コミュニティー ライフスタイル ビジネス エンターテイメント VOL. 04 NO. 12 FREE JUN. 15 – JUL. 05 2007

ESTABLISHED 1970 BY CORKY ALEXANDER

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY AND CANADA DAY! ©www.istockphoto.com/Lyle Gregg ©www.istockphoto.com/Lyle

ALSO ONLINE AT WWW.WEEKENDERJAPAN.COM Nevins’ answer: T ___ F _X_

Are you aware of the truth and myths regarding human resources in Japan? Try your hand at TMT's Japan True or False Test.

True or False Questions on Human Resource/Personnel Issues True or False – Installment #14 (May 18, 2007) (a continuing series as excerpted from the book)

43. It is possible to dehire someone quickly and at a reasonable cost, and never have to terminate or fire them. Executive Search

Your reaction: T F 40. The Labor Standards Office can make employers hire back someone who is terminated. Personnel Policy Consulting Your reaction: T F __ 44. In termination litigation cases if you do and say things right, (or use a lawyer who is honest and has common sense), the judge welcomes and supports your offer to allow the person to stay at a much lower pay level. Rules of Employment — Set-ups and Your reaction: T F Adjustments/Staff Reduction and Cost Saving Nevinsʼ answer: T ___ F _X_

45. The above #44 situation allows the judge to win a settlement for you at a reasonable severance cost. Programs/Problem Employee No. The LSO can only really make sure an employer follows guidelines set in the statutes or the Solutions/Compensation and Benefits Design Your reaction: T F companyʼs Rules of Employment (ROE). and Change/Union and Staff Relations The first couple of lines of Nevins’ answer are below. Continuing explanation is in the book. Nevinsʼ answer: T ___ F _X_ 43. Nevins’ answer: T F We know this is true, unless you have skipped the previous questions and answers. So much of this book’s content and even this true and false format Japan True or False is about how TMT has to help clients get people to sign a separation letter and leave, without terminating per se these unfortunate people. Some By Thomas J. Nevins, Founder/CEO, TMT Inc. attorneys might sniff, and call this ‘constructive dismissal’. Yes, if it works and gets results with no backlash, and no deep psychological scars or feelings of bitterness, it is very ‘constructive’! If not done properly, however, it is very destructive, and a risky and extremely difficult and unpleasant business. 41. If you fire an older person you could easily have a problem with an age discrimination suit in Japan. 44. Nevins’ answer: T F This has always been true, based on everything Tom Nevins has been involved with. His work almost never goes to court. More of the cases were Your reaction: T F __ already on stream and in court before he got involved. It is uncommon to find a judge who feels he is in a position to take a clear and decisive position. Usually it is an excruciatingly slow, indecisive process. The fulcrum of settlement, as opposed to a HANKETSU/decision, usually goes in favor of the more committed party—the party the judge knows won’t compromise and settle for anything less.

45. Nevins’ answer: T F Nevinsʼ answer: T F X This is true – but only in a comparative and unsettling sense. Unfortunately the results either the employer or employee can expect are all over the It is basically false, and it is surprising that Japan is so far behind the global standard on this. map, and depend on many factors. These include the personalities, and temperaments of all parties involved, including the judge. They depend ¥20,000, US$200, 180; which party is seen by the judge to be willing to compromise and settle, and in fact who does want to back off and settle. Of course, the merits and 2004, soft cover, 620p They have gradually been doing more with sex discrimination and equality. They are beginning to the circumstances of the case, the strength of the case of a given party, and perhaps hardship, company size, and ability to pay may have something to do with it. targeted at businesses, give guidance against age discrimination at point of hire, however, they continue to overwhelm- key points in Japanese How did you do? ingly pay people, and carry out staff reductions based on age. For further details and how to order books, please visit: www.tmt-aba.com TMT Inc. Ichiban-cho K.K. Bldg., 13-8 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, 102-0082 Tel. 03-3261-6471 Fax: 03-3221-0601 Email: [email protected] 42. If someoneʼs contract says they are paid at a certain level, the employer must continue to pay at that level. Your reaction: T F __

Nevins answer: T F X Unfortunately we have to say false, and that is because it is so difficult to fire people in this coun- try. It might make more sense to be able to de-hire someone rather than reduce their pay, but if a person is fighting the termination, unfortunately you are better off thinking pay reduction com- bined with a safety net severance package. Of course, contracts are contracts, and they should be honored as much as possible. THINGS TO DO VOL.04 NO.12 FREE JUN. 15 – JUL. 05 2007

04 Feature: Celebrating North America’s National Days Saturday, Jun 16 Saturday, Jun 23 Saturday, Jun 30 Things to do in Tokyo for Independence and Canada Day Last day to enjoy the Sanno Matsuri Attend the Orchestra Italiana Na- Hula to aloha at the 06 Movie Plus and Review parade, one of the top three festivals poletana, conducted by Sandro Prince Hotel’s Hawaii Night. This The Pirates are in town in Japan. Hie Shrine, Nagatacho. Tel. Cuturello at the Green Hall, Tokyo. elegant Discover Aloha event starts 07 Music 03-3581-2471. www.hiejinja.net ¥5,500. Tel. 03-3943-9999. at 6:30pm. Tel. 045-770-6115. American music in Tokyo www.lanicreates.com 08 Fine Dining: The American Taste New Yorks hot spot: per se and Tokyo Midtown hot dogs 09 Travel: New Foundland Sunday, Jun 17 Sunday, Jun 24 Sunday, Jul 1 Exploring Canada in a two door coupe Support Amnesty International at Enjoy contemporary art at Chung Scour for a hidden treasure at the 10 Investments the International Rock for Human Tai Fu’s Dreams and Visions ex- Oedo Antique Fair Japan’s largest Make your US tax filing system easier Rights benefit concert. At What the hibit today at the Asian Collection. antique fair. 8am–4:30pm. Tokyo 11 America’s Chambers Dickens, ¥1000, tel. 03-3780-2099 www.theasiancollection.com International Forum. Tel. 03-5805- The CCCJ and ACCJ www.aig78.org 1093. www.antique-market.jp 12 School’s In A decade of PAL International School 13 School’s Out Monday, Jun 18 Monday, Jun 25 Monday, Jul 2 American Club Idol 2 Grove with 70’s disco legend Nile Take in 100 Views of Shuji Wako’s Get your dancing shoes on for the 14 Sports Rodgers and Chic at Blue Note To- woodblock prints at the Tolman Best of Tango at Tokyo Kokusai Fo- Where to watch and play North American sports in Tokyo kyo, Aoyama. ¥8,400. Collection, June 9–30. Tel. 03-3434- rum. Worldwide performers and La- Tel. 03-5485-0088. 1300, www.tolmantokyo.com. tino glamour, ¥5,000–¥6,000. 15 Partyline Tel. 03-3943-9999. Australian Airlines, Brunei, Estonian and Irish celebrations 17 Tokyo Flashback Gwen Stefani 18 Crossword Tuesday, Jun 19 Tuesday, Jun 26 Tuesday, Jul 3 ••• Experience Taarab! The Music of Explore the hidden mental states Bop with the harmonizing vocals of Zanziba. A rare chance to see music behind Marlene Dumas’ paintings the The Platters, a doo wop group his issue of Weekender celebrates two impor- from Tanzania at C.C. Lemon Hall, at her exhibition, Broken White. from LA. ¥7,350. Club, tant holidays for North American expats— T . Tel. 03-3463-3022. www.mot-art-museum.jp Marunouchi. Tel. 03-3215-1555. Canada Day on July 1, with Independence Day following close behind on July 4. In this issue, we discuss all things US and Canada—find out how to celebrate about town in our feature, note the International-school talent competing to be Wednesday, Jun 20 Wednesday, Jun 27 Wednesday, Jul 4 the next TAC Idol, learn how to make your US Jump into a night at the theater for a Find out the latest from Tokyo’s Get your cultural fix with a tax filing easier, and read about a restaurant so Korean blend of comedy and martial design and architectural world. shamisen performance by Takeha- posh that confirmed reservations have even arts at ’s Theater Apple. 03- ¥1,000, Pecha Kucha, SuperDeluxe, ru Kunimoto, ¥5,000. Parco Gekijo, found their way into one New Yorker’s will! 3234-9999 Tel. 03-5412-0515. Shibuya. Tel. 03-3477-5858. Even if, like me, you aren’t from North America, www.super-deluxe.com I hope this issue is fun and entertaining—just like these summer time holidays should be! Thursday, Jun 21 Thursday, Jun 28 Thursday, Jul 5 Helen Bottomley, Laugh at Les Ballets Trockadero de Marshal art madness kicks off at the See The Iceman Cometh, this Broad- Managing Editor Monte Carlo, award winning come- opening night of the K-1 World Max way hit comes to the New National ••• dic ballet performance, at various 2007 from 6pm. , Theatre, Tokyo, June 18–July 8. Tel. FOUNDED IN 1970 BY DIVERSIONS EDITOR venues, Jun. 8–Aug. 1, Tokyo. Tel. 03-3498-9999. 03-5352-9999. MILLARD H. “CORKY” Owen Schaefer Tel. 03-3409-8205. www.k-1.co.jp ALEXANDER DESIGN and LAYOUT PUBLISHER Karin Ling Caroline Pover DISTRIBUTION MANAGER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Stephen Young Rajiv Trehan ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Friday, Jun 22 Friday, Jun 29 Friday, Jul 6 MANAGING EDITOR Kieron Cashell Helen Bottomley CONTRIBUTORS Reminisce with the father of mod- Hear David Benoit’s contemporary Head down to What The Dickens EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Mads Hanson, Phil Gibb, David ern photojournalism, Retrospective piano jazz at the Cotton Club, Maru- for a refreshing beer and to pick Danielle Tate-Stratton, Royer, Kyle McKillop, Vivian Marie Teather Giang, Mina Takahashi, Peter de Henri Cartier-Bresson, Museum nouchi. Tel. 03-3215-1555. up the latest copy of the Weekender TRAVEL & SOCIETY EDITOR Rolfs, Victoria Hall, Tim Fletcher, of Modern Art Tokyo. Tel. 03-5777- out today. Bill Hersey Shane Thompson 8600. www.momat.go.jp FINE DINING EDITOR Christine Cunanan-Miki

Answers from Crossword #5 (Weekender Jun 1) 1 14 15 11 23 16 I N S U R A N C E Y O G A People in Grass Houses…, by Owen Schaefer

