World Cup 2010

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Vol.41 No.10 June 4th–June 17th, 2010 www.weekenderjapan.com Including Japan’s largest online classifieds

Japan Aims for the Top Four World Cup 2010

French Fashion Made in Japan Rainy Day Fun with Kids Limited Edition World Cup Gear

CONTENTS Volume 41 Number 10

June 4th–June 17th, 2010

4 Up My Street 9 6-9 Arts & Entertainment

10-11 Tokyo Tables

12-13 Fashion

14-15 Business

16-19 Feature: World Cup 2010 20-21 Weekender Bulletin Board 16 22-23 Real Estate

24-27 Parties, People & Places

28-29 Families

30-31 Products 32-33 Healthy & Responsible Living 32 34 Back in the Day

PUBLISHER Ray Pedersen CONTRIBUTORS Kevin Jungnitsch, Deborah Im, J.K. Whelehan, EDITOR Kelly Wetherille Ian de Stains OBE, Sean Carroll, Katherine Whatley DESIGNER R. Paul Seymour WEB DEVELOPER Ricardo Costa EST. Corky Alexander and Susan Scully, 1970 MEDIA CONSULTANTS Alex Brooke, Mary Rudow, Pia von Waldau, Damiano Cannarile, Maria Arteaga OFFICE Weekender Magazine, 5th floor, Regency Shinsaka Building, RESEARCHERS Rene Angelo Pascua 8-5-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Stephen Young Tel. 03-6846-5615 Fax: 03-6846-5616 Email: [email protected] CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Owen Schaefer (Arts), Bill Hersey (Society), Stephen Parker (Products), Elisabeth Lambert (Health & Eco), Darrell Nelson (Sustainable Business) Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors are not necessarily www.weekenderjapan.com those of the publisher.

3 WEEKENDER Up My Street

Situated in the area between Daimon, Shiba Koen, Onarimon, and Up My Street visits Akabanebashi stations, the neighborhood of Shiba Koen is an eclectic mix of offices, residential areas, and leisure space. Home to the municipal office of Minato-ku, the area is just a few blocks from the business district of Hamamatsucho, but has so much more than that to offer. The large park from which the neighborhood takes its name, as well as public sports fields, tennis courts and a swimming pool, make this a great destination for those looking by Kelly Wetherille for some outdoor action during the summer months. And wherever you go, you’re never too far from a fantastic view of Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Shiba Tofu-ya Ukai Shiba Park and Garb Pintino Zojoji Temple

4-4-13 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku 4-10-17 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku 3-5-4 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku Tel: 03-3436-1028 Tel: 03-3431-4359 Tel: 03-5472-1057 www.ukai.co.jp/shiba www.garb94.com/pintino

Located at the foot of Tokyo Tower is this First opened in 1873, this is one of Japan’s Diners who sit in the glassed off terrace area traditional Japanese tofu restaurant. A oldest parks, and is one of central Tokyo’s of this café are treated to a view of Tokyo modest exterior gives way to a beautifully most peaceful. Much of what used to be Tower literally looming above them. Located simple and surprisingly spacious interior, the park is now technically included in the just across the street from the main entrance with various sizes of dining rooms that look grounds of Zojoji temple, but there are still of the tower, the restaurant is a big step up out upon impeccably manicured Japanese- plenty of shaded walkways and quiet benches from the fast food outlets that lure tourists style gardens. The homemade tofu dishes that are perfect for a solitary afternoon or a from within the tower’s base. The menu con- are obviously the speciality of Ukai, but the picnic lunch with colleagues. Located just sists of European fare made with fresh, qual- menu also includes other local dishes, such next to Tokyo Tower is a small section of the ity ingredients, and the staff are friendly (plus, as sashimi and charcoal-grilled beef. Lunch park that is home to tall maple trees and a some even speak English). Lunch starts at courses consisting of eight or more dishes trickling waterfall that are so soothing they’ll only ¥900 for a salad with roast chicken, soup are available for ¥5,500 to ¥6,500, and dinner make visitors nearly forget that they’re in the and bread, and main dinner dishes are avail- courses run from ¥8,400 to ¥12,600. center of one of the world’s largest cities. able from about ¥1,500.

A ll p ho If you’re a soccer to s b fan, which team will y 2 & 3 K e you be supporting in l l y

the World Cup? 1. Stephen, an IT specialist W e

t from the UK: “I’m a bit of a soccer fan, h e

and I’ll be supporting England, of course!” e 2. Elena, a tourist from Italy: “I’m not very Word interested in it, but if I were I would support Italy.” 1 on the 3. Ieva, a tourist from Australia: “If I were a soccer fan I would root for Australia, but my Street... husband will be supporting New Zealand.”

/ For more write-ups on Tokyo neighborhoods, go to 4 WEEKENDER www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Lifestyle, then Up My Street :// Slate Consulting K.K. specializes in the recruitment and placement of executives across a wide range of industries and regions. While our scope is broad, our application is detailed and personalized. We are meticulous in our eﬀorts to ensure that clients and candidates receive the attention, care and professionalism they expect from a leader in the human capital ﬁeld. Because of our reputation, we are able to recruit the best people to help your business grow.

Minami Aoyama Office, 03-5785-4613 • Akasaka Office, 03-5414-2505 [email protected] / www.slateglobal.com Arts & Entertainment

» Tokyo Happenings Photo ©Disney by Kevin Jungnitsch Photo by rhondaparman

Train Tokyo DisneySea Spring Carnival

After a three-year hiatus, San Francisco’s Train has reunited and is Tokyo DisneySea theme park is currently holding its annual Spring returning to Japan. The Grammy award-winning rock band, known Carnival for the last time. This lively event is bound to make for an originally for their hit Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me) gained acclaim again enjoyable day outing for visitors of all ages, although it is ideally suited this year with the catchy top-ten hit Hey Soul-Sister, which has now for families with young children. Tinkerbell and her fairy friends become Train’s most successful single to date. Proving that they are perform their ‘primavera’ fairy dance twice a day, and guests to the still able to deliver great songs, band members are in the middle of park can participate by waving colorful handkerchiefs, creating what a world tour to promote their latest album, Save Me, San Francisco. looks like a sea of flowers. The park’s other attractions, rides, per- They’ll be in Tokyo for just one night before heading on to the Philip- formances, shops and restaurants are popular among not only fami- pines, so fans should be sure to book their tickets now. lies and children, but adults as well.

June 16, 7pm Tickets: ¥6,000 Through June 30 Admission: ¥3,900–¥5,800 Nearest station: Shibuya Tel: 03-3462-6969 Nearest station: Maihama www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp Photo by ratamahatta Photo by Lori Stoll

Yokohama Central Town Festival David Benoit

Just days after Tokyo’s neighboring city celebrates the anniversary This renowned American Jazz pianist will be giving a performance at of its port with a large-scale fireworks presentation, Yokohama has the end of this month at the popular Cotton Club in Marunouchi. A tal- another set of big events in store. The city that offers a balance of ented musician and composer, his jazz fusion and contemporary jazz both new and old has a variety of promotional happenings during the shows never fail to amaze. Benoit boasts over three decades of experi- first weekend of June. These include an international flea market, ence recording and performing, and yet the freshness and creativity of shishimai (the Japanese version of a lion dance), other Chinese acts, his works make it seem as if he just started yesterday. Special guest Jeff plus much more. The events take place at various times and locations Kashiwa, a renowned saxophonist from Seattle, will accompany Benoit throughout the city, and are all free of charge. for this special concert.

June 4–6, various times Admission: Free June 27–30, various times Tickets: ¥7,500–¥9,500 Nearest station: www.y151-200.com Nearest station: Tokyo www.cottonclubjapan.co.jp Motomachi-Chukagai

6 WEEKENDER Arts & Entertainment Image courtesy of the Hafu Project

Hafu Project Fundraiser

The filmmakers of an upcoming documentary on people of half Japanese ethnicity are getting together to celebrate Loving Day, the day interra- cial marriage was legalized in the U.S. At this fundraiser attendees will have the opportunity to meet the filmmakers, enjoy live performances by comedic duo Love Drive and belly dancer Nazihah, and most importantly, catch a sneak preview of the forthcoming feature-length documentary film Hafu. The film follows the lives of five people indulging on journeys of discovery into the intricacies of being mixed-race Japanese and their multicultural experience in modern day Japan.

June 12, 6–9pm Admission: ¥3,000–¥4,000 Nearest station: Omotesando www.hafujapanese.org Photo by Michael Muñoz, courtesy of London Calling

London Calling

Tokyo’s leading U.K. club event turns three years old this month. From La Fabrique to Warehouse 702 and now located at Trump Room in the heart of Shibuya, the club night has continued to bring cutting edge artists from Europe to mix it up with some of the hottest local talent that Tokyo has to offer. London Calling has faithfully based itself upon the UK’s under- ground club scene, which has consistently pioneered new sounds and urban movements, as well as adhered to the DIY punk ethos that was so passionately expressed by The Clash. This anniversary event features three dance floors with forward-thinking local and international DJs who are sure to get the crowd moving.

June 11 Admission: ¥2,000–¥2,500 Nearest station: Shibuya www.london-calling.jp

For Tokyo’s largest English events calendar, go to :// www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Tokyo Happenings / WEEKENDER 7 Arts & Entertainment

and they all come to America as it’s a huge extreme pressure with fellow dancers, center for the entertainment industry and choreographers and the recording artists, and that sort of influence has a big impact all over if you can’t do that then there are hundreds Dancing the world. It’s also a place where dreams can of other dancers who can and are willing to come true. take your place, so I had to make a big effort to master the language. I felt shy at first, but Also I find that being away from home takes I forced myself to take classes here and to Her Way you out of your comfort zone and forces you speak to everyone just so that my English to work harder and push yourself more, and improved. I also made friends with many in America you need that. There is so much American dancers, and this helped me a lot. to Fame competition here in LA that you can’t afford to sit back and rely on past successes. You Have you been to Japan recently? Please tell always have to be better than you were before. us what you like most about the country. I will definitely come back to Japan. It’s my home and I’d love to be able to share the skills, I’ve been working so much so I haven’t had Asako Hara is a professional Japanese knowledge and experience that I’ve learned the chance to visit Japan for about two years. street dancer based in Los Angeles. She has with other young dancers there. There’s some There are a lot of things that I love and miss appeared in music videos, danced at major incredible dance talent in Japan, and many of about Japan, and just thinking about them events and toured with big name artists such us learned from each other. makes me homesick. I miss TV, J-Pop, and as Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, Justin I miss Japanese food, too! There’s a large Bieber, Cheryl Cole and rap legend Snoop What challenges have you faced as a Japanese community in Los Angeles and there Dogg. Weekender contributor Kevin Jungnitsch Japanese dancer in Los Angeles? are Japanese supermarkets and restaurants finds out more about this rising star in the here, but the food just isn’t the same. I entertainment world. The language was the biggest challenge sometimes dream of conbini. That’s one of the for me at first. People think that it’s not so first places I’ll go to when I next visit Japan! important, as you’re a dancer and working Please tell us about your background with your body, but that’s not true. You have Find out more about Asako and her work at and why you decided to become to be able to communicate verbally under www.asakohara.com. a professional dancer. Photo courtesy of The Brit Factor When I was six years old, my mother saw a poster advertising a children’s dance class and she decided to enroll me. From my first class I fell in love with all things having to do with dance. I spent hours practicing and studied different styles, such as jazz and ballet. Then when I was 12, my parents took me to New York. It was my first time in America, and I had the chance to see the famous dancer Brian Green. I was so impressed by his dancing that I decided right there and then that I wanted to be like him—a dancer who has the power to influence others.

