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2015 JULY

vol. 23 New Discoveries in JAPAN

The Mysterious Creature that Created This Pattern

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Supports the Development of Future Technologies

Etchu-Yatsuo

「Owara Kaze-no-Bon」

【Feature】

The Appeal is in the Limitations ♥

“Small” and “Cozy” Really Are Better!

QUALITY REVIEW

Jelly coats medication to deliver it gently and safely to the stomach.

Pico-Falcon, the Ultra-mini RC Helicopter That Maneuvers Easily Even in Small Spaces

eng.jqrmag.com

New Discoveries in Japan

The Mysterious Creature that Created This Pattern

vol.23 (published on July 25, 2015) C OV E R

Photography/Yuko Iida

C O N T E N T S 02 New Discoveries in JAPAN The Mysterious Creature that Created This Pattern

04 TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Supports the Development of Future Technologies

05 Other Eyes and Ears Vol.7 The Tale of Sujata

JQR

Use of Making aces p S y Tin

06 【Feature】The Appeal is in the Limitations ♥

“Small” and “Cozy” Really Are Better!

An elaborately constructed spawning nest in the sand (above). A male white-spotted pufferfish bites the female to encourage her to spawn (right).

Photograph: Yoji Okata

● Warm Welcome at aPocket-sized Sushi Bar ● The Mystery of how Strangers canet along so Famously while Grilling Meat ● The KEI is the Perfect Car ● How One Family Built a Tiny but Comfortable Home ● Designing Ideal Homes on Small Plots of Land

Beautiful Geometric Patterns that Suddenly Appeared on the Seabed were the Work of Artistic Pufferfish making Spawning Nests

F

ifteen years ago, when humankind first entered the 21st century, beautiful designs in the sandy seabed off the coast of the island of Amami Oshima were discovered at depths of ten to thirty meters. The circular geometric patterns, as large as two meters in diameter, displayed a high degree of artistry and became a topic of much speculation amongst divers. However, nobody could work out who the artists might be.

It was discovered that the mystery circles appeared every year, from April through to August. Finally, in May 2011, underwater photographer Yoji Okata succeeded in taking a photograph of the fish responsible.

When public broadcaster NHK heard about this it immediately sent a team to investigate, and National Museum of Nature and Science researcher Keiichi Matsuura began a study of the fish.

Local divers worked together in an investigation that took approximately two years and led to the conclusion that this was a new species of pufferfish. Matsuura published a paper

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on these findings in September 2014, and the new species was named the white-spotted pufferfish.

The International Institute for Species Exploration and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry selected the white-spotted pufferfish as one of the top ten new species for 2015. As many as approximately 18,000 new species are registered every year, but this was the first time a species indigenous to Japan had ever been selected for the top ten list. Its unique habit of making artistic circles in the seabed was apparently highly rated.

The Spawning Nest that Takes a Week to Make The investigation ascertained that the circle is actually a nest for females to lay eggs in. Male fish, approximately 12 cm in length, dig up the sand with their bodies in order to attract a female and have them spawn there. The circular geometric design takes approximately one week to complete. Females lay

their eggs in the center of the circles, and the complicated design helps direct the current toward the center, thus supplying fresh seawater to the eggs.

Other fish also make nests for spawning, but it is extremely rare for them to be as elaborate as this.

“The number of radiating lines in the nests varies from twenty four to thirty, indicating individual differences between fish, and my guess is that the level of workmanship is what determines the males’ success in attracting females. This fish has other fascinating behaviors, such as decorating around the edge of the nest while separating out debris and shells,” The mysterious white-spotted pufferfish seems likely to provide material for research for a long time to come.

Dr. Keiichi Matsuura Honorary researcher at the National Museum of Nature and Science. His fields of expertise include the taxonomy, classification and distribution of pufferfish, thread-sail filefish, and coral reef fishes.

He is also supervising the compilation of an illustrated guide to fish.

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QUALITY REVIEW

Jun Shinozuka

Editors

Jun Nakaki Mariko Hatada

Jelly coats medication to deliver it gently and safely to the stomach.

Pico-Falcon, the Ultra-mini RC Helicopter That Maneuvers Easily Even in Small Spaces

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Editor-in-Chief

Etchu-Yatsuo

「Owara Kaze-no-Bon」

Designer

Wakako Kawasaki

Web

Motoki Nakae

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

Guiding people around Japan Vol.1 Assisting Visitors at Popular Tourist Spots

Omotenashi Tokyo

The Omotenashi (“Hospitality”) Tokyo scheme to supply volunteer guides for overseas visitors has been launched ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Guides will be available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at popular tourist haunts in the capital such as Shinjuku and Ueno, identifiable by their uniform of blue vest and black hat with a ribbon featuring the hi-no-maru circle of the Japanese flag, created by up-and-coming designer Tamaki Fujie.

Services will be provided primarily in English, with some guides catering also to speakers of other

languages such as Chinese, French and Italian.

Circulating in pairs, guides will carry tote bags containing multilingual Tokyo guidebooks, tablets, notepads etc. Rather than waiting to be spoken to, they will be encouraged to approach any visitors they see having difficulties.

