JANUARY 2012

weekenderJapan’s premier English language magazine Since 1970 ESCAPE TO OKINAWA SICK OF THE COLD? PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ’S TROPICAL PARADISE NEW YEAR NEW YOU! TOP TEN HEALTH TIPS KEEP THOSE RESOLUTIONS WE LOVE 2012!

INTERIORS TOKYO 2020 PLUS! Tips for redesigning your Can Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic Year Long Calendar house in the new year bid beat London 2012? Every Month Mapped Out

Also: The Latest APAC news from the Daily Wire, People Parties & Places, Hit the Ice in Tokyo and much more...

HAPPY NEW YEAR TOKYO! JANUARY, 2012 CONTENTS 14

COVER STORY: OKINAWA Sick of the cold? Join us as we escape to

Japan’s tropical island paradise. 18 44 2850

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES FACES & PLACES Want to actually stick to your resolutions Tokyo’s longest running society columnist Check out the pictures from Kitson’s

this January? Check out our guide. hangs out with Tom Cruise. Night Out Vol. 3

9 Asia Daily Wire 16 Business Resolution for 2012 42 Bill Hersey A roundup of all the top APAC news of the Tips on how to stick to your business Tokyo’s Longest Running Society Column past month. resolutions in 2012. Printed in Weekender For 40 Years! 10 Olympic year 2012 22 Interior Special 47 Announcements Londoners prepare for the Olympics and The Weekender guide to redesgning your Our new section with your birthday’s, Tokyo bids once again. living space for the new year. wedding’s and celebrations.

15 Hit the Ice 24 Let There be Light 48 Agenda Tokyo Midtown’s Ice Rink reopens in The Weekender guide to the best interior Our pick of some of the best events January 2012. lighting solutions. coming up over the next year. weekendertokyo JANUARY 2012

Publisher Ray Pedersen Editor in Chief pia von Waldau Editor Stephen Parker Art Director Liam Ramshaw Advertising Sales Director Tomas Castro Media Consultants Mary Rudow, Nick Nakazawa Vika Maslyuk, Matthew Hernon, Editorial Associates Vivian Morelli, Alena Eckelmann, Ayako Fujiwara

Executive Advisor Hiro M. Ishibashi HMI & Associates Inc

Contributing Editors

Society Bill Hersey

Cover Photography iStock

Additional Photography Mami Tanabe

IT Manager Nick Adams System Development Stephane Boudoux, Amit Raj Baral General Manager Asi Rinestine

EST. Corky Alexander and Susan Scully, 1970

Published by Bulbous Cell Media Group www.bulbouscell.com

Published monthly at the Regency Shinsaka Building, 5th floor 8-5-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 (03) 6846-5615 / (03) 6846-5616 (fax) [email protected]

To have Tokyo Weekender delivered to you, please call (03) 6846-5615 or email: [email protected]

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Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher

tokyo JANUARY 2012 On the cover:

weekenderJapan’s premier English language magazine Since 1970 Escape to Okinawa! ESCAPE TO OKINAWA Follow Tokyo Weekender on Twitter: SICK OF THE COLD? PLAN YOUR TRIP @weekenderjapan TO JAPAN’S TROPICAL PARADISE NEW YEAR NEW YOU! TOP TEN HEALTH TIPS Like us on Facebook: KEEP THOSE RESOLUTIONS WE LOVE 2012! www.facebook.com/tokyo.weekender

INTERIOR SPECIAL TOKYO 2020 PLUS! Get it done! Tips for redesigning Can Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic Year Long Calendar your house in the new year bid beat London 2012? Every Month Mapped Out

Also: The Latest APAC news from the Asia Daily Wire, American Apparel Interview, Hit the Ice in Tokyo and much more...

JANUARY 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com

ASIA DAILY WIRE NEWS 9 ASIA DAILY WIRE Your go-to place for APAC news

ewly launched Asia Daily Wire is your go-to place for all the latest news from across ‘Invincible’ Barca crush Santos to the Asia Pacific region. Covering business, culture, entertainment, sports and breaking win Club World Cup Nnews, Asia Daily Wire is updated round the clock in real time and picks and chooses the Lionel Messi scored two wonder goals as best headlines from sources across Asia—doing all the hard work for you. Here is a roundup of European champions Barcelona ripped apart some of the most interesting headlines of the past month... ’s Santos 4-0 to win their second Club World Cup in swashbuckling style on Sunday. A walk in the park for Baraca. Santos were N Korean Leader Kim Jong-Il Dead Tokyo Motor Show Opens As Focus lucky they were only playing the B-Team North Korean media reported Monday that Shifts To Green Cars After Quake the country’s leader, Kim Jong-il, died at 8:30 TOKYO (Kyodo)--The Tokyo Motor Show DPJ to ban foreigners as party p.m. Saturday at the age of 69 from a great opened to the press Wednesday as Japanese members mental and physical strain. automakers unveiled a bevy of electric Criticized over donations from Korean 2011 proved to be a bad year for dictators. cars and other green vehicles, reflecting residents, the ruling Democratic Party of Japan No tears spilled in our office ... consumers’ shift toward conserving resources will prohibit non-Japanese from becoming after the limiting of power supplies in the DPJ members and voting in party presidential Philippine Typhoon Kills Nearly wake of the March 11 earthquake and elections. 1,000 People tsunami. Could this be the catalyst to the beginning of Rescuers searched for more than 800 people Greener Motoring has got to be a good a “Gaijin Spring” missing in the southern on thing. At last a rare positive to come out Sunday after flash floods and landslides off 3/11 Noda Orders Sales Tax Hike Plan By killed over 1,000 people. Year End Volunteers now in short supply in TOKYO (Dow Jones)--In his first step to get Stricken Fukushima nuclear plant disaster areas the sales tax hike in motion, Japanese Prime has reached cold shutdown The number of volunteers in Miyagi, Iwate Minister on Monday ordered Japan’s tsunami-stricken Fukushima nuclear and Fukushima prefectures devastated by his government to draft within the year a power plant has reached cold shutdown, the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami detailed plan to double the tax. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said on Dec. fell from a peak of 54,000 a week in May to OK nothing is fun or funny about tax hikes 16, a key milestone in efforts to bring under 7,000 a week in November, the Japan National control the world’s worst nuclear accident Council of Social Welfare said. First Japanese in space becomes since Chernobyl 25 years ago. If you some extra time on your hands – you Fukushima evacuee Great news for Fukushima, but don’t get know where to go Japan’s first man in space is now roaming the too excited just yet (check the next post) Earth as an evacuee, having lost everything, Olympus board signals to quit in the after abandoning his farm in Fukushima Cesium found in milk powder made New Year Prefecture because of the accident at the by Japan’s Meiji The present of Japan’s Olympus Corp. Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. Japan’s Meiji Holdings said on Dec. 6 that Shuichi Takayama said Wednesday that Space-Farming was always a hot prospect. radioactive cesium was found in infant milk the current board members may resign at powder made by the food and dairy firm, in next shareholders meeting as soon as next the latest food scare to grip the country nearly February for covering the 117.7 billion yen nine months after the Fukushima nuclear losses which dating back to the 1990s. disaster. We can see the logic in taking some time off For all the big news of 2012 updated live, Really? Another food product to add to the before starting a lengthy prion stay. visit: www.asiadailywire.com radioactive food list...

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012 10 WEEKENDER WE LOVE 2012 WE love 2012!

Welcome to 2012—and what a year! 2011 was tough for everyone in Japan and December’s bonenkai (forget-the- year) and January’s shinenkai (new year) parties had more significance than ever. 2012 has some incredible events coming up in Japan and around the world and every issue of Tokyo Weekender will be packed with news, interviews, products, restaurants and travel.

The biggest event of 2012 is, of course, the London Olympic Games, the landmark stadium completed in record time is the centerpiece to the 2012 summer games, officially known as the “Games of the XXX Olympiad”. London has held the Olympics twice before in 1908 and 1948 wheras Tokyo has held the games only once in 1964 (see the next page for full story on Tokyo’s latest bid). Britons returning home or travelers to the UK who couldn’t get tickets will be able to watch the London 2012 games live on 15 metre high Super Hi Vision screens developed in partnership with Japan’s NHK and the BBC. Those staying in Tokyo can watch the games broadcast on NHK and online. Visit the Tokyo Weekender homepage for Olympic updates throughout the year.

LONDON: The under construction.