It was at this point that I signed up for street dance classes. I also watched all the latest American music videos just so that I could learn new moves and techniques. My dance teacher was so impressed by my hard work and dedication and my natural ability that she encouraged me to enter the many dance competitions that took place all over Japan. I performed solo and also as a group with two other girls for fun and ended up winning several championships. I was featured in many articles in Japan and started to make a name for myself. I even had the opportunity to dance onstage with the world famous Japanese saxophonist Sadao Watanabe.

Why did you decide to move to the US? Do you think you will ever return to work in Japan?

I love Japan. It’s my home and my family and friends are there, but I wanted to build a career for myself as a dancer and there are so many more opportunities for dancers in America. Whilst here, I’ve met people from all over the world who share the same dream,

8 WEEKENDER Arts & Entertainment

All photos by Owen Schaefer Anish Kapoor - Untitled (2007) Anish Kapoor - Untitled (2010)

A Parabolic Vision Anish Kapoor - Untitled (2007) Anish Kapoor - 1000 Names (79-80)

by Owen Schaefer

It was several years ago, the first time I ran across one of Anish Kapoor’s together, sounds from behind are amplified and focused at the viewer. As I many Void sculptures. The work had been coated in a black pigment so was staring at my own cut-up reflection, a small gasp from woman several utterly non-reflective that even in the lights of the gallery it could not be steps behind made me physically jump—it sounded as though she had directly seen—only inferred by the absence of color. Its exact shape was spoken directly into both of my ears at once. difficult to gauge from straight on. Was it a hollow half-sphere? A solid oval? A flat surface? The only way one could get a hint of form was to This is Kapoor manipulating the senses and even exploding the idea move to one side of the work, where a dark blue outer shell revealed it of the quiet whispered tones of the gallery. It is a work that reflects its as a hollow half-sphere. It was both a void inside and a void to the eye. An surroundings and reconstructs them, collects the sounds of the room and object that was there in front of you, and yet quite literally impossible to focuses them—all the while sitting quietly, almost invisibly, against the directly see—perhaps the closest a sculpture could ever come to being wall. It’s an artwork that needs to be seen up close. pure absence. The other new piece on show is a large stone sculpture with a seamlessly Whether he is working in acrylics, metal, wood, dust or stretched fabric, smooth lacquered opening on one side, also typical of recent works. It has the London-based Indian artist’s work is sculptural in its love of form. He a reflective polish that makes the exact dimensions of the hollow space approaches surface, texture and color with a near-scientific methodology, difficult to gauge, and it almost calls out to be touched. always keeping light, space and spectator in mind, and his show at SCAI the Bathhouse may be a small affair, but there are two new pieces on show, Equally interesting is an older work entitled 1,000 Names. This comes from at least one of which, for me, recreated that jaw-dropping moment of some of Kapoor’s earliest work involving installations made using raw seeing Void for the first time. color pigment. 1,000 Names is a volcanic-looking cinder-cone of chalk dust, whose edges seem sharp enough to cut paper and yet have a fragility that In this new untitled work, Kapoor has designed a parabolic mirror with its leaves you imagining a single sneeze might blow it apart. inner surface divided into a complex pattern of triangles. It finds its place in a long series of works involving mirrored surfaces, although most of There is something of a sense that the show is a retrospective in miniature, those have been smooth and seamless. One could consider them the polar with works representing several of the different directions Kapoor has opposites to his Void pieces—works that conceal themselves by reflecting taken over the years. But the mirror work alone is worth seeking out this all light, rather than absorbing it. out-of-the-way space.

Approaching the mirror is unsettling—as you move toward it, its surface seems to move and change in unexpected directions. The work is large Show: Anish Kapoor (to June 19) enough that when it eventually fills your field of vision, depth and form Gallery: SCAI the Bathhouse (Nippori station) seem to vanish. And finally, at one optimal point, you see yourself reflected Hours: 12am–7pm (closed Sun and Mon) back as a shattered form, roughly pieced back together. At the same time Admission: Free Tel: 03-3821-1144 the work is unexpectedly auditory. At the point where the image comes www.scaithebathhouse.com

WEEKENDER 9 //

: Photo by Deborah Im Deborah by Photo - pasta made made pasta irie fish, brown stew fish, fish, stew brown fish, escoveitch 4F, 1-21-15 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku Jingumae, 1-21-15 4F, 03-3478-2364 Tel: www.jamrockcafeonline.com Jingumae Jingumae

and click on Lifestyle, then Tokyo Tables Tables Tokyo then Lifestyle, on click and For more restaurant and bar reviews, go to to go reviews, bar and restaurant more For Open Tue–Sun for lunch for Open Tue–Sun (11:30am–3pm) and dinner and Sat until 12am) (5–10pm, Fri / www.weekenderjapan.com

JamRock Café & Café JamRock Restaurant, by Deborah Im Deborah by delight and surprise to fails never city This sta Tokyo? Harajuku in from Jamaican away steps Authentic just Café, JamRock finds. food its with me oxtails the visit, recent a On off soufflé. falling spinach meat and beans, succulent to the butter meal and with perfect oxtails braised, a it’s perfectly rice, were and beans beans or oxtails! butter rice and tender the brown of into side put a love With the bone. feel the actually can You soul. the warm including offerings, vegetarian bean several and has also vegetable JamRock Jamaican ackee; and rice. spinach brown with broccoli, tofu penne, jerk with spicy delicious a and lasagna; vegetable curry; is winner clear the but flavorful, and savory are grilled, and dishes spiced JamRock’s of perfectly All is chicken The festival—fried of festival. side a with with chicken served jerk is the it all, of best and and once, at tender, all is meat sweet the slightly and savory doughnut; a to similar dough addictive. absolutely but dessert, for room save to remember to hard it’s grapenut that right, tasty so is That’s food cream! The ice grapenut the rum miss silky don’t a do, with you rich and whatever Buttery cereal. Grapenuts with savoriness. and made cream, texture of ice balance Other perfect the second. a add ordered Grapenuts the had we finish, bowl, first the finish could pone, we cornmeal before Even (pudding), pone potato sweet as include such offerings specials daily dessert and brownie, pistachio cheesecake, raisin rum cake. carrot-pineapple and down, all it wash to rum some without complete almond isn’t or food coke and Jamaican rum guavaberry as such liqueur. cocktails folk offers tropical JamRock Maarten St. wild with made all milk, and rum tion, is a must-visit for anyone in need of a laid-back vibe, reggae music, music, reggae vibe, laid-back a of need in anyone for owner- of must-visit hands a is loving tion, the from made food Jamaican delicious some and crew. competent her and Yvonne chef (similar patties as such classics jerk Jamaican includes vegetables), menu or chicken extensive The beef, with filled crust chef the flaky a Where empanada, dish. an to national mystery, Jamaica’s a is ackee, with Tokyo in saltfish and Africa, West chicken, to native flower a is ackee, ackee find with to saltfish manages JamRock’s because does, she goodness thank cod. but salted and onions ackee, of full delicious—chock chicken, stew brown include specials Daily - - - Photo courtesy of the Grand Hyatt Tokyo Hyatt Grand of the courtesy Photo Grand Hyatt Tokyo Hyatt Grand 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-Ku 03-4333-8781 Tel: www.tokyo.grand.hyatt.com

Listening to the soft French French soft the to Listening the in lazing while music feels chairs arm terrace sublime. than less nothing WEEKENDER Open daily Open daily (6:30am–10pm) Theterrace barbecue promotion isavailable nowand runs through September30, giving diners the entire summer totakeadvantage of thisunique offer onmorethan one occasion. Available forthree full hourseach evening, LaTerraceProvence Barbecue atThe French Kitchenisanexcellent choice tostart thenight instyle. For groupsFor offour ormore, the restaurant will also throw infreea bottleoforredwhite wine tosweeten the barbecue deal even more. Itisalso possible toupgrade the free-flowing sparkling wine to Mummchampagne foranadditional ¥4,800 per person. With sum ingbalmya evening.Tokyo Thetree-lined patio feels like it could be in California,the Mediterranean yet the central or location makes stylegetting is casual there easy. but Theclassy, making it equally suited eveningfor or a romantic a night out with friends. The restaurant offeringis a currently special summer dinner promotion Provenceentitled Barbecue La Terrace that includes free-flowing servedsparkling with an appetizer wine plate, soup, salad offreshlyand an assortment grilled vegetables, fish and meats Relaxing(¥4,800 at per the person). bar with a group of friends or Frenchlistening music whileto the lazing soft in the terrace arm chairs lessthan feels sublime. nothing Howdo you escape the city, without actually escaping the city? One wayis to get away to the tree lined terrace of aluxury hotel. The GrandHyatt Tokyo in Roppongi is one of the city’s best loved inter nationalhotels, but visitors to the terrace of The French Kitchen arein for asurprise. During the colder winter months, the hotel’s forward-thinkingmanagement invested time rejuvenating the space with stylish, plush furniture, completing the work just intime for spring. merupon us, this isthe perfect way torelax and unwind while enjoy Roppongi byStephen Parker The French Kitchen, Tokyo Tables TokYo Tables 10 Tokyo Tables Image courtesy of J.K. Whelehan

Recent research even focused on ambient light and its effects on the taste of the wine. With the color of the wine masked by black glasses, wines were tasted under blue, green, red and white light. Apparently people preferred the same wines tasted under red or blue. In fact, the subjects were willing to spend over one euro more for the same Ries- ling tasted under a red light versus a green light. So it’s best to avoid red light areas!

A while back I gave a demonstration on how to decant a wine with all the pomp and ceremony, carefully explaining the objective was to separate a wine from its sediment (and in some cases to aerate it) by pouring it gently into another bottle or decanter. The rule of thumb is that any red wine ten years old or older should normally be decanted. And if possible, the bottle should be stood upright at least twelve hours before decanting.

Carefully removing the entire capsule and wiping the lip with a cloth, I demonstrated how to place a light (either the traditional candle flame Perception and or a flashlight works) behind the shoulder of the bottle, and poured steadily into the decanter. The light illuminates the contents and shows Expectation exactly when the deposit comes up the neck, so that you can stop pouring. Then one irreverent female member of the audience piped up, by J.K. Whelehan “What if you only drink bag in the box?” Flummoxed, what I should have said was, “Madam, to raise perception and expectation, put the wine in the decanter, hide the box, leave a nice empty bottle discreetly in view, and turn on the red light.” However it’s hard to think outside the box Do you think you can taste the difference between a red and a white when under pressure. wine? This is a question that sent me on a quest to find some black glasses. Upon finding the glasses and doing the tasting, I would conclude that it can be difficult, depending on the wine. In fact, some J.K. Whelehan is a Tokyo-based wine expert and writer, as well as people have taken this one step further, suggesting that the color co-author of the best-selling book Japanese Dishes for Wine Lovers, also affects our perception of the wine. This was demonstrated by published by Kodansha and available from Amazon. experiments during which professionals identified red wine aromas in whites colored red.

