International Excellence Plus

tokyo APRIL 2012

weekenderJapan’s premier English language magazine Since 1970

INTERNATIONAL PLUS SAKURA SEASON EXCELLENCE TOKYO’S BEST HANAMI SPOTS A LOOK AT AOBA-JAPAN INTERNATIONAL GOLDEN WEEK SCHOOL’S NEW CAMPUS WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO HIROSHIMA A CITY-BREAK IN JAPAN’S CITY OF PEACE

AGENDA INTERVIEW P L U S ! All the biggest Ryoichi Higuchi, singer International Women’s Day: live shows this month of YouTube hit ‘Tegami’ Coca-Cola leading the way

IN THIS ISSUE: The Latest APAC news from the Asia Daily Wire, People Parties & Places, Daikanyama shopping guide, movie previews and much more...

PUMA PRESS.pdf 1 3/29/12 11:36 AM

CMY

K APRIL, 2012 CONTENTS 22

EXPLORING HIROSHIMA

Weekender explores Japan’s city of peace.

42 32 48

TEGAMI, A LETTER OF LOVE WOMEN’S DAY 2012 APRIL AGENDA

Interview with YouTube sensation Coca-Cola Japan inspires women to lead The Agenda previews the best live shows

Ryoichi Higuchi. and connect at Midtown event. coming up in Tokyo this month.

11 Asia Daily Wire 18 Golden Week 45 Tokyo Tables A roundup of all the top APAC news of the Where to go, what to do this holiday Vinoir, Nogizaka’s newest restaurant is a past month. season. wine lovers paradise. 14 Sakura Season 20 Walk Japan 47 Movie Previews The best spots to experience hanami in Expat-led business takes tourists off the All the April releases coming to a cinema Tokyo. beaten path. near you. 16 Cover Story 38 Bill Hersey 50 Back in the day Aoba-Japan International School Tokyo’s longest running society column Weekender takes a look back at Tokyo in celebrates moving to a new location. printed in Weekender for 42 years! April 1982. weekendertokyo APRIL 2012

Publisher Bulbous Cell Media Group Chairman Ray Pedersen General Manager Asi Rinestine

Media Director Tomas Castro Editor Stephen Parker Sales Executive Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa Business Development Director Kotaro Toda Art Director Liam Ramshaw Media Coordinator Mary Rudow Media Consultant Matthew Hernon

Contributing Editor Bill Hersey

Editorial Associates Annamarie Sasagawa, Vivian Morelli Ayako Fujiwara, Christopher O’Keeffe

IT Manager Nick Adams Development Manager Stephane Boudoux Finance & Admin Vika Maslyuk Web Development Amit Raj Baral DBA Iryna Sundutova

EST. Corky Alexander and Susan Scully, 1970

Published by Bulbous Cell Media Group www.bulbouscell.com

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tokyo APRIL 2012

weekenderJapan’s premier English language magazine Since 1970 On the cover: International Excellence: Aoba-Japan International School’s Adam Doi and Royce Jacobs celebrate a new start. INTERNATIONAL PLUS SAKURA SEASON EXCELLENCE TOKYO’S BEST HANAMI SPOTS A LOOK AT AOBA-JAPAN INTERNATIONAL GOLDEN WEEK Follow Tokyo Weekender on Twitter: SCHOOL’S NEW CAMPUS WHAT TO DO , WHERE TO GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH @weekenderjapan HIROSHIMA A CITY-BREAK IN JAPAN’S CITY OF PEACE

AGENDA INTERVIEW PLUS! Like us on Facebook: All the biggest Ryoichi Higuchi, singer International Women’s Day: live shows this month of YouTube hit ‘Tegami’ Coca-Cola leading the way

IN THIS ISSUE: The Latest APAC news from the Asia Daily Wire, People Parties & Places, Daikanyama Shopping Guide, Movie Previews and much more... www.facebook.com/tokyo.weekender

APRIL 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com

WEEKENDER NEWS 11 ASIA DAILY WIRE Your go-to place for APAC news

sia Daily Wire is your go-to place for all the latest news from across the Japanese real Asia Pacific region. Covering business, culture, entertainment, sports and estate magnate Minoru Mori breaking news, Asia Daily Wire is updated round the clock in real time and dies at 77 picks and chooses the best headlines from sources across Asia—doing all Minoru the hard work for you. Here is a roundup of some of the most interesting Mori, whose headlines of the past month... entrepreneurial risk-taking helped A No. of people Court orders Google transform the per household to stop labeling central Tokyo falls below two Japanese man a skyline and which set him apart from Japan’s in Tokyo for crook staid real-estate world, has died at age 77, his first time The Tokyo District Court company announced Monday. The number issued an injunction Tokyo Weekender salutes the of people per on March 19 ordering ‘King of the Hills’. household in Tokyo Google Inc. to stop stands at 1.99, its search engine’s Online gaming firms join to protect falling below 2 for the first time on record, the autocomplete function kids from big bills Tokyo metropolitan government said. from suggesting a Six companies that offer social network Can Weekender suggest implementing a 3 Japanese man is a gaming and other types of online gaming, kids minimum rule? criminal. The Tokyo District Court approves including Gree Inc. and DeNA Co., have a petition demanding that search giant formed a council in order to work together Court rules nationality law on Google suspend its autocomplete feature for to create guidelines for promoting the proper foreign-born children legal Internet browsers after a man alleges the utilization of games and healthy growth of A Tokyo court ruled a clause in the function was used to breach his privacy and the market. nationality law which stipulates that get him fired. What about us adults? children of Japanese nationals born overseas Weekender tip: If your last name is Hitler, who have acquired foreign nationality don’t call your son Adolf. Nikkei closes at post-quake high on cannot get a Japanese passport unless their weakness of yen parents take steps to obtain nationality Govt aims to cut civil servant hiring Tokyo stocks reached their highest point since within three months of birth. for 2013 by 40% from 2009 the day of the Great East Japan Earthquake on The Japanese government confirmed that hopes for the continued weakness of the yen. Another 6.1 quake jolts eastern it will try to reduce new hiring of national Japan, but still measures to deal with civil servants for fiscal 2013 by more than Uniqlo opens 12-story shop in Ginza city quake ‘refugees’ slow in coming 40 percent compared with fiscal 2009, its Uniqlo opens flagship store in Tokyo’s posh An earthquake with a preliminary officials said. Ginza district on March 16, targeting Chinese magnitude of 6.1 hit east of Tokyo on March First robotic civil servants to be unveiled and other tourists. 14, yet another reminder of the danger in 2014? That’s a lot of Heat-Tech. lurking in the background. ln addition, though more than 5 million people were Facebook doubles Japanese user base stranded in the Tokyo metropolitan area to 10 million in 6 months following the Great East Japan Earthquake, Facebook Inc., the U.S. firm behind the municipalities and companies are not close world’s largest social networking site, to coming up with measures to house Tokyo announced that it now has more than 10 refugees in the event of another major million users in Japan—twice as many as For all the big news of 2012 updated live, disaster. last September. visit: www.asiadailywire.com Tokyo Weekender likes this post. www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2012

HANAMI FEATURE 13

t’s April again and millions of gorgeous, ephemeral sakura flowers are in bloom. Grab a blanket, a few drinks and snacks and gather with friends and family under the cherry trees for the happiest, most lighthearted, andI undoubtedly most beautiful time of TOKYO the year: o-hanami. The following are Weekender’s pick of Tokyo’s top hanami spots. Just make sure you turn up early, as salarymen are known to stake-out prime park real estate for hours to secure a good spot!

