¥0 ee Fr April 2014 Issue 16
Spring is Here!
Philippines Says
“Thank You” to Japan
The OFW Mom: An Interview With
Mary Alpa TalledoCornelio
David Beckham
Meets Child Survivors of
Typhoon ‘Yolanda’
Karylle and Her Happily Ever After
Contents 4
In Focus PM Abe Confirms 3% Increase in Sales Tax
6
Cover Story Karylle Finds Her Happy Ending
8
Faces David Beckham Meets Child Survivors of Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ in Leyte
9
Special Feature Philippines Says “Thank You” to Japan
12
Spotlight The OFW Mom: An Interview With Mary Alpa Talledo-Cornelio
13
Embassy News PH Ambassador’s Official Residence in Fujimi Now a Historical Landmark
14 15 16
Philippine Adventures Floral Interlude: Panagbenga Festival Travel Japan Geisha Hunting in Kyoto Culture & Arts Spring is Here
FilJap M A G A Z I N E Publisher: Yonei Toshikazu Editor-in-Chief: Florenda Corpuz Associate Editor: Nel Salvador
Editor’s Pick
Photographers: Din Eugenio Oliver Corpuz Arlene Donaire Advertising Executive: Judith Takahashi
Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up Ariella Arida is very happy to get hold of our January 2013 issue!
We Want Your Photos! Send your submissions to the editor at dang010@yahoo. com or filjapmagazine@yahoo.com. Resolution must be 300 dpi at actual print size. Please include applicable credits and captions.
Editor’s
NOTE
Florenda Corpuz Editor-in-Chief
Distribution Executive: Genie Omata Layout Artist: VerJube Photographics Tokyo Office: 114-0004 Tokyo-to Kita-ku Horifune 1-26-14-501 Telephone: 03-6903-2100 Fax: 03-6903-2101 Toll-Free Fax: 0800-919-3633
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“He may be an accomplished actor, singer, model and school administrator but behind the glitz and glamour, Rex Angeles is an ordinary man who cooks his own meals and throws the garbage when it’s due. And he just wants everybody, especially his Filipino kababayans, to remember him for his humble contribution to the entertainment scene in Japan.” – Spotlight, May-June 2013 In the May-June 2013 issue of FilJap Magazine, we featured Rex Angeles in our Spotlight page where he shared bits and pieces of his life and career here in Japan. The said interview paved the way for our friendship. He never fails to commend me every time I cover an important event, interview a prominent personality and promote the magazine. “Thumbs up and more power to FilJap! I really like your style. It’s got class, very attractive, nice layout and definitely a no-nonsense magazine.” “I love your memorable encounter with Tom Cruise! Lucky you! More power!” “You did a great job, Flor! especially on the TIFF section. It's really worth a read! Keep up the good work.” He has alaways been like that -- supportive, positive and hopeful – so full of life. Then came the day… Sir Rex, as I call him, died in his sleep last February 27. Family, friends and colleagues reacted in shock and grief to his sudden death. I am dedicating this issue to you, Sir Rex. Thank you for being such a great friend to all of us. I will miss you and our conversations. The entire Filipino community in Japan will miss you. I know you’re in Heaven now, singing beautiful songs with God and the pretty angels. Sir Rex to his Filipino fans in Japan: “My never-ending gratitude for your undying support. Without you, I won’t be where I am now. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat and may God bless you always. Oh, and don’t forget to grab every issue of FilJap Magazine. See you around!” FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
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IN FOCUS
TOKYO, Japan – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe confirmed that the 3% increase -- from 5% to 8% -- in sales will push through starting April 1, which is believed to be one of his administration’s solutions to the ballooning national debt of the country.