Guide Mitsuko Akashi told us that she hopes to “not just give people directions, but in the spirit of ichigoichie (literally 'one encounter, one chance') help them learn something about Japan's culture and history too.”

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS The World’s Most Powerful Electron Microscope Supports the Development of Future Technologies

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 The Tale of Sujata >>>

Vol.7

“What is that?” asked an Indian friend who had just begun learning Japanese, Low-pass filtered image

Atomic positions

Crystals of gallium nitride (GaN), used in blue light-emitting diodes, as seen through the electron microscope. Pairs of red gallium atoms were observed 44 picometers apart, showing how structures and electromagnetic fields can be observed and measured at an atomic level.

A model of the electron microscope. The entire microscope, including the special casing, is housed in a large facility 18 meters in height.

pointing in surprise. He was pointing to a “Sujata” delivery truck, of the kind you can see all over the city. I explained it was a brand of dairy products, to which he said “I see,” but he still looked a little confused.

When I asked him why, he said that Sujata was the name of a girl who is said to have offered the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, a bowl of milk gruel after finding him emaciated from hunger; he had collapsed after failing to achieve Enlightenment despite numerous deprivations. Once he had fully recovered, though, he made his way to a large linden, or pipal, tree in a nearby forest. There he sat, relaxed in mind and body, and began a renewed

Atomic-resolution holography electron microscope

An Electron Microscope Designed to Beat World Standards

the microscope, the team endured more

search for the truth. After days of

obstacle, an electron gun emitting 1.2

than just development-related difficulties.

meditation, he is said to have attained

gruel.

On top of that, Mumbai is primarily

megavolt electron beams with stable

One parts factory, which was located in

Enlightenment, completing the path to

With support from the government-

long-term suppressed energy dispersion

the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture,

becoming a Buddha. Because this

These kinds of cultural crossed wires

down from Persian Iran), in addition to

sponsored Funding Program for World-

and an ultra-high-voltage power supply

was damaged by a tsunami caused by

anecdote is so well-known in India even

can be interesting and fun. At the same

being the home of the Tata Group,

Leading Innovative R&D on Science and

system were developed. A special

the Great East Japan Earthquake in

today, virtually every Indian has heard

time, one must be more careful about

India’s largest conglomerate.

Technology (FIRST), in 2010 Hitachi

structure was built to house the electron

2011. In 2012, Dr. Akira Tonomura, the

of the girl’s name “Sujata.”

true cultural misunderstandings.

Ltd. set out to develop an atomic-

microscope in order to reduce as much

central researcher for the project, and

resolution holography electron

as possible the external factors that can

also considered a strong candidate for a

Meiraku Group, the manufacturer of

One year, a welcome party was held in

it’s just as important to have a basic

microscope with an accelerated voltage

affect point resolution, such as vibration,

Nobel Prize, unfortunately passed away.

Sujata in Japan, naturally must have

Mumbai (the former Bombay) for an

understanding of these kinds of

of 1.2 megavolts, and managed to

noise and ambient magnetic fields.

Veteran engineer Isao Matsui also died

modeled their product name after this

economic mission from Japan. The

differences, too.

during the same year.

historical event, but ask a Japanese

group’s representative, a leader in

“There was talk of abandoning the

person “What is Sujata?” and most of

Japanese economic circles, began his

project entirely, but we continued out of

them will likely reply, “A brand of dairy

remarks, “I am so pleased to be here in

respect for Dr. Tonomura’s wishes, so it

products.” Go on to ask the meaning of

India, the home of the Buddha and

was a very emotional time when we

the word, or its origins, and you’re not

Buddhism.” The entire audience was

achieve a new world record resolution of 43 picometers (one picometer is one trillionth of a meter).

The microscope’s greatest merit was its spherical aberration corrector, something

04

electron microscopes. To overcome this

Analysis at the Atomic Level is Applied to the Development of New Materials

Parsi (a form of Zoroastrianism passed

We all go on about “globalization,” but

that had never been installed in an

“Our development process is nothing

finished in March 2014.”

liable to find many Japanese who know

startled. India is 80% Hindu and 13%

ultra-high-voltage electron microscope

radical,” said Hiroyuki Shinada of the

In the future, it is planned that the

the answer. On the contrary, they’ll

Muslim, with the Christian and Sikh

before. Spherical aberration occurs

Basic Research Center. “We brought

analyses made using this electron

probably be surprised to hear it’s the

religions each representing another 2%

when light passing through the lens

together all the technology that the

microscope will be used to develop

name of an Indian girl who saved the

of the population. Buddhism and

some distance from the lens center

company possessed, and thoroughly got

energy-conserving products, such as

Buddha by feeding him a bowl of milk

Jainism are an even smaller proportion.

doesn’t match the electron focal

to grips with the fundamental and most

lightweight high-capacity batteries for

distance, causing the focus to blur. In

difficult aspects of it. We procured the

electric cars, and also contribute to the

optical microscopes this problem is

necessary parts from about six hundred

creation of resource-efficient new

solved by using a combination of

companies, both domestic and overseas.

materials. Other fields, such as the life

concave and convex lenses to correct

There are many small and medium size

sciences, should also benefit from this

the aberration, but this requires a

companies in regional areas

new microscope.

stability which seemed difficult to

manufacturing world-class products.”

achieve in large, ultra-high-voltage

During the four years it took to develop

※ Point resolution is the degree of resolution that can be identified or measured by a piece of equipment.