IN BLOOM Daikanyama Saigoyama Koen Just one stop from Shibuya, amidst the hilly and trendy streets of Daikanyama, is the THE WEEKENDER GUIDE gorgeous and quiet Saigoyama Koen. This mid-sized park not only is a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing but also offers an exclusive peek at the surrounding city with its TO SAKURA SEASON wide open skies and street proximity. Closest station: Daikanyama (Toyoko line)

By Vivian Morelli Yoyogi Park Renowned Yoyogi Park, a favorite amongst Tokyoites and visitors alike, needs no introduction. Adjacent to Harajuku station, it offers an easy escape from the busy shopping streets and its spacious, grassy grounds are perfect for endless hours of frolicking and relaxing. Nearby Meiji Shrine offers a nice distraction if you feel like wandering about. Closest station: Harajuku (JR line)

www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2012 14 FEATURE HANAMI

The Meguro river, lined with sakura trees in full bloom. Hanami Essentials:

• Blue plastic tarps and aluminum-like ones are readily available and practical. • Blanket, which also provides warmth for those chilly early days of spring. • Simple snacks such as onigiri and sembei. • Bento box for Japanese style, or baguette and cheese for Western style. • Bottles of green tea and water. • The quintessential cans of beers, chu-hi, sake, or perhaps a bottle of wine (or three). • Homemade white sangria: mix some chilled white wine and wedges of apples, oranges, and citrus. • Sweets: try the traditional mitarashi (skewered sweet dumplings).

of cherry trees, a pleasing fact for sakura Shinjuku Gyoen Inokashira Koen aficionados. The park also has three small Originally a residence of the Naito family A little removed from central Tokyo, ponds, around which over a thousand cherry in the Edo era, the beautiful gardens blend Inokashira Koen still offers incredible views of trees are planted. three distinct styles: French Formal, English sakura. Located in the charming neighboring Closest station: Tsurumi (JR line) Landscape and Japanese traditional. Shinjuku streets of Kichijoji, the park presents a nice Gyoen is one of the most popular sites for lake surrounded with cherry trees and Aoyama graveyard hanami as it presents a variety of trees, so inviting grounds for a picnic but be warned, Although It may not be everyone’s cup of tea to get there early to grab a spot. Don’t miss Inokashira park is very popular so expect hold hanami in a cemetery, Aoyama-bochi has the traditional tea house for a full cultural hundreds of people with the same idea. some of the most beautiful and widest variety experience. Closest station: Kichijoji (Keio Inokashira and of cherry trees in Tokyo, which line the straight Closest stations: Shinjuku, New South Exit (JR JR lines) roads that run through the cemetery. Perhaps line) Sendagaya (JR line) / Shinjukugyoenmae for The Smiths fans only and those who dread (Marunouchi subway line) Meguro River sunny days. The Meguro River offers some of the most Closest station: Gaienmae (Ginza subway line) Ueno Park beautiful cherry blossoms. Walk along the Amongst the country’s first public parks, river to view the flowers, as well as to enjoy Hamarikyu Garden Ueno is now Japan’s most popular city park. Nakameguro’s quiet shopping area, and take Situated at the mouth of Sumida River, Its cherry blossom trees are the largest in the a small break on a park bench or small grassy Hamarikyu is a traditional Japanese garden, city, therefore making Ueno one of the best spot to indulge in some drinks and snacks complete with a pond, peony garden, plum tree places to view the blooming flowers. Other amidst the city vibe. grove and a tea house that offers green tea and interesting features of the park include a lake, Closest station: Nakameguro (Toyoko line) sweets. The garden is usually quiet and is a lotus bed and marshland, rendering it a great lovely spot for a leisurely picnic. location for an outdoorsy afternoon. Mitsuike Closest station: Shimbashi (JR line) Closest station: Ueno (JR line) Mitsuike Koen, located near Yokohama, is very small but has one of the largest varieties

APRIL 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com

Aoba-Japan International School’s Adam Doi and the new head of the school Royce Jacobs.

A-JIS is an accredited member of: JCIS, EARCOS, CIS, NEASC, Tokyo Association of International Preschools

There are two upcoming A-JIS events open to the public. The Spring Carnival on April 22nd and a special admissions open house on May 3rd will both be held at the Suginami Campus. Information will be available on the school’s website: www.aobajapan.jp

APRIL 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com A-JIS EDUCATION 17

and thereby able to succeed in the East and EDUCATION: Celebrating spring with a new Tokyo campus in the West.” Remarked Neal Dilk, long time administrator of A-JIS.

Mr. Dilk, head of A-JIS since 2010, will be moving abroad with his family to pursue a new career opportunity this year. Among other accomplishments, he has been instrumental in developing and implementing curricular improvement plans to gain Aoba-Japan International Baccalaureate (IB) as well as establishing the tailored high school learning Text by Mary Rudow Doi, a veteran teacher who had spent many program for A-JIS. years teaching in international schools in pring, the season synonymous Japan. The school was initially a kindergarten Royce Jacobs, formerly Head of International with change, is upon us. This and unlike most schools of its kind at the Secondary School in Tokyo, has since been year, students at Aoba-Japan time, AIS’s specialized programs emphasized appointed the new head of Aoba-Japan InternationalS School can look forward English and Japanese language skills, the arts International School. Mr. Jacobs has pioneered to some monumental changes. A-JIS will and fundamental mathematical skills, thus many individualized learning programs open the gates of its new school campus building a strong foundation which helped both in Japan and the United States; and has facilities in Hikarigaoka (Nerima Ward). prepare its students (of various cultural worked in education for the past 12 years, This move means A-JIS, founded back in and ethnic backgrounds) for a secondary as a teacher, an administrator and a head of 1976, will be brought right up to date. education at international schools in Japan or school. in other parts of the world. “We are all very excited as we have been He joined A-JIS last year as its high school working on this for a while now,” remarked AIS’s program proved successful and was principal and has been working with Mr. Board Chair, Adam Doi (son of founder recognized by Japan Council of International Dilk on projects to further the advancement Regina Doi). “We had acquired a school Schools. of A-JIS in terms of the program, curriculum building last year, which used to be a and extra curricular offerings. He has also public school belonging to Nerima Ward; been instrumental in expanding the learning we were, however, unable to commence “The move to the support program for A-JIS, which offers work renovating the building until leveled support for students with mild to planning permission came through. We Hikarigaoka campus moderate learning needs. are now doing all that is necessary to have is going to be a pivotal everything completed by August this year.” With its new location in Hikarigaoka and moment in time for expanding student body, A-JIS is continuing Hikarigaoka is an area situated on the edge its pioneering approach to education that of Tokyo. Previously a U.S. military base and A-JIS.” has made it such a popular choice for airfield, one third of the area was converted international parents living in Japan. into a park after the base was vacated in “The classes conducted at A-JIS are in 1973. Hikarigaoka town was erected eight English generally and require the students years later next to the park. Now with to be conversant in English. However, in Timeline of A-JIS: schools, residential and office buildings order to accommodate students (from non- well established, the town is modern and English speaking regions and the Japanese 1976 - AIS (Aoba International School) thriving. As well as an extensively green community) with little or no English Establish as a nursery-kindergarten area, neighboring Hikarigaoka Park boasts proficiency, A-JIS has a highly unique (possibly a variety of facilities including a large one of a kind in Asia) ‘Intensive program’ 1980 - JIS (Japan International School) public pool, a water-play area for children which provides an English immersion Establish elementary school in and even a bird sanctuary. program at grade level while maintaining Daikanyama the other studies in regular subjects. When 1981 - JIS moves to Jingumae, Shibuya-ku- “The new campus is located next to the park students are deemed able to attend standard in an idyllic setting,” said Mr. Doi. “It is only classes conducted entirely in the English 1986 - JIS moves to Kamiyama-cho, a 10-15 minutes walk from Hikarigaoka language, they are then transferred to what Shibuya-ku Station to the school. The wide path leading A-JIS calls its ‘mainstream’ classes.” 1992 - JIS moves to Miyamae, Suginami-ku to the school is not only lined on both sides 1997 - Accredited by CIS (Council of with beautiful ginko trees but also traffic Another feature at A-JIS is its extensive International Schools former ECIS) free, making it safe for the students. The Japanese program, which provides daily & NEASC (New England Association new campus is twice to three times the size Japanese lessons for students. This program of Schools and Colleges) of the present Suginami campus. With the not only meets the needs of the non-national improved facilities, a large gym, playground students living in Japan, whose parents see 1997 - JIS merge with AIS to become A-JIS and ample classrooms, A-JIS will be able to it as an ideal opportunity for their children (Aoba-Japan International School) meet all the facilities requirements to fully to acquire fluency in Japanese; it also fills 2011 - A-JIS (downtown Kindergarten implement the International Baccalaureate- the need of those already with a Japanese located at Aoba-dai, Meguro-ku) Primary Years Program (IB-PYP). The move language background, to keep up with and moves to Shoto, Shibuya-ku to the Hikarigaoka campus is going to be a further their Japanese proficiency during their pivotal moment in time for A-JIS.” time at the school. 2012 - A-JIS opens Hikarigaoka campus

