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Vol.41 No.14 Aug 6th–Aug 19th, 2010 www.weekenderjapan.com Including Japan’s largest online classifieds

Defining (or Not) the Self Through Art ’s City Within a City Sustainable Living Near Mt. Fuji

Win a pair of scooters or water shoes! See pages 29 & 31 Taken Left-Behind Parents Fight for Their Children Healthy and Nutritious Vegetarian Foods Delivered to your home

European Style Spinach Curry Bolognese Demi-glace Lasagna Curry ‘Hamburger’ 150g - ¥630 150g - ¥480 130g - ¥430 150g - ¥420 240g - ¥580 no egg • no milk no egg • no milk no egg • no milk no egg • no milk no egg • no milk frozen for frozen for frozen for frozen for frozen for convenience convenience convenience convenience convenience Coming Soon

Soy ‘Ham’ Vegetable Cutlet 120g- ¥260 40g / 5 pieces • ¥550 800g - ¥1500 no egg • no milk no egg • no milk frozen for frozen for convenience convenience Coming Soon www.sofafoods.jp Tel: 03-5284-8136 • Head Office, Akasaka, Minato Ku, 7-5-34-110 CONTENTS Volume 41 Number 14

Aug 6th–Aug 19th, 2010

4 Up My Street 5 5-9 Arts & Entertainment

10-11 Tokyo Tables

12-13 Fashion

14-15 Business

16-19 Feature: Taken 20-21 Weekender Bulletin Board 16 22-23 Real Estate

24-27 Parties, People & Places

28-29 Families

30-31 Products 32-33 Healthy & Responsible Living 30 34 Back in the Day

PUBLISHER Ray Pedersen CONTRIBUTORS Kevin Jungnitsch, Sara Kanematsu, Sam Griffen, EDITOR Kelly Wetherille Deborah Im, J.K. Whelehan, Ian de Stains OBE, Dave Kublinsky DESIGNER R. Paul Seymour WEB DEVELOPER Ricardo Costa EST. Corky Alexander and Susan Scully, 1970 MEDIA MANAGER Tomas Castro MEDIA CONSULTANTS Mary Rudow, Pia von Waldau OFFICE Weekender Magazine, 5th floor, Regency Shinsaka Building, RESEARCHERS Rene Angelo Pascua 8-5-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Stephen Young Tel. 03-6846-5615 Fax: 03-6846-5616 Email: [email protected] CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Owen Schaefer (Arts), Bill Hersey (Society), Stephen Parker (Products), Elisabeth Lambert (Health & Original cover photo by Frank Jakobi Eco), Darrell Nelson (Sustainable Business)

Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors are not necessarily www.weekenderjapan.com those of the publisher.

3 WEEKENDER // Up My Street

This neighborhood in central Tokyo is famous for its variety of books—and Up My Street visits righteously so. For lovers of the written word Jimbocho is a gem, with a seemingly endless supply of everything from beloved paperbacks to longer or more scholarly tomes. The area offers everything from second-hand bookshops, where shoppers can nab truly rare finds, all way to the latest novels in multistory book houses. In fact, the streets are so completely lined with bookstores that one can easily get caught browsing for hours. Jimbocho by Kevin Jungnitsch is also home to some of Japan’s biggest publishers, which round it out as the country’s true center for print media.

Bohemian’s Guild Books Sanseido Uogashi Sakaba Jimbocho Uohyaku Izakaya 1-1 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku 1-1 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku Tel: 03-3294-3300 Tel: 03-3233-3312 1-2 Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku www.natsume-books.com www.books-sanseido.co.jp Tel: 03-3291-1295

Jimbocho is filled with secondhand bookstores, This six-story store stands at the center of For those who head down to Jimbocho in the but this little one sticks out. Enter Bohemian’s Jimbocho’s paperback neighborhood. Here later afternoon or early evening, this small iza- Guild and you will be amazed by the eclectic, visitors can find just about any book that is kaya offers a great way to end a day of shopping multilingual selection that it has to offer. The published in Japan. And for those after titles and browsing. The wooden exterior is an imme- store smells a bit like your grandparents’ in other languages, look no further. While diate eye catcher, and the small but comfy in- attic, but that’s because it stocks decades-old the foreign language selection is largely in terior creates a lively, inviting atmosphere. The literature, much of which is still in mint condition. English, there is an impressive offering— place offers a variety of small snacks as well as Although the selection is still predominantly probably one of Tokyo’s biggest—and it some slightly bigger dishes, with a combination Japanese, there is a surprising number of quality doesn’t end with books. Need the latest of both Western and Japanese cuisine. Food English language books, as well as a few titles in issue of BusinessWeek or Vogue? Sanseido and drinks are both reasonably priced, and Spanish, French and German. Shoppers will find has it, although for the typically marked-up especially in the searing hot summer weather, that taking the time to explore the shelves may Japanese prices. The novels and language a fresh draft beer will be much appreciated by just be worthwhile, with plenty of diamonds in books, however, are decently priced and are many. Don’t let the difficult name discourage the rough waiting to discovered. definitely worth checking out. you from having checking it out!

Ph ot os b y How will you be K e v spending your summer in J u vacation, or obon? n 3 g 1. Brett, a chef from Canada: “I’ll be n i t s

c

using the time off to catch up on sleep.” h 1 2. Janick, a teacher from France: “I will be going Word back to France to visit friends and family.” 3. Wes, a husband from the US: “We’re on the not sure yet, but hopefully we’ll find a Street... way to have fun and stay cool!”

2

For more write-ups on Tokyo neighborhoods, go to 4 WEEKENDER www.weekenderjapan.com/upmystreet // Arts & Entertainment Selling the Self Short Naoki Fukuhara + Takashi Fukaya + Masahiko Sato “you < goldfish” Antony Gormley “Home of the heart I”

by Owen Schaefer

One thing I enjoy in an exhibition is a solidly explored concept; a show The Definition of Self will not be the first exhibition to suffer from cloy- that works like an essay, laying out its thesis, arguments and conclusion. ing explanatory placards, of course, but what makes this fault more an- Occasionally, however, one runs across a show which, in the name of its noying than usual is the fact that Definition is otherwise quite good. It ‘theme,’ attempts to hammer a universe of ideas into too small a mold. touches on data collection, self-image, privacy, and the gaze of others; And 21_21 Design Sight’s latest show, The Definition of Self, is wielding and it’s a coherent exhibition with plenty of potential. It only stumbles in exactly that kind of hammer. its attempt to distill all of its complex ideas down to its single so-called keyword. It’s a bit like taking a guided tour of a museum, during which The Definition of Self is a highly interactive show, and one that may push the guide only talks about the architecture. your personal privacy envelope, since the first thing you are asked to do is give your name, weight and height to the gallery for use in several of But there is plenty more to see here. The show begins by breaking down the interactive works to follow. These bits of data will follow you, pop- notions of identity, adding participants’ details to the pool of information ping up in connection with your identity in some places, or in comparison from other visitors, then establishes methods of identification you may with other people. But don’t worry; participation in the info-gathering is never have considered (the measurement of your contours, your heart- entirely voluntary. beat, your cornea), and finally examines your identity as a thing viewed by others. In Peeping Hole, for example, you peer at a beach scene through Once measured and identified, viewers proceed downstairs, where they a peephole, while a device tracks your eye movements and projects the are promptly fingerprinted at Masahiko Sato and Takashi Kiriyama’s exact spot that you are looking at for everyone else to see, revealing Pool of Fingerprints, then processed through a series of gates called something that would otherwise be private. The Nominal Divide, which classify audience members by categories of male/female, over/under 30, and, to be cute, smiling/blank. Here you are Sato could have encouraged more challenging questions simply by allowed to chose your gate, but a computer algorithm working from a being a little less verbose―there are plenty of other readings there for camera above you has the final say, and may send you through the op- those who look. The slightly didactic feel of the show isn’t a failure of posite gate whether you like it or not. the works, but rather a failure to give the audience enough credit. But fittingly enough, the strengths of the show allow it to write its own defini- The designer behind all this is Masahiko Sato, and many of the works are tion by the end. collaborations between himself and various others artists and designers, with a few nicely chosen works from artists such as Antony Gormley and Tomoko Yoneda. Show: The Definition of Self (to Nov 3) But Sato also insists on basing the exhibition around the word zokusei― Gallery: ( station) which translates as ‘attributes.’ And this is where the show gets repeti- 21_21 Design Sight tive, because descriptions of the works use the word ‘attributes’ over and Hours: 11am–8pm (closed Tue) Admission: ¥1,000 over, just to make sure you get the point. And you will. Over and over. Tel: 03-3475-2121 www.2121designsight.jp // WEEKENDER 5 Arts & Entertainment Photo by OiMax » Tokyo Happenings by Sara Kanematsu Photo courtesy of Kyodo

In the Heights Samba Carnival

Winner of four Tony Awards including best musical, Lin-Manuel Held annually in August since 1981, this festival is an exciting, colorful Miranda’s In The Heights is now coming to Tokyo featuring the origi- event that unites samba lovers from all over Japan and brings the streets of nal Broadway cast. Set in a lively New York City community, the story Asakusa alive with true Brazilian flair. The main event is the samba parade, in follows three days in the lives of its characters and explores the which teams compete for prizes by putting on remarkable demonstrations of importance of dreams, hopes and most of all, home. With an energetic great technical skill in dazzling costumes. The parade starts in the afternoon cast that has already won rave reviews, compelling characters and a and usually goes on for several hours, with teams often choreographing their heartwarming story line, the musical delivers on all fronts. Featuring dances to specific themes and including extravagant floats as part of their a vibrant musical score that includes genres such as hip-hop, salsa, demonstrations. While the dancing is the main attraction, the carnival is a merengue and soul, along with choreography that is sure to thrill, this treat not only for the eyes but also for the ears, as the sounds of skilled musi- is a musical experience not to be missed. cians are sure to make even onlookers want to join in!

