JQR vol.20 June, 2013

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06 2013 JUN vol. 20

QUALITY REVIEW

Konaka Shower Clean Suit

［A Conversation with Foreign Residents ］

Taste Testing Convenience Store Desserts

eng.jqrmag.com

［FEATURE］

Look here, look here!

Super The Mini Car Has Arrived! ● I Drove a “Super” Mini Car! ● Isn’t it Time You had the Pleasure of Using this Unique Car?

eng.jqrmag.com

May 2013 (published on July 20, 2013)

C O N T E N T S The Shirano Theater

05

07 Japan Undercover Hiroyuki Abe

JQR SPECIAL

08

Look here, look here!

Super The Mini Car Has Arrived! ● I Drove a “Super” Mini Car! ● Isn’t it Time You had the Pleasure of Using this Unique Car?

16 18

QUALITY REVIEW

Konaka Shower Clean Suit ［A Conversation with Foreign Residents ］

Taste Testing Convenience Store Desserts

23 Other Eyes and Ears HAMAJI Michio

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Jun Shinozuka Editors

Jun Nakaki Christine Lavoie-Gagnon Lyu nari

Designer

Wakako Kawasaki

Translation

Manabiya Inc.

JQR editorial department

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

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

er Theat s * o n Shira

場 劇 乃 志ら

nks s the ra n i o j .9 w meho how No o S s n a m A wo

o

hiran awa S Tatek

A girl—the second in total for the Tatekawa

sticks in my mind is a woman who turned up just

school—has joined the Shiraku rakugo stable. Well,

after I joined. Perhaps thinking it would be rude to

I shouldn't really say“girl”, being as she is only

refuse outright, Shiraku set a few artistic hurdles

a year younger than me. When asked her age, she

she would have to overcome to join.

replied with a broad grin that couldn't help making

The thing is, she cleared every one. So Shiraku

me grin,“Thirty-eight on 7 August! Flower Day!”A

raised the bar.“Go away and copy Sanyutei Kinba

response like that might make you think she's a bit

III's Yabuiri word for word. If you can't do that,

of a ditz, but I personally didn't find it off-putting.

you'll never be a decent rakugoka.”

She's done a few jobs in her time, the most recent

But a week later, I witnessed her overcome this

being that of a manzaishi stand-up comedian. With

formidable challenge as well. Finally, having run

one thing and another she and her stage partner

out of excuses to turn the woman down, and looking

split up, but apparently she carried on with the

rather resigned to this fact, Shiraku proffered one

shows that were already booked, performing the material of two by herself. A desperate measure, but she insists she enjoyed playing both roles.

Depending on the answer, he might have had no

Sometime later she saw a performance of Shiraku

choice but to take on a new apprentice. She replied,

rakugo, had that eureka moment (as in“Aha! This

“You're just so cute...”

is what I've been wanting to do all along!”), and

It was one of those moments when time seems to

came to a Shiraku stable show armed with her CV.

stand still. Shiraku seemed relieved to finally have

何となく女子の入門

第九席

She approached me after the show as I was tidying

last question.

“So, what is it that you like about me?”

up the reception area, asking if Shiraku-san was still there.

“He is,”I replied.“Do you mind if I ask your business...?”

“I'd like to meet him.”

a reason to refuse.

“That's not good enough, I'm afraid,”he said.“It's one thing to fall in love with a person's art, but quite another to fancy them as a man,”he informed her, and in the end, her desire to train with us as a rakugoka was not fulfilled.

She didn't mention wanting to join, but something

So why did he take on the girl who turned up this

told me that was her aim.

year? If I asked Shiraku he'd no doubt just shrug

Up to this point Shiraku had turned down any

and say that somehow, it seemed the right thing to

females aspiring to join our ranks. Doubtless he

do. However, I suspect it's because this one had the

had various reasons. The difficulty of training up

air of a winner. I think we can expect her debut

a woman in what is a very male domain, for one,

sometime soon.

plus the fact that rakugo stories are told from a male viewpoint to start with, making them tricky for females to perform. I've been present every time he's turned someone down. One that especially ● 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.

