VOL.02 | NO.07 | FREE | APRIL 2005

SHOWSHOW MEME THETHE MONEYMONEY TOKYOTOKYO EVENSEVENS FORFOR LEGALLEGAL GAMBLINGGAMBLING ByBy LauraLaura FumikoFumiko KeehnKeehn

THETHE GREATGREAT OUTDOORSOUTDOORS THETHE LITTLELITTLE PEOPLEPEOPLE Hiking,Hiking, Skiing,Skiing, Sailing,Sailing, Biking…Biking… ASIJASIJ kidskids andand 6,0006,000 bitsbits ofof clayclay welcomewelcome toto HakubaHakuba 英語教育英語教育 シェーン英会話学校で英会話を学ぶシェーン英会話学校で英会話を学ぶ

PLUS! BILL HERSEY’S PARTYLINE • MOVIES • BUSINESS • BEING A BROAD • FINE DINING • FACES OF THE NEW JAPAN • WINE • COMMUNITY • FINANCE ADVERTORIAL Aoba-Japan International School’s Founder Ms. Regina Doi Rogers speaks to The Weekender

Ms. Regina Doi Rogers was born into an upper-middle class family in New York during the Depression. While studying education at the New York State Teachers College and classical singing at The Julliard School in New York, she worked in a variety of jobs, including time spent at the New York Stock Exchange and Reuben H. Donnelly Corporation, well known as the Yellow Pages. She developed a telephone network system guiding customers on how to use the Yellow Pages more effectively. Her true passions - classical singing and education - have remained with her throughout her extraordinary life. Ms. Rogers came to Japan in 1964. She founded the Aoba-Japan International School in September 1976.

WEEKENDER: How did it all begin? Why would Japanese parents send their child to MS. REGINA DOI ROGERS: When I first moved to Japan your schools? Why choose Aoba-Japan it was a struggle. My first job was with a major Japanese The most common reason from parents during admission International School?

company, then I moved on to Nishimachi and Seisen interviews is the parents’ wish for their child to have an  International Schools. I decided to establish my own opportunity for international education, with long-range FOR THE EXPERIENCE. Established since 1976, Aoba has a 29-year history of suc- business, one where I could earn enough money to sup- goals of sending their children to schools overseas as well cess in educating international students. port myself and educate my son. But of course, it had to as other international schools. Our school programs are  FOR THE HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION. be the field that I enjoyed. geared toward these and effectively prepare the learners All teachers (numbering over 60 for both the Meguro and I considered going back to the business world in for further challenges as they progress into the higher Suginami campuses) are certified and highly qualified in America. Business always paid well for me there. I had educational fields. their field. even worked for a Japanese company in New York. I real-  Where do parents’ fees go? FOR THE ACCREDITATIONS. ly couldn’t go back to singing as I had already reached I am sure that’s a question that many people would like Aoba is accredited by both the European Council of an age limit. I had highly considered coaching singing, as to know the answer. I am sure every school will tell you International Schools and the New England Association this was my field, however, I would only enjoy that part that it’s very expensive to run a very good school. Fees of Schools and Colleges, as well as being a member of the of my teaching given the opportunity to coach highly Japan Council of International Schools.

go in all areas of school operation. If there is excess fund,  motivated students, perhaps semi-professionals. FOR A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATIO this is used to develop better programs. Students will not only receive an education in English, What made you think of a school? What do you think of the Japanese education but are also required to study Kokugo for Native Japanese I thought, what was the one thing I could do really well system in general? speakers and JSL for non-Japanese. here. So I decided I would open up a four-year level aca-  There really is nothing wrong with the Japanese System. FOR THE SAFETY demic kindergarten giving good training in both English Look at the people that the system has produced - Mr. Aoba campuses are equipped with state of the art video and Japanese languages. And when the child would Morita of Sony, Mr. Matsushita of National. I won’t monitoring with auto locked doors on all entrances. All reach compulsory elementary level, then parents could exactly call them failures in life. We should make more visitors must receive visitors’ passes, and entrances are then make the decision whether or not to continue with monitored at all times.

analyses of what made those era or these people so suc-  international education. cessful. If there are perceived weaknesses in the system, FOR THE PERSONAL ATTENTION Were you anxious about it? I don’t think it’s the school system’s faults. I think it is Aoba Meguro Campus has a maximum teacher student If by anxious do you mean whether I was taking a gamble society itself. There is a multitude of social changes tak- ratio of 1 to 20. The Suginami Campus has a maximum teacher student ration of 1 to 25 for junior high classes by starting a school? I think that anything you do for the ing place in this “small” country. and 1 to 20 for the primary, elementary and kindergar- first time may be considered a gamble. If I did not suc- What about plans to introduce more English ten. ceed, perhaps, I would be back in business in the U.S., or  programs in Japanese schools? FOR OPTIONS FOR NON-NATIVE ENGLISH teaching at a junior college. Introducing English into the educational system is not a SPEAKING What is the philosophy behind your teaching? bad idea at all, as long as it is there to be used as a tool for There is a very strong Intensive English Program. Students The philosophy behind teaching is the love for teaching communication. That is all we can hope for from English. who enter the school with little or no English proficiency itself. Routine is extremely important. Guidance is also However, we must not delete from a public school system have specific homerooms for primary, elementary, and junior high levels. very important. Learning is a responsibility. Good teach- what is very precious about one’s own culture - its own  ers will always convey that responsibility. And, you need language and customs and heritage. FOR THE HOME-LIKE ENVIRONMENT to teach the practicality of life in school. Originally located in a house where Shirley McClain’s What is your advice to parents? once lived, the school has maintained it’s cozy atmo- How important are teachers? When a child is born, the first thing you have to ask sphere.  The teacher is the guiding instrument for every child in a yourself is who is going to set the routine here, the par­ FOR THE CLOSE SCHOOL COMMUNITY classroom. Every teacher must have the love of learning ent or the child. If you want to have a successful child, RELATION in her/his heart as teaching philosophy. Teachers come and if you want an easy life for you and your child, dedi- Parent teacher conferences are scheduled formally in from different cultural background and with various cate yourself to his/her routine until that child is 12 years both campuses. Parents and teachers can schedule con- experience, and as long as the program is well set, trans- old (or may be even older). ferences anytime during the year. Activities such as pro- fer of learning should happen optimally. grams, carnivals, etc, are participated in by the majority What plans do you have for the future? of parents, students, teachers and staff. What are your schools’ strengths? We’re aiming to advance to the 12th grade. I’d like to  FOR POST-GRADUATE PLACEMENT The school’s medium of instruction is English (except of increase our space in order for us to increase our pro­ Student counseling services are available to help students course during Japanese classes). The non-native speakers gram. A bigger school. Ever since the school started in make decisions for their future, be it to continue educa- of English learn to speak the language effectively in a year 1976, there has been a goal. And there is a responsibility tion in Japan, or to continue onto high schools overseas or two. We do teach Kokugo for Japanese native speakers to meet that goal. So while I’m here, I’m going to try to and Japanese as a Second Language for foreign students. meet the goal and its responsibilities. Information: www.a-jis.com Reading, Math, Science (hands-on) programs are excel- See Ms. Regina Doi Rogers online interview at lent. Music and Sports are fantastic, and I am always www.accesseonline.com/sij/ proud of our continued growth in all curriculum areas. — INTERVIEWED BY JAMES MULLIGAN

2 | The Weekender April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 3 this week at weekender VOL.02 | NO.07 | APRIL 2005

CONTENTS E ARE happy to announce the beginning of our special HANKS TO Laura Fumiko Keehn for an excellent feature Shane Weekender section. Shane English Schools are on casino gambling in Tokyo. It looks as though it’s only a FEATURES W T sponsoring our Japanese section by providing English-learn- matter of time before the first legal casinos start to open up in 06 Cover feature ing material for our Japanese readers. We also hope that this the city. Whether the big hitters from Las Vegas, Steve Wynn FANCY A FLUTTER? will provide additional material for our language-teacher and Sheldon Adelson, and Macau’s casino magnate Stanley After years of hedged bets, it looks like gambling is finally going to be legal in readers. From this issue onwards, Shane English Schools will Ho — three of the world’s richest men — try to get a slice of Tokyo says Laura Fumiko Keehn. be providing content in alternate issues — don’t forget that a what promises to be a very lucrative pie remains to be seen. 05 Travel you can subscribe to ensure that you receive every copy of Wynn and Adelson have already broken Ho’s monopoly on HAKUBA ON EARTH The Weekender. Macau, and the three may now be looking further east for James Robb, an outdoor instructor and Continuing the education theme, we have an interesting future riches. With the yakuza stronghold on the illegal gam- guide in the area, tells us why it just might be paradise. interview with Ms. Regina Doi Rogers on Page 2. Ms. Rogers bling scene, though (¥1 trillion changes hands each year at is the founder of Aoba-Japan International School, and you one Shinjuku casino!), any foreign interest is sure to receive 08 Weekender 4 kids can read about her experiences, goals, and philosophy of the a lukewarm response. Go to Page 6 for the feature. FIELD OF DREAMS Kit Nagamura meets little global-minded school in this issue. clay sculptures created by international children. James Mulligan 17 SHANE WEEEKENDER Caroline Pover Shane English Schools and The Weekender tie-up for an exciting new English-learning section. COMMUNITY REGULARS 04 This Week at Weekender CRAFT Golf Club Donates ¥1 million New City Orchestra, which has performed with both Nikikai and 05 Travel Fujiwara opera companies. It has also given a number of per- 08 Business through YMCA-FCSC Challenged formances with world famous opera singers Luciano Pavarotti, 09 Weekender 4 kids Hermann Prey and Renata Scotto. The most recent joint perfor- 10 Being a Broad Children Project mance was of Schubert’s Mass in A Flag, No. 5 on Feb. 5 at Curian 12 Essentials 13 Movies Large Hall. 13 Fine Dining The TIS chorus was founded in 1980 by Marcel L’Esperance 14 Bill Hersey’s Partyline and Carol Melby, with a view to serving the international com- 17 Shane Weekender munity of Tokyo. Notable past performances include the Israel 19 Faces of the new Japan in Egypt oratorio by Handel, Sept Repons des Tenebres by Poulenc, Die Sieven Worte by Haydn, Missa Criolla and Nuestra Navidad Cover photo by Anne Y. Keehn ([email protected]) by Argentine composer Ramirez. Chorus members come from a variety or countries, including Switzerland, Zimbabwe and Indonesia. Mozart’s Requiem concert will be held on May 5, 2pm, in FOUNDED IN 1970 BY Green Hall, Sagamiono, Odakyu Line. Tickets are priced at MILLARD H. “CORKY” ALEXANDER ¥4,000. For reservations call TIS at (044) 833-9258 or email

PUBLISHER [email protected]. Caroline Pover ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS Temple University Japan Eligible to Mike Alfant, Rajiv Trehan (L to R) Brian Nelson, President and CEO of ValueCommerce, Marco A. Crivelli, Sponsor Student Visas EDITOR-IN-CHIEF YMCA/FCSC Chairman and President Asia-Pacific Siegling (Japan) Ltd, Nick James Mulligan Masee, Managing Director Asian Tigers Premier Worldwide Movers and Kazuki WO TEMPLE UNIVERSITY JAPAN STUDENTS became the [email protected] Yamane, Director, Domestic & International YMCA Relations. T first to receive student visas sponsored by the university TRAVEL & SOCIETY EDITOR earlier this month. Temple University Japan (TUJ) has operated Bill Hersey RAFT GOLF CLUB, a group of golf-loving business people as a branch campus of Temple University in Philadelphia, BEING A BROAD EDITOR living and working in Tokyo, has donated ¥1 million to Pennsylvania since 1982. However, the institution was previ- Emily Downey C ously not recognized under regulations governing Japanese [email protected] support mentally and physically challenged children through the YMCA/FCSC Challenged Children Project. universities, and was therefore only able to sponsor short-term ENGLISH LEARNING EDITOR cultural activity visas. On Feb. 14, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Charlotte Warren Run under the auspices of the National Council of YMCA of Japan, the program supports over 5,500 children in more Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) recognized TUJ CONTRIBUTORS as a Foreign University, Japan Campus. Robert J. Collins, James Bailey, Henry Scott than 110 programs each year throughout Japan. Proceeds will Stokes, CJ Waggon, Owen Schaefer, benefit camps, music programs, research and other activities This is the second benefit TUJ has received since then. Last Ian Priestley, Kirk R. Patterson, Christine enabling challenged children to gain greater self-confidence month, students were granted commuting-pass discounts by JR Cunanan-Miki, Kit Nagamura, Laura Fumiko and happiness. East and other private east-Japan railway companies. Keehn, Suzy Small, James Robb, Jonathan Being able to sponsor student visas means students from Walsh, Nicola Takizawa, Arina Kuznetsova, April The YMCA Foreign Community Supporting Committee Moreno (FCSC) is a group of ambassadors and international business, outside of Japan can now pur- sue full degree programs at TUJ. DESIGN community and social leaders who desire to contribute to Abinitio Design: Anne Bergasse, Mas Akiyama Japanese society. It has been supporting and raising awareness of American Jesse Moore is one of the first two TUJ undergradu- EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS YMCA activities since 1958. Suzanne Small, Laura Fumiko Keehn All funds raised by the YMCA/FCSC stay in Japan. Proceeds ates to receive a TUJ-sponsored student visa. “I am really lucky ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES directly support these activities. to be able to switch to a stu- Arina Kuznetsova, Jin Kashikura, Natalie For further information about how you can help contact Greg Wiseman, April Moreno, Suzanne Parker, Hurnall on 03-5367-6640 or email [email protected]. dent visa at this time, since Jean-Francois Rossignol, Sarah Watson my current cultural activity [email protected] Mozart’s Requiem with TIS visa was to expire this month,” THE WEEKENDER Moore said. JAPAN’S QUALITY ENGLISH MAGAZINE OKYO INTERNATIONAL SINGERS (TIS) will perform Mozart’s TUJ Dean Kirk R. Patterson Serving the international community FREE Requiem for its 100th concert in 25 years. The performance notes that “we are very grate- since 1970. Offices are at Caroline Pover, Inc., T 7th floor, Chuo Iikura Building, will take place on May 5 with the Tokyo New City Orchestra ful (for) TUJ’s designation as 3-4-11 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041 under the direction of founder Marcel L’Esperance. Soloists will Japan’s first Foreign University, Tel. 03-5549-2038 Fax: 03-5549-2039 be Nikikai Opera members Kaori Hirai, soprano Misato Iwamori, Japan Campus, as the basis for Jesse Moore (left), American Office hours are from 8:30am to 7:30pm mezzo-soprano and tenor Mitsuhiko Ohno. Baritone Tetsuro allowing TUJ to sponsor student undergraduate, accompanied by THE WEEKENDER is a biweekly magazine Kitamura of the Tokyo Chamber Opera Company has also been visas. It will allow TUJ…to con- TUJ Dean Kirk Patterson, displays for the international community in Japan, his passport stamped with the published by Caroline Pover. It is distributed performing in Germany. Edvard Grieg’s Holberg Suite for strings tribute to the strengthening of every first and third Friday in Tokyo and will also be included in the program. ties between Japan and other first student visa issued to a TUJ surrounding areas. Opinions expressed by THE This will be the 11th TIS collaboration with the The Tokyo countries.” student. WEEKENDER contributors are not necessarily 4those | The of the Weekender publisher. www.weekenderjapan.com t r a v e l Hakuba on Earth Hakuba, in the Japan Alps has something for outdoors enthusiasts all year round. James Robb, an outdoor instructor and guide in the area, tells us why it just might be Paradise

