JUNE 2015

Japan’s number one English language magazine

SPACE TIME George Clooney and Omega Pay Respect to the Rocketmen of the Apollo Project

SURF’S UP Catching Waves in Chiba

A NEW HORIZON Japan’s Space Agency Readies Their Moon Shot

ALSO: Abstract Beauty at Kashima Arts, Artisan-Grilled Eels, an Avant-Garde Chocolate Collection, andwww.tokyoweekender.com Much More... JUNE 2015 Welcome to Japan Three ways of Living Eight lives in Tokyo

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BANGALORE BANGKOK BEIJING CHENGDU GUANGZHOU HANGZHOU HONG KONG HYDERABAD INCHEON JAKARTA MANILA MUMBAI PUNE SEOUL SHANGHAI TOKYO JUNE 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2015 CONTENTS 12

JAXA AIMS FOR THE MOON The Japanese Space Agency looks to stick the landing before 2020

14 18 20

GEORGE CLOONEY AND OMEGA SURFING IN CHIBA HITSUMABUSHI BINCHO Hollywood star and a Swiss watchmaker A guide to spots, gear, and the lifestyle of Going deep into the art of Nagoya-style, pay respect to the Apollo astronauts The Way of the Wave oak-grilled eels

6 The Guide 10 Cornelia Thomsen 24 People, Parties, Places Hot looks, cool toys, and a chance to horse A master of the bold line prepares for a A bevy of beauties at a birthday bash, saying around in the shadow of Mt. Fuji show at Kashima Arts antio to the Greek Ambassador, and more 8 Art Around Town 16 Waseda Business School 28 Previews The Mori reopens its doors; recognizing An international perspective has already Mad Max and a man of peace take to the the work of a master photographer put WBS at the head of its class road and Disney takes a ride to the movies 9 Chocolate Revelations 22 A Day of Service 30 Agenda Chocolate meets vegetables, with Seisen International celebrates the Saint’s Kawaii rockers Babymetal, TV on the Radio, surprisingly delicious results Day of the school with the joys of giving and a salsa street fest

www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2015 THIS MONTH IN THE WEEKENDER

split-second timing. The Japanese space agency JUNE 2015 JAXA made news in April when they announced their plans to shoot for the moon again. As our look at the state of Japanese space efforts shows us, there’s still room for innovation and improvement, and small breakthroughs have the chance to pay dividends not Publisher BC Media Group just for future Japanese missions, but Chairman Ray Pedersen for international projects to come. Moving on to explorations much Executive Producer Asi Rinestine closer to home, we step over to Tokyo’s Editor Alec Jordan next-door neighbor, Chiba where the Art Director Liam Ramshaw coast plays host to surfers of all stripes as they search for the best spots to ride Media Director Kotaro Toda waves. Whether you’re a rank amateur Account Executives Ohad Elbaz Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa or an old hand, we hope the spread kindles a sense of adventure in you that Media Consultants Mary Rudow even a few wipeouts won’t quench. Sophia Bai On a crowded morning Moving back to Tokyo brings Marketing Ingrid Dubreuil train, the vast reaches of us a visit with the abstract painter space are both figuratively Society Bill Hersey W Cornelia Thomsen, whose unique vision and literally millions of was inspired by the gradations of a miles away, but one of the impulses Lead Writer Matthew Hernon seascape, but gradually transformed that has driven space programs to into something completely different. In Editorial Associates Vivian Morelli reach for the stars is both the challenge the world of cuisine, we get a taste of Sarah Custen to do what might seem impossible. It’s Kyle Mullin something completely different, both also an issue of limits—how far can with the unique creations of La Maison ingenuity and daring take us? du Chocolat and the artisan cooks of Film Christopher O’Keeffe Some of the first to test these Hitsumabushi Bincho. bounds were the astronauts of Apollo IT Manager Nick Adams Our best wishes for a June that’s as 13, who may not have reached their free from gloom as it is earthquakes. lunar destination, but in their ability See you next month. to reclaim a safe return to Earth from what seemed like certain death, they showed the globe that, despite the months and years of planning that go EST. Corky Alexander, 1970 into the greatest endeavors, sometimes success depends on improvisation and Editor Published monthly at the Regency Shinsaka Building, 5th floor 8-5-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 (03) 6666-4924 / (03) 6432-9229 (fax) [email protected]

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HUNTER RAINBOOTS While the month of June is synonymous with rainy season, nearly daily showers don’t need to be accompanied with a frumpy wardrobe. Brave the puddles in comfort and in style with a pair of tall Hunter rain boots, which should be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe. Not only can you keep them for several years, they will actually make you look forward to rainy days. We love this tall red pair, with its polished buckle strap and glossy coating. They will look perfect paired with denim—or practically anything else you own.

www.shopbop.com

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN LISSAGE MEN’S GOLD LEATHER BRACELET SKINCARE LINE Summer is still a few weeks away, and with There comes a time in every gen- a forecast of mostly rain and clouds for the tleman’s life when he needs to start next few weeks, anything works to spice getting a bit more serious about up another dreary morning. Try a touch of his skincare routine. If you’re face gold with this leather bracelet from Alex- is starting to lose its youthful glow ander McQueen, which wraps around your and your girlfriend is starting to get wrist and ties like a belt. The accessory is annoyed every time you pinch her adorned with the signature McQueen skull, expensive moisturizer, then fear not: encrusted with Swarovski crystal eyes. because help is at hand. The skincare Fierce! We cannot think of a better way experts at Kanebo have released their to pay tribute to the late designer than to first prestige men’s skincare line, sport one of his creations, for just a hint consisting of a moisturizing beauty of flashiness and goth that screams high essence and a foaming soap that fashion. doubles as shaving cream. www.net-a-porter.com/jp/en/prod- www.lissage.jp/men uct/585880

OKAMOTO HORSE-RIDING CLUB Never far from Mt. Fuji views, Okamoto Riding Club is definitely a pleas- ant place to either discover or practice equestrian activities. It’s about 1.5 hours away from central Tokyo by train or bus, and you can be picked up at Gotemba station, which is a 5-minute drive to the club. The club’s well- trained horses and the friendly English speaking staff make the riding experience possible in Japan. Beginners and advanced riders alike can learn from instructor & owner Masami Okamoto, who has a sharp command of equestrian technique thanks to his extensive international experience. You will be able to experience walk, trot, and even gallop or jumping (for the most audacious only!) in the tree-lined arena. Depending on your level & objectives, you will be able to ride one of several horses per lesson, to practice dressage, jumping or just “hacking” (light riding) outside the arena. It’s a great activity for kids, who can learn how to control and care for animals, while developing confidence at the same time. www.okamotoriding.com

JUNE 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com BOCCO, THE ROBOT THAT BRINGS YOUR FAMILY TOGETHER The bocco WiFi connected robot is the latest development of Tokyo based Yukai Something for the weekend...A Engineering (The company that gave us cocktail guide for the most the brainwave-powered cat ears). It’s es- discerning of drinkers sentially a messaging device in the body of a robot, but it showed enough promise tip of that hat to our Italian friends in that backers quickly helped them reach this month’s Mixologist Guide with a their Kickstarter goal. In the promo vid- twist on the old classic, the Amaretto eo, a dad “talks” through the robot with Sour. Be it football, fashion, women, his family. Bocco itself is cute (like C3PO Awine, or cars that shine, if the Italians do some- is sexy) and the concept is a novel one thing you can guarantee that they will do it with that could be fun in a household with style. In a country where wine flows like water, younger children, but it might get old drinking is a true art. So what better way to pretty fast when the teen years set in and enjoy a taste of the La Vita Bella than to indulge in a couple of Italian themed aperitivi. the kids talk talking back for real. The original Amaretto recipe boasts an im- pressive lineage dating back to the Renaissance. The story goes that in 1525, in the small city of Saronno in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, a brilliant young artist and former student LANPARTE SMARTPHONE of Leonardo da Vinci called Bernardino Luini STABILIZER was commissioned to paint a fresco of the Madonna of the Miracles. Luini was in need of Smartphone video quality has improved dras- a model for the fresco and found his inspiration tically over the years, but the biggest problem in a young widowed innkeeper, who became his with shooting a device that small is ergo- muse and (in most versions of the story) lover. nomics. Enter the Lanparte HH-01 stabilizer. As a token of her affection she prepared for the Lanparte has taken a step away from their artist a special gift of a flask full of an almond high-end photo accessory market and created liqueur upon the completion of the fresco. a device aimed at taking the shake out of the The cocktail is simplicity itself to make, but entry-level video making world. The HH-01 provides a complex spectrum of flavours, from promises to improve the quality of the thou- the sticky sweetness of the Amaretto to the tart sands of smartphone-in-the-air walks across sourness of the lemon and just a hint of bitterness the Shibuya scramble to a point they might from the Angostura. It’s the cocktail equivalent of actually be watchable ... It may also give the being kissed by a beautiful Italian lady—and then steady edge to a few budding Spike Lees too. immediately slapped about the face. You know that it was delicious, you know that you probably deserved it, and you know that the only sensible option is to have another one. Salute!

Method: Add all the ingredients into a shaker (without ice), and shake until the egg white is completely emulsified. Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake again. Strain over fresh ice in an old fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange slice and brandied cherries, if desired.

