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Home , 26th G8 summit, Alessandro Cortini, American School in Japan, Ayumu Hirano, Baths (musician), Ilan Rubin

FEBRUARY 2014

Japan’s number one English language magazine

BREAKING THE SILENCE Former Miss International speaks out against the yakuza

BARUTO We speak with the Baltic sumo superstar on the eve of his retirement

THE MAYOR OF MINATO Managing ’s most international ward TAG HEUER The precision engineering behind the iconic Swiss brand

ALSO: Interview with former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, Agenda, People, Parties, and Places, and much more FEBRUARY 2014 CONTENTS 10

TAG HEUER The inner workings of a Swiss watchmaking legend

6 16 42

BARUTO IKUMI YOSHIMATSU An Estonian sumo phenom looks back at a Standing up to a system of intimidation in Scottish post-rockers on Rave Tapes and their storied career in the ring ’s talent agencies upcoming show at Hostess Weekender

8 The Lexus 6 22 Valentine’s Day 34 People, Parties, Places In the fast lane with Issac Nelson, a star Cupid got you stumped? Here are our The 16th Annual Orphans’ Holiday Party, of the Tokyo rock and soul scene suggestions for gifts and things to do saying sayonara to old friends, and more 18 Yoshir Mori 25 Education 40 Movies Former Prime Minister speaks about New trends in learning, and a look at A Formula One throwback, a return to foreign policy and some of Tokyo’s top schools Middle-earth, and the Mighty Thor 20 Patina 30 The Mayor of Minato 44 Agenda fine dining comes to the Masaaki Takei tells us what it takes to run The Stones, Eric Clapton, , heart of Tokyo the most international ward in Tokyo and cultural celebrations

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

with ’s Ambassador to Japan, FEBRUARY 2014 Christian Masset, as he looked back at a landmark year in Franco-Japanese relations FEBRUARY 2014 and ahead to a year of even greater cultural Japan’s number one English language magazine connections. The beginning of a new year brings promises to start out right, and to help you with your new commitment we check out Publisher Bulbous Cell Media Group BREAKING some of the ways you can get fit around THE SILENCE Chairman Ray Pedersen Former Miss International the city, from the global exercise sensation speaks out against the yakuza of CrossFit to the stretching and balancing Executive Producer Asi Rinestine BARUTO movements of Pilates. We look forward to We speak with the Baltic sumo superstar on the eve seeing you in the gym. Editor Alec Jordan of his retirement Art Director Liam Ramshaw Also looking ahead in the New Year is Illustrator Liam Akin THE MAYOR investigative journalist Jake Adelstein. His OF MINATO Managing Tokyo’s most book, Tokyo Vice, was a hard-boiled look international ward Media Director Kotaro Toda at the world of the yakuza, and getting the Account Executives Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa TAG HEUER story nearly cost him his life. But this year, Ohad Elbaz PERFECT TIMING The precision engineering behind the iconic Swiss brand Masaya Okamoto Tokyo Vice is being brought to life on the big ALSO: Interview with former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, Agenda, People, Parties, and Places, and much more screen, and we sat down with the writer to Media Consultant Mary Rudow hear about production and find out just how o, as we bid farewell to the Marketing Ingrid Dubreuil much Japan’s underworld still influences Year of the Snake and welcome Editorial Consultant Sami Kawahara society. in the Year of the Horse, there S Heading out of Tokyo, we visit Akita for might be those among you who our fourth and final stop on the color tour Society Bill Hersey wonder exactly how that snake ended up of this prefecture to the north. Our journey in front of the fleet horse. Well, in one of Editorial Associates Vivian Morelli ends with the snow white of frost-covered the old stories that they tell, the animals Matthew Hernon trees, skiing and snowmobiling through the of the zodiac were given their heavenly Mace Bertumen winter drifts, and udon fit for an emperor. progression according to how quickly they We get there on a picturesque railway Film Christopher O’Keeffe could arrive at a meeting place. (How that through snow country, on a train line that rat ended up ahead of the pack is a tale IT Manager Nick Adams takes us through the heart of Akita, and a for another year.) As it goes, the horse Development Manager Stephane Boudoux few generations back in time. was galloping at a decent clip, but shortly Finance & Admin Sakura Arimura We hope you had a happy holiday before he reached the meeting point, he DBA Iryna Sundutova season and we offer you our best wishes for came across the legless fellow and was this Year of the Horse. Well may we run it! startled long enough for the snake to take sixth place. If we can learn anything from this, we should keep in mind that 2014 might get off to a skittish start, but give it time, and keep an eye out for snakes. EST. Corky Alexander, 1970 For a New Year’s greeting, we visited Editor

Published monthly at the Regency Shinsaka Building, 5th floor 8-5-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 (03) 6666-4924 / (03) 6432-9229 (fax) [email protected]

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Fried Sushi by Liam Akin. To see more of Liam’s work check out www.friedsushi.net Looking to eclipse their best effort of ten medals won at the Nagano Olympics in 1998, the Japanese team are heading to Sochi with high hopes. While their target may seem overly ambitious to some, they do have a number of by Matthew Hernon exciting teenagers capable of making a big impression in Kaido Höövelson, aka Baruto, shrugs when asked about the . Here’s a look at three of the best. legacy he has left behind, saying that some might see him as and offers to take her picture. After a few “just a fat sportsman.” Well, he was a lot more than that. seconds of confusion she realizes he isn’t Sara Takanashi (17) being serious. Women’s ski-jumping is finally set to make its One of the best and most colorful sumo wrestlers of his The fact that he is so approachable and Olympic debut this year, with teenage sensation generation, his retirement leaves a huge void in the sport. is able to have a laugh with his fans is one of Sara Takanashi a favorite for gold. The 4’11” star, the main reasons why his popularity soared who credits ballet lessons as the reason for her during the last few years of his career. He sense of balance, has been in stellar form this persistent knee injury forced pushed to the limit by their trainers. trained arduously to achieve the success he season, winning 8 out of 11 events, giving her 17 world cup wins in total. the giant Estonian to bow out “I think they should do even more,” he did and therefore wanted to enjoy it. It’s just It puts her four ahead of previous record holder Sarah Hendrickson, who at the age of just 28, yet if he tells Weekender. “Shiraishi, who works at this a shame that he couldn’t earn that promo- will also be competing in Sochi. If she has recovered sufficiently from is feeling sorry for himself he yakiniku restaurant, and I used to do double tion to yokozuna. knee surgery, the American is expected to be Takanashi’s closest rival. certainly didn’t show it when sessions, in the morning and evening. That Refusing to use injuries as an excuse, he weA met up for some drinks and yakiniku at a was our own choice because we wanted to prefers to concentrate on the positives. He Yuzuru Hanyu (19) restaurant where a former teammate works get stronger. Additionally, being a foreigner believes his troublesome knee, which he had While much of the press attention will focus on in Ikegami. The 193-kg. star was in high spir- in what is quite an enclosed nation; I had to at the start of his career, actually pushed him Mao Asada’s battle with Kim Yuna in the women’s its as he reflected on what has been a short, work even harder to prove myself.” to try even harder and without it he “may figure skating event, the men’s competition prom- but memorable career. Baruto’s fierce determination soon not have even reached ōzeki status,” (the ises to be just as exciting. In Daisuke Takahashi, “I remember my coach telling me sumo started to yield results. He made the top divi- rank directly below yokozuna). He has no re- Tatsuki Machida and Yuzuru Hanyu, Japan has would be easy,” Baruto says with a smile. “He sion in just two years, the second fastest rise grets about his time in sumo as he prepares three genuine medal contenders. Hanyu in particular goes into the lied! I was doing judo at the time and he con- in the history of sumo. He was then promoted for a new life away from the sport. Games with high hopes, following an extremely impressive display in December’s Grand Prix Final in Fukuoka, where he defeated three-time vinced me to try this Japanese sport where to ōzeki rank in 2010, beating Hakuhō, the “I loved wrestling and I will miss it,” he world champion Patrick Chan of . Training under renowned coach I would eat and sleep lots, while practicing man he considers by far his toughest ever tells us. “Especially going out drinking with Brian Orser, Hanyu’s career has gone from strength to strength since just a little. He was right about the first two opponent, along the way. Two years later he teammates from the stable! That said, I’ve moving to . things, but not about the last one. recorded his first and only championship vic- spent much of the past ten years fighting for The training was long and hard. I’d wake tory. other people. I’m looking forward to being up around 5 am, go to the club and stay there With sumo being dominated by stories of able to do things for myself. Elena (Tregubo- Ayumu Hirano (15) The heir apparent to ’s until 11 am. I guess it was kind of like school: drug-taking, match-fixing and brawls, the rise va) and I are already married, but we will crown? Ayumu Hirano may only be 15, but he is you think it’s really tough at the time, but of the 6’6” Estonian provided the sport with have the wedding ceremony in Estonia in already getting more air than most riders and last looking back you realize it was fun.” a real boost during its darkest days. Despite June, then there is our little motel and our year launched his small frame over 18 feet out For some youngsters the pressure and in- many supporters growing tired of continuing big farm to keep us busy. I would also like to of the pipe to earn a silver medal at the tensity of training proves too much and they foreign dominance in sumo, they seemed to do some sumo coaching in the future.” in Aspen. Legendary figure White, who won the event, said of Hirano, “I end up running away, and in some stables, take to Baruto. An affable guy who always Before any of that he has his retire- think he’s got an amazing future ahead of him and I was proud to ride tough training crosses the line. The world of had a smile on his face, he was considered ment ceremony at Kokugikan on February with him.” White is expected to continue his dominance in Sochi, but he sumo faced one of its biggest scandals in 2007 the glamour boy of the sumo world and was 8, which will include 200 people cutting will be wary of the threat that the young contender from Japan poses. when 17-year-old Takashi Saito died after even compared to Leonardo DiCaprio. his hair, guest appearances from stars like being beaten with a metal baseball bat and a “DiCaprio looks like me, I don’t look like Hakuhō, and Baruto himself fighting against beer bottle at the stable where he was train- him,” he says while laughing. “He sent me kids. It should be a terrific send-off for a ing. a text message telling me how honoured he man who has been a great servant to the Whilst Baruto’s stable master was severe was by the comparison.” sport of sumo over the last decade. with him, he never experienced anything like Baruto is clearly someone who doesn’t that and never felt that things went too far. take life too seriously; he loves joking around Baruto’s Retirement Ceremony A former bouncer who grew up on a cattle and has a good-sized sense of irony. During Place: Ryōgoku Kokugikan farm, he also disagrees with the notion that our meal, a young lady comes up to ask for a Date: February 8, 2014 today’s young pupils of the sport are being photo. With a deadpan expression, he agrees Time: From 10:30 | Price: ¥7,000

