JAPANTODAY’S PREMIER ENGLISH DIGITAL WEEKLY MAGAZINE
Kyoto Cover?
TRAVEL check out the new “Health & Beauty” section on Insight Online. I LEFT MY HEART IN KYOTO
“I’m standing on a narrow Gion back street, neck deep in a colorful swarm of kimono-clad women.” Read the full story on INSIGHT: TRAVEL
BUSINESS FAMILY FOOD
Wendy’s opens second store in Roppongi Asobono (Tokyo Dome City)
National Azabu Supermarket back in business
ENTERTAINMENT
Belgian Beer Festival 2012
ISSUE 05 / VOLUME 01 / AUGUST 2012
INSIGHT
Editor in Chief Chris Betros Art Direction/Design Thong Van Contributors Jeff Laitila
Lauren Shannon Account Managers Kieron Cashell Peter Lackner
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TRAVEL
I LEFT MY HEART IN KYOTO I’m standing on a narrow Gion back street, neck deep in a colorful swarm of kimono-clad women. They flow around and past me like so many butterflies, busily chatting as they make their way to their evening engagements. The hems of their passing kimono create small eddies that pick up dry autumn maple leaves and swirl them along the smooth ancient stone path behind them. BY JEFF LAITILA
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TRAVEL
Those stones have bore silent
Each time I go to Kyoto I always return
Geisha, and will patiently remain as
a contradiction I know, but I can’t find
witness to countless generations of countless more come and go.
I smile to myself as I watch them
reach a corner and slip off into the
home both tired and energized. Quite
any other way to describe it. Weary from hours of walking, but also satisfied and inspired by the beauty of the city.
fading twilight. And just like that they
Kyoto is a place that one can go back
in the silence of the moment. The
face for each of the four seasons, and
are gone, and I am alone, drinking
only evidence of their passing is an
indistinct path carved into the dusting of maple leaves on the old cobbled
street. I smile to myself, breathing in
the cool night air that just barely covers the rich earthy scents of autumn.
Yes, Kyoto in Autumn is a special place. With the oppressive heat of summer now gone, the cicadas silenced, the
crisp notes of the approaching winter
on the evening air, and the warm scent of incense coming from some unseen
Temple, it is the perfect time to enjoy this
to again and again. It offers a different draws people from all over the world who want to experience the traditional side of Japan. But if you do happen to become
overloaded by temples and shrines during your stay, the bustling modern nightlife of Osaka is just a short train ride away. So if you are looking for an autumn travel destination, I could not more highly recommend Kyoto. Spend a
few days exploring the quiet temples,
shrines, and the understated elegance
of Gion in the evenings as the Maiko and Geiko make their appointed rounds.
ancient capital of Japan. One can spend
Come see what makes this ancient
narrow streets flanked by rows of age
people from all over the world. Just
days wandering the quiet shrines and
darkened wooden buildings. Winding your way through the city, and discovering what lies around that next corner.
city such a popular destination for don’t be surprised if you start to miss it as soon as you leave.
Everyone who visits Kyoto takes a little bit of the place back home with them. There are just so many beautiful and
mysterious places to see, one cannot but help to feel that they have experienced something special, something unique.
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WENDY’S OPENS SECOND STORE IN ROPPONGI BY CHRIS BETROS
American hamburger chain Wendy’s is back in Roppongi after more than 3 1/2 years. It is the American burger restaurant’s second store in Japan since its relaunch last December…and fans are loving it. More than 100 of them braved the heat to line up on opening day on Aug 17. Wendy’s enthusiasts were dismayed in December 2009 when the
“Japan Premium” products only available in Japan, including the Foie Gras
Rossini with original foie gras terrine, along with an upgraded line of longawaited classic products, including
Dave’s Hot-n-Juicy hamburgers (with square patties), premium chicken
sandwiches, “Garden Sensations” entrée salads, chili and Frosty desserts.