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WEEKENDER 11 F a s h i o n

For most people living in rural communities throughout the West, Tokyo is an unlikely place to end up. Becoming a Tokyo-based fashion designer is even less likely. But in the case of Patrick Stephan, this is just what happened.

Stephan grew up on the tiny French island of Ushant (or Ouessant in French) in the English Channel. This rocky isle has a total landmass of about 15 square kilometers, is home to a population of roughly 900, and marks the furthest point northwest in European France. Stephan recalls that his childhood days were filled with cold, harsh winters followed by warm, beautiful summers. “I like that balance of black and white,” he says of the contrasting weather patterns.

The inhabitants of Ushant for the most part practice a strict brand of Catholicism, and every Sunday the elders on the island still dress in traditional all-black costumes to attend church. As a child, Stephan remembers sitting in his grandparents’ bedroom, wrapping his grandmother’s black silk scarves around bottles to look like dresses, and cutting up his grandfather’s sweaters before fashioning them into other garments. “The style I like is very androgynous, and it probably comes from that [background],” he says. “I like to think I get inspiration from where I’m from—it’s very romantic, delicate, sensitive, but at the same time hard and rugged.”

Stephan left Ushant when he was about 15 years old and took his dreams to Paris. He studied fashion design for three years at ESMOD, winning first prize amongst his classmates for his graduation collection. The theme of his line was ‘My Grandparents.’ His academic success led to a job at the fashion house of Thierry Mugler, where he worked on the label’s first haute couture collection in the early 90s. At this time Stephan had the opportunity to work with and learn from the famous corsetiere Mister by Kelly Wetherille Pearl, who is routinely hired by major fashion houses and celebrities (including Dita Von Teese) to create custom, handmade corsets for them. Pearl, who believes in his craft so much that he dresses in a corset himself every day, made emerald green velvet creations embroidered with black stones for the Thierry Mugler collection. Stephan was struck by the intricacy and detail in his work.

In the mid-90s, Stephan spent about two years working in the atelier of Francois Metreau, helping with the design and production of leather garments for houses such as Chanel, Balenciaga and Jean Paul Gaultier. During this time he met John Galliano, and ended up going with Galliano when he took over the reins at Christian Dior. Stephan’s work at Dior further cemented in him his love of fashion and the art that goes into creating it. “I felt the people working in the atelier [at Dior] were really the people who could create the magic,” he says.

One day in 1998 Stephan happened upon a Shiseido exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. He was fascinated by the photos and advertisements created by art director Serge Lutens, finding them beautifully minimal and geometric, with art deco influences. “I loved the dramatic contrast of white skin against a black background, and matte versus shiny,” Stephan says. In fact, he loved the exhibition so much that he returned for a second visit shortly after. It was then that he knew he had to make his way to Japan.

After a brief visit during a summer holiday, Stephan jumped at a chance to drop everything and move to Japan in August 1999. He got a job teaching fashion design at the Osaka branch of his alma mater, originally replacing a teacher who was on maternity leave. He stayed with the school for two Photos years before moving to Tokyo to launch his own label. courtesy of Patrick Stephan

12 WEEKENDER F a s h i o n

Stephan’s line started small, with a 20-piece, all-black women’s collection done in natural fabrics such as wool jersey, cotton tulle and leather. The response was better than expected, and the collection was picked up by major retailers such as United Arrows. With the presentation of his second season came even more success: the upscale boutique chain Restir offered to sponsor the collection, a proposal of which most young designers can only dream. Stephan worked with Restir for a few seasons, but eventually began to outgrow the partnership and started looking for a new challenge.

Stephan secured a new investor in 2007 and continued producing his women’s line each season. For 2009 he made the shift to menswear, but he says that many of his female customers stuck with him and continue to buy his clothes. “The look is androgynous, mannish. It appeals to both men and women,” he says.

Stephan’s entire collection, including bags and shoes, is made in Japan, and he works with traditional artisans and factories wherever possible. Japanese influences that can be seen in his clothes include prints that are reminiscent ofsumi-e brush paintings, and mesh scarves made at a very old atelier outside of Tokyo. Stephan thinks it is his duty to support these traditional artisans before they disappear completely. “If I can help, I will be really proud, really happy,” he says.

Throughout his career, Stephan’s major influences have remained the same, meaning his collections have a timeless, cohesive feel to them. “I don’t want to use too strong a theme each season,” he says, preferring instead to continue building on the same ideas and inspiration each year. He still maintains his heritage from Ushant as his major influence, and couples this with the contrast of delicate with tough that he learned from working with Mister Pearl and Francois Metreau. He prefers to work almost exclusively with natural textiles, and tries to project a bit of himself into his designs, making clothes for what he describes as a ‘sensitive man.’

In the coming years, Stephan hopes to continue growing his brand by projecting a French name with the idea of ‘made in Japan,’ resisting the temptation to have his products manufactured elsewhere, despite whatever costs this may save. “You can find a kind of perfection here,” he says of Japan. “That’s what I want to spread [to other countries].” But as far as where his own head lies, Stephan isn’t so sure. In fact, he plans to move back to France later this year, although Tokyo will remain his professional base and he will travel back here often for work. “I like to get a point of view from the outside,” he says, noting that he has always liked the unique perspective he gets from being a foreigner in Tokyo. After over a decade of being away from his home country, it’s likely that he’ll now have a ‘foreign’ perspective when he returns there as well.

Patrick Stephan’s spring 2010 collection is in stores now and can be found at Isetan Men’s, Midwest in Shibuya, American Rag Cie in Aoyama, and other shops throughout Tokyo. The autumn collection (pictured) will be available from August. For more information on shops that carry the line both in Japan and overseas, visit www.patrick-stephan.com.

WEEKENDER 13 B u s i n e s s

THE VIEW FROM HERE by Ian de Stains OBE

Eyjafjallajokull’s eruption and the conspiring winds that carried the poten- tially destructive volcanic ash across the majority of Europe’s air space led to a travel shut down that is unprecedented. Even the response to the events of 9/11 was eased in half the time. Tourists and travelers alike were inconve- nienced in an unprecedented way but—arguably more importantly—business around the world was disrupted in a way not forseen. An entire village in Kenya, dependent on its rose harvest, most of which is destined for Euro- pean markets, was devastated; automotive production plants in Japan were shut down because much needed parts from the UK were held up; Tokyo Photo by NASA Goddard Photo and Video Photo by NASA Goddard Photo department stores lamented the lack of smoked salmon from Scotland.

So: another lesson—and one that we ought not really need to be reminded of—is that in our inter-connected, increasingly global community we are all at risk. Or put it another way: we are none of us immune.

The immediate shock put aside, recriminations began. The airlines and European governments were accused of over-reacting; of shutting down An Ill Wind their air-space unnecessarily or for longer than was needed.

Lesson three: you can’t win. It is understandable that those stranded were distressed and would want to find a way home as soon as possible. And it is What are we to learn from the fallout from Eyjafjallajokull? Perhaps how equally understandable that an airline doesn’t want to see its income shred- to pronounce the ill-tempered volcano’s name? (My former colleagues in ded. But imagine if a single government had decided to permit a flight and the BBC pronunciation unit—who frequently saved my bacon in the days that flight had encountered a situation similar to the BA flight in Indonesia when I was reading the news—give it as AY-uh-fyat-luh-YOE-kuutl-uh—if some 30 years ago and, especially, if it had not survived it. There would have that helps.) been outrage, recrimination and lawsuits the likes of which we’ve not yet seen.

There ought to be other lessons. First and foremost—and one that we The biggest lesson of all, though, must be a wake-up call. We have become should by rights have learned a long time ago—that Mother Nature is so dependent on air travel and similar instant solutions to our business a force to be reckoned with that is far greater and far less predictable needs; is it time to consider a backup, an alternative—and if so, what form than we are wont to give her credit for. Ever-advancing technologies allow might that take? us the comforting delusion that we are closer to predicting earthquakes, that we can control the climate, and that we are increasingly the masters Ian de Stains is the executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce in of our planet (even as the evidence suggests we are more likely to be the Japan. Views expressed in this column are purely his own and are not necessarily overseers of its destruction). endorsed or shared by the Chamber.

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E-Level Profiles / Entrepreneurs in Japan Photo courtesy of Clinton Gass EdwardClinton GassSuzuki

of Rooibos Marketing and Gass Co

Having spent his entire adult life working and studying in Japan, Clinton Gass is well-versed in the intricacies of doing business in this unique market. Between his two companies, he and his team are responsible for the entire supply chain of rooibos tea in Japan. This healthy herbal brew is made from the leaves of a plant grown in Gass’s native South Africa, and has now become popular throughout the world, including in Japan.

How long have you been in Japan? What are the Japan-specific challenges your business faces? Seventeen years straight, which represents my entire working life. I see more the opportunities than the challenges in Japan. Most of my business experience has been in Japan, and I find it easier doing business What is your background and why did you decide to start your business? here than in other countries, where service levels are lower. I did a bachelor of science in building management in South Africa, but ended up never setting foot onto a construction site. Instead, after gradu- What sets your company apart from its competitors? ation I set out to explore other cultures, other ways of life in foreign lands. We are the only company that has full control of the supply chain My passion for martial arts drew me to Asia, and ultimately Japan. From from farmer to consumer. Also, perhaps my being a South African in day one I was intrigued by the culture and found it a good match with my a very Japanese industry sometimes affords me a unique, advanta- personality and what I was seeking in life. I believed that I would find geous perspective. many exciting opportunities within this society and be able to carve out a What kind of advice would you give to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs? Know where to position The first is about positioning. If you are going to start a business, be yourself to maximize the sure that you will be able to occupy a unique, meaningful positioning in the market that no one else will be capable of occupying. The value of your strengths. same really applies to individuals on a career path in a large corpo- ration as well. Understand what relative strengths you have, build on space that suited me. Starting out as an English teacher, I nearly pursued them, and know where to position yourself to maximize the value of a lifetime career in education, but in the end I decided that I could prob- those strengths. ably broaden my personal landscape further by catapulting myself into business through the MBA program that McGill was just establishing in The second is about intuition. When you are faced with difficult business Japan at the time. The MBA gave me the confidence to start my own busi- decisions, ensure that you are equipped with multiple perspectives and ness, and I thought that this would better fulfill my desire for flexibility sound analysis, but at the end of the day, follow your gut feeling. and greater risk and reward potential than a corporate career would. What do you think have been your best and worst business decisions? Please tell us a bit about your company. My best decision was to launch our own branded product even in the Actually, I run two complementary companies, which occupy different face of stiff resistance from incumbent distributors who were buying raw positions in the supply chain. I set up Rooibos Marketing in order to material from us. My worst decision was to establish an industry associa- strengthen the position of the leading supplier of bulk rooibos tea in the tion, because instead of facilitating collaboration on market development, Japanese market and in order to gain greater control of a market that had it simply strengthened the position of incumbent players and protected been messed up by unfavorable business practices of former distribu- their conservative business practices. Fortunately, that was something tors. The second company, Gass Co. Ltd., I established in order to directly we were able to quickly undo. engage consumers using branded consumer products and to develop the many untapped areas of the market. Gass Co. primarily markets a range What do you do in your spare time? of organic, uniquely South African teas in PET bottles and packs of envi- With all of the business opportunities that we are enjoying right now ronmentally friendly tea bags. We have successfully expanded the market thanks to the World Cup, I have absolutely no spare time. Under normal by moving rooibos from the health food channels into mainstream conve- circumstances though, I enjoy spending time with my kids, surfing, snow- nience stores and supermarkets. boarding, doing tai chi and tinkering with my garden.