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 PART V | THE LEXUS 6 | 9

now recording, and IN THE We actually gain producing their new CD, and even ended an extra culture by up writing them a song. DRIVING SEAT WITH having the experience Nowadays, many of the producing and of living in Japan, and recording gigs that he takes put him on ISSAC NELSON finally it’s up to you: the road, whether it’s driving in to Tokyo DJ Ike reflects on the lessons learned from a life in music a place is what you or making longer hauls to Osaka, here’s no other way to put it: Issac Nelson has had find his way into the music scene around Tokyo and . make it. which means that DJ one of those lives that most people would envy. He started touring with Japan’s top soul, rock, and jazz fusion Ike was looking for A producer, arranger, musician, and DJ, Nelson bands after he left the Navy, and found himself in high demand Every time! And it got to the point when I told two things in a car: first came over to Japan in 1977, on what he for his charismatic personality and a style that stood him apart someone in the group, ‘the next time he does comfort and speed. describes as a “not so battle ready” Navy ship from the crowds. it I’m going to retaliate!’ And she said, ‘No no He found both of thatT was on a “forward deployment mission,” sent to seek out Gigging and touring as a musician was something he no! He’s trying to meet you!’ When I realized them in the Lexus Russian ships in the Pacific. They did find them, but in a great was familiar with, from the time he and his friends would that, I said, ‘All he has to do is walk up and say GS450h F SPORT show of cold war diplomacy, the interaction between the crew push their amps a mile or two to play at a spot, or daisy-chain hi!’ As it turned out, the guy was just shy.” model, which he picked up in October of 2013. hop. He also loves the small details that add members was far from tense: The American crew played music extension cords out of doorways in order to power those amps Not everyone has taken the same He had driven an earlier model GS450h to the driving experience: “The trunk door and had barbecues on the flight deck, while the crew of the for block parties. But he also says that there were cultural approach in getting to know him, but his before, but he says that he really appreciates automatically closes, but it won’t let you slam Russian ships fired off star shell flares and drank. styles that he needed to get used to, as he learned from one extensive resume producing and performing the increased legroom in the recent model: it. and the seats always go back to a neutral Born in Sanford, North Carolina, and raised in Bridgeport, experience working with an idol group in the 80s: “One guy I with musicians from Akiko Wada to the Kinki “I’m a big guy, and having that extra leg room position. The Lexus engineers are geniuses!” Connecticut, Nelson, also known as DJ Ike, didn’t take long to worked with would bump into me every time he walked by me. Kids is a testament to the gregariousness of is a lifesaver!” And the speed of the Lexus is DJ Ike, an avowed crowd-pleaser, applauds the the musician. Nelson wasn’t satisfied with something that has always stood out for him, great customer service on behalf of his dealer Part 5 of The Lexus 6 Series just touring and playing clubs, though: he right from the first test drive: “I could the at Lexus and the convenience of the opened his own club, Yokohama Circus, in power from the car right away. You stepped Owner’s Desk concierge service. But the final 1985. He also kept himself busy (he’ll be the on the gas and it went boom! The pick-up is word for Nelson when he thinks about Lexus first one to admit to being a crowd-pleaser, incredible.” He says that the hybrid engine is “dependability. That you can put in capital and having a hard time saying “no”) DJing and the drive style selector gives him the best letters, at the top of the list.” when he wasn’t touring, appearing on TV, or of both worlds, with gas efficiency in the eco Nelson’s three and a half decades of his own radio shows. mode when he needs it, sport mode for a experience in Japan have taught him many He moved up to Saitama in 2010, and bit more speed, and a sport plus mode that lessons about expat life, from how to deal stepped away from the daily hustle of the tightens up the suspension for an even more with people’s initial prejudice with a sense of music business. He still helps clients with aggressive ride. humor to dealing with difficult bandmates— production and recording, and given his Of course, a music professional like or the woman who ran a restaurant in magnetic personality, he’s even found himself Nelson wouldn’t want to hear his driving Yokohama, who wouldn’t smile at him for drawn in to some local music projects. It music any other way than on the optional the longest time. (A joke or two not only turns out that one of his neighbors plays Mark Levinson–tuned sound system, which brightened that relationship, it turned into in an old-timers’ surf-rock band, and they he says he “only blasts every now and then,” a chance for the restaurant owner to learn asked him to sit in and have a listen. He’s listening to everything from Hendrix to hip how to cook the American soul food.) But he insists that the most important thing is to 1 2 look on the positive side of things, and not to get stuck in the mindset of complaining about what you may have left behind back home: “instead of losing something, we actually gain an extra culture by having the experience of living in Japan, and finally it’s up to you: a place is what you make it.”

Photos by Akira Furukawa LEXUS INTERNATIONAL GALLERY AOYAMA

If you’d like to get a taste of the Lexus experience, drop in at Lexus International Gallery Aoyama. Their English-speaking concierge staff is on hand to consult with you on any question you might have about cars, in a sales-free environment where there is no pressure to buy.

1 Issac in his Saitama Studio 2 International Gallery Add: 2-5-8 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo Aoyama where English speaking staff is on hand to Tel: 03-5786-2711 answer all of your questions 3 How to get there. 3

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 10 | FEATURE | TAG HEUER TAG HEUER | FEATURE | 11

The watch doesn’t only stand for IMPECCABLE telling the time. It is the memories, the memories of emotion. That is what we are TIMING here for. Of course, Pin says, the Olympics were not the only event where Heuer’s split-second General Manager of TAG Heuer in Japan, and accuracy would come to the fore. Heuer a worldwide leader in the luxury watchmaking provided a revolutionary timing system for the Formula One racing circuit, beginning industry, Antoine Pin defines the values that at Le Mans. As watchmaking progress

have led the Swiss company to the forefront of continued, Heuer developed chronograph The recently renovated Espace Omotesando movements that could measure intervals as the Japanese market, and the innovations that small as 1/1,000 or 5/10,000 of a second; the “In the Japanese market, people will buy will continue to lead them into the future brand also owns the Guinness book of world something they are willing to spend their Launched in December 2012, the records for the shortest interval measured in time and their money on. They understand Edouard Club is a free, permanent a race from 2005. where value for money is—products, membership that is available to any aunched in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in , the With cutting-edge technology at the services, and experience.” Essential to the customer who purchases a TAG brand expanded into the Japanese market in the 1960s. Heuer timepiece in Japan. highest level of innovation, the same design brand, Pin describes TAG Heuer as offering The company’s first popular products in Japan were a line and precision engineering makes its way more than just a product: “The luxury goods of stopwatches that looked like helmets and were sold by into TAG Heuer’s consumer products. For industry not only provides functionality, but Edouard Club benefits: anL agent who dealt in motorcycle accessories. Beginning with these customers, this translates into a reassurance also a smile on the face of clients, positive Members’ price on repair and automotive roots, TAG Heuer has flourished in Japan, negotiating the that comes with purchasing a product from a feelings, and positive impressions.” maintenance services Swiss watchmaking industry’s many ups and downs and thriving in brand that is a proven master of precision, as Beyond its products, TAG Heuer delivers a competitive market. A two-year extension to the Pin explains. emotional and intellectual satisfaction to its Pin explains that TAG Heuer truly hit its stride in Japan during TAG Heuer Warranty & Guarantee* The brand always stayed aligned with clients, and insight into what makes a quality the 80s and 90s, thanks to a new design of watches, a loyal and its values, and continued to improve. product. “You want to know why this watch is Invitations to TAG Heuer dedicated sales agent, and the pioneering use of brand ambassadors, limited events and special sale “Interestingly enough, I think even the better than that one, you want to understand particularly F1 driver Ayrton Senna. But as Pin explained, even after campaigns recession times are very good . . . Recessions the differences between hand-stitching and TAG established itself as a luxury brand name in Japan, it still faced are a time when you can really develop your machine-stitching in the leather, you want to *only available if registered during the two- strong domestic competition: “Among the most innovative brands, brand.” During the last economic crisis, know where it’s built, and you want to know the year period from the date of purchase the Japanese brands are exceptional. Seiko is one of the biggest in TAG Heuer invested heavily on the quality history,” Pin says of TAG Heuer’s consumers. the watch industry today. From an innovation point of view, this is of services, communication, training, and Visit www.tagheuer-edouardclub.jp where our biggest competitors are.” manufacturing. “It comes back to value THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE to find out how to become a member for money as people don’t stop buying; TAG Heuer offers opportunities to A PEDIGREE OF INNOVATION consumers just become cautious and pay with the brand at 180 points of sale in Japan And they were ready for the competition. Precision, design, and more attention to what they are buying.” and two specialty stores in Tokyo. Ginza hosts essence of what we do,” Pin emphasizes. cutting-edge technology have always been at the heart of TAG Pin says that this is very important in the TAG Heuer’s flagship store, and a recently To extend their points of contact with Heuer’s philosophy. This precision has its roots in the brand’s long Japanese market, where consumers have a renovated store reopened in Omotesando. customers and to continue relationships past history of timekeeping for motor racing and the . high level of education about luxury goods. (Both stores offer service in English.) As the the purchase, TAG Heuer in Japan launched “The more competitive the sport is, the closer the gaps are, and first store directly run by TAG Heuer in Japan, the Edouard Membership Club in 2012. therefore the more precise you need to be,” Pin explains. In 1916, the the Espace TAG Heuer has been a landmark in Edouard Club members receive exclusive company developed stopwatches that could measure hundredths of this trendsetting, luxury district. benefits, including invitations to special a second—the highest degree of accuracy available at the time. This This state-of-the-art store concept is events associated with the brand. proven reliability led to Heuer becoming the official timekeepers for a multi-story space that welcomes guests “When you ask people about their the Olympic games in 1920, 1924, and 1928. into the world of watchmaking, with gently favorite luxury item, they will tell you less sloping steps that lead to the main floor about the item itself and more about the of the Espace. The second floor contains a story behind it.” Pin often hears people collection of TAG’s latest models and limited describe their favorite piece of jewelry or editions, as well as a selection of TAG Heuer’s clothing based on a significant life event or a eyewear and lifestyle collections, including special memory it represents. leather jackets and travel bags. “So what do we actually stand for?” A comfortable space for customers to view he asks. “The watch doesn’t only stand for and learn about the watches is available in telling the time. It is the memories, the store as well. “The excellence in the experience memories of emotion. Personal, intellectual, we give to any of our customers, or any one emotional enrichment is what we provide. The flagship Espace Ginza who comes into contact with our brand is the That is what we are here for.”