2012July

05

HIROYUKI ABE News Analyst Fuji Television

An inside look at what makes Japan tick

Japan Undercover

vol. 1

vol.5

Tokyo, a City Controlled by Smartphones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRiP7-aclrQ&list=PLA815B0F8E813EE4D&index=12

On January 29, 2013, an event called

through CGI, but in the real world.

soft power ranges broadly,

“FULL CONTROL TOKYO” was held at

Kentaro Shihaku, creative director at

encompassing not only ‘kawaii’ fashion

Zojoji, a Buddhist temple at the foot of

GLIDER, the company behind this

and anime, but historical buildings and

Tokyo Tower. The event was more than

unique campaign, notes, “We wanted to

other ‘hardware.’ It also includes less

just a live concert to celebrate the

try crossing Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, a

visible aspects of the culture, such as

birthday of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, a

Japanese pop icon, with the latest

Japan’s globally acknowledged spirit of

global icon of Japanese pop; it was part

technology and with two well-known

hospitality. It is likely these kinds of

of a so-called ‘integrated campaign,’ an

symbols of architecture in Japan, a

integrated campaigns, events that

event tied to commercial advertising

temple (Zojoji) and Tokyo Tower.”

feature a cross between soft power and

with digital technology at its core.

The campaign grew out of the belief that

technology, will continue to evolve.

Using a smartphone app, the 1,500

physical experiences create lasting

people in the audience were able to

impressions. The project hinged on

Most mobile users today have

synchronize their phones not only with

having the actual experiences of

smartphones, and it won’t be long before

the stage lighting, but with the full range

concertgoers using digital technology

those users can enjoy an always-on

of special effects set up for the event,

(4G LTE) in turn become the content of

connection to high-speed networks.

everything from a hydraulic jumping taxi,

the television commercials. Those

When that time comes, there’s no doubt

to the volume of water and color of LED

commercials, broadcast over the

that, along with the evolution of

lighting in a fountain, and even with the

airwaves, would then reach the eyes of

technology, advertising campaigns will

lights illuminating Tokyo Tower itself.

millions of viewers, enabling them to

change in ways that we can’t even

The entire scene was broadcast over the

vicariously take part in what the

begin to imagine.

internet, then used in a commercial for

audience they’re seeing is experiencing,

au, one of Japan’s telecommunications

with all the thrill and excitement of a

The second phase has already begun.

carriers, which ran over terrestrial

live event. While similar methods have

Official website: http://www.au.kddi.

broadcast stations. This smartphone-

been seen in advertising overseas, this

com/odoroki/

controlled environment was made

campaign was groundbreaking for the

possible by high-capacity, high-speed

way it brought together Japan’s vaunted

networks, with the results rendered not

‘soft power’ and digital technology. That

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

07

Q Can you guess what this is? ● A A motorbike? An F1 racer? ● Or the cockpit of a small jet?

08

2013 Jun

Answer: It’s a car dashboard.

2013 Jun

09

Super

The Mini Look here, look here!

Finally a new car to get excited about has arrived on the scene. It looks rather cute. It’s also en Text/ JQR Editorial Staff

Cars are essential for getting about, but changes in lifestyles and the environment have created a growing need for something more convenient. At last a car to fill this gap has arrived. Supermini cars are ultra compact electric vehicles (EV) that are smaller than any other cars and less harmful to the environment. It’s the next generation car for traveling short distances.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, sixty percent of journeys made in privately owned cars in Japan are within ten kilometers of the home. On average they transport two or less people.

It’s obvious that using a car that can seat four or five people to transport just one or two is not efficient. A smaller, narrower car is also much

A very simple dashboard

easier to use when it comes to navigating and parking in narrow shopping streets and suburban back streets.

Of the two models Toyota has already released, forty percent are owned by individuals, with the remainder possessed by businesses and companies. Businesses commonly use them for making small lot deliveries. Nissan and Honda also plan to have their own ultra-compact electric vehicles on the streets in the very near future.

EVs reduce the burden on the environment. The supermini car surpasses other cars with its energy efficiency.

The backseat is narrow

Convenient to use and easy to park on short distance journeys such as deliveries, commuting or other errands. Only takes up half the parking space of a conventional car.

