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Japanese Culture | Hot Spots | Products | Food

Oct. 2016

No.20 FREE www.bentoboxmag.ca HOT-SPRING HOPPING

A relaxation tour in Kinosaki MORE THAN CHEESECAKE

Uncle Tetsu delights with Toronto’s first maid café

Vegetarian MUJI See page 10

Guilt-free feasting

ramen

You won’t miss the meat in these hearty, satisfying bowls

Yorkdale

COMING SOON

Contents

October 2016 No.20 o.20

Food

Featured

04 Vegetarian ramen

10 MUJI Yorkdale: Bigger and better

Skip the meat and fish with vegetarian ramen! We found some of Toronto’s most mouthwatering veggie-friendly options.

08 More than cheesecake Uncle Tetsu’s Angel Café is attracting crowds with its unique Japanese style and penchant for the perfect selfie.

12 Fruit for the fall Japanese persimmon offers an abundance of health benefits to last through the changing seasons.

14 Water from heaven This pure, crisp sake is a heavenly accompaniment to a light meal.

38 Roll around the world Giant-sized hand roll or nori burrito? This seamless fusion of influences opens up a whole new realm of grab-and-go possibilities.

The Japanese minimalist brand goes es above and beyond with personal advisory services available at its new Yorkdale ale Shopping Centre location.

28 Local events

04

Celebrate Japanese culture in your own backyard.

30 MUJI product picks

Culture

These gentle, additive-free cleansers are must-haves for your skin care routine.

22 Only in Japan

Travel

Whether you need to light up or clean up, guerrilla marketing in Japan is there to help.

18 Featured destination: Kinosaki Onsen

32 On the (Poké)ball

Travel back in time and meander through quaint streets while wearing traditional Japanese garb in a turn-of-the-century onsen town.

We sent an intrepid reporter to delve into the secret lives of Pokémon Go players.

34 Film focus Director Yuki Tanada’s understated dramedy examines the life of a woman struggling at the fringes of Japanese society in a life far beneath her potential.

24 One-of-a-kind dining SStop in for a bouquet, but stay for a feast.

TThough you might mistake it for just a fl flower shop, this place holds a secret g garden of lovely indulgences.

38

Hearty mushrooms, creamy sesame paste, crispy fried tofu—a world of ramen options, no meat required

36 Next Music from Tokyo

Delicious, healthy and convenient— the perfect meal on the move

Maison Book Girl brings cool, sophisticated and intelligent idol music to Canada.

Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter

EDITOR’S NOTE

Nina Hoeschele

facebook.com/bentoboxmag

Defy your expectations this October To go along with the changing leaves, this month we’re looking at unique things around the city that might just give you a change of perspective.

For instance: you may think of ramen as a meat-heavy meal, loaded with chicken or pork—but this issue, we’re spotlighting some of the city’s best vegetarian and vegan-friendly ramen bowls (p. 04) that will satisfy even the most avid meat lover. And that’s not the only surprise brewing for Toronto’s dining scene: at Rolltation (p. 38), sushi meets everyone’s favourite grab-and-go meal to transform into the unexpected, yet brilliant sushi burrito.

What other twists are in store? You may have heard of that one video game that forces you to actually enter the light of the sun—we spoke to aspiring Pokémasters to get the full scoop (p. 32). And we investigated this year’s edition of Next Music From Tokyo (p. 36), an indie concert unlike any other in Canada. Join us in appreciating all the uniqueness that Toronto and Japan have to offer!

twitter.com/bentoboxmag Editors Nina Hoeschele, Amanda Plyley, Yumi Nishio Editorial coordinators Nina Hoeschele, Yumi Nishio Writers Amanda Plyley, Amanda Taylor, D’arcy Mulligan, James Heron, Jenny McKechnie, Junko Mita, M Crowson, Nina Lee, Rondie Li, Sarah Dickson, Walter Muschenheim, Yumi Nishio Designers Chiyako Mukai, Reiko Ema Illustrator Chieko Watanabe Photographers Kazu Maruyama, Kazuki Watanabe Production assistants Alexandra Weaver, Kaori Sakamoto, Lisa Tower, Matthew Zhang Advertisement & marketing Maiko Kurotaki Publisher Kazu Maruyama

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OCTOBER 2016

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Fe a t u r e

By Rondie Li

Vegetarian ramen Skip the meat and fish h and and delight delight your tastebuds with vegetarian ramen. Getting hungry?

Discover some of Toronto’s most mouthwatering veggie options.

How does vegetarianism fit in with Japanese culture? You may be surprised to learn that it’s a profound component of Japan’s culinary and cultural history. The word vegetarian (ベジ タリアン) has been influencing Japan since the Meiji period (late 19th century), but Japanese have been sustaining plant-based diets as early as the Asuka period (5th century) when Bud-

dhism was introduced. Buddhist cuisine (精進料理, しょうじんりょうり), a diet excluding meat, fish and any by-products, became very common in Japan at this time. Historically, a Buddhist Japanese meal could look something like one soup, one dish (一汁一菜, いちじゅうい っさい), which is comprised of a soup, pickled vegetables and a bowl of white rice. These

days, vegetarian cuisine is less influenced by Buddhism. Instead, people may choose to eat vegetarian (whether it’s for a single meal or a lifetime) for a number of reasons, including health, ethics—or just because there are so many delicious options. There’s a wide and diverse range of both traditional and modern Japanese vegetarian dishes—including ramen!

Whether you’re a devoted vegan for ethical reasons or just participate in Meatless Mondays to add more veggies to your life, Toronto is an awesome place to enjoy vegetarian and vegan food. Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and this diversity is reflected in its cuisine. Since many cultures have traditional vegetarian dishes in their cuisine, the city offers a plethora of delicious meatless options. There are over 100 exclusively vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the GTA, and countless more if you include restaurants with

many—likely including the readers of this magazine! Although Toronto’s ramen boom may have hit its peak a few years ago, it’s clear that a perfect bowl of ramen is no fad. Looking for a vegetarian or vegan option? Many of Toronto’s most beloved ramen shops serve up hearty, filling and flavourful veggie-based ramen. Whether you are in the mood for something traditional or craving something more innovative, you won’t miss the meat or fish when you try these mouthwatering options.

several vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.

Don’t see these options on the menu? Many chefs are happy to modify or prepare a new dish to suit your needs (even at a steakhouse).

In the past, a vegetarian menu item may have been an afterthought, but as this way of eating becomes more popular, more chefs are making efforts to wow their customers with delicious meatless dishes.

Toronto is also home to many Japanese restaurants and Japanese cuisine is a favourite among

Many of Toronto’s most beloved ramen shops serve up hearty, filling and flavourful veggie-based ramen.

Vegetarian 【ベジタリアン】

Vegetarians do not consume meat, fish or shellfish, but they may eat eggs, dairy and honey, or use products like leather.

Vegan 【ビーガン】

Vegans do not consume or use any animal products. This term is often used by those who take an ethical stance.

What’s inside a bowl of vegetarian ramen?

Ramen culture is still growing in Toronto, and the variations and possibilities are endless. The dish’s vegetarian and vegan offerings are no exception. Here are some of the most common ingredients used in vegetarian ramen.

1

2

3

Soup

Noodles

Toppings

【スープ】

【麺】

【具材】

Soup broth is the heart and soul of any ramen, and traditional flavours include miso, shio (salt) and shoyu (soy sauce). When it comes to plant-based options, ingredients such as miso, soybean paste, mushrooms, vegetable broth and sesame can provide a deep, rich flavour or a smooth and creamy texture.

Ramen noodles usually contain eggs, which aren’t vegan-friendly.

However, substitutions are often readily available upon request.

Tasty egg-free alternatives include noodles made from rice, spinach or konnyaku (konjac root). Or change up your ramen experience and enjoy your hearty soup with a bowl of rice.

Toppings complement the broth and noodles and bring the whole dish together. Mixing and matching different vegetables can provide an abundant source of flavour and texture. Poached eggs are a popular vegetarian protein source, while tofu, bean curd and ground soy are all vegan-friendly options.

