NOVEMBER 2012

Since 1970 ’s premier English language magazine

THE PURSUIT of PERFECTIOn FARMING The story behind LEXUS’ FRONTIER New FLAGSHIP MOTOR AT THE HEART OF JAPAN’s RURAL RECOVERY JEANS GENIUS EXcLUSIVE WITH DIESEL’S RENZO ROSSO

Shigesato Itoi A MAN WITH A PLAN(NER)

HiroYOSHI BRIGHTHATA’s IDEAS An entrepreneur LEADING THE WAY TO A GREENER FUTURE

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: The Latest APAC news from Asia Daily Wire, Travel Ideas, Movies, Events and much more... WEEKENDER barca.pdf 1 14.09.2012 11:51

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NOVEMBER 2012 CONTENTS 14

FARMING FRONTIER We take a look at how rural Japan is

fighting back and modernising. 18 30 28

HIROYOSHI HATA ANTALYA RENZO ROSSO The entrepreneur doing things the right We find there’s more to the ever-popular The Italian “Jeans Genius” behind Diesel way, helping the world while he’s at it. Turkish Riviera than meets the eye. talks to Weekender.

11 Asia Daily Wire 26 Shigesato Itoi: Man of Many Talents 46 Movies A roundup of all the top APAC news of the He has designed games for Nintendo and Previews of all the hottest films in the past month. voiced Ghibli characters. What next? cinema and on DVD this month.

13 Interview: Hasan Mutlu of Turkish Air 38 National Azabu 48 Agenda What links Shinji Kagawa, Kobe Bryant Taking a look at another Tokyo Art shows, live gigs, festivals and all the and the stars of Japanese ? instutution, back on the scene. best things to do in November. 22 Lexus 40 Society 50 Back in the Day We met the guys behind the new flagship Bill Hersey talks festivals, national days A snapshot of Weekender from 1982. Lexus; a Japanese car for the world. and parties after a hectic month. NOVEMBER 2012

FROM THE EDITOR Publisher Bulbous Cell Media Group Chairman Ray Pedersen

elcome to a new part of the magazine which Executive Producer Asi Rinestine will be, I hope, an opportunity for me to connect you to some of our content and Editor Matthew Holmes W Art Director Liam Ramshaw indeed open up a bit of a dialogue between you and our Designer Ayako Fujiwara team here at Weekender. Photographers Norihisa Kushibiki Firstly, our cover star. We first met Hiroyoshi Hata Kyle Drubek in Tottori last month when researching our story on the Media Director Kotaro Toda UNESCO World Heritage sand dunes there. Mr. Hata is Account Executives Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa actually a tourism ambassador for the area but, when we Ohad Elbaz heard about the other side of his life, we wanted to find Masaya Okamoto out more about some of his business philosophies and we think we have introduced you to quite a unique man. Media Consultants Mary Rudow Matthew Hernon Before that, on pages 14 - 17, we have the stories behind some of the initiatives at the heart of what we have Society Bill Hersey called Japan’s ‘rural recovery’. Most of us here in Tokyo head to our workplaces every morning by train but for Film Christopher O’Keeffe some, including a Californian living and teaching the Editorial Associate Vivian Morelli good life in the country, rural life is the setting for some Asia Daily Wire Mace Bertumen forward thinking we’d perhaps all do well to learn some lessons from. IT Manager Nick Adams We have some wide-ranging interviews this month Development Manager Stephane Boudoux and can now surely be one of the first publications to Finance & Admin Vika Maslyuk Web Development Amit Raj Baral be able to make the grand old claim of having brought DBA Iryna Sundutova together the Dalai Lama, Wayne Rooney and Totoro on the same pages. That achievement aside, and slightly more seriously, I hope that you will find something you EST. Corky Alexander, 1970 enjoy reading, whether it be from the world of fashion, advertising or aviation. Published by Bulbous Cell Media Group I also hope you will take a little time to look at our www.bulbouscell.com website from time to time. As well as providing a space Published monthly at the Regency Shinsaka Building, 5th floor for content from the magazine, members of our team and 8-5-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 contributing writers based both in Tokyo and further (03) 6846-5615 / (03) 6846-5616 (fax) afield have some great original pieces on there. Last [email protected] month we were really happy with the response to our article about onsen in Tokyo and were pleased to have To subscribe to the Tokyo Weekender, please call (03) 6846-5615 or email: answered some questions about Japan’s new laws on [email protected] downloading movies and music, something some readers had been more than a little worried about. Lastly, as I briefly mentioned above, I want to For ad sales inquiries, please call (03) 6846-5615 or email: say that I am hoping this space will give me a chance [email protected] to open up a dialogue with some of you, our readers. I would like to hear more from you about what you www.tokyoweekender.com think of Weekender. Have you seen something you like? Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors are not Something you hate? Would you like to see a return to necessarily those of the publisher something we have stopped doing or do you have any new ideas? Do you have an idea for a story you would like us to investigate or even something you’d like to work on yourself and submit for publication? Email me at [email protected] and I will get back to NOVEMBER 2012 Since 1970 Japan’s premier English language magazine you. I am looking forward to hearing from you. Have a THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION FARMING great month. THE STORY BEHIND LEXUS’ FRONTIER NEW FLAGSHIP MOTOR AT THE HEART OF JAPAN’S RURAL RECOVERY Front cover photography by: JEANS GENIUS EXCLUSIVE WITH DIESEL’S RENZO ROSSO Norihisa Kushibiki

SHIGESATO ITOI A MAN WITH A PLAN(NER) Follow Tokyo Weekender on Twitter:

HIROYOSHI @weekenderjapan BRIGHTHATA’S IDEAS AN ENTREPRENEUR LEADING THE WAY TO A GREENER FUTURE Like us on Facebook:

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: The Latest APAC news from Asia Daily Wire, Travel Ideas, Movies, Events and much more... www.facebook.com/tokyo.weekender

ASIA DAILY WIRE | NEWS | 11

sia Daily Wire is your go-to place for all the latest news from across Philippine the Asia Pacific region. Covering business, culture, entertainment, government, sports and breaking news, Asia Daily Wire is updated round the rebels to sign “roadmap to clock in real time and picks and chooses the best headlines from lasting peace” Asources across Asia—doing all the hard work for you. Here is a roundup of Philippine officials some of the ADW Editor’s picks from the past month... and Muslim rebel leaders signed a landmark peace deal Monday, potentially bringing an end to decades of insurgency that has Japan’s justice Japan Coast claimed the lives of more than 150,000 people. minister Keishu Guard rescues President Benigno Aquino III and Murad Tanaka resigns 64 seamen Ebrahim, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Japan’s recently from burning chief, will sign the framework agreement, appointed justice Chinese vessel paving the way for a new autonomous region minister has The Japan Coast to be administered by Muslims. stepped down amid alleged ties to the Guard came to the rescue after authorities yakuza, initially citing his “ill health.” Since alerted them to a burning Chinese freighter, Japanese taking office, Mr. Tanaka had been laden despite mounting maritime tensions over surgeon with controversies over political funding disputed territories. In a potential boost to awarded Nobel (donations from foreigners are illegal in relations, all 64 seamen were brought to safety Prize for stem Japan) and association with organized crime. early Sunday morning, with some having cell research suffered minor injuries. The Nobel Prize for Medicine was jointly awarded Australia Asian military to Shinya Yamanaka of Japan and John convicts people- spending rises, Gurdon of Britain for their groundbreaking smuggler to 14 leading contribution to stem cell research. The years in prison arms race two scientists discovered the missing part An Australian Military spending in of the equation on regenerative medicine court convicted a Asia has increased crucial to replacing tissue for victims of man for organizing the voyage of at least at a higher than predicted rate over the Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases. four people-smuggling boats from Indonesia past decade, marching past Europe led by to Australia, including that of a doomed a secretive China, a study released Monday Hong Kong vessel which capsized off the coast of shows. AFP reports that major powers in Asia ferry collision Christmas Island, killing 50 people. Iranian- – China, Japan, , and captains and born Ali Khorram Heydarkhani will serve – doubled their defense budgets over a span of crew members nine-and-a-half years without parole. ten years amounting to $224 billion in 2011. arrested Hong Kong S. Korea blocks China criticized authorities arrested the captains and launch of back home crewmembers of two vessels after a collision propaganda over IMF snub killed at least 38 people, including five balloons after Criticism children. The incident was the worst the attack threat reverberated city has seen in almost 40 years. The ferry South Korean back home over boat and company vessel were on their authorities barred a protest by activists China’s decision to sit out the IMF meetings way to watch a fireworks display in Victoria aiming to send propaganda leaflets across in Tokyo, with local media claiming the Harbour when the collision occurred. Most the heavily guarded border after North snub to Japan cost Chinese officials a “key of the fatalities were passengers from the Korea threatened a “merciless” attack. opportunity” to promote its stance on company vessel. “We are not here to provoke a conflict global economic issues. “Their absence but to convey the truth to North Koreans. is a tremendous loss,” a Chinese foreign President Lee will be remembered as a exchange market analyst told the Asahi For all the big news of 2012 cowardly leader who succumbed to North Shimbun. “China has politicized what is updated live, visit: Korean threats,” one of the organizers said. essentially a commercial issue.” www.asiadailywire.com

