コミュニティー ライフスタイル ビジネス エンターテイメント VOL. 04 NO. 14 FREE JUL. 20 – AUG. 02 2007

ESTABLISHED 1970 BY CORKY ALEXANDER

THE AUTO ISSUE

MICHAEL MARTIN EXPLORES THE DESERTS OF THE EARTH CLASSIC CARS COME TO MIDTOWN EMERGING CAR MARKETS KIDS GET BIKING Photo courtesy of Michael Martin

ALSO ONLINE AT WWW.WEEKENDERJAPAN.COM As a woman who has made her home for over ten years, I want to believe that this can still be a safe place for us to work and live, and will do all I can to make it so. This is why, as the President of FEW, I encourage other businesswomen in Japan to support this cause and to help find Lindsay's suspected killer.

—Julia Maeda President, Foreign Executive Women

Twenty-two-year-old Lindsay Ann Hawker was teaching English in Japan when she was brutally murdered at the end of March this year.

She was last seen with 28-year-old Tatsuya Ichihashi and her body was discovered on the balcony of his flat in Tokyo. He remains the Japanese police's only suspect and as we go to print, has still not been found.

In support of Lindsay’s family and the Japanese police in their hunt for this man, Being A Broad has launched a t-shirt campaign. We hope that enough people—men and women, Japanese and foreign—will wear this t-shirt or one of our bags, so that this man’s face is seen by as many people as possible in Japan, on a daily basis.

The Japanese words roughly translate to “Until this man is caught, I won’t sleep at night”, which can be interpreted in many ways: perhaps you are that bit more nervous at night knowing this man has not been caught; perhaps you are a father and worried about your daughter; perhaps you are a husband and worried about your wife; perhaps you want to make a statement against all violent crime against women. For men and women, Japanese and foreign, this campaign can have many meanings.

What participating in this campaign will definitely mean, however, is that you are playing a part in assisting Lindsay’s family in keeping this man’s face right where people can see it. Wear your t-shirt or bag at the gym, dropping the kids off at school, going shopping, on the train, and just walking around—wear it anywhere you will be seen by many people.

“The more people that wear the t- shirts, the more support that we will feel is being shown for us. Lindsay was a teacher who loved her life in Japan. She would have been first in the queue to buy and wear such a t-shirt for another victim. She had a strong sense of justice and would have done anything she could have to have helped others.” —The Hawker Family

To order your t-shirt, or to give a donation to pay for the production of t-shirts for others, go to: www.being-a-broad.com r ve All campaign items are being produced at cost price, Po and neither Caroline Pover nor any of her businesses, nor the Hawker family, are receiving any income from the sale of those items. © Caroline Caroline © THINGS TO DO VOL.04 NO.14 FREE JUL. 20 – AUG. 02 2007

04 Feature Saturday, Jul 21 Saturday, Jul 28 Cutting through automotive red tape Temple University’s Youth and Imaginative La- Get into the spirit of Aloha at the 06 Special Travel Feature bor Conference: East Asia moves to Super Deluxe Hawaii Festival with Japan’s largest Hawaiian Michael Martin explores the deserts of the earth for a special Pecha Kucha “University” night fol- market, concerts, hula dances, food, workshops, 08 Movie Plus and Review lowed by a hip hop concert. ¥1,500, 1,000 hula dancers, 1,000 ukulele players, and 300 premiere and Harry Potter review email: [email protected] more. Tel. 04-5664-6633. 09 Fine Dining The izakaya concept dresses up at Nobu 10 Investments/IT Sunday, Jul 22 Sunday, Jul 29 Emerging car markets/Car navigation systems Learn about cricket as the Enjoy a live reading at Ben’s Café in Takadanoba- 11 Business Shizuoka Kytes take on the ba at the Fifth Sunday Fiction Series from 7pm. Elite Japan’s Concours d’Elegance Sri Lankan Airlines Crew There will also be live music with the a capella 12 School’s In Team in an international, stylings of Tara Solheim between sets. hillel- Kimono Photo Day 1 day, 30-over match. 12 [email protected] 13 School’s Out noon, http://shizuoka-cricket.com. Motocross for kids and teens acting out 14 Sports Monday, Jul 23 Monday, Jul 30 Go for a spin on the Fuji Speedway Enjoy an evening of Brazilian jazz with Joyce Take the little ones to chil- 15 Partyline and Samba-Jazz and Other Bossas featuring Tutty dren’s fantasy opera Space EU celebrates 50 years, Thai New Year, Moreno at the Blue Note Tokyo through Jul. 27, Turandot (in Japanese). Peruvian Cultural Day 7 and 9:30pm, ¥8,400. Tel. 03-5485-0088. 11:30am and 3pm, ¥2,100, 17 Tokyo Flashback at the New National Thea- tre, Tokyo. Tel. 03-5352-9999. 18 Crossword ••• Tuesday, Jul 24 Tuesday, Jul 31 hile many of us complain about Tokyo’s Take the kids to see illus- Kids will love the pro- Wrush hour—it seems few cities have trations from the Bologna duction of Frog and Toad more volume—there is something appealing Children’s Book Fair Exhi- based on the famed book. about hitting the open road in our very own bition at the Itabashi Art At Hakuhinkan Gekijo in car. This issue of Weekender celebrates all things Museum until Aug 19. Shinbashi through Aug. 12. auto, from adventuring across the deserts of www.city.itabashi.tokyo.jp/art the earth with Michael Martin and his BMW motorbike to an exciting racetrack driving-day Wednesday, Jul 25 Wednesday, Aug 1 for the kid-at-heart. Even if you don’t drive, Watch as Mika Kurosawa Enjoy the playful work of there is a lot for you, from a motocross adven- and Dancers perform Nanto artist Kentaro Yokouchi at ture for the whole family to an elegant day at Iu Kanyo Na Niku at the Kom- the Kenji Taki Gallery in Tokyo Midtown with Concours d’Elegance cars aba-Agora Theater. ¥3,500– Nishi-Shinjuku through from another era. We hope this issue inspires ¥4,000, various times. Aug. 4. Tel. 03-3378-6051. you to take the spirit of a summer road trip to Tel. 090-3508-0880. heart and head out onto the open road. Thursday, Jul 26 Thursday, Aug 2 Helen Bottomley, View the final day of the Focus in on the winners Managing Editor Refugee International Refugee Film of the World Press Photo ••• Festival featuring award- Film 2007 exhibition as it drops FOUNDED IN 1970 BY DIVERSIONS EDITOR winning films. Various by the Museum of Pho- MILLARD H. “CORKY” Owen Schaefer Festival ALEXANDER DESIGN and LAYOUT times and locations, free. tography. Through Aug. 4. PUBLISHER Karin Ling www.refugeefilm.org www.worldpressphoto.org Caroline Pover DISTRIBUTION MANAGER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Stephen Young Rajiv Trehan ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Friday, Jul 27 Friday, Aug 3 MANAGING EDITOR Kieron Cashell Helen Bottomley CONTRIBUTORS Watch as beautifully decorated boats reflect Visit Aoyama Book Center in Roppongi to browse EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS M. Halliday, Leigh Wellsview, Ben in the Manazuru port during the Kibune Fes- through a large selection of English books and Danielle Tate-Stratton, Meehan, Maria Young, Phil Gibb, Marie Teather Robert Estel, Len Clarke, Owen tival through tomorrow. The festival includes pick up the new Weekender, due out today. TRAVEL & SOCIETY EDITOR Cooney launches, dancing, and more. Tel. 04-6568-1001. Bill Hersey Cover photo provided by FINE DINING EDITOR Michael Martin Christine Cunanan-Miki

Answers from Crossword #7 (Weekender Jul 06) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 High-tech tales of adventure at the Goethe-Institut. By Marie Teather R O U T E S A L L F O U R S

E P W E I N Y 9 10 quick glance at any atlas will reveal that one third ing in front of crowded auditoriums for some of the L I T T E R H A M S T E R S of the earth’s surface consists of vast deserts and yet most prestigutious of institutions, Michael has been 11 A A O S G T H V T those who have ventured and explored some of this re- presenting his vibrant and award-winning slide shows 12 13 14 T I D Y P R A H A P E T E mote land remain few and far between. Michael Martin, since the age of fourteen, including one to the Royal 15 16 I A B A E C N M explorer, geographer, and photographer, has, however, Geographical Society in London, making him one of 17 V E T E R I N A R I A N spent 20 years of his life riding through some of the most the most talented and respected speakers in Europe. 18 19 E E I D B T G S barren and hostile desert landscapes on the planet. A collaboration with AV Studio Art of Vision Multime- 20 E L E P H A N T T U S K Riding simply on his trusty BMW R1150 and with dia and using some of the most advanced programming 21 22 R K L A C Y A I partner and camera woman Elke Wallner, his most re- techniques and projection techniques available today, 23 24 25 A P E S B R A K E W R E N cent venture—a colossal five year expedition crossing accredits this slide presentation to be the most elaborate 26 27 B N A E S Y D D through some of the most extreme living conditions in ever produced. Deserts of the Earth, a high tech and mod- 28 29 Arabia, Iran, the Middle East, Australia, South America ern day equivalent of travelers tales around the camp- B U N G L I N G P O O D L E and Africa—has been documented in over 80,000 stun- fire, promises to be a truly unique evening with one of I E E T G O E 30 31 ning photographs, 2,200 of which will be presented at the worlds most talented and exclusive of adventur- T E L E C A S T H A N G U P the Goethe Institue on August 1. Well-used to present- ers. For more information, please see page 6. FEATURE

