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Vol.41 No.11 June 18th–July 1st, 2010 www.weekenderjapan.com Including ’s largest online classifieds

The Art of

Japan’s Dying Trade

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2010/2 (OR&C 2010/39) CONTENTS Volume 41 Number 11

June 18th–July 1st, 2010

4 Up My Street 12 5-8 Arts & Entertainment

9 Weekender Promotion: Issimo

10-11 Tables

12-13 Fashion

14-15 Business 16-19 Feature: The Art of Tea 16 20-21 Weekender Bulletin Board

22-23 Real Estate

24-27 Parties, People & Places

28-29 Families 30-31 Products 32 32-33 Healthy & Responsible Living

34 Back in the Day

PUBLISHER Ray Pedersen CONTRIBUTORS Kevin Jungnitsch, Cecelia Martinez, EDITOR Kelly Wetherille Christopher Jones, Jacques Bernard, Ian de Stains OBE, DESIGNER R. Paul Seymour Danielle Rippingale, Aimee Weinstein, Luke Poliszcuk WEB DEVELOPER Ricardo Costa MEDIA MANAGER Tomas Castro EST. Corky Alexander and Susan Scully, 1970 MEDIA CONSULTANTS Alex Brooke, Mary Rudow, Pia von Waldau, Maria Arteaga OFFICE Weekender Magazine, 5th floor, Regency Shinsaka Building, RESEARCHERS Rene Angelo Pascua 8-5-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Stephen Young Tel. 03-6846-5615 Fax: 03-6846-5616 Email: [email protected] CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Owen Schaefer (Arts), Bill Hersey (Society), Stephen Parker (Products), Elisabeth Lambert (Health & Cover photo by Charles Chan Eco), Darrell Nelson (Sustainable Business)

Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors are not necessarily www.weekenderjapan.com those of the publisher.

3 WEEKENDER Up My Street

A small residential neighborhood not far from , and , Up My Street visits this quiet area offers a variety of outdoor activities, as well as places to shop and eat. At first glance the locality may not look like much, but dig deeper and you will see a handful of diverse eateries and hip fashion houses. is home to major landmarks such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and Sports Complex and the National Noh Theater. The close proximity to Shibuya and , along with relatively low rent, has also led many local fashion by Kevin Jungnitsch brands to set up offices (and sometimes shops) here as well. Sendagaya is easily accessible on both the JR line to and the Oedo line to Kokuritsu-kyogijo station.

Hato no Mori Hachiman Himalaya Bazar / Himalaya Tokyo Metropolitan Shrine Curry Gymnasium and Sports Complex 1-1-24 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku 3-25-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku 1-17-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku Tel: 03-3401-1284 Tel: 03-5941-8227 Tel: 03-3401-0312 www.hatonomori-shrine.or.jp www.tef.or.jp/tmg

Sendagaya is already surprisingly calm given In a quiet corner building in Sendagaya is A historic icon among Tokyo’s athletic venues, that it neighbors two of Tokyo’s biggest and a small shop that looks like it could have this stadium has hosted several major sports busiest areas. However, for those looking been transported to Tokyo direct from from events, including the 1954 World Wrestling for a place with absolute Zen and quiet the Himalayas. Outside the building proudly Championship and part of the 1964 Tokyo sans the tourists (like the throngs at Meiji stands a Nepalese flag, and inside shoppers Olympics. Today the futuristic facility, rebuilt shrine), Hato no Mori Hachiman shrine fits will find handicrafts and curios reminiscent in the early 90s, hosts numerous sporting the bill. The shrine is home to pine trees over of a local Himalayan market. From clothing events, as well as musical concerts. The three centuries old, and seems to exist is a and jewelry to bags and scarves, the small sports complex has grown to include many world of its own, away from the sometimes selection nonetheless has a bit of everything. amenities permanently open to the public. choking metropolis. On weekdays you might Adjoining the store is a kitchen, where Nepali These include an Olympic-sized swimming spot a few businessmen hoping for a serene chefs cook up a selection of mouth-watering pool and an indoor ice skating rink, perfect for getaway during lunch breaks, and weekends curries for takeout, which are great for those hot summer days. To use the gymna- see a handful of local visitors and revelers. eating at one of the many nearby green areas sium is only ¥600 for up to two hours, and the on a summer day. skating rink is ¥1,300 for a full day.

A ll p ho What’s your to s b favorite rainy day y

K activity in Tokyo? e v i n

3 J u

n

g 1. Yuto, a student in the UK: n i

t

s c

“I like to have a relaxing day at home with h Word 1 friends or catch up on all the TV series.” 2. Matthijs, a student from Holland: “I watch on the movies and spend time with my dog.” 3. Isabella, a designer from Germany: Street... “I love to go out to eat with my friends.” 2

/ For more write-ups on Tokyo neighborhoods, go to 4 WEEKENDER www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Lifestyle, then Up My Street :// Arts & Entertainment

Graz, 1997 Graz, 2001 Wildon, 1981

Wien, 1983

East Berlin, 1986 Re-reading Furuya’s Photographic Mémoires

by Owen Schaefer cally begins to work within the confines of same pose. Which one came first is unclear, events that can no longer be captured on film. and you are left equally wondering which is The painful details of Austria-based pho- What inevitably ignites a fascination with more genuine. Was the laugh the result of a tographer Seiichi Furuya’s life are not only Furuya’s photos is, of course, the knowledge joke cracked during a serious moment? Or public, but practically requisite knowledge of their tragic narrative. Christine’s death, was the scowl a pretension for the camera? for viewing his work. Furuya met his wife- and the tumultuous life the couple led to- The images both reveal and the emo- to-be Christine Gössler in 1978 while visiting gether, informs the reading of every image. tional reality, and we are left to accept both Austria. The couple were married in less In the “Christine” section of the show, we as equally genuine, or accept nothing. than a year, had a son named Komyo in see an early image from the couple’s first 1981, and then in the autumn of 1985, Chris- year together: Christine in a mirror, a long The section devoted to Furuya’s son is an tine jumped from their apartment window, crack running unevenly across her face. It is equally curious one. Much of it could be the killing herself. She had been struggling a clichéd image of inner struggle, and faced kind of snapshots anyone would take, but for many years with severe depression. with what is to come, it seems innocently there are surprisingly few. In two particularly pretentious. We see Christine later on, lying unusual images, light has bled into the film, Prior to Christine’s death, Furuya’s work in the grass with a large bunch of flowers nearly wiping out the image of his wife and had been based on documenting the lives above her, looking like a landlocked Cordelia; son in a park. These are the kind of shots that of Europeans, particularly those divided by then Christine in East Berlin sitting alone at a most photographers would have thrown away. borders and political-cultural divisions of all distance, a car and broken concrete the only So what is it that makes these two images so kinds. But Christine’s death turned him down things around. The images seem prescient, precious that Furuya includes them, damaged an intensely personal path, and he began a but of course they are not—a realization which as they are? Is it the pure scarcity of images slow and painstaking process of developing, leads one to ponder what tragic images might of the two of them together that makes them editing and organizing the many photos of her be found in any collection of personal photos. seem golden? Or is it the light flare itself that he had taken over those few years, even up he cherishes—its harsh reminder of the fra- to the days around her death. As a result, he But what makes Furuya’s work particularly gility of memory and moments captured, so began to create a complex and ever-changing effective is that he has never been a pho- easily lost to a tiny crack in the camera case? image of Christine, which he felt, at least tographer who attempted to beautify his It is a question that remains unanswered. in some sense, kept her alive. She would subjects. There are certainly early shots of never be reduced to a single static portrait. Christine looking youthful and beautiful, but they are uncontrived. The images are not Show: Seiichi Furuya: Mémoires Furuya mixes and remixes his images into tragic because they depict someone unaware (to July 19) Gallery: Tokyo Metropolitan thematic fleeting memories. And according of the future, but because they show equal

to the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photog- amounts of playfulness, misery, frustra- Museum of Photography raphy, its current show, Mémoires, is the final tion, peace and confusion. Sometimes two () Hours: 10am–6pm installment of two decades of work—a study images might undercut one another—Chris- (to 8pm Thu and Fri, closed Mon) of memory and photography that explores tine scowls into the camera in one, while Admission: ¥800 Tel: 03-3280-0099 what happens when a photographer paradoxi- the next reveals her laughing casually in the www.syabi.com

WEEKENDER 5 Arts & Entertainment

» Tokyo Happenings Photo courtesy of the Cotton Club Tokyo by Kevin Jungnitsch Photo courtesy of Summer Sonic

Summer Sonic 2010 Angela Johnson

Along with the hot summer weather come Japan’s major music festi- The multi-faceted Angela Johnson will give several soul-warming vals, one of the largest and most eclectic of which is Summer Sonic. performances early next month at the Cotton Club in Tokyo. Johnson’s The two-day event takes place both in Tokyo and Osaka (on different music is reminiscent of the ‘good ol’ days of R&B,’ with its raw emotion dates) and features an impressive and diverse lineup. The artist pres- and pure soul. With a career that already spans over 15 years, she has ence is sure to please many with just about every rep- received acclaim for her solo and has garnered many devoted resented. Artists such as Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, The Off- fans. Her name is also known among R&B and soul fans in Japan thanks spring, Smashing Pumpkins, Slash and Nickelback will all be making to a collaboration with Japanese R&B artist Double on the 2001 song an appearance, along with many other acts. Check out the website for Angel. In Tokyo she will be accompanied by the talented Darien. Her the comprehensive lineup list. upcoming performances are bound to make for a wonderful evening.

