Charity & Celebrity Summertime in Kyoto

JULY 2014

Japan’s number one English language magazine

CHARITY & CELEBRITY SUMMERTIME IN KYOTO DANCING MACHINE

Model and UN World Food Experience a Festival of Talking with “America’s Programme Ambassador Lights, Gion Matsuri and Got Talent” Winner Kurara Chibana Riverside Dining Kenichi Ebina

ALSO: Novelist Barry Lancet, Natural Beauty at La Yamano Salon, People Parties and Places, Agenda, and More ... JULY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 CONTENTS 6

UFC IN JAPAN MMA heavyweights set the stage for a battle in Fight Night Japan 2014

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SUMMER IN KYOTO LA YAMANO KURARA CHIBANA Festivals and riverside dining liven up the Treatments that help you find harmony An international beauty shows that she’s storied city’s warmest months between inner and outer beauty more than just a pretty face

12 Guide to Hiking 20 Barry Lancet 30 Movies The lighter side of hitting the trails, The novelist explains how he found Sleeping Beauty villainess tells her side of Japanese style, with Ken Seeroi inspiration in a police interrogation the story and Tom Cruise lives to die again 16 Kamata Hakensha 21 Charity 32 Agenda The Asakusa knife emporium shows us a How you can get involved with Japan’s Festas around Tokyo, running becomes few of their best and brightest blades communities in need electric, and a century of lingerie 18 Kenichi Ebina 24 People, Parties, Places 34 Back in the Day America’s Got Talent winner talks about Diplomatic parties, reports on Tokyo’s Time traveling back to the brutal—yet his million-dollar moves showbiz scene, and posing with Pelé refreshing—“Beer Wars” of 1989

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

Heading down to Kyoto, we got a chance JULY 2014 to see the ways that Japan’s ancient JULY 2014 capital beats the heat and even turns Japan’s number one English language magazine up the dial on the thermostat, from a festival of lights to a month-long party worthy of the gods. Catching up with some of the city’s many movers and shakers, we’ve got an interview with Kenichi Ebina, a Publisher BC Media Group dancer whose moves recently put him Chairman Ray Pedersen on the top of one of the United States’ most well known talent shows. We also Executive Producer Asi Rinestine sat down with Kurara Chibana, one

Editor Alec Jordan of the faces of the UN’s World Food Art Director Liam Ramshaw Programme, as she talked about the CHARITY & CELEBRITY SUMMERTIME IN KYOTO DANCING MACHINE varied roles that celebrities can play Media Director Kotaro Toda Model and UN World Food Experience a Festival of Talking with “America’s Programme Ambassador Lights, Gion Matsuri and Got Talent” Winner as charity ambassadors. And we found Account Executives Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa Kurara Chibana Riverside Dining Kenichi Ebina Ohad Elbaz out from writer Barry Lancet how an ALSO: Novelist Barry Lancet, Natural Beauty at La Yamano Salon, People Parties and Places, Agenda, and More ... interrogation at the hands of the police Media Consultant Mary Rudow ith the rainy season coming can be turned into literary inspiration. Marketing Ingrid Dubreuil Even with this warmer weather, Editorial Consultant Sami Kawahara to a close, Japan’s hottest days will soon be upon many of us take the weekends as a Society Bill Hersey W chance to get outdoors and hit many us. But one of the things that we look forward to along with of the country’s hiking trails. But that Editorial Associates Vivian Morelli exercise and fresh air doesn’t need to be Matthew Hernon the swelter are the many nights of fireworks, reminding some of us of the taken too seriously, as funny man Ken Film Christopher O’Keeffe pyrotechnics we might be missing back Seeroi shows us in his humorous take at home during the month of July. on the ins and outs (or ups and downs?) IT Manager Nick Adams of mountaineering in the Land of the Development Manager Stephane Boudoux We look at this issue as a bit Finance & Admin Keiko Suzuki of a fireworks display: a variety of Rising Sun. DBA Iryna Sundutova contents that we hope will entertain, Thanks as always, and we’ll see you and maybe even dazzle you a bit as next month. you as you flip the pages of this issue of the Weekender. First on the card, the big boys of mixed martial arts fighting came to town to promote UFC’s next event in EST. Corky Alexander, 1970 Japan, and we had ringside seats to Editor the action. Published monthly at the Regency Shinsaka Building, 5th floor 8-5-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 (03) 6666-4924 / (03) 6432-9229 (fax) [email protected]

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JULY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 UFC HITS TOKYO

The fastest growing sports organization in the world, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to return to Japan this autumn, with heavyweights Mark Hunt and Roy Nelson taking center stage for UFC Fight Night Japan 2014 at the Saitama Super Arena on September 20. This is our guide to the show, including a brief history of the sport and an introduction to the two heavyweights who will headline the spectacle.

WHAT IS THE UFC? Brainchild of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner Rorion Gracie, screenwriter and director John Milius, and fight entrepreneur Art Davie, the UFC launched in 1993 as a tournament to identify the most effective martial art among disciplines such as karate, judo, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, boxing, wrestling, sumo and sambo. The aim was to find how the various martial arts would stack up against one another in competition. As the format grew in popularity, more events followed, drawing more and more fighters. Initially, they focused on the discipline they had the most training in, but UFC soon evolved into a mixed martial art tournament, with fighters realizing that they would have to train in a variety of disciplines in order to remain competitive. Despite its original tagline “there are no rules,” matches are not complete- ly lawless. There are more than thirty acts that are considered illegal, such as head-butting, eye gouging, or biting, which may result in a penalty or even disqualification. A “main event” or championship match lasts up to five rounds, and normal events last three rounds. Each round is five minutes or shorter. The winner of a match is usually decided by submission, knockout, technical knockout (a referee stoppage, doctor stoppage or corner stoppage), decision, disqualification, forfeit or a no contest. There are eight weight classes in total, starting at Flyweight (125 lbs./56.7 kg.) going up to Heavyweight (265 lbs./120.2 kg.). Fights are staged in a cage known as “The Octagon.”

FIGHT NIGHT JAPAN 2014 Described as the “battle of the bulge” by Mark Hunt, the New Zealander’s headline clash with American Roy Nelson is a much-anticipated fight between two of UFC’s most popular heavyweights. Several other Japanese MMA fighters will round out the card, including the UFC debut of female fighter Rin Nakai as she goes toe-to-toe with Miesha Tate.

MARK ‘SUPER SAMOAN’ HUNT ROY ‘BIG COUNTRY’ NELSON

RECORD: 9-8-1 RECORD: 21-9-0 FROM: SOUTH AUCKLAND, NZ FROM: LAS VEGAS, USA AGE: 40 AGE: 38 HEIGHT: 5’ 10” ( 177 CM ) HEIGHT: 6’ 0” ( 182 CM ) WEIGHT: 265 LB ( 120 KG ) WEIGHT: 263 LB ( 119 KG )

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ner of the tenth season of the Ultimate Fighter series A bouncer witnessed (a reality show that com- bines an MMA fight tourna- Hunt knocking out ment—UFC president Dana White hopes to launch a a number of people worldwide version of the show within the next year), by himself and the Las Vegas–born star is a subsequently invited talented grappler who has a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, but him to his gym where has also trained in karate and kung-fu. he trained as a Known for his bulging gut and his MARK HUNT killer mullet hairstyle, Nelson comes kickboxer across as somewhat of a joke-figure, The man known as the “Super Samoan” regularly jesting about the cheeseburgers is set to for his fourteenth bout in Japan, and fries he eats after each bout, but he a country he described as being “like a is a serious and formidable competitor. second home.” His love affair with Japan A quick look at his record of 29 wins and began in 2001 after he won the K-1 Grand just 9 losses confirms that. Prix Championships at the Tokyo Dome. It was a remarkable victory for a fighter HITTING THE SUMO STABLE who had only been in the industry for This is not the first time Nelson has been two years. to Japan: the martial artist has long been Prior to that Hunt seemed set for a a student of the country’s history and life of crime: he had been arrested twice, culture, so he jumped at the chance to but an altercation outside a nightclub in train with some of Japan’s most iconic Auckland helped set him on a very differ- fighters: its sumo wrestlers. Before the ent path. A bouncer witnessed him knock- UFC press conference at the Tokyo Hyatt ing out a number of people by himself in Shinjuku, Big Country dropped by the and subsequently invited him to his gym Dewanoumi-beya sumo dojo in Ryogo- where he trained as a kickboxer. ku to practice the fundamentals of this VISITING THE TROOPS AT Hunt quickly earned a reputation as a ultimate heavyweight competition. After CAMP ZAMA brave fighter who refused to lie down and being outfitted with the traditional sumo While Saturday’s rain put a bit of a damper surprised many with his early successes mawashi, Nelson got out on the training on plans at Camp Zama, the event to wel- in K-1. Following a mid-career lull, when floor. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing come back US troops from Afghanistan was he admitted to losing motivation, the in at about 260 pounds, Nelson is no still a lively day, with soldiers and their 40-year-old now seems like he is back to lightweight. However, sumo is a sport families taking in the festive atmosphere his best. Since making his UFC debut in that knows no weight class, and pushing and the music provided by the 296th Army 2010 he has lost just two fights, winning a sumo wrestler around the ring proved Band’s own Uncle Sam’s All-American Brass four and drawing one. His next challenge to be a real workout. As he said after- Band, as well as a mix of tunes old and new against Roy Nelson, however, could be his wards, “I wish I could train with some by Tokyo turntablist DJ Curtis. most difficult to date. of these guys back home! They’re tough Hunt and Nelson dropped in at the base to greet soldiers and their families, and got ROY NELSON to move around, and it’s definitely good practice.” a taste of US style barbeque at a food tent. Set to make his debut in Japan, Roy “Big Nelson picked up quickly on the The two grapplers posed for photographs Country” Nelson goes into the fight in techniques and the footwork that the with soldiers, and hit the gym to play a little good form, having won four of his last six sumo use, and while he hadn’t trained basketball. A visit to a party at the general’s encounters, all of them by knockout. Win- in the style before, residence on the base followed. he could tell that it It’s clear that the two fighters have a could pay dividends good rapport with each other, even though for an MMA fighter: their personalities are quite different: Hunt “A sumo workout is something of a joker, while Nelson is a would definitely more serious individual. But you also get improve your abil- the sense that, when it comes down to it, ity as a fighter and neither one is going to back down in Sep- your ability to hold tember, and we should be in for one hell of a solid base that a match. would keep you from getting taken To purchase tickets for UFC Fight Night down.” Japan 2014, visit ufc.tokyoweekender.com