Aug 20–Sep 5, various times Tickets: ¥8,000–¥12,000 Aug 28, 1:30–6pm Admission: Free Nearest station: Yurakucho www.intheheights.jp Nearest station: Asakusa www.asakusa-samba.jp/top.htm Photo courtesy of Creativeman Photo by d’n’c

Philip Selway Tokyo Koenji Awaodori Festival

Best known for his role as drummer of the English alternative rock One of Tokyo’s largest summer festivals, this thrilling and lively event band Radiohead—perhaps most famous for the song Creep—Philip features over 12,000 dances in about 188 groups (known as ren) Selway is now on tour to promote his debut solo album. Titled Familial, parading through the Koenji streets along nine set routes. Dancers the album is set to be released August 30 and will feature collabora- perform the awaodori, a traditional dance after which the festival is tions with artists such as Wilco’s Glenn Kotche and singer-songwriter named that originated in the Tokushima prefecture of Shikoku Island Lisa Germano. The album is said to have a stronger focus on his over 400 years ago. Some believe that the awaodori began as a cel- singing and songwriting, and Selway’s official website is now offering ebratory dance when the Tokushima Castle was completed in 1587, free downloads of a track from Familial called By Some Miracle. If the while others believe it originated from the obon dances performed to song—subtle, haunting and strangely enchanting—is any indication of honor the spirits of the dead. Each ren features distinctive costumes what to expect from his live performance, then audiences are sure to and routines which, accompanied by traditional festival music, create be in for a treat. a dazzling, vibrant spectacle and a guaranteed good time.

Aug 26, 7pm Tickets: ¥5,500 Aug 28–29 Admission: Free Nearest station: Tel: 03-3462-6969 Nearest station: Koenji www.koenji-awaodori.com/indexEn.html 6 WEEKENDER // // Arts & Entertainment Parmigianino (Antea) Museo di Capodimonte

WEB GRAPHIC PRINT MULTIMEDIA

Masterpieces from the Museum of Capodimonte

Located in the Palace of Capodimonte and recognized as one of Italy’s finest museums, the Museum of Capodimonte began in 1738 when King Charles VII required a place to keep his Farnese art collection, inherited from his mother Elisabeth Farnese. This vast collection features art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as 17th century Neapolitan paintings, and has been open to the public since 1957. The selection at the National Museum of Western Art in features approximately 80 remark- able pieces of artwork, making an exhibition not to be missed by art lovers.

Jun 26–Sep 26 Admission: ¥1,500 Nearest station: Ueno www.nmwa.go.jp/en/exhibitions/ current.html

More Happenings...

Music Aug 8, 12:30pm, Yume no Shima bulbous cell. World Happiness 2010 Park, Shin-Kiba, Tel: 03-5720-9999 / Clémentine Aug 8–11, various times, Blue Note, Minami Aoyama, Tel: 03-5485-0088 / Elliot Minor Aug 9, 7pm, Unit, Daikanyama, Tel: 03-3462-6969 / Air Supply Aug 14–15, various times, Billboard Live, Roppongi, Tel: 03-3405-1133 / The Three Degrees Aug 20–22, various times, Billboard Live, Roppongi, Tel: 03-3405-1133

Stage Rock’n’Roll Aug 3–29, various times, Setagaya Public Theater, Sangenjaya, Tel: 03-3490-4949 / Walking With Dinosaurs Aug 5–8, various times, Saitama Super Arena, Tel: 05-7000-3337 / TACT/Festival Tokyo Aug 6–15, various times, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space, , Tel: 03-5391-2111 / Spicy, Sour and Sweet Aug 13–15, various times, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space, Ikebukuro, Tel: 03-5985-1707 / Drumstruck Aug 17–29, various times, The Galaxy Theatre, Tennozu, Tel: 03-3490-4949

Festivals Sumiyoshi Jinja Shrine Annual Festival Aug 6–8, DESIGN Tsukishima, Tel: 03-3531-3500 / Edogawa-ku Fireworks Display, Aug 7, 7:15pm, Kami-shinozaki, Tel: 03-3652-1151 / Tokyo Bay Fireworks Display, Aug 14, 7pm, Harumi, Tel: 03-3248-1561 for a free quote, call /Jingu Gaien Fireworks Display, Aug 19, 7:30pm, Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tel: 03-3547-0900 03 6846 5615 www.bulbouscell.com

For Tokyo’s largest English events calendar, go to //weekenderjapan.com/tokyohappenings WEEKENDER 7 Arts & Entertainment Sports World Cup Half Full

Photo by Jamie McDonald, © 2010 Getty Images Photo by Cameron Spencer, © 2010 Getty Images

by Sam Griffen Netherlands, Germany and Spain into the semifinals. The Netherlands narrowly beat Uruguay 3-2 while Spain outlasted Germany 1-0 to set up I’ll be the first to admit I’m not much of a soccer fan. The fact that I call a Spain-Netherlands final in South Africa. And, proving that their posi- it ‘soccer’ and not the more widely used ‘football’ is a testament to my tion as the favorites of the 2010 tournament was no lie, Spain took home American ignorance about the sport. I’m not saying all Americans are its first World Cup by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in an intense over- naive to this worldly game, but for reasons unknown it has never really time on the backs of superstars Carles Puyol, David Villa and Andrés captured much of an American audience, hindered by sports like base- Iniesta, who scored the clinching goal and won Man of the Match. ball, basketball and ‘American football.’ As for other awards, Diego Forlan of Uruguay won the Golden Ball, the However, once every four years, something magical happens across the award given to the tournament’s overall best player, and Germany’s world. Every person who once called themselves uninterested or unin- Thomas Mueller won the Golden Boot, the award given to the tourna- volved in the game of soccer gets captured, mesmerized by the fantastic ment’s best scorer, as well as the Best Young Player Award. Spain’s Iker intensity of the World Cup. In some ways, the passion and excitement Casillas won the Golden Glove, given to the best goalkeeper, and the exceeds that of the storied Olympic Games, with teams teetering on Spain team won the FIFA Fair Play Award to go with their World Cup. the tightrope between advancement and elimination and a tournament It was as gripping a tournament as ever, and I can safely say that my parity that is unmatched by any other. In simpler terms, it is the single interest in the sport has been significantly heightened simply because most enticing and unpredictable sporting event the world has to offer, of how enjoyable it is to watch and I just feel privileged to be allowed to watch it despite my lack of knowledge about the game. Overall, Spain conquered all others and won their first World Cup, but that has never been what the tournament is about. The real essence This year, things were just as exciting as always at the World Cup in of the tournament is the way it brings countries together, using the South Africa. In the group stage, teams like South Korea and Japan entertainment, tenacity and beauty of sports to accomplish something shocked the world by advancing convincingly to the second round, while that even the most gifted of politicians would be unable to do. Every typically stronger squads like 2006’s finalists France and Italy surprised four years, for a single month, the problems of our world are eradicated in a different way by bowing out. And, though my loyalties lie with the and all that remains is a group of people playing with a ball. Having Blue , I was also very pleasantly surprised to see the United fun. Through all the yellow cards and red cards and tough eliminations States escape the brutal group stage and snatch a spot in the Round of is a single game, uniting a world that understands the significance of 16. It was then that stronger nations like Germany and Brazil put away becoming one in the interest of soccer. their opponents with ease, while to my disdain both Japan and the US were eliminated in two of the most heart-wrenching defeats of the tour- Alright, fine, in the interest of football. Here’s one American who has nament. From there, four more exciting games brought Uruguay, the been converted.

8 WEEKENDER Arts & Entertainment

WEEKENDER 9

// Photo by Kelly Wetherille Kelly by Photo - - 2F, 5-16-3 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku Hiroo, 5-16-3 2F, 03-3442-1865 Tel: www.la-jolla.jp Open Wed–Mon for lunch (11:30am– for Open Wed–Mon and 2pm, until 3pm on weekends holidays) and dinner (5–10:30pm) La Jolla, La Hiroo Wetherille Kelly by in up growing foods spicy for penchant natural a with eating American an childhood Being my spent I country, the of areas diverse least the of visit one friends when days These could. possibly I as often get as can dishes one not Mexican or whether is asked am I questions first the of one by Tokyo, enamored so are Japanese the Luckily, here. meal Mexican decent a yes. is answer the that kinds all of food tasty of portions good-sized up offers Jolla La that heard On had I While recently. until restaurant the tried actually hadn’t I favorites, Mexican street, shopping main Hiroo’s overlooking building a of floor be— second the should restaurant Mexican a way the decorated is interior Jolla’s La som flags, posters, photos, colorful and mix-matched of plethora a and with welcoming, and friendly are staff The memorabilia. other and breros available. menu English an is there spoken, is English much not while a offers Jolla La variety, for desire a or appetite large a with those For tortilla nachos, cheese including person, per ¥2,625 for menu tea. or course coffee and dessert, fajita, enchilada, or taco a salad, taco soup, something for go to decided we tempting, definitely was option this menu, While combination the from ordered and scale in modest more bit a dishes main popular of range a from choose to diners enables of which best the for Hoping beans. refried and rice Mexican by The accompanied (¥1,680). taco beef and enchilada chicken a for opted I worlds, both the just with perfection to seasoned and cooked shredded, was chicken typi the in smothered was enchilada the and kick, spicy of amount right cal red sauce and an ample amount of melted cheese. Complemented by by Complemented cheese. melted of amount ample an and sauce red cal moment—that a for only think—if me made actually it beans, and The rice home. the back restaurants Tex-Mex favorite my of one in with dining was shell I crispy its of brim the to filled disappoint, not did well as taco and cheese shredded with topped then beef, seasoned and lettuce fresh salsa. Mexican one dishes Mexican typical the all includes menu extensive Jolla’s La (¥945 tacos tofu as such options vegetarian as well as expect, would its for known also is It (¥1,050). chimichangas vegetable and two) for tequilas quality high of variety and (¥840–¥1,050) margaritas is it as flavored drinks for choice a good as just it making shot), the per and (¥420–¥1,260 arranged, be also can people 35 to up of parties Private food. for specific customers’ on depending menu a customize will management limitations. budget and requests , - - ochazuke mochi , as well aswell as , Photos by Deborah Im by Deborah Photos hojicha soba served on ice,sobaservedon zaru B1F Tokyo Midtown Galleria Midtown Tokyo B1F Minato-ku Akasaka, 9-7-3 03-5413-0396 Tel: www.kyo-hayashiya.com -

milk, served hot or cold, delivers a deliciousdeliverscold,milk,aservedor healthyhot and