For more executive and entrepreneur profiles, :// go to www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Business / WEEKENDER 15 F e a t u r e : World Cup 2010

Aiming for the Top Four Japan’s National Team Gears Up for the World Cupby Sean Carroll

The eyes of the world will be on every pass, tackle and shot. The top players from the four corners of the globe will contest a total of 64 matches to determine who is the best. Greats such as Alfredo Di Stefano, George Weah and George Best never had the chance to grace football’s biggest competition, but this month Japan’s finest will have their opportunity when the country competes in its fourth consecutive World Cup finals.

After qualifying for the first time in 1998, the Japan national team has appeared in each of the subsequent editions, and heads into this year’s tournament with far more in mind than just making up the numbers. Head coach Takeshi Okada, who also held the reins in France 12 years ago, is refusing to rest on his laurels after steering the team to South Africa, and has set the players the daunting task of a best four finish. While many have scoffed at such an ambitious goal, Okada remains steadfast that it’s attainable. “The reason I came up with this idea is because I started out by thinking, why can’t Japan be part of the top four?” Far from being a rhetorical question, the 53-year-old means it, and has thought long and hard about how to bring success to the country.

“When I considered this question I tried to analyze it by breaking it up into understandable pieces. When we talk about athletes and sports, there are three areas in which people compete; there is the physical aspect, there is the technical aspect, and there is the mental aspect. Therefore, I believe that these are the areas in which we can work to polish

• Monday 14th June – Japan v. Cameroon (11:00pm) • Saturday 19th June – Holland v. Japan (8:30pm) • Thursday 24th June – Denmark v. Japan (03:30am (Friday 25th) • Round of 16 – Monday 28th June (11:00pm) OR Tuesday 29th June (11:00pm) • Quarter-finals – Friday 2nd July

16 WEEKENDER F e a t u r e : World Cup 2010

“If South Korea can be in the best four [as they were in 2002],national I think teamthe Japan has a chance.” up and enhance the fundamental strengths of I have to touch it. Only soccer balls—it makes me individuals on our team,” Okada elaborated. Of feel happy. When I was at elementary school I would course, different countries have very different styles and pretend to be Captain Tsubasa. I didn’t dribble it to school approaches to the game, and it is not just about fine-tuning like him though!” the basics, but also accentuating the unique features that could bring about success, something of which Okada is all too aware. “We can The goal that Okazaki remembers was the first to be scored by a Japanese [also] work to take advantage of the fundamental Japanese strength, player during World Cup finals, and another stalwart of that campaign, which is that we are able to work in groups; we have great organizational fullback Akira Narahashi, is fondly recalled by Okazaki’s teammate, skills. If we combine these two areas, I think we will certainly be able to Atsuto Uchida of Kashima Antlers. “My idol when I started out was compete on the very top level.” The coach certainly talks a good game Narahashi. He had the number two shirt before me at Kashima,” he says. then, but how are the players feeling? Uchida, who has won the J. League in each of the last three seasons, also remembers the performance of Nakayama and another Japanese soccer Star striker Shinji Okazaki, of J. League outfit Shimizu S-Pulse, can’t great, Hidetoshi Nakata, at the World Cup 12 years ago, when he would wait for the big kickoff, confessing that the excitement is even invading have been just ten years old. “My first World Cup memory is of Nakata his sleep. “Sometimes I dream about this, but when I wake up in the and Nakayama at France in ‘98. I watched it on TV, and in particular I morning and try to remember the images I have forgotten them. Did remember how strong Argentina was.” I score a goal in the dream? Not yet. I can’t remember! I can’t even remember if it is for Japan or at the World Cup in the dream—I forget Argentina is the team that Okazaki says he would most like to face in the uniform!” The 24-year old’s memory is similarly hazy about Japan’s South Africa this time around, if, of course, Japan can progress from a debut at the World Cup finals. He just about remembers the team’s particularly tricky looking group that contains Holland, Denmark and appearance, but admits that, before turning professional, he did not Cameroon. While the striker harbors this ambition, citing his affection for pay too much attention to the greatest show on earth. “I remember Gon Argentina’s aggressive and positive style of play, Uchida is a little unsure Nakayama scoring a goal [against Jamaica], but that is all. I didn’t watch when faced with the same question. “I’d like to play against Brazil,” he the Japan and Korea World Cup [in 2002]. Some of my teammates went states, a smile breaking out across his lips, “but I also don’t want to play to watch some live games, but I didn’t go. I regret that. At that time I had against them as they are very strong!” This is, of course, the case for a no interest in watching soccer, just in playing.” great many of the teams at the finals, so what do the players think of their manager’s target of the best four—is it realistic? It is lucky for Japan that he was interested in playing though, and Okazaki always knew that there was something special about the beautiful game. “Maybe I’m too pure and people around me can control my mind and if they “I often gave up other hobbies, but I couldn’t stop playing soccer,” he says. say ‘we will focus to make the best four’ I say ‘OK, we’ll try to!’” Uchida says. “When I was an elementary student I would play with a [soccer] ball for two “We have to commit all the players and try to focus on it. If South Korea can or three hours almost every day. Even now, if there is a ball in the house be in the best four [as they were in 2002], I think the Japan national team

WEEKENDER 17 “I want to create the best possible team, a team that can win, which means that I want the team to has a chance. The chance is there for all, and maybe be full of the bestThis team ethic is evident in my conversations with the ones who realize their goals are the ones who try members.” Uchida and Okazaki, so I pose a potential land mine to do it.” Okazaki agrees. “The best four is a hard target, of a question: who do they think is the most important but all of the national team players have decided to target it,” member of the team? Okazaki seems genuinely stumped: “I he says. “If there is no best four target then people may not take the games haven’t really thought about this. Everybody plays well and my job is seriously enough. This hard target is good for us. We are not sure if we can often to feed the other players.” Uchida, however, is more forthcoming. get the result or not, but the process is important.” Their responses seem “Hasebe-san,” he states, referring to VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Makoto to suggest it hasn’t, but some believe the aim is adding undue pressure to Hasebe. When I ask his reasons for his choice, he simply responds, the players; do they feel this is the case? “Because it is so normal to answer Yato-san (Yasuhito Endo) or Shun- san (Shunsuke Nakamura)!” This banter, aimed at two of the high- Okazaki is adamant that it isn’t. “No, if we find it too hard we won’t get profile stars of the Samurai Blue, is soon qualified. “Hasebe is the success. Right now we believe the target [is attainable] and we have hope.” player in midfield who moves so much and also can pass the ball so I suggest that as the main goal-scorer for the team he must feel some well. His experience in Germany has improved him so much.” weight on his shoulders, though. “I feel I have to get a goal, so of course there is pressure, and I understand this. Sometimes I feel pressure but I Learning from experience is something that Okada also knows all about. don’t think I have to get a goal I think I want to. That way it is a pressure I Having endured a torrid tournament in 1998, what has he learned to apply myself,” he explains. help the team this time around? “It has been over ten years and my conclusion is that, in regard to football itself, I don’t think the World Uchida is equally as dismissive, and refers to the freedom he feels when Cup is that different from any other kind of competition,” he admits. pulling on the blue shirt. “As Kashima’s right side-back I can play freely “Basically it is another football championship before us, so I don’t think and I don’t need to think, ‘Should I go or do I have to stay?’ Mr. Okada does there’s going to be anything dramatically different in our approach.” the same; he gives me the freedom to do what I want to do. I don’t have to think so much when I’m playing, I just play to my instincts and attack But can Japan’s group ethic really overcome some of the finest when I need to attack.” The players maintain there is a good spirit within talents on the planet? “I think it is very interesting that when you have the camp, but what was the manager’s rationale for selecting the squad? a team of individuals where each individual has tremendous physical abilities that does not necessarily equate to the same thing as having “I want to create the best possible team, a team that can win, which means a great, perfect team—the reverse can also be true,” says Okada. that I want the team to be full of the best members,” says Okada. “When “You can have a team that is very accomplished as an organization, I say the best members, however, this does not necessarily mean that I where the individual skills of the players are not so high. In other look objectively at all of the individual skills of all of the individual players words, I think God is dealing a very fair hand.” Let’s hope the coach in Japan and pick the top 23 most highly-skilled members. It has to be a and players can play their hand well and that the gods are smiling on question of combinations. What team will work together the best to win?” them come June 14.

(11:00pm) OR Saturday 3rd July (03:30am (Sunday 4th)) • Semi-finals – Tuesday 6th July (03:30am (Wednesday 7th)) OR Wednesday 7th July (03:30am (Thursday 8th)) • 3rd/4th place play-off – Saturday 10th July (03:30am (Sunday 11th)) • Final – Sunday 11th July (03:30am (Monday 12th))

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a spent a year gaining coaching experience in Germany Tel: By03-5413-7912 appointment only in the early 90s and was national team manager when Japan competed Afliated with JOHNS HOPKINS Medicine International in its first World Cup finals in 1998. After Ivica Osim suffered a stroke in 2007 he English Insurance Open was recalled to the post. In the inter- Available Accepted Saturday vening years Okada, a former Japan international, achieved success at J. League clubs Consadole Open 10:00am – 1:00pm Midtown Tower 6F Sapporo and Yokohama 2:30pm – 6:30pm 9-7-1 Akasaka, F. Marinos. Closed Sundays and Minato-ku National Holidays Medical Center Affiliated with www.tokyomidtown-mc.jp/dentalwww.tokyomidtown-mc.jp/dental JOHNS HOPKINS Medicine International (11:00pm) OR Saturday 3rd July (03:30am (Sunday 4th)) • Semi-finals – Tuesday 6th July (03:30am (Wednesday 7th)) OR Wednesday 7th July (03:30am (Thursday 8th)) • 3rd/4th place play-off – Saturday 10th July (03:30am (Sunday 11th)) • Final – Sunday 11th July (03:30am (Monday 12th))

WEEKENDER 19 Bulletin Board

Now you can get a small taste of the classifieds in our printed publication every issue and access Japan’s largest online classifieds at: WEEKENDER http://classifieds.weekenderjapan.com B ulleti n B oard Simply type in the ID to find the ad you’re looking for.

