ESTABLISHED 1970 BY CORKY ALEXANDER VOL. 39 NO. 09 MAY 02 – 15 2008 FREE

MARKET SLOWDOWN —IS JAPAN OK?

INDUSTRY EXPERTS GIVE CAREER ADVICE

SPORTS AGENTS IN JAPAN PACIFIC ISLAND PLUS! CLOVERFIELD PARADISE PREMIERE

ALSO ONLINE AT WWW.WEEKENDERJAPAN.COM Moving can conjure up all manner of expectations. But it’s the

best of Asian service that we admire. The politeness, the

manner in which people tend to your every need, the caring

attitude and accompanying comfort. Combine this with a

decisive action-orientated team that allows you the freedom

to make decisions and plan your move as you wish. All so

that you can have a better experience wherever in the world

you choose to go. It’s just another of our Asian specialties.

Asian Tigers Premier Worldwide Movers Tel: 03-6402-2371 Email: [email protected] Nick Masee, Managing Director www.asiantigers-japan.com

Offices throughout Asia Moving can conjure up all manner of expectations. But it’s the

best of Asian service that we admire. The politeness, the

manner in which people tend to your every need, the caring

attitude and accompanying comfort. Combine this with a

decisive action-orientated team that allows you the freedom

to make decisions and plan your move as you wish. All so

that you can have a better experience wherever in the world

you choose to go. It’s just another of our Asian specialties.

Asian Tigers Premier Worldwide Movers Tel: 03-6402-2371 Email: [email protected] Nick Masee, Managing Director www.asiantigers-japan.com

Offices throughout Asia  | Weekender—The career issue VOL.39 NO.09 MAY 02 – 18 2008 FREE THINGS TO DO

06 Feature Recruiters and the Markets in Japan 08 Movies Movie Reviews and the Cloverfield Premiere Saturday, April 19 Saturday, April 26 Enjoy the onset of spring with International Take the kids to cheer on the Yakult Swallows as 10 Dining The White Fox and Priya Curry School’s annual Cherry Blossom Fair with food they swoop down to play the Chunichi Dragons 12 Travel The Pacific Islands stands, games, entertainment, raffle prizes, and at the Jingu Stadium in Gaienmae at 6:20pm. Tel. more, 11am–3pm, www.tokyois.com. 03-3211-5555. 13 Travel Team Building Destinations in Japan

14 Business/Investments Finding a Job in Japan Sunday, April 20 Sunday, April 27 15 Business Profile IICHI and WebSoftTT Support Japan’s first food Take your little one to Japan’s bank, Second Harvest Japan, at first Baby Loves Disco in 16 School’s In The Pacific Learning Center their charity concert tonight . This event lets you 17 School’s Out Kids get Jobs at Kidzania at What The Dickens in Ebisu. boogie with baby in a fun, www.2hj.org. friendly, safe, family atmo- 18 Sports Sport Agents sphere. www.babylovesdisco. 19 Bill’s Partyline co.jp 22 Arts & Crossword Paul Potts in Tokyo Monday, April 21 Monday, April 28 ••• Start your week right with Pop down to Paddy Foleys in for a pint, It seems to be the time of year when thoughts turn crooner James Blunt, tonight a snack, and a movie, all for only ¥1,000. www. to careers, with many wondering what a next step at NHK Hall in at paddyfoleystokyo.com should be. With many of Tokyo’s English-language pub- 7pm. ¥6,500–¥7,500, tel. 03- lications looking at recruitment companies, we thought 3402-5999. we’d look at the actual industries in which our local re- cruiters work, and ask these career advisors to share their Tuesday, April 22 Tuesday, April 29 expert knowledge of recent and future employment Dive into scuba at the Japan Learn about yo-yos at the Pink trends. Check out our double-page feature on pages six Scuba Association’s annual Diving Cow, from four world medal- and seven. Festival at from ists. ¥2,000 gets you rental Staying with the Careers’ theme, our Dining sec- 10am–6pm, www.scuba.or.jp. yo-yos, lessons, and a drink. tion not only features two great restaurants but also in- www.thepinkcow.com. terviews with said restaurants’ owners to see how they decided to make the food industry their chosen careers. Wednesday, April 23 Wednesday, April 30 One of the restaurants featured is a favorite of both Enjoy a weekday teatime concert as the Tokyo Head to the Pola Museum of Art for Chagall: My Marie and I and you’ll probably find one of us in there Philharmonic Orchestra performs Brahms Stories, daily through Sept. 7, ¥700–¥1,800, tel. 04- Concertos at at Tokyo Opera City. ¥3,000– 6084-2111. www.polamuseum.or.jp. most nights(!)—check out the fantastic curries served at ¥5,000, tel. 03-5353-0770. Priya in Hiroo high street. We’re looking at the lucrative industry of sports Thursday, April 24 Thursday, May 1 management, and finding out what it’s really like to Rock out with at the The sun will come out tonight work with professional athletes—it sounds a lot more tonight at 7pm. when you go to see Annie, challenging than you’d think! If you’re also facing chal- ¥6,000–¥8,000, tel. 03-3475-9999. running through May 10, lenges in your company, then check out the article in at Aoyama Gekijo, ¥6,000– our Travel section about team-building retreats near To- ¥8,000, tel. 03-3498-9999. kyo. Plus there are our usual columns and movie reviews. Friday, April 25 Friday, May 2 And we’re adding even more pages and a brand new sec- Enjoy a classical evening as Get a haircut at Sin Den and while you are there, tion in our next issue, out May 2. Enjoy! Tokyo Sinfonia performs vari- pick up the latest issue of Weekender, due out Caroline Pover, Publisher ous guitar and strings pieces today. in Ogikubo. ¥4,000–¥5,000. ••• www.tokyosinfonia.com WEEKENDER—JAPAN’S QUALITY ENGLISH MAGAZINE PUBLISHER Caroline Pover ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Rajiv Trehan EDITOR & DESIGNER Marie Teather EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Danielle Tate-Stratton TRAVEL & SOCIETY EDITOR Bill Hersey ARTS EDITOR Owen Schaefer DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Stephen Young MARKETING CONSULTANTS Fiddler on the Roof Amy Dose, Sheree Hsu CONTRIBUTORS Benjamin Freeland, William Casper, Robert Forrest, Ian de Stains, Phil Gibb, Michael Mahony, Ulara Nakagawa, An International School’s Musical Collaboration, by Danielle Tate-Stratton Katherine Whatley, Norman Munroe, Irwin Wong. OFFICES at Caroline Pover, Inc., 5th floor, Chuo Iikura Building, 3-4-11 , Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041 Tel. 03-5549-2038 Fax: 03-5549-2039 Email: editor@ weekenderjapan.com. Opinions expressed by WEEKENDER contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. upport three of Tokyo’s best-known international A u d i e n c e s Sschools as students from Saint Mary’s International are sure to enjoy COVER Six of Tokyo’s finest recruiters. From left to right; Junko Kanami, James School, Seisen International School, and the Interna- the unforgettable Incles, Blaine Visser, Eri Hasegawa, Matt Anderson and Alex Yuen at a photo tional School of the Sacred Heart, combine forces to hits of Fiddler on organised by Paul Cheyne at Keyshots. form the cast of popular musical Fiddler on the Roof. the Roof, which

FOUNDED IN 1970 BY MILLARD H. “CORKY” ALEXANDER First performed on Broadway in 1964, Fiddler tells include If I Were the story of dairyman Tevye, an old-fashioned father a Rich Man, Tradition, and Answers from Crossword #24 (Weekender Apr 04) who, just like the other fathers in his small village, tries to raise his daughters to understand and uphold Matchmaker. The 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 A R B O R S T W I N B E D S the traditional Jewish values that have been passed performances will Fiddler on the Roof cast members. L U O O A X A down through his family for generations. As Tevye be taking place 9 10 F R I D A Y T R A D E O F F tries to find suitable husbands for his daughters, he Apr. 19 at 7pm and Apr. 20 at 3pm at the St. Mary’s 11 International School auditorium, which is located R L D L L A D E must confront a world that is changing rapidly as 12 13 14 the Tsarist Russia of 1905 is poised on the brink of at their campus just a ten-minute walk from the E N D S Y A R D S H U N T 15 16 upheaval. Over the course of the musical, Tevye must Kaminoge or Futakotamagawa stations. Tickets are S I H T W O S Y 17 come to understand that the young people in his ¥1,000–¥1,500 and available by phone at 03-3709- C O N D O M I N I U M S 18 19 world are starting to follow their hearts over the minds 3411 or fax: 03-3707-1950. Please note: there is no O G U N D E E E 20 of their elders. parking available due to construction. E S T A T E A G E N T S 21 22 A P E M W A C S 23 24 25 B A R E E R E L E T P L E A 26 27 Are you happy with the medical services available in Japan? To register your opinion on the O E D R B Z O Y 28 29 medical services available to foreigners here, go to www.weekenderjapan.com and take part in our D A F F O D I L S E N S E I survey. The survey will be online for an extended period of time and the results of the 2008 Weekender Medical E A O C R E S Services Survey will be published in depth later this year. 30 31 S U B U R B A N H O L D I T

Apr. 18 – May 01 2008 Vol. 39 No. 08  FEATURE

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER FINANCE | COMPLIANCE | LEGAL Career Experts in the Know

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

“Morgan McKinley, Japan has grown from a green field site in mid 2005 to over 30 staff. Our successes reflect the strength of the markets and even though there has recently been a slight downturn, especially in the financial services sector, the industry is still dealing with a candidate driven market. Globally there is a workforce shortage and hiring expectations are extremely high. Many employers are experiencing difficulty in finding the perfect “A- grade candidate” and are asking recruiters to proac- tively headhunt candidates that are not necessarily considering an immediate move. The commerce and industry market remains James Incles, Managing Director of Morgan McKinley, Japan. buoyant. Many foreign companies are seeking to increase their market share in Japan by hiring the best talent which in turn has provided a platform for their compensation, career progression and cultural quick growth and instant profits. This has created experiences. The great news is that we are seeing an healthy competition for candidates and excellent increase in the number of Japanese candidates who opportunities. have worked abroad and are now relocating back to More and more professional Japanese are looking Japan. These candidates have experiences that you at gaishike (foreign) companies as a way to increase just cannot get in a domestic Japanese company.”

www.legalfutures.com FASHION “Japan has always been one of the most exciting places for fashion—it’s the biggest market in the world and is still growing. Right now, this is an exciting time for the industry. If you walk around the streets of Tokyo you can see lots of fashion houses opening up. Our clients are still targeting those super wealthy people who can afford luxury products. Also the new strong euro means it’s a YOUR CAREER PARTNERS good time for foreign fashion houses to invest in Japan. But actually, although on the outside it looks like it’s booming, on the inside sales have been a little disappointing. For now, and in the short-term future, there will be a slow down in the number of Eri Hasegawa, Consultant, Way Simmons. new shopping plazas opening up, but this doesn’t mean however that our clients will stop hiring as For candidates, sales driven positions are defi- they still need to still need to increase sales and nitely available. Japanese skills are important, as is dominate their niche. The following year will not experience. It doesn’t mean that candidates must be so much about M&A, instead the focus will be on have merchandising experience if they have other maintaining their market position. skills they can transfer.”