Your License to Drive Negotiating automotive red tape in Tokyo. By Danielle Tate-Stratton

or most of us living in Tokyo, the amazing trans- at a local JAF office www.jaf.or.jp/e/list ( ), which will Fportation system gets us from point A to point B also be able to inform you of which category your home fairly cheaply and with surprising efficiency. In fact, country falls under. it often takes less time to jump on the train than to Next, pay a visit to the local test center with your drive from place to place. Walking, biking, taxis, and original license, the Japanese translation, your passport, buses fill in most of the transportation gaps. Still, alien registration card, a passport-sized photo, and the for some, having a car is either a desire you choose application fee (¥3,000). At this point, you’re ready to fill to fulfill or a necessity. Maybe you have kids who in the application form and take the eye test. Following need shuttling from place to place, mobility issues that, you write the written test (a fairly simple ten-ques- which make hiking up and down into the subways a tion true/false test), and if you pass that, then you can difficulty, or you’ve simply taken your last rush hour arrange to take the practical driving test (¥5,000)—on Yamanote Line train—no one would blame you for a different day. From all accounts, failing the first time wanting a bit more personal space! In that case, there through is not unusual (some figures put the first-time are some things you need to know before you jump failure rate at 90 percent), hardly surprising when the into the driver’s seat—read on for a brief rundown. test has reportedly failed people for chewing gum! The Aston Martin Akasaka written test will be in English, but staff are likely to speak 4-9-25 Akasaka, Minato-ku 107-0052 Tokyo, Japan Getting Licensed only Japanese, so if you aren’t bilingual, it’s a good idea Tel: +81 (0)3 5411 2332 While it used to be that you could drive indefinitely to bring along some Japanese-speaking backup. Shintoyo www.astonmartin-akasaka.com under an International Driver’s License (they were valid Luckily, there are a few things you can do to increase Enterprises Ltd. Established in 1957 for three years at a time), you must now convert your your chances of passing the first time. For instance, license into a Japanese driver’s license after 12 months make sure to familiarize yourself with the course prior Jaguar Yokohama/Shonan to taking the test (you should be able 144 Nanashima-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi to walk it), and in some cases, you can 221-0061, Kanagawa, Japan From all accounts, failing the first Tel: +81 (0)45 433 2131 even do practice driving before you www.jaguar-yokohama.com time through is not unusual, hardly book your test. In Kanagawa, you can get tips from the person who drives surprising when the test has reportedly with you and it costs ¥8,000 per hour. For more information about licens- failed people for chewing gum! ing regulations, the relatively simple written or much more challenging of living and driving here. You will be able to get around practical tests visit www.japandriverslicense.com where this regulation if you spend 93 days in your home coun- you can even view a computer-simulated road test! try for every year you spend driving here. As with so many things, your home country affects the process for Obtaining a Car converting your license. For instance, if you have a valid So, you have your brand new, shiny license and you’re license from certain countries you need only to com- all ready to drive. Now you just need to get yourself a plete some paperwork and an eye test to carry out the set of wheels. Of course, you can buy a car, and it’s easy swap. However, those coming from anywhere else are to do so through a variety of channels, much like any- required to complete the written and practical tests as where else—check the classifieds, chat to friends going well. To find out where your country stands, visit this home, visit the online auctions (buyer beware!), or buy detailed resource: www.japandriverslicense.com. a brand new car. Some of the dealers here in town even There are several steps involved in converting your offer English speaking staff and support, making it easy license and it can be nearly as frustrating as sitting in to locate and purchase your dream car. traffic on the 246. Yet with due diligence and good prep- Mick Lay Auto Leasing (www.micklay.com) is one aration, it shouldn’t be too long before you’re out on such full-service English dealership. Mick is able to help the road. The first step is getting an official translation you select the perfect car for your family and has a vari- of your license from home. You need to get this done ety of new and used cars to choose from. © www.istockphoto.com/Peter McKinnon © www.istockphoto.com/Peter

 | The Weekender FEATURE You add the gas− We do the rest!

However, you might want to look at leasing a car— or houses come with parking spaces, for many peo- the transient nature of the expat community could ple this is a large additional expense to keep in mind. make you hesitant to commit to a purchase and Japan’s You’ll need to prove that you have a parking space be- strict car inspections (shaken), mandatory after your fore you are allowed to purchase a car, so make sure to car’s third birthday, can have you making expensive car find a spot before you go shopping! If you are out and repairs whether your want to or even necessarily need about, good luck! New parking laws have changed to to. To make this part more convenient, for ¥140,000, eliminate the ‘chalking’ of illegally parked cars (they Hassle Free: Mick Lay will pick up and return your car, do a detailed used to give you about an hour to move on). Now, service, and get the shaken taken care of. pairs of parking attendants will give you five min- • Car Lease Lease Japan (www.leasejapan.com), staffed by na- utes grace (they actually stand there waiting for you • Car Sales tive English speakers, is a full-service leasing company to come out with your cappuccino) before they give • Car Rental which provides insurance, free maintenance checks, free you a ticket. This involves placing a sticker on your road-side assistance, English Help Line support 24-hours window and then taking a digital picture, sometimes • Car Registration a day, and English or Japanese GPS Navigation systems. with one mint-green attendant in the frame, showing • ETC set-up Lease Japan offers both new and used cars for terms the ticket and your license plates. Presumably, this of six months and longer. They are able to lease any is meant to cut down on the “but officer, I simply • GPS Navigation type or make of car, but specialize in Toyota vehicles. never saw it” excuses. It’s now illegal to park in any Lease Japan also has access to Nagoya’s largest used non-designated, non-metered zone, and an infraction car auction site (with over 6,000 cars on auction every comes with a ¥15,000 ticket, though no longer means Our group of companies week) and therefore, you can access almost every type of points on your license. In the designated zones, me- have over 20 years of experience used vehicle to meet your needs. Most of the leases are ters use an infrared light to recognize your car driving serving the expat community. closed-end maintenance leases, which means you can into the spot and you have just a few minutes to get lease the car for a set term and at the end of that term your ¥300 into the meter before it lights up a bright you have the choice of returning the car or extending red light beckoning the meter readers over to your the lease for a further period of time. Lease Japan can car! The meters last an hour, and you actually need to also help organize your ETC (Electronic Toll Card) scan- move as opposed to simply re-metering (the infrared ner, and in addition to leasing, the company will help light needs to be reset). with registration and change of ownership, insurance, Undoubtedly, it can be an expensive challenge car shipping, and even buying and selling cars, should to work through the paperwork required to get a car www.LeaseJapan.com you go with the more permanent—purchasing—route. in Japan, but the freedom and possibilities that come Offices in Tokyo and Nagoya According to Mick Lay, the decision to lease is popu- with having a car (trip to IKEA, anyone?) can certainly For a free quote on any car lar with those who want to be able to pay a set rate every outweigh the initial setup issues. With companies such contact Bryce Conlan, Sales Manager at: month and then walk away from the car at the end of as Lease Japan, Japan Drivers License, Mick Lay Auto [email protected] the term, or buy it out at a reduced rate. Of course, the Leasing, the Japan Automobile Federation, and www. Tel: (052) 973-3953 convenience of knowing you can get out of it after a few japaninsurance.net (a bilingual insurance company years is offset by higher financing. Those who choose to helping you to compliment your mandatory coverage), buy often prefer to own the car outright and feel confi- there is lots of English-language support to help get you dent they aren’t paying extra fees. out on the open road. Reassuringly to those on a budget, older cars are not a red flag in his mind. He says that as long as the For more information: car has been serviced and relatively well looked after, General Information from Japan’s version of AAA can it won’t take much to get it up to shaken standards. be found at: www.jaf.or.jp/e. For your peace of mind, he will conduct a detailed ex- Highways in Japan: http://tinyurl.com/29cxt6 amination of any car you are considering (¥35,000), including kilometer and repair history, and can even Basic rules of the road: offer warranties on all used cars. http://tinyurl.com/2z6qmg Detailed information about buying a car, including a Parking handy pre-purchase checklist: Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll need a http://tinyurl.com/yva9ta place to park your ride. While some apartment blocks

Jul. 20 – Aug. 02 | Vol. 04 No. 14 |  Price range of rental apartment from ¥200,000 to ¥2,250,000 SPECIAL TRAVEL FEATURE

Two Decades of Deserts and Still Discovering Marie Teather talks with Michael Martin. Photography by Michael Martin Photography by Michael Martin

s a high school student standing on the edge of the or 1:500,000 and I tried to get information from other ASahara in Southern Morocco, Berlin-born Michael travelers. But even today I don’t plan too much—I de- Martin looked out over the endless tide of sand, capti- cide each day where to go and what to do. If you are a vated by the promise of adventure and danger that lay professional photographer, whatever-need-be must be beyond the distant horizon. Not deterred by stories of done for good photos. Weather conditions, for exam- other European travelers who had lost their way and ple, are very important to plan the next day’s pictures. died an agonising death of thirst, the next year—as soon as he was able to—he was back and drove an Many European travelers have lost their lives even old car right onto the Sahara, into the rocky Ahagger when trying to cross easier routes like the Hoggar mountains, and stopped to drink tea with local French trail in the Sahara. Have you had any life-threaten- padres living in their hermitage of 30 years. ing or close moments yourself? In the 20 years that have followed, Michael, an ad- In the eighties, crossing the Sahara was much more venturer and professional photographer, has spent his life dangerous because of navigation and mechanical conquering the increasingly challenging and remote land- problems but the security situation was much better. Real Estate Service • Insurance Service scapes of not only Mauritania, Chad, and the Sudan in Today, the situation has completely changed. My most Africa, but the globe over. He has continued traveling on dangerous situations were because of landmines and Email: [email protected] Tel: 03-3470-4737 Fax: 03-3470-4740 his BMW motorbike at times when politcal rebellions and terrorism. For example, in northern Niger we were civil wars have added to already life-threatening risks. stopped for hours by Chad rebels. A qualified geologist and ethologist, Michael main- tains that his own heroic exploits should not distract What have been the most extreme climate condi- from the nomadic tribes and cultures who have lived tions you have experienced? In Djibouti, the deepest point of “My most dangerous situations were Africa, we had 51°C in the shadow. INTERNATIONAL I was in many sandstorms in coun- because of landmines and terrorism.” tries like Mauritania, Mali, or Niger. CLINIC in the deserts for hundreds of generations. Living a rel- Conditions in sandstorms are even worse. ativly unchanged existance, these peoples of the desert have survived through a deep and respectful relation- How do the extreme climates effect your equipment? ship with their environment and it is this homage that The sand and dust are the biggest problems. You must keeps Michael going back. Encounters with the ethnic protect the equipment as much as possible. The heat Himba Nomads in Namibia, Hindu pilgrims at Mount doesn’t matter but the coldness in Bolivia destroyed Kailashe, Omanese fishermen, and camel markets in some films. Rajasthan have uniquely allowed Michael to learn from tribes the world over—not only of their values— What are the most challenging trips in terms of but of more basic matters of survival such as different your mental health or physical condition? methods to ride a camel or put up a tent. Crossing deserts in countries with landmines like Chad In anticipation of his recent book Deserts of the Earth; and Afghanistan is a big challenge. You must get as a breath-taking collection of photographs from his incred- much information as possible and you must know ible five-year expediton with partner and camerawoman whom you can trust. We were quite happy to leave Elke, Micheal will be visiting Tokyo early next month and Chad or Afghanistan in good condition. The high showcasing just some of the 80,000 pictures he was able deserts of Tibet and Bolivia with a motorbike were a Immunization against influenza, typhoid, to document. Weekender has been able to secure an exclu- real challenge too, because of the coldness and the tick-borne encephalitis, meningitis and other sive interview with this fascinating adventurer. thin air. On Altiplno in Bolivia we were traveling on vaccinations for international travel. the motorbike at temperatures below minus 20°C. The What came first, your love of photography or your thin air causes you to freeze even more. And we were Anti-malarial medicine available. love of the deserts? very hungry, but had no more food. Photography was first, but deserts made the photogra- phy much more fascinating. Deserts are great places for The extreme cold, such as what you experienced in Family practice & medical advice by a photographers because of the light, the natural forms, South America, or the extreme heat—which is the European doctor and a certified dermatologist and the people. most challenging to you? For me, the cold is a bigger challenge. On a motor- How did you plan your trips before the arrival of bike you feel even colder. I have no problem with heat; TEL: 3582-2646 3583-7831 FAX: 3583-8199 GPS navigation? same for the BMW. MON-FRI 9AM - NOON 2 - 5PM SAT 9AM - NOON For the Sahara there were good maps available from 5-9 AZABUDAI 1-CHOME, MINATO-KU, TOKYO the French Colonial Administrations and in southern How did your travel in Africa prepare you for your Africa there are good maps drawn by South African edi- trips into the Asian and American deserts? tors. So I carried a lot of maps with a scale of 1:200,000 In Africa I learned to deal with drunken soldiers, to  | The Weekender SPECIAL TRAVEL FEATURE