www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 Gion Matsuri A Party Worthy of the Gods One of Japan’s most important festivals revives a tradition that has been dormant for decades

ince being brought into the spotlight last year by Tokyo 2020 Olympic bid ambassador Christel Takigawa, omotenashi con- tinues to be one of the most popular words in Japan. Of course, this supremely Japanese concept of unobtrusive hospitality is nothingS new: it is a dynamic that can be felt in the relationship between staff and customer almost anywhere you go. In fact, the importance of omotenashi is something that even the gods need. This was on the mind of the ancient emperor Seiwa who, in the 9th century, declared that the gods were in need of some attention, following a severe plague that had struck the city. The emperor required the people of Kyoto to pay impressive respects to the resident gods of the Yasaka shrine, located in the well-known entertainment district of Gion. In addition to the mikoshi or portable shrines – hallmarks of Japan’s religious festivals that serve as temporary containers for the gods themselves – 66 decorated halberds were created for the occasion. Whether the gods truly appreciated the ritual or not, the intensity of the outbreak abated, leading the people of Kyoto to hold the festival any time that the plague struck the city again. But within a century, the leaders of the city had decided that the Gion Matsuri should become an annual affair – the festival had become popular among both the human and the divine. Over the years, Gion Matsuri became more and more extravagant: the halberds were replaced with huge floats, called hoko, and smaller floats called yama joined the procession of the mikoshi, as they travel first to their temporary home for the duration of the festival, then to a purifying bath in the Kamo River, and finally back to the Yasa- ka Shrine. Collectively known as the “yamahoko,” these floats display a level of craftsmanship that is unparalleled for festival arts in Japan, earning them a place among UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The yamahoko started to develop into impressive structures during the Medieval Period, but it was the wealth of the Edo Period merchants who lived in the area that transformed these floats into the giant vessels that navigate

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China, and textiles 2014 marks from India and Europe all made their way the opportunity to onto the floats. As these pieces wore down experience twice as over time, the artisans who worked on the much of the ebullient yamahoko learned how to restore these objects atmosphere that makes themselves, and in so doing, found them- the Gion Matsuri selves maintaining craft making traditions one of Japan’s most that had died out in the lands where the objects memorable cultural originally came from. In the early days experiences of the Gion Matsuri, the main processions their course through the streets of Gion of the festival were today. Accompanied by dozens of attendants, held during the sixth the yamahoko are impressive to behold, lunar month on Japan’s standing a total height of 6 to 8 meters above ancient calendar, but the crowds that gather for the procession, along with the increase of the size and scale of traditional Kyoto house first hand. with wheels that roll nearly 2 meters high. the floats, the festival’s events expanded over Traditionally, there have been two The yamaboko stand out not only for time, and now as it is celebrated, Kyoto cele- yamahoko processions: one to accompany the their sheer size, but also the splendor of their brates Gion Matsuri during the entire month mikoshi leaving the shrine (the sakimatsuri, decorations and design. Each float features of July. It begins with the opening ceremonies or first festival), and one to accompany their a different theme, from Buddhist and Shinto held in Gion’s various neighborhoods and the return (the atomatsuri, or second festival). deities and prominent figures in Kyoto’s lottery that will decide the order of the floats However, in the years following World War history to animals and celestial bodies. Colors in the procession, peaks during the first pro- II, economic development took precedence. abound as the massive floats make their way cession of the yamahoko and the parading of Stopping traffic for another three or four days through Gion, and each one has a unique the mikoshi to their temporary home on Shijo would have put the brakes on Japan’s boom- style that has been developed over genera- Street, and closes with the final procession of ing businesses, and the yamahoko was held tions. Most of the decorative handicraft that the mikoshi back to Yasaka Shrine and the last to just one day. This year, the people of Kyoto goes into festooning the yamahoko are of ceremony on July 31. Throughout the festival, have chosen to make a return to two separate Japanese origin, but many items found on the streets of Gion take on a new life as they processions, in keeping with the idea of making the floats come from other nations, and this fill with food and craft stands, making each sure that the gods are happy. 2014, then, marks is a little-known international element of this night more festive than the ones before it. the opportunity to experience twice as much of eminently Japanese event. During periods Aside from the days of the yamahoko the ebullient atmosphere that makes the Gion when trade with other nations was boom- procession – July 17 and 24 – some of the most Matsuri one of Japan’s most memorable cultur- ing, carpets from the Middle East, silks from impressive sights can be seen on the three al experiences. days immediately leading up to the processions. On these days, HOW TO GET THERE: known as yoiyama, the already lively atmosphere rises to another level: cars are not allowed on the streets of Gion for the runup, and you can expect to see even

more people walking about, many KYOTO dressed in colorful yukata. This is also the time when many of the shops and homes in the Shin- machi and Muromachi neigh- RESTAURANTS borhoods open their doors and display some their most prized objects. At one door, it might be TANABATA a centuries-old piece of hanging calligraphy, a ceramic piece made GION by a celebrated master, or a paint- ed folding screen, from which this particular tradition takes its Kyoto is most easily reached from Tokyo by Shinkansen--a Nozomi or Hikari train will get name: Byobu Matsuri, or the Festi- you there in less than three hours. Trains leave val of Folding Screens. At many of every 5–10 minutes. With the exception of the the houses, visitors are welcome Horikawa Tanabata site, the locations mentioned to come inside and take the rare in these articles can be reached from the Sanjo, opportunity to see the interior of a Sanjokeihan, or Gion Shijo subway stations.

www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 Tanabata in Kyoto: A Night Full of Stars

Japan’s former capital puts its own touch on the holiday that celebrates the story of celestial lovers.

anabata is one of Japan’s own way, and its unique approach to most colorful festivals, and Tanabata, which it celebrated in the Kyoto was the place where, in beginning of August in Kyoto, recalls the 8th century, the Chinese the heavenly origins of the festival, festivalT known as Qixi mixed with tra- and brings a little of the River of ditional Japanese beliefs, and became Heaven (or as we like to call it in Eng- the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi. lish, the Milky Way) down to earth. Most children learn the story behind Over the span of ten days, the areas Tanabata in primary school: Orihime by the Kamo and Hori Rivers come to was the daughter of Tentei, King of life during the night. the Heavens. Diligent young woman At the Horikawa (Hori River) site, that she was, Orihime would sit by the you can walk under a depiction of the side of the River of Heaven every day, Milky Way, made from LED lights that weaving clothes for her family. But as are attached to an arch of bamboo. time passed, Orihime found that she was As this part of Kyoto has long been a lonely: working every day meant that center of Yuzen silk manufacturing, she had no time to meet a suitable boy, you can find long streams of embroi- and she began to despair that she would dered silk floating on the surface of never be able to marry or have children. the Horikawa, depicting constellations Tentei, who could not bear to see his and other scenes that represent the daughter unhappy, found her a good night skies above. match in Hikoboshi, a young cowherd Tanabata has its early origins in a who tended to his cattle on the other holiday when people would ask the side of the river. The two fell deeply gods for skills in handiwork, so it seems in love—so deeply, in fact, that they fitting that the holiday is also an oppor- began to neglect their duties. Hiko- tunity to recognize the skill of students boshi’s cows roamed all over the fields who have created a variety of works of heaven, trampling the grass and made with light and bamboo, which can flowers of the people who lived nearby, be found throughout the Horikawa site. and Orihime neglected her weaving. Entrance to Kyoto’s famed Nijo Infuriated by the couple’s der- Castle will be free during the Tanabata eliction of duties, Tentei separated festival, and you can enter the grounds the two to either side of the River to hear musical performances, buy of Heaven. The young princess was specialty products from Kyoto, and see despondent at the thought of not the bewitching projection mapping that being able to live without Hikoboshi. transforms the surface of Ninomaru She implored her father to let them Palace. be reunited. Tentei was moved by his The Kamo River site—a broad river daughter’s emotion, and agreed that walk area that is popular throughout the two could meet again, but only the year— becomes a celebration of if Orihime was diligent in her work light, sound, and even scent, as incense and made certain that she did all the is placed at different locations along weaving she was supposed to do, and the river, and projection mapping turns then only for one day: the seventh day the wall opposite the river walk into a of the seventh lunar month. screen that is visible while you walk or Traditionally, Tanabata is cele- from the many restaurant terraces that brated with a variety of decorations: look over the river. streamers in bright hues, prayers August is usually one of the hottest written on colored pieces of paper and months of the year, but the atmosphere tied to bamboo leaves, and women of Kyoto’s Tanabata seems to fill the wearing yukata of all shades. But Kyoto evenings with a refreshing feeling of has always been one to do things its coolness.

