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APR 2018 / ISSUE 215 Spring Road Trips Get a set of wheels and get off the tourist trail

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> THE BEAUTY AND TRADITIONS OF TOYAMA

> KANSAI’S BEST OUTDOOR MARKETS

> DELECTABLE DINING IN NAKAZAKICHO

INCLUDING

FIND OUT WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

INSIDE THIS ISSUE While it felt like it may never come, spring is finally here, and what better way to make the most of the season than to take a road trip to explore another prefecture? Our writers Randy Poehlman and Jason Haidar have been driving around the Chugoku About Kansai Scene region (p 04) and Toyama Prefecture (p 08) respectively, and have put together some Kansai Scene provides monthly English enticing recommended itineraries. If you’re keen to stay local this spring, how about articles, information and listings for visitors heading to one of Kansai’s unique outdoor markets? Brooke Larsen is in the know and residents of the Kansai area. and brings us all the details of Kansai’s best markets on page 6. If you’re looking for a quaint spot for coffee and cake or a light meal, look no further than the hipster town of Nakazakicho (p 18) – it seems that every time we look, we find another new and Publisher ...... Daniel Lee interesting cafe or boutique in that trendy retro neighborhood. If you’re keen for some Managing Editor...... Celia Polkinghorne festival action this month, check out our events and festivals listings starting on page Editor...... Jason Haidar 10. We hope you enjoy the spring season! Production Manager...... Misa Matsui Production Assistant...... Miyoko Morita Accounts Manager...... Michiko Lee Art...... Peggy Holsclaw Cinema...... Miyoko Morita Event & Festival...... Tomoko Ishii Events & Festivals...... 10 Live Music...... Phillip Jackson Club...... Saiko Fujiwara Art ...... 16 Live Music ...... 19 Contact Kansai Scene General ...... [email protected] Club ...... 24 Editorial...... [email protected] Advertising ...... [email protected] Cinema...... 26 Image courtesy of Shitennoji Temple of Shitennoji Image courtesy Tel...... 06-6539-1717 Classifieds...... 27 ON THE COVER: This month’s Fax...... 06-7635-4791 cover image is of Shoryoe – the Address...... Osaka-shi, Nishi-ku, memorial service for Prince ...... Shinmachi 3-5-7, Getting Around / Maps...... 29 Shotoku at Shitennoji Temple, Osaka...... Eiko Bldg. 2F ...... Mojoworks KK 04 Website...... kansaiscene.com Japan in a Van Get out of town and celebrate the arrival of spring with a campervanning adventure. Write for Kansai Scene If you would like to write for KS, please FEATURE Text: Randy Poehlman contact [email protected] after reviewing our writers guidelines: kansaiscene.com/write-for-us 06 Best Markets in Kansai Enjoy both the sunshine and shopping at these five outdoor markets.

DISCLAIMER FEATURE Text: Brooke Larsen Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. We take no responsibility for the quality or content of advertisements. Public and private parties appproached by those claiming to work for or on behalf of Kansai Scene should call this 08 office to confirm the truth of any such claim, especially where A Trip to Toyama money may be involved. Experience the natural beauty and traditional arts and crafts of A BIT OF HISTORY Toyama Prefecture. Kansai Scene was founded by Peter Horvath and Nishikawa Keiko in 2000 and published by Jatin Banker between 2003 – 2011. TRAVEL Text: Jason Haidar

18 Foodspotting Be charmed by the artistic and retro cafés of Nakazakicho.

FOOD & DRINK Text: Celia Polkinghorne

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com 3 FEATURE Drive Out of Town this Spring

Get a taste of van life with a Japanese campervan adventure.

Text & Images: Randy Poehlman

he majority of visitors castles out the window, hav- Van was a Toyota Voxy equipped to Japan will rely on ing barbecues on the beach, with extra mattresses and camp- the country’s well-es- and driving to and from all the ing equipment. With the back T tablished transporta- major sites on your must-see list seats folded down, it provided tion infrastructure consisting of is too enticing to pass up. If you a comfortable sleeping area mostly trains, domestic flights, are traveling in Japan with your and a great all-around camp- and highway buses. But truly significant other, a few friends, ing experience. creating your own adventure or your family, having your own The main expenses associated requires your own transporta- vehicle is definitely the best with this type of travel are the tion. All the better if you can way to tailor-make your unique price of the rental vehicle, gas combine sleeping quarters with holiday experience. or petrol for the vehicle, and a vehicle. Campervans are in- For our trip, we rented a highway toll charges. However, creasingly popular among tour- Conversion Van from Camper you can significantly reduce ists to Japan seeking to explore x Camper in Osaka and spent a the price of tolls by traveling rural areas and develop a deeper long weekend exploring parts of on public highways and roads, connection with the country Hyogo Prefecture as well as the which are toll-free. We decided and its people. Chugoku Region (Hiroshima, to do much of our driving along For many, the appeal of go- Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and the coastline, following the ing to bed and waking up with Yamaguchi prefectures). The coast in Tottori, Shimane, and

4 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com Feature

Yamaguchi, so not only did we Sunday morning, we woke up these various rock formations largely avoid tolls, but we were and drove into Izumo City and with a provided flashlight. After able to make various pictur- spent and an hour or so look- emerging from the caves, it was esque beachside stops along ing around Izumo Grand Shrine time to turn our attention to the way. and visiting the city’s old train lunch. Another popular dish in Our first stop was Himeji in station. The rest of the day was Yamaguchi, is a type of yaki-soba Hyogo Prefecture. After scoping mostly spent driving along the (stirfry noodles) dish cooked on out the picturesque Himeji Cas- oceanfront through Shimane a sizzling traditional Japanese tle, we headed to Kagura no yu, and much of Yamaguchi before roof tile. So we set the GPS for a public hot spring attached to arriving at Motonosumi Inari the top-rated Choshuya Yuda a hotel in the city center where Shrine. This shrine outside of restaurant in Yamaguchi City we had a nice long hot soak. On- Nagato City is one of the most near Yuda-Onsen for a scrump- sen (hot springs) and sento (pub- spectacular in the country and tious meal and one last hot lic baths) are ubiquitous all over features a trail of bright red spring dip. Japan, which is incredibly handy torii gates along the coast. After Monday afternoon and even- when traveling in a campervan, meandering through the torii ing was spent making the long which is obviously not equipped gates, you arrive at a rugged journey back to Osaka. Given with shower facilities (On this open area high above where the time constraints and ease of trip we also visited Hikawa Bijin waves crash against the rocks. travel, we opted to take the toll Onsen in Shimane Prefecture It is absolutely stunning, and a road expressway back, with a and Otani Sanso in Yamaguchi clear highlight of the Chugoku planned stop in Okayama. From Prefecture). After bathing, we region. Yamaguchi prefecture is Yamaguchi to Osaka, the tolls found a parking spot adjacent also known for delicious seafood were approximately ¥11,000. KS to the lit up Himeji Castle and and the coveted fugu (poison- drifted off to sleep with a beauti- ous blowfish) is a delicacy. ful view out the back window. The thinly sliced fugu sashimi On Saturday morning, after is available at supermarkets, leaving Himeji, we drove toward and fish markets throughout the opposite coast in the direc- the prefecture and our Sunday Van Rental Details tion of Tottori. We arrived in night barbecue menu featured To rent a vehicle in Japan, you must be the Hiruzen Highlands, which fugu Sashimi and Yamaguchi legally allowed to drive in the country, border Okayama Prefecture and strawberries as well as sazae which means having a Japanese driver’s license or an international Tottori Prefecture, and parked shellfish (turbo snails) and sweet driving permit. If you want to travel the van at the trailhead of potatoes, all purchased at a local outside the major urban areas, be in full Shimo-Hiruzen. As we climbed seafood market. control of your movements and travel schedule, enjoy a sense of adventure, toward the top, we could still Another Yamaguchi prefec- and go to places that are otherwise see a light snow cover higher ture attraction is the Akiyoshido difficult to get to, there is no better on the mountain, but the initial Caves in the middle of the transport option than a van. climbing was light and easy. prefecture and we spent much Our Camper x Camper van was fitted with a bed, bedding (including After reaching the summit, of Monday morning touring pillows), privacy curtains, a cooler box, having lunch, and descending, through these cavernous rock a camping table and two camping we hopped back in the van and shelters. The cave lighting and chairs, camping lights, a box of plates and cutlery, and bug nets to go over continued driving towards the audio guide in various languag- open doors and windows. The Camper coast. For this trip, I brought my es makes the experience visitor x Camper website allows renters to personal tripod camping grill friendly and easy for anyone of select other options to customize their trip. Communication with staff while (not included with the rental any age. The general entrance booking the van was easy and friendly van) along with some meat and fee is (¥1,200) and there is an and could be done in English, which was very convenient. vegetables so we could enjoy optional (¥300) “caving experi- sunsets barbecues and spend ence” where visitors can climb camperxcamper.com nights parked on the coast. ladders and explore more of

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com 5 Feature

Five of Kansai’s Best Outdoor Markets Get outside and explore the handicrafts, fresh produce, and bric-a-brac on offer at these superb local markets.

Text: Brooke Larsen

hat is this strange sensation in the outdoor market, a place where you can enjoy air? The outside world is no longer both the sun and shopping. If you gray and gloomy but beautiful have yet to explore any of the W and bright. The faces of passersby many great local markets, are no longer covered in masks and scarves, but we’ve rounded up the exposed and exuberant. Flowers are blooming. best around for you to The temperature is bearable. It’s unsettling, and check out this – or yet encouraging. People are starting to crawl out any – season. of their hibernation and into the light of day. This can only mean one thing... Spring has arrived! One great way to enjoy Kansai in the warming weather is to head to an

Ashiharabashi Upmarket The up-and-coming neighborhood of Ashiharabashi is just a short walk from Namba and even has a stop on the JR Osaka Loop Line, but chances are you’ve never been. Which is a shame because Ashiharabashi is the monthly setting of Upmarket, one of Osaka’s best-kept secrets. Upmarket is a food and craft fair that features everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to handmade jewelry and clothing for sale. The market also has live music and food vendors. How many places in Japan can you get tacos, falafel, pizza, and curry all in one area? This magical market is one of them. It is spread across three adjacent locations – Salt Valley, the walkway outside the south exit of Ashiharabashi Station, and the Times parking lot located at its end. You could easily spend a whole day enjoying all this lively event has to offer.

» When: Every 3rd Sunday from 10:30am–4pm (except during the summer, when the market is held in the slightly cooler evenings from 4:30pm) » Where: 1-7 Naniwahigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka » reedjp.org/up

6 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com Feature

Shitennoji Flea Market Osaka might not be known for its traditional culture and temples, yet the city is home to the oldest Buddhist temple in the entire nation – Shitennoji. Just a short walk from teeming Tennoji Station and the crowded Q’s Mall is a peaceful park and ancient holy site that comes alive once a month for the Shitennoji Flea Market. A medley of vendors selling stuff ranging from used shoes to vintage hotel log books set up shop on the temple grounds. You can find many strange and wonderful things here, like ceramics, paintings, and clothes, many of them rare and unique. Shintennoji is the perfect place to find a wacky collectible to add to your store of historic Japanese goods, cheap thrift clothing, or to just spend an afternoon experiencing a traditional market atmosphere.

» When: The 21st and 22nd of each month from 8:30am–4pm » Where: Shitennoji Temple, 1-11-18 Tennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka

Nakanoshima Food Eat Local Kobe Farmers’ Kamigamo Tezukuri-ichi Lover’s Market Market Kyoto is generally viewed as the hub of beautiful handmade goods, so it s no You might be wondering how the The Eat Local Kobe farmers’ market ’ Nakanoshima neighborhood, home of takes its title very seriously. This weekly wonder that this traditional town is home to bustling markets of all kinds. There are Osaka’s urban oasis located just south outdoor market is all about spotlighting of the Umeda business district, could and promoting local, DIY startups and tons of great ones in the city, yet some of the best are off the beaten path. One of the get any more appealing. It’s already companies in the agricultural business. The home to a gorgeous park and waterfront market features only food that is produced most unique is the Kamigamo Tezukuri- views, not to mention museums and locally and fits in with the climate and ichi (or “Kamigamo Handicraft Market”), an art galleries galore. But what if the culture of the Kobe area. Eat Local Kobe is outdoor market located on the grounds of opportunity to purchase delectable and held nearly every Saturday (the schedule Kamigamo Shrine, a World Heritage Site. healthy local food was added to the mix? varies a bit) and usually hosts around 40 This market features mainly craft vendors – {tezukuri} means handmade after Enter the Food Lover’s Market, a monthly vendors. They also hold regular events, “ ” celebration of gourmet goods in one post articles and recipes on their site (in all – selling all kinds of things. It’s located near the Kamo River in a very natural of Osaka’s most beautiful and beloved Japanese only), and have a very active areas. Located at the Nakanoshima fishing and drool-worthy Instagram account environment that feels miles away from the city. There is grass, trees, and a creek port, about a 10 minute walk from Awaza (@eatlocalkobe). It’s also located in that runs straight through the grounds. Station, the market provides the chance Sannomiya in one of the city’s nicest parks. to shop for locally grown food sold by People often bring tarps and blankets people who are truly passionate about and set up picnics alongside it where they » When: Regularly on Saturdays, but the relax after browsing the 250 plus vendors their work. The Food Lover’s Market is part ’ of an effort to encourage buying local, so schedule varies seasonally (check the stalls. This is truly one of the more pleasant a visit is not only fun but going towards a website for details) market experiences, the likes of which only good cause. » Where: Higashi Yuenchi Park, 6-4 a place as historic and tranquil as Kyoto Kanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe could offer. » eatlocalkobe.org » When: Every 1st Saturday from 11:00 to 16:00 » When: Monthly on the 4th Sunday from 9:00~16:00 (weather permitting) » Where: Nakanoshima Fishing Port, Kawaguchi 2-9, Nishi-ku, Osaka » Where: Kamigamo Shrine, 3-3-9 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto » retown.co.jp/food_lovers » kamigamo-tedukuriichi.com

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com 7 TRAVEL A Taste of Toyama Get off the crowded tourist trail this Golden Week and explore the natural beauty and traditional crafts of Toyama.