Ingredients: - 2 shots of DiSaronno Amaretto - 1 shot of lemon juice - ½ egg white (beaten) - Dash of Angostura Bitters

ZECOO ELECTRIC SCHOOLBOY FANTASY CYCLE Kota Nezu, like most males growing up in his generation, loved Kaneda’s epic bike in Akira. Being a former lead designer at Toyota, and owner of his own design company— Znug Design—he decided to actually make one. Together with Chiba’s Auto Staff Suehiro, they put together their futuresque flagship all-electric zecOO cycle. It looks like it rolled straight out of a cyberpunk manga and features a bunch of innovative technologies to make it go and handle as well as it looks. It has a top speed of 160km/h and a range of 160km—and it looks like it came straight out of every tech-geek-biker’s fantasies. They are only making 49 of these beasts, so if you have 8.8 million yen weighing your bank account down, you can claim one.

www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2015 GALLERY GUIDE TOKYO GALLERY GUIDE OUR PICKS FROM THE EXHIBITIONS AROUND TOWN

by Sarah Custen

“Simple Forms: Contemplating Beauty”

apan is well known for its Zen “Simple Forms” brings together paintings, simply styled ceremo- 130 famous works of modern art nies and exquisite minimalism. from around the world, spanning The European aesthetic, on the centuries in a panoramic view of other hand, calls to mind grandeur elegant minimalism. Presented and detail, ornate cathedrals and in nine sections, the exhibition intricate religious paintings. But the explores the geographic spread of 19th and 20th centuries in Europe the aesthetic, connecting prehis- were marked by a shift towards toric artifacts with modern-day simplicity, across the spectrum from installations and innovations. mathematics and mechanical engi- This is your chance to experience neering to archeology and architec- an “Eastern aesthetic” through ture. Nowhere is this more starkly a western lens, with works from apparent than in the graceful, Gabriel Orozco, Henry Moore, streamlined art from that time. Art- and Jean Arp—among many ists of the era were drawn to “simple others—in the first joint exhibi- forms” in nature and traditional folk tion of Mori Art Museum, Centre culture and sought to replicate the Pompidou-Metz and Fondation clean lines and sleek style. d’enterprise Hermès.

Mori Art Museum (MAM) Carsten Nicolai, Title: anti, 2004, PP lightweight structure, sound module, theremin module, Dates: April 25–July 5, 2015 transducer, amplifier, light-absorbent black paint, 300 x 255 x 255 cm, Installation view: Open: Wednesday through Monday, 10:00–22:00; Tuesdays 10:00–17:00 Schirn Kunsthalle, Frankfurt/Main, 2005, Photo: Uwe Walter, Courtesy: Galerie EIGEN + Web: www.mori.art.museum/english/contents/simple_forms/index.html ART, Berlin / Leipzig and The Pace Gallery

“Teiko Shiotani: Pioneer of Artistic Photography in Japan”

o say that Teiko Shiotani’s 27 had founded a photographic soci- photos are “artistic” is a bit ety and won first prize in a competi- vague. A better description tion by the Asahi Camera magazine. might be to say that they From there he went on to win more seemT more like art—non-photo- prizes and gain notoriety, both in graphic art. His images are rich Japan and overseas. and thick, like ink paintings on By the time of his death in 1988, parchment, soaking deep into time, Shiotani’s photos had been displayed transporting you to a vivid, vibrant worldwide, garnering him a lifetime past with sepia tones, simple lines, achievement award from the Photo- and stark shadows. graphic Society of Japan. His works Shiotani was born and raised are housed in institutions every- in Tottori Prefecture; his life’s work where from Santa Fe to Shimane, was photographing the region. A from Hamburg to Yokohama, and natural, Shiotani received his first now—for free—at FUJIFILM square. Lotus (1935) camera in grade school and by age Simply an unmissable opportunity.

Photo History Museum, FUJIFILM SQUARE Dates: May 1–July 31, 2015 Open: 10:00–19:00, every day Web: fujifilmsquare.jp/en/detail/15050104.html

JUNE 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com Chocolate Revelations La Maison du Chocolat’s latest creations are anything but garden variety

hen it comes to making unique pairings with the rich flavors of FIVE UNIQUE CREATIONS chocolate, one of the first things Hazelnut praliné with porcini mushroom that comes to mind are fruits. One is pleasantly surprised by the woody notes of this dynamic duo. The lightly The tartness of lemon, or the salted slivers of porcini unveil echoes of mushrooms, leaves, and humus. The silky Wrounded sweetness of raspberry, for example: these texture, almost like fresh butter, is a perfect match for this hazelnut praliné. are the common combinations that we are used to. But what if some daring, Wonka-like character were Ganache with caramelized onions to burst forth from his lab, having merged chocolate The creamy notes of chocolate prolong the sweet and tart notes of spring onions with the other side of the produce aisle? How would infused into the cream of the ganache. The balsamic vinegar caramelises the fine the familiar flavors of chocolate mix with the tastes slivers of fig and prolongs even more the sweet and savory sensations. The crisp of caramelized onion, olive, pepper, or mushroom? notes refine the complementary facets of this almost “cooked” chocolate. Thanks to the experimental flair of La Maison du Chocolat’s Master Chef, Nicolas Cloiseau, gourmets Dark ganache with red pepper with a taste for something new can now answer that The red pepper compote offers a gentle introduction for this dark ganache question for themselves. The “Chocolate Revelations” confection. The salty rush of the Guérande fleur de sel entices the nuances of series offers a series of unique flavor pairings that chocolate and pepper with a kick of Espelette pepper to fully express themselves will make you reconsider what can be done with at the finish. chocolate. Cloiseau is no stranger to innovation in cuisine: the holder of the title of Meilleur Ouvrier Praliné with black olives and olive oil de France (Best Craftsman of France) is forever Delicate notes of olive oil unleash at once a palette pushing the boundaries of expectation, while always of fruity flavors. Slivers of fresh moist black looking to provide a taste that will appeal to a wide olives in the almond-hazelnut praliné audience. After a successful experiment last year— maintain the edge of this naturally the delicious recreation of the flavor of several salty fruit in chocolate. The delicacy different cocktails—this new collection offers a of a praliné, in harmony with the bewitching marriage of sweet and savory. lightly briny accents of the olive in These small, four-gram morsels created from all its forms, is a perfect example of praliné and dark chocolate ganache offer brief a perfect union. voyages of flavor. They begin with the familiar notes of chocolate, only to be followed by an intriguing set Plain robust ganache, dash of tastes: the delicate aroma of olive oil, the woody of Guérande salt notes of porcini mushroom, or the crisp sensations This robust dark ganache envelops the of red pepper. The collection is meant to be sampled palate with intense notes of tannins in in the following order, each combination yielding a this predominately Venezuelan chocolate, unique set of pleasures. But once you’ve found your while the crystalline notes of the salt favorite, feel free to indulge. After all, rules were amplifies their expression. meant to be broken.

Photo History Museum, FUJIFILM SQUARE Dates: May 1–July 31, 2015 Omotesando Store: 3-10-8 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, 107-0061 Tokyo Open: 10:00–19:00, every day Open: Daily, 12 am–8 pm | Roppongi Store: Roppongi Hills West Walk 2F, 6-10-1 Web: fujifilmsquare.jp/en/detail/15050104.html Roppongi, Minato-ku, 106-6108 Tokyo | Open: Daily, 11 am–9 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm) Web: www.lamaisonduchocolat.co.jp ARTIST CORNELIA THOMSEN BRINGS HER COMPELLING CONTEMPORARY VISION TO A GALLERY BEST KNOWN FOR ITS TRADITIONAL JAPANESE BRUSHWORK

s she sat in a calm coastal environment meticulously drawn lines range from a millimeter attempting to depict the incoming waves to two centimeters across. Yet, “the width of the for a seascape, Cornelia Thomsen’s stripes,” she tells us, “has no particular rationale frustration was growing. Try as she and is based purely on intuition.” She paints the might, the East German-born artist just lines horizontally but displays them vertically couldn’tA seem to get it right. It was then that she had once a canvas is completed. a moment of inspiration. “I didn’t want to show horizontal stripes as “I started out painting the ocean they would still carry the mem- in a naturalistic way but was dis- I HAVE BEEN ory of a seascape, so I went with satisfied with the result,” she tells vertical stripes which allowed me Weekender. “I found a solution by SURROUNDED BY to create purely abstract images, taking the impressions I experi- focusing on the basics of line and enced from sketching this natural JAPANESE ART, color,” says Thomsen. scene and translating them into WHICH HONES MY It’s a technique that has worked lines, concentrating on the colors.” well. Her stripe paintings have That was back in 2008, the year SENSE FOR FINESSE been extremely well received by Thomsen began working on the AND BEAUTY AS critics and even led to compari- stripe motif. Since then she has sons with renowned artists such produced a variety of striking ar- WELL AS FOR as Gene Davis, the man responsi- tistic compilations, including both ASYMMETRY AND ble for the famed “Franklin’s Foot- abstract compositions as well as path” in front of the Philadelphia realistic portraits of prominent East IMPERFECTION. Museum of Art, or National Medal German officials, yet it is her col- of Arts recipient Agnes Martin. lection of vertical-line paintings for which she has Whilst undoubtedly flattered by these compar- become best known. isons, Thomsen doesn’t necessarily agree with She usually begins by applying layers of paint them. to a canvas, which she leaves to dry for around two “Of course it is an honor to be mentioned in weeks, working on other paintings and then return- the same breath as such illustrious artists,” she ing to the original canvas to add further layers. The says. “My stripes, however, have a different origin and are painted in a different way. For exam- (to her paintings), then move back slow- ple, Davis and Martin used tape to separate the ly,” in order to fully appreciate them. This colors, but I don’t; I paint gradations of color. June, Tokyoites will have an opportunity to Consequently I don’t think we are that alike.” do just that as Thomsen will be displaying American art critic Robert C. Morgan feels her “Stripes” and “Structures” collections at the same way. In his article “Tactile Sensa- Kashima Arts in Kyobashi. tions, Borrowed from Nature,” written for The “Structures” section will provide the art and culture website Hyperallergic, he visitors with an experience that contrasts commented that Thomsen’s education in Ger- with the “Stripes” but is no less captivating. many “allowed her to evolve in a more quali- A series of delicately constructed mono- fied direction, as opposed to the kind of fash- chrome ink hatched markings made using a ionable quantifications to which American pen nib continually dipped into an inkwell, higher art education has finally succumbed.” these drawings magnificently showcase the Consequently, he believes that comparisons German’s acute attention to detail. with other American stripe painters of the late “I was trained at the Meissen Porce- 1950s and 1960s “just don’t work.” lain Company for four intensive years and Describing Thomsen as a “highly original use the skills I learned there to realize the hard-edge painter and soft-edge draughts- ideas I express today,” she tells us. “I made Cornelia Thomsen woman,” he advises audiences “to get close my first ‘Structure’ drawings about ten Born in Rudolstadt, East Germany years ago while think- in 1970, she was unable to leave the ing about works in country until she was 19. She says her which every mark has “upbringing was shaped by the many its place in a system. restrictions placed on the people by The lines do not cross the government.” She went on to or touch each other paint at the famed Meissen Porcelain and stand alone, yet Company in Meissen, Germany. Her they create a whole.” first solo exhibition took place in New Thomsen’s passion York in 2005. She has had three books for art was evident published: “Stripe Paintings,” “Works on from a young age. Vis- Paper,” and “Stripes and Structures.” She iting Baroque castles currently resides with her husband and during her youth, three children in Manhattan, New York. she was inspired by the paintings of such masters as Dürer, she says. “I met him 20 years ago and since Rembrandt, and Lovis then I have been surrounded by Japanese Corinth. These days art, which hones my appreciation of fi- it’s names like James nesse and beauty as well as asymmetry and Turrell, Frank Stella, imperfection. One particular artist who and minimalist sculp- stands out for me is calligrapher Yuichi In- tor Richard Serra that oue. The confidence and strength of his char- grab her attention. acters is very impressive. She’s also become an “This will be the first time showing my avid follower of Asian work in Japan,” she continues. “I am real- art thanks to her hus- ly excited about it. I hope to meet people band, Erik Thomsen. who are interested in contemporary art. “My husband is My ‘Stripes’ paintings have a strong pres- Danish, but he actu- ence and a three-dimensional effect that ally grew up in Japan can only be perceived in person; my ‘Struc- and has been deal- tures’ drawings are so minute that small ing in art from this printed reproductions cannot fully convey country since 1981,” their character.”