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conger eel, tofu with sea urchin and varie- ties of Kyoto’s local vegetables, served with delicately sweet plum liqueur to start and a variety of sake to accompany the spectrum of flavors. Of course, if you’re in the mood for a different style of food, there are a wide variety of restaurants that can be found along the Kamo River. If you’re in the mood for grilled meat, yakiniku is a popular option, or you can opt for more casual izakaya fare. In recent years, more cosmopolitan options have become available, and you can now find Chinese, Thai, Italian, and French restaurants with riverside terraces. And if you don’t want a meal, you Tables with a View: can just drop in on one of several bars and cafés that offer a yuka noryo experience. Riverside Dining in Kyoto Even though there is a wider variety of food served now than there would have been Sit back, keep cool, and enjoy an elegant evening of terrace in centuries past, the community of restaurants is still tightly knit, and before new estab- riverside dining along Kyoto’s rivers lishments can open, they have to be vetted by an association of the owners to make sure that they will be a worthy addition to the riverside azing out at the shores of the Kamo notable pleasures. environment. Just having a famous name is River, you can see couples and Located in the border area between not enough, as Akihiko Kubo, the fifth-gener- young families walking by. An Kyoto’s bustling downtown and the neigh- ation manager of Ikumatsu, and the president evening breeze blows by gently, borhoods north of Gion, the terraces are put of the Association of Kamogawa Yuka Noryo, coolingG off the still-warm air. The server brings up from May until September, and connect explained. For several years, Starbucks was you your next course in what seems like an dozens of restaurants along the shores of trying to open a location along the riverside, endless variety of dishes. Welcome to the one the Kamo River. We dropped in at one of but was rebuffed for a few years before the of the best ways to dine in Kyoto during the neighborhood’s longest-standing restaurants, Association gave it permission to open: they summer months. Ikumatsu, to try the city’s most celebrated wanted to make sure that the coffee meg- Kamogawa yuka noryo (a rough transla- cuisine: kaiseki ryori, an elaborate series of achain would be appropriate new member of tion of the phrase would be “enjoying the cool dishes made with seasonal ingredients. As the neighborhood. of the evening while sitting on a terrace by we listened to the sound of the river and the In August, during Kyoto’s celebration the Kamo River”) is the name of this dining evening’s passers-by, we were presented with of the Tanabata holiday (see article), you tradition, which like so many of storied Kyoto’s plate after plate of unique dishes: salmon with can dine under the stars, and take in the many long-standing cultural institutions, has lotus roots, parched abalone, grilled sweetfish, illumination on the walkway below, or gaze been around for quite a while. More than 400 on the light projection that is shown on the years, in fact. opposite side of the river. While the Ka- Prior to the Edo Period, the riverside had mogawa terraces are the most well known been a popular place for performers and and have the longest history, the area also vendors, who would set up folding benches offers several other locations where you for their clients. Eventually Kyoto’s upper experience this outdoor dining. Kibune classes, as well as a growing class of merchants, (pictured above) and Takao, to the north decided that this bohemian atmosphere would of Kyoto, both have restaurants with their make the ideal backdrop for the banquets they own version of the yuka noryo experience. would hold during the spring and summer. The Until the end of September, take a break riverside came to be even more popular in the from the season’s heat and make a river- centuries to come, and being able to find relief side meal part of your summer experience from the hot summers while dining, drinking, in Kyoto. and making merry became one of the city’s

www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 SUMMER IS WELL ON ITS WAY, AND YOU JUST MIGHT BE FEELING THE CALL OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS. BUT AS KEN SEEROI EXPLAINS, YOU DON’T SIMPLY JUST GO HIKING...YOU HAVE TO BE PREPARED. SO, PUT ON YOUR GORE-TEX, PACK A FEW BEERS, AND MAKE SURE YOU’VE GOT PLENTY OF SPARE CHANGE.

iking in Japan across the country and then bottom, and checked in then took is strange. But climb up some mountain or oth- a manly Japanese bath together in then pretty much er.” And because I only under- this giant tub with a bunch of other everything else is too, stand about half of everything dudes, then drank a couple of tall soH that makes it normal, I guess. that comes out of his mouth, I beers and went off to have a mas- Anyway, I enjoy it because I like just nod and smile. I was trying sive sushi dinner. Whew, all that nature, plus it gives me some- to explain this to Kumiko, and I hiking sure was wearing me out. thing to do while I’m waiting for could tell she was mad. The next morning we got up at 6 the izakayas to open. Daytime, “So why aren’t you spend- am and drove to the trailhead. Why there sure is a lot of it. Might as ing the weekend with me?” she does hiking have to start so darned well go walk through a forest and demanded. “Because The Tanuki early? It’s not like the mountain’s look at a bird or something just insisted I join him,” I pleaded. going anywhere. But there were al- to kill some time, is what I figure. “You didn’t even ask if I wanted ready a dozen other groups assem- And so on a recent weekend, to go,” she said with a huff. “You bling. “Expedition parties” is more The Tanuki and I crammed into told me you hate hiking. Think like it, sorting through piles of gear, his tiny car and started driving. about the bugs. They’re out including crampons, ice axes, Gore- We had the brilliant idea to climb there, waiting.” “Fine. I’ll just go Tex suits, and backpacks big enough Mount Daisen, and when I say to dinner with my ‘friend.’” She to lug a couple of spare sherpas. “we,” I mean The Tanuki. He’s a says things like that sometimes. Everyone had at least three thou- great friend, because he doesn’t “Does he have a car?” I asked. sand bucks worth of name-brand speak English, and because he “We can take the train,” she said. equipment, all color-coordinated has a car. Knowing someone So that was good, since at in yellows, reds, and greens. It was with a car in Japan is awesome, least he wasn’t a Friend with like a gay parade for Everest. since you can take road trips. I Benefits. But still, the human Now, at this point I should men- think that’s what they mean by mind is a peculiar thing, you tion that I’d thought to ask exactly “friends with benefits.” Anyway, know. I concluded this after nothing about the mountain other The Tanuki’s always saying sitting in traffic with The Tanuki than its name, which means simply intelligent things like “Let’s drive for ten hours. That’s because if “Big Mountain.” Well yeah, just you’re breezing down an open look at it: I figured out that it was a road, life is awesome. But sitting big mountain. Thanks Japan. And there bumper to bumper not because it was nice summer day, I’d moving, all you’ll think about is only worn shorts, some old running Kumiko and Please just drive off shoes, and a jacket that’d been wa- the next bridge and kill me now. terproof a decade ago. I did have a Which is weird, right? Because pair of sweat pants in my knapsack, either way you’re still sitting along with some rice balls, grilled in a car for the same amount fish, and a bunch of extra-large of time. But if you’re moving, trash bags. I figured if things got somehow it’s okay. I don’t know really gnarly I’d just wrap myself why. Psychology, so myste- up in those. I mean the trash rious. bags, not the fish. But Finally, we got to the you never know, mountain, by which I I guess. I mean the hotel at the mean,

JULY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com HIKING IN JAPAN | HUMOR | 13

wilderness and all. a straight line from base to peak and small room serving as a makeshift We started up the mountain, which ganbattes his way to the top. convenience store, complete with is really a volcano, like a scale-model So we climbed and scrambled and energy drinks, snack bars, and instant Mount Fuji, and it began raining. So it got steeper and rockier and colder noodles. The Tanuki opened his pack everyone pulled up the hoods of their until it was a full-on blizzard at the and unloaded the entire contents, Gore-Tex jackets and wrapped their top. The tiny umbrella was useless. which turned out to be four tall beers. packs in a rainbow of form-fitting I tied a towel around my head and “That’s what you carried?” I asked. He waterproof covers. I put on one of pulled socks over my hands. The looked rather sad. “I knew I should’ve my trash bags and took a tiny folding Tanuki took off his massive pack, un- brought six,” he said. Good thing I’d umbrella out of the knapsack, which lashed an array of straps, and pulled packed the fish, rice balls, and some worked surprisingly well. That’s when out a green Gore-Tex parka, which he peanut snacks, otherwise we’d have I found out how hard hiking in Japan put on over his red Gore-Tex parka. had no decent appetizers at all. Clearly really is. “You fool,” I said, “now your jacket and the man knows nothing of high-alti- It’s hard because there’s about a pants don’t match.” So we spent anoth- tude mountaineering. thousand Japanese people with all this er ten minutes in the raging blizzard After we polished off our lunch, expensive gear lugging giant packs up fixing his outfit, after which I put on we were nicely, let’s say, refreshed, so a narrow trail, going slow as hell. I told my sweatpants and another trash bag. we headed back into the hurricane to The Tanuki I’d see him later, and spent I’m not gonna lie, it was actually slip and stumble our way back to the the next couple of hours weaving in cold. We could only see about ten feet bottom of the snowfield, where it was and out of lines of folks who stopped ahead and I was a little worried about once again warm. A few hours later, constantly to adjust their hiking poles, blowing off the icy ridgeline and into we were back in the tub and then on to an izakaya, powering down ice-cold Everyone had at least three thousand bucks worth of sake and a small mountain of sea bream sashimi along with these fab- name-brand equipment, all color-coordinated in yellows, ulous pickled wasabi leaves. All that reds, and greens. It was like a gay parade for Everest. adventuring sure builds up a powerful appetite, let me tell you. The next day we heard on the the myriad of straps on their back- the next prefecture, but we pushed on radio that four men in their thirties packs, and their colorful bootlaces. to the summit. There was a plaque and had to be rescued by helicopter off the Eventually, I reached the snowline. we took a few pictures. It’s not easy mountain, unable to descend through Snow in summertime? Apparently, to use an iPhone with socks on your the blizzard. Which reminded me of weather changes with altitude. Who hands, as I found out. I now know how all the other mountain rescues I’ve knew? So I sat there for an hour won- Ernest Shackleton must’ve felt. seen here. You know, disasters and res- dering how I’d get up this snowfield Then we walked a few feet and cues—-the massive piles of equipment, and studying Japanese flashcards until into a nice warm cabin. Japan, even at practicing with dummies on stretchers, The Tanuki finally showed up. its most remote, is infinitely civilized. the orange jumpsuits and hard hats— He put on his crampons and I More than once I’ve hiked through a Japanese people love that stuff. But found a couple of sharp sticks to use forest only to find a lovely clearing it’s true, the mountains here are quite as ski poles and we set off. Here’s with a vending machine in the middle. rugged, so I guess it pays to be safe. No another thing you need to know about That’s very convenient. Carry some need to go all Donner Party and start hiking in Japan: it’s steep. Really cash should be the first rule of hiking chewing off someone’s leg. Just bring steep. That’s because when a Japanese in Japan. So on top of this massive plenty of oversized trash bags and person thinks, “Let’s go to the top of volcano, they’d put a cozy little house. emergency rations. Or at least some Big Mountain,” he doesn’t ask “Now Inside, a score of Japanese hikers change for the vending machine. It’s a where’s the best route to put in some were cooking up savory freeze-dried wilderness out there. switchbacks?” No way, that’s foreign meals and hot coffee on shiny propane thinking. A Japanese man just draws stoves. In one corner, there was a by Ken Seeroi