WHY GO NOW? ACTIVITIES REVERED by locals and outdoor enthusiasts alike as the The1998 Winter Olympic Games focused international gateway to the Japan Alps, Hakuba village in Nagano attention on Hakuba for the alpine skiing, cross-country Prefecture offers something for everyone, all-season and ski jumping events. Winter activities are numerous; round. With an average snowfall for the winter reaching one can head out on slopes for world class Alpine skiing the four meter mark and a ski season running to early and snowboarding, join a guided snowshoe tour in to the May, snow enthusiasts will have no trouble keeping busy snow covered forest, give Nordic skiing a try and then soak on Hakuba’s numerous ski areas. If it’s a fun filled day of in one of the many hot-springs that dot the landscape. family skiing or a steep and deep backcountry adventure, Come spring Hakuba changes from a winter you’re looking for, the hills in and around the village wonderland to a lush green alpine paradise ideal for cater to all ages and abilities. hiking and biking. Water running from the upper snowfields makes for fantastic whitewater rafting and GETTING THERE kayaking. You can also explore Lake Aoki by canoe or Located at the base of two of Japan's biggest ski resorts, sail. For information on outdoor activities in Hakuba go Hakuba lies to the north end of the Kita (North) Alps on to www.evergreen-outdoors.com. the island main island of Honshu. It is only 40 minutes from the Sea of Japan to the west and one hour’s drive DINING north-east is Nagano city. If you’re looking for something slightly more sophisti- cated than the curry rice and ramen you’ll find on the CHECK IN slopes, the Mominoki Hotel offers two restaurants: Sara The Mominoki Hotel is Hakuba’s most luxurious. It Mansaku, which is Japanese, and Rinea, which is north- can also boast its own shop, Le Sapin, which sells ern European in style. You can also eat in the hotel’s European wines hand picked by the hotel’s owner, the beautiful garden. For more liquid après-ski refreshment, hotel’s own brand jam, and freshly baked bread. Most try the Mominoki Hotel’s bar, called simply The Pub. famously it is home to one of the finest onsen in the country, known as ‘’Bijin no yu’’ (Beautiful women hot HIKING spring). The hot spring is recognized as having ‘’the In spring and summer trips range from short day hikes to strongest alkalies in Japan.’’ For more information visit extended multi-day jaunts that can make use of the yama- www.mominokihotel.com/e_entrance.html goya’s (mountain huts) that allow for a first class experi- ence. This area is also a Mecca for serious mountaineers NICE VIEW looking to climb some of Japan’s most difficult peaks. The North Alps look beautiful all year round. In the winter visitors will also be able to catch some exciting ICING ON THE CAKE firsthand action of ski races on Olympic courses, world- Even in the busy ski season resorts are rarely packed class ski jumping and boarders going into orbit in Big Air because skiers and boarders are distributed across the competitions. 15 resorts up and down the valley. This spring will also In summer, gondola access to the alpine areas makes definitely be a time not to be missed when Happo-One it possible for even the most novice hikers to explore the hosts the Tri-Modal Challenge, Japan’s first combined natural beauty of the Alps. ski, snowboard, and telemark race.

April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 5 f e a t u r e

FANCY A FLUTTER? After years of hedged bets, it looks like gambling is finally going to be legal in Tokyo says Laura Fumiko Keehn

HEN TOKYO GOVERNOR Shintaro Ishihara was legalization, remembers his first experience with an W elected in 1999, one of his promises was to legalize illegal casino in Japan. “I didn’t know it was illegal,” he casino gambling. He argued that casinos would expand says. “It scared me to death when I found out. It’s against the domestic tourist industry, create jobs and attract the law to even play in these places, and they’re violent. foreign investment. For a city teetering on the edge There’s no security system, and people get hot under the of a steady four-year tax revenue deficit, this should collar whenever money is involved.” have been good news. However not all locals were so The Japanese aren’t just gambling at home, either. convinced — a significant part of Governor Ishihara’s Over 70 percent of the gamblers visiting the Walker-hill campaign towards legalization was to “win public under- Hotel and Casino in Seoul are Japanese citizens (see side- standing,” as he explained to the metropolitan assembly bar). It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that by legaliz- in 2002. ing casino gambling, the money flowing into the pockets It is now 2005. Major governmental organiza- of illegal and foreign casinos would be redirected back to tions, including the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japanese government. Many believe that legalization the Democratic Party of Japan, as well the Organized would also attract foreign investment and tourism.The Municipal Government Casino Research Association Las Vegas Sands, for example, one of the biggest casinos (Chihojichitai Casino Kenkyukai) have been working con- in Las Vegas, has unveiled plans to open a casino in sistently towards legalization. Laws have been drafted Macau — and invest $1.8 billion into the country. and submitted, taxation proposed. It is now not a ques- However, detractors claim that raising the economy tion of if, but when these laws will take affect. through such methods will lead to a decline in public A first time visitor might be forgiven for assum- morality. “I’m skeptical about seeking profit from games ing that casino gambling is legal in Japan. Pachinko of chance,” Toshizo Ido, governor of Hyogo told the parlors and slot machines are everywhere, horse races Yomiuri Online. “Especially now, when the work ethic has are highly publicized, and casinos themselves are not never been more important.” hard to find. Of this list, however, the only fully legal Others, such as Oiwane, disagree, arguing that a legal activity is the horse races. Pachinko and slot machines casino industry would benefit morale and economy. “In are only ambiguously legal. The exploitation of a small the past our country was built on the manufacturing loophole is enough to satisfy the authorities — winners industry,” Oiwane points out. “But the future is the ser- must physically leave the venue (usually to a back alley vice industry. The level of service Japan can offer is pos- three feet away) to trade in a winning token for cash. sibly the highest in the world, and by legalizing casino Though easily found in all the entertainment centers gaming we will have the chance to capitalize on this, and of Tokyo, casinos are actually completely illegal and, to build on this industry on a world scale.” until recently, considered the sleaziest and dirtiest form Oiwane has put his money where his mouth is — he of gambling, mainly due to close ties with the Japanese opened the Japan Casino School last year, the country’s yakuza (Japanese mafia). first, and hopes to train over 1,000 dealers in time for the It is no secret that illegal casinos are a major source opening of legal casinos in Japan. of revenue for the yakuza. Ichiro Tanioka, president of Last year, five years after heading the campaign the Osaka University of Commerce and longtime advo- towards legalization, Governor Ishihara announced cate for the legalization of casino gambling, explained to that he was handing over the reigns to the lawmakers. the Yomiuri Online that ¥1 trillion changes hands each Parliament is now in session, discussing the details of year at one illegal Shinjuku casino alone — and that the submitted legalization proposals. The country is the yakuza are making an estimated ¥50 billion a year ready and waiting for the day casino gambling is legal- through casino operations. ized, opening the floodgates to international investment, Masayoshi Oiwane, the president of the Japan Casino boosting the negligible domestic tourist industry — and School and a long time campaign leader towards casino possibly revitalizing the future of a whole generation.

6 | The Weekender Can you tell us some scary stories? CONFESSIONS OF There are so many. The scariest place to deal is definitely AN ILLEGAL DEALER Shinjuku. The chabako (Chinese mafia-run casinos) were usually tough gigs. At one place the yojimbo (security A former illegal casino dealer tells all man for the yakuza) was a real idiot. His job was to make sure no one was cheating, but he’d just play on the tables WEEKENDER: How did you become an illegal all day. He was scary, so the dealers had to cover up for casino dealer? his losses to keep him from blowing up at us. But he must DEALER: It started when I was in high school. One of my have been stupid or something because I’ve never seen senpai (mentor) was a dealer. I thought it sounded cool. anyone lose as much as he did. It’s hard to win, but it’s even harder to lose like this guy did. One day he really Why did you want to do it? did blow up. He drew a knife on the dealer and screamed The pay. For a little high schooler like me, ¥1,800 an about how he was being cheated. The dealer ran away hour sounded like a fortune. real fast and it was a big mess.

Weren’t you nervous? Aren’t they all yakuza Were you scared? owned? I was but I got over it and went back to work. The first Yes, I was nervous and yes, they are all yakuza run. But time I dealt to a guy with no pinky (signal that someone again, the pay was great. Well I thought it was great. But is yakuza) I was so nervous I was shaking. But you get when I finally got my first paycheck it was reduced to used to it. ¥800. So why did you get out of the game? So you weren’t happy. I quit because it stopped being fun and started to be No. So when my senpai asked me if I wanted to make real a job. It got to be a bit too much. Everyone is always money, I said of course. That’s how I worked for my first cheating everyone else. Fights were always breaking out, ikasama (clip joint) casino. knives were drawn, guns came out. I just felt like my life was threatened too many times. Was that the right decision? Actually no. First of all they didn’t even pay me. Second, What do you think of casino legalization in my old boss was really mad. I literally thought I was a Japan? dead man. But then the fall guy — he’s the one who puts I think it’s a great idea. Get all those profits back into the his name on the business and takes the fall in case of any city and out of the yakuza circuit. Maybe I’ll get back into legal troubles — apologized for me and they let me go. the game once it’s all legalized.

Selling Your Seoul OVER THREE million Japanese are expected to visit South Korea this year, and not just for the BBQ and spa treatments. Many come for the Paradise Walker-hill Casino in Seoul — the first, the biggest, and the most popular. Upon arriving in Seoul, advertisements for the casino bombard you from all sides, mostly in Japanese. “How about trying your luck at the casino to add a little spice to your trip?” asks one ad. One thing that is not openly advertised is the fact that Korean citizens are not allowed to enter casinos. The casino itself, which is connected to the Sheraton Hotel, is impressive. The staff greets me at the entrance, but no one checks my ID, and there is no entrance fee. Once inside, besides the dealers, who are Korean, the only non-Japanese are a few Caucasian/Middle-eastern looking loan shark types. I sit at the roulette table and chat with the middle aged guy next to me, who visits Walker-hill twice a year. He always comes on a packaged tour, but sleeps through the bus trips, sitting at his favorite roulette table all night. Will he continue to make these trips when casino gambling is legalized in Japan? Probably not. www.walkerhill.co.kr — L.K

GAMBLING BY NUMBERS 30 trillions of yen that the pachinko 50 estimated billion of yen profit the industry makes each year — more than the Yakuza makes from illegal gambling annually annual profit of Japan’s top five automakers combined 70 percentage of gamblers in the Walker- Hill Casino in Seoul, Korea who are Japanese 35 number of horse race tracks in Japan 70 percentage of pachinko owners who 36.5 trillions of yen Japanese spend are ethnically Korean annually on legal domestic gambling activities. It is also South Korea’s GDP 300 Maruhan, Japan’s largest pachinko chain, profit increase percentage since 1998 50 percentage of all leisure spending which goes to pachinko 4,000 number of customers that pass through the Maruhan Pachinko Tower in Shibuya everyday

April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 7 b u s i n e s s Staying Alive By Jonathan Walsh

How the Ikeuchi Towel Company put itself through the wringer. HANGE OR die. This was the daunting challenge But perhaps most fundamentally of all, Ikeuchi C faced by Ikeuchi Towel Co., Ltd in the early 1990s Towels took a long, cold look at its product. as depicted by the company’s Director Planning Manager “White used to be the only choice of color for Motoi Tsubouchi at the EA-Tokyo seminar on Mar. 1. organic towels,” Tsubouchi says. “People have this idea Mirroring the plight of many Japanese companies in that organic towels should be white and boring, but this recent era of rapid globalization, the Shikoku-based Ikeuchi thinks they should be fun, colorful and beauti- towel manufacturer was confronted with a shrinking ful, so we now offer a range of 24 colors and make towels market at home and increased competition from abroad. from organic cotton, silk, or Kamiiru (fiber made from The company needed tough decisions and firm manage- Japanese paper).” ment to stave off closure. “We make available all the data about the chemicals Ever since the towel industry was introduced to Japan used so customers can see they are safe and can feel from England some 150 years ago, the city of Imabari, the secure that while having nice towels, they are also not world’s largest towel manufacturing center, has been the harming the environment,” he says. “In addition, we “Towel Capital” of Japan. After President Keishi Ikeuchi’s ensure the dyes are the safest available. Even a child can father founded the business in 1953, Ikeuchi Towel put these towels in its mouth and it will be safe. We use enjoyed a wild ride of postwar industry growth that in numbers and data to sell what we are doing, rather than the early 1990s encompassed some 500 companies in just impart fuzzy images.” the region. However, halfway through that decade, the In 2001, Ikeuchi became interested in taking on the brakes started going on the industry as increasing num- global market and began exhibiting at trade shows in bers of Imabari companies the U.S. and, in particular, a began shifting their manufac- large trade show called the turing operations to China in New York Home Textiles Show an effort to slash costs. Ikeuchi began direct marketing in 2002. Since then, more than and opened direct sales “At the show, we thought 300 firms have gone to the channels to cut middlemen maybe Americans might not wall, while the remaining 160 — who had been taking up to like our towels and that our struggle to survive. It is worth 75 percent of the profit. product may not be well noting that during the indus- received,” Tsubouchi recalls. try’s peak period 65 percent “When we visited America, of towels used in Japan were manufactured in Imabari. I thought that doing business there would be very dif- Now, 70 percent of the nation’s towels are imported; 30 ficult. The issues of pricing, money and receiving checks percent are made domestically, and of that only 20 per- and other issues made it all seem very formidable. So we cent manufactured in Imabari. were amazed when we won the Grand Prize Best in Show And yet, Ikeuchi Towel has survived. In 1993, while among all the other products — it was like winning the his competitors were cutting costs to stay competi- lottery! This was the first time a Japanese company had tive, Ikeuchi embarked on a high-risk undertaking and ever won this award.” invested ¥30 million to build one of the world’s most The publicity paid off and within two years Ikeuchi advanced towel factories. The company then began pro- towels were on sale in 50 specialty stores in the U.S., 20 ducing towels that met strict environmental standards, in Paris and London, and they even had a mention in and acquired ISO certifications. Ikeuchi scrutinized every the New York Times. aspect of towel production to minimize environmental Now, Ikeuchi Towel’s improving business prospects impact and improve quality, and switched the factory and financial results demonstrate that the future for over to wind energy saving 20 percent in power costs. the turnaround towel company is no doubt far brighter In addition IT systems were introduced which slashed — and comes in more colors — than it was a decade ago, the manufacturing cycle from 45 days to 28, and saved thanks in no small part to Ikeuchi’s gutsy entrepreneurial on inventory costs. The company began direct market- flair and environmental edge. ing and opened direct sales channels to cut middlemen — who had been taking up to 75 per cent of the profit. www.ikeuchitowel.com