These trucks are a common sight.

International business consultant. Global Human Development Japan, Senior Advisor.

HAMAJI Michio

After Keio University (Economics) in 1965, studied at the International Studies Institute before taking up a post in the Middle East affairs at a major Trading House. At the age of 45, moved to the information business in New York, to promote Japanese-US communications.

In 2002, chose the path of self-employment. Set up the Saudi Arabian pavilion at the Aichi Expo. Had worked on music videos of renowned L. Bernstein. Had advised Japan branch of US Cognizant and UK Pearson. Executive Coordinator of the Japan operation of French AtoS.

2015 vol.23

05

Feature

The Appeal is in the Limitations ♥

JQR

Use of Making aces Tiny Sp

“Small” and“Cozy”Really Are Better!

Most of us grow up believing bigger is better.

But given the finite availability of land and the depletion of our resources, we may have reached the limit of how much space we should hope for.

Depending on your needs, though, a few ideas and a little ingenuity can make small spaces perfectly comfortable.

Smart use of small spaces—it’s what the world needs, and it’s great!

Reporting, Text ／ Tsunefumi Honma, JQR Editorial Staff Photos ／ Susumu Nagao (Restaurants) Noriyuki Kamio (Kei Cars), Satoru Naito (Housing) Illustration / Mari Kaneko

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JQR

“ Sm al l ” an d “ C o z y ” Re a lly A r e B e t t e r !

s

Space f Tiny Use o aking

M

Just 3 Counter Seats in 6㎡ !?

Part 1 urants Resta

The first thing many customers say upon taking a seat is, “It's not as cramped as I imagined.”

Warm Welcome at a Pocket-sized Sushi Bar Sushi Dokoro Masa in Tokyo's Shinbashi district is a surprisingly small sushi restaurant, run by a chef truly dedicated to service.

Offering meticulously prepared food of outstanding flavor, it is little wonder this place is booked out for the next five years.

P

ass through the curtain and open the door into a cubelike space completely filled by three chairs and a blond wood counter with a compact set of storage shelves behind it. At just six square meters this small, spartan space would leave any first-time visitor slightly bewildered. Welcome to Sushi Dokoro Masa.

Owner Masaru Suzuki has been running this sushi bar for six years now. His previous restaurant was much larger at just over 46 square meters, seating 30 at the counter and tables. Although business was good, it was a one-man operation. Orders did not go through smoothly, and he says customers often complained about waiting too long.

“Whenever a cluster of customers turned up at once, I'd start running behind with the orders, no matter how fast I churned out the sushi. It was hard to do the work properly, and impossible to cater to individual demands.

Inevitably I gave off a pretty unfriendly vibe, which as you can imagine didn't do much for the atmosphere. It was frustrating.”

Eventually Suzuki began to think he would rather open a sushi restaurant that was smaller in scale but would allow him to serve customers properly, and do the job the way he really wanted.

Finding Ingenious Ways to Utilize a Confined Space that Take into Account the Customer's Line of Sight Suzuki has come up with various ingenious ways to optimally use the restaurant's limited space. Most of his customers are couples, and a lot of reservations are for two pairs, or four people. However, there are only three seats in sight. Inquiring after the other one, we were shown an extra wooden chair stowed away upside down below one of the visible seats. The entrance, which originally consisted of a single sliding door, has also been converted into four doors that can slide left and right from the center, eliminating the need for everyone to stand up whenever one person wants to leave to go to the toilet.

Clever use of space is not just about overcoming a lack of space, but about consideration for customers.

In such a small dining establishment, objects one wouldn't normally want customers to see, such as dirty dishes, are visible. Light-reflecting stainless steel sinks and cooking utensils are not especially pleasant for customers to look at either. Suzuki therefore devised a three-tiered arrangement in which the sink sits below the chopping board, and the refrigerator below the sink.

Obviously, no matter how skillfully the space is used, it is still cramped. The inconvenience of not having room for every essential remains. There is no landline or fax for bookings. In Japanese cuisine, dishes and plates are switched with the seasons: cooling glass for summer and earthy ceramics in winter, but naturally there is no space to keep these. Suzuki stores the dishes in his garage at home, moving them to the restaurant as needed.

Small Means Efficient but Everything Needs to be Done Solo Sushi Dokoro Masa may be small, but it is located right next to Shinbashi Station. Rent per square meter is high, on par with street-front premises in Ginza. Meanwhile, Suzuki's establishment only seats four, and has just two sittings a day. It seems like it would be difficult to make a living here, but the small scale means Suzuki can prepare everything himself, and in fact this is his only option. So the labor costs are zero, and food waste is virtually zero as well. Being so popular and difficult to book means only three or four cancellations a year. Even if a customer does cancel, the low numbers minimize the risk. As Suzuki notes, “Any raw ingredients I buy in must be used the same day. This was a real struggle

The sushi is made right there, giving diners a frontrow view of the chef's knife work, skill, and tense concentration. The taste is superb, of course, but the whole experience represents the ultimate in

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sushi service.

