JQR vol.19 April, 2013 by jqrmag

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04 2013 APR vol. 19

JQR I N TERVIEW

Film director, Claude Gagnon

Thoughtful Product Study Tabmaker (Nichiban)

NEW

QUALITY REVIEW

Shitamachi Bobsleigh Achilles Syunsoku FASHION

Clouds traveling to the east from the west/to bring a clear sky at its best

Run and enjoy admiring the vivid spring colors along the way ［A Conversation with Foreign Residents ］

Long-distance running in Japan

Running for Pleasure

［FEATURE］

Is it Really True that Running is Good for Health ？ Running TroublesCauses and Solutions Self AwarenessImproves Running ！ Running shoe design: A revolution! How to Choose Advanced Shoes

eng.jqrmag.com

March 2013 (published on April 20, 2013) C O VE R

Photography/Satoru Naito

C O N T E N T S 05 The Shirano Theater NEW

Will Japan s Precarious Economy Strike Back?

JQR SPECIAL

Ishinomaki two years on A not entirely positive assessment…

Ichigo-ichie̶one word, one picture̶a moment with Yasuko Senshu

Running for Pleasure

● Is it Really True that Running is Good for Health ？ ● Running TroublesCauses and Solutions ● Self AwarenessImproves Running ！ ● Running shoe design: A revolution! ● How to Choose Advanced Shoes ● New Running Shoe Catalogue 2013 ● Run efficiently with the help of a running watch ● Unique marathons across Japan in 2013

［A Conversation with Foreign Residents ］

40 42

Long-distance running in Japan QUALITY REVIEW

OTA TOKIO Shitamachi Bobsleigh Achilles Syunsoku NEW

Thoughtful Product Study

Leading Doctors Discuss Modern Longevity (Part 2)

Around Half of all Infertility Problems Are Due to Men

Professor Koichi Nagao Urology Department, Reproduction Center Head, Toho University Medical Center

46 50

JQR INTERVIEW

Film director, Claude Gagnon FASHION

Clouds traveling to the east from the west/to bring a clear sky at its best

Run and enjoy admiring the vivid spring colors along the way

67 Japan Undercover Hiroyuki Abe

69 Other Eyes and Ears HAMAJI Michio

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Jun Shinozuka Editors

Jun Nakaki Christine Lavoie-Gagnon

JQR editorial department 2-1-14 Sarugakucho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0064 03-3518-2270

Dai Furusawa Lyu nari

JQR advertising department

Designer

Wakako Kawasaki

Translation

Manabiya Inc.

2-1-14 Sarugakucho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0064 03-3518-4488

er Theat s * o n Shira

s rice cake h it w g Stickin

o. 8 Show N

hiran awa S Tatek

There are all sorts of expressions out there.

margarine. Noticing this, with an I'll try one

is mochimochi-kan, meaning a sensation of

ﬂash, and happily sank her teeth into the sample.

One I've been having a little trouble with lately springy, spongy chewiness. Mochimochi-kan

or mochimochi is used in an approving fashion. When someone bites into a cake for the ﬁrst

time and says, Hey, this is mochimochi... they

never mean it tastes awful. No, no: obviously it's Delectable! or Delicious! And things that are

mochimochi are not just seen as tasty: there's

also a hint of indulgent high-quality. But while the

expression mochimochi is bandied about so much

And what did she say? Ooh, that's really mochimochi!

Delightedly informing her daughter of the bread's springy quality, she bought some. Meanwhile, I muttered darkly under my breath.

Oi, weren't you having bread because you'd got

tired of mochi?!

Later though, I realized that resisting the

mochimochi monster was futile. It seems one

these days, I sometimes think that mochi , as in

can get sick of mochi, but not that mochimochi

term originates, is rated a little too low. Which is

It also struck me that rakugo is in the same position

the traditional glutinous rice cake from which the why I'm a tad ambivalent about mochimochi. Of

course there are plenty of people who like mochi rice cakes. But I bet that number is insigniﬁcant

compared to the crowds that salivate over anything mochimochi .

While at the local supermarket over New Year, I

overheard a mother and daughter talking. By which

thanks the older woman put her hand out in a

I don't mean a woman with a young child, but a

granny and her daughter, i.e. probably the power combo in the family kitchen. The older lady was pondering what to have for dinner that night.

We're getting tired of mochi, so something else'd

be good, wouldn't it? Then she continued, I

suppose bread will do for dinner: cooking rice is just too much hassle as well.

With nary a yay or nay, the daughter was already

feeling.

as mochi rice cakes.

That is, I strongly suspect that stuﬀ resembling rakugo is more popular than rakugo itself. At one point a while back there was a rakugo

boom . However, this was certainly not a surge

in popularity of the orthodox rakugo performed by rakugo storytellers, but instead TV dramas on a

rakugo theme, or rakugo as performed by tarento type celebrities.

Once again we're starting to see a lot of people

switching from comedian to rakugoka in the media. Obviously I personally want to remain a rice

cake and have no intention of sitting on my butt watching these mincing mochimochi interlopers take over my turf.

Just you wait, I vowed silently as I departed the

eyeing up the bread options. It just so happened

supermarket, purchases in hand. This here mochi

A saleswoman was handing out bite-size pieces

your money!

there was a tasting going on in the bread section. of tempting-looking toasted bread smeared with

will give you mochimochi pretenders a real run for

● Shirano Tatekawa Second-generation apprentice of Danshi Tatekawa. Joined the Tatekawa Shiraku rakugo stable in 1998 and advanced to futatsume status in July 2003. Is determined to win promotion to star performer this spring! Don t miss his Shirano Daisakusen solo shows, held regularly every month. Also a subculture aﬁcionado with a regular radio program that allows him to expound exhaustively on the subject. http://ameblo.jp/st-blog/

2012July

2013 Apr

s u o i r a c e r P s n a Will Jap ? k c a B e k i r t S y Econom

vol.1

First of a series of articles Economic Upturn Driven by Mood â&#x20AC;&#x2019; the Greater the Expectation, the Greater the Disappointment Some bright spots have begun to emerge in Japan s economic outlook. Department stores are experiencing improving sales of brand-name items, while travel agents are busy booking overseas cruise tours for their

held by the Japanese public in the form of Japanese equities account for only a tiny fraction of the total. Even during the heyday of the bubble economy in the late 1980s, only 11 percent of personal financial

ago?) rose to 49.5 in its third straight month of increase, quickly approaching the break-even point of 50, where there is an equal number of respondents sensing a stronger economy and those sensing a weaker

2012, when then Prime Minister Noda announced that he would call

consumer sentiment brought about by the booming stock market, rather

(shopping district in Kyushu Region) seem to indicate that Japan has at

customers. Behind this renewed interest in luxury items is mounting hope for Prime Minister Abe s economic policy, dubbed Abenomics, which places a high priority on reversing the deflationary trend. The yen s slide accelerated on November 14,

for a Parliamentary election in December. The weaker yen drove up Japanese stock prices on the expectation that it would benefit export-oriented companies. On February 25, the Nikkei Stock Average soared to the 11,600 yen level, a record high for the last four

years and five months (the previous high was seen in September 2008). The Nikkei Average has gone up approximately 35 percent since November 13, 2012, and this bullish momentum is still going strong, with the pre-Lehman crisis stock-price level increasingly visible on the horizon. Some people are going so far as to say that the stock market surge is driving people to spend more on luxury items. Is this really so? The financial assets

assets were in the form of Japanese stocks. The ratio came down to a mere 4 percent in 2011 according to the Bank of Japan. Compare these numbers with those of the United States â&#x20AC;&#x2019; 40 percent. In other words, the recent economic rebound is anchored on improving

than the actual wealth effect created by it, and this improving sentiment is inducing a select few,

primarily in the high-wealth bracket, to splurge a little more. Every month, the Cabinet Office of the government conducts and releases results of its Economy

Watchers Survey, which compiles how people across the nation (real people who witness economic ups and downs firsthand, such as cab drivers, convenience store managers and proprietors of drinking establishments) feel about the economy and illustrates their sentiments in the form of an index. The January survey revealed that the diffusion index (DI) for current economic conditions (i.e., is the economy better than three months

economy. Individual comments by respondents included continuing robust appetite for jewelry and other luxury items, particularly in January (department store in Tokai Region), and an increase in customer traffic accompanied by a modest increase in sales despite bad weather

least shed the mood of complete despair that once plagued the nation. The stock market rally that has induced stronger spending on expensive items also owes much to this change in investor sentiment. In a nutshell, the stock market surge is driven by the bullish mood, and as one market player pointed out, does not mirror the actual state of the economy. The current bullishness in the stock market is based on shaky, fickle foundations. If the government fails to quickly map out a concrete path to pull the nation out of deflation, the hopes that have mounted will eventually turn into a major disappointment.

Written by Hikaru Hokuto

Economic journalist covering a broad range of topics, including macroeconomics, finance, and corporations.

2013 Apr

Reportage de

Correspondance d’Ishinomaki

Ishinomaki two years on A not entirely positive assessment… By Christine Lavoie-Gagnon

March 11 marks the two-year anniversary

residential; therefore, it s been necessary

region. Coastal towns and villages are

areas. Logically, these should have been

of the tsunami that destroyed the Tohoku

developed in the neighboring mountains

slowly coming back to life. As an

or on local agricultural land, but as

eyewitness to the immediate aftermath

areas are in part or wholly national parks;

process of recovery for the past two

years, it s hard to decide whether to be

optimistic or pessimistic when describing the present state of affairs.

We must also take into consideration the

results. The mountains of debris have

one major problem that affected the

been cleared away. By the end of the

month, the city will demolish the few

remaining houses deemed uninhabitable. It s heartwarming to realize that the area ready for reconstruction and to make a

start to building new neighborhoods and new communities. People are long past

and above, which in turn impacts on the

from all over Japan, both private and

public. The main concern is to take this

opportunity to rebuild model cities, which

will be environmentally friendly and make

across an entire coastal region 300 miles (500 km) long. The Japanese

coast is bordered by steep mountains, and the little available flat land has

already been used to build the 53, 537 homes in 921 emergency housing

centers. For the most part, the coastal zones have been designated as non-

Christine Lavoie-Gagnon

before the local economy picks up again,

only people one meets are in their sixties

citizens and the help of urban planners

in one or two towns and villages but

anyone under forty. It will take years

worst-affected areas, it s striking that the

the region with the collaboration of

addressed simultaneously‒‒and not just

Tokyo, or Osaka, depriving the area of

When visiting Tohoku, and especially the

New city plans have been drawn up for

number of problems that have to be

disaster, younger people, already few in

to attract young people to the area.

accommodation and are house hunting.

complexity of the situation and the

aging population. In the weeks after the

and additionally, it will have to be able

the stage of looking for emergency

Simply because of the mind-blowing

region long before the tsunami: Tohoku s

Nagato Kimura, President of Kinoya, in front of his new plant‒‒an investment of $500 million.

number, left to find jobs in Sendai,

is no longer a disaster zone but is finally

So why haven t things got underway?

take into account hillsides subject to

going to take place overnight.

and charities have yielded extraordinary

is to make a start.

agricultural zones; and we also have to

sites; therefore redevelopment is not

combined efforts of the IDF, the police,

have been allocated and all that remains

the paddy fields are in designated

landslides and many sacred and historic

The cleanup is nearing its end. The

intelligent systems design. The funds

The Kinoya fish canning plant was completely destroyed by the tsunami.

elsewhere in Japan, many mountainous

of the tragedy, then of the ongoing

full use of renewable technologies and

to re-house entire neighborhoods in new

housing problem. The reader will

Oyster production has now returned to predisaster levels.

appreciate that after a shock of this

production in the region s oysters and

that it s not easy to find the courage to

tsunami levels. Collaboration reigns

magnitude, after having lost everything rebuild one s house, to go to the bank to

get a new mortgage, and to rebuild one s life… all that alone? Even two years on, the rate of people leaving temporary

accommodation remains extremely low at between five and eight percent. This is alarmingly slow, for sure, but where can one re-house so many people

between 60 and 90 year olds? Seventy percent want to move into public

housing. In response, the municipalities have started to build new homes, but they come up against the problem of available land, which is extremely difficult and slow to resolve.