Aug 7-8 Tickets: ¥15,800–¥29,000 July 9–10, various times Tickets: ¥6,500–¥8,500 Nearest station: www.summersonic.com Nearest station: Tokyo www.cottonclubjapan.com Photo courtesy of Unit Photo by HitnRunTony™

Caribou Allister

For those on the lookout for edgier, psychedelic electronic music, the The punk rock scene may be dismissed by many music listeners as a upcoming visit of Caribou will surely satisfy. The -based Cana- thing of the past, but in actuality the genre is still alive and thriving. The dian musician may not be a household name in the electronic genre American punk band Allister is now back from a hiatus and has been just yet, but has established a loyal fan base in North America and signed to Universal Music Japan. The band, which gained popularity in Europe. In 2008 Caribou won the Polaris Music Prize, an award which the late 90s in the US, is taking a new approach and reviving the scene was established to choose the best Canadian record each year, for his right here in Japan. Their newest , Countdown to Nowhere, was 2007 album Andorra. His latest single, Odessa, represents his musical released earlier this year exclusively in Japan, and is expected not to direction and shows his diversity. For fans of the genre, his perform- drop in the US until this fall. Their upcoming performance in Tokyo is ance at Unit in Daikanyama is a must see. sure to attract both new and old fans.

July 6, 7pm Tickets: ¥5,600 July 15, 7pm Tickets: ¥3,300 Nearest station: Daikanyama Tel: 03-3444-6751 Nearest station: Shibuya www.club-quattro.com

6 WEEKENDER Arts & Entertainment Photo courtesy of the Blue Note Tokyo

Tito Jackson

The older brother of late pop legend and musical icon Michael Jackson is coming to Tokyo to perform a number of tribute shows in memory of his younger sibling. One of the original members of the super group The Jackson 5, singer and guitarist Tito Jackson has made a name for himself in the R&B world. He will be playing some of The Jackson 5’s greatest hits over several dates at the Blue Note music and dinner club in Tokyo. R&B lovers and fans of the Jackson family’s many hits should be sure to book their tickets in advance.

July 15–19, various times Tickets: ¥8.400–¥11,550 Nearest station: Omotesando www.bluenote.co.jp Image courtesy of Eggworm

Audio Tokyo Electronic Music Festival

Look out electronic music lovers, there’s yet another big festival to take in on a summer Saturday. Next month Tokyo will host the Audio Tokyo Electronic Music Festival at the Harumi Seaside Terminal. With the backing of one of Tokyo’s most major clubs, Womb, the event is bound to be a great time. The lineup is definitely exciting, including Japan’s own Ken Ishii and Dexpistols, Detroit minimal techno DJ Daniel Bell, and many others. The event goes from the early afternoon and all night until the sun comes up the next day.

July 17, 12pm Tickets: ¥5,800–¥7,000 Nearest station: Kachidoki www.audiotokyo.com

For Tokyo’s largest English events calendar, go to :// www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Tokyo Happenings / WEEKENDER 7 Alice in Wonderland Arts & Entertainment

Brothers Sex and the City 2 Iron Man 2

This serious, emotional film features a Carrie and the girls are back in the latest The latest big-budget superhero sequel to strong performance by Tobey Maguire as addition to the popular TV and movie series. come out of Hollywood sees Robert Downey an upstanding family man and US marine Picking up two years after the end of the Jr. reprise his role as Tony Stark, Iron Man’s who is presumed dead after a helicopter last film, each woman is now dealing with alter ego. Pressure from all sides to share crash in Afghanistan. His brother (Jake her own new set of relationship, family or the technology behind the Iron Man suit Gyllenhaal), a screwup drunk who’s recently career problems. But the fun begins with is compounded by his failing health and been released from prison, assumes a more an all-expenses-paid trip to Abu Dhabi, various run-ins with his newest vengeful responsible role and steps in to support transplanting the New York girls to an entirely villain, portrayed by Mickey Rourke sport- the fallen soldier’s grieving wife (Natalie new and exotic setting. Flashbacks to the ing a phony Russian accent. The character Portman) and two children. But it’s when the beginnings of the foursome’s friendships of Stark is given a humorous side through older brother comes back from the dead after add context, while the requisite shopping, Downey’s familiar sarcasm, and an all-star a harrowing experience at the hands of the drinking and sexual antics hark back to supporting cast rounds out the story. There Taliban that the real story begins. Portman and the show’s roots. Don’t expect any deep is no shortage of fast-paced action and Gyllenhaal, along with the two child actors, life lessons, but the film is sure to be a hit large-scale explosions, and a teaser ending form an strong supporting cast to Maguire’s with its female fan base. Now playing. conveniently leaves the door open for future conflicted and damaged lead. Now playing. additions to the franchise. Now playing.

by Cecelia Martinez

↑ © 2010 MVLFFLLC & Marvel Entertainment. ↑ © 2009 Brothers Production, LLC. All Rights Reserved. ↑ © 2010 New Line Productions, Inc. and Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. ↓ © 2009 Twentieth Century Fox ↓ © MMX New Line Productions, Inc. ↓ Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment

Crazy Heart A Nightmare on Elm Street Universal Soldier: Regeneration Jeff Bridges was awarded an Oscar for his Don’t fall asleep! Freddy Kreuger is back in The final film in the Universal Soldier series honest, multi-dimensional portrayal of this Michael Bay-produced re-imagining delivers exactly what most moviegoers will a once-great country musician who has of the 1984 pop horror classic. The film is expect: super soldiers in high definition fallen into alcoholism and near poverty faithful to the original story and includes locked in a battle to the death. Jean-Claude in this subtle, realistic film. The original some shocking new set pieces, plenty of Van Damme returns to the franchise to songs (many sung by Bridges himself and gore, and a few good scares, but it somewhat once again face off with his enemy from supporting actor Colin Farrell) and honest lacks the depth and genuine horror of the the original film, played by Andrew Scott. script provide a strong basis for Bridges original. The signature Bay high body count Both soldiers have been reanimated, and co-star Maggie Gyllenhaal to really may entertain some moviegoers, but actor reactivated and rearmed with all the latest shine. Despite large age and personality Jackie Earle Haley’s new Freddie misses out weapons technology, making this one differences, the romance that develops on the charm of Robert Englund’s original. action-packed, bullet-ridden ride. While the between the two characters is completely However, audiences who love popcorn horror story line is predictably flat and the acting believable, drawing audiences into the story. movies will enjoy watching the blade-handed minimal, fans of the series and the genre The ending thankfully doesn’t fall into the killer creatively slay his teenage victims won’t be disappointed by the seemingly typical Hollywood formula, but is nonetheless in all kinds of new and inventive ways. In nonstop string of action and battle scenes. satisfying and uplifting. Now playing. theaters June 26. –Christopher Jones In theaters June 26. –Jacques Bernard

8 WEEKENDER Alice in Wonderland Weekender Promotion

illy issimo Gets a Revamp by Kevin Jungnitsch

The experience of enjoying a freshly brewed cup of at an authentic Italian café is one that spurs relaxation and peace of mind. However, many business professionals do not have the luxury of time to incorporate such a visit into their daily routine. Coca-Cola and Italian coffee company Illy’s collaboration line of ready-made , called illy issimo, provides the taste of freshly- in the convenience of a can.

The ready-to-drink illy issimo coffee line debuted in Tokyo last year, ena- bling coffee connoisseurs to bring their favorite blended drinks wher- ever their busy days may take them. The limited scale launch was well received, and as of mid-April this year the brand expanded the availability to other parts of the Kanto region. For this, the lineup was revamped and now includes a new flavor that has coffee purists scrambling to find a can. The product, called simply ‘Italian Caffè,’ is an unsweetened black coffee—a blend created at the request of numerous consumers. Illy also released a practical 160g can for its revamped macchiato flavor, with the company’s iconic red color gracing the can’s lid.

Illy issimo stands a level above other ready-to-drink coffees as a premium product that delivers the full coffee taste and Illy experience. All the drinks use the finest quality ingredients and 100% Arabica beans, the same ones used for the Illy coffee sold at cafés in Italy and across the globe. The drinks encompass the brand’s values and what it is known for: the authentic Italian taste. Illy’s brewing expertise is evident from the moment you open the drink. The fresh aroma scent of roasted espresso beans stimulates the senses and imagination the same way a freshly-brewed cup does, but this is a refreshment that can be enjoyed on the go at any time of day.

Illy Coffee’s beginnings date back to 1933 in the city of Trieste, Italy. With decades of experience and accomplishments, the brand has gained the support of renowned chefs and in both Italy and around the world. The illy issimo canned coffee line offers a convenient way of enjoying the delicious taste of Italian espresso, uplifting the senses and adding a touch of luxury to everyday life.

Available at select supermarkets, convenience stores and vending machines, ¥190 for the 190g bottle can, and ¥150 for the 160g can.

WEEKENDER 9 //

: Photo by Kelly Wetherille Kelly by Photo 2F, 3-10-1 Moto , Minato-ku Azabu, Moto 3-10-1 2F, 03-5770-7899 Tel: www.savoy.vc and click on Lifestyle, then Tokyo Tables Tables Tokyo then Lifestyle, on click and For more restaurant and bar reviews, go to to go reviews, bar and restaurant more For Open daily for lunch for Open daily (11:30am–3pm) and dinner (6–10:30pm) / www.weekenderjapan.com

Savoy, Azabu Moto Wetherille Kelly by huge a by evidenced purists, are Tokyoites pizza, to comes it When to claiming (or specializing restaurants in years recent over boom es- these of many While pizza. style Napoli authentic in specialize) that few a are there right, own their in visit a worth are tablishments been it’s and these, of one is Juban Azabu in Savoy rest. the above stand staying and popularity its proving well, as most than longer around market. finicky notoriously a in power Juban’s Azabu overlooking place hole-in-the-wall little tiny a is Savoy dozen a about serve only would it capacity full street—at shopping main one do staff the that is here idea the but small, is too, menu, The diners. are There pizza. Italian delicious and simple well—pure, it do and thing, so meat, any contains neither and menu, the on pizza of flavors two only look should sausage and pepperoni with loaded pie a for looking those the appreciate will lovers meat die-hard most the even But elsewhere. former The pizzas. marinara and margherita Savoy’s of simplicity tasty latter the and concoction, basil fresh and mozzarella classic the is at priced is Each here). cheese (no oregano and garlic fresh of consists excellent-value an also is there but pie, individually-sized an for ¥1,575 pizza, of choice a salad, small a includes that ¥1,000 only for set lunch espresso. an and the from ingredients, top-shelf are special pizza Savoy’s make What salt sea ground coarsely the to mozzarella fresh melt-in-your-mouth pie. each in slides carefully he before chef the by oven the into tossed tasted— ever I’ve any as perfection to close as about is dough The just reaches it until oven wood-burning the in cooked chewy, slightly topped is This taste. to salty bit a and crispiness, of amount right the ripe of flavor pure the with rich sauce, tomato delightful equally an with above, stated as toppings—simple, the come Finally tomatoes. Italian bite, first the took I As base. pizza’s the to complement perfect the but harmony. wonderful in together came ingredients these all variety a includes menu Savoy’s pizza, of varieties two the to addition In are bottles Most list. wine reasonably-priced very a and appetizers of for So more. costing vintages higher-end few a just with ¥4,000, under spending away come easily can people two wine, and food fine some neighborhood. the for value excellent an each, yen thousand few a just service. world-class or decor fancy expect don’t Just - - Photos by Stephen Parker by Stephen Photos 2F Goldengai G2, 1-1-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku 03-5272-1651 Tel:

WEEKENDER Open daily, 8pm–5am Open daily, Sun and for (closed parties) private occasional Araku is located on the G2 street of Golden Gai—look for a red sign and and sign red a for Gai—look Golden of street G2 the on its located is with Araku staircase, coolest Tokyo’s possibly very is what up be head will then visitors inside Once carpet. shag red in covered ceiling and at walls laid-back cool, the into welcomed and staff bilingual the by greeted For those unfamiliar with Golden Gai, the small cluster of alleys was born born was alleys of cluster small the Gai, Golden with dens.’ ‘comfort unfamiliar those one-room For countless of home and the vibe as unique era own postwar its the with in each bars, Golden tiny the by of many populated to is it entrance days gain These to difficult be can Araku It at but regulars. staff, of or group manager the know in you street unless the on holes anyone watering ask Gai just Gai, Golden find To Shibuya. or welcome. is as anyone Japanese most to known well as Shinjuku—it’s Finding an expat bar in Tokyo that isn’t a loud sports pub or sleazy club can can club sleazy or pub sports loud a isn’t that but Tokyo Shinjuku, in to bar going expat try an out Finding night different completely Kabukicho a the For in Gai, difficult. Golden be to instead head style and shanty streets tiny the main the among avoid streets narrow the and of wine one down quality Hidden stocks that district. bar Australian-owned friendly a Araku, is bars under. down from beer im serves Araku cocktails, of list standard the to addition In mosphere. by Stephen Parker Stephen by Kabukicho Araku, Araku, elsewhere find to hard be would that food so interesting and famished, drinks was and ported work at day long a from come just had I city. the the in on item food substantial most the try I suggested Tracey that bar co-owner Aussie an In burger.’ ‘bouncy a as described she menu…what kangaroo. thing: one mean only could - marsu first my was this but Japan, in things strange some eaten have I burger good surprisingly a for makes meat gamey lean, dark, The pial. a was sauce mayo and mustard tomato, homemade the and (¥900), include Australia from in flown imports Other accompaniment. great pies Vili’s mini three of plate a Vegemite even and (¥900), also bar The (¥300). toast on ¥4,000 for plans party serves drinks including person per at feel really To food. light and the love will Australians home, or beer Coopers and VB chilled the from wine Aussie of glass a list. wine carefully-selected Tokyo Tables TokYo Tables 10 This summer, experience the feeling of a California cruise at Trader Vic's.

Relax and let the cool, calming California experience take you over. Enjoy mini hamburgers and other well known American cuisine with sparkling wine and draft beer.

Reservations & Inquiries Tel:03-3265-4707 e-mail:[email protected] Hotel New Otani Garden Tower 4F, 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8578 F a s h i o n

The recent slow economy has prompted consumers in Japan to become there was no value or appreciation put on these things. If there was a small even savvier shoppers than before, with people always on the lookout for spot or something they returned it to me, but as long as it was clean and something truly unique and special. Add to this the newfound fascination looked new it was fine. There was no sense of style or design. And since with recycling and all things ‘green,’ and you have the perfect environment the shop buys the things, they want to give the cheapest price possible, for a new store called Pass the Baton to shine. The brainchild of Masamichi whereas the person selling it is happier with a higher price, so there’s a Toyama, the first Pass the Baton store opened in a small space in Maru- real disconnect. To avoid this, we have a different system at Pass the Baton. nouchi’s Brick Square building last fall. Late April saw the opening of a The person selling their things decides the prices and then leaves them in new, much larger location in Omotesando Hills, proving that Toyama is on the shop. When they sell, the sale price is split half/half between the shop to something. He sat down with Weekender’s Kelly Wetherille to talk about and the seller. There’s no haggling. his ideas and plans. The other thing that is unique about Pass the Baton is that we take a photo What is the concept of Pass the Baton and and get a profile of each seller, along with the story behind each item. This how did you come up with the idea? makes it really interesting to see how each item relates to the seller’s own specific culture. Everyone has his own history, culture and sense, so we Simply put, it is a modern select recycle shop. There is plenty of value in want to gather things that have that kind of value, not just designer clothing. things that already exist, so I thought it would be good to be able to circulate [Pass the Baton’s tagline is, “Pass the personal culture. Pass the baton.”] those things. And frankly, there’s never really been a recycle shop that I wanted to go to until now. So I wanted to make a recycle shop where people How do you choose which items to include in the store’s selection? could share in the value of things. We do have to be somewhat selective, so sometimes we have to tell people When I started thinking it would be interesting to open a recycle shop, I that we can’t accept some things because they don’t match the concept visited many existing shops. At one point I went in with two big paper shop- and atmosphere of the shop. But I think it’s good if we can accept just about ping bags both completely filled, and I only received ¥850 for them. I was everything that’s brought to us, so we appreciate people looking at the shop heartbroken, because inside were some shirts that I had really loved, but first and then bringing things that they specifically think will fit with the rest Photos courtesy of Pass the Baton

Pass It On

12 WEEKENDER F a s h i o n

of the shop’s selection. Also, we are really looking for things that people may not use, but would be a waste to throw away…things that they really love, but maybe the size is wrong, or something like that.

You mentioned that the concept is a ‘modern’ recycle shop. Does that mean you don’t really deal in antiques?

I’ve always liked antiques, and there are definitely people who come to us with antiques. And in addition to getting things from individuals, we stock antiques that we buy from abroad. But generally [for clothing] we get things that are more recent, maybe from about the 80s. And right now there’s a small 80s boom happening, so these things are very popular.

It looks like in addition to used items, you also sell some new products. Is that true?

Well, I’m not sure I would call them new, but in addition to getting things from individuals, we have also started working with other businesses. For example, we have Dean and Deluca tote bags that are slightly flawed in some way. Most people wouldn’t even be able to tell, so to throw them away seems like a real waste. We take these bags, put some kind of new design on them, and then sell them as new, unique products. Also popular are our rusk and sets. The are from a Japanese china factory that made products for exporting to Europe, but they have a lot of slightly imper- fect items left over that were never exported. In fact, there are so many that you can literally climb up the crates in the warehouse searching for what you want. We choose cups that fit into our selection, and then sell them as a set with rusks made by a bakery in Hanzomon. We sell about 700 of these every month between our two stores.

Things seem to be going well for you so far. What are your hopes or plans for the future?

I am really interested in the concept of exchanging personal culture between different people, so it makes me happy when people from over- seas bring their things to our shops. I’d be very excited to see more for- eigners who live in Japan bring in things from their homeland to sell in our stores. I also really want to open Pass the Baton shops internationally…like in Paris, London, New York. That way we could move things around the world…things that are collected in London could be sold here, and things collected in Japan could be sold overseas. I think it would be really interest- ing to see items circulating like that.

The branch of Pass the Baton sells only curios and inte- rior items, but the Omotesando store also includes clothing, a gallery, and even a section of items from the personal collection of Nigo, the founder of A Bathing Ape (BAPE). The Omotesando branch also includes a ‘pass counter,’ where visitors can leave items to be sold.

Pass the Baton Omotesando B2F Omotesando Hills West, 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm, Sun and holidays 11am–8pm Tel: 03-6447-0707

Pass the Baton Marunouchi Marunouchi Brick Square, 2-6-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm, Sun and holidays 11am–8pm Tel: 03-6269-9555

www.pass-the-baton.com

WEEKENDER 13 B u s i n e s s

THE VIEW FROM HERE by Ian de Stains OBE

So did Shakespeare express his view through the eloquent mouth of Titania, Queen of the Faeries, in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. So even all those centuries ago, it was understood that man could—and does—have The Nine Men’s Morris an impact on nature. We can choose whether that impact is negative or for the good.

It puzzles me that there are still those who question this, especially since we have far more recent examples of how behavioral change can have immediate benefits. Remember when parts of the US were blighted by acid rain? And what about London’s notorious (and noxious) pea-soup fogs? Both long a thing of the past and both resolved through affirmative action to address the root cause of the issue. A matter of forty years ago, traffic policemen at the crossing in Tokyo needed to take ‘oxygen breaks,’ so heavy was the pollution, and some of the city’s rivers were considered fire hazards. But look at Tokyo now: there are salmon in the Sumida River and—in the winter months at least—Mount Fuji is seen So much is talked about climate change these days quite clearly from the capital city’s high-rise buildings. that is tempting to think ours is the only generation that has been concerned with it. But consider this: That Copenhagen has been an utter failure is now quite clear. The reasons for that failure will be debated for a long time to come, but in the final analysis, politics is at the very heart of it, with vested business interests “Therefore the winds, piping to us in vain, just a heartbeat away. Fingers are being pointed, blame attributed, and As in revenge have sucked up from the sea seemingly random targets for CO2 reduction are bandied about, argued Contagious fogs which, falling in the land, over, decried, and dismissed; and there are even questions over whether Have every pelting river made so proud this is, in fact, what the debate should be about anyway. That they have overborne their continents. The ox hath therefore stretched his yoke in vain, I am not a scientist, nor am I a politician, but I do care about what climate The ploughman lost his sweat, and the green corn change is doing to our planet, and I wonder whether those at the sharp Hath rotted ere his youth attained a beard. end—as it were—care as much about that as they do about their ‘posi- The fold stands empty in the drowned field, tions.’ It is almost as if they were all in an airplane; one of the wings drops And crows are fatted with the murrain flock. off and the cry goes up: it’s the wing on your side, we’re OK, thank you. The nine men’s morris is filled up with mud, And the quaint mazes in the wanton green Ian de Stains OBE is the executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce in For lack of tread are indistinguishable.” Japan. Views expressed in this column are purely his own and are not necessarily endorsed or shared by the Chamber.