INTRODUCING KASHIMA ARTS

Kashima Arts Gallery is located in Kyobashi, just a recently have started showing works of contempo- short walk from either Tokyo Station or the Ginza rary artists that the owner carefully selects, based area. The building dates back to 1927, while the on his aesthetic sense sharpened in dealing with old interior reveals a mix of modern Japanese aesthetics Japanese paintings. alongside a very traditional tea room, where you can In order to help foreigners to better understand enjoy Japanese culture with the senses. Japanese arts and culture, they have English speak- They are known for their high quality collections ing staff in the gallery as well as experts to explain of traditional Japanese painting and calligraphy about works in detail. A luxurious space that takes from the Edo period up to the present day, including a twist on the typical museum experience, Kashima works by the renowned artist Ito Jakuchu. Also, they Arts offers something that is truly extraordinary.

Dates: Sat., June 6–Sat., June 20 (Open 10 am–6 pm) | Address: 3-3-2 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0031 Web: www.kashima-arts.co.jp/en/events/stripes_structures/index.html | Tel: 03-3276-0700 | Admission: Free by Kyle Mullin

AFTER A BOTCHED MISSION TO MARS OVER A DECADE AGO, THE JAPANESE AEROSPACE EXPLORATION AGENCY IS NOW PLANNING A REDEMPTIVE HEAVENWARD RETURN

strides” have been made, citing the success of the seven-year Hayabusa mission, “the first to perform a sample return from an asteroid.” Its successor, the Hayabusa2, launched late last year. But Yoshiki Morino says Japan, and the rest of the world, are still falling short of their potential as lunar explorers. A professor at Waseda Uni- versity, (which has a comprehensive partnership with JAXA and aerospace roots that extend back more than 70 years) Morino notes that, despite the success of Japan’s SELENE (aka. Kaguya) moon orbiter mission dating back to September 2007, but adds that more extensive successor mission “has not been deemed a high priority for space science and exploration missions… (so) the Illustration of the Hayabusa landing on Asteroid Itokawa landing on Asteroid the Hayabusa of Illustration project has been scrapped.” n 2018 JAXA hopes to put its first lunar landing Despite that disappointing state of affairs, operation into motion. The project will involve Morino does admit that there has been a resur- the use of a rover called the Smart Lander for gence in Japan’s space endeavors, particularly Investigating the Moon (SLIM), which will be used in the form of projects that with lower operating Ito explore lunar craters and rock formations nearly five budgets. One of them is the September 2013 decades after Neil Armstrong first bounded across that launch of a new “Epsilon” small rocket system, craggy, low-gravity landscape. “which has already put small satellites into space The Mars mission began in 1998 but was scrapped at a low cost, including the 2014 launches of the in 2003 because of “technical difficulties and a lack of… global rainfall observation satellite GPM and the technical savvy” according to the Guardian Liberty the Land Observing Satellite ALOS-2 (colloquially Voice. Meanwhile, Tech Times notes that previous dubbed the “Daichi No. 2”). Of course, a success- moon landing efforts were plagued by subpar technol- ful start for the Hayabusa2 mission has given the ogy that caused the intergalactic vehicles to miss “their Space Agency a shot in the arm. landing targets by some miles.” Asteroid missions in general have become a But more recent successes have emboldened JAXA more popular target for many space agencies, and in the lead up to the lunar landing. JAXA spokesperson one that is seen as a “step forward,” according to Miyuki Takeishi tells Tokyo Weekender that “great Morino. According to some, the intent may not be

Illustration of the SLIM lander JUNE 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com Assembly of the Hayabusa2 satellite before launch Japan’s Space Milestones one of pure research. For ex- ample, in 2013 NASA released a statement in which the “… Oct. 1, 1969: Japan’s space age begins with the authors made strong references founding of the National Space Development Agen- to the threat asteroids pose— cy, which adopted a strictly peaceful mandate and along with the fact a large focused on developing, launching and monitoring amount of NEOs (near-Earth satellites and launch vehicles. objects) remain undiscovered— as an emphasis on supporting Feb. 11, 1970: The first Japanese satellite, Osumi, of such a mission from an Earth is launched into orbit, making Japan the fourth protection standpoint.” nation—after the USSR, United States and France— However, one astronaut to do so. from space exploration’s Gold- en Age says asteroid landings Sept. 12, 1992: Dr. Mamoru Mohri becomes the are not merely an effort to first NASDA astronaut to orbit the earth in the US Space Shuttle STS-47 as part of the American and prevent potential disaster flick scenarios no says the SLIM launch plan, which has Japanese collaborative SL-J mission. from devastating the Earth. In a 2011 been tentatively scheduled for the fiscal interview with Universe Today, Apollo year beginning in April 2018, is a highly July 4, 1998: The Land of the Rising Sun sets astronaut Rusty Schweickart argued that beneficial because it is unmanned, allow- its sites on The Red Planet, as the the M-V rocket asteroid landings can also serve as an ing JAXA to save on the cost of training launches Nozomi, Japan’s first Mars-orbiting probe. exploratory stepping stone: “It will focus astronauts, or building. He adds that the Unfortunately, electrical failures hamper its jour- … attention on we humans extending robotic rover will travel to the moon in a ney, and the mission is scrapped in 2003. our capability beyond Earth/Moon space small, inexpensive Epsilon rocket. Even and into deep space. This is an essential with this budget-friendly features, the May 9, 2003: The Hayabusa project, which made capability in order to ultimately get to entire enterprise is looking at a potential use of an innovative ion drive propulsion system, Mars, and a relatively short mission to price tag of 15 billion yen ($126 million). launched its way towards the asteroid 25143 Ito- a near-Earth asteroid is a logical first While this might make the SLIM kawa. It touched down two years later, and made step in establishing a deep space human launch sound like a no-frills affair, its way back to Earth on June 13, 2010. It was the capability.” Takeishi says that JAXA hasn’t skimped first spacecraft to visit an asteroid and return with Morino agrees, while admitting on the mission’s landing equipment. In samples. that Japan would not be able to foot the fact, this is where major advances are bill for Mars missions by itself: “Mars being made. “The biggest focus for the Sept. 14, 2007: The SELENE mission was launched. is certainly the focus for international SLIM project is to develop system tech- The project successfully placed a satellite around the space exploration. Of course, given the nology that will allow for high-precision Moon’s orbit, where it remained until 2009. sheer cost of manned missions to Mars, landing, including advanced technology July 27, 2009: Assembly of the International such missions conducted by Japan alone in guidance control and landing shock Space Station’s (ISS) Japanese Experiment Module would not be realistic.” However, both absorption systems,” Takeshi says, add- (JEM), nicknamed Kibo (きぼう, or “Hope”) is the Hayabusa missions, and the planned ing that such technology will “…make it completed. To date, it is the largest of the station’s SLIM project, showcase considerable possible to land exactly where you want components and features a robotic arm and mod- technical achievements that can be done to. This is an essential technique in the ules for experiments and storage. on a reasonable budget and that can field of lunar and planetary exploration.” serve as steps along the way towards This high-precision technology will Sept. 14, 2013: Japan focuses on “affordable” more extensive, internationally collabo- help the SLIM stick its landing “within space exploration with the premiere launch of its rative missions. the intended landing site’s 328-feet first small, low cost “Epsilon,” rocket. It replaced the From an economic standpoint, Mori- radius.” Morino adds that this landing larger, costlier M-V rocket, which was mothballed technology “could prove to be in 2006. a major step in lunar explora- tion,” and as Japan and other Dec. 3, 2014: The Hayabusa2 asteroid explorer space agencies keep their eyes lifted off. Called “the most ambitious mission to an set on heavenly bodies beyond asteroid ever attempted” because the explorer is our closest neighbors, it could designed to help scientists glean more information prove invaluable as a means about how asteroids may have brought water and towards achieving mission suc- organic particles to Ear cess on more ambitious pro- jects. “You might not consider it a breakthrough in the sense of pure technology, but it can be a small-scale revolution in terms of lunar and planetary exploration missions.” Images Courtesy of JAXA Assembly of the Hayabusa2 satellite before launch