TURKISH AIRLINES | BUSINESS | 13

Sponsorship is not enough on its own, though, as Mutlu explains. The company needs to be strong. “We need to understand why we need to use sponsorship. Nobody wants to spend millions of dollars on marketing if you have nothing to back it up, Stars OF the Sky you need to have the potential to make the most of it.” Hasan Mutlu, GM of Turkish Airlines in Tokyo, talks “And sometimes even with money you can’t make an agreement. You cannot make about taking risks, world-class sport and his mission these clubs agree with you with only money. They need something else in return.” Mutlu talks about brand awareness and the fact n a city like Tokyo, a metropolitan city middle of fire, it’s geographically challenging that a sponsorship agreement can work both with 35 million people, the biggest but, even as we are taught in school, the ways. “Also, so many people think we are metropolitan city in the world, we location is very strategic, linking Asia, Africa paying tens of millions of dollars for such should not have an airport which is and Europe. It is in the centre of everything.” sponsorships but if people knew the reality, closing at 11pm,” says Hasan Mutlu, However, Mutlu says, “we needed to build they would be shocked. Sometimes you General Manager of Turkish Airlines in Tokyo, and get even more planes, more cabin crew I can handle things without so much money. of the current operating hours at Narita. “This etc. The weak point of the company was that Of course if we had oil it might be easier,” city needs an airport that runs 24 hours. I am not too many people knew us; we offered a Mutlu jokes, “but as it happens we need not in a position to intervene too much, but lot, but had a low profile. When I first went to to work at it and be convincing, it is more we are trying.” Nigeria in 2005 and said, ‘I am from ,’ complicated.” “If it was just extended until 1am or 2am they said, ‘Turkey? What is Turkey?’” The idea is more than just paying to maybe, more airlines would come, more “Actually the movement in the right place the brand name on shirts. flights would be handled and more passengers direction started in 2003, with “We also took the top-eight golf could travel. Then maybe prices would go our new management. When players in the world to Antalya down. It would not only help the airlines they came to power in the We need for the Turkish Airlines but the Japanese economy and the Ministry company they reset some to understand why we World Golf tournament of Tourism; many things would be affected things and reorganized, in October (Justin Rose positively.” rescheduled and planned need to use sponsorship. beat Lee Westwood A few years ago, Turkish Airlines perhaps a kind of new beginning, Nobody wants to spend by a shot to capture wouldn’t have considered itself a heavyweight investing with the the $1.5m prize in the enough name in the industry to be able to government’s support millions of dollars on final) and we sponsor make such pushes for expansion. Mutlu, who – airline businesses marketing if you have the Turkish Airlines has been in Japan for just one year, talks need the strategic and Euroleague, Basketball’s about the growth of the company over the last diplomatic support of the nothing to back main event.” Saori Kimura, few years and some of the strategies involved government; even though it up. Japan’s standout volleyball in the marketing side of sending Turkish we are 53% private we are still performer at the London Airlines in the right direction. the flag carrier of the Republic Olympics moved to Turkish team, “I started in the company in 1997 in of Turkey. They set the plans for the VakifBank TT, recently, further raising Ankara and we were a small-to-mid size or next 5 years, 10 years and 15 even, until 2023, the sport’s profile along with the Turkish average Eastern European airline with 60 the 100-year anniversary of the Republic of Airlines name in Japan. If that move was planes, 60 destinations and around 12,000 Turkey. That started to let us gain trust and planned, it was a stroke of genius. staff. We were an average carrier owned by confidence in ourselves.” “If you are more popular, people and the state, losing money.” “Strategically, having confidence was very organizations will come to you, and that Mutlu says the company saw important. At that time some of us thought is happening. They are coming to us and opportunities, firstly from the there were question marks – I thought, when asking.” A growing network across Africa – location of the country. we were buying planes other companies had Mutlu is pleased to see the company making “We could see clearly that cancelled orders for, ‘are we crazy?’ – but after inroads into the “homeland” of British and Turkey could be a real some time we realized that yes, the decisions Dutch airlines – is further helping growth hub, geographically. and policies were right. Those were the right and is part of that. This is good news not We always knew steps and that was the critical point. Then, we only for the airline, but also for Turkey. from the beginning had the confidence.” “Surprisingly few people know about the importance of the Turkish Airlines needed to spread the the reality that one of our main missions is location. On the one word and Mutlu talks happily of its association to represent the Republic of Turkey, together hand we with some of the sporting world’s biggest with our embassies. People often come to us are in names. The decision to tap the potential reach for information on Turkey and that mission the of global sports stars was an obvious one and the company was quite aggressive, making – and taking tourists to Turkey – is often agreements with the “strongest teams in the more important than making money.” world,” Manchester United and FC Barcelona. And when a new route into Los Angeles was opened, the company was quick to sign up Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers basketball team.

Pictured Left: Hasan Mutlu, General Manager of Turkish Airlines in Tokyo Pictured Right: Ryan Giggs, Shinji Kagawa and Paul Scholes of Manchester United. A number of the world’s top sports stars and teams have a sponsorship agreement with Turkish Airlines. THE FARMING Frontier AT THE HEART OF JAPAN’s RURAL RECOVERY

Mrs. Sekine rents a small plot of land for her family’s garden farm in northern Tokyo, growing food solely to supplement her household’s needs. Having just planted a row of winter onions, here she is tending to a row of long onions, soon to be harvested. Her crop rotates through the year and includes tomatoes, aubergines, blueberries, onions and green peppers. Photograph by Kyle Drubek

NOVEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com THE FARMING Frontier

hallenges already faced by Japanese agriculture – Star chefs from Europe – Thierry Marx, who holds two Michelin an ageing farming population, declining income stars at his restaurant in France and cooks modern, slightly and a shortage of people seeking to make their unconventional food and a Dane, Thorsten Schmidt, member of living in traditional ways – have recently been the Nordic Food Lab, a food research lab hosted by the owner of exacerbated. A lasting global recession and stronger Noma – will be on hand deliver a presentation on how to make thanC ever yen have meant that exports are no longer so the most of Japan’s world class produce and “send out a message profitable and the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and associated about the new possibility of Japanese foodstuffs to the world.” problems in Fukushima were further damaging. There will be a farmers’ market and the chance to try and There is a need to restructure, re-prioritize and buy many food items, with many producers showcasing their modernize in order to make viable the traditional primary region’s local food specialties – so often the star when you travel industry of the nation. The Farming Frontier initiative is a big around Japan – and even competing in a Grand Prix of what is part of the move to rebuild and transform local economies known as B1-Gourmet. Foreign students in Japan will be showing and revitalize agriculture into a growth industry. what they can do with international dishes using only local The idea starts with people. The Japanese government ingredients. Those who enjoy sake, or want to learn more about expressed the notion in 2011 of holding a ‘Festival for Food, its production or indeed great ways to enjoy it will be looked Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.’ The concept brings after on Sake Street and there will be a chance to meet some together consumers, industry and local governments and the of the people who are making some of the latest innovations latest effort is to showcase the work already done at Tokyo possible. Big Sight on December 1st and 2nd. Booths from the affected areas will particularly impress Visitors to Farming Frontier will have chance to learn upon people the strength of Japanese agriculture and the efforts about the producers who are innovating as well as to of people involved to recover from the earthquake and tsunami, witness perhaps the easiest way of linking agriculture and and their exhibits and activities will have special notices to help consumers – food on a plate. you spot them

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 16 | FEATURE | FARMING FRONTIER

SNOW MANGO

hat does a mango have to do with snow and why have farmers in one part of Hokkaido found that tropical fruit and wintry flakes might be the perfect partners? Essentially,W in order to have a mango in Japan in winter – particularly in December, the traditional gift-giving season when many people want one – you have to trick it. Due to the environmental – and financial – cost associated with artificially cooling and heating greenhouses in which mangoes are grown, many farmers don’t bother. In summer the plant must be taught to bud, and the only way to do that is bring the soil to a temperature below 10 degrees. In Obihiro, Hokkaido, local entrepreneurs tasked with finding an agricultural boost to the area may have found their perfect project. Much of the snow which lies on the ground around Obihiro remains until summer and by running cold snow melt through pipes beneath the soil, an efficient way to lower soil temperature and persuade the plants to bud has been found. But then how do you ‘replicate’ spring and summer temperatures and ensure winter harvest is possible? Luckily Obihiro is also abundant with hot springs, so hot water from a natural source is channeled through the pipes, raising the temperature and providing perfectly plump mangoes at a time previously thought impossible. After trial seasons over the last couple of years with 10 trees in a plot of about 60 sq m, the mangoes should be ready for their first commercial harvest from a larger plot in November 2013. Taste tests so far, including by expert growers from Miyazaki who initially gave encouragement to the project, are positive and around 1,500 fruits are expected to hit the shelves next year, providing much hope for the region’s export market.

Creating the Future of Farming: 1 The Gandpa Corporation

t’s really hard to grasp what your talent is. I feel this is the biggest challenge young people are facing,” says Takaaki Abe. Searching for a new challenge after 28 years as a bank clerk, Abe has turned over a new leaf in his life and has found new direction. His company, Gandpa, has developed a dome that, while Iharnessing solar power, provides a space for hydroponic farming – the growing of vegetables in mineral rich water, without soil. Gandpa’s domes can bring a viable farm to almost anywhere. As of August 2012, six of the domes have been erected in regions affected by the earthquake and tsunami of March 2011, including one at Rikuzentakata, in Iwate. With a diameter of 29 metres, the Rikuzentakata 2 3 dome grows lettuce and provides efficient use of land with minimal construction or development. Abe is passionate about farming and has a strong motivation to change the industry. He realises that there is a need to create an environment where young people are interested in entering the farming industry. He wants to make farming an attractive trade and create a “new breed of farmers.” His dream is simple but its aims ambitious: “If we do this right,” Abe says, “we can turn the tide on exports. And I don’t think it’s a fairytale for 1 Hydroponic farming: without soil 2 3 farmers to be able to make large profits from their produce.” Gandpa domes New breed of farmer

NOVEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com FARMING FRONTIER | FEATURE | 17

Okinawa Kocha Nancy Singleton

any thought it was impossible to successfully Hachisu grow crops in the north of Okinawa. The ountry customs are the heart soil is too acidic for much to grow but local of Japan and part of the whole agricultural entrepreneur Mr. Higa saw an society. Losing them will be a opportunity. Red soil which drains well and big disaster for all of Japan,” anM abundance of sunshine, he spotted, would allow tannins to says Nancy Singleton Hachisu, develop perfectly in a tea plant – the perfect situation, he saw, Cwho speaks passionately about the need to take on the challenge of bringing profitable tea cultivation to to keep hold of Japan’s traditions. As a the area near the Yanbaru mountains. After devoting himself Californian who has moved to Japan and to an uncompromising trial and error process, Mr. Higa finally set up home with her farmer husband created a product was ready to hit the market and become a Tadaaki in Saitama, she is perhaps an new and distinctive local product. With a “pronounced yet unlikely champion for the philosophy refreshing” flavour, it is hoped that the number of partner hotels that she truly lives. in Okinawa will grow and one more item on the breakfast table Hachisu has recently had her first of Okinawans can be locally sourced. book published which, as well as being 1 a gorgeous collection of around 160 recipes with photography that helps us understand the connection between farm and plate, tells of her life working as a teacher and writer from her farm/ school in Kamikawa-machi and of her connection with Japan. Japanese Farm Food was released this autumn and Hachisu has been touring the United States with it, getting great reviews and spreading the word about organic, free-range farming and the seasonal 2 3 produce of Japan. “Food is how I look at life,” Hachisu says in the run up to an appearance at the Farming Frontier event back here in Japan in early December. Living the good life in the country is about as far away as possible from spending time amongst thousands of people at Tokyo Big Sight 1 Freshly brewed Okinawan Kocha but, as most of the attendees will share a 2 Distinctive red soil gives the tea passion for food, she will surely feel it’s flavor 3 Black tea plants at home.

A New Citrus

ecovering from steady decline is all about adaptation. The islands of the inland sea to the south of Hiroshima Rwere once a prosperous mikan producing region – their climate was right and the sun shone but as prices went down, so did the viability of such farming. Now, with lemon growing as a valuable addition to their repertoire, and locally developed Ishiji Mikan – which has a confectionary-like flavour – and Haruka fruits popular in the export market selling well, the region is on the up. The decision to diversify goes further than simply adding varieties – marketing too is different. That lemons go well with pancakes, for example, is one message farmers are keen to give; a true sign that this is progressive thought about produce that will run right through to the way it is treated by consumers.