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Aiming for the Best Service at the World's Smallest Sushi Restaurant at my previous operation. Whenever it rained, or there was some international sports match on, people would cancel and fish would go to waste, which put a serious strain on the business.”

He notes that the tiny place he has now is a more efficient and stable business. Obviously he has to do everything himself, from going to the market for ingredients early in the morning, to cleaning the restaurant after closing. Sharpening the knives, an important task, is now a ritual for his days off, but doing so leaves him free to pursue the highest quality within the confines of his budget. “It's busy, but I can now persist until I'm happy with how the job is done, which actually makes it more fun.”

Aiming for Edo-period Street Sushi Authenticity

From the top, botan shrimp and aoyagi clam sashimi, bonito sashimi, a selection of the restaurant's finest nigiri, and steamed abalone. Set menus include these plus tofu and grilled dishes prepared the old-fashioned way.

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Suzuki chooses each ingredient with the greatest of care, to make sushi that meets his own strict standards. The rice is sekitori-mai grown in Saitama. This heritage variety has been used for sushi since the Edo period, but its low yield per ear led to a dramatic decline in acreage under cultivation, almost to the point of disappearance, but Suzuki managed to find a farmer still growing it. Sekitori-mai has a chewiness in the white part of the grain but is not especially sticky, allowing air to be incorporated when making the sushi, so the vinegared sushi rice melts in the mouth. The vinegar used in combination with the sekitori-mai is richly-colored red vinegar, which was also used in Edomae sushi.

Suzuki says, “I'm not trying to take everything back to Edo flavors, but if you explore how things tasted in earlier times you often find them to be unexpectedly delicious.”

In the Edo period, sushi was a food of the masses, sold on the street. In contrast, the high-end restaurants of

today ooze affluence. The more you spend the better fillings you can buy, and the tastier the result. This is not necessarily a step in the wrong direction, but tracing the roots of sushi reveals that it's also not necessarily the only proper way to do it. In Suzuki's view, supplying delectable sushi from small street stands at an accessible price is probably what sushi shops were originally about.

The splendid sight of neatly-arranged ingredients ready for another night

A Level of Service Only Made Possible by Engaging Face-to-face with Customers Yet what if the premises were slightly larger? If he turned to one customer and chatted, he'd have less time to give to another customer. If the chef is unable to keep engaging with a customer, a first-time diner might feel excluded.

“Chatting with the chef is one of the joys of going to a sushi bar. In the place I have here, I can communicate with customers consistently on an almost one-to-one basis. Hopefully this shows them that at this establishment everything I do is for them, including the conversation. This is a no-frills operation: no feeling of high-end luxury here. But I think it offers a different kind of pampering, a different kind of enjoyment absent from more luxurious surroundings.”

Close up and personal, offering the best of service: being small allows Sushi Dokoro Masa to offer the kind of true quality time between owner and diner that is only possible when space is at a premium

Suzuki is on the job from morning to night, buying ingredients early in the day, preparing them for use, serving customers as he makes the sushi, then cleaning the premises from top to bottom after closing. Because he does it all by himself, he is also careful to look after his health.

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The Japanese people have long enjoyed conversation in intimate spaces: the ideal sushi bar reflects that tradition

Sushi Dokoro Masa B 1 Shinbashi Ekimae Bldg. No. 2 2 -21- 1 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Phone: 080-5442-9866 (as of July 2015, no new reservations are being accepted) Closed: Sundays, public holidays, the New Year period Hours: 18:00–, 20:30–

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“ Sm al l ” an d “ C o z y ” Re a lly A r e B e t t e r !

JQR

g Makin

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Space f Tiny Use o

Part 1 urants Resta

Just Two Charcoal Grills in a Space of Only 7.26 m2!

The Mystery of how Strangers can get along so Famously while Grilling Meat Rokkakai, a stand-up bar and yakiniku restaurant in Tokyo’s Kanda district, is a cozy place where you can have fun grilling meat, drinking sake and getting to know the strangers at your elbow.

U

nder the railway tracks and next to the entrance to Kanda Station is Rokkakai, a stand-up bar and yakiniku restaurant. Shockingly small on the inside, the restaurant is popular for its reasonably-priced grilled meat, and stays lively from early evening until nearly the last train of the day.

Thanks to the great location, the spot commands top rent despite its tiny size (just 2.2 tsubo, or 7.26 m2). So how does it attract enough customers to survive when it doesn’t even open until early evening? Owner Hayato Morita explains what led him to choose this tiny space, barely big enough to squeeze in 15 people.

“My original plan was for a place that could get by on a few customers. A big space with room for big crowds needs a big staff to run it, and that costs money.

And since I was looking for a place customers could get to without getting wet when it rained, this spot, just 30 seconds from the station, was perfect.

What I really stuck with, though, was the idea of creating a small space where strangers could grill and eat their own meat, kind of elbow-to-elbow.”

Before Rokkakai, the space was used by a ticket shop. With its lack of water, gas or toilet facilities, this was the last place someone opening a restaurant

would choose. But Morita, who also happens to be an architect, had the expertise to put the space to good use.