THIS IS A SUMMARY OF A RECENT ENTREPRENEURS ASSOCIATION OF TOKYO MEETING SEE THE BUSINESS EVENTS DIRECTORY FOR DETAILS OF THE NEXT EA-TOKYO MEETING

8 | The Weekender BUSINESS EVENTS PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY THE CLUBS Promote an event. Email [email protected]. Cross Update our directory: Email [email protected]. Check business City Club of Tokyo reference with professional directory for certain event contact details. events for upcoming seminars, talks, meetings, expos. Provides elegant and sophisticated surroundings for execs and business leaders. The Apr. 15 Association of Women in Finance club is used for receptions, meetings, conferences and exhibitions. Place Canada B1F, Friday Club Forum: Richard Roa, speaking on “My Life and Times in Japan” The AWF is a support group for women working in financial industries, organizing 7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel. 03-3401-1121. www.cityclub.co.jp/php Rick Roa, author of An American Maverick in Japan will speak on My Life and Times in events that give foreign and Japanese women a chance to meet to network, socialize Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan Japan at the Mita offices of World Without Borders, 2-7-1 Mita, 7:30-9:45pm. ¥4,000 and exchange information on opportunities. The Association has a meeting on the Provides special services for professional journalists. Members can enjoy access to (non-members), ¥3,000 (members), includes food, drinks and networking opportuni- third Thursday of every month. www.awftokyo.com three restaurants, meeting and banquet facilities, an extensive library collection, ties. For registration email [email protected] with name and contact details. The Canadian Alumni Association in Japan and invitations to press conferences with headline makers from around the world. Apr. 19 CAAJ is a non-profit organization devoted to raising the profile of Canada and Yurakucho Denki Bldg. 20F (North Wing), 1-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel. 03- FCC Dinner: Opportunity for Sports License Business Canadian education in Japan. It holds monthly events designed for networking 3211-3161. www.fccj.or.jp IMG is the world’s largest company dedicated to the marketing and management of between people who have studied in Canada and who are thinking of doing so. Tel. Roppongi Hills Club sport, leisure and lifestyle. Join guest speaker Miki Yamamoto for what promises to be 03-3224-0944, email [email protected]. www.caaj.jp At the top of Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills, this private members club houses ten a fascinating presentation about how IMG turns prodigies into stars, licensed goods The College Womens’ Association of Japan restaurants and bars. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. Tel. 03-6406-6001, fax: 03-6406- into gold and keeps some of our favorite athletes “top of mind” long after they’ve CWAJ is a Tokyo based volunteer organization for women of all nationalities interested 6002. www.roppongihillsclub.com/english. retired. 6:30-10pm, City Club of Tokyo. Members ¥5,500, Non-members ¥7,500. in education, cross-cultural opportunities and friendship. They organize meetings, www.fcctokyo.com Tokyo American Club evening programs and an annual Print Show. Tel. 03-3491-2091. www.cwaj.org Private, social and business networking club. Meeting and seminar facilities pro- Apr. 21 Digital Eve vided as well as a business center. 2-1-2 Azabudai, Minato-ku. Tel. 03-3224-3870. Roppongi Bar Association Meeting Part of a worldwide organization that encourages women to become involved in new www.tokyoamericanclub.org A discussion on the “Blue LED Case”: Treatment of Employees and Employee technologies. The society has a mailing list that provides support and information on Tokyo Capital Club Inventions in Japan Before and After the Historic Court Decisions. WDI’s Private Club, technical problems and skill sharing. www.digitalevejapan.org Century Court, Roi Building, 10th Floor, Roppongi. 7.30-9.30pm, members ¥3,500, Quality Athletic Club and Spa for top executives and people in business, academic and non-members ¥4,000 (Buffet dinner included, cash bar). www.rbalaw.org. RSVP by Entrepreneur Association of Tokyo diplomatic fields. 2-8-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel. 03-3401-3691, fax: 03-3401-3695 Friday, April 15 to [email protected] Promotes and supports entrepreneurs in Japan. Regular events and presentations are held to allow members to learn more about developing their own businesses and to Apr. 25 hear the experiences of others. Monthly seminars are held at the City Club of Tokyo. ANZCCJ Business Luncheon: “Economic Prospects Between Japan-Australia & [email protected]. www.ea-tokyo.com Japan-New Zealand” Yasushi Misawa, director, Oceania Division, Asia and Pacific Affairs Bureau, Ministry Foreign Executive Women of Foreign Affairs, will share some of his insight and MOFA experiences, covering FEW is a networking organization for foreign women in Japan. Despite the name, real-time topics including the Free Trade Agreement. Noon-2pm, ¥3,500 (members) membership is not limited to executives, but is open to women from all professional ¥4,500 yen (guests). See www.anzccj.jp for venue details and map. backgrounds. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month to give mem- bers the opportunity to exchange information and to make new friends and contacts. Apr. 25 FEW also organizes an annual Career Strategies Seminar. www.fewjapan.com CCCJ Guest Speaker Luncheon (in co-operation with the Japan Society of Toronto) Foreign Women Lawyers Association Presentation by John Paul Harris, managing director, Asia Pacific, Ballard Power The FWLA organizes monthly meetings with a range of guest speakers and seminars, Systems. Noon-1:30pm. City Club of Tokyo, Maple Room, ¥6,000 members, ¥6,500 usually on a legal topic. Social events are also held several times each year. Membership non-members. www.cccj.or.jp is open to both foreign and Japanese lawyers. www2.gol.com/users/fwla Apr. 26 Forum of Corporate Communications BCCJ: Team Building and Creative Thinking Seminar The FCC is a Tokyo based organization for anyone interested in the English lan- This seminar, in Japanese, will help participants to work more effectively with col- guage communications industry. The Forum holds regular dinner meetings with leagues, as well as encouraging the creative thinking process. Participants will gain guest speakers and occasional symposiums on marketing and communications. practical skills to help them think, act and respond in different ways when facing www.fcctokyo.com daily challenges. The focus is on building high performance teams that produce busi- Friday Club: Presentations, Discussion and Networking Forum ness results and on developing creative solutions. Members ¥46,200, non-members World Without Border’s Friday Club Forum provides opportunities to exchange views ¥57,750. www.bccjapan.com in a unique and stimulating setting. Speakers change from week to week, and there May 10 is always a lively and fun nijikai, providing networking opportunities. For further EA Tokyo: “The Past, Present and Future of Google” information and registration, please contact [email protected] A seminar by Norio Murakami, president of Google Japan, with opportunities for The Harvard Club of Japan networking afterwards. 6.30pm, City Club of Tokyo, ¥6,000 in advance, or ¥7,000 at The Club is open to Harvard students, alumni, faculty, and parents. See the door. www.ea-tokyo.com the website for details and events. www.harvardclubofjapan.org May 12 International Mental Health Professionals Japan — Kanto Branch. IMHPJ is a Foreign Executive Women Monthly Meeting Japan-wide, multidisciplinary professional association for those who provide mental Presentation “How to get arrested in Japan,” by John Merrifield, chief creative officer, health services to the international communities in Japan. Monthly breakfast meet- TBWA\JAPAN. An evening of sheer entertainment from an award-winning creative ings on the second Friday of the month in Shibuya, Clinical Workshops and Annual director and, in his own words, you be the judge. No advance reservation required, Conference . All mental health professionals and students welcome. www.imhpj.org, but please note that this is a women only event. 6:30-9:30pm, FEW Members ¥2,000, [email protected] Guests ¥5,000 (supper and drinks included), Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan International Women in Communications (FCCJ), Yurakucho Denki Building, 20th Floor www.fewjapan.com IWC is a networking organization for women working in both old and new media. May 12-14 Events are held to discuss relevant issues and share information, and there is an Japan Hobby Show internet mailing list that provides news updates. [email protected]. www2.gol.com/ Join more than 9,000 people from the hobby industry at Japan’s biggest craft and users/iwic hobby show. Tokyo Big Sight East Halls 1 & 2. ¥1,000 (free for high school students Roppongi Bar Association and younger). www.hobby-or.jp Organization for foreign legal professionals working in Japan. The RBA holds a range May 14-15 of guest lectures, meetings and social events for its members, focusing on current Design Festa legal topics. Membership is open to all legal professionals. www.rbalaw.org An opportunity for artists and creators of all descriptions to exhibit and sell their work Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators at this popular twice yearly event. A range of booths and exhibitions spaces are avail- SCBWI is an international body representing the interests of writers and illustrators able. Tokyo Big Sight, 11am-7pm. www.designfesta.com for children. The Tokyo branch organizes occasional events for both English and May 17 Japanese speaking professionals and non-professionals in the field of children’s litera- BCCJ: Effective Team Building ture. www.tokyoscbwi.org This programme is appropriate for any level in an organisation. It will help partici- Society of Writers, Editors and Translators pants to work more effectively with colleagues, as well as encouraging the creative SWET is a society for anyone involved with English writing and publishing in Japan. thinking process. Participants will gain practical skills to help them think, act and Monthly meetings and events are held to share expertise and learn about topics of respond in different ways when facing daily challenges. The focus is on building high interest. Members receive a newsletter four times each year. www.swet.jp performance teams that produce business results and on developing creative solu- tions. Members ¥46,200, non-members ¥57,750. www.bccjapan.com Tokyo International Singers TIS is a choral society, founded in 1980, for men and women who May 17 enjoy singing classical music and pop. Membership is open to amateur BCCJ: Luncheon Seminar and professionally trained singers. Rehearsals are held near Shibuya. “Don’t Just Downsize it! Rightsize it!” with Thomas J Nevins, president TMT Inc and (044) 833-9258, www.tokyo-singers.org author. The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, Yurakucho Denki North Bldg 20F. Noon -2pm. Members ¥5,000, non-members ¥6,000. www.bccjapan.com Tokyo PC Users Group English-speaking personal computer club, that meets on the first Thursday of every May 18-20 month at the Tokyo Union Church in Omotesando. The group organizes visits from Business Show Tokyo 2005 guest speakers, workshops and a chance to exchange information on PCs and get The Business Show focuses on solving future business problems, especially for Mobile advice on any problems. [email protected]. www.tokyopc.org and Networks, Digital Documents, IT Business and Office Management. Tokyo Big Sight, West Hall, 10am-5pm, free, http://bs.noma.or.jp Tokyo Professionals Association The TPA is a networking organization for the Tokyo business community. It organizes June 7 social nights, a marketing partner program and Business Japanese lessons for mem- EA-Tokyo 2nd Anniversary Seminar bers. www.tpahome.com Panel discussion, led by Hitoshi Suga, Vice Chairman and Board Member of Food XGlobe Co. Ltd (Tully’s Coffee Japan Co. Ltd) and Mike Alfant, President of Building2 and Founder & Former President of Fusion Software. 6:30pm, City Club of Tokyo, THE CHAMBERS ¥6,000 in advance, or ¥7,000 at the door. www.ea-tokyo.com The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan June 17-2 Established in 1948, the ACCJ is now an influential organization representing the AMA’s 5-Day “MBA” Workshop interests of international businesses in Japan. The ACCJ runs a range of events during This workshop provides a “fast track” for refreshing your knowledge base, mak- the year, both social and educational. It also advocates to improve the environment ing more informed decisions, developing successful strategies and achieving your for international business in Japan, and publishes a guide for foreigners, Living in personal and organizational goals. The accelerated, five-day presentation surveys Japan, which is now in its 14th edition. www.accj.or.jp the core curriculum covered in most university level graduate business programs. The Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan ¥609,000 (including meals, accommodation & tax), Keidanren Guest House, The primary objective of the ANZCCJ is to promote business and strengthen cultural Gotemba. www.amajapan.co.jp/english/ ties between Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The ANZCCJ holds social events June 23 and seminars, provides the opportunity to meet with visiting trade ministers from AMA Japan Globalization Workshop: How to make global teams work Australia and New Zealand and arranges regular briefings on Japanese politics, trade Speaker: Cliff Chalon, at Keidanren Kaikan, 2-5pm, ¥10,000. See www.amajapan.co.jp and economic developments. www.anzccj.jp for more information. The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan The BCCJ is a private organization that exists to promote British business interests in Japan. The BCCJ organizes local and regional networking events, a seminar series and a lunch program. www.bccjapan.com The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan The CCCJ is a not-for-profit membership organization made up of companies and individuals with an interest in the Canada-Japan relationship. The CCCJ promotes the development of commerce between Canada and Japan and provides a forum for members to develop business contacts and learn about the Japanese market at seminars, lunches and networking events. www.cccj.or.jp

April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 9 being a broad Health Tweaks Run down