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 LiGhting THE WAY WEEKENDER Speaks WITH THE entrepreneur LEADING THE WAY TO A BETTER FUTURE

NOVEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com entrepreneurship | FEATURE | 19

WEEKENDER Speaks WITH THE entrepreneur LEADING THE WAY TO A BETTER FUTURE

They only care about profits and they don’t mind stepping on people on the way. Many people harbor these sorts of negative feelings towards big business and multinational corporations and it is easy to see why in the modern world. Hiroyoshi Hata believes there is another way.

Hata had met many people – particularly in orn in Nagano in 1963, Hata recently been working closely with university places such as Laos, , Bangladesh has a background in science, students in Vietnam as the first stage of a and China – and had learned much about having graduated from Fujita new project. the problems many economies and people Health University in 1986. “Universities are focused on research faced. It was while at university but they are far away from production. My After “about 10 years of study,” Hata set that his future was decided, though it was intention is to bridge that gap. The ultimate B up his biomedical related research & design perhaps not the lab technician’s license he goal is to help set a proper economy in the company with high hopes. He had spotted gained that would spur him on, it was time foreign countries. A long time ago, when I something that needed changing. spent working for UNESCO as a volunteer. was helping to organize a youth exchange It was not simply consumer needs but “Basically,” Hata says, “I was working system, I realized that there should be a wider societal issues that Hata would target. initially on a vaccination programme, holistic approach to the needs of the next Hata’s company is essentially a ‘fabless aiming to help kids in developing countries. generation.” manufacturer’. This means that the focus is After a while, though, to me it became clear “I had a lot of time to communicate with on the development of a particular piece of that while such projects were doing really Asian youth. Eventually I not only realized technology that can then go on to provide good work, they wouldn’t bring about a who I was and where I came from, but also the core to a product. “Even though basic long-term solution.” what were I believe to be the core values of needs can be the same, the shape and final Frustration at watching new strains of Japan.” stage of production is different by country diseases may have been what kept Hata due to all sorts of factors. So I would like working in blood testing labs at a university to help the countries by giving them the hospital but his aim was to start his own Big companies technology, then allow them to work with it company, one that that could go to the heart to produce the product.” of wider problems. GENIU&A-RAY was monopolize the market “Big companies such as Nike create founded in 1999. and niche requirements shoes in China, for example, but the products are consumed in the US. I am The Philosophy are not met - especially interested in making LED lighting systems, At the heart of his idea was this: if the for instance, in the country they are to be process of R&D is taken out of the hands of if the needs are in the consumed in. Manufacturers and labourers major technology companies to focus not developing world. can see the products they are making and on ends that exclusively meet profit-based will have a sort of pride in themselves. They thinking, then it can be shared with people can feel that they are making something and in the world who are less likely to be able Hata talks about a “‘-dou’ mentality. making progress for their society.” to do it for themselves. The problems lie in It’s kind of the ‘art of’ something,” he says, “The ideal style of business,” for Hata, “is some ways with tradition. “and it’s at the heart of Japanese culture. I one in which the core is done in Japan and “For example, Panasonic, Toshiba thought that to do something to help spread the final production is done in the countries. and other giants are doing R&D on their that, I could, for example, try judo or kendo, This not only helps the economy of the own and also covering production and but I was too old! For sado (the art of the tea country but the product has the distribution. That’s the traditional way,” ceremony) I would need many things, a lot of shape and manner of each of the countries’ Hata explains. But if the products that could equipment. But kado (flower arranging) was needs. That would be ideal.” potentially result from that development different. Even if you go abroad you can do it, Hata’s latest major development is a stage are not marketable, or relevant using that country’s own flowers.” board that reduces the production and to consumers within Japan, the work is A few years ago Hata decided to study at install time for LED lighting systems for essentially dead. “In fact there are many Ikenobo, the original kado school, in Kyoto, businesses. By removing the need for studies which are not used at all, left alone and got a license to teach it (pictured on the soldering, which takes up a lot of time and wasted.” left), along the way finding some inspiration and manpower, countries that would “So those big companies monopolize for his business practices. “In kado, the soul, have previously been unable to use such the market and niche requirements are skill and body need to be unified. Maybe that ecologically and economically sound systems not met - especially if the needs are in the can be used in business; you need to develop now have a viable way. When he mentions developing world, which I know well. I your skill, your heart and body all the time.” that his company has been awarded a Good would like to find these issues and find a “And the art of flower arranging is, in the Design Award for his “Faster Buster” line of matching study and develop it.” core, the ability to take whatever is in your sterilization products, his focus on the user Hata is a busy man, spending much hand and arrange it. I think in Japan we are – the consumer – is clear. “I am pleased that time out of Tokyo in Tottori. Since 2009, good at doing that with business, too.” we were recognized for functionality, not when Panasonic acquired Sanyo, who had simply design.” many factories in the area, there has been The Application Showing us the light, Hata has found a high rate of unemployment and a lot of When searching for a direction in which inspiration for his philosophy from many talent wasted, he says. Seeing a potential to channel his efforts it did not take long to corners of the world. His application is, we for growth, he is basing his operations in remember parts of Asia he had experienced hope, part of a new wave, pushing business the city. He is often abroad, too, and has through work, volunteer projects and travel. in a positive direction.

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012

THE LEXUS STORY

Design of Experience

NOVEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com LEXUS | ADVERTISING FEATURE | 23 LEXUS

LEXUS: A BRIEF HISTORY Since then, Lexus has come back ‘home’ to Japan and In 1988, Lexus announced itself to the world and established itself in the marketplace, building its reinvented the concept of automotive luxury. Half a reputation on luxury but also on safety, innovation, decade of research and development – involving 1,400 environmental sustainability and a superior quality engineers, 450 prototypes and 4.5 million kilometers of of owner experience. testing – had followed a secretive meeting on the fringes of a company conference that resulted in Eiji Toyoda, Lexus in Japan then chairman of Toyota, issuing a challenge to his If you are buying a car in Japan, you want a luxury engineers and designers: to build the best luxury sedan car you can rely on. You can rely on a Lexus. Vehicles in the world. are assembled within Japan and your dealer will be The Circle F project was born that day and just a short drive away – so why bring your European would go on to create the first LS 400, surpassing the car to Asia? unprecedented targets Ichiro Suzuki, the project’s chief Buying a Lexus LS series here in Tokyo, you Design of engineer, had set. can take advantage of the Japan only L-Select A now iconic TV commercial in the US showed customization system. There are six ‘worlds’ from a delicate tower of champagne glasses on the bonnet which to choose the look and feel of your interior. of the new flagship model holding steady even when Presidential Suite has luxurious brown leather and a the car simulated a speed approaching 140 mph and, rear seat that gives a supreme experience, whereas with that, a new symbol of luxury had arrived. Lexus Escape Journey conjures the image of a Mediterranean stunned motor journalists in the US and was destined to style yacht and Japanese Modern reflects the ultra- Experience provide the new standard for car lovers. contemporary design of Lexus’ homeland.

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 24 | ADVERTISING FEATURE | LEXUS

he LS has always appealed to customers who symbol of the balance of the philosophies of power and finesse demand the best. They appreciate the highly which have gone into the design. It is the stand out feature refined and luxurious nature of the Lexus when many people first set eyes on the new LS. The direction flagship,” says Hideki Watanabe, the Chief Watanabe gave to his team of designers and engineers would Engineer of the LS, after a launch event in be to be dynamic and bold and the grille is a big part of that. TSan Fransisco in July. “At the start of the LS development The sum of the parts really is key to the feel and look of a car programme, I had to consciously broaden my horizons, and Watanabe explains that when he told his team to “be focusing on the finer things in life from the worlds of dynamic, be bold,” it was not his intention to end up with what art, design and technology – a first step towards creating marketing guys see as “sexy” in the car’s appearance. the most sophisticated LS yet, to satisfy the world’s most “The Spindle Grille for example is a key part of the car’s discerning customers.” design concept but we had to keep the fundamental philosophy Watanabe, back in Tokyo, talks with relish about of the LS when unifying that with the silhouette of the car. the challenges he faced as an engineer. Development of We brush it up again and again through many processes and the new LS involved making around 3,000 changes to its finally, we seek a beautiful shape. Only then does it become Hideki Watanabe, Chief Engineer specifications and design but, for Watanabe, none is more something which people might decide to call sexy.” of the Lexus LS important than the next. “We are often asked our favourite As an engineer it is clear Watanabe understands the (Photo by Norihisa Kushibiki) but it’s impossible to say. For an engineer, the car is like connection between his work behind the scenes and the driver our child. It would be like asking a father to say that he at the wheel of his creation. With all the steps involved in loved his child’s eyes more than his or her ears or nose. creating the new model, could it be frustrating when drivers That just cannot be said. I have devoted myself equally see the whole and don’t appreciate the parts that make it up? and completely to the project as a whole and even though “Actually we have worked on a lot of small things and made engineers can never be satisfied 100% – we always have to many efforts to fine tune braking and handling, for example, strive for more – I have no regrets.” and drivers are recognizing that and embracing it.” So Lexus But every car has a talking point. The dynamic profile owners appreciate the small things? “Yes, and on the other of the Spindle Grille at the front of the car, which almost hand, if we were not pursuing perfection, drivers would allows you to ‘see’ how air flows around the car, is a quickly find it was not good enough.”

OCTOBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com Safety & Comfort Aston Martin | FEATURE | 25 The new LS has gone through changes and at the heart of many design concepts and technological innovations is a focus on safety and comfort. “Steering is safer and more secure but handling and reaction is quicker. We have improved riding comfort and we don’t sacrifice anything for that,” says Mr. Watanabe, “We have also improved quietness to maybe the top level in the world. Our customers demand that our targets for noise level are set very low so we have no option but to use such things as the hollow chamber noise reduction wheels, which reduce road noise.” The LS has an Advanced Pre-Crash Safety system with collision avoidance assist which is designed to provide the earliest possible warning of objects in the road – its sensors working day or night. Lane Keeping Assist and impressive Blind Spot Monitors – with alarm lights in the wing mirrors – help the driver focus on enjoying the ride while feeling secure on the road. Get Out of Town Not only will the impressive handling of the new LS make longer drives out of the city comfortable, it will make them more fun. On Interview with Atsushi Takada the highway to the mountains with family on the weekends, perhaps, the famous Lexus ride General Manager of Brand Management TALKS TO WEEKENDER comfort and quietness factor really come into their own. And because these luxury cars are That first TV commercial in 1989 showed Lexus as a symbol of luxury,” built for the driver, the dynamic stability going says Mr. Takada, “but now is the second generation of Lexus.” into corners and the complete responsiveness “Our President, Mr. Akio Toyoda of Toyota Motor Corporation will reward you with complete confidence- calls our latest moves a ‘new chapter of Lexus’. We now have more of inspiring security. As a result, you will an emotional feeling. If you are thinking rationally – about comfort, experience what Lexus call increased driving reliability and value for money in the premium market – there is no pleasure. You are in complete control but with a reason to choose our competitors, we feel, but we had to change some Lexus you are in good hands. of our focus to the emotional values that car lovers value, like simple Technology will give everyone in the vehicle driving pleasure.” an enjoyable ride; its build quality is so high that “Our pursuit of perfection has led us to believe that we can be the you can almost take for granted the luxury feel next standard of what we call progressive luxury. From one point of and finesse of the interior features. view there is the progressive: the environmental and social concerns Lexus has upgraded the infotainment and the innovation that comes from intelligence, research and design system in the LS. A Blu-ray player in the rear and so on. On the other side are the ideas of pleasure and status that go seat entertainment system as well as a 12.3” LCD Pictured above: with luxury. If we achieve a really high level of all of those things, we Atsushi Takada multi display screen – the industry’s largest – in can be the progressive luxury car of the 21st century.” (Photo by Norihisa Kushibiki) the front add to an impressive audio system. “I really admire what some other car makers have done and I love The Mark Levinson Reference Surround System Pictured top left: and respect foreign brands. Audi is splendid recently, for example, is the finest way to enjoy your music and with The LS600h “F SPORT” especially since 2000 when with the A4 they changed strategy. The TT HDD capacity and internet connectivity, you with extras was a turning point, too. It is an amazing product that enabled them to could not want for more. move into a new territory – Mercedes maybe had the ‘status’ and BMW Most importantly, the Lexus is a car you will Pictured top right: the ‘sport’ side (of the luxury car market) but if you were to drive Audi’s want to drive and the Drive Mode Select feature Inside the LS600h “Version L” car, they taught people, ‘people would think you were very cool’ and will help you get the most out of that. Choosing with extras that was a smart move.” from Eco mode through Comfort, Normal, “But we should not follow Audi. We have to produce a new way. We Pictured below: Sport S and Sport S+, you will find your optimal have strengths. We have hybrid technology for the environment and we performance and handling characteristics. The LS600h “Version L” with extras are recycling in the factories. We are a very eco-friendly company. That is one of our core competences but we need more than that to catch the heart of the customer in the premium category.” LED lights are used in the interior and tail lights and in the low- beam headlights, one key to the eco-strategies that Lexus has been pushing for. Using recyclable plastics derived from kenaf, a fibrous member of the hibiscous family as well as components derived from sugar cane have further helped reduce the car’s carbon footprint. In their efforts to create a car that could compete in terms of performance, a key factor in capturing the emotion of the driver, says Takada, “One of the turning points was the LFA, our super sports car.” Mr. Toyoda was deeply involved in the development of the LFA and was passionate that it would bring results for the company, Takada explains, “We only made 500 units but we got a lot of information and knowledge from its development. Driving performance is much improved due to many things we directly learned during that project.” “We want to disprove the notion that silence on one side and driving pleasure on the other can not go hand-in-hand. We are striving to make them compatible; that’s what we want to achieve, as a value for the customer.”

www.tokyoweekender.com OCTOBER 2012 26 | XXXXX | XXXXXX Shigesato Itoi A Man of Many Talents By Vivian Morelli

ost can and daily experiences. You can save the quote Shigesatsu Itoi’s planners after each year as keepsakes most well known lines, and create your own life novel.” He also made famous because mentions the importance of jotting down of their use in some of handwritten notes in a world dominated theM country’s most memorable adverts. by electronic technology. An old fashioned You may know the sound of his voice – diary acts, for this writer, as a chic lifestyle he played Mei and Satsuki’s father in the accessory that I both enjoy and find makes Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbour Totoro me more productive. In fact I enjoy the – or you may have played the successful process of feeling productive a notebook computer game he designed for Nintendo, gives me. And for Itoi, handwritten notes “Earth Bound” (titled “Mother 2” in Japan). carry a deeper, more personal meaning than Whether or not you’re familiar with his what we type into an electronic device; there wide-ranging work, you should know is a kind of beauty and uniqueness attached that Itoi Shigesato is a prominent figure in to handwriting, as it shows personality traits. Japan and an influential cultural icon. “It’s a bit like having a conversation with It was back during the dynamic your own notebook,” adds Itoi, who hopes it economic growth that characterized can be an “intimate part of its user’s life.” 1970s and 80s Japan that Itoi, now 63, rose The Hobonichi Techo Planner has, since to prominence after producing advert September, been available in an English after catchphrases that have remained deep- a unique collaboration with Sonya Park, the rooted in Japanese pop culture and are owner and creative director of the eclectic credited with establishing the profession life-style brand, ARTS&SCIENCE. Of Park, of copywriter outside the advertising Itoi says, “I’ve watched her work as an artist industry. His most outstanding line is and I thought she was creating good work. probably the successful 1983 catchphrase She understands traditional knowledge, but for Seibu department stores, which simply also has a modern philosophy and managed stated: “Delicious life.” In a way that hadn’t to blend both together to make the planner been particularly common in Japan, it useful. She wanted to be more involved in conveyed the message that the department the design, not only creating the cover but in store offered way more beyond daily the content as well”. goods: it offered a lifestyle. What I love about this planner is Multi-talented Itoi quickly spread his its simple yet sophisticated cover, which artistry into lyrics and essays, co-authoring features the engraved Japanese characters a collection of short stories titled Yume de for “techo” along with the ARTS&SCIENCE Aimashou (“Let’s meet in a dream”) with logo. The soft, lightweight leather has a When I was young, writer Haruki Murakami. Over the past texture that matures with use and inside, 14 years, however, his activity has been each page spread also features a distinctive I would forget about so focused on his news website, Hobo Nikkan quote that has been selected from the Itoi Shinbun (Almost Daily Itoi News.) Itoi Hobonichi website. A handy section in the many things. I thought is a prolific writer, updating daily with back includes a glossary of useful Japanese artist interviews and essays on lifestyle. words as well as a quirky miscellany that taking notes was The most popular item in Itoi’s includes a guide to Japan’s national birds, growing collection of merchandise is the a map of World Heritage sites across Japan un-cool Hobonichi Techo Planner, which was and a plethora of cultural tidbits such as launched in 2001. Its creative versatility coffee making processes around the world. was an immediate hit and, over the years, Itoi is also using his creative skills to the planner’s design has been refined and bring relief to the tsunami affected Tohoku updated to meet the demands of its users. region. Having set up a branch office in In a country that goes mad for stationery the region, he is organizing a variety of – visit any department store and see – it is projects to help out the local communities, the highest selling diary in Japan. inviting people from across the country to “When I was young, I would forget pitch creative ideas and interact with the The Hobonichi Techo Planner about so many things. I thought taking locals. Presidents of manufacturing and notes was un-cool, and forgetting about other companies are also introduced to the things meant they maybe weren’t communities to exchange ideas and seek important. Designing the planner was a ways to combine their potentials, in order chance to create something to help myself, to re-build businesses. His team is working to be an assistant to myself,” Itoi tells with local women in Kessennuma, Miyagi, Weekender. who are working towards establishing the The planner offers, Itoi explains, town as a hub for high quality knits. “I put a an entire page with only graph lines for lot of importance into crafts and the process each day and leaves room to scribble of making things by hand,” Itoi explains, down anything you wish to remember: talking positively about all the projects he appointments, a webpage layout, meals manages to juggle. Listening to him talk you ate, books you read, notes from friends makes me look forward to seeing what the and sketches, “The possibilities are endless future will bring for the multi-talented man and it’s a great place to record memories of the moment. NOVEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com XXXXXX | XXXXXX | 27

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 28 | XXXXXFASHION | XXXXXX | DIESEL

WEEKENDER TALKS WITH DIESEL PRESIDENT RENzo ROSSO

NOVEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com DIESEL XXXXXX | |FASHION XXXXXX | 29

By Matthew Hernon

hough laid-back, charming and extremely friendly, Renzo Rosso looks more like a rock- star than the man who, as President of one of the world’s most famous fashion labels, predises over a billion dollar business. The passionate Italian, who founded Diesel in 1978, is a man who doesn’t like to play by the rules and that is reflected by his brand. ‘OnlyT the Brave’ is their mantra, with Rosso placing an emphasis on individuality and self-ex- pression. Weekender recently met with the man known as the ‘Jeans Genius’ and discussed a variety of topics, including rats that discover mines, the influence of the Dalai Lama and the importance of ingeniousness in the workplace. “The kind of people who I like to have at Diesel are those who see things not as they are, but how they could be,” Rosso says. “It is a movement we have inside the company. Even if you do a simple job: try to put all your imagination and creativity in to it, feel like you are the owner. Together we can make something special.” The son of farmers, Rosso was brought up to value and respect people, particularly his employees. One of his top priorities is making sure that they are comfortable at work. With six children of his own, he knows how difficult it can be juggling a career and a family. “I don’t want people going back from their job with stress, this causes a bad atmosphere in the home. For me, an office should be a place where you feel happy and that is why we built our beautiful headquarters in Breganze. They have a gymnasium, aesthetic salons and all kinds of facilities. It is an amazing place to work.” For winners of the International Talent Support (ITS) Diesel Award, there is an oppor- tunity to experience those offices first hand. Rewarding exciting new designers, the prize includes a six-month internship within the Diesel creative team plus 25,000 euros that the recipient can invest in their career. It’s all part of the company’s policy to promote up-and-coming raw talent, a policy that goes further than simply the fashion world. Over the years Diesel has championed artists and musicians who are raw and excit- ing. Diesel U:Music for example, has given unsigned bands a platform for their songs to be heard and has helped to unearth groups that may have otherwise been overlooked in an increasingly manufactured industry. A more recent project that has also proved very popular here is the Diesel Art Gallery in their Shibuya store. Holding four exhibitions a year, the space showcases collections from a variety of international artists with customers given the opportunity to purchase some of the artwork. Installations by architects and interior designers are also exhibited in the shop. “I love discovering new people,” says Rosso. “Giving them visibility and helping them grow. There are so many competitions for musicians and designers who are already ‘some- one’, we like to work with people at the beginning of their journey. That is why we are so respected.” Rosso speaks with so much energy and enthusiasm that it is surprising to hear that he was once very close to giving it all up. Words of encouragement from a certain Tibetan spir- itual leader, however, helped change his mind. “It is true, there was a time when I thought that I didn’t want to do it any- more, but his Holiness the Dalai Lama persuaded me to use my profits to do something good, to help people. His words inspired me to start the Foundation.” Known as Only the Brave Foundation, Rosso is talking of the non-profit organization that initially focused on young disadvantaged people in Northern but has since switched its attention to Africa. The goal is not only to provide financial aid to the region but also to help local communities achieve sustainable development. “You can’t just erase poverty by throwing money at it. People need sup- port to help them grow. For example, together with locals, we are building a big village in Mali for 20,000 people that I hope will be self-standing in five or six years. A project like this gives individuals stimulation to achieve something memorable. Sometimes to make a difference it only requires a small amount of capital. We recently invested 100,000 euros in APOPO, an organization that trains rats to detect land- mines and tuberculosis [research is showing that rats can sense TB in saliva samples much faster than humans using microscopes]. It’s a wonderfully innovative way to save thousands of lives.” As well as taking a huge role in a variety of other charitable projects, Rosso is also the President of an investment group, owns a hotel in Miami and runs his own Italian football team, Bassano Virtus 55 S.T. Yet even with so much other than fashion in his life, Rosso’s pas- sion for clothes and design still burns brightly. He has been heavily involved in the Diesel Black Gold collection that he has “fallen in love with,” and he is constantly looking for new things to inspire him. He particularly enjoys observing the way Japanese people dress when he visits here. “Japan is a special, truly fashion-conscious country. I come here and play with my eyes. You see so many different styles; it helps me develop new collections. It is a fantastic place to visit, people have amazing fashion sense. Our Japanese customers select the most creative items in our shops, things you can’t find in Europe or America.” Diesel’s popularity in Japan shows no signs of letting up. Once seen as a premium jeans brand, it now offers all kinds of lifestyle goods, including textiles, furniture and even motorcycle helmets. Yet it is not a company that should be defined simply by what it sells, and Rosso hopes Diesel can represent much more than that. It has become a symbol of non-conformity: a label that encourages people to think outside the box with a leader determined show people that change is possible.