27 JULY 2012: The Olympic games open, but will there be blue skies over London?

JANUARY 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com WE LOVE 2012 WEEKENDER 11

LONDON 2012 Watch the opening ceremony live on July 27! www.london2012.com Photos: Copyright: IOC Copyright: Photos:

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012 12 WEEKENDER TOKYO 2020

that we hold most dear. The designer has even been able to create the logo in the form of a flower that, in itself, is an internationally recognised symbol of Japan.”

“I look forward to seeing the logo proudly TOKYO 2020 displayed across Tokyo and the whole of Japan as we at Tokyo 2020 strive to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Tokyo THE BIDDING BEGINS in 2020.”

A competition to submit logo designs for the bid was opened to young art and design students and the winning entry was selected by a panel of judges comprising Tokyo 2020 CEO Masato Mizuno, award-winning designer Kashiwa Sato (of advertising agency Samurai) and leading script writer Kundo Koyama.

The contest winner, Ai Shimamine, is currently a fourth year student at the Joshibi University of Art and Design who plans to continue her studies at postgraduate level. Despite being busy creating artwork as part of her final graduation examinations, Shimamine sought advice from GK Graphics art director Kunio Hisada and conceived the Tokyo 2020 bid logo design.

“I look forward to seeing the logo proudly

Tokyo 2020 CEO Masato Mizuno, two-time Olympic champion in Kaori displayed across Tokyo Icho, logo designer Ai Shimamine, multiple Paralympic champion in Mayumi Narita and Tokyo 2020 President and Japanese Olympic Committee and the whole of Japan” President Tsunekazu Takeda

t’s official! Tokyo has bid to host floral motif expressing the feelings of deep Shimamine says she is “naturally delighted,” to the Olympic Games once again. gratitude inherent in Japan’s sending of have been awarded the Grand Prix for her entry, As many Sydneyites or Londoners cherry blossom trees to all parts of the world. however, more than anything, she would like to will tell you, a successful Olympic The logo was unveiled at a special ceremony see the realisation of Tokyo 2020’s overriding aim bid can vastly transform a city. to mark the occasion at the Tokyo Mode of bringing the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic AfterI Rio snatched the nomination to host Gakuen, a specialist design college, in Games to Tokyo. the 2016 summer games, many Tokyoites Shinjuku. felt at a loss. If Tokyo can secure the 2020 summer games, it could just what Attending the ceremony were Tokyo 2020 Japan needs to boost the economy and the President and Japanese Olympic Committee nations spirits. President Tsunekazu Takeda, Tokyo 2020 CEO Masato Mizuno, legendary Paralympian Tokyo is the first bidder to introduce a logo swimmer Mayumi Narita, two-time Olympic among the 6 applicant cities. According to the champion freestyle wrestler Kaori Icho and Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee, the logo, unveiled logo designer Ai Shimamine. last month, is said to symbolise and underpin Tokyo’s efforts to host the 2020 Olympic and Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Tokyo Paralympic Games. 2020 President, Tsunekazu Takeda, praised the new logo and its designer: The logo comprises an arrangement of cherry blossoms, Japan’s most celebrated flower. “I am personally delighted with the new The official logo for Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic The logo has been designed to symbolise the logo. It symbolises the concepts of friendship, bid. Designed by Kashiwa Sato from concepts of friendship and peace with the peace, eternity, happiness and unity; concepts Samurai Advertising Agency.

JANUARY 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com TOKYO 2020 WEEKENDER 13 TOKYO 1964 ARCHITECTURAL LEGACY

Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium Used for the 1958 and as a venue for aquatics, wrestling and gymnastics in 1964. The impressive silver concrete and steel structure was renovated in 1990 by Pritzker Prize winning architect Fumihiko Maki. Location: Shibuya Nearest station: Sendagaya Capacity: 10,000 people Other Olympic Sites

okyo was a very different place back in 1964. Tokyo Tower was brand new, the first Shinkansen bullet train just carried its first passengers and a host of new landmarks appeared across the city, built specifically for the XVIII Olympiad. The construction boom that took place in the 1960’s built stadiums, parks and transportation that are still in use today. The landmarks built nearly four decadesT ago are still standing and now make up part of the fabric of the city, including he Komazawa Park Gymnasium and control snaking Hamamatsu-cho overpass, the new Tokaido railway, Haneda Airport and these tower, Olympic Park Stadium. Tokyo landmarks... Enoshima, used as the Olympic Harbor Chofu city and Fuchu, hosted the marathon and 50km walk. Asaka, hosted the Asaka Shooting Range and riding events as part of the modern pentathlon. Tokorozawa Shooting Range, held trap shooting in 1964. Waseda Memorial Hall, hosted Fencing. Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium, hosted . Hachioji , hosted track cycling. Karuizawa in Nagano, hosted the equestrian events in 1964. Nippon Budokan National Olympic Stadium Korakuen Hall, in Tokyo Dome City hosted (Kokuritsu Kyōgijō) . Built inititally for martial arts competition is The vast national stadium still stands and Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium in Yokohama, still in use and is now more famous for hosting survived the 3.11 earthquake. Opened initially held soccer events. live music events, including the Beatles famous for the , the stadium hosted Nagai Stadium in Osaka held soccer events. live gigs in 1966 and later concerts by the likes the opening and closing of the 1964 Olympics. NACK5 Stadium Omiya, in Saitama held of Pearl Jam, Blur, Oasis, Ozzy Osbourne as Location: Shinjuku soccer events. well as scores of Japanese acts. Nearest station: Kokuritsu Kyōgijō Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Location: Kitanomaru Park Capacity: 57,363 people Aoyama hosted soccer and is now the home Nearest station: Kudanshita of Japan Rugby Football Union. Capacity: 14,201 people

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012 tokyoweekender_210297 PRESS.pdf 1 10/24/11 1:12 PM

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K PROMOTION HIT THE ICE 15 HIT THE ICE TOKYO MIDTOWN’S Diners Club ICE RINK REOPENS FOR 2012!

udding ice skaters need look no further than Tokyo Midtown for their annual skating fix. On January 6 the Diners Club Ice Rink will open to the public, just in Btime for you to shed those excess post-holiday pounds, and as skating is only ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children (Plus skate rental of ¥500), you have no excuse to miss out. GET YOUR For 2012 the rink is offering a special program SKATES ON IN where skaters can book the entire ice rink for just ¥30,000 for one hour of private skating (plus skate hire). Ideal for impressing a date, CENTRAL as you will be the only people on the ice! And also perfect for an unique winter company TOKYO! outing.

Surrounded by stunning illuminations and located next to Tokyo Midtown mall, the Diners Club Ice Rink makes for a perfect post- shopping activity right in the center of town.

The Diners Club Ice Rink is open till Feb 29. Open from 12noon until 10pm.

DINERS CLUB ICE RINK Location: Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi. Open: January 6 - February 29. Skating cost: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for children (plus ¥500 skate hire). www.imgjapan.com/rink/

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2011 16 BUSINESS 2012 RESOLUTIONS

Beating the New Year’s Resolution Blues

By Alena Eckelmann our PC, laptop or smart phones but are they “Handwriting is more personal, more any better than old-fashioned notepads and portable, and you can include sketches and ew Year’s Resolutions are markers? doodles but a software tool enables you to notorious for not lasting very use multimedia, hyperlinks and to share long. Once the hype and hope of Trond Varlid, President of EMC Quest digital content with collaboration partners the festive season are over, our Corporation, a career and life coaching and on social media.” wishfulN thinking meets the harsh reality of consultancy, sees merits in both. daily routine. Typically come February and Corporate Strategy consultant Roger Brookin, all our good intentions for the New Year “Using pen & paper to make notes and President of Petal KK, is skeptical about the are quickly forgotten. Could 2012 be any capture ideas stimulates your brain and usefulness of software tools. different? your thinking. However, software tools can handle a high degree of complexity and large “A software tool must always be accessible Tokyo Weekender has asked three Tokyo amounts of data and they are usually very and you have to be able to share with others businessmen about their “secret weapons” flexible when it comes to amending and to make it work. Many years of experience for realizing goals and executing projects in updating information as the process towards have taught me that whatever the software the Year of the Dragon. completing the goal or project evolves.” tool, it will never change your habits.”

Pros and Cons of software packages Columnist and speaker William Reed, What are their recommendations then to put In our gadget-mad day and age, we might President of Reed Research Institute, argues in our 2012 New Year’s Resolutions into action? be inclined to use some software tools on favor of using a software tool.