matcha WEEKENDER (11am–9pm) Open daily Withseveralbranchesin including convenoneTokyo, and a seasonalaand lunchthatincludesset tea-infused servedwithrice soup,fish, various pickles marinatedand dishes.With mealset,dinerstheanyhave optionchoosingKyo ofofone deliciousHayashiya’s dessert hundred few ajust parfaitsfor more. yen insidelocatedientlyTokyo Hayashiyaa Midtown,is Kyo relaxing,oasis from serene humidandweather. hotthe dose of green tea, which is packedwithantioxidants.whichtea,is green doseofDining options tea greeninclude achoices suchas The set meals.set The hot, muggy days of the Tokyo summer are upon us. One way to wayOneuponus. summer are Tokyo thehot,muggyThedaysof mountain’giganticdessertheat? toppedshavedbeattheAice ‘snow Kyo from cream softserveice withcondensedtea greenmilkand Hayashiya.otherdelights,Underneath are shavedmoundiceofthe includingsyrup,chewyteaandbeans,sweetened green red deliciousmostthein indownballs. way youOtheroptionscool to coldextensiveHayashiya menuofanhas Kyo Tokyo, infoundsertI’ve teas,dessertshotandincorporating or tea green Akasaka DeborahbyIm Kyo Hayashiya, Hayashiya, Kyo Originally founded in Kyoto, Kyo Hayashiya has been a purveyor of allpurveyorof Hayashiyabeena has Kyo Originally Kyoto,founded in desshavediceadditionlargest1753.the sinceIn teathings to green clude parfaits made with layers of fruit, green tea mousse, green teamousse, cludegreenteaparfaitsfruit, madewithlayersofgreen greenrich, creamyofbowlsimple a whipped andorcream,cream ice cream. ice softserveortea Tokyo Tables TokYo Tables 10 // Tokyo Tables Tomato Pairings

by J.K. Whelehan

Have you ever tried matching wine to a tomato? Surprisingly enough, it can be a useful exercise to explain some of the concepts of wine and food matching.

Tomatoes on their own (and depending on how they are cooked) generally go well with whites, just like other vegetables. Sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes, a personal favorite, tend to go well with full whites with a soft acidity, such as a chardonnay from a warm climate. How- ever, with less ripe tomatoes you would probably need a wine with a fresher acidity like a sauvignon blanc. If you like to experiment, try to match with some slightly chilled light reds. As fruit ripens, sweetness goes up and acidity goes down, and so broadly speaking you are trying to match these components in the tomatoes to the wine.

If you are looking at matching with dishes where tomatoes are used as a sauce, you then need to consider other factors. Tomato sauce tends to be a mixture of chopped up tomatoes, salt, pepper and some herbs. So for example take ratatouille, typically a mixture of veg- etables (including tomatoes). If you added such a tomato sauce to a pre-made ratatouille, you will find that the dish goes well with whites or light reds, though you should find your first choice will still be a full white with a soft acidity. The additional factor here, however, is the serving temperature. Ratatouille is normally served slightly chilled in summer, a factor which contributes to it pairing with whites. Here again you can try to match this dish with slightly chilled light reds, too. In this case, add more tomatoes and serve the ratatouille at a higher temperature than when served with whites. As a broad rule of thumb, chilled food goes better with white wine, while hot dishes invite reds.

Moving this theme one step forward, you could take the same tomato sauce, and by adding minced pork and beef meat, garlic and a little bit of jalapeño, the selection of wine moves from medium to full bodied reds. In summary, with tomatoes and in general vegetables, the more they are processed (fermented, cooked, etc.). the fuller the wine. So no matter how you pronounce it, you now have matched the tomato to the full range of whites to reds.

J.K. Whelehan is a Tokyo-based wine expert and writer, as well as co- author of the best-selling book Japanese Dishes for Wine Lovers, pub- lished by Kodansha and available from Amazon. Photo courtesy of J.K. Whelehan courtesy Photo

For more restaurant and bar reviews, go to //weekenderjapan.com/tokyotables WEEKENDER 11 F a s h i o n

On Tuesday, August 10, Japanese handbag that has been growing steadily more popular and accessory brand Samantha Thavasa as fashion and luxury companies continue When will join the ranks of fashion companies to look for new and unique ways to promote that have branched out into the area of and sell their products. Tokyo has more than food. The first-ever Samantha Thavasa its fair share of such establishments, so Fashion Sweets & Travel shop, which will be part for those looking for a stylish way to spend café, part clothing and accessories store, an afternoon or evening, there are plenty of and part takeout sweet shop, will open in the options to choose from. Be aware, however, Meets departure lounge in Terminal 1 at Haneda that customers pay for the experience of airport. While such a concept store within dining in such a fashionable, luxurious the confines of an airport may be unique, the setting, so true foodies may well find many Food merging of food with fashion is something of these places overpriced. by Kelly Wetherille

Samantha Thavasa Sweets & Travel

The latest addition to Tokyo’s roster of fashion cafés will also sell select clothing and accessories, including limited editions such as a collection of Disney collaboration totes. 3-3-2 Haneda Airport, Ota-ku Tel: 03-5757-8164 (from Aug 10)

Photo courtesy of Samantha Thavasa

Bulgari Il Ristorante, Il Bar & La Terrazza Lounge

Above the shop floors in ’s Bulgari tower are a restaurant, a bar, and what is possibly Tokyo’s best outdoor rooftop terrace...perfect for enjoying a cocktail on a summer afternoon. 2-7-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tel: 03-6362-0555

Bulgari Il Café and Il Cioccolato

Across town in Omotesando is Bulgari’s other set of Tokyo eating establishments, a chic cafe and chocolate shop, where delicate confections are displayed like jewelry. Gyre 2F, 5-10-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku Tel: 03-6362-0500

Photo by mrkhgk

12 WEEKENDER F a s h i o n Beige Alain Ducasse

Yet another Ginza landmark, the tenth floor of the Chanel building is home to chef Alain Ducasse’s Michelin one-star French restaurant Beige, which is decorated with authentic Chanel fabrics. 3-5-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tel: 03-5159-5501

Armani Ristorante

The Armani Tower in Ginza is home not only to a huge, multi-level shop, but also to an Italian restaurant, a spa, and a members-only club and bar area. 5-5-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tel: 03-6274-7005

Gucci Café

This café in Gucci’s Ginza building offers monogrammed Gucci chocolates and cakes, as well as coffee drinks, champagne and more, all in a sumptuous gold and brown wood setting. 4-4-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tel: 03-3562-8111

Photo by kawanet Café Comme Ça

Comme Ça was one of the first local brands to venture into food, and now its cafés are known for some of the best cakes and tarts money can buy. Additional locations in Shibuya, Ikebukuro, etc. 3-26-6 , Shinjuku-ku Tel: 03-5367-3113

WEEKENDER 13 B u s i n e s s

THE VIEW FROM HERE by Ian de Stains OBE Photo by prakhar have extended the average life-expectancy to a remarkable extent. In many cases, too, those same advantages mean that the quality of longer life is better than it ever has been. But it remains, when all’s said and done, a great game of Russian roulette. The proverbial big red bus could run us over at our very next outing.

Which is why, as I have grown older, I’ve come to understand the wisdom of living life in the moment. The now is all we have and it is very fleet- ing. The past is gone; nothing we can do will change it. As for the future, despite all attempts to predict it, it is a perfect unknown; by the time we arrive there, it will be our now.

So I try to be mindful of this; to let those people in my life who matter know how important they are to me; to attempt to operate from a center of unconditional love; to not leave unsaid what I would ulti- mately regret not saying.

Years of contemplation, of reading the great thinkers and meditating on what they conclude have helped me find that center in my own life. To my great surprise, I recently came across a book that helped me define the place I’d arrived at by trial and error and that I am sure will help Letting Go others find a much more straightforward way forward.

The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion by Christopher K Germer, PhD is News comes of a friend’s untimely passing. It is not exactly unex- part scientific analysis, part background manual, and most of all,a pected—he’s been bravely fighting a highly invasive and aggressive step-by-step handbook to developing self-compassion on a daily basis. disease for some months—but it is somehow shocking, nevertheless, The importance of doing this is so that you can live more fully in the if only because I’m older than him by a number of years and this isn’t present moment. Magically, it transpires, learning to be kind to your- the way it is supposed to be. I think of his wife and his son and rage self—without judgement and self-blame—is the way to developing a at the injustice of it; at my own inadequacy to say anything that could healthy psyche of the sort that will make a real difference in your own possibly be of comfort. life as well as those around you.

It is also a stark reminder that we all “like chimney sweepers, come to Ian de Stains is the executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce dust,” and none of us can be certain just when that will be. For those of in Japan. The views expressed in this column are strictly his own and are us in the so-called developed world, medical advances and technology not necessarily endorsed by or shared by the Chamber.

// B u s i n e s s

C-Level Profiles / Executives in Japan Photo by Milana Bosnic EdwardDaiji Hanaoka Suzuki

of Total Immersion (www.t-immersion.com)

A bicultural background and years of experience in the IT and software industry gave Daiji Hanaoka the preparation he needed to establish and run the Tokyo office of Total Immersion. He and his staff are at the cutting edge of an exciting young industry called AR, or augmented reality, working with both Japanese and multinational clients across a broad range of industries.

What is your background and how did you arrive at your current position? often developed its own standards and platforms. The country is quite reluctant to use global standards, and mostly wants the market to be I grew up in Paris, France as a half French and Japanese national, and I treated in a local manner. Long term relationships and partnerships are arrived in Tokyo in 1997 when I was 20 years old. I did a few part time jobs key for the development of a successful business strategy in Japan. There before I found my vocation in sales, marketing, business development, and are always key players to work with and rules to respect in order to enter management. For more than ten years I have worked in the computer and the Japanese market. software industry. I had a few sales management positions in leading soft- ware business applications companies including Hyperion (now Oracle), I also think that there is a lack of leadership in corporate governance. This Cartesis (now SAP), and Nuance Communications. In April of this year I is mostly due to the fact that in Japanese culture, decisions are made by a decided to stop working in the business applications area in order to join group and not individually. The most challenging thing is to find solutions the leading AR (augmented reality) solutions company, called Total Immer- that reconcile the difference between a company’s business policy and the sion, and to set up their Japanese operation. Japanese culture.

Can you tell us a bit about your company? What sets your company apart from its competitors?