GOLF Business, Seminars Photography by Michael Martin and Pleasure repair a motorbike, to find a good place for the night. the lifestyle of the nomads hasn’t changed much. But All experiences I could use in Asia and America. their lifestyles change completely if they lose their cat- tle to drought. It is very sad to see a Tuareg working as a How have your trips changed since you started night watchman for a company in an African capital. traveling with your partner? I never traveled alone. I traveled with former partners Are the locals forewarned of your arrival as you or with friends, but Elke is the best travel partner I ever travel through the deserts and how do they usually had, because she can handle the difficult conditions react when encountering you? and be warm-hearted in dealing with people. If you No, they don’t know anything about our arrival. You want to get photos from people you must be able to should always arrive slowly. Keep the camera away, go 3473 Shiogo, Shirosato-machi, communicate with them in a warm-hearted way. slow by motorbike, and take off the helmet and sun- Higashi-Ibaraki-gun, glasses. The people must get the chance to trust you. Ibaraki-ken 311-4401 Spending extensive periods in the total solidarity of Tel: 0296-88-2221 the desert must be mentally challenging. How do What is it about the nomads and their lifestyles that Fax: 0296-88-2561 you stop your mind from playing tricks on you and you respect the most? www.wpgcc.com also stay positive? To be so happy and optimistic under such difficult condi- All day we were traveling or photographing, so there is tions. They show us that it is not money, cars, and iPods not much space for feeling alone. In the deserts I feel that make you happy, but family, friends, and nature. at home. What’s the longest period you think you could The Deserts Of Have political troubles or the authorities ever inter- personally endure in the desert or living life as fered with your plans? a nomad? A lot. Countries like Iran or Turkmenistan don’t like Not very long because I am in love both with deserts The Earth. individual travelers much. And they don’t like profes- and my life in Bavaria. My life in Germany is very fast sional photographers. Fortunately for us, all the cus- and a great contrast to the deserts. toms and security officers were so fascinated by our Michael Martin. motorbike that they forgot their duties. Which makes traveling easier—the naivety of being young or the experience of age? Have you ever found a camel to be a better form of Both have their own advantages. As an 18-year-old boy transport to your bike? I had no fear and was open for all. As you get older, you A camel is too slow if you want to cross a complete know more and get more. I am 43 now. It’s a perfect desert. For me, a motorbike is the perfect combination combination between both! between camel and a 4x4. You are obviously well adapted to a solitary life out Michael Martin and Elke Wallner have travelled the ‘Deserts of the You mentioned the Afar nomads of the African under the open skies. Do you think you could you Earth‘ by motorycle. In this incredible slide show Michael Martin Danakil Desert make it one of the “most hostile live in Tokyo which is perhaps the most extreme talks about his exciting adventures using his groundbreaking photography in a unique presentation. places on the planet.” What is so dangerous about opposite to desert life? them and have you had any personal encounters Yes, if I am allowed to escape to the deserts every Information and reservation (Free Entry): with them? two months! 080-1088-4257 The Afars have been living in war for more than 30 years and they are living in an extremely hostile desert; You have completed over 80 trips in the deserts, 1st of August the Danakil. They don’t give you the feeling you are what’s next for you? welcome and I didn’t take many pictures of them to One third of the land-surface of the earth is deserts and 18:30 Doors avoid problems. semi-deserts so there are many areas left to explore. I 19:30 Presentation 22:30 Closing think the relationship between deserts and people, and

What aspects of local nomadic life remain the same between people and desert is extremely interesting. I Bayern Meister Bier throughout the deserts of the world? will photograph worldwide the lifestyle of desert peo- on sale. The nomads live for their animals, which they really ple and my travels will take me to many countries—on love, and nomads always change their place, they seem my BMW motorbike. to be more traditional and they feel in some way freer than the people in villages. I like nomads because I also have a nomadic lifestyle. Hoping to hear and see more? As mentioned above, Michael will be speaking in Tokyo about his adventures in the Deserts In your 20 years of traveling, how have you seen of the Earth. The event takes place at the Goethe-Institut on technology change the lifestyles of the nomads? August 1 from 6:30pm. Entrance is free and there will be Bay- Because the nomad’s lives are more traditional and most ern Meister Beer and German sausages on sale. Please http://www.bmw-motorrad.jp/english/ have little money, unable to buy a car instead of a camel, make reservations at 080-1088-4257. Jul. 20 – Aug. 02 | Vol. 04 No. 14 |  summer saviours ... MOVIE PLUS WITH BILL HERSEY ・isotretinoin (Accutane®) for acne ・Botox® for hyperhidrosis ・lipodissolve for body reshaping rior to the highly acclaimed film 300’s opening ers, and all with six packs and fully clad in the costumes ・sclerotherapy/laser vein treatment Phere, Warner Bros. hosted an exciting and color- the 300 Spartans had worn in the film, made a dramatic ful premier at Meiji Memorial Museum in Meiji Park. entrance and lined up on the top of the stairway. Once offered by tokyo skin clinic also general dermatology, cosmetic skin surgery, STD checks There was a wide and long red carpet that led in front the film celebs lined up on the stage at the entrance, they consultation by appointment 03-3583-0282 of the historic museum building and up the steps, be- and everyone there got a big surprise. Huge fountains 3-1-24-2F Roppongi, Minato-ku info: www.tokyo-skin-clinic.com tween the pillars, and into the building. Huge red let- were turned on in the park area in front of the venue, and the film’s title“300” , as well as pictures of the stars, was beau- tifully projected on the water. The screening itself took place in a huge modern tent behind the museum. All in all, it was quite spectacular. The press conference at the Charo Ireton, screenwriter Frank Miller, Kimberly Cox, and Bill Mandarin Oriental the next Ireton, President and Representative Director of Warner Entertain- Actor Gerald Butler with William Ireton and day was also fun. All the VIP ment Japan. Roberta Ireton. guests had nothing but raves ters said “300”. Once the special guests arrived they about Japan—and the magnificent premier: “The scale, spent considerable time signing autographs and talk- scope, and creativity of the premier here even topped the ing with the many fans who had arrived much earlier big event for us in Brazil,” said director Zach Snyder. and were eagerly anticipating the arrival of actor Ger- In regards to getting into shape for the film, Ger- ard Butler, graphic novelist Frank Miller, director Zach ard said he really worked out daily—“just like a Spar- Snydeer, producers Mark Canton and Gianni Nunnari, tan”. After my workouts I looked in the mirror and said and writers Debbie Snyder and Kurt Johnstad. “wow.” Eight-pack not six-pack abs. It looked like During all this some thirty men, mostly body build- my head on someone else’s body.” MOVIE REVIEW

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. By Marie Teather

t’s not often a film series makes it past even the third Not compromising the darker forces that contin- Iepisode without losing some of its original wizardry. ue to menace over Hogwarts, director David Yates al- But not for Harry Potter, who now at the fifth chapter lows his movie a certain quirkiness that previous Pot- of the heptology came broom bolting back and stopped ter films may have lacked. Cutting-edge camera work briefly in Tokyo earlier this month to launch the world and the tongue-in-cheek imagery that frames Professor premier of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Umbridge are to be marveled at; a contrast to the grim This is Tokyo’s third world premier in as many issues a growing Harry must now face. months hoping to cash in on the loyal turnout from Helena Bonham Carter excels in her cameo as the Japan’s headline making fans. Box-office bosses have, sadistically insane Bellatrix Lestrange, as does 15-year- however, no cause for alarm as this fast-paced, intri- old Evanna Lynch who was handpicked from a line cately woven story, moving from one entrancingly of 15,000 hopefuls to play Luna Lovegood—the new composed action scene to another, is a cinematic de- spooky addition to Harry’s circle of friends. Ralph Fi- light and not going to disappoint even the most criti- ennes, although not quite chilling enough, is virtually cal of J.K.Rowling’s readers. unrecognizable as Harry’s nose-less archnemesis Lord After a hearing at the Ministry of Magic for per- Voldermort, and Gary Oldman as Harry’s doomed god- forming magic outside of school, Harry Potter (Daniel father are just a few appearances to bedazzle in this Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma best of British acting brigade. As always, the enchant- Watson), return to Hogwarts to find new teacher Do- ing soundtrack adds a melodic suspense, only this time lores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) appointed as the composer Nicholas Hooper’s introduction of a taiko Supporting non-Japanese new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Staunton’s drum emphasizes the story’s progression into some- impeccable performance as the sickly sweet, pink lov- thing deeper and more sinister. job-seekers in Japan ing, and chintzy schoolmistress with physically abu- The final scene, a showdown of wand magicary, is sive ‘medieval teaching methods,’ is delightfully de- a spectacular display of visual effects and, true to the testable and binds sub-plots and the equally complex novel, ends leaving much still to be discovered by characters that intertwine throughout the movie. both Harry and fans alike. DVDS TO RENT BY M.HALLIDAY

