sincere thank you to Lawson convenience stores’ CEO the hosts’ warm hospitality. Many of the ladies there wore the chic Takeshi Nimami. When he learned I was sick he sent me two boxes traditional national dresses—Ao Dai—and they really added color and of an assortment of Lawson’s special bread developed especially for glamour to the special evening. health-conscious people. The bran bread is low in calories and has a lot of fiber. It’s also low in carbohydrates and very popular with PEOPLE ON THE MOVE people suffering from diabetes across Japan. It’s not just good, it’s Years ago, I used to hang out with world-renowned conductor Seiji really recommended by doctors. If you’re curious to give it a try, ask Ozawa, but I hadn’t seen him for a long time. I was really happy to see your Lawson people for their Pan de Slim. and talk with him at Ambassador Kennedy’s party for the Boston Red Sox. A few weeks later, I was watching the classic TV channel #36 and CATCHING OR TRYING TO CATCH UP my timing was perfect. It featured Seiji conducting almost two hours So much has happened over the last few months I managed to mess of Gershwin’s music, including An American in Paris. The concert was things up from time to time. Will try and clear it all up this column. outside and I could hardly believe the number of people there and First, I had a write-up on India’s festive National Day last column. But 4 5 6 how much they all enjoyed the concert by Japan’s master of music. there weren’t any photos, so I’ll run them now. Sorry about that. I should be used to seeing friends leave, but it wasn’t easy when I wasn’t able to get to the Imperial Hotel’s Annual, always first-class, Colombian Ambassador Patricia Cardenas and Zimbabwe Ambassador reception for the media, but the hotel’s PR man, Nacio “Skip” Cronin Stuart Comberbach and his wife Bicky all returned home. These people really worked to get the photos for me (we’ll show them in the next were all real movers and shakers, and for me they were like family. column). Friends who were there told me it was a very special evening Ambassadors are usually here for four years. Patricia was here 7 with truly excellent gourmet food. Skip had some health problems as years, and Stuart and Bicky were here for 11 years. Believe me, they all well, and I’m happy to report he’s much better now. worked wonders in furthering relations and creating understanding A big Kudos to Omani Ambassador Khalid Al-Muslahi, his wife Abeer between Japan and their respective countries. Boy will they all be and their staff on the success of their Oman/Japan student forum missed. culture show at their beautiful Embassy and residence. Long time The Iretons—Bill, his wife Charo, and three of their five kids, friend Takako Shimazu, sister of the Emperor, joined the Al-Muslahis in Roberta, William, and Edward—flew to LA for their son Thomas’s officially opening the super cultural event (we’ll show you the pictures graduation from Loyola Marymount University. He’s interested in film next month!) It was my first party after getting out of the hospital, and production and like all the Ireton kids, graduated with honors. William Abeer made sure I had some of the delicious and healthy Omani food: 7 8 9 will stay in the US and be in New York City, working with the New York talk about good friends. Yankees. Matthew, the oldest, had to pass up on the trip because of his I also wanted to say farewell to Dolly Baker, a longtime friend of heavy showbiz schedule (acting, singing, emceeing, etc.) Corky Alexander and one of the stars of the jazz scene in Tokyo, where One of Tokyo’s most popular ever couples, Ron and Marie she lived from 1961 until 2001. She sang regularly at the American Anderson—they live in the Big Apple now—were back in Club, several international embassies, and at many of Tokyo’s Tokyo and, as always, had a full schedule of breakfasts, jazz clubs; she also cut albums and appeared on TV. She was lunches and dinners in their honor. I did get to have a prominent member of Tokyo’s international community, a coffee break with Maria. She’s a very special lady in and I loved seeing her sing. I was sorry to hear that she had every way, and like everyone who knows her, I really love passed away in April, and I wish her family all the best.