Finally, there s the local economy to rebuild. On the plus side, the local

seafood firms have literally moved

mountains to rebuild their factories;

scallop farms has recovered to pre-

where once there were disputes, and you can see hope on people s faces… until, that is, someone mentions Fukushima. The shellfish farms are confident that their products are safe, because the

local currents are in their favor, but it s not the same for the area s fish stocks.

Local fishermen and businessmen have

to face some difficult questions: Have all the efforts to rebuild, the enthusiasm,

and the millions of yen been expended in vain? Will be possible to solve the

problem of radioactive contamination of the ocean, or will the Japanese fisheries have to be scrapped in five years time? And will it be possible to attract the

younger workforce that the region needs with so uncertain a future?

fishermen have gone back to work; and Originally from Quebec, Canada, she has lived in Japan for over 17 years and manages a communications firm in Tokyo. However, she is most likely to be found in Ishinomaki with NADIA, an organization she founded to aid the victims of the disaster. 2013 Apr

Japan and the world as seen and heard by a globetrotting illustrator

Ichigo-ichie̶one word, one picture̶a moment with Yasuko Senshu

Vol.3

Have Even our Pencils Gone Galapagos ?!?

Kids school supplies used to mainly

once bought an electric eraser that

no matter the pressure applied, is great

notebooks, and pencils, but lately I hear

as a regular one̶it jumped around and

it s so useful you ll want to try cutting

consist of simple things like compasses, they also include items such as ﬂute

cases and personal security alarms. It s

now normal to look in a store s school

supply section for dust rags, protective headgear, and even colorful work

gloves for children. Moms used to make the dust rags their kids use for cleaning the ﬂoors at school by sewing together pieces of old towels, but now you can

ﬁnd them on sale in stores, printed with popular characters! At this rate, it might not be long before they re selling dust rags edged in lace or dotted with rhinestones.

That reminds me̶when I was a child, I had a curry-scented scratch-and-sniﬀ

writing pad. The only problem was that it would make everything else in my backpack smell like curry, too. And I

Yasuko Senshu

Illustrator

turned out to be twice as much trouble erased even stuﬀ I wanted to keep. I

can t count the number of times I ve run to the stationary store for the latest, greatest item, only to regret my impulsiveness later.

Given that history of experimentation,

it s no surprise that Japanese stationary

products today are evolving even faster than ever. Ballpoint pens are now

erasable; staplers staple ﬂatter, making piles of paper more manageable, and even staple-less staplers are

everywhere. I m crazy about my tape dispenser, the Liner Beauty, which

cuts the tape using a straight, rather than serrated, edge, so every piece comes oﬀ looking clean and even.

Olfa s Top Sheet Cutter, which can be

set to cut only the top sheet in a stack

for organizing magazine clippings, but all kinds of things with it.

Incidentally, in Singapore they sell a

souvenir ballpoint pen decorated with one of my Merlion illustrations and a

little ﬁgure. Originally, I was going to

make a mechanical pencil rather than a pen, but then I found out that most people in other countries don t use them as much as we do in Japan. I thought this was odd, since

mechanical pencils are better than

regular pencils for drawing ﬁne lines

and letters, and they provide a better grip so your hand doesn t get tired. Maybe it s just the Japanese who

expect so much from their stationary

products, but I think anyone who tries

them will get hooked on just how good they feel to use.

A leading creator of adorable healing art. Senshu's work, which includes calligraphy pieces that make use of her Level 7 calligraphic skills, as well as illustrations and essays, is suffused with a universally soothing warmth and humanity. Senshu's career spans Asia, from the Japan Trump set of playing cards covering famous Japanese sightseeing spots (supported by the Japan National Tourism Organization), to a sub-brand logo for the Singapore national tourist bureau, and Indonesian playing cards. http://www.sensyuyasuko.com/

TOKYO MARATHON START LIN 24 February 2013, early morning: we asked the runners rapidly assembling in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

How do you feel right now?

Ryuji Sekiya Osaka 2nd time The aim today is to beat my personal best!

Satoko Fukamachi Toyama 1st time Feeling nervous, plus it's cold, so planning to run fast.

Yasumitsu Ogihara Kanagawa 1st time In a panda mood, so c dressed as one. We'll be run for world peace.

Michiko Osato Tokyo 2nd time Running with so many others is a great buzz.

Manabu Ishito Saitama 1st time after applying for 5 years Keen to taste the excitement of achieving my goal, so hoping to struggle through somehow.

Christoper Bullock Michigan, USA 1st time This is my 94th full marathon. The Tokyo Marathon must be the ultimate way to see Tokyo.

2013 Apr

Yuki Okamoto Yokohama, Kanagawa 2nd time I've dreamt of running the Tokyo Marathon ever since I was little. It's wonderful taking in the scenery as you run.

Samarth Suvajarachai Bangkok, Thailand 2nd time Loving it, just on top of the world.

Yasuo Hayashi Akita 2nd time Full marathons are great fun. I take part in running meets every month.

Phiroon Phihakendr Bangkok, Thailand 1st time Like being on holiday!

Shinsuke Kinoshita Gifu 2nd time Running's my thing. Cute outďŹ t, don't you think?

Thomas Parsha Philadelphia, USA 1st time Tense, this being my ďŹ rst time.

came nning

It is pleasant!

David Churchill London, UK 1st time Won at a contest and flew to get here. The atmosphere ahead of the start is great!

Akio Kamosawa Tokyo 2nd time T h i s i s m y f i r s t To k y o Marathon for a while, so I'll be looking to really enjoy it.

RUNNING Yoshiaki Ogata Japan 3rd time Looking forward to that beer after I ďŹ nish.

Koji Morishige Hiroshima 1st time I'm worried about whether I can actually run it without walking at all.

Kazuo Kyoya Hokkaido 1st time This year the race has been promoted to world major status, so I'd like to run a good time.

Miki Itabashi Ibaragi 3rd time Delighted to have encouragement from my Yosakoi team.

Atsushi Kaneda Saitama 2nd time Very pleased with the support from those people lining the course.

Shunsuke Kashiwabara Tokyo 3rd time There's a stiff cold breeze today. Not starting yet, are we?

Neil Cooper UK 1st time Let's just get on with it then!

Tomohiro Kawasaki Hideto Ueki Yakumi Hongo Fukushima 1st time Our teacher chose us. We'll be doing our best!

Kunihiro Shimada Saitama 3rd time Excited to be running between 2.3 million spectators along the route.

Masayo Kubo Okayama 1st time It's huge isn't it? Stoked to be able to be part of it!

Tokyo MK Corporation 2013 Apr 13

9:10AM. 2.24.2013 Start of the T

2013 Apr

Tokyo Marathon!

Let

2013 Apr

! g n i n n u r o sg

Running

for Pleasure

JQR SPECIAL It is pleasant!

RUNNING

Many people seem to have realized recently that running is a really enjoyable sport. In fact there were 303,450 applications for the 2013 Tokyo Marathon! The chances of winning a place in the event were 1 in 10.3, the lowest ever. Running appears to be an easy sport, because all you have to do is run. But there is a lot to learn, and it s harder than you might think. You need knowledge and gear that suits you in order to run comfortably and enjoyably. We ve put together some basic information to help you get to that point. For anyone who wants to try for the ďŹ rst time, or give their running a boost: Now is the time to get out in the warm spring weather and have a go! Photography/Tomoya Takai Text/JQR Editorial Staff

2013 Apr

It is pleasant!

RUNNING Years of research reveal the connection between running and health

Is it Really True that Running is Good for Healthďź&#x;

Running looks healthy, but is it really good for the body? If it is, what is so good about it? To answer this basic question we talked to sports medicine specialist Hiroyuki Ishida, an Associate Professor at the Keio University Institute for Integrated Sports Medicine. Photos: Satoru Naito Text: JQR Editorial Staff

stairs or making short sprints to get to

long-distance runners are more prone knees and ligaments. Leg shape can

contributes to a longer life. says

Long Distance Runners are Generally Slim

benefits to be gained from increasing

competing in the Hakone Ekiden,

through exercise.

maintain the minimum amount of

Researchers around the world started

looking into the connection between health and exercise in the 1960s, and eventually agreed that generally speaking, the habit of exercise

Professor Ishida. There are many

the amount of energy expended

Weight loss is a typical example.

Weight depends on the balance

between energy input and output, so obviously if energy output increases because of exercise the balance will

be in the negative and weight loss can

be expected. Furthermore, people who exercise regularly have a lower

probability of getting diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and

The long-distance runners you see

marathons and so on are all thin. They muscle needed to carry the body, but any unnecessary weight is lost, says Assistant Professor Ishida.

Certainly if you look at the line-up of

competitors for the 100m sprint finals in the Olympics, you might mistake it

research as being good for the body, which I mentioned earlier, is in fact

aerobic exercise. Running is a typical example. Because it s an aerobic

exercise that uses the whole body, the

load is spread throughout the body and can improve cardiopulmonary functions.

If you strengthen your cardiopulmonary functions by applying a greater load

this is the great merit of running.

regular exercise can t just suddenly

start running. They might be able to do 100 or 200 meters, but not be able to go any further. In this case you re

better off starting out with fast walking Ěśwalk for three minutes and then run for one. Repeat this over and over and gradually you ll become able to run longer.

Running is not entirely good though,

with one disadvantage being potential injury.

The price of running for exercise is

than you normally would, daily life will

the great load that it puts on the

that with better bodily fitness you won

depends on the distance covered and

naturally get easier. It stands to reason

t get out of breath from running up the

2013 Apr

are more prone to injury if they run too much because the direction of

gravitational force concentrates weight placement on one section of the joints.

If you re running and it starts to hurt

somewhere, it s essential to stop and not force yourself to keep going. Ice

packs and stretching after running are also important.

If you have pain somewhere, make

treat the affected area properly with an

If you set your mind to it you can do it

However, people who are not used to

Almost all exercise verified by medical

who are bow-legged or knock-kneed

have slim, graceful figures.

marathon runners, on the other hand,

will progress more slowly. exercise?

also make a difference, and people

sure to apply an ice pack. Anyone

anywhere or anytime. I believe that

What are the effects of running as

to damage, with many hurting their

for a muscle building competition. Top

metabolic syndrome, and even if they do get these illnesses, the symptoms

the train on time.

musculoskeletal system. Since load

the length of time taken to run, veteran

whose knees hurt after running should ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes. If the pain is a recurring one then it s

necessary to investigate the cause

thoroughly. Seeing a specialist trainer to get an assessment of leg muscle

balance, flexibility and running form

might be one step towards finding a solution.

Why Running is Good for the Body

Good aerobic exercise improves cardiopulmonary functions

Probable weight loss

Prevention and amelioration of obesity and lifestyle diseases

Words of advice from Assistant Professor Ishida Keep up a steady effort, but tailor your exercise to your

fitness condition and don t strain yourself. It ll seem like too much

bother at first, you might think it too hard or unpleasant, but if you keep going your efforts will start to be rewarded with good things. For example, you ll find it easier

to run, or your weight will start dropping, or the figures on your medical check-up will improve. When that starts happening it

motivates you to keep going. When you re starting out, though, you just have to keep at it. Try to enjoy running. Setting yourself a goal like entering a competition can also be a good thing.

Hiroyuki Ishida Assistant Professor at Keio University s Institute for Integrated Sports Medicine. Sports medicine specialist. Japan Ice Hockey Federation, Medical Committee Chair, International Ice Hockey Federation Chief Medical Officer, Japan Olympic Committee Medical Support SubCommittee Member.

2013 Apr

It is pleasant!