or a cinematic experience quite unlike any other watch anything else of any kind for a few days!), for Fhave a look at Hiroshi Teshigahara’s 1964 master- an equally intriguing experience track down a copy of piece Woman in the Dunes (Suna no Onna). Based on the Andrei Tarkovsky’s wonderful 1972 classic Solaris. novel by Kôbô Abe (who wrote the script), WITD is the The term ‘thought provoking’ doesn’t really come story of an amateur entomologist, played by Eiji Okada, close as Tarkovsky trains his eye on the enigma of human Careers in: stranded in a strange village by the sea. He is tricked existence with dazzling results. With its deliberate pace Translation Proofreading Media into staying overnight in the house of the woman of the and 165-minute running time, Solaris may not be every- film’s title. What follows is a haunting, erotic, existential one’s cup of tea. It is, however, always beautiful to look at Finance PR IT HR etc. study that will stay with you for a long, long time. In an with some of the most stunning images of any film ever. incredible, career defining performance, Kyôko Kishida, Originally conceived as a Soviet response to Stanley who sadly died recently, plays the mysterious unnamed Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, and based on the novel woman; a cinematic character quite unlike any other. by the science fiction writer Stanislaw Lem, Solaris ex- Everything is striking about this film: the acting, the amines the human condition and the cosmic riddle in- For more details and registration: www.tempuniversal.co.jp way it looks, the story. Despite being shot in black and herently attached to it, in an exquisite and original way. Tel: 03-3519-6051 white it remains vivid long after the memory of flashier, Playing the leads, Donatas Banionis, and the gorgeous Technicolor extravaganzas has faded. Natalya Bondarchuk perfectly capture the beautiful, ab- Although nothing can quite match the originality surd, doomed dance of life, love, and death that is of the Woman in the Dunes (and you may not want to an intrinsic part of all our existences.  | The Weekender FINE DINING BY CHRISTINE CUNANAN-MIKI

NOBU TOKYO

n a recent rainy evening, we met up with some Ogood friends for dinner at the new Nobu in Toranomon, eager to see the supposedly improved setup. The old Nobu in Shibuya had always served good Japanese fusion food, although the location was inconvenient for many and the rather eclectic décor—which I personally found charming—with shades of pink and flower motifs as the background for —didn’t sit well with some. Perhaps it was just a string of coincidences and mismatched expectations, but we had a far from relaxing with oil and then just dropped it onto a plate. But it time at this new Nobu. The rather hard-to-find location was so refreshingly good that we ordered a second help- amidst darkened office buildings set the tone, and then ing. The seared scallop salad was sour, garlicky, and salty we got lost making our way from the basement parking to with each bite, and the scallops themselves were grilled Nobu’s front door via a cool but cold office building with just right so that they were seared outside and juicy in- no signs of where to go. When we finally reached our ta- side. Another favorite was the wagyu beef mini gyoza, ble, we realized that decent conversation between four where chunky pieces of premium beef were wrapped people was practically impossible amidst the background and steamed like Shanghai dumplings so that the juices chatter, because there were so many groups of people oozed out when the wrapper broke. These came with a crowded together in the room that night. I had to resign lovely herb green sauce and a sour plum sauce that com- myself to alternately speaking two or three sentences to plemented the gyoza wonderfully. We ordered a couple my friend Beth on my right, and then to her husband of sushi too, and the freshness and quality of the ingre- Bertrand on my left; and almost completely ignoring my dients was certainly a notch above most other places. husband across. Even the servers couldn’t hear us, because So the food’s great and the place isn’t bad, especially if they kept getting our requests wrong. you’re looking for a noisy, casual night out. Nobu in other We might as well have been in an izakaya (Japanese countries is usually hard to book and rather expensive, pub), which is probably the experience Nobu wants to but here I called up the night before and we paid ¥12,000 replicate, albeit on a classier and more expensive level. per head—which is not cheap, but also not major league It has dimmed the lights, redesigned its sushi counter expense. Most customers were dressed in office attire with along more traditional lines, hauled in plain wooden ta- the neckties yanked out, but one of the guys at the next bles, wallpapered the place with industrial materials and table sat cross-legged with a colorful bandana tied around interesting textures, and strategically placed Japanese his head. We left at 11pm and this was the only time we accents like kimono-type fabrics on the ceiling and red were actually able to appreciate the restaurant—because bamboo poles along a wall. The result is a sleek, trendy by then things had quieted down and most people had take on modern Japanese; and it’s nice, but rather bor- already gone home. ing. I’ve seen similar places elsewhere in Tokyo and overseas, including in , London, and New York. NOBU TOKYO Thank goodness the food kept us happy enough. 1F Toranomon Tower Office The menu has also veered more towards izakaya fare, 4-1-28 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo although some standard favorites like the soft-shell crab Tel. 03-5733-0070 roll, black cod with miso (reportedly Robert de Niro’s favorite, and again a fancy version of an izakaya staple), Christine Miki spends most of her time in res- and box dessert are still around. We took turns taurants and airplanes, indulging her two great ordering what we fancied and lots of it was lipsmack- passions (food and travel). To keep up her credit card payments, she does market research for in- ingly good. Some of the standouts were the simplest vestment firms. To humor herself, she wroteTokyo dishes. The fresh watercress salad with black sesame and Stories (www.tokyostories.net), a novel on expa- triate life. Someday, she is actually going to finish watercress dressing looked like someone had picked up her second novel. Email her at: a bunch of greens from a market basket, doused this [email protected]. Madison Park Cafe, serving you authentic, health conscious gourmet fast food Tokyo Midtown Plaza B1F, E-B101-1, 9-7-3, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 What the Dickens!...It’s Friday! By Ben Meehan Tel: 03-5413-3065 E-mail: [email protected] www.mpc-hotdog.com

riday—8pm at a packed Ebisu station—I meet with hearty steak pie (¥1,200), which comes with a large Ffour friends and we follow the crowd across the serving of chips (fries). I was overcome with natsu- Express Yourself street and towards the pleasant and vibrant bar and kashi, as they say here, as I was transported back to restaurant area. The Roob 6 building is easily distin- the kitchen of my grandmother, where every meal was Through Salsa!!! guishable on the left with a large simple but oh-so-good. Shortly af- E=mc2 on the side. Up we go to the ter the last of the chips was lov- fourth floor where we come to the ingly scoffed, the band started to Lesson in English entrance with a small blackboard kick in; The Conducters certainly on the door saying: “Tonight: know how to get a Friday night every Sunday Conducters.” We go in only to be started with their saxophone- 15:30 – 16:45 immediately surprised at the inte- infused funk and quite literally rior: an amazingly authentic look- by the end of the first song, the ideal for beginnersۺ ing English pub—gothic-like wood dance floor was full and stayed < Instructor: Erick < Shibuya Tameikeۺ paneling and fixtures spread over that way until it was time for us Roppongi ‘St

2 Gaienhigashi ‘St two floors and overlooking a large stage. We find a cosy to run for the last train. I don’t know about E=mc Almond Ќ ROPPONGI bench table right opposite the stage and waste no time but I do know that pie+good beer+free live music=a Crossing in heading straight to the bar and kitchen. fantastic Friday night! @ Dance Studio Casino 4F Coffee The menu boasts a large selection of extremely Tuesday–Saturday: 5pm–late, Sunday: 5pm–mid- Iikura www.studio-casino.com Macdonald tasty meat pies as well as seven Euro-brews on tap and night. Roob 6 Bldg. 4F, 1-13-3 Ebisu-Nishi Shibuya- [email protected] Roa Bld > many hard to find English import beers. I opt for the ku. Tel. 03-3780-2099. www.whatthedickens.jp Jul. 20 – Aug. 02 | Vol. 04 No. 14 |  INVESTMENT

Paying Too Much For Your Car?

n this article we look at how is capitalizing Tata’s car will not conform to European safety and Ion the making of affordable cars for the masses. It emissions norms. However, Tata, which also sells cars worked in postwar UK with the introduction of the in South Africa and a few European markets, said it Mini and in Italy with the Fiat 500, which was re- could be upgraded should it choose to export. launched in early July this year. Competitors are skeptical about the price and qual- No gas guzzlers here, just economic vehicles and a ity of the car, which the group says will have a 600-cu- commodity that will be affordable for the many. Already bic-centimeter engine and come in a range of models. the major car manufacturers are taking notice, as the The 33-horsepower engine will be capable of 80 mph. potential market for affordable driving is enormous. Tata developed the car using lower-cost Indian engi- Tata Motors is set to unveil the world’s cheapest car neers and “out-of-the-box solutions” to slash develop- as early as January 2008 as it takes the growing inter- ment and production costs. est in low-cost vehicles to a new extreme. The Indian Rising prices of steel, aluminum, copper, and other automaker will launch its $2,467 vehicle by the third commodities raised the car’s costs in the four years quarter of 2008 and may unveil it at January’s Auto since Tata announced it, prompting the group to make Expo in . design changes for the car. Separately, Tata Motors is developing a line of small Construction on the plant in West Bengal, where hatchbacks and midsize sedans to be introduced next the car will be made, was delayed by a land dispute. year. India produces 1.3 million cars a year. With the However, Tata is on track to launch the vehicle in the market growing at ten percent to twelve percent per second to third quarter of 2008. year, this could reach three million within a decade. The plant will have a capacity of 250,000 units The four-door car—a pet project of Tata Group per year, which Tata aims to reach within two to three Chairman Ratan Tata—would be the cheapest by far years. Large sales volume will be crucial for the car’s in its class. The current cheapest, the Maruti 800 pro- viability, given its low price target. duced by Suzuki Motor, sells for more than $4,000. So, even if you are not interested in a small car, you Tata’s progress is being watched by automakers in- should be investing in this emerging market to benefit cluding Toyota Motor, General Motors, and Ford Mo- from its undoubted growth potential. tor that are developing, or have launched, cheap cars in India, Russia, , and other emerging markets. Carlos Ghosn, Renault/Nissan’s chief executive, Provided by MAGELLAN: said the group was working on an even cheaper variant THE FINANCIAL PLANNING COMPANY of the Logan, the global no-frills sedan it launched in Email: [email protected] April in India, where it sells for under $10,000. Tel. 03-3769-5511 IT