company did not renew its agreement with its former franchisee for
Regular burgers cost from 380 yen
entrepreneur Ernest Higa, who heads Higa Industries, quickly saw an
burgers range in price from 780 yen
Japan, resulting in the closure of 71 restaurants. However, American
opportunity. Higa owned and operated 180 Domino’s Pizza stores in Japan before selling the business in February 2010. A pioneer of the
Japanese home delivery market, Higa’s stores became known for gourmet pizza products and the use of the Internet and wireless technology to promote menu items and enhance the customer ordering experience. Higa negotiated a new joint venture agreement with Wendy’s/Arby’s
International Inc and the brand was relaunched in Tokyo at Omotesando last December. “The positive aspect of the relaunch is that Wendy’s was
to 780 yen, while the four premium
to 1,280 yen for the Foie Gras Rossini. Salads cost from 480 yen to 630 yen,
and baked potatoes 360 and 380 yen. At the Roppongi store, new items on
the menu include the Ocean Premium Caviar & Lobster burger (1,280 yen),
Lobster Surf & Turf Burger (1,280 yen)
and Caviar & Lobster Salad (1,580 yen).
previously here for 30 years. Within the Japanese population, there is high
Higa says the key to success is adapting
other thing is that in our market research, the brand has a good reputation
I did Domino’s, I did a lot of brand
brand awareness, even though they only had 71 stores,” Higa says. “The
in terms of product quality and taste.
When Wendy’s pulled out, there was a big outpouring of all these customers
who went to the stores. It was actually on TV. Wendy’s America, in their wisdom, said they would be coming back. So
that built up anticipation. As a result
of that, there are about 30,000 people
on social media, whether it is Twitter or
Mixi waiting for Wendy’s to reopen. That
ERNEST HIGA (President) WENDY’S JAPAN
products for the local market. “When
repositioning and product adaptation
and added Internet ordering. How you
adapt and what you adapt for the local market are crucial. There is no manual for that. I wanted to be sure that I was in a position to adapt Wendy’s for the
local market. I wouldn’t have taken it on, otherwise. If we do the same thing as
before, we’ll end up with the same result.”
means we already have a customer base,
Higa says that Wendy’s hopes to get
even before we open our first store.”
years. The biggest challenge is finding
brand awareness and a good reputation
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Wendy’s has introduced four types of
to about 100 stores in Japan within 5 good locations. “You need high-
visibility, high-traffic locations but they are not always available, such as two
BUSINESS
former Wendy’s locations at Azabujuban
10, what you eat and where you eat is one
Harajuku. We are already looking at
different atmosphere. That is one trend.”
and the one opposite Kiddyland in
many different locations, talking with
real estate companies and land owners.” But with so much competition, does the hamburger market in Japan run
the risk of becoming saturated? “To
thing, but when you are 30, you want a
To finish off, we better ask Higa how often he eats hamburgers. “Maybe a couple of times a week. I like hamburgers … and not just because of the job,” he says.
some extent,” Higa says. “Interestingly,
Wendy’s Lobster burger and lobster salad
the fastest growing segment in the
restaurant business in the U.S. is gourmet hamburgers. There is a strong trend
toward better hamburgers and I think that
is also happening in Japan. In Japan, if you look at demographics, McDonald’s has a lock on the kids’ market but as you get older, you want a better burger. That’s
how we are looking at it. When you are
Live Music Schedule: Aug 31: The Dead flower children Sep 1: Kinlay Sep 2: Poetry night & Tom Holiday
Joe David & The Soul Trek
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Sep 7: Joe David & The Soul Trek 7
FAMILY
ASOBONO! It’s safe to say that with August behind us, we are officially “over the heat.” But as all Tokyoites know, we are still in for 30-degree plus temperatures for the next few weeks at least. Good indoor play areas/activities are essential for kids. One such place has been
recently renovated and is proving to be a favorite place to disappear from the heat with the kids for a few hours: Asobono at Tokyo Dome City.
The home of the Giants baseball team is also home to a seriously well-equipped
amusement park. There are plenty of indoor activities to discover and there certainly is
something for everyone, including action hero theater, illusion museum, Magiquest role playing center, bowling alley, sauna and luxury lounge, as well as a roller skate rink. But newly renovated last year and the real crown jewel of the site (as far as kids are concerned) is the Asobono Indoor adventure playground. The level to which this
massive play area has been renovated and outfitted to is truly amazing. Even when
this area is packed on a Saturday afternoon, there is always space to play and hidden
areas such as the library where kids and parents can enjoy an afternoon in a cool and stimulating setting.