RUNNING

Caring for your body is the path to enjoyable running

Running Troubles

Causes and Solutions

More and more runners are complaining of pain and injury. How to run safely is something that everyone needs to learn before they ﬁnd themselves willing but unable to run. Takeshi Soga, trainer for the Japanese track and ﬁeld team, and personal trainer for athlete Dai Tamesue, gives us some pointers. Photos/ Satoru Naito

Text/ JQR Editorial Staff

Running may be a simple sport, all

posture. On a long run tiredness

this case I prioritize recovery from

can escalate and it gets hard on the

slumps and drops ‒ every runner is

massages are only be a stopgap

you do is run, but over time injuries body. Takeshi Soga, who has

trained top track and field athletes

bound to have had this experience.

runners with their running, and was

Build up running muscles To create a body that doesn t get hurt

aches and pains. The casual ease of

What is the best way to deal with

for many years, sounds the alarm.

Soga turned freelance six years ago to help ordinary non-professional

surprised at how many runners have running is its appeal, but the stress

it puts on the body is actually much

these kinds of pains?

People usually see a doctor when

greater than you might think.

they injure themselves. The doctor

complain about?

get better, but that alone is not

What kind of pains do runners Pain in the knees, ankles, lower

back, spine and shoulders.

Sometimes it s simply a case of stiff muscles. For example, if the knees

hurt, it doesn t necessarily mean that the problem lies only with the knees. If the front thigh muscles are terribly stiff, it puts a strain on the knees.

The back of the knees hurts because the hip joint is not being used and

shock is absorbed by the knees and

ankles as you run. Stiffness and pain in the calves has its roots in a lack

of flexibility in the ankles and soles

gets rid of the pain and helps you

enough to be able to keep running. More fundamental treatment is

needed. If you never run again it

won t matter, but if you continue to

run the pain will come back without fail.

Soga recommends first finding the

around the lower back not being able to maintain support for the running

2013 Jan Apr

body. It s necessary to build up muscle.

Soga points out that building up

muscles to keep the pelvis stable

while running̶with the pelvis and

lumbar spine in the correct position ̶is more important than anything else. In other words, you need to

strengthen and tone the whole trunk. Of course you can do this by

running, but that will necessarily

have to be a very gradual process. If you run more than your muscle

strength can support and put too

much stress on the body, it will lead to injury, so it is important to know how much is too much.

I believe that to free yourself from

Some people talk about form , but

movement related, he recommends

methods that will correct movement or build up muscle.

It s very important to know why the

get better from rest? Muscles get

complaint, is due to the muscles

muscle and strength to support their

the affected area. If the problem is

muscle problem aggressively treating

run with a kick step starting on the Lower back pain, a common

measure for people who have no

pain requires actively getting treated

pain occurred. Does it hurt because

front of the foot.

fatigue first and give a massage. But

root cause of the pain, and if it s a

of the feet, which makes stress more likely to occur. Many runners also

accumulates, and the lower back

muscle tension is too strong? Will it

tight and lose flexibility as tiredness accumulates. When that happens,

you soon get tired from the smallest thing. There s no muscle strength

and stamina. That leads to pain. In

and getting the muscles to work. you can t be in form if you don t have the muscles.

Once you are able to run well, it s

not the thigh muscles that tire, but the muscles surrounding the hip

joints ‒ the iliopsoas and pelvic area muscles. Once you ve got the knack of a smooth forward motion rather

than a bouncing one, you should be able to keep extending yourself.

Takeshi Soga Trainer for the Japanese Athletics Team since the 1998 Asian Games. Went freelance in 2007 and became personal trainer to Dai Tamesue. JOC Staff Trainer, Japan Association of Athletics Federations, Medical Committee Trainer Sub-Committee. Runs the TKC acupuncture and massage clinic to treat non-professional and professional athletes.

How to enjoy running without injury 1

Ascertain the cause of any pains

Build up muscles for running

Go at your own pace, don t push it

Words of Advice from Takeshi Soga Do three to five minutes of stretching first in order to relax the body. Stretch the lower back thoroughly, as well as the front and back of the thighs,

the Achilles tendons, shoulder blades and sides, and twist the

whole body. After that don t start running immediately, instead

begin with walking and gradually increase your speed over five

minutes. Cool-down is vital. You often see people stop completely

once they reach the goal, but that puts a strain on cardiopulmonary functions, so you should slow jog or walk for five minutes while

TKC BODY DESIGNďź&#x2C6;TKC Acupuncture and Massage Court Gardenia 201, Yutenji 1-27-2, Meguro-ku, Tokyo TEL. 03-6659-6167

breathing returns to normal. Bring the body back from being fired-up into a relaxed state. If you have time then it s good to do some stretching here as well.

2013 2013 Apr Jan

It is pleasant!

RUNNING

To achieve your ideal performance

A Visit to the Running Lab

Self Awareness Improves Running ďź

You are the person who knows the least about your running style. Simply being aware of this fact can let you achieve your ideal performance. At Running Lab you can get an objective analysis of your running performance through scientiďŹ c analysis. For anyone serious about wanting to enhance their running capability, a visit to Running Lab is a must. Photography/Tomoya Takai Model/Julia Planning & Text/JQR Editorial Staff

At the end of February, with the

excitement of the Tokyo Marathon still fresh in people s minds, Julia

paid a visit to the Asics Running Lab in Ginza, Tokyo. Julia runs regularly

to maintain her modeling figure, but

it s not something she s good at. She wanted an objective assessment of

her running style and form, plus hints on how she could run further and with greater enjoyment.

Objective analysis of running performance At Running Lab they evaluate a runner s characteristics and

performance scientifically in order to provide an objective analysis that will help a runner to improve. In other words, it s a runner s laboratory.

Taking detailed measurements of the legs and checking flexibility.

of feet and thigh joints, softness of muscles and heel and lower leg angles.

Measurement Checklist Foot shape

Lower leg alignment Body composition

To start, Asics staff member Reiko

Muscle strength

about how far and how often Julia

Total stamina

Kubo asked some simple questions ran every month.

The test for muscle strength

consisted of measuring the ability to bend and extend the knee. Julia was encouraged by Ms. Kubo to use all

her strength, and her face went red

as she gritted her teeth with exertion. The results showed her right leg is above average while her left leg is

below. That means a big difference

Running style

We all have differences between our right and left sides. Julia s left foot turned out to have a smaller

circumference than her right. It was also discovered that her heel angle

Detailed data report of all checklist items.

was turned out considerably,

indicating that she could easily put a destabilizing force on her feet. The next step was to measure Julia s foot shape. This involved taking

measurements of different parts of the feet, just like in a shoe fitting; the length, circumference, heel

width, instep height, arch height, of

heel and angle of big toe bend. Then it was time to measure the flexibility

2013 Jan

After this it was time to check Julia s body composition. It was found that for every kilogram of body

weight her body burns 23.1 calories. That result put a smile on Julia s

face, as you can t ask for anything

better than a metabolism that burns fat extremely easily.

Muscle power is important for a graceful running style, but the balance of both legs is also important.

between left and right: a 16.4 kg

and faster you can run before fatigue

(absolute muscle value) and a 31.1

lactic acid does not build up as a

This result indicated that Yulia

amounts, and as long as your energy

difference for knee extension

builds up. Below the AT threshold

kg difference for bending the knee.

by-product of fatigue in excessive

would need to build up the muscles

is replenished, you can keep on

in her left leg.

exercising indefinitely.

Revealing subtle imbalances hidden by a comfortable style

According to these results Yulia s

At last it was time for Julia to

actually get on the treadmill to

assess her running style. At the same time she wore a mask to

AT base is 9.5 km/h, and if she

were to run a full marathon at this Cameras positioned in front and behind, above and to the sides take pictures to record your running style.

rate it would take her four hours and

twenty-six minutes to reach the finish line.

Four Areas of Training

measure her total stamina and record

per minute, and she has a tendency

① Running training

during running.

stable with no instability at the

③ Enhanced flexibility

data on her respiratory metabolism

First Julia ran for 2 minutes at 7.0

km/h, then upped the pace to 7.5

km/h. After that she stepped up the pace by 0.5 km/h every minute.

At first she appeared to be running quite easily, but the mask looked

rather uncomfortable and sweat was

to stride. While her body axis is

moment of ground impact, and

her legs is smooth, it was noted that

The print-outs of images provided

it easy to see what they meant. For

lifting higher than the left.

soon running down her brow. She

Total body stamina is important for running capability

giving up. It seemed as though Ms.

At Running Lab the stamina used for

longer, but there was still a

with an index called the Anaerobic

results of the tests.

The analysis of her running style

indicated that Julia s gait is wide for her height with a low ratio of steps

images of her running style. Also

included was a recommended

alongside the numerical results made

also unbalanced, with the right foot

to change, Ms. Kubo explained the

Science of Running, and a DVD with

motion.

side. The kick up for both feet was

After Julia went to the locker room

report, a booklet entitled The

knees and a marked up-and-down

Julia s head was moving from side to

respectable amount of data.

Finally, Ms. Kubo handed Julia her

she has a tendency to run with bent

from directly above it was clear that

Kubo would have liked Yulia to run

④ Style improvement

forward propulsion of her body and

example, in the photograph taken

ran like this for ten minutes before

② Muscle training

training schedule based on Julia s

data, broken into four categories. For the runner looking to better their

performance and style, this is the perfect manual. When Julia received this she was all smiles and started talking about trying for the Tokyo

Marathon. We look forward to seeing her form in one year s time. I can t wait until next year s Tokyo Marathon.

respiratory metabolism is measured Threshold (the threshold at which transition to anaerobic activity

occurs). This indicates the point at

which the body shifts from aerobic

to anaerobic metabolic activity. The

higher the anaerobic threshold, that

is the level at which aerobic exercise

intensity can continue before tipping into anaerobic activity, the longer

Ms. Kubo hands over the measurement results, booklet and DVD. Has Julia perhaps made a new resolution?

Asics Running Lab

Asics Store Tokyo, NTT Ginza Building 1F, Ginza 8-chome 2-7, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Open everyday ☎ 03-3572-8303 ￥21,000 (running performance evaluation)

※ Limited to customers aged over twenty ※ Reservations accepted from one month in advance up to 6:00 pm two days before.

It is pleasant!

RUNNING

Interview with Jean-François Follum, Designer in Chief for Innovation at New Balance.

Running shoe design: A revolution!

The design for a new running shoe is ﬁnalized between three and ﬁve years before it s released on the market. For New Balance running shoes account for 80 percent of turnover. JQR asked the chief designer of New Balance to tell us about the latest trends. Photography/Tomoya Takai Text/JQR Editorial Staff

had to redesign all our products for both

edition. So much so that they are in

produced an entirely new range of shoes

with collectors. There are also running

elite and non-elite runners, and we ve from extreme minimalist to about half the size of a conventional shoe.

: Who is spearheading this new

movement?

:Mainly runners who are not too

worried about speed but are more concerned about health, technique, and

avoiding injuries. Elite runners are more

Jean-François Follum ：For the past three years, running-shoe design has undergone

a complete transformation. In the wake of the minimalist running movement, runners

want much lighter, more flexible materials that can closely mimic barefoot running. Rather than running heel to toe, the runner

lands on the middle part of the foot, so the shoes have to be adapted to this new running style.

: What impact has this had on

design?

:We ve had to re-think and re-invent

the whole shoe. It s easy to cut down on the weight and increase flexibility, but you

still have to think about cushioning. We

2013 Apr

to keep on top of the trends in every country.

: It seems that models change all

year. Just for running we can produce 30

technique could lead to serious injuries.

Materials are constantly changing.

They might switch to the new shoes on training days when they aren t so focused on speed.

: Are the new designs the same the

world over?

:The greatest challenge for my team

interesting: We have to design for the

used to these past 30 years?

: What are your greatest challenges?