RETAIL

“Japan’s retail market is the second largest in the world—the total value being is ¥110 trillion. This poses a huge incentive for foreign-capital retail com- panies to become long-term, successful players in the Japanese market. However, we have seen that some newcomers have experienced first-hand that getting a nice piece of the pie can be a daunting task. Wal- Mart Japan is still struggling with their Seiyu brand and everyone remembers Carrefour’s painful exit from the Japanese market. Other large-scale retailers such as Costco and Tesco seem to fare better. The obvious incentive to succeed in this chal- lenging market is of course the economic rewards. Blaine Visser, Vice President, AdMark Japan. On another level, if foreign retailers can develop and refine new products to satisfy the high-quality driven We do experience peaks in demand, most nota- Japanese consumer, then these products are an easy bly when there is a newcomer to the market or when www.waysimmons.com sell in other parts of the world. Indirectly, spurred there is a significant change in strategy. One example by on-going globalization, Japanese consumers are of this is when Gap Japan decided to build up a mer- setting new standards in other markets. You can say chandising team from scratch. Peaks are also caused that there is always a healthy supply and demand of by market exits, for example, Carrefour, or during retail professionals in the Japanese market. M&As—like when Adidas took over Reebok.”

 | Weekender—The career issue With the credit crunch, sky-high commodities, and fluctuating foreign exchange markets, it’s all too easy to conclude that the world’s economic bubble has well and truly burst. Following the boom of recent years in which company profits seemed unlimited and M&A was at record levels, the downturn is for some analysts, little surprise. Still, here in Japan, are things really as bad as the media would have us believe? Weekender’s Marie Teather spoke with six Tokyo based recruiters about recent market trends and their predictions for the remainder of the year. Photography by Paul Cheyne at Keyshots. e British Chamber of Commerce in Japan FMCG Celebrating 60 years of:

“Hiring in the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) * strengthening business ties between Britain and Japan * promoting and supporting member business interests market is currently quite robust. The ripple effects of * encouraging new business entrants to the Japanese market some notable consolidations in the foreign FMCG * supporting Japanese investment in the UK market over the past few years, including the pur- chase of Gillette by P&G in late 2005, and J&J’s acquisition of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare in 2006, UPCOMING EVENTS as well as some major restructuring within com- 19 Apr Rhythmic Revelations panies like Unilever and Master Foods (now called 23 Apr e Annual General Meeting MARS), have given way to firms making redundan- 16 May Oxfam Trailwalker Japan cies. But they have also opened up opportunities 21 May Luncheon with Sir Graham and Lady Fry for them to upgrade their personnel. There are still 28 May Working More Eectively in Japan 30 May UK-Japan Business Partnership Seminar 2008 urgent needs for these foreign companies to hire 25 Jun Summer Serenade people with “global best practice” expertise, strong Alex Yuen, General Manager of AdMark Japan. 18 Sep Time Management Strategies interpersonal skills, and good leadership potential, 6 Nov Innovative inking on top of solid “technical expertise”, in order to drive their growth. Basically, we feel it’s a good time for candidates So, while the competition for the most attractive to look around and consider what types of opportu- MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS positions has increased, we’re seeing qualified candi- nities are available. One of the easiest ways to do this Member Type Joining Fee Annual Fee dates, particularly in the “front-end, business-driving is to identify recruiters who are familiar with the job Corporate ¥28,000 ¥280,000 areas” like marketing and sales, being approached with market as well as the companies who are hiring in Associate ¥16,000 ¥160,000 several job options and very much in demand. their respective fields of interest.” Entrepreneur ¥8,000 ¥80,000 Individual ¥4,000 ¥40,000 Overseas ¥5,000 ¥50,000 LEGAL & COMPLIANCE 3F Kenkyusha Eigo Centre Bldg, 1-2 , -ku, Tokyo 162-0825 “For legal and compliance, the industries are cur- Tel: +81-(0)3-3267-1901; Fax: +81-(0)3-3267-1903 rently booming from being virtually non-existent. In http://www.bccjapan.com the past five years, corporate governance has been a huge issue on the global agenda following the col- lapse of Enron and WorldCom, etc., and Japan has taken huge strides to make sure that businesses are Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes? strictly regulated since the collapse of the “Bubble” and the crippling Asian banking crisis. Additionally, global clients must carefully integrate global compli- ance guidelines with local policies and so there is certainly a small niche for international staff. On the legal side there has always been a place for highly- skilled capital markets lawyers to make the jump from a law firm into an investment bank or securities Matt Anderson, Manager, Legal Futures. house—either as a lawyer or a compliance officer. Global markets could continue to go down have told us to watch this space. But of course, QCIC Consulting K.K. before they go up, and legal and compliance cannot when things are going well, businesses need to be Finance, Accounting & Tax be immune either. The industry is down in terms of regulated, and when things are going bad, businesses profits on the front side, but there have been no lay- also need to be regulated. Legal and compliance will HR / Compliance & Legal Administration offs in the legal or compliance sector so far. Clients continue to be healthy.” Back Office Administration

Tel. 03-3505-5565 [email protected] www.qcic.jp “This year, the market has slowed slightly which comes as no surprise taking into account the uncer- tainty in the global economy. However, Japan is proving more resilient than many of the other major Speak to the Industry Experts... financial markets. The previous three years were

exceptional for recruitment as everyone was expand- Morgan McKinley is a leading global specialist in finance recruitment ing and looking to hire talented new staff. Still, if you with offices across Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pacific. As a full service recruitment provider, Morgan McKinley offers a diverse range look at the number of jobs available it’s really not as of solutions tailored to each client’s and candidate’s individual bad as people think. Of course, this year some clients requirements.

have slowed hiring to asses the health of their com- We provide recruitment solutions within the Financial Services and pany, but some institutes have more jobs open. For Commerce and Industry Sectors across the following disciplines: the past few years there was an urgency; people were • Finance & Accountancy • Human Resources ready to go and hire quickly. This has slowed—but • IT and Technology people are still hiring. • Banking Operations Junko Kanami, Senior Consultant, Morgan McKinley. • Risk Management If you look at the large financial institutions, • Investment Banking & Capital Markets domestic and non-domestic, they have a number of still, in Japan especially, all of the banking institu- • Sales and Trading

divisions and some have been affected by sub-prime tions are doing well. For a confidential HR career chat, contact James Incles. issues. Securities were obviously affected the most by The trend looks likely to continue for the rest of Alternatively, interested candidates, please submit your detailed resume in MS Word format. the recent market downturn, but because the losses 2008. It does mean tighter competition on the can- were so big, companies had to make cuts across the didate side. My advice for them this year is that they James Incles [email protected] board to balance the books. Cuts here in Japan there- should think about their motivations and skills to (81) 3 5403 7361 fore are unfortunately based on global decisions. But convince potential employers to hire.” www.morganmckinley.com

Apr. 18 – May 01 2008 Vol. 39 No. 08  MOVIE REVIEWS BY WILLIAM CASPER

ATONEMENT

tonement is moves ahead five years to the British retreat from Af a i t h f u l l y Dunkirk and Robbie is trying to get back to England. based on Ian At the same time, Briony (now played by Romola McEwan’s award Garai) and Cecilia are working as nurses (at separate winning novel hospitals) in London. How the story plays out may, and has clearly or may not, be to your taste but there is absolutely no been put together denying it’s haunting nature. with a great deal As directed by Joe Wright, the film is technically of care and atten- excellent with very high production values. There is a tion. The novel’s five-minute tracking shot along the beach of Dunkirk themes, which that is a truly memorable piece of filmmaking—despite are broadly: the the fact it seems out of step with the film’s overall inti- r e s p o n s i b i l i t y mate tone. Another sequence worthy of mention, set and power of the in a hospital, brings home the hideous nature of war novelist/story- and the sheer horror of what wartime nurses must teller, the British have experienced. class system and, Overall, the performances are very good. James well, atonement, McAvoy is probably the pick as the over-ºconfident do not transfer young man brought down by the family he can never (c) 200 7 Universal Studios well to the screen really join. Saoirse Ronan and Romola Garai as Briony but there is still much to admire and the story packs a are both very good. There are fine cameos from three powerful, heartbreaking punch. classic Brit actresses; Brenda Blethyn (who should have The first half of the film takes place on a hot had more screen time) as Robbie’s mother, Vanessa summer’s day in 1935 at the rather grand house of Redgrave as the older Briony (rather irritatingly with the Tallis family, somewhere in the south of England. the same hairstyle as the younger ones) and Mike Various friends and relatives are staying at the house. Leigh stalwart Gina McKee very believable as the The youngest member of the family, Briony (Saoirse tough but fair Sister Drummond. Ronan), a precocious 13-year-old girl on the brink of Although I can understand why the filmmakers puberty, is a would-be writer with an active imagina- would want to cast Keira Knightly she seems too much tion. From her bedroom window, she witnesses an the awkward sixth former for Cecilia and never quite incident involving her sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley) captures the yearning and passion the character is sup- and the son of the housekeeper Robbie Turner (James posed to imbue and arouse. In a pivotal scene when McAvoy). Later in the day, after a series of unfortu- she emerges, dripping wet in her silk underwear, from nate coincidences, Briony accuses Robbie of a crime of a fountain, and stands before Robbie in what is sup- which he is innocent. With the exception of Cecilia, posedly a moment charged with sexual tension, ones the upper class family side with their own, and work- thoughts turn not to eroticism and sensuality but a ing class Robbie is thrown to the wolves. The story more prosaic; “You poor thing, eat something”.

10,000 BC

his is a clas- father did—think Top Gun in bearskins. Having happy Tsic story of childhood memories of films with similar titles I want- prehistoric man; ed to like 10,000 BC. Unfortunately, it just isn’t very by classic, I mean good. The script is without any shred of originality, the a story that has acting dismal, the computer graphic images are passa- been told an in- ble at best, and while some of the action sequences are finite number of exciting, overall the film is unforgivably, boring. It’s times over the also about as scientifically and historically accurate as (c) 2008 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc (c) 2008 Warner ages. This is the one about the outsider who has to those people who believe the world was created 6000 prove himself to the tribe to atone for something his years ago.

WEEKENDER’S FAVORITE MOVIE THEATERS

SHINJUKU: Shinjuku Milano Za, Kabuki-cho 1-29-1, Tokyu Milano ROPPONGI: Cinema. Roppongi 6-10-2, Minato-ku. Bldg. 03-3202-1189. JR East Exit, number B13. 03-5775-6090. In the Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Complex, facing Walk towards Nishi-Shinjuku station; the theater faces this station. the Mori Tower, Line . Showing: Cloverfield, Showing: Untracable, The Golden Compass, Vantage Point. Hitman, Michael Clayton, My Blueberry Nights, Enchanted, No Coun- try for Old Men, Vantage Point, Jumper, The Golden Compass. www. tohotheater.jp.