Total Immersion is the global leader in AR and a pioneer in commercial- There are several different AR technologies nowadays. The main innova- izing this technology. Augmented reality technology integrates 3D objects tive AR technology is called ‘markerless,’ as it can recognize an image into live video; the video is digitally processed and ‘augmented’ with the 3D by its contrasts and colors, or a 3D object by its shapes. Since 1999 Total components. In other words, this digital processing mixes real and virtual Immersion has provided customers with professional augmented reality worlds together in real time. Recently, this technology finally reached solutions with its patented D’Fusion platform, which does markerless maturity in the consumer market. tracking as well as face and hand tracking. Beside recognizing and tracking almost everything, users can get an amazing experience with The era of social media, web2.0 and announced web3.0, user generated the face tracking for many entertainment purposes, as well as being content, internet and mobile generation, interactive and digital immer- able to control images in a screen by moving your hands in the air like in sion associated with favorable devices and network evolutions is today the the movie Minority Report with Tom Cruise. You do not even need digital perfect grounds for massive augmented reality deployments. Total Immer- gloves to do it! Our technology is considered to be the most robust, scal- sion is now the main AR platform for both computers and mobile phones. able and reliable augmented reality platform.

What do you think are the main differences between What do you do in your spare time? the Japanese and international markets? Recently, I have been so busy that I have had to give up on few of my The Japanese market is more specific than the rest of the world, and has hobbies. I used to play tennis and DJ before joining Total Immersion. to be considered different even from other parts of the Asia Pacific region. Fortunately, now the AR industry has become my main hobby, so I do Many foreign executives and managers still forget or do not realize this not regret it at all. Nowadays, I try to spend as much time as possible important point. This is mostly due to their isolation on an island and in the gym, as being healthy is important for my professional success. I from their cultural background. Even with the arrival of internet, Japan also like to cycle a lot, which makes me use my car less, meaning less pollution in the city.

For more executive and entrepreneur profiles, go to //www.weekenderjapan.com/business WEEKENDER 15 What do you do in your spare time?

Recently, I have been so busy that I have had to give up on few of my hobbies. I used to play tennis and DJ before joining Total Immersion. Fortunately, now the AR industry has become my main hobby, so I do not regret it at all. Nowadays, I try to spend as much time as possible in the gym, as being healthy is important for my professional success. I also like to cycle a lot, which makes me use my car less, meaning less pollution in the city. Feature: Taken Taken

Image by Emi Macleod

16 WEEKENDER Feature: Taken

This story is shocking, but it is tragically one of many similar cases involving Japan. In 58 years Japan has been involved in hundreds of child abductions, and not a single child has been returned. The legal construct referred to in most Western countries as ‘joint custody’ does not exist in Japan. Instead, upon divorce, parental rights, known in Japanese as only one parent—in the case of an international marriageshinken, are this granted is invariably to the Japanese national—while the other finds him or herself without any legal standing with respect to their natural rights as parents, a situation that has come to be known as getting ‘left behind.’

University teacher Steve Christie is another left-behind parent. He met his Japanese wife while studying in a graduate program in Chicago. They married and had a son, Kento, and eventually moved to Japan. While his wife worked 12-hour days, Steve took advantage of his flexible schedule Left-Behind Parents Fight for Their Children to look after his son. After marital difficulties the couple split, but Steve chose to stay in Tokyo in order to be a part of Kento’s life.

On a trip with Kento to visit his grandparents in Nara, things began to change. The relatives stopped speaking to Steve and were conveniently not at home when he went to pick up his son. He called Kento’s mobile phone, which he had bought to make sure his son was safe. “Papa, when am I coming home?” Kento asked. The increasingly erratic behavior was Taken a warning signal. “I should have just rang the doorbell that night, but I by Stephen Parker was around for a few days. I thought I could come back again the next day.” The last thing he expected was that family members were colluding Imagine saying good-bye to your child for the last time. Imagine if you didn’t to kidnap his son. even get the chance. In hundreds of cases, Japan has become a black hole for international child abductions. In any other industrialized nation, the Steve later arranged to meet with his wife and son in Tokyo, still hoping forcible removal of children would be considered kidnapping. In Japan, the for an amicable solution built around Kento’s needs. “I waited by Bic only G7 country not to sign the Hague Convention, this is legal. Camera in Yurakucho. They didn’t show,” Steve says. “Five minutes late, 30 minutes late...I called and got no answer, so went straight to the police.” “Parental abduction to Japan has to stop,” father Christopher Savoie told At first the authorities took the missing child seriously, but when they a US congressional hearing last year. The last time his two children were discovered a family member was involved, they just didn’t care. Kento at their home in Franklin, Tennessee, was a Tuesday afternoon in August had vanished. It would be nearly three years until Steve saw his son again. 2009. Isaac and Rebecca were in the middle of playing a game when their “I’ve taken Kento. I’m not coming back,” his wife said over the phone. mother, Noriko Esaki Savoie, arrived to pick them up and take them back- to-school shopping. At least that is what Noriko said she would be doing. What makes this case so disturbing was that the child was sent to live The kids put on their shoes and made plans for later on in the week. “I hundreds of miles from Tokyo with complete strangers—distant relatives hugged my children good-bye. The kind of hug you give your children of his mother. “What kind of family would take in someone else’s son?” when you will see them again in a few hours or a day or two—not the kind Steve asks. To Steve, Kento was in potential danger, missing without a of hug you would give them if you knew it was the last time you will see them,” says Christopher. Noriko, now a wanted fugitive in the US, took the children and fled to Japan. In 58 years Japan has After torturous months Christopher travelled 7,000 miles on his own to been involved in hundreds retrieve his children. He located Isaac and Rebecca—both US citizens— and headed to the local US consulate, where he was met by Japanese of child abductions, police. He was now a criminal facing up to five years in prison, and his wife a victim. After 18 days he was duly released and forced to return and not a single child to his home country—without his children. “It is devastating. Even with therapy I do cry just about daily for my kids,” says Christopher. “But my has been returned. story is not by any definition the most tragic. My kids know who I am and that their daddy loves them immensely.”

WEEKENDER 17 Feature: Taken

trace. He describes what he went through as “a living hell I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy.” After years of covert work by friends and lawyers, he discovered his son had been moved once again. Through a chance contact at a hospital Kento had been to, Steve discovered the area in which his son was living. One day a friend spotted Kento walking to school, tallerThe passion and raw emotion involved in such cases can be seen on than when he last saw him, and telephoned Steve. The father waited for countless blogs and Facebook groups. For these distraught parents, the his son the next day and cautiously approached. His “hello Kento” was internet offers a powerful medium for amateur campaigning. Though met by a relieving “hello Dad.” the issue is far from resolved, there is hope. From IAPCR to Christopher Savoie’s BAChome.org (Bring Abducted Children Home), left-behind Seeing his son again after all this time was a joy, but he still had no parents are telling their stories to a growing audience. guarantees, all the while knowing that Kento could vanish again at any time. The only choice Steve had was to take action. His hellish battle with On one saddening site, www.bringerikahome.com, visitors are greeted lawyers both here and in the US made him even more determined to get by a photograph of a smiling brown-eyed baby, Erika Toland. The tiny his son back. Working with two other fathers, he helped form a Tokyo- child was abducted from US Navy housing in Negishi, Yokohama by her based non-profit organization to increase awareness, protest, and lobby mother Etsuko Toland, a naturalized American citizen. “I was at work the government. when my neighbor called, telling me that there was a moving company at my house,” says Paul Toland, Erika’s father. “When I got home my wife The International Association for Parent Child Reunion (IAPCR) is just and daughter were gone, along with most of my household items.” Etsuko one of a number of groups being organized by left-behind parents and died in 2003, and since then Erika has lived with her grandparents some- their supporters. Steve’s co-founder Darshaun Nadeau tells a similarly where in Japan. Her sole surviving parent hasn’t seen his daughter in sad story. “In the spring of 2009, just two months after my daughter was years. Erika is now seven years old—a child growing up without a mother born, she was abducted by her mother. I immediately sought help through or father. the legal system in Japan, at which time I was painfully introduced to the reality that parental abduction is not only completely legal in Japan, but The 1980 Hague Convention, which Japan still has not signed, was delib- actually promoted,” he says. erately designed to prevent such abductions from taking place. Imagine the trauma a child must suffer being denied the most human of all rights, the right to see his own parents. Article 16 of the Convention clearly states, “Men and women...are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during mar- riage and at its dissolution.”

Relationships Film director David Hearn is working on a new documentary movie, called From The Shadows, which will shed light on the issue for wider audienc- between children es. “We decided to make this film because we felt there is a great silent tragedy taking place all over Japan,” Hearn says. “Relationships between and their parents children and their parents are being severed every day to tragic results, are being severed and our film wants to ask, why is this necessary?” every day to Recently, it is not just left-behind parents fighting a battle on their own; politicians are at last beginning to put pressure on Japan. On October 16 tragic results. of last year, the ambassadors to Japan of Australia, Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States called upon Japan to accede to the Hague Convention and implement further measures to ensure parents and children could be united. In May 2010,

18 WEEKENDER Image by Emi Macleod Feature: Taken

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These are signs that progress is finally being made, thanks to the hard work done by left-behind parents to get the message out. But for real changes to come about, a diplomatic solution is needed. “Japan is a modern, civil rights-oriented society,” Florida state senator Chris Smith said in a TV interview. “It ought to join the rest of the industrialized nations and resolve these long-standing cases.”

Japan’s bureaucracy makes progress notoriously slow, so it may be a long time before any noticeable change takes place. And the most dis- heartening consequence of this is that no matter when change finally does come, it will inevitably be too late for the most important people involved—the children.