N M L A P 12 13 17 tea-house tree-house and a building covered in liv- Fujimori’s works created a stir at the Venice Bien- D R U G D I N S E C T P ing dandelions—these are some of the most famous nale, where he took charge of the Japanese pavilion. 9 A I P A I N E O 24 20 images from architect Terunobu Fujimori. Recreated for Tokyo’s Opera City Gallery G O A L I K D I will be his Theatre Dome—a dome-shaped 2 18 19 25 Fujimori’s passions largely lie in the his- E P R E S C R I P T I O N tory of architecture, and the works that we structure of rope and bamboo—along with 26 S L I C E P I A T see here, while in no way purporting to be Fujimori’s city model entitled “Tokyo Plan 21 T A I C O A L E G M historical reconstructions, are designed to re- 2107,” a plan for the rebuilding of Tokyo 4 5 I D O C T O R K N E E call the simplest of buildings. They bring to after the current city has been sunk be- 27 O S C A R S M O N mind thatched cottages, and cliff-side cave neath the ocean due to melting polar ice 6 N D E A R S T dwellings. In an age of materials which allow caps. New works will also be on display. 3 28 22 29 Tokyo Plan 2101,2002 H O S P I T A L I H architects to realize nearly any possible sur- Architecture of Terunobu Fujimori Collection of kagoshima 8 30 T O E I I B A L S A M face quality, Fujimori designs buildings that Public Access Center and ROJO (to Jul. 1) Tokyo Opera City Art photo:Akihisa Masuda 31 O A R I O L one can see the cracks in, buildings that feel Gallery. Hatsudai Station. ¥1,000. 11am- 10 7 7pm (to 8pm on Fri. and Sat., Closed Monday). M E D I C I N E W I S D O M built and yet still push the limits of their materials. The open spaces feel more human and organic. Tel. 03-5353-0756. www.operacity.jp FEATURE

Celebrate North America’s National Days! Weekender’s rundown on the best ways to celebrate Canada Day and Independence Day. By Danielle Tate-Stratton

s summer comes flying towards us, so too come store, visiting the pottery studio, playing on one of sev- Aholidays—for North Americans, the first and en soccer fields, visiting the onsen, and more. For the Supporting non-Japanese fourth of July are important holidays—Canada Day shoppers in your family, plan a side trip to nearby Go- job-seekers in Japan for those above the border, and Independence Day temba Premium Outlets (http://tinyurl.com/3acc2r), for those residing below the 49th parallel. Living which has over 160 stores. abroad while the rest of your country is celebrat- The Canada Day event is open to anyone with an ing its nationhood can be tough, but luckily, here in interest in Canada, so you don’t have to be Canadian Tokyo there is plenty to keep the most patriotic of to join, although members of either the TCC or the expats occupied, while giving anyone interested in CCCJ receive ¥1,000 off the regular price of ¥5,000. North America a chance to get in on the party! Our For anyone interested, as long as you speak one feature this issue is divided into two broad catego- of Canada’s two official languages in some capacity, ries—parties put on by others, and ways for you to you are welcome to join the TCC, thereby making you embrace that most American spirit of doing-it-your- eligible for the event’s discount, and ensuring that self, and celebrate with friends and family. you don’t miss out on other Canada-themed events throughout the year. Should Living abroad while the rest of your country you be tempted to stay at Careers in: the resort over night, there Translation Proofreading Media is celebrating its nationhood can be tough, is accommodation avail- Finance PR IT HR etc. able, ranging from shared but luckily, here in Tokyo there is plenty to two-bedroom condomini- keep the most patriotic of expats occupied ums perfect for groups to business-style hotels and Out and About two-bedroom cottages, all priced reasonably. Canada Day For more information about the resort or to re- For more details and registration: www.tempuniversal.co.jp For the Little Ones serve your family’s space at the party, visit www. Tel: 03-3519-6051 Head to the Canadian Embassy in Akasaka for Sto- gotembakogenresort.jp, email Sales and Marketing ries About Canada Day, a free reading for children Director Bennett Galloway at [email protected], or ages three to twelve, taking place in the Embassy’s E. tel. 090-8475-4512. H. Norman Library. The event will take place from Be sure to keep an eye on the TCC website, www. 4:30pm–¬5:30pm on Tuesday, June 26, and is limited tokyocanadianclub.com, for information about up to fifty participants (children must be accompanied coming Canada-related events in and around Tokyo, by an adult). In a nod to Canada’s two official lan- including an informal get together around July 1. guages (English and French), the event will simulta- neously occur in both French and English, making Fourth of July this a great way to perhaps introduce your children Community Independence Day Celebration to a new language. Reservations are required (and will at the US Embassy close when the maximum number of participants has America’s Independence Day, celebrating the United been reached). In order to reserve, fax: 03-5412-6287 State’s declaration of independence from Britain in or email: [email protected]. 1776, is traditionally cause for numerous BBQs, fire- works, and outdoor parties back in the States. The Em- Day-trip to Gotemba bassy here in Tokyo is planning to celebrate the big day For what promises to be one great party, pack up the a little bit early, with a public party that will occur on family and head out to the Gotemba Kogen Resort, lo- Saturday, June 23 (rain or shine), from 11am–5:30pm. cated just a couple of hours away from Tokyo by train. The event costs just ¥1,000, and is free for little ones Madison Park Cafe, serving you authentic, health conscious gourmet fast food The event, run by the Tokyo Canadian Club (TCC), five and under. Traditional BBQ foods such as ham- Tokyo Midtown and Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCCJ), is cen- burgers will be for sale, while drinks, popcorn, and Plaza B1F, E-B101-1, 9-7-3, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 tered around a three-hour BBQ with all you can drink snow cones are included in the entrance fee. Tel: 03-5413-3065 E-mail: [email protected] microbrew beer as well. The onsite microbrewery al- Other events include performances by the US Army www.mpc-hotdog.com ways has five types of beer on hand, and their brew Band, various rock bands, and taiko drumming, as well process makes use of fresh water from nearby Mt. Fuji. as a parade, magicians, carnival games, and even a Big Jim Lewis, who will be playing a variety of Eastern dunk tank! Please note that anyone over 15 will need Seaboard-style folk tunes, will provide musical enter- photo ID to enter the event, which is being held at the tainment for the buffet. US Embassy Housing Compound in the Roppongi area Beyond this event, there is a lot to do at the resort, of Minato-ku. For event details, phone the hotline at including shopping in the tezukuri-kobo or handmade 03-3224-5501.

Licensed, E/J speaking therapist focused on loosening tension and increasing energy flow!

[email protected] · tel: (03)-5701-3727 www.energyroom.net Cottages at the Gotemba Kogen Resort Celebrate Independance Day at the US Embassy

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www.JapanHomeSearch.com ©www.istockphoto.com/Ruslan Gilmanshin ©www.istockphoto.com/Ruslan

For a great full-day event, head to Kasai Rinkai Park in Edogawa (near Disneyland), where you can rent a grill area for four hours (rental utensils are also avail- able). This is one of the most convenient BBQ park areas around, as you can buy packages of ingredients for ¥2,500−¥3,000 per person. To make a reservation or for more information, tel. 03-5667-1631 (in Japanese). Your home search starts and finishes here! Once you’ve had your fill of BBQ food, make use of Search for your dream home on our comprehensive the other park facilities, which include the tallest ferris online database wheel in Japan (117m) and the Kasai Rinkai Aquarium, Hundreds of oor plans famous for its gigantic tunas, hammer head sharks, and photos available online and collection of fishes from all seven seas. For more Contact us for an park information visit http://tinyurl.com/2cbdxs. accompanied tour today

www.JapanHomeSearch.com Fireworks TY Harbor Japan is a nation of fireworks-lovers, especially dur- For a slightly more formal way to celebrate, head to TY ing the summer. Compared to the US and Canada, Harbor’s annual outdoor BBQ and celebration. TY Har- it’s much easier to buy fireworks for personal use, and bor’s location on Tennozu Island means that sitting out you can pick them up at your local convenience store by the water you can feel as if you are out of the city, for under ¥500 each. However, if you’re looking to put without having to travel too far at all. The BBQ will fea- on a neighborhood-sized display, it would be worth ture grilled chicken, steak, chiliburgers, salads and more, your while to visit the fireworks district between Asa- plus cool soft drinks and California wines to wash down kusabashi and Kuramae, where you can chose from the afternoon fare. Live entertainment will be provided 700 types of toy fireworks! The small hand-held size by funk band The Conductors, and holiday fireworks fireworks are legal to purchase here in Japan, and are will be set off by Captain Terrada just after dusk. The known as ganguhanabi. For a map and store-guide for popular event takes no reservations, so come early to places to purchase fireworks in the area, visit http:// ensure you and your family find seats! The event is from japan-fireworks.com/tonya/storeguide.html. 2pm–8pm on Sunday, July 1, and costs ¥4,500 for men, Remember that although they are classified as toys ¥3,500 for women, and ¥1,500 for children. The en- here in Japan, fireworks can still be very dangerous if trance cost includes all you can eat, three drinks, and all mishandled! The National Safety Council in America cau- of the great entertainment. For more information about tions families away from using home fireworks at all, but the restaurant, visit www.tyharborbrewing.co.jp. should you decide to do as the Tokyoites do, here are some

of their suggestions for making sure you have a safe and Face-to-face counseling in English, Japanese and other languages by Do It Yourself colorful holiday. They suggest always lighting fireworks professional, qualified therapists on a flexible-fee basis. Catered BBQ outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses 03-3498-0231 Many of us have hosted backyard barbeques at home, and flammable materials, lighting one device at a time, but here in Tokyo, where many of us don’t have back- maintaining a safe distance after lighting the devices, and yards, it can be logistically difficult to have your friends remind you to be sure to have a water bucket on hand to around—there are only so many people you can put in douse any ‘dud’ fireworks, or used sparklers, which can your 1DK, and so many burgers that you can grill on reach temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees. For more safety a tiny apartment-sized Hibachi! Luckily, and perhaps recommendations, visit http://tinyurl.com/yve5vg. unsurprisingly, the Japanese have come up with a great Free, anonymous telephone counseling solution to this dilemma—public parks where you can Between the official events and the parties you can 9 a.m.-11 p.m. 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year go and rent a grill and in some cases, even purchase throw yourself (and not have to shop for!) there are 03-5774-0992 your food for the afternoon—host a party at a public plenty of ways to celebrate Canada Day and the Fourth park, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning the of July, or simply enjoy a great summer kick-off! house before your guests arrive! Remember to party safely, and have fun! Jun. 15 – Jul. 05 | Vol. 04 No. 12 |  QUOZ MOVIE PLUS WITH BILL HERSEY ovie lovers, which most of us are, should be in Buena Vista International’s Publicity Director Teri Mall their element with a wide variety of block- Ritzer-Meyer. I worked with Teri for several years MOVERS busters playing on the local theater circuit. when she was editor of the Hollywood Reporter. The First, Sony Pictures Entertainment held the world Pirates press conference was standing room only at premiere of Spiderman 3 at Roppongi Hills—the the Park Hyatt Hotel. In addition to the local press, Moving in Tokyo? film, as expected, is a real box office winner. This there were large delegations of media from Taiwan was followed by Buena Vista International Japan’s and , as well as what looked to be a lot of For home relocation or sayonara sale press conference, premiere, and release of Pirates of Depp and Bloom fans. delivery, call Steve at the Carribean: At World’s End. For the promotion, Johnny felt playing Captain Jack was one of the Buena Vista brought in actors Johnny Depp, Orlan- biggest and best experiences he has ever had—“re- 090-3801-8083 or 03-5932-7777. do Bloom, Bill Nighy, Chow Yun Fat, and Geoffrey ally fun”. He said “Captain Jack will always be with Rush, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Director Gore me, and although this is the last film in the trilogy, We can provide safe delivery of your Verbinski. Other friends here for the many events I’m sure I can play pirate from time to time at home included Jerry’s wife, author Linda Bruckheimer and with my kids.” belongings for reasonable rates. The director said Keith Richards Disposal service of unwanted furniture (Rolling Stones) was great, but not and appliances also available. easy to work with.” You’d set up for a frame, but he never stayed where you put him. He’d just wander off, Email: [email protected] pick up something, and sniff it.” Or- Website: www.Quoz .biz lando, who started the series when he was 20 and is almost 30, said, “I feel like I’ve been a pirate all my life.” The producer, Jerry Bruckhe- imer, said: “it’s all been great, but this ends the trilogy. We’re all re- ally exhausted and really do need some time off.”