SHIBUYA: Shibuto Cine Tower, Dogenzaka 2-6-17, Shibuya. 03- : Cinema Mediage. Daiba 1-7-1, Minato-ku. 03-5531- 5489-4210. From JR , take the Hachiko exit to the 7878. Across from Tokyo Teleport Station, just behind the Fuji TV large intersection (to Dogenzaka). Go up the road, and it will be on building. From the line’s Daiba station, cross the street. your left (across from Shibuya 109). Showing: Cloverfield, Michael The cinema is next to Aqua City Odaiba. Showing: Cloverfield, Hit- Clayton, My Blueberry Nights, Jumper, No Country for Old Men, En- man, Michael Clayton, Untraceable, Jumper, No Country for Old Men, chancted. http://gmap.jp/shop-1533.html. Vantage Point, The Golden Compass. www.cinema-mediage.com. For more reviews please visit our website at www.weekenderjapan.com

 | Weekender—The career issue MOVIE PLUS WITH BILL HERSEY Exclusive to

ur friends over at Paramount have been su- Weekender! Oper busy the last few months. One of their biggest promotions was the multi-event promo- tion of the science-fiction film Cloverfield, (Japa- nese title Hakaisha). For the press conference pre- mier and other related happenings they brought in producer J.J. Abrams, Director Matt Reeves, Screenwriter Drew Goddard, young actor Michael Stahl-David, and actress Lizzy Caplan. It was also nice having Paramount Pictures International President Andrew Cripps back in town. He and his wife Louise flew in from London. Andrew, a longtime Tokyoite resident, knows our city well and has many friends here. The premiere with all its special effects took place at a new venue—J.C.B Hall. After the pre- miere the group had dinner at Nobu’s and from there went over to the New Lex for an after Happy New Toyota Harrier G L Package premiere party. to see the It was a fun evening with Japanese celeb- recent revival of 3 Year Lease from rities from the film, music, sports, fashion the production of musi- and even magic worlds, meeting and mix- cals in Hollywood. This of ing with the staff and cast of the film, and course is for the most part, ¥44,000 per month the hard working Paramount people. The due to the success of Dream- girls, Hairspray, and Sweeny New Lex manager Takahide Masude and I Todd. Just read that Penelope really enjoyed working with and getting Cruz is taking voice lessons for Body color silver or black only. to know the many people at Paramount her role in the film version of the who set the party up. There was a Broadway show Nine. very special guest that evening, J.J.’s Everyone’s favorite actresses Options available but not included: favorite Japanese character, Godzilla. Judi Dench and Sophia Loren will * leather seats Luckily he was in a good mood, also be in the film. I saw Antonio * insurance posed for photos, hugged just about Banderas do a great job as the * English navigation male lead in the Broadway everybody, and even kissed a few. show in NYC. Oscar winner The press conference the next Javier Bardem is sure to day was held at The Peninsula be good in that part Hotel. It was interesting, laid- in the film. back and lasted over an hour, giving the media the chance to really get into it. J.J, who loves Japan; “Tokyo’s my favorite city”, felt the using a camcord- er for the special effect of the film was a love let- Photos of the Cloverfield Party at the New Lex. ter thanking this part of 1. Paramount Japan G.M./President Ichiro Oka- Japanese culture. zaki, Producer J.J. Abram, Godzilla, Director Matt Director Matt Reeves Reeves, and writer Drew Goddard. said he got what he 2. The Ring Producer Taka Ichise, Paramount Pic- wanted—naturalism— tures International President Andrew Cripps and his wife Louise. Lease rate includes: from his cast, who for 3. Mika Kano. the most part were * yearly road tax 4. Dewi Sukarno and Ichiro Isozaki. * registration taxes & costs young newcomers. 5. Bill Hersey, Producer J.J. Abrams, actress Lizzy Cap- “We just kept going, lan, actor Michael and Anri Schroff. * delivery it was like one shot 6. Popular magician Cyril and New Lex’s Masahiro. with no breaks 7. Actor Kato Masaya, Producer Kentaro, Cloverfield Pro- Insurance required and can be ducer J.J. Abrams and Anri Schroff. and the cast had built into lease or set up separately. to be good at all 8. Roberta Ireton, actors Sakaki and Shinosuke Abe. 9. Popstar Jin Nakanishi with Paramount Pictures Marketing times.’ Deposit required. Buy out option Director Hisamichi Kinomoto. available at end. Re-lease ok. 10. A famous NY monster! Offer available on first six units only, or before June 27 2008 (whichever comes first). NB. Schedules are subject to change so please make sure to check the website to avoid disappointment. Out on DVD! By William Casper : Shinagawa Cinema. 4-10-30, Minato-ku. 03-5421-1113. Across the street from Shinagawa sta- tion, in the Shinagawa Prince Hotel. Showing: Cloverfield, Curse Flyboys—James Franco in James Dean mode stars as a First World of the Golden Flower, Michael Clayton, My Blueberry Nights, Jun- War pilot. Some excellent flying sequences are let down by a dis- per, Earth, Vantage Point, Enchanted, The Golden Compass. www. appointing script. True story. Contact princehotels.co.jp/shinagawa/cinema/index.html. Scoop—A great cast (Ian McShane, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Jo- Mick Lay of ASJ Co., Ltd YOKOHAMA: Toho Cinemas Lalaport. 4035-1 Ikebe-cho, Ysuzuki- hansson) and decent premise undermined by a feeble script and a ku, Yokohama. 045-929-1040. JR Yokohama Line, Kamoii station. misguided performance by writer-director Woody Allen. Woody’s Tel: 03-3468-0804 Take the North Exit; the theater is on the first floor of the Lalaport worst? Complex. Showing: Cloverfield, Enchanted, The Golden Compass, Mobile: 090-3805-7141 No Country for Old Men, My Blueberry Nights, Jumper. http://yoko- Georgia Rules—Attempts to create a new genre—the child abuse hama.lalaport.jp. rom-com—are unsurprisingly unsuccessful despite the great Jane Email: [email protected] Fonda, wild-child Lindsay Lohan, and the wonderful Felicity Huff- man. www.micklay.com For more reviews please visit our website at www.weekenderjapan.com

Apr. 18 – May 01 2008 Vol. 39 No. 08  DINING

An Englishman, an Indian, and Two Restaurants. Weekender looks at two unique Tokyo restaurants and the men who are behind them. The White Fox, by Robert Forrest

traight up the Namboku line and behind the Oji SJR station is The White Fox, a small bar-cum-res- taurant run by Brit Trevor Blythe, who has printed twenty years of experience on to two clean pages of tapas and otsumami. Starting innocently enough, our first plates were chorizo then smoked duck with ca- pers that promptly arrived while the tuna and pork were prepared. Duck for me is my default choice if on a menu, but smoked with capers makes it more special, the chorizo is excellent too. But it is when the tuna arrives that you begin to see what Trevor is capable of. Here was a neat turret of plump sashimi assembled like Jenga with splinters of green apple and sensational umeboshi dressing. I’m not particularly keen on this plum usually, but here Trevor mixes it with soy sauce and olive oil that is at once buttery and refreshing as it cloaks the fish from the burst of apple. It is delicious. Most of the dishes are under Y1,000 and typically cooked to order while his wife Hiromi runs front-of- house, and we were chatting to her when the pork photos courtesy of The White Fox. arrived: four perfect pyres of vivid green nanohana Don’t be deceived by the English-looking pub sign outside. topped with Okinawa pork and tiny circles of onion. almonds and butter beneath a heap of kumquat and The flower of nanohana is typically found in oils, tapénade. At first the rice seems dry before it somer- but Trevor buys it before it blooms, turning it into saults in your mouth, swamped by its damp head- a broccoli-like puree that holds onto its wonderful dress while you apprecaiate the bird. It is an extraor- colour—anything else would just grey. It rams a glob dinary collision of tastes and textures that urge you of vegetables towards your uvula as the sakura salt to close your eyes to better see. And it is this and our gently grazes the palette, its intensity of flavour a fit- concluding dark chocolate delight that summarises ting metaphor for the compression of Trevor’s experi- the confidence and experience Trevor has. Who else ence—something brought into focus last year when would use garlic and almonds to make chocolate taste he won ‘Best Original Sushi’ from www.eat-japan. more chocolatey? Suji’s Restaurant & Bar com for his mahi-mahi tataki. If the location of The White Fox seems odd and Offering All Your As Trevor uses only seasonal food, he currently the décor mundane, rest assured that Japan has in its Favorites from Home prepares duck for this dish in place of the fish. It hands the buds of a phenomenon. sits on a tablet of rice speared with garlic, ginger, OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MON–FRI 11AM TO 11PM SAT & SUN 9AM TO 11PM HOLIDAYS 10AM TO 10PM Available for private parties of up to 150 people. Please inquire.

Daily Drink Specials Half price all night! Trevor Blythe, Head Chef / Patron at The White Fox Monday - Cocktails/Champagne Tuesday - Weihenstephan, Tea Time Special Happy Hour Special German Wheat Beer ¥1000, Dessert & All drinks half price! Wednesday - Guinness Coffee/Tea o what makes It is this open-mindedness that led to the opening of Monday thru Friday Monday thru Friday Trevor’s food 5 PM to 7 PM 4 PM to 6 PM S The White Fox in late 2006, which has become a stage so special? To find for him to express his culinary confidence—making it out, Weekender all the more surprising when you see such a modest spoke with him in- venue. between mouth- Today he now rises at 9am to review the menu, fuls. First thing to preparing both lunch and dinner as deliveries arrive, know is that he before making frequent trips to Tsukiji to survey the Phone - 03-3505-4490 URL - http://www.sujis.net has worked at four latest piscine trend. His wife Harumi looks after the three-Michelin- customers and the drinks—she previously supplied Michelin star experienced, Trevor Blythe. star restaurants: them to restaurants when they met. In his small two in England and two in France. Early in his career kitchen Trevor is aided by the able Harue Yagi, her- he worked in Britain’s oldest established restaurant, self a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu. The success of his Rules, in Covent Garden, and Waldos, where he was fusion is shown by the customers, Trevor quipping part of the team that earned its first Michelin star before that; “when you see the Japanese drinking wine and winning (another mouthful) the Academie Culinaire de Westerners nihon-shu you know that it’s working.” Grande-Britannia Annual Awards of Excellence. Indeed Trevor makes the effort to write the menu and Tracking Trevor’s career through the nineties, he his website in both Japanese and English—something swayed between esteemed restaurants in Britain and particularly useful when one is so often confounded France, collecting more awards on the way. It was by kanji calligraphy on bottles in bars. when the decade closed however that he accepted Clearly The White Fox has potential to expand an invitation to come to Japan to open the Barakura once its style is established, something that seems a English Garden in Nagoya. It was a fitting stepping- quiet possibility given how many of his dishes could Modern American Brasserie stone from his European background, and one that be magnified into a single main course. For now, how- Specializing in Rotisserie Chicken, Great Burgers, rolled into a book and TV programme on Japanese ever, Trevor has given Tokyo a tasting menu for even Steaks, Fresh Seafood, Salads, Homemade Desserts channel NHK two years later. greater things to come. and over 130 New and Old Wines I’ve been holding off for a while to use the word ‘fusion’ to describe his food, as so often you need the , Garden Terrace 1F 9-7-4 Akasaka Minato-ku For more information on chef Trevor Blythe and The White ‘con’ prefix. Trevor avoids this though due to his con- Tokyo 107-0052 Tel: 03-5413-3655 Fox, see www.thewhitefox.jp/index.html or call the res- E-mail: [email protected] siderable time in both Europe and Japan; he perfectly www.rotico.com taurant on 03-6903-6696. understands how flavours fit irrespective of location. 10 | Weekender—The career issue DINING

Weekender looks at two unique Tokyo restaurants and the men who are behind them.