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 Welcome to the Turkish Riviera You can see the The gateway to the Turkish Riviera, Antalya has overtaken as the country’s natural beauty and feel top tourist destination. In fact, its fascinating historical sites, towering mountain ranges and glorious beaches on the Mediterranean Sea have helped make it one of the history of one of the world’s most visited cities – and it is easy to see why. Turkey’s and indeed the aking in some architectural time travel, blue flag for cleanliness and environmental entire Mediterranean’s lounging on the beach or hiking in the management – stretches for 7 km and has Tmountains, all in one area – there is so some fantastic facilities including a marine true treasures much to see and do in and around Antalya. To animal park, a water slide park and a great help make your trip more memorable, we’ve selection of cafes and restaurants. selected some of our favourites. Should you venture slightly further, Side is Sit back, relax and soak up the sun a great choice around 65 km east of Antalya. Famed for its wonderful climate – around In contrast to Konyaalti, the beaches here 300 days of sunshine every year makes the are sandy and soft, ideal for a sunset stroll area almost perfect – Antalya attracts tourists after checking out the local ruins. throughout the year. Unsurprisingly, though, a trip during the summer months, to enjoy the Olympos is another area with the advantage crystal clear waters and enticing beaches, is the of having both a beautiful beach and a top choice for many. fascinating architectural legacy. Around an hour’s drive southwest from Antalya, There are two main beaches in Antalya city: the small village is loved particularly by Lara and Konyaalti. The pebble beach of the backpackers, who are drawn to local tree- latter – which has been awarded the coveted house hostels.

NOVEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com ANTALAYA | TRAVEL | 31

Take a step back in time A visit to Kaleici, Antalya’s old quarter, is a must. This quaint, labyrinth-like neighborhood with imposing stone walls, narrow cobbled streets and historical buildings from the Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk eras is a wonderful setting for a leisurely stroll.

A good place to start exploring (bring a map to help negotiate the winding streets!) is at Hadrian’s Gate, a Roman triumphal arch forming one of the entrances to the old city that was built in honour of the Emperor who lends it his name in 130 AD. Three arched gateways sit behind four Corinthian columns; a grand entrance to an intriguing part of town.

Enjoying a cup of black Turkish tea while watching the

fishing boats sail in Discover the rich history of Turkey’s some of the wondrous sites nearby is Mediterranean coast also highly recommended. There are a and out feels almost Spending all day on of the province’s host of historical spots within easy reach beaches might sound like paradise for which make for great day trips. One of therapeutic some, yet for others the stifling heat of the best, though also possibly the most Antalya can sometimes get a bit too much. challenging, is Termessos, a city that even Once inside the gates you will find an Luckily one of the country’s best museums Alexander the Great couldn’t conquer (the enchanting town filled with mosques, gives visitors an opportunity to escape city resisted his siege in 333 BC). churches, cafes and delightful old Ottoman and Antalya Archeological Museum really houses that now serve as pensions, hotels, is a fantastic place to spend a few hours Located on a steep mountain at an restaurants and souvenir shops. Significant indoors. Suleyman Fikri Ertan, a local altitude of more than 1,000 metres, it historical buildings in the area include the teacher, established the museum in 1922 feels like a city that is cut off from the Hidirlik Tower, a Clock Tower which is a after rescuing ancient artifacts of Antalya rest of civilization and though the hike reminder of the citadel towers which used that had been taken by the Italian forces up is no easy feat, requiring both sturdy to surround the city and Yivli Minaret, a at the end of the first world war. The footwear and lots of water, it is definitely 45 metre brick minaret that is part of an collection includes coins, sculptures, ornate worth it. The well preserved ruins are impressive mosque complex. tombs and mosaics and there are also spectacular and the amphitheatre at the statues of Greek Gods in the outstanding top, unquestionably the highlight of the The Old Harbour is an excellent place to Hall of Emperors. journey, has views that will take your take a break during your busy day. Enjoying breath away. There are a number of day a cup of black Turkish tea while watching Visit at least one of the nearby tours to Termessos that also include a the fishing boats sail in and out feels almost archaeological sites visit to the Karain Cave. The alternative therapeutic, a great contrast to the vibrancy Whilst Antalya city is interesting enough is to drive or take a taxi, which takes of central Kaleici. in itself, getting out of the city to explore around an hour.

1 If you are after more ruins, Perge, around 18 km east of Antalya, is another great option. St. Paul is said to have twice visited what was one of the world’s most prosperous cities during the Hellenistic period. Memorable features of the area include a 12,000 capacity Roman stadium, a gigantic theater, Roman baths and a marketplace that are all almost intact.

Archaeological sites in Aspendos, Olympos and Side are also relatively near the main city, making a day trip possible. On top of that, the province has the beautiful Kursunlu and Duden Waterfalls, as well as the wonderful Koprulu Canyon, where you can go white water rafting.

Turkish Airline flies daily to Turkey from 1 Amphitheatre in Termessos 2 Library Narita Airport. For more information of Celsus, Ephesus please visit www.turkishairlines.com

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 A UNIQUE experience

Escape to Hua Hin: ’s Royal Resort

s one of Thailand’s oldest and most Today Hua Hin offers a well-balanced combination popular beach getaways, the seaside of the original charms and quaint atmosphere that resort town of Hua Hin has been it was first known for, mixed with a wide range welcoming both Thai and foreign of activities, world-class accommodation, modern travellers alike for years. Situated just attractions and much more. Among all that is 200A kilometers southwest of Bangkok, Hua Hin was Putahracsa, a boutique-resort with a story equally first popularized in the 1920s by King Rama VII, who fascinating to that of Hua Hin itself. saw it as the ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Soon after, the Klai Kangwon (Far From The original owner of the resort, Velvadi Worries) Palace was built and from that point on the Sritrairatana, served under the Royal court of King quaint fishing village of Hua Hin became known as Rama VI. At the time she purchased the land it was Thailand’s Royal Resort. In fact, the Palace remains being used as a private residence. The property was open today and is still used by members of the Royal then passed down to her daughter who became a family and is open to the public for visits. renowned actress, director and playwright, and later ADVERTORIAL | TRAVEL | 33

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the founder of a school of performing arts in Hua Hin. One more generation later, her daughter, the current owner of Putahracsa, 1 Personal chef prepares a seafood BBQ by your private pool 2 Relax poolside with a drink 3 Room with a view turned it into the 5-star beachfront boutique-resort that it is known as today. with Thai and international dishes, in treatment is right for you, try the ‘All You Located in a residential district and within addition to its regular menu throughout Can Spa’ package and enjoy any kind of walking distance of the Night Market, the the day. body treatment, massage, Oriental facial concept behind Putahracsa is to make it and choice of manicure or pedicure. feel like a home for guests, with charm, Meanwhile, the Oceanside Beach Club & warmth and comfort all blended into a Restaurant offers a trendy atmosphere Putahracsa is also an ideal choice for space with contemporary design. There with lounge beds just steps away from all types of events including weddings, are a total of 59 units in the resort split the sand. Here guests can enjoy a truly receptions, banquets, corporate meetings into two zones: Resort-side, set amidst authentic gastronomic experience and more. The resort has indoor and lush gardens, where Silksand rooms and while sitting under the stars. A tasty outdoor venues for these and can provide Sansky Villas are situated around the main snack menu and a long list of creative the food, beverages, services and setting pool; and the Beachfront-side, also called cocktails and fruit drinks can also be needed to put together an unforgettable Oceanside, which offers luxurious private found at the Oceanside Beach Bar, experience. Villas with pool or sea views. All rooms are situated next to the Beach Club. And crafted with elegant touches and attention don’t forget Ob-Oon, Hua Hin’s newest No matter what your pleasure, you are to detail, with wood décor contrasted European bakery serving fresh made sure to enjoy the charms of Hua Hin and by the pristine whiteness of the walls treats that are hard to find even in the elegance and energy of Putahracsa, and bedding. Wicker love seats, tasteful Bangkok. Here you can choose from and it couldn’t be easier to get there. By shell curtains and a rustic ambiance also almond Danish pastries, macaroons, car, Hua Hin is a two and a half hour drive provide elegant accents. malt and pumpkin seed breads, a from Bangkok, with daily train service selection of ice creams, cakes, pastries, available as well. There’s a wide range of facilities for guests coffee, teas and more. to enjoy at Putahracsa as well. The resort’s three swimming pools offer a relaxing When its time to relax, the daySpa environment in which to lounge about and offers a wide range of therapies and Putahracsa Hua Hin is managed by The Unique enjoy the sun over a refreshing drink or treatments to indulge yourself in. Collection of Hotels & Resorts, a boutique-resort snack. If that’s not enough to satisfy your With only five treatment rooms, every management company with 12 properties across stomach the all-day dining restaurant, Sala guest gets an intimate treatment. If Thailand. For more information you can visit www. Monsoon, offers a hearty breakfast buffet you’re having difficulty choosing which putahracsa.com or www.theuniquecollection.com

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 34 | XXXXX | XXXXXX

NOVEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com

36 | DELTA | ADVERTORIAL Smarter Travel WITH DELTA

Beat the check-in queues; enjoy the thrill of picking your bag up first from the conveyor; kick your shoes off and lie flat under a fluffy duvet; enjoy more legroom; have a drink on Delta and catch up on some great movies. Take advantage of these services and more as Delta rolls out improvements to its in-flight business and economy cabins and transit services as part of a $3 billion investment to enhance the Delta experience. Delta currently operates triple daily nonstop flights from Tokyo- Narita airport to Honolulu, Hawaii to take you to the most popular beach resort island with just a seven to eight hour flight.

elta have been working “flat- guests are not disturbed as people out” to improve business- move around the cabin. The touch of a class services. Enhancements button will recline the seats into beds to their business services are that are complete with full-size pillows designed to help customers and quilted duvets to create the perfect Dsave time – with faster passage through environment for a great night’s sleep. the airport – and make the most of it, with cabins that provide a great space to get Of course, for many executives, a flight some rest or be productive. provides a quiet space to catch up on things. To optimize productivity, Delta Delta’s Sky Priority passengers enjoy is rolling out Wi-Fi services on all its streamlined services at check-in, security long haul aircraft, in both business and and baggage claim, and access to Delta’s economy cabins, by the start of 2013. award-winning lounges. These include 50 With broadband connection, passengers Sky Club locations and 150 partner lounges can surf the web, access email and stay worldwide, all of which provide relaxing connected at 30,000 feet as if working spaces to enjoy complimentary food and from the home or office. drink and go online. To further improve the work And, to ensure passengers arrive refreshed, environment, ergonomic seats provide Delta’s BusinessElite cabins are undergoing lumbar support for comfortable a major refit. By 2013, new “full flat- posture. Large side tables allow bed” seats will be available on all Delta’s electronic equipment and documents transpacific fleet. The seats are in a one- to be easily set aside while dinner is two-one configuration and face forward served. And with universal and USB to create “cubes” of personal space, with power adaptors in each seat, tablet single seats for improved privacy. They computers, laptops and MP3 players also provide direct access to the aisle so need never run out of juice. ADVERTORIAL | DELTA | 37

1 Enjoy a selection of fine wines 2 2 Relax in the comfort of Business Class 3 Selection of delicious food 4 Narita Sky Club Lounge With the option to fly to 350 destinations on 6 continents, Delta can take passengers to virtually anywhere in the world at a time that suits them.