:The most difficult thing in my job is

trained with conventional shoes, and such

is also what makes the job the most

: Can we say goodbye to the

and have then been exported to the States.

the time.

drastic change s i n b o th f o o twe ar and

traditional running shoes that we ve been

styles that have been developed in Japan

conservative in their choice of footwear, for the simple reason that they ve always

Born in Val d Or, Quebec, Canada, Jean-François Follum started his career designing hockey skates and equipment for Bauer. He then went on to design sports shoes for Nike in Oregon, before joining New Balance in Boston, where he was appointed Designer in Chief of the Running Shoe Innovations Division. He leads a team of five designers who collaborate with engineers and biomechanics specialists.

demand in the U.S. where they re popular

: We remodel our product line twice a

or 40 different models every year. Sometimes a change between models can

seem very minor, but it might lead to major changes in comfort and technique. We learn a great deal as we work. For other models, we do a full redesign because

many consumers want something completely new.

: And when can we expect to see a

global market, but each country has it

machine that molds the shoe to our foot?

requirements. That s why we have a

advanced stage of development! That s the

have relatively broad feet. And here we

you can expect another revolution!

particular aesthetic and functional

dedicated team for Japan. The Japanese make products with shapes that are totally

different from what you ll find in the U.S. and Europe. The technology is different,

because Japanese athletes have very specific requirements, such as more rigid

support. What we sell to top competitors in

t h e U. S . , f o r e x a m p l e , w e l l m a r k e t t o slower runners in Japan. And there s also the issue of colors: In Japan we use much brighter color schemes.

: Do Japanese models sometimes go

global?

:We ve done several tie-dye models

here with really great, unique colors that

have given them the appeal of a limited

: It s coming! We re already at an

Holy Grail of shoe design. And very soon,

Try the much discussed fitting service!

How to Choose Advanced Shoes

Shoe fitting specialists offer advice on selecting the right shoes with the help of footprint analysis systems. Visit a specialist when you want to buy new running shoes; you will be sure to find ones that better fit your feet. t an t! Ge smen es ass

Photography/Tomoya Takai Text/JQR Editorial Staff

MIZUNO Precision Fit 1

What are the most important things to consider when

choosing shoes? Of course you answered size and

comfort. However, when

running long distances, it is

essential to understand how well your shoes fit your feet.

You may think a pair fits well when you try them on at the The footwear adviser visually checks your foot shape and joint flexibility.

Simply step up on the platform. The adviser measures the length and width of your feet using Precision Fit.

The measurements appear on the monitor. The adviser explains the specific characteristics of your feet using the screen.

store, but five or 10 kilometers of running may change your

mind. Slightly mis-fitting shoes can lead to serious foot problems.

Running-shoe stores have

special machines that analyze the size and shape of your

feet so they can recommend

the optimal shoe for your feet.

The fitting staff first check your The adviser selects a few pairs of shoes that would suit your feet based on the measurement data and explains each pair s distinct features.

Try them on for comfort. Simply tying your shoes diﬀerently can relieve the stress your feet feel.

If you have high arches, try the shoes on again with insoles. Now you should have a perfectly ﬁtting pair of running shoes.

ask how often you train and

your orientation as a runner.

Next, they use the machine to

Enquiries: S port Mizuno, 3-1 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3233-7000

analyze the shape of your feet.

t an t! Ge smen s e ass

ASICS FOOT ID

actual gait and direction, then

Finally, they combine all this

information to select the best shoes for you.

The footprint analyzer s

specifications will vary

according to the manufacturer, but measurement takes only minutes. You will be

fascinated to learn so much

new information about your feet, such as their length, girth, height, heel width, The store clerk attaches spots to your bare foot. Place your foot on the 3rd-generation Footprint Measuring Machine to have it scanned.

The machine takes seven measurements, including length, girth and heel width. Scanning takes two to three minutes.

A 3-D reproduction of your foot appears on the monitor. The display also shows the weight distribution on your soles.

inclination, and arch height

‒ even the angle your big toes curve.

Shoes that match your

potential are tools that help bring out your best

performance. If you feel stress

when you run, visit a specialist and reevaluate your shoes.

The clerk selects shoes based on your balance, heel direction and gait.

Try on both shoes of each recommended pair to see how they ﬁt.

The clerk emphasizes that selecting shoes is not just about length; it is important to know the width of your feet and shape of your toes.

Enquiries: ASICS Store Tokyo, 8-2-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3572-8301 2013 Apr

It is pleasant!

RUNNING

For your running pleasure

New Running Shoe Catalogu Photography / Satoru Naito; Text/JQR Editorial Staff

MIZUNO

For beginner runners

Prima Cantabile

¥ 7,980-

Stable and cushioned entry shoes. These entry-model running shoes are ideal for people who are about to

take up running or want to leisurely enjoy the sport. A seamless design that

wraps the feet and stable, cushioned soles give your feet the support they need for comfortable and enjoyable running.

Wave Rider 16

For intermediate and advanced runners

¥12,600-

Aiming for a record and minimizing damage when landing.

The AP+ mid-soles, which improve wearability and resilience, absorb the impact of landing and promise a smooth run with a spring in each step.

They only weigh 350 grams (weight of one 27-cm men s shoe) and are designed to ﬁt well. 26 26

Enquiries: Mizuno Customer Service Center 0120-320-799 2013 Apr

ue 2013

Selecting a pair of running shoes that suit your running ability is essential. We introduce the latest shoes from four leading brands.

NIKE

For beginner and intermediate runners

NIKE FREE 5.0+

¥11,550-

Shoes with very flexible midsoles for everyone. Grooves cut lengthwise and crosswise along the entire midsole make it

possible to experience even more natural foot movement. Aimed at all

runners, the shoes have a Nike Free barefoot level positioned between standard running shoes and actual bare feet.

For advanced runners

NIKE FREE 3.0 V5

¥11,550-

Your feet and shoes are one, the closest you can get to feeling barefoot. The stylish look of the latest model in the NIKE FREE series helps you

imagine you are running lightly. The sensation that your shoes and feet

have merged together makes you feel like you are barefoot. This is a model for elite runners, bringing out their latent human running instincts. 27 Enquiries: NIKE Customer Service Center 0120-500-719

2013 Apr

It is pleasant!

RUNNING

ASICS

For beginner runners

GT-2000 NEW YORK ¥12,390-

Shoes that smooth your step and provide higher stability. The latest model in the highly stable GT series is very popular with beginners. The Guidance Trusstic design leads the foot when it steps, and the Dynamic DuoMax system in the midsole lightens the burden on the feet.

For advanced runners

TARTHERZEAL

¥13,650-

A shift in the center of gravity, fit for a comfortable run.

With a fit and a lightness made for running fast, the sole is designed to properly grip the ground. For running eﬃciency, the inside and the outside of

the shoes have distinct diﬀerences in hardness and smoothly control the shift in the center of gravity of the outside with the resilience of the inside. 28 28

Enquiries: ASICS Customer Service Center 0120-068-806 2013 Apr

adidas

For beginner and intermediate runners

energy boost

¥14,700

Lightens the burden on your feet and lower back and uses impacts to propel you.

The newly developed BOOSTTM foam in the midsoles combines contradictory

functions: bounce performance and high cushioning. The shoes transform the impact of the foot on the ground into a propelling force, while relieving the burden on your feet and lower back. These shoes, which move the feet forward naturally, are a delight for both beginner and intermediate runners.

For advanced runners

adizero Takumi Sen

¥15,750

A racing model for those who want thorough fastrunning functionality.

This running model is for serious runners wanting to beat their previous best.

Adidas partnered with master craftsman Hitoshi Mimura, who has designed

shoes for many top athletes, to develop running shoes based on the concept of making Japanese runners faster. This supreme pair of shoes is purely functional. 29 Enquiries: ADIDAS Group Customer Service Center 0120-810-654

2013 Apr

It is pleasant!

RUNNING Run eﬃciently with the help

of a running watch

A running watch can boost your training and motivation. Running watches have come a long way in terms of functionality. They go far beyond the basic function of recording distance and time; they can even help you stay at your optimal speed (exercise intensity). A must-have item for the serious runner. Photography / Satoru Naito Text/JQR Editorial Staff

Wristable GPS SS-300R ¥ 24,800-

（retail）

Omron Continuous Strapless Heart Rate Monitor HR-500U

EPSON

¥14,800-

This GPS running watch ac c urat ely records running data for up to 14 hours. You can check distance and pace at a glance and the data it collects can help you maintain your regular training program even in unfamiliar locations with no distance indicators. The thin, lightweight design is also perfect to wear to work every day.

Omron s proprietary sensor technology measures blood flow through capillaries on the wrist to determine heart rate in real time. Based on these readings, the watch monitors the exercise intensity of your run and classifies it into one of the four training zones. A programmable optimal level of exercise intensity allows you to boost training efficiency.

Inquiry: Epson Information Center ☎ 050・3155・ 8280

OMRON

NIKE+ SPORTWATCH GPS ¥ 20,790-

The watch will give you a little nudge by reminding you to run after five days have passed great for getting into the habit of regular workouts. GPS on the watch and the Nike shoe sensor attachment accurately tracks distance and other statistics. Distance, pace per kilo and calories burned are displayed on the screen. After your run, you can upload the data to your PC or Mac to manage data on where you ran and how many laps you completed. The nikeplus.jp site also offers a social component that allows you to compare records and compete with other runners. Inquiry: Nike Customer Service 0120・500・719

2013 Apr

Inquiry: Omron Healthcare Customer Service Center 0120・ 30・6606

SOMA RunONE 300PACE ¥13,650-

SOMA is a brand dedicated to sports lovers. The stylish display is tilted 30 degrees from the standard position for easy reading. It displays pace, pitch and even calories expended in addition to distance. You will get an excellent workout by programming your ideal pace in advance.

NIKE Seiko Instruments Inc.

Details: Customer Service, Seiko Instruments, Inc. 0120・181・671

Mixing fun with running

Unique marathons across Japan in 2013

We handpicked upcoming running events that come with an added twist. Put the progress made in your daily training to the test while enjoying memorable moments. Sea of Japan Melon Marathon (Akita) A spectacular sunset over the Sea of Japan will be the highlight of the run. Each participant will take home two juicy melons. You can also enjoy all-you-can-eat melon, a local specialty, to quench your thirst after your run! A drawing will be held for invitation to the Okinawa Marathon (Runners who completed the half marathon or the 10-K race are eligible).

■ Venue: Tateyama Kinrin Koen (Oga-shi) ■ Date: Sunday, August 4 ■ Distance: Half, 10-K, 5-K, 3.6-K ■ Max. Participants: N/A ■ Fee: ¥2,000 for secondary school students, ¥3,000 for runners aged 18 to 65; ¥4,000 per pair ■ Sign-up period: May 13 to June 20 (tentative) ■ Inquiries: Wakami Athletic Center 0185-46-3113

GAMBARUZO! Ski Slopes Reverse Run in Fukushima: Evolution 2013 Going uphill/If we run together/There s nothing to fear. First All-Japan Ski Slopes Reverse Run Relay This event was organized to support ski resorts in Fukushima which have lost many visitors since the nuclear disaster. This year the event will be held at ﬁve ski resorts. You can run all the races or just one of them. The routes are incredibly diﬃcult, but you ll have fun in the company of likeminded souls.

■ Venue: Numajiri Ski Slopes (Inawashiro-machi, Fukushima Prefecture) ■ Date: Saturday, August 3 ■ Distance: 10-K ■ Max. Participants: 500 ■ Fee: ¥2,500/person, ¥3,000/2 persons, ¥3,600/3 persons, ¥4,800/4 persons ■ Deadline: July 26 ■ Inquiries: http://www.gambaruzo.jp

Tsumagoi Highland Cabbage Marathon (Gunma) You will run through seemingly endless cabbage fields with nothing to obstruct the breathtaking views of majestic mountains in the distance. Absolutely picture-perfect panoramic views throughout. In addition to a souvenir tee-shirt, the participant will be given a cabbage, a highly praised local specialty.