JANUARY 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com 2012 RESOLUTIONS BUSINESS 17

1 components and to set start and target end “As a columnist, I archive all articles for dates for each sub-goal. each of my different columns in a single WebBrain, which are then synched and “I am I using Goalscape for all my major managed easily from my desktop.” business projects, including the establishment of a new company, the creation of a network Some people use PersonalBrain to organize to support contemporary musicians and a all of their projects or even their computer wine application project as well as major desktop but it works equally well if you just personal goals that I am aiming for.” want to write an article, plan a presentation or a strategy for your next career move. Goalscape Connect, an online version of the desktop package is well suited for sharing “PersonalBrain is especially useful for 2 team goals and projects in companies and long-term goals and projects because organizations and for tacking goal-related it can handle complexity and it is great communications through a chat function for for capturing ideas and information as each sub-goal. progress.”

“All team members and other relevant people can conduct their communication about Tip 3: Evernote each sub-goal through the chat function and thereby maintain a thread of the entire Brookin recommends using the Evernote communication for that particular goal.” software for note-taking and archiving in combination with Google Docs’ office suite and data storage services. He argues that 3 this combination works well as a means of “A software tool capturing his thoughts in whatever format.

must always be “Evernote can double as a scribble pad and I like taking photos with my iPad, upload accessible and you them on Evernote and having them made have to be able to searchable.” Brookin is using Evernote in combination share with others to with Google Docs for all his business projects, accounting tasks, to-do lists and for following make it work” his hobbies, which includes creative writing.

1. Screenshot from Goal Scape “As an avid Mac user, I value Google Docs’ 2. Screenshot from Personal Brain inherent advantage of simultaneous editing 3. Screenshot from Evernote Tip 2: Personal Brain and also that it allows me to interact with people who still use Office format. Google Reed is an avid user of PersonalBrain, a Docs enables all members in my network to mind mapping and personal knowledge base collaborate intensively on conceptual work software package. PersonalBrain helps to and even improve on my deathless prose.” Tip 1: Goalscape visualize and organize the connections in our brain and to access ideas for review anytime Varlid is an enthusiastic user of Goalscape, later. More Info: a software package that defines, manages and tracks the progress of goals and projects. “Its interface is non-linear and interactive Goalscape was developed by a team of and it feels a lot like the way that the brain athletes racing yachts in the 2000 Sydney actually works. It facilitates creative thinking Olympics and it proved an effective way to unlike many software programs which force peak performance and goals achievement. you to think like a computer does.”

“Goalscape visually shows you the overall PersonalBrain contains many useful features, structure of your goals or projects, including such as calendar tracking, tags, cross linking, all main components and their relative filters for selective display and the ability to importance, as well as the degree of attach files and links and it enables you to see All three software tools are available in completion in one and the same picture a project at different levels of altitude with a English and in Japanese. Goalscape is effectively. This enables you to quickly good balance of thought and action. available as paid commercial edition. determine the critical remaining tasks to be PersonalBrain and Evernote are completed.” What’s more, PersonalBrain has the ability to available as free editions or as paid publish to a so-called WebBrain where you commercial editions. For job and business purposes being able can share your projects in the same format to show the relative importance as well as with other people, regardless of whether they www.goalscape.com tracking progress is particularly important. have the PersonalBrain software or not, and www.thebrain.com Goalscape includes several features for this, connect to other devices that you are using. www.evernote.com such as the ability to color sub-goals and their

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012 18 HEALTH 2012 RESOLUTIONS

TIP 3: Eat healthy Japanese foods over high fat, high sugar or fried food.

Healthy Living in Tokyo: 10 tips Having a little trouble zipping up those jeans after indulging on a few too many holiday treats? Follow these simple guidelines for a no- fail detox plan for the new year... and for a healthier Tokyo lifestyle throughout 2012. Text by Vivian Morelli.

1. Lace up your sneakers, and go for a run! 6. Japanese cuisine made easy! It’s free and it’s an excellent workout in this crisp weather. Great Try this healthy and simple avocado and tuna rice bowl: marinate running paths can be found in Tokyo, such as Yoyogi Park and along thickly sliced maguro tuna into a mixture of soy sauce and wasabi the Tama and Meguro rivers. For beginners, the key is to work out in paste, then place on top of steamed rice, along with avocado slices. intervals and build up endurance and I suggest trying the fun “Couch- Sprinkle shiso leaves and sesame seeds on top, pour some marinade, to-5K” running plan: www.coolrunning.com and enjoy a scrumptious meal.

2. Find a new hobby. 7. Get some sleep. While in Japan, why not try one of the traditional martial arts: judo, A restful night can significantly improve your health: it lowers stress karate, aikido, kendo, just to name a few. If it’s not your cup of tea, levels, which in turn lowers your cravings for sweets and fattening sign up for a yoga or dance class, or swim a few laps at the municipal foods, and gives you added energy to stay active. It is recommended swimming pool. Visit your ward’s webpage to find the nearest to get at least seven hours of sleep each night and to keep a regular community centres. schedule throughout the week.

3. Eat healthy Japanese foods. 8. Stay active and see Tokyo. Step away from heavy quantities of white rice, deep fried foods Walk instead of riding the train for short distances, cycle to work and (tonkatsu, karaage, tempura), sugary red bean paste anko and the for leisure, and take fun day trips out and around Tokyo: sauntering plethora of available Kit Kat flavours. Instead, opt for brown or wild at Yoyogi Park, exploring a new neighbourhood, hiking Mount Takao rice, fresh fish, add some grains and beans to your diet, stock up on (when the weather is warmer) or sightseeing in Kamakura or Nikko. protein-high tofu and delicious seasonal vegetables. 9. Quench your thirst. 4. Quick and healthy picks. Staying hydrated will keep you from munching on unnecessary snacks. With conbini and vending machines on every street corner, it can be Steer clear of soda and artificial juice: water, green tea, roasted barley difficult to resist their assortment of tasty and high-calorie snacks and tea and sparkling water are far better choices. Try a zest of lemon, refreshments. Make wise choices, as convenience stores are full of orange or yuzu to spruce up your water. healthy fare: salads, balanced bento boxes, sushi, frozen edamame and winter dish oden. 10. Hidden workouts. Shopping as cardio? Dancing until the early hours? Missing the last 5. (Less) bottoms up. train on purpose and walking home? More sex? Be creative! If a non-drinking lifestyle doesn’t sound fun, at least bring some small changes into your habits: stick to simple drinks such as wine and beer, ditch the sugar-high mixers, have your liquor on the rocks and Want to contribute your ideas for staying in shape? alternate every drink with a glass of water (and thank me later). email us: [email protected]

JANUARY 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com 2012 RESOLUTIONS HEALTH 19 HEALTHY EATS Grano Delicatessen, Ebisu Grano Delicatessen Bar is a new form of delicatessen, they produce superb, healthy food to be enjoyed either on the daily dining table or when eating out. They prepare more than thirty items daily for their delicatessen and in the daytime serve takeaway customers with lunch boxes or 3 side dishes with 1 main plate that they can select themselves. After five, the main dishes of the week are added to the menu and can be enjoyed together with the side dishes and the well-loved Rigoletto wine that costs an average of 2,500 yen per bottle.

Web: http://granodeli.jp/ebisu/ Call: 03-5447-2800 Address: 1F YGP Entrance Pavilion, 4-20-5 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo150-6001 REFRESH Healthy Body, Healthy Mind Sun and Moon Yoga provides an uplifting, healing space where people from all over the world can unfold themselves through the study and practice of yoga in a nurturing community. Sun and Moon Yoga seeks to provide an intimate, safe place for students to explore self-transformation through yoga, meditation and pranayama. The physical benefits of yoga are manifold–reduce stress, release toxins, revitalize the systems of the body, tone, strengthen, and increase flexibility. Visit the website for more information.

Web: www.sunandmoon.jp Call: 03-3280-6383 Address: Higashi Guchi Building, Kami Osaki 3-1-5, Suite 204, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0021 RELAX IN STYLE Mandarin Oriental Spa, Tokyo Spa Half Day Package at the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, 10 January to 31 March 2012. Treat yourself to a half day of luxurious indulgence with a relaxing Spa Day with your friends at their award-wining Spa, which includes a private yoga or wellness lesson, an Oriental Aromatherapy class, use of heat and water experience, a relaxing 50-minute facial or massage and a spa cuisine at K’shiki. Priced at ¥36,000 per person. (Minimum of 2 and Maximum of 3 persons) * The price includes 5% consumption tax and is subject to 13% service charge.