Weekender staff CANO ODILE try out alternative health remedies

Infinity Nutrition Lomi Lomi Massage ECOQUEST INTERNATIONAL is a maker of fine quality ON AN early morning in March, when all of Tokyo was patented air purifiers, top of the line nutritional supple- gorgeously covered with snow, I visited Ms. Yoko Iyogi`s ments and skin care products used by many professional Beagle House, only five minutes from Yukigaya-Otsuka athletes, major sports teams and thousands of health station on the Ikegami line, for my first trial session of professionals in the U.S. and other countries. It has Lomi Lomi massage. recently chosen to launch itself into the Japanese mar- Being a certified massage therapist Ms. Iyogi prac- ket. Local fitness guru Jeff Libengood, trainer to many tices a very beautiful and spiritual temple style of Lomi professional athletes and celebrities in Japan, has already Lomi Nui Hawaiian massage that works like a dream and put his stamp of approval on the products. incorporates ancient healing techniques to cleanse and The nutrition line offered is quite unique in that it tar- purify the inner and outer body on a spiritual level. The gets health at the cellular level. The products are holistic, goal of the massage is not only to loosen up taut muscles, obeying the laws of nature, and are the only supplements stretch the body and ease joint pain, but also to release with a patented “cellular delivery system” that allows the tension and heal from stress, anger, anxiety, depression body to absorb as much nutrition as it needs. and related aches of the shoulders, neck and back. It is The skin care line is created from high-quality believed to give the recipient spiritual fulfillment and natural products created with extraordinary botanicals help patients achieve their hopes and dreams. and essential nutrients that gently nourish the skin The session starts with the Piko Piko breathing and create visible differences in the appearance and method, and moves onto a holistic body treatment with health of the skin. Its revolutionary patent-pending oil massaged into both the back and front of the body, system Platoderm™, ensures optimum delivery of vital and closes with blessings of love, freedom, peace, inner skin renewing nutrients and powerful anti-aging ben- strength and harmony. efits directly to the skin cells resulting in truly vibrant, Yoko also practices Hopi Ear Candles and lymphatic healthy looking and beautiful skin. drainage massage that can be beneficial for throat, nose The patented air purifiers eliminate many odors, and ear complaints, as well as for the immune system. A purify the air and assist with the debilitating hay fever wide variety of aromatherapy products and healing stone problem in Japan. With air purifiers from the “Fresh amulets can also be purchased at her house. She also has Air” line such as “Fresh Air To Go™” and the “Fresh Air a large variety of Scottish honey & herb tea available. Buddy™”, users can now feel a lot better being in their I left my session feeling much warmer, relaxed and in homes or outside. tune with myself. Call 03-3728-1027 to make an appoint- ment. www.geocities.jp/candle7witch Korean Alternatives, Hanjyumaku and — ARINA KUZNETSOVA other Muck Treatments OUR NEIGHBORS across the Sea of Japan are special- Neal’s Yard Remedies ists on alternative health, although for them it’s more NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES, originally based in the UK, a way of life. Koreans are known for their beauty, and runs a line of homeopathic, herbal and aromatherapy you can’t turn on the TV these days without seeing a products in several shops around Japan, with its main gorgeous Korean celebrity flashing a million dollar smile shop in Omotesando. Neal’s Yard Remedies is a com- and some perfect glowing skin. Despite being run down pany focused on the sustainability of the environment with a cold, I recently took a trip to Seoul to get in on in combination with the health and harmony of people some of the action. and nature. A typical Korean-style spa includes a 90-minute Its Omotesando shop, called the Green Building, was course for approximately ¥8,000. This gets you time in designed by Neal’s Yard with the environment in mind. the Hanjyunmaku style traditional sauna, where you get It is made of recycled materials and regenerates some of cooked literally from the inside out, really clearing out its own electrical power from reserving water supplies those clogged pores. Hanjyumaku is followed by the from the rain. The Green Building houses Neal’s Yards famous Korean Akasuri, which can be loosely translated full range of products and its Natural Therapy Centre, to skin-grime cleaning. Akasuri involves a little old lady where a variety of massage and facial treatments are scrubbing your body down with all her strength, using a offered. Several classes are also held throughout the year course sponge. Grime literally came off me in chunks. on natural healing and nutrition. In the same building After soaking in the Yomogi (sagebrush) bath, I was behind the shop is the Brown Rice Café, a delicious led to the massage area, where I received my final treat- natural and whole foods café. Tel. 03-5778-3418, fax: ment: cupping, in which heated glass suction cups were 03-5778-3489. attached to my back, sucking up all the bad blood to the — APRIL MORENO surface. My aforementioned cold meant that I had a lot of bad blood, and I have to admit that this treatment was Zen Massage Center a little painful, but in a good, this-is-helping-me kind of CONVENIENTLY located on a small street near the way. Afterwards I had about 20 circular bruises on my Grand Hyatt hotel in Roppongi Hills, this small shop is back, but I have to admit that I did feel better. In fact, my a restful haven in the middle of the city. Massage thera- cold was cured, Korean-style. pies such as the Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Hawaiian The good news is you don’t have to fly all the way to Lomi Lomi Massage and Aromatic Healing Therapy Seoul for a Korean spa treatment. The Ruby Palace in Shin services are available. In addition, other beauty services Okubo (better known as Korea Town, call 03-5272-0080) such as nail care and facials can be added to your mas- and the Acura Acupuncture Clinic (www.acuraline.com) sage treatment. Tel. 03-3401-7611 (reservations required) in Shibuya both offer Korean-style treatments. www.geocities.jp/zen34017611 — LAURA FUMIKO KEEHN — APRIL MORENO

10 | The Weekender These pages are provided by Being A Broad — the support and information network for foreign women in Japan, started in 1997. For information about our events and services and to access our highly active discussion board see www.being-a-broad.com. Contact BAB Manager Emily Downey at [email protected]. G I R L S ’ N I G H T O U T

Skyy Blue vodka proudly supports Being A Broad’s monthly Girls’ Night Out in conjunction with Paddy Foleys Irish Pub, Roppongi. Women of all nationalities are welcome to come along and everyone will receive a complimentary bottle of Skyy Blue vodka. For more information on this event contact [email protected] Every month we ask participants a question...

WHAT ALTERNATIVE HEALTH PRACTICE HAVE YOU TRIED? I fast about once a year for a week or so. During that time I I have tried a lot of different take a lot of supplements and things. One that stands out is drink water and certain juices. acupuncture that I did once The reason I fast is to detoxify while in India. I did it because my body and for an overall feel- I wanted to try something new. ing of relaxation. After the session, I felt like elec- Nina Norling, tricity was flowing through my Swedish, marketing body and I felt more vibrant in I tried stone massage once in general. I would definitely rec- Siberia! It was very pleasant. It ommend it. is a popular treatment in Siberia Maud Gabrielle Vincent, but is relatively expensive at Canadian around $30. Victoria Hudugueva, Russian, consultant I love aromatherapy, such as lav- ender for my headaches. When I had my first son, all the nurses were taking a sniff of the oil I I have never tried any alterna- had! I have also tried acupunc- tive treatments or medicine. I ture to treat lower back pain. It like going to the sauna once in a hurt! I also visit the chiropractor while and taking herb baths. regularly and love having a good Ciska von Doesum-Wolters, firm massage. Dutch, researcher Paula Hansen, New Zealander, mother

Q & A

Name: Leza Lowitz makes it possible to observe our limit- Job title: Yoga teacher and writer ing mental and physical habits and Nationality: American finally, to become free of them. It is Time in Japan: one and a half years this a deeply rejuvenating, inspiring and time, previously four years in early 1990s. calming practice.

WEEKENDER: Describe what What kind of students do you exactly is yoga? teach? LOWITZ: Yoga literally means “divine We have students from all over union”, and is derived from the the world including Asia, Europe, Sanskrit verb yuj, which means “yoke,” America, Canada, Africa, the Middle or “unite.” Yoga is an ancient discipline East, Pacific Rim, New Zealand, that seeks union with the divine. It is Australia. the science of spiritual, mental, and Basically everywhere from Sudan physical self-transformation. It balances to Siberia, young and old, flexible the body’s energy centers, awakening and, in one student’s words, “stiff as our innate potential, releasing physi- a board.” The gender balance is 65 cal, mental, energetic and psychologi- percent women, 35 percent men. cal blocks that limit potential, leading to a sense of calm, balance and joy. What advice would you give to There are over 840,000 yoga postures, a beginner wanting to take up or asanas. They represent the shapes of yoga? animals such as monkeys, dogs, fish, Remember when we were children cobras, turtles and nature, such as mountains, trees, the and did all sorts of wonderful movements with our bod- moon and the sun. These days, most people practice ies? Why did we stop playing in that way? Yoga helps us about 50 postures. A good yoga class should consist of rekindle that sense of wonder and awe. yoga breathing (pranayama), yoga postures (asana), and Just come and explore your body and breathing. meditation (dhyana). Don’t worry if you are stiff or if you can’t bend your body into fancy positions because yoga isn’t about that. What are the physical and psychological ben- It’s about moving into your deepest self and exploring efits of doing yoga? your potential. And if you practice yoga, you will become Physically, it strengthens the muscles, increases flexibil- more supple. Guaranteed! All yoga asks is that you focus ity, releases stress and fatigue, calms the nervous system, on breathing and be aware of the sensations in your massages the internal organs and leads to greater vitality body. To breathe is to live. To focus on the breath is to and youthfulness. That’s why many yoga practitioners fully embrace life in the present moment. live well into their 90s! Yoga promotes inner stability and equanimity and allows us to quiet our minds. This www.lezalowitz.com/sunandmoonyoga.html

These pages are provided by Being A Broad — the support and information network for foreign women in Japan, started in 1997. For information about our events and services and to access our highly active discussion board see www.being-a-broad.com. Contact BAB Manager Emily Downey at [email protected]. April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 11 e s s e n t i a l s

GALLERY STAGE innocuous, and pointing out appropriation of images, or Dean Sameshima their hidden meanings. Communications Young Men At Play As a conceptual photographer, the images in Young Men At Play have been re-photographed from the pages HE NEW NATIONAL THEATRE TOKYO continues to of illegally distributed magazines from the 1960s. The T work as a strong hub between independent drama EAN SAMESHIMA’S Young Men At Play is almost 13 monochrome photographs therefore document the and large stage productions. This week, in coopera- D precisely what it sounds like — photographic imag- gay male gaze and its history of censorship, while at the tion with the Japan Playwrights Association, the venue es of young men playing American football, or doing same time challenging Japan’s own laws by distributing presents Communications, the second show in their archery. Naked. a free exhibition catalogue of the images, which will be thematic series Laughter. The Los Angeles native has long been an outspoken published by the Taka Ishii Gallery. Communications is an unusual collection of short critic of what he considers mainstream appropriation of comic plays, from a variety of playwrights and drama- gay culture and voices. As a result, much of his work Young Men at Play Dean Sameshima (to Apr. 23) tists. The works are contemporary and all new, assembled focuses on the plurality of voices, images and language Taka Ishii Gallery. Kayabacho Metro Station. 11 from a variety of points of view, and written by young, of “gay cultures.” He typically incorporates layered mean- a.m.-7 a.m. Closed Sun. & Mon. Tel. 03-3552-3363. award-winning playwrights, as well as drama students ings and subject matter by photographing the seemingly www.takaishiigallery.com studying with the Japan Playwrights Association. The production will involve a cast of nine, and feature plays by Seiko Ito, Chong Wishing, Keralino Sandrovich MUSIC OOKING FOR something to help you drag the kids and several others. Stage director, playwright and actress Microsoft Japan Symphony L away from the Playstation and introduce them to Eriko Watanabe, will weave together the threads of com- something more cultured than the latest Final Fantasy? edy spun by the production’s various writers, drawing Orchestra Family Concert The Microsoft Japan Symphony Orchestra Family together the themes of communication and laughter. All Concert might be what you’ve been waiting for. performances are, of course, in Japanese, and it will be While it may not beat the latest software for youth a good opportunity to see some of Tokyo’s best up-and- appeal, the show will present a more accessible program coming dramatists at work. than your average symphony, including a performance of selections from John Williams’ score for Star Wars Communications (to Apr. 24) Performed in Japanese. Episode 1, and music from Tonari no Totoro by contempo- New National Theatre. Hatsudai Station (Keio Line). rary composer Joe Hisiashi, who has written most of the ¥1,500-¥5,250. Various times. Tel. 03-5352-9999. scores for famous anime director Hayao Miyazaki. And www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english/ just to sneak in a little more robust content, there will be a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite Op.71a, to hook the more… classical, classical fans. No matter how you feel about Microsoft, you can at least be sure that the only crashes will be coming from the percussion section.