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Jinya Ramen Vegetarian 【ベジタリアン】

Vegetable Soup Ramen $10.50

Vegan

Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen $11.50 1 50

Get your daily serving off vegetables with this bowl, which features a light and delicate broth, thin noodles and heaps of vegetables, including mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and baby leaf lettuce.

Th soup steals The t l th the show h iin thi this di dish. h FFeaturing t a smooth and creamy broth with a sesame paste and soymilk base, this soup will surprise and delight meat-eaters and vegans alike!

Jinya Ramen

【ビーガン】

Vegan option: Spinach noodles +$2.00 399 Church St., Toronto | jinya-ramenbar.com | OPEN: Daily 11 am–11 pm

Ryus Noodle Bar Vegetarian Vegetarian 【ベジタリアン】

Veg Miso Potage

$10.75

Perfectly hearty, this bowl centres around a soup that’s packed with puréed vegetables including cauliflower, potato and onion plus four kinds of miso. Toppings like white fungus, cabbage and shiitake mushrooms provide a nice chewy texture.

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Veg Shoyu $10.500

【ベジタリアン】

Have Ha a a classic bowl of ramen with a veggie twist. This bowl bo o is the perfect balance of flavour and texture, with a kombu k (kelp) and mushroom broth, thin noodles and inariage in na bean curd.

Ryus Noodle Bar 33 Baldwin St., Toronto | ryusnoodlebar.com "* \Ê q->ÌÊ££Ê> q£ä\ÎäÊ« ÊUÊ-Õ Ê££Ê> q£äÊ«

Kinton Ramen This bowl is the ultimate comfort food. With a deliciously salty broth, thick noodles and deep-fried tofu furai, you will satisfy your cravings for something warm and cosy.

KINTON RAMEN 2 668 Bloor St. W., Toronto | kintonramen.com "* \Ê-Õ q/ ÕÀÃÊ£ÓÊ« q£ä\ÎäÊ« ÊUÊ À q->ÌÊ£ÓÊ« q££\ÎäÊ«

Vegetarian Ramen $10.99

Vegetarian 【ベジタリアン】

Ramen Raijin You won’t miss the meat with this plant-based dish.

Chili and sesame are the bold, dominant flavours, complemented by savoury soybean paste, green onion and bok choy.

Ramen Raijin 3 Gerrard St. E., Toronto | zakkushi.com/raijin "* \Ê-Õ q/ ÕÀÃÊ££\ÎäÊ> q££Ê« ÊUÊ À q->ÌÊ££\ÎäÊ> q££\ÎäÊ«

Vegetarian Tan Tan Men

Vegetarian 【ベジタリアン】

$14.50

Ramen Isshin Veggie Shio Ramen $11.60

Mushroom lovers, this bowl is for you. Topped with three M kinds k ki kin in of mushrooms—shiitake, button and wood ear—this dish dis di s has a light soup with a hint of creaminess, paired with tthin, th h wavy noodles.

Vegetarian 【ベジタリアン】

Vegan option: Rice noodles +$2.90

Ramen Isshin Ra 421 College St., Toronto | ramenisshin.com "* \Ê-Õ q/ ÕÀÃÊ££\ÎäÊ> q£äÊ« ÊUÊ À q->ÌÊ££\ÎäÊ> q££Ê«

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Best of Toronto

By Amanda Plyley Restaurant

More than cheesecake Uncle Tetsu’s Angel Café is attracting curious city dwellers with its uniquely Japanese style and penchant for the perfect selfie.

Chashu crêpe Hot off the kitchen press, the chashu (pork) crêpe proves Uncle Tetsu is as savvy with dinner as he is with dessert. Generous portions of succulent pork guarantee you won’t go home hungry.

Hungry for more? Let’s dig in!

If you live in or around downtown Toronto and have a sweet tooth, it’s fair to say you’ve heard of Uncle Tetsu. The cheesecake aficionado, famous for his takeout shops that consistently inspire hours-long lineups, recently opened a third location at Dundas and University that has heads turning: Toronto’s first maid-style café.

Step inside and you’ll be greeted by the irresistible smell of baked goods and the charming “maids”—predominantly female staff dressed in tastefully cute uniforms and ready to serve you coffee, crêpes and cakes to your heart’s content.

Unlike its sister locations, which permit customers only one cheesecake at a time, Angel Café allows for unlimited orders. The second floor is spacious

but cosy, with couches, booths and a distinctly feminine touch—perfect for groups of friends or couples to gather, enjoy a bite to eat and engage in conversation with the maids.

With a growing list of savoury meals, sugary treats and signature drinks on the menu, there’s something for everyone at the café. Clientele covers a wide range of ages and intentions, from young couples seeking a comfy spot to businessmen talking shop over lattes to elderly passersby, enticed into the space by pure curiosity.

Entertainment includes a designated photo corner complete with props, a choreographed J-pop show on Tuesday nights and occasional cosplay events with prizes for the best costume.

Dust yourself off and head over—you won’t find another place quite like it in the city.

Tako-chu Named after adorable little octopus-shaped toys, these octopus pancake balls—topped with bonito flakes and savoury sauce—are a must-try for seafood lovers.

Japanese cream soda Craving something refreshingly sweet? Kick back with a cream soda and reward yourself for all the effort you put into your rad cosplay style.

Meet the maids

Spinach and cream FKHHVH ZDIÁH Eat your greens before you dig into that cake! The spinach and cream cheese waffle makes for a filling late-morning breakfast or a tasty evening meal.

Angel hat Made fresh in-house, this delightfully fluffy dessert takes the cake. Try it in original, chocolate or strawberry, or sample the (takeout-only) matcha flavour.

Friendly and welcomming, the maids of Angel Café will go out of their way to make sure you have a great experi-ence. They’re happyy m latte to chat, take custom art requests and pose se for photos with you in the selfie corner. Looking for a fun job ot what it and think you’ve got takes? They’re hiring! g!

Uncle Tetsu’s Angel Café www.angelcafetoronto.com TEL: 647-351-2666 191 Dundas St. W., Toronto OPEN: Mon–Thurs 11 am–10:30 pm Fri–Sun 11 am–11 pm

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Tuesday, Oct. 18 will mark the launch of MUJI Yorkdale

By Yumi Nishio

MUJI Yorkdale: Bigger and better The Japanese minimalist brand goes above and beyond with personal advisory services available at its new Yorkdale Shopping Centre location.

NEW

Experience MUJI products in a whole new way

MUJI’s newest and largest Canadian branch is set to open in upscale Yorkdale Shopping Centre on Oct. 18. But the greatest news is not the new location’s impressive size: MUJI is also bringing interior design and style advisory services to the Canadian market (totally free of charge!), as well as offering in-store embroidery.

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“When it comes to clothing, MUJI traditionally offers items that you can wear through the whole year—staple pieces for your wardrobe.

So, you might wonder, ‘Why does MUJI need a style advisor?’ Because we have so much more than that now!

“As an interior advisor, my responsibility is to help the customer redesign and reorganize their living environment to suit them. Our new furniture area will be our biggest yet in Canada, so there’s lots to work with.

This fall/winter season, we’ve got a bigger wave of items, in new silhouettes, with new patterns and colours. And, of course, even when wearing basic and classic items, coordinating them in the right way can make your outfit very, very trendy—and that’s where I come in. Appointments are not necessary, just approach me at the store and ask questions!”

At MUJI, there’s a concept we call ‘compact living’: taking what is most essential to the customer’s needs and making that the priority. From there, we help customers to organize their way of living, making their lifestyle simpler and more efficient.

Consultation appointments can be made through our website or by phone. As part of the appointment, we offer 3D modelling to help you visualize your space.”

Vernon Rubiano

Willie Lam

Style Advisor at MUJI Yorkdale

Interior Advisor at MUJI Yorkdale

Opening Oct. 18 10

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MUJI Yorkdale 3401 Dufferin St., Toronto

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From a cute Japanese maneki-neko (lucky cat) to the Canadian maple leaf— and, of course, the classic monogram— embroidery services will be available at MUJI’s new location. While you wait in the store, your MUJI items can be personalized for a small fee.