www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2015 INSPIRED TIMING Forty-five years after the legendary Apollo 13 mission, George Clooney and Omega celebrate the courage and ingenuity of the NASA astronauts

e’s known for bringing a sense of unflap- pable cool to his many roles, whether he’s preparing to pull off the heist of the century or heading into orbit. This sense Hof demonstrating grace under pressure is one of the qualities that makes actor George Clooney the ideal brand ambassador for Omega, a watch that has been helping the astronauts of NASA maintain accuracy on their history-making missions into orbit, and onto the surface of the Moon. This storied timekeeping company has been associated with astronauts and their incredible feats for more than 50 years—going back to 1962, when some of NASA’s first astronauts personally chose the Omega Speedmaster as their watch of choice for their missions. The Space Agency was impressed by the Speedmaster’s ability to hold up under the toughest of conditions, and following a series of grueling endurance tests, the watch received a seal of approval as a “Flight Qualified” timepiece, capable of taking on the toughest missions on Earth, and above it. Some seven years later, all three of the astronauts on the Apollo 11 mission—Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins—were all wearing Speed- master watches, which quickly became known as the “Moonwatch.” Omega’s link to the American space mission had officially been forged. That mettle was truly put to the test less than a year later, when an oxygen tank on Apollo 13 exploded, putting the lives of the crew in jeopardy some 330,000 kilometers away from Earth. The bold plan for return that managed to bring the team back safely depended on improvisation, ingenuity and pinpoint accuracy—it was a situation where missed seconds would cost lives. Because of damage to the spacecraft’s electrical power, the crew relied on a Speedmaster to time every crucial second of the engine’s thrusters that guided the spacecraft on its return trajectory. It was in honor of this daring return to Earth 45 years ago that Clooney was in Houston for the

JUNE 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com OMEGA WATCHES | PROMOTION | 15

George Clooney and Omega President Stephen Urquhart take the stage at the Houston gala citizens of the U.S., but to the rest of the world: “It was a huge part of the optimism of that period of time; we really be- lieved that anything was possible. You gentleman are our inspiration to all of of us here and it’s an honor to be standing up here with you.” Omega President Stephen Urquhart was also present for the gala event, and reflected Omega event last month. The silver-maned on the importance that the story of Apollo Thomas Stafford (left, wearing his Speedmaster) took part in actor was just eight years old during those 13 played for the brand: “For Omega it was the Apollo–Soyuz Test Project, the first U.S.-Soviet space flight, momentous times; however, as they did for an unbelievable story. It could have been a in 1975. The Project put an end to the 28-year Space Race so many others who witnessed those events disaster but turned out fantastic and today on the small screen, the memories that those it’s an incredible part of our heritage.” be made and they will feature a replica of astronauts’ deeds inspired remain with him Unveiled at the gala were the several new the medallion of the Silver Snoopy pin that is to this day. “I remember when I was a kid, Speedmaster watches, which represent given to awardees: Omega was given theirs in I went outside to look at the moon to try to the company’s dedication to watchmaking 1970. The dial on the watch bears the phrase, catch a glimpse of the Apollo mission.” innovation and its history with the journey “What could you do in 14 seconds?”—a refer- The Western Airways hangar in the into space. ence to the tense 14 seconds that Apollo 13’s Houston suburb of Sugar Land definitely Members of the new collection include Speedmaster ticked off as the crew used their looked like a part of the Apollo generation: a new Speedmaster ‘57 and a stunningly thrusters for the final correction into a safe over the course of the night, it transformed radiant White Side of the Moon, its all-white trajectory that would bring them home. Also on offer this year are four new designs in the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon series, A goal beyond the reaches of gravity is a thing that which offer a combination of sleek looks and a ruggedness that will stand up to anything brings more out of us than we knew we had: the race that your life’s adventures offer. into space was the thing that lifted us up As a new generation looks beyond Earth’s orbit as a source of challenges and a chance to explore the boundaries of what is from a space vessel/cocktail lounge into a face and band inspired by the lunar glow. and what isn’t possible, Omega looks to build lunar landscape, surrounded by the stars of Offered in a limited edition is the Apollo 13 on this intrepid tradition that continues to the Milky Way. The elaborate staging was Silver Snoopy Award, which commemorates inspire. For, as Clooney pointed out, a goal the work of famed fashion show producer the honor bestowed on Omega by NASA— beyond the reaches of gravity is a thing that Alexandre de Betak, who rose to fame as the the Silver Snoopy Award is given to those brings more out of us than we knew we had: man behind the runway shows of Victoria’s individuals or companies who have made “This [the race into space] was the thing that Secret. Cocktails for the night were in the a significant impact on safety for space ef- lifted us up. I hope we will continue to find space-age theme: a spiked version of the as- forts. Fewer than 2000 of these watches will ways to go back.” tronauts’ drink, Tang, and pallid moon-tinis; meanwhile, the dinner menu was filled with fare inspired by the lunar landscape. An audience of 280 made up of the cream of the crop of Houston society was present for the ride, but Clooney reminded the most im- portant guests—Commander of Apollo 13, Captain (ret.) James A. Lovell, Lieutenant General (ret.) Thomas Stafford, and Captain (ret.) Gene Cer- nan—just how much their efforts meant, not only to a young Clooney and the

A 1965 Speedmaster, which had been approved for use on the Apollo Project

www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2015 LEADING THE FIELD Waseda’s business school is changing the way Japan does business

or many, pursuing an MBA is a chance to open new Finance Master’s program into new WBS. From Sep- horizons and make major steps in one’s career. It tember 2016, the new WBS will offer a full-time Eng- is an environment where one can acquire manage- lish-based Master of Science in Finance program, which ment skills, learn more about the ins and outs of the aims to train global professionals with expertise in fi- Fentrepreneurial experience from professors who have lived nance. As Kazunori Suzuki, Professor of Finance and it, and develop one’s network of business contacts. Director of the Research Institute of Financial Studies, But it’s also a very personal decision, and one that explained, this will bring another level of rigor to the needs to be weighed on many levels: what are the WBS, one that will help its students learn how to think strengths and specializations of the program? Are there quickly, critically, and fearlessly: “One of our main fo- unique aspects to the program which I can only get here? cuses at the program is to help our graduates learn how Does the program fit my schedule? to recognize connections and patterns. How much will it cost? So we want them to get a strong back- These were a few of the ques- One of the things ground in economic and business theo- tions that were on our mind when ry, so they can quickly adapt new busi- we made a visit to the Waseda Busi- that the Japanese ness models and practices when they ness School (WBS). With roots going are needed. But ultimately, it’s not just back to 1973, WBS has established culture needs to about the theory: we’re looking to help its place as the top business school develop is the will- our graduates become the in the country. It is one of the larg- types of managers est programs in Japan, drawing ingness to be more who will be able around 200 students each year, to question them- and it also offers a considerably confrontational selves as well as diverse range of MBA programs, the theory.” from a full-time, two-year interna- and aggressive Of course, tional MBA—offered in English and the faculty is the Japanese—to an evening program when it comes to heart of any suc- for people who are staying at their business cessful academic present jobs. In collaboration with program, and as Nanyang Technological Univer- Professor Reiji sity in Singapore, it is also a host Ohtaki pointed of the innovative and prestigious out, the facul- Waseda–Nanyang Double MBA. ty’s breadth of experience Setting a Course to represents a Business Success particular This year marks another milestone strength of in WBS’s history, as it will be com- WBS. Among bined with the Graduate School of those leading WASEDA MBA | EDUCATION | 17