The talented guys who brought you the Pirates of the Carribean series. By now Warner Bros. has opened the highly-acclaimed box office hit 300, and we’ll have a rundown on the big promotion they did here in the next column. Warner Bros. has a busy summer. Daniel Radcliffe will be here soon for the Japan premiere of Harry Potter: Or- der of the Phoenix. The world premiere will be held in London a few days lat- er. Warner Bros. will do another big promo for their sure-winner Oceans 13. We, of course will cover all the Aston Martin Akasaka related happenings. 4-9-25 Akasaka, Minato-ku 107-0052 As they (and I) so often say, Tokyo, Japan Suyoshi Iihara and his wife with Warner Bros.’ Bill Ireton and his wife Charo. movies are better than ever. Tel: +81 (0)3 5411 2332 www.astonmartin-akasaka.com Shintoyo Enterprises Ltd. Established in 1957

Jaguar Yokohama/Shonan MOVIE REVIEW 144 Nanashima-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi 221-0061, Kanagawa, Japan Tel: +81 (0)45 433 2131 Pirates of the Caribbean—At World’s End. By Mads Hanson www.jaguar-yokohama.com loved the first two episodes of the Pirates of the Car- the keeper of the Pirate Code. This is very fitting given I ibbean trilogy—they have great characters, a good that Johnny Depp attributes Richards as his inspiration star-packed cast, and a seemingly unlimited budget— when playing Jack Sparrow. all the right ingredients for a fantastic movie tailored In parts it appears that the movie is trying to to fans of the action/adventure/fantasy genre. achieve too much on too thin a storyline. It seems For the viewers, expectations were incredibly high that there are too many “big” roles featured in a story for this, the third and final episode of the trilogy. And that doesn’t give them all enough room to bloom. while Johnny Depp is still great as the quirky pirate However, if you have seen and enjoyed the first two Jack Sparrow, the lead in this episode is definitely Eliza- movies, you should wait for one of the rainy days beth Swann (Keira Knightley) who appears to be the about to be upon us, buy your ticket, a cool drink, central figure in At World’s End. She puts in a decent and a large box of popcorn and go see the end of performance—and looks stunning as always—but she the trilogy, or is it a new beginning? is not Johnny Depp at his best. At World’s End gets off to a good suspense-filled and action-packed start, as we are introduced to Pirate Lord Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat) in Singapore. What follows is long segments of dialogue, weird dream scenarios, and lots of build up, but the movie is held together with amazing special effects-enhanced action scenes—be they few and far between! All the characters from the first two movies still have you laughing this time around. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) are reunited on the Black Pearl, and Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards makes an appearance as Captain Teague, International Vista Buena of Courtesy  | The Weekender MUSIC What the Dickens I Hate Kate. By David Royer British Pub This month, I Hate Kate, an band from Huntington Beach, California, will rock in Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo. Founded in November, 2004 by former guitarist/vocalist Justin Mauriello, I Live Music Nightly Hate Kate’s sound, he says, is influenced by “80’s mu- 3 Stages from 8:30–midnight — Rock, Pop and Jazz sic, and a bit of The Cure, with some punk in it, some Jam Session 2nd Tuesday of Every Month rock in it, and some pop!” When questioned on his All Welcome reasons for starting another band while being in a suc- cessful band like Zebrahead, Mauriello explains, “Play- Happy Hours ing with other people gives you a chance to try new Tue–Sat from 5 to 7pm. things. When you are in a band for so long it’s like Pints ¥700, Cocktails/Wine ¥500 being married to the same person for a long time. And, don’t forget Zebrahead is a big band in Japan, but in the Dickens! AMBER ALE, Nest Beer White Ale US or anywhere else, Zebrahead is not so big. A lot of Find out more and listen to tracks at www.myspace. and Bass Pale Ale - All on Tap people in Japan were wondering why I’d want to leave com/11040954 and if you like what you hear, then such a big band. Sure, it was cool to be a rock-star for a you can see them live on the following dates: few weeks and play in front of 10,000 people in Japan, but we’d go back to the States and play in front of 50 Osaka: Jun. 18−Club Quattro For Maps and Live Music Info; please visit people, you know?” Here’s hoping that I Hate Kate will Nagoya: Jun 19−Club Quattro www.whatthedickens.jp or Call 03-3780-2099 be as well received as Zebrahead by the Japanese fans. Tokyo: Jun 21−Liquid Room

Roob 6 Building 4th Floor, 1-13-3 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-Ku Music Listings Need to get your Western music fix— check out these American and Canadian acts to see live in Tokyo:

June 14–19 June 21 Cotton Club, Marunouchi. from New York musician, Nile Rodgers, New Yorker Christina Aguil- ¥9,450 Tel. 03-3215-1555. and Chic—the band he co-found- era performs her Back to Basics www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp. ed, play the Blue Note Tokyo. Tour live at the Budokan. 7pm. www.midnightstarband.com/ ¥8,400. Tel. 03-5485-0088. ¥8,400−¥9,500 Tel. 03-3402-5999. news www.bluenote.co.jp www.udo.co.jp www.nilerodgers.com www.christinaaguilera.com July 2–6 New York jazz vocalist Jane Mon- June 17 June 23 heit at the Blue Note Tokyo. Rock for Human Rights Amnesty Soul-influenced rockers from ¥8,400. Tel. 03-5485-0088. International Benefit concert LA, Maroon 5 perform at Zepp www.bluenote.co.jp Express Yourself Featuring rock ‘n’ roll band Two Tokyo, but will they be singing www.janemonheitmusic.com Tone Deluxe and Japan-based songs about Jane? 5pm. ¥7,500~ Through Salsa!!! New York jazz singer Lenne Hardt. Tel. 03-3402-5999. July 7–8 ¥1,000, What the Dickens, Ebisu. www.udo.co.jp The Manhattan Transfer explore 7:30pm. www.aig78.org www.maroon5.com the traditional and progressive Lesson in english sides of jazz, as well as various every Sunday June 23–26 shades of Latin, world, and pop June 20–23 Founded by the Calloway broth- music. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. 15:30 – 16:45 The Manhattan Jazz Quintet at ers and Belinda Lipscomb at the Tel. 03-3409-3345. the Blue Note Tokyo. ¥8,400. Tel. Kentucky State University in www.bunkamura.co.jp/english/ ideal for beginnersۺ 03-5485-0088. 1976, Midnight Star will perform orchard < Instructor: Erick < Shibuya Tameikeۺ www.bluenote.co.jp 80s electro funk and ballads at the www.manhattantransfer.org Roppongi ‘St

Almond Gaienhigashi ‘St Ќ ROPPONGI Crossing @ Dance Studio Casino 4F Don’t miss this week... Starbucks Coffee Iikura www.studio-casino.com Macdonald [email protected] Zanzibar rhythms. By Owen Schaefer Roa Bld >

If you never learn any other word of Swahili, you want Taraab is a stylistic mix that reflects the island’s to learn the term taraab. It derives from Arabic, mean- mixed cultural heritage of African and Middle Eastern ing “to move or be agitated.” But for those living in influences, with the more modern influence of Latin Zanzibar, the legendary trading island off the coast of rhythms appearing in recent years. But Taraab is still Tanzania, it is pure music. played on traditional instruments with names like characters from a Star Wars film: thekidumbak, cherewa, ud, mkwasa, and sanduku, to name just a few. Culture Musical Club is the name of Zanzibar’s best-known group of taraab performers, and they will be appearing in Tokyo for the very first time, along with a special guest—the singing and chanting queen Bi Kidude. Kidude was awarded a World Music Award for lifetime achievement…she is 95-years-old. This is something you won’t want to miss.

The Music of Zanzibar: Taarab (Jul. 19) Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall. Shibuya Station (JR, Metro). ¥5,500–¥6,500. Various times. Tel. 03-5301-0950. www.arion-edo.org Jun. 15 – Jul. 05 | Vol. 04 No. 12 |  FINE DINING BY CHRISTINE CUNANAN-MIKI

per se

eing a value investor, it’s not often I will happily pay Bfor lunch what a car dealer might ordinarily accept as a down-payment for a small vehicle. But there I was, on my way from Tokyo to New York, when an email from my friend Maurice, noted restaurant critic and au- thority on fine French food, arrived, suggesting lunch at per se (yes, this is not a typo) during my week in the city that considers itself the center of the world. With just a few days’ notice, he had first dibs on one of the hardest tables to get in restaurant-crazy Manhattan—if not in in other parts of the world, including even the finest that the entire —and was I interested? Tokyo or Paris can offer. First, the service is smooth and Of course I was, even if this meant possibly passing confident, and frankly very enjoyable. Our servers were up on a slinky black dress I had hoped to buy on sale at as politely talkative as we wanted them to be—or not Barney’s. Urban legends on per se reservations are so rife, be—and they were incredibly knowledgeable about food that I myself did not even remember to try my luck at and wine. This is perhaps a by-product of New York’s cul- securing a reservation this time around. I’d heard of a ture and the kind of employees that per se attracts. guy who’d spent years speed-dialing the restaurant and Second, the food experience is among the best I have Ichii Corporation still hadn’t gotten through to reservations, and a woman had in a not-very-short lifetime of splurging on good who included a confirmed booking for four in her will. meals. Chef/owner Thomas Keller describes his cooking proudly supporting In reality, however, all you really need is a little bit of as American cuisine with classic French influences and, Tokyo’s foreign community advanced planning (at least two months), a good hotel indeed, each dish was creative in composition, refined in concierge, or a really nice way of asking, and the flex- taste, and pleasantly beautiful rather than spectacular in ibility of dining at odd hours such as 5:30pm or 9:45pm. presentation. I particularly enjoyed his famous “oysters Monthly furnished Having a well-connected friend who can get a proper and pearls,” which is a medley of pearly tapioca, Island apartments... Just visiting... www.japt.co.jp table at a proper time and even arrange a tour of the Creek oysters and sterling white sturgeon caviar, and a www.tokyo-backpackers.jp kitchens afterwards will also help. This may all sound in- delicious terrine of Hudson Valley duck foie-gras served credibly strange to Tokyo readers, who never really have with four different kinds of exotic salt. And in between, to fight for tables at good restaurants; but New York is a as well as after, were many lovely dishes that seemed different story. This is, after all, a city where people can equal parts talent and the kind of controlled discipline spend entire evenings dissecting the hottest new places, that is able to consistently delight diners and maintain and where dining out is almost a second occupation or a regulars. It may be a celebrity hangout, but it’s also the substitute for a long-term relationship. kind of place a serious foodie will feel right at home in. Long term apartments... Here’s another tip: Lunch, served only Fridays to Sun- A meal here is a work of art, and a splendid way to www.ichii-re.co.jp days, is slightly easier to book because all the first-timers (literally) spend a holiday in New York. and visitors want the complete per se dinner experience. or Business spaces But apparently many regulars book lunch because the www.soho-market.net Christine Miki spends most of her time in res- menu is the same $250 multi-course tasting menu and taurants and airplanes, indulging her two great the (heavy) meal can last up to five hours, so lunch will passions (food and travel). To keep up her credit card payments, she does market research for in- give you plenty of time to digest and even walk over to vestment firms. To humor herself, she wroteTokyo Broadway for a play afterwards. You get wonderful views Stories (www.tokyostories.net), a novel on expa- triate life. Someday, she is actually going to finish of Central Park thrown in for free as well. her second novel. Email her at: Two things differentiate per se from top restaurants [email protected].