PM Abe Confirms 3% Increase W
in Sales Tax
ith the looming sales tax increase, the 59-yearold Japanese leader also announced a ¥5 trillion ($51 billion) stimulus package to counterbalance the negative effect of the said hike. Included in the stimulus package is a cash hand-out to lowincome families amounting to ¥10,000 and other tax cuts worth Y1 trillion for companies who will make capital investments and give wage increases to its employees. Abe administration also approved a ¥730 billion tax incentive to encourage more businessmen to invest in the country. “I have made the decision to raise the sales tax to maintain public trust 4
FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
and properly hand down our social security system to the next generation,” said Abe in the recently concluded policy meeting of the ruling party and top government officials. According to Abe, the stimulus package will help contribute to the recovering economy, which is hounded by its huge expenditures for the past years. Some sectors lauded Abe for its bold decision but warn that the increase may not be enough. “There has been concern voiced that if we raise taxes, consumption will decline and Japan’s economy will relapse into the deep valley of deflation and an economic slowdown. I thought
this decision through carefully until the last possible moment,” Abe
added. With the sales tax hike, the government will roughly earn ¥8 trillion yearly from the consumers. Meanwhile, a number of Filipinos living and working in the country expressed their frustration on the government’s new policy. The last sales tax hike happened in 1997 under the administration of former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto from 3% to 5%.
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k COVER STORY
Karylle
Finds Her Happy Ending
Photos courtesy of MILADAY/Stages
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FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
Photo by VerJube Photographics
Two years ago, Karylle graced the cover of FilJap Magazine where she granted us an interview and talked about her album “Roadtrip”, her shows like “The Kitchen Musical” and “Showtime”, her first ever nomination for best actress at the prestigious 52nd Monte Carlo TV Festival, her love for hats and her dream wedding.
“A
s for my dream wedding, I’d love for all my family and loved ones to be there. As you can see, a small and simple wedding is out of the question. I’d like for all my loved ones to bless me on that very important day,” Karylle revealed.
And in March, that dream wedding will take place somewhere in Tagaytay as she exchanges vows with her fiancé Spongecola frontman Yael Yuzon. The beguiling singer-actress finally finds her own happy ending. “Next month, we wed and the new chapter begins,” Karylle announced on “Showtime” last February to the excitement and applause of her fellow TV hosts and the ‘madlang people’. Ever poised and gracious, the 32-year-old Karylle never failed to thank all the people around her who showered her with all the love and support and has been instrumental in finding the man of her dreams in a time she didn’t expect to happen. “Some three and a half years ago, a new chapter in my life started – the happiest and most exciting yet. I started as a ‘hurado’ here in Showtime and kakambal po noon ay dumating sa buhay ko si Yael.” “I am a work in progress but I know everything that I’ve been through happen for a reason and the people, the angels, that have come along my way have been scattered there for design. Thank you, Lord, for all of them. Ang dami pong nagmamahal sa akin and I love them too. I am grateful for each of you. Thank you for helping me reach the next level,” Karylle emotionally added.
The Love Story Karylle and Yael met at the reunion concert of the Eraserheads where they were introduced to each other by Angeli Pangilinan and Twinky Lagdameo. They eventually became friends on Twitter and soon enough they met again at the MYX Music Awards. Yael then wanted to ask for her number but failed to do so because he didn’t have his phone with him at that time. After that meeting, he sent her a direct message on Twitter to ask for her number. A friendship blossomed and they found each other talking on the phone longer than usual, getting to know each other, going out on dates, falling in love and committing to each other. Although the announcement of their engagement happened only in February, Yael has proposed to Karylle last August 2013, when they celebrated their third year anniversary. In an interview, Yael shared that the proposal happened at the exact place where they first kissed – somewhere in Wilson St. in Greenhills. Fun and Festive Wedding Everything is falling into place for Karylle especially now that she and fellow TV host and good friend
Vice Ganda had patched things up after being embroiled in a showbiz intrigue days after her wedding announcement. As of press time, Karylle is very busy preparing for her wedding, which she revealed will be fun and festive. But the most important thing is that on her big day, she will not just be a beautiful and glowing bride but a living testament that girls can find their own ‘happily ever after’ – with a man who can sweep her off her feet over and over again, a man she will spend every waking moment with, a man she will forever love and cherish. “Yael, we are almost gonna get married and I’m just happy to be surrounded by people who love us, who are trying to help us. I am thankful that I found someone who’s very supportive and somebody who understands how weird I am and somebody who truly inspires me. I can’t wait to get married. I love you,” said Karylle to her man on “ASAP 19”’s bridal tribute. Two years ago, we asked Karylle a playful question as to whose name will appear in her heart if we were to open it. Shy and evasive, Karylle just gave us her most charming smile and quipped, “Alam mo na iyon.” Now, everybody knows who the lucky guy is. FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 7
FACES
David Beckham Meets Child Survivors of Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ in Leyte Text courtesy of UNICEF Philippines Photos courtesy of ©UNICEF/2014/Per-Anders Pettersson
MANILA, Philippines – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham has made an emotional journey to the Philippines to meet children saved from the devastation of typhoon Yolanda almost 100 days after the super storm landed.