OPEN HOURS: Mon–Fri 10 am–9 pm ->ÌÊ \ÎäÊ> q Ê« ÊUÊ-Õ Ê££Ê> qÇÊ«

www.muji.com/ca

OCTOBER 18 TUE MUJI YORKDALE 3401 DUFFERIN ST, TORONTO ON

Flavour of the month

By Amanda Plyley Ingredient

日本の秋を代表する果物は、様々な 栄養素をバランス良く含む優れもの。 to digest, kaki is a favourite amongst athletes and the elderly, and it’s safe for pregnant women to eat. It’s even said to treat hiccups!

Kaki

柿【かき】

Fruit for the fall Japanese persimmon offers an abundance of health benefits to last through the changing seasons.

If you haven’t spent much time in Japan, China or Korea, and you don’t frequent Asian grocery stores all that often, there’s a chance you have yet to encounter kaki, or Japanese persimmon. Somewhere between yellow and orange, shaped like a tomato and full of nutritional value, kaki is one fruit you’ll want to add to your diet this autumn.

Harvested in the fall and enjoyed through the winter months, kaki has been around for years—over

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2,000, in fact. Originating in China and cultivated for centuries in Japan and Korea, it has long been revered for its perceived power to cure aches and pains of the head, stomach, back and feet. Truth be told, the nutritional punch this fervent fruit packs is no joke: kaki is high in calcium, iron and magnesium. It’s rich in antioxidants and vitamin A. It contains lycopene, a flavonoid known to help lower cholesterol and prevent some cancers.

It’s full of potassium and contains twice as much dietary fibre as an apple. High in calories and easy

So where can you find it, and how does it taste?

Kaki grows on trees that prefer full sunlight, a moderate breeze and regular watering. The fruit grows amongst large, firm, dark green leaves and is ripe once the tree has shed the majority of its leaves, usually in October or November. In the grocery store, it’s best to select kaki fruit that are bright in colour with smooth, unblemished skin.

Sweet and tangy, its flavour is generally comparable to that of apricots—but kaki comes in two varieties, astringent (shibugaki) and nonastringent (amagaki). The shibugaki variety is incredibly tart to the tastebuds until it has fully ripened, and by that time it has become too soft and mushy to bite into without making a mess.

It’s best used as an ingredient in sauces, jams and spreads. The amagaki sort, on the other hand, can be eaten like an apple while it’s still firm and unripe, and is good for dicing up and throwing into fruit or veggie salads.

Kaki can be stored briefly in the fridge, where the ripening process will continue, but it’s preferable to eat the fruit soon after bringing it home from the supermarket or in from the garden. Another great option is to peel the skin and rinse it with shochu (Japanese liquor) before leaving it to dry and enjoying it through the winter. Hoshigaki, or dried persimmon, is just as high in vitamins and minerals as the fresh fruit option, and can be used in cakes and cookies or as a cereal topping. After peeling the skin to make hoshigaki, sprinkle a bit of sugar on the remaining kaki flesh and enjoy an afternoon snack by the kitchen window as the leaves fall outside. The onset of winter never tasted so sweet.

1314 Queen Street West Toronto M6K1L4 phone: 647-351-1314

www.guu-izakaya.com

新情報はこちらのSNSをチェック！

Guu Izakaya Toronto

GuuIzakayaTo

GuuIzakayaTo

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OCTOBER 2016

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Drink up!

By Sarah Dickson Sake

More to choose from 湘南に残された最後の蔵元が生み出す、 涼やかさと潤いに満ちた日本酒。

Tensei Junmai Ginjo

天青 純米吟醸 【てんせい じゅんまいぎんじょう】

Water from heaven This pure, crisp sake is a heavenly accompaniment to a light meal.

U

nlike many breweries located in secluded countryside spots, Kumazawa Brewing Company lies not far beyond the urban labyrinth of Tokyo. Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kumazawa can be found in an area better known for being a bedroom community for the Tokyo Metropolis than for its sake. It is a relatively young brewery by most standards, yet its focus on crafting premium sake and beer makes it deliciously worthy of attention and appreciation.

Sake that’s fresh from the mountain springs Kanagawa may not spring to mind for many when considering the top sake-producing regions of Japan. However, like with all sake breweries, the accessibility of a quality and abundant water source must be taken into consideration. For the founders of Kumazawa, it was the nearby Tanzawa Mountains, which provide a crisp, clean source of water that contributes to the fresh and buoyant flavour of Tensei Junmai Ginjo, Kumazawa’s flagship sake brand. The name Tensei, taken from a Chinese legend, means “rain over heaven”—a reference to the purity and the crisp, refreshing flavour of Tensei Junmai Ginjo.

Founded 133 years ago, Kumazawa has evolved from a premium sake brewery to include other 14

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Sake is not the only brew that the Kumazawa Brewing Company produces.

Besides their line of sake, which includes the delectable Tensei Junmai Ginjo, the company produces a line of beer that is as crisp and refreshing as their signature brew.

Kumazawa’s line of beers includes a number of styles, including a pilsner that balances hoppy bitterness with a hint of sweetness, a black brew which emphasizes a malty aroma and taste, and an “American-style” golden ale: a smooth beer with notes of citrus.

These brews and more of Kumazawa Brewing Company’s beverages can be sampled at the restaurant located at the brewery—a place established as the perfect setting for people to enjoy and discover their new favourite drinks.

without using any additives. A Junmai Ginjo like Tensei involves creating a sake from pure rice (with no distilled alcohol added), and grains that have been polished down to at least 50%. The presence of Ginjo in the name also denotes the careful selection process that goes into choosing the rice for Kumazawa’s signature sake.

areas of brewing, making fruit beers and dabbling in pilsners and IPAs. The brewery site is also now home to a restaurant, named for the brewery’s Tensei sake label, where visitors can enjoy the various brews that Kumazawa has to offer while appreciating the natural scenery around the premises. Perhaps the most fascinating feature of Kumazawa Brewing Company is that some of its sake is aged in a former bomb shelter, which provides an environment that maintains subtle seasonal changes—resulting in a flavour that can be enjoyed warm or chilled.

Brewing a light and ÁDYRXUIXO EHYHUDJH The process of creating a pure sake like Tensei involves the careful selection of rice and koji to create the perfect balance of flavours and quality,

Tensei Junmai Ginjo is the perfect potable for those whose palates prefer a lighter, fruitier flavour. The nose on this sake is a meeting of melon, green apple and peach scents with floral hints. The flavour is smooth and full, with each sip embracing the tongue and wrapping it in hints of mango, pear and apple. Tensei Junmai Ginjo’s lighter flavour and sense of refreshment make this sake perfect for a late summer evening—try it served chilled and paired with steamed seafood or accompanied by the abundance of fruit that’s currently in season.

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©Chiyako Mukai

©Chiyako Mukai

Dining &TOKYO

By Amanda Taylor

Tokyo does dining like nowhere else “&TOKYO” represents the many ways to connect with Tokyo, from fashion &TOKYO to tradition &TOKYO. Tokyo’s eclectic spread of restaurants make dining &TOKYO an amazing culinary adventure.

Famous Tsukiji Market serves up the freshest sushi, straight from the sea to your plate. Getting there first thing in the morning means you’ll get the earliest catch—sushi so fresh it seems to melt on your tongue. You’ll also need to arrive quite early to watch the busy tuna auction, which has become such a popular attraction that only 120 tourists per day are permitted in. (This fall, Tsukiji Market will be moving from central Tokyo to Toyosu.)

From the ramen shops lining Tokyo’s back alleys to upscale restaurants selling the best sushi in the world, Tokyo is a foodie’s paradise. Tokyo’s many comfort-food specialties include monja-yaki, a runny batter mixed with seafood and vegetables, chanko nabe (a Japanese hot pot), conveyor-belt sushi, pork-broth ramen and baked sweets filled with anko, or red-bean paste. And of course there are the yakitori stalls scenting the air with the savoury smell of grilling chicken. Tokyo is teeming with top-choice fare, and there’s truly something for everyone.