■ Venue: Multipurpose Athletic Field, Tokai University Tsumagoi Kogen Training Center, Baragi Highland, Azuma-Gun ■ Date: Sunday, July 7 ■ Distance: Half Marathon/10-K/5-K/2-K ■ Max. Participants: 3,500 ■ Fee: ¥3,000 for high school students and older, ¥1,500 for elementary/junior high students, ¥3,500 for child/ parent pairs (child must be an elementary school student or younger ■ Sign-up period: Late March to late May ■ Inquiries: http://www.vill. tsumagoi.gunma.jp/

RUNNET Friday Night Relay Marathon in National Stadium (Tokyo) In this maranic (marathon + picnic) event held every month, participants run at their own pace while enjoying leisurely conversations with other runners, rather than competing with each other. Rest spots abound, and it is a great way to meet other like-minded souls.

■ Venue: Tsurumigawa Riverbed (Yokohama-shi) ■ Dates: Sunday, July 28, Sunday, August 25; Sunday, September 22; Sunday October 13; Sunday, November 24; and Sunday, December 22 ■ Distance: 20-K/30-K/40-K ■ Max. Participants: 50 for each distance category ■ Fee: ¥2,000 for 20-K, ¥3,000 for 30-K , ¥4,000 for 40-K ■ Deadline: Two weeks prior to each event ■ Inquiries: http://run.class14.com

Monthly Challenge Tsurumigawa (Kanagawa) Their rule calls for husband-and-wife pairs to finish the race hand-in-hand after running the route together. If you and your wife or husband love running, we highly recommend this race. (There is a separate Pre-Oshidori division for couples who are about to get married)

Umaji Oshidori (Loving Couple) Marathon (Kochi) Their rule calls for husband-and-wife pairs to ﬁnish the race hand-in-hand after running the route together. If you and your wife or husband love running, we highly recommend this race. (There is a separate Pre-Oshidori division for couples who are about to get married)

Goto Islands Sunset Marathon (Nagasaki)

The race starts at 5 p.m. to enable runners to experience the breathtaking views of a sunset along the shoreline. Watermelons will be distributed at rest spots throughout. At the ﬁnish line, participants can sample Goto Beef and enjoy the post-run events, including a concert under the stars. This romantic run is a great way to wrap up the summer.

■ Venue: Umaji Marathon Course (Aki-gun) ■ Date: Sunday, September 15 ■ Distance: 3-K or 5-K (Oshidori Division), 5-K (Pre-Oshidori Division) ■ Max. Participants: N/A ■ Fee: ¥5,000/couple ■ Sign-up period: Early July to Mid-August ■ Inquiries: Board of Education of Umaji-mura umaji-v@kochinet.ed.jp

■ Venue: Goto Minato Koen (Goto-shi) ■ Date: Saturday, August 24 ■ Max. Participants: N/A *Details will be available from mid-April on the website ■ Inquiries: http://www.gotokanko.jp

2013 Apr

apan

ut J Talking Abo

話 A Co n

そ

を

Long-distance running in Japan

●

う

Res ith Foreign w n o ti a rs ve

Simon Bray（イギリス） Andrew Flynn （アメリカ） Ron Choi（韓国・アメリカ）

idents

Spring is the perfect season to step outside to stretch those rusty legs and get back in shape before summer. Whatever sport you do, you'll always need either specific gears, tools, a ground, a pool or a partner. However, running is the only sport that needs none of those. You just go out and you run. But running long distances in fast times takes some shape et mostly takes some guts! Japan has a particular love for running. Would it be for marathons or relays, people travel the country to go cheer runners. Schools have compulsory marathon days. TV channels have their 24h running challenges. But how is it for foreigners to run in this country? JQR has met with three hard-core adrenaline-addicted men...

JQR: How did you get into running? : I was running when I was at high

school but stopped when I started working and 25 years later, that would be 3 years

ago, a friend of mine invited me back to it. I turned up injured after 2km so I realized it

was time for me to take care of myself. So I have been running since and today I now weigh less than my high school days.

: I was playing soccer at high

school but me too, I didn't do anything for

25 years and 4 years ago, I thought I should be as well taking care of myself and I asked

my brother about it. I discovered then that he was running a marathon a year for years! : Really ?!!!

: Yep. Big family and we don't tell

each other everything! But he taught me the bare-foot running technique.

: I used to play soccer and tennis too

when I was younger. I kept running for years but not seriously. Mostly at the weekend

around the park near the place I was living.

: The ﬁrst time was with an OXFAM

charity trail event. You have to walk-up Yamanakako at Mt. Fuji within 48hrs. I

the ground continuously for... we run long-

attracted to that and tried it out. I can still

saturday morning. That's about 2 or 3 hours

saw trail-runners and found myself very

remember my ﬁrst time coming down a

mountain and being very scared and excited at the same time! And ever since then I've been addicted to the trails.

JQR: But why running out of any other sport?

: It's the most natural thing that a

human can do!

JQR: Walking is! :But it is not as exciting!

: You can't go as far!

: There is something about running

actually here in Japan.

blood runs faster obviously so there must be

2013 Apr

: Yes.

: There is a beat when your feet touch

started to get into that but then in the trails I

that you can't get when you walk. It's a

JQR: Where?

high right?

100km from Odawara through Mt. Hakone to

But it's about three years ago that I got more into running in high mountains and it was

JQR: You guys are talking about runner's

trance. It's almost hypnotic for me. Your something caused by that.

distances. I run more than 30km every of that beat and adrenaline.

JQR: But you can get that when you do any kind of sport...

run.

: You are more isolated when you : There's something primitive about

running. But it is also a great way to cut out from your daily stress. Mentally it is helping

me. I have a very complicated job and three

kids when I come home. So when I run, I just focus on running and take a break from all those complicated factors of my life.

: Some people take that time to do

some sort of meditation, others work out

problems while they run. No-one's going to be bothering you.

: And it takes nothing to run. You just

put on shoes and get out of the door.

Running in Japan

Talking to foreign residents in Japan

Meet our iewees!!! rv three inte

Simon Bray

Andrew Flynn

Ron Choi

From London, UK, and living in Japan since 10 years ago, he has been running all his life but really got into trail-running in thanks to Japan.

From NY, USA, he has lived 3 years in Tokyo 10 years ago and has been back here for 6 months. He started to run to get ďŹ t again 4 years ago.

From Alabama, USA, Ron has lived in Japan for 8 years. He started to run seriously 3 years ago.

2013 Apr

can't go to sleep at night, I

you need is your core strength.

middle of the night, alone,

JQR: But to learn for example the bare-foot

refreshed.

practice?

just run out the door in the and come back all

: I've run home from

the oﬃce. It's only 10km so

the most natural way of running.

stress relief.

running. I run 120km or so a month so I sort

running that we do is not

stress into my knees.

see for example in parks

JQR: Is there a big diﬀerence compared to

: And the type of

the same as the people you running and chatting along. That is more social running.

though!

: Yes! When you run in the mountains

you have to be self-suﬃcient, so you have to carry a little more things. You can't stop at a convenience store or a vending machine! And it could rain, snow, you have to be prepared!

: Food as well...

: The ﬁrst time I went to the

mountains I carried diet biscuits and after 4

hours I realized that these were not going to give me enough calories to run! So I learned the hard way! : LOL !

: Actually Calory-mate bars in

Japan are really good for that.

: With those, it's a good indicator to

see if you're dehydrated. When they start sticking in your mouth and get hard to

swallow, that's the sign that you've not taken enough water.

: I don't think they were made for

that purpose though! : LOL !

JQR: And you always run alone? : Well in the mountains it's always

best to have someone with you.

: Ahah! But when I go with him, we

talk on the train, but then he's so fast that we actually are together but don't run together!

: LOL!

: But generally I prefer to run alone. It is

the only time I can be by myself. If I go with somebody I have to talk and entertain a conversation. So, especially when

complicated issues at work come up and I

2013 Apr

: No, you just start slowly and it is

it takes less than an hour but still it's such a great

: For Simon you need a little more

technique, did you need to do some speciﬁc

JQR: So to get to your level of running, do you need some speciﬁc training?

: You build up slowly with a certain

: I naturally discovered bare-foot

of ﬁgured out very quickly how not to put

traditional running style?

: It's the diﬀerence between straining

your joints or straining your muscles. I use

the 5-ﬁngers 2mm thin shoes and with this

technique you use mainly your calves, which the theory says where originally naturally

building up to running, before the invention

amount of km you do within a certain amount

of the Nike-cushion running shoe.

week you add a little bit more. There is no

because you don't feel the ground, and the

of time. You must you keep at it and each

: Those cushions feel good

special magic stretch that will help you get

pushing-back elasticity actually does more

faster or better.

damage to the knee without you realizing it.

JQR: So you don't need to build up your

JQR: How is running in Japan any diﬀerent

body with other kinds of exercise? : I do cycling. JQR: To get better at running? : No. To get from A to B.

: LOL !!

: Elite professional runners

from other countries?

: When I was in New York I used

to run in the well-established running route of central park. As I came to Japan just a

few months ago I only did one race but I also started trail-running which is fantastic.

:Well for me that's the big thing

about Tokyo. You get trains that bring people

certainly do special workouts and undergo

from 200km away into the city each morning

and reduce their times. But otherwise, all

weekend and be in the mountain within an

speciﬁc diets to achieve better performance

and you can take that same train during the

Running in Japan hour! And half an hour more, you can't hear any signs of civilization! That would have been hard to do back in the ﬂat London.

: In Japan the trails network is very

well developed. You have km and km of

always have a path on their side, so it's great.

: When you run in the

mountains you can see more scenery. On a road you do

trails and they are all well mapped.

around 20 km but with trail-

JQR: Do you also run in the city?

more than 30km. Hiking up and

running you can easily do about running down surrounded by all that beautiful scenery is

: Yes.

: One thing is very diﬀerent here: the

fantastic. That's why it is a

traﬃc rule!

great thing to do it in Japan.

JQR: Why?

JQR: How do you get into Tokyo Marathon?

: I joined a running group recently and

everyone was stopping at every traﬃc light. And there are traﬃc lights here, at every corner...

: We don't!

: LOL!!

: You have to be good, or lucky, or...

donate! We take part in a charity run, so we

: LOL!!

: Even at small alleys where there's

nobody. People stop and idle. I would never

donate a certain amount to get places.

: I was so busy I forgot to apply so I

: I've just signed up for a 160km run

around Mt. Fuji! : Wow!

: But Tokyo Marathon is just great.

do that in the States! But it's safer. So it

had to pitch in as well in the charity team!

There are a lot people wearing costumes, it's

20km...

nationals who want to enter. But this time

I've seen one runner dressed as a religious

took 6 and a half hour to ﬁnish around

: They do give priority to foreign

unfortunately I did not get into this year's

: LOL !

: But there are lots of clubs and it's a

Tokyo Marathon, because I didn't apply in

great way to discover very nice courses, like

time. But to compensate last week I did a

Tokyo Marathon ones.

longer than a marathon by... maybe 2km! But

the seven Temples, the Yamanote, or the

: Tokyo has a lot of rivers and they

technically Ultra-marathon. In reality it is it was kind of fun.

But runners stop at traffic lights! There are so many nice rivers to run along in Tokyo!

not taken too seriously, it's like a big festival. ﬁgure and running the entire marathon

bare-feet! You can also see Tokyo Towers or Sky Trees...

: But we both will have to wear the

charity t-shirt... : LOL!

That's why I run in the great mountains!

2013 Apr

QR 1

Quality Review

OTA TOKIO Shitamachi Bobsleigh Photography/Tomoya Takai, Text/JQR

of MATERIAL, immediately took on

were tested and adjusted one by one

the record time of only three weeks,

booster seat was crafted by hand

born. The design followed the strict

the inside of the toboggan to the

Bobsleighing and Tobogganing

will be an integral part of the made-

from the constant collaboration of

generation of Ota bobsleighs.