Microsoft Japan Symphony Orchestra Family Concert (Apr. 29) Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai Station (Keio Line). Admission free. 3:30pm. Tel. 03- 5353-9999. www.operacity.jp — OWEN SCHAEFER

SOHO NIGHTS Continuing the Hawaiian theme, Jacqueline Lau I, the New York Nights at Roppongi corporate executive chef for Roy’s Restaurants Hawaii, Special Events at Roy’s Aoyama will be coming to Aoyama in April and, during her visit, Hills ex-sumo wrestler Konishiki will perform live during din- HIS YEAR marks the 10th anniversary of one of ITH THE weather warming up, you might be in the ner on Apr. 21 and 22, and a Hawaiian Band will play on Tokyo’s most popular dining spots, Roy’s Aoyama W mood for a cocktail after work. Luckily Tuesdays T Apr. 23. If you haven’t made it to Roy’s already, 2005 is Bar & Grill, and lots of special events and promotions and Fridays are now “New York Style Nights” at Bamboo the perfect time to check it out. Call the restaurant for have been organized to mark the occasion. To kick off, Bar, featuring live DJ music and vibrant atmosphere more details. on Mondays and Tuesdays, every bottle of wine on the under the illuminated bamboo. menu will be half price at dinner. Reflecting the Pacific- Roy’s Aoyama Bar & Grill, 1F Riviera Minami-Aoyama 5:30pm-4am, Bamboo Bar, 5F West Walk in Roppongi Rim style of the food, there will be a Hawaiian band play- Bldg., 3-3-3 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Tel. Hills, 6-10-1, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Tel. 03- ing at 7:30 and 9pm on the first Friday of every month. 03-5474-8181 5413-9577

FINANCE monthly income and expenses. Your income would accounts, stocks and bonds, mutual funds, retirement probably comprise salary, possibly rent from property, plans, and businesses. Liabilities include mortgages, Are You Financially Fit? dividends from stocks and bonds, interests from sav- credit card loans, car loans, personal loans, education ings accounts. Your expenses would be food, clothing, loans, and taxes. Prepare your own balance sheet by list- HEN IT COMES to health, you go for a medical utilities, car loan payments, credit card payments, home ing down your assets and liabilities. Calculate your total check up to see if you’re physically fit. But when it W mortgage payments, medical expenses, entertainment, assets and total liabilities. comes to wealth, it’s as important that you do a regular insurance payments, charity, taxes, and education. List The following step is to calculate your net worth. check up, too. your income and expenses into each section accordingly. Net worth is the difference between total assets and total You can use financial statements to determine your Then calculate your total income and expenses. liabilities: financial fitness. They are income statements and bal- Once you’ve done that, it’s time to calculate your net ance sheets. The process is at first tedious as you need income. Net income is the difference between your gross to dig out bank statements, bank books, investment net worth = assets – liabilities income and expenses: certificates as well as details of any debts such as credit cards, loans or mortgage papers and get them organized Net worth is usually used to determine whether a in a proper format. net income = gross income – expenses person is wealthy. This simple exercise keeps you one But once you’ve done this check up, you’ll have a step ahead of many people and prepares your financial clear picture where you stand financially and you can If you have a negative net income, it tells you that planning future. take the necessary measures to achieve fiscal freedom. you spend more money than you have. In that case you So, are you financially fit? Besides that you’ll be more in control of your money need to make plans to reduce your spending or increase and know how to spend your money wisely. your income. Provided by MAGELLAN JAPAN: THE First, you can prepare an income statement. An Next step is to prepare a balance sheet. Like income FINANCIAL PLANNING COMPANY income statement is also called a profit and loss state- statements, balance sheets also have two sections: assets Email [email protected] ment. An income statement consists of two sections: and liabilities. Assets are your cash, property, car, bank Tel. 03-3769-5511 12 | The Weekender e s s e n t i a l s

FINE DINING Restaurant Joel Robuchon — Paris in Ebisu OR SERIOUS FOODIES, there is a place called heaven F on earth and it’s in Ebisu. The Chateau Restaurant Joel Robuchon opened with a whisper in December in the same grand chateau-style building that used to house the legendary Taillevent Robuchon, and with a lot of the old faces from the Taillevent days — including Chef Alain Verzeroli and Go Matsuzawa, the maitre d’hotel. However, the new Joel Robuchon has done away with the ornate Louis XVI furniture and opened with a fresher and more contemporary style that blends better with the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. The chairs are simple but extremely comfortable, the bar now has a modern, edgy feel and the walls have been painted gold and given a jazzy treatment with Swarovski crystals for effect — and the results are marvelous. The food has undergone a facelift of sorts as well, with the addition of more exotic ingredients and less traditional presentation. However, devotees of Joel Robuchon will still recognize the disciplined, forceful and yet simple cooking style that has become his trade- mark. Joel Robuchon oversees almost every aspect of the menus at this new restaurant (he was in Tokyo during the week we visited, and reportedly in his kitchen early every morning), and Alain Verzeroli, who worked for wowed by an appetizer, three courses, and two desserts. quail with caramelized apples, among other delights. The him at the Paris Taillevent before heading to Asia, is a We particularly enjoyed the bean soup flavored with enjoyable part about this dining extravaganza (if even talented and faithful follower of his culinary philosophy. truffles, onions and chunks of bacon; the perfectly more gourmet bliss is still possible at this point) is that The result of this teamwork is a set of wonderful and cooked beef brushed lightly with wasabi, and the lan- Takehiro Nobukuni, the chief sommelier, can pair each adventurous tasting menus that are sublime and yet goustine breaded with sesame seeds and served with a of your 17 food courses with an appropriate wine by the stimulating — an almost perfect merging of Western and mint-flavored couscous. In fact, lunch was so good that glass or even half-glass so that you will have 17 wine tast- Asian sensations that still manages to retain its unmistak- I was back at Joel Robuchon within a week to have the ings as well. That alone is enough incentive for a special able French-ness. same menu all over again. night out at Joel Robuchon. Clearly, with such a formidable pedigree, this is not In the evenings, the restaurant offers only one option: a restaurant for the faint-hearted, whether of stomach or a ¥35,000 17-course tasting menu that has a little bit of — CHRISTINE CUNANAN-MIKI of budget. However, the ¥7,500 six-course lunch menu every Western culinary delight possible in kaiseki portions. Christine Cunanan-Miki is the author of Tokyo Stories is a good way to get a first glimpse of the world of Joel Its daunting list of dishes is a gourmet dream: Oscietra (www.tokyostories.net), a humorous novel on expatri- Robuchon. It’s expensive but satisfying, and I think few caviar, Breton lobsters, scallops St. Jacques, meuniere-style ate life in Japan available in English-language bookstores people will complain about the price after they’ve been turbot, foie gras with truffles, lamb roasted in herbs, and nationwide.

GO delight possible — from caviar and foie gras to SIT days — a meal in this Tokyo temple of dining is Chateau Restaurant Joel Robuchon lobster, pigeon and lamb. Anywhere in this beautiful room is fine! All tables no longer that expensive compared to eating at a Yebisu Garden Place are placed beside a wall to allow a nice view of Parisian fine dining establishment. DRINK 1-13-1 Mita, Meguro-ku Tokyo the interiors. Apart from its extensive wine list, the restaurant ASK FOR Tel. 03-5424-1347 also has a good selection by the glass. The Cotes PAY Go Matsuzawa, the maitre d’hotel, will take care EAT du Castillon Chateau Luccas Selection Joel Plan on spending at least ¥90,000 for a proper of you with comforting professionalism, while At lunch, the six-course set menu (¥7,500) Robuchon (¥1,800) is a smooth red that will dinner for two. Takehiro Nobokuni, the premier sommelier, offers the best value and includes both a fish complement rather than overpower the meal. will be happy to plan your wines according to SEE and a meat dish. In the evenings, a tasting Meanwhile, the slightly acidic V.D.P. Des Cotes budget, taste and even imbibing capacity. For the People celebrating special occasions, rich extravaganza of 17 small portions (¥35,000) Catalanes Domaine Gauby (¥2,500), a white wine evening set menu, Nobokuni-san can even serve housewives, well-paid professionals working in is the only meal available, and it is highly from Rousillion that does not usually find its 17 different wines by the glass to accompany Ebisu Garden Place and serious gourmets who recommended. Come dressed to the nines and way to Tokyo, is a great starter to the evening — each course. delight in the fact that — with the strong euro with an empty stomach for a memorable culinary especially for those who want something different and the atrocious restaurant prices in Paris these evening featuring a little bit of every Western from the usual Chardonnay.

WINE by the Chardonnay and Riesling. There was no doubt NewZee 2002 Merlot, ¥6,300 that all three wines proved popular across the board. I The reds also proved very popular, and I in particular New tastes for had to ask the group to slow down and start spitting the found the Merlot to be very lush and velvety. It spent by summer from wine in order that we made it to the red wine with our far the shortest time in the bottle! senses intact! The Sauvignon was crisp and dry, perfect NewZee 2002 Pinot Noir, ¥6,300 NewZee for drinking cold with fish or seafood. We also tried the Pinot Noir, and found this to have S A big fan of fine wines NewZee 2002 Unoaked Chardonnay, ¥6,300 a smoky finish with good balance. It would go really A and Saturday afternoon This was also popular, a nice medium bodied wine with well with red meats, or mushroom dishes, as it would drinking, I was delighted a good balance of oak. It was a bit spicy, which would enhance the flavors without overwhelming them. when asked to help review make it a good choice to complement creamy pastas or a selection of wines from chicken dishes. the New Zealand producer NewZee 2002 Riesling, ¥6,300 All these wines are available through the NewZee NewZee. A group of us met to taste three white and two Of the whites, the Riesling really stood out for us, which website, www.newzeewine.jp, should you wish to order, red wines. shows just how well New Zealand has developed this and discounts are available for six bottle cartons. Bottles particular grape variety. Refreshing and fruity, this wine can also be sent as a gift, which would make a nice sur- NewZee 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, ¥6,300 is great for a Saturday afternoon in the sunshine. prise for customers, colleagues or friends. We began tasting with the Sauvignon Blanc, followed — RICHARD FOULKES April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 13 e s s e n t i a l s

BILL HERSEY’S MOVIE PLUS I really think the TV ad Jean Reno has running on CNN is fun. He’s talking to a baby in a crib telling him about what to expect in the future regarding work, chal- OHO TOWA and the media were disappointed that lenges, school, friends. As he’s leaving he turns around T Spain’s top actor Javier Badem couldn’t be here (“for and says, “Sorry about the big nose.” He, as most of you personal reasons”) to promote the Oscar-winning film know, really has one. The Sea Inside. The director, Alejandro Amenabar, did I didn’t mind getting up at 7pm recently to join Brad come to Japan and gave a very interesting press confer- Pitt’s business partner and one of the Sopranos producers, ence. now chairman of Paramount Pictures Brad Gray and his He told the media. “I never thought about doing a family at a sumo stable. Thanks to big buddy Konishiki I film about euthanasia, but I really wanted it to be real- was able to arrange for the Grays to watch young sumo istic, and really learned a lot about how we deal with wrestlers training. dying.” He said Bardem hesitated on taking the role, I love international films and hope many in the then decided it was really something he wanted to do. Arab Film Festival 2005 will have English, as well as Alejandro talked with the girlfriend of Ramon Japanese, subtitles. The festival, sponsored by the Japan 1 2 Sampedro, the man who’s life the story is based on, and Foundation at their forum, runs till Apr. 24. The forum she said Ramon never cried in front of people. The story is in the Akasaka Twin Tower Bldg. 1st Floor, 2-17-33 is very timely with the controversy of Terri Schiavo’s Akasaka (next to Lawry’s restaurant). Tickets are ¥1,200. recent death in the U.S. For info call 03-5562-4096 or 03-3265-1040 during the On the lighter side, the director said he carries his festival. Oscar with him everywhere he goes (his bedroom, kitch- en bathroom, etc.) in his home. “I just love to touch it,” he added. I’m not a big fan of Jennifer Lopez, so passed on her press conference to go over to 20th Century Fox’s Kingdom of Heaven conference with super-director Ridley Scott. They were scheduled at the same time and since Lopez was at the Seiyu, and Scott at the Park Hyatt, there was just no way to cover both. J-Lo is just too much of a 3 4 prima donna for me. I really got turned off when I read that when she checks into a hotel she’s not satisfied with just clean linen, she has to have a bed “no one’s slept in.” That’s a bit over the edge for someone who grew up in a poor family in a seedy part of NYC. Count your blessings girl and chill out. I heard the Lopez conference was sort of a fiasco. It lasted 15 minutes and the m.c. was the only one allowed to ask questions. This is not the fault of Shall We Dance distributor GAGA. They do great promos such as Richard Gere’s visit here for Shall We Dance, but Sony Music pretty much controlled Lopez’s schedule. Personally I thought she looked bad in a photo I saw on ACTV. Those huge gem-covered sunglasses don’t do 5 6 much for anybody and a journalist friend, who knows fashion, said hers were not good. personality Akiko Wada, at Johnny the Sayuri (Memoirs of a Geisha) Toshiba Entertainment told me they may bring 1 Warner Entertainment 4 Warner Entertainment actress Olivia Hussey here in July to promote the film Chairman Japan Bill Ireton Kitagawa’s musical Shock. Chairman Japan Bill Ireton, Toei press conference. Mother Teresa. accepting the Nippon Academy 3 At Showest in Las Vegas: President Yusuke Okada, Jay 6 Sumo champ-entertainer I’ve known Olivia since her Romeo and Juliet days, and Prize for the outstanding foreign Shochiku President Jay Sakamoto, Sakamoto and Humax Pictures Konishiki with Paramount Pictures took care of her son Alex (by Dean Martin’s son Dino) for language film for The Last who was presented an award as President Zuiho Hayashi. new Chairman Brad Gray and his best international distributor of family. Konishiki had arranged for a couple of months. He was ten then, and she was very Samurai. 5 Buena Vista Vice President the year, with GAGA Chairman Tom the Grays to visit a sumo stable to busy chasing after Japanese singer Akira Fuse. She did 2 Jackie Chan, here for Toho- Dick Sano with Sayuri producers marry Akira and they divorced a year or so later. Towa, gets together with showbiz Yoda and Board Member Tetsu Douglas Wick and Gary Barber, at watch early morning training. Fujimura.

MOVIES ILM CRITICS commenting on the athletic bona fides As the father of two nationally ranked junior tennis F of a sports film are a bit like boxers doing fashion players, this otherwise typical critic feels qualified to Wimbledon commentary at the Oscar ceremonies. Which is to say, comment on what the film under review gets right about what the %#*! do they know? this particular sport. Which, to be fair, is a great deal. After all, your average film critic began his long As parents of all junior players can tell you, Lizzie’s fascination with the cinema when he despondently control freak father, wonderfully played by Sam Neill, is a dragged himself to the neighborhood bijou after being type without which no officially sanctioned tournament told by his grade school-age chums: “Honestly, Timmy, in America is complete. The almost psychic bond that we’d like to choose you, but there really are only exists between Peter and Lizzie, between two committed eight guys on a baseball team.” Slate film critic David athletes, is not without its real-world counterpart, either. Edelstein, as Timmy apparently now prefers to be called, And the suggestion that Peter’s failure to catch fire as last September described the climactic tennis scenes in a player has something to do with his too-comfortable Wimbledon as “galvanically convincing, with some long, socioeconomic background is, appropriately enough, on never-racking rallies.” Well, that’s one way of putting the money. Tennis is an expensive sport and it unfortu- it. Another way is to say that those scenes are no more nately attracts a lot of indolent young men and women believable than translucently pale actor Paul Bettany as a who are nonplussed when daddy can’t buy them a killer world-class tennis star. backhand as easily as he did a bagful of Babolats. Bettany plays Peter Colt, once ranked 11th in the Timmy, which is to say David Edelstein, concluded world, but now flailing around outside the top 100. This his review of Wimbledon with the assurance that Bettany’s year at Wimbledon is to be his last. Then he falls in love performance as Colt will “make him a star.” That seems with up-and-coming tennis pro Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten as likely as the prospect that Bettany’s next vehicle will Dunst) and begins stroking his balls as never before. be titled Roland Garros. — JAMES BAILEY

14 | The Weekender weekender 4 kids Field of Dreams (if they build it, will you come?)