He says that the minute he set foot inside, he knew exactly what floor plan would work, including how to stay within Fire Service Act rules governing the minimum space needed per (standing) person. Thanks in part to his experience, the cost of opening was just two million yen.

Rules for Running a Tiny Place: First, use Everything up Every Day. Running a restaurant in a small space means that no matter how cleverly you arrange things, there is never enough room for all the equipment and food you’d like. Isn’t that an inconvenience?

“We break down and sterilize our deliveries of meat and use everything up the day it’s delivered. With meat, freshness is paramount. You can’t serve leftovers the next day. Our meat is not just a product, it is literally the “meat” of our business, its very life.”

Because Morita won’t serve any meat that isn’t absolutely fresh, he has no need for separate refrigeration. His one small refrigerator is used for sake, another item he doesn’t stock up on. He orders six bottles a day, and serves

whatever is delivered. “Like meat, sake has a limited shelf life--once you open the bottle, the flavor only deteriorates.

So, like our meat, we carry only as much as we can sell each day. If we were to start offering Hoppy (an inexpensive beer-like brew often served in casual pubs) or the like, we’d need to find room for all the kegs, and we just don’t have that kind of space.”

Morita says that the space limitations affect every aspect of running the restaurant. “Small” tends to be seen as a negative, but having to deal with such inescapable constraints can also reveal where there is waste that can be avoided. Being forced to address the issue can also offer an opportunity to come up with new ideas. Morita’s decision to limit beverages mostly to sake had at least something to do with space restrictions, but he took advantage of the situation to come up with a style unique to Rokkakai.

Strangers share a grill, and as they grill, tension melts away.

Seeking Something Beyond Just Profit.

The meats Rokkakai orders are the finest available each day. With the exception of certain special cuts, everything is ranked A4 or A5 quality, and yet a plate of assorted meat is just 1,000 yen per portion (and by the way, A cheerful toast among strangers, and suddenly everyone’s a friend.

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Mr. Ishiwatari (a Tokyoite and regular customer) “I come here about three times a week for the great-tasting meat. It’s nice to pay only 400 yen for a glass of sake, too. I know a lot of the other regulars, and you can’t beat the atmosphere—even total strangers loosen up right away. I always have a good time here.”

in the opening of five sister shops. “Our affiliates are succeeding because each and every member of our staff continues to mature,” says Morita. His modesty, though, is betrayed by the size of his accomplishment—starting from scratch to get a full-blown concept up and running, and then turning that concept into a successful business, is surely no easy feat.

In an Instant, Cramped Quarters Turn Lively and Fun. The other thing that attracts customers to Rokkakai, aside from its delicious

people, seem to have no problem making friends among strangers at Rokkakai. How could this be?

Morita explains that, “I was always good at talking to strangers, and confident in my ability to bring people together. In such a cramped space, I sometimes end up having to ask customers to pass plates over, but it’s just that kind of thing that creates an opportunity for communication, and actually makes for a fun atmosphere.

Here, customers share a grill—but they also share conversation as they grill their meat. It only makes sense in a small place like this. Even before I opened this place, I knew this was the only concept that worked for me, the idea of bringing people together like this.”

Fresh, high-quality meat, grilled and eaten with a soy and citrus ponzu.

The perfect pairing for sake.

the sake is always just 400 yen a glass). In all, very reasonable prices —but is it profitable?

“Our food costs are high—and highly confidential—but when Morita is also unfailingly I do tell people they’re attentive. As customers always surprised,” arrive, he waits for just Morita laughs. the right moment to call “Business in pursuit of for a toast to the profit is all well and newcomers, something good, but what I’m he does for first-timers really after is the fun, and regulars alike. the interesting aspects “From our customers to Inside, there are just two small charcoal grills set up on the table. It makes it of it. If I can make our staff, nothing is more a little difficult to grill comfortably, but that slight inconvenience is what gets enough to keep the important to me than customers communicating with one another. place running, I think these connections that’s fine. More than between people. We’ve that, though, trust has to come first. If and reasonably-priced grilled meat and got a good crowd in tonight, too, and you make keeping your customers sake, is that the place truly brings the nice thing is that since we work happy your first priority, they’ll trust you, people together. Even during our face-to-face with our customers, we and that’s bound to lead to good things interview, a regular customer could be can see that they’re having a good (laughs). I really believe that.” seen showing a first-timer the best way time. For me, that’s really the best part This emphasis on the customer has to grill a special cut of meat, and about running this place. It may be brought Rokkakai a reputation for apparently this is an everyday cramped, but in a sense we’ve got outstanding customer satisfaction, occurrence. These solitary urbanites, something bigger than shops ten times attracted more business, and resulted supposedly so shy and awkward around our size. That’s what I think, anyway.”

Rokkakai Address: 2 -13-24 Kajimachi, Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo TEL: 03-3252-8644 Closed: Sundays and Holidays Hours: 17:30 – 24:00

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From young women to middle-aged men, complete strangers smile and raise their glasses to one another in a cheerful toast, “Kampai!” The tastiest thing about this tiny restaurant may actually be that moment when their glasses come together.

The popular assorted meat plate (¥1,000). Includes fresh lean beef, offal, fatty pork and other selections.