Toshio Wakita. The first model is

An Ota bobsleigh costs around ¥10

immediately understood that the new

order. Because bobsleighing is an

from the secondhand toboggan they

sleigh can reach speeds of 87mph

Japanese winter sports games in

least 18 years old to take part. The

also beat their personal best time.

1 on ice. Thanks to team Ota, the

FIBT immediately realized that the

players on the international

international rankings.

Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014.

drawing board: A new more compact

Japan had yet to shine; it would

What s so special about it?

time, and within the comparatively

At 10.5 feet (320 cm) long and

000).

s ultra-light composite carbon hull

The first Japanese bobsleigh designed and built in four weeks Tokyo s Ota Ward boasts 4,000 firms specializing in metal components for

motorcars, bullet trains, and other hitech products. The area is a hotspot

of high-quality industrial design and production. Proud of his

neighborhood, Satoshi Kosugi hit on the idea of getting all this local

know-how together to create a single

product that would demonstrate to

the world the quality and excellence of the technological skill

concentrated in a one place: Ota. To be really noticed, the product would have to compete on the world s

sporting stage in a field in which have to be manufactured in a short limited budget of ¥30 million ($300,

A bobsleigh is born! When Kosugi unveiled his idea to local firms, the general response was,

A bob-what?!

Because

bobsleighing is not a sport that is

well known in Japan. Nevertheless, thanks to the enthusiasm generated

by the idea of a grand collaborative

project involving the whole neighborhood, Kosugi managed to convince 32 firms to take up the challenge. Junichi Hogai, the CEO

● For more information: http://bobsleigh.jp

2013 Apr

the leadership role for the project. In

so as to absorb all vibrations. The

the first Japanese bobsleigh was

during the tests on the track, to mold

criteria set by the International

body of the pilot. This component

Federation (FIBT ), and benefited

to-measure concept of the next

athletes, including former Olympian destined for a women s team, who

million ($100,000) and is built to

bobsleigh was completely different

extremely dangerous sport‒‒as the

d been using until then. At the

(140 km/h)‒‒athletes must be at

Nagano, the women won gold, and

sport is often described as Formula

The professional athletes of the

Japanese will become important

new bobsleigh will shake up the

bobsleigh scene, especially at the

The next models are already on the and ergonomic sleigh for the women

s team, and two completely new two- and four-seater designs for the

weighing 408 lb (185 kg), the sleigh

men s teams.

weighs just 44 lb (20 kg). DOME

Kosugi is proud to have been able to

unique square aerodynamic design

square miles (60.42 km2) in area

composite car bodies for Formula 1

International Airport, is a real gold

internal steel skeleton consists of

quality, and rapid development and

by the 32 partner firms and

in getting together all the

possible. The guidance system and

pretty impressive results. Will a gold

exact match to the athletes

be continued….

CARBON MAGIC developed the

show that the Ota district, just 23.3

by applying their expertise in molding

and located close to Haneda

and other elite motor sports. The

mine of technological know-how,

120 components specially designed

production. He s demonstrated that

assembled in the most efficient way

stakeholders, he s achieved some

breaks have been adjusted to be an

medal in Sochi crown his efforts? To

requirements. The handmade springs

OTA TOKIO Shitamachi Bobsleigh

The bobsleigh skeleton is made up of components specially designed and manufactured by 32 firms in Ota.

The first Japanese bobsleigh. Made to order only. Price: 짜10 million. 2013 Apr

QR 2

Quality Review

The Cheetah s nimble and supple running motion inspired the latest model, Syunsoku S-Cheetah. These shoes have the lightest soles of the entire Syunsoku line and place more emphasis on running.

Achilles Syunsoku Photography/Satoru Naito, Text/JQR

Asymmetric-soled shoes for nimbly running around counterclockwise corners The footraces on sports day are a child s chance to shine. They are delighted when they finish first. Losing in front of their peers,

teachers, parents and siblings is not an option. Winning is also a great

way to garner the affections of their sweethearts.

The difference at the starting dash is trifling, and the race is truly decided by how the runners handle the

corners. They do not want to lose speed, but keeping their balance while maintaining their speed is

difficult. If they enter the corner too fast, they run the risk of running off the track, or worse, losing their

balance and tumbling. If they slow down for fear of falling, their rivals

overtake them. So what is the best

way to rapidly navigate left corners? Shoe manufacturer Achilles took it

upon itself to find an answer to every elementary school student s

dilemma.

grip spikes on the outside of the left

we attended school sports days

to create asymmetric soles. By

As part of product development,

and realized that many children tumble when running the

counterclockwise track. It was

unbearable watching them fall

during races that were supposed

to be their finest moments. All the development and sales staff want

children to run their best ‒ to finish their races without stumbling ‒ so we created totally new shoes, said Yutaka Iemura, Business Strategic Department, Shoe Business Division, Achilles Corporation.

2013 Apr

wearing these shoes, runners can

convert their grip on the ground into running power without losing

strength, and maneuver around corners without decelerating.

The line s first models appeared in

2003 to much acclaim from children, who said they can now run fast. In September 2012, total sales

reached 37 million pairs. The line now includes shoes for everyone

‒ from infant to adult ‒ who wants speed when running.

And so Syunsoku shoes, which are specially made for left turns, were

born. They have asymmetric soles on both the right and left shoes.

A runner must lean when running around a left corner to

counterbalance the centrifugal

force. When they do, their center

of gravity moves to the outside of the left foot and the inside of the

right foot, and the opposite sides of the soles are raised off the

ground. Their ability to grip the

ground is halved, and their feet are susceptible to slipping, causing them to fall.

Therefore Syunsoku has strong-

● Enquiries/Achilles Corporation Customer Enquiries 03-3225-2141 http://www.syunsoku.jp/

foot and the inside of the right foot

The Cheetah paw-like spikes are positioned asymmetrically on the right and left soles.

ACHILLES SYUNSOKU

Syunsoku S-Cheetah JJ-735: 3,150 yen 2013 2012 Apr July

J Q R

P r o d u c t

S t u d i e s

m What did you

ake, and why

Product Study

Discerning Thoughtful Unique Case Study #1

Tabmaker (Nichiban)

Some people create tabs by doubling back adhesive tape when they wrap goods, or for temporary tacking, making it easier for others to peel it oďŹ&#x20AC;. At some point this simple, thoughtful idea spread. A tab-making product was released in December last year. How did it come about? Photography / Satoru Naito

Interview and text/JQR

could speed up the process. The

development team created a prototype, all the while fighting to get approval. : The Business Division

usually decides on development themes

Tape Cutter

after extensive market research, but in

Tabmaker TM Recommended wholesale price (unit price): 2,100 yen

this case the Development Division

took the lead, creating a consensus as the theme evolved.

: What was the biggest obstacle

to commercializing the product?

: That would definitely be the

tab-making success rate. We worked on : Coming straight to the point,

what gave you the idea to develop an adhesive tape cutter that could also make tabs?

: When out shopping, I would

notice that many shop assistants were going to the trouble of doubling over adhesive tape to make tabs when

store began using them. Of course, that doesn t mean they didn t exist before that. For example, plastic shelves are taped down when fridges are

transported, and tabs adorn the tape ends.

: Did you not try making tabs at

wrapping parcels, and it got me

the time?

commercialize the product about two

times in the past. To be honest, my

thinking. We began working to years ago.

: So you felt there was a need for

a product to fold tape, because it was bothersome to do by hand?

: I had actually tried a few

attempts were feeble. But I did get a

better understanding on how they could be made.

: So despite your previous failed

Sato: There was also the hope that if

attempts the proposal was accepted?

service to customers, it would spread a

understood how time consuming making

people could easily make tabs as a culture of consideration.

: Tabs probably became more

prominent after a major casual apparel

2013 Apr

: The Business Division already

the device could be, so we tried to

convince them how a simple device

the assumption that company and store employees were the target users for

Tabmaker. It is crucial for them to be

able to instantly make tabs when they

are in a hurry. Messing up only creates

more work for them, so the product had to make perfect tabs.

: So if you did not improve the

success rate, the product would be a flop. What was your target success rate?

: We initially aimed at 95 per cent,

and the finished product has a 98 per cent success rate.

Pursuing an unknown mechanism, all by hand : Deciding where to overlap

the pulled tape was simple, but turning it into reality was difficult. We

The end of the tape bulges up and sticks together, creating a tab.

Tabmaker developer Yuji Kinoshita (l), senior manager of the Tape Business Division and development leader Masanori Sato of the Tape Development Division. considered various mechanisms, eventually deciding on a spring

mechanism.

: After cutting a piece of tape, the

tip of the remaining tape attaches to

the movable pad and snaps back using the spring s power to create a tab. If

the tape does not bulge up, you cannot create a tab; that was the problem.

Take the end of a roll of standard gauge tape.

: Of course, if the tape folds down,

the two non-adhesive sides cannot stick together to create a tab.

Sato: I cut tape 50,000 times with each prototype. I even took them home on weekends and silently cut tape. I

created a mountain or two of tape scraps (laughs).

: It also depends on the

combination with the tape. We had no idea how the mechanism could create

an upward standing tab; all we could do was try.

: Even after deciding on a

mechanism that used a spring to pull it back, we mercilessly cut tape to fine

tune it. For example, the tape must not stick to the pad too well, but it should be easy to peel off. So the next issue was which to prioritize?

: What were the decisive steps on

the path to a successful tab-making device?

: The quality of the material

used for the movable pad, and the

Pull the tape and stick it to the movable pad. Move the pad up to the cutter.

Cut the tape. The pad retracts and the tape bulges, creating a tab at the end of the tape.

shape and angle of the fixed tab, which

required quality like this is quite normal

balance, the tape bulges up.

manufacturers.

the movable pad strikes. With the right : Finding the right angle for the

fixed tab was a matter of instinct. We created numerous prototypes using

different angles, and through repeated

for us. This is the lot of tape

: You waited for the right time

before rolling out the product. What has the reaction been?

: It was well received when

trial and error found the right sticking

we released it last December, but that

found it, everyone on the team fervently

expected, so we were becoming quite

point for the movable pad. Once we cut tape and wrote figures on the

whiteboard. We decided on the final

specification based on the actual ratio of successes to cuts. It was also

did not mean as many sales as we

nervous. Come February, the number of orders increased, and we breathed a sigh of relief.

essential that the tape would stick

properly to the rubber used on the

movable pad but easily peel off when lifted.

: You wanted one material to have

contrasting functions?

: Adhesive tape is one

continuous contradiction; it needs to

stick well but peel cleanly. Therefore a

â&#x2014;? Enquiries Nichiban Co., Ltd. Customer Enquiries: 0120-377218 (free dial within Japan)

2013 Apr

永

Koichi Nagao

尾

光一

2013 Apr

PROFILE Koichi Nagao Specialized in plastic surgery at Showa University then urology at Toho University. After heading both departments, he became head of the Toho University Omori Medical Center Reproduction Center. Specializes in reproductive plastic surgery (mainly testes and penis). Professor of Medicine at Toho University in the urology department.