Getting You Where You Need to Go The best of the English car navi class. By Robert Estel

or those who are lucky enough to afford a car in FJapan, there are many pleasures to be found with the freedom to go anywhere. Unfortunately, those who have the pleasure of driving around inner-city Tokyo areas, whereas by comparison, cellular phones only use know that it’s a sprawling, narrow mess of roads. Japa- one segment, thus their small area of usage. With the nese addresses are also not very easy to follow, which use of extra tuners, antennas, and the increased sensitiv- makes you wonder how packages get delivered at ity, Panasonic claims clear, stable reception up to speeds times. The secret? Car navigation units or car navi as of 150 km/h. For those who drive that fast, however, we the Japanese so affectionately like to call them. would recommend you not watch television. Most cars these days come with car navigation Another selling point is the use of a system called units installed (for an aditional price, of course) but Odekake Strada. This new system will allow you to those without one installed yet need look no fur- input your course or destination at home or over the ther than Panasonic’s latest offering. Panasonic has internet, and download that information to an SD launched their new F Class Car Navigation unit this card. Once you insert the SD card into the navi, you summer that wraps up everything but the kitchen sink are set to go without having to spend time inputting in it. While most people think car navigation is simply the destination in your vehicle. Panasonic is planning inputting an address and following the instructions, on further future interfacing by allowing you to access this high-end system does that and more. The specifics Odekake Strada from your cell phone and then transfer of the F Class include a seven-inch VGA touch screen, the destination information via infrared. This system is available in retractable, built in, or separate monitor expected to be available this summer. styles, an integrated hard drive, television tuner, SD Lastly, compared to previous models, size has also slot, iPod interaction, DVD/CD/MD interfacing, and been reduced by 38 percent, meaning the system can boosted antenna strength. be easily installed under the front seat of your vehi- In particular, the biggest selling point of the new F cle rather than taking up valuable trunk space. In the Class is the increased antenna strength, which is done long run however, all that technology does not come through the use of four separate tuners and antenna in cheap as the retractable LCD Monitor version will set the car. This allows for increased sensitivity when re- you back ¥354,900, roughly a third of the cost of a ceiving digital television and less loss of image while new compact car. More information can be found at moving. F Class uses 12 segments of digital broadcast- http://panasonic.jp/car/navi/products/index. ing, which allows it to have better reception in most html (Japanese only). 10 | The Weekender BUSINESS www.JapanHomeSearch.com Tokyo Concours d’Elegance Four-wheeled works of art come to Tokyo Midtown. By Danielle Tate-Stratton

first of its kind in Japan, the Tokyo Concours the competition, but several tie-in events, from a Gala Ad’Elegance event is set to bring classic cars of the Dinner for the sponsors, to a special pre-event parade highest echelon to Tokyo while at the same time emu- through Tokyo on the evening of the 25th will occur lating Concours events such as Pebble Beach in Cali- simultaneously. A panel of eight judges will be adhering fornia and Villa d’Este in Italy. to the standards of Villa D’Este or Pebble Beach as they Concours d’Elegance events, though without a gov- look for both best in class and best in show cars, and all erning body, are uniformly quality-driven events with cars will be checked carefully for authenticity and to en- only a few very select cars competing and exhibiting and sure they are in mint condition—restored to the glory of an experience steeped with elegance to go with them. the day they were first driven off the lot. While some car Event President Paul Goldsmith (of ELITE Corporation enthusiasts actually restore the condition of their cars to Japan), is confident that this event will be able to at- beyond its mint condition by using paint, upholstery, or tain the variety, quality, and up-market sophistication engine components of a higher quality than what was of any of the worldwide Concours events. By using the available 50 or 100 years ago, Concours d’Elegance cars impressive gardens at Tokyo Midtown for the car display, are expected to be at original mint condition. Goldsmith is already elevating his event to similar levels As the expected 100,000 guests visit Midtown on as Pebble Beach’s 18th hole (“the best finishing hole in the day open to the public—October 27—they will also golf”) where each year cars are proudly paraded by their owners, all dressed el- egantly so as to hearken back to the Your home search starts and finishes here! days when cars were a thing of beauty Search for your dream home on our comprehensive and having one made a statement online database about your social standing. Hundreds of oor plans Such Concours events have been and photos available online taking place for decades, but it is only Contact us for an with Paul’s event, slated to occur Oc- accompanied tour today tober 25–27 of this year, that classic www.JapanHomeSearch.com cars will be given an equal chance to shine here in Tokyo. With entry by invitation only, the Concours d’Elegance event will feature cars of the highest quality from the early

1900s to the mid-1970s. Most cars Photography by Hiromi Takeda will be Japanese-owned and of a European heritage, al- be treated to live entertainment by UK-based The Band though some cars are actually being brought to Japan, of the Coldstream Guards, which, due to its inception by boat or potentially plane, for the event. Cars will over 200 years ago, is one of the oldest Military Bands be invited on the basis of their historical importance, in the world. As they stroll the manicured grounds of storied past, current condition, uniqueness, and other the impressive Midtown complex, enjoying a classi- discerning factors—many of these valuable cars are cally elegant afternoon, interested guests will also have considered works of art as opposed to merely a mode of the opportunity to enjoy five different exhibition areas transportation; a perspective the Concours events work showcasing the Concours cars, racing cars (as 100 years hard to encourage. of Brooklands—the first purpose-built racetrack—is cel- ebrated), and classic concept and museum cars. Also planned is an homage to La Festa Miglia Mille, Japan’s most prestigious classic car rally, and a display of super-luxury cars from today, such as the Bugatti Veyron or Aston Martin DBS (all will be worth over ¥30,000,000). Although based on proven events in other countries—Pebble Beach began in 1950; Villa D’Este in 1929—Paul says that doing things for the first time, “there is a great deal of nervous- ness about the risk and of it not being tried and tested….you have to prove that you can do it, and then people will come.” One particular challenge Photography by Hiromi Takeda unique to this event is securing sponsors willing A 17-year resident of Japan, Paul is well-equipped to participate in an event where brands are mixed. For to deal with the unique challenges of being a foreign Paul, it has been “a lot of work persuading various car businessman here and says that: “in some ways, being companies to exhibit together”, as well as showing them a foreigner is an advantage—it puts me in a more neu- that celebrating their heritage can, indeed, help sell the tral position, and allows me to invite people from all cars of today. If initial plans are any indication, his team areas [of the car world in Japan].” Paul is no stranger will have no problem surmounting these challenges. to the idiosyncrasies of doing business here and there- If you are a car enthusiast with a model you feel is fore he “expected certain barriers—things like ‘can we suitable for the competition, wish to become involved move the cars around?’—simple things that in a more with the collecting of classic cars, or otherwise wish western country might not be such an issue but that in to become involved with this event, please contact Japan become a bigger deal.” Paul Goldsmith directly at [email protected]. As he works out these issues, Paul and his team Those interested in the event should mark their cal- are confidently putting together an event that is sure endars for October 27 and head to Midtown, rain or to shine. Not only will 30–50 cars, many ranging in shine, to experience the elegance of these classics value from ¥50,000,000–¥100,000,000, be entered into from a bygone age. Jul. 20 – Aug. 02 | Vol. 04 No. 14 | 11 SCHOOL’S IN

Kids in Kimono This traditional costume takes to the schools. By Danielle Tate-Stratton

he kimono is the national costume or dress of Japan, and al- Tthough it literally means ‘something worn’ and was traditionally the day-to-day dress of most people in Japan, these days, especially amongst younger people and in the bigger cities, kimonos are re- served for special occasions such as weddings, Coming Of Age Day, and for kids, shichi-go-san (7-5-3) day. This day for children is a fan- tastic chance for little ones to dress up in kimono; often made from elaborately patterned, colored silk. Officially, the holiday is for girls aged three and seven, and boys aged three and five, and it celebrates the idea of odd numbers being lucky in Japan—wishing good health and good growth upon children of these specific ages. Traditional aspects of the celebration include dressing up in kimono, visiting shrines, eating chitoseame (thousand-year candy), which is meant to bring good luck, and—to capture the kawaii factor—photography. There’s nothing to stop foreign families from getting involved, and in fact, what better present to send to doting grandparents back home, or souvenir of your years abroad than a picture of your child in kimono? Even if they are slightly outside of the prescribed ages of 7-5-3 day, or don’t want to wait until the holiday (Novem- ber 15) to get dressed up, there is a great way to bring the dramatic and beautiful silken garb to both your children and their school. Keyshots East West Photography (www.keyshots.com) offers kids kimono photography—at school! Their unique service is avail- able for children between the ages of two and nine, and the package includes a kimono fitting, hair and make-up session, and profession- al photography. You can order photos in print packages or online, and there are special rates for families with multiple children. Keyshots also donates a percentage of the sales from the Ki- mono Photo Day back to your school, making this a great Japanese- themed fundraiser. Alternately, groups of ten or more children may be photographed on the weekends. If you would like to enquire about their kimono photography services, please contact Kerry Raftis by phone at 090-7236- 7178 or email: [email protected].

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12 | The Weekender SCHOOL’S OUT

Highflying Cycling Kids take to the motocross course. By Marie Teather

atching your child flying through the air above rules of their motocross club will encourage a sense of Wa muddy terrain whilst hanging onto a revving responsibility, while racing itself; training for a race, 50cc engine may not, for most parents, seem the ideal having competitors and so on, teaches your child vi- way to while away the weekend. However, as kids in- tal life skills about competition, motivation, winning, creasingly look for more extreme hobbies to and more importantly engage themselves in, motocross is gaining in even—losing. Although popularity as the ultimate sport to top their parents may, for once, pal’s more traditional past-times, and score prefer the Play Sta- some vital playground credibility points. tion racing alternative, Motocross, sometimes referred to as dirt motocross racing is a biking, derives its name from the words ‘motor- wholly aerobic activity cycle’ and ‘cross-country’. A typical motocross and any kid who hopes competition conquers up images of dare-devil to do well on the dirt- Call for free stunts, aggressive riding, bumps and bruises, track will soon, and in- trial lesson! plus of course plenty of sludged-up biking fact have to, shape-up in gear—hardly the kind of sport most mothers order to control and stay dream of for their children. But for kids who on top of the engine. do become involved in racing, the skills learnt Luckily for kids in Established 1998 can soon waylay any potential fears that parents Tokyo, Off Road Village may have. in Saitama is an easy-to- PAL International Preschool & Kindergarten is an Often at a loss to find interesting and fun reach track for families

www.istockphoto.com/DrPAS Early Childhood Education specialist institution activities that the whole family can participate © interesting in sampling in Azabu area this exciting sport. Al- Quality of Education Motocross... teaches your child vital life skills though no longer having is always our first priority specific children’s lessons, it small size class • low ratio of teachers and students careful individual attention • high quality program about competition, motivation, winning, does have a simpler, begin- efficient teachers • solid method of language arts ners course, and can also pro- and more importantly even—losing. vide rental clothes and bikes 3-8-18 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031 TEL 03-5770-8166 FAX 03-5770-8167 for those who are new to the [email protected] www.pal-school.com in together—motocross is ironically a family sport. Un- sport. For more information please call 049-226-4141 like at the local games center, kids will welcome mum or see the website www.westpoint.co.jp/orv.html. A and dad being present to offer support and give all- day out at the track is sure to see kids becoming the important mechanical advice when their engine fails. envy of their friends while their parents become Recognizing possible dangers and respecting the safety the coolest around!