Text & Images: Jason Haidar

ocated along the Sea of Japan coast in all in one spot, including copper utensils, Takaoka the Chubu Region, Toyama Prefecture lacquerware, and Inami wood sculptures. The is surrounded on three sides by precipi- highlight is the chance to make your own cop- L tous mountains, with the enchanting per utensil, such as a sake cup. Take part in the Toyama Bay – serving as a gateway to the Sea of process of pouring molten metal into a hollow Japan – on the other. Often overshadowed by its mold, set it to cool, then sand it down to a smooth more popular neighbor, Kanazawa, Toyama (a finish. The best part is that after you finish, you 15-minute ride on the Shinkansen from Kanazawa) can bring it to a local izakaya to break it in with a doesn’t have the charms of a well-preserved Edo free cup of local sake! district or a famous garden like Kenroku-en. But A 12-minute drive from the Takaoka Regional those willing to veer off the tourist track in the Market Center is one of Japan’s national treasures, direction of Toyama will discover a more authentic Zuiryuji Temple. Dating back to 1645, the build- Japanese experience away from the crowds, rich in ing’s unique architecture was influenced by styles traditional crafts, and in an area just as abundant of the Kamakura Period, which drew from Chinese with natural beauty as the popular tourist spots. architectural styles when Zen became popular As many sites of interest are off the beaten path among the samurai class. While in the area, make with limited public transport available, the most sure to check out the Takaoka Daibutsu – one of convenient way to explore Toyama Prefecture is by the three great Buddha statues of Japan, along rental car. with the 13-meter-high Great Buddha statue in Kamakura and the Daibutsu in Todaiji Temple, Day 1 – Make a sake cup, visit a national Nara. The Takaoka Daibutsu stands an impos- treasure, see a giant Buddha ing height 15.85 meters (including the base) and A 35-min drive from Toyama Station, Takaoka City weighs 65 tons. What makes it unique is that was has a more than 400-year tradition as a center of crafted using traditional copperware techniques, industry and traditional crafts dating back to its which Takaoka is famed for. founding by Toshinaga Maeda, lord of the Kaga If traditional crafts really are your thing, then Clan, in 1609. This is proudly continued to this day it’s worth making a stop at the Himi City Museum at the Takaoka Regional Market Center, which is while heading up the coast. They feature a perma- hard to miss due to the two large Buddhist statues nent exhibition on Fujimi basket weaving, which that tower over the parking lot. Here, you will find will be instantly recognizable to those familiar a collection of the crafts Toyama is renowned for with the Toka Ebisu Festival in Osaka. The wicker

8 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com Feature baskets that hold the Lucky God papermaking center, you can named Sanshiro Maekawa was have been used for a variety of learn about this traditional craft sent to oversee and train work- purposes in Japan for ages, but that goes back more than 1,200 ers to rebuild the temple. Local now are a dying tradition. years and take a class in English legend links back to this as the For one of the most spectacu- where you can make your very start of the Inami wood carving lar sunrises you are likely to own washi paper postcards, tradition, which is now known witness in the land of the rising bookmarks, or hand fans for a all over Japan. sun, treat yourself to a night’s true one-of-a-kind souvenir. Inside the Inami Wood Carv- stay at the Umi Akiri Hotel on After your class, book in some ing Composite Hall, you can Toyama Bay. Stay in a traditional relaxation time with a boat marvel at a collection of over Japanese room and sample the tour through the Sho River 200 masterfully crafted Inami freshest seafood delicacies the Gorge. Take the Shogawa River wood carvings, both on exhibit area has to offer including fresh Cruise from its pick up point and for sale. Admire intricately abalone. Don’t forget to wash at Komaki Dam and then kick carved ranma (the panel placed it all down with local Tateyama back and relax as you drift down above lintel between two sake in your new sake cup. the calm waters through the rooms), a shishi-gashira (lion Whatever you do here, be sure Shogawa River Valley. Let the dance mask), or even a massive to set your alarm for sunrise large looming mountains and wooden dragon guitar worth 2 and head to the open-air onsen, picturesque landscapes serve million yen! There is something where you will see an unforget- as your backdrop as you make for everyone. Master Carpenters table sunrise over Toyama Bay. your way to Omaki Onsen. here mainly use camphor tree, Standing in total isolation on zelkova, and paulownia timber. Day 2 – Visit thatched-roof in the shadow of the Shogawa From start to finish, they utilize houses, make washi paper, River Valley, the river-side Oma- around 200 different chisels. take a river cruise ki Onsen Kanko Ryokan is only If you wish to channel your Heading away from the ocean accessible via the Shogawa Riv- inner woodworker, you can sign and into the mountains, you erboat. After docking, you are up for the wooden guinomi carv- will find the UNESCO World greeted by staff in traditional ing experience where you can Heritage Site or Gokayama Vil- kimono, and once there, all you learn from master craftsmen lage. The name meaning “five have to do is surrender yourself how to make your own wooden valleys,” the village is famous to the pure secluded bliss with smartphone speaker, postcard for the gassho-zukuri thatched- both indoor and outdoor baths box, accessory case, or drink roof houses, easily recognizable making for an unforgettable coaster, all within about an hour form their slanted A-frame onsen experience. and using traditional Japanese slopes. These houses draw huge carving tools. KS crowds to Shirakawa village in Day 3 – Discover Toyama’s Gifu Prefecture, but the differ- wood carving traditions ence with visiting the gassho- The town of Inami, which has a zukuri in Gokayama Village is history of wood sculpting that that you’re likely to be able to dates back over 250 years, lends take a perfect postcard picture its name to the traditional craft void of any other tourists. of Inami woodcarving, which After admiring Gokayama’s is recognized as a National thatched-roof houses, make Traditional Craft of Japan. The your way to the nearby Gokay- town was built up after disaster Top left: Picturesque village of thatched-roof houses ama Washi Taiken-kan (paper- struck the nearby famous tem- in Gokayama. Above: a craftsman turning a wooden bowl at Showa making center), where the Go- ple of Inami Betsuin Zuisenji. Aqua Memorial Park, where visitors can learn about kayama washi handmade paper The temple was destroyed by a another type of woodcraft called Shogawa. tradition is passed down by the fire in the middle of the 18th See more photos online at local people of the area. At this century. A master carpenter kansaiscene.com

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com 9 Events  Cultural © Gion Koubu Kabukai Miyako Odori 都をどり APR APR 1 > 24 Kyoto Art Theater Shunjuza • Apr 1–24 Watch the graceful movements of geiko (geisha) from the Gion Kobu district perform at their annual spring performance Miyako Odori. With its initial performance dating back to 1872 during the Meiji Period, Miyako Odori has been a prominent part of Kyoto’s cultural history. The stunning dances, accompanied by traditional songs and music, portray the four seasons in Japan. Each performance runs for 50 minutes and there are three performances everyday from April 1 to 24. A tea ceremony held prior to the show is on offer to those with Special Seat tickets. This year, the event will take place at Kyoto Uni- versity of Art & Design’s theater Shunjuza. Reserve tickets online.

TIME: 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:10pm • ADMISSION: ¥4,600 Special Seats, ¥3,500 First Class Seats • ACCESS: Eizan Line, Chayama Stn, 10-min walk • miyako-odori.jp

10 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com Events  Cultural

APR 22

Kansai Temple Markets

Explore Kansai’s wonderful monthly temple markets and grab a bargain. You’ll find a lot of antiques, including old kimono, ceramics and lacquerware, but you may also unearth some more contemporary curiosities. Perfect as souvenirs or gifts Yoga Fest for friends and relatives back home. Kemari Kobe » Shitennoji Temple Flea Market: Festival Design Creative Center Kobe (KIITO), Apr 21 & 22 • Shitennoji Minato no Mori Park • Apr 22 Temple Grounds, Osaka 蹴鞠祭 • Access: 5-min walk from Shitennojimae Stn, Tanzan Shrine, Nara • Apr 29 Relax your mind and body by Tanimachi Line engaging in meditative poses » Toji Market Kyoto: An elegant ball game that was with fellow yoga enthusiasts. Apr 21 • Toji Temple • popular among people of the Access: 15-min walk from JR Instructors based in Kobe and Kyoto Stn court in early Japanese history Osaka will conduct 20 yoga » Kitano Tenmangu Market: takes place at the ancient classes and workshops such Apr 25 • Kitano Tenmangu Tanzan-jinja. Mountains in Shrine • Access: Tenman- as AcroYoga (mix of partner gu-mae bus stop fresh spring verdure provide acrobatic, Thai massage, and the perfect setting for this yoga) and Kundalini Yoga. traditional event called kemari. To participate in the classes, Wearing beautiful kimono, purchase tickets at the venue; performers kick and pass the prices start at ¥2,000 for one ball gracefully. Legend has it class, ¥3,000 for two classes, and APR that Prince Nakano Oe first met ¥4,000 for three classes. Explore 29 his vassal Kamatari Fujiwara the wide variety of practices at a kemari game in the 7th and don’t forget to check out century. To commemorate this the lively market with organic historical event, Tanzan-jinja, and fair-trade stalls, meals made the shrine that houses the deity from organic produce, and yoga Kamatari Fujiwara, hosts the wear shops. The outdoor yoga ancient ball game biannually in class “SotoYoga” (free admission) spring and autumn. will take place from 10:30am at the adjacent Minato no TIME: 11am • ADMISSION: ¥600 adults, concessions • ACCESS: JR / Kintetsu Line, Mori Park. Sakurai Stn, bus to Tanzan-jinja • tanzan.or.jp TIME: 10am–5pm • ADMISSION: Free (Class fee is varied) • ACCESS: JR Sannomiya Stn, 20- min walk • comejoinyogafest.jimdo.com

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com 11 Events  Cultural

APR APR APR 10 11 > 17

Cherry Blossom Festival (Okasai)

桜花祭

Hirano Shrine • Apr 10

With 400 trees and 60 different types of cherry blossoms, Hirano-jinja Shrine is one of the

best places in Kyoto to © Japan Minti appreciate the spring in full bloom. The different shades of pink and white saturate the paths and it comes as no surprise that Sakura Torinuke – Cherry the Shrine’s symbol is a cherry blossom flower. Blossom Viewing

On this day a procession 桜の通り抜け of 200 people will parade around the neighborhood Japan Mint, Osaka • Apr 11–17 starting at Hirano-jinja The grounds of the Mint Bureau will open to the public for the Shrine at 1pm. This sakura torinuke (cherry blossom viewing). This is one of the most parade called Okasai has iconic sites to catch cherry blossoms in Japan in spring. Every taken place annually year, for only one week, the mint opens its gates for everyone to since 985 on April 10. For meander along the 560-meter path and admire the rows of sakura. further exploration in the Come and walk under the 350 cherry trees of different varieties, local area, make sure to including the gorgeous yaezakura – double-flowered cherry visit Kinkakuji and Kitano blossom. The fun lasts all day and into the evening as the blossoms Tenmangu, both within are lit up with atmospheric lighting, which creates a wonderful walking distance. ambiance. The walk from Temmabashi station is very pleasant,

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: Free • where an array of food stalls can be found along the river. ACCESS: Kyoto Stn, bus to Kinugasa Komae • hiranojinja.com TIME: 10am–9pm (9am–9pm on weekends) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Subway / Keihan Line Temmabashi Stn, 15-min walk • mint.go.jp