On the flip side, Tokyo’s fine dining is unsurpassed. The Japanese tradition of perfectionism has led Tokyo to earn the most Michelin stars in the world, and sky-high terraces offer exquisite views of the bright and busy city. While some of the world’s best sushi restaurants—such as Sukiyabashi Jiro, which has served no less than President Obama—are naturally found in Tokyo, there are respectable French and Italian restaurants as well. And not to be overlooked are the many themed restaurants, like the maid cafés of Akihabara, where young girls in French maid outfits serve Japanese comfort food and cutesy desserts. The Lock Up, a spooky restaurant modelled after a haunted prison, has diners seated in mock

prison cells. And one of the latest additions, the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku, features bikini-clad women doing battle with giant robots in an epic, neon dinner show.

With all the fun and fancy fare this city has to offer, it’s clear dining &TOKYO go together like a hot bowl of ramen and a cold pint of beer.

andtokyo.jp/en d k Official Tokyo Travel Guide

gotokyo.org What’s your &TOKYO? Visit the Tokyo Brand website to plan your next trip and connect with the many exciting experiences this city has to offer.

All photos: ©Tokyo Convention Visitors Bureau unless otherwise noted

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ME

Tokyo is continually generating new styles and subcultures at the intersection of tradition and innovation. The city is always encountering and connecting with new ideas that create its unique charms.

The emotions and experiences that await you in Tokyo are sure to transcend your expectations. You will take on the role of the architect of your own experience as you create your ideal Tokyo rendezvous.

CONNECT WITH TOKYO FOR A NEW BEGINNING!

gotoky o. o rg

a nd to ky o. j p/en /

Featured destination

By Nina Lee Travel

浴衣で温泉を巡る外湯めぐりの発祥の地。 城崎で日本の風情を味わう。

Kinosaki Onsen Travel back in time and meander through quaint streets while wearing traditional Japanese garb in a turn-of-the-century onsen town.

Located at the remote northern tip of the Hyͻgo Prefecture, right near Tottori and the Sea of Japan, is the resort hot spring (onsen, 温泉) town of Kinosaki. Long lauded for the curative properties of its local waters, Kinosaki has been a popular destination over the past seven centuries for royalty, artists and weary travellers alike.

Most traditional Japanese inns (ryokan, 旅館) include a pass for guests to visit all of the local 18

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onsen, and many also include breakfast and a traditional multi-course feast, cotton robes (yukata, 浴衣) and wooden sandals (geta, 下駄) to relax in, and attentive hospitality unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Trains arrive from Osaka, Kyoto and Himeji at the train station located at the edge of the main town’s historic shopping district. There is a shuttle that whisks visitors to ryokan, however walking from

Travel to another era by train

Kinosaki Onsen 【城崎温泉】

When arriving at the ryokan, the hostess (okami, 女将) greets each guest and explains the services and facilities at the establishment and in town.

Meanwhile, an attendant whisks your luggage to your room, where you’ll find a snack waiting and your yukata and necessities laid out. Enjoy strolling through town in your yukata and geta until your stomach begins to growl, at which time a multi-course dinner awaits in your room or in the private dining room. This tantalizing traditional meal consists of Tajima beef from locally raised black Wagyu cattle, sushi and seasonal specialties such as locally caught crab, grilled fish, handmade tofu, locally brewed beers and sake. In the morning, you’ll be treated again to a traditional Japanese breakfast. Spend the day visiting the local onsen and wandering the historic market streets and art galleries before heading back to the train station and returning to the 21st century.

The area’s seven onsen are each known for their curative properties and unique characteristics. It is said that guests who visit all seven onsen will be blessed with various kinds of luck: beauty, success and fortune in business and school, family, relationships and general good luck. This activity is known as a bath stroll (sotoyu meguri, 外湯めぐり) and is the reason most people visit Kinosaki. Visitors can spend anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour or more at each onsen, enjoying the distinct features that make each one an exciting destination.

Kou-no-yu (鴻の湯) is located furthest from the train station, and is the oldest onsen in the area.

Legends say that 1,400 years ago storks landed in the hot springs at Kou-no-yu to heal their wounded legs. Today, bathers relax in a rock-lined bath by a tranquil Japanese garden to heal their own aching feet, as well as to heal their relationships.

Sato-no-yu (さとの湯), in contrast, is both closest to the station and the newest onsen to the area. Built in 2000, Sato-no-yu is a combination of modern conveniences and traditional Japanese esthetics. The baths include an Arab-themed sauna, a cold “penguin” sauna, a rooftop outdoor bath (rotenburo, 露天風呂) as well as separate men’s and women’s baths.

Gosho-no-yu (御所の湯) is said to bring luck in love and beauty and protect the bather from disaster. It was built in the style of Kyoto’s Imperial Palace, and was nicknamed “Kyoto Gosho” by Ankamonin, the sister of the Edo-period Emperor Gohorikawa.

Ichi-no-yu (一の湯) features a “cave” bath made from local boulders. The curative properties of this onsen have been espoused by the famed Edo-era doctor Goto Konzan, and it has been named one of the best onsen in the world. Ichi-no-yu is believed to grant success in school and protection on the road.

Mandara-no-yu (まんだら湯) was established in the 8th century, when the founder of Onsenji (Onsen Temple), Douchi-Shonin, prayed for 1,000 days. As an answer to his prayers, it rained hard and the hot spring water gushed from the

©JNTO

the train station to the town centre only takes a few minutes—and leads past cobblestone streets and over Edo- and Meiji-era bridges, transporting visitors back in time to the turn of the century.

Designated kids area in Jizo-no-yu

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Sample delicious local delicacies

Kinosaki’s healing waters are used to make delicious local specialties: eggs semi-hard-boiled in the onsen, breads and cakes, fist-sized and fruit-filled sweet rice daifuku, handmade egg custards and award-winning fruit-infused vinegars.

Food & souvenirs

Treat yourself to local eats ©ACworks Co.Ltd.

ground. This onsen brings luck to future business transactions and the harvest.

©Tomori mori N

Custard tard pudding: All-natural Yuagari egg custards are a treat to savour after enjoying a long soak in Kinosaki’s many onsen.

Jizo-no-yu (地蔵湯) is popular with the locals for its retro-style baths and hexagonal-shaped windows in the style of the volcanic rocks found in the local Genbudo Cave. The spring is thought to grant safety to families.

Listen for the drumming reverberating through Kinosaki at 3 pm—it is the sound of Yanagi-noyu (柳湯) opening for business. Yanagi-no-yu is believed to ensure fertility and safe childbirth for women, and its waters are particularly effective for helping external injuries and swelling to heal.

©Tomori N

Onsen senbei: Thin, crisp and slightly sweet crackers made with the naturally carbonated local hot spring waters, senbei are imprinted with their maker’s mark and make a unique gift for friends back home.

While staying in Kinosaki, many visitors walk along the Otani River (大谿川) and find themselves at the base of Mt. Taishi (大師山). A ropeway takes visitors to an observation point on the mountain where they can enjoy the scenic views of the Sea of Japan, hike the trail to Onsenji Temple (温泉寺) and even attempt disc throwing! Kinosaki is a tranquil destination for the adventurous and a unique experience unlike any other in the world.

All photos ©Toyooka City Photo Library unless otherwise noted

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Cultural curiosity

By M Crowson Only in Japan

A nose for marketing Whether you need to light up or clean up, guerrilla marketing in Japan is there to help. もらっていいの？ーいいんです。ティッシュ配りで思うあれこれ。 kinds of companies began to put their names on tissue packets, realizing that everybody needs to blow their nose and use the loo.

Have you ever been at a restaurant or a rest stop somewhere, urgently dancing the gotta-pee-jig, but the bathrooms are all out of toilet paper?