Photo by Mikael Miettinen

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E-Level Profiles / Entrepreneurs in Japan Photo courtesy of Craig Meikle EdwardCraig Meikle Suzuki

of Meikle & Associates Realty (www.msmrealty.com)

A keen interest in the outdoors and experience establishing and managing companies across a wide range of industries gave Craig Meikle a unique base from which to start Meikle & Associates Realty. Now one of Niseko’s leading real estate firms, the company serves both local and international clients from a variety of backgrounds, and the unique location means Meikle hasn’t had to sacrifice his own active lifestyle for the of his business.

What is your background and why did you decide to start your business? factor in the ski industry as well, which can be seen down in Honshu with the seasons becoming shorter. Niseko tends to have its own little micro I first ventured to Japan back in 1996, when I spent my first winter in climate, so we are still blessed with a consistent snow fall. Hakuba chasing the money and the powder. At this time the exchange was around ¥50 to the kiwi dollar, so we were getting paid a lot of money making snow on Tsugaiki Ski Field. I then moved up to Niseko for the Who or what gives you inspiration in business? next three years (at a time when there were no gaijin here) and worked for NAC. The place was very quiet during this period for such an outgo- I get inspiration from my non-executive business partner in Hong Kong, ing kiwi lad, so I moved down to Honshu for a stint in Minakami at Uncle who has been in banking for most of his life and has been in some high Bear. It was around this time when I met my wife, who was a Chiba resi- profile positions. He gives me great advice and has a real understanding dent. I decided to move to Tokyo, where I started the wakeboard school of what my target customer audience wants. A lot of my friends also run Flying High on the Edogawa River and ran a restaurant at the marina. or own their own businesses, so it is great to see these guys go through Having a family down in Tokyo can sometimes be quite demanding, the ups and downs of business and keep moving forward. so about four years ago I decided to sit my real estate license in New Zealand with the idea of moving back to Queenstown. I decided to make a quick trip north to Niseko one more time to say goodbye to my mates What are the best and worst decisions you working there, and low and behold I am still here and running the have made doing business in Japan? company Meikle & Associates Realty. My worst decision was getting into the café industry while also trying to run the wakeboard school. Luckily enough we got out of the hospitality game reasonably unscathed, but my advice to anyone getting into it is Real estate in Niseko has location, location, location, and to have someone with a lot of experience created a special opportunity running or managing it. Moving to real estate in Niseko has created a special opportunity for us to meet fantastic people from throughout Asia to meet fantastic people and from all walks of life, whom I would never get to meet if I was not in this field of work. These people rely on me to give them good property from all walks of life. advice, and from there we often become friends (Niseko is a small place). From this, new opportunities arise, which can either be taken or not.

What are the Japan-specific challenges your business faces? What do you do in your spare time? Our business here is in a resort type of setting, and the majority of our clients are in or have something to do with the finance world, so we will In my spare time in winter you will either find me snowmobiling in the always have the highs and lows in the market when these sectors are backcountry with my friends or night skiing with my son. In summer we under pressure. This season has bounced back, with a good amount of get to relax a little and hit the golf course twice a week, and I am even transactions taking place compared to the previous season, which shows thinking of buying a boat again to use on weekends in Lake Toya, which is us that Niseko is really on the map in Asia not only as a winter desti- just 30 minutes away. It is amazing how many new friends you can make nation, but also a year-round one. Global warming is naturally a huge when you have a boat.

For more executive and entrepreneur profiles, :// go to www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Business / WEEKENDER 15 The Art of Tea Photos by ajari Japan’s Dying Trade

by Danielle Rippingale Like steam rising from a tea cup, the mere mention of Japan naturally evokes romantic images of and the century old traditions that surround this esteemed brew, and with good reason. Japan has a strong appreciation, with crops of Japanese green tea extending back at least 1,000 years. Japanese Buddhist monks studying in China brought tea and tea seeds back to Japan during the 12th century. It was during the 1400s that tea became a popular drink in Japan, and the with all its intricacies was born. The status of tea was elevated to an art form with the ceremony called cha no yu (hot water tea) by Zen priest Shuko Murata.

16 WEEKENDER F e a t u r e : The Art of Tea

All tea, whether black, green or white, comes from the leaf and leaf bud “Tea... is a religion of the of a flowering plant, (sinesis means Chinese in Latin). Different are then produced according to different levels of oxidation. art of life”. ~Okakura The young leaves and bud are most preferable for quality tea production, although the taste of the tea will vary greatly depending on growing conditions, time of harvest, and method of processing. Green tea has Some of the most common Japanese green teas: minimal oxidation compared with . (Jade Dew tea) is an expensive, high grade green tea with a pale Over the last 20 years the health benefits of green tea have been green and distinctive sweet flavor that results from shading the enthusiastically researched, with growing evidence that regular tea plant before harvest to slow down growth and increase production of amino drinkers have lower rates of heart disease and cancer than non-drinkers. acids. Forty percent of gyokuro is produced in Yame in Fukuoka prefecture. The free radical-fighting antioxidants (polyphenols, flavonoids, and ) that may fight some cancers are highest in , although (decocted or broiled tea) is grown in the full sun, made without green tea offers more than the highly processed black tea. Higher quality grinding the tea leaves, and accounts for over three quarters of all tea and freshly brewed teas have more antioxidants (and are better for the produced in Japan. Produced in Shizuoka, the Yame region of Fukuoka, and environment) than lower quality teas and the increasingly popular Kyushu, sencha has a pleasant sharpness and rich emerald color. Sencha bottled teas. tea can be divided into shincha (new tea, or the first sencha harvest), which is high in vitamins, sweetness and full, grassy aroma and flavor;nibancha Every tea producing region in Japan grows tea boasting distinct (‘second tea’), which has a stronger, more bitter flavor; andbancha (‘coarse’ flavors that the Japanese have traditionally honored and celebrated. tea from the third harvest), which is considered the lowest grade of green Preferences for specific tea are influenced by the local culture, food tea and has a strong organic straw smell and bitter flavor. culture, and the natural environment. Hojicha is reddish in color, lower in , and extremely popular due Japan produces various types of green tea, and unlike Chinese green teas, to the roasted caramel-like flavors that arise from roasting the leaves at which are initially pan-fired, Japanese green tea is first steamed to prevent high temperatures in a porcelain pot over charcoal. the leaves from oxidizing, giving the tea a greener color and a grassier and more bitter flavor. The leaves are rolled, shaped and dried before being fired (brown rice or popcorn tea) is a blend of sencha and roasted brown to aid in their preservation and to add flavor. rice that gives a light yellow color, an aroma of roasted rice, and a mild taste.

WEEKENDER 17 Unlike Chinese green teas, (twig tea) has a mildly nutty and slightly creamy, sweet flavor. It is made from the stems, stalks and twigs of the tea plant. Japanese green tea is first

Matcha is finely stone groundtencha , or handpicked shade-grown leaves steamed, giving the tea a that are dried flat, de-veined and de-stemmed (not to be confused with other powdered tea or ). High quality has a deep flavor greener color and a grassier and intense sweetness. The centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha. and more bitter flavor.

More recently, Japan’s tea industry has witnessed significant changes in tea production and consumer tastes, as witnessed with an increased popularity in black tea, which has dominated the market in the West for centuries. Another trend in Japan is the proliferation of cold bottled tea. Not only does the bottled beverage use low quality tea with limited health Kinezuka is adamant that competition from cheap foreign tea imports is benefits, but its rising popularity is significantly undermining the ability less of a concern to Japanese tea farmers than exploitation by the market of tea farmers to make a living. system. Every year she witnesses farmers being forced to reduce their tea prices to those that are unsustainable. She fears that tea farming, with its Ayumi Kinezuka is an organic tea farmer from Shizuoka prefecture, where local culture, knowledge and techniques, is on the precipice of extinction, as 40 percent of Japan’s raw tea leaves are produced and processed. She is many farmers have no other choice but to abandon their tea fields and end acutely aware of the challenges—both natural and economic—facing tea generations of farming. farmers in Japan. In their search for good quality tea at the lowest price possible, Japan’s largest and most powerful tea companies exercise Kinezuka feels that we must acknowledge the problem, gain understanding, strong influence on the market price of tea. With huge purchasing power and act together to find a solution. Here’s food, or tea, for thought—the next and a focus on profit, their control of the market makes the production and time you are sitting down to a cup of tea, consider the implications of your sustainability of tea farming very difficult for farmers. purchase and commit to purchasing quality (ideally organic) tea from local farmers. Also, consider taking a trip out to one of Japan’s tea growing areas to While not unique to tea farming, issues like aging farmers, lack of succession, learn more about this important aspect of Japanese culture. Its diminishing and land abandonment further complicate the situation for farmers in Japan. size is a big loss to Japanese heritage, as well as to world .

18 WEEKENDER F e a t u r e : The Art of Tea Photo this page by Ayumi Kinezuka, oposite page photo by Chris Gladis

Making a pot of sencha may seem like an easy task, however common mistakes include using water that is of poor quality, too hot, too little, or too much, and over brewing.

How to prepare the perfect pot of sencha green tea:

1. Put leaves in tea pot (approximately 3g per person).

2. Prepare tea cups by adding hot water to 8oz cups until their temperature drops to around 60°C.

3. Gently pour the water from the tea cups into the tea pot and steep for two minutes. The water should be at the same level as the tea leaves.