12 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com good old days of the Showa Osaka era. Enjoy live performances, NIKUFES OSAKA a market, traditional games, and more. 肉 フェス TIME: 10am–5pm • ADMISSION: Free Nagai Park • Apr 27–May 6 • ACCESS: Showa-cho Subway Stn, 10-min walk • blog.showacho.jp This 10-day open-air festival at Nagai Park caters to the meat Oimatsu Antique lovers Kansai. At this popular Festival culinary event, vendors from 老松古美術祭 all over the country will provide juicy dishes starting Oimatsu-cho, Osaka • Apr from ¥700. 28 & 29 TIME: 10am–10pm (11am–10pm Apr 27, May 1 & 2; 10am–9pm May 6) • Oimatsu-cho hosts a biannual ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Midosuji antique fair. An interesting Subway Line, Nagai Stn, 2-min walk mix of Japanese, Chinese, and • nikufes.jp Western period pieces will be on sale. You can bring your Naniwa Puppet Theater collection for a free appraisal. Festival TIME: 10am–6pm • ADMISSION: Free 第22回なにわ人形芝居フェスティバル • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Naniwabashi Stn, 5-min walk • oimatsu-cho.gr.jp Issinji Theater Kura & Surroundings • Apr 1

A vast array of puppet shows Kyoto will be on stage at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Kamo Kyokusui no the Tennoji area. Entertaining En – Poetry Composing performances, food and drink Game stalls, and more will be on the 賀茂曲水宴 streets during the event. Kamigamo Shrine • Apr 8 TIME: 10am–3:30pm • ADMISSION: depends on venue (1-day pass ¥700) Poets from the Reizei-ke • ACCESS: Tanimachi Subway Line, family (a family tracing back Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Stn, 5-min to an aristocracy in the Heian walk • isshinji.net/ningyoufes period) wearing ceremonial kimono compose poems in the Vegan Festival Japanese garden of Kamigamo- ビーガン•フェスタ jinja, a World Heritage listed shrine. Nakazaki-cho Hall • Apr 22 TIME: 1pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,000 (Japanese tea and sweets are More than 25 booths selling included) • ACCESS: Kitayama Subway vegan food, including gluten- Stn, bus to Kamigamojinja-mae • free sweets and organically kamigamojinja.jp grown vegetables will be open for business. There will be live music performances, free Japanese Sword yoga class, lectures on animal Exhibition and Sale rights, and much more. Pets 第22回京都刀剣まつり are not allowed. Miyako Messe • May 2–4 TIME: 11am–5pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Subway Nakazaki- A variety of top-quality cho Stn • facebook.com/ Japanese swords from all events/1855079541477810 regions and time periods will be on display and for sale. Showa Era Day TIME: 11am–4:40pm May 2; どっぷり昭和町 9:30am–4:40pm May 3; 9:30am–4pm May 4 • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Momogaike Park & Higashiyama Subway Stn, 8-min Surroundings • Apr 29 walk • kurayahashimoto.com/katana/ sell.html Every year on Showa day, the Showa-cho community boasts unique attractions and activities that showcase the Events  Cultural

Area while watching the yachts coincide with International Jazz preserved, traditional samurai- Hyogo sail by. Day (Apr 30). style buildings. Atmospheric musical performances are Tightrope Lion Dance TIME: 10am–4pm • ADMISSION: Free TIME: 11am (end time depends on sure to transport visitors to a 伊勢の森神社 梯子獅子 • ACCESS: Hanshin Koshien Stn, 20 venue) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: bygone era. min bus to Rizo Naruohama Stop • Ohmi Yokaichi Line, Yokaichi Stn, bus to Isenomori Shrine • Apr 8 naruohama-park.com Shiyakusyo-mae • biwako-jazzfes.com TIME: 6:30pm–9pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Yuasa Stn, 10-min walk • Wearing a heavy headdress, Pottery in Shigaraki yuasa-machinami.sakura.ne.jp performers bravely dance on a 第13回信楽窯元散策路 ぶらり窯 tightrope crossing a 10-meter Nara 元 めぐり Dojojieshiki valley. Enjoy thrilling acrobatics 道成寺会式 held in a puff of falling Jimmusai Festival Shigaraki-cho (Nagano-Chiku cherry-blossom petals! 春の神武祭 Area) • Apr 6–8 Dojoji Temple & TIME: 1pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Surroundings • Apr 27 Kashiharajingu & JR Kobe Line, Maiko Stn, bus to Tsuna Renowned for tanuki (raccoon Surroundings • Apr 7 & 8 Ichinomiya IC, 10-min taxi ride • dog) earthenware, Shigaraki Legend has it that a girl awajishima-kanko.jp/manual/detail. hosts a popular event where named Kiyohime turned into This annual spring festival php?bid=400&lid=20&at= about 20 local pottery stores a serpent and chased after is held in honor of the First are open to tourists. Visit her beloved monk, Anchin. Emperor of Japan, who is their studios, try your hand To commemorate this legend, Confectionary Fair enshrined in Kashihara Shrine. on a potter’s wheel, and enjoy watch the Janjaka Odori (snake 第8回菓子祭前日祭 Included in the line-up are refreshments at galleries dance) as a 25-meter man-made rakugo performance, a grand showcasing both modern and snake runs up a flight of stairs! Daikai-dori, Toyooka • Apr 14 street parade, kids workshops, traditional ceramics. traditional Japanese cultural TIME: 1pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Satisfy your sweet tooth at this acts, live music shows and TIME: 9am–5pm • ADMISSION: Free • JR Dojoji Stn, 7-min walk • dojoji.com fair in Toyooka, known for its street market. ACCESS: Shigarakikogen-Tetsudo Line, confectionary deity that resides Shigaraki Stn, 10-min walk • shigaraki- TIME: 10am–4pm Apr 7; 10am–4:30pm Wakayama Magical in Nakashima shrine. There will wa.jp Apr 8 • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Music Tour be an array of confectionaries, Kintetsu Line, Kashiharajingu-mae Stn, 第13回わかやまマジカルミュージッ a tea ceremony, sweets-making 5-min walk • kashihara-kanko.or.jp/ Nagahama Hikiyama クツアー demonstrations, and more. jinmusai Festival TIME: 10am–3:30pm • ADMISSION: Free 長浜曳山まつり Wakayama Castle Park and • ACCESS: JR Toyooka Stn • toyooka-cci. Heijokyo Tenpyo Sai – Surroundings • Apr 22 jp/sweetsfestival Heijokyo Festival Nagahama Hachimangu & Surroundings • Apr 13–16 Notice that the second kanji 平城京天平祭 2018 St. Michael’s character of Wakayama (和歌 Enjoy the traditional art of ) means song ? Experience International School Heijokyo Palace Site • May 山 “ ” kabuki being performed on floats Wakayama s vibrant music Bazaar 3–5 ’ that are themselves works of culture through the various art; beautifully decorated with performances that will take St. Michael’s International Nara hosts a visual spectacle antique tapestries and adorned place at Wakayama Castle Park, School • Apr 21 celebrating its more than 1,300 with elaborate carvings. museums, live houses, and on years of history. With traditional the streets. Around 200 artists This popular annual School ceremonies, an array of activities TIME: Depends on date • ADMISSION: will be showcasing their talents. Bazaar at St. Michael’s to participate in, and a variety Free • ACCESS: JR Nagahama Stn, 10- International School in Kobe of different entertainment, this min walk • nagahama-hikiyama.or.jp TIME: 10:30am–11pm (depends on event promises a fun-filled day with event showcases the ancient location) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: lots of international food, cultural life of the Japanese. Nankai Line, Wakayamashi Stn, 10-min games, fun stalls & rummage walk • magical.wakayamashi.jp TIME: 10am–4:30pm • ADMISSION: Free sales, music, dance, and a raffle. Wakayama • ACCESS: Kintetsu Line, Yamatosaidaiji Raffle tickets are on sale until Stn, 15-min walk • tenpyosai.jp 1pm on the day. Everyone Yuasa Andon Art Festa is welcome. 2018 ゆあさ行灯アート展 2018 TIME: 10am–3pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Motomachi Stn, 10-min Shiga Yuasa-cho, Wakayama • Apr walk • smis.org Biwako Jazz Festival 29–May 3 びわこJAZZ東近江 2018 Shiba Fes Over 500 lamps made by artists from all over the country 第５回芝ふぇす Yokaichi Stn & Surroundings • adorn the town of Yuasa, Apr 29 & 30 Naruohama Seaside Park • known for the beautifully Apr 28 & 29 More than 200 musicians and performers will gather and At the most southern part of perform at approximately 40 Nishinomiya is Naruohama venues in the city of Yokaichi Seaside Park that provides a Event organiser? including Yokaichi Station, 4,500-meter-squared grassed the city hall, and the streets in area adjacent to the sea. Enjoy between. This year marks the List your event online for free at delicious food and music in 10th year of the event and will the Flower Garden and Green Kansaifinder.com

14 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com APR 22

Shoryoe – Memorial Service for Prince Shotoku

聖霊会舞楽大法要

Shitennoji Temple, Osaka • Apr 22

This event is an excellent opportunity to appreciate bugaku, a great classical performing art. The performance commemorates the revered ancient figure, Prince Shotoku, who erected this important temple in the 6th century. A skilled troupe of dancers trained in bugaku, which has been designated a nationally important cultural asset, will put on a performance that has been carried out in the Japanese imperial courts for over 1,200 years. Watch the graceful movements of young boys in butterfly costumes and other dancers wearing elaborate masks. Beautiful ornaments shaped like red spider lilies will decorate the stage adding to the ambiance of this traditional Japanese art. The original version of the lion dance will be sure to delight the crowd.

TIME: 12:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Subway Stn, 5-min walk • shitennoji.or.jp Events  Art

Yoshiyuki Ooe “Bōzu Bones Born”

Tezukayama Gallery

Yoshiyuki Ooe is a native Osakan sculptor. His work recaptures 京都国立近代美術館

recognizable motifs in

陶、色絵金彩 unfamiliar contexts to

connect viewers cm x D32 media, H64.5 x W97 2018 mixed

明治～大正時代 with renewed

perceptions and

interpretations. Jacket Souvenir GALLERY of TEZUKAYAMA Courtesy Photo: Ooe has gained popularity on the international spectrum in recent 《花蝶図輪花皿》 years, most notably in the UK, where he was featured in the London ブロー

• B• Times. In the coming exhibition, Ooe will present works titled Souvenir and Souvenir Jacket, where he continues the use of schoolboys in トーマス their uniforms. Showcasing the unique view of Ooe, the boys are wrapped around by a snake carrying skulls, playing a game of trains, and wearing skulls masks. These motifs were inspired by the patterns The 150th Anniversary of of Japanese embroidered bomber jackets, which were popular items for American soldiers to take home during the post-war occupation – the Meiji Period : Making hence the titles. and Designing Meiji Arts and Yoshiyuki Ooe Exhibition • Until Apr 28 • OPEN: 12pm–7pm • CLOSED: Sun, Crafts Mon & holidays • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Namba Stn, 10-min walk • TEL: 06-6534-3993 • tezukayama-g.com/en The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

During the Meiji Restoration as the Japanese The Empire of Imagination and political system was being consolidated Science of Rudolph II under the new emperor, the government led numerous efforts to promote domestic Sagawa Art Museum industries and exports abroad, sparking an increased international interest in Japanese Rudolph II was Holy Roman Emperor, King of Hungary,

art. In Kansai, part of this movement Croatia, and Bohemia, and 世像》 involved the establishment of the Kyoto Archduke of Austria during the 2 Prefectural School of Painting, where 16th and 17th centuries. He was also known as an influential Skokloster Castle, Sweden Skokloster students received practical training and collector and patron of Northern instruction from diverse Nihon-ga painters Mannerist art, often reported to seeking to ensure that traditional classical sit and stare for hours on end at new acquisitions. He contributed

designs were adapted to meet contemporary to the European art scene by 《ウェルトゥムヌスとしての皇帝ルドルフ demands. In this exhibition, guests have gathering, commissioning, and 板、スコークロステル城、スウェーデン • carefully cataloging classical アルチンボルド an opportunity to examine Meiji crafts • and contemporary paintings, alongside a carefully selected series of Nihon- 年 、油 彩

writings, crafts, artifacts, flora, ジュゼッペ 1591 ga pieces representing Japanese aesthetic and fauna from around the sensibilities during this transition into the world throughout the course of his life. This exhibition presents work from Giuseppe Arcimboldo and other artists under the patronage of modern age. Rudolph II. Guests are invited to this time-honored selection of works from the one of the most impressive European art collections in all Meiji Arts and Crafts Exhibition • Until May 20 • OPEN: of history. 9:30am–5pm (until 8pm Fri & Sat, last entry 30mins before closing) • CLOSED: Mon (except Apr 30) • ADMISSION: ¥1000 • OPEN: ACCESS: Tozai subway line, Higashiyama Stn, 10-min walk • TEL: Rudolph II Collection Exhibition • Until May 27 • 9:30am–5pm • 075-761-4111 • momak.go.jp/English/index.html CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥1000 • ACCESS: JR Biwako line, Moriyama Stn, bus to Sagawa Bijutsukan-mae stop • TEL: 077-585-7800 • sagawa- artmuseum.or.jp/en