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“ Sm al l ” an d “C o z y ” R e a lly A r e B e t t e r !

Japan’s Small Cars

JQR

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Space f Tiny Use o

The KEI is the Perfect Car Part 2 Autos

The “Light Four-wheeler” (“Kei”) is the smallest among Japan’ s standards for automobiles. Cramped on the inside, their only advantage used to be their low price.

But the kei has changed dramatically in recent years.

Through ingenuity and technology, these small cars have overcome their limitations and become a lot bigger—in style and attitude—than they look.

In the Country

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In the City

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Small on the outside, but big on the inside!

Technology makes the Keimore comfortable.

Great mileage! Maneuverable! Roomy!?

How the Kei Car Rides

Suzuki Motor Corporation has long worked to advance kei car manufacturing under the limitations of the “small car” standard. We asked Suzuki’s chief engineer about the ideas and technologies behind their increased comfort.

The kei car is on a roll! In sales rankings for May 2015, kei cars held seven of the top ten spots.

How did these little cars keep evolving to reach such heights of popularity?

L

ast year marked the first

excellent. The road feels wider than

time that the kei car

usual, and even in heavy traffic there is

category’s share of new

plenty of room between cars, making

vehicle sales in Japan

for stress-free driving. With a turning

topped 40%. Considering how its

radius of just 4.4 m, turning around was

popularity has risen, soon the kei car

no problem, even on narrow roads.

could represent half of all Japanese

Acceleration was also better than

cars. Lately, we heard, they’ve shed

expected, perhaps because the vehicle

their former image as tiny, cramped and

weighs just 820 kg. The car is also

cheap-looking, with more refined

equipped with the latest features,

designs and roomier interiors. So we

including an idling stop system that

decided to rent one and experience for

turns the engine off when vehicle speed

ourselves the secret to their success.

drops below 11 Km/h at traffic lights,

We rented a Daihatsu MOVE, at a rate

helping to achieve energy-sipping

of 5,832 yen for up to six hours.

mileage of 31 Km/l. Considering all

After picking up our key, we start out

this, the kei car is definitely a vehicle

cautiously. Checking both left and right,

concept suited to this age of population

it’s immediately clear that visibility is

increase, resource depletion and

great. Perhaps because the car is so

concern for the environment.

small, the view in both directions is

［Japanese Classification Kei

Automobile Standards］ Displacement Less than 660 cc

Length Less than 3.4 m

Small (“five number”)

Less than 2000 cc

Normal (“three number”)

Greater than 2000 cc Less than 12.0 m

Less than 4.7 m

Width

Height

Less than 1.48 m

Less than 2.0 m

Less than 1.7 m

Less than 2.0 m

Less than 2.5 m

Less than 3.8 m

Best-selling New Cars January – June, 2015

1st

AQUA (Toyota)

2nd

N-BOX (Honda)

Kei

3rd

TANTO (Daihatsu)

Kei

4th

DAYZ (Nissan)

Kei

5th

MOVE (Daihatsu)

6th

Prius (Toyota)

7th

Fit (Honda)

8th

Alto (Suzuki)

9th

Wagon R (Suzuki)

Kei

10th

N-WGN (Honda)

Kei

4

In mid-April, I visited Suzuki’ s headquarters in Hamamatsu and arranged to test-drive their popular Every

Wagon kei car. The first surprise was how roomy the interior is, and not just the high ceiling--plenty of leg room means never feeling cramped. “The back seat is especially comfortable —much roomier than a liter car (a car

Kei

displacing 1000 cc),” noted chief engineer Masahiko Mizushima. Just because it follows a smaller standard doesn’t mean the kei car is simply a downsized version of a normal passenger car; the kei is designed as a kei from the ground up. The biggest difference from a normal passenger car lies in the short hood. “Because the

Kei

Every Wagon was designed to be roomier on the inside for a kei car, the

Rankings as announced by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association and the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association

hood is shorter and we’ve placed the engine under the floor. Also, because the tires are another factor in creating a narrower interior, our design pushes them out to the front and back of the vehicle. This creates a wheelbase (the distance between the front and back tires) that is considerably longer than a normal passenger car,” explained Mr. Mizushima.

The compact interior offers a wide field of view, and excellent visibility.

The two in charge of developing the Every Wagon.

In pursuit of more space, a process of trial and error resulted in a shorter hood,

Masahiko MIZUSHIMA “I try to incorporate in the kei car a sense of f un that you don’t find in normal passenger car s. I hope people will treat the car as a tool for enjoying their hobbies on their days off.”