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As you enter from the reception, the first
place you will come upon is the Adventure Ocean -- a huge ball pool room with
treasure ship, multiple slides, bouncy
castle and treehouse. This space has been well thought out, offering plenty of seats
in and around the ball pool for parents to watch and join in.
This gives way to the Pleasure Station
room, sponsored by toy manufacturer
Takara Tomy Co. It is a large room filled with building toys: train sets, plenty of
tracks and construction toys such as Lego -- probably more appealing to the boys.
Next comes Colorful Town, a kids pretend café and supermarket area popular
particularly with girls. With no shortage of props, kids relish the role-playing nature of the space, weaving in and out of the various buildings in the town.
FAMILY
The Toy Forest area, comprises some
smaller rooms and hideaways filled with
Weekday Rates
houses and a small library offering older
Adults: ¥900
more intricate toys, board games, doll children some mental stimulation.
The younger crawlers are not forgotten either as there is the Hi-hi Garden, an
enclosed area with smaller ball pool, soft
toys and foam shapes - all to be explored
without any infraction from the older kids. A rest area and drinks corner provides a reprieve from the activities,
particularly for the adults, while
their kids are off exploring. Also
Kids up to elementary school: ¥1,500 (for a day pass) Weekend Rates Kids up to elementary school: ¥900 for an hour (¥400 per 30 minutes after that) Adults: ¥900
Getting there Conveniently located in the center of the city, take the JR or subway to Suidobashi
Station (Mita line) or Korakoen (Namboku line). Parking is available on site, but can get congested and be expensive for longer stays. Tel: +81 3 5800 9999
Web: www.tokyo-dome.co.jp
worthy of note are the excellent baby changing and nursing facilities.
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FOOD
BACK IN BUSINESS TRUE TASTE TOKYO VOL.4
BY LAUREN SHANNON
As most folks know National Azabu Supermarket in Hiroo is happily back in the game. The supermarket founded in 1962 had serviced the international
and globally minded Japanese community for 50 years but closed down after the earthquake in 2011. The decades old building
was a victim of quake damage and the news made quite a stir
especially to Tokyo expats. The closing was even covered by CNN with the eye-grabbing headline “National mourning: Tokyo pays tribute to an expat institution.” But now the home away from
home for foodies and deli fans has reopened - same location but fabulous new building.
The soft opening earlier this month has been a success and the grand re-opening is this Friday 8/31, with terrific specials and sales to celebrate and thank the loyal and returning throngs.
On my walk through this week I was so happy to see all the great foods and exotic ingredients arranged in a gorgeous, updated,
modern format. The cheese section has expanded and in general all the display space is more user friendly. New additions include a built in rotisserie in the deli filled with delicious roasted
chickens for take out. There is a more clean and organized
second floor of housewares and toiletries. And old favorites like
Baskin Robbins continue to be a part of the national family, now included right in the front of new building.
Some other highlights include: • An extensive craft beer, and international wine selection • Fresh ground organic peanut butter station • Freshly ground coffee from Brooklyn NYC • A full service florist
• The famous “radiation map” of japan for help with produce purchases
• Terrific fresh fish and an onsite butcher
• Spices, and ingredients for making your own comfort foods from around the world.
National is convenient to the Hibiya subway line but valet parking is still available and there is an additional large sel spaid parking lot behind the building in a side street.
The popular and friendly Dale Toriumi has returned as store manager and the staff remains helpful, professional and
shopping option delivery service available. National Azabu Supermarket, Hiroo
welcoming.
Adjacent to Arisugawa Park
We are all happy to see National Azabu back in the community
Tel: 03 3442 3181
and look forward to watching how they expand their products
4-5-2 Minami Azabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo
and services in their second 50 years!
Closest train station: Hiroo, Hibiya Line
Though it is not yet listed on the National homepage we are told
And if you are interested National Azabu is also hiring full-time,
opening hours after 8/31 will be 7 DAYS A WEEK 10:00-23:00. 10
Point card functions are resumed and there is also an online
contract, part-time employees.
ENTERTAINMENT
Here are 10 types of
Belgian beer to get you started, all available at the festival!