16 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com Events  Art

Osaka A Tower of the Sun Collection: Expo ’70 Ethnological Mission

National Museum of Ethnology •  Until May 29 220.0cm The 60s and 70s represented a × time of unprecedented global development. Throughout this 2014 97.0 period, the Japan Expo ’70 World Ethnological Materials Research

& Collection Mission collected WORK#1194 acrylic, sumi (Japanese ink), gesso, cloth, Japanese paper, panel pencil, pastel on wooden charcoal, historical works and specimens from all around the world. This exhibition is comprised of a col- lection of these valuable pieces. Hiroko Koshino OPEN: 10am–5pm • CLOSED: Wed • ADMISSION: ¥420 • ACCESS: Osaka “Kira − Brilliance of the East and West” Monorail, Banpaku Kinenkoen Stn, 15- min walk • TEL: 06-6876-2151 • minpaku. ac.jp/english KH Gallery Ashiya

Ohirome: New This exhibition displays a mixture of paintings and fashion from artist and designer Hiroko Acquisitions Exhibition Koshino, who seeks to create a dazzling balance of Eastern and Western cultural aesthetics in her works. Koshino strives to bring a sense of modern international beauty and flare Osaka Museum of History •  to traditional Japanese culture, basing certain elements of her style on artistic features Until May 7 prominent in foreign countries in different areas around the globe. The “ki” in “Kira” refers to twill weave, a type of textile weave with a diagonal pattern, while “ra” refers to thin-weave silk Since its founding, the Osaka fabric. The word in its entirety represents the beauty of these ornately colored fashion items Museum of History has encour- and the appealing aura of the elegant people who wear them. aged citizens to cultivate a deep understanding of the city’s history in order to interpret the present more fully. This exhibi- Hiroko Koshino Exhibition • Until Aug 10 • OPEN: 11am-4pm (Online booking only, except Sundays) tion displays 40 new pieces • CLOSED: Wed • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Ashiya Stn, bus to Okuike stop • kh-gallery.com/en/ recently donated to the museum ashiya by local art lovers.

OPEN: 9:30am–5pm • CLOSED: Tues • ADMISSION: ¥600 • ACCESS: Tanimachi subway line, Tanimachi Yon-chome Turner and the Poetics of Yuji Hombori “Passion – Stn, 1-min walk • TEL: 06-6946-5728 • Landscape Hyogo Mihotoke” mus-his.city.osaka.jp/eng/index.html  Yokoo Tadanori: Journey  The Museum of Kyoto • to the New World Gallery Yamaki Fine Art • Until Apr 15 Until May 12 Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Kyoto Joseph Mallord William Turner Yuji Hombori creates large Contemporary Art •  Until (1775-1851) was a classical and small-scale sculptures and Naturally White Ivory May 6 Carving master of landscape painting installations of Buddhist statues known for his depictions of roll- and structures using ordinary This exhibition presents a num- ing countrysides and ethereal materials such as cardboard and Kiyomizu Sannenzaka ber of works by graphic designer seascapes. This exhibition in- wrapping paper. This exhibi- Museum •  Until May 20 Yokoo Tadanori, in which he cludes prints, oil paintings, and tion displays Hombori’s latest explores themes related to death watercolors by Turner, brought creations, including a new piece Ivory has been used as a rare and the afterlife. Examine the together from a handful of Brit- measuring over two meters and expensive material for world in which we live through ish and Japanese institutions. in height. carving luxury crafts throughout the lens of existence in the Asian and European history. OPEN: 10am–6pm • CLOSED: Mon • great beyond. OPEN: 11am–7pm • CLOSED: Sun & Mon • This exhibition presents a series ADMISSION: ¥1,500 • ACCESS: Karasuma ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Kobe and OPEN: 10am–6pm • CLOSED: Mon • of carved white ivory crafts subway line, Karasuma Oike Stn, 3-min Hanshin lines, Motomachi Stn, 1-min ADMISSION: ¥700 • ACCESS: Hankyu imported from overseas during walk • TEL: 075-222-0888 • bunpaku. walk • TEL: 078-391-1666 • gyfa.co.jp/en line, Oji Koen Stn, 6-min walk • TEL: the Meiji era. or.jp/en 078-855-5602 • ytmoca.jp/english/ OPEN: 10am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon & Tues en_guidance.html • ADMISSION: ¥800 • ACCESS: JR Kyoto Stn, bus to Kiyomizumichi Stop, 5-min walk • TEL: 075-532-4270 • sannenzaka- museum.co.jp/index_e.html

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com 17 Food & Drink / GREAT PLACES TO EAT

FOODSPOTTING Devour delectable drinks and desserts at these creative, retro Nakazakicho retreats.

Text & Images: Celia Polkinghorne

Cafe Muni ARABIQ Taiyou No Tou • カフェムニ 珈琲舎 書 肆アラビク 太陽ノ塔 The wonderful thing about Nakazakicho In our modern world of smartphones For one of the most divine cheesecake is that many café owners have come to and e-readers, sometimes we miss experiences in Osaka, look no further the area not just to open a café, but to the sensation of holding a real book in than kitsch but comfy Taiyou No Tou. create a unique artistic space, or a haven our hands and thumbing through its Cake sets run for ¥1,000 here and include of relaxation. Cafe Muni, with its hanging pages. When this sentiment hits, there’s your choice of tea or coffee with one of pot plants, bunches of dried flowers, and no better place to go than to ARABIQ their delectable creations, such as the mosaic lanterns is one of these peaceful Books & Gallery Cafe – a fixture on the creamy cheesecake with homemade sanctuaries. The café is in one of the Nakazakicho scene since 2007. Founded berry and custard sauce, or the dreamy and run by former town planner Ken oldest nagaya (traditional Japanese chocolate ganache tiramisu tart. If you’re wooden buildings) in the area – it is Moriuchi, this haven of coffee, art, craving an early lunch, go for the Obanzai 160 years old. Owner, Yoko Tatera, who and literature is named after a bar in lunch set – a nutritious plate of three side opened shop in 2009, lovingly bakes the well-known Japanese mystery dishes of your choice with brown rice homemade whole-wheat sourdough novel Kyomu-eno-kumotsu, one of and miso soup. The free WiFi here is a bread to serve with her tasty lunch sets the country’s most famous detective plus for those without a connection or for of spicy beans, minced meats, salads, stories. With its warm, cosy interior lined anyone looking to get a little work done, with tall, disheveled bookshelves, retro and pasta dishes with homemade sauces but if you’re having a connection-free for ¥860. One of the best parts about chandeliers, and the latest art exhibit day, the interior of Taiyou No To is more visiting Cafe Muni is hanging out with which changes once or twice a month, than enough to keep you intrigued with it is the perfect place to lose yourself Yoko’s little dog Komuni-chan, who is the its mismatching hanging lights, retro in a good book or catch up with an old café’s unofficial mascot and who can be furniture, and unique crockery. Near the friend. You can t go past the chocolate seen sprawled out on the shop’s front ’ entrance, stacked next to a collection of doorstep on any given day. Yoko makes cake or the tiramisu (¥450), and the flyers and postcards, you can find free one of the best chai teas in town, flavored drinks menu is almost guaranteed to foldout maps of Nakazakicho, and the with natural kibisato (mineral sugar), and have something you’ve never heard of friendly staff members are more than both her creamy tiramisu and her matcha or tasted. Ken recommends the Fieker happy to recommend places to check and white chocolate cake (¥410) are truly (coffee with Austrian rum) or the Maria- out in the neighborhood. Refreshingly, worth making a special trip for. Theresa (coffee with orange liqueur, like many of the cafés in the area, this one whipped cream and hard candy sprinkled is completely non-smoking. on top), apparently a current favorite OPEN: 12pm–9pm • Price RANGE: ¥410– on Instagram! ¥4,000 • ADDRESS: 4-1-14 Nakazaki-nishi, OPEN: 9am–10pm • Price RANGE: ¥1,000– Kita-ku • ACCESS: Tanimachi Subway Line, ¥2,500 • ADDRESS: 1-4-20 Nakazaki, OPEN: RANGE: Nakazakicho Stn, Exit 2, 5-min walk • TEL: 1:30pm–9pm • Price Kita-ku • ACCESS: Tanimachi Subway Line, ADDRESS: 06-6371-7368 • FACEBOOK: Cafe Muni ¥450–¥2,000 • 3-4-14 Nakazaki, Nakazakicho Stn, Exit 2, 1-min walk • TEL: Kita-ku • ACCESS: Tanimachi Subway Line, 06-6312-4305 • taiyounotou.com Nakazakicho Stn, Exit 2, 3-min walk • TEL: 06-7500-5519 • arabiq.net

Need more dining options? Check kansaifinder.com/places to search all of our food and drink spots

18 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com Events  Live Music

Jake Bugg APR APR

Born Jake Edwin Charles Kennedy, English 24 25 singer-songwriter Jake Bugg got his first break as a 17-year-old. After submitting material, he was selected to appear on the BBC Introducing stage at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival. Signing with Mercury records soon after, Bugg released his debut self-titled album in 2012, which was described by the UK music magazine CLASH as “precocious talent fusing retro folk with blister- ing contemporary riffs.” Jumping forward to the present, Bugg’s latest release is his fourth studio album, Hearts That Strain. On the album, Bugg said, “This time around I just wanted to write tunes and record Solo acoustic tour from English musician • Singer-songwriter • ¥6,300 them with great musicians.” Of the lyrical • Apr 24th – 7:30pm, Club Quattro, Osaka (TEL: 06-6311-8111); Apr 25th – 6:30pm, Metro, Kyoto (TEL: 075-752-4765) content, he added, “I’m singing about my life, not telling anybody what they should be doing with theirs.” Jake Bugg comes to Japan for three dates (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo) after a UK acoustic tour and dates in the US, Europe, and Australia.

Apr / May Royal Hunt Namie Amuro Fall Out Boy Apr 17 Apr 21, 22, 25 & 26 Apr 24 & 25

Rock & Pop Danish progressive-metal band Japanese pop idol vocalist final American rock band formed Belinda Carlisle since 1989 tour 2001 Club Quattro, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • Kyocera dome, Osaka • Pop • 6pm Apr Zepp Osaka Bayside, Osaka • Rock Apr 2 ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111 21; 5pm Apr 22; 6:30pm Apr 25 & 26 • • 7pm • ¥7,500/¥8,500 • TEL: 0570- ¥9,800 • TEL: 0570-200-610 200-888 American pop vocalist Czecho No Republic Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Pop • Orange Range Christopher Cross 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥8,800/¥9,800 • TEL: Apr 20 06-6342-7722 Apr 24 Apr 24 & 25 Japanese pop-rock band Japanese hip-hop-rock band American singer-songwriter Mount Eerie Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock-pop • 7pm • Experimental US songwriter Phil ¥3,800 • TEL: 06-6882-1224 Big Cat, Osaka • Hip-hop-rock • 7pm • Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Singer- Elverum ¥4,800/¥5,800 • TEL: 0570-200-888 songwriter • AOR • 6:30pm/9:30pm • CTA featuring Danny ¥11,000/¥12,000 • TEL: 06-6342-7722 Apr 8 Seraphine, Bill Champlin, Jake Bugg and Donnie Dacus Solo acoustic artist from Dir En Grey Urbanguild, Kyoto • Experimental • England 7:30pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • TEL: 06- Apr 20 Apr 25 & 26 6357-4400 Apr 24 Chicago Transit Authority ft. Japanese visual-kei rock band Apr 9 Danny Seraphine, Bill Champlin, Club Quattro, Osaka • Singer-songwriter Namba Hatch, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • and Donnie Dacus • 7:30pm • ¥6,300 • TEL: 06-6311-8111 Guggenheim House, Kobe • ¥6,500 • TEL: 06-6357-4400 Experimental • 7pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • AOR • Apr 25 TEL: 078-220-3924 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥11,000/¥12,000 • Phoenix TEL: 06-6342-7722 Metro, Kyoto • Singer-songwriter • 6:30pm • ¥6,300 • TEL: 075-752-4765 Apr 26