10

2013 Jun

・Top speed: 60-80 km/h ・Charging time: 3-6 hours ・Maximum range: 50-100 km ・Passengers: Two

・Length: Under 2.5 m ・Width: Around 1 m ・Height: Around 1.5 m

JQR SPECIAL

MINICAR

Car Has Arrived!

nvironmentally friendly so you can use it without hesitation. This is the car we’ve been waiting for!

The Ultra Compact EV! We like this!

Cloth wing-type doors

1 Convenience Suitable for short journeys to the shops, schools, gym, etc. Great for easy drop-offs and pick-ups at crowded train stations.

2 Compactness Two of these fit in the space taken up by one conventional car.

3 Safe and Easy-to-Use Has the stability of a fourwheeled vehicle, and top speed is reduced. Keeps out the wind and rain, and a helmet is not necessary.

4 Runs on electricity The motor is electric powered and can be recharged from an ordinary household 110V power point. Short recharging time.

5 Environmentally friendly Zero emissions and high energy efficiency make it the perfect eco-car. No noise pollution thanks to the quiet engine.

6 Economical Prices start at 600,000 yen.

Government inspections are not required so insurance and tax costs are low.

2013 Jun

11

TEST DRIVE

Excitement plus ♥

I Drove a “Super” Mini Ca

Early May and the wind smells sweet. JQR editor Christine excitedly heads for the Mega Web circuit in Odaiba. Here you can test drive Toyota’s Supermini cars. Chris was all smiles as she jumped in the car and gripped the steering wheel. This is her report on how it went.

Photography/Tomoya Takai Text/Christine Lavoie Gagnon (JQR Editorial Staff)

The cute car body provokes smiles

that supports you nicely, it’s very

The mini car that I test drove was a

dashboard is a speedometer. I was

Toyota PCOM. Although it’s called

amazed at how simple it was. There

mini, you can drive it legally on

didn’t seem to be any space for

public roads. It came up to about my

options like a car navigation system

shoulders – not too high, not too low.

or a stereo.

You could park it in the same space

I discovered the socket for

as a big scooter. And if you were

recharging next to the ignition! At

forced into stopping on the road, it

last it was time to start the engine. I

wouldn’t cause much of a nuisance

pulled the lever on the left to neutral

to other drivers.

and turned the key. Being an electric

From the front, the PCOM looks like

car, you don’t hear any engine sound

a big lovable insect. You might even

at all.

call it cute.

Before setting off, I looked around for

The opening at the front turned out

somewhere to put the bag that was

not to be a plug in point, but rather

on my knees, and was surprised to

the opening for the liquid detergent

note there wasn’t the slightest bit of

tank.

spare space inside. In fact the door

Super simple dashboard

Oh it’s so compact

comfortable.

The only instrument on the

of the PCOM can’t be locked either.

It’s made of cloth, so anyone could get in. I wonder if the lack of space is meant to remind people like me,

rom the outside the seat looked

who are always in a hurry, not to

narrow and hard. However, when you

leave their bag in the car. On the

sit down it fits the body snugly. If

right-hand side of the dashboard,

you adjust the seat to find a position

however, I discovered a small hollow

Easy to park in narrow spaces. Good

GOOD

Everything looks bigger and wider

12

The cloth window shuts to your desired position, but it could get very humid and uncomfortable during the rainy season.

BAD

Spacious trunk with a key.

GOOD

JQR SPECIAL

MINICAR

ar!

stine Ultra simple dashboard.

Plenty of space around the feet.

GOOD

for placing a mobile phone.

The attendant informed me that bags can be stored in the trunk at the rear. It looked big enough for three large shopping bags to fit in. This compartment has a key, so that’s reassuring.

What about the rainy season with no air conditioner?

Can be recharged from an ordinary power point.

Very easy to drive – no stress on narrow crowded streets.

GOOD

GOOD

You can attach the cloth door yourself.

A wide field of vision means you can enjoy the scenery At last I was ready to start. When I pressed down on the accelerator, it immediately took off. The car body stayed stable even when entering a corner while maintaining speed.