Such desperate times call for desperate measures, including asking a neighbour, stall-jumping or airdrying—unless, of course, you’re in Japan. Your standard Japanese public restroom comes entirely without toilet paper or paper towels, but if this seems like cruel and unusual punishment, not to fear. Take a stroll through any busy metropolis and you’ll find a slew of part-time youngsters handing out cute, pocket-sized packets of free tissue paper emblazoned with advertisements for every-

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thing from personal loans to karaoke. This form of guerrilla advertising (low-cost, creative marketing) has been popular in Japan since the 1960s.

Up until then, small-time advertising was primarily done through matchboxes, which were freebies provided by local restaurants and bars. Salarymen would use these matches to smoke cigarettes, and housewives would use them in the kitchen. Clever businesses managed to get exposure by adding their names to a product customers already used.

But in the 1960s, with the proliferation of lighters, matchboxes went by the wayside, and tissue packets quickly swooped in to take their place. Soon all

Since then, tissue packet advertising has spread to every kind of business conceivable. The industry now produces somewhere around 4 billion tissue packets a year. Unlike with flyers or brochures, consumers are less likely to throw these packets away because they serve a practical purpose. In a recent survey of over 100,000 people, over three-quarters said that they accept packets of free tissues. Of course, accepting free and useful stuff is no guarantee that consumers will look at the packaging, so many businesses provide incentive by including discount coupons inside. And some kind-hearted consumers look at the packets not just out of selfinterest, but because they were offered something for free and felt obliged to at least glance at the advertisement. But that’s not all. Savvy companies go even further by handing out the packets selectively, offering ads for places like hair salons to women and “massage parlours” to men.

Over the past decade, this form of guerrilla advertising has become common in the West too, with many companies giving out promotional water bottles, pens, tote bags and so on. These new promotional materials have appeared in Japan as well, so tissue packet advertising has seen a dip in popularity in recent years, but it remains a mainstay in any big city in Japan. For now, no trip to Japan is complete without gathering a small mountain of cute tissue packs.

Know your tissue etiquette

RUN WITH THE PACK Wherever you go in Japan, don’t run from the nice men and women with the tissue packs.

Here are some great ways to use your tissues when you’re on the move:

DO let others enjoy these freebies.

DO use them in many ways.

These multi-purpose babies are great for your hands, nose and bum!

Don’t cut people off or take tissues that were meant for someone else.

DON’T be a hog.

Don’t mob your tissue person for their entire bag. Pocket one and keep moving.

Illustrations by Chieko Watanabe

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One-of-a-kind dining

By Jenny McKechnie Restaurant in Tokyo

花と緑に囲まれた心地良い時間で ゆったりとした秋の1日を過ごす。

Tea and tulips Stop in for a bouquet, but stay for a feast. Though you might mistake it for just a flower shop, this place holds a secret garden of lovely indulgences.

Stepping inside the Aoyama Flower Market Tea House, you might almost expect little fairies to guide you to your seat. This ethereal establishment is a hidden gem that has a serious following of locals and tourists alike who, whether sipping on a tea or dining on delicate creations, are all in their own way celebrating the lush greenery and fragrant blooms of the thousands of flowers that literally create the space. In the world of theme dining, Aoyama Flower Market Tea House is the antithesis to the more eccentric, out-there restaurants of the genre. It is the perfect stop for a tranquil moment in an otherwise vibrant and busy city.

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From the outside, it could easily be assumed that this place is solely a flower market—that is, until you catch the “Tea House” sign. The Akasaka branch of the famous tea house does boast a large space with countless bundles of flowers.

However, the difference is that this flower shop leads to a secret garden—almost hidden to the inattentive eye. The tea house portion of the shop is indeed a magical space. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a rustic feel of wood combined with rough brick. Naturally, the primary fixture of the space is the countless vines, leaves and flowers— both inside and out on the patio—that not only

provide delicate scents for patrons to experience, but also create the perfect space for a quiet chat among friends.

But it isn’t solely the atmosphere that attracts visitors. There’s another reason that the tea house is kept busy, to the point that it can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes to get a seat at the original Aoyama location (which is why we recommend giving the tea house’s Akasaka branch a try). In true theme restaurant form, the Aoyama Flower Market Tea House uses flowers to indulge multiple senses—including taste. A variety of

Tea and treats that are as fresh as a daisy

]

Coming up roses Some things to know before you go:

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House has a “flower of the week” that is displayed throughout the shop, making each visit just a little bit unique.

Akasaka is a commercial district of Tokyo known for its fancy hotels and good eats!

Aside from taking in the food and drink, make some time for shopping! You can find beautiful vases and other gifts in the tea house shop.

rosy i n ’s g n i h t y r e v E gar nished , t i a f r a p is th pe tals with edible flower-based tea blends are on hand for patrons to choose from, steeped d to perfection—as each arrives with its very own sand timer. A selection of other drinks, including wines, is also available to allow for the perfect pairing, as are seasonal menus that will be sure to meet any hungry traveller’s needs. If you aren’t feeling peckish, try to make room anyway.

Although the menu changes from time to time, some of the staple items have developed their own followings among repeat visitors. Should you happen to be feeling very indulgent, the Flower French Toast is an excellent choice, combining golden French toast with berries and ice cream, adorned with, of course, fresh flowers.

Other options include a variety of sandwiches, egg dishes and heavier stews. Salads are also on the menu, with the Tea House Salad being a popular choice. And be sure to save room for

Finally, for anyone planning their dream wedding, this tea house provides plenty of visual ideas to take away. It’s a truly magical place!

one of the decadent desserts: cakes and ice creams are in abundance, but the Flower Parfait is the most talked-about dessert, combining the delicate flavours of rose and strawberry with the textures of cream, ice cream, custard and crunchy granola. This dessert is certainly not one to be missed.

In addition to the stunning atmosphere and beautifully tasty menu items, another reason to make this a stop on your trip is the friendly staff. If you find yourself struggling with your Japanese-language abilities, they will be only too happy to offer you an English menu. Wonderful staff, amazing edibles and the sheer beauty of the place make the Aoyama Flower Market Tea House a must-see.

The Aoyama Flower Market TEA HOUSE

Akasaka Biz Tower Branch Located a quick three-minute walk from Akasaka Station on the Chiyoda Line. www.afm-teahouse.com TEL: 03-3586-0687 Akasaka Biz Tower 1F, Akasaka 5-3-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo OPEN HOURS Daily 11 am–11 pm

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Theme Park with a

TOKYO ONE PIECE TOWER Passport!

Visit the First-Ever “ONE PIECE” Large-Scale Theme Park 1 What is WER? TOKYO ONE PIECE TO k for “ONE PIECE,” The large-scale theme par tured es the hit anime seri that cap by storm, is rld wo the k too and ny the hearts of ma symbol, ic icon an’s finally open! Located in Jap actions attr s ude incl k par me Tokyo Tower, this the as h suc ters that feature popular charac re. mo ny ma and er Luffy, Chopp show with“ONE PIECE” Watch a live entertainment by their performance! d characters and be amaze us meals, drinks and icio del the s Plus, don’t mis E”-themed restaurant desserts at the “ONE PIEC g around the shop kin loo oy and cafe. And enj t will surely at limited-edition goods tha irs ven sou t fec be the per WER! TO E PIEC E ON O KY TO from

Access to Tokyo Tower

● ● ● ● ●

Experience the exhilarating world of the hit manga/anime series “ONE PIECE” in this brand new, large-scale theme park only in Tokyo!

the first time in “ONE PIECE” history! The Straw Hat Crew has 2 For claimed the symbol of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower, as its own!

The one and only place where you can experience attractions, live entertainment, restaurants and shops where you can purchase limited-edition items.

The Straw Hat Crew is waiting for you with tons of adventures in store!