4. Pour the tea into tea cups and enjoy!

5. For the second serving, you may increase the water temperature to around 70°C, and for the third to about 90°C. After that you can directly pour the hot water into the pot.

WEEKENDER 19 Bulletin Board

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First come first Moving ¥295,000 obo. Can assist with registration change product/nws-w-series/nwz-w202. Dining Table w/ Guarantee ID: 50639 served. New apartment room used only for a year. Do you need help moving or delivering large parcels? if required. Contact for details. ¥6,000. One year and nine months old. Three-year All furniture (e.g. semi-double bed, REGZA wide Or perhaps chartering and basic domestic chores like iPhone 3G 16 GB ID: 50606 guarantee. Pick up at Sangenjaya. TV, huge mirror, etc.). Brand new bike (you can also shopping, junk disposal and pickups? Transporter Wagon R ID: 50522 16 GB iPhone 3G with iOS 4.0. This is the release use while I’m not there). Three big closets, one big Tokyo is at your service, offering inexpensive, fast and 1998 Wagon R. Keyless, 128,000km, five doors, version of iOS 4.0 and is currently only available to Black TV Stand ID: 50614 shoe closet. Really quiet neighbors, five minutes safe assistance in English, French and Japanese. For ETC, new battery , 14km/L, shaken until March Apple developers. Be one of the first with iOS 4.0! Black TV stand with glass doors and one shelf, from supermarket, five minutes to Hacchobori more information call 03-5705-1363 or e-mail info@ 2011, tax paid until April 2011. Only ¥83,000, first Photos available on request. ¥40,000. in very good condition (no chips). Width: 51cm, station, ten minutes to . Lots of sun- transporter-tokyo.com. come first served. height: 40cm, depth: 48cm. ¥2,500. Call 070-5011- light. Available for six months from mid-July 2010. Mobile Phone ID: 50290 9913 to inquire. Please contact me with any questions. Great English lessons ID: 48761 Honda Today 50cc Scooter ID: 50482 Softbank 922SH. ¥8,000. Teach from San Francisco, California can teach you Selling my beloved Honda Today black 50 cc Wood Display Mantles ID: 47792 Shibuya ID: 47396 English at your home or at a cafe near your home. I scooter. It has run 10,400km, but got serviced with Xperia x10 Swap/Sale ID: 50605 ¥2,000 (for smaller one) and ¥2,500 (for larger ¥30,000 per week. Furnished, quiet 16m2 room have experience teaching English in Japanese new parts (headlight, taillight, battery) last year Swap your iPhone 3G with my Xperia x10. One week one). These are very attractive display mantles in Shibuya between June 6 and 27. The room is public junior high schools and I can promise a great and still rides like a dream. Two helmets, two keys, old. Or buy it for ¥50,000. Email [email protected]. that you mount on the wall for display of knick large and within a five room apartment where I live lesson. My lesson charge is ¥3,000 for one hour or bungee cord included. Insurance is good through knacks, plates, etc. I have two of them. One is with three friends (two Swiss guys, one Japanese ¥4,000 for one and a half hours. Send me an email July 2011. A few minor scratches, but still one of Fujitsu DVD Laptop ID: 50502 about 55cm and the other one is maybe 80cm long. girl). We all work in Tokyo and our age range is late and I can help you learn English. the most popular scooters out there because of its Fujitsu notebook, DVD CDRW, 2.2Ghz speed, They are held by two screws and have never been 20s. The apartment is large and it has two floors: reliability and style. ¥50,000 obo. 512MB, SD card reader, Memory Stick reader, Win- mounted. Email [email protected] or call the upper floor contains the living room and the Reiki in Nishi Azabu dows XP Pro, Microsoft Office, Photo Editor, Power 070-5011-9913. See more at www.flickr.com/pho- kitchen. The lower floor contains the four indi- Relax in a cozy atmosphere while a trained practitio- 2001 Mercedes-Benz Class 240 ID: 50376 DVD, etc. 100-250v. Fast and reliable. ¥19,000. tos/8519161@N02/sets/72157622116734853. vidual rooms. 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Fully adjust- details at [email protected]. 080-1232-8299 or email abdulsallamilyass@ bin. Email [email protected]. able. I will dismantle and collection will be from yahoo.com. (near station) only. Music Japanese Lessons in Tokyo and Online Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5–4.5 AF-S DX ID: 29109 ID: 47434 I am a Japanese tutor with ten years of ex- Honda Magna V-Twin ID: 50169 Selling my Nikon 18–70mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-S DX. Electric Guitar For Sale! ID: 50538 perience. I can customize lessons for each student, 250cc, silver, new tires, just serviced, looks Nikon 18-70mm focal range gives you angle Household Epiphone Les Paul Standard Model, red woodstain depending on factors such as your level and your and drives great. ¥155,000. Email mynetpost@ of views from ~19 to 66 degrees (horizontal) color. Like new, barely used. Includes Vox amp. goal. ¥2,500 per hour for local lessons, ¥2,000 per hotmail.com. on a DSLR; it’s effectively the same as using an Fridge ID: 50554 ¥35,000 obo. Photos available on request. hour for online lessons. 28–105mm lens on a 35mm body. For some users, Big family fridge, 270 liters. Selling for only 2003 Ducati 800SS ID: 49882 that’s a stay-on-camera range. The lens is still in ¥10,000. Year 1993, but working fine. Can deliver Technics 1200 MK 3D ID: 48312 Dentistry With after-market exhaust less than 2,000km. great condition. ¥29,000 (this includes a Kenko within Saitama, Tokyo area. ¥25,000. Pro DJ turntables, working perfectly. Dr. Nakashima from the Nakashima Dental Office Price is negotiable, asking ¥650,000. Prod1D lens protector worth ¥4,000). Contact with has been serving the international community in any questions. Wooden Board Mat ID: 50615 Tokyo for more that 24 years. Dr. Nakashima spe- 2002 Honda CRV ID: 49875 New and unused. This is a typical item used in the Sports cializes in microscopic general dentistry. He has Silver color, English navigation system, ETC box. 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Other areas are meter, custom muffler, Momo steering wheel, Korg MR-1 Field Recorder ID: 25363 (“Professional-plumber recommended,” but possible but cost will differ. If you require as- Wanted alloy wheels. In-dash HDD navigation system with 20GB internal hard drive. Recording up to 1-bit, there are very, very good instructions available sembly (it comes without the wheels, pedals, CD player (this unit cost ¥160,000). Shaken until lossless sound quality. Pristine condition, almost on the internet! Especially since the Japanese and handlebar fitted, and the front brake cable Language Exchange (Writing Skills) ID: 50046 November 2010. This car is fully loaded, a powerful never used. Additional external battery pack plumbers are not actually familiar with this item, not connected), I can do it for you with a safety I’m looking for someone who wants to improve car with lots of room in the back. Very clean and tidy. (bought as an option to extend battery life even though some plumbers are good at just about check for ¥1,000 extra. Pick can be made from their Japanese or Korean writing skills and teach further). All original accessories (AC adapter, anything). Email [email protected] or station on the JR Chou line. My price me English writing. I’m from Korea and started USB cable, cover, stereo mic, owner’s manual and call 070-5011-9913. is firm so please don’t ask for a discount—I will working in Tokyo three years ago. I studied Japa- Electronics CD with AudioGate editing software). ¥15,000. ignore any emails that do. nese for the last 15 years and I have enough Japa- For more details see www.korg.com/Product. Corona Kerosene Heater 15–20 Tatami ID: nese speaking and writing skills to work in a Japa- Toshiba Dynabook E8 ID: 50648 aspx?pd=284. 50503 This kerosene heater currently sells else- Golf Spikes ID: 49105 nese company. I’m living in Tokyo but if you live far Toshiba Dynabook E8, Cerelon 2GHZ, 40GB hard where on the web for ¥36,000, but we’re asking Bridgestone 26.5J/10US, worn fewer than ten from Tokyo maybe we can communicate by email. drive, 512MB RAM, CDRW-DVD, lan, modem, Canon EOS Digital Remote ID: 25233 only ¥15,000. The model number is FH-E579BY- times, ¥1,000. Pick up in the Roppongi area. Please let me know if you are interested. USB drive, Windows XP, Office 2003 and more for Canon RS-80N3. Remote switch cable fits Canon N. This model includes a remote control and ¥15,000, fixed price. EOS 10D, 20D, 30D, D30, 40D, 50D, 1D, 1Ds, 5D. automatically closing door that prevents the bad Six-Gear Bicycle ID: 50588 Dog Sitter Wanted ID: 50294 ¥2,500 obo. odor normally associated with kerosene heaters. Got it new one and a half years ago, ¥7,000. Perfect Dog sitter wanted for two great Yorkies (about 3kg Tokina 11–16mm f2.8 Lens ID: 50620 We’ll also include a free child-protective guard. condition, six gears, nice basket. If you want more each) from July 10 to August 5. They are house Tokina 11–16mm f2.8 ultra wide angle lens. Lens If you pick it up locally, I’ll include two kerosene details or photos, contact me. trained and do well with children and other dogs. is basically brand new, and is in mint condition. No Clothing tanks and a siphon pump. More sayonara sale Also, we may consider if you would like to stay at scratches. Made for Nikon DX, but works around stuff (and heaters / AC units) at http://gallery. our house and reduce your commute to Tokyo in 15mm on FX cameras. Sharper and tougher than Sneakers / Rubber Shoes for Women ID: 50361 me.com/vimo/100124. Services July. We can discuss this if you are interested. Must Nikon’s much more expensive wide angle zoom. Pink sneakers from Clothing Co., size 24.5cm (cost be neat and non-smoker. Please reply if you would Comes with original box, bayonet filter, and lens ¥3,000 new). White/pink rubber shoes from Skech- Queen Sized Bed, Locker, Mattress ID: 50465 Guitar Lessons ID: 41440 like to discuss your fees, etc. Thank you! cap. ¥45,000. Open to other offers. ers, size 24cm (cost ¥6,000 new). Selling both for Queen sized mattress, bed and locker. Sultan Experienced, professionally trained guitar teacher only ¥3,000. Elsford. Washable cover. Retails for ¥87,000, in Aoyama. I teach various styles including clas- Softbank Prepaid SIM Card ID: 50548 Sony Walkman NWZ-W202 ID: 50596 selling for ¥40,000 obo. Please view photos of this sical, rock, bossa nova and . I also teach com- I want a prepaid Softbank, if you are leaving Japan 2GB mp3 player. Supports WMA, MP3 and AAC (non- Louis Vuitton Bag ID: 49951 and other items at: http://picasaweb.google. position, music harmony, theory and site reading. and have one don’t throw it away, please contact DRM only). High quality secure-fit headphones. Monogram canvas Musette bag. Best offer. com/115552730432869053321/Sale#. You can also learn music theory, music recording me. Thanks.