For more information, to get involved, or to seek help please visit: www.iapcr.org www.bachome.org www.bringerikahome.com www.hcch.net www.freechoice.jp www.fromtheshadowsmovie.com

WEEKENDER 19 Bulletin Board

Now you can get a small taste of the classifieds in our printed publication every issue and access Japan’s largest online classifieds at: WEEKENDER http://classifieds.weekenderjapan.com B u l letin B oard Simply type in the ID to find the ad you’re looking for.

iMac 20” ¥90,000! ID: 56809 ¥39,000 two years ago. Price: only ¥3,000 yen, Shinjuku is closest main station to me. Denon Interior: Seven mat size, wooden floor, 3.5 mat AUTO This iMac is an awesome machine. It comes with negotiable. Pick up from Setagaya-ku. SC-880 High Fidelity Speakers ID: 56481 Denon size loft, bathroom, toilet, 5 mat size kitchen, wall Final Cut Studio already installed a $1,000 value, SC-880 High Fidelity Speakers, ¥15,000. Nice closets, veranda. Monthly rent: ¥80,000. Vespa GTS 250 ID: 56708 all for ¥90,000. Side Table ID: 56722 stereo ¥6,000. Denon high-end record player 2009 vespa GTS 250, only 503 miles. Very gently Side table with chrome plated frame and glass DP-80, ¥15,000. used and cared for. Runs excellent—great for Softbank 740SC ID: 56732 top. Size: 58(L) x 53(W) x 40(H) cm. Asking price: commuting or weekend rides! ¥280,000. Softbank 740SC new mobile phone. Unlocked, ¥2,000. Located near Sakura Shin-Machi (Den- Ozaki Multimedia 2 Speaker System can be used anywhere in world with GSM. ¥11,000, en Toshi Line), about 10 minutes from Shibuya. ID: 56348 AMP output power: 2W. Driver output Services Yamaha FZR750 2LM ID: 56582 black in color. Pick from Fodumai station. power: 6W. Extended earphone function, 3D FZR750 1987 model in good working order. The Sofa For Sale ID: 56654 surround sound effect. Unwanted gift, selling engine starts easily, runs and idles stably, and Toshiba Slim Notebook ID: 56845 Two-year-old sofa but still looks brand new! for ¥1,500. has no unusual noises. All the electrics work and Very nice Toshiba, super slim, less than 1kg, Bought from Nittori and am asking ¥5,000. Can the battery holds charge. The tires have about Pentium M, wireless, Bluetooth, SD card reader, arrange delivery at buyer’s expense. 80–90 percent tread left. ¥250,000, firm price. 768mb RAM, 60GB HD, English Windows XP Pro. ¥19,000, email [email protected]. Fold-Down Sofa / Bed ID: 56302 Mercedes C Class ID: 56296 A great way to have a Western style living room in Sports Mercedes Benz C180 Kompressor. Model: Nikon D40X Body ID: 56710 a small Japanese apartment and still have a bed. December 2004. Shaken: December 2011. Nikon D40X body. Excellent condition, 10.2 Plenty of room for storage underneath. Can be Titleist Vokey Wedge 64 Degree ID: 56760 Color: Brilliant Silver. Mileage: 65,000km. Alloy megapixels. Book, charger, connector cable partially disassembled. Available for pick up or Titleist Vokey 64 degree wedge. Never used Wheels, ETC, CD. Excellent condition—pur- included. Price ¥35,000 yen obo. you could arrange delivery. ¥10.000. on the course, just a few times at the practice Tokyo IT Services chased from and serviced at Mercedes shop. range. ¥6,000. English computer repair and data recovery service ¥1.3 million obo. Contact 090-9140-1593 or Stylish Ikea Table Set ID: 56300 in Tokyo—we fix all computer problems! One-min- [email protected]. Stylish Ikea table set with four chairs that nest Exercise Bicycle ID: 56605 ute walk from JR Yamanote line Hamamatsucho perfectly into the corners. Perfect for a small Great for doing some sports indoors. Digital station, exit S5. Three-minute walk from Daimon BMW 2002 Model ID: 55908 Household Japanese apartment. Pick up six minutes’ watch, odometer, pace (km/h), etc. Adjustable subway station, exit B3. Open 10am–6:30pm. Call Two-door coupe automatic BMW 316ti 2002 walk from station, or you could intensity. Selling it for only ¥8,000 obo. Get ready 03-3437-2312. www.tokyo-it.com model, 1800cc. Engine very economical, only Brand New Heater ID: 56787 arrange delivery. Could be disassembled and for summer! Pick up in Mita, Minato-ku (Yaman- 106,900km. Great to drive, shaken until next June. Bought it new for ¥10,000 January 2010. Five taken on the train in three trips: one for the ote line station). Even has the side frame airbags. All the body is litre Dainichi heater. It comes with a manual and tabletop plus the legs, and two with two chairs Japanese, JLPT Lessons ID: 56583 clean, just a little dent that will cost ¥20,000 to is still under warranty (Yamada Denki). Has many each. ¥10.000. Makalu DX Hiking Bag ID: 56520 Offering Japanese lessons in cafes or at my repair. Only ¥450,000. If you want to see it call NAS functions such as timer, gas refill alarm, etc. I have one used hiking bag by TOP New Top, place. Featuring wa-ga, tara, kara, te-forms, on 080-5462-0735. Can deliver as well. Price ¥6,500 (I will also include a pump and an Double Bed ID: 56651 MAKALU DX. It’s been used twice only, two years koto-no, kanji writing and more. A free sample 18-liter refill tank). This bed was purchased two years ago and the old in good condition, just a bit dusty (kept in lesson, “Foreigner’s common mistakes in Japa- ZX Honda Dio 50cc ID: 55906 condition is still excellent! I bought the mattress cupboard). I’m willing to let go for ¥4,500 obo. nese Q&A,” will be offered. Dio for sale, new battery, bike has been fully ser- Washing Machine ID: 56747 at Tokyu Hands and the name of the mattress Pick up only at Kodaira/ (Seibu viced, body work is not perfect (has little scratch- Sharp ES- FG60F (ion coat) machine for sale. is Magniflex. You can see the details at: www. Shinjuku line). Pay half of the price as a deposit English/Other Languages Lesson ID: 56558 es but nothing that makes it look out of place). In mint condition and comes with manual and hands-net.jp/goods/1447-001001016. Check first to avoid no turn up issues. Item comes with In my lessons you can learn many things: con- ¥40,000 firm. Call Darren on 080-1260-0333. hose. Price ¥7,000. Available from mid-August. the photos for its condition. If you would like to bag and rain cover. See pics at http://tokyosales. versation, TOEIC (I took the test to experience Has a variety of options such as auto child lock, buy just one of the items, that’s OK too. I can ar- blogspot.com/search/label/Bag. it), grammar, culture (Japan is my third country), Toyota Ipsum ID: 55782 etc. Contact [email protected] for more range the delivery at buyer’s expense. Please finance, investment (I bought stocks and trade in Toyota Ipsum car in perfect condition. Seven-seat- pictures/further details. contact if you are interested. 7’6” Surftech Surf Board ID: 56419 currencies), etc. My lesson fee is ¥3,000 per hour. er, 1996 model, 2,000cc engine, about 93,000km. 7’6” single fin egg shaped surf board. Blue deck Shaken until September 2011, all taxes and insur- Electric Walker (Treadmill) ID: 56729 Chinese Wooden Cabinet with Vase and white bottom. Brand: Surftech, Mark Mar- Pet Services ance paid. Nice tires, power steering, power win- ALINCO EX-2100 Electric Walker with safety ID: 56648 Eight drawer wooden cabinet with tinson model, ideal for small waves. Board bag Dog day care, nutrition course, etiquette course, dow, full ac, CD and cassette player, abs, airbags. switch. Can be folded while not in use or for easy cherry blossom ceramic vase, only ¥3,500yen and carbon fiber fin included, good condition, can dog sitter with door-to-door pick up! Open 365 ETC reader kit, snow tires. ¥150,000. transportation. Asking price ¥15,000. Located for the pair. Pick up at Oizumi Gakuen on the send more photos upon request. ¥60,000. days a year. No cages are used unless specified near Sakura Shin-Machi (Den-en Toshi Line), Seibu Ikebukuro line. by the owner. Your dog can enjoy playing with Jaguar Soveriegn V8 1998 ID: 55353 about ten minutes from Shibuya. Single speed Bike from London ID: 56269 other dogs all day. Athletic Dog Club is an ideal Jaguar Sovereign V8, 1998 model. Mileage: Sofa Bed ID: 56217 Specialized Langster (green design) single place to make friends! http://adc.pipi.cc. For 67,000km. Steering: right. Transmission: au- Fujitsu Aircon ID: 56421 Ikea sofa bed in nearly perfect condition. I used speed/fixed-gear bike imported from London. more information please call 03-3327-1003. tomatic. Fuel: regular. Price: ¥550,000. E-mail: Fujitsu Air Conditioner, ¥15,000. Model AO- it mostly as a bed. I could probably count on Bought three years ago but it’s still in relatively [email protected]. E28S: www.fujitsu-general.com/jp/products/ one hand how many times I used it as a couch. I good condition as I had it fully serviced at the Health and Life Insurance aircon/2007/e_series/lineup/ase28s.html. New have had the frame for over a year. I just bought Specialized store six months ago and haven’t re- Are you prepared for an emergency? PASSO 1,000cc Green ID: 54637 cost over ¥55,000. a new mattress a few months ago. It folds down ally ridden it since. Have also upgraded the tires Viva Vida Medical Life delivers security to for- Toyota Passo for sale, 2005 model, 6,2690 km. into a double bed. As a guy that basically had to to red puncture resistant Hutchinson ones (www. eigners and foreign students living in Japan. Up Green color, shaken until January 2012. Price National Fridge ID: 56271 sleep on a single his whole life, this was quite an hutchinsontires.com/en/catalogue-route. to 100 percent coverage of medical expenses ¥350,000. National fridge, ¥5,000. White color. 135 litres. upgrade. I always had this thing covered with php?fiche=fusion3.php&univers=4&pid=117). at a reasonable cost. Short term and long term Enough for once-a-week grocery run for family of bed sheets, so even though the cover is as old as I’m selling it as I’m moving out of Japan and no plans available. Inquire now: www.vivavida.net, two adults and one child. Very clean (maintained the frame, it seems brand new. The upholstery is longer have the room. Asking only ¥60,000 obo. or call 0120-656-684 (toll free) or 080-4058- by full time housewife). Available for pick up green. The buyer must come to pick it up. I won’t Pick up from near Sanchome (near Shin- 7485 (Softbank). We speak English, Portuguese, mid-August (weekend of 14–15). Can easily fit ship it. Just a warning, it is quite big and heavy. I juku). For more information or pictures please Spanish, Tagalog and Chinese. Electronics in compact SUV or 7-seater MPVs. Pick up at my think I can break it down for you though to make drop me an email. apartment in Meguro (nearest landmarks: Me- transportation easier. Price is non-negotiable. Dell Inspiron 1300 ID: 56858 guro police station / Ebisu Garden Place). Please Asking ¥15,000. Dell Inspiron 1300, Pentium M 1.7GHZ, 80GB, 1GB email: [email protected]. RAM, DVD multi-recorder. Lan modem, wireless. 14” display, Windows XP, Office 2003 and more Housing for ¥20,000, fixed price. Music Room for rent in Shinjuku ID: 56829 Toshiba Satellite L455 ID: 56855 Furniture There is a room, furnished with: semi-double Toshiba Satellite L455 2009 model, dual Fernandes Amplifier ID: 56726 bed, air conditioner, closet, table, chair, futons, core 2.2GHZ, 250GB, 2GB RAM, DVD multi- Free American Size Couch ID: 56833 Fernandes amplifier for electric guitar. Model FR- free internet (WiFi). Things you share: washing recorder, wireless, USB, LAN, 15” wide screen, I will be leaving Japan at the end of august and 15. 35W. Asking price: ¥2,000. machine, dryer, big kitchen with all necessary English Windows 7, Office 2007, English key- have an American size couch with two smaller stuff (space to cook, plates, forks, spoons, etc.), board. ¥32,000. single couches. The dimensions of the main Yamaha QY-100 Music Sequencer ID: 56495 toilets, shower, TV and so on. Fee: ¥2,000 per per- couch are 2.3m x 1m. I will have it delivered free to Like new condition. 24 track sequencer, 547 built- son for one night. Save An Animal Today Apple iPhone 3GS 16 GB ID: 56850 anyone in Tokyo at the end of August. in sounds, 22 drum kits, built in guitar/mic effect Adopt or sponsor orphaned dogs, cats, and Apple iPhone is like new with box and soft bank presets. Able to run on 6 AA batteries for a bit. Re- Apartment For Rent ID: 56757 other animals rescued both in Tokyo and SIM card. I purchased the phone three months Bed ID: 56767 ceived as a gift, but I never use it, so I’m selling to Fifteen minutes from Tobu- on at Animal Refuge Kansai. ARK animals need ago, but haven’t been using it frequently due to Single size bed with tatami base. The bed comes raise money for a mixer. Brand new costs ¥41,000 foot. Seven stops from Ikebukuro, which takes you! To adopt or foster a pet, please email to- my business travels. If you have any additional with head shelf and reading light, as well as at Yodobashi right now. Selling for ¥25,000 obo. 14 minutes. Area information: Big Market, de- [email protected] or call 050-1557-2763. questions don’t hesitate to contact me. storage draws underneath the bed. Bought for Can deliver anywhere around major Tokyo area. partment store and a theater near the station. www.arkbark.net