WELCOME TO WASEDA UNIVERSITY Founded in 1882 by Shigenobu Okuma, a giant figure in the modernization of Japan, Waseda University has long been a school that encouraged its students to go against the grain and think freely. Despite—or perhaps, because of—this rebellious streak, you can find Waseda grads among the highest echelons of culture, business, and politics—alums include former Prime Ministers, CEOs of some of Japan's top companies, academic researchers in a vari- ety of fields, and stars of stage and screen. Year after year, it is ranked among the top universities in the country, including its business school, which dates back to 1973. in late July—it’s an adventure that teaches with MBA graduates as well. I am sure that our leadership as well as followership. Other graduates can become key drivers of the glo- professors have their Zemis do ta ue, or balization of these companies.” the classrooms can be found entrepreneurs, rice planting, with their groups, a hands-on And, Suzuki adds, the benefit is not just veterans of the consulting industry, and pro- experience that really underscores the col- for the many international students who are fessors with academic backgrounds in human laborative labor that has been such a major drawn to the opportunity to move into reward- resources, finance, and management strategy. influence on Japanese business practices.” ing positions with Japanese companies. It’s Ohtaki explained that one of the ways that also for Japanese businesspeople as well, who students benefit from this breadth of teacher Diversity in the stand to learn from the mindset of their inter- experience is the Seminar (a.k.a. “Zemi”) sys- Classroom, and in the national colleagues: “One of the things that the tem. Throughout the MBA program, students Japanese Workplace Japanese culture needs to develop is the will- will belong to one Zemi, led by a professor. The In addition to the diverse backgrounds of its ingness to be more confrontational and aggres- Zemi meets weekly for discussion and debate, teachers, the School has attracted its share of sive when it comes to business. I don’t neces- allowing deeper interactions with the lead noteworthy students, who continue to reflect sarily like to use the word ‘fight’—of course in professor and fellow students in a small group well on the School after they graduate. One business, you all shake hands at the end—but it setting. According to the focus of the Zemi’s lead of them is Masami Komatsu, representative is very important to be able to express oneself, professor, students will find themselves inter- director of Music Securities, a microinvest- and try to lead your organization to the maxi- viewing top Japanese CEOs about the challenges ment platform that links individual investors mum benefit. It’s part of the idea behind Tokyo and rewards that they have experienced while and local businesses. The former drummer Governor Masuzoe’s initiative to revitalize the helping their companies globalize, or preparing and composer was a speaker at the World Tokyo market, and with its newly enhanced fi- financial analyses in order to present consulting Economic Forum at Davos. Other promi- nance faculty and Master of Science in Finance reports to a client. nent students include the third-generation program, WBS can be a part of that initiative.” These Zemi activities provide students head of the Hoppy Beverage Company, Mina In addition to the rich offerings at Wase- with the opportunity to gain first-hand -ex Ishiwatari, and Yosuke Mitsusada, founding da, students in the international MBA program perience in the field, but they also allow stu- partner of Asuka Corporate Advisory. also have the opportunity to study at one of dents to experience Japanese culture in more WBS is also remarkable for the diversity WBS’s many affiliated institutions. Many stu- informal, but equally informative, ways. As of its international student population. The dents take advantage of this worldwide net- Ohtaki explains, the close relations fostered in English-based program that begins in Sep- work of business schools and do coursework the group over time result in quite a variety tember is 65 percent international—many at one of 30 different schools in Asia, Europe, of different experiences: “My ‘crazy’ Zemi ac- are from East Asia, but students come to and the US. In addition, the Waseda–Nanyang tually climbs to the top of Mt. Fuji every year its classrooms from as far afield as Uzbek- Double MBA has students studying in Tokyo istan. Almost all of them and Singapore, earning degrees from both are drawn to the opportu- schools in 14 months. nity to learn about Japanese WBS has accomplished much in a short business culture and prac- time. But as an independent school, Waseda tice, and many of them are has always been able to make rapid change looking to join the Japanese and reform since its founding at the end of workforce. As Professor Su- the 19th century. And although times change, zuki notes, this is a perfect fit it seems that Waseda’s historical aims—pro- with the business climate in ducing an enlightened citizenship and lead- Japan: “Given the accelerat- ers who would see towards the moderniza- ed pace of globalization, Jap- tion of Japan—are being put into practice anese companies need more daily in the contemporary world of interna- international staff at the tional business. head office level. Firms have been hiring Japanese-speak- To find out more about how WBS can help you ing foreigners already, and reach the next step in your professional and this trend is rapidly growing personal goals, visit wasedamba.jp by Alec Jordan

For surfers looking for the perfect set, the beaches of this prefecture offer up some of the best breaks on the island nation

Yuma Takanuki, a second-generation surfer, comes from a pretty hardcore surfing family him- self. Both his father, who passed away eight years ago, and his mother, surfed. The couple opened a surf shop in Onjuku, on the central coast of Chiba, 15 years ago; Takanuki caught the bug when he was nine and has been surfing ever since—al- though instead of weathering the Chiba winters recently, he’s spent them in Hawaii, looking to launch his pro career. His take on the surfing life is what you’d expect from a 26-year-old who is starting to come into his own as a waverider: “The thing about surfing for me is that it brings me closer to mother nature and it teaches me about some of the most important things in life. It’s like going to school for me. Life is Photo by Dane Gillett Dane by Photo beautiful if you surf.” here’s far more to Chiba than a shrieking pear mascot and the country’s largest BEGINNING WITH THE BODY airport. From the southern tip of the Boso But for a newbie who doesn’t have 15 years of Peninsula to the eastern outcroppings of experience on the waves, there is another option TChoshi in the north, there are many spots in Tokyo’s for getting started, says Akiko Sato, who has been a eastern neighbor where even novice riders can find pro in her discipine for several years. That option their way onto the waves. is bodyboarding, and it eliminates one of the more The first thing you want to know is that you’ve challenging parts of riding a wave for beginners: got to break one of Japan’s rules. “Officially,” as it moving from the prone, paddling position and goes, beach season in Japan begins in July, when the getting—and staying—on your feet once you’ve beaches are blessed and ritualistically opened with caught it. a ceremony known as Umi Biraki: a Shinto priest Sato explains that worrying less purifies the waters, in an effort to ensure that the about getting their sea legs allows seas will be made safe for another year. This oh-so- the inexperienced a chance to “get short season shuts its doors fewer than two months the hang of how waves break and the later—usually just after the Obon holidays. But with ocean works.” In fact, this is some- Kanto temperatures warm enough to have you in thing that anyone who’s spent time shorts by May and still sweating well into September, around surfers will notice: they you’re missing out on prime beach time. Meanwhile, spent a lot more time the hard core in their winter wetsuits continue observing the sea surfing well past typhoon season and into pretty cold than rid- temperatures.

JUNEPhoto 2015 by www.tokyoweekender.comPete Leong Photo by Pete Leong SURF JAPAN | FEATURE | 19

Akiko Sato bodyboarding a monster wave in Mentawai, Indonesia (Photo by Pete Leong)

The thing about surfing for me is that it brings me

ing waves. And many factors shape the waves closer to mother nature and it teaches me about some that they do ride. The overall geographic con- tour of the beach, undersea reefs, sandbars or of the most important things in life. manmade structures all influence how waves break at any given place, and these are the of the spots we’ve assembled below—or stretch of beach offers several different surf- sorts of things that you’re only going to under- after getting to know the territory, ing spots and is best reached by car. stand by paying attention, both to the waves, discover some of your own—you should and to more experienced surfers. find friendly locals and good times, but NORTH Her advice to people just getting started it’s most important to keep a sense of et- Ichinomiya: This area in the southern part is to respect the ocean and your elders: “Be iquette. Don’t jump in on someone else’s of northern Chiba offers a wide variety of humble. Watch as many pro riders as you can wave, and treat the areas you surf with breaks, and everyone from experienced to understand what they are doing and take respect. After all, as Gillett points out, surfers to beginners can be found here. some lessons: it really does help you and help “it’s not a sport: it’s a way of life.” Known for its fine, black sand beach. the local community. It will give you confi- Accessible by car. dence in the water much quicker and you will SURF SPOTS ON THE make new friends along the way.” CHIBA COAST Taito Area: Taito is another popular spot, Finally, for those who might think that the Most of the locations are difficult to reach and another central point of Japanese relative ease of getting started on a body- without a car, but included here are sev- surfing. Home to a “Surf Town Festival” board means that the sport deserves short eral spots that can be reached by train. that kicks off in June, and a lively, yet laid- shrift, Sato points out that pro bodyboarders (Information courtesy of www.surfingin- back scene that keeps going throughout the regularly take on monster waves that would japan.com) summer. Can be reached by car or train & make amateur surfers weak in the knees: taxi from Kazusa Ichinomiya Station “Quite simply, there is nothing easy about SOUTH being in the ocean. It takes any one a lot to Kamogawa: Offers several different types feel comfortable amongst giant waves.” of surfing spots. It’s one of the most popu- lar, thanks to easy access from the trains. STAND UP, STAY UP Can be very crowded. Access by car or via A third option for hitting the swells is one the Sotobo or Uchibo Lines to Awakamoga- of the newest. Stand-up paddle surfing, also wa Station. known as SUP, has been growing in popular- ity over the last decade. Like bodyboarding, Wada: This 6-km stretch of coastline—lo- it lets riders avoid the transition from prone cated about 15 km south of Awakamoga- to standing, but in this case the riders always wa—has 4 main points along the way. The stay standing and use a long paddle, instead area offers plenty of places to stay and eat, SPLASH GUEST HOUSE of a pair of hands, to get around and get and is known for its relaxed atmosphere. themselves onto waves. Dane Gillett, a UK By car, or the closest station is Wadaura Located at Hebara Beach, Splash features native and long-time surfer who runs a surf on the Uchibo Line a BBQ garden that overlooks the beach. shop and guest house in Chiba, as well as the Rooms at the guest house are a stone’s site, Surfing in Japan, has been experimenting CENTRAL throw from the beach, making sure that everyone who stays there will be sure to with SUP over the past three years, as a chal- Onjuku: One of the most popular spots fall asleep to the soundtrack of the crash- lenge as well as a way to get out to offshore in Chiba—Onjuku has plenty of accom- ing waves. Splash Guest House offers break points that you simply wouldn’t be able modation and a lively party vibe during lessons and gear rentals for surfing, SUP, to reach on a bodyboard or regular surfboard. the summer. The geography of the beach sandboard, and bodyboarding, as well as Going to great lengths to find the ideal makes for excellent waves, and draws spot is also another big part of the surfing ex- tours to hot springs and other tourist des- surfers of all stripes. Onjuku Station can tinations up and down the coast. Station perience: it goes into the stories that get told, be reached by the Wakashio Express pickup is available. and sometimes the secrets that are jealously trains from Tokyo Station. guarded: “Those points for perfect waves are Chiba-ken, Katsuura-shi, Hebara 1122-4, more often kept secret by the people that Hebara: Just about 10 km south of On- Tel: 0470-64-6088 | 080-1054-4507 ride them, which leads to a lot of mystery or juku, Hebara was the site for the World Email: [email protected] amazing stories that are passed down genera- Surfing Championships in 2004. A favorite Web: www.splashguesthouse.com tion after generation.” If you check out some of most Japanese surfers. This 1-km long