navigation system (Garmin Nuvi 360), asymmetri- version, English audio but menus are Japanese as Miss Sixty Top ID: 47502 Auto cal Subaru AWD (4WD) with snow mode for extra far as I know. Wasn’t a problem for me), Metal Gear ¥9,000. Size M. Bought in Japan and worn once. Housing safety, five-speed AT, ETC, mileage: 66,500 km, Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (English version), Metal Subaru Impreza ID: 48518 HID head lights, alloy wheels, keyless entry, front Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (Japanese version, Ralph Lauren Shoes ID: 47136 Ikebukuro Apartment ID: 47529 This is the last version of the two-door coupe. It loading five CD changer. Contact 080-1039-9081 still sealed packaging), Burnout Paradise (English ¥20,000. Never worn. European size 39, Japanese ¥60,000. Great three bedroom apartment with has been regularly serviced at a Subaru dealer and for further details. version), Ninja Gaiden Sigma (Japanese version but 24.5cm–25.5cm. Price is negotiable. living room, kitchen toilet and bathroom, eight it is in great condition. Specifications: Year: 2000. everything in-game can be set to English as far as I minutes from Ikebukuro station. Each room is fully Km: 73,000. Engine: 2.0L (power 280 BHP). Type-R Honda Fit 2008 ID: 46093 remember), Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (Japanese furnished including beds, TV, sofa, chair, washing specifications. Original brakes. Suspension Cusco Well maintained and in excellent condition. version but everything in-game can be set to Eng- Furniture machine, fridge and more. Great apartment to Zero-2R. Blitz blow off valve. Blitz turbo timer with Shaken valid until February 2011. Type: Honda- lish), Stranglehold (English version), The Darkness share with two other people. Move in this July. Defi BF Gauge Control II Unit, APEXi boost gauge Fit-DBA-GE6 (five door). Engine: 1,300 cc. Body (English version). Accessories: one Dualshock 3 Three Panel Mirror ID: 48500 and Defi BF meters (water temp / oil temp). Man- style: hatchback. Color: sensational blue. Interi- wireless controller, one Sixaxis wireless controller, ¥2,500. Mirror, three-panel dresser-top model. Shibuya ID: 47396 ual five speed. Original STi exhaust. Original alloy or seat color: dark blue. Gearbox: GM / automatic. one USB controller charging cable, one HDMI cable This is a lovely warm golden pine color and is ¥30,000 per week. Furnished, quiet 16m2 room wheels. CD/MD Player. ETC. Shaken until February Fuel: gasoline. Steering: right. Options: ABS, PS, (gold plated), one power cable, one digital optical easily transported. The three panels come off the in Shibuya between June 6 and 27. The room is 2011. Price: ¥980,000. Email: [email protected]. PW, ST, keyless, AC, CD, SRS. Price: ¥100,0000 audio cable, one multi out composite video cable (for stand and all pieces can be laid flat and packed large and within a five room apartment where I live obo (road tax, etc. included). Contact 080-3426- playing on regular TVs). The system and games are in a protected manner. Center panel base is 58cm with three friends (two Swiss guys, one Japanese Mitsubishi Delica Automatic ID: 47832 7087 for further details. all in perfect working condition. Everything has been wide, mirror is 54cm high at peak of curve. Hinges girl). We all work in Tokyo and our age range is late ¥280,000 obo. Year 1996. Color: white. Four doors, carefully used in a home environment. The system is on side panels do not go back flat with center 20s. The apartment is large and it has two floors: eight seater. Mileage: 119,000 km (I’m still driving still under warranty at Bic Camera for at least another panel. They are limited to about 45 degrees angle the upper floor contains the living room and the it, so it might change). Displacement: 2.35L. Steer- Electronics year (I’m not sure if it was three or five years extended to post. Call 070-5011-9913 or email forsaleto- kitchen. The lower floor contains the four individual ing: right. Transmission: automatic. Fuel: gasoline. warranty I bought). You will receive the warranty [email protected]. See more at www.flickr.com/ rooms. The apartment is very quiet and it has a nice Drive: 2WD and 4WD (2WD for normal road use and Canon EF 24-85mm USM Lens ID: 48510 receipt with the system. Can be seen and picked up photos/8519161@N02. view of Tokyo. It is close to Shibuya station, Hara- better gasoline consumption). Power windows ¥13,000. Selling the following lens for Canon at location (25 minutes from Shibuya station) or juku station, and Yoyogi-koen. If interested, please and locks. CD player (FM transmitter for iPod and SLR and DSLR. Canon 24-85mm USM silver delivered within a reasonable range in Tokyo (we can Wood Display Mantles ID: 47792 email [email protected]. Photos are available iPhone if wanted). Possibility to add portable navi- version. Can be used on all Canon SLR and DSLR agree on a location together). I can also send by mail, ¥2,000 (for smaller one) and ¥2,500 (for larger one). upon request. gation system for ¥30,000. Has some scratches / full frame and crop bodies. It’s missing the front but in that case the buyer needs to pay the packing These are very attractive display mantles that you dents and other minor issues etc but runs great. No cap. Tozai line, Koto-ku. and shipping fee. Unfortunately I can’t sell anything mount on the wall for display of knick knacks, Asakusa Private Room ID: 47389 engine problems. Shaken is valid until July 2010. separately. Contact 080-3366-8897. plates, etc. I have two of them. One is about 55cm Private fully furnished six mat corner room in a Car is in Chiba, you can come by train easily from Sony GPS Navigation System NV-U3C and the other one is maybe 80cm long. They are quiet and convenient area. One minute walk to Tokyo and go back there with it. For more details ID: 48334 ¥21,000. Brand new and sealed. Great MacPro and 23” HD Widescreen Display held by two screws and have never been mounted. Kuramae station (Oedo line) or six minutes to please call Adnan at 080-4369-5444 or email sam- portable GPS navigation system for Japan. Cov- ID: 47896 ¥240,000. I bought this computer in 2007 Email [email protected] or call 070- Tawaramachi station (Ginza line). Also four min- [email protected]. ers entire country, very accurate, programmable along with some great software only to discover 5011-9913. See more at www.flickr.com/pho- utes to the Toei Asakusa subway or JR Tsukuba from your PC. Very long battery life. Picture its genius would die untapped if I continue to own tos/8519161@N02/sets/72157622116734853. express. Cable TV / internet. Share big kitchen, Nissan TIDA Latio ID: 47596 viewer and MS expansion slot. Could be used with it. This is a serious computer built for the serious lounge area and expenses with friendly profes- Year: 2005. Color: silver. Mileage: 48,000 km. Dis- car, bike, bicycle or in walking mode. Speaking user and/or the professionally inclined with mighty Computer Desk ID: 47551 sionals. Rent ¥55,000, Deposit ¥30,000. Contact placement: 1.5L. Steering: right. Transmission: navigation, tons of settings and options. Japa- mouse, keyboard, 23-inch HD cinema widescreen ¥3,000. Three level computer desk. Dark brown in Chris on 080-3590-0119. automatic. Fuel: gasoline. Drive: 2WD. Four speak- nese system, with Japanese menus. It might be included. Mac OSX with applications galore. For color, excellent condition. Size 90cm x 60cm base ers, rain guard, UV filter (newly installed). possible to use it in English but I have not opened questions about the PC, call 090-8596-7925 or desk, 90cm x 33cm upper two desks. Fully adjust- Near Shibuya & Shinjuku ID: 46753 it so do not know for sure. http://www.sony.jp/ email [email protected]. Payment able. I will dismantle and collection will be from ¥62,000 per month with utility bills included. The Mercedes Benz 1997 ID: 47378 nav-u/products/NV-U3C. COD Japan shipping. is expected on pickup in Asakusa area. Shibaura (near Tamachi station) only. room available in 3DK house around Eifukucho on ¥330,000. Mileage: 105,000 Km, 2.3 liter patrol Only realistic offers will be answered. the Inogashira line (takes ten minutes to walk to engine. Color: blue. Power steering, windows, Panasonic Lumix lx-3 ID: 47621 Meidaimae and Eifukucho on the Inogashira line). mirrors, and seats, AC / heater, SRS airbags, alloy Japanese Phone System with Answering ¥320,000, completely brand new. I bought a Household It’s about ten minutes by express from Eifukucho wheels, keyless entry, clean and in perfect condi- Machine ID: 48253 Panasonic Lumix Lx-3 camera yesterday without Station to Shibuya station and about ten minutes tion. Shaken is valid until August 2010. I will also ¥17,500. Used one week, Pioneer TD-AD1630 base checking the interface, which turned out to sup- Lamp with Remote ID: 48149 from Meidaimae station to Shinjuku station. There assist in transfer of ownership. For more details unit 2.4ghz. Three phone extensions, one still in the port only Japanese. Please message me if you are Name your price. Bought for ¥19,000 about a year is a park and a large promenade in the neighbor- and pictures please contact Adnan at 090-6517- original box. Pioneer Model DK-160. I can arrange interested: [email protected]. ago. Ceiling lamp with four functions, remote hood of the house. The room is Japanese style, six 3336 or email [email protected]. drop-off if close to Hiroo. If interested please email control. Comes with the box and batteries for the mats with Japanese-style futon with mattress [email protected]. LG DVD Player ID: 47587 remote. To be picked up in Omotesando. Email (a prior consultation is possible), Japanese style Land Rover ID: 46415 ¥5,000, brand new. I can send it through post or [email protected] or call 080-3355-3731. desk and closet. Internet available. The available ¥950,000. 2003 Land Rover Freelander, with only Canon Rebel XS DSLR ID: 48226 you can pick it up at Shin-Okubo or Takadanobaba kitchen is about eight mats, and there is a separate 55,000 km, in mint condition. Shaken until April ¥60,000, new condition. Comes with Canon 18- (JR Yamanote line) or Okubo station (Sobu or Chuo Washing Machine ID: 48310 bathroom and toilet. 2012. Silver body with black leather interior. Ready 55mm lens, Canon 75-300mm lens, two Sunpak line). E-mail [email protected]. ¥15,000 (negotiable). Sharp ES-T550G. Pur- to sell. Options: navigation system, ETC, V6 engine, 58mm UV lens filters, battery charger, USB cord, chased in June 2009 with three-year warranty. In AM/FM radio, air bags, AC, ABS, climate control, Xplorer compact DSLR bag, Canon shoulder cam- Excellent Home Theater Speaker System very good condition. Music heated leather seats, power locks, mirrors, win- era strap. I bought the camera new with all acces- ID: 47384 ¥7,000. I am selling a two channel speak- dows and steering, remote keyless entry, sunroof, sories from a Shutter Bug camera store in Eugene, er system, get a heightened sense of reality from Sanyo Microwave ID: 47129 Technics 1200 MK 3D ID: 48312 tilt / telescopic wheel, tinted glass. Oregon in June 2009. So the camera is less than a the force of the three-way speaker systems. Two ¥20,000 Very nice oven / microwave / steam ¥25,000. Pro DJ turntables, working perfectly. year old and has taken amazing photos throughout microphone inputs, one composite audio input, oven with all papers. Bought about two years Suzuki Djebel 200 ID: 47199 Japan. This camera is great, it’s compact and light- the woofer part has a blue light-emitting diode. You ago, works great, with a lot of functions ROLAND JX-305 GrooveSynth Keyboard ¥100,000, Grand Sport special edition 200. Tires, weight. The battery lasts forever, as the camera can enjoy fantastic light in the dark. Piano black (bread, pizza, roast chicken, etc). Comes with ID: 48273 ¥20,000. Works great, this is a classic for brakes are good. New hurricane bars, new gel shuts down the power after 30 seconds of no shoot- solid finish and high quality sound. Product speci- all papers and pans. It is a fan forced oven and hip-hop, dub, house and techno groovers. Minor grips, new plastic over metal hand guards, new ing. This camera is easy to use and takes amazing fications: Size: 163 x 295 x 540cm (single speaker), is scratched from too much cleaning but that discoloration. Included: Roland JX305 keyboard, bar pad, new two-helmet removable box. Bike is in pictures in any situation. I will consider shipping it stereo composite audio inputs, approximate does not affect anything. To be picked up in owner’s manual, and AC adaptor. Keyboard: 61- very good shape and runs/drives good. Mandatory anywhere in Japan. weight: 7.1kg, electricity consumption: 16W, gen- Omotesando, no delivery. Email remy.lucas@i. key, velocity sensitive. Maximum polyphony: 64 insurance is good for one year, and bike is plated. eral output: 60W. The speakers are in great working softbank.jp or call 080-3355-3731. voices. Number of multitimbral parts: 24 (eight Milage is 14,407 Kilometers but that changes each HP Notebook ID: 48076 condition. There is one small scratch on one side of main, 16 RPS). System common effects: reverb week as bike is still ridden. Bike goes about 300 ¥40,000. HP Compaq nc6120 Notebook PC. the speakers. Not too heavy and can be carried onto Dyson DC 12 Vacuum ID: 46971 (two types), delay (six types). EFX: 24. Memory km on a single tank. Very cheap per km cost. Rear Intel Pentium 2.13GHz processor, 512MB RAM the train. I am located near Akihabara. ¥20,000 obo. Used for nine months, works great, capacity patterns: internal 268, user 256, RPS 500, box has tail light wired in. I can help with the title (upgradable), 80GB hard disk drive, mobile Intel and so useful. Easy and light to carry, has manual. optional 2MB-card 200 (max). Tracks: eight tracks transfer. Price is pretty firm, but may take partial on 915GM/GMS, 910GML express chipset, wireless Macbook Pro 15” ID: 46724 It has a few scratches on it because it has been used (16 MIDI channels per track). Dimensions: 1011(W) a trade depending on what you have to offer. LAN, integrated Bluetooth, CDW/DVD-Rom, US ¥85,000. 2.2Ghz, still under Apple warranty. already for months. x 289(D) x 83(H) mm (49” x 14” x 4”). Weight: 6.9kg. keyboard, four USB ports, Windows XP Profes- Subaru Forester LL Bean Edition ID: 46357 sional (English), MS Office 2007 installed. Rarely Fridge ID: 46069 ¥700,000. 2004 TA-SG5, LL Bean special edition, used (looks new). Clothing ¥25,000 (negotiable). Fridge (w/ freezer), Sharp Sports SUV in excellent condition. Great safety features SJ-T14R. Purchased in June 2009 with three year and low maintenance car, especially good for long Playstation 3 (PS3) ID: 48074 DKNY Leather Pants ID: 47982 warranty. Dimensions: W480 x H1140 x D59mm. In Treadmill ID: 48454 drives on tricky mountainous and snowy roads. ¥30,000. Silver 40GB with 11 games, two controllers, ¥35,000 (negotiable). Japanese size 4. European very good condition. Excellent condition, as good as new. ALINCO Fit- Features: 2.0 liter engine, power steering, power warranty and the following games and accessories: 38. Color beige. Never worn. ness Pro AF 3000J. Price only ¥20,000. windows, special two-tone color—champagne Games: Heavy Rain (Japanese version but everything Air Conditioner ID: 45911 gold and silver. Top end model: leather seats and in-game can be set to English), Batman Arkham Issey Miyake Clothes ID: 47511 ¥25,000. Great air conditioner for six to eight Hiking Frame Bag ID: 47280 gearshift, heated front seats, shaken until June Asylum (English version), Dead Space (English ¥35,000. Pants, skirt, and top. Size M. Stretch. tatami room. Good condition and for sale as of ¥6,500 obo. Got one used unit hiking bag by TOP 2011, road tax until end of May 2011, English version), Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Japanese Never worn. Price is negotiable. mid June 2010. New Top, MAKALU DX. Its been used twice only, two