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 12 | FEATURE | TAG HEUER TAG HEUER | FEATURE | 13 THE he TAG Heuer Carrera made its debut in 1963, inspired by the speed and exacting standards of CARRERA high-performance racing— andT by the name of a famous race: the Carrera Pan Americana . In in focus Spanish, Carrera can mean many things: race, road or career. The moment when Film icon Leonardo DiCaprio has already made an indelible mark on the world—as an actor, producer, Jack Heuer first heard the word, it struck a chord, and the idea for the TAG Heuer and passionate environmentalist—but he shows no signs of slowing down. For DiCaprio, being a TAG Carrera was born. Heuer brand ambassador has meant helping the company reduce its environmental impact while Heuer’s racing pedigree goes back to maintaining its impeccable standards of quality... making precision timepieces that were used for road events around the world, and this How did your relationship resources and species on the brink of directly impact and benefit our planet each heritage shows through in every model of with TAG Heuer come about? extinction. and every day. the Carrera series. Built to stand up under Very early on, I approached TAG Heuer about In my adult life, my environmental demanding conditions while providing split- incorporating my environmental work into work and activism remain a priority. Your relationship with TAG second accuracy, they also set the standard our relationship. Jean Christophe Babin, who I created a foundation that focuses on Heuer means you’ve visited for the watch connoisseur who recognizes was TAG Heuer’s CEO when I became an raising public awareness of the very their manufacturing facility in craftsmanship, elegance and timeless grace. ambassador, was enthusiastic about the idea important issues concerning our planet, Switzerland… There have been changes in the from the beginning. He understood then the our environment, and the impact we as There’s something fascinating about old- Carrera’s technology and design importance of doing good—by helping to raise people have on the world we live in. fashioned watchmaking, and being able to money for environmental organizations that travel to Switzerland to see it firsthand was a since 1963, each representing new focus on impacting the world in positive ways. What are your tips for people great experience. It’s an incredibly modern breakthroughs in TAG Heuer’s leading a more sustainable facility, and yet it feels timeless—like a giant watchmaking prowess. One of the most What drives your life? What’s something they science lab with minute little parts and men outstanding is TAG Heuer’s first ever in- environmental activism? can do every day? behind microscopes. I loved my time there. house movement, the automatic Calibre I have been interested in environmental The most important thing you can do to 1887, which powers several watches in issues for as long as I can remember. As live more sustainably is to be conscious of Have you always been interested the Carrera series. a kid, I was always enthralled by nature the world we live in, and to integrate that in watchmaking? Over the decades and in a variety documentaries, specifically consciousness into your everyday life. The I’m no expert, but I’ve always been a fan IMAX films on the reason that this is important is simple: If of watchmaking, and even more so after of styles, the hallmarks of the Carrera rainforests. Even you are knowledgeable about the issues my visit to Switzerland and the TAG Heuer always stand out: The impeccable Swiss though I was affecting our environment, you will have a factory. Watching a Swiss watch being craftsmanship that guarantees accuracy very young, greater appreciation for the world and be made with so many intricate and delicate down to the thousandths of a second. I remember more conscious about how you use it. parts is like watching a giant jigsaw puzzle The uncluttered design that makes for being On a daily basis, I believe that one being pieced together. Experiencing the a watch face that can be read in any profoundly of the most important acts someone can craftsmanship firsthand made me even more situation, from the boardroom to a affected by do to directly impact the environmental interested in the art of watchmaking. night on the town. And a reliability that issues like community is to buy local. We live in a very complex world where we want You’re nearly 40 – do you still assures your timepiece will stand up over the depletion of the world’s everything immediately, even if this this have burning ambition or are the years, without missing a moment. means transporting food across the world you satisfied with what you’ve A TAG Heuer Carrera isn’t just a on shipping crates and airplanes. Eating achieved? watch. It’s an investment that epitomizes local, buying local, or planting in your 40? Already? I guess the big four-o hasn’t quality, and one that will keep time own backyard has the ability to entered my consciousness yet. I believe it’s during all of the races that you run. very important to look back on the choices you’ve made and re-analyze where you want your life to go and the things you want to do as an individual. I came from a lower middle-class background, and being an actor never seemed like an achievable dream. Once I got my first opportunity to work on a movie, it’s really been a mad rush to fulfill that dream. As an actor, I do everything possible to tell a great story in a truly artistic way, but at the end of the day you never know how critics and audiences are going to respond. It’s always an eternal sort of mystery in making movies, and that’s the great fun, challenge, and excitement about doing what I do.

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 You are invited to take part in the Tag Heuer Price Promise guarantee

The TAG Heuer price promise offers the convenience of buying your watch in Japan, at the same price you would pay overseas. Make a visit to one of our Ginza or Omotesando flagship stores, and if you purchase any TAG Heuer Carrera 1887, we will match the overseas price*. This is a limited time offer, so if you’ve been waiting for the chance to make a TAG Heuer yours, now is the time.

*If the price is lower. Please bring this invitation to the store or tell the shop staff that you read about this invitation in Tokyo Weekender.

Offered in collaboration with the Tokyo Weekender, the TAG Heuer Price Promise guarantee is only available until March 7, 2014.

Espace TAG Heuer Omotesando Espace TAG Heuer Ginza 5-8-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Ginza 5-3-9, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 Tokyo 104-0061

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 16 | FEATURE | IKUMI YOSHIMATSU IKUMI YOSHIMATSU | FEATURE | 17

conference she gave THE WORLD TAKES NOTICE details of some of the While she is “extremely disappointed” by the text messages that lack of coverage the story has received here, Taniguchi sent her. She her spirits have been lifted by the support she mentioned the name has been given on various social networking Ako Kawada, a TBS re- sites like Facebook and Twitter, as well as her porter who she believes blog, which has been read by more than two was being harassed by million people. On top of that, her Change.org Taniguchi before com- petition calling for an end to the Japanese “cul- mitting suicide in 2008. ture of silence” towards crimes against women Yoshimatsu stated has, at the time of writing, amassed more than that the TV execu- 105,000 signatures. tive wrote to her dad Additionally she has an extremely powerful FORMER MISS INTERNATIONAL saying; “I’m worried ally in Akie Abe, wife of Prime Minister Shinzo about your daughter Abe. A judge of the 2013 Miss International pag- BATTLES ARTIST INTIMIDATION because your daughter eant, she received an outpouring of messages would become like her informing her of the plight of the 2012 winner. by Matthew Hernon [Kawada].” After finding out more about it and meeting Taniguchi Yoshimatsu in person on Christmas Day, she hat should’ve been the greatest year of denies the accusa- responded on her Facebook page: “This is last her life turned into a nightmare for Ikumi tions, claiming that year’s Ms. International, Ikumi Yoshimatsu. Yoshimatsu. Soon after becoming Japan’s he only got in contact Those in the media criticizing the new secrecy first recipient of the Miss International something I had to do. It was completely my with Yoshimatsu’s parents because Taylor law should properly be reporting about this W crown at the back end of 2012 she was al- own choice.” still owed him money. “I’m no stalker,” he lady. I think we should join forces for the sake legedly being harassed and threatened by a powerful talent Burning Productions are said to be one of told the Japan Times. “I called her father of all women.” agency executive named Genichi Taniguchi—aka Motokazu a number of talent agencies with links to the at least twice to try and reach her man- Yoshimatsu deeply appreciates the support Taniguchi—of Burning Productions. Her crime: The refusal yakuza. Yoshimatsu insists she never consid- ager to solve my financial dispute with from the First Lady. “Meeting her was a power- to sign a contract with his company due to concerns over ered signing for them, because “once you’re him. I have no grudge against her.” ful Christmas present for me,” she says. “She their links with the yakuza. part of the yakuza or a crime organization Yoshimatsu, nonetheless, is adamant listened to everything I’d gone through over the It would’ve been easy for Yoshimatsu to have simply ac- you can never leave.” Her manager Matt that Taniguchi has been stalking her, stating last year. from the International Cul- cepted Taniguchi’s offer and toed the line as so many females Taylor, who was also on the line, informs us that she has the evidence to prove it, which tural Association or the Miss International Or- have before her. Here in Japan, a nation ranked 105 out of that some stars had written to Ikumi asking she has presented to Shukan Bunshun. ganization told her about my situation. She felt 136 countries in terms of gender equality, it’s unheard of for about the possibility of joining her agency as They are one of the few Japanese used and embarrassed about that and decided a woman to come forward and publicly name her tormentor. they wanted out of Burning as well. media outlets to cover the story. Domestic to take down her posts about being a judge of The moral courage she has shown in doing so is both admira- Getting out is not always easy though. It ble and inspirational, yet concerns for her safety remain. was previously reported that Glay, Japan’s seventh best selling artists of all time, were I realized what a huge problem intimidation THE STORY BEGINS effectively blacklisted after they left Burning is in Japanese society and how many women live Her first contact with Burning came in the spring of 2012. K1 to go independent, while popular actress founder Kazuyoshi Ishii drove her to the company headquarters Miki Mizuno lost her role as Yukino Kashiw- their lives in fear. I knew it was something I had where she was introduced to their notorious boss Ikuo Suho. agi in the long-running comedy movie series Having heard rumors about their connections with the mafia, Odoru Daisosasen after she quit the agency. to do. It was completely my own choice. Yoshimatsu turned down the offer to join them and started her Yoshimatsu herself was prevented from pass- own agency. Undeterred, Ishii came back to see her in October. ing her crown on to her successor—the first newspapers and TV stations have chosen to the competition. She pledged full support to my According to Yoshimatsu he interrupted a meeting, insisting that time this has happened in 53 years. stay silent on the issue, despite the fact that Change.org campaign.” she meet with Genichi Taniguchi, who is an executive at K-Dash Even her original lawyer felt she was tak- it has received a lot of international press. The next step for Yoshimatsu is to present and president of Pearl-Dash (both of these agencies are part of ing too big a risk. Taylor tells Weekender that Yoshimatsu thinks the reason is obvious. her petition to Mrs. Abe’s husband. She has al- the Burning Productions Group). Despite refusing, the matter was he didn’t want her to name Taniguchi publicly “They are afraid of losing celebrities ready written the Prime Minister an open letter far from over and two months later she came face to face with and was even reluctant to file a lawsuit be- who belong to Burning Productions,” she urging him to “establish a taskforce to investi- Taniguchi for the first time at a TV studio in Tokyo. cause “he and the people that worked for his tells us. “There are lots of big stars who gate stalking and violence against women with “It was on December 30 2012,” she tells Weekender over company had families and he was concerned belong to that group so if they can’t have the object of laying out an immediate national the phone. “He came in screaming, started chasing me and about the potential repercussions.” Conse- access to them it’s going to be a problem strategy to address these issues and offer real then finally grabbed my arm and tried to abduct me. After quently, Yoshimatsu had to change her lawyer for the Japanese media. Also, Taniguchi’s protection for women.” Because Prime Minister that he sent a private investigator to my house to look through mid-stream. an extremely powerful person who thinks Abe has placed women’s issues as a centerpiece my windows and take photos. He also tried to blackmail my he can do whatever he likes. If he orders of his political platform, Yoshimatsu hopes that family and threaten them. SPEAKING OUT a blackout it becomes very difficult for the attention that her story has received will For over a year now I’ve been afraid and that feeling has None of this dissuaded her from taking on newspapers and TV stations to report on it. not only lead to improvements in the way that intensified since revealing his name in public. Nobody has Taniguchi, though. In December 2013 she sat I’ve even had messages on my blog and fa- stalking and harassment crimes against women done that before so of course I was really worried about it, but in front of the foreign media at the Foreign cebook page from journalists who said they are handled, but to new efforts and programs I realized what a huge problem this was in Japanese society Correspondents’ Club of Japan to talk in great wanted to cover it but they had to back down that will offer women a fairer chance to play and how many women live their lives in fear. I knew it was length about her ordeal. During the press because they were threatened.” an active role in Japanese society.