Priya, by Marie Teather

laid-back ambiance. Upon entering the only hint of its ethnic origin is the softly playing Indian music but once seated the hospitality is 100 percent Indian. The extensive menu combines the regulars; kormas, jal farezis, masalas and of course tikka masala, with authentic vegetable and tandoori dishes. While you’re pondering over what to order you may spare a thought for the chef Negi, who arrives at the restaurant at 8am every morning to start preparing the day’s ingredients and will stay until midnight. Although he confesses that the vegetables available in Japan are not to his preferred standard as in India, his cooking is amaz- ing. For starters came the tandoori stuffed capsicum (¥1,600). Six pieces of scooped out capsicum stuffed with potatoes, cashew nuts and raisins, baked in a tandoor oven. The warm blend of spices leaves you content just like a home-baked comfort food can and at the same time alight anticipation for what is to come next. Next, was, the shik kebab (¥1,600). For photos by Irwin Wong photography photos by Irwin Wong this, minced chicken and lamb is chopped with gin- Priya’s sleek interior—not a buddha in sight. ger, garlic, and coriander, arriving on your table still ord has been spreading recently among Tokyo’s in the skewer. As with every dish at Priya, there is a Winternational community about a curry house certain understanding of spices that other Indian res- fast becoming a staple on the expat dining scene. Set taurants have yet to master. If you’re in doubt of what on the third floor at the end of Hiroo’sshoten gai, you’d a particular spice is doing on any one dish, I urge you be forgiven for not noticing it’s modest opening which to go ahead and ask the Priya team. You’ll be surprised came after several years of research—the efforts of the at what they know. staff and management do not go unmissed. To put it For the main course, I had the palak paneer (¥1,400). simply, the food and the service are impeccable and This is a spinach curry cooked with homemade cottage when both of these exceed your expectations, you’ll cheese, herbs and of course spices. Sometimes I add tell your friends and go back for more. mushrooms, sometimes chicken, but every time it’s a The interior is reminiscent of curry houses to be wonderful dish. Nan bread or basmati rice completes found back in cities like London or New York. Cool, each meal—one of each would satisfy two people. dark wooden furniture contrasted by crisp white For Priya, the word is out. Read it here first before TOWN CRYER BRITISH PUB tablecloths and nothing more, makes for a sleek yet someone else tells you the same; you really must go.

Byomkesh Panday, Owner / Manager at Priya

estauranteurs really don’t come much nicer than invited or not.) If RByomkesh Panday. It had been a few months the honor is on since I’d last visited his curry house along shoten the host of the gai in Hiroo and yet was welcomed back like a long- meal, maybe now time regular. Even more impressive, Mr. Panday (as you can under- always seems fittingly to call such a polite man) re- stand why Mr. DRAUGHT, GUINNESS, YONA YONA ALE, membered the spinach curry I had ordered previous- Panday is always SPITFIRE, HEINEKEN, BLACKTHORN CIDER. ly and asked me if this time too I would like the same smiling. HOMEMADE PIES SERVED AT LUNCH. again. Now that’s service. Despite his INFORMATION AT WWW.TOWNCRYER.JP OR CALL 5401-9995 Those familiar with the Tokyo curry scene will long-term resi- Hospitality extraordinaire, Mr. Panday. remember Mr. Panday from his time at the Taj dency in Japan, Mahal restaurant in Roppongi. He worked there as Mr. Panday explains the most difficult aspect of manager for a dedicated 15 years and in which time opening the new restaurant was securing the loca- QUOZ MOVERS he perfected his innate knack for hospitality. This is tion and finding a guarantor. However he did suc- a man who anticipates your next drink, will bring ceed and the restaurant opened to old time friends Moving in Tokyo? out more nan, offer dessert with remarkable preci- and faithful regulars who made efforts to support sion, and still have the time to stop and talk with him in his new venture, and who didn’t want to For home relocation or sayonara sale delivery, call Steve at 090-3801-8083 or 03-5932-7777. guests leaving or arriving at the restaurant. miss out on what was clearly destined to be a great In May of 2007, it was time to move on and Indian restaurant. We can provide safe delivery of your belongings for reasonable rates. Mr. Panday along with his chef Negi (who he had Priya has been open for a year now, and on any Disposal service of unwanted furniture and appliances also available. worked with closely for 14 years), opened Priya lunchtime or any night of the week the restaurant Email: [email protected] Website: www.Quoz.biz Curry. With 30 years of combined restaurant experi- has a great turnout. Guests may be there to eat what ence in Japan between them (not counting the 5-star was once described as “the best curry in Japan” or hotels they worked in back in India), the menu was maybe they are there for the service. Either way, you designed around authentic north Indian cuisine and can bet Mr. Panday is smiling. with it, they encompassed a legendary Indian dic- tum ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ or in other words, ‘the guest is truly your god.’ For more information on Byomkesh Panday and Priya curry, In India, you see, to share food with your guests see www.priyajapan.tripod.com/index.html or call the is an honor. (The poorest too are reportedly willing restaurant on 03-5941-6996 to share their meager foods with guests whether Apr. 18 – May 01 2008 Vol. 39 No. 08 11 TRAVEL

Pacific Paradise The Pacific Islands just got closer, by Marie Teather

here are few idyl- Tlic destinations in the world that remain off the tourist trodden path; places where upon arrival the scenery will take your breathe away and where nature can still truly astound you in a way no picture or TV programe has ever done before. That is of course excusing the Pacific Islands. If para- dise were a picture, the Pacific Islands would deserve credit. 20,000 to 30,000 islands (the exact number yet to be determined) lie south of the Tropic of Cancer; an archipelago where palm-fringed beaches tourisme photo courtosy of Tahiti Stay in a traditional beach hut. meet shallow clear wa- ters, tropical forests conceal cascading waterfalls, and the hub for sea and air travel in the region. Expect 300 volcanic peaks seem to have been undisturbed since islands encompassed by spectacular coral reefs, warm the millennium they last erupted. The Pacific Islands turquoise waters home to a marine life captivating div- need to be seen to be believed. ers and snorklers alike. On the shores, Fijian commu- And yet for all their beauty, the islands have seem- nities are a blend of Polynesian, Indian, Chinese and ingly managed to avoid becoming yet another tourist European influences and their hospitality is extended trap. Close enough to Australia, most holiday-makers to all. Be sure to check out the Blue Lagoon. taking the long-haul flight from Europe and the States, To the east of Fiji is Tonga, or ‘the friendly stop off in Sydney and fail to make the additional four islands’ as they are known after the friendly reception or five hour flight landing them on the shores of Fiji, natives gave Captain Cook on his arrival in 1773. The Tonga, Samoa or the Cook Islands. Most would wish Kingdom of Tonga remains the only surviving mon- they did. Cheaper southeastern Asian destinations archy among the Pacific Islands and the only island have too long lured potential visitors away, and yet nation to have never been colonized. Tonga is report- the island’s modesty, the absence of vying for tourist edly one of the most unspoilt of the Pacific islands and attention, and the Shangri-la comparisons, are exactly a place where deserted beaches are provide place to sit why you should go. back, drink the local kava (traditional medicinal drink) and simply watch the waves lap “If paradise were a picture, the Pacific up on the shore. At the heart of the Pacific Islands would deserve credit.” Islands, Samoa remains undis- covered by mass tourism and as Even for expats living in Japan, most who have such Samoans have retained their ancient customs long ‘done Asia’ and seek new cultures to feed those as nowhere else in the region. Reportedly home to old travel bug sentiments; the islands have until the South Pacific’s most approachable people and recently posed somewhat problematic to access. Direct vivid breathtaking landscapes, the Lonely Planet says flights to Nadi Airport on the island of Fiji left Narita of Samoa “if relaxing was an Olympic Games event, just three times a week and other options included this is where you’d come to train.” Complete your a lengthy stopover in Seoul with selective days on experience by staying in a Samoan fale (a traditional which to return again. Hardly the kind of transition beach hut.) into paradise one would hope for. Luckily as of Apr. Heading further out into the Pacific Ocean, Tahiti 1 this year, Air New Zealand have started providing is the largest of the islands that make up the French daily flights to the islands and as part of their ‘Double Polynesia (a collect of islands that remarkably, is spread Destinations’ campaign, visitors can take advantage over a surface larger than Europe.) The flora and fauna of a stopover in Auckland—another often overlooked covering the island make for a most romantic of desti- destination. nation so expect honeymooners, and soon-to-bes, and Chieko Oto of Air New Zealand explains that cou- those reliving those first romantic moments. Escape ples seeking a more sophisticated travel destination are under water to experience up to 800 different species enjoying the fine wines, fine foods, and international of marine life. shopping the cosmopolitan city of Auckland has to There are, of course, hundreds of other islands to offer, before heading over to the islands for the spas, choose from; each a different piece of paradise and sun, sea and total relaxation. “Right now we are in low each a discovery of a lifetime. season which means not only are prices cheaper but New Zealand is in prime wine season and temperatures Flights run daily to Auckland and then to Fiji, New Caledo- on the Pacific Islands are at their most comfortable.” nia, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands, and Tahiti. Air Something to perhaps bear in mind as Japan starts to New Zealand can also help arrange hotel, hotel transfers and heat up for the summer. give travel advice. Discounts will be giving to those who take But with so many islands to choose from, just advantage of the ‘Double Destinations’ campaign if booked where is best to go? 56 days in advance. For more information see www.air- Fiji is perhaps the most obvious of the Pacific newzealand.co.nz Islands, having the most advanced economy and being 12 | Weekender—The career issue DOMESTIC TRAVEL www.JapanHomeSearch.com