B
eckham, 38, helped launch UNICEF’s emergency appeal when the typhoon hit in November 2013 and on February 13 visited some of the worst affected areas of Tacloban, on Leyte Island. Thousands died in the disaster, and more than 1.7 million children were displaced. Children affected by typhoon Yolanda were at risk of getting sick, missing out on schooling and being exploited. During his two-day visit, Beckham saw UNICEF’s vital emergency work for children, including visiting a child friendly space at one of Tacloban’s major evacuation points and a health center to understand the importance of vaccinations and medical care for children when disaster strikes. The UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador also met children and families whose homes were completely wiped out by the typhoon. “As a father, it was deeply moving to meet children as young as two who were left with nothing but the clothes 8
FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
they were wearing when sea and storm their experience and need ongoing water swept through their villages assistance,” said Beckham. “UNICEF during the typhoon,” explained the delivered life-saving supplies when the former footballer, who has been a typhoon hit and they will now stay as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since long as they are needed and won’t let 2005. children down.” “Some children I spoke to had Across the globe, UNICEF is lost parents or brothers and sisters in working round the clock to get aid to incredibly frightening circumstances. It children in other emergencies - from was devastating to hear about.” Syria to the Central African Republic to Beckham visited Santo Niño South Sudan. School in Tanauan, Leyte, where he “Here in the Philippines I have took part in classes helping to distribute seen how public donations can have exercise books to children and played a an incredible effect on children’s lives game of football amongst the ruins of in an emergency,” explained Beckham. the original school. Because of UNICEF “Right now, millions of children in and its partners, some 420,000 children other parts of the world are in urgent from the worst-hit areas are now back need - whether it’s as a result of the in repaired, makeshift and tent schools, Syria crisis or the conflict in South and using learning materials from Sudan.” school-in-a-box, early childhood and “Even though some of these crises don’t make the headlines, we recreational kits. UNICEF is working with the should not forget these children in Philippine government, local partners desperate circumstances and I urge the and communities to help them be even public to do all they can, as they have better prepared for future crises. done incredibly in the past, to help “Children who were caught up organizations like UNICEF go the extra in Haiyan are still traumatisedPhotos by courtesy mile forofthese kids every day.” ABS-CBN / GMA 7 / Star Cinema
Living Up To Her Name
SPECIAL FEATURE
Philippines Says “Thank You” to Japan Photo by Din Eugenio Posters courtesy of DOT Tokyo
TOKYO, Japan – Exactly three months after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013, the Philippines showed its appreciation to Japan for its strong and heartfelt support by launching a series of billboard messages at Shibuya Crossing.
“W
_e Filipinos wish to reiterate our thanks to the people of Japan, for their humanity and compassion, and for being our true friends in good times and bad,” Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez said. Japanese humanitarian aid has totaled $52.1 million (Emergency Grant Aid - $30 million; Emergency Relief Goods - app. $0.6 million; Assistance through Japanese NGOs (JPF) $1.5 million; Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) of Asian Development Bank (ADB) - $20 million), and some Japanese private donations. As part of the global campaign,
billboards with the messages “Nihon no minasama, Firipin e no go shien, Arigatou gozaimasu!” (“To all Japanese people, thank you for helping the Philippines!”) were displayed in Q Front building. The billboards were displayed until the end of February. Shibuya Crossing, a four-way intersection, is a famous spot for photo and movie shoots. Thousands of pedestrians stop and go to the beat of the street light making it one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. “The choice of Shibuya Crossing as the site for the ‘#PHthankyou’ tarps was because of its ideal location. This crossing has one of the highest
pedestrian traffic in Tokyo,” Tourism Officer and Attaché Valentino L. Cabansag said. “This is one way in which the Filipinos can express in one voice the deep gratitude that they feel because of the overwhelming support received from the international community,” he added. All the people across Japan who have expressed sympathies and who have extended support, financial or otherwise, were invited to witness this message of appreciation from the Philippines and help share the country’s profound gratitude to the rest of the world by using the hashtag #PHthankyou. FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 9
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SPOTLIGHT In this issue of FilJap Magazine, we shine the spotlight on Mary Alpa Talledo-Cornelio, an OFW mom extraordinaire! She is a paralegal at Eisai Co., Ltd., and mom to two boys and two girls. Here, she shares her take on staying determined while working and raising her beautiful children.