Ticket BASIC INFORMATION Destination: Tokyo Tower Ticket includes: TOKYO ONE PIECE TOWER admission fee (*Not included: Restaurants, nightlife, events, other tickets, rentals)

PRICE CAD$40.00 *Price is for the month of October 2016. *Price may fluctuate monthly based on the exchange rate.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Phone: 416-367-5824 Toll-free: 1-800-268-5942 Email: jtbtoronto@jtbi.com Website: www.jtb.ca

From Akabanebashi Station (Toei Subway Oedo Line): About 5 minutes on foot from Akabanebashi Gate.

From Kamiyacho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line): About 7 minutes on foot from Exit 1.

From Onarimon Station (Toei Subway Mita Line): About 6 minutes on foot from Exit A1.

From Daimon Station (Toei Subway Oedo Line, Toei Subway Asakusa Line): About 10 minutes on foot from Exit A6.

From Hamamatsucho Station (JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line): About 15 minutes on foot from the North Exit.

JTB International (Canada) Ltd. is the Canadian operating division of one of the world’s largest travel companies, JTB Corp., based in Japan. Through our Toronto office, we also operate a full-scale travel agency with an experienced and highly dedicated corporate travel division.

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What’s happening?

October 2016 Events sales are going so well that Soundscapes and ticketweb.ca have sold out of advance tickets for the show at Soybomb! This tour not only visits Toronto, but is in Montreal on Wednesday, October 5 at Divan Orange and Vancouver on Monday, October 10 at Biltmore Cabaret.

Shin Godzilla (Godzilla Resurgence) Godzilla stomps across North America this October! Co-directed by Hideaki Anno (creator of Evangelion) and Shinji Higuchi (director of Toho’s 2015 Attack on Titan live-action movies), Shin Godzilla (Godzilla Resurgence) is the 29th Godzilla film produced by Toho and represents a brand new chapter in the 62-year history of this celebrated movie monster. The film stars Hiroki Hasegawa and Satomi Ishihara—both also from the Attack on Titan live-action movies—as well as Yutaka Takenouchi. Shin Godzilla has been a big hit in Japan since its opening on July 29 of this year: it earned over $8 million US at the box office during its first three days.

To date in Japan, the movie has grossed $52 million US at the box office and over 3 million in total viewership.

Nagata Shachu Presented

by Sunfest Saturday, October 29, 8 pm | $25 | Aeolian Hall (795 Dundas St., London, Ontario) | More info: www.sunfest.on.ca > Come watch this Toronto-based taiko drumming group rejuvenate the art of drumming! Presenting physically demanding and artistic performances, Nagata Shachu uses a wide variety of sounds ranging from loud, thundering beats to calm, complex rhythms. This world-renowned taiko group mixes up their style by using a variety of instruments including Japanese taiko, gongs, bells, wooden clappers, shakers, bamboo flutes and more. You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind show!

Opera: Naomi’s Road

Tuesday, October 11–Tuesday, October 18 More than 440 theatres across US and Canada | More info: www.funimationfilms. com/movie/shingodzilla/

Film JCCC October Movie Night: Our Little Sister Thursday, October 20, 7 pm | $12 | Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (6 Garamond Ct., Toronto) | More info: www.jccc.on.ca/event/ october-movie-night-our-little-sister/ > Adapted from the manga Umimachi Diary, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s film centres on the story of three sisters who live together in their late grandmother’s house in Kamakura. Having attended their estranged father’s funeral, they are greeted by the surprise of the half sister they have never met. Since no one is able to care for the teenaged Suzu, the three sisters invite her to their Kamakura home. Long suppressed memories of their childhood come to the surface with this new arrival, especially when their mother suddenly reappears, 15 years after her abandonment.

You won’t want to miss this film, nominated for 12 Japanese Academy Prizes, winning Best Picture of the Year and four more awards.

Reel Asian International Film Festival Tuesday, November 8–Saturday, November 19 $TBA | Theatres in Toronto and Richmond Hill More info: www.reelasian.com > Presented by National Bank, Reel Asian International Film Festival is celebrating its 20th year!

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Being Canada’s largest Asian film festival, it seeks to provide a platform for Asian cinema and its diaspora by introducing artists, musicians, indie filmmakers and directors, while also introducing a great networking opportunity in its Industry Series. East, South and Southeast Asia will be represented, alongside their Asian-Canadian and Asian-American counterparts. This year’s festival programming, schedule and ticket information will be revealed on October 11; get excited for a multitude of great shows and experiences!

Monday, November 14, 7 pm Kobayashi Hall, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (6 Garamond Ct., Toronto) | More info: 416-441-2345 > Joy Kogawa’s Naomi’s Road is premiering its first show in Ontario! Set in Vancouver during WWII, Naomi’s Road tells the story of the realities that Japanese-Canadians had to face due to the racial discrimination committed against them by their own government. Centring on the life of one Japanese-Canadian family, our main protagonist, Naomi, is just a child when these injustices are inflicted. Forced out of their own home into a camp in the mountains, this story shows the resilience and adaptability this family, among many, faced during even the most extreme hardships. This is a free event but donations are gratefully accepted.

Performances

Other

Next Music from Tokyo vol. 9

Poetry workshop with Annie Wong

Friday, October 7, 8 pm | $14 in advance, $20 at the door | Soybomb (156 Bathurst St., Toronto) Saturday, October 8, 8 pm | $10 in advance, $15 at the door | Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor St. W., Toronto) More info: www.nextmusicfromtokyo.com > NMFT is back again! This non-profit annual tour brings Tokyo’s underground live house scene to Canada! The band lineups are carefully chosen to provide a mix of musical styles as well as highquality performances. Maison Book Girl, Hitsuji Bungaku, THIS IS JAPAN, jizue and Toranoko Rammy make up this year’s lineup. Advance tickets can be purchased online through ticketweb.ca or at two local record stores, Soundscapes and Rotate This. Don’t wait too long because ticket

Until Tuesday, October 11 | Toronto Public Library, Don Mills branch (888 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto) | More info: 416-395-5710 > An “intergenerational hands-on poetry workshop.” Regardless of age, gender or literacy in poetry, participants can delve into the poetic world through a variety of topics prepared by the hostess Annie Wong: a poetry-praising party with historical discussions about famous poets, an introduction to the obscure yet fascinating genre of sound poetry based on the work of Kurt Schwitters, a writing game centred on Surrealism and Dadaism, and last but not least, a Haiku writing workshop. No experience in poetry is required.

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Must-haves for your skin care routine

The perfect solution for dry skin!

Today I’m getting the Mild Cleansing Oil along with the Cut Cotton Ecru wipes. I use k.

MUJI’s skin care products every day, including the Toning Water and the Moisturizing Milk.

They are perfect for me: effective, with a light texture that smooths and moisturizes my skin. I used to suffer from acne, but it was cured after I started taking medication— however, the treatment left my skin very dry. I have tried other skin care products, but none of them have worked as well as MUJI’s do. The climate in Toronto seems to easily dry out my skin, but MUJI’s products bring the moisture back.

pÊ â>LiÌ Ê >à i`iÀ Apply the Mild Cleansing Oil to your forehead, cheeks and nosee oba and gently massage it into your skin. It contains olive oil and jojoba nd oil for thorough cleaning, as well as ingredients like grapefruit and common purslane extract to keep your skin soft and hydrated. Pair with Cut Cotton Ecru wipes for gentle, easy makeup removal. `Ê i> à }Ê" \ÊÓääÊ Êf££°xä

ÕÌÊ ÌÌ Ê VÀÕ\Ê£näÊ«VÃÊfΰxä]Ê >À}iÊ£ÎxÊ«VÃÊfÇ°ää

Even my dad uses these products!

I’m here today to get MUJI’s Face Wash Scrub Foam. I’ve never tried this particular product before, but I’ve been needing a face scrub, and MUJI was the obvious place to look. I’ve really liked the MUJI skin care products I’ve tried in the past.

They are fantastic—even my dad uses them. I’m big on MUJI. Their products are good quality, yet straightforward; I always like how simple they are. They have no fragrances and no extra additives, meaning I know exactly what I’m using on my skin.