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India’s Nat’l Day at the Okura 1. The popular restauranteur brothers, Pal and Yog Kapoor 2. IIndian C. of C. Ricky Sarani, and Senora Lopez 7. Vietnamese Embassy staff Chucong Huang, his wife Duong Bich Muyen, Jothy Kumar, Yog Kapoor 3. Sri Lankan Ambassador Wasantha Karannagoda, Malaysian Hideko Kudaka Crane 8. The host Vietnamese Ambassador Doan Xuan Hung and VIP guest Ambassador Datuk Shaharuddin 4. Austrian Ambassador Bernhard Zimburg, Indian Ambassador Deepa Wadhwa, Rashim Zimburg. In and Around 9. The Mehndi ceremony for the wedding of Jothy and Anil Kumar’s daughter Tanya to Vietnam New Year’s Party Kristopher Brown 10. The couple arrives at the Sangeet ceremony on a painted elephant 5. The hostess Le Nguyet Nga, Maria Teresa Lopez 6. Philippines Ambassador Manuel 11. Anil Kumar, Tanya Kumar, Kristopher Brown, and Jothy Kumar 12. Dolly Baker, 1922–2014 Wayne Gracyk, William Ireton, and Bill Ireton at Swiss travelers Patrice and Michel at the Former Djibouti Ambassador Rashad Farrah and Legends Bar in Roppongi Seihakusai Festival in Nanao, Ishikawa-ken Kuwaiti Ambassador Abdul Al-Otaibi.

JUNE 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2014 MOVIES EXPAT LIFE | WEEKENDER | 27 COMING TO A CINEMA NEAR YOU IN JUNE

JUN 14 NOAH here was a time when Biblical epics were the biggest event pictures THollywood had to offer, with the likes of The Ten Commandments and Ben Hur boasting the biggest budgets, the hottest stars, and the grandest visuals. Long having fallen out of fashion, films in this genre occasionally appear, often whipping up a storm of controversy in their wake, as was the case with Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. The story of Noah is less likely to cause much controversy, unless you take issue with just how true to scale the Ark should be. Russell Crowe takes up the role of the man tasked by God to make an ark to carry two animals of every kind and repopulate the earth after a great flood arrives to purify the land. Darren Aronofsky is the man behind the camera, the gifted director who first came to attention with grueling drug addiction drama Requiem for a Dream before courting Academy Awards success with The Wrestler and Black Swan. Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Watson fill out the cast of thesps helping and hindering Noah in his monumental task.

JUN 6 HER JUN 6 he Academy Awards wrapped up back in March but it’s often a long T wait for all the Oscar heavy-hitters to reach Japanese shores. June sees the last of the Best Picture nominees finally released with the arrival of Spike Jonze’s Her. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore Twombly, a lonely man unable to fully connect with the people around him. Theodore purchases a new artificially THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL intelligent operating system with a female POMPEII irector Wes Anderson is one of voice and personality with which he iven the globe-conquering success the most idiosyncratic directors eventually starts a relationship. The film of Game of Thrones, it was only a Dworking today. For years he has been was directed, written and produced by G matter of time before cast members delivering his own brand of oddly touching Jonze, the maker of the brilliant Being John started breaking away to film projects. Peter cinema with a distinct visual style and a Malkovich, and co-stars Amy Adams and the Dinklage, (Tyrion Lannister), appeared in talent for bringing together large casts of voice of Scarlett Johansson as Samantha, last month’s X-Men offering, Nickolaj Coster- top acting talent in quirky roles. Throughout Theodore’s digital love interest. Waldau (Jamie Lannister) was in the Tom his career, Anderson has demonstrated a Cruise sci-fi blockbuster Oblivion and Lena knack for creating wonderfully complex JUN 28 Headey (Cersei Lannister) can be seen in narratives that are funny, sad and endlessly this month’s fantasy sequel 300: Rise of an imaginative. The Grand Budapest Hotel stars Empire (out June 20). One of the youngest Ralph Fiennes as Gustave, the concierge stars of the show is Kit Harrington (Jon of an opulent hotel in a fictional European Snow), who’s stepped off of the The Wall and country, who teams up with a lobby boy to into the ancient Roman Empire for Pompeii, prove his innocence after being framed for murder. The film has a huge cast featuring a Gladiator-meets-300 action adventure many Wes Anderson regulars including Bill that sees a slave fighting for the woman he Murray, Willem Defoe, Jason Schartzman, loves (Emily Browning) in the shadow of an Tilda Swinton and Owen Wilson. exploding volcano.