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 18 | INTERVIEW | YOSHIRO MORI YOSHIRO MORI | INTERVIEW | 19

During the period of joking around with Ivory Coast president that followed. According to Mori, the Alassane Outtara and exchanging national strong reaction on behalf of the US was as colonization, Indian people soccer jerseys. It’s possible that he may have much a question of wounded pride as it were thinking ‘colored gotten some coaching from the first Japanese was a matter of principle: “The American Yoshiro Mori prime minister to visit Africa: Mori went to intelligence community was embarrassed as people’ could never defeat South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria during his there had been ‘a serious intelligence failure time in office. of the decade’ in detecting the preparations white people. But the Given Mori’s penchant for speaking for the test.” Japanese did. We didn’t his mind and going against the grain, he Japan also imposed sanctions that froze also pushed for greater inclusion of African all loans and grants, barring humanitarian Ahead of supply weapons to India, nations on the global platform: “As a prime aid, but in keeping with his stubborn streak, minister I held the 26th G8 [in Nago, Mori still chose to go to India during his but the psychological Okinawa] and as a host, I really wanted to time as prime minister in defiance of the invite African people. But French Prime impact was big enough for sanctions. Looking to the future, Mori Minister and US President believes that the relations between the two the Game them to be independent Clinton said no because G8 was the place to nations will continue to improve, thanks to talk about economy, not politics. But I invited a shared religious tolerance— and perhaps from Britain. three African heads to a party in Tokyo one some racial affinity. day before we moved to the summit, and we “India is rather generous country about who was overwhelmed with sorrow, so I traveled together. You know, I’d love to do religion—they have Hindus, Buddhists and said to myself ‘he must be a melancholic what people say not to do, and this was the Christians. And we Japanese say, yaoyorozu fellow.’ I had that feeling and we started to very beginning of African countries being no kami [“eight million gods,” a reference to ormer , talk rather openly. invited to the summit.” the myriad gods in the Shinto tradition) so and current President of the Japan We also visited a Japanese soldiers’ grave as for religion, we are both open-minded, Rugby Football Union, Yoshiro Mori together. I took off my scarf and gloves, then ON TIES WITH INDIA permissive and tolerant nations. Mori is not your typical politician. Well- prayed for loved ones. He asked me about Over the past months, Japan has focused also believes that Japan’s victory in the built,F jovial and extremely forthright, he even it and I replied, ‘It is nothing to do with you; renewed attention on India. Concerns about Russo-Japanese war “had a great impact on tried to scrum with us when we met up with when I think about those Japanese soldiers China’s continuing influence have warmed Indian people,” and even encouraging the him at his office in Tokyo. who died from the cold, I can’t pray wearing relations between the two countries: the budding independence movement. “During He keeps a miniature rugby ball on his a warm scarf and gloves.’ Then after my Emperor and his wife visited in November the period of colonization, Indian people desk next to a photograph of him rising, explanation, Putin took off his scarf and gloves 2013 on the 60th anniversary of Indo- were thinking ‘colored people’ could never along with other members of the bid team, When I thought about those Japanese soldiers who died and prayed for a while without a word.” Japanese diplomatic ties, followed by Prime defeat white people. But the Japanese did. to cheer after the 2020 Olympics host city This close relation has continued Minister Abe himself this January. These We didn’t supply weapons to India, but the announcement was made in Buenos Aires. from the cold, I couldn’t pray whilst wearing a warm scarf into the present day. Early in 2013, moves serve to bolster the Comprehensive psychological impact was big enough for Instrumental in Japan’s successful bid for the he had a 70-minute meeting with the Economic Partnership Agreement between them to be independent from Britain.” 2019 Rugby World Cup, Mori was recently and gloves, then after my explanation, Putin took off his Russian President. Mori and the man that the two nations that was signed in 2010. Although his brash statements on sports tapped to head the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Forbes Magazine currently (and perhaps The initial cooling of relations was due and international politics may ruffle some organizing committee. scarf and gloves and prayed for a while without a word. controversially) dubs “the most powerful in large part to the nuclear bomb tests that feathers on the way to Tokyo 2020, it is clear Mori is still a member of parliament, person on the planet” met to discuss the India performed in 1998, and the economic that Yoshiro Mori will continue to listen to but his time as Prime Minister was a short “THE MOST POWERFUL PERSON me. Soon after my inauguration I decided “abnormal” absence of a peace treaty sanctions, initially led by the , his convictions and speak his mind. one (April 2000–April 2001), due in part ON THE PLANET” to go there. We spent more than ten hours between their two native countries and the to a tendency for off-the-cuff statements As he looks back at his tenure as Prime together, eating lunch, watching an ice dispute over a group of Russian-held islands and political gaffes. However, many of the Minister, one of the things that stands hockey game. I think during that time near Hokkaido. “He [Putin] basically told diplomatic moves that he made at the time— out most was his relationship with spent together we could understand each me that the two countries are currently reaching out to Russia, India, and nations in Vladimir Putin. The two men met in other as human beings. completely out of sync,” Mori says. ”He Africa—look prescient in hindsight, given 2000: Mori had just become Prime It was the first of several insisted that we need to get on the same Japan’s recent foreign policy decisions. Minister after his predecessor, meetings between the two leaders. page first, and then we can start playing But the first thing on his mind was his Keizo Obuchi, suffered a stroke, Putin was even one of the first the game. He also used the phrase hikiwake favorite sport. Mori knows that Japan does while Putin was just days away to know that Mori was stepping (a martial arts term meaning “a draw”) to not have a strong tradition in rugby, but he from being inaugurated as the down after he revealed his describe his hopes for a settlement. In other hopes that Japan might be able to break into Russian President. decision to him during a visit to words he is hoping for a solution that would the Top 10 by the beginning of the 2015 World “I remember that meeting Irkutsk in March 2001. be acceptable for both sides.” Cup in . Seeing the Japan national well,” Mori tells us. “It was “We talked about all kinds of things, including team go head to head with in a during Golden Week and I AN EYE TO AFRICA 2013 test match made one thing clear: “Our used that holiday to go to St. my father and how to fix his Prime Minister Abe’s recent visit to the backs did not look good! We aren’t strong Petersburg to see Putin. Usually a country,” he says. “Prior to getting to African continent took him to the countries enough in those positions yet. There’s no new Japanese Prime Minister goes know him I had this impression of him of Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, and Mozambique, amount of skill that can overcome sheer straight to Washington and then to as a scary person. I mean, he was in the where he pledged billions of dollars in aid and physical strength, and that is something we Canada, but my thinking was different. center of the KGB! The reality, however, development projects. Notably, Abe engaged in need to improve.” Putin seemed very interested in meeting was different. He looked like someone some rare displays of political showmanship, Mori is the President of the Japan Rugby Football Union

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 20 | FOOD & DRINK | PATINA

that lets guests watch the chefs prepare their meals in an intimate setting for private events This year for Valentine’s, give a gift that will last for years to come or gōkon (group dates for singles in Japan), according to General Manager Paul Snyder. A large wine storage case outside the Chef’s Table serves as a partition between the bar and restaurant area, making for an easy transition At Yonamine Pearls, we have been helping the Tokyo community find their between dinner and post-dinner cocktails. As we headed back to the table for perfect pearls for 50 years. Over the decades, we have welcomed clients dessert, we passed by the pâtissiers who from all walks of life and all budget ranges. specially prepare each dessert at Patina. The Chocolate Banana Parfait features Patina’s We specialize in educating our customers about our wide variety of fine homemade chocolate that is also available to pearls, and assisting them in customizing unforgettable pieces of jewelry. take home, and the Apple en Croute delivered a nice balance of sweetness, finished with an So if you’re looking to give someone a specially made, timeless present for PATINA unexpected layer of apple celery gelato at the the 14th or any special day of the year, visit us at Yonamine Pearls and let bottom. us put our expertise to work for you. With a lunch menu that changes weekly and a dinner menu that changes seasonally, Patina’s staff takes care to ensure that ingredients are both local and seasonal. TOKYOby Sami Kawahara

Known as a dining powerhouse in the States, the LA-based res- The Patina Bar After enjoying all four courses, we moved on taurant franchise has chosen Tokyo for its first overseas location. to our nightcap at the chic, marble-topped bar. Signature cocktails are made from ucked away in the back streets of The Dining Experience Patina’s quality whisky collection and other Shibuya, Patina Tokyo is one of A modern, open space with eclectic top shelf liquors, and prepared with panache. two flagship restaurants within international design first caught our eye as Mixologists from the restaurant’s LA locations the Patina Restaurant Group, a we walked in, from the animal print–inspired were flown out to Japan where they prepared Tcompany that has managed more than 50 Spanish furniture to the sleek Finnish Tokyo’s bartenders to ensure consistent quality establishments throughout the United States. designer dishware. We arrived at a quiet time in each cocktail, while still nurturing local Internationally renowned Executive Chef on a national holiday, and we were seated at a creativity. The “Shibuya Eastside,” consisting and Founder Joachim Splichal has established spot set in dim lighting, overlooking the rest of of gin, shiso tincture, and other unique himself as a master of French-inspired the white-linened tables. Greeted by Patina’s ingredients was one of the many cocktails that California cuisine, demonstrating his ability to multilingual staff, we were given our menus, exhibit Patina’s originality. balance textures and flavors in the design and and the choice of a four or five-course tasting Patina Tokyo lives up to its fine dining creativity of each dish. menu, or ordering a la carte. reputation by finding a middle ground between Curious to try it out for ourselves, we We went for the four-course menu, but Western cuisine and local touches, and dined at the restaurant that made its Tokyo wished there was an option for seconds and tactfully executing with a well-trained staff and debut in December 2013. more, as the progression of Winter Tartare of specialty chefs, pâtissiers, and mixologists. Scallops with Truffles appetizer, the Truffle Risotto hot appetizer, and the Slow Poached Snapper entree were too good to share. With Web: patinatokyo.com three sommeliers onsite, we were able to taste Tel: 03-5738-7031 wine that complemented the rich flavors of 1st floor Kamiyama Forest, 11-15 the risotto and the light texture of the fish. Kamiyama-Cho, Shibuya- ku, Tokyo, The Head Chef—Hitoshi Sugiura from Japan 150-0047 Osaka—came out to explain each dish, helping Opening Hours Web: yonaminepearls.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 03-3402-4001 us feel the true spirit and energy put into Mon-Fri 11:30-14:00 Arts Shop Bldg. 5th Fl. 7-14-8 , Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 106-0032 the preparation of our meal. On a quick tour Mon-Thu 17:00-23:00(L.O.22:30) around the restaurant before dessert, we had Fri,Sat & HolidayS 17:00- chance to see the special Chef’s Table for six 23:30(L.O.23:00) | Closed On Sundays Opening Hours 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday through Saturday

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 2004 PERRIER-JOUËT BELLE EPOQUE FOR THE BON VIVANT The Art Nouveau bottle design will catch her eye, but this brut’s bouquet is just as lovely as its Valentine’s Special container, offering lively notes of apple, citrus, and BOND NO. 9 PERFUMES honey, and a crisp, energetic finish. FOR A SPRITZ OF ROMANCE Price: ¥21,000 Bond No. 9 fragrance has a scent for any woman Red, pink, and heart-shaped decorations displayed all over the city make for Where: www.perrier-jouet.com whether she’s Uptown classy, Downtown trendy or constant reminders that Valentine’s Day is around the corner. And although the Wall Street savvy. The New York district-inspired perfume recently made its debut in department holiday in Japan is traditionally seen as a “girls gifting boys” day, there’s no reason stores around Tokyo. it can’t be a collaborative effort to equally enjoy the day. Here are a few of our Price: ¥29,400–40,950 suggestions for activities to conquer the city together, for every budget: Where: Isetan Department Stores