In Atlanta, a new 1.2 million square-foot international terminal and its 12-gate 1 concourse was completed in May 2012. 4 A highlight of the international terminal will be the elimination of the baggage re-check process for Atlanta-bound international passengers. Delta will be the main carrier in the international terminal. More Sky Clubs are being opened elsewhere in the U.S. – at Seattle, Indianapolis and Philadelphia – while Sky Clubs at New York-LaGuardia, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Atlanta are being upgraded.

3 A big world, the same service With the option to fly to 350 destinations or those passengers who want There is an option to personalize music on 6 continents, Delta can take to take the opportunity to relax, playlists, while in-seat power to charge passengers to virtually anywhere in a selection of movies, music electronic devices will be offered on the world at a time that suits them. The and TV shows are available on Delta’s international fleet. Economy airline has also invested in ensuring that, Fdemand. The cuisine served appeals Comfort passengers can also enjoy free wherever they come across Delta, its to the gourmand; the highlight is the drinks on long haul flights. With an customers receive the same service. five-course dinner and wine prepared upgrade to Economy Comfort costing as with advice from world-renowned little as $40 one-way, the service has been Delta currently operates nonstop flights chef Michelle Bernstein and sommelier an immediate hit and is now being rolled to Honolulu from Tokyo-Narita, Osaka- Andrea Robinson. Japanese choice is also out on domestic aircraft in the U.S. KIX, and Nagoya-Centrair and Fukuoka. popular among travelers on Hawaii and As the number one U.S. airline operating transpacific routes. Improved airport services in the Japan market, Delta operates Improvements inside the cabin are nonstop flights from its Asian hub at Putting the premium into economy complemented by changes to airports. the Tokyo-Narita Airport to eight U.S. Customers travelling in economy will Delta is investing in its U.S. gateways at mainland gateways, four beach resorts also see improvements to their Delta New York-JFK and Hartsfield-Jackson – Honolulu, Guam, Saipan, and Palau – experience. Delta’s new Economy Atlanta International airports. The and eight destinations in Asia. Delta also Comfort class is available on all investments will enhance check-in, leisure operates daily flights from Tokyo-Haneda international flights. It provides a ticket time spent in the airport and arrival. The airport, Osaka’s Kansai International to priority boarding and seats offer up biggest changes are happening at JFK’s Airport and Nagoya’s Centrair Airport. to 10 cm more legroom and recline 50 Terminal 4. An additional 500 feet of space percent more than Delta’s standard will be available to house a greater variety international economy seats. of retail and restaurant facilities, while check-in, security and baggage handling Entertainment includes access to 4,000 will be improved too. A stunning new music tracks, 250 movies, hundreds of Sky Club is also being built that will offer For more information on Delta, please visit www.delta.com television shows and a range of games. members an exclusive area for check-in. Asami Kawasumi

Yui Okabe

in for; after chatting I even managed to pick up some Halloween decorations too!

For some, according to Japanese-Canadian store manager Dale Toriumi, a part of home is just around the corner in Hiroo. The it with the best and best known foods from atmosphere is different to many shops in all over the world. He and his staff not only Japan, with friendly staff and signs in English. did that, they also made the store a favorite of the foreign community, as well as in-the- Since 3/11 many people have been concerned know, internationally-minded Japanese. The on where there food is coming from. At market was not only a place to shop, it was a National Azabu, if you look on the price card Weekender’s Bill Hersey finds, place to meet old friends and make new ones; you will see the name of the prefecture the at the National Azabu, more in its own way, the National Azabu became a merchandise originated. For customers who community center. may not be too familiar with the geography than simply a supermarket. of Japan, there are numbers that correspond Banjiro, who’s received many awards, to a map; we believe it’s really great to know A visit to the newly re-opened National including one from HIM The Emperor, has where your food comes from and also carry Azabu Supermarket in Hiroo is proof retired but still works with his son Tetsu, a fine selection of JAS approved organic positive of many of the reasons I love living who’s now President and many of his long products. The new delicatessen counter in Tokyo. Japanese people are so kind, time staff as well as many new young staff features roasted natural helpful and friendly and foreigners I meet, in maintaining the same warm, helpful chicken, a wide variety of sliced meat such too, all love it here. ambiance the place is so well known for. as turkey breast, mortadella, prosciutto, etc. The new store is light, bright and really well There is also fresh salad and sandwiches for The original store, which had been a stocked with all kinds of great food from you to pick up on the way home. tradition in Tokyo since 1962, had to comply all over the world and also a lot of locally with all kinds of new building codes after produced and organic items. The meat department sells Japanese beef as the 3/11 natural disasters so the store’s well as cuts from the US and Mexico. The beef parent company, Tohokushinsha, decided Last time I visited I planned on about 30 from Mexico is all natural, one of the themes to tear down the old building and rebuild in minutes shopping but ran into a lot of the National’s meat department is really the same location and I was so glad to see it friends who, of course, I stopped and talked proud of. Producers, such as the pork farmers re-open at the end of this summer. with. Actually some friends got me really who supply us from Alberta, Canada, use no interested in some ingredients and food I additives when processing the meat. The founding chairman of Tohokushinsha, didn’t know about so I bought some Kiwi a self made businessman named Banjiro berries to try and various other ethnic For Thanksgiving and Christmas there is Uemura, is very international and bought foods, as well as some great sushi, New York always the traditional turkey to share with the original market with the idea of stocking cheesecake, bagels and the pastrami I’d gone family and friends. You can order your

NOVEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com turkey, pay for it and staff will keep it and even thaw it out for you. So on the day that you are going to cook, all you do is pick up and cook the turkey at home with friends in London at the IWC (International Wine and family. Challenge). World beers from places such as Hawaii and Europe add to our great The seafood counter has a good selection selection of local brews. of fish every day, with both domestic and imported items. My particular favorite Groceries take up a large section of the that special event. A fine selection of health is the Swordfish as I like to take it home, supermarket and the selection will not and beauty products is available, along with bread it tempura style and serve with disappoint you. You can find all the things children’s toys, books, stationary supplies tonkatsu sauce. Depending on the time you need from around the world and, for and the latest international magazines, of season, there is shellfish available in many people, just seeing some familiar including the Weekender. front of the counter. If the seafood is not packaging brings back memories. If you available, take a look in the frozen fish are looking for hard-to-find spices or In addition there is the always popular section, where there is always something ingredients, this is the place to look. bulletin board, on which you can find and different to please your palate. advertise for furniture, cars, jobs, etc. Check The natural peanut butter & almond butter the bulletin board for what people want to National Azabu brings milk and some machine is a real eye-catcher. Located side buy or sell and a calendar of charity and other dairy products from Shimane by side, the fun part is grinding the peanuts cultural events. prefecture and the island of Shikoku as or almonds by yourself – or with the kids. well as directly imported Organic Valley Using no salt or preservatives means the Something that has greatly improved from Milk from the US. Another dairy favorite result tastes great and is much healthier the old store is the valet parking. The biggest of mine is yogurt from . It’s so thick than some brands. Before you leave, don’t difference is that getting in is a lot smoother and goes really well with fresh or frozen forget the ever popular Baskin Robbins and the set up means that all you need to do blueberries. We’re proud of our selection ice cream, which is now located near the is to pull up into the parking lot. From there, of cheeses from around the world and entrance. The Baskin Robbins in Hiroo was friendly parking staff will park your car and hope customers will try a new one every the first franchisee in Japan and has a long once you’re finished shopping they will even month or so. That may take you a couple history with lots of memories. bring your car to the entrance/exit. of years, though, as there are so many different varieties! You can access the second floor by elevator or by using the stairs, which will lead you If you’re looking for wine, spirits or beer, to the book/household floor. There you will the National most likely carries what you find a large array of cleaning detergents Address: National Azabu Supermarket, 4-5-2 are looking for or can make some very on one side. On the other is a selection of Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047 good recommendations. Fans of Japanese party goods. National Azabu has one of the Tel: 03-3442-3181 sake should check out the selection of largest selections of English greeting cards Open: 8:30am – 9:00pm bottles that won a couple of Gold medals for all occasions that will help celebrate

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 Claudia Barnes, the Jamaican ambassador, Bill and40 sprint | FA CsuperstarES & P UsainLACES Bolt | atPEOPLE, Puma House PARTIES, PLACES

PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES Tokyo’s Longest Running Society Page, with Bill Hersey

t’s a beautiful day and I’m working on this column at Segafredo’s in from London’s West End. It was two full hours of Michael Jackson’s hits, Hiroo. The place, which many of you will know, is packed, and I was performed by a beautiful and talented cast. As critics in the UK said, it’s really lucky to get a table out front. A good friend of mine, “Brian” upbeat, high energy, a total blast and a great night out. The show is playing Mori bought the Segafredo Franchise for Asia and I’m happy to see at the Blue Theater, by the International House in Roppongi and runs he’s doing so well. It’s also great to see the newly opened National through December 9th. There were 530 people at Dewi Sukarno’s annual IAzabu Supermarket across the street super busy with in-the-know charity gala at Meguro Gajoen. The women’s fashion that night was proof foreigners and Japanese. Sole & Luna Pizza Parlor next door is going to be a positive that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”. I will close this part of the very popular addition to the neighborhood too I can tell: a friend sitting at column with a date to mark on your calendar. Top charity organization one of the outdoor tables there brought me a slice of pepperoni pizza and it ILBS will hold its Christmas Bazaar the Tokyo American Club on Sunday was just delicious. November 11 between 11:00 and 15:00, with entrance just 500 yen. Anyway, Firstly this month I must mention a few of the highlights of the last as the old classic by Sonny and Cher goes “The Beat Goes On”. few weeks, including meeting the prime minister of New Zealand, John Key, who’s also minister of tourism, when he was here to promote his beautiful Malaysian Festival at Hilton Tokyo country. He also worked a bit with Warner Bros.’ man-in-Japan, Bill Ireton I’m sure many of you are familiar with the song “Malaysia, Truly Asia” that as Warner Bros. will release the The Hobbit, which was filmed in New we hear whenever Malaysian Tourism runs their promo films on TV. Other Zealand, here in Japan in December and the anticipation for that is really colorful promotions for that wonderful exotic country included a Malaysian building up. food and culture week, when HIilton Tokyo joined Tourism Malaysia and It was a sporty couple of weeks after I spent considerable time with Airlines in sponsoring a most colorful event. On opening day many Formula One drivers before their race on October 7th at Suzuka and there were short, interesting speeches by Jamie Mead, Hilton Tokyo’s GM, partied with many of them all night after the race at the New Lex Tokyo. Noor Azlan Abu Baker of Malaysian Tourism Promotion and David Lim of Actually I did pretty much the same with the drivers for the world Singapore Airlines. Singapore and Malaysia are, as you know, close endurance race a week later at Fuji Speedway, which was great. Then, neighbors and really have good working relations with each other. Four thanks to dear friend, Claudia Barnes, the Jamaican ambassador, I also had visiting chefs from Malaysia worked with the Hotel’s Food and Beverage the privilege of meeting Olympic superman Usain Bolt during his recent Dept and the buffet was delicious. The sponsors had brought in a truly visit here and I’m happy to report he’s every bit as nice as I’d heard he was. talented dance group who presented lively Malaysian song and dance I love musicals and want to say a big domo arigato to Fox TV’s Dan Smith shows during the festival. The show featured a very talented young group for the opportunity to see and really enjoy Thriller Live, which has come and they really made a hit and friends with most of the customers.

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South African national day at ANA Hotel 7. John V. Roos, the US ambassador, with Takayuki Kawai and Midori Nishiura, 1. South African ambassasdor Mohau Pheko and princess Takamado’s both of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency 8. Mr. Shiro Mitsumune of the parents, Shigejiro and Fumiko Tottori 2. Dancing 4 Kids director Chrissi Honorary Consulate of Israel in Kobe greets Nissim Ben Shitrit. Theodorakakos and Greek ambassador Nikolaos Tsamados 3. Former South African ambassador to Japan Dr. Baldwin “Ben” Ngubane with Rooibos’ Yoyogi Park Festivals manager in Japan, Clinton Gass 4. Claudia Barnes, the Jamaican ambassador 9. Wasantha Kumar Karannagoda, Sri Lankan ambassador lights the with singer, Prisca Molotsi traditional lantern to open the Sri Lanka festival 10. Talented and beautiful Sri Lankan dancers 11. Young dancers get in the mood at the breakdance festival Israeli gala celebration at Tokyo Opera City 12. Incredible Japanese dancers in Yoyogi Park 13. Diya Sinha, 8, the daughter 5. Noted ceramic artist Kosei Tsuji with his wife Takako 6. Super Israeli of BA’s Vital Sinha and his wife Juhee, performing Kathak (Indian Dance) at singers Edna Prochnik and Merav Barnea with Carmela Ben Shitrit Incredible India.

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 42 | SOCIETY | PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES

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Moroccan special celebration at the Hotel Okura Hilton staffer Chika with visiting Malaysian chefs, here for the promo. 1. Ayako Kawakabe, Etsuko Hattori, Kazuko Kay Siazon and Mari Nakasone 2. Kazuyuki Hamada, Japan’s parliamentry vice minister of foreign affairs with Hans Hotel Okura’s 50th anniversary art exhibition Dietmer Schweisgut, The EU ambassador to Japan and his wife Kaoru 3. Hamada with 8. HIH princess Hitachi cut the ribbon to officially open the exhibition 9. Iwao Osak of Moroccan ambassador Samir Arrour and his wife Utako, politician Kenji Kosaka and the Okura Cultural Foundation (Okura Museum Art), Midori Nishiura minister of land infrastructure, transport and tourism Yuichiro Hata 4. Moroccan counsellor Mohamed Chourak and the Okura’s Rajesh Paul 5. Kyoko Spector, Toyoko The Massets’ French National Day Reception Inn Group principle Norimisa Nishida, Utako Arrour and the Hotel Tokyu Inn chain’s 10. Christian Masset, the French ambassador with Shigejiro and Fumiko Tottori 11. president Rika Nishida. Francoise Morechand with Christophe Lorvo, GM of the Grand Hyatt 12. Frederic Meyer, director of Atout France in Japan with Emmanuel Prat, the Louis Vuitton (lvmh) Malaysian promotion at Hilton Tokyo president and Cartier president, representative director and CEO Christophe Massoni 6. David Lim, Singapore Airlines’ Japan GM with Jamie Mead, Hilton Tokyo’s GM and 13. Fashion designer Junko Koshino and her son Yoriyuki Suzuki. Noor Azlan Abu Bakar, Malaysia’s tourism promotion director in Japan 7. Super nice

NOVEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 43

Yoyogi Park Festivals: Food, Fun, Culture, Music And Good People national emblem and the buffet featured both Moroccan and Japanese As you know if you follow the column, I was an anthropology major, dishes. Special guests included Yuichiro Hata, Minister of Land live near Yoyogi Park and try to get to all of the many Japanese and Infrastructure Transport and Tourism and son of former Prime Minister international food and culture festivals they have there. Here are a Tsutome Hata, parliamentary vice minister of foreign affairs, Kazuyuki few highlights of a few of the most recent I was able to get to. One of Hamada and Diet member, Kenji Kosaka. Many years ago his father, the most colorful, exciting and happy was the Genki Matsuri where 88 Zentro Kosaka, one of Japan’s most famous ministers of foreign affairs, Dance groups, each with 30 to 50 people of all ages, came from all over introduced me to King Mohammed VI when he was still Crown Prince Japan to take part in a parade along Omotesando-dori and to perform and since then I’ve had the privilege of meeting many members of the in a contest in the park. The costumes, the colors, the huge flags, the royal family during my visits to that fascinating country. On one of those choreography, the energy and the friendliness and joy all added up to visits I drove from Tangiers in the North to Tan Tan, a desert town on a great Japanese experience. the southern border. A few days ago I watched a CNN travel program on Sri Lanka is one of my favorite travel destinations and their Morocco and did that ever bring back some great memories of what a festival, with its many drummers and gorgeous dancers was a real wonderful travel experience I had. Other interesting people I met at the blast. The Japanese - plus a few talented foreigners - B-Boys Weekend Moroccan evening included famous hotel owner Norimisa Nishida. He was wild with breakdancers, rappers and hip hop dancers from all heads the huge Toyoko Inn Chain, which has 50,000 rooms around over Japan competing to be the best. Wow, it was really amazing to Japan as well as several hotels in other Asian countries. The fun, really watch what those young people could do. I really enjoyed the Meet outgooing man was with his daughter, who I already knew; she’s Vietnam Festival, with lots of Vietnamese noodle stands, theatrical president of the hotel chain. The Arrours had arranged for one of my performances, a fashion show and some great music by top VN rock favorite bakeries, Maison Kayser in Midtown, to serve a variety of their stars who were flown in for the festival. The most recent for me was great breads and pastries at the party. As I was leaving, one of the girls the Incredible India weekend. Over 300 people took part in the from the bakery who knew me came over and gave me a bag of different stage performances, there were lectures, workshops, croissants, etc. and said, “this is for your breakfast.” Talk about nice. meditation sessions, yoga sessions, art and even elephants - well, actually big bamboo and paper mache replicas of what are my favorite The Ben Shitrits’ Glittering Israeli Evening At Opera City animals. Hopefully I’ll be able to keep you posted on future Israeli ambassador Nissim and his wife Carmela and many other Israeli happenings there and more of you will be able to take advantage of friends had two special events to celebrate recently. The first was their the always fun, always interesting things going on at Yoyogi Park - I’d 64th independence day and the second the 60th anniversary of love to see more of you there. diplomatic relations with Japan. They did, as I knew they would, really go all out to make it a beautiful and memorable celebration for the The Massets’ Beautiful French National Day Reception many invited to the gala evening, which was held in Tokyo Opera City. It was a “Vive la France” day all the way at the residence of French The program started off with a message sent by Israel’s first prime ambassador and Mme. Christian Masset when they held a huge minister, David Ben Gurion. This was followed by a welcome speech by reception on the occasion of their national day. The Japanese boys the ambassador and congratulatory speech by Koichiro Gemba, the choir who were there to participate in the program spent much of Japanese Foreign Minister. Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra gave great their time watching the master ice carver who created some entertainment, with world renowned conductor Dan Ettinger who was extraordinary carvings in the garden. Later they sang the French flown in to conduct and take part in other related events and three of national anthem and after the welcome speeches joined the many Israel’s top singers: leading soprano Merav Barnea, mezzo soprano guests in trying and really enjoying all the French gourmet foods in Edna Prochnik and tenor Yotam Cohen gave a standing ovation the bountiful buffet. It was really great seeing so many French friends performance. I have great memories of two of Israel’s top entertainers, I hadn’t seen for a long time and make some new friends as well. Yafa Yarkonic – who is often referred to as ‘Mother Israel’ – and award Kudos to Christian and Helene and their hardworking staff on a winning pop star Ofra Hazaalso. I first met Yafa in Narobi I was in marvelous day in every way. Kenya on Safari and she was singing at the New Stanley Hotel on the night the Israeli athletes were murdered at the Olympics in Munich in The Arrours’ Special Evening At The Okura ‘72. Somehow Yafa, a strong lady, was able to pull herself together and As always, Moroccan ambassador and Mrs. Samir Arrour’s celebration do her show that night; believe me that was one emotional evening. I of the anniversary of the enthronement of H.M King Mohammed met Ofra when she first came here as a contestant in a music VI was a glittering, exotic event. The people packed evening competition. She won, became quite popular and came back took place in the Okura’s chic Ascot Hall. The hosting several times to perform. Both of these ladies have passed on couple, Samir and Utako, were super chic in Moroccan but I thank them for some great memories and their national dress, there was a huge ice carving of Morocco’s friendship. God bless their souls.

Hong Kong makeup artist, Rene Ru, surrounded Hiroyasu Kobayashi, president of Minon Electric Sunglasses promotion girl by his model friends. (centre) with members of Boston Brass and at the New Lex drummer Naoki.