Yuki IRITE

“I always try to design kei cars that never feel cramped, even during long drives, cars that ar e comfortable, reassuring and user-friendly.”

which in turn makes it easier for the driver to determine the distance from the car ahead. Also, with the tires at the four corners, turning radius is smaller, which has the benefit of

design is like a puzzle, and a constant

feel, explained Yuki Irite, in charge of

battle with the numbers. With this year’

the car’s interior design. Putting lids on

s model, the first major update of the

storage spaces takes up space, so most

Every Wagon in nine-and-a-half year,

of the storage is open, balancing design

they’ve gained more space by moving

concerns and practicality. Coming up

the tires three centimeters forward, and

with user-friendly designs involved

the front seat up by 4.5 centimeters.

going out in the market, seeing how

Other touches that help make the

people actually use their cars, and

interior look bigger include a design

listening to their opinions. Ms. Irite

To create the roomiest interior possible,

that emphasizes horizontal lines, as

continued, “For example, people who

not even a millimeter of space can go

well as the use of rounded cross

enjoy camping will actually drill holes in

to waste. Mr. Mizushima says car

sections that help avoid an oppressive

their cars to install hooks and shelves

making it easy to drive even on narrow roads. This is why even people who are not particularly good drivers find kei cars easier to drive.

Ingenious Design Touches Make the Interior Look Bigger

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2015 vol.23

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21

JQR

Suzuki Every Wagon Interior length: 2,240 mm Interior width: 1,355 mm Interior height: 1,420 mm, top in its class for interior space.

MSRP from \1,425,600 (including consumption tax)

s

e y Spac of Tin g Use

Makin

A Kei Car May be Small on the Inside, But it Holds a Surprising Amount

Part 2 Autos

so that more luggages can be loaded

enlarging the interior space. “All of

inside. You also see this a lot with

these limitations actually drive

people who use their cars for work—

ingenuity. That’s the nature of the kei

they’ll make all kinds of clever

car,” noted Mr. Mizushima. The kei car

modifications so that they can better

became so widely accepted in part

arrange their tools and equipment. After

because it represents impossible

seeing that, I thought ‘Wouldn’t it be

demands being met and then exceeded.

easier if we just provided the holes and

The future looks exciting indeed for the

the grooves for hooks and shelves from

always-evolving small cars of Japan.

did with this model. These screw holes The kei car is more than just a means of transportation; it’s also become a part of enjoying one’s hobbies. The wide range of design options is also

A 27-inch bicycle can easily fit fully upright.

Vehicle height makes getting in and out easy. Abundant legroom means even adult men can sit in back without feeling cramped.

the start?’ And in fact, that’s what we are very popular.”

Even a kei car needs to be able to hold a lot if it’s being used as a commercial vehicle. During the update of the Every, a great deal of attention was paid to how many boxes it could hold. That focus resulted in a luggage compartment with room for 69 boxes of tangerines, 40 cases of beer, or 46 small cardboard boxes. Its small size makes the kei car a perfect luggage hauler, ideal for parking on narrow roads to load and unload cargo without getting in the way.

This storage pocket was added to the instrument panel next to the speedometer. It’s convenient for quick access to keys, mints or other small items.

behind its popularity.

Providing More Room While Ensuring Safety

Thinner but stronger sheet steel was used to enlarge the interior space. It meets all safety standards.

To enlarge the interior, seats were moved forward and walls (sheet metal) made thinner, but that makes safety a question.

Mr. Mizushima explained that, “By building a more robust frame and using stronger sheet metal, we are able to meet collision safety standards. In the old days, we’d build a prototype, actually test its strength, and then go

Fits up to 17 medium-sized boxes (319 x 669 x 432 mm). Easily handles larger luggage and longer items like carpets.

back and reinforce areas that lacked sufficient strength. Today, computer technology as advanced to the point where we can run a wide range of

Holes for attaching accessory shelving, nets, etc. are standard.

The luggage compartment is easy to use.

simulation analyses and build more precise prototypes. Still, that doesn’t make our conflicting tasks any easier, whether we’re making side panels thinner but stronger, or trying to improve mileage while making the car lighter.”

The reason the kei car standard was revised in the first place was to make

Suzuki Every

the cars a little larger to ensure they would meet stricter safety standards.

Not all that added size has gone solely to safety measures; once safety was ensured, they were able to look at An overhead shelf above the driver’s seat can hold A4 files and thinner tissue boxes within easy reach.

(Equipment on the Every)

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2015 vol.23

L u g g a g e c o mp a r t ment size is top in its class (when configured for two passengers).

L e n g t h : 1, 910 mm Width: 1 ,3 8 5 mm He i g h t : 1, 240 mm Fo l d d o wn t h e p a s s enger seat to increase f l o o r l e n g t h t o 2, 640 mm.

MSRP f r o m \ 923, 40 0 (consum ption tax included)

2015 vol.23

23

One ride and you’ll be hooked, too!

We ♥ Kei Cars!

Photo Studio Employee

Kaori Takata

Kei car ownership: Seven years What do you like about it?

In the city or the country, for personal use or business, kei cars are a hit.

We asked four people in love with their kei cars what makes them so attractive.

Liquor Store Owner

Toshihiko Nishimura Kei car ownership: 18 years What do you like about it?

Engraver

Kei car ownership: Five years

Kei car ownership: Six years

Sumiko Fukatsu What do you like about it?

Hiroshi Deguchi What do you like about it?

Wide visibility and maneuverability make it easy to drive.

It’s nimble enough to make deliveries efficiently.

It handles shortcuts with ease.

It holds a lot, and cargo is easy to load and unload.