That’s good to know. But the steering wheel was rather stiff, and the moment I took my foot off the

The cloth door is also a window, which you open and close with a zipper. Manually of course. On sunny days you would have it half open, on rainy days fully closed. Which reminds me, I didn’t notice any air conditioner controls on the dashboard. Does that mean there is no air conditioner? I felt vaguely uneasy about not being able to adjust the interior temperature.

pedal the speed dropped. Therefore you probably wouldn’t need to use

Cloth door that shuts with a zipper.

Can’t leave things safely in the car.

the brake much, apart from when you need to brake suddenly.

BAD

There were strong vibrations but that wouldn’t be a bother over short distances. Vision on both sides is good so you can really enjoy the scenery. It made me want to take off for a drive rather than go back to work.

Wind may enter from both sides, but during the rainy season it would be like a steam bath.

General Comments It can’t be compared with an ordinary passenger car of course, and it has a different kind of enjoyment. It’s like a luxury golf cart that you could use unhesitatingly. With low purchase and running costs, it would be very convenient as a second car.

Reassuring stability when taking curves.

GOOD

13

Supermini Car Catalogue

Isn’t it Time You had the Pleas

With motorized bicycles unknown as a means of transport in Europe, minicars took off e Their convenience and economic qualities are now attracting attention in Japan as well Photography/Tomoya Takai Text/Christine Lavoie Gagnon (JQR Editorial Staff)

European Specification Cars

Zagato Volpe (Italy)

Volkswagen Nils (Germany)

Peel (Britain)

Renault Twizy (France)

Renault Twizy F1 Concept (France)

The three-wheeled electric car makes a comeback with EV specifications!

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a three-wheeled car, but ElecTrike Japan (Nakahara ward, Kawasaki) has developed the ElecTrike, a one-person three-wheel car that they have now started manufacturing. The ElecTrike is based on a car body made by Indian company Bajaj. Each rear wheel is driven by a separate motor which gives better stability on curves. A minimum turning radius of 2.0 m was achieved by having the wheels turn in opposite directions. The body weight was kept down to 420kg, making a load capacity of 150 kg achievable. Its convenience for making deliveries and as a means of short-distance transport is attracting attention. It can run for forty kilometers after six hours of recharging at 100V. The price is two million yen. http://www.e-tric.co.jp/

14

2013 Jun

JQR SPECIAL

MINICAR

asure of Using this Unique Car?

early as a simple and easy mode of getting about. l. Here’s the latest line-up. Going to the shops has never been such fun!

Japanese Specifications

Nissan New Mobility Concept

Maximum speed: 80 km/h

It may be a concept car, but it comes with the

Body weight: 470 kg

know-how of Nissan’s commercial partner Renault, and expectations are high for its release within the year. It was developed as a convenient and efficient means of transport over short

Length: 234 cm Width: 119 cm Height: 145 cm Maximum range: Approx. 100 km Charging time: Approx. 6 hours Battery type: Lithium ion Passengers: Two

distances for small number of passengers, and is suitable for the elderly and single-person households.

Honda Micro Commuter There is a good chance this concept car will be introduced within the year. The battery and other components are positioned under the floor and in

Maximum speed: 80 km/h Length: 250 cm Width: 125 cm Height: 144.5 cm Maximum range: Approx. 60 km Charging time: Around three hours Battery type: Lithium ion Passengers: Two

the rear of the car. The body and interior have been designed to be versatile for various users and purposes by concentrating driving functions into a compact space.

Toyota PCOM This model is already on the market, and is designed for private use. It was designed around the concept of making short trips to the shops and so on. Convenient and economic for short

Maximum speed: 60 km/h Length: 239.5 cm Width: 109.5 cm Height: 150 cm Car body weight: 410 kg Maximum range: Approx. 50 km Charging time: Around six hours Battery type: Lithium ion Passengers:One

journeys, such as solo shopping trips or commuting to work and school.

Maximum speed: 60 km/h

Toyota BCOM A commercial-use version of the PCOM. Expected to be used as a transport by builders and other contractors who make frequent deliveries and short journeys.

Length: 247.5 cm Width: 110.5 cm Height: 150 cm Car body weight: 400~420 kg Maximum range: Approx. 60 km Charging time: Around six hours Battery type: Lithium ion Passengers: One

2013 Jun

15

QR 1

Quality Review

KONAKA NEW ZEALAND WOOL Super 100's SHOWER CLEAN SUIT

Konaka Shower Clean Suit Photos: Noriyuki Kamio/Text: JQR

A washable suit that takes advantage of water-repellent wool, combined with quickdrying, anti-wrinkle technology.