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 44 | WEEKENDER | EXPAT LIFE

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SEPTEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com EXPAT LIFE | WEEKENDER | 45

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 MOVIES Coming to a cinema near you in NOVEMBER

NOV 23 Trouble With the Curve lint Eastwood stars in his latest big screen outing – just his third as an Cactor in the last decade – now on general release after it appeared as the official closing film at the Tokyo International Film Festical last month. The film is directed by Eastwood protege Robert Lorenz, who allows the star to relax into the role of ageing baseball scout Gus, who is tasked with travelling across the country to look at a young player amid doubts that have crept in about his abilities. It all sounds fairly formulaic but when, against his wishes, his lawyer daughter Mickey (Amy Adams) accompanies him on the journey, giving the bad tempered scout chance to reconnect with her after having had little to do with her as she was growing up, things get a little more interesting. Their relationship is fun to watch and Adams has won a lot of praise for getting the best out of the main man as her character risks her career for his. Justin Timberlake also turns up to join the party, as a hot-shot Boston Red Sox scout Gus knows very well from his playing days and John Goodman helps with some of the comic aspects of the film which, even for non-sports fans, is definitely worth a watch.

NOV 10 House at the End of the Street NOV 3 ouse at the end of the Street stars up-and-coming actress and star of Hlast month’s The Hunger Games, Jennifer Laurence. The plot – a dream house in a quaint town coupled with a rather grisly murder – might make for a late halloween hit with fans of thriller rather than horror. Laurence’s character Elissa makes the move with her newly Woody Allen: a Documentary divorced mother into a house where the Beats Rhymes & Life next door neighbours have been murdered oody Allen is an icon of cinema usic fans and hip-hop heads by their own daughter. When Elissa makes having written, directed and wont want to miss Beats friends with the surviving brother of the starred in such classics as Annie Rhymes & Life: The Travels W murderess, dark secrets and wicked twists M Hall and Manhattan but the celebrated of a Tribe Called Quest, a documentary await. The film also stars young actor Max filmmaker had always been notoriously charting the seminal group’s career from Thieriot, who may be familiar if you caught private. Woody Allen: A Documentary their formation in 1985 to their last days the filmYellow at last month’s Tokyo charts the life and work of the writer, together. The film has been made by International Film Festival. director and comedian, giving a window into actor and Tribe’ fan Michael Rapaport, his life after enjoying unparalleled access NOV 17 who followed the group on a come-back to the man and the people who know him. tour in 2008, 10 years after the release of Filmmaker Robert Weide, Emmy Award their final album. Taking a look not only winning producer of TV series Curb Your at the music but at the relationships and Enthusiasm, worked with the Allen over an in-fighting which led to the group falling entire year, getting to know the man and his apart, the film has won quite a bit of praise. creative process and interviewing family, It features some of the biggest names in friends and a vast array of actors who have the genre talking about the influence and worked under him to produce an in-depth inspiration of one of the most artistically biography of a prolific artist. relevant hip-hop groups of all time.

NOVEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com SHOWING THIS MONTH | SCREEN | 47 NOV 24

> SCREENINGS Selected Cinemas

Trouble With the Curve: TOHO Cinemas (Roppongi, Odaiba) Woody Allen: A Documentary: TOHO Yurakucho/Hibiya House at the End of the Street: Human Trust Cinema, Shibuya Hick: Human Trust Cinema, ShibuyaAbraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter TOHO Cinemas (Roppongi, Yurakucho/Hibiya, Hick Shibuya, Odaiba) ince first coming to our attention as a foul-mouthed super Beats, Rhymes and Life: Human Trust Cinema, Shibuya hero in 2010’s Kick Ass – who can forget the controversy Ssurrounding the word most people certainly wouldn’t want their Mother to hear them say – young actress Chloe Grace- Moretz (pictured on the right, above) has been hard at work, > DVD/BLU-RAY This Month’s Releases appearing in such films as Oscar winner Hugo and the recent Tim Burton movie Dark Shadows. In Hick, the 15 year old plays NOV 21 Brave Luli, a young girl who runs away from her alcoholic parents Pixar’s summer offering introduced Princess to hitchhike from her hometown of Nebraska towards the Merida, who has courage, but only after a little bright lights and promise of Las Vegas, taking with her just her encouragement and a magic wish. With Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson in good voice. birthday present: a revolver. Along the way the young girl runs into several undesirable people with questionable motives as a NOV 23 Broken Sun drama of drugs, abuse and violence plays out. The coming of age The premise intrigues – a first world war veteran comedy-drama is based on a novel of the same name by Andrea finds an escaped Japanese POW on his rural farm Portas and co-stars Blake Lively (above, left), Eddie Redmayne in Australia during another conflict, in 1944. and Alec Baldwin. ‘Mixed reviews’ seems a fair summary.

NOV 2 The Five Year Engagement Jason Segel and Emily Blunt play a couple who are NOV 1 engaged but take ages to get married due to lots of things that happen, some of which might make you chuckle. The title says it all.

NOV 23 Inseperable Kevin Spacey is a mysterious ex-pat living in China in writer-director Dayyan Eng’s first Chinese movie with an American star. Black comedy some way between satire and fantasy.

NOV 21 The Amazing Spider-man Andrew Garfield plays the man himself, Peter Parker, in a reboot to the franchise that was better received by critics and movie-goers than necessary in the first place.

NOV 7 The Rum Diary Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter A few were disappointed after waiting so long his is not a horror movie but an action/adventure with a for the film version of Hunter S. Thompson’s vampiric twist. It comes in the wake of the current trend journalist, Paul Kemp, who enjoyed a tipple in Tfor ‘mashup’ fiction: novels and comics which blend classic Puerto Rico in the 60s. Johnny Depp stars. literature or historical characters with a supernatural element. NOV 7 The Skin I Live in Perhaps the most famous example of the ‘new’ genre was Pride Antonio Banderas is in it, which is enough for and Prejudice and Zombies, a reworking of the Jane Austin some people but a tale of the mysterious and classic, the author of which, Seth Grahame-Smith, wrote the novel volatile woman who plays guinea pig to obsessive on which this film is based. Hoping to do better than last years plastic surgeon should keep you watching. largely unsuccessful Cowboys vs. Aliens, this is the tale of the 16th NOV 2 We Bought a Zoo President of the United States who, unbeknown to the history books, Cameron Crowe-directed true story, in which Matt lives a secret parallel life as hunter of the undead. Benjamin Walker Damon and Scarlett Johansson play a couple who stars as the iconic President who as a boy witnesses the murder of have a young family, move to Southern California his mother at the hands – and teeth – of a vampire and grows up and buy a struggling zoo. studying law by day and hunting bloodsuckers by night. When Abe eventually becomes President, he learns that vampires have sided with the Confederacy in the civil war and must be stopped. This month’s movie previews were written by Christopher O’Keeffe. For more movie news and reviews visit www.tokyoweekender.com

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 AGENDA 1

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6 AGENDA: THE WEEKENDER ROUNDUP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NOVEMBER

1 NOV 10 - DEC 2 2 NOV 16 - DEC 27 3 NOV 23 4 NOV 8-9 David Lynch at Laforet Prism by Ki Yoon Ko Electraglide 2012 Red Bull vs Bach Titled Chaos Theory of Korean artist who, Epic 3D mapping from Modern dance with a Violence and Silence, this incredibly, never touches Amon Tobin’s IMAM breakdance vibe is so will be quite some exhibition, with the canvas brings his unique ink- (pictured) plus Orbital, Four Tet, pumped up on energy drink it can 75 works - paintings, short films and flicking style to one of our favourite Flying Lotus, Squarepusher, Nathan even move to the classical music. Or drawings - many of which are in small galleries in Tokyo for an Fake, DJ Kentaro, DJ Krush, Denki something like that; world tour hits Japan for the first time. intriguing new show. Groove and more... Tokyo for more headline grabbing. Time: 11:00 - 20:00 | Tickets: ¥800 Time: 13:00 - 19:00 (Closed Mon & Tue) Time: 21:00 - late | Tickets: ¥8,800 Time: 20:00 | Tickets: ¥4,000 - ¥7,000 Venue: Laforet, Harajuku Venue: Hiromart Gallery Tokyo More info: www.electraglide.info More: www.bunkamura.co.jp/english/ More info: www.laforet.ne.jp More: www.hiromartgallery.com Venue: Makuhari Messe, Chiba orchard Venue: Orchard Hall, Shibuya

5 NOV 1 6 NOV 23 - DEC 1 7 NOV 28 - DEC 1 8 DEC 1-2 Home Again: 10 Artists Tokyo Motor Show The Three Degrees Farming Frontier Who Have Experienced 2012 Cotton Club in Tokyo See pages 14 - 17 for more Japan The 43rd edition of is celebrating its information on an event Duto Hardano’s “Untitled (You the show where hybrids will mix 7th anniversary with a soulful which is celebrating and promoting Chose the Wrong Side)” is one of the with prototypes and the latest in show over three nights, with two Japanese rural recovery post stars of self-explanatory show. motoring gadgetry for car geeks. performances on each. earthquake and tsunami. Time: 11:00 - 17:00 | Tickets: ¥1,000 Time: 10:00 - 20:00 (weekdays 18:00) Time: Various | Tickets: ¥8,400 Time: 10:00 - 17:00 | Tickets: Free Info: www.haramuseum.or.jp Tickets: ¥1,500 Venue: Makuhari Messe Venue: The Cotton Club, Tokyo More info: www.agri-frontier.com/english Venue: Hara Museum of Modern Art More: www.tokyo-motorshow.com/en More: www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp Venue: Tokyo Big Sight

NOVEMBER 2012 www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER | AGENDA | 49 NOVEMBER

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9 NOV 1-28 10 NOV 14 Editor’s Shot! Skrillex Fourteen editors of popular Love him or loathe him, photography magazines in Skrillex is doing something Japan have the chance to exhibit right in bringing pop stylings to the their own work in a new show. If underground dubstep scene and they don’t know how to point a remixing acts such as Lady Gaga camera, who does? and Bruno Mars. Time: 10:00 - 17:30 | Tickets: Free Time: 19:00 | Tickets: ¥6,500 More info: www.cweb.canon.jp/gallery/ More info: www.studio-coast.com Venue: Canon S Tower, Shinagawa Venue: Studio Coast

11 NOV 16-24 12 NOV 23-25 Montreaux Jazz Festival, Good Design Expo 2012 Kawasaki Which products have David Sanborn (pictured) gained the stamp of is one of the highlights of the bill, approval from Japanese body, set on which jazz fans are sure to find up in 1957, to award all sorts of a reason to get (a little bit) out of innovations and ideas? Tokyo for the night. Time: 10:00 - 19:00 | Tickets: ¥1,000 Time & Venue: Various | Tickets: Various More: www.g-mark.org More: www.montreauxjazz.jp/kawasaki Venue: Tokyo Big Sight

www.tokyoweekender.com NOVEMBER 2012 BACK IN THE DAY: NOVEMBER 1982 Check out the scene in Tokyo from 1982! You can read the rest of the article (issue 46, 1982) and view Weekender’s 42 year archive online. www.tokyoweekender.com/weekender-archives/