Sales, Advice, Service... What to eat Where to sit During our lunch, there was a group of casu- Whatever they give you. There’s only one If you can request a table, try for the win- ally-dressed, young European guys (including talk to Ichii Corp menu each day, and you will almost cer- dow-side. However, it’s a small place and one who resembled Prince William, but who tainly not be disappointed. anywhere they seat you will make you feel probably wasn’t—I dared not inquire) and glamorous and special. two Upper East Side-type women in matching What to drink cashmere twin sets. The private room, which TEL: 03-5437-5233 I heartily suggest the accompanying tasting How much did it cost? can comfortably seat 12, was occupied by a FAX: 03-5434-6300 menu for wines, which costs $75. The som- About $400 per person, for the food and wine group of elderly Japanese, while one of the Email: [email protected] melier serves unusual pairings such as a very tasting menus, plus service and gratuities. window tables had two Asian couples, with the dry Japanese sake to go with the oysters and women in long gowns and lots of jewelry. www.japt.co.jp caviar, and finds interesting selections you Who goes there? are unlikely to find elsewhere. The food ex- Genuine food lovers, and also those who just per se perience would be so different without this want to be able to say they’ve been to New Time-Warner Building 4F, 10 Columbus Circle, wine tasting menu. York’s best restaurant—because so few haven’t. New York, NY 10019 Tel. 212-823-9335

Grown-up Hot Dogs at Madison Park Cafe

otdogs are a classic nostalgic summer food, bringing Madison Park Cafe also Hus straight back to barbeques and long warm eve- offers Seattle’s Best Coffee, soft nings. Yet as our palates mature, we tend to forget our old drinks, juice, fruit smooth- summer friend in favor of more sophisticated flavors. Now, ies, Redhook microbrew beer, thanks to Madison Park Cafe, hotdogs have been dressed and wine by the glass. In the up with new and innovative twists on the old classic. On evening, it’s a great place to a recent visit, we loved the Hold the Dog (¥560)—roasted go on your way to or from a eggplant and peppers, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil movie, with a casual date, or and tomato on a milk-bread bun. It was so good we didn’t just out with some friends. The cafe plays jazz music, has miss the meat! We also enjoyed the Dog in the Park (¥720) an evening menu, which includes White Truffle Cheese with an all-beef sausage, avocado, tomato, peppers, and Fries (¥500), and soon, will have a cocktail menu. Hot- herb vinaigrette. Our favorite was the Bird Dog (¥580), dogs are the perfect afternoon snack, yet Madison Park which is full of juicy chicken breast and Dijon-honey mus- Cafe has dressed them up for the evening—stop by tard—the dressing is sweet, spicy, and totally delicious! and try them out! www.mpc-hotdog.com  | The Weekender TRAVEL

Newfoundland in a two-door coupe By Kyle McKillop

e were in our fifth week of driving. Our fifth week place to get ourselves screeched in. We tested the screech, Wof being three men trapped together in a two-door a local variant of rum, then kissed a cod and became hon- Civic. Our fifth week of eating cheap penne cooked on orary Newfoundlanders before scurrying back to our tent a camp stove every night. Our fifth week of beard-grow- to hide from the cold. ing contests. The inevitable fights had already begun, The next evening we were camping in Newfound- about everything from music selection to rest stops to land’s oldest national park, Terra Nova, when Marc and whether icebergs were visible from the shore or whether Tom decided to use the payphone down the road. I they would only appear gray like the horizon, but the stayed in the empty campground to read at the picnic brawls were always relieved by a steady supply of snacks table beside our tent. and a sense of adventuring into the unknown. It wasn’t until they drove away that I realized that Going coast to coast in a car is a rite of passage in Can- the light cast by the lantern was really very small. ada, but few make it as far as Newfoundland, which is sep- And, I suddenly realized, I was stuck in the middle arated from the mainland by a seven-hour ferry ride. We’d of nowhere and probably surrounded by thousands dipped our feet in the Pa- of moose, wild birds, cific, at Mile Zero of the “Victoria 5097 km” as the crow and lurking carnivorous Trans-Canada Highway in night beasts. Worse, I Victoria, our home, and flies; somehow, we had managed was the only human be- we were determined to ing left in the park, and get to the end of the high- to turn that distance into 10,000 the tiny mantle burning way in St. John’s. Noth- kilometres, as the Marc drives. inside the lantern was ing could stop us, not the the only thing between snow in our first days on the Prairies, not the swarms of me and perfect darkness. Of course, that mantle was black flies in the backwoods of Quebec, not the freezing also very fragile and probably wasn’t going to be much rain on the Gaspé Peninsula or the fog so thick it would help when the wolves came for me. knock you flat for looking at it wrong, not the torrential I tried singing spirituals to lift my spirits, but I only rains in New Brunswick…. Only eccentrics, lovers of ag- know two and they weren’t going to last long enough ony, and ignorant westerners try to camp in Canada in to hold off the wolves until the guys returned. To make May, but we couldn’t stop yet, and Newfoundland wasn’t things worse, somewhere in the distance I could hear a going to be any worse than the rest of the country. crazed high-pitched whining, which could have been ei- After the over-night ferry to Port-Aux-Basques at the ther moose in mating pandemonium, traffic whipping west end of the island, we spent a night in the gorgeous along Canada’s fabled Highway 1, or, wolves saying grace. Gros Morne National Park, full of moose and amazing My state of mind did not improve when I heard twigs vistas, and so rich in geological history that it was made snapping in the bushes across the picnic table. “It’s only a a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Although they squirrel,” I tried to reassure myself, then briefly imagined were only introduced a hundred years ago, moose are a fortifying the table with firewood. Instead, I switched to common sight on the island. They pose beside the Trans- singing early 90s dance pop. Maybe the wolves would let Canada Highway like ungainly modernist sculptures on me live as long as the show lasted, but regardless, shriek- rolling-pin legs, and their enormous size and dramatic ing has always made me feel better. shape fits well with Newfoundland’s spectacular beauty. By the time Marc and Tom returned from their My only preconceptions consisted of the words “fish- phone calls, I was a sweaty wreck, my back carefully Grown-up Hot Dogs at Madison Park Cafe ing village” and “cod,” I never expected this windswept positioned against the wall of the tent and Marc’s and rugged land. Pines struggle up wherever they can hatchet within reach. They could only laugh at me compete with the hard breeze or the healthy alders. The and roll their eyes. “Wolves have been extinct on New- mountains sit grimly along the coast, small but formi- foundland for decades,” said Marc, who knows a lot dable. The villages, on the other hand, are pretty and about these things, “and I’m sure the moose would friendly places, with low-slung white clapboard buildings have been gentle with you. You probably just heard or mobile homes clustered closely on scrub-covered hills. those rabbits we saw earlier.” In one long day, we drove across the island to St. John’s, Sheepishly, I agreed, and the guys laughed at me the capital of Newfoundland, and camped close to the again. Carefully, so as not to startle me, they pulled out city in Pippy Park. In town, we searched for 45 minutes the maps and began to plan the long journey home. In before finding the small monument marking the other the morning, between moose sightings and bursts of end of Highway 1. A little marker showed with an arrow rain, we drove back towards the ferry landing at Port- the direction we came from, reading “Victoria 5097 km” aux-Basques. Behind us was St. John’s and the end of as the crow flies; somehow, we had managed to turn that the road, and ahead of us was another six days of driv- distance into 10,000 kilometres, as the Marc drives. Then, ing across the continent. We threw Kings of Leon in that eastern-most city in North America, we found a in the CD player and rolled on towards home. Jun. 15 – Jul. 05 | Vol. 04 No. 12 |  INVESTMENT

Make Your US Tax Filing Easier

hen tax time comes around, do you dig franti- dividends received in cash or reinvested, stock splits, load Wcally through piles of papers looking for the charges, and original issue discount (OID). documentation you need to prepare your tax returns? Specific records you should keep include: Are you unsure about which records you should keep • Form W-2 and 1099 and which ones you can safely throw away? Why not • Bank statements make your life easier and ensure that you don’t miss • Brokerage and mutual fund statements any deductions by organizing your record keeping • Form K-1 (for partnerships) system early in the year and keeping it up-to-date? • Sales slips Why should I keep records? Not only does having • Invoices organized records make it easier and less frustrating for • Credit card receipts you to file your tax return, it also enables you to ex- • Cancelled checks or other proof of payment plain an item on your return that the IRS might ques- • Home purchase and sales agreements, closing tion, and could prevent you from having to pay addi- statements, and insurance records. tional taxes and penalties for unsubstantiated items. How long should I keep records? Although legally What records should I keep? Your check book can you need only keep tax records for three years from the help you remember income and expenses that should date you filed the related income tax return, you should be reported on your tax return, but the check book and keep a copy of your actual tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, etc., cancelled checks alone aren’t sufficient documentation indefinitely. The IRS destroys original tax returns after to prove the deductibility of an expense. In addition three years, and you or your heirs may need informa- to proof of payment, you also need invoices, receipts, tion from the returns at some point, or you may need to sales slips, or other written documentation that spells prove your earnings for Social Security purposes. out exactly what you paid for. Other benefits of doing this. While you are setting Deductions that you need to document may in- up your record system you can do some financial house- clude alimony, charitable contributions, mortgage in- keeping such as consolidating investment accounts. terest, childcare expenses, and real estate taxes. If you This ensures no overlapping of investments held in dif- make payments in cash, get a dated and signed receipt ferent arrangements and keeps you in control of where, showing the amount and a description. and with whom, you invest. To prove that you correctly claimed income from in- vestments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, you Provided by MAGELLAN JAPAN: need to be able to determine your basis and whether you THE FINANCIAL PLANNING COMPANY have a gain or loss when you sell. Your records should Email: [email protected] show the purchase price, sales price, and commissions, Tel. 03-3769-5511

u.S. Financial ServiceS now available in Japan For advice and to discuss your specific requirements, please contact Magellan for an initial discussion. Tel: 03-3769-5511, Email: [email protected] ServiceS include: • Full Financial Planning Service • Access to U.S. Stocks, Bonds, ETF’s and Mutual Funds • Local Advisors (no time differences) • 24/7 Online access to your account • All year-end Tax Reporting Paperwork • Check book / Debit Card / U.S. Bill Pay • Custodial Services provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. • Fully SIPC Insured www.magellantt.com