The
OFW Mom:
IVE An Interview With EXCLUS
Mary Alpa
Talledo-Cornelio FilJap: Please tell us about yourself and your family. Mary Alpa: I’m married and have four grown children – two boys and two girls. My eldest son (26) is an IT graduate and now studying Japanese language at Tokyo International University. My elder daughter (26) is now Director for Operations at the World Youth Alliance Asia-Pacific Region. My younger son (23) is a senior Marketing student at Enderun Colleges, Philippines. And my youngest daughter (21) is a senior International Hospitality Management student at Kendall Colleges, Chicago. My husband is a banker working in Jeddah. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Polytechnic University of the Philippines and MBA studies at Ateneo de Manila University. I was a working student. I started working as a court stenographer at the age of 18. Then, I moved to the private sector then joined WHO/Manila and finally working here in Tokyo as a paralegal at Eisai Co., Ltd., a Japanese pharmaceutical company. FilJap: How did you manage to secure a job in Japan? Mary Alpa: I responded to a job ad in the Philippines. I didn’t get the job at first because the recruitment consultant made the serious mistake of accepting my application when in fact the company wanted “single applicants only”. After I passed all the tests and preliminary interviews, I was told I was not shortlisted for final interview because I’m married. I felt discriminated because of my marital status. So I used my network to get through to the Japanese principal, and eventually got shortlisted. However, during the final selection, the job was given to one of the “single” shortlisted candidates. But she backed out of the deal, and I ended up getting the job. So I want to remind young women out there, especially the married ones, to fight for what you want. FilJap: What do you find enjoyable about being a working mom? Mary Alpa: Being a working mom 12
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allows me some sort of financial independence. I earn my own money, so if I want to buy something for myself or for my children and family, I do not have to dip into the household budget or ask money from my husband. It also allows me to continuously enrich myself, boost my self-esteem and inspire confidence in my children because they see me as an independent woman who can shine on her own. FilJap: What have you found challenging about juggling work and motherhood? Mary Alpa: I think the biggest challenge for me was the emotional burden when I decided to leave my children who were very young at that time to work overseas. I’m just very fortunate to have a loving family who supported my decision and who willingly helped in taking care of them. FilJap: How do you balance being a mom, a career woman and a wife? Mary Alpa: When I started working here, there was no internet yet. So I communicate with them through phone, fax and snail mail. I don’t go out much so I can save money to cover the huge phone bills that I incur calling them almost every day. They fax to me their homework and we discuss it on the phone. So it was like managing a household on remote control. Also, I managed to go home to the Philippines every quarter to be with them. Sometimes, my husband and children come to Japan to visit me. On the marriage front, I have to caution that maintaining a long distance marriage takes an enormous amount of hard work, patience and understanding. You really need to have that determination and commitment to make it work. FilJap: How do you motivate yourself? Mary Alpa: I believe that being a working mom is not a selfish act. I did not pursue this job in Japan simply for my own selfish needs or desires. I came from a poor family and there were many things that I did not enjoy when I was growing up. So I guess this is what motivated me to work very hard.