A Better View than the Office Corner Your home search starts and finishes here! Team-building trips near Tokyo, by Danielle Tate-Stratton Search for your dream home on our comprehensive online database Hundreds of oor plans ncreasingly,team-building trips are becoming pop- Yoshino River, there is more than likely to be a location and photos available online Iular among companies that want to reap the to suit you and your needs, and get your blood pumping! Contact us for an numerous benefits of a more cohesive workforce. Offering tours and courses in rafting, caving, snowshoe- accompanied tour today According to www.innovativeteambuilding.co.uk, ing, skiing, and, of course, canyoning, a team-building companies that engage in team-building activities can trip to one of their sites may not be for the faintest of expect to enjoy improved morale, leadership skills, hearts. organizational productivity, and an increased ability Rest assured, however, that although your hearts www.JapanHomeSearch.com to identify challenges. will be pounding, Canyons’ trained international staff Often, team-building trips take place at camps will ensure that you stay safe and happy as you abseil or lodges, which allow employees to step away from and jump down cliffs and waterfalls, while canyoning, the rat race and connect on a deeper level with their navigate the rapids in a raft, or snowshoe like an early coworkers. Typically, activities such as white water raft- adventurer. ing, rope courses, or kayaking, become part of the to After such an adventurous day, you, your staff, or do list—these are a great way for employees to enjoy family will be comfortable in one of Canyons’ partner the outdoors while at the same time developing their accommodations providers, or, if you head to Minakami, teamwork. the Alpine Lodge, run by Canyons’ bilingual staff, which Here in Japan, there are plenty of camps and lodges features bunk and tatami rooms, central common areas, moving? that can serve just this purpose—following are descrip- internet access, and easy access to skiing and snowboard- tions of three such companies, each of which provides ing in the winter and canyoning, caving, and rafting in a very different type of service. From a relaxed outdoor the summer. Of course, for anyone looking for some- getaway, to an adrenaline rush, or a visit to a microbrew- thing slightly more sedate, hiking, snowshoeing, and a ery, there truly is a trip to suit every corporate culture. trip to the onsen are nearby as well. www.canyons.jp. Most of these locations also offer individual or fam- ily packages, perfect for kicking off the summer with an active, outdoor, weekend away. Discover Japan Discover Japan operates several programs such as the Nanbo Discovery Summer School, winter ski camps for the whole family, or the Nanbo Discovery camp for school children. For adults looking to get away, how- ever, Discovery Japan offers the Nanbo Kokusai Mura, a lodge and seminar house large enough to house thirty- two people in four bunk-style rooms. Get your adrenaline pumping with Canyons. Just 200 meters from a white sandy beach, the lodge is located on six acres approximately two hours from Gotemba Kogen Resort . Along with a large, covered outdoor Nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji, the Gotemba Kogen cooking area, Nanbo staff can prepare meals, and an Resort offers several types of accommodation including a indoor kitchen is also available to groups. Also indoors perfect option for groups—the Blueberry Lodge—a group Door to door moving with Allied Pickfords are plenty of facilities perfect for seminars and group of 68 Western-style two bedroom condos, each equipped discussions such as the first floor Discovery Room or with cooking facilities, private washrooms, and free Allied Pickfords is one of the largest and most the upstairs lounge, dining room, and deck area, perfect entrance to the Ringo onsen nearby. respected providers of moving services in the world, for relaxing after a long day. The lodge is also equipped The Gotemba Kogen Resort itself houses an enter- handling over 50,000 international moves every year. with wireless internet. taining collection of shops and restaurants including We believe that nothing reduces stress more than trust, Outdoors, the lodge offers Trek mountain bike rent- a pottery studio and microbrewery (that uses run off and each year thousands of families trust Allied als free of charge and there are trails for all levels in the water from Mt. Fuji in the brewing process), a collec- Pickfords to move them. With over 800 offices in more surrounding area. You can also enjoy hiking, a day at tion of restaurants, and seven soccer fields. Besides that, than 40 countries, we’re the specialists in international moving and have the ability to relocate you anywhere, the beach, or tennis at the nearby rental courts. www. they have a series of four onsen for your enjoyment and anytime. Move with Allied to Allied worldwide. discoverjapan.co.jp. relaxation and nearby is the Gotemba Premium Outlet Canyons (http://tinyurl.com/3acc2r), a collection of over 160 If you’re looking to get your employees’ adrenaline stores. Other activities nearby include fishing, horseback pumping, then check out Canyons, which offers a full riding, visiting the , and hiking, both up Call us now on 03-5549-6200 slate of adventurous outdoor activities. With three bases Mt. Fuji or in and around the Hakone National Park. www.alliedpickfords.co.jp within two hours of Tokyo and a fourth one on the www.gotembakogenresort.jp.

L UU x PEI month fix fi I 1 ys PEI ix x da I f s fi May SEOUSEOUL7 TATA 10 days HONOLULHONOLUL20 day LONDONLONDON ,800 ,000 800 ,800 ¥112,000~ ¥19 7 , ¥49 t 21 Sun - Thu ¥2 31 Daily ¥39Tue - Wed Tue, Thu, Sa 5/6 - 5/5 - 5/6 - 28 5/6 - 31 Sun, ¥81,000 ~ May departure ¥235,000~ HONG KONG BANGKOK MANILA DENPASAR BALI LAX ¥220,000~ ¥22,000 ¥29,800 ¥36,000 ¥44,000 ¥49,000 NEW YORK CITY TORONTO PARIS ROM/MIL/FRA/MUC BUE/RIO/SAO MEXICO CITY/CACUN LAGOS ¥49,800 ¥49,800 ¥45,800 ¥67,000 ¥140,000 ¥81,000 ¥114,000

Apr. 18 – May 01 2008 Vol. 39 No. 08 13 BUSINESS

Up for the Job?

apan has famously been resistant to taking in foreign before coming to Japan. These days that almost always Jworkers. But a rapidly changing demographic sug- means making the effort to learn some Japanese. While gests that if the country is to stay competitive, a major there are some exceptions, it is virtually impossible to shift in attitude will be needed. Just how likely that is find a well paying professional position without hav- to happen remains very much an open question, al- ing at least Level 2 JPLT ability. Those with highly though in areas such as nursing, steps have been taken developed skills in IT and engineering are especially to bring in experienced caregivers from the Philippines well placed to overcome the language and cultural and offer them Japanese language training. Similarly barriers that still exist in the marketplace, but clearly it has been suggested that the Japanese government is anyone with Japanese language ability is going to have considering extending visas to up to 2,000 IT special- the advantage. ists from India. Schmidt points out that if you are content to teach Established foreign companies in Japan have little English—and provided you are appropriately quali- difficulty these days in obtaining visas for their expa- fied, motivated, and is a serious career choice—the triate staff, and life for those staff members is much requirement for Japanese language ability is less easier than it used to be just a matter of a decade or important. But he cautions against teaching English so ago. (Though there are ominous signs from certain as “an easy way in” if what you really want is to do official quarters that a Japanese language test will soon something else. In that case, his advice is to “avoid be factored into visa applications.) Equally, such com- teaching English at all costs or at least leave it off your panies can now draw on an increasing pool of local resume”. non-Japanese; people who choose to live and work in While it is true that conditions are better than they Japan without the benefit of an expatriate package— were, problems still exist, among them xenophobia obviously an appealing proposition to the gaishikei HR and, according to Schmidt, “the lingering misconcep- department with an eye on the bottom line. tion inside companies that it is difficult and expensive In the meantime, the British Chamber—no doubt to sponsor a visa”. In fact, the process is neither, like many others—still receives letters from people though it can be time-consuming. hoping to work here, either because they are seeking an adventure or they are partnered with someone who Ian de Stains, OBE is the Executive Director of the BCCJ. has been posted here. How best to help them? For more information on recruitment agency JAC Japan see: Jarrett Schmidt, a recruitment specialist with JAC www.jacjapan.co.jp Japan says the most important thing is to find a job

INVESTMENT

Managing your Portfolio—the Basics

n investment portfolio is an accumula- mortgage repayment or reaching financial indepen- Ation of investment assets including stocks, dence. A gradual accumulation of wealth from as little bonds, mutual funds, hedge funds, commodi- as $150 per month, will go some way to the achieve- ties, property and cash. Broadly speaking, these ment of your objectives. can be split into three investment categories: Dollar-cost averaging is the common name for a Traditional Investments incoroprate the use of stocks, strategy in which you invest a fixed amount of money bonds, currencies and cash or a combination of these at regular intervals in the same investment. Your fixed in collective form—commonly known as mutual funds. amount buys more units when prices are low, and Alternative Investments use traditional invest- fewer units when prices are high. A fixed and afford- ments but also include trading strategies and fi- able level of commitment makes sure that key finan- nancial instruments designed to make gains in cial objectives are achieved both rising and falling markets. These are often Take advice referred to as Hedge Funds and usually have a We live in the information age and the internet is very low correlation to traditional stock markets. especially useful if you have the time to research. For Property Investments include property purchases, many of us though, taking advice from suitably quali- syndications and collective mutual funds investing in fied advisers who have in-depth knowledge and access commercial property. to the world’s best fund management groups, different When building your portfolio you need to establish asset classes and currencies, provides peace of mind your investment time frame, risk profile, and ultimate as you can ask more questions on your own specific country of residence in retirement. It is best to invest situation. in the currency of the country you intend retiring to, Reviewing your portfolio so to avoid unnecessary foreign exchange risk. So you have made the effort, you have done the Lump sum or regular monthly investing? research, you have taken advice now don’t just ignore For lump sums of money, this could be accumulated all that hard work. Make sure you get regular reports savings, a bonus, an inheritance or a property sale. on how things are doing. Be prepared to make changes You need to decide whether to adopt the “hands on” as this is your money and you should be keen on mak- approach to managing your money, or having your ing sure it is working hard to provide you with the money managed for you and releasing the burden of lifestyle you aspire to. Markets move on a daily basis so time and worry in making the “right” decision. Typically, you should review your portfolio ideally investors choose this route because they neither have every six months. the time or knowledge to make investment decisions. Save gradually within your means Provided by MAGELLAN: Regular saving from monthly surplus income requires THE FINANCIAL PLANNING COMPANY discipline. This is important to meet core financial Email: [email protected] planning objectives such as retirement, education fees, Tel. 03-3769-5511 14 | Weekender—The career issue BUSINESS PROFILE

Easy Come, Easy Go Technology Tools Trusted by Business IICHI takes the stress out of moving, by Michael Mahoney

icking up your life and relocating to Tokyo can population coming to Tokyo. “Most building owners Pbe a daunting task; finding a room or apartment, hesitate to rent their apartments to foreigners due to buying and moving furniture, even getting an internet the language problem and differences in living hab- connection can all be incredibly difficult, especially its,” Ogino said. He formed his company—an offshoot without Japanese skills. This is where ICHII Corpora- of the ICHII parent company—to serve as the ‘middle- tion comes in. ICHII Corporation is a real estate group man’ between foreign tenants and Japanese building 30 Day that takes the guesswork out of moving to Tokyo. They owners. By managing the buildings and subleasing the FREE offer reasonably priced, furnished housing to foreign- owners’ apartments to foreign tenants, ICHII found ers, with accommodations ranging from guesthouse “a huge business opportunity in renting apartments AvailableTrial rooms with shared facilities, to private fully furnished to the rapidly growing foreign population in Tokyo”. apartments, in over 80 different locations in central ICHII has grown rapidly since then, from subleas- Tokyo.º ing 200 apartments in 2004 to over 600 today and What’s special about ICHII is the simple, user- with the goal of reaching 1,000 by the end of 2008. friendly way they do business. With ICHII, no guar- According to Sales Chief Uruno, presently the clientele Our Services: antors, security deposits, or exorbitant ‘key money’ is made up largely of single foreigners (70–80%), many All Bilingual Interface & Support deposits are required. (With the exception of a few of whom are IT engineers from India and students buildings, only the first month’s rent, plus the first from Korea, although they are continuing to target a Track & Trace: month’s utilities fees are required in order to move diverse group of people. in.) Monthly leases are available, meaning you get When asked about the future, Ogino says that Email Sending and Tracking exactly the type of lodging you want, for exactly the ICHII is looking to add a concierge service to their (10+ encoding languages available) time period you need. Furniture, electronic appli- furnished apartments, to upgrade their housing to ances, even silverware and linens are provided in the “well-serviced apartments” and will begin to rent Capture & Manage: company’s modern Western-style apartments, making furnished offices to foreigners, with a low initial cost. Online Email Client Administration ICHII housing perfect for those looking for hassle free He further states; “We aspire to bring a breath of fresh short-term or longer stays. “In short, our apartments air to the real estate business by creating a new lease are ready to accommodate tenants who just have a system that everyone from all over the world can read- Design Consulting suitcase and have come straight from the airport,” says ily understand […ICHII is] looking ahead to Japan’s Daisuke Uruno, Sales Chief of ICHII. future internationalization, by [helping] the increas- Company President Masao Ogino adds that IICHII ing foreign population to find their own apartments Tel: 03-3796-8131 staff provide “worry-free support” to their clients in in Japan”. Email: [email protected] seven different languages. Drawing on his own experi- For more information on IICHI Corporation call 03-5437- Website: www.mailtt.com/week/ ences visiting different guesthouses in Europe, Ogino 5233 or see www.japt.co.jp/e-top/index.html started ICHII in 2004 to aid the increasing foreign