20 WEEKENDER Bulletin Board

years old in good condition. Pick up only at Hanako- The scope of the job is two-fold: firstly to be avail- ganei / Takadanobaba (by Seibu Shinjuku line). able to support retail clients and assist them with ¥1,000 deposit first to avoid no turn up issues. Item any inquiries and/or minor technical issues that comes with bag and rain cover. More pics at http:// they may have with their account. Secondly to tokyosales.blogspot.com/search/label/Bag monitor margin positions for institutional clients and advise upon any potential limit breaches One Polar 45 Backpack ID: 47229 and arrange for action to be taken if necessary. ¥4,000. Medium-sized backpack, holds 45 liters, Requirements: the successful candidate will have excellent condition. Pick up at JR Suidobashi or experience within the financial industry, although Jimbocho stations. this does not have to be from an FX background. Candidates who posses JSDA qualifications will be Kendo Gear ID: 47151 at a distinct advantage. Fluency in both Japanese ¥20,000. Full kendo armor to fit 175–180cm. and English is necessary, as is the confidence to Head, chest and gloves. There is a hakama as work on their own as required and resolve all is- well, although a little worn. I also have a shinai. sues without local support. This is a priority hire Very good deal for someone starting out in kendo. and candidates who are available for interview im- Kashiwa area in Chiba. mediately will be highly regarded. Hours are likely to encompass the hours of 9pm–8am (some flexibility) and the yearly salary will be in the region of Services ¥7,000,000–8,000,000. Contact [email protected].

Guitar Lessons ID: 41440 Medical Doctor Experienced, professionally trained guitar teach- Looking for a project leader who creates / practices er in Aoyama. I teach various styles including the clinical trial protocol, to be involved with sev- classical, rock, bossa nova and jazz. I also teach eral projects which are currently in progress. Fully composition, music harmony, theory and site responsible for new drug development based on From anywhere to anywhere in Japan reading. You can also learn music theory, music clinical experience and specialized knowledge Home or business recording techniques using Logic Pro and Pro (not just an internal consultant or advisor). Quali- Contact our experienced team Tools, general musicianship, online music pro- fications: university graduate (medical/dental motion. Contact for more information about fees schools, department of pharmacy) or above, as For home relocation or sayonara sale delivery call Steve at 090-3801-8083 or 03-5932-7777 and services. For more information please go to: well as licensed doctor or has equivalent medical http://alexbrooke.com/guitarlesson. knowledge, more than five years’ experience in clinical medicine with basic medical knowledge, We can provide safe delivery of your belongings for reasonable rates Moving English fluency (both spoken and written), strong Disposal service of unwanted furniture and appliances also available Do you need help moving or delivering large par- leadership, English and Japanese communication, cels? Or perhaps chartering and basic domestic negotiation and presentation skills are required. Email: [email protected] chores like shopping, junk disposal and pickups? Speciality area: internal medicine such as oncol- www.Quoz.biz Transporter Tokyo is at your service, offering inex- ogy, CNS. Salary negotiable. Contact info@slate. pensive, fast and safe assistance in English, French co.jp and quote 3751. and Japanese. Fore more information call 03- 5705-1363 or e-mail [email protected]. Fidessa Developer Leading investment bank is urgently looking for a Fidessa developer. You will need proven Fidessa UOZMOVERS MMA & Grappling Classes ID: 47192 Classes run in English now available at Paraestra development experience within investment bank- Q Tokyo Shooto gym. Classes taught three times a ing. The main purpose of the role is development week by professional MMA fighters for all levels and support of an existing Fidessa platform, and from beginner to advanced. Introductory class free. providing solutions to business-led projects. The successful candidate will join a global team Indian Cooking Class ID: 45449 of developers in equities IT who collectively are Are you interested in learning how to cook authen- responsible for the development of the Fidessa tic Indian food? Learn from a professional teacher server systems. The team as a whole is respon- in a homely atmosphere. You can learn all types of sible for the consistency, quality and coherence curries, starters, sweets, rice, and Indian bread of the overall solution definition. The role will items. If interested contact for details. focus primarily on the Fidessa server platform and consist of the following primary tasks: server cus- tomization of ‘out of the box’ code, development of Wanted new server processes, support of trading systems. The role offers significant exposure to front office Wireless Headphones ID: 47904 trading and the latest Fidessa platform (Fidessa, I want a set of surround sound wireless head- BEAM). We have a number of roles available in phones. I prefer good quality, ear cup type. both Fidessa development and Fidessa support at various levels of seniority so candidates with any Used Darkroom Equipment ID: 47713 experience in either area are encouraged to apply. I need a masking easel measuring at least 14 x 17 Contact [email protected]. inches and an electronic enlarger timer. I’m willing to pay a good price for equipment that is in good Non-Japanese Programmer Wanted condition. I can travel to pick up. PHP programmer sought for full time position. Very strong design and architecture slant required Double Bed ID: 46707 along with LAMP savvy. Also required to conduct I want to buy a double bed (200cm length, 160cm user support in Linux environment as well as width). Drop off area Shimokitazawa. Buying price general hardware support and application server ¥15,000 for bed frame and mattress. Must be less configuration and maintenance. Starting monthly than two years old with no stains or tears. salary ¥250,000. Interested parties please contact [email protected]. HEWETT ART Female Mannequin ID: 46655 I want to buy your used mannequin for my clothes. With or without face is okay. Please send me an email at [email protected].

All postings on our Jobs website are free. Premium postings will be Financial Advisors printed in the Weekender Looking for competent talent to become financial advisors, preferably self-starters with investment and available online. For experience or financial industry experience. One more information contact hundred percent commission base. You won’t want our sales team at: a base pay ever again. Contact [email protected]. Client Service Specialist 03-5549-2038 or Client services professional from within the financial industry is urgently required to work on the sales@ www.davidstanleyhewett.com night desk of a leading international brokerage. weekenderjapan.com

WEEKENDER 21 Real Estate Tokyo Properties

Usually the words ‘serviced office,’ ‘affordable,’ and ‘flexible’ do not go together, but Space Design Inc. has managed to create user-friendly Affordable, serviced office facilities in central Tokyo. With 24-hour building access, individual heating and cooling, three-tier security, prestigious locations such as Kojimachi and Kyobashi, and the flexibility of one year, owner- direct leases, Space Design’s BUREX office spaces are the answer to Serviced those firms that want as much space to use with as little spaceas possible to actually rent. Each building features rental meeting space, reception service, smoking areas, free meeting space for interviews Office Space and other small gatherings, cutting edge infrastructure, and easy-to- predict rent. There are no additional operating costs for infrastructure or reception, and every suite has large windows offering pleasant natural light. The friendly multilingual staff at BUREX will do their best to support the further expansion and success of any small or growing business in this exciting city.