Web: www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo Email: [email protected] Call: 03-3270-8300

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012

22 INTERIORS SPECIAL Photos from the “Nowhere but Sajima Project” by Nowhere Resort

EXCELLENT INTERIORS THE WEEKENDER GUIDE TO INTERIOR DESIGN

any people see interior possessions by the end of the season. This houses, how to align our rooms and, where design as something is interior design in action. The effect is so possible, how to build our buildings. reserved for either the small, many people do not even notice it but rich or major companies the power behind a good design translates Recent interior design focusses more on in stylish new buildings. into more than enough profits to justify the the creative use of materials common to InM reality, you can see it even when you time and effort put into building the display. the world but uncommon in the home. walk down the local high street. Although Capturing the interest of the viewer, spawning many home improvement The Western roots of interior design can be sometime items that can be one person’s th magazines and television programmes, traced back to the 18 century, rendering it a rubbish can truly become another person’s probably the most common and least relatively recent trade. Initially dominated treasure and only close inspection can appreciated form of interior design is shop by women looking for ways to improve, reveal the original use of the object. window dressing. personalise or rearrange the interiors of their homes, it has grown from a hobby come trade The industry itself has grown so far that it Think about it for a minute, be it Christmas, into an industry that has a subtle presence can now be split into two categories: interior New Year, Valentines day, you always see a everywhere in modern society yet is rarely decorating and interior design. Interior different design promoting the products of appreciated as much as it could be. decorating is closer to the origins of the the season and often it works. How many industry and is more focussed on furniture times have you walked past a department Japanese interior design has traditionally choice, arrangement and embellishments store and had something in the window catch been very efficient in the use of space within the constraints of the given room. your eye? Maybe you don’t even remember and materials, allowing most rooms to be Interior design, however, steps beyond this it today but walk past the same window multifunctional. Even down to the contents of limitation and allows the movement of on a daily basis and that item will have an each room, the craftsmanship on each and doors and walls. To allow this more drastic uncanny knack of finding its way into your every item is incredibly intricate while fitting change to happen, many interior designers perfectly into the oft simple designs. are also qualified architects or work with established architects to ensure that the The Chinese also took a different slant beauty of their design does not compromise to interior design – feng shui. Although the overall safety or structural integrity of holding a history of more than 4,000 years, the building. it was primarily based on astronomy and cosmography but later included many of the In this section, Weekender takes a look aspects to do with healthy, wealthy and happy at different styles of interior that could living that we see in the modern version be perfect for your home or beso, much adopted by the West. This more familiar like the beautiful creations from Nowhere version pays attention to where to put and but Sajima (www.nowhereresort.com) as where not to put certain objects in our illustrated on this page.

JANUARY 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com SPECIAL INTERIORS 23

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012 24 INTERIORS SPECIAL LET THERE BE LIGHT The Weekender Guide to Home Lighting

nterior lighting has a significant impact on both the aesthetic and functional elements of your Iliving space. Lighting sets the tone of a room with an artistic and sculptural presence. The begining of a new year is the perfect time to think about home improvements and what better place to start then APLOMB with a bit of mood lighting, to set the tone for your year ahead. Here is our selection of some of the best The Aplomb is a small hanging lamp made primaraly in concrete and available in lighting solutions available in Japan today. three, colored finishes. The traditional grey of cement in its raw state, the stylish white hue, and a warm intense brown all give a subtle yet warm lighting effects. These hanging lights are perfect for dining areas, kitchen counters or as the center piece of your living room and can be used CHOUCHIN individual or as part of a set.

Design: Paolo Lucidi & Luca Pevere Brand: FOSCARINI (Italy) Lamp: G9 40W×1 Material: Concrete Price: ¥81,900 TWIGGY FLOOR

“Twiggy floor” was designed by Marc Sadler in 2006 and is still one of the popular standing lamp designs in World today. The Twiggy is characterized by a thin, elegant and sophisticated design, and flexible arm. The lamp is made from compound materials, has a lacquered glass fiber base and is available in four colored finishes.

Design: Mark Sedler Brand: FOSCARINI (Italy) Lamp: E26 60W×3 Material: Fiberglass Piccola: ¥294,000 ”Chouchin” is the Japanese word for the traditional, Media: ¥336,000 symbolic lanterns made out of paper and bamboo Grande: ¥336,000 used as luminous sources or as lucky charms at the entrance of the house. The Chouchin range is a collection of three suspension lights made of MORE INFO: blown glass in various shapes, sizes and colours. The range includes three shapes, each with its own color: orange for the large version, grey for the small version and green for the elongated one. If you would like to find out any more information about any of the products Design: Ionna Vautrin mentioned in this article please check out Brand: FOSCARINI (Italy) the Luminabella showrrom in Aoyama or Lamp: E26 60W×1 visit their website. Material: blown glass Address: Aoyama Bldg. 1-2-3 Kita- 1. Orange Aoyama, Minato-ku,TOKYO, 107-0061 Price : ¥115,500 2. Green Call: 03-3470-8605 Fax: 03-3403-2755 Price : ¥99,750 Email: [email protected] 3. Grey Web: www.luminabella.co.jp Price : ¥88,200 JANUARY 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com RZ_06-11-151_ARTESIO_Night_Imhome_230x297_Tokyo_PP 17.06.1109:25Seite1

www.bildstein.com ポーゲンポール キッチンデザインセンター東京 ポーゲンポール award 2010 award design good award 2011 award design product best ofthe 2011award reddot design 〒 106-0047 東京都港区南麻布 5 – 1 – 1Tl 359-90 Fax:03-3280-2750/www.tokyo.poggenpohl.com Tel:03-5798-7950/ 11 Knowing what counts. www.poggenpohl.com ARTESIO ®

28 FEATURE HAKUBA ESCAPE to OKINAWA EXPLORING JAPAN’S TROPICAL SIDE Paradise awaits.. Just a three hour flight from Tokyo!

JANUARY 2011 www.tokyoweekender.com HAKUBA FEATURE 29 ESCAPE to OKINAWA EXPLORING JAPAN’S TROPICAL SIDE

Weekender Tip: kinawa Prefecture consists 2012 HOTEL of 160 islands stretching 400 Book ahead to reserve kilometers north to south and AND TRAVEL 1,000 kilometers east to west a place for your child between the Pacific Ocean Oand the East China Sea, of which about 50 03-3536-8405GUIDE are inhabited. The chain is known as the Ryukyu Islands. CLIMATE

Okinawa belongs to a subtropical climatic region and has an annual average temperature of 22.7 degrees C, with warmer overall average temperatures than mainland Japan. A seasonal wind blows from the south in summer and the north in winter.

“Okinawa is the sadness and expressed these feelings through dance. Okinawa is the island of singing and island of singing dancing.

The island’s illustrious history began with and dancing” the Gusuku Period, from the 12th to 15th centuries. The governmental and economic foundations of the Ryukyu Kingdom were solidified at the end of the Classical Ryukyu Period. The Ryukyu kingdom remained HISTORY independent and engaged in trade with Southeast Asian countries in the Modern Okinawa has a colorful and unique culture, Ryukyu peroid. After the Ryukyu Kingdom history and philosophy of life. Outstanding collapsed and became part of Japan, Okinawa Okinawan cultural events, completely endured the Battle of Okinawa, one of the different from those of mainland Japan, are few Japanese ground battles of World War II treasured and have become an object of during which more than 200,000 people died. interest in mainland Japan as well as in the rest of the world. An imperial court culture Okinawa was administered by the United developed in the Ryukyu Kingdom under the States until the restoration of Japan in 1972. influence of China, Japan and other East Asia The Okinawan culture and philosophy countries. The people of Okinawa have faced of life, passed down through the island’s numerous hardships in the past; however extraordinary history, is still a part of they have always kept the Okinawan spirit everyday living. After World War II, a large of “Life is a Treasure” in their hearts. Rather number of Okinawan’s emigrated to South than a sword in their family alcove like America, Hawaii and elsewhere, making mainland Japan, they displayed a sanshin, Okinawan emigration a significant part of and the wrote songs about happiness and Okinawa’s history.