www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 Natural Beauty Finding the secret to looking your best from head to toe at La YAMANO Ginza

by Ingrid Dubreuil

hen I heard the famous beauty salon La YAMA- NO in Ginza had been given a complete make- over, I thought it was time for myself to get one too. Aside from boasting a brand new interior, Wthis esthetics institution has been renamed “Medi Beauty Salon La YAMANO with PHYTO Paris,” and the six-floor building just reopened its doors on June 24 to welcome international custom- ers in a peaceful and luxurious environment. A short walk from Ginza station, the eye-catching botanical wall at the front of the salon can’t be missed, and provides a sneak peek of what’s awaiting you inside. As soon as you step in the door, the professional staff of La YAMANO will warmly greet you and offer a consultation in English, giving you a personalized recommendation of the best customized options from a wide range of treatments. I saw that the company offers head-to-toe beauty solutions, including four areas of care expertise: hair and scalp care, aesthetic treatments, nail beauty, and aroma courses. All these services are available under one roof and can be booked on the same day, for a full course of indulgence. The laid-back atmosphere of the salon will make you feel instantly comfortable and relaxed, as you get ready for hours of pampering in the sleek, modern space featuring state-of-the-art equipment. The internationally minded salon exclusively uses reputed foreign cosmetic brands such as PHYTO Paris (France), BIOM- ARIS (Germany) and LADY GRACE (Finland), ensuring first-rate treatments with premier products.

The Treatment In order to wallow in some luxurious primping, I settled on a hair oil-aroma treatment and haircut with blow dry, entirely executed by AKIRA, La YAMANO’s official hair and makeup artist—I felt like I was in good hands from the beginning.

JULY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com LA YAMANO | BEAUTY | 15

pitality, is definitely something you can feel at this salon. Right after Women have to AKIRA finished his work with the scissors find a good balance and blow drier, I could immediately notice a between their inner difference: my hair, usually so dry and beauty and physical dull, was exception- ally shiny and soft looks to feel beautiful (sarasara in Japa- nese). The cut itself and blossomed looked great: it was the kind that makes you want to go out on the town instead of heading back home. I felt thankful to have met AKIRA, because even after several While I was comfortably stretched out in years in Japan, finding a good hairstylist able an ergonomic seat, my hair treatment started to work on specific hair issues can feel like a with the calming scent of aroma oils and quest for the Holy Grail. was followed by a 30-minute scalp massage, the first step in working away the tensions La Yamano’s Philosophy of day-to-day life. The main benefit of the Delighted with my new style, I asked AKIRA aroma oil treatment is to restore the scalp about his experience at La YAMANO. As an balance and to help protect the hair against accomplished beauty creator at the salon for external aggressions. more than 21 years, AKIRA underwent sev- The following shampoo and conditioning eral years of training in the UK and in the US session—which gives you another divine (like many of his fellow stylists at the salon), massage—is also personalized according before returning to Japan. to your hair texture and condition. For my This international experience makes him “Medical Beauty” can be seen as the future damaged and previously bleached hair, comfortable with non-Japanese hair, and has of wellness. AKIRA selected the PHYTO Paris PHYTOKA- given him an interesting definition of beauty. According to AKIRA, this new beauty RITE Ultra-Repairing Mask. The keratin fill- To him, real beauty is “not only about the care products trend can also be explained ing treatment not only repairs dry, damaged physical appearance, but is a subtle harmony by women’s willingness to feel beautiful, and weakened hair, but it also rebuilds inner of inner spirit and exterior appearance. not only artificially, but in a sustainable and hair substance while moisturizing for sleek Women have to find a good balance between a longer view, thanks to reliable products. and shiny results. their inner beauty and physical looks to feel Looking more closely at this theory makes a After the washing and deep condition- beautiful and blossomed,” he explained. lot of sense, and so does PHYTO’s leitmotiv: ing, it was time for the pivotal stage of the This is the general philosophy at the sa- “Beautiful hair grows from a healthy scalp.” treatment: the haircut. This can be a hit or lon, in fact; pamper both your body and your Spending few hours at La YAMANO salon miss at any given salon, but I felt confident mind. Part of this pampering shows up in definitely made me agree with this philoso- in AKIRA’s hands. But at La YAMANO, every the unique product selection of La YAMANO, phy, and undoubtedly will do the same for stylist takes the time to carefully listen to which is the first and only Japanese salon you. Taking time for yourself is essential, your wishes and will advise you on the to use the PHYTO Paris products. Created to nourish your body and soul and for a look that would suit you best. Instead of 40 years ago by famous hair stylist Patrick much-needed escape from the stress of the pushing for whatever is in vogue on this Ales, who was the hairdresser for such iconic city. Among Tokyo’s many salons, La YAMA- season’s hair scene, they will suggest the actresses as Brigitte Bardot and Catherine NO is one of the few to offer tailored care best hairstyles based on your hair texture Deneuve, the brand is fully produced in Paris and specific treatments for non-Japanese and face shape. That spirit of and is considered a plant-based haircare pi- hair; whether you’re touching up blonde omotenashi, or that oneer. All their products contain more than highlights or changing your look with a new particular brand of 95% natural, botanical ingredients, in addi- hair color, you can relax in the skilled hands Japanese hos- tion to being ecologically friendly and not of the professional, English-speaking staff at tested on animals. With a high concentration La YAMANO. of active ingredients, the brand offers a wide range of high-quality products (including Address: Ginza, Chuo-ku, shampoos, conditioners, masks and serums), Tokyo 3-4-8 Yamano Bldg suitable for all hair types. The choice of an exclusive partnership 1F ~ 4F (Beauty & Nail) between La YAMANO salon and a major 4F (Bridal) botanical brand is not a coincidence; 5F-6F (Spa & Beauty) instead, it is the result of a global Tel: 03-3561-1200 trend observed in the esthetics world Web: la-yamano.com today; in many ways, the success of

www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 Cutting Edge

The collection of knives available at Kamata Hakensha runs the gamut from heavy cleavers to the most delicate sashimi blades. The following are some of the models that most impressed us on our last visit to their Asakusa location.

Carbon Steel Wa-Santoku

With edges sharp and delicate enough to shave tissue-thin slices from a piece of meat or fish, Kamata Hakensha’s carbon steel knives are a perfect example of Japanese form and craftsmanship. This particular wabocho, or Japanese knife, is called “santoku,” and its minimalist, unadorned appearance is highlighted by a blade that appears to flow out of the raw steel itself. (¥8,800)

Hammered Damascus Steel; Set of 2 or 3

Adding a bold, rugged look to the characteristic water-like pattern of Damascus steel, hammered Damascus steel knives have a unique appearance that is immediately recognizable. Available in a set of two or three, these knives come with a hard case for easy storage or transportation. (¥17,400 for a set of two [general purpose knife, and small knife], ¥27,800 for a set of three [general purpose knife, small knife, and meat/sashimi slicer])

Carbon Steel Sashimi Yanagiba

This wabocho’s long, slim shape is as thin as a willow leaf. The “yanagiba” is made for cutting sashimi, and the slender blade is set off against a dimpled pattern of dark, hammered carbon steel. (¥11,200)

Damascus Steel with Flower Pattern

These exquisite pieces represent a blending of two knife-making traditions. The stainless, cobalt-alloy Damascus steel blade, featuring an intricately rippled pattern, is easy to maintain and keep sharp, while the sakura (cherry blos- som) or momiji (maple leaf) motif etched onto the side and the sakura or maple Jap- anese-style handle transform this practical meat and fish knife into a work of art. (¥26,800 [small], ¥29,800 [large])

Kamata Hakensha (Kenmax, Inc.) Address: 2-12-6 Matsugaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo | Web: | Tel: +81 (0)3-3841-4205 JULY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com kap-kam.com/index_english.html EXPAT LIFE | WEEKENDER | 17

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www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 by Matthew Hernon

epetitive, exploitative and just a little bit tacky, it is fair to say that TV talent contests are not exactly everyone’s cup of tea. We all know they are often staged and manipulated to promote R the act with the most mawkish back story, but these programs still have the power to transfix us. Despite all their faults we continue to watch, hoping to see that performance that takes our breath away, like Paul Potts did when he belted out Pavarotti’s classic, “Nessun Dorma” on the first season of Britain’s Got Talent. At last year’s America’s Got Talent it was a Japanese performer named Kenichi Ebina who stole the show. His head-dropping, Matrix-style dance wowed the judges, who were gushing in their praise for the pint- sized star. A clear favorite throughout the series, he became the first foreign dance act to win it, picking up a million dollars in the process – a remarkable achievement for a man who first arrived in the US without any real goals. Wanting to hear more about his rise, Weekender recently caught up with the 40-year-old at a coffee shop in Omotesando. “I wasn’t interested in dancing as a young- ster,” he says. “I wanted to be an astronaut or sports player: something like that. I learned some moves from a friend in high school, but it wasn’t something I thought about pursuing until I moved to the States.” “While studying at college in Bridgeport, Connecticut, I was invited to a party where they had this kind of dance-off. Everyone got in a circle; then each person had to come up with a dance. I stayed in the background first, just watching, [but] then I was pushed forward. I did just the one step – the MC Ham- mer style running man and people seemed to love it. I thought they were cheering because it looked cool: I only later realized that it looked cheesy and they were just laughing at me.” “I’d misunderstood the situation but it had encouraged me to dance. I decided to train myself, taking inspiration from what was around me as well as watching videos to learn new moves. Teaching other students and performing at events around the campus, I became known as the crazy dancing guy. With no career plan mapped out, it felt like a natural progres- sion to continue with it after my studies.” Ebina earned a living as a dance instructor while sup- plementing his income by performing at bar mitzvahs. He also formed the group BiTriP who went on to become Grand Champions of the Amateur Night at the Apollo. The Grand Stage, which has helped launch the careers of singers like Stevie Wonder and Ella Fitzgerald, proved to be an extremely