Aoba-Japan International School (A-JIS) “As a result of these intensive language A-JIS is scheduled to commence school at was originally named Aoba International programs, those who study at A-JIS are able its new location in Hikarigaoka, Nerima School (AIS); founded in 1976 by Regina to become fluent in at least two languages ward (Tokyo) in August 2012.

www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2012 18 FEATURE GOLDEN WEEK

t’s the annual Golden Week dilemma: should you travel during the string of public holidays coming up in early May or stay put? Getting out of Tokyo sounds good until you realize that a few million other Tokyoites probablyI have the same idea, but is a GOLDEN ‘staycation’ the best way to make the most of the holidays? Should you stay or should you go? Weekender lets you know.

Hitting the road The crowds will be intense almost everywhere you go but there’s still a lot to be said for a Golden Week away. All across Japan, WEEK everyone’s in a holiday mood. The country exudes a kind of infectious Golden Week THE WEEKENDER GUIDE TO THE BEST camaraderie despite the crowds. However, if you do venture out of Tokyo, PLACES TO ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON book ahead. Book reserved seats on trains and double check all your accommodation reservations. Book tables at any restaurant By Annamarie Sasagawa you want to visit. Don’t leave anything up in the air. If not planned with military precision, Golden Week travel can be a trying experience.

APRIL 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com GOLDEN WEEK FEATURE 19

Maruyama is a four-hour drive from Tokyo (don’t drive!) or a 90 minute ride on the free shuttle bus from Urasa station (1h 42m by bullet train from Tokyo Station). www.okutadami.co.jp/ski

Iya Valley About 900 years ago, warriors from the Heike clan who had just lost a bloody battle to their arch-rivals were looking for a quiet place to flee to. They settled in Shikoku’s isolated Iya Valley, building their own vine bridges to cross the region’s deep gullies. Even if you’re not fleeing your sword-wielding enemies, Iya is still a great escape. It’s the complete opposite of Tokyo: clean air, stunning mountain views, fresh fish caught in nearby rivers, miles of mountain footpaths and villagers who seem to have all the time in the world. Iya is 90 minutes by car or by bus and train from Tokushima city. Tokushima itself is a 80 minute flight or a six hour train ride from Tokyo. www.miyoshinavi.jp/english

“Do not try to go anywhere by car or the only thing golden in your week will be the sunbeams reflecting off car windows”

Lounge at La Qua Spa Stay in Tokyo: If your idea of a holiday is taking a hot bath The magic of staying in Tokyo for Golden and sitting in a lounge chair with some Week is that while you do nothing the city magazines and a cold beverage, pay a visit around you transforms. As Tokyoites depart to the La Qua spa near Tokyo Dome. La Qua in droves for the holidays, visitors from is an adults-only oasis with hot spring baths, Do not try to go anywhere by car or highway the rest of Japan come here. Iconic Tokyo lounge rooms, restaurants, spa treatments bus. If you do, the only thing golden in your sightseeing spots like Sensoji Temple in and masseuses. You can stay a few hours or week will be the sunbeams reflecting off the Asakusa, Ueno Park or Harajuku fill up with even overnight and you’re not required to do windows of the cars in front of you as you Japanese from across the country. Everyone’s anything but relax. Just check in, change into all enjoy a 40km traffic jam. Go by train. If relaxed and smiling—quite a change from the loungewear provided, and loll away the you’re planning a road trip, take the train out working-week Tokyo. day. of Tokyo and pick up a rental car at a local www.laqua.jp station outside the city. Cycle in Yanaka Golden Week offers a chance to explore Take a hike in Chichibu Japan’s more popular tourist destinations parts of Tokyo you don’t have time to see Chichibu, in the northwest of Saitama will definitely be busy. Kyoto, Hiroshima, the otherwise. If you want to explore a new part prefecture, is one of the lesser-known day Mt Fuji Five Lakes area, Hakone and Nikko, of the city, head to the Yanaka/Nezu/Sendagi trip destinations from Tokyo. Accessible via though worth seeing, will be bustling. If you (Yanesen) district near JR Nippori Station. Seibu Railways’ express train from Ikebukuro want a bit more peace and quiet over the Yanesen escaped most of the World War II (78 min), Chichibu offers relatively crowd- break, consider visiting any one of these bombing, so it’s full of old wooden temples. In free day hikes in the nearby mountains. It’s lesser-known destinations: recent years young artists have moved in and also home to 34 sacred temples on an ancient opened small shops and galleries next to the pilgrimage route, and Mitsumine Shrine—an Maruyama/Ginzan Daira neighborhood’s Showa-era candy shops and ornate Shinto shrine deep in the mountains Maruyama Ski Resort in Niigata’s Okutadami its bustling Yanaka Ginza shopping arcade. with its own hot spring. region operates on a unique schedule: the Rent a shopping bicycle from Taito ward and www.seibu-group.co.jp/railways/tourist/ resort actually closes from January to March check it out (¥200/24 hours; several locations). because it gets too much snow. The slopes The staff of Yansen Tourist Info offer helpful Whether you stay in the thick of things reopen in late March for spring skiing and English advice and information. in Tokyo or head off the beaten track, snow conditions are decent even in Golden www.city.taito.lg.jp Weekender wishes you a happy and restful Week. There are also snowshoeing and hot www.ti-yanesen.jp/en/ Golden Week. springs in nearby Ginzan-daira plateau.