20 WEEKENDER Bulletin Board

NATIVE SPEAKERS Workbusters 090-9100-2909 or 080-5444-7868 [email protected]

Cleaning Service Quality furniture, rugs, lamps, antiques, electrical and audio Gardening Service appliances bought and sold. Operations Manager Jobs US apparel company seeks strong manager for Removal, Delivery and Courier Service SCM and operations of Japan business unit. https:// Will be responsible for rolling out SCM solution Decorating & Handyman Service jobs.gaijinpot.com/ toward new retail stores and overseeing six staff and entire allocation process for the business. Conversation Cafe Ideal candidate has strong people management House, Office & Garage Clearance Leafcup English School and Conversation Cafe. skills, systems experience, and is bilingual. ¥9M English teachers and chat hosts wanted. Enthu- target salary. Contact [email protected]. We do all the jobs you don’t have the time or the inclination to do yourself siastic, reliable, and proficient English speakers Who you gonna call? Workbusters! sought for teaching classes and leading lively Media Consultant conversations with English learners. ¥1,000– Media consultant sought for Tokyo’s first English ¥1,800 per hour. We also hold international and magazine. Must have sales experience. Base sal- themed parties regularly. See website for details ary plus commission. Potential to sell web services (English and Japanese): www.leafcup.com. as well as convemntional ad campaigns. Training provided. Contact [email protected]. Store Staff / Sales Chinese speaking sales staff or Chinese with Financial Controller reasonable Japanese, sales staff experience is Savvy financial controller sought for growing US desired but not necessary, for leading European apparel operation in Tokyo. Must be a board-level fashion companies. Sales staff experience person who can handle sophisticated business normally would be required, but we are very planning and has the confidence to manage a flexible on the level of expertise. Responsible team. CPA highly desirable. ¥9M target salary. for the store’s daily transactions, especially Contact [email protected]. providing good service to customers. Prefer- ably someone who is ‘fashion conscious’ and Customer Service presentable. Potential to be transferred to Digital rights company seeks bilingual customer the head office operations department in the service person to handle sales administration future. ¥2.2–4M salary (depending on experi- for existing accounts. Daily communication with ence). Contact [email protected]. overseas partners in English. Must have good communication skills and be well organized. Sales Analyst Contact [email protected]. Sales analyst sought for European aerospace company. Ideal candidate is in his 30s and bi- PHP Programmer lingual with a strong background in both sales Full-time PHP programmer sought to develop online and financial analysis. CPA desirable but not CRM. Must be savvy with understanding business necessary. ¥7.5M target salary. Contact info@ concepts and work flow. Any nationality. ¥250,000 slate.co.jp. monthly base salary. Contact [email protected].

Accountant Retail Operation Finance Manager US apparel startup seeks ambitious young US Luxury watch brand is seeking a finance general accountant to establish accounting manager to control business planning and bud- system for Japan operation. Huge upside po- geting. Must be able to manage staff and work tential to become Japan controller. Must have at a board level. The ideal candidate has a CPA. five years of general accounting experience. Salary is targeted at 11+M Yen. Apparel industry Inventory control a plus, ¥7.5M target salary. background preferred but not necessary. For full Contact [email protected]. details please contact [email protected]

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APARTMENT（ 1R～2LDK）￥60,000～￥120,000 ODAKYU LINE（ 20～30mins from Shinjyuku） KEIKYU LINE（ 13mins from Shinagawa） E-mail [email protected] TEL 044-933-7000 www.minowagroup.jp/minowahomes

TIME FOR AN UPGRADE?

TOKYO’S LARGEST REAL ESTATE DATABASE http://weekenderjapan.com/apartmentsearch 22 WEEKENDER // // Real Estate Shimoda For sale: ¥100,000,000

This beautiful beach house is just a five-minute walk from the small, exclusive Iriya Beach, and a short drive from Shirahama Beach. On a 595m2 lot, the building itself has an area of 347m2 over two floors with terraces extending from multiple rooms. Mediterranean style structure and interiors, built as beach house and art studio.

For more information contact East Edge Partners Tel: 03-3584-5067, [email protected] www.ee-p.com

Atami For sale: ¥230,000,000

Exclusive Taisho era executive club estate on an acre of land in exclusive area of Atami. Includes teahouse, onsen, and priceless Japanese gardens recreated after the famed Nishiyama-so estate of Tokugawa Mitsukuni in Ibaraki.

For more information contact East Edge Partners Tel: 03-3584-5067, [email protected] www.ee-p.com

Lake Shojiko For sale ¥29,800,000

Fully modernized vintage Japanese farmhouse only an hour and a half from Tokyo on quiet and pristine Lake Shojiko with Mt. Fuji views all around. Steal of a deal and great weekend getaway close to upcoming eco-village with some international community, café and lake activities.

For more information contact East Edge Partners Tel: 03-3584-5067, [email protected] www.ee-p.com

To search for more properties in Tokyo, go to //www.weekenderjapan.com/apartmentsearch WEEKENDER 23 Parties, People & Places OAKWOOD ANNIVERSARY PARTY

HSBC Premiere’s Brendan Walsh Oakwood’s Eric Ishimaru, Asian Tigers’ Nick Tokyo American Club president Lance with Refined Resorts Residences’ Masse, and Global HR’s Kosuke Ishikawa Lee, Folli Follie’s Ioannis Begietis, Takeshi Endo and Paul Morris and Global Partnership’s Tak Goto

Konishiki and Oakwood country Asian Tigers’ Mary Saphin Martin Fluck with Mitsui Fudosan’s manager for Japan Martin Fluck and Todd Macdonald Yasue Ienaga and Hiroshi Tanaka

SEX AND THE CITY 2 PREMIERE

Hide Kusakari, soccer player Masahi Model sisters Angelica, Jessica Martial arts champion Takayuki Oguro, pop singer Crystal Kay, and Karen Michibata Kohiruimaki and friend Dave Spector, and Mrs. Oguro

Mandarin Oriental Hotel GM Christian Peninsula Hotel GM Malcolm Park Hyatt Hotel GM Philippe Roux Hassing and his wife April Thompson and his wife Roxanne Dessarps and his wife Sachiko

24 WEEKENDER Parties, People & Places PARTIES PEOPLE & PLACES WITH BILL HERSEY

I’m starting this column while waiting for my appointment with Dr. Perfecto Cagampang III at the Eyre Referral Center across from Rizal Park in Manila. I was introduced to this cool guy by a Filipino friend several years back, and I always drop by for a checkup whenever I’m in the Philippines. It’s always nice receiving VIP treatment by people you really trust and admire. All in all, it’s been a great four days in this wonderful country. Friends Bill and Charo Ireton’s 25th wedding anniversary celebration, the Manila Day Festival on June 25th, and hours of exploring several of the many mammoth shopping malls have early kept me on the move. My only regret is not having more time. I had to be back in Japan for a big party at the New Lex on Saturday, June 26. But I have really made up my mind that I’m going to spend more time in the Philippines—it’s a really great getaway.

I flew Delta out of Japan for the first time and have nothing but kudos for the airline, its facilities, and its staff. The business class lounge at Narita airport is light and bright, with plenty of space, green plants and windows. Food at the buffet includes sushi and a variety of sandwiches and snacks, and the variety of drinks ranges from good cappuccino to an endless variety of cocktails and soft drinks. The flight itself couldn’t have been better. Thanks to friends, I was in business class. The seats were super comfortable, the entertainment program featured all the latest movies and good music, the food was excellent, and the staff were friendly and helpful. All in all, it was really a great way to fly.