I want my children to have those things that I didn’t have when I was young. I wagered a big gamble when I took up this overseas job but I am proud of what I have accomplished so far. I believe that I have provided my children with a good groundwork to become productive members of society. FilJap: What are you most grateful for in your life? Mary Alpa: I have so many things to be grateful for in life. I have four wonderful children, a husband who is supportive of my career and a loving family. I will always be indebted to my mother, my aunt and my sister. Without their untiring support, I would not have been able to raise my children while working overseas. And of course, I am very grateful to my supervisors and colleagues in Eisai who are all very kind and understanding. FilJap: How do you take care of yourself? Mary Alpa: The hardest part of being an OFW mom is the emotional toll it takes for being away from your children for long periods of time. So I need to take care of not only my physical health but more importantly my mental health. I immerse myself reading books, mostly novels. I do some light exercise. I’ve given up those calorie-packed foods in favor of healthy greens. I’ve been socializing more these days and I’ve joined a couple of NGOs doing volunteer work for the victims of the Tohoku earthquake and for the typhoon victims in Leyte and Cebu. FilJap: What are the lessons you have learned as a working mom? Mary Alpa: You have to have realistic expectations when it comes to career building. I’ve learned that it is impossible to have a top-notch career while raising children thousands of miles away. If you can manage to work your way up the corporate ladder without sacrificing the well-being of your children, then there is no stopping you. However, you have to remember that none of those fancy titles would matter if your children could not get the loving care and attention that they deserve from you as their mother.
EMBASSY NEWS
Philippine Ambassador’s Official Residence in Tokyo
Now a National Historical Landmark TOKYO, Japan – The official residence of the Philippine Ambassador to Japan became the first and so far only officially-designated Philippine national historical landmark outside of the country, with the unveiling of a historical marker on March 3 at the property in Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku.
Ambassador Manuel Lopez and NHCP Chair Maria Serena Diokno unveil the historical marker at the property’s entrance, assisted by (L-R) Philippine-Japan Society President Francis Laurel, former Ambassador Jose Macario Laurel IV and former National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairman Ambeth Ocampo.
T
he unveiling completes the Official Residence’s elevation into a “National Historical Landmark” pursuant to Resolution No. 01, Series 2013 adopted by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on March 11, 2013. Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez and National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chair Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno presided over the ceremony, which was witnessed by officials of the Philippine Embassy and the Japanese Foreign Ministry. Also in attendance were guests led by former NHCP Chair Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo and the Laurel family, represented by current PhilippinesJapan Society, Inc. President and Director Francis C. Laurel and former
Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Jose Macario Laurel IV. “This is a historic and momentous occasion that honors the history and national patrimony of the Philippines,” said Philippine Ambassador to Japan, Manuel M. Lopez. Located within a 4,500-square meter property of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Iberian-style residence was first built in 1934 by the family of the prominent businessman Baron Zenjiro Yasuda, whose descendants include the international artist Ms. Yoko Ono. The property was purchased by then President Jose P. Laurel for the Philippine Government on March 31, 1944. To this day, the Kudan--as the residence is also referred to
on account of its location near the Kudanzaka hilltop—serves as both the official home in Tokyo of Philippine Ambassadors to Japan, and a central venue for the conduct of Philippine diplomacy and cultural promotion. “Kudan is the crown jewel of the Philippine Foreign Service, and we should preserve this important part of our diplomatic legacy and heritage,” Lopez said. The NHCP Guidelines on the Identification, Classification, and Recognition of Historic Sites and Structures in the Philippines officially defines a National Historical Landmark as “site or structure closely associated with a significant historical event, achievement, characteristic, turning point or stage in Philippine history.” FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 13
PHILIPPINE ADVENTUREs
Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines, never fails to fascinate! Receiving more than the usual throng of pre-summer visitors, thanks to the dramatically cooler weather early this year compared to past years, the city blossomed even more as it recently celebrated the Panagbenga (Flower) Festival.