JULY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com KENICHI EBINA | FEATURE | 19

I knew that if I finished first there would be negative feedback and racist comments, but while that has been the case, there have also been a lot of positives

been invited on the show a few years earlier, but couldn’t take part as he didn’t have a green card. Once that issue had been sorted he decided to give it another try and quickly emerged as a leading contender following his standout audition. rewarding venue for the Tokyo-born per- As the series progressed, his chore- former, who returned there a few years later ographed set became more elaborate: in as a solo artist to once again claim the Grand the Top 60, or Live Show round, he used a Champion title at the Showtime at the Apollo video backdrop to create multiple versions contest. of himself on a screen to create what looked Now a man in demand, he started per- like a video game. The judges – particularly forming at major events such as the Cirque Howie Mandel, who described him as the du Soleil, Neil Young’s Green Dale tour, the “best act in the world” – all seemed to fancy Australian Open, the Monaco Grand Prix his chances of winning. The man himself, and the TED Conference. He also appeared however, was not sure whether that was on numerous TV programs such as Maury, what he wanted. Jimmy Fallon and the cartoon Angelina “I went on the show to get myself out Ballerina, as well becoming a regular fixture there, like a promotional tool,” he tells us. at the BOX NYC, a risqué Moulin-Rouge style “I never expected or hoped to win. Getting burlesque club in Manhattan, New York. His towards the latter stages, I started thinking routine proved extremely popular among it would be great to finish as a runner-up, as the rich and famous that regularly frequent- you get all the praise and recognition with- ed the club, with Simon Cowell and Madonna out the problems.” both booking him for private parties. “I knew that if I finished first there “People were always talking about the would be negative feedback and racist big names that would drop by, but apart comments, but while that has been the case, from the megastars like Janet Jackson and there have also been a lot of positives. The Snoop Dogg, I was usually oblivious,” he million dollars was of course nice and it has says, “One night I was doing my robot rou- certainly helped boost my profile. Overall, tine and as part of the act I pick a member despite my early reservations, I can now of the audience to revive my battery by say I’m delighted to have won it even if my pretending to blow on my crotch. After the performance in the final wasn’t great. I show someone told me it was Kate Moss that actually agreed with [program judge] Mel B’s I grabbed: I didn’t have a clue who she was!” criticism!” “I’m really not good at identifying Fortunately the American viewers celebrities. Several years ago (at a TED didn’t. Aside from a few dissenters on social Conference), Meg Ryan and Cameron Diaz networking sites (including such gems as both came up and complimented me on my “How could a man from Japan win it? Has dancing, but until they said their names I everyone forgotten Pearl Harbor?”) Ebina just assumed they were ordinary members has received mostly supportive messages of the public.” since his victory. If you’ve never seen him Since winning the popular reality show, perform, he is definitely worth checking out Ebina has gone on to become a star in his on YouTube. And plenty of people have: the own right and is now one of the most well- video of his original audition currently has known dancers in America. He had actually more than 31 million views.

www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 The Origins of a Thriller by Alec Jordan

If you were asked to describe what being questioned by the police would be like, there are several words that would come to mind. “Inspirational” probably isn’t one of them. But for Barry Lancet, long-time resident of Tokyo and author of the detective-thriller Japantown, optioned last year by J. J. Abrams’s production company, a three-hour grilling at the station was exactly what fired his imagination and provided him with two characters who would later populate his fictional world.

ancet was only a few years into groomed officer with a full head of night success of his first novel, there the more than 25 that he has silver-grey hair came in and began the were two decades of work as an editor now spent in Tokyo. He had lit- questioning. Lancet quickly realized that with the Japanese publishing house, erary ambitions, but he wasn’t his “crime” was a minor one: he hadn’t Kodansha International. Lancet com- sureL what he wanted to be writing. He gone to city hall to register a new visa. missioned and organized book projects didn’t have much choice about heading The crime might have been harmless, but for projects such as high-end cookbooks, down to the police station, and he wasn’t Lancet quickly realized that he was in a studies of Asian philosophy, and others; heading down there in an inspired tenuous position, and as the questions this experience is part of what gives frame of mind. The night before, grew more personal, he had the sense his fictional hero his deep knowledge he’d come home to an angry that “if I didn’t answer these questions of Japanese culture. As he explains, the wife (and in-laws: they lived the way they’d wanted, they were going novel itself took a long time to write: he upstairs) who had gotten a to throw me out of the country!” Even- jotted down ideas while on daily com- call from the police asking tually he started to look at the one-man mutes and weekends, but chose to stay for Lancet to come in the “good cop, bad cop” routine with fascina- away from editing fiction at his day job. next morning, but didn’t tion, and he got a clear idea of what he It was the closing of Kodansha that gave say why. They weren’t very The standard advice is always ‘write what you know,’ forthcoming at first. A but I don’t really like that. Because what if what you know bulky, gruff policeman led him down a hallway, and is your day job, which bores the crap out of you? shoved him into a room. Nearly 45 minutes could write about. The two policemen at him the push to give the writing a solid later, a dapper, the station that morning made their way year, but his advice for any budding well- into Japantown, and its sequel, Tokyo Kill, writer is to keep at their projects every out this September. day, “even if it’s for five minutes in any The series (several more books are given day.” planned) features Jim Brodie, a detec- Given the way that the publishing tive and antiques dealer based in San world has been changing over the past Francisco. In the first book, Brodie has to decades, Lancet warns that there is no unravel the mystery behind the murder secret formula for success in the literary of a family living in San Francisco’s marketplace, regardless of where your Japantown. The tightly wound narrative inspiration comes from: “The standard finds Brodie using his deep knowledge of advice is always ‘write what you know,’ Japanese culture and language to tease but I don’t really like that. Because what out the clues behind the killing, and if what you know is your day job, which protect his daughter, who becomes the bores the crap out of you? If that’s the murderer’s next target. Mixing high cul- case, and that’s what you know, you ture with the seedy shadow side of the don’t want to write that. So be aware of societies of Japan and the US, Japantown what’s going on, but you still have to do found a rapt audience even before it your own thing.” hit the shelves: the novel was reprinted three times before it was released, and once more one week after publication. Japantown will be avail- Abrams, the director, writer and produc- able in paperback in late er behind the recent Star Trek reboots July/early August. Find and the immensely popular TV series it on Amazon (amazon. Lost, has plans to turn the books into a co.jp) or Kinokuniya television series through his production (kinokuniya.co.jp). company, Bad Robot. But between the interrogation ses- For more information, sion at that police station and the over- visit barrylancet.com

JULY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com CHARITY | COMMUNITY | 21

Their first two playsets were put in place on March 11, 2012, and thanks to generous Charitable support from donors such as J.P. Morgan and Deutsche Bank, the organization has been able to place dozens of playsets around Tohoku, and they have moved on to outfit- ting orphanages in other parts of Japan as Work in Tokyo well. Anop estimates that there are still 200 to 250 locations in Tohoku alone that need For foreigners in Japan, finding meaningful opportunities to help places where children can engage in the the communities around them is one way to develop even deeper much-needed, and often-forgotten activity of “free play.” connections to those communities. The following are a few of the people and organizations that have taken a leading role in doing HOW TO GET INVOLVED: good work while also providing opportunities for other foreigners Donate, volunteer, or if you know of an area in Tohoku that is in need of a safe space for to get involved in the same kind of work. play, contact Playground of Hope. www.playgroundofhope.org OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION: COLLEGE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION RAISING FUNDS FOR OF JAPAN (CWAJ) HANDICAPPED CHILDREN: “Enriching, Encouraging, and Educating” NICK MASEE is the motto of the 65-year-old non-profit The only non-Japanese recipient of the pres- organization that provides opportunities for tigious Machikaido Philanthropist Award students of all walks of life under the College from the Japan Philanthropic Association, Women’s Association of Japan, or CWAJ. Nick Masee, Managing Director of Asian Founded after WWII to help cover the Tigers Mobility Japan has dedicated his prohibitively high transportation costs for free time to raising money for handicapped Japanese students to study abroad in the US, children. the CWAJ has expanded to multiple scholar- For more than ten years, Masee, who ship offerings in four different categories. is originally from Vancouver, Canada, has Along with the cultural programs, monthly hosted an annual fundraising dinner at his luncheons at the Tokyo American Club, and RESTORATION THROUGH apartment. At this point, about 100 people special interest groups including hiking and RECREATION: come to the parties, pay an entry fee, and bid book clubs, the members of the CWAJ put on THE PLAYGROUND OF HOPE on prizes provided by a variety of sponsors, including airline tickets, hotel rooms, and their biggest event in October in the form of One month after the events of 3/11, entrepre- meals at restaurants. Nick has raised more a print show exhibition. This annual event neur Michael Anop went north to Ishinomaki, than $250,000, and most of the funds go to- is CWAJ’s main source of scholarship funds, where he stayed for one week. This led to a wards the YMCA Japan’s Challenged Children followed by donations by both families and stint in Minamisoma and a longer project Programs. companies. with the Save Minamisoma endeavor, deliv- Masee chairs the YMCA FCSC, or Foreign This year’s scholars were announced at ering tons of water and vegetables to areas Community Support Committee, an organi- their May luncheon, and included two re- where they were most needed. But during all zation that was founded in 1958 to help raise cipients of the newly established Fukushima of this work, he began to realize that there funds and awareness for the many commu- scholarship for medical students who were were two other needs that were not being nity activities that YMCA Japan provides. adversely affected by the disaster; visually met: In the temporary housing that had been He is also an active supporter of the Run for impaired scholarship recipients studying constructed in the areas of Tohoku, people the Cure Foundation, an organization organic chemistry and educational sociology; who hadn’t lived in the same neighborhoods that is seeking to eradicate breast and two non-Japanese students researching beforehand were being put together all cancer in Japan as a life-threaten- artificial skin and cerebral cortex function. of a sudden, and they were finding ing disease through educa- it difficult to build new ties. And tion, timely screening, and HOW TO GET INVOLVED: none of these communities’ chil- treatment. The organization Visit their print show exhibition in October or dren had anywhere to play. has already donated six become a member. It turns out that one of mammography machines www.cwaj.org Anop’s friends from Italy hap- to six clinics in areas where pened to have a connection women are underserved and to a US company that made has funded more than 3,600 playsets, which are particular- mammogram screenings. ly expensive in Japan. Anop realized that he could address HOW TO GET INVOLVED: these two needs at the same time, by finding a place where YMCA FCSC: the children could play, which www.ymcajapan.org/eng- in turn would give parents lish/index.html and neighborhoods a chance Run for the Cure: to find common ground. runforthecure.org/en And so the Playground of Hope organization was born.