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012 30 TRAVEL OKINAWA

OKINAWA GUIDE EXPLORING JAPAN’S TROPICAL SIDE

Shurijo Castle Festival MAJOR FESTIVALS This festival takes place over a three-day ARTS AND CRAFTS period from the end of October to the Naha Great Tug-of-War beginning of November at Shurijo Castle and Ryukyu glassware This traditional tug-of-war, a key feature of in various other parts of Naha City. Ryukyu glassware, popular with locals and Okinawa’s autumn season, is held to help tourists alike, was created from discarded pray for a good harvest. Thousands of people Dragon Boat Races-Haarii soft drinks bottles after World War II. The compete on east and west teams to pull a giant, The Haari has its origins in , glassware is continually evolving through 186 meter long rope. This festival made a where groups of fishermen raced against intensive research and development, with Guinness World Record for biggest tug-of-war each other in a ritual intended to ensure a expanded usage and the introduction of new in the world. good catch during the fishing season. materials to create unique designs and colors.

Flower Festivals Eisa Textiles Flowers are always in bloom in Okinawa and This Okinawan folk dance originally Okinawan textiles have always been inspired can be appreciated year round. Whether it’s performed by young people to entertain the by natural phenomena such as sun, wind, January and the middle of winter at Yaedake spirits of ancestors, who are believed to visit vegetation and soil. One of Okinawa’s most with its cherry blossoms, early February at the their families during the Obon season. famous textiles, Bingata is representative of Okinawa International Orchid Show, March’s Okinawan dyed work. There is also a wide Higashi Village Azalea Festival or April and Ryukyu dance range of hand woven textiles influneced May’s Ie Island Lily Festival, Okinawa is a Dance in Okinawa is a much a part of the by Southeast Asia, China and Japan. The virtual botanical garden all year round. culture as are the people. Derived from hand rich variety and technique of Okinawan gestures and ritual prayer, Ryukyu dance is textiles are beyond compare, even with those often symbolized by large red lotus hats. produced in mainland Japan.

JANUARY 2011 www.tokyoweekender.com OKINAWA TRAVEL 31

Pottery Tofu Champuru The technique employed in the Ryukyus’ Tofu Champuru, a typical Okinawan home- Yachimun pottery was imported from China style dish, is a stir-fry of tofu, vegetables and around the middle of the 14th century and meat. Shima tofu, having a firmer texture and was later influenced by Japanese and Korean stronger flavor than normal tofu, is used in ceramics. Ryukyu pottery can be found at the dish. Champuru means “to mix together” Tsuboya in Naha City and Yachimun no Sato in the Okinawan dialect. in Yomitan Village.

Lacquerware Lacquerware possesses a unique beauty and “The Okinawan a proud history in Okinawa that was greatly influenced by China. Ryukyu lacquerware ocean, is home to is produced through the use of sophisticated techniques, is highly valued and was once one of the largest used as a premium object of commerce. colonies of coral FOOD AND CULTURE reef in the world” Okinawan Soba Known locally as “Oki-Soba”, this typical Okinawan dish is made from 100 percent Taco Rice Sunabe Point white flour, unlike mainland soba. It is served An icon of Okinawa’s “champuru”, or mixed Popular among divers from beginners to in a bowl of broth with bonito and pork and is culture, taco rice was derived from Mexican professionals, Sunabe Point is accessible from topped with thick slices of soki (spareribs) or tacos introduced by the American military. Sunabe Beach. Night is also possible sanmainiku (three-layered pork), a fish paste Tacos as they were didn’t take off with here. called kamaboko and various spices. Okinawans, giving birth to taco rice, all the taco fillings on steamed rice, in essence the Onna Point Goya Champuru best of both worlds. This is a hidden diving spot located between Goya Champuru is the best known among Cape Manza Beach. Onna Point is also known several champuru dishes. Goya, Okinawa’s Orion Beer as Toilet Seat Point due to the shape of the distinctive summer vegetable, is rich in Orion Beer is Okinawa’s representative local coast. vitamins and minerals and is consumed to brew. The annual Orion Beer fest is one of the ward off the suffering brought on by the biggest festivals in Japan, enjoyed by more Maeda Point summer heat. than 200,000 visitors each year. Drivers at all levels can enjoy this spot throughout the year. Entry to the point is possible via the steep stairs at Cape Maeda. OKINAWA INFO WORLD CLASS DIVING Seragaki Point Serigaki Point is known as a great snorkeling spot and is accessible through a fee-based Okinawa is best enjoyed from March when all The Okinawan ocean, home to one of the the beaches officially open. largest colonies of coral reef in the world, campground that is a good location for family offers numerous world-class diving spots. A camping. For a simple guide to the archipelago, check large number of diving shops are open all out the JNTO website www.jnto.go.jp over the island and are ready to respond to all customer needs. Fathoms Diving Shop, Want to loose some weight before you hit the located in the Sunabe area of Chatan Town, For more information please go to the Oinawa beach? Try out the famous Okinawa Diet. For is well known for serving customers in both Convention & Visitors Bureau website: more info visit http://okinawa-diet.com English and Japanese. www.visitokinawa.jp

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012

32 PROMOTION OKINAWA SOUTHERN BEACH HOTEL & RESORT

Wakeboard, snorkle, swim or simply relax at one of Okinawa’s newest hotels

outh of Naha city is a quieter and 122 seats), with exquisite ocean views and more spacious part of Okinawa and cooking stations, which have more than fifty the home of Southern Beach Hotel. kinds of food and drink prepared in-house by This impressive property offers the master chef. The huge 657 square meter the perfect mix of exquisite hotel Coral Grande Ballroom, can also seat 350 accommodationS and Okinawan hospitality. people for a special occasion. Come to enjoy a relaxing time, delicious food, exquisite guest rooms and Okinawa’s Other top-notch facilities include five garden trademark blue sky and sea. Southern Beach pools surrounded by greenery (including Hotel is one of the newest hotels on the island a 70 meter pool and a pool for novice and situated in front of the vast golden sands diver training). An indoor pool (open all of Bibi beach. Access to Southern Beach Hotel year round), relaxation salon, kids room, is very easy, with Naha Airport about 20 convenience store, gift shop, wedding minutes away by car and nearby attractions hall, coin laundry and a vending machine. such as shopper’s paradise Ashibinaa Outlet The main attraction of Southern Beach is Mall just 10 minutes away. undoubtedly the golden sands of Bibi beach, just a one-minute walk from the hotel. Go for On entering the hotel guests ascend a a relaxing dip in peerless azure waters, take stunning staircase suspended over a pool of a wakeboard lesson, kayak along the rolling water to the airy second floor lobby. The vast waves, or simply lounge in a beach chair— windows on both sides of the building offer have fun in the sun just steps from your door! guests both sunrise and sunset vistas of the island. Spread over ten spacious floors, the The gorgeous lounge is the ideal location hotel houses 495 rooms, including Superior to relax with a glass of freshly squeezed (30 square meters), Deluxe (40 square Okinawan fruit juice, a cup of coffee, cake or meters), and Suites (80 square meters). All a delicious island cocktail! Couples planning rooms are set in one of four interior design on getting married in Okinawa can exchange styles; Classic, Natural, Modern and Executive vows in the quaint Seashell Blue wedding hall and each features every modern convenience with the crystal clear ocean as a backdrop, a you would expect to find at a top hotel feature that makes the resort an ideal setting including: triple-sheeted linen, electronic for once-in-a-lifetime events. drapes, a flat-screen TV, internet access, an electronic kettle, a refrigerator, a DVD player www.southernbeach-okinawa.com/english and a safety box. Call: (098)-992-7500 Email: [email protected] The hotel’s impressive REIR Ocean View Location: 1-6-1, Nishizaki, Itoman-shi, Buffet restaurant can comfortably seat 359 Okinawa 901-0305. guests (including private room which has 20 minutes by car from the airport.

JANUARY 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com

OKINAWA SOUTHERN BEACH 33

Weekender Recommends:

CUISINE: Sample over 50 kinds of food at the REIR Ocean View Buffet.

DON’T MISS: The sunset over the ocean with a cocktail in hand.

ENJOY: Sea kayaking, Banana boat rides, Wakeboarding, Snorkeling, Jet Ski lessons and Cruising on the crystal clear seas.