20 WEEKENDER Bulletin Board

Bar Waitress / Bar Staff ID: 13734 Jobs There are not so many restaurants in Japan where you can be fully satisfied. By full satisfaction, we https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/ mean a relaxing, elegant, and memorable dining experience, not just satisfaction of appetite. The Fidessa Developer restaurants of XEX Group proudly offer excellence Leading investment bank is urgently looking for a in all areas: services, foods, and atmosphere. It Fidessa developer. You will need proven Fidessa has been made possible by creating the working development experience within investment bank- environment in which the employees, from the ing. The main purpose of the role is development front to back, enthusiastically and energetically and support of an existing Fidessa platform, and work together as aiming to deepen their expertise. providing solutions to business-led projects. We welcome to our team those who are highly The successful candidate will join a global team motivated, hospitality-minded, and eager to ac- of developers in equities IT who collectively are complish the goal. Working hours: 6pm–4am. This responsible for the development of the Fidessa job position is more then just bartending. We like server systems. The team as a whole is respon- you to take pride in your job! Treat the customer as sible for the consistency, quality and coherence you like to be treated. Remember that the service of the overall solution definition. The role will industry is a show and you are the main actress/ focus primarily on the Fidessa server platform and actor, everything you do is watched and criticized consist of the following primary tasks: server cus- by the customer and other staff members. We hope tomization of ‘out of the box’ code, development of you can set a good example with our help. new server processes, support of trading systems. The role offers significant exposure to front office Field Application Engineer, trading and the latest Fidessa platform (Fidessa, Automotive Diagnostics BEAM). We have a number of roles available in A global leader in diagnostic equipment & solu- both Fidessa development and Fidessa support at tions for the IC industry and automotive, this From anywhere to anywhere in Japan various levels of seniority so candidates with any company is hiring an FAE on a 12-17 month contract Home or business experience in either area are encouraged to apply. basis to work with one of the 4 major Japanese auto Contact our experienced team Contact [email protected]. makers. Main objectives: improve customer soft- ware quality; improve efficiency of development For home relocation or sayonara sale delivery Client Service Specialist time. Responsibilities include: Information gath- call Steve at 090-3801-8083 or 03-5932-7777 Client services professional from within the ering on customer issues and technical discussion financial industry is urgently required to work on with customer engineering team; perform spec We can provide safe delivery of your belongings for reasonable rates the night desk of a leading international broker- and design reviews; coordinate and lead techni- Disposal service of unwanted furniture and appliances also available age. The scope of the job is two-fold: firstly to be cal meetings; adjust final applications on-site; available to support retail clients and assist them on-site debugging; act as key contact point with Email: [email protected] with any inquiries and/or minor technical issues customer and build relationship. Non-Japanese that they may have with their account. Secondly to www.Quoz.biz with strong Japanese language preferred. Poten- monitor margin positions for institutional clients tial to move to permanent position. Contact info@ and advise upon any potential limit breaches slate.co.jp. and arrange for action to be taken if necessary. Requirements: the successful candidate will have Java Programmer ID: 33950 experience within the financial industry, although We are looking for a highly skilled Java program- UOZMOVERS this does not have to be from an FX background. mer in Tokyo. On-site support of users, computers, Q Candidates who posses JSDA qualifications will be peripherals software and servers. Required skills: at a distinct advantage. Fluency in both Japanese experience with information systems develop- and English is necessary, as is the confidence to ment, deep knowledge of Java and C#, two or more work on their own as required and resolve all is- years of experience in Java programing, under- sues without local support. This is a priority hire standing of Pyton, understanding of VC++ and .net. and candidates who are available for interview im- Desirable skills: knowledge of telecommunication mediately will be highly regarded. Hours are likely system products, experience with wireless net- to encompass the hours of 9pm–8am (some flex- work systems. ibility) and the yearly salary will be in the region of ¥7,000,000–8,000,000. Contact [email protected]. Junior Financial Consultants ID: 26044 High commission scheme offered plus incen- tives. Early access to managerial positions and continued growth in the company is offered to mainly performing individuals. We offer training and seminars.

All postings on our website are free. Premium postings TRANSPORTER TOKYO will be printed in the REGULAR At your service DELIVERY From document Weekender and available Big volume for ex: Delivery of ¥7,000furniture, to moving online. For more information motorcycle, pets, plants, internet auction items etc... •Inexpensive MOVING contact our sales team at: simple •Quick •Safe For couple, single, student,¥12,000 require an extra help for the heavy items Tri-lingual driver available (English, French, Japanese) 03-5549-2038 or HANDY MAN Basic carpentry job, TEL: 03-5705-1363 [email protected] shopping, driving, pick-up, ¥5,000 dispose of junk, etc... FAX: 03-6423-9017 [email protected] http://www.transporter-tokyo.com/

WEEKENDER 21 Real Estate Azabu-dai 1R

Large one room in quiet mansion on fifth floor. Semi-furnished, only ¥90,000 per month.

For more information please call Rob at Advance International. Tel: 03-3377-7471

Omotesando 1K

Newer 23m2 furnished apartment in quiet neighborhood. Walking distance to Roppongi, Hiroo, Omotesando, etc. Wood floors, high ceilings, separate bath and toilet, utility space for washer, air conditioner, heater, outdoor patio, bike parking included. No key money, only ¥110,000 per month.

For more information please call Rob at Advance International. Tel: 03-3377-7471

Azabu Juban 1K

Spacious 28m2 south-facing room, semi- furnished with a double bed. No key money, deposit, agency fee or guarantor required. ¥30,000 cleaning fee required upon moving in, ¥185,000 plus ¥20,000 utility fee per month.

For more information please contact Ichii Corporation. Tel: 03-5437-5233 www.japt.co.jp

/ To search for more properties in Tokyo, go to www.weekenderjapan.com 22 WEEKENDER and click on Real Estate, then Apartment Search. :// Real Estate

Shirokane キッチン

リビング・ダイニング 1LDK PS 玄関

Spacious 48m2 south-facing room, semi- furnished with a double bed and sofas. No key money, agent fee or guarantor required. One month deposit, ¥300,000 plus ¥30,000 utility fee per month.

For more information please contact Ichii Corporation. Tel: 03-5437-5233 www.japt.co.jp

Tokyo Apartment Search

WEEKENDER 23 Parties, People & Places QUEEN ELISABETH II BIRTHDAY PARTY

Mexican Ambassador Miguel Ruiz-Cabanas, British Ambassador David Warren and Deputy US Ambassador John Roos and Egyptian Austrian Ambassador Jutta Stefan-Bastl Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoichi Otabe Ambassador Waleed Abdelnasser and her husband Peter, and Colombian Ambassador Patricia Cardenas

Senegalese Ambassador Gabriel Sar Pamela Warren and fashion Dr. Anna Prinz of Germany, and Fumiki Totori designer Junko Koshino Mrinalini Singh of India, and Russian Ambassador Mikhail M. Bely

FOX TV BARBECUE

Fox’s Yoshitsugu Koizumi, his wife Yuri, Akebono, his wife Christine, their daughter Bill Hersey and Fox TV personality Chris Imai and their daughters Yui and Karin Caitlyn, and sons Connor and Cody

Fox TV’s Dan Smith, TV personality Nikon’s Andrew Hazelton with Fox interns Maria Takaoka and Kaoru Fujita Dave Spector, and friends his sons Charlie and Artie

24 WEEKENDER Parties, People & Places PARTIES PEOPLE & PLACES WITH BILL HERSEY

Warmer weather has come at last, and I’m enjoying putting down the top of my old BMW and checking out some of the many changes here in old Edo. As always, I find it amazing to see so many familiar buildings come down and be replaced by many new projects. Near my apartment in Moto Yoyogi, they’re still hard at work on the new underground highway under Yamate-dori. What a huge project that is. In my neighborhood alone there’s been half a dozen big condominium buildings open recently, and from what I’ve heard there are several more still in the planning stages. It makes one feel like the recession may be over, but the many ‘for rent’ signs and the long lines of homeless people I see every morning in suggest the opposite.

Over near Harajuku station, soccer legend Hidetoshi Nakata reopened his Nakata Net Cafe, which was very popular during the Korea-Japan World Cup. It’s a great place to meet people, enjoy excellent Japanese food at reasonable prices, and of course catch the action of the games. The cafe will close after the World Cup on July 12. For more information or reservations call 03-5413-3955.

Be sure to check out the new branch of interior shop Franc Franc across the street from Brooks Brothers on Aoyama-dori. The store is full of interesting and unique home merchandise. Shoppers will find things they won’t find elsewhere, and prices are quite reasonable. Watch for the store’s white and black double decker bus that’s cruising the Harajuku and Aoyama area—it’s very cool. Reliable – Fast&Efficient – Friendly – Confidential Flexile – with reasonable rates!