OAKWOOD ANNIVERSARY PARTY

As a part of the celebrations for Oakwood’s 50th anniversary worldwide and 10th anniversary in Japan, the company worked with Hong Kong Shanghai Bank, Asian Tigers, the Tokyo American Club and Wall Street Associates to host a very successful event at the luxurious Oakwood Premiere Tokyo Midtown. The quarterly event was held to express thanks and a feeling of goodwill, as well as to introduce the guests to each other. Sumo star Konishiki was a special guest that evening, and he not only proposed a toast, but also sang a few of his hit songs. In talking with him, I learned that he has lost 300 pounds, which is really amazing. The food, the relaxed atmosphere, and the many interesting people in attendance added up to a great evening that was perfect for the occasion. I often run into Hollywood stars and other celebrities who stay at Oakwood properties here in Tokyo. My sincerest congratulations to all the hardworking people who make Oakwood the prestigious company that it is.

SEX AND THE CITY 2 PREMIERE

It was glamour galore at the Arena when limo after limo unloaded some of Japan’s most beautiful women for the premiere of Warner Brothers’ Sex and the City 2. Familiar faces included former Miss Universe Ryo Mori, model sisters Karen, Jessica and Angelica

WEEKENDER 25 Parties, People & Places

SAYONARA FOR HILTON TOKYO GM

Fumiko Tottori, Grace Saito, Atul Parekh, Outgoing Hilton Tokyo Hilton Tokyo’s new GM Naoki Oto, and Kyoko Spector GM Christian Baudat, Lilo Maruyama, Nippon Hilton president Tetsuya Yamada, and Oakwood’s Martin Fluck Christian Baudat, and Martin Rinck

Fiat country manager Tiziana Alamprese Martin Fluck and Hilton Odawara Resort Christian Baudat, Hilton Worldwide & Spa GM Hidehiko Yamaguchi area president Martin Rinck, and Hilton Worldwide VP for Japan, Korea and Micronesia Oded Lifschitz

INDIAN FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

M. Sadana and Ashoka Restarurant Indian Ambassador Hemant Singh, Kumi, and Hotel Okura’s Rajesh Paul and president B.S. Varma Indian Secretary of Tourism Sujeet Banerse Air India’s Ujjwal Dhosh

India tourism director in Singapore Professor Aftab Seth and his wife Pola India tourism’s P.K. Chaudhary, M. Rajesh Talwar, Rokko Saris, India tourism Sadana, and Tsutomu Sato director of East Asia M. Sadana, and Takeshi Mizuno of Ashoka Tours

26 WEEKENDER26 WEEKENDER Parties, People & Places

Michibata, and many of Japan’s top actresses. The local girls made a great effort with their fashion, and in all honesty I thought much of I’ve also had the privilege of knowing Naoki for many years and it was more glamourous and chic that what the cast wore in the film. first met him when he was working for the Capitol Tokyu Hotel. But the film’s wardrobe was designed to be extreme—it’s all part of His most recent job was as second-in-command at the Conrad the personalities of the cast. The stage where the celebrities gave Hilton. Christian has taken a monumental new position as GM their speeches was all aglitter, and Moet Chandon had set up two of one of Japan’s largest hotels, the 1,052-room Sea Hawk huge champagne pyramids. It really was quite an evening...kudos to Hotel in Fukuoka. Congratulations and best wishes to both of all concerned. them. They are two very professional hoteliers who always put their heart and soul into anything they do, and I’m sure they will SAYONARA FOR HILTON TOKYO GM continue to do just that. Over at the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku, Oded Lifschitz, VP of Japan, Korea INDIAN FESTIVALS AND EVENTS and Mirconesia for Hilton Worldwide, joined other Hilton executives in hosting a beautiful sayonara party for the hotel’s GM Christian Baudat, My busy Indian friends have been even busier that usual with while welcoming his successor Naoki Oto. The glittering event was a full calendar of tourism promotions, cultural presentations, held in the hotel’s recently redecorated Kiku ballroom, and it was and of course exhibits by the talented artist Mrinalini Singh, packed full of friends of Christian and Naoki, including VIPs from all wife of the Indian ambassador. Recent VIP visitors from India walks of life. The speeches were short and meaningful, and the lavish have included Surjeet Banerse, the secretary of tourism. I buffet featured the very best in Japanese, Chinese and Western foods. really enjoyed talking with him about Mumbai and Goa, which Christian, who’s been GM there for five years, has done wonders with I plan to visit soon. Here’s a couple of dates to mark down for the hotel, and it’s been interesting seeing the many dynamic changes upcoming Indian events: on the weekend of September 25 to 26, he’s made there. Like many others, I’m really indebted to him for his the colorful and exciting Indian festival takes place in generosity and support over the years. He and his staff have really Park, and one of India’s most important festivals, Diwali, takes gone all out to help me make my annual holiday party for orphans the place on November 5. There’ll be all kids of special happenings gratifying, enjoyable event it always is. in and around Tokyo for the holiday.

Nicolas Goulier and Takashi Suzuki Joanne Nakamura and Sasja Anthennis Writer Catherine Gough and her daughters Alexandra and Francesca

I n & A round

Ritz Carlton GM Francois J. Cnockaert Bill Hersey, Emma Valentine, New Paramount Pictures Japan’s top man and noted cookie maker Wally Amos Lex manager Taka Masuda, and Ichiro Okazaki and the company’s president Miya at Emma’s sayonara party Andrew Cripps at the Ritz Carlton

WEEKENDER 27 F a m i l i e s Odaiba: Condensing the Fun

Photo by ksuyin by Sam Griffen

As one of the world’s largest cities, Tokyo can often seem overwhelming out upon the Tokyo skyline and a beautiful sight in itself, garnished with when it comes to opportunities and activities. As a result, many ‘cities multicolored lights that brighten the night sky. within a city’ have popped up across the Tokyo area, and with them comes a far more condensed, enjoyable city-esque experience. Along with Palette Town are two of Tokyo’s biggest and best shop- ping centers, Aqua City and Decks Tokyo Beach. In Decks you can find One such area, perhaps the biggest and most diverse, played a particu- shops for clothing, electronics and miscellaneous goods, but the real larly large role in my childhood growing up in Tokyo, and contributed to fun comes from its entertainment attractions. Sega Joypolis, an indoor some of the best times with my family: Odaiba. A massive landfill just amusement park and arcade, is extremely popular with Japanese and across the illustrious , Odaiba is a true testament to foreigners alike, with rides like Rail Chase, an interactive , Tokyo’s amazing ability to make space where there is none, and though VR-1 Space Mission, a virtual reality adventure, and hundreds of arcade it began as a defensive institution more than 150 years ago, Odaiba has games for those looking for more of a low key day. Joypolis caters to since become a fantastic location for shopping, great restaurants, and pretty much any leisure activity one may desire. Parenting Tips:

I have found that Odaiba works a lot like a Russian doll, with large attractions that contain smaller attractions within them. One such Odaiba can be reached by car via the Shuto Expressway, with attraction is Palette Town, one of Odaiba’s major shopping and enter- Route 11 coming from central Tokyo and the Bayshore Route, tainment districts, within which visitors will find Venus Fort, a shop- which goes from Yokohama to Chiba, passing through Odaiba. ping mall with everything from a Levi’s outlet store to a Cheesecake Factory. But it doesn’t stop there. Venus Fort breaks down into three Sega Joypolis is open 10am–11pm every day, with the entrance themed floors, the bottom of which contains the kid-friendly Sunny- closing at 10:15pm. Entrance is free for kids under seven years old. side Park and Dear Kids Park. The floors, Venus Family, Venus Grand Muscle Park is open 11am–9pm on weekdays, and Sundays and and Venus Outlet, will provide families with a plethora of shopping and from 11am–10pm on Saturdays. The Kids Park closes at 7pm dining options that may even make them feel like they’re no longer in weekdays and Sundays, and 9pm on Saturdays. Prices range from Tokyo, but rather the mini-city of Odaiba. Or Palette Town. Or Venus ¥600 for the Kids Park to ¥3,900 for the main park, with prices Fort. You can understand the dilemma. varying depending on how many attractions you wish to play.

Also within Palette Town is Daikanransha, a well over 100 Cinema Mediage movie schedule: meters in height that you have undoubtedly seen if you’ve made the http://hlo.tohotheater.jp/net/schedule/044/TNPI2000J01.do drive from Narita Airport to the central Tokyo area. Once the tallest ferris wheel in the world, Daikanransha is both a fantastic way to gaze 28 WEEKENDER // // F a m i l i e s

adults and kids of all ages, perfect for the whole family to enjoy and, at only ¥500 for adults (15 and up) and ¥300 for kids (7–14), it works Columbia International School for those on a budget. If you’re up for more of a challenge, also within TEL 04-2946-1911 / Decks is Muscle Park, an amusement park of various athletic stations www.columbia-ca.co.jp that draw upon physical abilities rather than gaming skills. Whether you choose to partake in Joypolis’ virtual adventures or Muscle Park’s Elementary / Junior / Summer athletic challenges, Decks is great for entertainment needs. Program Senior High Overseas accredited through W.A.S.C. / Ontario Ministry of Education Summer Course Aqua City, similar to Decks in layout, provides a much more mainstream Saturday shopping and dining experience than other Odaiba hotspots, with chains Strengths Program like Toys “R” Us and Adidas to go with eateries like Subway and Red Sports Program Sunday Program Lobster. However, Aqua City has its share of small, unique shops and Japanese Program Call or e-mail: restaurants as well, and the enormous Cinema Mediage always has the World Class Curriculum Mr. Christopher Holland 04-2946-1911 / latest Hollywood flicks showing on more than ten screens. Location - Location - Location!!! [email protected]

A trip to Odaiba guarantees a great time with a range of possibilities, Saint Maur International School and after going once you’ll realize it’s nearly impossible for families not Quality Education within a Caring Family Environment since 1872 Pre-K (Age 2 1 / 2 ) to Grade 12 - Coeducational to return, giddy for more. Tokyo can be a pretty intimidating place for ● Montessori ● International Primary Curriculum (IPC) kids, but as soon as you step out onto the streets of Odaiba, you’ll be ● International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) ● International Baccalaureate (IB) ● Advanced Placement (AP) glad you chose a city within a city that knows how to deliver. ● SAT Reasoning Test ● SAT Subject Tests ● PSAT/NMSQT ● Lions-Quest international programme ● Trinity International Music Examination ONLY

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r o Ecole française de Saint Maur o y m k Classes à effectifs réduits et pédagogie différenciée C To pour une scolarisation de la maternelle au CM2 entral ● Programmes de l'Education nationale française ● Professeurs des écoles qualifiés et expérimentés ● Maternelle en anglais selon la méthode Montessori avec séance quotidienne de langage en français ● Elémentaire en français avec certaines disciplines et activités en anglais [email protected] www.stmaur.ac.jp Accredited by the Council of International Schools & New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Name This Registered as Gakko-Hojin by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. 83 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa-ken, 231-8654 Monkey, Win Tel: 045 641 5751 / Fax: 045 641 6688 Two Scooters!