Leading Doctors Discuss Modern Longevity (Part 2)

Around Half of all Infertility Problems Are Due to Men Professor Koichi Nagao Urology Department, Reproduction Center Head, Toho University Medical Center

A dwindling number of children are being born. Infertility is commonly perceived as being a woman s problem, but the cause is equally as likely to lie with a man, and very often couples wait too long before seeking help. Professor Koichi Nagao of the Toho University Urology Department, a leading authority on male infertility, explains the facts. Photos/Satoru Naito Interview/JQR

According to a survey of infertile

Incidentally, the normal volume of

but is in fact very common. The

couples conducted by the World Health

seminal ﬂuid for adult males is 1.5 cc.

symptoms can be remedied with

Organization (WHO) in 1996, 24% are

The total motile sperm count is 15.6

medication such as Viagra, Levitra

infertile due to a problem in the man,

million per milliliter.

and Cialis. Supplements containing

24% are a mixture of problems with both the man and woman, and 41% are due to a problem with the woman. It seems that just under 50% of causes of infertility have a man involved. Is male

Typical Symptoms and Treatments The eﬀect of radio waves on sperm is

arginine or citrulline are also said to have an eﬀect. The third cause, varicocele, is a congestion of varicose veins around the testes. It causes the temperature of the testicles to rise and

not clear, but what we do know is that

leads to a subsequent deterioration in

raising the temperature of the testes

sperm producing capability. It aﬀects

causes a deterioration in sperm and

approximately 10% percent of the

whether or not male infertility is

male hormone producing functions. I

general population, but approximately

increasing, but it is true that the

tell couples trying to have children to

40% of infertile men, which is a

average marriage age of women

avoid putting a laptop on their knees

large proportion. If the condition is

is rising, which makes it more and

because it raises the temperature

progressive, it s best to get it treated

more diﬃcult to conceive. Pregnancy

of the testes. The actual causes of

with an operation that takes about

will occur naturally with a certain

male infertility in order of prevalence

an hour. Number four, obstructive

minimum amount of sperm, healthy

are: ① defective spermatogenesis

azoospermia, occurs when the seminal

ovum and regular sex. It used to be

due to unknown causes, ② erectile

duct is blocked for some reason,

that getting pregnant was possible

dysfunction (ED), ③ varicocele, and ④

and sperm can t pass through. The

even if the sperm count was slightly on

obstructive azoospermia.

obstructed area can be reconnected

infertility on the increase? There hasn t been any survey on

using an operating microscope.

the low side, as long as the eggs were young and healthy, Professor Nagao

According to Professor Nagao,

said regarding the increasing diﬃculty

the number one cause, defective

couples have conceiving children.

spermatogenesis, is a deterioration in sperm-producing capability for no

Male Infertility: Symptomless and Unaware

What about male infertility being

clear reason. Number two, erectile

In almost all cases infertility treatment

due to adverse eﬀects on sperm? The

dysfunction, tends to be excluded as a

starts after a woman visits the

health eﬀects of electronic equipment

cause of infertility since pregnancy is

obstetrician and discovers that a low

such as computers and mobile phones

possible through artiﬁcial insemination,

sperm count is the problem. The fact

is something that worries people.

2013 Apr

Birthrate Shifts in Japan

10,000 people 1966 Birthrate drops in an unlucky year 1966 Second baby boom (1971-74)

First baby boom (1947-49), live births peak

Estimate for 2009

Live births 2005 Lowest live birth rate

※ From Yearly Transitions in Population Survey Report 2009, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

that men are completely unaware of

know. Furthermore, azoospermia

that is prescribed. If there are varicose

any symptoms is something else that

can happen even with a good set of

veins around the testes we operate to

contributes to delayed treatment.

testicles, so it s important to get semen

raise the sperm quality. If the problem

properly tested at a hospital. I believe

is still occurring, we do artiﬁcial

it s better for a man to get checked

insemination, in vitro fertilization and

irregularities that can make them

out once at a hospital, rather than a

micro insemination in that order in the

suspect infertility, but men almost

woman enduring endless obstetric

obstetrics department.

never notice any problems. Small

testing.

Women experience menstrual

The most diﬃcult form of male

testes or little pubic hair could be hereditary, but usually we don t really

The male infertility examination only

infertility to treat is aspermia, which

checks hormone balance, whether or

is no sperm at all. However, modern

not there are varicose veins, testicle

medical advances have allowed for a

size and the seminal duct. If no

good chance of getting pregnant, so

problems are found the couple is sent

long as there are sperm in the testes.

back to the obstetrician. We can help here, or a couple can go to the obstetrician for help. The goal is pregnancy, and as long as the cause is known we leave it up to the specialist

Ratio of Male and Female Infertility

institutions. Cause unknown

If you discover that the sperm count is low, what kind of treatment can you

11%

get?

Advances in Medical Technology Have Raised the Chances of Pregnancy We start by checking for the problems we can ﬁx. If it s ED, then medicine for

2013 Apr

Women

41%

Male

24% Male and Female

24%

（both）

World Health Organization（WHO） Normal Levels for the Examination of Human Semen Semen volume 1.5 ml or more Sperm concentration 15 million/ml or more Total sperm count 39 million or more Motility 40% or more Normal morphology 4% or more (malformation rate less than 96%) Total motile sperm count (total number x motility) 15.6 million or more

Semen characteristics as indicators of fertility Total motile sperm over 15.6 million Artificial insemination after failure to conceive for 2 years Total motile sperm less than 15.6 million and over 10 million Artificial insemination Total motility sperm less than 10 million In vitro fertilization and micro insemination Number of sperm in 1 ml

Klinefelter syndrome is a typical

pregnancy rate. The reason is the age Many men give up when they know

case, the symptoms are small testes,

at which women get married. The

low male hormones and little pubic

best thing is to have children in your

there is no sperm. The rest depends on

hair. It used to be that by the time it

twenties and then work, but the social

the woman s age. Once they re past 45

was diagnosed it was already too late,

environment doesn t support that.

it s very diﬃcult, as you might expect.

but recently treatment has become

There are still people who don t intend

Even the early forties are problematic.

possible. Sperm can be taken from

to marry until they re forty ‒ are they

Over 35 is called an advanced

the testicles and inseminated using a

planning to not have children from the

maternal age and if at all possible it s

microscope.

start?

much better to give birth before then.

There is also idiopathic

Does the so-called vegetarianization

peak, and at 37 we can hurry with the

hypogonadotropic hypogonadism,

of men have any relation to men s

in vitro fertilization, but once you re

where the testes don t develop

fertility?

past 40 you have to accept giving up

It s best to keep in mind that 35 is one

soon.

because of insuﬃcient hormones from the pituitary gland. But this too can

Hormone-wise it s not

now be treated by stimulating sperm

demasculinization, I believe they

It s always been said that children are

production with self-administered

still produce sperm. But their sexual

a gift, but is that becoming something

injections under the skin two to three

behavior is such that they don t make

from the past?

times a week.

approaches to women and seem to

Are Sperm Counts Not Actually Decreasing?

think it s ﬁne to just be friends without

With things the way they are, these

having sex. Sexually they are not

days I ve come to think of shotgun

active. In that sense older generations

marriages as a very good thing.

were stronger sexually.

Let slip Professor Nagao, a man ﬁghting on the frontline of infertility

In the past it was announced that sperm counts were on the decline,

How long can you continue receiving

but my predecessor, Professor Miura,

infertility treatments?

treatment.

conducted joint research with NHK and showed results that suggested it

Infertility treatments cost a lot and

hasn t really changed that much. Some

take up a great deal of time. Many

people say it hasn t really changed,

couples worry about how long they

others that it s decreased, but the one

can continue receiving them. What are

thing that is deﬁnitely falling is the

the limits?

2013 Apr

Japan may loo different but l substance has

2013 Apr

S P E C I A L

You might remember the movie Kenny and its longhaired, bearded Quebecborn director, but the name Claude Gagnon will be much more familiar to the Japanese. He scored his first major success with Keiko in 1979, which he shot in Japan, and was the movie that brought him international fame and established his enduring links with this country. Among his many later works, one need only cite Kamataki, as well as his latest movie, Karakara, filmed entirely on Okinawa, which tells the interlinked stories of a retired intellectual from Quebec on a spiritual quest to the island and of a Japanese girl with a complex family history. The film has been a huge hit since its release here in January and has already won plaudits and prizes. While he was in Tokyo, Claude Gagnon accepted JQR s invitation to explain his love affair with Japan.

ok very little of s changed

Time was, if you were a 20-yearold Quebécois intellectual, you went to France. But I never wanted to do the same as everyone else. I wanted to ﬁnd the country that was the most removed from my own experience, be it culturally, religiously, philosophically, or geographically. In the sixties, I left the séminaire (Catholic high school in Quebec) where I was studying the cours classique (classical

I N T E R V I E W

else to sleep really didn t match up to anything I d ever read. You might have read Sartre and Camus, and you might think you know it all, and then you get out into the real world. Everything that I thought I knew about Americans was either wrong or only partially true. In the Deep South, a pickup truck stopped to give me a lift. The driver was a real man wearing a cowboy hat and packing a rifle. He looked askance at my beard and the hair that I wore fashionably long. Still I was lucky because I was a sportsman and a big American football fan, and when he asked me about a Texan player in the Canadian League, I immediately replied, Oh, he s my favorite! He was a little mollified. He dropped me off at a barber s and gave me a few bucks so I could get a haircut! I went up onto the barber s porch but I hid until my benefactor had driven off! I just wanted to explain how this experience completely changed my perception of how we see other people and of how other people see us. I like to smash social expectations A beautiful woman is well aware of how people see her: she knows that when she goes somewhere, people are going to stare at her. In my movies, I like to dwell on physical appearance. When I was younger, I played hockey but I was considered an intellectual because I went to the séminaire. But when I was at the

Interview

Film director, Claude Gagnon Photo / Yosuke Suga Texte / JQR

humanities curriculum) to make movies. Then in 1968, wanting to discover the world outside books, I hitchhiked to Mexico to visit the country during the Olympics. Strangely, it was during that trip that I realized that I knew next to nothing about the U.S.A. What I did know about it was what I d read in books. At the age of 18 meeting a black guy who takes you to the other end of a bridge and gives you $5 out of charity after you ve spent the night in a prison cell because you didn t have anywhere

séminaire, people thought of me as a jock because I was good at sports. I ve always been struck by how much the image we project shapes other people s perceptions of us. I made one of my ﬁrst ﬁlms, Larose, Pierrot et la Luce, with Richard Niquette. I d known Ritchie for years. He was a short fat kid, who wore suspenders, had rounded shoulders, and who at the age of 13 looked 50! while I was the college jock. I was a bit of a wild child, and I think that people were a bit scared of me. Later, while I was on a visit 2013 Apr

to Quebec from Japan, Richard surprised me by asking, Would you get mad if I told you I was gay? He d always thought that because of the way I looked, I must be a homophobe. We classify people and measure their open-mindedness by the way they look. This realization has had a major impact on my movies. When I cast a part, I put a lot of weight on first impressions, and then I like to smash social expectations. Japan was perfect for me It was after I d finished traveling that I knew I wanted to make movies. I needed to know a bit more about people and not just from books but also from real life‒‒ to meet them and find out about their daily lives. It was then that I decided that Japan was probably the best place for me: an island, mountains… Canada is a new country but Japan is thousands of years old, and being here it really helped me to find myself. I first came here in the seventies. My original plan

was to spend six months in Japan, and then to go to Indonesia before heading to Europe. I thought I d do my little trip like everyone else did in those days. But after six months I still didn t understand a thing. There were very few foreigners living in Japan in those days, and I remember that if you saw a Westerner in Kyoto, you d crossed the road to say hi and trade phone numbers. It was the era of Peace and Love ‒‒euphoric and stimulating. When I m not on a movie set, I m actually quite shy. Even going to buy something at a store makes me feel a bit uncomfortable, so I really liked the shyness of the Japanese. And I d come face to face with an ancient culture, of which I knew nothing at all. But rather than being frustrated, I found it very stimulating. It made me question my own experiences, ﬁnd new ways of thinking, and develop new aesthetic sensibilities. Then after Keiko became a hit, I began to feel I was beginning

to become bogged down and that I was becoming too comfortable. I had two kids, and my life was settling down to a dull family routine. Professionally, I was suddenly getting a lot of offers, but to make another Keiko‒‒to go back over something in which I was no longer interested. I began to panic and thought about going back to Quebec. My biggest shock: Fukushima Today s Japan looks different from what it was in those days, but I find the changes are really quite superficial. It may appear to be spectacularly different, but when you start digging, you find it hasn t changed that much. Even among the young, I m often surprised that it s still the group mentality that dominates‒‒because it s so reassuring. I ve never thought that there is any country that is better than any other. I always tell people that everyone should go and spend a minimum of one year overseas, no matter where. It s vital to experience something different. From this perspective, there are many things that I love about Japan, and many others that I like a lot less. It s hard to be an individual in Japanese society. And the individual is badly prepared to go through life smoothly. What saddens me most‒‒the biggest shock that I ve experienced during my stay here and the thing that has affected me the most‒‒is Fukushima. On the one hand, I m bitterly disappointed by the politicians, who lie, who ll say anything to people‒‒that really makes me sad. And then again, it s also the lack of reaction among the people themselves. Abroad, when politicians abuse their power, people react. That s what democracy s for‒‒to change governments. When a politician is in favor of nuclear power, and he s elected not just once but twice‒‒I m not much into politics as a rule‒‒but that s something that I find really appalling. If they open new nuclear power plants, I m leaving. Even in Okinawa, which is a long way from the closest plant, I won t stand for it. I m outraged by the lack of balls shown by ordinary people, and how the elites are able to control them so easily‒‒ with TEPCO using its influence with the TV stations and splashing its money around. People are too frightened to say: We don t care about the money. Let s get them! That s why Japan hasn t really changed. It s otherness that stimulates me