www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2012 20 BUSINESS WALK JAPAN COMPANY PROFILE: WALK JAPAN OFF THE BEATEN PATH

aul Christie, a Japanophile and graduate of London’s Besides Paul, the original founders of Walk Japan, Tom Stanley and School of Oriental and African Studies has had a Llewelyn Thomas also make as much time as possible to lead tours varied career that includes working as an analyst for along with Riwa Komatsubara, the first Japanese tour guide and the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Japan’s principal financial several other enthusiastic expat guides. newspaper; as managing director of the Japanese subsidiary of a major British company; and as a freelance director “All the Walk Japan staff have long careers with Japan and we all feel a Pand producer for Japanese television. A yearning for the rural great affinity and commitment to the country and its people,” Christie life led him to a quiet village in Kunisaki in Kyushu where he says. “An expression of this is to always use local businesses. Over discovered an unusual tour company called “Walk Japan”. In 1998 twenty years we have provided a stable source of income to many Paul began leading tours and in 2004 was made CEO and managing family owned restaurants and accommodation in Japan’s rural areas,” director of the company which has increased in size year on year. he explains. That is an achievement Christie and the rest of the Walk Japan staff “Walk Japan has grown to be what it is today, a recognized provider of can be proud of. In some instances Walk Japan has become the main acclaimed walking tours in Japan, because of our customers,” Christie client for some ryokan (Japanese inns) in remoter tour areas. tells Weekender. “With their help over the years we have perfected our tours and, in return we have been able to consistently provide tours of “In at least one instance because of our sustained custom over high caliber and pleasure.—Almost everyone who travels with Walk twenty years an historic inn and the only accommodation left in the Japan rates their overall enjoyment as very good or excellent. ‘It was immediate area has been able to remain in business. Although we more than I thought it would be’ is not an uncommon comment from remain this ryokan’s largest customer it is now a thriving business our customers.” again attracting many others and acting as a social focus for the immediate villagers.” Since its beginnings the company has taken many people from North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia to beautiful and interesting The world’s media have also found out about Walk Japan. Tours have areas of Japan that would otherwise be difficult to access and fully been featured in many publications including: The New York Times, appreciate. Avoiding tourist buses, which are typical of many tours in The Australian, The Observer, Sunday Times, Melbourne Herald Sun, Japan, Walk Japan’s tours bring this fascinating country up close by Sydney’s Sun Herald Edmonton Journal and Toronto Sun newspapers; mixing in with its people and their way of life. British Airways’ High Life, Asian Journeys, Expat Living, Business Week, Currently, the company has ten regular scheduled tours and is Time Asia and Cathay Pacific Airways’ Discovery magazines; and planning more for the future. Each year the Company also creates the best selling books Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s many different custom tours tailored to its customers’ particular Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations, The Rough Guide to Ultimate requirements. All the tour leaders at Walk Japan are proficient in Adventures, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and Walking the World’s Japanese and have an intimate knowledge of Japan and its people. Most Exceptional Trails.

“Our staff are also rated highly by our customers and travel If you want to explore the ‘real’ Japan outside of the familiar comforts writers for their enthusiasm, friendliness, knowledge of Japan and of the big city, the expert guides at Walk Japan will be by your side all professionalism,” says Christie. “Many of our customers return to us the way. on other tours and so far some have come on as many as four separate occasions—we think this is not bad considering we specialize in only one country. Word-of-mouth allows us to spend little on advertising, a To find out more about Walk Japan or to book a tour visit: virtue that allows us to invest more of our resources in the maintaining www.walkjapan.com and raising the quality of our tours, in research and in staff training.”

APRIL 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com nowhereresort_ad_PRESS.pdf 1 3/27/12 11:56 AM

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-Renovated Japanese traditional house -30 sec. to the Issiki beach. -Japanese style tatami room, Kitchen, Dining room, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Garden, Equipment for tea ceremony 22 TRAVEL HIROSHIMA

t 8:15 on August 6, 1945 the industrial city of Hiroshima was hit by ‘Little Boy’ the world’s first atomic bomb to be used in war. In a blinding flash, 80,000 people died and 69 per cent of the city was completely destroyed. In the bomb’s aftermath, thousands upon thousands of people HIROSHIMA succumbed to severe injuries and diseases including burns, radiation poisoningA and leukemia. In the next three months, Hiroshima’s EXPLORING JAPAN’S population plummeted from 400,000 to just 136,000. Yet rebuilding efforts began as quickly as two days after the bomb’s detonation. It was first said that nothing would grow and the affected CITY OF PEACE ground would be left desolate for up to 75 years. Yet by the following spring, red canna flowers began sprouting through the rubble, providing much hope to survivors. By 1955, the population had even overtaken pre-war levels.

A large part of the reconstruction, and just as importantly the healing process, centered around how to correctly memorialize the bombing and those who lost their lives. The site eventually chosen to do this contained the only surviving building remnants in the city center— the Hiroshima Exposition Hall, now known as the A-Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was directly below the bomb when it detonated 500 meters above. The surrounding area, which before the bomb contained 710 buildings and was one of the most bustling parts of the township, was converted into the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, housing the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Flame of Peace and the Memorial Cenotaph. And this is what the majority of Hiroshima’s visitors, which number in the millions each year, come for.

Visiting Hiroshima today, it is hard to believe that this beautiful and serene town was once reduced to rubble and ash. The road between the airport and the city winds through the Chugoku region of western Honshu, and is surrounded by a mountainous, green landscape, scattered with rice paddies and pine plantations.

Tokyo

Hiroshima

APRIL 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com HIROSHIMA TRAVEL 23

The town itself, nestled in the Chugoku mountains, welcomes visitors Miyajima’s ‘floating’ torii, the Itsukushima with wide, tree-lined boulevards and streets, an abundance of Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site and well-tended parks (over 700 of them), and a host of activities that key tourist attraction in Hiroshima. The not only present a very factual and unbiased retelling of the events wooden gate sits on the seabed and as the surrounding the use of the world’s first atomic bomb, but demonstrate tide comes in has the appearance of floating how the city and its survivors pulled through. While Hiroshima City on the water. The shrine is dedicated to the is actually very pretty and modern looking, constant reminders that three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto, the these qualities came at a horrific cost are around every corner in the Shinto deity of seas and storms. form of signposts, tourist materials, and memorial plaques.

Interestingly enough, the progressiveness of the city also extends to the thinking of its citizens. Here is an entire city of people possessing an awareness of how Japan and its people fit into history and the modern- day world on an international scale—something that is usually only observed in well traveled Japanese and not in mainstream Japan. Nor do the citizens of Hiroshima lay any blame or hold anyone accountable for the atomic bomb.

Instead, Hiroshima imparts on its visitors a message of peace. Time spent viewing images and film and reading about personal stories on display in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum makes the message perfectly clear—please do not let others suffer as they have suffered and don’t ever let history repeat itself.

www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2012 24 TRAVEL HIROSHIMA

TRAVEL: THE WEEKENDER GUIDE TO HIROSHIMA 24 HOURS IN HIROSHIMA

Visit the A-bomb dome Not many places can turn a symbol of destruction into a tourist attraction. Hiroshima’s most iconic structure, the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, dubbed the ‘A-bomb Dome’ was designed by a Czech architect, Jan Letzel. At 8:15 on August 6, most of the city was destroyed in an instant, but the stone and steel structure at ground-zero survived. In 1996 the remains were named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO -- to the initial protests of the American and Chinese governments who were concerned that turning the site into a shrine would remove all the context that led up to the tragic bombing. Thankfully Hiroshima is a peaceful city today and memories of war have been replaced with a campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the promotion of world peace.

APRIL 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com HIROSHIMA TRAVEL 25

Visit World Heritage sites on Miyajima Also known as Itsuku-shima, Miyajima, meaning Divine Island, has a history dating back to 593, when Empress Suiko took the throne and the Istukushima Shrine was built. The island is home to one of the most photographed vistas in Japan—the torii set out in the Seto Inland Sea, about 200 meters offshore from the Itsukushima Shrine (another UNESCO World Heritage Site). The red gate, made of camphor wood, stands at 50 feet high, with its two pillars each having a circumference of 10 meters. The best time of day to see this is during high tide, as the torii looks to be floating on the surface of the sea. High tide is also when some boats will use the water as a means to enter the shrine by cruising through the gate.