QUEEN ELISABETH II BIRTHDAY PARTY

The clouds cleared up and the sun came out for British Ambassador David Warren and his wife Pamela’s midday party on the occasion of the birthday of Queen Elisabeth ll. Most of the guests spent their time in the garden enjoying the wide variety of British food, as well as some ethnic dishes. Inside the residence, one large room and the veranda served as a buffet area for some wonderful desserts that included all kinds of scones, chocolates, cakes, and of course the best of British teas. As always at the Warrens’ home, there was an interesting variety of guests from all walks of life. I talked with US Ambassador John Roos a bit and enjoyed meeting a couple of young oceanologists who were with him in the garden. It was also nice seeing Tom Yoda and congratulating him on his two years as We at Nakai Immigration Services have been serving the foreign community, the director general of the Tokyo International Film Festival. Tom’s individual as well as corporate clients for over 18 years, and we are here at the helm this year again, and I’m sure he’ll make it all very to help you efficiently with all your Immigration related needs. special. It was a great day in every way with David, Pamela, and their many friends. Options after changing jobs? Freelance? Starting your own business? Considering a permanent residency status or Unable/too busy to go to even becoming a naturalized citizen of Japan? Immigrations in person? What if period of stay has expired Hiring foreign employees Fox TV Barbecue or an application has been rejected? or transferring them to Japan? Contact us to discuss the most suitable solution in The people at Fox TV sure know how to party and how to eat—and English, German, Spanish or Japanese: they did a lot of both at an American barbecue at the Hardy Barracks. Tel: 03-6402-7654 The food, which included juicy hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad and more, was delicious. Akebono, his wife, and their three good- Email: [email protected] looking kids were there, as was Fox entertainment personality 99%+ success rate with over 30,000 applications filed

WEEKENDER 25 Parties, People & Places

DIPLOMATS PHOTO EXHIBITION

Philippine Ambassador Domingo Siazon, Palestinian Ambassador Waleede Siam, Rahman and Amira Hamid of Mori Building’s Minoru and Yoshiko Mori, Egyptian Ambassador Walid Abdelnasser, the Pakistani embassy and Croatian Ambassador Drago Stambuk and Bahraini Ambassador Khalil Hassan

Darrell Jenks of the US embassy, Politician Nobutaka Machimura, Fabiola Albanian Ambassador Sid Ali Indian Ambassador Hemant Inui, Timothy Gellel, HIH Princess Ketrandji and his wife Amal Nor Singh, and his wife Mrinalini Takamado, Colombian Ambassador Patricia Cardenas, and Seiji Kojima J-JAZZ PERFORMANCES

Matthew Ireton, Thomas Ireton, Genia Lifshitz and Lotta Mee Nemec Pop singer Charito and Charo Ireton and Zenaida and Ayako Yamuro

John and Lynn Lai Father Grimm, sports agent Dan Kazuki Sugihara and William Ireton Nomura and Bill Ireton

26 WEEKENDER Parties, People & Places

Chris Imai. Warner Brothers’ Bill Ireton was there with some of his I’ve seen and heard him perform at the Grand Hyatt’s Maduro bar family, and on behalf of the US military, Fox’s Dan Smith presented and Hilton Tokyo’s St. George’s bar. Matthew really puts his heart him with a certificate of appreciation from the US forces in Japan for and soul into anything he does, and his music is no exception. Warner’s celebrity support of the troops program.

PEOPLE DIPLOMATS PHOTO EXHIBITION Congratulations to Luxembourgian Prime Minister Jean Claude The Japan Through Diplomats Eyes 12th annual photo exhibition, Juncker, who received an honorary degree from Sophia University entitled Colors of Japan, was held in Roppongi Hills for the first during his recent visit here. time. The grand prize winners this year were Paulo Lopes Graca of Portugal and Timothy Gellel of Australia. HIH Princess Takamado The world lost a great lady and I lost a great friend when singer, was there to present the awards. actress and civil rights activist Lena Horne passed away on May 9. I first met Lena in Monte Carlo when she was the star performer at a charity ball. Her performance was awesome, and I’ll always J-JAZZ PERFORMANCES remember her coming to Princess Grace’s table after her show. She had a towel around her neck, bowed, and humbly accepted After Matthew Ireton’s graduation from George Washington the princess’s thanks and compliments. She also politely declined University, where in his free time he fell in love with jazz music, the invitation to join the table, saying she was really sorry but she he decided he wanted to do something to show the power of jazz always had a massage and went right to bed after performing. I to audiences in Japan. He’s now busy with his music, combining saw Lena a few months later backstage at her one woman show, elements of jazz and J-pop. He often writes his own lyrics in and after that we always got together whenever I visited the Big Japanese to better communicate the genre to audiences here in Apple. In her lifetime she faced racial discrimination, along with Japan. He’s worked hard and has become a talented performer, many other personal problems. She was a real trooper who never singing to audiences at local hotels and restaurants. His concept gave up and went on to become a real superstar in every sense of of a new musical genre, which he calls ‘J-jazz’ is really catching on. the word. God bless her soul.

Helen Hatt and Sally Uden Personal trainer Mark McDonald Photographer Nick Dale, TV talent Tina Bingham, Dee Jae Pa’este, and Peter Kobayashi

I n & A round

Ricardo, Momoko and Diego Parades, family IMAX executives John Mirisch and Konishiki and his wife Chie at a press of the outgoing El Salvadorian ambassador Phil Groves at the New Lex conference for the release of his new CD

WEEKENDER 27 F a m i l i e s Riding Out the Long Summer

Photo courtesy of Naomi Pollock

Photo courtesy of Naomi Pollock

Photo courtesy of Naomi Pollock

Photos courtesy of Wendela Elsen

It’s important to let kids entertain themselves a bit and even get a little bored.

by Aimee Weinstein

It’s summer and everyone is celebrating! Well, most people are cel- bring them to their grandparents’ house and sometimes send them ebrating, but for parents of kids in international schools in Tokyo, to day camps nearby. “The older they get, the more opportunities summer can be a long and perhaps even stressful experience. But the they have,” Pollock explains. “They’ve done science camps, reading holidays can also be a time for joy and relaxation—it just takes a little camps, and everything in between.” Pollock uses the summer break planning and knowing the best way to take care of the different needs to enrich the girls’ school-year lives. of different children. Wendela Elsen, a Dutch human resource consultant, has children who Long-term Tokyo resident, architect and architectural writer Naomi are younger than Pollock’s, who also have different interests. Her three Pollock, has two daughters, Abby and Eve, ages 15 and 13. Both children are Rogier, ten, and twins Anna-Claire and Mimi, who are eight. attend Nishimachi International School now, but will begin at the With all three kids at ASIJ, she finds the summer to be quite long. The American School (ASIJ) in September. Their summer solution is kids attend the three-week summer camp that takes place right at their camp in the US. “Sleepaway camp is one of America’s best inven- school. “Then I let them decompress for a bit,” Elsen says. “It’s good tions,” Pollock declares. “The girls are immersed in their culture; for them to relax and take some time to do nothing.” She feels that they understand what American kids are reading, listening to, wear- it’s important to let the kids entertain themselves a bit and even get ing, and [what] words they use.” The first summer the girls went a little bored. She will take them to Holland for two weeks and then to camp, Abby was ten and Eve was eight. They went for two weeks come back to Japan to spend two weeks in Shimoda at the end of the that first summer, but now Eve will go for eight weeks and Abby summer. When the kids were littler, they went to Holland for longer, but will attend a different voice camp for six weeks. The girls will see Elsen’s mother has since passed away and her work keeps her in Tokyo their extended family both before and after camp. Both Abby and longer. “The kids are great travelers,” Elsen says. “They now entertain Eve were born in Tokyo and when they were young, Pollock would themselves beautifully, too.”

28 WEEKENDER F a m i l i e s

Holly Schwartz is on the other end of the spectrum with her children, Skylar, age four, and Blayden, age two. Skylar attends Willowbrook International School in Tokyo. Schwartz doesn’t like the mass exodus that occurs in June; she feels that it makes living here feel disjointed. During the family’s previous expat experiences in Europe, this didn’t happen. The Schwartzes will travel around the US quite a bit this summer, spending one full month at Holly’s parents’ house in Florida. With both children having been born overseas, she, like Pollock, feels the need to expose the kids to American culture. Though Schwartz will be in the US for quite a long time, her husband will only be there for about two weeks of it. “Being without him is tough on me and on the kids,” Schwartz acknowledges, “but we do what we have to in order to get through the long summer.” She is making her kids into great travel- ers by making flights exciting with small presents like funky band-aids or new crayons. Right now, that is what works for her young children.

Masami Agarie and her family come from quite a different perspec- tive than most other parents who send their children to international schools. As a Japanese national, she uses the summer to keep her chil- dren comfortable in Japanese society. “It’s important for the girls to have local friends,” Agarie explains, speaking of her daughters, Michiru, ten, and Izumi, five, who attend the Montessori School of Tokyo (MST). “They have to learn to live as Japanese people, so the summer can be useful.” This summer both girls will go to a ballet school, and Michiru to a juku (cram school) for some science classes and shakaika—Japanese studies—where she will learn about Japanese government, history and geography, something she does not get at MST. Agarie, whose family has owned the restaurant Fukuzushi for generations, loves the long, relaxing mornings with her daughters. “I have to work during lunch and dinner,” Agarie explains, “and during the school year the girls go off so early. I get to spend the time with them in the summer.” Though she feels that the break is probably too long, she knows that the girls will both be happy to go back to school when it opens in late August.

Summer is long for kids at international schools in Tokyo, but with some creative planning and managing on the part of the parents, it can be a great experience for everyone, no matter what the ages.

Special thanks to Ann McHugh for interviews and information.

Parenting Tips: Easy Summer Travel

1. Don’t sweat the jet lag. It takes five days to adjust no matter what you do; just allow for it.

2. Especially with young kids, whatever you give one, you have to give the other. Snacks for one child, snacks for the other; gifts for one, gifts for the other.

3. Packing something new and exciting in kids’ flight bags makes for exciting times and easier travel.

4. Keep plenty of snacks and water on hand during long flights.

5. Planning to entertain kids also helps them learn to entertain themselves.

For more information for families in Tokyo, go to :// www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Lifestyle, then Families / WEEKENDER 29 P r o d u c t s Teaism in Tokyo

by Stephen Parker 1 All photos courtesy of their respective brands or retailers.