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WebSoftTT’s new marketing tools, by Ben Freeland INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT MANAGEMENT Premises Relocation Building Restack / Infrastructure Expansion here has been much talk in recent years about the with customers and disseminating information and Data Center IT Design & Implementation IT Infrastructure Design & Implementation Timpending death of email, and with the recent also its low cost. “It’s an inexpensive and very effec- Equipment Logistics and User Relocations explosion of instant messaging and sites like Twitter tive tool for companies, and one that is growing in Bilingual Coordination for Building, M&E, and Facebook, coupled with dissatisfaction over spam- popularity” states Miksell. The services provided by & 3rd party vendors ming, phishing and other email-related annoyances, WebSoftTT, whereby companies manage and distribute IT CONSULTING IT Onsite Support for Desktop/Servers this humble and now venerable mode of communica- their email lists by way of their ASP web-based services, Project Management for Software Rollout, MANAGED SERVICES tion is indeed now seeming a touch passé. On closer which allows companies to send up to an astonishing Migration, Systems Relocation Managed Services for Desktop Support inspection, however, it becomes apparent that email is 500,000 emails per hour, and also provides them with Disaster Recovery / Business Continuity Planning - Onsite and Remote Network Systems Design & Implementation anything but obsolete, and anyone seeking evidence of HTML ability. Furthermore, WebSoftTT also provides Market Data Support this need look no further than at the veritable explo- companies with a delivery- and readership-tracking sion of direct email marketing over the past decade. platform (Track & Trace), allowing them to monitor EIRE SYSTEMS K.K. Tokyo Address: Suruga Bldg., 3-24-1 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0014, Japan Far from being killed as a marketing vehicle by spam, email opening and click-through rates, and plan their Tel: +81-3-5484-7935 Mail: [email protected] http://www.eire.co.jp opt–in email marketing is thriving like never before, follow up marketing campaigns accordingly. TOKYO SINGAPORE HONG KONG DUBLIN with estimates showing that U.S. companies spent As companies are naturally concerned about their some $400 million on email marketing in 2006. Find- direct mail being mistaken for spam, WebSoftTT takes ings have consistently demonstrated its effectiveness. care not only to ensure compliance with Japanese Research conducted by the Direct Marketing Associa- spam, privacy and black/white list requirements, but tion shows that email marketing generated an ROI of also makes allowances for the compliance require- $51.58 for every dollar spent on it in 2006, and ac- ments of other jurisdictions. Says Marketing Manager cording to a Dec. 2007 survey of internet marketers by Makiko Miura, “We have a dedicated compliance offi- MarketingSherpa, email to house lists outperformed cer focused on ensuring that our policies, both human paid ads in terms of ROI, with 42% describing email and technical, follow best practices from a business as having “great ROI—outperforms other tactics.” Not standpoint.” bad for a supposedly dying mode of communication. All of WebSoftTT’s online marketing tools are Providing for this growing business need in Tokyo provided on either Japanese or English language plat- and other Asia–Pacific markets is the Roppongi–based forms (with email sending ability of 10+ encoding WebSoftTT (Technology Tools) Japan. Established languages), with a third platform in Mandarin Chinese in 2002, WebSoftTT provides Japanese and foreign forthcoming, coinciding with this year’s inauguration companies with a comprehensive range of bilingual of WebSoftTT’s new Hong Kong office. Pricing is based web-based tools, with a focus on enhancing marketing on usage, and the company offers a 30-day free trial for power and efficiency through direct email marketing. its web-based marketing products. According to WebSoftTT Account Executive Michelle Miksell, the primary reasons for the popu- For more information on WebSoftTT and their marketing larity of email marketing include its effectiveness in tools call 03-3796-8131 or see www.websofttt.jp creating brand awareness, fostering good relationships Apr. 18 – May 01 2008 Vol. 39 No. 08 15 SCHOOL’S IN

The Pacific Learning Center Autism awareness makes progress in Tokyo, by Ulara Nakagawa

utism or autism spectrum disorder is on the rise. AOver the past couple of decades, it has increased from approximately 1 out of 1000 children to an esti- Seisen International mated 1 out of 150, or even 100, leading some experts to call it an “urgent global health crisis”. Despite this KG-12 Catholic school with the longest running worldwide upsurge, autism is still a much stigmatized coed Montessori Kindergarten in the Kanto Plains area. condition in most areas of the world. And as such, Seisen offers the PYP Programme and IB Diploma. Grades 1-12 are for girls only. in Japan too it is often misunderstood. In Japanese www.seisen.com autism is called jiheisho. The kanji for jiheisho when translated means “closed own syndrome”. So people tend to think that someone wih autism simply doesn’t TELL Community like people or just wants to stay home. They also as- Counseling Service sume it is an illness that can’t be cured. Doctors are Face-to-face counseling in English, Japanese and other languages by professional, qualified therapists on a flexible-fee basis. hesitant to diagnose and so parents are faced with the

03-3498-0231 stress of finding their own answers and resources for Tokyo English support. There is a clear need for awareness and the Life Line Pacific Learning Center in Tokyo hopes to answer this Free, anonymous telephone counseling call. Photos courtesy of the Pacific Learning Centre. 9 a.m.–11 p.m. 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year We hear of ‘awareness’ all the time. Environmental 03-5774-0992 awareness, community awareness, breast cancer aware- ness, self-awareness. Unlike ‘knowledge’ which is composed of facts, information and data, awareness is infinitely more intuitive. Awareness is not the kind of consciousness that pervades the mind with facts and figures; rather, it is an understanding perhaps on a more emotional level. Where ignorance is bliss, aware- ness can be blissful compassion. Several years ago, at the Pacific Autism Center in Hawaii, founder and president Laura Cook became aware of the needs of families dealing with autism in Japan. Cook, herself a parent of an autistic child, had opened the center there not to serve her own son, Quality of Education is always our first priority: but to utilize her experiences to offer autistic children small size class • low ratio of teachers and students and their families the highest quality ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) based services. There were a few Japanese families that moved across seas to get treat- Children overcome autism difficulties at the Pacific Learning Center. ment in Hawaii because there was nothing available back home. Cook had the notion that it would be come from the perspective of an autistic child’s par- easier for them to have a center based in Tokyo and ents; “some kids who started with no words and no thus opened the doors of Pacific Learning Center in kinds of human reactions can start talking and using the fall of 2006. words within months even…it’s amazing. The parents Awareness also brought Japanese native Kana who are originally coming to us saying ‘oh I wish my Kitsukawa back to Tokyo from New York this past kid could say mommy’ sometimes shift to ‘oh do you Call for free trial lesson! fall to take post as Program Supervisor at the Pacific think he could end up going to a prestigious school?’ Learning Center. In New York, Kitsukawa was a The expectations start to soar!” Clinical Supervisor at YAI/Lifestart, (National Institute The Pacific Learning Center also extends their PAL International Preschool & Kindergarten is an for People with Disabilities) and also worked with ABA services beyond children diagnosed with autism. Early Childhood Education specialist institution in the area intervention where she oversaw 60 patients and their Children with all Pervasive Developmental Disorders · · · · 3-8-18 Nishi Azabu FAX 03-5770-8167 teachers. There she was in contact with a Japanese (PDD) can benefit from their services. One of the Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031 [email protected] TEL 03-5770-8166 www.pal-school.com family support group and the lack of knowledge center’s major goals is to expand in Japan and they among members had her to wonder what it was like in hope to move into an area which is more accessible careful individual attention • high quality program efficient teachers • solid method of language arts Japan in general. Kitsukawa says she knew she “needed for Japanese families by summer’s end. Furthermore, to go back and do something like this.” Kitsukawa’s ambitions also include a training program under her own supervision “[Autism]...has increased...to an estimated for those interested in pur- suing a career in the field, 1 out of 150 children, leading some experts and spreading autism aware- ness. Her carefully selected to call it an “urgent global health crisis”” team of staff and instructors will aid in the process. We support bilingual education. Kitsukawa has always had a strong sense of what From all the way over in Hawaii, Laura Cook she was meant to do; “I graduated with a major in opened the Pacific Learning Center in Tokyo to reach We are accepting applications for the psychology and I wanted to work with kids with out to families here in Japan. Kana Kitsukawa has left Spring Term After School Program special needs.“ Along with her professional experi- half of her family behind in New York to become an and Summer Programs 2008 ence, she holds four master’s degrees related to the integral part of this mission. They have come together, English activities and Japanese immersion classes are available field, including Special Education, Speech Pathology, driven by certain awareness from their very own per- For registration and information, please visit Early Childhood Education, and Foreign Language sonal and professional experiences, to respond to the www.globalkidsacademy.com Education. specific and urgent needs of children with autism and Kitsukawa hopes to use her experience and knowl- their families around the world.

2-13-9 Moto-Azabu edge at the Pacific Learning Center to provide support Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046 and the appropriate services in intervention for chil- For those interested in the services of the Pacific Learning dren with autism. Kitsukawa explains that each child Tel: 03-5419-8277 Center or career options, call 03-5440-7441 E-mail: [email protected] is unique and has his or her own pace of responding Or see www.pacificlearningcenter.org to treatment. But the greatest success stories often 16 | Weekender—The career issue SCHOOL’S IN SCHOOL’S OUT

Kids Get Jobs Weekender’s 13-year-old reporter, Katherine Whatley, visits Kidzania.

alaport is a spacious three-storey mall with great Lshops including Gap, Aigle and Benetton. Located on the far corner of the third floor, Kidzania is a dream city for children. In this city the jobs are done entirely by children; you can be a member of the jury, a radio DJ, even a graphic designer and all in the space of one session which lasts five hours. Other jobs include fire fighter, nail artist, coke bottler or a pizza chef. And you know what’s even better? You get paid for work- ing in ‘kidzos’; the official currency of Kidzania. With ‘kidzos’ you can also buy things at the department store, ride the bus, and pay to get your hair done. Kidzania is accessible through the ‘Kidzania International Airport’ where anyone under the age of 16 gets a wristband and a traveler’s check of 50 kidzos. Photos courtosy of Katherine Whatley Construction workers, working around the clock. From then on, you become a citizen of Kidzania where you are able to do any of the 80 jobs in the stores and pavilions that line the streets of this kid-sized city. Many pavilions have waits up to one hour so keep in mind how much time each activity is going to take. Everything is two-thirds the size of the real world in Kidzania so it really is a kid-sized city. After you have done a few jobs and earned a bit of money, I suggest going to the Mizuho Bank complete with tellers and bankcards. It is here that you can get your own bankcard that you can use to withdraw kid- zos from the many ATMs scattered around this pint- sized city. Even after you leave Kidzania, if you keep your bankcard, whenever you go back to Kidzania you can start right where you left off. The bankcard remains valid until you turn 16 so many kids end up Mini chefs learning thier trade. with large bank accounts. I would say the prime age for this park is probably between four and twelve. Paddy Foley’s “You get paid for working, in ‘kidzos’; the offi- Some of the pavilions Tokyo’s First and Best have equipment that was Irish Pub! cial currency of Kidzania. With ‘kidzos’ you can a bit too small for a teen- ager like me. This does also buy things at the department store, ride the not mean that I did not have a lot of fun anyway Try our delicious new bus, and pay to get your hair done. ” so don’t let that discour- menu... age you from going. Kids under two cannot participate in any of the activities and kids under three cannot do the activities in most Smoked Salmon of the pavilions so it is probably not the best place for and the largest range of pre-schoolers. Irish whiskies in Tokyo. Though Kidzania isn’t the most exciting place for parents or older siblings, my mum had a lot of fun taking pictures of us doing activities. Also, if the adults want to take a rest from the high-energy feeling Calamari of the city, they can take advantage of the parents’ lounge where they can watch TV and use the internet. For the true Children are not allowed in the parents’ lounge so it Irish pub atmosphere, has a much more relaxed atmosphere. When I went, my sister was celebrating her 10th Steak Sandwich birthday with seven other energetic fourth graders. come to Paddy Foley’s. It was great for my mum because at a normal party A security guard drops by the JTB store at Kidzania. she would have had to supervise every kid and every Happy Hour: activity. But since Kidzania is a totally safe environ- Weekdays until 7pm ment, she could just kick back and relax for the most Weekends until 6pm part. Everyone really enjoyed Kidzania and I would Aussie Sirloin recommend this great place to anyone under the age of 16. Paddy Foley’s. Buffet Service from ¥3,500 - ¥6,000 per person.