“Flocks of doves, a symbol of peace, are Contemplate the Peace Park Walking across the stone bridge to the often seen flying around impressive Kenzo Tange designed Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a must. There you the park.” will find a number of monuments for peace; a tower erected for the repose of the souls of Watch the Carp play ball Zoom-Zoom to the Mazda factory the victims of the atomic bomb, a memorial Baseball is fun anywhere in Japan. The In 1920 Toyo Cork Kogyo was founded in tower, and a fountain with an eternal Flame noisy crowds and party-like atmosphere are Hiroshima, the company went on to make of Peace. Flocks of doves, a symbol of peace, maximized when Hiroshima’s local team the machine tools and in 1931 the first three- are often seen flying around the park. Carp play against any of the Tokyo Giants or wheeled truck rolled off the production line. Hanshin tigers. Tickets start at just ¥1,500. Today, the Mazda Group, as it is now called Fill up on Okonomiyaki What better way to soak up local culture that creates world-class automobiles. The process Hiroshima’s favorite food is a pancake like with a beer in hand? and history of one of Japan’s industrial giants concoction of egg, batter, pork, vegetables can be explored at the Mazda Museum. A and okonomiyaki sauce cooked in front Go back in time at Hiroshima castle visit here may be the perfect antidote to an of diners on a hot plate. The DIY nature Originally constructed in the 1590s, the ‘Carp overdose of World Heritage sites. of the dish makes it appealing to all as the castle’, was destroyed in 1945. A replica of the www.mazda.com/mazdaspirit/museum/ ingredients and flavor can be changed original was rebuilt in 1958, which now serves by individual preference. There are as a museum of Hiroshima’s history prior to Hiroshima is a four-hour shinkansen ride okonomiyaki restaurants all over Japan World War II. from Tokyo station. By air, it takes 90 minutes but for the real deal, head to Hiroshima’s from Haneda Airport to Hiroshima Airport, Okonomi-mura, which has 25 stalls over See global art in a local musuem and then just under 60 minutes by limousine three floors. Not essential to see but nice nevertheless. The bus to Hiroshima City. Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum displays For more information see: Relax on a boat cruise artworks from the likes of Salvador Dali and Hiroshima Navigator: www.hcvb.city. Hiroshima literally means ‘wide island’ and is Picasso, as well as contemporary Japanese hiroshima.jp/e_navigator flanked by rivers and canals. If you want a break artists. If you have time to spare and want a Hiroshima Peace Site: www.pcf.city. from the town, head to one of the many river dose of global visual culture head here. hiroshima.jp/top_e.html cruises for a relaxing afternoon on the water. www1.hpam-unet.ocn.ne.jp/english/

www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2012 26 TRAVEL PROMOTION

Stay on the iconic Miyajima island in style and comfort at the landmark Aki Grand Hotel.

AKI GRAND MIYAJIMA ISLAND LOCATION WITH VIEWS OF THE SETO ‘INLAND SEA’

deally located on the waters edge of and temples. Besides the hotel, the whole island Miyamjima island, this bay-side hotel offers spectacular scenery, which can be best offers fantastic panoramic views viewed from Aki Grand’s popular ‘night cruise’. across the Seto Inland Sea. Facilities A trip on the iconic boat offers incredible photo include two Japanese restaurants, an Italian opportunities and at just ¥1,500 for adults and Irestaurant, a ‘standing bar’ as well as a beer ¥500 for children you have no excuse to miss out. terrace and tea room. Guests can choose either Western or Japanese tatami style 1-1-17 Miyajimaguchi Nishi, Hatsukaichi-Shi, rooms, but whichever option you choose Hiroshima 739-0412 you will be guaranteed a fantastic views of Tel: 0829-56-0111 Miyajima’s famous World Heritage shrines www.akigh.co.jp/english

hiroshima style okonomiyaki and teppanyaki "goemon"

Goemon Ebisu Shop Adress: Urban Ebisukan, 3-14, Ebisu-cho Naka-ku, Hiroshima Prefecture Open: Lunch 11:30 - 14.00 (L.O.) Dinner 17:00 - 02:30 (L.O.) Sun/Holiday 17:00 - 23:30 (L.O.)

http://www.goemon.in phone: (082) 249 8089

APRIL 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com

hiroshima style okonomiyaki and teppanyaki "goemon"

Goemon Ebisu Shop Adress: Urban Ebisukan, 3-14, Ebisu-cho Naka-ku, Hiroshima Prefecture Open: Lunch 11:30 - 14.00 (L.O.) Dinner 17:00 - 02:30 (L.O.) Sun/Holiday 17:00 - 23:30 (L.O.)

http://www.goemon.in phone: (082) 249 8089 HIROSHIMA SPECIAL TRAVEL 27

Looking for a city-break in Hiroshima? Let the expert staff of Hotel Century 21 be your guide.

HOTEL CENTURY 21 HiROSHIMA CENTRAL HIROSHIMA LOCATION, THE IDEAL SPOT FOR A CITY-BREAK ocated just three minutes that you will be a fan of ‘Century’ when you walk from Hiroshima Station. visit us.—We will do our best to make your Hotel Century 21 is in an ideal stay restful, safe and enjoyable.” This spring spot for city-breaks, business why not explore the history and beauty of meetings and all kinds of parties, and the Hiroshima region with Century 21 as weddingL ceremonies. “We promise high your base. Single rooms from only ¥9,240 per quality accommodation that you will find person, per night. Suites from ¥34,650. satisfactory for all occasions,” says Megumi Ugai, Hotel Century 21’s General Manager. 1-1-25 Matoba-cho, Minami-ku, “Our staff will work with courteous service Hiroshima City, 732-0824 to help your important occasions go Tel: (082) 263-3111 Fax: (082) 263-7601 smoothly. We have the highest confidence www.century21.gr.jp

www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2012 28 PROMOTION daikanyama SPECIAL

Newly opened Green is the latest in a string of cafes to open in Daikanyama.

Just one stop from Shibuya, Daikanyama feels relaxed and offers some of the most stylish shopping in Tokyo.

Hacienda Del Cielo has incredible views across Tokyo from its top-floor location. exploring daikanyama

ocated between Ebisu and Shibuya, Daikanyama is undoubtedly one of the trendiest places to go in Daikanyama is chock-full of independent Tokyo. It is a place of tranquility and style, where boutiques and cafes. people can shop and relax without feeling too rushed, while the trees along the streets give the area a very un-Tokyo like feel. Boasting several chic cafes, modernL as well as vintage clothing boutiques, patisseries and restaurants, it is a great place to visit to escape the bustling crowds and traffic of Shibuya.

It is a district that began to modernize after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1924 and is has long been seen as a fashion hot-spot of Tokyo. While it has experienced a lull in the past few years, the opening of Tsutaya’s impressive ‘T-Site’ seems to have rejuvenated the area. It is a stunningly designed complex shaped, as you would expect—like a ‘T’ and inside there is a bookstore, a Starbucks coffee shop, a bar, a travel agency and even a trendy Family Mart convenience store.

The contrast of trendy modern buildings mixed in with small antiquarian shops adds to the appeal of a district that is well worth a visit. Weekender has complied a short list of some of Tsutaya’s groundbreaking ‘T-site’ our favorite places in Daikanyama, including restaurants and redefines what a bookstore can be. boutiques. All come highly recommended.