10 | The Weekender BUSINESS

CCCJ—Connecting Canada and Japan By Vivian Giang

he Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ) Agreement on February 15, 2006. This is just one example Tis a member-driven, not-for-profit organization of the real, concrete, ways that the CCCJ is working to ef- where members can be actively involved in strengthen- fect change and deepen ties between Canada and Japan. ing Canada and Japan’s relationship. We have been rep- Philip O’Neill, Manager, Business Development resenting and serving Canadian business in Japan since of McGill Japan (CCCJ member since 1997), and out- 1975, offering a variety of activities and opportunities for going CCCJ President says, “The CCCJ is one of the networking and developing business contacts. most important venues for a smaller organization like However, the CCCJ is much more than a business McGill to connect to the wider business community in organization. “The CCCJ offers members a community Japan and the Canadian community in particular.” and supports Canadians in a number of ways,” says Pe- The CCCJ organizes a wide range of events that ter Williams, President and CEO of Orbitune Inc. and a provide excellent opportunities to hear from excep- CCCJ member since 2005. “Whatever you are pursuing tional speakers including Canadian and Japanese busi- in Japan, you have the support of other members.” ness leaders, innovators, and visiting government of- In addition to promoting Canada and Canadian busi- ficials. With a growing membership base, the CCCJ is ness in Japan, the CCCJ engages in numerous advocacy an effective avenue to help you create more business issues. CCCJ members initiated and sustained efforts for opportunities. We welcome professionals of all nation- a bilateral pension reciprocity treaty, which ultimately alities—the only prerequisite is an interest in Canada. led to the signing of the Canada-Japan Social Security Join today and get connected! For more information on the CCCJ, visit our website at www.cccj.or.jp or watch our webcasts at www.itvjapan.com/cccjseminar.asp. Every year, the CCCJ hosts the Maple Leaf Ball, the major social highlight for the Canadian community and for the many friends of Canada who live and work in Japan. This year’s ball will be held on Friday, November 16 at the Westin Tokyo. The theme, All that Glitters… Canada, will highlight Canada’s glittering resources and natural beauty. Canadian, Japanese, and other friends of H.I.H. Princess Takamado and other members of the Head Canada are all invited to attend this elegant event. Table at the 2006 Maple Leaf Ball. We look forward to seeing you there!

ACCJ By Peter Rolfs and Mina Takahashi Be inspired.

he mission of the ACCJ is to further develop com- Tmerce between the United States of America and Japan, promote the interests of US companies and Visit our English members, and improve the international business envi- ronment in Japan. Established in 1948 by representatives speaking Dealers. Recent press conference at the ACCJ of 40 American firms, the American Chamber of Com- merce in Japan (ACCJ) has offices in Tokyo, Osaka, and of ACCJ activity under ACCJ President Charles D. Lake II Nagoya, and represents over 3,000 individual members (2006–2007) have been Support for Economic Reform in AMC Tokyo from more than 1,400 companies and over forty coun- Japan, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). 2-4-3 Shin-Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo tries. Now in its 59th year, the ACCJ has built its repu- Opportunities for ACCJ members to give back to the Tel: 03-5711-1101 tation on the strength of providing both American and Japanese community are also made through charita- BMW Motorrad Tokyo Japanese members, as well as a rapidly growing interna- ble activities. Campaigns run by ACCJ members raised 2-10-10 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo tional base, with unsurpassed opportunity and advantage ¥30,445,281 for domestic charities in 2006. Whether Tel: 03-3582-3231 through advocacy, information, and networking. social, educational, cultural, or charitable, every ACCJ Fukuda Motors The ACCJ today is Japan’s most influential foreign event represents the inspiration and personal invest- 1-50-16 Sasazuka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo business organization, and serves as the primary forum ment of ACCJ volunteer members. Tel: 03-3468-6841 for the foreign business community in Japan to iden- The ACCJ is a high-profile participant in the debates Flat Omori tify and pursue shared interests and goals. More than that shape bilateral policy and conducts annual visits 1-2-1 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo sixty Chamber committees, subcommittees, task forces, with key legislators in the US Congress and the Japanese Tel: 03-5493-1381 and advisory councils cover such diverse areas as finan- Diet. Through official Viewpoint position papers, white Motorrad (Kanagawa Prefecture) cial services, corporate social responsibility, marketing, papers and public comments, and thoroughly researched 1713 Ohkami, Hiratsuka-shi independent business, healthcare services, e-business, reports, the Chamber continuously works to expand for- Tel: 0463-54-2323 transportation and logistics, legal services, the travel eign direct investment and market access in Japan for for- industry, and human resource management. eign firms, further deregulate the Japanese economy, and Freeman (Fukuoka Prefecture) 2-10-4 Mikasagawa, Ohnojo-shi ACCJ committees hold over four hundred and sev- fully implement existing trade agreements between the Tel: 092-503-0091 enty-five exclusive programs a year. The annual agenda United States and Japan. These advocacy efforts are con- is comprised of hundreds of engagements with leading ducted under a set of core advocacy principles (published experts and shapers of policy and business trends in Ja- on the ACCJ website www.accj.or.jp). The ultimate goal pan. Speakers are drawn from the ranks of global business is to help improve the business and community environ- leaders, top US and Japanese government officials, indus- ment of Japan, and contributions to progress in these Unlimited try experts, scholars, and pop culture icons. The underly- areas over the past 59 years are among the ACCJ’s www.bmw-motorrad.jp/english/ ing themes of the most significant events—the “pillars” proudest achievements. Jun. 15 – Jul. 05 | Vol. 04 No. 12 | 11 SCHOOL’S IN

PAL International School Encouraging uniqueness through international understandings. By Marie Teather

Call for free trial lesson!

Established 1998 International oming up on it’s 10th anniversary, PAL Internation- be accepted into and to appreciate life in Japan—are all PAL al School is one of the oldest and longest running part of the syllabus at PAL. Preschool & Kindergarten is an C Early Childhood Education specialist institution English speaking pre-schools in Minato-ku. With doz- And, it’s never too early to start! Rockin’ Horse class in Azabu area ens of other schools to compete with in the district, PAL welcomes young learners from just 18 months to two years

Quality of Education continues to thrive as the place to develop your kid’s of age, Trike class—up to three years of age, and Bike for is always our first priority pre-elementary school needs. So what has been keeping those around four years old. Completing pre-school edu- small size class • low ratio of teachers and students the parents and kids happy over the past decade? cation is the Unicycle class, which will focus on students’ careful individual attention • high quality program efficient teachers • solid method of language arts Perhaps it’s the impressively low teacher to student future needs and train each child accordingly, to create a ratio of which the school boasts. At one teacher for every successful post-PAL tomorrow at elementary school. 3-8-18 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031 two students under the age of two, one to six for the un- Pre-school lessons run daily from 9am–1:30pm TEL 03-5770-8166 FAX 03-5770-8167 [email protected] www.pal-school.com der four age group and increasing and to encourage students to just one to seven for pre-el- from Japanese kindergarten ementary groups, parents are as- or elementary school to join RIVENDALE MONTESSORI SCHOOL sured their little ones are getting in the fun, there are the after- www.tokyomontessori.com Tel (03) 5772-0079 “In the calm, ordered space of Rivendale’s prepared environment, children work on activities driven by their own choice and pace. the personal encouragement and noon Awesome Ants and Cool Children experience a blend of freedom and self-discipline in an environment designed to meet their developmental needs.” support that each child needs. Cricket classes. Here children At PAL, maximizing per- are given the opportunity to sonal attention has encouraged experience a different culture kids to express their specific through songs, games, arts and needs and allows the qualified craft—all within an English- teachers to design stimulating speaking environment. and individualized scholastic programs. Recent events at the school, a spacious three-storey With over 50 percent of PAL students from overseas house behind Arisugawa Park in Hiroo, have included and the remainder being generally kids of a multi-cul- Mothers Days activities, a field trip to Tama Zoo, and tural background, students are taught to embrace the pot-luck lunch parties where all parents are encour- differences in each other; learning mutual admiration aged to join in. in an international setting. Unlike many other interna- PAL’s philosophy is to ‘strive to respect each child’s tional schools however, PAL does not neglect multi-cul- individuality and uniqueness’ and in the cross-cultural tural learning. As the school walls are encompassed by a environment that is Minato-ku, parents and kids will Japanese society, festivals such as Hina-no-matsuri (dolls surely continue to appreciate this refreshing ideology festival), and Mamemaki (bean throwing ceremony) are a for years to come. fixture on the school calendar, just as in the rest of Japan. PAL International School is always open for a free trial Japanese songs, all important survival Japanese phrases, lesson. Please contact the school directly at 03-5770- and learning manners—essential for allowing a child to 8166 or see www.pal-school.com for more details.

Charity Flea Market at English Studio. By Shane Thompson

n Sunday May 27, English Studio held their right mood and the generosity was amazing. One gen- Othird annual Charity Flea Market. During the tleman handed over a ¥10,000 note when purchasing a days and weeks leading up to the ¥100 item and said “I know that this event the students of English Studio, is for a good cause so please keep the their parents and the staff, donated change”. an amazing amount of clothes, toys, It was a wonderfully successful books and household items. day and English Studio managed to We have moved to our own building! With bright sunshine beating down raise ¥132,215 for the Keifuku-Ikujikai New bus service, live camera, ballet, people seemed to come from every- Azabu Children’s Orphanage. Thank Karate & school lunches! where. Those that had read the post- you to all those who helped out by Ages: 15 months to 6 yrs 10am - 5 pm including ing in the Weekender, people out for a donating items as well as those that afternoon classes walk, as well as students that had come came by to offer support on the day. [email protected] along to see whether their donated items had sold. The teachers and students are already talking about www.doremigarden.com Phone: 03-3554-3664 The warm weather definitely got people in the ways to raise more for charity next year. 12 | The Weekender SCHOOL’S OUT Child’s Play INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL American Club Idol 2 Established in 1978

International School Students compete for singing success. For Children Aged 1 1/2 to 4 Years

Child’s Play is highly regarded as an excellent starting point for your child’s education.