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012

34 PROMOTION OKINAWA KAFUU Resort Fuchaku Condo•Hotel Family friendly resort with private condos, a golf course, spa, amazing food and incredible views

afuu Resort Fuchaku As well as food deliveries, the Kafuu Express Condo • Hotel is located in service can bring almost any item you could Onna Village, Okinawa—55 possibly dream of to your room for free! If the kilometers from the airport kids want to play Wii on the large screen TV, and 40 kilometers from Naha or Dad needs to borrow an electric shaver or city.K Kafuu Resort is an outstanding family trouser press, or Mom wants a foot spa, your sized complex, split between a hotel and every wish is their command. condominium style apartments. Aside from the in-room luxuries, Kafuu attracts Thoroughly modern and spacious, the Kafuu high-class visitors for a number of reasons: Resort overlooks the ocean and pool to the the popular “The Orange” restaurant serving front and a lush green golf course to the fusion Spanish and Japanese influenced dishes, rear. Hotel suites are available to book for is highly recommended as is the more casual as little as one night and the condo suites, Deli, offering lighter meals. The immaculate which are accessible via a special entrance, golf course next door is also a another draw for for a minimum of two nights. Guests who many tourists from across Asia. opt for the condo will be treated to a large apartment-like suite to serve as your home Couples planning to tie the knot or renew vows away from home in Okinawa. will adore the dramatic, modern wedding chapel at Kafuu Resort and the “Muku” All condo rooms are equipped with internet restaurant space. The resort’s luxurious “The access, LCD TVs, washing machine and dryer, Green Spa” is one of the best on the island and hair dryer, walk in closet, vacuum cleaner offers a wide range of relaxing treatments that and a fitted kitchen with a coffee maker, dish both men and women will love. ware, refrigerator and freezer, kettle, rice cooker and an electronic cooking range. For A special break in the sunny climate of Okinawa Info: www.kafuu-okinawa.jp those who don’t want to cook for themselves, is made extra special by the services and staff at www.facebook.com/kafuuresort Kafuu Express offers gourmet room service Kafuu Resort Fuchaku, Condo • Hotel. Call: 0081+(0)98-964-7000 from the Deli to all rooms in the resort. Email: [email protected]

JANUARY 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com

OKINAWA KAFUU 35

Night view of the resort

Sunset from Kafuu Resort’s Pool

Large and spacious rooms await you

Green golf course is a hit with visitors from across Asia

Weekender Recommends:

CUISINE: Try gorgeous European and Japanese influenced dishes from The Orange restaurant.

DON’T MISS: The incredible room service and free rental items available from Kafuu Express.

ENJOY: A round of golf, before relaxing Some suites even in the exquisite Green Spa or taking a feature private dip in the pool. rooftop Jacuzzis

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012 36 PROMOTION OKINAWA

KARIYUSHI BEACH RESORT Ocean spa Family friendly resort with great swimming, spa and traditional Okinawan cuisine

inner of a Trip Advisor laidback spaces. Enjoy traditional Okinawa certificate of excellence, cuisine at Yashibaru restaurant, Chinese Okinawa Kariyushi cuisine at Karin, as well as barbeque in Beach Resort Ocean the Sunset Garden, Yakiniku and specially Spa is a large family prepared cocktails in bar Taira. For activities, Woriented hotel located close to the main the large outdoor pool, indoor pool, “jet bath” coastal highway “route 58”, about 70 minutes and esthetic salon Creer Du Decreor, will have drive from Naha airport. Kariyushi Beach you feeling blissfully relaxed. If you prefer a Resort Ocean Spa is perfect for a family break little more exhilaration, the Sports Park offers away from the big city and is chock full of , , mini golf and futsal. Of amenities and attractions; from the walk-in course we can’t talk about Okinawa without graduated pool that toddlers will love, to the mentioning the watersports: A whole host of Jacuzzi and the all you can eat Okinawan activities are available to try from cruising, buffet adults will adore. All guest rooms in glass bottom boat rides, to coral diving. (See this hotel are non-smoking and offer bright the website for further details.) Weekender Recommends:

CUISINE: Try traditional Okinawan goya champuru and pork dishes from Yashibaru restaurant.

DON’T MISS: The bright and colorful tropical fish viewable from the glass bottom boat ride.

ENJOY: A relaxing time in the outdoor “jet bath” or a swim in the large pool.

Rooms from: ¥24,000 - ¥60,000 per night. Info: www.kariyushi.co.jp/beach/english Call: (098)-967-8731 Email: [email protected]

JANUARY 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com OKINAWA KARIYUSHI HOTELS 37

Private rooftop pools, the height of luxury Spa Resort Exes is one of the most luxurious hotels in Okinawa. From in-room Jacuzzis to private rooftop pools, Spa Resort Exes is the perfect choice for honeymooning or marriage renewals. The ninth floor duplex Royal Exes suites (pictured left) are some of the most incredible hotel rooms in Okinawa and afford fantasic ocean views, large screen TVs, a private concierge and private cafe area only available to Royal Exes suite guests. The rooftop private pools linked to the suites are the hotels key attraction but the main hotel spa and swimming pool SPA RESORT (accessible to all guests) are among the best in Okinawa.

Royal Exes Suite Room: ¥120,000 - ¥150,000 per night. Standard Room: ¥52,000 - ¥94,000. Info: www.exes-kariyushi.com Call: (098) 967-7500 EXES Email: [email protected]

KARIYUSHI

URIncredibleB ANviews, mouthRESORT watering cuisine NAHA Kariyushi Urban Resort Naha watch with a cocktail in hand. is situated in a prime location Tokyo Weekender recommends overlooking the bay and harbor you try the gorgeous sweets in central Naha city. The eighth menu with a cup of coffee and, floor 300-seater restaurant is a big if you time it right, you can draw for guests from across Asia. enjoy a relaxing break whilst Executive Chef Hamakawa Hiroaki’s watching the sunset over the speciality shabu shabu and sashimi ocean. Ease of access is another dishes will more than satisfy key feature of Kariyushi Urban eager foodies. As well as fantastic Resort Naha and most of Rooms from: ¥20,000 - ¥40,000 per night. Japanese and Western cuisine the Okinawa’s key attractions are Info: www.kariyushi.co.jp restaurant’s large windows allow within a short drive or ride on Call: (098) 860-2111 lucky guests the chance to whale- the convenient monorail. Email: [email protected]

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012 38 PROMOTION ISHIN HOTELS

OKINAWA NAHANA HOTEL & SPA Central Naha Location

kinawa Nahana Hotel and Spa is positioned perfectly for both business and leisure travel, located next to the super-convenient monorail in central Naha city. Nahana is just a short walk from Kokusai Dori (international street), so picking up a souvenir bottle of awamori or Okinawan glass couldn’t be easier. The hotel’s Kotoran spa is modern and fresh and the “hot rock” treatment is Oa great way to relax before hitting the town! Nahana’s 12th floor dark and intimate dining bar has some of the best cocktails in the city and great views of Naha from the large curved glass windows. Tokyo Weekender’s tip: Try the Nahana “seaside” cocktail, or the impressive “pineapple sparkle”—a hollowed out pineapple packed with fresh fruits and sparkling wine, a superb to start the evening!

Info: www.ishinhotels.com/okinawanahana/en Call: (098)-866-0787 Location: 2-1-5, Kume, Naha City, Okinawa, 900-0033. 10 minutes by monorail from the airport. SUN MARINA Private beach, right on your doorstep

or beach lovers, Sun Marina Hotel should be at the top of your list, the golden sands of the hotel’s 400 meter private beach are one reason so many families come back year afterF year. The vast glass atrium of Sun Marina links to a range of rooms and suites, the most impressive being the duplex apartment style “Royal Suite” rooms in both Japanese and Western style. Sun Marina commands an incredible spot overlooking the ocean on the main coastal road route 58, (just 85 minutes from Naha Airport via airport limousine or 50 minutes by car). Sun Marina guests will be spoiled for choice when it comes to food with incredible lunch buffets in the “Senses” dining room, Japanese cuisine at “Chitose”, outdoor eating on the “BBQ Terrace” and drinks and snacks at the tea lounge. As well as a wealth of beach activities, guests can enjoy the huge family friendly outdoor pool and relax at the indoor Kupu Kupu spa. After checking in to Sun Marina, you will never want to leave!

Info: www.ishinhotels.com/sunmarina-hotel/en Call: (098)-965-2222 Location: 66-1 Fuchaku, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0494. 50 minutes by car from the airport.

JANUARY 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com TRAVEL PROMOTION 39

ANA celebrates the maiden flight of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, discover more about ANA on Facebook and ANA Goes social Twitter!

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ANA fans should check out ANA’s Global Facebook page, where you can communicate with other ANA aficionados from around the world! Facebook users will find fun videos, original pictures of aircraft and scenery, ANA staff introductions, as well as Facebook exclusive campaigns and other super-saving deals.