APRIL 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com daikanyama SPECIAL PROMOTION 29 where to GO

herve chapelier cath kidston Stylish, unique and colorful, Hervé Chapelier products are made One of the most important design companies to have emerged from the exclusively in France and cater for a wide range of women, from UK in the past few years, the popularity of Cath Kidston’s traditional students to professionals. Specializing in bags that are not only country house style has exploded in recent years. Located in the heart aesthetically pleasing, but also very sturdy as well, they are very of Daikanyama, the shop boasts a huge range of products, including an convenient for ladies on the move. Their wide collection includes extensive range of home-wares, accessories, as well as clothes for both travel bags, totes, small leather pieces as well as the renowned ‘sac women and children. If you are tired of big-box home retailers with cabas’. Daikanyama store was open in July of 2005 and has almost the their identical offerings, head to Cath Kidson for high quality design that same line-up as the French stores and the interior even follows the will last a lifetime. layout of Paris store.

Address: OTM Daikanyama 1st floor 15-8 Daikanyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0034 Address: La Fuente Daikanyama 1F 11-1 Sarugaku-cho Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150-0033 Tel: (03) 5728 7077 Tel: (03) 3461 2620 Website: hervechapelierjapon.com Website: www.cathkidston.jp

THE IVY PLACE hacienda Del cielo The Ivy Place has three different faces: a cafe, a bar, and a restaurant This ‘House In The Sky’ provides customers with a beautiful view all under one roof. It’s a relaxing oasis next to the new Tsutaya T-site. of Mt.Fuji along with many of Tokyo’s landmarks like Tokyo Tower, You can find comfort food here from around the globe to sooth the Rainbow Bridge and Roppongi Hills. A chandelier in the shape of body and mind. It’s a restaurant where you can feel like you’re Kukulcan, the feathered serpent at the apex of the Mayan pantheon, on vacation, be yourself, and relax. Weekender recommends the is the centerpiece of the eight meter wood-paneled ceiling, shedding classic buttermilk pancakes (¥1,200) or the superb ‘make your own’ its enchanting light on the colorful contemporary-styled dining and breakfasts. Lunch time pizzas are reasonable at around ¥1,400 and lounge bar areas. The Head Chef Yu Sawai provides Modern Mexican dinner is just ¥2,000 for healthy dishes like Ivy Place’s fresh swordfish cuisine in casual style, platillos, tacos, guacamole always prepared with olive relish and quinoa salad. Booking ahead is advised. with the freshest ingredient in the market.

Address: 16-15 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Address: 9F, 10-1 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku Tel: (03) 6415-3232 Tel: (03) 5457 1521 Website: www.tyharborbrewing.co.jp/en/ivy Website: http://modern-mexicano.jp/hacienda/ www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2012 JULY 2011 www.tokyoweekender.com Englishman Jason Denham cut his cloth in the workshop of Joe Casley- denim temples Okura and Hollywood Ranch Market as well as newer Hayford, a highly respected English designer renowned for combining concepts in modern utility such as Nanamica and respected interna- sartorialism and anarchy. After eight years working within the denim tional brands like Paul Smith. The store concept is a direct extension of industry, he set up his own denim consultancy ‘Clinic+’ in Amsterdam, the Amsterdam location’s design, expressing a signature approach to before founding the internationally respected premium jeans brand merging traditionalism and modernity. Deep wood flooring contrasts Blue Blood. with gallery-style white walls and clean minimalist interior elements At the beginning of 2008, after extensive travel around Europe, US are accented with carefully selected industrial brocante. Custom and Japan, Jason was left with the feeling that the world of denim was forged scissor-brackets line the walls, serving to display the seasonal starting to lose some of its rightful excitement. It was this feeling that collection. A generous application of architectural text and projected led to the formation of the DENHAM label in 2008. “The DENHAM label video complete the picture when entering the store. The lower level is focused on balancing an intense commitment to progressive design houses a fully functional workbench where jeans can be shortened, against an equally obsessive respect for jeans craft tradition,” he with chain-stitch finishing, in-house on an authentic Union Special says. Jason Denham’s single-minded obsession with denim combined sewing machine. with his diligent attention to detail, is the primary inspiration for the brand. A philosophy that makes up DENHAM’s signature. Manifesting his “jeanmaker” ethic of honest craftsmanship multiplied by fearless experimentation and invention not only in every jean he creates, but in every garment in the line and every other aspect of the label. “Our customer is not going to settle for less than jaw dropping, mouth water- ing, gotta have pieces. The only way we know how to make them is to create our own unique balance of deep authenticity, inventive contemporary detailing and a distinctly modern attitude.” Opening to the public on June 4th, 2011, DENHAM’s stand-alone Tokyo store represents the second dedicated retail presentation following the successful opening of the label’s Amsterdam location. The new Web: www.denhamthejeanmaker.com Address: 25-8 Sarugaku cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0033, Japan store’s Daikanyama address is perfectly suited for DENHAM’s distinct Tel/Fax: 03-3463-2258 design ethic and product-culture. The district is home to Japanese Open: 12:00-20:00

www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2012 32 BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL WOMAN’S DAY Lead, inspire, connect INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: COCA-COLA JAPAN driving equality in business

very March women from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe “We are here to increase awareness, organize events to focus connect women and inspire futures,” said global attention on areas Coca-Cola’s Senior Vice President, Human where inequalities prevail. Resources Lydia Dorman International Women’s Day (IWD) is a globalE day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.

In Tokyo on March 9, a lively day of keynote speeches, workshops and networking took place at Tokyo Midtown and Weekender went along to join the buzz. Coca-Cola Japan held a symposium for about two hundred female employees from across its Japan operations. Much more than a networking event, the full day conference was designed to empower and inspire women.

“We are here to increase awareness, connect women and inspire futures,” said Coca-Cola’s Senior Vice President, Human Resources Lydia Dorman. us to ‘achieve true diversity’ throughout our has served as a global hub for International business... This is the result of our collective Women’s Day events, resources and news for Coca-Cola system companies worldwide strength, and that is the real power of over a decade said: have a shared global long-term strategy; diversity—realizing that the whole is infinitely ‘2020 Vision’, which prioritizes the hiring of more powerful than the individual parts,” said “Activity on International Women’s Day has women, their professional development and Coca-Cola’s CEO Muhtar Kent. skyrocketed over the last five years. This career promotion. The companies are striving is due to the rise of social media, celebrity to promote diversity by creating women- involvement and corporations taking on the friendly work environments, developing day sponsoring and running big events. Our female managers and incorporating the “Activity on Twitter and web community, with around broad range of values held by women into 10,000 followers, is phenomenal for sharing corporate activities. Behind these initiatives International videos, information and news as it happens. is a corporate business strategy that extends Women’s Day has Offline large scale women’s rallies have beyond the scope of career development. become even larger through the use of social skyrocketed over the media. It would be hard to find any country The Coca-Cola Company continues to climb that did not celebrate the day in some way.” FORTUNE magazine’s annual ranking of last five years.” the World’s 50 Most Admired Companies, International Women’s Day, which saw its advancing two spots to No. 4 on the overall first event run in 1911, continues to provide 2012 list and topping the magazine’s beverage IWD has been gaining momentum for over a powerful opportunity to unite, network industry ranking for the third straight year. 100 years and though most of the focus tends and mobilise worldwide for meaningful The Atlanta based company may keep its 126 to be on the developing world many so-called change. Each year thousands of events are year old drink formula locked securely in a ‘developed’ economies like Japan still openly held throughout the world to inspire women vault but the reason for Coca-Cola’s continued discriminate against women in terms of job and celebrate achievements. In 2012 world success is no secret. opportunities and pay. dignitaries including U.S. President Obama and UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon “Building a diverse and inclusive workforce Glenda Stone, founder of the proclaimed official statements supporting is central to our 2020 Vision which calls for ‘internationalwomensday.com’ website that International Women’s Day and its focus.