I’m ready to try this one out!

pÊ >>À >Ê >Ã >

This cleansing foam gently lifts away surface oil and dead skin cells from your face.

It contains a peach kernel scrub and hazel extract that help to purify your skin without drying it out. This wash is fragrance free, oil free and contains no artificial colours, making it a good choice for every type of skin. Add it to your routine three or four times a week. >ViÊ7>à Ê-VÀÕLÊ > \Ê£ÓäÊ}ÊfÈ°xä]Ê/À>Ûi Ê- âiÊÎäÊ}Êf{°xä

For more information

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OCTOBER 2016

MUJI Atrium

MUJI Square One

Atrium, 20 Dundas St. W., C-03, Toronto | TEL: 416-591-2233

Square One Shopping Centre, 100 City Centre Dr., Mississauga | TEL: 905-276-2737

Store Hours: Mon–Fri 10 am–8 pm ->ÌÊ£äÊ> qÇÊ« ÊUÊ-Õ Ê££Ê> qxÊ«

Store Hours: Mon–Fri 10 am–9 pm ->ÌÊ \ÎäÊ> q Ê« ÊUÊ-Õ Ê££Ê> qÇÊ«

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Exploring Japanese sports and games

ON THE

(POKÉ)BALL The myths, reality and poetry of Pokémon Go

By D’arcy Mulligan gre: “The saddest Pokémon experience I ever had was incubating an egg and walking five kilometres only to have it hatch into a Weedle,” says musician Brad Long, in words that are clearly English but formed into a sentence that doesn’t quite resemble any I’ve encountered before.

However, some intrepid Pokémon Go players have found a way to play the game without resorting to bipedal locomotion. Accountant and former firefighter Rene Bellemare relayed this story of efficient Pokémon hunting: “After family dinner, my mom [drove] out of the way to grab every [PokéStop] on the way home.” So, Pokémon Go may not actually guarantee exercise, but it certainly stimulates devious life-hacks.

Fresh air, camaraderie and gaming the system?

Pokémon Go sounds all right to me. Just get someone else to drive the car while you play.

“We were somewhere around the PokéStop, on the edge of High Park, when the game began to take hold….”

Pokémon Go is everywhere. In the parks, in the schools, at your work and in the pools.

Someone even tried playing it in Auschwitz, much to the chagrin of the rest of humanity.

But what is it? Who’s playing it? Is it really the health menace that some (hysterical media types) are making it out to be? Since I’m intrepid, fearless and a nerd, I was asked to find out.

Unsurprisingly, for a game that has more active users than What’sApp, SnapChat or even Twitter, Pokémon Go has a varied user base. In order to find out more about the Pokémon Go craze I interviewed a wide swathe of people.

From 20-something musicians in college to 30-something doctors, all are entranced with the game.

“My happiest Pokémon Go experience was simply realizing that it wasn’t a joke, that it actually exists. That I could really go out into the world and catch Pokémon,” says Rebecca Thomas, the poet laureate of Halifax.

However, while players are generally enthusiastic about the game, they do have some concerns. A surprising number of people I spoke with are worried that their love of Pokémon Go could affect them professionally. One

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young woman, who works at a major financial institution, attends Pokémon lure parties in the office with her co-workers and is afraid of what her boss might do if they’re ever caught in the act. Another interviewee, a doctor and researcher, is worried that her search for a tenured professorship could be in jeopardy if I use her name in this article. Apparently being excited about living above a PokéStop and catching Pokémon off old ladies’ laps on public transit is enough to get one exiled from the ivory towers of academia.

But why so much fear over a silly little game that gets people outside, together? Doctoral candidate Matt Cooper says that his “best [Pokémon] experiences have been getting excited with total strangers when you both find a rare Pokémon at the same time.” Many players I interviewed echoed his sentiments.

To those who have bought into the narrative of gamers being loners who would rather be kicked in the shins then have to interact with another real, live human being, this can be surprising news. But it’s true: Pokémon Go is bringing people together.

But the stereotype of gamers being allergic to nature and physical activity seems a bit more accurate. Pokémon Go has received some criticism from players for its demands that they venture out in public and brave the infernal day-star. A woman who holds an MBA and is an enthusiastic supporter of Persian music said that her biggest lament with the game is kilometres on end “without seeing any Pokémon, not even common ones.” Because, as the wisest of us know, fresh air and exercise are for suckers. And sometimes the rewards are mea-

Japan releases the Houndooms Japan’s National Centre for Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity, which is in a constant state of rivalry with Japan’s Centre for Brevity in Names, has created a list of nine helpful tips for playing Pokémon Go responsibly and safely.

These include not using your real name but a “cool nickname” instead, not playing during dangerous weather conditions, and trying not to be robbed or hit by cars or trains while playing the game (which is generally something you should be mindful of even when not playing Pokémon Go, I think).

Want fries with rat?

In a brilliant marketing move, McDonald’s Japan has partnered with the game to turn 400 of their restaurants into 400 Pokémon gyms. While I’m sure McDonald’s Japan is hoping for many pictures involving Lickitung and fries, if musician and fantasy baseball expert Mark Pineo’s experience is any indication, social media will soon be blowing up with pictures of Rattatainfested Big Macs.

Courtesy of Mark Pineo

D’arcy Mulligan has written about video games for gaming websites, sports for his blog, and cats anywhere and everywhere he can. He once spent his entire life’s savings on beer at the ball game. It was a very good pint.

Film focus

By James Heron Movie

Aya and her two men Director Yuki Tanada’s understated dramedy examines the life of a woman struggling at the fringes of Japanese society in a life far beneath her potential.

&(/" "' ( My Dad and Mr. Ito (2016) Directed by Yuki Tanada Screenplay by Hisako Kurosawa, based on the novel by Hinako Nakazawa Aya and her live-in partner Ito-san —20 years her senior—live a quiet, contented life in Tokyo, supporting themselves with go-nowhere part-time jobs. Their One of Japan’s world is turned finest women directors upside down by the unexpected arrival turns her empathetic gaze of her cantankerous to a fractured family in widowed father, suitcase in hand. a Japan in decline.

M

any Westerners still cling to the stereotype of the Japanese woman as a weak and subservient figure. In all likelihood, these people do not actually know a Japanese woman in any meaningful way and are informed by the images we see in media often reflecting the most superficial aspects of Japanesestyle ritual courtesy. And surely they have never experienced one of Yuki Tanada’s heroines.

In her latest film, My Dad and Mr. Ito, director Yuki Tanada tackles the complex topic of one woman’s struggle at the fringes of Japanese society as she finds herself living a life far beneath her potential. As in her previous films, including Million Yen Girl, The Cowards Who Looked to the Sky and Mourning Recipe, Tanada’s new film is built around an impressively written and acted lead female performance.

Aya is 34. She is bright and capable but hobbled by an overarching passivity that robs her of control over her world. Life is something that happens to Aya, and among those things that happen to her is her 54-year-old partner, Mr. Ito, with whom she shares a humble co-existence in a cramped Tokyo apartment. Both work dead-end part-time jobs: 34

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Aya in a bookstore and Ito-san in a school cafeteria. Their small, contented life together is turned upside down when her elderly widowed father suddenly appears at the door having just been kicked out of his son’s home. He brings with him a mysterious box which he guards obsessively.

This setup would seem to lend itself to farce or maybe even melodrama, but Tanada, adapting the novel Otou-san to Itou-san by Hinako Nakazawa, gives us much more. Her film is an unsentimental, clear-eyed, seriocomic look at life in a Japan in decline: a dwindling employment market, a fragile economy and a looming avalanche of seniors in need of care without the infrastructure or societal will to support it.

Tanada stays tightly focused on the three leads and their performances are uniformly superb. Juri Ueno shines as the classic Tanada heroine: vulnerable and numbed by the randomness of her life but with underpinnings of steely tenacity. Any number of actors could have mailed in a twodimensional oyaji (“old man”) performance in the role of Aya’s cantankerous father but Tatsuya Fuji (In the Realm of the Senses) imbues the character with a frustrated desperation, allowing glimpses of

a once proud educator now being systematically stripped of his dignity.