Travelers can also follow ANA on Twitter for the latest domestic and international flight information on weather conditions and flight operations.

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42 FACES & PLACES PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES

Paula Patton , Tom Cruise and Brad Bird in Tokyo for the premiere of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. In the background, Japan’s longest serving press conference translator Natsuko Toda.

PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES ImageNet Photo: Tokyo’s Longest Running Society Page, with Bill Hersey

ike most people I know, I had my fill of doom and gloom My apartment is sort of a museum come junkshop and I worry what last year and Mayan predictions aside, I hope and pray effect another earthquake would have; so, recently, seeking ways to that 2012 is a better year for everyone in this rapidly protect my collection of antiques I spent some time with the always- changing old world of ours. helpful staff at Tokyu Hands. One of the most interesting (and least L expensive) things they taught me was to wedge books and magazines After seven wonderful years of Christmas breaks in Hawaii, I on top of cupboards and bookcases. These should be forced to fit as decided to spend the holidays here in Japan. Tokyoites, thankfully, tightly as possible from the top to the ceiling to prevent furniture went all out in making the city beautiful for the winter season moving or falling over. I’ve tried this in previous earthquakes and with some wonderful illuminations and all kinds of parties and believe me it really works! events continuing right into the new year. Our Japanese friends traditionally celebrate o-shogatsu by going back to their hometowns, Over Christmas I had a phone conversation with Princess Takamado, visiting shrines and spending time with their families, I’m sure the we talked a lot about the March 11 earthquake and tsunamis and end of 2011 was an especially emotional time for many in Japan. how well the Japanese have coped with those horrendous disasters. As you can probably tell, January is a much quieter time here in We also discussed the “big one” which scientists have predicted will the city but I personally don’t mind that at all. I plan on getting happen in Tokyo for decades now. We’ve learned we can’t control old my apartment a bit more organized, learning out to use the new Mother Nature but we should be as prepared as we possibly can. There camera I got for Christmas and working on a book that I hope to get are constant reminders of how to get ready for an earthquake and published later this year. I’m also making some travel plans for late rules to follow in case of a natural disaster and, as they say, it’s better January or February when it is coldest, airfares are cheaper, and the to be safe than sorry. places I want to visit aren’t so crowded. Time to move on to the party scene but first, I hope you had a great I’m typing this first column of the year out in late December and Christmas and New Year and that 2012 is a truly a good year for you have already started sorting things out. It’s really amazing what I’ve and your loved ones. collected over the years—this morning I came across an incredibly beautiful stamp collection that was issued in Libya in 2002. It was Japan Loves Tom Cruise given to me by the head of the Libyan postal authority whom I met Movie star Tom Cruise renewed old friendships and made many new when he visited Tokyo. Some of the stamps are trimmed in real gold friends on a recent trip to Tokyo. He was in Japan for only about a day and silver and most feature stylized propaganda images of Colonel and a half and, believe me, really worked hard on the promotion of his Gaddaffi dramatically posing on horseback. My Arab friends told me new film Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. In between the morning the collection is worth keeping and it was amazing to rediscover it press conference and evening premiere he did back to back interviews after recent events in Libya. for Japanese TV and press and mixed with a group of children from Fukushima in his suite at the Ritz Carlton. Always one to please fans,

JANUARY 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com BILL HERSEY FACES & PLACES 43

Minister of Justice Hideo Hiraoka Mayor of Fukushima, Katsutaka Itugawa and ambassador Turkistani and Bill Hersey

Former prime minister Yukio Hatoyama congratulates host, Saudi ambassador Abdulaziz Turkistani Saudi National Day Party

Jamaican minister of youth, sports and culture Hon. Olivia Grange, Min-on concert association president Hiroyasu Kobayshi, Jamaican amb. Claudia Barnes

Jamaica Rocks! Three of the show’s stars Sheckena, Tessanne and Leye

HIH Princess Takamado announces Hisanaga and Takako Shimazu with Latvian ambassador the winning photograph Peteris Vaivars Photos: Weekender Photos:

Mori Arts Center exec Motohiro Mibu, Mori Art Museum direc- tor Yoshiko Mori, Kuwaiti amb. Abdul-Rahman Al Otaibi Japan Through Diplomats’ Eyes

Colombian amb. Patricia Cardenas, grand prize winner Rania Alhaj Ali, HIH Princess Takamado Yu Saezawa, Latvian amb. Peteris Vaivars, development tycoon Costa Rican amb. Alvaro Cedeno Molinari and jury head Nobutaka Machimura Minoru Mori and Saudi amb. Turkistani www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012 44 FACES & PLACES PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES

Helge Maruyama, Bahrain amb. Dr. Khalil Hassan, Utako Arrour Kazuko (Kay) Siazon, Abeer Al Muslahi, Kyoko Spector, Lilo, Lena Chikada, (wife of Morrocan amb.) Amnat Jadmani (Pakistan embassy), Mary Katayama (sitting), Yasmine Tsamadfos, Maali Siam In and Around & Fox TV

Alicia Lorvo of Grand Hyatt Charo Ireton, her son Matthew and daughter Roberta Hilton Tokyo GM Jamie Mead, PR director Momoko Gonohe and Diamond Club manager Ms Ueda Orphans Christmas Party

Danielle Yoshikoshi and Weekender’s Pia enjoy the Linda Mueller of United Airlines helps out Kuwait’s Jamilah Al Otaiba and daughter Hala with Santa party with three of the kids Photos: Weekender Photos:

Peruvian amb. Juan Carlos Capunay Tokyo based entrepreneur Alef and his Bill, Dewi Sukarno, and Charo Ireton girlfriend Tina JANUARY 2011 www.tokyoweekender.com BILL HERSEY FACES & PLACES 45

Cruise spent two full hours shaking hands and signing autographs on international bazaar was scheduled for the same day! I’m happy to the red carpet at the Roppongi Hills arena. Even with a really rough hear the bazaar was, as always, a massive success and also happy to schedule he looked good, seldom stopped smiling and did everything report, thanks to the powers that be, the orphans charity party also possible to please the thousands of fans who showed up to greet him. had a great turnout. There were gifts galore at the party and each Kudos to the Paramount people here, considering time limitations they child got something special. Sponsors Mercedes Benz, Lufthansa, did one hell of a good job. The action stunts in Ghost Protocol have United Airlines, Hertz Rent-a-Car, Paramount Pictures the Walt to be seen to be believed, I specially like the segment shot in Dubai— Disney Company, Toho Towa, 20th Century Fox, Tohokushinsha Film go and check it out while it’s still showing! Corporation and Hello Kitty, all sent wonderful gifts. It was nice having Tokyoite entrepreneur Alef and his girlfriend Tina distributing Saudi National Day Celebration at the Imperial Hotel his health food fruit bars for free. The Hilton’s Christmas buffet was Special guests at Saudi Arabia’s people-packed national day reception also a treat and full of all the food kids love but don’t often have the included former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, the Minister opportunity to indulge in. of Justice Hideo Hiraoka and the Mayor of Fukushima Takanori Seto, it was also nice celebrating with so many Saudi students I know. They My thanks to all the good people and friends who took time out of looked great in their national costumes and their dancing and singing their busy schedules, to bring gifts over to the Hilton and spent the really brought back memories of my four days at the Janadriyah afternoon with the 50 beautiful kids who came from six different culture festival outside . Back then I was a guest of the Saudi orphanages across the city. In addition to several ambassadors and Arabian National Guard and will never forget their kindness and ambassadors wives there were Japanese and expat ladies, community trademark Arab hospitality. The buffet at the Imperial Hotel, with its leaders and nine members of Angels. Top entertainers Arab, Japanese and Western dishes was superb and Saudi Ambassador Steven Haynes, Rene Boseman and vocalist Matthew Ireton all did 08 Abdulaziz Turkistani’s reception was really colorful and exciting. their thing to make the afternoon really happening. This was the first time long time friend Dewi Sukarno helped out with the party. She, Jamaica Rocks as always, looked great and the kids loved her, it was also nice having The Min-on Concert Association’s concert series ‘Jamaica Rocks’ help from Roberta Ireton there with her mom Charo. Roberta studies really did rock! After the two-hour extravaganza of top Jamaican and works in L.A. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of watching entertainment at Nakano Sun Plaza, guests had the opportunity to her grow into a beautiful, smart young woman. meet and mix with the cast at a reception hosted for the visiting artists—talk about beautiful and talented people! My thanks to I’d also like to say a special thanks to Tokyo Hilton’s GM Jamie Mead, Jamaican ambassador Claudia Barnes for her introduction to Minister PR director Momoko Gonohe and the hotel staff, who all put a lot of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia Grange. She’s a very of time and effort in making the event happen. The hotel’s Marble interesting woman, who recently spoke at the United Nations about Lounge was full of love and the holiday spirit that day and I wish you the need to create a network on youth development and strengthening could have seen the looks on the kids faces as they left with bags of Jamaica’s cooperation with the UN. gifts. Thanks to the generosity of so many we were also able to send big boxes of gifts to each of the participating orphanages. I took a Japan through Diplomats’ Eyes photo exhibition lot of good photos at the party but unfortunately there was just not In keeping with the times the recent photo competition and exhibition enough space to print them all. (Sorry folks!) was titled “Resilient and Dynamic Japan” and was proof that a picture is worth a thousand words. HIH Princess Takamado, a very good Maruyama’s Polynesian Garden Party photographer herself, is honorary chairman of the annual event As you can see by the photos (top left) the guests followed the dress while Colombian Ambassador Cardenas and Diet Member Nobutaka code of something Polynesian for Mitsuo and Lilo Maruyama’s annual Machimura head the photo jury. Kudos to the many who helped set it garden party. The Maruyama’s beautiful Californian ranch-style all up and to the venue Roppongi Hills space as the food and service home in Tochigi Ken, is built on the side of a big hill overlooking a were excellent. I would like to say thanks to Machimura Sani, I really golf course. With a huge swimming pool in the main garden, several liked his matsuri photos and he gave me some useful info on how to gazebos and a traditional Japanese garden, their house looks like catch the action and movement the next time I shoot photos at this kind something out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. We were of event. blessed with great weather that day and the buffet was served outside where guests enjoyed a Polynesian dance show while they were Orphan’s Charity Party eating and socializing. It was a great day in every way. My thanks to On December 7th I helped organize the fifteenth annual Bahrain ambassador Hassan for getting me there and Kyoko orphan’s charity party at the Hilton Tokyo and to be Spector for getting me back to Tokyo, domo arigato! truthful, I was a bit concerned before the party. I thought I had checked out the city’s party scene but P.S. Check out the new Tokyo Weekender website for more I learned at the last second that the popular Ikebana party pictures over the coming year. SPONSORED CONTENT