For more information on featured properties contact Space Design: Tel: 0120-710-677 [email protected]

/ For Tokyo’s largest English property search engine, go to 22 WEEKENDER www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Real Estate. :// Real Estate

APARTMENT（ 1R～2LDK）￥60,000～￥120,000 ODAKYU LINE（ 20～30mins from Shinjyuku） KEIKYU LINE（ 13mins from Shinagawa） E-mail [email protected] TEL 044-933-7000 www.minowagroup.jp/minowahomes

WEEKENDER 23 Parties, People & Places AUDI ABORIGINAL ART SHOW

Audi’s Christian Steinert, Michiyo Kevin Gray, Lowly Norgate and Tom Wilson Gary C. Lynch and artist Helicopter Tjungrray Nishino, and Naoki Waki

SOUTH AFRICAN CHARITY PARTY

Pianist Daniel-Ben Pienaar, South African Jenifer Sakaguchi of the South African South African first secretaries Ambassador Gert Grobler, violinist Chamber of Commerce in Japan, Marysia Dusinski and Thomas Narimichi Kawabata, and Barbara Allen and art curator Johnie Walker Cronje with Jennifer Vember

KUWAIT NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION

Palestinian Ambassador Waleed Siam, Humood Al-Otaibi, Abeer Al-Muslaiti, UN University’s Roswitha Lasser, Kuwaiti Ambassador Abdul Rahman Omani Ambassador Khalid Ezza Ould Jaafar of Mauritania, Al-Otaibi, Jordanian Ambassador Al-Muslahi, and Maal’siam Jamilah Otaibi of Algeria and her Demiye Haddad, and Omani daughter Hala, and Amal Ketrandji Ambassador Khalid Al-Muslahi

Narqiz Huseyn of Azerbaijan and Acbania Jamilah Otaibi and her son Khaled Martha Ruiz Cabanas of Mexico, Hala Otaibi, Abeer Al-Muslahi, Lilo Maruyama, and Colombian Ambassador Patricia Cardenas

24 WEEKENDER Parties, People & Places PARTIES PEOPLE & PLACES WITH BILL HERSEY

A lot of friends have recently mentioned that they haven’t seen me around much. It’s nice knowing that people care, but there’s so much happening in this super city that it has become impossible to get to everything I’d like to. I really appreciate the invitations to so many interesting events, but conflicting schedules, prior commitments, travel, and work keep me away from a lot of things I would really like to go to. I’m sure many people have the same problem. I did take a break and go down to Yokohama Arena for Lady Gaga’s concert. That was really a packed, colorful, fun spectacle. Lady Gaga is phenomenal. She’s got a great voice, can really dance, plays several instruments, and has endless energy and a wonderful warm stage presence. On top of More than comfor t all that, her fashion is original, off the wall, and really works for her. More than It’s easy to see how she’s earned international recognition and fame in exclusivity such a short time. Her concert was one of the very best I’ve seen in a More than exceptional service long time. It’s too bad she couldn’t get to the New Lex, but we did have her entire band and dancers drop by a few times and party into the early mornings. They were all great people.

My thanks to entertainer, philanthropist, and all-around good man Steven Haynes for an awesome hour or so at the official Michael Jackson exhibition at Tokyo Tower. The exhibition, which was the Private Transpor t brainchild of Matt Taylor, runs through July 4 and is really beautifully done. My favorite single item in the exhibition was a photo of a young 03-5547-5551 www.tokyomk.com/eng/ Michael with Princess Diana.

ABORIGINAL ART SHOW anz.com/japan

Our friends at Audi always come up with original, dynamic cultural events. A few months ago they had a marvelous pottery exhibition by renowned German artist Gerd Knapper at their futuristic Meiji-dori showroom. Recently they brought seven Australian aboriginal artists Finance your property to Japan to show their work in the exhibition entitled Ingalimpa Tjuntu: Singing Songs at the Audi Forum. The artists came from the small colony with a bank you know of Warlayirtui, where 250 of the 400 residents are artists. The exhibition tied in with what the automobile has meant to the artists’ culture, and and trust. they worked for a week here prior to the opening on beautifully painting an Audi TT Roadster as the center of the exhibition. Another highlight was a large painting valued at $75,000. The oldest member of the artist group, Helicopter Tjungurray, really reminded me of my Hopi godfather from the village of Moenkopi in northern Arizona. Both of these men are healers, and when I sat and talked with Helicopter, he held my hand and I really felt some strong vibrations. There really are a lot of things out ANZ is focused on the property needs of the Australian and there we don’t understand. My congratulations to the people at Audi on New Zealand Expat Community. the success of the exhibition. For more information on how you can finance your Australian or New Zealand property, contact your ANZ Tokyo Relationship Managers today. KUWAIT NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION Grant Turner Luisa Hawkins I’ve had the privilege of visiting Kuwait four times and have great T: 03 6212 7762 T: 03 6212 7761 memories of the legendary Arab hospitality I received on each of those E: [email protected] E: [email protected] visits. Here in Tokyo, Kuwaiti Ambassador Abddul Rahman Otaibi, his wife Jamilah, and their three children Hala, Humood and Khaled showed the epitome of that hospitality at their 49th national day celebration at Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (“ANZ”) ABN 11 005 357 522. When borrowing the Imperial Hotel. There was a beautiful ice sculpture of the Kuwait in a currency that differs from the currency of the underlying security, borrowers are exposed to exchange rate risk. ANZ only lends in the currency in which a customer has a sustainable income Towers in the center of the room, and a photo exhibition of Kuwaiti source and that ANZ classifies as a major currency. Applicants are subject to ANZ’s prevailing people, scenery and buildings. Several colorful Arab style tents were charges, credit criteria, standard terms and conditions.

WEEKENDER 25 Parties, People & Places

EMIRATES INAUGURAL LAUNCH

Emirates’ VP Richard Jewsbury and Peter Sedqley and the musical trio Velvet ANA InterContinental GM Fergus Stewart, Japan Manager Richard Engelmann HIS Travel VP Bobby Haque, and Panoramic Hospitality’s Xavier Destribats

OKURA HOTEL WORLD GARDEN FAIR

Utako Arrour of Morocco Norwegian Ambassador Arne Kazuko (Kay) Siazon of the Philippines Walther and his wife Anita

SOUTH AFRICAN FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATION

Beninese Ambassador Allassane Colombian Ambassador Patricia Cardenas, Pop singer Baby M. Yasso, Dja Dja Carriedo, and Egyptian and soccer player Tsuyoshi Kitazawa Ambassdor Walid Abdelnasser

Eduardo Cardenas his wife Senegalese Ambassador Gabriel International Education Consultants CEO Meredith, Tsuyoshi Kitazawa Sar, Ivory Coast Ambassador Liliane Ulrich Kutz, Gassco president Clinton Gass, and Singer Ryohei Konno Boa, South African Ambassador Gert and Dancing 4 Kids’ Chrissi Theodorakakos Grobler, Emiko Matsuzaki, South African tourism director Bradley Brouwer, and Morinaga advisor Akio Matsuzaki

26 WEEKENDER Parties, People & Places

set up at one end of the room, where guests could relax, chat and enjoy create a mostly red and white fantasy, and the Hyatt’s always elegant tea and dates, and these proved to be very popular. The lavish buffet entrance halls and ballroom couldn’t have looked better. I couldn’t featured Arab, Japanese and Western food. When guests left, each one stay long, but I enjoyed meeting the visiting Emirates executives, as received a black bag containing an ornate metal box of sweets and a well as watching a musical program by a Japanese women’s trio called miniature replica of Kuwait Towers. It was a very special evening, and a Velvet. Congratulations to Richard Engelmann on his appointment as perfect way to celebrate the occasion. manager of Emirates in Japan.

SOUTH AFRICAN CHARITY CONCERT SOUTH AFRICAN FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATION

Those who follow this column know how busy South African Ambassador South African Ambassador Gert Grobler chose the beautiful Meiji Gert Grobler and his staff have been with the World Cup coming up Kinenkan in Meiji Park as the venue for his country’s Freedom Day in South Africa soon, as well as the celebration of 100 years of the celebration. Outside the entrance to the reception venue, there was country’s relations with Japan. There has been and will continue to a colorful display of many of South Africa’s best known products, be a full calendar of special events to celebrate these occasions. One including wines, tea and some great handicrafts. I really enjoyed the of the most recent was a charity concert in Daikanyama that featured intricate patterned beadwork. Three South African musicians greeted marvelous music by South African pianist Daniel-Ben Pienaar and guests with tribal drum music, and that livened everyone up before Japanese violinist Narimichi Kawabata. Ambassador Grobler made an interesting and meaningful speech. After enjoying the buffet that included several South African specialties, EMIRATES RECEPTION guests were treated to a musical presentation by Japanese singer Baby M. The talented young lady, who has performed in Japan and South The inaugural reception for Emirates airline’s direct flights from Africa, got several of the guests to join the dancing on stage. It was fun, Narita to Dubai at the Grand Hyatt was as glittering and glamorous uplifting and very South African. Congratulations on Freedom Day and as an event of this kind can get. The party planners went all out to South Africa and Japan’s 100th anniversary of friendly relations.

Maali Siam, her daughter Dima, Takako Shimazu, Abeer Al-Muslahi, Palestinian Ambassador Waleed Siam, and Mohammed Shoblaq

Shiela Engert and Aadel Dimian National Azabu store manager Dale Toriumi and Farah Latreche

I n & A round

DJ Narita and guest DJ Reika Pop singer Michelle and Tsuji Paolo Cogliati and Lindsey Oliviares Nakajima at the New Lex of the Sanrio family

WEEKENDER 27 F a m i l i e s Photos by Masaaki Komori

There is nothing better Rainy Day than mizuasobi, or water play, to cool kids down Fun and dissipate some of that boundless energy.

by Katherine Whatley

For most parents, the start of tsuyu, or the rainy season, is met with pool, as well as classes and activities throughout July and August. Call despair. It’s difficult enough to keep kids happy when they are able to your local ward office for more information specific to your area. Be go outside, so what do you do when it’s raining? Don’t be discouraged, aware, though, that most of the pools will require all bathers to wear there are plenty of activities you can turn to in order to keep your kids a swim cap; these can be purchased at the front desk if you’re caught occupied during those rainy weeks. off guard.

First of all, you don’t always have to keep your kids inside. If there are If you’ve been to your neighborhood pool a few too many times and the no gusts of wind or thunder, let them go outside onto your terrace or kids are growing weary of the same scenery, why not go a little farther garden to run around and play in swimsuits. There is nothing better afield? Odaiba has two museums that will easily satisfy the curiosity than mizuasobi, or water play, to cool kids down and dissipate some of of children for a number of hours. The National Museum of Emerg- that boundless energy. ing Science and Innovation, otherwise known as Miraikan, really looks like something out of the future with its glass sides and suspended If it is thundering, why not take children to an indoor pool? There are globe. Kids can explore a life-sized model of a space station, or try a number of public pools around the city, including the pool at the their hands at being a surgeon or the operator of a maglev train, to National Stadium in Meiji Jingu as well as a Shibuya-ward owned pool name a few things. Though many of the explanations are in Japanese, next to Daikanyama station on the Toyoko Line. The entrance prices most things are hands on, so should interest kids of any age and any for these pools are quite reasonable at just ¥400 per adult and ¥100 nationality. On the weekends, the museum sometimes has English per child for up to two hours. Many of these pools have a smaller kiddy speaking guides as well. Check the website for upcoming events; if

28 WEEKENDER F a m i l i e s

Parenting Tip:

Both Shinagawa Aquarium and the Miraikan are closed on Tuesdays and Fune no Kagakunan is closed on Mondays.

For More Information:

Miraikan: www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en

Museum of Maritime Science: www.funenokagakukan.or.jp/index_e.html

List of some of the pools in Tokyo: www.liveworkexplore.com/tokyo/residents/ activities/sports-_and_-activities/swimming

List of some aquariums: www.tokyowithkids.com/entertainment/aquarium_maps.html

Shinagawa Aquarium (Japanese only): www.aquarium.gr.jp/index.html

you’re lucky, you may be able to catch a glimpse of Asimo, a famous robot, on display. The Miraikan is on the Yurikamome line, three minutes’ walk from the station Telecom Center.