Be a Tourist in Your Those Who Bathe Own City Together, Stay With our busy everyday Together schedules and day-to-day lives, February is usually one of the PAUL SMITH CUFFLINKS it can be difficult to find time to coldest times of the year in FOR THE ELEGANT GENTLEMAN sit back and enjoy the city you Tokyo, meaning that a nice Not every man can pull off French cuffs, but you live in. Valentine’s Day is the bath and hot sauna session wouldn’t have chosen him if he were every man. You can count on the English designer for his tweaks on the perfect excuse to visit that place just might be the perfect cure classic look, and these accessories are just the right you’ve been meaning to go to, but haven’t quite got around to yet. to those close-to-frost-bitten toes. A quick trip to Yokohama to touch for the dandy in your life. Perhaps, say, Enoshima? A short train ride from central Tokyo enjoy the rooftop onsen with a front row view of the Yokohama Price: ¥8,400 | Where: www.paulsmith.co.jp can bring you to the island’s annual Valentine’s Day event, which Bay at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or an overnight stay in Hakone offers a whole lot of light—from a mirror ball light show by with a private outdoor bath at Hakone Ginyu will surely bring graphic designers and artists, to hundreds of lit balloons released the heat, both literally and figuratively! into the sky. Indulge Inside Get Active on the Ice Chocolate It’s been said that doing One could hardly imagine physical activities together as anything better than a nice a couple can boost bonds and relaxing massage with an improve connections. Whether equally content partner it’s your first Valentine’s Day by your side. Add some together or your fifth, skating chocolate? And there you have side by side, bundled up in the your Valentine’s Day miracle. Holistic Sanctuary is offering a cold can certainly add an extra spark to the night. The notorious Cacao Scrub Warm Chocolate Body Wrap couples massage for PEARL EARRINGS concrete jungle has managed to layer a few strips of ice to skate “chocolate lovers.” It may sound strange, but chocolate is said FOR THE CHIC AND THE TIMELESS on around Tokyo, including the ice rink in and to provide rich antioxidants that can help maintain firm skin, A classic, quality Valentine’s Day gift can Meiji Jingu Gaien not far from the Meiji Shrine. Check out Tokyo and act as a moisturizing agent, thanks to the high amounts Editor’s be found in a classic, quality pearl. The customized pearl earrings at Yonamine Weekender online for more ice skating locations! of natural oils in the cocoa butter. In addition to consuming Choice Pearls come as simple or as intricate as chocolate on the most popular chocolate sales day of the year, her accessorizing heart desires. Watch a Show—Live or why not also immerse your entire body in it? Price: Vary on the Big Screen Where: www.yonaminepearls.com Take the pressure off 1 www.enoshima-seacandle.jp 2 www.tokyo-midtown.com yourselves to be the www.tokyoweekender.com/events 3 www.bluenote.co.jp entertainers, and just enjoy 4 www.hakoneginyu.co.jp 5 www.h-sanctuary.com some entertainment together. Blue Note Tokyo in Omotesando is hosting its annual Valentine’s Day show for the 15th time with Ken Hirai’s acoustic jam session CHOCOLATS FLEURIS at ¥9,500. Billboard Live is also adding some live jazz with FOR THE CHOCOLATE LOVER WITH a hint of hip-hop to the mix with American vocalist EXQUISITE TASTE Jose James. And if a live show doesn’t quite Now you won’t have to choose between giving fit your Valentine’s Day budget, Toho flowers and giving chocolates. La Maison Du Chocolat’s creations offer the best of both worlds, Cinemas Day offers discounted tickets with romantic works of confectionary art made just every month on the 14th, which falls for Valentine’s and flavored with floral essences. quite conveniently on this month. Price: ¥3,465 | Where: La Maison Du Chocolat Catch a movie for 1,000 JPY instead (English-speaking staff available) of the usual 1,800 JPY.

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 OPINION | EDUCATION | 25

FirstHow “failing better” Attemptcould be the most valuable in lesson Learning you learn this year on until the next new year comes around and we start from scratch all over again. This clearly isn’t the most sensible route to success. When our children are learning to walk they stand unsteadily, take a few faltering baby steps and fall down. Then they get up and repeat the process. If all is well, they continue to try and continue to fail until, after failing better with each attempt, they eventually master this tricky new skill. It’s a process all parents encourage. I cannot imagine that any mother ever thinks, “My poor little dear has fallen down, perhaps he shouldn’t try this awful walking thing again until next year.” One of the current buzzwords in educational circles is resilience or, as my American friends prefer to say, grit. It makes an appearance in almost every list of so-called 21st century competencies as one of the key characteristics that good schools must instill in their students in order to equip them to thrive in today’s fast-moving, ultra- t’s February, the graveyard month competitive world. The idea is that the most success- for all those resolutions you made ful people are those who learn how to cope with and when 2014 was in its infancy and eventually overcome adversity and that, as parents I you thought you could do things and teachers, we do our children a disservice if we differently this year. More exercise? bubble-wrap them so protectively that they are never Less chocolate? I know you meant well but you may at risk of failure. as well come clean—those good intentions have slid It’s hard to disagree with what seems to me to away, haven’t they? be a fairly obvious point: learn to fail or fail to learn. Don’t worry, you’re in good company. In fact, I’m well into my sixth decade and I’m still making the statistics are bleak: apparently only 8% of those mistakes, but at least I’m now old enough to know who make New Year’s resolutions manage to stick that I can learn just as much—and probably more— with them—and the vast majority fall by the wayside from my failures as I can from my successes. I think within the first week. If you’re over fifty you’re it was Albert Einstein who said, “the person who almost twice as likely to slip back into your bad old never made a mistake never tried anything new,” and ways as twenty-somethings who are less set in their history is littered with examples of spectacular flops habits, and if you make a resolution to eat or drink that led in time to giant leaps forward. less the result is often that you actually end up eating So if your resolution has just bitten the dust don’t or drinking more. The truth is that, whatever prom- be too down-hearted. Pat yourself on the back; at ises you might have made to yourself a month or so least you gave it a go. And don’t wait until next year ago, the chances are that you will end 2014 as pretty to give yourself an opportunity to fail better. Baby much the same person who started the year. steps, achievable goals and a well-defined action There’s a simple clue to the reason for such plan will certainly help you to get where you want to widespread fallibility in the very name we give to be—and above all, just remember that fail stands for such promises: New Year’s resolutions. The implicit a first attempt in learning. Better luck next time! point is that when we fall off—as most of us do— there’s no incentive for us to attempt to climb back by Brian Christian, Principal of the British School in Tokyo

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 26 | EDUCATION | BRITISH SCHOOL IN TOKYO ASIJ | EDUCATION | 27

ADVERTORIAL the future of CelebratingThe 25 years Best of first ofclass British education in Japan by Brian Christian learning Lady Thatcher ASIJ: Teaching and Technology at The would have been proud of the school she opened all those years ago

give our students an even greater insight into the rich culture and history of this wonderful country. Thanks to the generous support of Walk Japan, we have two significant challenges planned for May and October—a 500 kilometer relay reviving the ancient “It’s hard to define 21st-century Brian Christian with British First Secretary of State Wiliam Hague route taken between Kyoto and Tokyo by the learning without talking about Emperor’s messengers along the Nakasendo technology, and the robotics his year the British School Thank goodness, though, that some things Way, and a recreation of the traditional program at ASIJ is a prime example in Tokyo is celebrating haven’t changed. Our librarian, Mr. Steven, Mount Fuji pilgrimage, so popular during the of that” says Head of School, Ed its 25th Anniversary. A may have just missed Lady Thatcher but he Edo period. The pupils, parents, and teachers Ladd. Since hosting and winning quarter of a century may arrived soon afterwards and he is delighted T of BST have always been up for a challenge! the VEX Robotics Competition only be a heartbeat in a that the children still love their books. Our And we want to give something back. How would you design a robot that can grades to work together, research, share in 2009, ASIJ’s robotics program country with Japan’s long and distinguished parents are equally delighted that Mr. Steven Central to our celebrations will be a fund- pick up and throw BuckyBalls and then and consume information, and create has continued to enthuse the history, but the world has raced on at a is still baking his amazing cakes for our Friday raising drive—not for ourselves but for hold a larger ball while hanging from a media-rich products. From experimenting community. Our teams qualified for breakneck pace since the formidable British coffee mornings, and are quick to agree with those who can only dream of the world-class bar? If you could create a new app for and designing to using their devices to the VEX World Championship for Prime Minister Lady him that what makes this school so special, education our students are fortunate enough your iPad, what would it do? What kind document their thoughts and ideas, they the fourth year running in 2013. declared us open on September 21, 1989. what has always made BST special, are its to receive. Working with United World of fairground ride would you design and work on a wide range of engaging projects Even those of you with the most people and its sense of community. Schools, we aim to build and maintain a how would you build a prototype from that require higher-level thinking, critical retentive of memories will have long It is this sense of community that we will village school in a developing country, and Lego WeDo? These are just a few of the decision-making and problem solving. forgotten the record (remember those?) celebrate throughout 2014 with a series of to establish an enduring partnership with its questions being tackled by students at “As well as the three ‘Rs,’ we now that topped the UK charts that day—even events here in Tokyo, in London, The American School in Japan (ASIJ). teach the three ‘Cs’—communication, staff and students. It is an ambitious goal, but though it spent six weeks at number one.* and . ASIJ prepares all students to meet the collaboration, and creativity,” says one we are determined to achieve. But in many other ways 1989 was a highly There will, of course, be lots of challenges of a dynamic global society in Head of School Ed Ladd. “It is not only As the British Foreign Secretary said memorable year. It was the year that opportunities to party—culminating with a which they collaborate, communicate, the amount of information available when he wrote to us to wish us well for our witnessed the birth of the Internet and the Grand Charity Ball towards the end of the create and innovate through ubiquitous to students, but it is the constant anniversary celebrations, “Lady Thatcher collapse of the Iron Curtain; the year of year—but we are also keen to mark our access to people, information and ideas. accessibility to this information that is would have been proud of the school she Tiananmen Square and the San Francisco anniversary by celebrating our exciting Our aspiration is to make technology changing the face of education. Teachers opened all those years ago.” Bay earthquake; the year when Rain Man position at the heart of this incredible city, an integrated experience for students, are no longer the font of information; won the Oscar for best picture and Kazuo and to establish a lasting legacy to sustain rather than a periodic event, by bringing instead, the teacher is a coach or * Ride on Time by Black Box topped the charts Ishiguro published The Remains of the Day. us through the next 25 years. Our strong technology into the core of the learning facilitator who helps students analyze This year we launched a new for six weeks It all seems such a long time ago. relationships with Shibuya Kyouiku Gakuen process and the learning space. A key information, synthesize it, and use it semester-long Creative Design course And, of course, it was a long time ago— from the start, and with Showa directive that originated from ASIJ’s strategic to solve problems,” he adds. “I’m very in the . All sixth-grade certainly in terms of all that has happened Women’s University in more recent planning process was that the school focus excited by the changes we’ve already students take this introduction to since. There were fewer than 150 students times, are immensely important on developing an emphasis on design and made and the innovative ways students the design process and use a variety at BST on that first day and not even the to us and we will celebrate those the design process in the curriculum. and teachers are exploring and creating of technologies including robotics, most prescient among them could have partnerships with a number of Students are empowered through with new technology. There has never programming, CAD and 3D printing imagined that 25 years later their modern shared activities. We are especially our 1:1 MacBook program (grades been a more exciting time to be an as well as hands-on building materials day counterparts, all 800 of them, would be keen that our pupils should have the 5–12) and the use of iPads in the lower educator—or a student.” and techniques. Students have the taught in Wi-Fi enabled classrooms equipped opportunity to work in collaboration opportunity to use these tools to with interactive whiteboards connected via with their Japanese peers. Nursery through grade 12. Accredited by WASC. design creative solutions to self- identified problems, a process that AirPlay to their iPads. It’s a different world. We will also use our anniversary to For complete admissions information please visit: exposes them to the fundamental http://community.asij.ac.jp 03-3411-4211 [email protected] www.bst.ac.jp 3–18 yrs. stages of the design cycle. or call 0422-34-5300 ext. 720 Showa Women’s University 5th Bldg. 1-7-57 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-8533 FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014

Weekender_advJAN13.indd 1 1/17/14 9:45 AM 28 | EDUCATION | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS SPECIAL | EDUCATION | 29

ai INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Internationalt ai InternationalSchools School, preschool and kindergarten children from around the world learn to respect A differences and develop borderless friendships, thanks to the diverse and international atmosphere of its classrooms and activities. In the cross-cultural enviroment that ai fosters, English is used as the common language for communication, but the School offers a truly diverse learning experience. Just like our children, ai’s educators come from around the world. As a reflection of the global nature of ai International School, our curriculum combines many theories and ideas from the educational systems of the home countries of our staff members. Parents will be glad to know that at ai International School, their children will be taught to love the learning process and they will be encouraged to become lifelong learners.

THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF TOKYO 03-3769-3372 [email protected] 5-4-1-3F, Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073 Japan ituated in the heart of Tokyo, The Montessori School of Tokyo (MST) is a JCIS member school that offers a vibrant and fresh www.aiinternationalschool.com 18 mos.–6 yrs. S vision of education for your child. Our approach is designed to teach children to think deeply, to think for and to think about others, as they develop a sense of wonder and imagination. MST offers a broad variety of learning opportunities, from a well stocked library with more than 8,000 volumes to one of the largest gardens in central Tokyo, where children care for their own fruit, flowers and vegetables as they learn about their natural environment. Children can also enrich their learning experience through such diverse activities as art exhibitions, science fairs, and community service projects. We have been offering this truly child-centered, high-quality curriculum to Tokyo families for more than a decade. Our diverse group International School of the Sacred Heart of students represent more than 30 different countries, and range in age from 2 to old. We look forward to welcoming you!

03-5449-7067 [email protected] 3-5-13 Minami , Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047 www.montessorijapan.com 2–14 yrs. What makes Sacred Heart special? J’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL We are a school that: ounded in 2002, the story of J’s International School began with two mothers whose children attended international schools in inspires hearts and minds F Japan. After seeing how their children benefitted from a quality international school education, the two mothers opened J’s nurtures a passion for learning and zest for life International School to enable other children to have similar opportunities. At J’s we believe academics, creativity, and communication all play an equally important role in early childhood development. prepares women for the world We encourage children to learn by using their imagination and curiosity in a loving and fun environment. Our classes consist of Little Lambs (15 provides wise freedom to encourage responsible choices months–2 1/2 years old), Busy Bees (3–4 years old), Ready Rabbits (4–5 years old), and Clever Cats (5–6 years old). We offer an after school program for children 3–6 years old and extended care from as early as 8:00 am until as The journey begins here - come and see for yourself. late as 5:30 pm. Please feel free to contact us for more information or come visit us for a school tour!

03-3452-2078 [email protected] Believe Learn Connect Serve Grow 2-12-14 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046, Japan 4-3-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0012 TEL: +81-3-3400-3951 [email protected] www.issh.ac.jp www.js-international-school.com 15 mos.–6 yrs. 30 | INTERVIEW | MASAAKI TAKEI MASAAKI TAKEI | INTERVIEW | 31

wanted to imple- ment before he MINATO FACT FILE took office. “My election pledge was The word Minato, 港, means decentralization “port.” Among the ward’s THE MAN and I was able to many ports is the passenger implement this terminal by Takeshiba station. pledge 18 months after taking office.” 8% of the population of Mi- Takei said that his BEHIND MINATOby Alec Jordan nato are foreigners. This may plan met plenty of not seem like a large number, friction: “my critics but if you consider that only 1.5% of Japan’s With a collection of neighborhoods that includes the harbor side areas of , said that decentral- population is foreign, Minato’s diversity ization would bring the offices and parks of Akasaka, and the upscale cosmopolitan hubs of Azabu- stands out more. about inefficiency Juban and , Minato Ward boasts a wide variety of urban zones in and discord, and The 20 square kilometers of a loss of expertise. a small area of land. Dozens of Japan’s top companies have their headquarters Minato house more than half a variety of different forms—one of the I was happy to be able to prove them of the nation’s embassies. in there. It’s also the ward with the highest proportion of foreign residents: the more innovative systems is a telephone wrong.” Decentralization led to a stream- information service that is available in lining of many municipal processes, and Minato is a business power- citizens of 130 different nations make their home in Minato, and the embassies and four languages. gave more power to the directors of the house and home to many of An issue that is frequently on the branch offices to address the specific consulates of 82 different nations can be found in this “little UN.” Japan’s biggest companies, minds of foreigners is the inability to needs of their communities. Currently, including , Honda, vote in elections, and this will not be the areas of Shibaura, Shibaura Konan, Toshiba, Sony, and even ith such a diverse set of role of the kucho a little bit like you’d something that will change any time Azabu, Akasaka, and are using Pokémon. Yahoo!, Apple, Coca-Cola, and Dow concerns and groups think of the mayor, that would be about soon. Although Minato’s foreign citizens this streamlined process, and it has been Chemicals are among the many foreign com- of people—Minato’s right.” He explains that the relationship cannot vote, they are able to take part a success over the past 10 years. panies that have their headquarters in Minato. official population is of Tokyo to its wards is much like that in general assemblies and they can give When we asked him about the crisis W232,000, and the daytime population of a prefecture to its cities; however, their opinion in many different forums, that led to Naoki Inose’s resignation as The fastest-growing areas in swells to more than a million during the wards have a stronger financial both formal and informal. In fact, this is governor of Tokyo, Takei spoke about his Minato are the neighborhoods working hours—is no easy task. But it’s link to the Tokyo metropolitan area. something that Takei hopes will increase: deep disappointment with the situation. of Shibaura and Konan. They’re one that Masaaki Takei, the kucho of For example, emergency services and “I want to hear what people want,” Takei “It’s a shock to have a person in the top also Minato’s youngest neighborhoods. Minato-ku, has handled with efficiency other municipal services, such as water says. “Our diversity is really an advan- position in Tokyo have to step down like and a low-key attitude during his 10-year and power, are provided by Tokyo, but tage that the ward has, because it is a that. It does not do an honor to the city.” tenure. Tokyo Weekender spoke with funding for trash collection, schools, and source of great new ideas and perspec- He also didn’t buy Inose’s rationale that the people truly do come first, and this was Takei about the challenges of administer- many other services are funded by the tives that can make Minato a better place he needed the money to run his cam- one of the reasons that the Inose scandal ing Tokyo’s most diverse ward, his great- wards themselves. to live.” paign: “According to the law, there is a bothered him as it did. “I am always thinking est successes in office, and his opinions Ensuring that Minato’s foreign resi- Takei is not given to boasting, but fixed amount that you are allowed to use. from the point of people who live and work about the campaign financing scandal dents (the most populous are, in order, he does take pride in one of his earliest Going beyond that amount simply isn’t in Minato-ku, and for the people who receive that forced Governor Naoki Inose’s Korean, American, and Chinese) can accomplishments, and it was one that permitted. You can receive donations, our services,” he says. Unlike the big-time resignation. take an active part in the everyday life of met a lot of early resistance. In a move but there is always an upper limit. The personalities of a Naoki Inose or a Shintaro The first thing that Takei cleared the ward is a prominent part of Takei’s that gave branch offices more power to whole thing makes me wonder if anyone Ishihara, the “Mayor of Minato” doesn’t need up was the specific role of the kucho, job. To keep foreign residents informed control their own affairs, he pushed for really needs that much money. ” to be the center of attention. He keeps his and how the wards and the greater about the services they can use daily, decentralization that gave the individual It was clear in our conversation that focus on the task of keeping Tokyo’s most metropolis of Tokyo are related. As the ward provides a wide variety of neighborhoods more autonomy. As Takei considers himself a public servant, international ward running smoothly, and Takei explained, “if you think about the information about daily life in Minato in he explains, this was a change that he in the best sense of the word: for him, the people of Minato are lucky to have him.

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PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES 9 10 11 TOKYO’S LONGEST RUNNING SOCIETY PAGE, WITH BILL HERSEY

tarting this column out at the popular Segafredo Coffee shop in across Aoyama Dori by Kinokuniya. First you’ll see Kua Aina—Hawaii’s Hiroo January 3rd. Just a couple more days of Shogatsu (New Year) Best Hamburgers, which has long been a favorite here in Japan. Continue holidays, and most of my friends will be back from their travels, walking towards Roppongi and in a few blocks, you’ll find three new and back to work, and getting into February’s busy social events very popular eateries—the 3rd Hamburger on the right, Granny Smith’s Scalendar. The streets around major shrines are still packed with people Apple Pie and Coffee a little further up on the left and across the street 12 13 14 15 making their first visit of the year to pray for a good 2014—The Year of the from Starbucks is the Clinton St. Bakery Co. and restaurant from NYC. Horse. Hope those prayers work. You’ll probably have to line up for this one as well as for pie and coffee at I thought I’d be bored, but decided to stay in Japan for Christmas and Granny’s. It’ll be interesting to see what opens in the new long building that New Years. It was much busier, more interesting and more relaxing than I replaced the graffiti-covered smaller buildings on the corner of Aoyama thought it would be, and time really flew by. Dori and Koto Dori. In keeping with the religious spirit of the holidays, I truly enjoyed two Still on food, I really enjoyed an almost three-hour lunch at the inspirational evenings with good friends. The first was with Philippine Mexican Restaurant Cocina de Gabriela with Tabasco’s super nice guy and Ambassador Manuel Lopez, his wife Maria Teresa, Warner Brothers great friend Marc Gleason. The spacious eatery is decorated in Mexican President Bill Ireton and two of his five children, Matthew and Roberta at rustic, there’s an open kitchen, and they specialize in carne asada. It was the Meguro Catholic Church. Bill’s wife Charo, and their other three sons, an excellent lunch with time for a 30 minute telephone conversation with William, Thomas and Edward were already in Hawaii for their annual former Tokyoite mutual friend Regina Doi. Regina, who sends her regards vacation there. to her many friends here is doing very well. I also had a short break (very 16 17 18 19 It was my first time at the Meguro Church and the architecture and short) when I danced to a Latin tune with a fun Mexican lady working at interior are really impressive. After the service a buffet of homemade the restaurant, which is located is on the 2nd floor right across the street 16th Annual Orphan’s Party at Hilton Filipino food gave me the opportunity to talk with lots of Filipino friends from the big Azabu police station. who live and work here. Enjoyed a bit of traditional Japan as well when I picked up a traditional 1. Abeer Aisha (Oman) with Santa and two of the kids 2.Yasmine Tsamados 10. Kyoko Spector, Dewi Sukarno 11. Didnen Miyakawa () 12. Anna Shiga Also really enjoyed Christmas Eve Mass with Matthew and Roberta as arrow at Hachiman Shrine, ate some mochi (pounded rice) with Amy (Greece) Amal Ketrandji (Algeria) 3. Nahid al-Robaee (Iraq) 4. Amira (Russia) 13. Reiko Szerdahelyi (Hungary) 14. Mary Katayama (Aston Martin) well as Father Grimn and Father Russ at the Franciscan chapel. Matthew, Hanashiro and her friends at Midtown Oakwood, and joined Hisako Ali Abdelaziz (Sudan) 5. Maali Siam (Palestine) 6. Seibold Buater Anja 15. Bicky Comberbach (Zimbabwe), Clara Nakazato 16. Maria Teresa Lopez who’s a really good singer, helped with the musical program, which Uemura, wife of the owner of National Azabu for a cup of amazake (sweet, (Switzerland) 7. Roberta Ireton, her brother Matthew – their boy for the day (Philippines) 17. Hiroko Inayama 18. Keio student Shoto Kendo 19. Dr. Yoshiko included several choral groups, a brass band and a string group. Kudos to non-alcoholic sake) at the supermarket. 8. Mika Nigitsch, Mrs. Fujisawa (Yodobashi Camera) 9. Steven Haynes, Itsumi Hatakeyama Hassan (Bahrain). the many volunteers who decorated the chapel so beautifully. All kinds of new buildings are popping up all over the city. One of the Sano (Sony Pictures), Takako Bosman, Lynn Lai, Grace Saito, their cute kid Traffic was very light over the holidays, so I drove around Tokyoa biggest is right next to the Algerian, Pakistani and Finnish embassies. It’s lot, and as always, I really enjoyed making all kinds of new discoveries. never easy to get info on things like this, but a friend in the know told me it If you’re looking for new restaurants and cafés get on Koto Dori just was going to be a center for medical clinics.