www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2015 In Flavorful Detail

The chef trainer behind the Nagoya-based franchise reveals the secret that has made Hitsumabushi Bincho a favorite of food lovers around the country

or many years, one part of the life and repeat the cycle. of the Japanese eel (Anguilla japoni- Given how particular the eel are about ca) was shrouded in mystery. It was where and when they reproduce, it seems known that, once they were born, the only fitting that the cooks at the Nago- Feel young would make their way to the rivers ya-based Hitsumabushi Bincho franchise of Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. After prepare them with the same attention to growing to maturity, they would eventually detail. As Takashi Ibuki, head chef and chef make their way back to their salt water spawn- trainer for the franchise, explained, there are ing grounds. But exactly where they spawned many different details that must be consid- was never clear. A team of researchers—who, ered when preparing an eel on the grill. And given their dedication, were probably big the grill is one of the things that separates fans of unagi, as the Japanese freshwater eel Nagoya-style eel from the way it is prepared is known—were able to establish with some in other parts of Japan. Particularly around distinction exactly where they were making Tokyo, it is served steamed, which makes for their thousands-of-mile journeys to continue a softer dish, but one with far less character. the species. All it takes is one bite of grilled eel to be able Not only are the eels returning to an area to tell the difference. There’s a crunchiness some few hundreds of square miles west of in the beginning that makes for a firm, yet the Mariana Islands in the Pacific, they are juicy consistency that is complemented by also spawning just before the new moon each the rich sweetness of the kabayaki glaze. month. The young are swept along by the cur- Finally, the oak grilling leaves its final mark rents, bringing them to land, and eventually on the dish: a smoky aroma that lingers on fresh water, where they will grow to maturity pleasantly.

JUNE 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com HITSUMABUSHI | TOKYO TABLES | 21 The smoky flavor that the oak charcoal imparts to the eel really makes a differ- ence. It’s like the lin- gering after taste of a fine wine.

NOT ALL EEL ARE MADE ALIKE But each eel cannot be prepared in exactly the same way, Ibuki explains; one of the ways to tell the difference is the color of the eel’s skin, which ranges from blue to dark brown. A trained chef will look at an eel with blue skin and recognize that it has a higher fat THE EDO PERIOD ORIGINS OF coach might think of training athletes with content than, say, a brown one; this means A SIGNATURE DISH a strong potential. He doesn’t think that the that the small details in preparation all need Just as the grilling that bincho implies is part way he first learned was the best way to do to be different: the bincho (Japanese oak) of the difference at the franchise, the other it. “At the beginning, I didn’t know anything, used as charcoal needs to be stacked in just element that makes their signature dish so my training was to just watch my senpai the right way to achieve just the right height unique is the way you eat it. While you can and imitate what he did. And if I made a of flame and the perfect temperature; mean- order unadon and unajū (a bowl or a flat box mistake, he would get angry, but I wouldn’t while, the flames need to be fanned correctly. filled with rice and topped with eel, respec- necessarily know why. That way of learning An entirely separate set of details need to be tively), the best experience is to eat it hitsum- takes a very long time, and sometimes a lot applied for a leaner eel, and the eating expe- abushi style: the eel is cut into small pieces, of time is wasted. Now, we work with our rience will also be a different one. “That way, and served over rice in a large round dish. new staff more carefully, explaining the although a customer wouldn’t specifically You eat it in three steps: First, you scoop reasons for doing things the way that we do. ask for a certain kind of eel [leaner, or more about a third of your portion into a small- Once they understand the reasons behind fatty], but they would have the opportunity er bowl and mix the rice and eel together. doing things in a certain way, they make to discover the appeal and unique flavor of Next, you then take another third, this time very fast progress. It’s important to have that each one.” topping it with wasabi and green onions. understanding that is intellectual as well as a For most people in Japan, unagi is a lux- Finally, you serve yourself the last helping, kind of understanding that you feel directly urious dish, but it is one that most people are add seaweed, wasabi, and green onions, and in your body.” familiar with, but Ibuki, a 22-year veteran finally pour dashi (broth) on top of all of it. Making the trip to Tokyo every two with Hitsumabushi Bincho, has taken the Each stage lets you savor different qualities weeks—and visiting several other of Hit- time to consider the appeal of this dish for of these seemingly simple ingredients. sumabushi Bincho’s other locations around the Western palate, and come up with what The story behind the specific style of Japan—Ibuki has plenty of opportunities to he feels to be an apt analogy: “For foreigners Nagoya eel is also a unique one. Much like help the franchise’s cooks achieve a level of who might not have had the chance to try the humble origins of sushi, the hitsuma- culinary excellence that you can recognize unagi before, I’d like for them to consider bushi style comes from low beginnings, but from the first bite. it in the same way that they can enjoy a has been elevated to culinary art thanks to steak: there’s that flavor, that juiciness, but the combination of great ingredients and the finally, there’s the smoky flavor that the oak cook’s skill. charcoal imparts to the eel, that really makes There are a lot of theories about how a difference. It’s like the lingering after taste the hitsumabushi style got started, but one of a fine wine. That is something that I hold seems particularly likely: during the Edo very dearly as a chef.” period, it was a means of using parts of the eel that wouldn’t be served to custom- Nagoya: ers—primarily the head. It was cut up and Head Store | Tel: 0587-96-0141 mixed with rice, and finally eaten with LACHIC | Tel: 052-259-6703 broth, seaweed, and wasabi. As is often Esca | Tel: 052-451-5557 the case, even when they rise in station, people never lose their taste for comfort Tokyo: food, and the basic serving style never Tokyo Skytree Town | Tel: 03-5619-5757 Ikebukuro PARCO | Tel: 03-5956-5756 changed, although the ingredients, Ginza | Tel: 03-5159-0231 and the attention to detail, improved considerably. Osaka: Grand Front | Tel: 06-6371-5759 PASSING ON THE TRADITION Fukuoka: Nakasu Kawabata | Tel: 092-409-6522 Ibuki, whose first love was soccer, thinks about training the next generation of Hit- Web: www.hitsumabushi.co.jp sumabushi cooks much like an innovative Open: Daily, 11:00–22:00

www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2015 22 | EDUCATION | SEISEN

I think we have renewed our sense of identity, of who we are —to be competent, com- passionate, creative The Art thinkers in our global society.

something different about the pieces she played this year and last: “For other perfor- of Service mances, I was usually preparing for myself. But this time it was to help the senior citizens Celebrating their second Day of Service, the girls of Seisen enjoy what I was playing, because I wanted to make an impact on others through my music, International School reach out to communities near and far and through what I could do.” Jisoo said that she felt a deeper impression from the songs he group of young girls took their Heart of Jesus in 1877. Seisen is a K–12, all- that she sang on the Days of Service: “When positions in the center of the hall, girls’ school that was started in 1949 by the I’m performing at the senior home, I’m waiting for the first strains of the Handmaids order. sharing my music, but I feel like I’m putting old American spiritual to come The Day of Service project had been more emotion into what I’m doing; I’m really Tin on the stereo. As the choral version of inaugurated the year before by head of expressing what I feel the message of the “I’ve Been ‘Buked and I’ve Been Scorned” school, Sister Margaret Scott, as a way for music is.” filled the room, the children began to dance Seisen’s students to truly live out one of the Back at the campus, Sister Margaret the choreography for the opening number school’s tenets of improving the lives and reflected on the St. Raphaela Day, and the of Alvin Ailey’s “Revelations.” The sixth the communities around them. It proved to other changes that had taken place on the graders’ audience—residents of a nearby be a hit with students and faculty alike, and campus over her three-year tenure as school senior center—probably didn’t know that this year again, children across the grade head. As she explained, “one of the fantas- the slow, stately movements of this opening levels could be found engaged in projects to tic results from last year’s Day of Service piece had been performed around the world support the campus and the communities was that a lot of the kids said, ‘we don’t just for decades, and that it is the introduction around them. The youngest children were want to do this once a year. How can we to one of the masterworks of modern dance. preparing lunch for the school staff, groups create a culture of service in the school?’” But from their reactions to this performance were painting murals in common areas One answer has already been put forward: and those put on by other groups around the school, and others had gone off beginning this year, Seisen has reached out of students that morning, it campus to take part in cleanup projects in to four schools in four different countries— didn’t matter. What they could nearby parks. East Timor, the Philippines, El Salvador, and see, and feel, from the young Visiting another senior Vietnam. School supplies have been donated, kids was their energy, and de- home where a group of high high school students have gone to volunteer spite some giggles from the school students had gone to in East Timor and Vietnam, and as Sister younger ones, was a sense give musical performances, Margaret said, this is just the beginning. they were brightening the we caught up with two of Although she was going to be returning to day for these seniors. them, Risa and Jisoo—a a professorship in the U.S., Sister Margaret The performance was violinist and singer, looked forward to what the future held for just one of several activities respectively—to ask Seisen. As the voices of the children rang that the students of Seisen what sharing their art out in the hallway, she smiled. “I think we International School were as a part of the Day of have renewed our sense of identity, of who doing for their second Service meant to them. we are—to be competent, compassionate, annual Day of Service. This Risa is no stranger to creative thinkers in our global society.” new school tradition was playing in front of audi- being conducted in honor of ences: the high school jun- Seisen International School St. Raphaela, who founded ior first started the violin 12-15 Yoga 1-chome, Setagaya-ku the religious order of the when she was three years Tokyo 158-0097 | Tel: 03-3704-2661 Handmaids of the Sacred old. But she recognized Web: www.seisen.com | E: [email protected] JUNE 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com EXPAT LIFE | WEEKENDER | 23