Kit Nagamura meets little global-minded clay sculptures created by international children

ERE YOU TO PEER into the American School rently ride the bus out to the ASIJ Chofu campus, where W in Japan’s Early Learning Center, you might be there’s space for them. Finally, there’s the outstanding startled to see row after row of little terracotta people, all financial matter of kiln costs for firing the figures. “That,” about six inches tall. Clay Lilliputians crowd the shelves, Singer says, “is something we are still working on.” line the floors, fill blue bucket containers, and stand dry- Gormley had the help of hundreds of farmers and ing here and there in the classrooms. If you went out to locals to assemble Asian Field. Singer and her fellow proj- ASIJ’s main campus at Chofu, you’d find nearly 6,000 ect coordinators, Mayuka Suzuki, Tammy Woolley, and of these sculptures, and you would of course begin to Chikako Sassa, have an entirely different segment of the wonder. community to engage. Compared to the Made in China After viewing renowned sculptor Antony Gormley’s people, the clay figures in the Children’s Field are wildly Asian Field, an art installation featuring 156,000 little clay eclectic, willfully original — an indicator of the fresh people, students of the international school thought to angle from which children see people. One sculpture, for themselves. “We could do that.” Their teacher, Courtney example, has a Medusa hairdo, another a fish-face, and Singer, herself a dynamo of enthusiasm and resource- one looks suspiciously like Paul Newman. The combined fulness, said “sure.” Once she secured artist Gormley’s effect is thrilling. blessing, the Children’s Field project was born. Goal? A To match the spirit of the artist’s original “field” con- modest 10,000. ception, the organizers have arranged to distribute clay Antony Gormley has planted field exhibitions the to neighboring schools and the immediate community. world over, and his only guidelines — which must be In some cases, parents have had the chance to work followed by the kids making this field as well — are that knee-to-knee with their children to achieve Gormley’s the clay figures (1) be no taller than the maker’s hand, goal: “a global project in which the earth of a particular (2) be able to stand, and (3) have two eyes (for Children’s region is given form by a group of local people of all ages. Field, the eyes are poked in with a pencil eraser). Despite It is made of clay, energized by fire, sensitized by touch these easy rules, the project was quite challenging. and made conscious by being given eyes.” First, nearly four tons of clay had to be brought A public showing of the project is scheduled for in from Gifu Prefecture, sterilized, and distributed. September this year at A.R.T. in Ebisu. In the meantime Contributions to cover initial costs and support have donations are always welcome. But what will happen to come from co-producer Johnny Walker at A.R.T. (Art the little people after their debut? If they’re anything like Residency Tokyo) Gallery, as well as from ASIJ, the British Gormley’s other fields, they will probably enjoy a bit of Council, the Grand Hyatt, Mori Art Museum, and Mori travel before retirement. According to Singer, “the little Building. Storage is another issue; the clay people cur- people live very full lives.”

SCHOOL NEWS

International School Of The Sacred • ¥250,000 was used to rebuild the home of a local fam- ily in Phuket, Thailand, as well as helping to rebuild a Heart Raises ¥2 Million For Earthquake- primary school attached to a monastery there. Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund-raising continued through to March. Collections were staged at the annual February Show and the Middle School Dance. The High School Student Council, the Academic Council and the Girls Scouts also helped to raise money. Over ¥700,000 was collected at a benefit concert held on Mar. 6 featuring ISSH alumna and violinist Samika Honda. Room to Read (www.roomtoread.org) is a related ROBIN SOWDEN ROBIN organization the ISSH Parents’ Board has raised money for. Room to Read supports the rebuilding of schools in the worst hit areas of Sri Lanka. Parents’ Board spon- sored events were successful, with a performance of The Nutcracker by the Austrian Ballet Company of Tokyo rais- HEN CLASSES RESUMED at the International ing ¥256,000 and the annual Family Bingo night raising W School of the Sacred Heart on Thursday, Jan. 6, ¥40,000. the corridors buzzed with students shocked by the recent The Christmas holidays are a fading memory for tsunami in South-east Asia. Students, parents, teachers most. However, the events of Dec. 26, 2004, remain and the wider school community reacted immediately by a reality for tens of thousands of people across Asia. putting their organizational skills, contacts and money Victims of the earthquake and tsunami disasters are still to work for the victims of these disasters. in dire need of financial aid. Fund-raising efforts for this The door collection for a prayer service held at the worthy cause will continue at ISSH with more events cur- Sacred Heart campus chapel on Jan. 12 raised a total of rently in the planning stages. — NICOLA TAKIZAWA ¥1,015,105. These proceeds were then given to personal contacts in four of the worst hit countries: German School flea market • ¥250,000 was sent to the Catholic Crisis Centre in Jakarta, Indonesia. N SATURDAY, APR. 23, at 11am a flea market will • ¥250,000 was taken to Chennai, India, to buy basic O be held at the German School Tokyo Yokohama. food and cooking equipment, as well as restocking a Nearest station is Nakamachidai on the Yokohama badly damaged primary school. subway. Info: Tel. 045-941-4841. Deutsche Schule • ¥250,000 was taken to Northern Sri Lanka to obtain Tokyo Yokohama, 2-4-1 Chigasaki Minami, Tsuzuki-ku, urgent medical supplies for a hospital there. Yokohama. www.dsty.jp

April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 15 p a r t y l i n e BILL HERSEY Estonia celebrates 87th Kuwait National Day grand reception Independence Day

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B. de Paoli (Holy See), Bulgarian 1 Serbia and Montenegro Ambassador Dr. Predrag Filipov, Ambassador Acad. Blagovest 7 8 9 Estonian Chargé d’Affaires Argo Sendov, Lithuanian Ambassador Kangro and Finland Ambassador Algirdas Kudzys and Netherlands Eero Salovaara. Ambassador Egbert F. Jacobs. Croatian Ambassador Drago Qatari Ambassador Reyad Ambassador Muftah 1 Zahra Al-Nowais, wife 2 Dean of the Corps, 4 Estonian Charge d’Affaires 2 Portuguese Ambassador of the U.A.E. Ambassador, Nicaraguan Ambassador Buvac.ˇ Al-Ansari and Keiko Okada. M.H. Faitouri and U.A.E. Manuel Martins de Almeida Argo Kangro, former Japanese Samira Al-Zadjali, wife of Harry Bodán Shields, Saudi 4 Philippine Ambassador 6 The crowd kept the Ambassador Saeed Ali Al- Leite, Estonian Charge d’Affaires Ambassador to Finland, now the Omani Ambassador, Ambassador Faisal H. Trad Domingo L. Siazon Jr. and chefs very busy that night. Nowais. Argo Kangro and Luxembourg Upper House Member Kensei U.A.E. Ambassador Saeed and Oman Ambassador Czech Ambassador Karel 7 Petra News Agency 9 Lilo Maruyama, Ambassador Michèle Pranchere- Hasegawa, former Senior Vice Ali Al-Nowais, Oman Mohammed Al-Zarafi. Zebrakovsky. Bureau Chief Khaldon Mexican Minister Mercedes Tomassini. Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mohammed Ruiz Zapata and Lebanese 3 Lebanese Ambassador 5 Chief of Protocol Azhari and his wife Claudia. Shigeo Uetake and Estonian sumo Al-Zarafi and Malaysian Ambassador Jaafar Moawi. 3 Chief of Protocol, Jaafar Moawi, the host, Ambassador Masaki Okada, 8 Yemen Ambassador wrestler Makushita Baruto alias Ambassador Dato Mohd Ambassador Masaki Okada, Kuwaiti Ambassador Azzam Diet Member Eisuke Mori, Ali Al-Sakkaf, Libyan Kaido Hoovelson. outgoing Archbishop Ambrose Noor Marzuki. Al-Sabaa, Kazuo Uoi and

T’S SPRING AGAIN, and hopefully we’re in for a lot of F. Jacobs received the same award in 1999 for his work as It was a busy evening with a presentation by I nice sunny days before Tsuyu (the rainy season). With Dutch ambassador to Estonia from 1991 to 1993. Commissioner General Pablo Bravo, as well as a few the big change in weather patterns, one never knows. I really appreciated the invitation from John and awesome performances by Spanish entertainers. Hope to It’s a busy time of the year. Lots of fun get togethers Lynn Lai to a very special dinner at their popular and check out the pavilion at Aichi Expo soon. Meanwhile, earlier this month for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). prestigious Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant. bravo to all concerned. The International Ladies’ Benevolent Society will Special guests that evening included Professor of I really appreciated South African Ambassador Dr. hold, or did hold, depending on when you read this, Oriental philosophy Lin Yun. He’s a founder and chair- Baldwin Noubane’s invitation to the opening of his their annual cherry blossom ball at the Okura Hotel on man of the Yun Lin Temple in Berkeley, California. country’s pavilion at the Expo Mar. 25. That same eve- Friday, Apr. 15. With ladies such as Turkish Ambassador His affiliations and projects are much to many to ning he hosted a reception at Nagoya Castle Hotel. Really Solmaz Unaydin and Mary Katayama at the helm, it’s list here, but his name card leaves no doubt how active sorry I couldn’t be there. I heard the entertainers were, as sure to be something special. and important the man is. Taipei Economic and Cultural they always are, really dynamic. Golden Week starts Friday, Apr. 29, with Greenery Representative Office Senior Advisor Wang Wei-Hsien Kazutomi Tamura from the South African Tourist Day. May 1 is Labor Day, May 3 Constitution Day, May 4 also was there and I enjoyed talking with him about the Office gave me a DVD on S.A. at the recent Kudos Travel People’s Holiday and May 5 Children’s Day. This means many changes in Taiwan the last few years. Fair. It has to be one of the most exciting tourism promo travel time for many Japanese, airlines to and hotels in John, who graduated from St. Mary’s High School films I’ve ever seen. I want to go! favorite tourist destinations are heavily booked. It’s not a and The Illinois Institute of Technology, is a very active The names of Shintoyo Enterprises President bad time to be in Tokyo. It’s more relaxed and there are businessman with a great sense of humor. Lynn is a Shohachi Katayama and his wife Mary have become all kinds of cultural and sports events around the coun- master of her craft in Chinese cooking and directing the synonymous with some of the world’s most prestigious try. Whatever, wherever, hope you all have an enjoyable restaurant staff in preparing a large variety of Chinese projects. In addition to their chic showrooms for Jaguar laid back break. favorites at their best — what a great evening. The Parri and Aston Martin they recently announced the partner- On Feb. 24, Estonian Charge d’Affaires Argo Kangro Estate Wines from Australia, from what I heard, were ship between Aston Martin and Jaeger-Le Coultre, one of hosted a midday reception at the New Otani Hotel. really great. I, as you may know, don’t drink. the world’s finest watchmakers. The occasion was to celebrate the 87th anniversary of It was a glittering evening at the beautiful new To celebrate the occasion they hosted a reception at Estonia’s Independence Day. There was a good turnout Spanish chancery. The occasion was a reception co- their Akasaka showroom which showcased the exciting of interesting people who included Japanese govern- hosted by Spanish Ambassador Javier Conde-Saro and new AMVOX 1 watch line. The stunning designs are ment officials, diplomats, business leaders and even an the commissioner of the Spanish Pavilion at Aichi Expo very special. Estonian sumo wrestler, Makushita Baruto, alias Kaido 2005, Pablo Bravo. There was an interesting mix of Champagne served that evening was from another of Hoovelson. Argo made a short welcome speech and people there — many who I hadn’t seen for a long time. the Katayamas’ prestigious partners, Jacquesson et Fils. conferred Japan’s former ambassador to Estonia Kensei These included fashion designer Yamamoto Kansai and Guests left that evening with a box of the famous Belgian Hasegawa with the Estonian decoration, the cross of actress-m.c. Mako Hattori. Pralines-Leonidas. Terra Mariana. Several exhibits had been set up and there were pho- On Feb. 25, Kuwaiti Ambassador Azzam Al-Sabah Our congratulations to our Estonian friends on the tos of Spain’s colorful artistic pavilion. The buffet, which hosted a reception at the Imperial Hotel to celebrate his occasion, as well as Hasegawa-san on his well-earned rec- featured many special foods, was complemented by the country’s National Day. It was wall-to-wall people in the ognition. I later learned Netherlands Ambassador Egbert best of Spanish wines. The table settings were fantastic. hotel’s huge Peacock Room. 16 | The Weekender p a r t y l i n e BILL HERSEY

In & around Tokyo town Spanish expo party

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1 One of Tokyo’s finest families, 4 World Champion surfer Frank and Sonia Streigl and their (1988) Barton Lynch, his buddy

sons Frank Jr., visiting here from and Bill Hersey, at the Lex. 4 McAlester College in Minnesota, 5 MGM Grand Las Vegas and Mark, who goes to St. Mary’s Executive Director Food and International School. Beverage Tony Angotti, Herve 1 Lilo Maruyama, 2 Spanish 4 Fumiko Tottori, 2 U.S. Airforce Pilot, Capt. Mike Guillaume, formerly chef of Aichi Expo P.R. Pavilion Aichi Expo Ana Martinez Conde, Yates and his wife Sonia. She’s a the French Embassy here, now Producer Mari Commisioner General wife of the Spanish model from Prague. They met at with MGM in Vegas, the hotel’s Christine, Spanish Pablo Bravo and Ambassador, and Aichi the Lex. Executive Chef Steve Peterson Ambassador Javier Spanish Ambassador Expo Vice Chairperson Conde de Saro, Javier Conde de Saro. Harumi Sakamoto 3 REM members Mike Mills and City Club of Tokyo Director of Fumiko Tottori and and Aichi Expo and Michael Stipe relax at the Restaurants Rene Cavallo, at the 3 Fashion Designer Mitsuo Maruyama. P.R. Producer Mari Lex. Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Yamamoto Kansai. Christine.