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 36 | SOCIETY | PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 37

It’s not a brand new building, but Coca-Cola has moved from their long-time headquarters in Shibuya to the ultra-modern facilities in Ark GRAND HYATT’S SAYONARA CHRISTOPHE, Hills South, Roppongi. Our congratulations to Coke on the many great WELCOME ANTONIO promotions they did to brighten up our city and Japan’s holiday season. The most rewarding thing about writing this column is getting to meet I always took time to check out the fantastic graffiti on the elevated and know so many wonderful people. The only downer are the sayonara highways near Coke’s Shibuya offices. I can’t figure out how and what time parties for many of them. The only good thing about these parties is graffiti artists get up there to do their art (and it really is art) work. knowing that people are returning home to resume their lives there, and We had a good crowd at the New Lex Tokyo Countdown Party, but I was are often moving to a bigger and brighter things in whatever they do. surprised how quiet the main drag and side streets in Roppongi were There seems to be an exodus of really good friends lately and will try to compared to last year. Everyone I talked to had their ideas about why cover these as they happen. Roppongi has changed so much, and I’ll talk more about this after more I will start out with one of Tokyo’s most popular couples—Christophe research in a future column. Lorvo (he’s French) and his wife Alicia (she’s American). 1 2 3 In closing this part of the column, I would like to thank US Ambassador Christophe has worked wonders for five years at the place he’s turned Caroline Kennedy for the nice signed holiday card that featured a photo into one of the world’s best known hotels—the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi. of her, her husband Dr. Edwin Schlossberg and their three children Over the years, his guests have included top showbiz personalities like Rose, Tatiana and Jack. We here at the Weekender sincerely wish the Madonna, Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, and the Ambassador a long, happy and I’m sure what will be a very successful list goes on. The hotel has also been the choice for royalty, government tour of duty in Japan. dignitaries, and business leaders from all around the world. Christophe and Alicia have three super kids. Audrey (11), Sophia (8) and Charles (7). BILL HERSEY, THE WEEKENDER, AND HILTON TOKYO’S 16TH About every three months I’d get a call from the hotel telling me she had ANNUAL HOLIDAY ORPHANS’ PARTY left some bags there for me. These were always huge IKEA bags packed Once again I’d like to extend my sincerest thanks to the many community- with like-new prestigious brand clothes (Gap Armani, Macy’s, etc.) that minded, caring people out there who put so much time and effort is making her kids had grown out of or gotten tired of. I’ve always mailed these our orphans’ party the big success it was. Our helpers included celebrities, to several childrens’ homes and to less fortunate kids in the Philippines. many Ambassadors’ wives, familiar faces from both the Japanese and Alicia not only made a lot of families happy: with her fashion sense, she expatriate communities. Long-time contributors of all kinds of fun things made many kids some of the best dressed in the Philippines. for the beautiful kids included the Walt Disney Co., Warner Brothers, The evening was as I knew it would be: beautiful. The marvelous 4 5 6 Sony Pictures Entertainment, Toho-Towa Paramount Pictures, Twentieth mix of VIPs, the awesome food and the Hyatt ambiance made it all very Century Fox, History Channel, Tohokushinsha, Lufthansa, United Airlines, special. Mercedes-Benz and Coca-Cola. Several Ambassadors’ wives and other The Lorvos are busy now, settling in Rio where Christophe will be GM of friends who couldn’t be there that day sent some great gifts as well. the Hyatt there and be involved in several new Hyatt projects in bustling A big thanks to Hilton Tokyo’s personable, very capable, and always Brazil. helpful outgoing GM Jamie Mead who is now at his new job as GM of the His successor is a cool Spanish man, Antonio Alvarez. He worked beautiful Hilton in Kuala Lumpur. Jamie’s a good friend and will really be with Christophe at Hyatt in Buenos Aires for several years, has a lot of missed. As busy as he always was, he took time to work with his marketing experience and is really personable. We wish all these good friends and Director Momoko Gonohe and the Hilton staff in making this year’s party good people all the best in their work lives. Publication dates and the long a grand and glorious celebration. Our regular Santa Claus, Dutch clown holidays made it impossible to wish all our Chinese friends a happy new Rene Bosman, had a showbiz job in Bangkok so he introduced us to Randy year. January 30 was New Year’s Eve and January 31 is New Year’s Day Drake who made a great Santa at our party. Rene’s wife Takako did come on the lunar calendar. But that’s OK: the celebrations go on for about 2 and help. The Hilton’s marble lounge was transformed into a marvelous weeks, so I do feel I can still wish them a very happy new year or as they magical kingdom with a huge Christmas tree, beautiful decorations and say in Cantonese: gung hay fat choy! several hundred holiday balloons. Jamie and Momoko had also brought Here’s something very worthwhile we do have time for celebrate in a clown, a fingernail artist, and a face painter to help with the festive their 10th anniversary the Mori Art Museum will hold an exhibition 7 8 9 event. As usual, Matthew Ireton led the kids in singing Christmas tunes, of Andy Warhol’s art. Titled “15 Minutes Eternal,” the exhibit opened and Steve Haynes donned his Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer costume February 1 and will continue through May 6. who led not only the kids, but everyone there in some fun dancing. I also Looking back to when Andy was still alive I used to spend considerable want to thank the half-dozen helpers from the volunteer Guardian Angels time at his “Factory” whenever I was in New York. Needless to say, there who are involved in many worthwhile community projects. were always interesting people at his almost daily health food I’m grateful to so many friends, and it was a wonderful lunches. I just wish I would have had the cash (not that much) day in every way: the happy children left loaded down with and sense to buy a few of his many paintings that were always gifts and so many balloons that they couldn’t get them all piled everywhere. A few have sold for more than a million on public transportation. Once again, a big thanks to the so dollars in recent years . . . as they say—“live and learn.” many who helped that day.

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Sayonara—Welcome of Tokyo’s top businessmen: Oakwood’s Martin Fluck and Asian Tigers’ Nick Masee 8. 1. Grand Hyatt’s new G.M. Antonio Alvarez, outgoing G.M. Christophe Lorvo and Antonio Alvarez, Hyatt’s Chikami Koga, Alicia Lorvo, Croatian Amb., Mira Martinec. his wife Alicia 2. Malaysian Amb., Datuk Shaharuddin, Grand Hyatt’s executive chef, Stephane Foucher, Zimbabwe Ambassador Stuart Harold Comberbach 3. Algeria’s Super Nat’l Day Reception Lufthansa’s Otto Benz, Paramount Pictures Japan Pres. Ichiro Okazaki, Emirates 9. Fumiko Tottori (Greece), Yasmine Tsamados, Lilo Maruyama 10. The host Algerian Airlines Mgr. Japan, Richard and Mrs. Engelmann 4. Author, Fashion specialist, Ambassador Sid Ali Ketrandji, wife Amal, Lilo Maruyama, Lilo’s son Helge 11. EU Françoise Moréchand, Dance instructor Kon Hanaoka 5. Bicky Comberbach, Lilo Ambassador Hans Diztmar Schweisgut, his wife Kaoru Schweisgut, French Ambassador Maruyama, Reiko Szerdahlyi (Hungary) 6. Alicia Lorvo, Swedish Ambassador Lars Christian Masset 12. Lilo Maruyama and Brunei Ambassador, Mahamud Ahmad 13. Roberta Ireton, Philippine Amb. Manuel Lopez, wife Maritess, Naef Japanese dignitaries join to celebrate the Saudi National Day with Vargö, Canadian Ambassador Mackenzie Clugston, his wife Paula Bowers 7. Two Architect Manny Sultan and his wife. Hamid, William Ireton, mom Charo, Father Grimm, Bill & Bill Ireton Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Turkistani

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FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 SHOWING THIS MONTH | SCREEN | 41 MOVIES FEB 7 COMING TO A CINEMA NEAR YOU IN FEBRUARY

FEB 28 THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG > DVD/BLU-RAY This Month’s Releases hile critics continue to bemoan the fact ELYSIUM that the admittedly short source novel Sci-fi action with a political has been split into a whopping three- W undercurrent from ‘District part film series, fans will rejoice at the return to 9’ director Neill Blomkamp. Middle-earth in this second installment of The Matt Damon is a dying man Hobbit. Even the most ardent of fans probably felt who must make his way that Bilbo Baggins and his merry band of dwarves RUSH from the ruined earth to the took their time getting started on their quest in et amidst the fast paced world of 1970s Formula One racing, Rush orbiting space station Elysium to find a way to save his life. the bladder-challenging, three-hour The Hobbit: tells the story of one of sport’s great rivalries: that of naturally An Unexpected Journey. Part two, The Hobbit: gifted English playboy James Hunt and his technically brilliant LINCOLN The Desolation of Smaug, makes short work of S opponent, the Austrian Nikki Lauda. Hunt is played by the Mighty Thor A typically impressive the preliminaries, firing straight into the action himself—Chris Hemsworth—and the excellent young German actor performance from Daniel and keeping the momentum up throughout as Daniel Brühl of Goodbye Lenin and Inglorious Basterds is his rival. As the Day Lewis as president Dwarven king Thorin Oakenshield continues to two fiercely competitive drivers battle it out on the racetrack, not even a Abraham Lincoln who is lead the party to the Lonely Mountain for a date major accident can derail their thirst for victory. Both drivers experience fighting a political battle over with the dragon Smaug. Martin Freeman is back set-backs, as Hunt’s hard partying lifestyle and personal relationships slavery as the Civil War rages as the Hobbit Bilbo, with Ian McKellan as Gandalf begin to impact upon his career, but it’s a terrible accident on a rain- on in this Stephen Spielberg directed historical drama. and Orlando Bloom returning to his Lord of the swept course that threatens to put Lauda out for good. There’s a lot of Rings role of Legolas the Elf. Everyone knows excitement around this biographical sports drama directed by Hollywood whether they love or hate these films by now and THE CONJURING heavyweight Ron Howard and it could be his most successful film since he for fans this offering won’t disappoint. Not for the faint of heart, won the Academy Award in 2001 with A Beautiful Mind. Tron: Legacy’s The Conjuring is a genuinely Olivia Wilde co-stars as Hunt’s supermodel wife Suzy Miller. scary horror movie, which sees a pair of paranormal investigators turn up at a FEB 1 farmhouse to help a family troubled by increasingly disturbing events.