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www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2015 Bill with Tokyo Metro Police Department’s Toshihiko Matsumaru and a few Miss Tokyos at the awesome Arab Day Reception at the Mandarin Hotel

etting to work on the column a little early. By the time you a matter of minutes, and their families often suffer for most of the rest read this, Golden Week will be well over and summer will of their lives. When I was studying anthropology in Tempe, Arizona, I be here before you know it. As I often say, time really flies— also took a specialized course in criminology. Because of this a friend and as grandma often said, as we get older, it really does. arranged for me to be a witness at an execution. At that time, they GWe’ve had beautiful weather so far. Hope it stays that way, and you & were still using the gas chamber in Arizona’s Florence prison. Believe yours had a great holiday. me, that was an experience I’ll never forget. Hate to be a downer, but it seems that there’s so much pain Then there’s the terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, and ISIS in the happening in this old world of ours. First, my heart, prayers and sym- Mideast, Boko Haram in Nigeria, the cartels in Mexico, and so much pathy go out to the people of Nepal. CNN had complete coverage of the more. As so many friends tell me, the world’s always had problems, but suffering of so many people in the earthquake, avalanches, and more with TV and modern media we just hear more about it. Well, I always that hit that beautiful country. I’m sure many of you are doing what try to be an optimist and I feel that’s enough gloom and doom for this you can to help the many who suffered and will be suffering a long column. Let’s move on to some of the many good things in life. time from this natural disaster. Down in Chile they’ve had three (to First, big and sincere congratulations to the Duke of Cambridge, date) big volcano eruptions that have pretty much covered the land William, and his beautiful wife, Kate, on the birth of their daughter, and homes of people living in that area. Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. The U.K. continues to have so much to be Do whatever you can to help following this catastrophe. Father proud of. Grimm (Franciscan Chapel) had just spent 10 days before it all Warmer weather means more cultural festivals in Yoyogi Park, happened there in and has nothing but good things to say about the and they are always interesting and fun. This included Earth Day—the country and the Nepalese people. Back Stateside the city of Baltimore music, the fashion, the health food, the handicraft booths, the “save the has been going through really rough times after the death of yet an- earth” seminars and the friendly outgoing mood of the people there other black man in police custody. I love America, but find it difficult made the two-day event really successful. to understand some of the truly bad things going on there. I also dropped by the park for the Gay Pride Festival a week later to After working with drug addicts for three years in Arizona and photograph some of the off-the-wall drag fashion some of the partici- seeing what drugs did to the users, their families, and even commu- pants were wearing. Believe me: Lady Gaga had nothing on the creations nities, I’m about as anti-drugs as anyone I know. On the other hand, a couple of very tall foreigners had gotten into for the colorful event. I’m pretty much anti-capital punishment as well and the execution of Kudos to Tokyo Midtown Mall on the success of the yoga classes they the two Australians really hit me pretty hard. I know they broke the hold in their park area. Friends who go on a regular basis tell me it’s law and should be punished but when you think about it, they suffer really relaxing, and they meet so many interesting people there. I really

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Shiga’s Birthday Party—Anna—Roppongi Hills Club Bangladesh National Day Reception—Okura 1. Carl Margetts (Mizuno Securities), Ceremony Pres. Tsukasa Shiga, Global Din- 10. Popular politician Miki Watanabe congratulates the hosting couple Bang- ing Pres. Kozo Hasegawa 2. Kozo, Leon and Diana Hasegawa 3. Formula 1 Racer ladesh Amb. & Mrs. Masud Bin Momen 11. Mrs. Momen The legendary Sadako J.P. do Oliveira Haruka Pirelli Japan Pres. Giovanni Penzoni his wife Elena 4. Ogata (U.N./JICA Lilo Maruyama) 12. Jamaican Amb. Clement Allicock Lilo Kiko Matsuyama, Elena, Anna, Diana, Azusa Nishizaki 5. Apple World-wide De- Tongan Amb. Tania Tupou. veloper Relations Hinatsu Washitaki, his wife Kaoru 6. Vika Goreva, her son Leo 7. The host Tsukasa Shiga, his wife Anna, their daughter Anastasia 8. Par and Anna Daniel’s son, their son David 9. Noted composer Joey Carbone and Kozo

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Imperial Hotel’s Annual Media Reception Flouris, Maritime Attache; Lakovos Karakidis, Consul 1. Halekulani Corp. COO Peter Shaindlin; Tim Hornyak, Tokyo Correspondent for IDG; Kit Nagamura; Le Monde’s Philippe Mesmer; Dewi Sukarno; Imperial Hotel Director of Oakwood Premier Midtown Get-Together Intl PR Nacio Cronin. 2. Imperial Hotel Pres Hideya Sadayasu, Dewi Sukarno, and Peter 8. U. S. Embassy Liaison Lt, Joe Sweeney, Kevin Murrow 9. Oakwood’s Eric Ishimaru, Shaindlin 3. Kelly Wetherille, editor and writer; Jorge Pazmino, trade executive; Dewi Haitian Amb. Judith Exavier, Asian Tigers’ Todd McDonald 10. Oakwood’s Mirei R.; Boku’s Kurt Davis; Visa’s head of Japan, Robert E Whyte; Eric Greek Sayonara 4. Shogi player Yoshiharu Habu, Flamenco dancer Shoji Kojima, Mieko Ninomiya 5. Philippines Greek Amb. Nikolaos Tsamados, his wife Yasmine, Japan Greece Society chairman S. 11. Charo Ireton, Tetta Matera, Carmen D. McFee, Janet Noddin, Maria Teresa Lopez 12. Yokoyama 6. Reiko Awazu, pianist; Swiss student Michel Bielecki 7. Christos Makiyama, Philippines Chief of Mission and Mrs. Gilberto Asuque 13. Former Japan Amb. to Phil, Pres., Silicon Planet Corp.; Chryssa Alexopoulou, Vice Consul; Lt. Comm. Konstantinos Tsuneo Tanaka; his wife Yayoi; Phil. Amb. Manuel Lopez

JUNE 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 27 hope to get into this soon. Check Midtown’s paper for their schedules. years in Japan, he’s now posted in Brazil. In addition to the many Wedding dress designer Yumi Katsura, who has long been a sayonaras for them, the Japan-Greece Society held a sayonara con- shining star on the fashion scene here recently celebrated 50 years of cert by noted pianist Ryoji Akiyoshi and buffet dinner at the French fashion fame. You can always recognize the lady by the turban-style Culture Center. hat she wears. She’s also the owner of the huge white wedding cake The concert was excellent, as was the tribute the crowd there looking building at Nogizaka. I’m sorry that I couldn’t make it to her made for the much loved departing couple. big 50th anniversary party. I heard it was a glamorous glittering I really enjoyed the reception with its variety of people, which evening in every way. Congratulations Yumi—and many more years included longtime friend, Japan’s top flamenco dancer Shoji Kojima of success and fame. and jazz pianist Keiko Borjesen. I saw the Oman Ambassador’s wife Lots more glamour in town when Katy Perry was here to do a Abeer at Hiroo Segafrego this morning. and she told me she had just series of Creativeman sold out concerts and for Taylor Swift to do the talked to Yasmine and she and the family were very happy in Rio. same for Kyodo Tokyo. More beauty as well with Australian super Needless to say we really miss them here. model Miranda Kerr on the ramp for Reebok shoes. I’ve always been lucky with people and had the privilege of throwing parties for Katy SHIGA TSUKASA’S BIRTHDAY—WIFE ANNA and Miranda in Roppongi and met Taylor at the Ritz Carlton: I’m It was wall to wall beautiful people at Shiga’s birthday party for his happy to report all three top stars just couldn’t be nicer. wife Anna at the Roppongi Hills Club. Anna’s a model from Rus- In closing I want to congratulate and thank the many hardworking sia and most of the guests were her Russian and Ukrainian model “like to help others” ladies who are members of the College Wom- friends, their well-to-do Japanese husbands, and their beautiful, en’s Association of Japan. The Association is celebrating their 60th full-of-energy kids. anniversary and they have provided great support to hundreds of It was a really laid-back evening with race-car drivers, music scholars and print artists alike. They recently held a special event at composers, business leaders, and the fashion world. Kudos to the the top of the beautiful Andaz Hotel, where prints expert Norman chefs and the staff at Roppongi Hills. The Italian dinner was excellent. Tolman, a true authority on the best of Japanese art, was guest speak- er. CWAJ’s popular exhibit and sale will be in late October. It’s a truly BUSINESS FRIENDS GET-TOGETHER— worthwhile happening and we’ll have more on it later. MIDTOWN OAKWOOD I couldn’t stay long but was happy I dropped by Oakwood for their PHILIPPINE DESIGN EXHIBITION—MIDTOWN Thursday wine night. Others there included several longtime President Aquino sure knew what he was doing when he appoint- friends, and the chance to meet several interesting people for the ed Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez, their country’s Ambassador to first time as well. Japan. Manuel and his super wife, Maria Theresa—who’s one of our diplomatic corps’ most popular ladies—just never slow down. Since IMPERIAL HOTEL’S MEDIA RECEPTION their posting here, they’ve had a full calendar promoting tourism, Hosted by Hideya Sadayasu, President, Imperial Hotel. The hotel’s an- their food, showbiz, art, fashion, furniture, jewelry, handicraft, and of nual buffet dinner reception for the media was, as always, a glittering course the Filipino smile. Recently they brought 14 furniture designers evening in every way. I enjoyed surprising good friend Skip Cronin, over for a Philippine design exhibition at Tokyo Midtown Design Hub. super PR guru for the hotel, by bringing Dewi Sukarno. She, as you The Philippines is one of my favorite countries, and I also feel it’s one can see by the photos, looked great and is always interesting. Other of the best gateways around. Granted, like just about every country in special guests included BALD GUY who flew in from Hawaii for the the world, they have their problems, but they also have beautiful re- special event. sorts, great beaches, good hotels and restaurants, many cultural sights, and friendly hospitable people: just check out those smiles. I should BANGLADESH NATIONAL DAY also add most everyone there speaks English, and it’s one of the best My Indian friend Paul Rajesh who works with the Okura in sitting up and most inexpensive shopping destinations in the world. the many National Day parties there really works with the hotel staff The design exhibition at Midtown was first class all the way with in making each event colorful and special. He, the staff at Bangladesh very original functional and good looking designs. I’ve traveled from Embassy, and of course, the hotel’s hard working staff, did a great job one end of the 7001+ islands over the last 30 years, and really feel I for Bangladesh Ambassador and Mrs. Masud Bin Momen when they know the country and people. If you plan to visit there, and have any held midday 44th Independence and National Day of their country in questions, call me at 090-3200-6767. We are also gathering donations the hotel’s Akebono room. of shoes and clothing for people in the Philippines, so please give a The exhibition of Bangladeshi products, especially the textiles call if you’d like to make any donations. Meanwhile—mabuhuay. and handicrafts, was really well done and the bountiful buffet of Bangladeshi favorite foods was really delicious. At their JAPAN-GREECE SOCIETY SAYONARA best, it was my first time to meet the hosting couple and We were all sad to see the popular diplomatic couple— really enjoyed talking with them. It was also nice to see Greek Ambassador Nikolaos Tsamados and his dynamic and chat with the legendary Sadako Ogawa of U.N. and wife, Yasmine (she’s Lebanese)—leave. After very busy J.I.C.A fame. She’s retired, but still very active.