Floral Interlude:
T
Text and photos by Arlene Donaire
he term “panagbenga” is said to be of Malayo-Polynesian origin and means “season of blooming”. The festival is a fitting recognition of the importance of one of the city’s main economic products – flowers. After the 1990 earthquake that affected Luzon and unfortunately devastated Baguio, the City began the Panagbenga as a local tradition, to boost community spirit and round up support for reviving the local economy. In addition to promoting local tourism, the festival, over the years has proven to be an effective way of fostering the region’s indigenous culture. In a month-long series of activities held last February, the 2014 festival was capped by a weekend of colorful street dancing and floral float parade on the 22nd and 23rd originating from Session 14
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Road and ending up in the Melvin Jones ground (i.e., the Athletic Bowl). The street dancing was participated in by various contingents representing different sectors of the city and groups originating from even beyond Baguio. The basic dance and musical rhythm is inspired by the Bendian, an Ibaloi dance of celebration from the Cordillera region. Dancers that are either garbed in flower-inspired or cultural costumes and are bearing floral ornaments move rhythmically with music from drum and lyre bands. The floral parade, reminiscent of the Pasadena Rose Parade, resplendently features most if not all varieties of flowers that are grown in the Cordillera region. Around January when the unusually colder weather threatened to damage the flower harvest for the season, there were apprehensions on
the floral floats not gracing the annual festival. Fortunately, as if by divine intervention, the flowers were harvested just in time and made it to the floats! Float designs creatively incorporated corporate advertising in the cartoonish, fantasy-inspired, and whimsical floral sculptures. The participation of famous personalities from the entertainment industry and beauty contest winners added glitter to the event. The Panagbenga festival is certainly one of the most unique in the country! It is the only festival that looks and smells good at same time, with the essence of roses, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums wafting through the parade route. Isn’t this reason enough to come and experience it for yourself? Be fascinated, visit Baguio next year and smell the flowers.
travel japan
Geisha Hunting in
Kyoto Photos by Din Eugenio
G
eisha, which means “person of the arts”, are skilled Japanese women whose traditional occupation is to entertain men. The geisha system began some 400 years ago to entertain the wealthy merchants and samurai inside tea houses (ochaya) and traditional restaurants (ryotei). During the 17th century, many Japanese women yearned to be a geisha. But only few aspirants weathered the long years of rigorous and intense training as apprentices (maiko) at geisha houses (okiya). Here, they are taught how to dance, sing, play musical instruments like the samisen, as well as conversational and social graces. Before the World War II, there were about 100,000 geisha in several
cities across Japan, including Tokyo and Kyoto. Their numbers have declined with the rise of the hostesses and prostitutes after the war. Nowadays, there are only around 2,000 and are rarely glimpsed. In Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, specifically at the Gion district, which is said to be the best place to experience geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha), you can find quite a few of them. At Hanami-koji, where the street and side alleys are lined up with machiya and ochaya, geiko dinners take place for trusted customers. The guests eat and drink while being entertained by the geiko and maiko through games and witty conversations. The highlight of the evening is the geiko’s performance of a dance to the tune of a traditional
music, played on the samisen by another geiko. These dinners are usually exclusive and expensive. But a cheaper geiko experience is available for local and foreign tourists at the Gion Corner, where cultural shows like the maiko dance are being staged everyday. There are also maiko studios all over the place where you can dressed up as a maiko or geiko and pose for photos for 10,000 yen. You can also spot a few maiko and geiko walking in the streets of Gion district during the evenings. The geisha, with their beauty, grace and skill, are a huge part of the Japanese culture. Although they played an intriguing role in the ancient society, it is without a doubt that they are a living work of art.
If you love watching Japanese movies and television programs, chances are you have already seen a geisha or heard something about them.
FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 15
S
CULTURE AND ARTS
pring is Here
Photos by Din Eugenio
Springtime in Japan is always synonymous to the blooming of the cherry blossoms or sakura. From late March to early May, cherry blossoms, with its pink and soft flowers, flourish and blanket trees all over the country. It is an enticing sight that captures the attention of local and foreign tourists alike.
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T
he sakura holds a unique and a cherished admiration in the Japanese culture. It has always been a symbol of evanescent beauty and the nature of life. Sakura served as a motivating symbol for the Japanese military during World War II. Japanese pilots would paint them on the sides of their planes before embarking on a mission. It is also associated with bushi and samurai. Nowadays, the Japanese army and police use it for emblems, flags and insignia. The Japanese keep track of the cherry blossom front or sakura zensen. They flock to parks, shrines and temples together with families and friends and hold a flower viewing party known as hanami, by dancing, singing, drinking and eating under the trees. Though some trees can be found in China and Korea, the most kinds of sakura like the Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura, can be admired in Japan. Hanami, which has been in practice since the 3rd century, celebrates the beauty of sakura and a signal for many to enjoy nature in a very human way.