Creative Kids Act Out: How TIP Gives Teens the Chance to Shine. By Leigh Wellsview

he Tokyo International Players (TIP) were founded in Speaking to any first timers interested in getting into T1896 and have been bringing English-language com- theater on stage or back, is fifteen-year-old Aily Roper: munity theater to Tokyo ever since. Community theater “You don’t need experience—if you start, then you’ll has long been an important first step for young actors, gain the experience as you work your way through.” as they get perhaps their first chance to take to the stage Nicole Dickson, the Education Director at TIP, and while at the same time reaping the benefits of working also the drama teacher at NIS, is keen to help teens gain with older, more experienced actors. This year, TIP mount- that experience and was able to help involve some of the ed The Pirates of Penzance and was able to involve several promising young students from her school in the cast young actors in the production. and crew of Pirates. It is her hope For Hope Algeo, 14, a grade that in the future TIP will be able nine student at Nishimachi In- to host summer theater camps for ternational School (NIS), “It was children and increasingly involve a great experience! I got to meet them with community theater a bunch of awesome people that productions, something that, in were into drama…you felt like her opinion, doesn’t happen often you really belonged.” This was enough in Tokyo. In the mean- Algeo’s first production, although time, NIS will be mounting its she’s caught the theater bug now first production next year, and on and plans to continue performing into the future. a case-by-case basis, the director of Elephant Man, TIP’s While it was a new experience for most of the kids next production, is open to having older teens audition. involved, everyone was overwhelmingly positive about Please contact Nicole at [email protected] for their time in the show, and offered encouraging words more information about getting involved. For younger to any creative youngsters in Tokyo. Keaton Batten, children, those not ready to get up on stage, or anyone 15, says, “Keep trying and auditioning and never give who just wants to see some great community theater for up—you never know—you could get a part or be able to children, check out Tokyo Theater for Children who put help out,” while Assistant Stage Manager Sarah Haber, on regular productions geared towards the younger set. 13, gives advice to those who might experience stage Email [email protected] for more information. For more fright: “If you are nervous about getting on stage, try it information about TIP and to find out about their out with small roles, but backstage is also a lot of fun!” upcoming season, visit www.tokyoplayers.org. Jul. 20 – Aug. 02 | Vol. 04 No. 14 | 13 SPORTS

Nice Motor—Now Let’s Get the Most Out of It! By Len Clarke, RACENOW Japan Director

he ever-increasing number of high-performance ious ‘Circuit Taxi’—where a professional racing driver will Tvehicles on Tokyo’s streets begs the question; do take you around at speed. The cost: ¥3,000 for two laps of the owners ever get the chance to really push the the 4.563-km track. Highly recommended, it’s a memora- Paddy Foley`s limits of their chariots of choice? And if given the ble experience for even the hardest of racing fans. opportunity, how would they fare? Tokyo`s First and Best Irish Pub! While for some, the reason for owning such a ma- The circuit: chine is purely aesthetic; others are inspired by what it Fuji Speedway originally opened in 1966, during Japan’s (and its driver) can do. heyday of motorcycle and saloon car racing. The track Getting your road car onto one of Japan’s many rac- still boasts the longest straight of any circuit in use to- GAA Championships ing circuits is a little easier than you might imagine and day at 1.5 kilometers (almost a mile). What this means live from Ireland with so many other things in Japan, not only are there of course is that by the time cars get to the end of that Sun July 22: All-Ireland SHC Qtr-Finals - TBA facilities available for would-be racers to test their skills, long uninterrupted piece of tarmac, they’re absolutely Sun July 29: All-Ireland SHC Qtr-Finals - TBA the problem is choosing which venue to visit. flying! When Formula One visits this September 28–30 Fortunately for Tokyoites, by far the most advanced (after an absence of 30 years), estimated speeds for the Sat Aug 04: All-Ireland SFC Qtr-Finals - TBA racing facility in the country is also the closest. Fuji top cars are expected to be in the region of 330km/h Speedway, famous for hosting the first-ever Japanese (over 200 mph) as they prepare to negotiate Turn 1. Rugby Tri-Nations 2007 Grand Prix back in 1976 and 1977, underwent a total Rugby Players and Drinkers!! rebuild in 2004, reopening as the country’s only FIA Events at Fuji Speedway: Grade 1 circuit in the spring of 2005. The grade 1 cer- All the top Japanese racing series: SUPER GT, Formula Bar-B-Q at Paddy Foley’s on Saturday July 21st, 16:30 tification means a host of high-tech firsts including a Nippon, Japanese Formula 3, JLMC (Japan Le Mans Challenge), and Super Taikyu visit Come and enjoy the All-Blacks vs the Wallabies rugby clash the circuit for one or two rounds With the most demented rugby team in Japan - every season; so if you’re a racing The mighty Tokyo Crusaders! fan, there’s really no excuse for not heading out at least once. Rugby Union Summer Tours We’re already at the halfway Sat Aug 04: England vs Wales - TBC point of the motor racing season in Japan and the next few months have Sat Aug 11: England vs France - TBC a variety of great events on hand. Sat Aug 11: Scotland vs Ireland - 22:30 Over the first weekend in Au- Sat Aug 18: France vs England - TBC gust (4–5), there’s the traditional Sat Aug 18: Wales vs Argentina - TBC Super Tec four-hour endurance race, Fri Aug 24: Ireland vs Italy - 27:45 Round four of the Super Taikyu se- Sat Aug 25: Scotland vs S. Africa - TBC ries (www.so-net.ne.jp/s-taikyu). Getting over to this side of the pit wall is not as complicated as one might think. S-TAI features mildly modified ver- Sun Aug 26: Wales vs France - TBC sions of road-going saloons includ- gradient of less than one mm for every two meters— ing the Porsche 911, Nissan Fairlady Z, BMW Z4 Cou- Motor Racing making for an incredibly smooth (and fast) ride. pe, Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda S2000, Sun Jul 22: F1 Europe GP - 21:00 Far more than just the Grand Prix circuit, the facil- BMW M3, and Honda NSX, among others. Sun Aug 05: F1 Hungary GP - 21:00 ity also hosts a wide variety of activities for road car Three weeks later (August 25–26), the country’s users at its Toyota Safety Education Center ‘mobilitas’. top-level single-seater series Formula Nippon (www. There is also a separate 920-meter short track that can f-nippon.co.jp/eng), makes its mid-season return to Test Cricket be configured 16 different ways, providing new thrills Fuji. The 22 Lola FN06 chassis, mated to either Toyota England vs India every time. In addition, a drift course has been added or Honda power, provides supremely close racing, cre- 2nd Test - July 27 to cater to the tastes of Japan’s latest motoring craze. ating excitement reminiscent of F1 25 years ago. 3rd Test - Aug 09 The season finale for SUPER GT www.supergt.net/( Getting out on track en), by far the nation’s most popular racing champi- Naturally, you can’t just show up and expect to be al- onship, comes on November 4–5. Typically, the series lowed to take your car onto any racing circuit; there points’ battle goes down to the wire, often with half a Happy Hour are a number of steps that must be taken before getting dozen or more cars being capable of taking the crown at the green light. the last race. It is the fastest GT (Grand Touring—two- Weekday until 7pm - Weekend until 6pm Fuji Speedway’s ‘How to Run’ program is a six-step door cars with big engines) series in the world, and the Great Guinness course that allows even the most novice driver to accli- only one with three manufacturers actively taking part. Great Food matize to driving on a racetrack—and make the most For a complete listing of all events at the circuit, go Great Customers of the experience in the car. In the first step, you follow to www.fsw.tv/event/year.html. Friendly Staff an instructor’s car around the circuit, copying the driv- ing line. This is followed by the ‘License’ stage, a two- Getting there: For the true Irish pub atmosphere, and-a-half hour classroom session covering everything By car, it’s as easy as taking the Tomei expressway to Go- come to Paddy Foley's from on-track manners to first aid and emergency situ- temba Interchange, approximately 100 kilometers (60 ation management. The license allows one to drive at miles) from the centre of Tokyo. From there, it’s another ’s day Fuji Speedway’s facility only; it is not transferable to 15-minute drive to the circuit. The roads are well sign- .I Fri G T. other circuits. The next stage is where participants pre- posted and there’s an excellent map on the Fuji Speedway pare for the all-important racing license. Driving on website at: www.fsw.tv/english/access/index.html McDonald’s Inn PADDY FOLEY’S a circuit is one thing, fighting others for position on By train, take the Odakyu line ‘Asagiri’ express from Hard track is quite another. Here again, a variety of options Shinjuku station, alighting at Gotemba. Bus and taxi Rock Cafe are available, everything from club event licenses to service (¥3,000) to the track is readily available. Tel: 03-3423-2250 professional one-make race certificates. Once you’ve www.paddyfoleystokyo.com completed the process, you’re ready to race! For those who’d rather not go through the process Questions about motor sport? Email: racenow@ but want to get out on track anyway, there’s the ingen- mac.com or visit www.racenowjapan.com. 14 | The Weekender PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY QUOZ European Union’s Gala Celebrates 50th Anniversary Nice Motor—Now Let’s Get the Most Out of It! MOVERS

Moving in Tokyo? For home relocation or sayonara sale

German Ambassador Hans-Joachim Daerr and his wife Alexa, Spanish Ambassador Miquel Car- delivery, call Steve at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with his wife Aki, and EU Ambassador riedo and French Ambassador Gil- Tatjana Destribats, Francoise Morechand, and Grand 090-3801-8083 or 03-5932-7777. Hugh Richardson with his wife Elisabeth. das Le Lidec. Hyatt General Manager Xavier Destribats. We can provide safe delivery of your belongings for reasonable rates. Disposal service of unwanted furniture and appliances also available.