Sophia University’s Marco Nioi, The popular café’s staffers Takaoki and Nita with Bill, fashion designer Anaka, renowned stylist Fumio Japanese-Italian Christian Irish composer Paul Hayes Kawashima, showbiz personality Raymond John

www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2015 COMING TO A CINEMA NEAR YOU IN JUNE

JUN 20 MAD MAX: FURY ROAD espite its B-movie beginnings, the original “Mad Max” grew to Dbe a cultural phenomenon on its release in 1979. Now, it’s exactly thirty years later and the Road Warrior Max Rockatansky has returned in “Mad Max: Fury Road.” While Hollywood loves to cash in on a name brand, Fury Road sees the series’s visionary creator Miller back in the director’s seat to ensure a faithful return to the action. Controversial star Gibson has been jettisoned and the lead role put into the capable hands of Tom Hardy, an actor who has balanced solid dramatic roles along with a bruising physical presence in the likes of Bronson, The Fighter and as arch-villain Bane in the “Dark Knight Rises.” Max is now joined by Charlize Theron as robot-armed warrior Imperator Furiosa as they take on the forces of tyrannical cult leader Immortan Joe. Hype has been building for this one since the release of some visually stunning trailers and it has been scoring incredibly well with critics and audiences alike since its release last month. Mad Max’s triumphant return could well be the hit of the summer.

MR. TURNER JUN 19 JUN 6 here could be no one better suited to bring the life of esteemed British Tpainter J.M.W. Turner’s storied life to the screen than Britain’s most consistently brilliant filmmaker, Mike Leigh. Turner is famed as one of the greatest landscape painters of all time while Leigh has earned plaudits of his own for social realist works. “Mr. Turner” explores the relationships, SELMA dramas, and the developments in style and TOMORROWLAND content towards the end of the life of the ed by Martin Luther King Jr., the march he men and women behind The noted “painter of light.” Over the course of from Selma to the state capital in Mouse are known to be pretty savvy the film we follow Turner’s unconventional Montgomery led to President Lyndon themselves, so it comes as no surprise L relationships, with a housekeeper and a T B. Johnson’s signing of the Voting Rights Act of that they’ve turned to another Disneyland ride seaside landlady as the man is both revered 1965, one of the most significant victories for in their quest for movie gold. Brad Bird, the and reviled by society. Leigh regular the civil rights movement. “Selma” tells the Timothy Spall stars in this critically lauded man who made his name with beloved cult story of the tumultuous three-month period biographical drama. animation “The Iron Giant” before going on to leading up to that historic march. British win Academy Award gold with Pixar hits “The actor David Oyelowo gives a powerhouse Incredibles” and “Ratatouille,” directs the film. performance as the legendary Baptist minister It’s also a good sign that George Clooney is in and leader of the Civil Rights movement, JUN 20 the cast. An actor who most frequently takes finding the voice of the man and bringing his on smart political thrillers, it’s been a long soul-stirring orations to life. The film co-stars time since he’s picked a dud. Clooney stars Oprah Winfrey and Cuba Gooding Jr. as civil alongside Britt Robertson as the pair play a rights activists Annie Lee Cooper and Fred jaded former boy-genius and an inquisitive Gray, Tom Wilkinson as President Johnson young teenager who embark on a mission and Tim Roth as Alabama Governor George full of rocket ships and robots to discover the Wallace, who opposed the movement. secrets of the mysterious world-of-the-future, Tomorrowland.

JUNE 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com EXPAT LIFE | WEEKENDER | 29

www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2015 AGENDA JUNE 1

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

1 JUNE 21 2 JUN 7 3 JUN 6-7 4 JUN 18 Babymetal Sanpo in the Park Million Rock Festival TV on the Radio The international pop idol Animal Walk Escape to the scenic Sea Celebrate the long-awaited phenomenon known as Join Animal Walk Tokyo of Japan coast for this Japan return of Brooklyn Babymetal combines (you guessed it) for a pup-filled afternoon: walk and music fest featuring local favorites, indie favorites TVOTR with rocking kawaii-ness and heavy metal beats. even adopt the canines, and partake in such as Boom Boom Satellites, The performances and tunes from their Where: Makuhari Messe, Chiba the picnic, activities, music and crafts. Bawdies, Ken Yokoyama and Rekishi. latest album “Seeds.” How Much: ¥7,560 Where: Yoyogi Park, Shibuya-ku Where: Ishikawa Convention Center Where: Studio Coast, Koto-ku More info: www.babymetal.jp How Much: Donation of ¥1,500-¥3,000 How Much: ¥6,300 - ¥11,800 How Much: ¥7,000 More info: www.animalwalktokyo.org More info: www.millionrock.com More info: www.studio-coast.com

5 JUN 5-7 6 JUN 13 7 JUN 27 8 JUN 21 SIS Special Import PAN Japan Showcase Stringraphy Candle Night at Zojoji Car Show Noise, dub and industrial Witness the sight and Zojoji Temple wants you Rare models, overseas beats await you at this sound of stringraphy to “turn off the lights, brands, customized wheels and showcase from the Berlin-based (an elegant version of the string and take it slow” with their annual vintage vehicles will be on display at label, featuring Lee Gamble, Bill paper cup telephone) for yourself (and soothing) candle night event. this mammoth auto show. Kouligas, M.E.S.H. and TCF. with this performance. Where: Zojoji Temple, Minato-ku Where: Tokyo Big Sight, Koto-ku Where: Liquid Room, Shibuya-ku Where: Studio EVE, Setagaya-ku How much: Free How Much: ¥2,000 How much: ¥3,500 -¥4,500 How Much: ¥1,000 - ¥1,800 More info: www.tokyoweekender.com More info: www.sis-t.net More info: www.liquidroom.net More info: www.stringraphy.com

JUNE 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE | AGENDA | 31 JUNE

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SPICE UP YOUR SUMMER! 11 Celebrate the start of Summer at Outback with our classic Bloomin’ Onion®. Hand- carved , cooked until golden and ready to dip into our spicy signature bloom sauce.

Outback Special Our Outback Special Sirloin 12 is hand-selected, aged just right and hand-trimmed. Each steak is then expertly seasoned and seared to order over a red-hot grill. 9 JUN 6 10 JUN 6-14 Wow, Woah War! Be a Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri Samurai! Ajisai, the Japanese Steakhouse Salad Live out your samurai hydrangea, peaks If you’re looking for a dreams by taking part in this fun out- during rainy season. Surround lighter bite why not try our door event which sees opposing teams yourself with the blue blooms at this delicious Steakhouse Salad. do battle with foam samurai swords. week-long festival. 170g of tender steak bites Where: Yoyogi Park, Shibuya-ku Where: Hakusan Shrine, Bunkyo-ku atop mixed greens,Aussie How Much: ¥1,000 - ¥3,000 How Much: Free Crunch, tomatoes, red on- More info: www.tokyoweekender.com More info: www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp ions, cinnamon pecans and a Blue cheese vinaigrette. 11 JUN 20-21 12 JUN 26-29 Salsa Street Festival French Film Festival Infectious Caribbean Twelve contemporary beats will provide the French movies will be soundtrack for this extravaganza which screened at this festival, including covers a huge area; expect a mishmash François Ozon’s “The New Girlfriend” of food, drinks, dance and music. and Eric Lartigau’s “La Famille Bélier.” Where: Yoyogi Park, Shibuya-ku Where: Yurakucho Asahi Hall, Chiyoda-ku How Much: Free How Much: ¥1500 More info: www.guavaberry.jp More info: www.unifrance.jp

www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2015 32 | WEEKENDER | EXPAT LIFE

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www.tokyoweekender.com JUNE 2015 BACK IN THE DAY: JUNE 1974 Check out the scene in Tokyo from 1974! You can read the rest of this issue (No.22 1975) and view Weekender’s 45-year archive online. www.tokyoweekender.com/ weekender-archives/ KRAV MAGA IN TOKYO

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Krav Maga has boomed in popularity over the last decade in Japan—everyone from office work- ers to professional athletes have been drawn to the martial art to burn away the stresses of the daily grind, push their fitness to higher levels, or develop a sense of self-confidence that comes with knowing that you could defend yourself in a variety of situations.

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