For access: By car; About one kilometer away from Shuto Great Guinness Expressway Eda-gawa Ramp. By train; 5 minute walk T.G.I Friday’s from Station on the Yurakucho Line and the Yuri- Great Food kamome Line. McDonald’s Hamburger Inn Ages: 2–15 years. Cost: 2–3 years ¥1,575, 14–15 years PADDY FOLEY’S Great Customers Hard ¥3,150, 16+ ¥2,100. Rock Cafe Friendly Staff Kidzania, 2-4-9 Toyosu Urban Dock Lalaport Toyosu, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo. Tel: 03-3423-2250 For more information call 03-3536-2100. www.paddyfoleystokyo.com Website: www.kidzania.jp/about/e_index.html The kid size ‘black cat’ delivery van. Apr. 18 – May 01 2008 Vol. 39 No. 08 17 SPORTS

Show me the Money! Norman Munroe looks into the role of a sports agent

apanese athletes at the top of their game, especially Jin sports like baseball and football, can command huge fees for their services and several have made huge sums in transfer deals to clubs in the U.S. and Europe. Stars such as Ichiro Suzuki, Daisuke Matsu- zaka, and Shunskei Nakamura, owe their success not just to their talent but also to those who have negoti- ated their contracts. Among the more recent examples are Matsuzaka’s $50 million-plus 2006 deal with the Boston Red Sox, negotiated by well-known American sports agent Scott Boras, and Ichiro Suzuki’s 2001 sign- ing by the Seattle Mariners for $14 million. No doubt, International Tennis School he’s worth a lot more now. Football players, generally, tend to earn less than baseball players, even in the top European leagues. Nakamura, who plays for Scottish club, Celtic, was Winter Session KITS offers professional tennis instruction for all levels, signed for roughly £1.25 million, ($2.5 million) in taught in English by certified United States 2005. Many other Japanese athletes, among them Professional Tennis Association coaches * Saturday morning classes (beginner and intermediate) tennis players, golfers, and ice skaters, earn their liv- * Night classes in Roppongi ing performing mostly on overseas circuits. Most are Photos courtesy of SunnySide Up. TEL. 03-3325-0924 FAX: 03-3325-0924 Nakata, a sports marketing dream player. EMAIL: [email protected] URL: http://www.krissmantennis.com signed to management contracts with foreign sports agents, who handle their business arrangements. Agents are usually paid a percentage of their The business aspect of sports in Japan, in compari- client’s earnings, in Japan, generally around five per- son to other parts of the world, has taken a while to cent, which can amount to very little at the lower end really get going but as professional sport develops in of the scale, if an agent represents young, unknown Japan this aspect, too, is developing. talent. The business is a competitive one, where agents So, who is a sports agent? As Stuart Larman, a are hired to find the best deals for their clients. If he licensed Tokyo-based British sports agent, who deals can’t deliver, then he is replaced. Says Larman: “Say, largely with football players, puts it, the agent is a an athlete earns ¥10 million, then you will be getting trained, licensed professional whose job, basically, is ¥500,000 a year. That’s not much money. And it’s to represent his client. “There are two elements, really. a lot of work. You know, in Japan, people do things In football, as in many sports, the main job is to find properly. You have to really look after that player. Not [players] the best job within the sport. So, for example, just casually, you have to look after that player. If you help find a new club and then to negotiate the best represent a national team player you get 5 percent of contract.” The second element is to find commercial a very good salary. And if he goes overseas; with com- deals if the athlete is commercially valuable. mercial deals; you get more with commercial deals.” Naturally, all concerned “The business aspect of sports in Japan, in have to work very close- ly together, in the face of comparison to other parts of the world, what can often be competing demands for the athlete’s time. has taken a while to really get going.” There is regular, sometimes National Azabu’s Food Festa 2008 daily, contact between agent It’s that time of year again—time for you to come to Agents are licensed by the national governing body and athlete and agents usually have to be available to National Azabu Supermarket, for the sport in which they operate, such as the Japan their clients whenever necessary. However, although on Sunday April 27th at Den-enchofu and Tuesday April 29th at Hiroo Football Association, as well as by the sport’s interna- not in their stated job descriptions, agents sometimes for “Food Festa 2008” 10am–7pm. tional governing body, where applicable. Would-be also have to act as big brothers, or fill whichever need agents are required to study the regulations governing is called for in a pinch. They also have to help deal We will have wines from around the world, in addition to large paellas cooked by Benito-san. the sport, especially as they relate to transfers and with issues like intense media, and sometimes legal, Limited parking so please use public transportation! other kinds of transactions, and then sit some kind of scrutiny when their charges get in trouble. Former written exam, after which they are accredited. Iwate Jubilo midfielder Naoya Kikuchi’s arrest for rape FUN, FOOD & GAMES FOR ALL! Football’s world governing body, FIFA, on its web- and subsequent firing from his club and JFA suspen- site lists a mere 24 licensed agents working in Japan, sion last year is the kind of situation, for example, that based mainly in and around Tokyo, with a couple in agents dread having to deal with. Osaka. Japan is not a first tier football nation like, say, Sports management firms, like sports agents are, England or Italy, which boast listings of 321 and 456 these days, looking beyond the soccer field and the registered agents, respectively. baseball diamond. Public relations and sports man- Among those recognized as among the best agents agement firm Sunnyside Up, for instance, also repre- in Japan are Nobuaki Tanabe of Shibuya-based JEB sents champion swimmer Kosuke Kitajima, track star Entertainment, responsible for players like Junichi Dai Tamesue, tennis veteran Ai Sugiyama and golfers Inamoto, French-based midfielder Daisuke Matsui and Akiko Fukushima and Momoko Ueda. They have even the Swiss-based Koji Nakata. Other top local agents moved into ‘fringe’ sports like beach volleyball and include Yasushi Imatoki of Fullcast Sports Co. and bowling, as well as the staid traditional board game, Yusuke Ono of Athleteplus Ltd. shogi or Japanese chess. In many cases, the firm par- Sports representation in Japan has really come into ticipates in the athletes’ contract issues, in addition to its own, certainly in terms of football, since the 1993 the purely commercial ventures. formation of the J-League, which filled the same role The future for sports marketing therefore looks for football players that the baseball clubs did before bright. As local sports continue to move to a more pro- them, that is, putting the game on a professional fessional footing, as more athletes leave Japan to ply footing. Add to the mix Japan’s maiden voyage to their trade abroad, and also, in time, as local leagues the World Cup finals in France in 1998 where players develop and attract talent which is in its prime to like Hidetoshi Nakata were able to parade their talents work in Japan, the business side of sports will continue NATIONAL AZABU SUPERMARKET before a global audience, and the subsequent co-host- to become more and more sophisticated. The sports 4-5-2 MINAMIAZABU, MINATO-KU, TOKYO ing, with South Korea, of the 2002 finals, and the stage agent industry, as well as that of sports marketing, are was set for the local business to expand. both set to grow. 18 | Weekender—The career issue PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY

At the Kuwaiti National Day Reception

J o r d a n i a n Ambassador Popular poli- Samir Naouri tician Yuriko with Khalid Koike with and Fatima’s M o r o c c a n d a u g h t e r s Pakistani Commercial Secretary Rahman Ha- Ambassador Maha and mid, his wife Amira and Haiti Ambassador Abdelkador K1 Dana. Jean Claude Bordes. Lechehab.

Kuwaiti Second Secretary Mohammad Al-Mutairi, Fatima Jouhar, and US Ambassador Thomas Schieffer congratulates Kuwaiti Ambassador Kuwaiti First Secretary Khalid Al-Mutairi. Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaiba.

Algerian Ambassador Sid Ali Ketrandji, Ku- waiti Ambassador Abdul Rahman Al Otaiba, Michi Thomas, her son Ken, International and Malaysian Ambassador Datin Moham- Lamia Lecheheb, Maali Siam and Kyoko Spec- Clinics Eva Dia and Dr. Eugene Aksenoff. med Radzi. tor.

was in one of those ‘just gotta get away’ moods like The American chain Ruby Tuesday which is well Imost of us have. I’m sure you know what I mean. I known for “good simple healthy American food” recent- didn’t have all that much time, just four days, so hopped ly opened near Kings. They have one of the biggest and on the Continental’s Resort shuttle for their afternoon best salad bars I’ve ever seen. They also have a complete three-hour 20-minute flight to the laid back tropical is- menu of U.S. favorites, but I wasn’t too hungry so settled land of Guam. It was a good choice, and Guam, as al- for the salad bar (endless refills) and a big bowl of white ways for me, was sun, fun, nice people, good food, a few bean chicken chili. Talk about good and healthy—and cultural events, and of course, more shopping than I had cheap at ¥1,400. For good Tex-Mex food try Carmens’ planned on. or Marty’s. For great steaks and homemade corn bread, After a friendly island welcome from both immi- drop by Lone Star. gration and custom officials, I picked up my rent-a-car God knows, I don’t need anything, but it’s not easy (an upgrade to a Ford Taurus) at Hertz. It’s a 15-minute to break a lifelong habit, so as always, I did consider- drive to most of the major hotels. Near the airport I able shopping. Guam has the world’s biggest K-Mart passed the huge new Home Depot store. I visited there and it’s open 24 hours a day. They have everything and later, and the variety for home and garden is amazing. I ended up with a ¥2,000 AT&T telephone, a ¥1,800 I checked in the Hyatt Regency Guam, and appreciated answer phone, and some fun inexpensive summer fash- the new General Manager, Anthony Cain, and his staff ion. Vitamin World has shops in the two major malls; putting me in a corner room with a view of the hotel’s Micronesia and Premier Outlets. They have a complete awesome pool area and gardens as well as Tumon Bay. I line of vitamins and health supplements. Be sure and get did of course miss longtime friend Mustafa Issa who was your membership discount card. General Manager at the hotel for seven years. He’s at the If you’re American and know your social security Millennium Mayfair in London now. Japan’s real estate number, get the discount card at Macy’s department company, Ken Corporation recently bought the Hyatt, store in Micro Mall. This gives you a 20% discount on and is doing considerable renovation. all (including your first) purchases. You might want to Eating experiences are an important part of travel check out the fashion, souvenirs etc. at JPS store by the and here are a few of my favorite restaurants in Guam. T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant. They have every trendy brand The Old Town Chinese Restaurant on San Vitores Road I’ve ever heard of, but are really set up for the Japanese has had a facelift—it’s light, bright, and busy. I’ve eaten and frankly are pretty pricey. at some of the best Chinese restaurants in the world and We all go to Guam for the sun and fun, but you I can honestly say I have had some of the best at this should check out some of the cultural happenings as family run, no frills eatery. The menu features well over well. These are listed in the daily papers or the staff at 100 dishes. My favorites are the walnut shrimp, salt and Blockbuster Video, Bestseller Books, or your hotel can pepper fish, Mongolian chicken, shrimp egg foo young, let you know what’s going on. I saw I love Broadway—a and sautéed live lobster with ginger and green onion. high school production. With the marvelous ethnic mix Lobster’s the most expensive at ¥3,000. Other dishes run in Guam, there’s some really good talent on the island. from ¥400 to ¥1,000, and the portions are big enough Guam has a big Filipino population so there’s usually for three people. Our dinner for three cost ¥3,800, and a show featuring visiting Filipino celebs going on or there was food left over for my chamorro friends to have “coming soon.” Ukulele sensation Jake Shimabukaro boxed up and take home. was arriving a few days after I left to do a concert and For local color visit Guam’s most popular family workshops. I saw him perform in Hawaii in December. restaurant, Kings, in the Premier Outlets mall area. My He’s got to be the best at what he does. favorite there is the boneless catfish (some people con- I returned to Tokyo on Mar. 21 for a full schedule sider that poor folks’ food). They also serve great break- of all kinds of interesting events. These included Easter fasts at less than ¥1,000. Try the chamorro sausage. Sunday services at the Franciscan Chapel and dinner Apr. 18 – May 01 2008 Vol. 39 No. 08 19 t a