The real revelation is Mr. Ito as played by the ubiquitous Lily Franky (Hirokazu Kore-eda’s After the Storm, Our Little Sister and Like Father, Like Son, to name a few). His Ito-san is wise, empathetic and blissfully directionless with hints of a possibly unsavoury past. He seems to understand both Aya and her Otou-san, buffering and gently guiding the fragile and potentially explosive relationship between father and daughter.

My Dad and Mr. Ito is an intimate and quietly moving film; Tanada’s unobtrusive and perceptive direction enlivens a gentle, unpredictable story arc shot through with small epiphanies and veiled emotion.

Aya and her Otou-san are good people who need and deserve an Ito-san in their life. We all do. Audiences will be well served by spending two hours in their company.

The film will have its North American debut as part of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, screening November 10 at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. For more info go to www.reelasian.com.

G O Let's

llearn earn

N I H O N G O

easy JJapanese apanese

What to say at the library Whether you are doing some research or browsing for fun, here are some useful phrases to remember the next time you make a trip to the library. Go ahead and try these with the librarians at the Japan Foundation or the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre!

Intermediate This book is more interesting than that book. この本のほうが あの本より面白いです。 Konohonno houga anohon yori omoshiroidesu.

Beginner “A” nohouga “B” yori (AのほうがBより) means that A is more (interesting, expensive, etc.) than B. It is very useful grammar for comparing two or more things.

Ending the sentence using no desu (のです) followed by the particle ga (が) is a polite or humble way of requesting help from the listener. E.g.: Kono honwo henkyaku shitainodesuga (この本を返却したいのですが…

I would like to return this book).

I would like to renew my library card. 図書利用カードを 更新したいのですが…。 ToshoriyȬukȊdowo kȬshin shitainodesuga.

I am looking for books about _____ . Can you please help me? _____という本を探しています。 手伝っていただけませんか？ _____ to iu honwo sagashiteimasu.

Tetsudatte itadakemasenka.

Advanced To iu (という) means to be called or named. It is placed between the name of the item and the item’s general category. You can see in the example above that Japanese follows reverse English order in this case. E.g.: Naruto to iu manga (ナルトという漫画。A comic called Naruto)

Compiled by Michelle Chow and Kozumi Miya-Woolford. Brought to you by the Toronto Japanese Language School | www.tjls.ca | @tjlsca | principal@tjls.ca

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Illustration by Reiko Ema

OCTOBER 2016

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UPCOMING

EVENT

Next Music from Tokyo

jizue

Maison Book Girl

Hitsuji Bungaku

Toranoko Rammy

Maison Book Girl brings cool, sophisticated and intelligent idol music to Canada.

or many years, idol groups have dominated the Japanese music scene. Most recently, AKB48 and Momoiro Clover Z have created a monumental surge in the popularity of female idol groups—somewhat to the detriment of artists and bands that write and perform their own music.

F

Since J-pop idol music is a manufactured product emphasizing image and style over song quality and substance, there has traditionally been a separation between the idol scene and indie/underground artists that create music from the heart. However, due to the massive popularity of female idol groups, in recent years even holein-the-wall venues that once catered exclusively to punk and hardcore have been forced to curate events with amateur idol groups. Interestingly, this has led to cross-pollination of idol culture with the adventurous, experimental side of underground music. Newer underground idol acts avoid the bubblegum dance pop of mainstream idol music in favour of more eclectic and diverse sounds, including BiS (punk), Kotei Camera Girl (hip hop), Yukueshirezutsurezure (screamo) and, most successful of all, Babymetal (heavy metal).

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However, the “anti-idol” group with the most interesting sound is likely Maison Book Girl. Instead of taking mainstream idol music and simply combining it with another genre, their music is much more original throughout. Written and produced

by Kenta Sakurai, Maison Book Girl’s unique sound is characterized by acoustic and electronic instrumentation with minimalist phrasing, odd time signatures and heavily syncopated rhythms.

It falls in the realm of dance pop—but compared to regular idol music that is cutesy and gleeful, Maison Book Girl’s music is mature, sophisticated and melancholic. Idol music is usually over-thetop with superficial lyrical content whereas this group’s music is refreshingly understated with intelligent lyrics. And although Kenta Sakurai’s music is the real star of the show, the four girls that make up Maison Book Girl take the performance up another level with their charm.

Next Music from Tokyo vol. 9 will feature performances by Maison Book Girl in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, along with four other Japanese bands: jizue: An instrumental band from Kyoto combining a smooth yet exciting blend of jazz and post-rock.

Toranoko Rammy: Four girls who call themselves a “3D safari rock band” because they’re like wild beasts ready to playfully attack the audience at any time.

THIS IS JAPAN: Alt-rock overflowing with energy, great melodies and furiously chaotic guitars.

Hitsuji Bungaku: A young, female-fronted band with soulful, passionate vocals set over intense and powerful shoegaze rock.

The Toronto shows will be held on Oct. 7 at Soybomb and Oct. 8 at Lee’s Palace. For further details please visit nextmusicfromtokyo.com.

Steven Tanaka MD. Lives in Toronto.

So passionate about the Japanese underground music scene that he founded and carries out a three-city (two shows in Toronto, one show each in Montreal and Vancouver) tour to share the music with fellow Canadians.

i ed the ksuCshitty y Wu discoverew Yor burrito in N Takoyaki :a bites woafrm pancake octopus with

Staff

Walter Muschenheim

Roll around the world

W lter is a Toronto-bas Wa ed translator and writer. A real globetrotter , he has lived in France, Germany and the United States and explored Euro pe and Japan.

On O his adventures, he loves to learn abo a ut languages and food: the two corn corr erstones of culture!

Giant-sized hand roll or nori burrito? What’s certain is that this seamless fusion of influences opens up a whole new realm of possibilities.

R

olltation owner Chris Wu sees the sushi burrito as a perfect fit for Toronto: it’s a trend that takes in the full breadth of our diverse food culture and appeals not only to our adventurous palates, but also to our energetic city’s interest in healthy options on the go.

Not content to stick to a Mexican/Japanese mashup, he has scoured the globe to find cuisines that are a natural fit for his feature dishes, taking inspiration from Korean, Chinese and Hawaiian cuisine as well as American soul food.

Diversity is on display behind the counter at the Dundas and University location as you take in the many fresh, colourful ingredients. These are assembled by Rolltation’s skilled rollers, who use a traditional sushi mat to create a roll big enough to grab like a burrito and eat while on the move. Alter-

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natively, all of Rolltation’s menu items can be served as fresh salads or as Hawaiian-inspired pokés.

a sushi-style nori (seaweed) wrapper and feature a pleasing combo of warm and cold.

To get a sense of all the different styles on offer I ordered two signature rolls—the Classic Salmon and the 207 Rolltation—as well as the Wasabi Tuna poké. First up was the Classic Salmon. The number of ingredients looked truly mountainous, but wielding that trusty sushi mat, the expert roller managed to pack them all into a perfectly symmetrical roll. Biting into it was like eating a giant sushi hand roll, with traditional savoury and salty Japanese flavours and crunchy veggies.

Then I got a burst of sweet mandarin orange that added a Hawaiian flair.

The Wasabi Tuna poké featured buttery raw tuna on a bed of greens and rice with tangy, creamy wasabi sesame dressing. A lotus chip and tempura bits added a satisfying crunch.

The 207 was like a southern picnic in a roll, with savoury deep-fried chicken, cabbage and jalapeño to add some spice. Unlike burritos, these rolls have

A Rolltation roll is a deceptively filling meal. One would have been plenty and there was no way I could have finished everything I ordered in one sitting. Still, it is lighter than a traditional burrito.

Delicious, healthy and convenient, this grab-andgo food makes sense in a busy city like Toronto.

Rolltation 207 Dundas St. W., Toronto | 647-351-8986 www.rolltation.com | OPEN: Daily 11 am–10 pm