18-8 MOTOYOYOGI SHIBUYAKU TOKYO 151-0062 TEL. 03-3460-8841 FAX. 03-5709-0552 http://childs-play.org

Mari Ota (NIS) was “a little bit nervous” before she took to the stage to perform The Girl From Band Lila (ASIJ) wait for the judge’s comments, Ipanema, which she chose because she is part always a stressful part of any Idol competition! In Brazilian and wanted the opportunity to mix two their case, Diane commented, “I really got caught Yuria Honda (YIS) impressed judge DJ Cash, who com- languages in her song. Janica praised her style, up in that!” From the sounds of the audience’s re- mented “you definitely have a great future in singing saying: “…very cute, idol look, great !” action, they did as well! if that’s what you want to do.” ecently, Tokyo American Club teamed up with FOX- “There was an incredible level today! It was unheard Rtv Japan to hold the second annual American Club of—to have talent of this caliber! You might expect Idol. The competition for international school students to see this level from a twenty-five-year-old, but from was a huge success as 16 acts competed for prizes in the young adults it was amazing!” ‘best female vocalist’, ‘best male vocalist’, and ‘best band’ Eventual winners in the tightly contested show categories. Students were required to submit tapes to the included Andile Munyai (ISS) for best male artist, who judges before the event, and the selected contestants sang Redemption by Bob Marley because, “I know it were then invited to two workshops, one on song selec- best and like the song”. The judges liked it too, with tion and one on stage presence, before taking their new Diane saying: “I started smiling when you got up, moves to the stage for the final showdown on May 20. and then I said OK…he’s doing really good now…I The students we spoke to were both excited and nerv- thought it was wonderful.” ous to have the opportunity to sing in Battling back from an illness so front of so many people (the ballroom bad that it had doctors suggesting she at TAC was packed with over 400 excit- not sing just the night before, Mina ed fans), get feedback from well-known Fujihara (Keimei Gakuen) belted out judges including Peter Barakan and DJ an Evanescence hit to impress the au- Cash, and compete for the chance to dience and convince the judges she create a professionally-produced demo was worthy of the win. Pete Johnson (produced by DJ Cash), attend the FOXtv American Idol said: “There was nothing about that song I didn’t like” party, and of course, appear on the cover of Weekender. while DJ Cash enthused, “I can see you in musicals, TV Contestants each performed one song, which they series, Phantom of the Opera…mind-blowing!” chose either on their own or with the help of the song As for the best band, that honor was deservedly tak- selection workshop, and then were marked by the judg- en by 7th Chord (St. Maur), an instrumental group who es on musicality, performance, audience enjoyment, have been together for about a year. Diane was behind and more. While there was no clear ‘Simon Cowell’ on the band, saying “I loved it…I wish you had a perform- “My parents wanted a school that would: teach me at my actual level of achievement, provide a challenging curriculum, the panel, judges did give some constructive criticism. ance coming up soon so I could come see you.” Impres- ensure opportunities to move ahead when ready, allow access to true peers, and have nurturing teachers.” Diane Witherspoon, one of the judges, said that “the sively, group member Kiho Yutaka composed and ar- www.tokyogiftedacademy.com most important thing is to hear that they are on key…I ranged the complicated and dynamic jazz piece. Tel 03-5765-6697 also want to hear passion in their performance—lyri- The event, sure to be a hit in years to come, is already cally, if they believe in what they are singing, they inspiring young talents to get in the game, as evidenced should show it. I loved the ones with some sort of stage by a grade one student who leaned over to me during presence.” To my untrained ear, it seemed the quality a break and breathed reverently, “I just wish that I of the performers was high, and judge DJ Cash agreed: could be a Tokyo American Club Idol!”

2006 Winner Justine Suzuki gave a special per- formance to an appreciative audience. Of her win last year she says, “It opened up some doors, and Fun-loving acoustic band MOR (Middle of the Road) from Zama High School, played a four-song medley of I’ve had some really good experiences through covers. Typically, the band covers artists such as Steely Dan, Earth Wind and Fire, and Santana. Pete Johnson this event”. said, “all in all, I thought it sounded wonderful.”

Jun. 15 – Jul. 05 | Vol. 04 No. 12 | 13 SPORTS

American Football World Cup. By Victoria Hall Thought that American Football was an American Group 2 man’s game? Apparently the Japanese aren’t too bad at vs. South Korea. Jul. 8, 5pm. it either! Japan became World Champions in the first Kawasaki Stadium. American Football World Cup in the summer of 1999 United States vs. South Korea. Jul. 10, 7pm in Palermo (Italy). Four years later they defended the Kawasaki Stadium. International title in Frankfurt, Germany and this year Japan hosts Germany vs. United States. Jul. 12, 3pm. the little known competition from 7–15 July in Kawa- Kawasaki Stadium. saki. From the 21 countries that participated in the Tennis School qualifying rounds, only six countries made it through Fifth-place Playoff to the final tournament: Japan, , France, Ger- July 14, 3pm. Kawasaki Stadium. many, Korea and USA. This will be the first time for the USA to join the com- Third-place Playoff Spring/ Summer Sessions petition, and while you may not get to see the likes of July 14, 7pm. Kawasaki Stadium. Brett Favre and Jason Campbell—they are restricted from KITS offers professional tennis instruction for all levels, taking part in the competition for contractual reasons—it Final may be a good way to see the potential stars of tomorrow July 15, 3:10pm. Todoroki Stadium, Kawasaki. taught in English by certified United States play live on your doorstep. Professional Tennis Association coaches For more information on the competition and the The line-up is as follows: American football scene in Ja- Group 1 pan see: Japan vs. France. Jul. 7, 6:10pm. Todoroki Stadium, Ka- www.americanfootball.jp wasaki. http://wc2007.info/teams France vs. Sweden. Jul. 10, 3pm. Kawasaki Stadium. www.ifaf.info/ *Summer Camp Sign Up Now! Sweden vs. Japan. Jul. 12, 7pm. Kawasaki Stadium. Tel: 044-200-0062 for tickets

Hockey team to watch. By Danielle Tate-Stratton It’s no secret that Canadians love hockey—it’s often annually in tournaments from to Las Ve- nicknamed our ‘national religion’ for a reason, and gas, and have even tried their puck-handling skills TEL. 03-3325-0924 most of us happily consider the in Mongolia! The team also sup- FAX: 03-3325-0924 Hockey Night in Canada theme ports charities such as the YMCA song as our second national an- through regular events like char- EMAIL: [email protected] them. Luckily, for anyone who ity tournaments and fundraising URL: http://www.krissmantennis.com wants to either play hockey in To- parties, which also support chari- kyo, or head to the rink and sup- ties like Father Joe Maier’s Human port the local team, there is the Development Center in Bangkok, Tokyo Canadians Hockey Club, Thailand. To learn more or to get with members from across Canada, the US, and Ja- involved, visit www.tokyocanadians.com, or email pan. A fairly serious team, the Canadians compete their info hotline at [email protected].

Want to be part of a hockey team in Tokyo? By Victoria Hall Contrary to popular belief there are a number of hock- every second and fourth Tuesday at 10pm with inline ey teams in and around Tokyo that are looking for new hockey practice on Saturday evenings. While the infor- members—so why not participate in your favorite sport mation on the website is predominantly in Japanese, from home. Here are a couple of teams in the Tokyo area Yoriko can answer any questions and give further infor- who are actively seeking new players. mation in English. www.misconduct-hockey.co.jp

The Misconduct Bambies Tokyo Hockey Club Yoriko Ichinomiya heads up the ice/inline hockey The Tokyo Hockey Club play street hockey—without team Misconduct Bambies, and is looking for more the rollerblades—in Komazawa Koen every Sunday. players to join the team. Any level, nationality, male Japanese and foreigners of all skill levels are welcome, or female—if you are a hockey nut like Yoriko, she however you must have your own equipment to play. wants to hear from you! Email her at Generally an email is sent out at the beginning to es- y.ichinomiya@misconduct-hockey. tablish who is available to play the coming weekend. If co.jp for more information. there are enough participants a game is scheduled. See GOLF Ice practice takes place in Jingu www.tokyohockey.com for more details. Business, Seminars Don’t have cable TV? Want to enjoy the game with friends and a few beers? Check out these places to and Pleasure watch televised live games from home, in Tokyo:

Baseball Café Footnik Legends Sports Bar Inside the complex, Covers all soccer games both na- Sports bar and grill covering mostly covers baseball games. tional and international teams. American sports; MLB, NBA, NHL etc. 1-3 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Asahi Bldg. 1F Aoba Roppongi Bldg 1F, Tel. 03-3817-6262 1-11-2 Ebisu 3-16-33 Roppongi www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/e Tel. 03-5795-0144 Tel. 03-3589-3304 www.footnik.net/english www.legendsports.jp Clubhouse 3473 Shiogo, Shirosato-machi, Big screens with sound—a rarity in Tokyo Sports Café Paddy Foleys Higashi-Ibaraki-gun, Japan. Covers all major sporting Numerous screens covering sports Live coverage of mostly rugby, Ibaraki-ken 311-4401 events from around the globe. from all over the globe. cricket and soccer games. Tel: 0296-88-2221 Marunaka Building 3F Fusion Bldg. 2F Roa Building B1 Fax: 0296-88-2561 www.wpgcc.com Shinjuku 3-7-3 7-13-8 Roppongi 5-5-1 Roppongi Tel. 03-3359-7785 Tel. 03-5411-8939 Tel. 03-3423-2250 www.clubhouse-tokyo.com www.tokyo-sportscafe.com www.paddyfoleystokyo.com 14 | The Weekender PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY

Austrian Airlines launching party—Vienna to Narita on Boeing B777s

Austrian Airlines Georg Illichmann, member of ANA Board of Directors Katsuhiko Kita- United Airlines Vice President Pacific Mark F. Schwab, Austrian Airlines bayashi, Austrian Airlines Herbert Liess with Austrian Charge d’affaires Christoph Wei- Director Network and Sales Longhaul Herbert Liess and Austrian Airlines Paddy Foley`s dinger, and his wife Elisabeth. General Manager for Japan and Korea Georg Illichmann. Tokyo`s First and Best Irish Pub!

BEST FOR LIVE SPORTS!!