The Museum of Maritime Science, or Fune no Kagakukan, is a museum dedicated to boats and ships. There are models of many types of boats, from canoes to the famous 1898 battleship Shikishima. Kids will love exploring the first Japanese ship to go to Antarctica, the Soya, which is moored next to the museum. During July and August, check out the small water park next to the museum. The Museum of Maritime Science is one stop away from the Miraikan at the station Fune no Kagakukan, but the distance between the two is short and can easily be walked.

What better way to impress your kids than to let them experience the Saint Maur International School wonders of the oceans firsthand? The underwater tunnel through the Quality Education within a Caring Family Environment since 1872 Pre-K (Age 2 1 / 2 ) to Grade 12 - Coeducational ● Montessori main tank of Shinagawa Aquarium makes visitors feel just that. This ● International Primary Curriculum (IPC) ● International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) aquarium is sure to get kids—and adults—excited. Try taking your ● International Baccalaureate (IB) ● Advanced Placement (AP) ● SAT Reasoning Test children to the touching tank, where they can reach in and feel the ● SAT Subject Tests ● PSAT/NMSQT ● Lions-Quest international programme starfish. To get Shinagawa Aquarium, either take the Keihin line from ● Trinity International Music Examination ONLY

Shinagawa station to Omori-Kaigan station and walk eight minutes, F r o Ecole française de Saint Maur o y m k Classes à effectifs réduits et pédagogie différenciée C To or take the JR line to Omori station and catch the free shuttle bus pour une scolarisation de la maternelle au CM2 entral ● Programmes de l'Education nationale française which runs every 15 minutes during peak times from the number six ● Professeurs des écoles qualifiés et expérimentés ● Maternelle en anglais selon la méthode Montessori avec séance quotidienne de langage en français bus stop. ● Elémentaire en français avec certaines disciplines et activités en anglais [email protected] www.stmaur.ac.jp As the rainy season gives way to hot, humid summer days, parents will Accredited by the Council of International Schools & New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Registered as Gakko-Hojin by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. find more and more difficulty coming up with ways to keep kids enter- tained and happy, but a little imagination and resourcefulness goes a 83 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa-ken, 231-8654 long way. Most importantly in Japan, try to keep cool! Tel: 045 641 5751 / Fax: 045 641 6688

For more information for families in Tokyo, go to :// www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Lifestyle, then Families / WEEKENDER 29 P r o d u c t s

by Stephen Parker

Fit for Champs All photos courtesy of their respective brands or retailers.

one: Legendary Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankly once said, “Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.” Adidas has taken scientific research deadly seriously this year and pulled out all the stops for the 2010 tournament. To kick the world’s most high- tech ball comes the most high-tech boot. Unveiled just a couple of weeks ago, the F50 Adizero is the lightest boot in human history and will be worn by the likes of Messi, David Villa, and top Japanese player Shunsuke Nakamura.

Adidas stores (www.adidas.com/jp), from ¥17,325. 1

two: The official Japan uniform is packed with more technology than an Akihabara showroom. Two types of shirts have been engineered for the players. TechFit is a type of tight fitting, criss-cross elastic strap that according to Adidas can increase a players’ vertical speed, leap and endurance. Of course not all players will like the snug fitting shirts, so an equally advanced kit using Formotion technology has also been designed. Japan, South Africa and ten other nations will wear these shirts during matches this year.

Adidas stores (www.adidas.com/jp), from ¥10,395.

30 WEEKENDER P r o d u c t s 4

three: This year’s World Cup tournament sees the introduction of some of the five: Brazil is the world’s most successful soccer playing nation, with a total most advanced sports equipment ever. The new Jabulani official match ball was of five World Cup wins, including the 2002 final at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium. made in association with Loughborough University, one of England’s top sport The Nike True Colors Brazil line draws from street artist Nunca’s cultural colleges. The unusual name means ‘celebrate’ in Zulu, and the ball is made from background. Focusing on graffiti based designs, the print is a direct reflection only eight surface textured panels, down from 14 in the last Cup. This means a of the Pixacao tagging style found on the walls of Sao Paulo. The collection rounder, faster, more accurate ball. The 11 colors used represent not only the 11 features sneakers, shirts and jackets utilizing the Brazilian flag, five symbolic players in a team, but also the number of languages spoken in South Africa. The stars, angular handwriting and a mascot that seems to come from another time. final on July 11, 2010 will feature a gold ball called Jo’bulani after the nickname for Johannesburg, the golden city. Nike stores (www.nike.com), ¥11,550.

Adidas stores (www.adidas.com/jp), from ¥3,360 to ¥21,000.

four: South African street artist Kronk is a Capetown native, and his designs six: Nike’s commemorative True Colors collaboration series combines the are a colorful and whimsical collision of rock poster rebelliousness and wry national colors and native talents of global artists (see the South Africa and pop culture references. His contributions to the Nike True Colors collection are Brazil contrinutions above). From England, graphic designer and illustrator the most intricate of any country, with an insanely detailed crest embroidery, a James Jarvis has re-imagined the English heraldic lion as a googly-eyed bubble lettered font, and kaleidoscopic illustrated patterns. Celebrating your mascot. The typeface takes inspiration from woodblock prints and the number home team or wearing the color of your favorite player has never been so cool. ten was selected because it is traditionally preserved for the most beautiful players of the game. Nike stores (www.nike.com), ¥6,090–¥11,550. Nike stores (www.nike.com), ¥6,090–¥8,190.

For more information on cool products available in Tokyo, go to :// www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Lifestyle, then Products/ WEEKENDER 31 Healthy & Responsible Living Body Balance Mixing Business and Pleasure

Photos courtesy of the Ritz Carlton Tokyo

The Ritz Carlton Spa & Fitness by ESPA Tokyo Midtown 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku Tel: 03-3423-8000 www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Tokyo/Spa

by Elisabeth Lambert The exfoliation began, using ESPA’s aptly titled Invigorating Salt Scrub. Consisting of sea salts blended with essential oils of menthol, grape- How wonderful would it be to duck off during the working day for a fruit, lime, almond, sunflower and coconut, my skin was left feeling so sneaky massage? Or even to have a moment to freshen up the eyes after smooth and soft. The best part was that the application of the scrub felt a morning spent staring at a computer screen? Between meetings and like a mini-massage in itself, and once I showered it off, I could really deadlines, time is precious. feel the cool warmth of the menthol sinking into my skin and waking up every part of my body. The Ritz Carlton Spa by ESPA, towering 46 floors above Roppongi, has the needs of Tokyo’s businesspeople all figured out. With a series of For a pair of feet that are subjected not only to my love of high heels, but 30-minute spa treatments, you can squeeze in a spa session and still also to jogging and lots of walking on a daily basis, the foot rub was the have time to eat, all within the timeframe of a one-hour lunch break. ultimate way to show them some much-deserved love. As my feet, toes and calves were massaged, I surprisingly found myself feeling energized. “We received feedback from our employees and guests that many [people] used time as a factor in their decision not to spa,” explains Christopher My friend, on the other hand, wanted to feel relaxed after her spa therapy, Clark, hotel manager at the Ritz Carlton Tokyo. “So we wanted to ensure and was treated with a blend of myrrh, rose geranium, orange and lav- that in only 30 minutes, we can make [people] feel revitalized and hope- ender, all known for their calming and restorative effects. And relaxed fully encourage them to take a little more time to reduce their stress.” she was, after falling asleep during her massage. As she breathed in the blended oils, she said that her mind switched off completely and her The treatments available, all for under ¥10,000, are an ESPA hydrating muscles relaxed. facial, a revitalizing back massage, a foot rejuvenation massage, an invigorating body exfoliation, and an instant eye lifter. For the instant eye lifter, products rich in seaweed extract, green tea and vitamin C were used. Again, the application of this involved a mini- I decided to put it to the test along with a friend and fellow writer. We massage, which my friend said helped ease any eyestrain and a linger- booked in for two sessions each during a lunch break on one particu- ing computer headache from that morning’s work. larly busy Wednesday. I started with the body exfoliation, and my friend with the back massage. We were asked the unusual question of how we After all this, a quick time check showed it had been exactly one wanted to feel after the session, to which I replied, “invigorated,” and this hour—amazing, considering it felt like an entire afternoon had gone by is how I found myself lying face down on a massage table, breathing in the indulging ourselves. We were refreshed, revitalized and ready to hit the aroma of cypress, grapefruit and juniper berry oils. working world below.

32 WEEKENDER Healthy & Responsible Living

Sustainable_Business: by Darrell Nelson Green Business Key to Japan’s Economy and Relationships

With recent announcements out of Japan regarding its commitment to the environment and green business, it seems that recently the country is focusing more and more on sustainability to try and help it solve its current problems. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press At the beginning of the month, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) announced its intention to set up a new lending facility targeting banks that currently make loans to environmental business, energy business, and research and development. The aim of this is to try and support and spawn growth within Japan’s currently flagging economy and in a sector that is looking at potential for growth due to recent government commitments. As gov- ernor of the BOJ Masai Shirakawa commented, “The government’s economic strategy is now focusing on things like green business and new areas for demand.” In the same week Japan’s biggest business organization, the Keidanren, announced that it will move to strengthen tie-ups with China on energy efficiency and environmental technology by holding that Japan and China regard demand in other Asian economies as their a green products fair in China next year. domestic demand.’’

For development of the whole of In keeping with Mitarai’s statement earlier this month, Japan also signed a deal to develop three green cities for India, which has now overtaken Asia, it is important that Japan China as the largest recipient of Japanese foreign direct investment. and China regard demand Hitachi, Mitsubishi and Toshiba are using Japanese cities as models for the project, which runs along a $90 billion Japanese-funded industrial in other Asian economies as corridor between Delhi, the capital, and Mumbai, the financial center. their domestic demand. The plan is to create cities that minimize pollution and promote recycling, energy efficiency, and public transport. The investment comes after With Japan’s leading technology in areas such as recycling, nuclear a recent study by McKinsey & Company found that due to the growth in power generation, efficient coal-fired power generation, and power the country’s economy, it can expect an influx of rural immigrants, which transmission facilities, there are obvious possibilities for tie-ups with would dramatically increase the urban population. the world’s fastest growing economy. However, in the past with Japan desperately trying to keep ahead of China as its economy falters, it has With increasing focus on the environment around the globe and the been wary of trading any technology with its rival, despite the obvious worsening economic situation within Japan, it is looking more and more economic potential. But whether or not it be due to a realization of the like green business could certainly hold some hope for Japan’s future. inevitable, it seems that things are starting to gain momentum between Schemes like those outlined above are gathering a little more momen- the two countries in the green business sphere. ‘’Development of Asia is tum recently, and how Japan deals with its Asian neighbors through con- vital to Japan and China,’’ said Fujio Mitarai, the chairman of the Keidan- tinued trade and investment is now key to its economy, despite the fact ren, urging the two countries to extend greater support to less developed that these areas have traditionally been shied away from due to fears of countries in Asia. ‘’For development of the whole of Asia, it is important being seen as aiding its rivals.

WEEKENDER 33 / To see more Weekender archives and read the full issues, go to 34 WEEKENDER www.weekenderjapan.com and click on Archives. ://