The host, and members of the embassy staff, looked School. Baseball legend Wally Yonamine was there with regal in national costume as they greeted the long long his son Paul, Paul’s wife Lydna and their three children, line of well-wishers. Bryan, John and Andre. Paul and his family live in Large portraits of the Al-Sabah ruling family made a Hawaii where he’s BearingPoint Asia-Pacific chairman. dynamic and impressive background for the reception New York was well represented as well by visiting line. The bountiful buffet had a huge variety of Japanese, Peter Wolff, who’s executive advisor to Time-Warner Western and Arabic foods. The corner where they were CEO Richard D. Parsons. making the traditional Shwarma sandwiches was really I’ll have photos of the Easter celebration at the Hama popular. Steakhouse in Roppongi next column. Not cutting in on A traditional Arab room, Dewaniya, had been set up our restaurant columnists, but have to suggest you try in one corner where one could find Arabic coffee, mint the food at Chickenman in Roppongi. I had a super salad tea and sesame-seed covered dates. There also were sev- and the best garlic chicken ever…all for just ¥1,400. eral large models of the historic and still very much in Nigerian owner Echee N. Dike’s small restaurant use Dhows. I’ve really enjoyed some travel and leisure is on the 6th floor of the Ishiwata Building, between time on these big-wooden exotic boats that handle much Roppongi Crossing and TGIF. U.S. Ambassador Howard of the trade in the gulf area. H. Baker Jr. and Nancy loved the place. Me too. Call Superb food, a variety of interesting people, a relaxed 03-3475-4123. mood and legendary Kuwaiti hospitality added up to a There were music promotions and events all over our super celebration, perfect for the occasion. city. Unfortunately I had to miss all too many of them. I had two great dinners with some of our city’s — as First there was the piano recital by eminent Turkish well as Hawaii’s — finest families. The first was at Hilton pianist Mehmet Okonsar at the Turkish Embassy. The Tokyo’s Checkers Café with Frank and Sonia Streigl and program, which included many Gershwin favorites their sons Frank Jr. and Mark. Frank Jr. had flown in (heard it was really excellent) was hosted by Ambassador from St. Paul Minnesota where he goes to college. Frank Solmaz Unaydin and the president of the Turkish- and Sonia both teach at St. Mary’s. Frank Jr.’s younger Japanese Foundation, Prof. Cafer Tayyar Sadiklar. brother Mark is following in his brother’s footsteps. Both Our friends from the Austrian National Tourist have been right at the top in high-school wrestling. It Office, Austrian Airlines, the City of Vienna and the was a great evening. The buffet, I might add, was excel- “Stage of the World,” Salzburg, continue their promotion lent. for the many, and I do mean many, events to be held in I enjoyed Easter dinner with Warner Entertainment Austria in 2006 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Chairman Japan Bill Ireton, his wife Charo and four of Mozart’s birth. their five kids: William, who goes to Mid Pacific High Austria is marvelous all the time and with all the School in Hawaii, Roberta, a Seisen student, Thomas, Mozart happenings it’s sure to be even more special a St. Mary’s student, and Edward, at a Japanese Public — and very busy. April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 17  p a r t y l i n e Katayamas introduce new Lais’ special dinner at their Jaeger Le Coultre watch Jade Garden restaurant

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Chairman Peter Phillips and his Black Sect Tantric Buddhism, Prof. 1 J.P. Morgan’s John Vail and 1 Shinsei Bank Chairman Thierry Porté and Shohachi and Mary Katayama. his wife Hiroko wife Alice. Lin Yun and his secretary Crystal 2 Shintoyo Enterprises President Shohachi Katayama, Aston Martin Japan Manager Henning Rosted 4 Mai Mai Ho, Charo Ireton, Chin. 2 J.P. Morgan’s Jeremy Kloiser- and Jaeger Le Coultre Brand CEO Francis Belini. Jones and his wife Kumi. Taipei Economic Cultural 5 The hosting couple, Jade Representative Japan Henry Wong, Garden’s John and Lynn Lai. 3 Parri Estate Wines (Australia) Canadian Maple Leaf Ball Jade Garden’s Lynn Lai, master of Weekender staff party at Roppongi’s Amanis

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Neil Moody, Shimizukobundo 1 Ranolf Domett Innes-Taylor 3 Princess Takamado and with Air Canada General Manager Publishing Company’s Anne Hitoshi Terazaki, personal chef 1 The Weekender Account 2 Green Penguin’s George 3 The Weekender Publisher Asia-Pacific Chris Garton and his McDonald and Tokyo American to the Canadian Ambassador and Executive April Moreno, Women’s Taylor (Green Penguin hosts Caroline Pover, Account Executive wife Tomoko. Club Assistant General Manager chef of the six-course dinner Editor Emily Downey and Account Weekender’s website) and Arina Kuznetsova and Travel & Greg Hartigan. Executive Suzanne Parker. Weekender distributor Stephen Society Editor Bill Hersey. 2 CCCJ Executive Director served at the Maple Leaf Ball. Young.

JUST TALK agencies belonging to H.I.S. Chairman Hideo Sawada. It’s • Qatar Ambassador Reyad Al-Ansari’s and his wife conveniently located behind the French Embassy — a Muna’s son Ali, who won a gold award for a humor- ATE March news around Roppongi was all about the five-minute walk on the main street from the New Sanno ous speech in a contest at St. Mary’s recently. Ali, who’s L big government crackdown on Roppongi’s streets. Hotel (tel. 03-5795-4711). also on the school’s wrestling team, will graduate this If what I heard is true they’ve already started stopping year. You couldn’t meet a nicer young man. harassment by the flyer pushers, as well as the aggressive • Bolivian Ambassador Joaquin Rafael Dabdoub behavior of the hustling massage girls. I’ve heard all this CONGRATULATIONS TO and his wife Lillibeth, who was featured in “The before and, to be truthful, not a whole lot ever happens. • Top security man Nestor Takamiyagi on his recent Ambassador’s Table” article in the last issue of fash- Even when they do crackdown it’s usually just a few marriage to Miki Otoi. Nestor keeps busy. He worked ion designer Jun Ashida’s magazine. The glamorous months before things pretty much go back to the way security for Bill Clinton both here and in China. I’m couple (she’s drop-dead gorgeous) talked about the they were before the clean up. a big fan of the Clintons and was happy when Nestor history, culture, current situation and food of their Mar. 31 — I just walked Roppongi main street and told me Bill “really has a wonderful way of making country. happy to see they put TV cameras on the light poles in everyone he comes in contact with feel important.” • Lilo Maruyama, who celebrated her birthday on Mar. that area. London, Dublin and even Shinjuku did this Nestor also was working with Richard Gere when 8. It, I might add, was a monumental celebration with quite some time ago. he danced with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. many friends and a huge cake, all on board a luxury Gere was here to promote Shall We Dance? for GAGA. cruise ship on Tokyo Bay. Photos later. TRAVEL Not so long ago Koizumi sang a duet in his office with Tom Cruise. If he gets tired of politics perhaps he can TO DO ’LL hop on a plane and take off for exotic places at go into showbiz. I the drop of a hat, but if you’re a person who needs a • To Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, • Twentieth Century Fox just released the 10-DVD disc push, check out the commercials on CNN or BBC. Qatar, Tunisian Ambassador Sala Hannachi and the set (plus a bonus disc) of one of the U.S.’s most popular as well as Qatar Air have great campaigns both for the Tunisian people on their National Day Mar. 20. If you and exciting shows, 24. Once you watch it I guarantee 2006 Asian Games in Doha, and their new direct flights follow my column, you know Tunisia is one of my all- you’ll be hooked on the series. It’s available in Tower from Narita to Doha. Emirate Airlines commercials also time favorite getaways. I’ve been to the international Records Shibuya. are very well done, and Dubai has fast become a favor- Sahara Festival in the southern town of Douz three • Don’t forget the always exciting, always fun and ite destination for seasonal travelers. “Incredible India” times and spent six New Year’s Eves in the Sahara. It’s very popular Asian Pacific Ladies Friendship Society’s really highlights the color, beauty and diversity of that a safe stable country and a great place to visit. Annual Bazaar on Apr. 26 from 11am to 3pm at the incedible country, and the Maldives TV spots hopefully • To big buddy Konishiki on the big hug the sumo-wres- ANA Hotel. See you there. will attract tourist dollars to help those beautiful islands tling champion received from U.S. Secretary of State recover. Condoleeza Rice when she was Tokyo a few weeks I dropped by the highly publicized Across Travel ago. The photo, which really made the media rounds, recently and was recently impressed with the space and showed Condoleeza with a big smile that you don’t décor, as well as the professional and helpful manner of often see. the staff. Across Travel is one of the many discount travel 18 | The Weekender 

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シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ 、 世界中で総合的な英語教育事業を展開していま シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ ョン）より、英語と海外に関心が高い読者の皆さまのためのコラボレート・スペ シ シ シ ページをスタートします。 日本で活躍するさまざまなジャンルの方々とのインタビューをはじめ、海外文化の紹介、トレンド情報、 すぐに使える英語表現など、英語学習をより楽しくするコラム満載の『 S H A N E WEEKENDER シ シ シ シ シ お楽しみください。 Shane L. P. Lipscombe Saxoncourt Group Chief Executive

INTERVIEW FOR MY DREAM あこがれの職業で活躍するプロフェッ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ インタビューします！

all I need to be very good at managing time and people in order to be able to put the magazine together. 4) How do I impress if I have an interview with a pub- lisher in England? Do you have any advice for the inter- view? Be sure you know the magazine or newspaper you are apply- ing to inside out. At the interview, you should be very specif- ic when telling them what you can do — I don’t think it is a good approach to say to an editor that you will do anything for them. Tell them exactly what you will do for them.

あずささんのコメント とても緊張しましたが「こんな機会はめったにないから、できるだけたくさ んお話ししよう」と心に決め、張り切って乗り込みました！ J a m e s さんが日本に来たきっかけはワールドカップだったそうです。ま 校正記号を習っています。おもしろい！ ずは、海外に飛び出す勇気、パワーが大切だなぁ … と思いました。そして、 編集からマネジメントまで、 Editor-in-chief として積極的に取り組んでい る さんの話を聞いて、何にでも興味を持つことが、エディターとして シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ ェーンに通い始めて今年で 5 年になります。高校生のころか J a m e s 大切な要素だと感じました。その他にも専門用語や面接に挑むコツなど、た ら国際的な仕事に就きたいと英語の勉強を続けてきたそうです。本や雑誌が めになるお話をたくさん聞かせていただきました。 大 シ シ シ シ 外資系の企業でエディターに シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ 何より嬉しかったのは、英語できちんとお話できたこと。これまで Weekender編集長のJamesさんにインタビューを試みました。 シ ェーンで教えてもらったことをフルに活用して、発音に気をつけて話した シ シ J a m e s さんはほとんど一回で分かってくれたんです！そして「日本人だ 1) What brings you to Japan? ってイギリスでエディターになれるよ！」と励まされた、夢が現実的な目標 I came to Japan in February 2002 to watch the World Cup. となって見えてきました。そ While staying in Japan, I realized I really liked the country れにはまず英語をマスターし and found that through meeting lots of people, job oppor- シ シ シ シ シ J a m e s シ シ シ シ シ tunities became available. I knew that I wanted to work in ギリスと日本のビジネススタ publishing so I thought, “why not in Japan?” I soon found イルの違いに初めはとまどわ myself working for The Weekender as an assistant editor. れたそうですが、日本の文化 2) Are you satisfied with the job? や習慣、スタイルを理解する I really enjoy my job. The hours are very long and it is よう日々努力を続けていると sometimes very stressful near to deadlines, but running のこと。私も今後は言葉だけ でなく、海外の文化や習慣な a magazine such as The Weekender is very exciting. I am どの知識も深めていきたいで never, ever bored. シ シ 今回のインタビューで自信 3) What is important to be an editor? もつきましたし、今後ますます You need lots of different skills to be an editor — for copy- 英語の勉強に熱が入ります。貴 editing you obviously need a good eye for detail and good 重な体験ができました。 シ シ シ research skills. But this is a very small part of the job – all in とうございました。 Editor-in-Chief, James Mulliganさんと

BUSINESS ENGLISH Effective Participation in Meetings Vol. 1

外国人との会議を苦手とする日本のビジネスマンは多いようです。母国語で シ ェーンランゲージサービス (SLS ) は企業・幼稚園・学校・ご家庭へ講師派遣 はない英語を使って意見を述べたり、議論をしたり確かに大変ですね。英語 シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ ュスクールの講師派遣部門です。 での会議を乗り切るための具体的なヒントを シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ また、ビジネスエグゼクティブのためのスペ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ う。今回のトピックは「意見を述べる」です。 デミー六本木校もグランドオープンしました。一般英会話からプレゼンテー シ シ シ シ T e n t a t i v e （弱め）な言い方は、話者がそのトピックのスペ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ ョンまであらゆるビジネス シ ーンに対応できるカリキ ストで無い場合には使い勝手の良い表現です。発言の後で、思い直して取り ュラムをご用意しています。 消すことも容易です。日本の会議では良く使われているので日本人にはなじ みやすいのではないでしょうか？ 例文をつけてみました。わかりやすいよ うに、直訳してあります。 お問合せ先：03-3403-6902 例文：I am not a specialist in marketing, however, from my メールアドレス：[email protected] understanding, I think we should focus on improving our www.shanelanguageservices.com brand image. 「マーケティングの分野は専門ではないのですが、私が理解しているこ とは、われわれのブランドイメージを高める必要があるということです。」

意見を述べる Tentative（弱め） Neutral（通常） Strong（断言する） It seems to me… I think… I’m (absolutely) convinced… From my understanding… I believe… I strongly believe… In my opinion…

自分の主張の強さに応じて、 T e n t a t i v e シ シ シ シ シ N e u t r a l シ シ シ シ シ Jason Dominici Strong（断言する）から表現を選んで発言しましょう。 Director, Shane Language Services

AprilApril 20052005 || Vol.02Vol.02 No.07No.07 || 1919 BUSINESS 環境に優しいタオルが会社を救う ~Environmental Edge Powering Towel Company Turnaround~ 池内タオル株式会社 page 08