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com 19 Events  Live Music

MAY 11

Harry Styles Mount Eerie

Hermeto Pascoal May 10 Apr 8

Described as a beloved figure in Brazilian Releasing his debut single Sign Mount Eerie is the name used music, 81-year-old Hermeto Pascoal is a of the Times (a number-one hit in by US songwriter, musician, and composer, producer, and multi-instrumen- the UK) last year, One Direction’s producer Phil Elverum. Originally Harry Styles is now a solo artist. a member of the band The talist. Starting out in a rural area of Brazil The singer, songwriter, and Microphones, Elverum began learning accordion from his father, he went actor got his breakthrough after his current project 15 years ago on to make his first recording appearances entering a UK television talent in 2003. Described as a mix of show (The X Factor). From there, ambient, experimental, indie-folk in 1964. Seven years later, he played on the boy vocal group One Direction rock, he has just released his Miles Davis’s album Live-Evil, after which was born. After going on a ninth studio album titled Now hiatus, which looks to be possibly Only. The six-track album includes Davis called him “the most impressive permanent, all the members have an 11-minute composition called musician in the world.” Since the late 1970s, released solo material. Distortion, which begins basically with that before the lyrics and Pascoal has mainly led his own bands and Styles’ material seems to be acoustic guitar sets the tone for due to some of his unconventional ways of drifting away from One Direction’s a very open, personal, and tragic making music (using teapots, toys, and cups commercial pop tracks and seems to be more adult themed. When piece of music. Elverum is a prolific partially submerged in water!), he earned questioned on the subject of pop producer of music and every release has received considerable the nickname “o Bruxo” (“the Sorcerer”). stars taking the rock route in an critical acclaim. Mount Eerie Last year, he released the album Natureza interview last year, Styles said, “I really wanted to make an album performs five shows in Japan on the back of sold-out performances Universal, which was described by Dusty that I wanted to listen to.” in the US. Groove as “a jazz-based arrangement done with all the dynamic energy of Hermeto’s One Direction singer solo tour• Pop- earlier music, tuned a bit towards the rock • World Memorial Hall, Kobe • Experimental US songwriter Phil • • 6:30pm • ¥TBA • TEL: 0570-200-888 Elverum Indie ¥4,500/¥5,000 Duke Ellington or Gil Evans worlds of tone • Apr 8th – 7:30pm, Urban Guild, and colour.” Kyoto (075-212-1125); Apr 9th – 7pm, Guggenheim House, Kobe (078-220- Brazilian jazz multi-instrumentalist • Shangri-La, Osaka • Jazz 3924) • 7:30pm • ¥8,500/¥9,500 • TEL: 03-5458-7688

20 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com Live Music

French indie-pop band Zepp, Osaka • R&B • 7pm Apr 5; 1:30pm Apr 6 • ¥6,800/¥10,000 • TEL: Zepp Osaka Bayside, Osaka • Indie 06-6341-3525 • 7pm • ¥7,000/¥7,500 • TEL: 0570- 200-888 The Tomboys/Kinoko Four Tet Hotel May 10 Apr 26 Two Japanese female Group English experimental musician Sounds bands Kieran Hebden Live Square 2nd Line, Osaka • Group Club Quattro, Osaka • Experimental • Sounds • 7pm • ¥2,500/¥3,500 • TEL: 8pm • ¥6,000 • TEL: 06-6535-5569 06-6453-1985

Scandal Harry Styles Apr 27 & 28 May 10 Japanese pop-rock girl band One Direction English vocalist Orix Theater, Osaka • Rock • 7pm World Memorial Hall, Kobe • Pop Apr 27; 5pm Apr 28 • ¥5,800 • TEL: • 6:30pm • ¥10,000/¥18,000 • TEL: 06-6357-4400 0570-200-888

Bridear Sex Machineguns Apr 28 May 13 Japanese heavy-rock five-piece Japanese metal trio band Muse, Esaka • Metal • 6pm • ¥4,000 • Shangri-La, Osaka • Heavy Rock • 6pm TEL: 03-3475-9999 • ¥3,500 • TEL: 057-0200-9999

Night of 1,000 Eyes ft. May’s Rhyming Gaijin, Shayne May 13 Monthly Apartment, Guesthouse Bowden, Nessie, and No Key Money, No Deposit, No Guarantor! more Izumimachi Japanese R&B duo Kitagari OSAKA May ower House Apartment Maiko and Kawai Junichi Apr 28 All Room with Private Bathroom ¥48,000~ Shangri-La, Osaka • R&B • 4pm • Fully furnished all rooms 10-12 mats Mixed genre artists including ¥4,200 • TEL: 06-6357-4400 include kitchen, bathroom with bathtub, TV, A/C, fridge & private balcony. rap, beats, African, folk ¥48,000~ Balcony Bath & Pika Space, Osaka • Mixed Genre • The 50 Kaintez (With Bathroom, Toilet & Kitchen) Toilet ¥20,000~ MB 6:30pm • ¥1,500 • TEL: 06-556-0002 (Shared Bathroom Toilet & Kitchen) 10~12 mats CL 2 May 15 +Utilities Service charge ¥10,000 玄関 ( 28m ) +Deposit (Refundable) ¥10,000 Cradle of Filth • Free internet + CATV in lounge High-energy garage-punk trio • Hotel type lounge 24h open • Internet access in each room Taku Taku, Kyoto • Rock • 6pm • May 2 • 5-min walk from Matsuyamachi and ¥3,800/¥4,000 • TEL: 06-6357-4400 Tanimachi 4 chome subway stations English extreme-metal band • 2-1-15, Izumimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka Club Quattro, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • Nakamura Emi www.roppongi-may ower-house.com ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111 Toll Free: 0120-880-456 Cell:080-5436-1777 May 15 The Neatbeats Japanese pop vocalist

May 3 Taku Taku, Kyoto • Pop • 7pm • ¥4,000 • TEL: 06-6882-1224 Japanese retro-rock outfit since 1997 The Muggles Varit, Kobe • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,500 • TEL: 078-392-6655 Every Fri & Sat

Koda Kumi Mellow ballads, classic rock and rock n roll from Osaka based jamming band May 5 & 6

Japanese R&B vocalist Events  Live Music

INTERVIEW APR Ikarus 11 The members of IKARUS take their inspiration from a mix of math rock, free jazz, electronica, and pop. They call their sound ‘evocative jazz.’ KS spoke with drummer Ramon Oliveras from the Swiss outfit about their second trip to Japan.

Could you tell us a little about how the band came together? We have two singers, Anna Hirsch and Andreas Lareida, the rhythm section formed by pianist Lucca Fries, double-bass player Mo Meyer, and myself as drummer, bandleader, and composer. Ikarus was formed five years ago for my graduation concert from the Zurich University of the Arts, where I studied with my favorite much inspired by classical music, experimental pop, and left-field bass player Mo Meyer. The rest of the members are from the Swiss electronics (e.g. Morton Feldman, Meshuggah, The Knife, and cities Bern, Basel, and Winterthur and I chose them for their unique Craig Taborn) and I channel their influence in the context of this musicality in the beginning. But because of our extensive touring contemporary jazz formation. through Europe and Japan, we have now also formed a deep What are you looking forward to on your second trip to Japan? friendship with one another. We’re really looking forward to seeing all the very nice people How would you describe the Ikarus sound and live performance again who came to our concerts last year. And of course, meeting to a new audience? new ones who we can get excited about our music. We are also The Ikarus sound is a beautiful tension created between a Nordic especially looking forward to the fantastic Japanese cuisine and to all the other great things you can experience only in European darkness and a sweltering, equatorial color palette. It’s something between the winter pensiveness and melancholia Japanese culture. in Hokkaido and the feeling you might get from spending a day in Okinawa. Technically speaking, Ikarus is a volatile mixture Swiss evocative-free-jazz group • Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • Free-jazz • that emphasizes polyrhythms, sensual singing, and energetic 7:30pm • ¥2,800/¥3,500 • TEL: 075-241-0446 improvisation. So, for me as a drummer and composer, I’m very

Woodstock Café, Ashiya • Group Saxophonist and composer Mat- Japanese-American actress, World Sounds • Free Admission (¥2,000 for 2 thieu Metzger singer, and songwriter drinks + snack) • TEL: 079-734-1044 Urbanguild, Kyoto • Experimental jazz • Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Acid 7pm • ¥2,000/¥2,400 • TEL: 075-212-1125 Jazz • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥5,900/¥6,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722 Jazz & Blues Sarah Maeda Adam Baldych & Helge Ikarus May 2 Lien

Apr 11 Japanese funk saxophonist May 15 Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Funk • Afropolitan – The Band Swiss evocative jazz group European piano and violin duo 7:30pm/9pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • TEL: Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • Jazz • 7:30pm • 06-6342-5821 Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • Jazz • 7:30pm • Apr 14 ¥2,800/¥3,500 • TEL: 075-241-0446 ¥4,000/¥5,000 • TEL: 075-241-0446 Hermeto Pascoal Four Japan-based African Gene Shimosato & musicians from differing backgrounds and cultures, Fractal Attraction May 11 Classical combine together to perform the foot-tapping rhythms and Apr 12 Brazilian jazz multi-instrumen- Ikuko Kawai infectious beats of traditional talist African music. Japanese-American jazz guitarist Shangri-La, Osaka • Jazz • 7:30pm • Apr 14 Cafe Bohemia, Osaka • TIME: 12–2pm Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz • ¥8,500/¥9,500 • TEL: 03-5458-7688 • ACCESS: 3min walk from exit 7 of 7:30pm/9pm • ¥5,000/¥5,500 • TEL: Classically trained Japanese Midosuji Subway Shinsaibashi Stn • 06-6342-5821 violinist Monday Michiru ENTRY: ¥3,500 • osaka-bohemia.com Billboard live OSAKA, Osaka • Classical Killing Spree May 9 • 4pm/7pm • ¥6,900/¥7,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722 Apr 16

22 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Events  Club

Adam Lounge APR 8 Adam Lounge just celebrated its first anniversary last month and has invited Mesto, the 18-year-old DJ from the Netherlands, to perform for EDM fans. Melle Stomp, aka Mesto, started his career in 2014 as a 15-year-old releasing his first single Go!”, a collaboration with another Dutch DJ Alex Ranzino, as a free download. Since then, he has continued to release remixes and his own tracks. He worked with the future house pioneer Mike Williams on a bootleg of Ummet Ozcan’s Raise Your Hands and released solo works such as Tokyo, and Rio. He col- laborated with renowned house DJs Martin Garrix and Justin Mylo on the single Bouncybob (2015), Jonas Blue from the UK are also playing in Kansai. which earned him worldwide recognition. In Oc- It’s going to be an exciting month for EDM fans. tober 2016, Mesto signed a contract with Spinnin’ Records and he played at the Amsterdam Dance Mesto Japan Tour 2018 at Adam Lounge Hosted by Naoki Katayama (Future House/EDM) • DJS: Mesto, Wtp, Yuichi, Mia + more • OPEN: 3pm– Event. This month, he comes to Japan for the first 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥4,700/1D (ADV: ¥4,000/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • time. Besides Mesto, DJ Kura from Portugal and TEL: 0120-170-317 • adam-lounge.com

