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 Come home to the ease of Oakwood living in Asia. Oakwood offers three brands of serviced apartment solutions in seven locations in Asia’s most cosmopolitan city, Tokyo – Aoyama, Akasaka, Ariake, Azabujyuban, Tokyo Midtown, two in Roppongi, and Shirokane. For details and reservations, please visit our website at oakwoodasia.com 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] To subscribe to the Tokyo Weekender, please call (03) 6666-4924 or email: [email protected] For ad sales inquiries, please call (03) 6666-4924 or email: [email protected] WRITERS WANTED www.tokyoweekender.com Tokyo Weekender is looking for a few good writers. If Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors you’ve got a travel story you want to share, a gift for the are not necessarily those of the publisher written word, or have a unique take on life in Tokyo, we’d like to hear from you. To join our team of freelancers, please send us an email at [email protected] Published by BC Media Group www.bulbouscell.com JUNE 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com Join the Conversation, Join the Club JOIN TOKYO WEEKENDER’S INSIDERS CLUB TO FIND OUT ABOUT LIMITED OFFERS THROUGHOUT TOKYO, ATTEND EXCLUSIVE EVENTS, GET THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT PRODUCTS BEFORE THEY LAUNCH, AND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD. CHECK OUT WWW.TOKYOWEEKENDER.COM/WEEKENDERINSIDERS FOR MORE DETAILS AND A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PRIZES: AN EXCLUSIVE SPA PACKAGE FROM 1 NIGHT STAY IN A SUPERIOR ROOM ANDAZ TOKYO TORANOMON HILLS FOR 2 PEOPLE AT HOTEL CHINZANSO TOKYO* *Some conditions apply, please see Tokyo Weekender Website for details the guide 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.