Summer is almost upon us again, a fun time of year for heading out to the mountains and the sea. But for workers commuting in the heat and humidity, the coming season can be a veritable hell.

Despite the growing popularity of “cool biz,” if you work in a job requiring a jacket you know the misery index in the summer is sure to top 100%, and well before the end of the day, the non-stop perspiration is going to leave your shirt and even your jacket and pants looking pretty shabby. Shirts are one thing, but there’s no way you can send your suits out for cleaning every day. Keep wearing them, though, and eventually the odor will start to get to you.

As its name suggests, the Shower Clean Suit first sold by Konaka in 2008 can be cleaned in the shower, easily washing away perspiration, dust and food stains. When we asked what kind of amazing technology was used to make this possible, Tatsushi Iwatani, the head

of the company’s Merchandise

breathable fabric that allows water

Headquarters, said, “It’s not that we

to run off, while also achieving a

invented or developed some

very light weight.

revolutionary new kind of wool. This

Further, to prevent the suit from

suit was the result of our going back

losing its shape, they treat the fabric

and focusing on the original

with Konaka’s Eco Super 3D

properties of the fabric.”

process, which uses L-cysteine, a

Up until then, so-called “washable”

natural amino acid, to ensure the

suits could be laundered at home,

slacks retain their sharp creases.

but because of the nature of the

This year, the fabric has evolved

material they were limited to

further, with new products utilizing

polyester, which lacks a premium

the finest New Zealand wool, noted

feel.

for its soft drape and finely detailed

Utilizing the inherent water-

coloring.

repellent property of wool fabric, and

This amazing suit, which can be

taking advantage of quick-drying,

hung up to dry right out of the

anti-wrinkle technology, Konaka

shower, is one item we hope every

created the Shower Clean Suit, a

businessman suffering in the heat of

suit that would dry overnight and

summer will add to his wardrobe.

need no ironing.

The Quest for a QuickDrying, Breathable Suit that Maintains its Sharp Creases The goal was a suit that could be washed under a warm shower, removing dust, dirt, pollen, and odors, then hung up to dry overnight without being wrung out. To accomplish this, Konaka weaves together a blend of water-soluble and wool threads, creating a quickdrying structure by removing the water-soluble threads in the finishing phase. This creates a highly

Inquiries: Konaka Customer Center ☎ 045-825-1111

16

2013 Jun

A warm shower is all that’s needed to wash the dirt away.

Amazingly, dry by morning and wrinkle-free.

KONAKA NEW ZEALAND WOOL Supe 100's SHOWER CLEAN SUIT

The finely-woven mesh fabric is nearly sheer in back, with good ventilation that lets the heat out.

New Zealand Wool Super 100’s Shower Clean Suit ￥45,000; Shirt ￥6,195; Necktie￥5,145

2013 Jun

17

apan J t u o b A Talking

Taste Testing Convenience Store Dessert

●

Hajri Mourad ／ Owner-chef of Tunisian restaurant L’Azure (Tunisia Patric Pachon ／ General manager of French restaurant Pachon ( Naoko Kanno ／ Food Coordinator (Japan)

を

そ

話 A Con

う

ith Foreig versation w

n Residen

ts

Convenience store shelves are always lined with a mouthwatering array of desserts, and every month new products get put to the test in this extremely competitive market. New desserts only have a week to prove themselves in trial sales, and those that don’t sell get taken off the shelves. We asked three people in the food business to give their independent opinions of the top-selling desserts. And the results…?

Photos: Satoru Naito Text: JQR Editorial Staff

：I put together a selection of

when freshly made. But if you put them in

popular convenience store desserts for

bags and store them in the fridge, the

today. Makes you feel like a kid in a candy

moisture makes them go soft.

store, doesn’t it? ：Can we really eat all these? ：(laughs) Let’s start by tasting the cream puffs. ：Can we use our fingers? It tastes better that way. Arabian style. (laughs)

：Of course the ideal is crisp,

work out the desserts and variations. ：Do you ever take a look at what’s in convenience stores when you plan desserts?

crunchy pastry, with a soft, melt-in-yourmouth cream center. ：The Japanese probably have this idea that soft and fluffy means freshly made.