April

1 (Sun) Metro • LIVE: Proxeeus • DJS: TBA • OPEN: Shinsaibashi • TEL: • 06-6213-7077 • Nebula – Guest DJ: Compuma, 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥ 2,000/1D • sunhall.jp Triangle Toshio ‘Bing’ Kajiwara – (Techno) WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 080-3037- 3214 • iflyer.tv/ja/Bar-JAAI Suncaqha feat. Spongebob • DJS: Compuma, Toshio ‘Bing’ Triangle Squrewave & Phatworld (Break- Kajiwara, Kazuma, Podd • OPEN: 10pm • Tribal Dance Floor – Radikal core/Jungle/Drum’n’Bass) ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D • WHERE: Kyoto • Joule Moodz First Japan Tour in Osaka TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp Takkyu Ishino – Return Another (Psychedelic Trance) • ACTS: Spongebob Squrewave, Edition – (Techno) Phatworld, Ka4u, Genick, Shaka-itchi, • ACTS: Radikal Moodz, Show-Hey, Monogotz a.k.a MC Nmdb, Yanmah + 7 (Sat) •DJS: Takkyu Ishino, Yoshinori Buzz, Yuki, Lazzzy a.k.a Sho Urata, more • OPEN: 3pm-10pm • ADMISSION: Sunahara, Monashee, Kozee + more • Poo-chii, Stick, Hofmann, + more • OPEN: ¥3,500/1D (ADV: ¥3,000/1D) • WHERE: Alzar OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,500/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-2264 • Alzar Saturdays feat.DJ Ogawa (W/the ticket stub of Return at Namba Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka.com (House/Tech House) HATCH: ¥500) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • triangleosaka.com TEL: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.com • DJS: Teruhiko Ogawa, Senda, Nao 6 (Fri) Nomura, Taiki + more • OPEN: 10pm 8 (Sun) • ADMISSION: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: Namba Hatch Alzar ¥2,000/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: Return (Electronic) Circus Pulse Code Modulation feat. 090-6960-8527• alzar.jp Newtone Records presents Brane • LIVE: Ryoji Ikeda , Radiq a.k.a. Nick Reverse (Techno) (Experimental) Yoshihiro Hanno, D.a.n, Yahyel • DJS: • DJS: Nick Reverse, Ryu.K, Momo, Circus Aoki Takamasa, Sunahara Yoshinori, • LIVE: Beatrice Dillon, Eye, Ypy • DJS: Eisen, Yohei + more • OPEN: 10pm Licaxxx × DJ Ageishi (House) Yuri Urano a.k.a. Yullippe OPEN: Ooshima Shigeru, Koji Sawamura + • ADMISSION: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: 6pm–10pm • ADMISSION: ¥5,300/1D • more • OPEN: 6pm–11pm • ADMISSION: • DJS: Licaxxx, Ageishi • OPEN: 11pm • ¥2,000/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: WHERE: Namba • TEL: 06-6535-5569 • ¥3,100/1D (ADV: ¥2,600/1D) • WHERE: ADMISSION: ¥1,600/1D (W/the ticket 090-6960-8527 • alzar.jp smashwest.com Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • stub of Return at Namba Hatch : ¥600) circus-osaka.com • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241- Circus 3822 • circus-osaka.com Sun Hall Move D 2018 Japan Tour in Ring UFO Club – Twilight Zone – 10 (Tue) Osaka (Downtempo/Techno) (Psychedelic Trance/Tech Trance) Jaai G.R.Cafe Terrace • DJS: Move D, Kabuto + more • OPEN: Ne: magari presents Proxeeus • DJS: Kihira Naoki, Tez, Electronix, Ono Tuesday Deep Dubstep Lounge 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,600/1D (ADV: (Goa Trance) + Singo, Chika, Daichi + more • OPEN: vol.1 (Deep Dubstep) ¥3,100/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,600/1D • WHERE: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

24 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com Events  Club

• DJS: Shohei, Awa + more • OPEN: Triangle Singh’s Kitchen & Bar • ACTS: Okahashi Nobuhiro, Kinzoku 8pm-11pm • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: New Party – Jameson Night – “Ignition” The Spring - DJ Rikam Taro & Sandersonia, Flagio, Mictora + Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-6707 • (Drum’n’Bass/Hardcore Techno/ Japan Tour 2018 (Psychedelic more • OPEN: 7pm–11pm • ADMISSION: grcafeterrace.com Bass) Trance) ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6211-2855 • • ACTS: Hayabusa, Index, Matres, •ACTS: Rikam, Mirson, Akai + more • musicbarhokage.net 12 (Thu) Urameshi Yuko, Yanmah, + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,400/1D Namba • TEL: 06-6632-4433 • singh- Socore Factory (ADV: ¥1,900/1D, FOREIGNERS: Free) • kitchen.com 28 (Sat) Socore Factory presents Internal WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212- –Touch the Sky Sound System 2264 • triangleosaka.com Socrates Circus (Techno/House/Getto Tech) Aurora Halal 2018 Japan Tour in Out of Base vol.16 (Psychedelic Osaka (House) • DJS: Altz, Yosuke Yukimatsu, Fulltono 14 (Sat) Trance) • OPEN: 7:30pm-12:00am • ADMISSION: • DJS: Aurora Halal + more • OPEN: • DJS: Saroinx, Maro, Shun, Deep Fryer, ¥1,500/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: Alzar 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,100/1D (ADV: Hendanshi + more • OPEN: 10:30pm • 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com Wols feat. DJ Nobu (Techno) ¥2,600/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D • WHERE: Kyoto • 06-6241-3822 • DJS: Nobu, Takaaki Itoh, Loe • OPEN: TEL: 075-254-6210 • sound-powder.com 13 (Fri) 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 20 (Fri) Piccadilly Alzar 090-6960-8527• alzar.jp New Ôrder Sp. Guest Kura (EDM) Young Marco supported by Sat- Fab-Space • DJS: Kura, Benkay, Ray, Shinji, Silver telite (House/Techno) Cauliflower O.D.L (Dub) Fox, Walt, Genki, Chikara + more • • DJS: Mightwhales, Koichiro Murakawa, “Eclec” (Techno/Experimental) OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: Gentlemen • ACTS: Ove-Naxx, Sak-Dub-I, Dubby Yusuke Sadaoka • OPEN: 10pm • ¥3,500/1D; Ladies ¥2,000/1D • • LIVE: Moss, Shiba • DJS: Shingo, Bon, Hondub Hiroaki, Omodaka, ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥1,500/1D) WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-6809-5895 • Mitsuyas, K Sasaki • OPEN: 10pm Theus, Posswokung, Yohei the West, • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 090-6960- clubpiccadilly.com • ADMISSION: ¥1500/1D • WHERE: Naguy, Mipitix + more • OPEN: 10pm • 8527• alzar.jp Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6484-3110 • bar- ADMISSION: ¥2,500 • WHERE: Hyogo, cauliflower.com Himeji • TEL: 079-222-2882 • club-fab. 29 (Sun / hol) Atmosphäre com Evolve 23 (Industrial/Alternative Circus Noon + Cafe Hip Hop) Freedom Time 22nd Anniversary Pearson Sound 2018 Japan Tour Noon + Cafe feat. Toshio Matsuura “Love Play • LIVE: Evolve 23 • DJS: Ka4u, Distest, in Osaka (Techno/Experimental) Vintage & Groovin’ Special Dance” Release Party in Osaka & Hamatai, Aaakkkiii • OPEN: 8pm • Edition -Soi 48 Kansai Tour 2018 • DJS: Pearson Sound, Ooshima Shigeru, Mark de Clive-Lowe Japan Tour ADMISSION: ¥1,000/1D • WHERE: (Morlum/World Music) Aspara, Dym + more • OPEN: 11pm • 2018 (Crossover/Disco/Latin) Shinsaibashi • FACEBOOK: atmosphäre ADMISSION: ¥3,100/1D (ADV: ¥2,600/1D) • Live: Oorutaichi, Jap Kasai • DJs: Soi 48, • LIVE: Mark De Clive-Lowe • DJS: Toshio • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241- Mongoose, Iryoku, Opal 7 • Open: 9pm • Matsuura, Shuya Okino + more • OPEN: Circus 3822 • circus-osaka.com Admission: ¥2,400/1D • Where: Umeda • 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,500/1D (ADV: Margaret Dygas 2018 Japan Tour Tel: 06-6373-4919 • noon-cafe.com ¥3,000/1D) • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06- in Osaka (Minimal/Techno) Joule 6373-4919 • noon-cafe.com • DJS: Margaret Dyagas, Soichi, Fumi You Are Here 3rd Anniversary 21 (Sat) + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: feat. Hot Since 82 (Techno) World Kyoto ¥3,100/1D (ADV: ¥2,600/1D) • WHERE: Troop Cafe • DJS: Hot Since 82, Nao Nomura, World Peace Love #3 feat. Jonas Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • Phc feat. Inga Mauer (Techno) Junichi Kuwata + more • OPEN: 11pm Blue (Future House/EDM) circus-osaka.com • ADMISSION: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,000, • DJS: Inga Mauer, Yousuke Yukimatsu, • DJ: Jonas Blue, Taku-hero, Sa!d, Yuichi, Under 22 yrs OLD: ¥1,000) • WHERE: Halptribe + more • OPEN: 11pm Kazuya Tanimoto, Gy.T + more • OPEN: Compufunk Records Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-1223 • • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D (Mail 5pm–10pm • ADMISSION: ¥5,700/1D Connected Underground – club-joule.com RESERVATION: ¥2,000/1D. Under 23YRS: • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-213-4119 • Daniel M. (Separate Skills) from ¥1,500/1D) • WHERE: Kobe • TEL: 078- world-kyoto.com Frankfurt am Mai – (Deep Tech/ Metro 321-3130 • troopcafe.jp Tech House) Kyotographie 2018 Kick Off 30 (Mon) • DJS: Daniel M, Ryoma Sasaki, Naohirio Party- Move On Up- (House/Hip Wave Tomisawa, Ouchi-S, Koichi + more • Hop) XXX – Dark Core Luv Psychedelic Circus OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,500/1D • Party- (Psychedelic Trance) • LIVE: Phennel Koliander, Daichi Rack feat. Yung Bae & Bud- WHERE: Kitahama • TEL: 06-6314-6541 • Yamamoto • DJS: Alex From Tokyo, • DJS: Sion ★ Akihabara, Mi-Bou, Happy, dhahouse (Future Funk/Nu compufunk.com Masaki Taura + more • OPEN: 10pm • Hamase, Noise Gust + more • OPEN: Disco/Hip Hop) ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D (ADV: ¥1,500/1D, 12:00am • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D & • DJS: Yung Bae, Buddhahouse, Noon + Cafe STUDENTS: ¥1,500/1D, W/Kyotographie Food • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • iflyer. Ashikaga, U2ki, + more • OPEN: 5pm- “Vinyl Session” vol. 91 – Visual & PASSPORT: ¥1,500/1D) • WHERE: Kyoto • tv/ja/venue/9199/ • twitter.com/ 12am • ADMISSION: ¥3,600/1D (ADV: Vinyl Session – (Jazz/Crossover/ TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp waveosaka1 ¥3,100/1D, Under 23yrs : ¥1,600/1D) • Deep House) WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241- • LIVE: Shu Suzuki • DJS: Aida, Daisuke Noon + Cafe 3822 • circus-osaka.com Matsumoto, Shinji Okano, Shigema, Deeperama (Deep House/Techno) 23 (Mon) Yohei Okamoto + more • OPEN: 9pm • •DJS: Sprinkles a.k.a. Terre Thaemlitz, ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D (FOREIGNERS: Mitsuki + more • OPEN: 9pm • Hokage ¥500/1D) • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06- ADMISSION: ¥2,400/1D • WHERE: Hokage presents Naniwa Ambi- 6373-4919 • noon-cafe.com Umeda • TEL: 06-6373-4919 • noon-cafe. ent (Ambient/Noise/Industrial) com