The world has come a long way in the past century but according to IWD organizers there is still a long way to go. For decades women have banded together to challenge injustices, overcome barriers and pursue equality and at the end of this International Women’s Day the fully energized group of Coca-Cola Japan employees left the conference with the zeal Coca-Cola Panelist, Shoko Suzuki, to, as, Coca-Cola’s Lydia Dorman put it: “lead, inspire and connect.” Vice President, Marketing & New Business

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how to relate to our children—or there was something we did not know, like when to start feeding your baby solid food—the nursery was there to lead us.”

“Even when the disaster hit last year, I was sure my daughter would be better off staying at the daycare with the teachers, as they always have fire drills and the kids all behave well when they are with their teachers. The building itself is only five years old, and the rooms are designed to be safe—or definitely safer than home.”

“The children really enjoy coming here. As long as they are together, they all have fun!”

These children will face several more graduations in their lives. Elementary school, junior high school, high school, university and maybe even graduate school. That’s a lot of walking across a lot of stages, so this early practice should pay off in droves in years to “ARIGATOU SENSEI!” come.

If you have ever wondered why International School of Sacred Heart. She “On behalf of the parents of the graduating Japan is so peaceful and cohesive, points out that this kindergarten is unusual in class of Minami Aoyama Hoikuen 2012, I just just take a look inside one of Tokyo’s Tokyo. want to say ‘arigatou’ to the teachers for all the many kindergartens. Every April tender loving care they gave all of our kids,” children up and down the country “Minami Aoyama Hoikuen is different says Yamazaki. “I will miss them all!” take part in ceremonies that teach the from most other hoikuen which are run by Ibasics of politeness, patience and team the individual ku (or ward) because their work which will last a lifetime. operating hours are longer (for working For more information on Minami Aoyama parents. Usually classes [in kindergarten] Hoikuen visit: In Tokyo’s opulent Nogi Kaikan hall the are divided by age, but here there are three www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/hoikuen/ smiling children of Minami Aoyama Hoikuen classes with four, five and six year olds are lined up ready to march single-file across together. They do this because a lot of children the stage. These 24 kids, in matching green have no siblings and do not know how to t-shirts, have been practicing for weeks for interact with kids younger or older than Don’t Miss: this day: their ‘graduation’ to elementary themselves. This way, they will learn to take school. care of younger kids and will also learn how to ould you be wasting millions of yen relate with older kids too.” and throwing away your child’s “It is a big step from ‘baby-daycare’ to first education? If you are an expat with grade elementary,” Yukie Yamazaki, a proud Daycare in Japan is not only a place for kids to childrenC living in Japan education will mother at Minami Aoyama Hoikuen tells learn, the parents also have the opportunity understandably be a top priority but with so Weekender. “Preparation for the graduation to pick up tips from the knowledgeable staff many private and public schools to choose started from about July last year and the kids and teachers, which Yamazaki says has been a from, how do you ensure that your hard practiced for about a month for this day.” huge help. earned money is being put to good use?

In most countries leaving kindergarten would “Most of the Headmistresses are experienced Read the report online today: be a simple affair, but in Japan this procedure in raising children. The teachers are also very www.tokyoweekender.com is carried out with the precision of a military experienced. Whenever we were not sure operation. Yet despite the momentous occasion, there are still smiles and laughs all round.

“The children really enjoy coming here. As long as they are together, they all have fun!” Yamazaki says. “I never thought they taught so much, neither did I expect so much from them until my child started going here.”

Yamazaki is a mom with experience of both Japanese and international education after attending a state-run hoikuen, as well as Nishimachi International School and the

APRIL 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com

38 FACES & PLACES PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES

Bill Hersey, Miss International Japan 2010 Mitsuko Kanagae and British Airways’ Vishal Sinha celebrate Weekender’s annual photo competition in Aoyama. PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES Tokyo’s Longest Running Society Page, with Bill Hersey

okyu Hands in Shibuya is a really amazing store. Whenever Here in Japan so many stores and restaurants have point card I go there, which is quite often, I usually spend several systems and many offer some pretty good deals. Going through the hours and a considerable amount of yen. The eight floors dozens of cards in my wallet I have I found cards for National Azabu are tastefully set up to show you the awesome variety of supermarket, Segafredo coffee, Benetton, ABC shoes, Midtown Mall, anything and everything they have to offer and in addition Labo and Tower Records. They all have some pretty good deals, for to just selling merchandise the store has all kinds of workshops that example, when I bought a big AQUOS TV at Labo a year or so ago, I had includeT wood work, handicrafts, jewelry designing, leather craft—you enough points to get a Blu-ray player for free and still have points left name it. over!

Recently I was carrying a pen in the pocket of a duffle coat that I really Everyone likes a bargain and before we move onto the party scene, I like and it leaked everywhere! I was sure ruined the coat, so I took it want to remind readers to visit the newly renovated Shibuya branch to Tokyu Hands and asked if they had any way to clean it. They didn’t of Tokyu Hands, the super store is open seven days a week from 10:00 but helped me with a brilliant idea to fix the coat; we cut my initials a.m. To 8:00 p.m.—Go and check it out! ‘B.H.’ in brown leather and the girl in the store put them over the stain and secured them with metal studs. It looked great, cost less than a India’s Republic Day Celebration at the Okura thousand yen and I wear the coat all the time. Indian ambassador and Mrs. Alok Prasad have been posted here a relatively short time and have been super busy since their arrival. Tokyu Hands displays, which always show the latest gadgets, are One of the highlights of their (what has to be) hectic schedule was the constantly changing. They recently redid the top floor and have an people-packed reception they hosted on the occasion of incredible interesting snack-bar in a fun setting that includes prehistoric animal India’s Republic day, in the Okura Hotel’s stunning Ascot Room. It models and a greenhouse with all kinds of unusual plants. was a colorful gathering with most of the Indian ladies in chic bright colored saris. Their beautifully crafted jewelry was very special and The snack-bar’s food is simple, inexpensive but pretty tasty. I had a the colorful buffet featured Indian, Western and Japanese favorites. spicy taco sandwich and will definitely try the banana waffles next time. I, of course, used my Tokyu Hands points card and had enough The ice carving of an Indian fort in the center of the venue was receipts to cover indoor parking a five minute walk away. very impressive. The program featured a welcome speech by the ambassador and a fast paced performance of traditional Indian dance, Speaking of point cards, I can remember my mom and grandmother it was a laid back event, perfect for the occasion. To celebrate 60 years cutting coupons out of newspapers and magazines as well as off of India-Japan diplomatic relations there was also a photo exhibition cereal boxes to get discounts on small gifts at department stores and and panel discussion at the Indian Cultural Centre. I went along to supermarkets in Toledo, Ohio, the nearest city to the little town of enjoy the music and dance extravaganza “Ticket to Bollywood” at the Perrysburg where I was born and grew up. centre, it was truly incredible.