www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2014 JUNE | AGENDA | 29 AGENDA JUNE 1 9

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STAR RANCH 5 12 ANGUS FILLET AGENDA: THE WEEKENDER ROUNDUP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JUNE ENJOY A JUICY, FLAME-GRILLED, 1 JUN 18 2 JUN 14 3 JUN 13 4 JUN 14-15 9 UNTIL JUN 15 10 JUN 7-8 AMERICAN TENDERLOIN STEAK. COOKED TLC Outlook Festival Japan Realmusic Tokyo 2014 Asean Festival 2014 Short Shorts Film Festival Tokyo Festival of JUST HOW YOU LIKE IT AND SERVED Remaining TLC members Launch Party Sponsored by Real Madrid’s The Association of Whether you’re looking Modular T-Boz and Chilli will show Dub Phizix & Strategy, official energy drink, this Southeast Asian Nations to catch the next big Learn about the WITH 2 SIDES OF YOUR CHOICE. you that they still don’t want no Dillinja, P Money and Royal T will party presents Jungle Brothers, Black team up for a two-day extravaganza Japanese director or go in for British technology behind electronic music scrubs, and that they still got it. give you a preview of the largest Sheep and Hifana. filled with a plethora of dishes, music black comedy, there’s something with international artists including Where: Akasaka Blitz, Akasaka bass music and soundsystem Where: AgeHa and live performances. for everyone to enjoy with this huge Richard Devine and Black Zenith. FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY! How Much: ¥9,000 - ¥18,000 (2F seating) culture festival in Europe. How Much: ¥4,800 (adv.)/¥5,500 (door) Where: Yoyogi Park, Shibuya collection of short films. Where: Super Deluxe, Nishi-Azabu (Available Until June 30th) More info: www.tokyoweekender.com Where: AgeHa | How Much: ¥6,500 More info: www.ageha.com How Much: Free Where: Tokyo and Yokohama (check site) How much: ¥2,500-¥4,500 More info: www.outlookfestival.jp More info: www.aseanfestival.jp How Much: Free More info: www.tokyoweekender.com More info: www.shortshorts.org/2014/en 5 JUN 27 6 JUN 21 7 JUN 13 8 JUN 28 11 JUN 14 12 JUN 21 Todd Terje Tokyo Yamathon Sanno Matsuri Resident Advisor at Bonjour Tokyo Summer Fussa Firefly Festival Norwegian disco at its The “ultimate urban One of Tokyo’s three biggest AgeHa Tahitian Party Catch the ephemeral best, with the “king of challenge” where teams festivals, this week-long Levon Vincent, Eddie Don your favorite Hawaiian glowing critters in this summer jams” as part of the Red compete to walk or run through celebration features huge processions C and DJ Sodeyama will warm up or Tiki shirts for this summer preview 49th annual festival. While the Bull Academy’s up-and-coming Tokyo visiting all 29 stations of the of costumed revelers, portable shrines, the crowd at the popular Resident party: even if it rains, the atmosphere short-lived wonders only appear at artists event. famous JR Yamanote train line. and riders on horseback. Drop by Hie Advisor night. will be hot. nighttime, visitors are welcome for Where: Womb, Shibuya Where: Start/Finish at Tokyo International Shrine throughout the week before for Where: AgeHa, Shin-Kiba Where: Tokyo Salon, Omotesando an all-day celebration. How Much: ¥3,500 Forum How Much: ¥10,000 per team various cultural activities. How much: ¥4,250 (adv.) How Much: ¥2,000 (includes one drink) Where: Fussa Hotaru Park More info: www.womb.co.jp More info: www.tokyo-yamathon/com Where: Hie Shrine (Tameike-Sanno Station) More info: www.ageha.com More info: www.bonjourtokyo.com How Much: Free How Much: Free More info: www.jnto.go.jp More info: www.fussakanko.jp

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BACK IN THE DAY: JUNE 1989 Call us now for a free consultation Check out the scene in Tokyo from 1989! You can read the rest of this issue (No.21 1989) and view Web: www.vacationveranda.com | Email: info@ vacationveranda.com | Tel: 090-5211-0053 Weekender’s 42-year archive online. www.tokyoweekender.com/weekender-archives/