シ シ 、 日本企業はグローバルな取引を必要とされ、 シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ “At the show, we thought maybe Americans might 指しています。しかし、グローバル化とは日本から海外に進出するだけではな not like our towels and that our product may not be well formidable 手に負えない gutsy ガッツのある く、海外から日本に乗り込んでくる企業も受け入れるということ。当然、 シ シ received,” Tsubouchi recalls. “When we visited America, I pay off よい結果を生む entrepreneurial 事業家の niche 市場の隙間、適所 flair 鋭い眼識、センス あおりを受ける業界があるのです。主に中国からやって来る安価な製品が、 thought that doing business there would be very difficult. 日本のタオル製造業界を危機に追いやったのです。そんな中、斬新なアイデ no doubt far brighter than The issues of pricing, money and receiving checks and other アで苦境を脱したのが池内タオル株式会社です。 ～よりも一段と明るいのに間違いはない issues made it all seem very formidable. So we were amazed シ シ シ シ シ シ 1 5 0 年前に英国から日本へ持ち込まれました。以来、愛媛 県今治市はタオル製造の拠点として発展。ピーク時には国内で使われるタオ when we won the Grand Prize Best in Show among all the シ シ 6 5 ％が今治産だったのです。しかし現在では シ シ 7 0 シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ other products - it was like winning the lottery! This was the 3 0 シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ 2 0 シ シ シ に シ シ シ シ シ み シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ first time a Japanese company has ever won this award.” 今週のフレーズ の シ シ シ シ シ シ シ た取り組みが始まります。 思い切った経営方針の変換、そ The publicity paid off and within only 24 months, シ シ シ 、 安価なタオルの需要が高い中、高品質のものを作る工場への投資、 Ikeuchi towels were on sale in 50 specialty stores in the U.S., “Our image of the American market is that it is a very mature market シ シ シ 直売の店をオープンさせ、卸業者を通さない配達ルートを確立し シ シ 20 in Paris and London, and they even had a mention in the containing many high-end stores serving specialized niches and high- end needs and within that market we are happy to have found a niche 幅なコスト削減を実現しました 。こうして下地を整えれば、次は製品です。 New York Times. for ourselves in that space.” 彼らは環境に優しいオーガニックコットンに目をつけます。それまで、オー “Our image of the American market is that it is a very ガニックコットンの製品は白くて シ ンプルなものしかありませんでしたが、 池 mature market containing many high-end stores serving spe- 「米国の市場には、とても成熟したイメージがあります。高級品を取り扱 シ シ シ シ シ 2 4 色のオーガニックコットン仕様のタオルを発売。その染料も赤 cialized niches and high-end needs and within that market うにふさわしい売り場を提供してくれる店がたくさんあり、また、その需 ん坊が口に入れても害のない 、 環境に優しいものであることを徹底的にアピー we are happy to have found a niche for ourselves in that 要も高いのです。幸いその市場で、我々の商品は適切に受け入れられてい ルするべく、証明書まで獲得します。この、人にも環境にも優しいタオルは ます。」 space,” Tsubouchi says. 時代の波に乗って話題を呼びました。そしていよいよ世界の舞台へ …… シ シ 日本では「ニッチ市場」「ニッチ戦略」など、「ニッチ＝隙間」という概 Now, Ikeuchi Towels’ improving business prospects 念が広くいきわたっています。もちろん英語でもniche market、niche きは下記の英文で！ and financial results demonstrate that the future for the market strategyと使われますので間違いではありません。しかし、前述の turnaround towel company is no doubt far brighter — and 例文のとおり、英語では「適所」「適した地位」などの意味でもよく使われ Going Global るので注意してください。carve out a niche for oneself ＝自分の適所を開 In 2001, Ikeuchi became interested in taking on the global comes in more colors — than it was a decade ago, thanks 拓する、carve a niche in the organization ＝組織内に適切な地位を築く、 in no small part to Ikeuchi’s gutsy entrepreneurial flair and discover someone’s niche ＝適性を見いだす、occupational niche ＝適 market and began exhibiting at trade shows in the U.S. and 職、など覚えておくと便利でしょう。 in particular, a large trade show called the “New York Home environmental edge. Textiles Show” in 2002. www.ikeuchitowel.com

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From Cape Town -Streetkids in Wonderland-

Street-kids と呼ばれる子どもたちをご存知ですか？ 両親を亡くしたり、 貧困により家族から離れ、余裕なくされた子どもたちのことです。現在、南 アフリカ共和国のケープタウンには数千人のストリートキッズがいると言わ れています。日本では小学生にあたる年齢の子どもたちが、毎日の食事や寝 床を探して路上をさまよい、働き口を探しているのです。こんな子どもたち のための取り組みをシェーン・ケープタウン校が始めました。 土曜日のフリータイム、 シ ェーンの留学生とストリートキッズたちがふ れあう時間です。留学生たちは子どもたちにコンピュータを教え、自国の文 化を紹介します。お返しに、子どもたちも南アフリカの文化や、自分たちの 路上生活について話します。その後は、みんなでエキサイティングなゲーム タイムへ突入。イス取りゲームやバレーボール。子どもたちも留学生も、み んな同じ大きな声で笑いながら楽しみます。そして、 シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ 帰る時の子どもたちは空腹ではありません。ハンバーガーやドリンクを前に した彼らの顔に浮かぶうれしそうな笑顔。そんな笑顔を前にしたら、留学生 も講師も心からハッピーになれるのです。 シ シ シ シ シ シ ェーンの講師のひとりが、留学生の中からボランティアを 募ったことから始まりました。幸いにも、留学生のほとんどが手を挙げて、 積極的に参加の意思を示してくれたのです。これを受けて シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ タウン校もチャリティ活動を全力でサポートし、子どもたちへの食料援助を 開始。英語を学ぶだけでなく、社会貢献を目指す シ ェーンの留学生たちの活 動レポートです。

In the garden under the tree a game of musical chairs is in progress. Every one is laughing and jumping onto each other’s laps and no one notices the absence of music. Three metres away is a lively game of Volleyball. The nor- mally serious and silent computer room is a hive of activity. “Dragonballz,” typing tutors and new e-mail accounts are on the screens and, strangest of all, the teachers and students シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ シ are all unreasonably happy. My pleasure vs どういたしまして Inside there’s more happy chaos complete with guitars, a recorder, strange Swiss card games and yummy Swiss アメリカで女性に道を尋ねた日本人の男性が、ありがとうとお礼を言っ chocolate. It all began with a feast of uncompromisingly たところYou are welcomeと言われて、「え？招待してくれるの？」 frivolous foods – greasy fried chicken, bright orange chips, と勘違いしたという古典的な笑い話があります。確かに、You are wel- three big bottles of 100% artificial soft drink and something c o m e を直訳したら「あなたを歓迎します」ですが、これはお礼に対し that looked suspiciously like Parma ham. It ended with the て「どういたしまして」と答える慣用句であることはご存知ですね。もと eagerly anticipated announcement that our Rainbow Nation もとアメリカでよく使われていた表現ですが、最近ではイギリスでもよく will host the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. After that the kids 耳にするようになりました。それでも、Not at all. Don’t mention were taken to a safe place and the adult kids moved their i t . の方がイギリスでは使われる回数は多いかもしれません。Yo u a r e celebrations to the pub. w e l c o m e ―― 何かしてあげた時に、「あなたを歓迎しているから＝あ This happy chaotic morning was the launch of the なたのためにしてあげる」というのはいかにもアメリカ的なポジティブな “Window of Opportunity” adventure in learning project. 言い方ですね。一方の Not at all は文字通り「ぜんぜんない」というこ とです。あなたに感謝してもらうほどの苦労はしていませんよという言外 It’s part of Shane English School – Cape Town’s Community の意味があります。この辺の心遣いは、一生懸命心を込めて選んだ贈り物 Outreach program. It’s a brilliantly simple idea. We share the を「つまらないものですが」と言いつつ渡す、日本人の「奥ゆかしさ」に skills and energy of young people from around the world 通じるところかもしれません。こういった奥ゆかしさも美しいとは思いま with needy local people. Some kind local people and compa- musical chairs 椅子とりゲーム frivolous ジャンクな すが、謙遜しがちな日本人としては、意識的にポジティブな気持ちになる nies make donations of small change to make sure the hun- in progress 進む suspiciously 怪しげに 訓練としても、使っていただきたいフレーズがあります。それが I t ’ s m y gry get fed at the same time. Future projects include work hive 人ごみ（みつばちの巣が原義） anticipated 予想された p l e a s u r e です。「あなたのお役に立てたなら、あなたを助けることがで with Aids survivors, adult homeless people and the elderly. tutor 講師 launch 開始 きたならそれは私の喜びです」という意味のこの短いフレーズはネイティ chaos 混乱 needy 貧窮の We put the fun back into saving the world. ブスピーカーの耳にはとてもSWEETに響くことでしょう。 yummy チョーおいしい donation 寄付 SHANE GLOBAL LANGUAGE CENTRES uncompromisingly 徹底して www.shaneglobal.com 2020 || TheThe WeekenderWeekender faces of the new Japan

SETSUO MIYAZAWA — Reforming the Japanese legal system

ETSUO MIYAZAWA, 57, a native of Hokkaido, on mastering legal theory and concepts, not on S received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in law from training professional lawyers. Those who pass Hokkaido University and a Ph.D. in sociology from Yale the bar exam must study at the LTRI. However, University. His research interests have ranged from the its limited enrollment capacity and a curriculum Japanese police system to the development of in-house that is aimed primarily at training judges, not legal departments in Japanese companies. Today, he is a attorneys, means that it inhibits the develop- leading proponent of Japanese legal reform. Previously ment of a large group of professional lawyers on the faculties of various Japanese and American law Second, in order to abolish the LTRI, we need schools, he is currently vice president of Omiya Law graduate schools of law to provide professional School. He talked with Kirk R. Patterson. legal education. This would open the profession to individuals from a variety of academic and social WEEKENDER: What led you to become involved backgrounds and would provide training from a broader in efforts to reform the Japanese legal system? range of perspectives. MIYAZAWA: In the mid-1980s, I wondered why the Third, the legal profession should not have sole environmental movement was unable to establish the responsibility for administering the bar examination. By concept of environmental rights. In most Western using the physical capacity of the LTRI as justification, Reform Committee, which was charged with creating a countries, citizens can seek injunctions against polluters the profession has maintained a bar examination pass judicial system that is more responsive to the needs of before they damage the environment. In Japan, however, rate of only three percent, thereby severely restricting the public, law schools came into being in 2004. There they can only do so after the environment has been dam- the number of new lawyers and so limiting the public’s are now 68 law schools with a total of 5,700 students. aged. There were efforts to adopt the Western model, but access to legal services. People who represent users of However, even this positive development is not without those efforts were unsuccessful, and it now seems highly legal services should also participate in the administra- its problems. The creation of the law schools was sup- unlikely that Japanese courts will ever recognize the con- tion of the bar examination. posed to result in many more qualified lawyers, but the cept of environmental rights. Fourth, judges should be selected from those who Ministry of Justice seems to be trying to limit the number I tried to find a sociological explanation for this, but already have significant experience as practicing attor- of law school graduates who will pass the bar exam. We I concluded that the main problem was the Japanese neys. Currently, LTRI graduates directly become assistant will continue to fight against any attempt to maintain an judicial system. Specifically, the process of recruiting, judges and then, eventually, full judges. This results in a artificially low bar-exam passage rate In most other areas, training and supervising judges has resulted in a very very conservative and uniform judiciary that mitigates we see little or no progress, except that the LTRI may play conservative judicial system that makes it difficult for against innovation. a more limited role in the future. citizens to challenge the government and corporations. Fifth, we need to greatly increase the number of lawyers. At present, there are simply too few lawyers for So what grade would you give the government How do you think the Japanese legal system such a complex economy and society. Japan ranks at the on judicial reform? should be reformed? bottom among all developed countries in terms of the Unfortunately, just a C+. We must continually seek new Japanese legal reform should focus on five different number of lawyers per capita. ways to build a legal system that is better able to help but interconnected areas. First, the Legal Training and ordinary people address issues that affect their lives. Research Institute (LTRI), operated by the Supreme What progress has been made in these areas? Court, should be abolished. In Japan, law has been There has been progress in the establishment of graduate Kirk R. Patterson, the Dean of Temple University, can be con- offered as an undergraduate major, with the focus being law schools. Based on recommendations of the Judicial tacted at [email protected]

WEEKENDER: How long has Yoyogi International Park. The classrooms overlook the park and are very LEARNING TO PLAY School been established? bright and spacious. We have a library, with over 1,000 Suzy Small spoke to Yuko Muir, director YUKO MUIR: The school was founded in 1999. We start- books, computer terminals, an outdoor play area, a large of Yoyogi International School, about ed out with the aim of creating an environment where indoor gym with basketball hoops, balancing beams and the school’s philosophy, facilities and children can really enjoy learning. lots of other equipment. The children are also able to play in the park. So rain or shine the children have ample programs How many children attend the school? opportunity to enjoy many physical activities. The age of the children ranges from 18 months to six years old. Currently we have 120 students. What makes Yoyogi International School differ- ent? What is the balance of nationalities like? As I mentioned earlier, it is vital that the children’s intro- Fifty percent of the children at the school are native duction to school life be very positive one, so first and English speakers, about 20 percent are children from foremost we have an excellent teaching staff all of whom European or Asian countries who speak English as a have first class teaching credentials. Coupled with our second language, and 30 percent are Japanese. The comprehensive facilities we have a range of extra pro- majority of children go on to International elemen- grams for the children including ballet, karate and music tary schools. classes. This year, we offer a summer school thoughout What subjects do the children study? summer and for children aged between 18 months and It varies depending on the age of the child, but nine years old (elementary 3rd graders). The program is the curriculum includes language, art, mathe- very flexible — parents can choose which weeks they matics, science, creative arts, social studies and wish their children to attend, and how many days per physical science. We also incorporate Japanese week, so it fits well around plans for family holidays and studies into the daily schedule — children are other commitments. The summer school has the same introduced to Japanese culture, songs, words balance of education and playtime as our regular classes, and expressions. Last week, for example, the providing a really enjoyable experience for the children children were learning how to use chopsticks who attend. and how to order food in a restaurant. To con- What does the future hold for the school? clude the lessons, we went to Japanese Soba restau- rant and had lunch. Of course, the children ordered In only five years Yoyogi International School has by themselves in Japanese! grown into one of the largest international Preschool- Kindergartens in Tokyo. We will continue to focus on What facilities does the school have? the best interests of the children and parents. The school is in a modern building in front of Yoyogi Info: www.yoyogiinternationalschool.com.

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