Micro-Scooters, the world’s leading scooter brand, is asking kids in Japan to help name its new character. Entries are being accepted now, and the winner will receive a set of two Mini-Micro scooters in his or her color choice, plus two matching accessory bags that can be attached to the scooters to carry around any essentials while keeping hands free to steer through the streets. Three lucky runners up will win a Mini-Micro in a color of their choice.

The deadline to enter is August 20, so send in your best name now!

Send entries to: [email protected] or Facebook (Micro-Scooters Japan)

For more details see www.microscooters.co.jp.

For more information for families in Tokyo, go to //www.weekenderjapan.com/families WEEKENDER 29 P r o d u c t s All photos courtesy of their respective brands 1

Water Sporting

by Stephen Parker

2

3

4

30 WEEKENDER // // P r o d u c t s

one: Now legendary as the suit that Michael Phelps wore to win his record- breaking eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, the Speedo LZR Racer series was developed over a three-year period with the input of over 400 swimmers, coaches and experts. It remains one of the most high-tech types of swimwear on the market, and is popular with athletes around the world.

Speedo stores, ¥23,000–¥35,700.

two: Goggles are an accessory normally associated with indoor pools, but they are equally useful for an outdoor swim, whether in fresh, chlorinated or salt water. This cutting edge version protects the eyes from not only the water but also the sun, with UV blocking mirrored lenses. Available in silver, pink and blue.

Speedo stores, ¥2,835.

three: Specifically created to aid swimmer development, the curved shape of this ‘power paddle’ is ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue. The designers even claim that the device will build muscle tone by making swimmers work harder at the same time as improving stroke technique.

Speedo stores, ¥1,900.

four: Technology gives many athletes an edge, but for years water sports lagged behind land sports in innovation. These training fins give users a boost in the water, designed to increase propulsion while also strengthening leg muscles. They combine a soft foot pocket with a rigid fin design, and are equally suited to the pool and the sea.

Speedo stores, ¥2,500 and up.

Win Weekender has one pair of each of these shoes these! to give away to lucky readers! To enter to win, email us at [email protected] and Featured let us know your shoe size and how you would Products use the shoes if you win. Write by August 23 for your chance to win, and don’t forget to include ‘water shoes’ in the subject line. Good luck! These boat shoes may be designed for yachting, but they look equally slick in town or on the beach. Water grip soles provide high traction on wet decks and drainage holes on the outsole allow water to escape, making them ideal for a variety of water-based activities.

Adidas stores, ¥6,900.

These rugged shoes were originally designed for one of the most hardcore water sports activities: white water rafting. The step down construction provides easy slip-on action, and they are recommended for use anywhere on or off land, from the campsite to the beach.

Adidas stores, ¥8,900.

For more information on cool products available in Tokyo, go to //www.weekenderjapan.com/products WEEKENDER 31 // Healthy & Responsible Living TOKYO ECO:

Sustainable Living of Eden Homes courtesy Photos Near Mt. Fuji

by Dave Kublinsky

Sustainable homes and LOHAS lifestyles have become catch phrases of our generation. Many green goods have come available recently as Shojiko Village is less than two hours from downtown Tokyo, and about producers are catching on to consumers’ demand for a more ethical and 20 minutes from Kawaguchiko. The small communities of the Mt. Fuji environmentally responsible economy. The astounding sales rate of the Five Lakes region have been quietly developing in recent years with Toyota Prius and the appearance of organic foods in most supermarkets is cafes, organic farms, local breweries, outdoor sports operators, homes proof of this trend. And at last house builders and developers are beginning and new wineries springing up in the alpine villages amongst the to create truly healthy homes with the eco features we crave. picturesque lakes.

Many new homes are being advertised as ‘eco,’ but what truly makes a New residents have been coming to restored homes in Shojiko Lake in house environmentally friendly? More than just a few solar panels on the recent years, finding the village location ideal for weekenders looking to roof, a sustainable home should encompass modern ideas in usability relax and reboot within an easy jaunt from the city, and also telecommuting with traditional comforts. Many simple solutions are available, but families looking for a little piece of farming space in the garden. Fiber-optic finding a home that includes them all can be a challenge. One company cable is scheduled to reach the area within the year, making the village even that is attempting to bring all of these elements together is the Earth more sought after and increasing property values (meaning this is not a Embassy’s Eden Homes, which uses non-toxic interiors made from all- bad time to buy). natural materials, passive solar windows and superior insulation for low cost heating, yard space for gardening, barrier free rooms for open The current five bedroom house being offered by Eden Homes is communicative lifestyles, and more. reasonably priced considering the size and features. Ideal for families or entertaining guests, the first floor can be opened completely into one large In the quaint village of Shojiko Lake, a hidden gem on the foot of Mt. Fuji, space, or divided into private rooms. A spacious second floor loft can be the Eden Homes team is offering another beautifully restored classic used as an artists studio, yoga space, playroom or any number of other Japanese farm house for people looking to find some peace and quiet in purposes. Off of the loft space, a catwalk leads to a private tatami room with the Yamanashi mountains. This minka style home from the Edo period has large windows above the garden and a view of the lake. A traditional irori been updated for a modern lifestyle with a deck, sunroom, heated floors, fireplace sits in the center of home, kept in its original state with a tea pot new lighting, and other additions. The large, bright kitchen has cherry- ready to go and surrounded with antiques and treasures from the village’s beech floors and open views of the garden and pond. A unique cedar bath history. The 1,400m2 lot sits on a stone wall promontory overlooking the and cedar lined bathroom is made for soaking and relaxing. While being village and Lake Shoji, with a classic Japanese garden and also adjoining supremely comfortable and user friendly, the home retains its traditional land for parking and farming. charm with massive exposed beams, finely polished to a warm glow over generations of care and use. More than just a structure, a truly sustainable home must also provide residents with the tools to be self sufficient. The Earth Embassy also runs education programs to teach organic farming, cooking and small eco-business development, as well as offering field rental and training workshops for budding agriculturalists at the rustic Solar Cafe & Farm at the foot of Mt Fuji. The cafe serves an amazing variety of home grown fruits, berries, herbs and vegetables from the fields, and is open seasonally (reservations recommended).

For more information on the Shojiko house see www.earthembassy.org/ eden-homes/homes-for-sale. To arrange a viewing, contact jreiner@ earthembassy.org.

For reservations and workshop information at the Solar Cafe & Farm, see www.earthembassy.org.

For more information on eco-friendly lifestyles in Tokyo, go to 32 WEEKENDER www.weekenderjapan.com/tokyoeco // Healthy & Responsible Living

Sustainable_Business: by Darrell Nelson Kicking The Oil Habit In Japan

Turtles burned alive, ecosystems damaged beyond repair, fish stocks Photo courtesy of technorati depleted, pelagic wildlife threatened...there is no shortage of cata- strophic environmental consequences that the Gulf of Mexico BP oil spill has had. It has become obvious through the shocking images of the disaster that our over dependence on oil is causing as much damage in the extraction process as it is in the burning at the consumer level. Of course it shouldn’t take a disaster on this level to highlight the need for us to look to invest in safer and greener alternative energy sources, however the reality is that until problems become truly visible to the public, action is traditionally slow, with the environment and energy tra- ditionally strongly linked.

“Renewable energies must generate almost half of the world’s power by 2050, up from the current level of 18 percent,” was the hard line taken by the International Energy Agency in its most recent report, Energy Tech- nology Perspectives 2010. It’s true that alternative sources are being looked at today more than ever, global investment in green power was led by wind and solar in 2008, and reached a record level of$112 billion Japan, however, recently seems to be going in the opposite direction and remained broadly stable in 2009 despite the economic downturn. in breaking this link. Once a leader in technology and renewables, the Toyota, despite its problems, along with Honda and other car manu- country has slipped further behind others, particularly as China moves facturers have seen sales of hybrid cars increase, the rate of energy into the solar PV market. One of the problems is that renewable energy in Japan is connected with the environment to an excessive degree. “Renewable energy should be connected with the economy and industry Renewable energy should much more strongly. In some countries, people think the only reason why be connected with the renewable energy is important is because of climate change, and I do not share this belief. Renewable energy is important even if climate change economy and industry were not an issue. There is still value in energy autonomy in terms of oil, much more strongly. and value in energy security in terms of not being dependent on world events for a country’s energy supply” said Eric Martinot, senior research efficiency improvement in OECD countries is double the rate ofthe director for the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies (IESP), in a recent 1990s, and funding for low-carbon energy has increased in last four talk on global markets and policies. “[The] Chinese want to be industrial years. Despite all this, however, it is still a mere drop in the ocean when leaders for renewable energy because they think that that will give them it comes to meeting our actual energy needs and weaning us off our economic leadership in the future, and this is a correct assessment. That oil addiction. “All these efforts are vital if we are successfully to limit point has not been recognized in Japan.” climate change, but current developments are still fragmented and fragile, and the rate of progress is still far too low to prevent dangerous It takes an environmental disaster to bring the need for alternative energy increases in global temperatures,” says IEA executive director Nobuo sources into focus, however it is the simple fact of economic stability and Tanaka. “What we need is rapid, large-scale deployment of a portfolio security that should keep it there. If Japan and other countries really want of low-carbon technologies; we need a massive decarbonization of the to improve their long range economic outlook, then a look to the future

energy system, breaking the historical link between CO2 emissions and and a more concerted effort in encouraging interest and investment in economic output, and leading to a new age of electrification.” renewable energy would seem the sensible decision to make from here.

Enroll by August 15th, 2010

// WEEKENDER 33 To see more Weekender archives and full issues, go to 34 WEEKENDER www.weekenderjapan.com/archives // Build your nancial security through Japan property purchases by calling "Mr. Yen Loans", Richard Henderson and his team, on 03-3241-8923 or email UK YenLoans@nabasia. com For more information visit us at Australia www.nabasia.co.jp New Zealand

2010/2 (OR&C 2010/39) //