Rugby Union Summer Tours Sat Jun 16: New Zealand vs Canada - 16:35 United Airlines Vice President Pacific Mark Schwab, Sat Aug 04: England vs Wales - TBC ANA Vice President Marketing and Sales Yukihira Scandanavian Airlines General Manager Er- Regina Unger Chief of Cabine, Chef Stefan Werner, Miyagishima and Lufthansa Japan General Manager land Olsen with Air Canada General Man- Sat Aug 11: England vs France - TBC and Anna Illichman. Otto Benz. ager Asia and Pacific Chris Garton. Sat Aug 11: Scotland vs Ireland - 22:30 Sat Aug 18: France vs England - TBC Sat Aug 18: Wales vs Argentina - TBC Fri Aug 24: Ireland vs Italy - 27:45 Sat Aug 25: Scotland vs S. Africa - TBC Sun Aug 26: Wales vs France - TBC

Austrian Commercial Attache Marion Tschernutter, Austrian First Secretary Georg Rugby Tri-Nations 2007 Scandinavian Airline’s, General Manager Erland Olsen, Austrian Airlines staff: Georg Postinger, Volker A. Jaindl Director Austrian National Tourist Office City of Vienna Sat Jun 16: S. Africa vs Australia - 22:00 Illichmann and Herbert Liess, and Lufthansa Japan General Manager Otto Benz. Office, and Austrian Cultural Attache Arnold Obermayr. Sat Jun 23: S. Africa vs New Zealand - 22:00 had a really interesting lunch at the new La Colina I’m sure I’ll have more later, but for now, back to our Sat Jun 30: Australia vs New Zealand - 18:30 I Mexican restaurant in Tokyo Midtown recently and city’s social scene. It was a beautiful evening in every way want to recommend this fine eatery. For the most part, at the ANA Hotel’s Prominence Hall on March 20. The oc- Sat Jul 07: Australia vs S. Africa - 18:05 the mainly Mexican staff, the food, and the service are casion was a reception to commemorate the launching of Sat Jul 14: New Zealand vs S. Africa - 16:35 really excellent. The interior is very Mexican chic and the Boeing B777-200 aircraft for Austrian Airlines flights be- Sat Jul 21: New Zealand vs Australia - 16:35 outdoor dining area overlooks the park. La Colina is on tween Vienna and Narita. The special event was patterned the first floor of Midtown Galleria. Try it—you’ll like it. after a virtual flight and once the visiting guests had con- Test Cricket People at the lunch, coordinators of the interna- gratulated the hosts, Director Network and Long-haul England vs West Indies tionally renowned Dance 4 Aids, included the project’s Sales Herbert Liess and Austrian Airlines General Manager founder, ballerina Lynne Charles, Project Manager for Japan and Korea, Georg Illichmann, they were escort- Fri Jun 15: 4th Test - 18:30 Jennifer Manino, and long-time friend Barbara Lev- ed into the reception area by the head-to-toe, chic, red- Fri Jun 29: 20/20 - 25:00 ine who is communications coordinator. The purpose uniformed airline cabin crew. The buffet was a culinary Sat Jun 30: 20/20 - 25:00 of our meeting was to discuss Lynne’s ballet charity and artistic achievement with the best in continental and Sun Jul 01: 1st ODI - 18:30 event, which will be held at the Seishonen Center in- Japanese food served as it is on the airline’s flights. Wed Jul 04: 2nd ODI - 18:30 Yokohama on August 20–22. From Vienna to Tokyo, the meals are catered by not- Sat Jul 07: 3rd ODI - 18:30 Titled Dancing 4 Aids the project will bring some of ed caterer, Attila Doguclan’s prestigious company, Do & the worlds top choreographers and dancers together to Co., who also cater for the F1 formula racing team. Out- perform in a really dynamic program—an open day, bound from Tokyo, Austrian Airlines use Star Alliance Paddy Foley's 3rd Pub Quiz a workshop, and a charity gala. I’d like to mention a member ANA for catering which is excellent as well. Thu June 28th, from 7:30pm few of the generous, kind, and caring dancers. They in- Everything in the 777-200’s interior is new, from seats Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, up to six clude—Jose Carreno, Shoko Nakamura, Lienz Chang, to entertainment systems. Business class seats and econ- people per team. Questions on history, Mara Galeazzi, Thiago Souares, and Gregor Hatala. omy class seats have both been upgraded and each has sports, general knowledge, music, movies, If you would like to be involved with the Dancing its own video monitor with a wide selection of programs 4 Aids project please make a donation. I’m well aware to chose from. Austrian Airlines has daily (except Thurs- pictorial etc. All welcome. there are many people out there asking for donations, day) direct flights to Vienna. I’ve made the trip a dozen Happy Hour but I can guarantee all money donated to Dancing 4 times on Austrian Airline’s Airbus and always found it Weekday until 7pm - Weekend until 6pm Aids will go to making this event a success. All proceeds the epitome of laid back, enjoyable flying. Needless to Great Guinness will go to the proper treatment of innocent children, say, I’m really looking forward to a Boeing 777-200 flight whose lives have been affected by the pandemic in Af- to the beautiful city of Vienna sometime soon. Great Food rica. Lynne Charles and Francois Morechand-Nagataki, On the occasion of the 89th anniversary of the In- Great Customers president of the Honorary Committee of Medicins du dependence Day of the Republic of Estonia, Ambassa- Friendly Staff Monde Japan and patron of the event will see to that. dor Peeter Miller hosted a midday reception at the New For the true Irish pub atmosphere, The accountant for the project “will be happy to an- Otani. It was a well-attended event that gave guests a swer any questions donors might have.” chance to congratulate the host, see friends, meet peo- come to Paddy Foley's I’m a strong believer that people are basically good, ple for the first time, and enjoy the buffet. ’s thoughtful, caring, and do what they can to help the The Brunei Ambassador Dato Paduka Haji Mohd day G.I Fri less fortunate. People like Air France and KLM’s Gen- Adnan Buntar, his wife Yura Alaiti, and their staff host- T. eral Manger Claude Therevin, Hilton Tokyo General ed a colorful reception at The New Otani on the occa- McDonald’s Hamburger Inn Manager Christian Baudat, Grace Saito, Bill and Charo sion of Brunei Darussalam’s National Day. The Adnan PADDY FOLEY’S Ireton, Takako Okoso, Steve Haynes, and ACTV’s Dan Buntars are a popular couple and as expected it was Hard Rock Smith are among those who make me know what I be- wall-to-wall with people. Many of the embassy staff Cafe lieve is right. God bless them all. brought their kids with them and they looked super Tel: 03-3423-2250 Meanwhile, do yourself and the world a favor and Brunei chic in their national costumes. www.paddyfoleystokyo.com support this project. For more info call 080-5683-8222 I appreciated Yura introducing me to her daugh- or email: [email protected] ter Nitha Quaini. After graduating from Seisen she’ll Jun. 15 – Jul. 05 | Vol. 04 No. 12 | 15 Nakashima Dental Office PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY Comprehensive Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry Brunei Darusallam National Day Celebration

Nakashima Dental Office provides total dental care to the highest standards currently in practice in Europe and North America.

Offering microscopic dentistry through all phases of treatment Dr. Nakashima is a Grace Saito, Etsuko Hattori, Brunei Darusallam Ambassador Dato comprehensive general practitioner who Adnan Buntar with Princess Takamado’s parents, Shigejiro and Fu- Guinea Ambassador Ousame Thiam and his Yura Alaiti Adnan, Bangladesh Ambassador continually researches the latest advances in miko Tattori. wife Aminata Bah. Ashraf-ud-Doula, and Jordinian Samir Naouri. every aspect of dental care.

Dr. Nakashima – Associate member of ADA (American Dental Association), AGD (American General Dentistry), AAE (Endodontist), MITI Official with Brunei Minister Counselor Mahadi Maidn Iraqi Ambassador Ghanim A. Al-Jumaily, Bru- AAP (Periodontis), The hostess Darin Yura Alaiti Yusef and her and his wife Mahani Taja’ah, 2nd secretary Nurzelina Mo- nei Ambassador Dato Adnan Buntar, and Ni- daughter Suri Nitha Qaini. min, and the Mahadi’s sons Ikhwan and Iffat. gerian Ambassador Adamu Aliyu. ALD (Laser), AACD (Cosmetic), Recommended by Ireland Celebrates 50th Anniversary Diplomatic Relations with Japan Being A Broad Magazine JDA (Japan)

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Irish Minister of Health Tim O’Malley, Minister of Foreign Affairs Taro Aso, Peg Kenyan Ambassador Dennis N.O. Awori Roppongi U Bldg., 4F 4-5-2 Roppongi, O’Malley with Irish Ambassador Brendan Scannell, and his wife Margaret. Margaret Scannell and Eileen Kato. with his wife Violet, and Margaret Scannell. Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3479-2726 Fax: 03-3479-7947 Email: [email protected] URL: www.hahoo.jp/~nakashima

Irish Ambassador Brendan Scannell, Dean of INTERNATIONAL the Corps Nicaraguan Ambassador Harry Bod- Prominent politician Shintaro Ito, Irish Press Aisling Braid- Eda Mullen, Shinsei Bank’s James Moynihan, and en Shields, and his wife Raquel. en, with Ambassador Domingo Siazon. his wife Hiroko. attend classes at a university in London. She, as you Day 2007. The theme was The Financial Instruments for CLINIC can see by the photo, is a very pretty girl and she’s the Promotion of Infrastructure, Trade, and Investment be- extremely bright as well. tween Japan and Africa. Speakers included the Minister Yes my friends—here’s a bit more about the Irish am- of Finance and former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, bassador Brendan Scannell, his wife Margaret, and the Irish and Dr. Simon N. Guiamba, special advisor to the Afri- community’s many, and I do mean many, activities, to can Union (AU). Perspectives from the Group of Eight celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (the national day) and 50 years (G8) were presented by the German Embassy, which of Ireland–Japan diplomatic relations. In this column I’d was given the presidency of the G8 in 2007. like to cover the super reception the Scannell’s hosted at On May 25, South African Ambassador, Baldwin Si- the Okura’s really nice venue—Ascot Hall. Guests of hon- pho Ngubane, hosted a reception in the Okura Hotel’s or that evening included the Irish Minister of Health, Tim Ascot Hall on the occasion of his country’s Freedom Day. O’Malley, his wife and his children, plus the Japanese For- That was one of those evenings I really wish I would have eign Minister, Taro Aso. There were speeches by the min- had a clone. Ambassador Ngubane’s reception started at isters; both are very dynamic speakers. Aso-san, I might 6:30pm and I had already committed myself to Taj Enter- add, is very animated as well. The buffet was Okura food prises/Hilton Tokyo’s Fifth Annual ‘Wings of Love’ gala at its best and, as most of you know, that’s excellent. evening. This is a prime fund-raiser for Birdlife Interna- Immunization against influenza, typhoid, At the entrance hall to Ascot Hall there was an inter- tional HIH Princes Takamado’s honorary president, and esting display about Irish people who have really made she of course was at the glittering gala. I’ll have photos tick-borne encephalitis, meningitis and other their mark here in Japan. They included Lafcadio Hearn, and a rundown on that later. Also, I hope good friend vaccinations for international travel. who was professor of English Literature at the Imperial Baldwin will send photos of the celebration. Anti-malarial medicine available. University of Tokyo, John William Fenton who wrote As I mentioned before the legendary Lexington the Japanese National Anthem, Kimigayo, the mission- Queen (27 years in Roppongi) closed last November. ary and educator Charles D. West who taught English at Well, the club has been taken over by a more progres- Family practice & medical advice by a Tokyo University, Thomas James Waters, who designed sive company, Kaguwa. They already have the fun European doctor and a certified dermatologist Ginza, and Reverend William Thomas Grey, the father show-club Kaguwa behind McDonald’s in Roppongi. of Keio Japan Hockey, plus many many more. This really is the only fun show-club of its kind—a one- Our African friends have really been keeping busy! hour musical (Western and Japanese) worth seeing. TEL: 3582-2646 3583-7831 FAX: 3583-8199 On May 19 and 20 they held a colorful and exciting The new owner put a lot of money into the new MON-FRI 9AM - NOON 2 - 5PM SAT 9AM - NOON African festival at Hibiya Park. Highlights of the event Lex. After 27 years it really did need renovating and it’s 5-9 AZABUDAI 1-CHOME, MINATO-KU, TOKYO included dancing and drumming. really looking good. Our opening night was a celebrity On May 25 the African Diplomatic Corps (ADC) packed blast and it’s really nice to see so many of the and United Nations University hosted an international old Lex’s customers back and having a ball. Drop by symposium on the occasion of the celebration of Africa and you’ll see what I mean. Watch for a rundown and 16 | The Weekender PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY Segafredo Zanetti Espresso www.segafredo.jp www.segafredo.it