www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 KURARA CHIBANA: The Face of the World Food Programme by Matthew Hernon

A beautiful model or renowned rock star standing next to some impoverished children from Africa: it is the kind of picture we have gotten used to seeing over the years. For some it naturally arouses suspicion. Are they in it for the right reasons or do they have an ulterior motive? How much do these people really know about the cause they are supporting?

ertinent questions certainly, but what about the positives that these big- name stars can bring to philanthropic organizations? 2006 Miss Universe P First Runner-up Kurara Chibana, who was recently appointed the first Jap- anese National Ambassador against Hunger for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), believes people in the public eye have a pivotal role to play in raising awareness of global issues as they can reach out to a larger audience. “I was a little conflicted at first as to whether I should take part in humanitarian projects,” she tells Weekender. “I was aware of the skepticism that surrounds celebrity charity work and I knew there was a chance I would be criticized. I felt there would be some people here in Japan who might question my reasons and possibly suggest I was doing it for the fame or to sell something. It made me feel uneasy, yet at the same

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Speaking to children in Zambia who have lost both their parents to AIDS, it is heartbreaking, all I can really do is try 2 3 to spread their message to as many people as possible

effectively she feels it is vital to get closer to those she is trying to help. “I travel to at least one destination per

1 Chibana in Sri Lanka (Photo courtesy of WFP/Yuko year, visiting people affected by hunger,” she Yasuda) 2 In the Philippines (Photo courtesy of M. says. “I’ve been to Zambia, the Philippines, Sri Kuroyanagi) 3 In Zambia (Photo courtesy of WFP/Rein Lanka, the Tohoku region, Tanzania and Ethi- Skullerud) opia. I think it is necessary to see the situation up-close and be able to talk to parents and I had longed to engage in NGO and NPO months later, which reached an estimated children directly. I’m particularly passionate activities. That was the reason I decided to global audience of 1.9 billion. about the school feeding programme. Seeing take part in Miss Universe in the first place, Cynics will no doubt point to the fact the joy on the kids faces as they eat their so I was determined not to let negative that all the acts, with the exception of lunch, I just love it. thoughts kill those dreams. Adam Ant, increased their record sales as “Of course there are times when you feel I couldn’t devote my whole time to visit- a result of the event and therefore only helpless. Speaking to children in Zambia ing developing countries as I had work com- took part in it to cash in. That might be who have lost both their parents to AIDS, it mitments in Japan, yet at the same time I true in some cases, but at the end of the is heartbreaking. All I can really do is try to wanted to do something. The Miss Universe day without such a star-studded line-up spread their message to as many people as pageant gave me a huge opportunity, it put the situation in Ethiopia would never possible in the hope that something can be me in the spotlight; people suddenly knew have received anything like the attention done about this kind of thing in the future.” who I was and were interested in what I it did. When Chibana speaks about the WFP, it is had to say. I realized I could use that fact to The fact is: big names attract big num- evident how much the programme means to try and inform the public about problems bers. In 2012 a Beyoncé-led UN campaign her. When she was younger her mother told and critical situations in various places to encourage people to “do something her that if she ever became rich or famous around the world. Being famous gives you good, somewhere, for someone else” on she should try to use her fame to give back a huge platform to pass on your message to Humanitarian Day, inspired more than to those who were less fortunate and that is a large number of people; I think we should one billion messages on varying social exactly what she is doing. She is not in it to use that platform to help worthwhile causes networking sites, if the former Destiny’s boost her ego or career; she just wants to help as much as we can.” Child singer hadn’t been involved though, as much as possible and even started her own Well known stars’ doing their bit for those kinds of numbers would have been project for children in Fukushima, in which charitable groups is hardly a new phe- unthinkable. she annually takes around seven families to a nomenon. Back in the 1920’s actor Jackie Selecting the right celebrity can make small island in Okinawa for a summer camp. Coogan (Uncle Fester in the Addams Family) a massive difference to a charitable A fantastic role-model and a real credit to her spearheaded a “Children’s Crusade” to raise institution and in Kurara Chibana, the profession, Kurara Chibana proves that there funds for orphans in countries like Armenia WFP believe they have found the ideal are celebrities out there who genuinely care and Greece. As the twentieth century pro- candidate in Japan. Whilst she may not for the cause they are supporting. gressed more and more Hollywood actors have the international appeal such as Paul Newman and Audrey Hepburn of females like Angelina Jolie added their weight to various humanitarian or Beyoncé, she is one of the causes. most popular models in this Celebrity endorsements then went country. Engaging, articulate into overdrive during the eighties with and clearly very bright, she Bob Geldof and Midge Ure from Ultravox worked as the WFP’s celebrity leading the way. Their song Do They Know partner before being named It’s Christmas, which raised money for as an official ambassador the famine in Ethiopia, featured some of late last year. Using her the world’s most distinguished musicians blog, magazine columns and and up until Elton John’s 1997 hit Candle talk shows, she has done a in the Wind, was the highest selling single fantastic job of promoting in UK chart history. They followed that up the organization’s fine work.

Photos (C) WFP/Rein Skullerud (C) WFP/Rein Photos with the dual-venue concert Live Aid a few In order to continue doing it

www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 Bill, back in the day, with football legend Pelé

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

o start, I wanted to keep a promise I made in a recent column powerful companies like Mori Buildings (Roppongi Hills), Mitsui (Tokyo and update you on the amazing construction boom, as well Midtown), several beautiful museums, good restaurants, and many as renovation of older buildings going on all over town. building owners have banded together to clean up the area. A perfect Over in Omotesando, the big and beautifully designed Apple example is Naosuke Goto who’s tearing down his 35-year-old building on ComputerT Store really adds class and color to the area behind the police a side street near TGIF. This houses the New Lex Tokyo, a hostess club, box on Aoyama Dori. I think I can safely say that’s going to make things and a few apartments that have all pretty much had it. The closing date really busy in that already busy location. Across the street the elegant for the building was set for June 26. Happy to hear Goto-san is keeping Gucci Store has added color and class to their rather traditional building his big beautiful flower shop with Tully’s coffee shop on Roppongi’s main with a tasteful photo collection of their latest fashions. drag open. There’s also a new building going up, next to Edward Suzuki’s Tokyo Another long-time Roppongi business, the Ibis Hotel, has closed and Union Church. Continuing across Aoyama Dori, you have endless fashion is being rebuilt. Hope the Koyasu Pharmacy (next to the Ibis) with its boutiques on Miyuki Dori. Japan’s top designer Issey Miyake has both great staff keeps going, as well as legendary Jane Scolinos’s pearl store men’s and women’s boutiques here: A bit pricey, but quite original. If you on the 5th floor of the Arts Shop building near Roppongi crossing. That’s like really classy window displays, check out the French skiwear shop where Liz Taylor and countless other celebs bought—and still buy—their Moncler across from Cartier. They’re always perfectly coordinated and pearls when they’re in town. Ask for Jane’s daughter-in-law Linda, who really upscale. Another big international boutique, Alexander McQueen, knows what she’s doing and is really helpful. opened on Miyuki just off Aoyama Dori and looks very worthwhile to Walking towards Tokyo Tower, you’ll see where they’re tearing check out. down the Forum Building, which is next to the big Roi Building (I hear Walk up Miyuki to the intersection where the super chic Koto Dori its days are numbered, too). A short walk to the big Iikura Katamachi Nezu Museum (lots of bamboo) is, turn right and walk to the Blue Note crossing and you’ll see a new well-designed three-story glass building Jazz Club past lots of big brand name boutiques where you can spend that occupies the corner property there. This circular glass structure lots of yen. Right after the Blue Note, turn left on Koto Dori and walk to will be a super Ferrari showroom. Let’s move on to old Edo’s busy the big intersection. On the corner, you’ll see talented and very creative social scene. designer Junko Koshino’s fashion building. Junko has designed costumes and won awards for pieces she has made for musicals, ballets, and other EUROPE DAY RECEPTION shows. You can see her work in performances by the truly sensational The Europe Day reception celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2004 Tao drum rock group in their latest show Rin to Rin – running from July EU enlargement and 40 years of EU diplomatic representation in Tokyo 16 through July 27 at the Galaxy Theater in Odaiba. For info and tickets, was held at the beautiful EU delegation building on May 9. call 0570 550 779. EU Ambassador Hans Dietmar Schweisgut and his wife Kaoru greeted I’ll finish this part of the column with my old stomping grounds, what turned out to be a full house of VIP European Union members, Roppongi. Unforunately, this area and the clubs have really gone down their families, and friends. All of the 28 EU countries were, of course, over the last year or so. Fortunately community-minded people from represented there. The program included impressive and informative