Mark McDonald and Citi group’s Maria Anne Lopez, Michael Bolton and Singer Michelle, Actor Takumi and Jerome Kemp Charo Ireton dancer Joey Beni at the New Lex

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012 ISS is a not-for-profit, grades 5-12 co-educational school providing a customized international education for exceptional and diverse students, and those in need of various forms of additional support in Kanto.

-Supporting Every Learner- Open House and Seminar 2012 Thursday, January 26th, 2012 Start at 9:00a.m. Finish at 11:30a.m. “The Benefits of Extensive Reading for Language Acquisition” Dr.Joseph Poulshock “Attention Apps: 10 Mental Downloads for Concentrating When Painfully Bored and Working Hard When Totally Uninterested” Dr. Ron Shumsky Saint Maur International School Quality Education within a Caring Family Environment since 1872 “Making Connections, Reading, Writing Pre-K (Age 2 1 / 2 ) to Grade 12 - Coeducational ● Montessori ● International Primary Curriculum (IPC) and Thinking in the Classroom” ● International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) ● International Baccalaureate (IB) Dr.Aimee Weinstein ● Advanced Placement (AP) ● 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. International Secondary School Registered as Gakko-Hojin by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. 4-17-26 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073 Email: [email protected] /TEL: 03-5730-1331 FAX: 03-5730-1332 83 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa-ken, 231-8654 Tel: 045 641 5751 / Fax: 045 641 6688

JANUARY 2011 www.tokyoweekender.com EXPAT LIFE FACES & PLACES 47 ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS MONTHS Weddings, Birthdays & anniversaries TOKYOITES, WE NEED YOU! BROADCAST YOUR NEWS IN WEEKENDER! Want the city to know about your celebration? Place a FREE PHOTO in our annoucements page. For more info please email: [email protected]

Welcome to the Jungle baby Taiki. From Mom & Dad

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Nik. Hope you have a brilliant day. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aya. Hope you have a great day. Love from Steph CONGRATULATIONS Liam & Rina. Lots of love from all your family and friends

Happy Birthday Keiko. Lots of love from all your family and friends. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Joffa, from all the guys at TGRFC. Have a good one mate.

HAPPY BITHDAY Hitomi-chan, with lots of love from Richie.

Wishing you a very HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY HAPPY BITHDAY Akane. Hope you have a DAD. All the best from Asi wonderful day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kazuko. Have a wonderful day, lots of love from all your family. www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012 48 AGENDA 2012 THE WEEKENDER’S GUIDE TO AGENDA ESSENTIAL EVENTS IN 2012 JAN FEB MAR

COMING OF AGE DAY Tokyo Marathon Roppongi Art Night A traditional Japanese festival is a good Japan’s running craze knows no bounds An annual event that brings the cream of the welcome back for those expats who returned and the peak of all races is the annual Tokyo crop of Japanese and global artists to Tokyo’s home for the winter holidays. Held on the Marathon, this year will be bigger and crazier most foreigner friendly district. In March the second Monday in January (this year January then ever when 36,000 runners hit the streets streets and between the Mori Art Museum and 9) Seijin no Hi, celebrates and encourages those watched by over two million cheering fans and Tokyo Midtown host a world-class festival of who have reached the age of majority in Japan. supporters. creativity suitable for the whole family. More info: www.tokyo42195.org More info: www.roppongiartnight.com APR MAY JUN

HANAMI Sky Tree Opens Fuji ROCK FESTIVAL Hanami’s back! Tokyo Weekender predicts Destined to be the symbol of Tokyo in 2012, Highlights of the summer for many expats will a record breaking turn out for the cherry the Sky Tree is scheduled to finally open to be Fuji Rock festival. High up in the mountains, blossom viewing festival in late March and the public in May of this year. The viewing and far away from city life, this festival has a early April. The sad sight of Tokyo in darkness platform 350 meters will offer a birds-eye truely unique atmosphere. This year British last year will be replaced by a brighter, more view over old Edo. Here’s hoping the Sky Tree superstars the Stone Roses are set to headline confident city looking forward to the next year project will rejunvenate downtown Tokyo, the main stage at Niigata’s Naeba Ski Resort. as resilient as ever. as developers have planned. More info: www.smash-uk.com JUL AUG SEP

TANABATA SUMMER SONIC Tokyo Game show It’s a safe bet to say the end of July will bring Summer Sonic is back and louder than ever, It’s time to head indoors for some serious geeky another scorcher of a summer to Japan.July 7 is organizer’s are keeping the lineup for 2012 action. The annual Tokyo Game show, held in Tanabata, the ancient Chinese star secret but if the past 12 Summer Sonic’s were September attracts upwards of 200,000 people. festival. Taught to children across China and anything to go by get ready for an all-star line Last year saw mobile app maker GREE steal the Japan--the wonderful old story of separated up. Let’s just pray Justin Bieber is already show in a shift away from traditional console lovers is marked by pinning wishes onto tall booked that weekend. Dates: August 18 and 19 games to more mobile ways of gaming. bamboo poles. More Info: www.summersonic.com/2012 More Info: www.tgs.cesa.or.jp/english

JANUARY 2011 More events on our website... 2012 AGENDA 49 OCT

Tokyo Designers Week Tokyo Weekender predicts another week of cutting edge product and interior design as Tokyo Designers Week returns for its 27th outing. The annual art and design exhibition is one of the largest in Asia and keeps growing year on year. Official dates are yet to be announced, but for more information visit: www.tdwa.com NOV

FASHION’S NIGHT OUT

Another night of champagne-guzzling and big spending as Vogue’s landmark Fashion’s Night Out once again invades Omotesando and Aoyama. Get your best clothes and your black card ready for some hard work! DEC

NEW YEAR AT MEIJI SHRINE If you are looking to welcome 2013 in a traditional Japanese fashion, the best place to go is the Meiji Shrine in Shibuya. Millions of people over the course of the first few days of each new year come and visit Meiji Shrine to pray for fortune, success, and happiness for the coming year.

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2012 50 FACES & PLACES 2012

kitson night Vol.3 Sound Museum Vision, Shibuya

JANUARY 2012 Promoter or Agent? Want your 2012 events in Weekender? Email us: [email protected]