：We don’t have any convenience store pastry chefs in our restaurants (laughs), but of course we take note of what’s selling or what type of desserts are popular.

Crisp means that time has passed and

：Japanese customers are very

something is old. For example, bread served

attuned to detail, so convenience store

distinguished. Nice work!

restaurants is warm, but that’s only because

desserts are different to restaurant desserts.

ALL:(Everyone concentrates on eating)

it’s been heated up in the oven. It doesn’t

But if I buy a dessert in a convenience store

necessarily mean it’s fresh. But something

I will notice if it has a strawberry or

which convenience store you go to, the

that is warm and soft seems delicious.

chocolate sauce – that’s about the level of

cream puffs are always a good dessert

：You both manage restaurants…

What kind of desserts do you serve?

it. I think that’s enough. If you served them in

：The pastry split is easily

：No doubt about it. Doesn’t matter

choice. You can tell the companies have really done their research in making them. ：Recently convenience store chains

：My restaurant is small so I can’t have a big range of cakes. Instead I have

a restaurant it would be bad for the image.

That’s why I don’t do it. Though I’d like to try.

have gotten very particular about the

custard puddings. And because the food is

ingredients they select. Things like using

Tunisian, I sometimes make cakes with dried

add a few touches to a simple convenience

fresh milk from Hokkaido, or mixing their own

fruits, almonds and pistachios. If I’m asked

store dessert.

custard.

for a birthday cake, I send for one from the

JQR：Is that how good they are?

：This has whipped cream in it, more than that though, it’s sweet. ：About how much does a cream puff cost in France?

：That’s right. It would be good to

cake shop next door. Of course I tell the customer that (laughs). ：In my case the situation is

：Well, not all of them. It depends on the dessert. There’s a kind of standard flavor common to all convenience stores,

different for each of our restaurants. In the

with each just a little bit different. This one

main restaurant we have a tray and ask the

is a little sweeter, or this one has a bit more

convenience stores in France, but this is not

customers to select four desserts they would

cream… that kind of thing. But you won’t

much different to what’s sold in the

like. At the sister restaurant, Le Petit Bedon,

find anything that stands out far above the

supermarkets.

we have a wagon service with whole cakes

rest.

：Around 1.8 euros. There are no

：Pastry in France is crisp, isn’t it? ：Yes, it’s crisp. ：What do you think about this soft, fluffy pastry? ：I probably wouldn’t be able to make it. ：Cream puffs are always crisp

18

2013 Jun

for the customers to choose from. The bistro

：I remember starting to eat this

is Southern French cooking so we only serve

cream puff quite a few times, but never

southern French cakes, which can be

finishing it.

difficult. Plus the restaurants are all close to each other, so if we served the same kind of

：You don’t like it? ：It’s not that, it’s the amount. If it

dessert at each the customers would find

were a bit smaller, they might sell more. The

out. We have four pastry chefs who each

balance between amount and taste is

ts

a)

(France)

Taste Testing Convenience Store Desserts

Talking to foreign residents in Japan

Meet our iewees!!! rv three inte

Desserts tasted: Milky Cream Puff (S), Big Twin Cream Puff (L), Smooth Cream Puff (F), Chocolate Cookie Cream Puff (M), Orange-scented Almond Jelly (S), Square Custard Pudding Cake (L), Deep-Roasted Coffee Jelly (F), Mont Blanc Custard Pudding (M), Belgian Chocolate Parfait (M), Melt-in-the-Mouth Smooth Rich Cheesecake (S), Premium Swiss Roll (L), Premium Cream Cheese Mousse Cake (L), W-Cream Éclair (F), Concentrated Cheese Baked Cheesecake (F) ※ (S) 7-Eleven, (L) Lawson, (M) Ministop, (F) Family Mart

Naoko Kanno

Patric Pachon

Hajri Mourad

Food Coordinators Association Japan (FCAJ) certified food coordinator. Worked in menu development and product planning in the food industry then went to France. Stayed with a French family and learned home cooking while studying cooking and sweet-making at Ecole Ritz Escoffier and Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

Born into the Pachon family, a large well-known family of restaurateurs working in France, Canada and Japan. Currently general manager of the old established Pachon restaurant in Tokyo.