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com 25 Events  Cinema

Note: for show times and ticket information, please contact the cinemas directly

• From Apr 7: Lucky Osaka • From Apr 14: The Only Living Toho Cinemas Umeda Boy in New York • From Apr 21: Eye on Juliet Now showing: Black Pan- • From Apr 28: Hampstead ther, The 15:17 to Paris, The Tel: 06-6359-1080 • ttcg.jp/theatre_ Greatest Showman, Shape of umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, Water, Downsizing, Coco, The men); 1st of the month – ¥1,100 Boss Baby, Tomb Raider, The Pentagon Papers, Valerian, Red Sparrow, The Commuter Osaka Station City • From Apr 6: Jumanji: Welcome Cinema to the Jungle Now showing: Coco, Tomb • From Apr 13: Pacific Rim Raider, The Boss Baby, Red Uprising Sparrow, Valerian and the City • From Apr 20: Ready Player One Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. From Apr 6. of a Thousand Planets, The • From Apr 27: Marvel Avengers: Pentagon Papers, Darkest Hour, Infinity War The Greatest Showman, Black • From Apr 14: MET: Rossini: Francofonia, Sense and Sensibil- Tel: 06-6316-1312 • tohotheater.jp • Panther, Shape of Water, The Semiramide, The Only Living ity, Discounts: Weds (women); 1st & 14th 15:17 to Paris Boy in New York • From Apr 14: In the Fade, Le of the month – ¥1,100; every day after • From Apr 6: Jumanji: Welcome • From Apr 20: Ready Player One confessioni, A Fantastic Woman, 8pm – ¥1,300 to the Jungle, Dangal • From Apr 27: Marvel Avengers: The Rainbow Thief, Denial • From Apr 13: Pacific Rim Infinity War, Patti Cake$ • From Apr 21: Dancing Beethov- Uprising Umeda Burg7 • From Apr 28: Hampstead, The en, The Remains of the Day • From Apr 20: Ready Player One Square • From Apr 28: The Square, The Now showing: The 15:17 to • From Apr 27: Marvel Avengers: Old Gun, Heartstone, Detroit Paris, Black Panther, Mark Felt: Infinity War, Call Me by Your Tel: 06-6643-3215 • parkscinema.com The Man Who Brought Down Name • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the Tel: 075-353-4723 • kyotocinema.jp • the White House, The Greatest month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm Discounts: Weds (women & men); 1st of Tel: 06-6346-3215 • Showman, Coco, Tomb Raider, – ¥1,300 the month – ¥1,100 osakastationcitycinema.com • The Boss Baby, Red Sparrow, The Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the Pentagon Papers month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm Toho Cinemas Nijo • From Apr 6: Jumanji: Welcome – ¥1,300 to the Jungle Kyoto Now showing: Black Pan- • From Apr 7: Loveless Movix Kyoto ther, The 15:17 to Paris, The • From Apr 13: Pacific Rim Toho Cinemas Namba Greatest Showman, Shape of Uprising Now showing: Maudie, Downsiz- Water, Downsizing, Coco, The Now showing: Black Pan- • From Apr 20: Ready Player One ing, Black Panther, The Shape of Boss Baby, Tomb Raider, The ther, The 15:17 to Paris, The • From Apr 27: Marvel Avengers: Water, The 15:17 to Paris, The Pentagon Papers, Darkest Hour, Greatest Showman, Shape of Infinity War Last Word, The Greatest Show- Valerian, Red Sparrow, The Water, Downsizing, Coco, The man, Three Billboards, Coco, Commuter Tel: 06-4795-7602 • burg7.com • Boss Baby, Tomb Raider, The Tomb Raider, The Boss Baby, Red • From Apr 6: Jumanji: Welcome Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the Pentagon Papers, Darkest Hour, Sparrow, Valerian and the City to the Jungle, Dangal month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm Valerian, Red Sparrow, The of a Thousand Planets, The Pen- • From Apr 13: Pacific Rim – ¥1,300 Commuter tagon Papers, The Commuter, Uprising • From Apr 6: Jumanji: Welcome MET: Puccini: La Boheme • From Apr 20: Ready Player One to the Jungle Cine Libre Umeda • From Apr 6: Jumanji: Welcome • From Apr 27: Marvel Avengers: • From Apr 13: Pacific Rim to the Jungle, Wonderstruck, Infinity War, Call Me by Your Now showing: The Killing of a Uprising Dangal Name Sacred Deer, Happy End, The • From Apr 20: Ready Player One • From Apr 13: Pacific Rim Last Word, The Sense of An End- • From Apr 27: Marvel Avengers: Tel: 075-813-2410 • tohotheater.jp • Uprising ing, The Lure (POL), 120 Beats Infinity War, Call Me by Your Discounts: Weds (women); 1st & 14th • From Apr 14: MET: Rossini: per Minute (FRA), The Confes- Name of the month – ¥1,100; every day after Semiramide, The Only Living sions, Les Liaisons dangereuses 8pm – ¥1,300 Tel: 06-6633-1040 • tohotheater.jp • Boy in New York • From Apr 6: Wonderstruck Weds (women); 1st & 14th of the month – • From Apr 20: Ready Player One • From Apr 7: Slogan ¥1,100, every day after 8pm – ¥1,300 • From Apr 27: Marvel Avengers: • From Apr 14: In The Fade, Infinity War, Patti Cake$ Hokusai: Old Man Crazy to Hyogo Paint, The Way He Looks Namba Parks Cinema Tel: 075-254-3215 • smt-cinema.com • Kobe Kokusai Shochiku • From Apr 21: La Grande Illusion Discounts: Weds (women); 1st and 20th Now showing: Coco, Tomb • From Apr 27: Patti Cake$ of the month – ¥1,100; every day after Now showing: Maudie, Downsiz- Raider, The Boss Baby, Red • From Apr 28: The Square 8pm – ¥1,300 ing, The Big Sick, MET: Puccini: Sparrow, Valerian and the City La Boheme Tel: 06-6440-5930 • ttcg.jp/cinelibre_ of a Thousand Planets, Pentagon • From Apr 14: MET: Rossini: umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, Papers, The Commuter, The Kyoto Cinema Semiramide, The Only Living men); 1st of the month – ¥1,100 Greatest Showman, Black Pan- Now showing: The Killing of Boy in New York ther, Shape of Water, The 15:17 a Sacred Deer, Welcome To to Paris, Maudie Tel: 078-230-3580 • smt-cinema.com • Theatre Umeda Germany, Django, 120 Beats per • From Apr 6: Jumanji: Welcome Discounts: Tues (women); 1st and 20th Minute, Manchester by the Sea, Now showing: David Lynch: to the Jungle, Wonderstruck, of the month – ¥1,100; every day after Gifted The Art Life, Whisky Galore, Dangal 8pm – ¥1,300 • From Apr 7: The Lion Sleeps A Fantastic Woman, In Bloom, • From Apr 13: Pacific Rim Tonight, Life Animated, Body, Centaur Uprising

26 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com Classifieds & Jobs

CLASSIFIEDS Japanese or English. Saturdays 10-12 am. Course material Many more jobs provided for free. Near Sakaisuji- and classifieds For Rent Hommachi and Kitahama. Call: Moritomo Ken 06-6572-6877. online at Website: https://sites.google.com/ site/osakasoroban/abacus-classes • Kansaifinder.com Contact: [email protected] KANSAI SCENE CYCLING CLUB. Join like-minded cyclists for 2DK BENTENCHO FULLY gentle jaunts into the Kansai FURNISHED 90000YEN/MONTH countryside. Sometimes. Hey, SPRING 2018 CORPORATE 4TH FLOOR APARTMENT. we're all busy people right? Why LANGUAGE CLASSES. part-time. 45 square meter, 1 bedroom suffer alone when you can suffer CES is seeking corporate class 90000yen. Fully furnished with together? Share and discover teachers of all languages for 1R CHIBUNE AREA, 49000YEN/ all needed for a comfortable the best routes in the region Regular Daytime, Evening classes, MONTH SEMI FURNISHED 4TH stay. All is close by: shopping, and meet some fellow weekend Spring Intensives in all areas FLOOR CORNER APARTMENT. 16 downtown Osaka city. 6min warriors. Rides will start/end in of the Kansai area. 3,500-4,000 square meters, with refrigerator, walk to Bentencho subway and Osaka for the time being. Join yen per hour, If interested in washing machine, curtains, lights, JR stations. 3month min. stay us on Strava: https://www.strava. applying, please email Resume gas cooking range, study desk/ required. No Key money, No com/clubs/kansaisceneCC with Availability to mark@ chair. gas/electricity additional. Guarantor required, No Sales/ cesjapan.co.jp. Water/insurance/internet Service Fees. Utilities additional.. included. 6month min. contract, Announcements PART-TIME PRIVATE TEACHING Price: 90000 • Pickup location: no key money, no sales fees, No JOBS IN ALL KANSAI AREA. 3-10-19 Minami Ichioka, Minato- DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?. service fees, 1month refundable part-time. Looking for private ku, Osaka-Shi • Website: http:// TELL Lifeline needs listenersTELL deposit. Alex 09037030314. Price: language students? Pick your www.abhousingosaka.com • Lifeline Kansai team is looking 49000 • Pickup location: 4-13-7 own lesson fee, schedule and Contact: alex@abhousingosaka. for listeners. Spring 2018 owada, Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka- location and then students will com training program starts on Feb shi (5min walk from Chibune directly contact you! Available 24 (all online training) Find more station) • Website: http://www. for : English, Chinese, Korean, information here: http://telljp. abhousingosaka.com • Contact: French, Spanish, German, Community com/lifeline/pctraining/ or contact [email protected] Italian, Portuguese, Russian, [email protected] Clubs and Groups Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Burmese, Cantonese and Arabic.. FREE ABACUS CLASS FOR JOBS Salary: around 2,500-3,500 per FOREIGNERS FREE ABACUS CLASS hour (negotiable) • Company FOR FOREIGNERS. OFFERED Name: hello-sensei.com • Website: BY O.C.C.I. and Osaka Abacus Teaching https://hello-sensei.com/en/sensei Assoc. to promote int‘l goodwill. OSAKA • Contact: contact@hello-sensei. Individualized lessons taught in com

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com 27

MAPS & INFORMATION / Getting Around

INTRODUCTION The Kansai area covers the prefectures of Osaka, Get Kansai Scene Kyoto, Hyogo, Wakayama, Nara, Mie, and Shiga. Kansai Scene is available from the following major outlets in the There is so much to explore, so you’ll need to Kansai region: prioritize your time wisely. Its main travel hubs are Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, all of which are well connected by high-speed rail networks, including OSAKA the shinkansen (bullet train). Hotels and Guesthouses On regular trains, you can travel between Osaka Hyatt Regency, Nikko Hotel, St. and Kyoto in about 45 mins, and between Kobe Regis, Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, and Osaka in about 30 mins. If you are here on Ritz Carlton, Hilton Osaka, Kyoto Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka, holiday, pick up a convenient travel pass, such Shiga Hyogo InterContinental Hotel Osaka as the Kansai Thu Pass (surutto.com) or Kansai Tourist Information Centers One Pass kansaionepass.com Osaka ( ), to avoid having to Nara Mie Osaka Visitors Information Center negotiate the ticket machines. Use a website such (JR Osaka), Hankyu Tourist Center as HyperDia (hyperdia.com) to check train times Umeda, Osaka Visitors Information Wakayama Center (JR Namba), Kansai and platforms from your smartphone. Tourist Information Center (KIX), Kansai Tourist Information Center (Shinsaibashi), Nankai Information Center (Namba) Shops Trains and Subways Airport Transfers Kinokuniya Bookstore Umeda, There is an excellent rail network To/from downtown Osaka, the most Kinokuniya Honmachi, Tower connecting all corners of Kansai. As well as convenient option is the Nankai Rapi:t Records Umeda, Junkudo Namba, JR (Japan Rail), there are numerous private Express service (KIX <> Namba 42mins) or Hard Rock Cafe railway companies servicing the area, a Limousine Bus. To/from Kyoto, take the JR including Keihan (Osaka/Kyoto), Hankyu Airport Express HARUKA service (75 mins). (Osaka/Kyoto), Nankai (Osaka, Wakayama, KYOTO Koya), Hanshin (Osaka/Kobe), and Kintetsu (Osaka/Nara/Mie/Nagoya). Each line ATMs and Credit Cards Hotels and Guesthouses operates several types of train. For the Royal Hotel, Royal Park Hotel The If you’re using Visa, you will be able fastest trains, look for the Limited Express to withdraw cash at most bank or Kyoto, Kyoto Nikko Hotel service trains. Be aware that Local trains convenience-store ATMs. If you’re using Tourist Information Centers stop at every station on the line, so only Mastercard, your best bet for withdrawing take them if no other type of train stops at Kyoto Tourist Information Center, money is at 7-Eleven ATMs. Most other Kansai Tourist Information your station. Subways operate in Osaka, ATMs in Kansai do not accept Mastercard. It Kobe, and Kyoto and are an extremely Center Kyoto, Kyoto International is not common to make in-store payments Community House efficient way to get around the cities. using credit or visa-debit cards in Japan, » Tip: Pick up a Railway Network even for expensive purchases. Many shops Shops map from a major station or Tourist and restaurants do not offer this service, so Junkudo Kyoto, Maruzen & Information Center. be sure to carry plenty of cash with you. Junkudo Kyoto Main Store, GEAR

Buses Wi-Fi KOBE For out-of-the-way locations, or in certain Getting connected in Kansai can be tricky. cities such as Kyoto, you may need to take a Renting a smartphone or SIM card at the Hotels and Guesthouses bus. A travel pass usually includes travel on airport is the safest option, to connect to the Kobe Bay Sheraton, Kobe Portopia municipal bus services. internet over a 3G or 4G network. In Osaka, Hotel you can access the Osaka Free Wi-Fi Tourist Information Centers service at train and subway stations, stores Taxis and facilities throughout the prefecture. Kobe International Community Fares start from ¥500. The drivers wearing Center, Hyogo International Plaza white gloves and official hats tend to be Shops the most courteous, but don’t expect Accidents and Emergencies Junkudo Nishinomiya, Junkudo English to be widely understood. Have your » Ambulance/Fire service: Tel: 119 Sannomiya, Kinokuniya Kobe destination name and address on hand » Police: Tel: 110 in Japanese.