Since its first edition in 2010 at Roppongi Hills, the Belgian Beer Weekend has grown into one of the most popular beer events on the Tokyo calendar with also stops in Osaka and Nagoya. What began 700 years ago as a more sanitized drinking option to water, under the watchful eye of the
monasteries in Belgium became a mecca for brewing, developing techniques that are still used to this day. What wine is to France, beer is to Belgium. Belgium has more than 140 breweries producing more than
Tokyo Event
77 different beers will be available. The most famous of these
September 5th-9th, 2012
800 different kinds of beers. At Belgian Beer Weekend 2012, include pale ales such as Hoegarden and Pilsners like Stella Artois.
The event last year drew over 50,000 revelers and this year is set to even top that with live performances from Belgian top bands
Roppongi Hills Arena
For more information visit: http://belgianbeerweekend.jp/en/2012/ tokyo/home
Arsenal (not the English football team), PJDS (AKA beuzak) and Roland.
Of course, it is all about the beer and food; 77 different types
of beer will be available along with Belgian food beer delicacies such as sausages, cured meats and, of course, Belgian waffles.
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PILSNER The most common beer type in the world. A bottom-fermented hoppy lager brewed according to the production process invented in the 19th century in the city of Pilzen, Czech Republic.
TRAPPIST BEER A beer that is brewed in a Trappist monastery by monks. Worldwide only 7 monasteries are making trappist beers, 6 of which are in Belgium.
LAMBIC BEER A traditional wheat beer only brewed in the southwest of Brussels by spontaneous fermentation. Lambic beers ferment by exposure to the wild yeasts native to the region.
WHITE BEER A refreshing beer traditionally made with a mixture of wheat and barley. Traditionally it includes herbs like coriander and orange peel, giving it a fruity sweetness.
ABBEY BEER A top-fermented beer that is made according to old recipes and brewing methods of a monastery, but produced today at a modern brewery.
FRUIT BEER Refreshing beer made by adding a variety of fruits during the brewing process. Easy-to-drink dessert beer with a fruity taste.
Belle-vue Kriek (Fruit Beer)
One of the most famous beers in the world,
Unique Belgian ‘lambic’ beer naturally
citrus followed by a pleasant bitterness.
gives the beautiful ruby color and sweet-
the taste is crisp, clean and has hints of
Hoegaarden (White Beer)
fermented from wild yeast. Added cherry
ENTERTAINMENT
Stella Artois (Pilsner)
sour refreshing taste.
Duvel (Golden Ale)
Its enjoyable light taste is recommended
The perfect balance between a fine aroma
goes well with many types of foods.
excellent thirst-quencher.
as for the first Belgium beer. This beer also
Westmalle Double (Trappist Beer)
and subtle bitterness makes Duvel an
Duchesse De Bourgogne (Red Beer)
A dark, reddish-brown beer with a complex
Fruity, ruby red beer with a sweet and
aroma and rich flavour, herby and fruity
freshly sour aftertaste.
with a fresh-bitter finish. The soft feel in
the mouth and long lasting, dry aftertaste guarantee a superb taste experience.
Leffe Blond (Abbey Beer)
Saison Dupont (Saison Beer)
It is elegant, smooth and fruity, and it has a
The Saison Dupont is a top fermentation
spicy aftertaste with a hint of bitter orange.
beer with fermentation taking place in the
bottle. A fine aroma and a strong bitterness transform this beer into a thirst-quencher with no equal.
Cantillon Geuze (Lambic Beer)
Gouden Carolus Classic (Special Beer)
Its characteristic, sour taste is appreciated
“Emperor beer” is brewed with dark malts
beer of Cantillon brewery.
of caramel and aromatic malts creates a
all over the world, making it the best selling
and Belgian hops. The unique combination special beer that combines the warmness
of wine with the thirst-quenching freshness of beer.
GOLDEN ALE A top-fermented beer with a beautiful golden color. Traditionally a beer with a higher alcohol content and a slightly fruity taste.
SAISON BEER Originally a refreshing, low-alcohol beer brewed seasonally in farmhouses in the South of Belgium.
RED BEER A unique top-fermented beer matured in large oak barrels giving it a special red color and a sour yet fruity taste.
SPECIAL BEER Regional beers that cannot be put in one of the above 9 categories.
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