Lufthansa General Manager for Japan Otto Benz, Bulgarian Ambassador Blagovest Sen- his wife Judith, Daimler Chrysler Rep. Director and Danish Ambassador Freddy Svane, Hungarian Ambassador Gyula dov, Slovakian Ambassador Peter Vrsan- Email: [email protected] Vice President Kai-Uwe Seidenfuss, and Hilton To- Dabronaki, Finnish Ambassador Jorma Julin, Slovenian Ambassa- sky, Japanese MP Chikage Ogi, German kyo’s General Manager, Christian Baudat. dor Mira Skender, and Portuguese Ambassador Joao Zanatti. Ambassador Hans-Jochim Daerr. Website: www.Quoz .biz

UK Ambassador Graham Holbrook Fry, Luxem- Austrian Airlines General Manager bourg Ambassador Michele Prachere Tomassini, Portuguese Ambassador Joao Fumiko Tottori (mother of Prin- for Japan and Korea Georg Illichman Bulgarian Ambassador Blagovest Sendov, Polish Zanatti and Irish Ambassador cess Takamado) and Anna Cen- and his wife Anna. Ambassador Marcin Rybicki. Brendan Scannell. erini Bova (Italian). ooking back more years than I care to remember, didn’t last long anyway. The club sat vacant for a long Lit’s absolutely amazing the changes Tokyo’s gone time. When A-Project had to move out of their office and is going through. In addition to the many huge across from Roppongi Hills Starbucks, they moved into areas like Odaiba, Shidome, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Biburin. What still looks like a club from the outside is Midtown, Omotesando Hills, etc. there are so many now a small office. smaller changes every day. The Weekender’s office I had a long tumultuous career with A-Project, and the New Lex—Edo bar and restaurant are both which ran under several different names over the in the Roppongi area, and that means I spend con- years. When A-Project’s owner’s sister Reiko Ikeguchi siderable time there. Rents have soared over the last died, there were a lot of family feuds over her many six months and that means in addition to many new clubs. No one knows how or why her brother got con- openings, there are many closings as well. It’s sad to trol of them. This meant he had close to 30 discos, see those hoping to do good business in Roppongi clubs, and restaurants at one time. Now he’s down who put a lot of money in decorating, etc. soon close to three or four mediocre show clubs. Reiko, by the when they see the money they take in doesn’t even way—a wonderful, popular woman—died in her late cover their overheads, let alone make a profit. A per- 40’s. She was just fine, went out and ate something International fect example was the Soup Stock Restaurant a few at a Japanese restaurant, and died the next morning. buildings from TGI Friday’s. They put a lot of money That was a real tragedy. I’ll have much more on my 30 into the first two floors of the building, but it just years with A-Project in a book I’m slowly and pains- Tennis School didn’t work, and they on the location after takingly working on. a few months. The same thing happened to a really As I mentioned, after 57 years, the legendary good Chinese restaurant on the corner across from Hamburger Inn in Roppongi closed last year. On the ROI Building on Roppongi’s main drag. It wasn’t June 20, the management had an opening party for there long before it was replaced by yet another con- the new Hamburger Inn. Sorry I couldn’t be there, Spring/ Summer Sessions venience store. The food was good, decoration nice, but I do plan on checking it out soon. The new Ham- KITS offers professional tennis instruction for all levels, and staff friendly, but you have to sell a lot of egg burger Inn is located across the street from Hobson’s rolls, dim sum, etc. to pay for a corner, or any other Ice Cream on the main Roppongi-Shibuya Street. taught in English by certified location, in Roppongi nowadays. Tel. 03-3408-34401. Professional Tennis Association coaches Further up Roppongi’s main drag (towards Tokyo The building in front of the Francisco Chapel in Tower), near Ikura-Katamachi Crossing, there’s that Roppongi is gone and I hear it’ll be more expensive sparkling new 15-storey building. I thought the first apartments. It used to (and maybe still does) belong floor would be the same 24-hour Food Express Dis- to the Hong Kong Shanghai Bank. When former Irish count Market it was before the old building was torn Ambassador Jim Sharkey and his wife Sati lived there, down, but it looks like I was wrong. It has a big “Du- they let me park there when I was in Roppongi which *August summer camp sign-ups. plex” sign on top, so from the looks of things it’s apart- was great. ments and lots of pay-for-parking. Nearby, Neiman Marcus has made a substantial New sessions start in September. Next door you’ll see the defunct Biburin Show- investment in a club of some sort called “57”. Not club. Several years back, A-Project, who also ran the too long ago, Goldman-Sachs invested in the elegant Lexington Queen for 27 years, put big bucks into the Westin Hotel, and has made some very worthwhile Biburin with its split level moving stages, etc. In addi- improvements there. Talk around town says foreign TEL. 03-3325-0924 tion to that, they brought a very expensive, but not investment has—or is—taking over the Grace Build- FAX: 03-3325-0924 that good, musical revue from San Francisco. I remem- ing (five floors of clubs) behind Seventh Heaven Strip ber a red leather dress that cost $9,000 for one exotic Club. More on that later. EMAIL: [email protected] dancer. After a couple of weeks, she quit the show and On the hotel scene, the popular Capitol Tokyu URL: http://www.krissmantennis.com after that, went back to San Francisco. Seems they nev- Hotel in Akasaka has been leveled, and a new sky- er could find anyone to wear the dress, and Biburin scraper is going up there that will have offices, resi- Jul. 20 – Aug. 02 | Vol. 04 No. 14 | 15 Nakashima Dental Office PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY Comprehensive Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry Simaskul’s Songkran (Thai New Year) Celebration

Nakashima Dental Office provides total dental care to the highest standards currently in practice in Europe and North America.

Offering microscopic dentistry through all phases of treatment Dr. Nakashima is a comprehensive general practitioner who continually researches the latest advances in every aspect of dental care. Danish Ambassador Freddy Svane, his wife Lise S. Frederiksen, British Am- Princess Kiko’s parents Professor and Mrs. Tat- The host Thai Ambassador Suuidhya bassador Graham Holbrook Fry, his wife Lady Toyoko Fry, Japan Red Cross’ suhiko Kawashima with Maali Siam, Boontipa Si- Simaskul. Tadateru Konoe, and his wife Yasuko. maskul, and Palestine Ambassador Waleed Siam. Dr. Nakashima – Associate member of ADA (American Dental Association), AGD (American General Dentistry), AAE (Endodontist), AAP (Periodontis), ALD (Laser), AACD (Cosmetic), Recommended by Being A Broad Magazine JDA (Japan) Vietnamese Ambassador Tuan Cap Chu, Malaysian Ambassador Dato Mohd Radzi Jordan Ambassador Samir Naouri, Palestine Ambassador Yura Alaiti Adnan of Brunei, Mary Katayama, Lydia Dr. Nakashima and his friendly, helpful staff can Abdul Rahman. Waleed Siam, his wife Maali, and Shizuko Naouri. (ZsaZsa) Carriedo. assist all your dentistry needs, dences, and a “boutique” hotel at the top. Down in many accomplishments in their first fifty years, and and are even able to fill out your insurance forms Hibiya, they’re putting the finishing touches on the best wishes for the many years to come. with your dental history. Japanese national health insurance is not accepted. beautiful and prestigious Peninsula Hotel, which Sorry I couldn’t be there, but I’d also like to con- Fees comparable to US specialists. opens September 1. Over in Shinjuku, the Hilton gratulate Polish Ambassador and Mrs. Marcin Rybicki has started its four-step development construction on the visit of their former President Lech Walesa. for its new lobby. I’ve seen the plans, and it’s really Congratulations as well to Peruvian Ambassador Hugo Roppongi U Bldg., 4F 4-5-2 Roppongi, going to be special. The Hilton’s renovated suites are Palma on his evening of Peruvian Culture with music, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3479-2726 Fax: 03-3479-7947 super as well. An Indian friend of mine stayed there fashion, and fantastic food. Email: [email protected] recently and had nothing but raves for his suite and Just couldn’t get away to Thailand for one of URL: www.dentist-nakashima.jp the service. my favorite country’s favorite festivals—Songkran The old Pakistan Embassy in Moto Azabu is gone, (Thailand’s traditional New Year). I have been lucky and a new Embassy, residence, apartments, etc. is un- and spent one of the fun event-packed celebrations der construction across from the Finnish Embassy. I in Bangkok, and another in the mountain-city of betcha that’s going to be spectacular. Chiang Mai. Believe me, both were truly memora- On the ever-changing restaurant scene, I really ble travel experiences. Unfortunately, I can’t always hope what I heard was true. Several Italian chef friends do what I want to do, but fortunately, have wonder- tried to rent the basement of the building across from ful friends like Thai Ambassador Suuidhya Simaskul Segafredo in Hiroo, but from all reports it had already and his wife Boontipa and they included me in been rented, and a Mexican (Tex-Mex?) restaurant will the marvelous Songkran celebration they hosted in open there. More on this as it happens. their beautiful home and garden. Guests did not get I just heard the old Roppongi Square Building is soaked by water guns, pans, buckets, etc. of water Face-to-face counseling in English, closed and slated for demolition soon. I did parties and as they traditionally do for the festival in Thailand, events in a dozen clubs in that Roppongi landmark but everyone certainly enjoyed the hospitality of Si- Japanese and other languages by over the years. maskul and Boontipa, and the festive mood of the professional, qualified therapists OK, let’s move from our city’s ever-changing day. In addition to the Thai food we all love, there on a flexible-fee basis. scene to its always-busy social scene. As you all was classical dancing, music, muay thai (kickboxing), know, the European Union recently celebrated its fruit carving, and orchids for all. 03-3498-0231 50th anniversary, 1957–2007. This year has had a full schedule of events reflecting the culture, busi- Just Talk ness, and lifestyle of Europe. For the occasion, the I’m sort of on a health kick recently and discovered a 27 members hosted a VIP-packed, colorful, and ex- few things along that line I’d like to share with you. citing reception titled “Fifty Years EU…” a celebra- First there’s the, as they called it in People magazine, tion together with Japan at Tokyo City View on the “latest look better, live longer superfood”—the Acai fifty-second floor of Roppongi Hills’ Mori Tower. The fruit—a multipurpose berry from Brazil. It’s really many partners and sponsors—all well known names popular now. I’ve found it at two chain outlets here— in world business—were proof positive of the impor- Freshness Burger and Tully’s. A big glass of the Amazon tance of the EU. Many had informative and dynamic Cherry or Banana (it’s purple) costs about ¥400. Try exhibitions set up at the reception. it—you’ll like it. Free, anonymous telephone counseling It was wall-to-wall VIPs that day. The program National Azabu has the latest microwave healthy 9 a.m.-11 p.m. 7 Days a Week included speeches by Head of the Delegation of the Japanese food series, True Cuisine. Most cost under 365 Days a Year European Commission to Japan Hugh Richardson, ¥1,000. Just to mention a few, there’s rice with sea German Ambassador Hans-Joachim Daerr, who spoke bream, six-flavored rice with red salmon, and taro 03-5774-0992 on behalf of the EU Ambassadors, and special guest, and young sardine with rice. Side dishes include Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Prime Minister also bite-sized vegetable pieces in chicken soup, duck cut the huge 50th anniversary cake. breast and bamboo shoots, and miso-dengaku of pork After the opening ceremony, there was live music and cabbage. by a German band and the opportunity for guests to re- Also planning a fall trip to Vienna, Berlin, and Tu- lax, chat, and enjoy the superb food from many of the nisia, I came across a coffee menu from Austrian Air- member countries. The colorful logo “Together Since lines. Pampered business class passengers, and they 1957” was designed by Seymon Skrzpczak of Poland. are, have eleven of the most popular Austrian Our congratulations to the members of the EU on their specialty coffees to chose from. 16 | The Weekender PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY Segafredo Zanetti Espresso www.segafredo.jp www.segafredo.it

My thanks to Executive Support International’s Mike Ghiglione on his contribution of two bicycles Dependra Thapa (Nepal), Samrat Indian Restaurant-Hi- to the Guardian Angels. roo’s Personable Manager. Alef Saraie and Maurizio Zumpano. August is a busy month and In and Around with the heat and humidity, we all need to slow down a bit.