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com 29 Osaka North (Kita) MAPS & INFORMATION

A B Theater MaruzenC & D Umeda Junkudo Post Office InterContinental Osaka Loop Line Osaka Club Nakazaki-cho Hub Azul Club Noon Cine Libre Hotel Noon+Cafe Umeda New Hankyu Hankyu Kitano Umeda Sky Umeda Sta. Hosp. Building Grand Front Osaka Hotel 1 German Osaka / Kinokuniya 1 Consulate Knowledge H&M Miyakojima-dori Westin 35F Capital Hankyu OWL Osaka Hotel Yodobashi Ogimachi Camera Tourist Toho umeda Park Center Annex Hotel TRAD Shangrila Osaka Umekita Hep 5 Kinki YWCA Plaza Umeda Hep Navio Hankyu Craft Beer Osaka Station Grand Bldg Toho Cinemas Base City Cinema Lucua Umeda Hankyu Higashidori Arcade

Hankyu Shin Midosuji JR Osaka Dept. Lucua 1100 Sonezaki Daimaru Higashi Umeda Osaka Umeda Police H.Q. Club Visitors’ Station City Quattro Information Hotel Hanshin Center Granvia Dept. 2 Hilton HanshinJunkudo Umeda Sta. 2 Plaza West Umeda 6F Burg7 Hotel Hilton The Blarney Kansai Always Drop Inn Hotel Osaka Herbis Dai-4 1F Stone Hearton Ent Maru Tower Bldg. Bldg. Records Hotel TGI Fridays 3/4F Hotel Nishiumeda Osaka Dental Clinic Dai-3 3RD WORD Beer Monterey Dai-2 Osaka Herbis Nishi Umeda Dai-1 Creamy Bldg. Bldg. Bldg. Osaka 2F Exeo Ritz Kita Shinchi 33F Carlton Tanimachi Line Captain 1F Kangaroo Midosuji Line Route No.2Mister Fukushima Kelly’s Hotel 7F Kita Shinchi Fukushima Sta. Outback 3 Hanshin Daiwa US 3 Steakhouse Dojima Avanza Homes B1F Consulate Group Hotel Elsereine Hanshin Main LineJR Tozai Line Osaka ACCJ Nishi Tenma Fukushima Sta. Yotsubashi Line Ana Crowne Kansai Dojima Plaza H Dojima anshin Expressway (Loop Rout NTT Hotel e) Shin-Fukushima Sta. Data Dojima River Nakanoshima Dori Forum Oebashi ABC Hall Bank of Library Watanabebashi Festival Japan City Hall Museum of Hall Oriental Ceramics Keihan-Nakanoshima Line Osaka City Public Hall Naniwabashi Dojima River Tosabori River Mitsui Garden 4 Hotel 4 Mitsui Yodoyabashi APA Hotel Higobashi National Sumitomo Bank Museum of Art Rihga Science Nakanoshima Museum Kitahama Nakanoshima Beer Belly Inn Kitahama

Nakanoshima Sta.Rihga Royal Hotel APA Villa Nii Fine Arts Hotel Grand Cube YMCA Osaka Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kitahama Sumitomo Elmers

Midosuji Green Cafe Hosp. Yotsubashisuji Maekawa 5 Edobori Law Firm 5 Tosabori Dori

Craft Beer il Bar Central TAKAMURA Base Garden Banco Wine & Coffee Roasters OSTEC Amidaikesuji Sakaisuji Line

Naniwasuji Exibition Hall

Utsubo Park Daiichi Group

Kitamido

Utsubo Tennis Center APA Sōai 6 Hotel High Starbucks 6 St. Regis Honmachi Dori School Hooters Hotel Osaka Osaka Starbucks N

Honmachi Hard Rock Cafe Osaka Honmachi Chuo Odori 0 200m A B C D Hanshin Expressway Honmachi Chuo Line Sakaisujihommachi

30 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com MAPS & INFORMATION Osaka South (Minami)

A B C D Shinmachi Kita Park Namba Daiwa Roynet Shrine Hotel MoeJoe

Shinmachi Hearton Hotel Minami-semba 1 1 Life Big Beans Supermarket bi-grace nail Kansai Scene Osaka Convention Hearton

& Tourism Bureau Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade) Hotel Mojoprint Mizuho Hotel Via Inn Office Tokyu Nest Hotel Bank Arthur Murray Hands Yamaya Nishiohashi Nagahori dori Louis Vuitton GAP 7-ELEVEN Shinsaibashi Nagahoribashi Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line Toyoko Inn Ali’s Kitchen Kita- El Pancho 8F Uniqlo Shinsaibashi Ark Horie Critters 5F Hotel Sauce Burger Boy Boss Daimaru Yotsubashi 3F Bistro Via Inn Nikko Dept. FootRock New Saboten Hotel North &BEERS GS Travel 2 Orleans Craft EXODUS 2 Burger Banco OPA Cafe Daimaru Covent TABIJI Kitchen Absinthe Garden Vano Dept. Granknot Circus Murphy’s Coffee The Silver 2F 2F Ball Planet Comfort Daimaru Minami Horie Big Step Hotel The Blarney Cinem Dept. Police Park South Stone Triangle @rt Station Apple Suomachi-dori B1 Minami- Triangle Store (Europe street) Horie Park JANUS Bar Jaai The Suite Higashi- D & Dept. Tezukayama Joule soma Cinquecento

Gallery Midosuji line 2F Shinsaibashi Westwood Yotsubashi line Sun Hall Balabushka Bakers Ghost 4F Vanity 3 Orange Street (shopping street) Ultralounge Fujiya 3 Mustang Hotel Zerro Moonshine Slices Cross Ohno Memorial Moon Tower Hotel Soemon-Cho Sakaisuji line Hospital Burlesque Naniwa-suji APA Kansai Tourist B1 B1

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade) Kaneyoshi Coolabah Hotel Information Center ibis Styles Pure Osaka Ryokan Dotonbori River L&L Don Quijote Osaka Don Quijote Music Bar S.O.R.a Mexico Kinryu Dotonbori Ramen Namba Hotel ALZAR Hatch Osaka Rooftop Shochikuza Dotonbori Namba Bar OO Kokopelli Washington Hozenji Hotel Namba Hips Temple Osaka Floral Inn Tominaga 4 Hospital Hotel 4 Monterey Namba Namba Nipponbashi sta.

Grasmere Namba Sta. Sennichimae line Osaka OCAT Junkudo BIC Camera

Casa Namba Toho Cinemas Lapichu Namba annex Namba Misono Singh’s JR Namba Sta. Toho Cinemas Oriental Building Kitchen Little Long Hotel Beach Namba Jazz Bar B-Roxy Visitors Namba Plaza Inari Information Hotel Hotel Center MUJI/LOFT Ichiei Takashimaya Tower Dept. Store Records Absinthe APA Hotel 5 AEON Solaar 8F Maruzen Swissôtel Kuromon5 MaxValu Nankai Market Moto- Osaka Nippon- machi Fraser Bashi Residence Nankai Namba Station

McDonalds Sofmap

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium K2 record Naniwa Park Namba Pub Bar 30 PARKS Namba 2F NAMBA Naniwa Sports Otaroad -naka Center PARKS 6 CINEMA Animate 6 Naniwa Post Office Nihonbashi Shop N Toys”R”Us

Yamada Jack & Queen Denki LABI1 Namba 0 100m A B C D Naniwa Ward Office

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com 31 Osaka Tennoji Area MAPS & INFORMATION

A B C D

Zepp Nipponbashi Namba Tennoji Ward Office

Momodani 1 1

Shitennoji

Hanshin Express Route 1 Imamiya Ebisucho Honbo Ebisu Shrine

Shitennoji

Shin Tsutenkaku Line Tanimachi Sekai Osaka Municipal Museum of Osaka Loop Line Tennoji Fine Art Zoo 2 Shin-Imamiya 2

Dobutsuen-mae

Nankai Shin-Imamiya Kansai MainTenshiba Line Midosuji Line Tennoji Sta. Tennoji Kansai Kyoiku Hanwa Line Osaka Municipal Sta. University Teradacho University Hospital ROCKTOWN Abeno 4F Harukas Imaike

Yotsubashi Line Abeno Q’s Mall Hoop

3 Nankai Main Line 3

Sakaisuji Line Language N

Abeno Sta. School Koboreguchi Sta.

CocoMomo&Co. Hankai Tramway 0 400m A B C D Osaka Castle Area

A B C D Tozai Line Osaka Tenmangu

Kyobashi Mint Kyobashi Museum 1 Kyobashi 1

Osaka Business Park Tenma Shigino

Subway Tanimachi Line Keihan Main Line

Tenmabashi

Kitahama Osaka-jo Hall

2 Osaka Prefectural 2 Government Office Osaka Osaka-jo Koen

Castle Hanshin Expressway Expressway Hanshin Osaka Chamber of

Subway Sakaisuji Line Commerce and Osaka Industry Castle Park Osaka Museum

Subway Imazato Line

of History Osaka Loop Line

Tanimachi 4-chome KKR Hotel Osaka

Subway Chuo Line Morinomiya Hanshin Expressway Higashi Osaka Route 3 Morinomiya 3 Q’s Mall BASE

Sakaisuji Honmachi N

Tamatsukuri 0 400m A B C D

32 Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com MAPS & INFORMATION Kobe

A B C D

Kitano Kobe Museum YWCA

Kitanoseiryu Shrine Hotel 1 Piena Kobe 1 1F Kitano-cho Bistrot Cafe De Paris Kitanosaka Hosp. Migration Museum

Fudozaka Tor Road The Rock

Yamamoto-dori 2F Hunterzaka PearlKobe Street Sansei Womens Kobe Hosp. Junior Grocers

2 St. Michael’s Kobe Shiei Yamate subway line 2 College Kitanozaka International Mosque School Sun City Hobgoblin 7FJunkudo Ikuta Police 7F Station Shinko Kobe Yamate kansen Midnight OS Cinemas High School Halal Food Ikuta jinja 5F Mint Kobe Hotel Mickey’s JR Sannomiya Tower Oriental Iznt Records Tokyu Inn Dental Club 4F 5F Sannomiya Kobe Clinic Hotel Tokyu Sannomiya Hotel Hands Elementary 4F Tor Road Monterey Sannomiya School SOGO Dept. Sannomiya Port liner Varit Sanchika und. 5FKinokuniya Ali’s Kobe Kokusai Soraku Troopcafe Kitchen 3 Park 3F Marui Kaikan 3 San 1FHSBC Plaza Route 2 Center Kobe Kokusai Center Plaza East Shochiku Plaza Isogami Park Hyogo-ken West Sannomiya Junkudo Sannomiya Prefectural Hall Kobe kosokutetsudo Palmore Cine Phoenix Hanadokeimae st. KRAC Hosp. Guild Kowka 2F 4F Kobe Ikuta Hanshin line Aoyama Boeki center Junior High Minato Kobe City School Flower road Kobe Bank Hall JR Motomachi sta. Plaza Kyukyoryuchi Motomachi Hotel Daimarumae Cine Libre Kobe Kobe Doll 7F Museum Kobe Legal 4 Mitsui 4 Daimaru Sumitomo Partners Dept. Bank Hanakuma Nankin-machi Higashiyuenchi Park Park Raja Indian Restaurant Kobe Luminarie Municipal Museum

Subway Kaigan line

Hanakuma

5 KIITO 5 Cafe Fish!

Shinko-Cho Hotel Okura Kobe

Hotel La Suite Kobe Maritime Kobe Harborland Museum

Jumbo Ferry Terminal Meriken park 6 6 Arthur Murray N Kobe CULMENI Harborland 3F Kobe Cruise umie umie Luminous Kobe 2 0 200m OS Cinema MOSAIC HarborlandA KobeB Meriken Park Oriental C D

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #215 APRIL 2018 / kansaiscene.com 33 Kyoto MAPS & INFORMATION

A B C D

Club Metro

1 1 Heian Shrine Kiya Cho Mori Yu Gallery Kyoto Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Annex Aeon The Ritz Shopping Okazaki Carlton Mall ROHM Theatre Park Kyoto

LAB.TRIBE Nijo-dori

Higashi Oji - dori Library 2 Miyako 2 Irish Pub Messe Gnome Gastro National Pub Museum Tadg’s of Modern Art Kyoto City Hotel Hall Okura DUBLIN Tozai Subway Line Kyotoshiyakusho-mae Oike-dori Honno-ji Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa Pig & 3 Tourist Whistle Hana hotel 3 Information HUB Higashiyama Center

Fuyacho-dori Gokomachi-dori Sanjokeihan Sanjo-dori

Sanjo

Gear Movix Kyoto Mina Wakamatsu-dori Jomo Butterfly Kitsune Gas Hotel Vista Kyoto Premio Kyoto Sanjo Maruzen Ryoshoin Kawara Kyoto Bal Kacho-michi

Machi Hanamikoji-dori

Gypsy Yamatoji-dori

4 Keihan Line Gion 4 Tatsumi Genkoin Pontocho Shirakawa-dori Bridge Shirakawa river Kiyamachi-dori JAM Hostel Gion

Kawaramachi-dori H&M Kyoto Gion Kaikan Teramachi ShotengaiTeramachi Kyoto

Shinkyogoku Shotengai OPA Museum of The Gael Irish Pub Contemporary Junkudo World Art Yasaka Maruyama Jinja Park Kawaramachi Shijo-dori Hankyu Line Apa Marui Minami-za Gion shijo Hotel Fuji Theatre Daimaru Takashimaya 5 5

Kaosan Kyoto Kyoto bAKpAK Teramachi Area Gion hostel Guest House Rakuza Kyoto Municipal Kenninji Kodai-ji Museum of Kamogawa River KamibentenCho School History Ebisu Shrine

6 Nawa Clinic The world's 6 smallest Ukiyoe museum N

Ninenzaka 0 200m Higashiyama A B Ward Office C D

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