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Europe Day Gala Celebration 1. Bulgarian Ambassador Georgi Vassilev, Sho and Mary Katayama 2. Parliamentary Vice Lago, Kaoru Schweisgut, popular politician Kazuyuki Hamada 8. Moroccan Ambassador Samir Minister Makino, Kaoru Schweisgut, Former Minister Foreign Affairs Noriko Kawaguchi, Arrour, Cuban Ambassador Marcos Fermin Rodriguez Costa 9. Composer Shunichi Tokura, his EU Ambassador Hans Dietmar Schweisgut 3. Polish Ambassador Cyryl Kozaczewski, wife Haruko 10. Lilo Maruyama, Portuguese Ambassador Jose de Freitas Ferraz Swiss medical student Michel Bielecki, Argentinian Ambassador Raul Dejean 4. Irish Ambassador John Neary, Sri Lankan Ambassador Wasantha Karannagoda 5. Lufthansa South Africa Freedom Day Celebration G.M. Japan Otto F. Benz, ANA exec. Vice President, Shuichi Fujimura 6. Takahide Inayama, 11. EU Ambassador Hans Dietmar Schweisgut, Fumiko Tottori, outgoing Zimbabwean Spanish Ambassador Miguel Ángel Navarro Portera, Hiroko Inayama, Romana Portera, Ambassador Stuart Harold Comberbach 12. South African Ambassador Mohan Pheko and Venezuela Ambassador Seiko Luis Ishikawa 7. Brazilian Ambassador Andre Correo do powerful politician, the Komeito Party’s Natsuo Yamaguchi.

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South Africa Freedom Day Celebration Hani Siam, Michel Bielecki, Dima Siam 7. Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Turkistani, Palestine 1. Tongan Ambassador Tania Tupou, her daughter Sinai 2. Int’l Ed. CEO Ulrich Kulz with Ambassador Waleed Siam and new friends. ASICS’s Bob Funakoshi and Yoshihiro Yamamoto 3. South African singer Prisca Molotsi. In and Around Oman at the Oman Bazaar 8. Actor Hide and Thai dancers at Thai Festival in Yoyogi Park 9. Laotian Ambassador Khenthong 4. Shibuya Fire Station’s Mizuhiko Tsunoda, Oman Ambassador Khalid Al-Muslahi, Nuanthasing at the Laos Festival 10. Guests at Min-On’s Chinese Peking Opera performance: Sumitomo’s Mikio Hayashi 5. Hisanaga and Takako Shimazu (She’s the sister of the Min-On Pres H. Kobayashi, Bangladesh Amb. & Mrs. Masud Bin Momen 11. Chinese Peking Emperor) The hosting couple Oman Ambassador Khalid Al-Mushali, his wife Abeer 6. Opera performers 12. A dramatic moment.

JULY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 27

speeches by Ambassador Schweisgut and several prominent Japanese in a magazine recently. He’s Trade Minister now, and still looks like a government officials. The delicious buffet featured a special selection college student. He and his super chic Austrian wife Bianca have to be of national dishes prepared by master chefs of each EU member’s one of the best-looking couples in Jakarta. embassies. Needless to say, it was really special. Guests were also treated I’ll save the grand and glorious opening party of the spectacular to a program of musical entertainment by the Euro Jazz Quartet led by new Andaz Hotel “by Hyatt” on the top floor of the new Mori Buildings Maestro Paul Florea. Toranomon Hills development. For now – a big congratulations to the G. M., Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry and all those involved. It really SOUTH AFRICAN FREEDOM DAY all is top class in every way. For now, I’d also like to mention Tom This year’s South African Freedom Day was celebrated at Meiji Kinenkan Pritcher, the Hyatt Hotel’s chairman whom I got to know years ago at a crowded and colorful reception hosted by South African Ambassador when I showed him and his brother around Tokyo by night. They were Pheko. She, along with her executive staff, all wore fashionable South college students at the time. The day after the opening, Tom was off African costumes in the receiving line. The venue, which is first class, to Amsterdam to present the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize to always provides an excellent buffet that includes many of the sponsoring Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. country’s specialties. Things got lively later in the evening with some exciting drumming and dancing by a talented South African group. I also NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS want to congratulate singer Prisca Molotsi, who not only looked beautiful Tokyo never stops being a leader in offering all kinds of cultural but belted out a dynamic rendition of her country’s national anthem, activities—music, art, drama, dance: you name it, and it’s being done “Nkosi Sikelela iAfrika.” Kudos as well to the Ambassador whose speech at a top level here. made most of us want to catch the next plane for a holiday in her fabulous The Min-On Concert Association, which is a subsidiary of the Soka country. Gakkai religion, is not only a leader in bringing all kinds of international shows here, it also takes Japanese shows all over the world. In the last BUSY PEOPLE few months, they brought in the traditional Irish band Taeda, top stars I had to turn down a super invitation by a super couple – Philippines of the National Peking Opera Company, a Korean music show and a Ambassador Manuel Lopez and his wife Maritess to Manila for their colorful Hawaiian show. Min-On knows no boundaries and recently 50th wedding anniversary. Tokyo friends of the special couple who did presented special awards to famous artists they brought here – soul go included Bill and Charo Ireton, their busy actress daughter Roberta, singer/songwriter Ben E. King, jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Kuwait Ambassador Al-Otaibi and his wife Jamilah, Spanish Ambassador Shorter, and jazz legend Herbie Hancock. Whenever Min-On brings in Miguel Ángel Navarro Portera and his wife Romana, Blackstone’s Daniel artists, it really keeps them busy with full schedules all over Japan. Fujii, Kyoko Spector, Lilo Maruyama, wife of Thai Ambassador Upatasin Thanks to the busy promoters at Kyodo Tokyo, whose artists Monthip, Utako Arrir, wife of Moroccan Ambassador and Imperial Hotel include the Rolling Stones and Paul McCarthy, I met the rising star actor/ President Sugeyasu. Hopefully I’ll get some photos of what I heard was a singer/artist, Matte Kamaras from Hungary. I was happy to introduce glittering and truly memorable event for the next column. Matte’s manager, Kyodo’s Shoko Inagaki. Thanks to Oakwood Premier Sorry to read about actor Mickey Rooney passing away recently. The Tokyo Midtown’s Martin, Eric, and Amy we had two fan club members’ amazing performer was 93. I met Mickey several years ago backstage at parties at the luxurious Oakwood lounge. The many well-dressed the Broadway Show Sugar Babies when I was there to have coffee with his fans were in their twenties and thirties, and Matte, who speaks some co-star, the sensational dancer, Ann Miller. Mickey, whose acting career Japanese, kept them all laughing for two full hours. He’s coming back spanned 85 years, still had a great sense of humor. to Japan soon and will be the only foreigner in a musical that will be Happy to read that another showbiz friend, singer, dancer, and running August 16 to 27. More on this later. actress Rita Moreno, recently received the 50th Screen Actors’ Guild Film buffs should be happy with the summer lineup. Thanks to Life Achievement Award. Rita, who’s now 81, won an Academy Award film biz friends I went to a couple of very exciting premieres. The first for her role as Anita in the film West Side Story. I hung out with her for was 20th Century Fox’s excellent X-Men: Days of Future Past. Lots of several days when she was in Japan. The Dance Theater of Harlem was great special effects, and Hugh Jackman and Halle Berry have to have in town and their director, Arthur Mitchell, gave me tickets for one of the two of the best bods in showbiz. The second was Warner Brothers’ performances. Rita’s real personality is much like Anita’s – she’s a fiery, local production Rorouni Kenshin, the second in a series they’re doing. don’t-hold-anything-back Puerto Rican. Her shouts of encouragement As part of the promotion, all the stars made appearances in Roppongi to the dancers (especially the guys) attracted almost as much of Hills Arena, and later on stage at the theater venue. The fans the audience’s attention as the show. She really camped it up loved it all. The cast are great, and the cinematography— backstage after the show, and the dancers loved it. which was shot all over Japan—was gorgeous, and the On the more conservative side, I saw a photo of samurai fight scenes were dynamic. Looks like WB is going Indonesia’s former Ambassador to Japan, Muhammad Lutfi to have another local production box office hit.

Matte Kamaras, Shoko Inagaki, Chess at Hiroo Segafredo: Ohio boy Adam Becker Sharon Yamano and her daughter Nina Oakwood’s Tomoko, Nick, and Joe Sweeny and student Yuta Arai at Hiroo Segafredo

www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 QOLA June issue 1/4size

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www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 MOVIES COMING TO A CINEMA NEAR YOU IN JULY

JUL 4 EDGE OF TOMORROW dge of Tomorrow is the latest sci- fi action vehicle for Tom Cruise, Eand it’s based on an original novel from Japanese author Hiroshi Sakurazaka (it will carry the novel’s original title, All You Need is Kill, here in Japan). Cruise plays Major William Cage, an inexperienced officer thrown into a combat mission against an invading alien enemy. Cage is killed instantly but awakens on the morning of the previous day, ready to fight and die again. Cage hooks up with legendary soldier Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt), who teaches him her skills. The pair are able to improve their battle performance, getting one step closer to victory with each death. The film looks, at least on the surface, like a mash-up of most of the sci-fi output of last year: Cruise’s Oblivion, the hard action and exo-skeleton body armor of Elysium, the military training/ alien war themes of Ender’s Game, and Looper’s time-travel antics. Fans of the genre won’t be disappointed in this visually impressive and confident blockbuster from The Bourne Identity director Doug Liman.