APRIL 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com BILL HERSEY FACES & PLACES 39

Norwegian Amb. Arne Walther his wife Anita, Kyoko Spector, Incredible India’s Karan Indian Amb. Alok Prasad and his wife. Singh, The Okura’s Rajesh Paul. India Chamber of Commerce Governor Ricky Sarani his wife Yoshiko and Shinsei Bank executive Sajeev Gupta. India’s Republic Day Party

Yuri Konomi, Maria Lopez, Nandini Prasad, Reiko Ryujoji.

British Airways Vishal Sinha, his wife Juhee. British Amb. David Warren and Air India’s Ujjwal Ghosh.

Guardian Angels Japan leader Keiji Oda, Kyoko Spector and Amaporn Futrakul.

Indian Minister Sanjay Panda, Thai Amb. Futrakul, former P.M. Hatoyama. his wife Minati. Thailand’s Royal Celebration

South African Amb. Gert Grobler, Zimbabwe Amb. Harold Stuart Comberbach, his wife Bicky. The hosting couple Thai Ambassador and Mrs. Virasakdi Futrakul. In & Around

New Lex manager Taka with U.S. band ‘Unwritten Law’.

Haitian counsellor Judith Exavier and Bill Hersey, Marilyn Manson his current squeeze Lyndsy, Father William Grimm, Father Russell Becker, Rev. Paul Haitian Amb. Jean-Claude Bordes. student Keita, at party for Marilyn at the New Lex. Koroluk, Rev. Kevin Powell. www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2012 40 FACES & PLACES PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES

Damien Marty and Weekender’s Ray Pedersen. Mina Okachi, Mitsuko Kanagae.

Weekender’s Vika, Mei and Rie. Weekender Photo Competition

Indonesian Amb. Muhaqmmad Lufti his wife Bianca, outgoing Vietnamese Amb. and Mrs. Phu Binh Nguyen, Thai Amb. and Mrs, Futrakul.

First prize winner Sayuri Sekimitsu receives her tickets to London from BA’s Vishal Sinha.

Le Thieu Ngan and Colombian Amb. Patricia Cardenas The Nguyen’s, Ukrainian Amb. Mykola Kulinich his wife Olena

Vietnamese Ambassador Sayonara Party Vietnamese Amb. Phu Binh Nguyen, East Timor Amb. Domingos Alves, Malaysian Amb. Datuk MD Som Shaharuddin.

Japan Times’ baseball guru Wayne Graczyk, former U.S. Amb. to Japan Thomas Schieffer.

Cal Ripken Jr. and Alex Prout. Richard Mei and high school baseball players from Tohoku. Tomodachi Baseball Event

The late and great baseball legend U.S. Amb. John Roos and Chicago White Sox player Tadahito Richard Mei, Susan Roos, architect Shigeru Ban and Yasunori Harano. Wally Yonamine’s wife Iguchi. Jane and son Paul (IBM). APRIL 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com BILL HERSEY FACES & PLACES 41

Vietnam’s diplomatic couple the Nguyens bid sayonara I think everyone I know loves Thai food and the hosting couple had After over 40 years of writing this column you’d think it would be easy arranged for about a dozen of the best Thai restaurants in Tokyo to set seeing friends come and go. I’m well aware that the average stay for up food-stalls in the reception venue and serve their speciality dishes. diplomats posted to Japan is three to four years but even so it’s not It was artistically arranged, colorful and delicious. One of Tokyo’s easy. This was especially true when Vietnamese Ambassador Phu Binh most active party crashers even turned up with a good sized plastic Nguyen and his wife Le Thien Ngan, who were my neighbors and truly bag which she filled with Thai fruit cakes and cookies to take home. good friends, returned to their country recently. (It takes all kinds!) The program that night included short speeches by the ambassador and several Japanese dignitaries, traditional music The Nguyens were some of the nicest kind people I know and like by a group from Bangkok and an exciting dance performance. I had everyone who had the privilege of knowing them, I will really miss the honor and privilege of meeting the king at a reception many years them. They were both involved in so many worthwhile community ago. I still listen to a CD titled ‘The Music of H.M. The King of Thailand activities and did so much to promote friendship, business, H.M. Blues’ that was given to guests at the reception. Talk about great understanding and good relations between their country and Japan. memories!

Whenever they held a reception of party in their Moto-Yoyogi home The Roos’s Operation Tomodachi baseball event at the U.S. Embassy it was packed with people. For their sayonara they included me in a U.S. Ambassador John V. Roos and his wife are a very active couple much smaller crowd than usual and it was so nice to be able to share who are involved in endless worthwhile community activities. One is the evening with them and a select group of their best friends. The Operation Tomodachi, a public-private partnership forged after 3/11, program included a very meaningful speech by the ambassador and led by the U.S. government, the Japanese government and the U.S.- a wonderful musical program by a group from Hanoi. After the show Japan council. Organizers say that Tomodachi invests in Japan’s next there was bountiful buffet of Vietnamese food (love those noodles!) generation and thereby deepens relations between the U.S. and Japan. and we had the chance to relax and meet some people for the first The program was showcased at the event at the embassy titled ‘Helping time. These included Indonesian ambassador Muhammad Lutfi and to Bring Baseball Back to Tohoku’, this included rehabilitating fields his wife Bianca and East Timor ambassador Domingos Sarmento Alves. in Tohoku and building a stadium at Ishinomaki. Tomodachi is also I also had the opportunity to see some of Le Thien’s paintings which helping re-equip Tohoku’s youth baseball teams with equipment lost in included landscapes and portraits. Believe me, the lady is a real artist. the Tsunami and sending Tohoku students to Hawaii to attend baseball clinics. Thanks to the ambassador and Vietnam Airlines I spent five fantastic days in the northern part of Vietnam a couple of years ago. I loved It was a very high spirited reception with special guests that included Hanoi, the day at Ha Long Bay was awesome and the overnight train Major League hall of famer Cal Ripken Jr., Jane and Paul Yonamine (the to Sapa to check out the hill tribes, was a really memorable travel wife and son of the late and great player Wally Yonamine) as well as experience. Now that the Nguyens are there, I have more reason than coaches and high school baseball players from Tohoku. It was also nice ever to go back again. It’s a beautiful country with wonderful hotels to see former U.S. Ambassador, Thomas Schieffer, who, like John Roos, and friendly, hospitable people. Do hope you can visit there while is very involved in baseball. I really wish I had more space to go into all you’re in this part of the world. this in detail, but I don’t, so will just close with kudos to all concerned and involved.

Futrakul’s celebration for Thai King’s birthday Sayonara Old Friends Thailand’s King H.M. Bhumibol Adulyadej has long been one of the Two of my good friends and long time supporters of the Weekender most loved and highly respected leaders in the world and the reception recently retired and we want to wish them all the best. First of all to celebrate his birthday, held at the Imperial Hotel here in Tokyo, was Mitsuru Sakuraba former CEO and president of Massimo Zanetti perfect for the important event. The huge hotel venue was wall-to-wall Beverage Group in Asia, he had a very exciting and fruitful seven and a people and guests included many Japanese government officials, most half years here making Segafredo a real world leader in coffee. of the international diplomats posted here, business leaders, familiar faces from the arts, fashion and entertainment worlds and the cream The second person I must mention is Chika Koga, director and president of both Japanese and foreign society. The turnout was proof positive of Hyatt Japan. I’ve had the good fortune of knowing for over him 30 of the popularity of the king and his top representatives here; years and like Mitsuru he’s helped me so much in my work, in Thai ambassador Virasakdi Futrakul and his dynamic wife meeting so many good people and my travels. We also want to Aumaporn. wish Mitsuru’s successor, Toshiro Mori and Chika’s successor Hire Abe all the best in their future ventures.