2008.5.3 s PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY Chidorigafuchi Park,Imperial Palace 千鳥が淵公園皇居周回コース Refugees International’s Art of Dining Super Success

The 9th Annual Tokyo English Life Line (TELL) Paula Barboza and Brazil Ambassador Andre Lydia (Dja Dja) Carriedo (Spain) with Princess XXX Charity Walk Amado with Princess Hitachi. Mrinanlini Singh (India) with Princess Hitachi. Hitachi. & Runathon 第9回東京英語いのちの電話 チャリティー・ウォーク＆ラン

Registration and Information お申込み＆詳細はこちら www.telljp.com

Norma Dziewezo Polski and Lady Anna Bova (Italy) and Etsuko Tai Carla Marotta de Martiz (Pana- Alexa Daerr (Germany) with XXX Toyoko Fry Director of Art of Din- Donati with Princess Hitachi. ma) with Princess Hitachi. Princess Hitachi. ing 2008.

Tokyo International School teachers Esther McDevitt and Des Hurst with Johnny Osman, Panama Ambassador Alfredo Martiz, Lydia XXX Rabi Zaria, and Riki Suzuki. RIJ President Jane Best and David Ellis Wallis. Gloversall and Chid Waller.

Aeromexico Flights Japan-Mexico, First Anniversary

Elvia Cantellano, her super daughter Martha, Martha’s super husband Mexican Ambassa- Anibal Uehara, Diet Member Rokuzaemon Mexican Minister Mercedes Ruiz Zapata with dor Miquel Ruiz Cabanas and Aeromexico’s Yoshida and Mexican Economic Counsellor Aeromexico Airlines (Hong Kong) Executives dynamic Area Manager Keiko Asano. Armando Arriga. Victor and Stephen Wong.

that evening at Inakaya with the Iretons and their difficult for South Americans to fly through the US to get friends, film producers Bill and Eve Gerber, here from home. From what I heard they had to get a visa even if Beverley Hills for ten days and showing their three they just had a stopover in L.A. This resulted, in addition daughters Japan. Two of the girls are equestrians, and I to a lot of bad feeling, Varing Airlines closing down their enjoyed taking the family to Riding Academy. operations there. Those smart execs at Aeromexico were My thanks to police friend Hiroshi Nagahama for arrang- fast to move in, and have pretty much been fully booked ing that. on their Tokyo–Tia Juana (border city near San Diego) to The beautiful, elegant and talented wife of the Mexico City. In addition to that, there are a lot of small Indian Ambassador, Mrinalini Singh, held a very success- factories in the Tia Juana area, so Aeromexico is doing ful exhibition titled My Garden of her paintings, and the well, not only on their passenger biz, but cargo as well. many Arab embassies joined together in hosting a glit- Our congratulations. tering first time Arab Day reception at the Palace Hotel. It was nice seeing Martha’s mother Elvia Cantellano YMCA Foreign Community Support Committee (FCSC) On Mar. 26 Bangladesh Ambassador Ashraf-ud-Doula, again. She’s a chic, sharp lady who has raised a very Supporting the YMCA’s Challenged Children Project (CCP) since 1987 his wife Jasmine and their staff, hosted an exotic evening special family. It was also nice meeting Maria Equiarte’s

7 Honshio-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0003 of Bangladesh culture and food on the occasion of their mother Mercedes Zavala, who was visiting here from Tel: 03-5367-6640, Fax: 03-5367-6641 national day at the Miyako Hotel. Mexico. A big congrats to Aeromexico, and as I always Url: www1.ymcajapan.org/english-fcsc Email: [email protected] Other major events on Tokyo’s busy major scene say, and sincerely feel, viva Mexico! included an exhibition Brazil Fashion Now focusing on As always, Refugees International Japan’s Annual Please Help us Make a Difference. young Brazilian designers, and, De Beers diamonds and (the 18th this year) Art of Dining charity exhibition at the Swarovski crystals (Austria) both hosted special evenings, Westin Tokyo Hotel was the huge success it well deserves and I’ll have more on those later. Over at the Hilton I to be. HIH Princess Hitachi was there at 10am to join in enjoyed meeting the teenage members of the Korean the ribbon cutting to officially open the exhibition. The pop band The Big Band. They were the top concert ticket/ 22 participants included ambassadors’ wives, Japanese CD sales in Korea last year, and were here on a concert artists, and other popular personalities. I wish I had space tour sponsored by Udo artists. here to show photos and give details of each table set- Aeromexico recently celebrated the first year anni- ting. They were all original with a variety of themes and versary of their Tokyo–Tia Juana–Mexico City flights. individual styles. Right after the ribbon cutting Princess The business on this route has been a super success, and Hitachi had the opportunity to check out the table set- the reception they held for the occasion at the Grand tings and talk with each of the exhibitors. The event was Hyatt was a truly festive atmosphere. Our Mexican open to the public. In a matter of minutes the venue friends are so good at that. room was wall to wall with people. It was nice seeing A few years ago, the U.S. government made it very former Tokyoite Lydia Gloversall there helping. She lives 20 | Weekender—The career issue PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY Segafredo Zanetti Espresso www.segafredo.jp www.segafredo.it

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Segafredo Hiroo Manager Hiroyuki Komatsu, Dino Dalle Carbonare and Mitsuko Moritake Noted Chef Andrea Cozzolino and his son XXX and their best friends Yoda and Booska. Alessandro. Daniele Yoshikoshi and Francoise Morechand. Go for it! In and Around

Actor Shinasuke Abe (in tie and glasses) cel- Filipino friends Tan Hilario and Danilo Tic- Renown Hotelier Mustafa Issa—he’s now at XXX Yen loans, at a highly ebrates his birthday with fun friends. zon—they work at the Thai Embassy. London’s Mayfair Hotel. competitive W.W.E. Members Party at the New Lex. interest rate. Ask us about your pre-approval.

Top percussion drummer (Blast) Naoki New Lex Manager Takahide Masuda and W.W.E.’s Mike Know, Candice Michele and Ishikawa and W.W.E.’s Mike Knox. W.W.E.’s Brian Kendrick. friend. Build your financial security through investment property purchases in Australia, NZ or the UK by calling “Mr. Real Estate,”Jarrod O’Bree, on 03-3241-8923 or email to Wrestler Chris Jericho gives a wrestler’s mask to Friday magazine Editor-in-Chief Hisayuki [email protected] XXX Semba. Wrestler Chris Jericho with Bill Hersey. Wrestlers Beth Felix and Randy Orton. in London now and is very active with the charity orga- but fond memories of my travel experiences there. The nization Rescue Committees. In talking with Mrinanlili Kuwaiti people I know have always been good friends, Singh, wife of the Indian ambassador, I learned that she and the epitome of legendary Arab hospitality. My sin- For more information visit us at and the Ambassador were going to Okinawa the next cerest congratulations on their national day. day for a presentation to celebrate the Indian govern- I’m not all that much into pro-wrestling, but do www.nabasia.com/tokyo ment giving two baby elephants to the zoo there. I wish know that World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is I had the space that the Art of Dining deserves. It was a enjoying big popularity both in the U.S. and here in super event for a truly worthwhile cause. My congratula- Japan. When they were here a few months ago I was tions to the event’s chairperson Lady (Toyoko) Fry and told by their promoters in Japan, all the matches were the many people who put so much time and creative sold out. energy into this worthwhile project. Thanks to a good friend who “loves wrestling” I was The only downer that day was Toyoko’s verification able to set up a party at the New Lex for about 20 of the that she and her husband, British Ambassador Graham guys and girls here with WWE. I suppose when they Fry, will be leaving Japan this summer. This popular fight and with their costumes, make-up, etc., they look couple who are very busy with the UK year in Japan, more ferocious but I was surprised how good-looking have done so much for both of their countries during most of them who came out to party were. One of the their four years here. girls had already appeared on the cover of Playboy, and a On Feb. 21 Kuwaiti Ambassador Abdul Rahman couple of the guys looked like Matinee Idols. They were Al-Otabi and his staff hosted a glittering reception at all nice, loved to party, had fun and made no problems the Imperial Hotel to celebrate the national day of the whatever. It was a real privilege getting to know these nab. a little word. for a big life. state of Kuwait. It was a great evening with interest- people and I hope they get back to Japan soon. ing people, an excellent buffet of Arabic, Western, and Golden Week is coming up soon, and as always Japanese food, and a warm, laid back ambiance. The flights to the popular tourist destinations, and hotels huge venue was tastefully decorated with gold-framed at those destinations, are heavily booked. If you have photos of Kuwait’s ruling family, floral congratulatory already made travel plans then have a wonderful holi- arrangements from many Japanese companies and VIPs, day. If you’re staying in Japan, there’s a full schedule of All loans are subject to National Australia Bank Limited's lending criteria.Terms and Conditions apply and are available on application.In some cases, pre-approval prior and a huge illuminated ice covering of Kuwait Towers. cultural, sports and entertainment events. Check these to your departure may not be possible.Adverse exchange rate movements may As always at any Arab event, many of the guests wore out in the daily newspapers. There’s a wonderful and result in capital losses.We recommend investors obtain financial advice specific to their situation before making any financial investment decision.National Australia national costumes and there were a lot of beautiful chil- really worthwhile international music festival at the Bank Limited, a company incorporated with limited liability in Australia. dren. That really makes for a festive atmosphere. Tokyo International Forum. I spent considerable time © 2007 National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12 004 044 937 AFSL 230686 (09/07) I’ve visited Kuwait four times, and have nothing there last year, and enjoyed every minute of it. Apr. 18 – May 01 2008 Vol. 39 No. 08 21 22 | Weekender—The career issue Weekender—Thecareer

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Apr. 18 – May 01 2008 Vol. 39 No. 08 23