Former Embassy of Sweden Counselor Hen- rik Cedern, Segafredo Manager Hiroyuki Awesome Argentinian ladies Teresa Peterson, Norma Polski, and Car journalist/photographer Dino Dalle Car- Komatsu, and Wag, Inc. Account Director Gabriela Belocopitow. bonare and Mitsuko Moritake. Martin Webb. Estonia National Day Celebration

July will be a busy month with all kinds of reasons to Iceland Ambassador Thordur Aegir Os- celebrate. Irish Ambassador Brendan Scannell and E.U. karrson and Czech Ambassador Jaromir Ambassador Hugh Richardson. Novotny. The kids on school vacation, summertime, sunny days...

We here at National Azabu have many

Slovakian Ambassador Peter Vrsansky with the host Estonian Am- Vatican Archbishop Alberto Bottari, pro Estonian Sumo wrestler Baruto alias Mr. Kaido things to help you make it a healthy, bassador Peeter Miller, and his Slovak wife, Eleonora Vrsanska. Höövelson, Italian Ambassador Mario Bova and Croatian Ambassador Drago Stambuk. relaxed and enjoyable month for you and your family. In and Around These include: -a wide variety of fresh vegetables -cool crisp salads and steaks -hot dog, steaks, ground beef, sausages, chicken, etc for barbeque -large stock of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

Three of the major movers in the big and very worthwhile Dewi Sukarno, Ceremony Company President Tsuka- -international snacks “Dancing 4 Aids” orphans Africa Charity this August. They Miss Universe Riyo Mori with Bill Hersey sa Shiga, President of Marine Gold and Masayo Ueda -barbeque grills and charcoal need your help! at the Grand Hyatt. at the opening party of New/Lex-Edo in Roppongi. -swimming pool accessories photos on The New Lex—Edo’s opening night party in the Roppongi group, says they really need two bicy- -the latest paperbacks the next column. cles. I’m trying to contact the Ishibashi (Bridgestone) The Guardian Angels, those hardworking guys family, but meanwhile, if anyone out there has a de- and gals with the red berets who voluntarily help cent bike they’d like to donate to the Angels, keep our city safe need your help. Carlos, who heads please give me a call at 090-3200-6767.

Tokyo Flashback: Gwen Stefani

wen Stefani is one of those people who, believe me, makes a Glasting impression. The first time I met this dynamic lady she came to the Lex with the band No Doubt in which she was lead singer. She was strong, outgoing, nice to everyone, and fashion-wise, unique and original. I knew the platinum blonde (“I dye it” she told me) was going to become a superstar, which she of course has. The Californian girl who was born in 1969 has become a pop- ular singer, songwriter, fashion designer, and occasional actress. With No Doubt, Gwen received all kinds of award nominations. She went solo and has done very well on her own. One of her rea- sons for going solo was “her desire to have a baby.” In 2002, she married guitarist/singer Gavin Rossdale and they had a son, King- ston James McGregor, on May 26th 2006. Just read that they’ve No Doubt with Bill Hersey partying at the Lex NATIONAL AZABU SUPERMARKET been picked up as one of Hollywood’s best-looking families. 4-5-2 MINAMIAZABU I introduced Gwen to film director Renny Harlin at the club press conferences and on the album cover for Love, Angel, Music MINATO-KU, TOKYO one night. She was a bit like his ex wife Geena Davis, and I thought Baby. They were also in her Harajuku Lovers Tour, 2005. he might use her in the car-racer film he was doing with Sylvester Gwen, with her always new and trend setting fashion, and her Stallone. They got along well, but there was no film offer. Oscar family’s seamstress background has her own successful fashion line winner Martin Scorcese did cast her in a cameo role as actress Jean “L.A.M.B.” as well as her Harajuku Lovers’ Line.” Harlow in The Aviator. When I asked Leonardo De Caprio, who During one of No Doubt’s concert tours here I was able to in- played the lead role in the film—Howard Hughes, about Gwen he vite them for a Warner Bros.’ party for Jet Li and the late and great said: “she’s one super cool lady” and I agree all the way. Aliyah who were here to promote Romeo Must Die. Gwen was very influenced by Japan and I remember telling Gwen did get to meet and chat with Aliyah, but her and the band they should visit Harajuku on a Sunday. They did she had to leave before Jet and his entourage ar- and they loved it. Gwen, as you know, has the Harajuku Girls—four rived. It was a shame really as Jet and Gwen have young Japanese back-up dancers featured on some of her videos, similar personalities—outgoing, pleasant and fun.

Jun. 15 – Jul. 05 | Vol. 04 No. 12 | 17 CROSSWORD BY WEEKENDER

Across 1. The ‘peaceful sea’. (7) 2. Canada’s answer to the BBC. (3) #6 3. Could be the first African American president. (5) 1 21 4 2 5 7. Monkey-owning Group of Seven 3 30 painter. (4) Toranomon 8. Succeeded by Andrew Johnson in 6 31 1865. (abbv) (3) Happy hour 17:00-19:00 9. One half of an adventurous team. (5) Draught Beer ¥200 off 7 8 29 Cocktails ¥500 10. A high-pitched Vegas act. (4) 11. Cheval-Théâtre stars. (6) 23 25 Tasty and authentic pub fare 14. Potato state. (5) Fish & chips ¥500 16. Capital of Nunavut. (7) 9 22 10 12 Chicken & chips ¥500 17. Formerly Liliuokalani’s kingdom. (6)

1 minute from Toranomon station 18. The end of Steinbeck’s masterpiece. (5) 11 27 13 (Ginza line) 19. American geographical division. (5) 23. Issues your right to drive (abbv). (3) Warm and Friendly atmosphere 25. City with the world’s largest free with English speaking staff. standing tower (abbv). (2) 14 New Toranomon Bldg.,1f, 1-1-18 Toranomon, 26. City of Angels (abbv). (2) Minato-ku. Tokyo 105-0001. 28. Home of ‘the most exciting two min 15 Tel:03-5501-1536 utes in sports’ (abbv). (2) E-mail: [email protected] 31. State with the motto: udemus jura 16 Website: www.dubliners.jp nostra defendere (abbv). (2)

Down Shinagawa 2. League with two teams of the same 28 17

name. (3) Happy hour 14:00-19:00 19 20 24 Draught Beer ¥200 off 4. 22nd most populous state (abbv). (2) Cocktails ¥500 5. Political community headed by the Queen. (12) 26 18 Special set menu: ¥1,000 6. To give aid. (4) Fish & chips, 9. Nicknamed the Bayou State. (9) Chicken & chips, or 12. Hoosiers live here. (7) 21. Keeps the skies safe (abbv). (3) 29. Spielburg’s 80s classic. (2) Toasted sandwich Plus a half pint of Beer. 13. Linguistic phenomenon, aka inglañol. (9) 22. America’s involvement was sparked by 30. A dam building rodent. (6) 15. Sudbury mine aka The Big _____. (6) Japan (abbv). (3) Live Music: Every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 8pm 17. Tiny Bubbles crooner. (2) 24. Canada’s answer to “hey”. (2) * Please look for crossword answers Please check our HP for full listings. 20. Bought for $7.2million (abbv). (2) 27. Presided over by Lorne Calvert (abbv). (2) in our next issue of Weekender.

Real pub atmosphere Great sports, food + Craic! Robin Ord-Smith successfully defends EU-Japan title. By Jim Fletcher

Shinagawa Grand Central Tower B1, obin Ord-Smith successfully defended his EU-Japan informal contacts. This year is especially important as it 2-16-3 Kounan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075 RFriendship Week Golf Tournament title on May 20 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Rome Tel:03-6718-2834 E-mail: [email protected] at the Windsor Park Golf and Country Club. Eighty-two Treaties, which lay the ground for the European Union. Website: www.dubliners.jp players, representing many European countries and Japan A round of 73 gross, which produced a net score of participate in this fifth playing 69.4 was good enough for Rob- of the event which took place in Ord-Smith to retain his title, in beautiful weather under and also win the Best Gross clear blue skies. The tourna- Prize. Runner Up position ment was honored to have went to a previous winner of Ambassador Brendan Scannell the tournament, Hiroshi Taga, from Ireland and Ambassador who had a net score of 71.6. Jaromir Novotny from the The tournament is grate- Czech Republic in the field. ful to the many sponsors who Mrs. Sylvia Kofler represented supported the event, and their the Delegation of the European Commission to Japan at generous contributions to make this yet another successful July 21st 2007 (Sat) at Dubliners Shinagawa "European Music Festival" the Award Ceremony afterwards. event. The sponsors included The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, The Come and enjoy a free LIVE concert featuring foreign artists The tournament formed part of the EU-Japan Friend- Park Hyatt Tokyo, Oakwood, Audemars Piguet, City Club and music from: Ireland, Italy, France, Spain and more!! ship Week Calendar. EU-Japan Friendship Week is an in- of Tokyo, Interlang, Triumph International, British Embas- 2pm-10pm. Guinness special: 1 pint ¥700! tegrated series of sporting, cultural, and academic events sy, Wedgewood, Graeme Baxter Golf Galleries, The Earth Please check our homepage for more info. that is held annually during the month of May. Friendship Golf Club, Euro Pubs, Club Car, Guerlain, Lead Off Japan, Week aims to mix fun and friendly exchanges with infor- Mizuno, Weekender, Mainichi Daily News, Virgin Atlan- mation, and endeavors to give Japanese people a chance tic, Windsor Park Golf and Country Club, and the to learn more about the European Union through various Delegation of the European Commission to Japan.

WEEKENDER JAPAN’S QUALITY ENGLISH MAGAZINE: Serving the international community free since 1970. Offices are at Caroline Pover, Inc., 5th floor, Chuo Iikura Building, 3-4-11 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041 Tel. 03-5549-2038 Fax: 03-5549-2039. Opinions expressed by WEEKENDER contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. WEEKENDER PICK-UP POINTS

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