Restaurant Pachon TEL: 03-3476-5025

Owner-chef of Tunisian restaurant L’Azure. Reputedly the best Merguez sausage maker in Tokyo, he is inundated with orders from the French Embassy, amongst others.

Restaurant L’Azure TEL: 03-3366-4004 2013 Jun

19

full. I like to eat sweets with my eyes, so add

didn’t think about anyone else. Just ate it

a bit of fruit or something and I’m happy. I

right there. (laughs)

would like this better if the appearance were

：How about in France?

improved. A Swiss roll is usually a log. It’s a

The Japanese think about the balance of

into portions.

sweetness, or bringing out the quality of the

：You’re right. This is a very popular

that’s not sweet, but for the French, if it’s

version of it. Limited period variations like

not sweet then it’s missing something. That’

strawberry or sakura to match the season

s why I think this sweet cupcake would sell

give it a special feel. But they never change

well. sweet combination. Something that’s not just

call stunning. No surprises, just what you’d

sweet, but has a bit of extra zing. There was

expect.

a time when salty desserts were popular

conservative, so they like it when they get what they expect. They’ve eaten Swiss rolls

– desserts with an accent that came from something other than sweetness. ：That’s the Japanese way, isn’t it?

before and know what they’re like, so they’re

In Japan you can eat food from around the

not disappointed.

world. The top level restaurants have a

：I sometimes buy a matcha

concept of the Japanese sense and palette.

taste is average there will be leftovers. I

flavored Swiss Roll and have it with green

If you go to France, French food is delicious,

have children so whenever I find a nice

tea. I don’t buy ordinary white Swiss rolls.

but not so much other kinds. In Tokyo

looking dessert at the convenience store I

：Japanese men in particular are

buy three or four to take home. Then I check

not very adventurous. Although they’re

the fridge next day when I get home. What

always coming up with new products…

do they eat everyday, what is leftover and so

：It’s usually women who latch on

especially, quality levels are high. ：I also think its incredible that you can eat a convenience store dessert as delicious as this for 150 yen. Convenience

on. If a dessert gets left for three or four

first. But they don’t stay with something for

stores have become like professional

days, I won’t buy it any more.

long. If the men don’t follow, then a product

competitors nowadays. Lunch at a restaurant

won’t take off.

might be 800 or 900 yen, but how much do

JQR：Is there something here that might be

you pay for a convenience store lunchbox?

popular in Tunisia?

Half that. Even if you add a coffee or

：Don’t men prefer large amounts? ：But amount and flavor are related, if you don’t think about both, good taste is meaningless.

：The cheesecake and cream puffs

dessert, it’s still cheaper than lunch at a

would probably sell. Before I was married I

restaurant. Convenience stores have lots of

used to live with my mother, father, brothers

people working on the food, but in a

and sisters. There were nine of us. When I

restaurant there’s only one – so even famous

popular product after cream puffs. But in

took them a packet of cream puffs they all

chefs can feel the pressure.

France you don’t see cheesecake much, do

got eaten up on the spot. With a normal cake

you?

they’d say things like, I’ll have it for

focused on quality coffee, so they’ve become

breakfast, or leave some for so-and-so, or

rivals to cake and coffee shops as well. If a

eat half at a time. But with cream puffs they

restaurant doesn’t serve really good food, it

：What shall we eat next? ：Let’s try the cheesecake. ：Cheesecake is the next most

：That’s right. The Japanese love cheesecake, don’t they. This cheesecake is delicious. A wonderful size and flavor. ：This cheesecake also looks very nice. I wish I could serve it in my restaurant. ：If you added a few touches and served it up no one would know. Not unless you told them.