2013 Apr

S P E C I A L

I N T E R V I E W

At the same time, I don t want to be too negative because Japan is such a paradoxical country that I find so very stimulating. I m often confronted by something that at first sight makes no sense whatsoever, but when it s put in the right context, it immediately makes sense. That s why I always warn foreigners coming here for the first time not to make any hasty judgments. You must never judge a culture you dont understand. And it was because I was constantly stimulated by new discoveries that my six months stay turned into several years. I make what I call mirror movies : They reflect society without passing judgment on it. It s up to you to decide whether what I m showing you is true to life, and whether you like it or not. All my films are based on this type of constant questioning. I ve spent my life asking myself who I am, and why I am doing the things I m doing. I m particularly drawn to human weakness. We all have our weaknesses, no matter how strong we are. I m more interested in the strong than the weak, but what I m interested in the most are the weaknesses of strong people, the reasons‒‒X, Y, or Z‒‒that make them break down, mess up, or fall apart. Seeing my life through the lens of Japanese society allows me constantly to ask who I am, about my daily life, and what I choose to do. Karakara = don t take yourself seriously I ve always really hated people who abuse their strength, and that s where I got the idea for Karakara. I didn t want to make a film about violence but I wanted to include it in a movie. And then I had a flashback about Gabriel, an intellectual who reminded me of all the intellectuals who come to Japan to find themselves. When I was newly arrived, I had a Zen roommate who boasted that he hadn t had sex in six months and assured me that he d never need to have it again as long as he lived… he was 23 years old!! He was always making snide comments when I brought girlfriends home, but one night, when I was asleep on my side of the shoji (sliding paper partition), I was woken up by screams and moans coming from the other side!! The scene from my movie doesn t really compare to that night! I found it so comical that I ve always wanted to work it into one of my films. I tried to use it in an earlier movie but it didn t work but it was perfect for Karakara. You must never take yourself too seriously. You can meditate and stay

as fit as you like but you also have to be able to appreciate the good things in life! Shooting a movie in Japan is extraordinary Making a film in Japan is really extraordinary. The biggest advantage is that though people hesitate a lot before they commit, once they do, it becomes a matter life and death for them. For me this team mentality is really great. Even if they re not 100 percent sold on something, they ll do it. The fact that there are no unions here removes a major cause of stress. These days, directors don t abuse their crew on set. When everyone is too tired, they stop. So I don t see the point of having unions in the film industry. In Quebec, for example, it s the employees who abuse their working conditions‒‒counting every minute taken from meal breaks as

overtime‒‒just to make more money. It s really disappointing for a director when an actor can t do a scene in one take, and you have to give him or her extra time to get it right. That s what is killing cinema! Here, in contrast, people complain that my working days are too short! But I want to give the job 100 percent; if I can only give 98 percent, I call it a day.

PROFILE Born in Quebec in 1949, Claude Gagnon had made many world-famous movies, including Keiko, Kenny, and the newly released Karakara. He ﬁrst came to Japan in the seventies and has been a regular visitor ever since. He is currently in Okinawa where he is already planning his next international movie projects.

2013 Apr

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2013 Apr

HIROYUKI ABE News Analyst Fuji Television

An inside look at what makes Japan tick

Japan Undercover

vol. 1

vol.4

Nurturing global leaders in Japan? Establishing an international

It was there that, witnessing ﬁrst

last open to high school students.

woman who thought such

between rich and poor, she says the

backgrounds will gather in

boarding school there? There is one outrageous ideas might just ﬂy: Rin Kobayashi *1.

The name of that school: the International School of Asia, Karuizawa *2, or ISAK *3. Its

mission, a grand one: To develop

transformational leaders who explore new frontiers in service of the

greater good for Asia and beyond.

What made Kobayashi want to start such a school? The answer can be

traced back to her own, formative high school experience.

Harboring doubts about the direction of education, Kobayashi dropped

out of high school in her ﬁrst year at a prestigious state institution.

Having thus already given a glimpse into her unconventional nature, she

went on to study at an international boarding school in Canada. There,

learning alongside students from all over the world, she would acquire a diverse set of values to take home. On graduation, after studying

development economics at the

University of Tokyo, and obtaining a master's degree in international

education policy from Stanford, then studying education at a post-grad level, she spent the years 2006-08

involved in educating the poor for Unicef in the Philippines.

hand the enormous disparity

need to train true global leaders

capable of solving the world's many problems was graphically brought

home to her. On returning to Japan she set about establishing an

international boarding school in her home country. Many thought it a highly reckless, impossible

endeavor. With no capital, and no

connections, what could one woman do by herself? But what Kobayashi did have was the ability to get things done, and an intense,

inspiring personality. Her attempts

to raise funds foundered, in part due

to the GFC, but many people oﬀered support. Then in 2011 came the

Tohoku earthquake... Perhaps it was

time to give up...the thought crossed Kobayashi's mind.

Instead, the safety myth previously

cultivated by Japan having crumbled away, donations to ISAK began to

ﬂood in from people who had noted the country's lack of leaders

capable of getting information out to the rest of the world. Apparently donations actually rose after the

quake. Kobayashi had succeeded in single-handedly raising almost a billion yen.

To date only a summer school has been run, but in 2014, ISAK will at

Students from a variety of

Karuizawa to be taught by a multi-

talented team of teachers, recruited personally by Kobayashi from

around the world, primarily from

international boarding schools. The

ﬁrst step in Kobayashi's grand vision is truly about to be realized.

Education is a job of staggeringly

time-consuming proportions. When will the young people launching

from ISAK be able to bring about

innovation in the world and solve society's issues? Eager to see that day, Kobayashi races about at full

speed today. Many are racing with her toward the same goal, drawn irresistibly to her ideals and enthusiasm.

Many cite charisma as a quality required in a global leader, but

Kobayashi says what a global leader needs is the ability to achieve

breakthroughs . The ability to accept diversity, to inspire fellow-feeling in a large number of people, and to

carry things through to the end, no

matter what. A true global leader, in

her view, is someone equipped with all these abilities.

Listening to this it suddenly struck me: has she noticed she's the one with that charisma?

※ Rin Kobayashi Following a variety of roles including in investment banking and venture company management, switched to the arena of international cooperation that had long been her objective. After working in yen loans at the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, became involved in unofficial education for street children as a program officer at the Philippines office of Unicef. Has experience as an exchange student at an international boarding school in Canada on full Keidanren scholarship. In 1993 gained an International Baccalaureate Diploma; in 1998 graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Tokyo, and in 2005 earned a master's degree from the education faculty of Stanford University. ※ The International School of Asia, Karuizawa is an international boarding school open for limited enrollments that aims to nurture children capable of forming the next generation of leaders in a variety of ﬁelds. The school is open to year 1 ‒ 3 high school students, and is co-ed. ※ ISAK HP:http://isak.jp/ After graduating from Keio University with an economics degree, earned a Master's degree in international relations from the International University of Japan. Worked in the business section of Fuji Television covering the then Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Finance, responsible for business and economic issues. Following stints heading the station's NY bureau, as a News Japan newscaster, and head of the business and economics section, is now a commentator.

Hiroyuki Abe

s ars word E n d o n m s a h com r Eye Othe ht throug insig tural l u c r Inte

Other Eyes and Ears

耳異異目

>>>

Vol.4

A Phrase that Touches the Heart E Pluribus Unum

145 years after Commodore Matthew

states.

that led to the Convention of

in Japan and triggered the start of the

features 13 stars across the top, and

the United States and Japan in 1854.

Perry and his black ships ﬁrst arrived Meiji Restoration (1868), ending over 200 years of self-imposed isolation,

America remains an important inﬂuence on Japan.

But hold on a moment. What s wrong with this picture? In English, we call the country the United States of

America, but in written Japanese we use the character for people rather than state (the characters are

homonyms). As Abraham Lincoln

declared in his Gettysburg Address of

The Great Seal of the United States

13 stripes decorate the shield at the breast of the bald eagle (another

national symbol) in the center. The

eagle holds an olive branch with 13

leaves in its left talon, and 13 arrows in its right. The motto also has 13 letters. There is 13 of everything.

Look closely now at the inscription on the ribbon in the eagle s beak.

It states, in Latin, E Pluribus Unum, E meaning from, Pluribus meaning

plural, and Unum, meaning uni-/

1863, America s has a government of

unite/one. In other words, out of

people, but calling it the United

nation made up of many states. This

the people, by the people and for the Peoples suggests a socialist or even communist form of government.

This is why, in Japanese, we really

should be using the character for state rather than people.

In any case, when it gained its

independence following the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the War of Independence (1775-1783), the United States of America consisted of 13

HAMAJI Michio

many, one, representing a uniﬁed

phrase was America s oﬃcial motto until 1955.

These words are familiar to any

American, but in Japan, even the most ardent fan of America is unlikely to know them.

One Japanese who was moved by this

word united was John Mung (Manjiro,

later known as Nakahama Manjiro), who was instrumental in the negotiations

Kanagawa, which was signed between Most Japanese know the story of

Manjiro, who was born and raised in

Naka-no-hama, a village in Tosa (now Kochi Prefecture), and as a youth was

caught in a storm while out ﬁshing and found himself stranded on a deserted island. He was rescued by a passing

American whaling ship commanded by one Captain Whitﬁeld, who took him back to the East Coast of the United States, where he was given an

education; upon his return to Japan, he served as a bridge between the two nations.

Manjiro was impressed with the

concept of E Pluribus Unum, and

emphasized that this was the direction the new Japan should take as well.

Records show that this also inspired the pre-Meiji samurai and political ﬁgure Sakamoto Ryoma to action.

These are turbulent times. This phrase,

which urges us to unite as one, touches me deeply.

International business consultant. Part-time lecturer at the Bunkyo University Faculty of International Studies. After graduating with a degree in economics from Keio University in 1965, studied at a foreign trade college before taking up a post in the Middle East in charge of oil for a trading company. At the age of forty-five, launched a new career in the information business and moved to New York. Following jobs at a translation company and Japanese-US communications firm, chose the path of self-employment in 2002. Set up the Saudi Arabian pavilion at the Aichi Expo. Has worked on a series of music videos on renowned conductor Leonard Bernstein. Japanese advisor to firms such as U.S. information systems company Cognizant and U.K. educational publisher Pearson.

2013 Apr

TOKYO MARATHON FINISH LINE

Full marks for both support and s cenery!

Wonderful marathon, but glad it's over!

! ! ! H G R R R AR Looking forward to next year's Tokyo Marathon

Aw m A

2013 Apr

WAAAA!!

It is pleasant!

RUNNING I'm 62! Hard slog, but what a party!

That last hill was tough!

Beat my personal best time!

! ! A A A A H

world-class marathon! Awesome!

! ! A A A U U U U U

Well done all!

FIOU!! 2013 Apr

The next issue will be released on Monday May 20, 2013.