Our staff is here to make it easy to do that. We have everything you need for summer parties and picnics: from

Bill Hersey and rocker Sebastian Bach (formerly of Norman Tolman and his daughter Allison visiting from Thai Airways Marketing Manager Iwao Kawabe charcoal grills and charcoal to hot Skid Row) at Hilton Tokyo. New York. at the Thai Festival at Yoyogi Park. dogs, , and steaks. Poland’s Former President There are summer snacks galore Peruvian Cultural Evening Lech Walesa visits Japan from munchies to marshmellows.

Mrs. Maria Teresa de Garrido, Mr. Andres Garrido (Economic & Commercial y Counselor of the Embassy of Peru), Ms. Junko Ambassador of Peru Hugo Palma and Hisanaga and Takako Shimuzu (sister of H.M. Emperor Koshino, Ambassador of Peru Hugo Palma, and Mr. Michihisa Mr.Yoshitaka Sakurada, Member of the Akihito), Polish Ambassador Marcin Rybicki, Former Kawakami (President of Kawakyu Co. Ltd.). House of Representatives. Polish President Lech Walesa, Adrianna Rybicki.

Tokyo Flashback: Marilyn Manson

ike singer Lou Reed, we will take A Walk on the Wild Side in I’m a strong believer in freedom of expression, and if it wasn’t Lthis issue’s “Flashback” with wild (not that much), weird me being blamed for some of the bad things people do, crit- (pretty much), controversial (very much) singer, songwriter, ics would find someone else…, as we all know it’s a trend artist, and actor Marilyn Manson. to blame others and other things (video games, TV, comics, To start the day right, choose from our Marilyn’s birth name is Brian Hugh Warner. He took his movies, etc.). It’s always been this way and it always will be.” showbiz name from Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson. His Marilyn really keeps busy. In addition to his concerts, re- large variety of international cereals. other band members have done the same—using a model cording, producing bands, and writing music, he’s done some Spend less time over the stove with your or actor with a serial killer name. A good example is Twig- acting and is an artist. Bands he’s played with include Marilyn choice of easy to heat up tasty foods. gy Ramirez after model/actress Twiggy and the Los Angeles Manson and the Spooky Kids; bands he’s produced include Night Stalker Killer, Richard Rami- Jack Off Jill. We have international favorites from India, rez. Twiggy, by the way, was in Marilyn worked with contro- Thailand, Tunisia, Mexico, and Japan. Japan recently with Rob Sheridan versial film director David Lynch of . You probably as a pornographic photographer Dont forget to visit our second floor for saw Marilyn on the 2007 Scream in the film Lost Highway. He’s also Awards presenting an award to had cameo roles in several films party and picnic supplies, as well as all Ozzy Osborne. including Party Monster, and a the latest paperback books and I first met Marilyn when personal appearance in Michael international magazines. he and his band who were do- Moore’s Bowling for Columbine. ing a series of concerts in Tokyo You’ll soon see him acting in his dropped by the Lex. They were directorial debut, Phantasmago- a really laidback group, enjoyed ria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll. He meeting some of the pretty girls plays the role of Carroll, the au- at the club, and partied there thor of Alice in Wonderland. Marilyn Manson, Bill, and . every night during their stay. He’s exhibited his watercolor NATIONAL AZABU SUPERMARKET I really enjoyed talking with Marilyn who I found very paintings in LA, Paris, and Germany, and has his own art gallery, outgoing and very intelligent. He and I were both born in The Celebritarian Corporation Gallery of Fine Arts in Los Angeles. 4-5-2 MINAMIAZABU Ohio—he in Canton, and me in Perrysburg. We agreed—it In 2004, Marilyn married the stripper, artist, model, and MINATO-KU, TOKYO was a great place to grow up, but don’t feel we could live actress Dita Von Teese. They divorced in 2007; according to there now. reports his current squeeze is 19-year-old actress Evan Rachel When I asked Marilyn about public criticism of his nega- Wood, his co-star in the Lewis Carroll film. tive image he said, “Bill, I’m in show business. I’ve developed Manson is a talented, creative, and as an image that’s marketable. I’m not the first to do what I do, we all know, controversial individual. He’s and I won’t be the last. As far as my so-called bad influence also a man I’m sure will be news for a long on young people, I’m sorry parents, critics, etc. feel that way. time to come.

Jul. 20 – Aug. 02 | Vol. 04 No. 14 | 17 CROSSWORD What the Dickens Across 1. Manual car pedal. (6) #8 British Pub 4. German car maker. (8) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9. Soundless. (6) 10. Starting mechanism. (8) 12. Internet Protocol Security Option. (4) Live Music Nightly 13. Silly. (5) 9 10 3 Stages from 8:30–midnight — Rock, Pop and Jazz 14. After alpha. (4) 17. Kid’s car travel song: Ten _ _. (5,7) Jam Session 2nd Tuesday of Every Month 11 20. UK public transport ticket collector. All Welcome (3,9) 12 13 14 23. Start____engines! (4) Happy Hours 24. Overtake badly. (3,2) 15 16 25. See. (4) Tue–Sat from 5 to 7pm. 28. Lives uncomfortably. (6,2) 17 Pints ¥700, Cocktails/Wine ¥500 29. Japan’s biggest car company. (6) 30. Car friendly cinemas. (5,3) 18 19 Dickens! AMBER ALE, Nest Beer White Ale 31. Japan’s MOT. (6) 20 and Bass Pale Ale - All on Tap Down 1. Selection process for actors. (8) 21 22 2. Not in the phone book. (8) 23 24 25 For Maps and Live Music Info; please visit 3. Temporary traffic director. (4) 5. Car maintenance. (6,4,2) www.whatthedickens.jp or Call 03-3780-2099 6. Spiral. (4) 26 27 7. Car operator. (6) 8. ____ driver—maligned car user. (6) 28 29 Roob 6 Building 4th Floor, 1-13-3 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-Ku 11. To sum up. (2,10) 15. Undeserved. (5) 16. Toyota-made luxury car brand. (5) 18. Toilet water regulating valve. (8) 30 31 19. Instruct beforehand. (8) 21. Gas and electric-run car. (6) 22. Kawasaki competitor. (6) 26. Footwear. (4) 27. One and the other. (4) * Please look for crossword answers in our next issue of Weekender.

Where to Buy Your Summer Reading. By Owen Cooney f you’re looking for a good read this summer, here for 20–80 percent off! Needless to say, this is a great deal Iare some spots throughout the city where you can and the fact that the books are new sets it apart from buy books in English! other second-hand bookstores in the city. The first we will introduce to Another bookstore you should you is Aoyama Book Center. Also know about is Ryusui Bookstore, known as ABC, Aoyama Book which has a number of branches Center in Roppongi is well known throughout Tokyo. There is one to foreigners due to its proximity store located in Hiroo Garden, to Roppongi Hills and its unique which is just down the street from policy of staying open until 5am National Azabu Supermarket. An on weekdays. There is also a store outlet section also opened in the Licensed, E/J speaking in Aoyama, just minutes away from Palaceside building by Takebashi therapist focused on Omotesando Station (near the UN Station. Both of these shops also loosening tension and University). This branch has one of offer paperbacks from ¥500–¥700 increasing energy the largest foreign book collections and 20 percent discounts. In ad- flow! in Tokyo and is a hidden treasure trove. Both of these dition to bargain books, you can find the latest mag- stores have set up “outlet” sections called ABC Outlet, azines and new books at these stores as well. Take a where paperbacks are ¥500–¥700 and you can buy books stroll this summer and check it out!

• Aoyama Book Center Main Store: Cosmos Aoyama Garden Floor 2BF, 5-53-67, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tel. 03-5485-5511 • Aoyama Book Center Roppongi: Roppongi Denki Bldg., 6-1-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tel. 03-3479-0479 • Ryusui Bookstore Hiroo: Hiroo Garden Bldg. 2F, 4-1-29 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku, Tel. 03-5423-7081 [email protected] · tel: (03)-5701-3727 • Ryusui Bookstore Palaceside/Placeside Foreign Books Outlet: Palaceside Bldg. 1F 1-1-1 Hitotsubashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tel. 03-3215-6541 www.energyroom.net Please visit www.aoyamabc.co.jp or phone for store hours.

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18 | The Weekender Saturday July 21st 2pm-10pm Free admission

Irish Music promotions presents an outdoor all day concert live at the The Dubliners Shinagawa B1F GRANPASAGE Mitsubishi Bld. 2-16-3 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo

Cashell Irish Popular music

Gan Ainm Irish Traditional music (with the IMP Irish dancers)

Moreno Bussoletti and Edgar Kautzner Italian Cansone

Bruno Divino Duo French chanson Guitar duo

La Tuna De Japon Spanish Flamenco Trio featuring Jorge Diaz

Billy Ross Traditional Scottish singer/guitarist

For map and further info. visit: Guinness ￥700 per pint all day! www.Dubliners.jp Baileys special promotions www.irishmusicpromotions.com B1F GRANPASAGE Mitsubishi Bld. 2-16-3 Konan Minato-ku TEL：03-6718-2834

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