Cherry Blossom Forecast 2014 (Source: Japan Weather Association) Location First Bloom Full Bloom Tokyo March 29 April 6 Kyoto March 27 April 6 Kagoshima March 25 April 2 Kumamoto March 21 March 31 Fukuoka March 22 April 1 Hiroshima March 26 April 3 Osaka March 27 April 6 Nara March 29 April 5 Nagoya March 27 April 4 Yokohama March 29 April 5 Kanazawa April 3 April 9 Nagano April 13 April 18 Sendai April 12 April 18 Aomori April 25 April 30 Hakodate May 2 May 7 Sapporo May 5 May 10 Note: The forecast is subject to change due to weather conditions.
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FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
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4.
New Nanay’s Minato-ku, Roppongi 5-16-5 Imperial Roppongi 1 S101 Tel: 03-3505-4688
5. CY Fashion Yamanashi-ken, Kofu-shi, Satoyoshi 1-6-8 Joyfull Apex A-8 Tel: 055-267-6081 Mobile: 080-4144-2616 / 090-9000-2616 6.
E-Mart Sari-Sari Store Tokyo-to, Kita-ku, Higashi-Jujo 4-4-9 Tel: 03-3914-7679
7.
Karitela Chiba-ken, Matsudo-shi, Minoridai 127-1-203 Tel. 047-308-6535 Mobile: 090-3145-8313
8. Global General Merchandising Kyoto-fu, Maizuru-shi, Enmanji 162-1 Tel. 0773-75-8186 / 0773-76-0712 9. Prego Restaurant Gifu-ken, Gifu-shi, Yanagase-doori 5-15 Fuwa Bldg. 1F Tel: 0582-63-2660 Mobile: 090-2778-4558
14.
Aling Coring’s BAUHAUS Reine Bldg. 2F 5-3-4 Roppongi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3403-0092
15.
Reche’s Phil. Mini Grocery Gifu-ken, Minokamo-shi, Kamogawa-chou 3-1-32 Tel. 0574-42-9620 Mobile: 090-9125-8775
16. Mary and Joy Global Store Outlet Kagoshima City, Uerata-cho 25-12 Hayashi Bldg. Rm. 104 Tel: 099-253-1184 Mobile: 080-1791-8859 080-3346-9691
10.
Kabayan Sari-Sari Store Tokyo-to, Adachi-ku, Nishi Takenotsuka 2-1-29 Tel. 03-3890-0068
11.
Kuya Ed Gifu-ken, Kani-shi, Dota 5047-3 Tel. 0574-26-9989 Mobile: 080-5028-0431
12.
Melanie’s Store Aichi-ken, Nishio-shi Yamashita-cho, Hachiman Yama 70-18 Mobile: 090-1742-9738
13.
Palooza International Market 19. Club Rouge Asakusa Aichi-ken, Nagoya-shi, 〒 111-0032 Tokyo-to Taiyouku Atsuta-ku, Hataya 2-8-13 Asakusa 5-30-11 2F Tel. 052-682-5770 Mobile: 090-1261-9626 FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 19
17. Bangkok Store 332-0021 Saitama-ken, Kawaguchi-shi Nishi-Kawaguchi 1-5-12 Tel. 048-259-3054 18. MEKENI 251-0055 Kanagawa-ken, Fujisawa-shi, Minami Fujisawa 4-2 Kikuya Bldg. 3F Tel: 0466-29-5441 Mobile: 090-5767-5789
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Tokyo Address: 114-0004 Tokyo-to, Kita-ku Horifune 1-26-14-501 Tel: 03-6903-2100 Fax: 03-6903-2101 Mobile: 080-1112-4682 Philippine Address: 232 Amapola St. Palm Village Makati Philippines Filjap Licensed Tax Accountant / Mr. Abo Shuusei (Tokyo License Lawyer / Accountant) 20 FILJAP MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014 Legal Adviser Iwasaki Yo 40913 Tokyo Lawyer Association