FEB 7 THE BUTLER FEB 28 BILL CUNNINGHAM he Butler is roughly based on the life NEW YORK of a butler in the White House who A documentary on the Tserved for over three decades. Forrest long and impressive Whittaker plays the man who served under career of New York based different presidents, from Eisenhower fashion photographer Bill to Reagan, taking in some of the major Cunningham. historical events of the twentieth century and include the likes of American Vogue editor Anna Wintour watching the world, and his family, change alongside fellow fashionistas. along the way. The film boasts a stellar cast, SNOWPIERCER including some major names stepping in to NEBRASKA THE LONE RANGER play the roles of various presidents: Robin End of Watch – Gritty n a nice break from all the sequels ctor Bruce Dern has been around for Williams as Eisenhower, James Marsden as THOR 2: THE DARK WORLD documentary-style thriller and reboots hitting our screens comes years, but he’s always been more of a John F. Kennedy, Liev Schreiber as Lyndon B. efore the Avengers assembled to smash global box-office following two cops working an original piece of supporting actor than leading man. I Johnson, John Cusack as Richard Nixon, and A records, Norse god Thor appeared in his first solo outing in an in South Central Los Angeles filmmaking from Joon-ho Bong, one of Korea’s After an appearance in Tarantino hit Django Alan Rickman and Jane Fonda as Ronald and entertaining introductory film that mixed fantastical Asgardian who come up against a most promising directors. Snowpiercer Unchained, Dern is back in his biggest role B Nancy Reagan. fantasy with tongue-in-cheek earth-based action. The son of Odin dangerous drug gang. Stars marks Bong’s return to sci-fi action, and the in years in Nebraska, garnering praise and returns in Thor 2: The Dark World to do battle with Dark Elves in a Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña. film has already created quite an internet award nominations for his efforts. Dern plays suitably beefed-up sequel. Chris Hemsworth returns as Thor, as does buzz. The director’s English-language debut a crochety old man who becomes intent on Tom Hiddleston as his scene-stealing brother Loki, last seen being led MANIAC boasts an impressive cast that includes Chris traveling across the country to pick up a million FEB 15 away to face trial at the end of the Avengers movie. The plot centers Elijah Wood plays against type Evans, , and Jamie dollar prize which, quite clearly to everyone around Dark Elf king Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) who plans to as the deeply troubled owner Bell who must survive in a post-apocalyptic but himself, is a scam. Will Forte plays the bring darkness to the universe forcing our hammer-wielding hero to of a mannequin shop who future wracked by an ice age that killed off son who accompanies his father on what join forces with his scheming brother to stop him. There is a suitably begins to act out his urge to kill most of the life on earth. The survivors of becomes a road trip into the heart of Middle epic feel to proceedings this time around as the characters travel in this psychological horror the global catastrophe live aboard a gigantic America, coming to terms with their troubled between planets leading to an apocalyptic finale in London. Comic remake of a 80s cult video. train—the “Snowpiercer”—governed by a relationship along the way. The film is directed touches, based around the fish-out-of-water quality of having Norse rigid class system that is ready to collapse. by Alexander Payne, whose impressive back gods roaming around the streets of London keep things fun. Natalie catalogue includes The Descendants and Portman returns as love interest Dr. Jane Foster and Anthony Hopkins This month’s movie previews were written by Sideways. adds weight to the proceedings as Odin, king of Asgard. Christopher O’Keeffe. For more movie news and reviews visit www.tokyoweekender.com

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 PICKS | MUSIC | 43

those projects. Zidane was a very isolationist film, and our music feeds that atmosphere. And I also think quite a bit of our music is unsettling, so that was the angle I’m sure the producers were looking for when they asked us to score Here's a selection of the The Returned.” Braithwaite says that working process was equally that we've got on beneficial for Mogwai. POST ROCK LEGENDS bring their unique sound to TOKYO “Musically, it hasn’t changed us too much,” he says of our wish lists, from indie writing and recording music movies and TV, adding: “But he cassette had a rhythm I think we’ve grown a bit of confidence because of it. We’ve to hip hop all its own, before shown that we can apply ourselves to different projects.” playing even a single And yet, that self-assurance has always been an integral note. First there was component to Mogwai’s success. Braithwaite says no band Warpaint: T the snare-like snap of a can survive Glasgow’s music scene without it. Warpaint pressed rewind button, then the spooling “It’s not isolated geographically, but Glasgow’s scene is January 22 detached from the music business in London,” he says, be- whir of ribbony tape that had already Following up their popular 2012 debut The Fool fore adding that living under such a long shadow prompts been used to record, making the same Los Angeles foursome Warpaint return with this kind of hum heard when a finger slides up Scottish bands to make bolder decisions, adding: “There self-titled follow-up. The experimental indie fretboarded strings in between strums. wouldn’t be much point in sounding really commercial to group mix densely atmospheric melodies with It was a familiar little ode to a very get a record deal, because it’s never that likely someone lead singer Theresa Wayman’s haunting vocals. different era, a series of sounds that will come sign you.” preceded every band Johnny Cash: had ever heard as a boy growing up in I think there’s definitely Out Among the Stars Glasgow in the late 80s and early 90s. At March 24 the time he and his pals would routinely some parallels between swap those cassettes, each brimming with Following in the steps of Biggie and Tupac, Johnny Cash proves that it’s not just rap legends songs they’d taped directly off the radio, in that can steadily release albums of new material a ritual that couldn’t have felt more mod- SOME Japanese bands and the after death. This contains lost tracks from ern. In 2013 Braithwaite sat down with meantime,” Braithwaite says during a recent especially his band’s name. Mogwai may have Glasgow scene. Maybe IT’s a shelved 1980 album recently discovered by the his bandmates in the veteran indie troop phone interview of the sentiment behind his been named after the endearing little mon- late singer’s son. Mogwai to record their eighth album. They band’s latest album title, adding that modern sters featured in the cult flick Gremlins, but just an interest in music, and decided to dub the new disc Rave Tapes, effect pedals and studio software allowed Braithwaite says he and his bandmates are Schoolboy Q: because its recording process felt worlds them to easily record music that was simul- inspired by far different pictures these days. apart from the cassettes that seemed so taneously sparser, and still rife with more “I suppose I liked that movie as a kid, just a slight fearlessness over Oxymoron essential in their youth. electronic elements, than any of their recent because it had funny stories with weird things February 25 But, charming as those analogue days releases. “We started in the era of tape, and happening. But it would be pretty ridicu- what constitutes music. The likes of Oddfuture, Danny Brown, A$AP Rocky, were, Braithwaite insists that he doesn’t it was rare to record digitally. Now digital’s lous for us to try and soundtrack something Drake and even Kanye are all helping to make That attitude is obvious throughout much of Mogwai’s the rap scene as fresh and exciting as it’s been in lament their end. “It wasn’t nostalgia. It the norm, and it ends up giving us so many like it now,” he says, adding that he and his catalogue, which mostly consists of sprawling instrumen- years. Add to the mix West-Coast rapper Schoolboy was more amusing than anything, remem- more ways of editing. There’s lots of changes bandmates were much more enticed by tals that are as demanding and rewarding for listeners as Q, who mixes socially conscious lyrics with some bering a time that isn’t that long ago, that we’ve embraced.” recent opportunities to provide soundtracks they are for the band. Oddly enough, Braithwaite gets that classic stonerisms on his major label debut. but already feels ancient because of That means the title Rave Tapes is less for the 2006 football documentary Zidane: A same sentiment from Japanese audiences. the technology that’s happened in the of a dedication to the past, and more of a 21st Century Portrait and the critically lauded “We’ve had a plethora off wonderful concerts in tribute to time passing. Braithwaite is even 2013 French TV horror series The The War on Drugs: Japan. And there’s plenty of really interesting bands from less sentimental about other monikers, Returned. Braithwaite adds: “I think Lost the Dream there,” he says, before citing a few examples like Boris, there’s aspects of our March 18 Envy and Acid Mothers Temple. music that definitely It’s been more than two years since the release Perhaps this Japanese tour will give Braithwaite the helped both of of their last album, but indie rockers The War on chance to explore a foreign, and yet oddly familiar, scene Drugs are back with their fourth album to date. with the same vigor that he applied to making and swap- The band continues making good tunes with ping mix tapes as a boy. their throwback, Sonic Youth–inspired sound. Braithwaite adds: “I think there’s definitely some parallels between those Japanese bands and the Glasgow scene. There really are some similarities. Maybe just an Azaelia Banks: interest in music, and a slight fearlessness over what Broke with Expensive Taste constitutes music.” March 2014 by Kyle Mullin Bursting onto the scene with her stomping bass-heavy dance/rap track “212” in 2011, Azaelia Mogwai will be playing the Hostess Banks has suffered setbacks, delays and even a Weekender at Studio Coast on Feb 15. Twitter feud with Lily Allen, but the 22-year-old For more information, visit New York native’s album is finally ready to drop. ynos.tv/hostessclub. Check out the stomping “212” and her EP 1991 to Their new album Rave Tapes is out now. get a taste of the rapper’s work.

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 FEBRUARY | AGENDA | 45 AGENDA FEBRUARY 1 9

2 3 10 Blooming

4 11 BRILLIANT! 6 7 8 Get the party started with the classic Outback Bloomin’ Onion®

Bacon Cheese Burger 100% beef patty topped with bacon and cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo and 5 12 pickles for the ultimate burger experience! Served with Aussie AGENDA: THE WEEKENDER ROUNDUP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY Fries and cole slaw.

1 FEB 26 2 FEB 14 3 FEB 25 4 FEB 25-26 9 FEB 22 10 FEB 18-28 The Rolling Stones Bonjour Tokyo Foals Nine Inch Nails Thomas Gold Eric Clapton Yes, the Stones are back Valentine’s Party Less than a year after and his EDM star Thomas Gold The artist is still going Rack of Lamb (and still rocking) and The French party planners their performance at the band will be touring as a is headlining AgeHa’s strong at age 68, but as he 450g of succulent and if you’re lucky you can still get your have a sensual Valentine’s night 2013 edition of Fuji Rock, the Oxford four-piece, in a new lineup including “Lumberjack” night, which features plans to retire by age 70, this may tender New Zealand lamb, hands on some tickets. planned: come wearing a mask and group is back in Tokyo with their math previous collaborators , flannel, hairy chests, denim, beards be the last chance to see him live accompanied by a rich demi Where: Tokyo Dome get your slow dancing shoes on. rock and dance punk mashes. , and . and sexy female lumberjack dancers. in Japan. glace sauce. Served with mashed Time: 19:30 | How Much: ¥1,000 Time: 19:00 | How Much: ¥6,300 Time: 19:00 | How much: ¥9,000 Time: 22:00 | Where: AgeHa Time: 19:00 Where: Budokan When: February 26, March 4–6 potato and seasonal mixed Where: Las Chicas Omotesando Where: EX Theater Roppongi Where: Studio Coast, Shin-Kiba How Much: ¥4,000 How Much: ¥12,000 (S)/¥11,000 (A) How Much: ¥18,000 - ¥80,000 vegetables. More info: www.rollingstones.com More info: www.bonjourtokyo.com More info: www.smash-jpn.com More info: www.creativeman.co.jp More info: www.turnedon.jp More info: www.udo.jp

5 FEB 4-12 6 FEB 12 - MAR 4 7 FEB 15 - MAR 15 8 FEB 8 - MAR 2 11 FEB 6 12 FEB 9 Kokufu Bonsai TAG Heuer x Ken Yukio Futagawa “Frank Setagaya Ume Matsuri Dan Dan Charity Run Exhibition Okuyama – kode9 Lloyd Wright” February is all about the Your chance to spend The Japan Association Learn a little more A chance to check out Photographs of Frank Lloyd plum blossom, so head one night with the for Refugees (JAR) about this traditional Japanese art some limited edition timepieces Wright’s architectural works from to Umegaoka for some flower viewing, American graphic designer turned is hosting a charity walk/run this form by admiring a full collection and get a glimpse at Okuyama’s influential architectural photographer haiku reading and plum sweets eating. icon. February in support of refugees of the bite-sized wonders. latest car project. and publisher Yukio Futagawa. Where: Hangi Park, Setagaya-ku Where: Shibuya Club Quattro living in Japan. Where: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Where: Daimaru Tokyo Event Space Where: Taka Ishii Gallery, Roppongi How Much: Free How much: ¥5,500 Time: 9:00 am | How Much: ¥3,000 How Much: ¥1,000/¥500 How much: Free. How Much: Free More info: www.tokyoweekender.com More info: www.smash-jpn.com -¥4,000 | Where: Imperial Palace Course More info: www.tokyoweekender.com More info: www.tokyoweekender.com More info: www.takaishiigallery.com More info: www.refugee.or.jp

FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2014 BACK IN THE DAY: FEBRUARY 1989 Check out the scene in Tokyo from 1988! You can read the rest of this issue (No.1 1989) and view Weekender’s 42 year archive online. www.tokyoweekender.com/weekender-archives/ FEBRUARY 2014 www.tokyoweekender.com