30 WEEKENDER P r o d u c t s 2 4

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one: To welcome the long-awaited summer, TWG Tea, one of the world’s four: The 2010 World Cup means many Japanese fans will be heading to finest luxury tea brands, has curated a range of exclusive tea blends perfect for South Africa, but this year also marks 100 years of Japan–South Africa brewing thirst-quenching iced teas for balmy days. TWG Tea’s selection of iced relations. Japanese consumers are among the most discerning in the world, teas has been fashioned by the master tea blender into chilled beverages, as the particularly when it comes to health products. This has led to a recent boom in wonderfully fragrant and rich flavored teas leave no tannin aftertaste. Among the popularity of rooibos tea, a brew made from a bush that is native to South the selection is this popular ‘haute couture’ Red of Africa Tea, which both tastes Africa. The drink is full of antioxidants and contains no caffeine. Available in delicious and brews to a pleasing reddish color. Tokyo in loose leaf, tea bags and this new bottled variety for convenience.

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique Jiyugaoka, ¥2,500. Quality supermarkets around Tokyo, ¥157.

two: TWG has long been a favorite among tea-savvy Singaporeans, and five: The honeybush plant grows only in small areas of southern South Africa, the company has recently opened its first outpost in Japan, located in the hip and is named because it’s yellow blossoms literally smell like honey. The tea is Jiyugaoka neighborhood of Tokyo. The salon is dominated by striking tea-covered similar to rooibos, but the taste is a little sweeter. First made popular for export walls, featuring over 260 different single estate and hand-blended teas. A brilliant by British and Dutch traders, honeybush is noted for having a calming effect. The assortment of inventive tea infused pastries, such as these matcha financiers, is herbal brew is naturally caffeine-free, which also means it is a good nighttime also available either to eat in or to take out as a thoughtful and unique gift idea. drink.

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique Jiyugaoka, ¥550 for two. Quality supermarkets around Tokyo, ¥525.

three: Lupicia Tea offers Tokyoites a taste of paradise with its newly blended six: With quality loose leaf tea, brewing a cup on the go or at the office can be a tea called The King and I. Rich and mellow durian, known and revered as the ‘king challenge. Tea pots are traditionally used at home or for making several cups at of fruits,’ has been specially blended into this Thai royal green tea. The fruit has once, but can be bulky and cumbersome. This combines stainless steel rumored health properties throughout Asia and this new Thai style exotic blend durability with an ingenious design. Simply fill the wand-shaped infuser with makes a brew fit for royalty. loose tea and swirl it around in a cup of hot water to make the perfect single serving of tea. Lupicia Stores across Japan, ¥1,200. MoMA Store (www.momastore.jp), ¥2,680.

For more information on cool products available in Tokyo, go to :// www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Lifestyle, then Products/ WEEKENDER 31 Healthy & Responsible Living Body Balance Green with Beauty Photo by Johnny Vulkan This wonder tea can also be integrated into your skin care routine. Here are a few simple home remedies to get you started:

Base Preparation: Boil one cup of green tea leaves with 500ml of water for 20 minutes. Strain leaves and set aside in a sterile container.

This brew will be used as your base for other green tea preparations and will keep for ten days if refrigerated.

Toner: Freeze fresh brew as ice cubes. In order to avoid freeze burn, do not apply ice cubes directly to skin. Allow them to thaw slightly before application.

Body Spray: Put cold brew into a spray bottle and spritz your body—this is especially refreshing during the summer months.

Sun Protection: by Elisabeth Lambert Use tea under your zinc oxide-based sunscreen. Zinc oxide should not react with green tea, but some chemical sunscreens may, particularly It is impossible nowadays not to be aware of the goodness that is green in sunlight. tea. While this evergreen plant has been consumed and celebrated for thousands of years throughout Japan and Asia, it is really only in the last After Sun Care: 65 years that green tea has piqued the interest of the West and gone under Apply cold brew with a cloth or spray bottle to the sunburnt area for 10 to the microscope. In that time, many advantages to consuming it have been 15 minutes, up to four times a day. discovered, and scientists realize that this plant holds a lot more medici- nal potential than first ever thought. Eye Freshener: Soak cotton pads in refrigerated brew and place over eyes for approxi- As well as containing Vitamin C, caffeine and fluoride (yes, green tea is a mately ten minutes. Refrigerate your used tea bags and use in the same natural cavity fighter—just don’t add sugar!), green tea is full of polyphe- fashion. nols and falvinoids, which have high levels of antioxidant activity. In fact, green tea contains more antioxidants than any other tea. Antiseptic: Green tea has antibacterial properties and acts as an astringent, making To appreciate the specialness of green tea, consumers need to under- it very useful as a mouthwash, foot rinse and in treating pimples and stand the role that antioxidants play in the body. When the cells in our minor cuts. Gargle, swab your feet (or use in a footbath), or apply the brew body use oxygen, a by-product known as a free radical is produced as a to affected areas, up to four times a day. consequence of this process. Free radicals cause damage at a cellular level and ultimately lead to health and skin issues. Antioxidants act not After all, 128 million Japanese people can’t be wrong! only to slow and sometimes prevent such damage, but also to repair it. Photo by bkajino

The specific antioxidants found in green tea can help in minimizing the risks of a plethora of physical ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, cancers, high cholesterol, and slow metabolism. They also play a powerful role in slowing down the effects of sun damage, not by blocking UV rays, but by reducing inflammation and redness. Scientists are now investigating if green tea has a part to play in slowing down the aging process.

While green tea extract capsules are available to buy, the easiest and most enjoyable way to incorporate green tea into your daily life is by drinking it—hot or cold, loose leaf or tea bags. The required daily intake of polyphenols is around 300–400mg, the equivalent of around four cups of green tea per day, and studies have suggested that drinking a cup with each meal may aid with the digestion of fat and assist with weight loss. As a drink (without sugar), it contains no calories.

32 WEEKENDER Healthy & Responsible Living

Sustainable_Business: by Luke Poliszcuk Im ag e co u r te s Recent Green Activity y o f

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a from Okinawa. However, in the fields of sustainable development, green y business and eco-communities in Japan, the pace continues to pick up with a wealth of conferences, events and seminars taking place and signs everywhere that green business is leading the way to a recovery. nology are popular with investors for their positive environmental, as well as financial impacts. “It’s no longer pure idealism, because many June 5 was the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) World companies in these areas perform above market average,” Eiichiro Environment Day (WED), and around the world a number of programs Adachi of JRI said. were hosted to celebrate, with the WED A-Z countdown offering helpful hints and tips with an alphabetical theme, such as: A for, “Adopt as many While Adachi provided a big picture overview, Lowell Sheppard’s work eco-friendly lifestyle choices as you can this WED and make them habits!” at Hope International provides a perspective that is very much rooted B for, “Bring a cloth bag to do all your shopping,” and C for, “Carpool or at ground level. A globally active non-profit organization, Hope provides choose a hybrid. Hybrid cars produce 90 percent less pollutants than support for individuals, families, and communities to begin lifting them- comparable non-hybrid cars.” selves out of desperate poverty. This support includes digging wells, engaging in training programs, and providing small financial, or bovine, loans. That’s right, Hope has a special microfinance system that provides Green money is credible and cows for people to use as part of their business; a bona fide lend-a-cow companies like Patagonia scheme. Sheppard points to a 99.6 percent repayment rate as evidence are blurring the line between that this kind of sustainable development is more than viable. “Today social entrepreneurism is a credible concept. Green money is credible profit and nonprofit. and companies like Patagonia are blurring the line between profit and nonprofit,” said Sheppard. The Triple Bottom Line Investment (TBLI) Conference Asia, from May 27 to 28, featured a plethora of excellent speakers and workshops cover- Another notable recent ‘green’ event was the Fourth Ecovillage Confer- ing everything from the role of financial institutions in framing the future ence at Josai International University from May 28 to 30, where people direction of the new green economy, to TBLI and biodiversity, to green real who live and work in eco-villages mingled and shared ideas with those estate and TBLI in China. This is the second time the TBLI Conference who want to start their own or just get away from the hustle and bustle of Asia has been held in Tokyo, and the organizers were so impressed with city life. Lester Brown, author of Plan B 1.0–4.0 was in town on a media the energy of the event that they have already committed to a third Tokyo tour, and had a message to share with residents of Japan: “Japan could TBLI conference in 2011. run the entire economy on geothermal energy. And this is an opportunity waiting for someone to take [it],” he said. Each year, Japan Research Institute (JRI) rates over 2,000 companies on environmental friendliness and company management, and breaks The take away lesson from all this green activity? Sustainable develop- the results down into the top 300 in 33 sectors. Investors today are more ment ideas need to come from all directions: large-scale, top-down interested in this kind of analysis than ever before, and not just for altru- efforts and bottom-up grassroots work. The results will be better returns istic reasons. Areas such as alternative energy and environmental tech- for us all: a better economy, better environment, and better lives.

WEEKENDER 33 Your Move. Our World.

Power and Profession on the Move Trust Asian Tigers to take care of your move. Having been moving families and businesses across the world for over 45 years, we know what it takes to deliver a smooth move.

Get in touch today for a free no obligation quote and experience the difference of Asian Tigers. Please visit www.asiantigers-japan.com or contact us at [email protected]

Customer Hotline: 03-6402-2371 / Outside of Tokyo: 0120-984-437

Email: [email protected]

/ To see more Weekender archives and read the full issues, go to 34 WEEKENDER www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Archives. :// Your Move. Our World.

Power and Profession on the Move Trust Asian Tigers to take care of your move. Having been moving families and businesses across the world for over 45 years, we know what it takes to deliver a smooth move.

Get in touch today for a free no obligation quote and experience the difference of Asian Tigers. Please visit www.asiantigers-japan.com or contact us at [email protected]

Customer Hotline: 03-6402-2371 / Outside of Tokyo: 0120-984-437

Email: [email protected]