JUL 11 WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE JUL 19 his latest Ghibli effort could be seen as an indication of the direction the T company is heading. From Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the story is based on a classic English children’s novel of the same name by author Joan G. Robinson. Described as an atmospheric ghost story, the action follows a lonely little girl named Anna who makes her first ever friend, a young girl named GUN WOMAN DIVERGENT Marnie, who appears to live across a lake in here seems to be no end of films the mysterious Marsh House. When Marnie f you’re looking for something a little vying for the teen-girl audience, and disappears and a new family moves into the outside of the Hollywood mainstream, T this effort joins the likes of Hunger house, Anna learns that her friend wasn’t all I Gun Woman is a glorious celebration of Games and Twilight. Divergent is set in a she appeared to be. Expect the impeccable rampaging violence that wears its B-movie future world where children take a test animation the studio is known and loved for heart on its blood-soaked sleeve. Winner of at the age of sixteen that assigns them to and a wistful, melancholic tone in this tale of the Special Jury Prize at this year’s Yubari one of five groups based on their defining friendship and loneliness. International Fantastic Film Festival, lead characteristic. When young Beatrice actress Asami, a cult favorite thanks to the “Tris” Prior takes the test, she displays the JUL 19 likes of The Machine Girl and Dead Sushi, attributes of several factions and is therefore plays the title character in a bold and physical deemed “divergent.” So far, so Hunger performance. Held hostage by a twisted doctor Games. Tris joins the Dauntless Faction and who trains her for a mission of violent revenge, enters into training, eventually learning of this “Gun Woman” will eventually have to hide a plot to eliminate divergents, inspiring her gun parts within her own body and remove to uncover the truth about the threat these them at the opportune moment to complete people seemingly pose. Shailene Woodley, her mission. Backed by a pounding Bond- who impressed in The Descendants, plays esque soundtrack, director Mitsutake Kurando Tris and the likes of Kate Winslet and Ashley weaves a heady tale of vengeance not for the Judd add weight to the cast. faint of heart (or stomach). SHOWING THIS MONTH | SCREEN | 31 JUL 25

> 10BEST OF OFTHE THE BEST: REST THE This MUST Month’s SEE Releases MOVIES OF 2013

MISS GRANNY JULY 11 Miss Granny is a Korean fantasy-comedy that has GODZILLA been hugely successful ising from the ocean depths to cause devastation on the in its home country, and streets of Tokyo, the iconic monster that has become picked up awards at this R synonymous with Japan is once more ready to destroy the year’s Okinawa International Movie Festival. Crotchety old world under his colossal frame and atomic breath. Born in 1954 Grandmother Oh Mal-soon is forced to leave the family under a cloud of post-war nuclear fear, Godzilla would go on to home due to her cantankerous ways, only to be magically legendary status—but not without the brand being diluted with transformed into her 20-year old self by a mysterious increasingly child-friendly fare. British director Gareth Edwards photographer. With a wise old head atop young shoulders, was chosen to helm the epic return of the beast to global screens off she joins a band and gets a second chance at romance in the back of his excellent indie hit Monsters, with the less being said this delightful comedy about the 1998 Roland Emmerich turkey the better. Bryan Cranston, in his first major role since the end of TV series Breaking Bad, stars THE DANCE OF REALITY alongside Sally Hawkins and Japan’s own Ken Watanabe as Dr. JULY 12 Serizawa, who you may remember as the eye-patched mad scientist The Dance of Reality (La of the original movie. Godzilla, monstrously impressive in his biggest danza de la realidad) is incarnation to date, does battle with fellow beasties in a stark lesson the latest from Alejandro of nature’s power over the arrogance of man. Jodorowsky, the legendary surrealist director and subject of last month’s documentary feature Jodorowsky’s JUL 5 Dune. The film is an exploration of the filmmaker’s childhood blended with metaphor, mythology and poetry. (Spanish language)

UZUMASA LIMELIGHT JULY 12 Uzumasa Limelight tells the tale of Kamiyama (Seizo Fukumoto) a “kirare-yaku” – a film extra who specializes in samurai sword-play. In the twilight of his career, Kamiyama can only watch as the samurai dramas he has worked on his entire life fall out of fashion. Hope arrives by way of a young girl prepared MALEFICENT to learn the skills the aging extra has spent his career accumulating. ince the 1939 release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney has been putting its own stamp on many a traditional GIRLS AND PANZERS tale to build its collection of animated classics. As technology S JULY 5 has improved and attitudes have changed, these stories have begun to Girls and Panzers is be adapted into live-action vehicles that take the source material and the first feature length beef it up to epic levels, retaining the core themes of hope and fear animation based on the that make fairy tales so compelling. Following Alice in Wonderland anime television series of and Snow White and the Huntsman, now it’s time to return to the the same name. In a world world of Disney’s 1959 feature Sleeping Beauty. Maleficent focuses where high schools take part in sports competitions using not on the bland and dated Princess Aurora, but on the far more modified WWII era tanks, Miho and her friends must interesting wicked fairy of the film’s title. One of Disney’s greatest battle it out against their rivals to save their school. and most terrifying villains, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) looks stunning as the dark fairy whose back story has been fleshed out into a tale of heartbreak and betrayal. Elle Fanning co-stars as Princess Aurora with Sharlto Copley as her father, King Stefan. This is the first film from Robert Stromberg, the award-winning special effects artist This month’s movie previews were written by behind the likes of Avatar and Oz, the Great and Powerful. Christopher O’Keeffe. For more movie news and reviews visit www.tokyoweekender.com AGENDA JULY 1

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5 AGENDA: THE WEEKENDER ROUNDUP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JULY

1 JUL 7-8 2 JUL 25-27 3 JUL 12 4 JUL 19-20 Steve Vai Fuji Rock 2014 Bonjour Tokyo Bastille Day Yokohama Sparkling Be prepared to be Arcade Fire, Jack Party Twilight blown away by the Johnson, Franz Red, white and blue and Illuminated boats and legendary American guitarist and Ferdinand, Outkast and a few days of French Can-Can to celebrate La Fête fireworks in the glittering city producer, who’s regarded as a camping in the mountains: does it get Nationale Française in style. backdrop make for a pretty magical virtuoso of his instrument. more summery than that? Where: Tokyo Salon, Shibuya scene in this festival’s third edition. Where: Billboard Live Tokyo, Roppongi Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata How Much: ¥2,000 (including one drink) Where: Yamashita Park, Yokohama How Much: ¥11,800 - ¥13,800 How Much: ¥44,000 (3-day) - ¥18,300 (1-day) More info: www.bonjourtokyo.com How Much: Free More info: www.tokyoweekender.com More info: www.fujirockfestival.com More info: www.tokyoweekender.com

5 JUL 11-12 6 JUL 8 7 JUL 12-13 8 JUL 26 Electric Run Unit 10th Anniversary Oceans People Shinjuku Eisa Festival Run a 5K along a neon- Live sets by hip hop Lovers of the ocean unite This colorful festival adorned course on the shores troupe Simi Lab, Cero at this music- and art-filled parading in the streets of Chiba, and end the workout with and DJ Punpee will help celebrate the festival to raise awareness for the of Shinjuku has all kinds of flavors a huge party featuring DJs, lasers club’s tenth anniversary. environmental issues faced by Earth’s from Okinawa – with dancing, and glow-in-the dark beachballs. Where: Unit, Daikanyama largest bodies of water. drumming, and—of course—food. Where: Inage Kaihin Park How Much: ¥3,300 Where: Yoyogi Park, Shibuya Where: Shinjuku Station East Exit area, How much: ¥6,300 - ¥6,800 More info: www.tokyoweekender.com How Much: Free How Much: Free More info: www.electricruninfo.com More info: www.oceanpeoples.com More info: www.shinjuku-eisa.com

JULY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com JULY | AGENDA | 33 JULY

CHARGRILLED 12 ANGUS RIBEYE

9 JUL 20-28 10 JUL 18 ENJOY A MARBLED AND JUICEY Lingerie Française DJ Funk Exhibition After remixing tracks for PREMIUM ANGUS RIBEYE STEAK, Catch a glimpse of gorgeous Basement Jaxx and Justice, LIGHTLY SEASONED AND CHARGRILLED pieces of vintage pieces of French the Chicago “ghetto house” DJ is Lingerie at this art exhibit documenting performing on his own in Japan OVER AN OPEN FLAME the last century’s developments. after six years. Where: Bat-Tsu Art Gallery, Shibuya Where: Liquidroom, Ebisu How Much: Free How Much: ¥3,500 More info: www.ba-tsuartgallery.com More info: www.liquidroom.net

11 JUL 26-27 12 JUL 26 Shibuya Hawaiian Sumida Fireworks Festival Festival Get your fill of Hawaiian Don your yukata shirts and hula dance performances for the oldest and largest (not to in the midst of Shibuya. mention busiest) fireworks display Where: Yoyogi Park, Shibuya in Tokyo. How much: Free Where: Sumida Park, Asakusa More info: www.tokyoweekender.com How Much: Free More info: www.tokyoweekender.com

www.tokyoweekender.com JULY 2014 Happy 4th of July!

I O U S T D E L I C W I S T

Pretzel Burger

To celebrate the 4th of July, Roppongi-Store we are offering a 20% discount on any purchase. Please show this page to the cashier upon purchase Akebonobashi-Store to receive the discount.

*Offer ends July 31st, 2014 Website: BACK IN THE DAY: JULY 1989 *Void if copied www.wendys.co.jp Check out the scene in Tokyo from 1989! You can read the rest of this issue (No.26 1989) and view Weekender’s 42-year archive online. www.tokyoweekender.com/weekender-archives/ Happy 4th of July!

I O U S T D E L I C W I S T

Pretzel Burger

To celebrate the 4th of July, Roppongi-Store we are offering a 20% discount on any purchase. Please show this page to the cashier upon purchase Akebonobashi-Store to receive the discount.

*Offer ends July 31st, 2014 Website: *Void if copied www.wendys.co.jp