JQR：Cheesecake used to taste of plastic. ：Yes, it did. Even though the labels said fresh cream, it wasn’t 100% pure fresh cream. ：Yes, that’s right. If this were left unsold for a night it’d be taken off the shelf, wouldn’t it? ：Yes, it would. There’s strict inventory control of leftovers, so you can feel safe about what you eat. Another reason why it’s delicious. Would you like some of this Premium Swiss Roll? ：This is delicious, but a bit sad. It’ s just cream. Just one mouthful and I feel

20

：The Japanese rather like a salty-

：It’s delicious, but not what you’d

：I see. Japanese men are rather

important. Even if the amount is large, if the

ingredients, or will even make something

dessert, and every month there is a new

the price, which is amazing.

The three experts’ top scoring dessert was the Smooth Cream Puff (Family Mart).

：Cakes in France are really sweet.

shame it doesn’t look like a log when it’s cut

2013 Jun

：Recently they’ve also become

will lose out.

Taste Testing Convenience Store Desserts

ices! o h C t r e s s e D p The Panel’s To Belgian Chocolate Parfait (Ministop)

Premium Cream Cheese Mousse Cake (Lawson)

Concentrated Cheese Baked Cheesecake (Family Mart)

As delicious as any chocolate mousse

Superb balance between the

A rich taste of concentrated real

you might buy from a cake shop. The

cheese and the bottom layer of

cream cheese, just like the name

melt in your mouth taste of Belgian

cookie. Tastes even better with a

suggests. Leaves an impression.

chocolate is top-grade. Visual

coffee. If served with a sauce in

Has a very nice price of 130 yen.

presentation is fantastic too, with the

a restaurant no one would notice.

addition of nuts and puffed wheat so that you never get bored.

Real Belgian chocolate and a winning topping

So perfect I’d like to put one in my pocket.

Enjoy the taste of cookies once the cheese has melted.

2013 Jun

21

ds Ears mon wor d n a m s gh co r Eye Othe ight throu ins tural l u c r e ~ Int

Other Eyes and Ears

耳 異 異目 >>>

Vol.5

Breakfast at night

Seconded to the Saudi capital of

from Allah. As the most blessed month

classed as “heavy labor”, but

Riyadh while working for a trading

of the year, it is much anticipated.

Osunaarashi, originally a sportsman,

company, I got an appointment with a

The aforementioned market reopens at

has always adhered faithfully to his

client whose office was in the souk

sunset, extended families gathering at

religion's teachings on the matter of

(marketplace). Asked to “come at 11”, I

the shops to eat and drink (though no

Ramadan, and is said to be perfectly

duly turned up at 11 am on the day

alcohol, of course)in party-like fashion.

OK with the fasting, describing it as “all

arranged, only to find the shops all

In some cases, the festivities continue

part of the training”.

shuttered, and the souk deserted. What

through the night.

The end of Ramadan is a celebration to

on earth was going on, I wondered

Which means that the next day, people

rival Obon and New Year combined,

suspiciously. Later it transpired that I'd

are groggy from too much eating and

paid for by the wealthiest and most

actually been told to come at 11 pm.

not enough sleep. And because they

successful member of the family: a

The reason: my visit just happened to

eat much more than usual,

manifestation of the patriarchal nature

coincide with the month of Ramadan

paradoxically this month of fasting often

of Muslim society, and also perhaps a

according to the Islamic calendar.

becomes a month of expanding

form of social welfare: a way of

During Ramadan Muslims fast in the

waistlines.

redistributing income.

hours of daylight, eating nothing. The

Apparently some are sensibly exempted

You may think breakfast should be

most devout do not even swallow their

from the fasting requirement, including

eaten in the morning, but no, this

own saliva, preferring to spit all over

travelers, people performing heavy

“breaking of the fast” reaches its

the place.

manual labor, pregnant women, women

pinnacle at nighttime. Engaging in

According to the Koran, the Muslim

in labor, invalids, and children.

business talks in what was virtually the

holy book which sets out absolute

The remarkable Egyptian sumo wrestler

middle of the night gave me insight into

precepts for living, Ramadan is the

Osunaarashi is a Muslim. During

yet another way in which cultures can

sacred month in which the Prophet

Ramadan he refrains from eating during

differ.

Muhammad first received revelations

the day. I suppose sumo could be

HAMAJI Michio

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 Jun

23

The next issue will be released on Saturday July 20, 2013.