K

T

T

H

aori Takata’s life work is photographing the four seasons in Karuizawa. Her choice of kei car is the Suzuki Jimny. She bought it immediately after

oshihiko Nishimura owns a liquor store. When he has a lot to carry he’ll use his truck, but for smalllot deliveries he relies on his kei car. ”Streets in

okyo-based performer Junko Fukatsu likes to spend her weekends at her studio in Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture. Ms. Fukatsu notes that, “I get here from

iroshi Deguchi makes full use of his van-style kei car, loading and unloading his work, shopping for work or everyday items, and even for going surfing.

getting her driver’s license, which she needed to travel to

residential neighborhoods can narrow suddenly, and space

Tokyo by train and bus, then use this car to get around the

Ten years ago, he returned to his family home in Minami

Karuizawa, where she was taking photographs for her

for parking is limited, so it’s great that the kei doesn’t take

neighborhood while I’m here. Isn’t that more eco-friendly?”

Boso, and set out on career as an engraver. He likes that

college thesis project. She’d seen many residents of

up much room and is so maneuverable,” he says. He also

She laughs as she mentions that she’s named her Daihatsu

his kei car is convenient for getting around just about

Karuizawa driving kei cars, and after trying one found it

points out that, “This car can actually carry quite a bit. I

Esse “Pyon-kichi.” Working as a goodwill ambassador for

anywhere, and doesn’t cost much in taxes or maintenance.

very nimble. The Jimny has the power to handle sudden

can load as many as 20 cases of beer (20 large bottles to

Tateyama City, Ms. Fukatsu also performs live with other

It’s so convenient, in fact, that Mr. Deguchi doesn’t hesitate

hills, so she thought it would be a safer ride for a beginning

a case).” With its great mileage and enough power to

musician friends and manages a community garden. “My

to call the Japanese kei car a world-class accomplishment.

driver like herself. “The Jimny has a wide field of view, and

maintain speed even when fully loaded, his kei car is

car is convenient for hauling gardening supplies, and only a

“Living in the country, the kei car is like a horse. Every

I like that I can enjoy the scenery in the hills as I drive,”

indispensable. Mr. Nishimura’s current Honda Acty is his

kei car could handle shortcuts through farm roads and

household has one,” says Mr. Deguchi. Indispensable to

says Ms. Takata. On the weekends, she enjoys packing her

fifth kei car.

narrow alleys,” she says. Her busy weekends wouldn’t be

everyday life, the kei is as much partner as it is car.

cameras and driving from Tokyo to Karuizawa.

24

Flautist

the same without Pyon-kichi.

Favorite car: Suzuki Jimny

Favorite car: Honda Acty

Favorite car: Daihatsu Esse Custom*

Favorite Car: Suzuki Every

Length: 3,395 mm Width: 1,475 mm Height: 1,680 mm Vehicle weight: 980 Kg Minimum turning radius: 4.8 m

Length: 3,395 mm Width: 1,475 mm Height: 1,880 mm Vehicle weight: 960 Kg Minimum turning radius: 4.5 m

Length: 3,395 mm Width: 1,475 mm Height: 1,470 mm Vehicle weight: 780 Kg Minimum turning radius: 4.4 m *This car is no longer produced or sold.

Length: 3,395 mm Width: 1,475 mm Height: 1,815 mm Vehicle weight: 970 Kg Minimum turning radius: 4.5 m

2015 vol.23

2015 vol.23

25

“ Sm al l ” an d “ C o z y ” Re a lly A r e B e t t e r !

JQR

s

e y Spac of Tin g Use

Makin

Making the Right Choice

Part 3 g Housin

How One Family Built a Tiny but Comfortable Home

To own your own home, No matter how small, Is the ultimate happiness.

Living in a spacious house in the suburbs would have meant a tiring 2.5 hour commute every day for Mr. K, but property in the city was expensive and hard to find. Building a house in the city seemed impossible.

We asked the K family how they managed to build their dream home on a mere 59.49 square meters of inner city land.

T

he K family built their home in a quiet, affluent neighborhood ten minutes’ walk from Shibuya Station.

From the outside the house appears to be extremely small, but once inside the view from the entrance opens up, preventing any impression of a cramped space. The compact design and high quality construction make this house feel very livable, even when compared to bigger, more spacious houses.

When Mr. K began thinking about owning a home, he spent a lot of time debating whether it would be better to have a large house in the suburbs, or a tiny inner city residence.

“I’m a workaholic who always gets home late. If we had chosen to live in the suburbs I would have started arriving home even later, in the middle of the night. Since my wife waits up for me every night it would have placed an even greater burden on her, so I decided we should live in the city. I wanted to live somewhere in the vicinity of Shibuya if possible, because it’s an exciting place that’s always producing new culture and trends. But with the price of land there, it seemed beyond my wildest dreams. I never imagined it would be possible at all.”

However, in 2009 an unexpected opportunity arose when an acquaintance introduced them to a landowner in Shibuya and they had the chance to enter into sales negotiations.

“We talked to the landowner and told him about our dream and the kind of

The entrance features a direct view of the courtyard. Thanks to this there is no sense of cramped space. life we wanted to lead here. Our passion was enough to convince him

to sell, in the hope that the land would be useful to someone.” The flagpole shaped plot of land was less than sixty square meters in size, which meant it was relatively cheap.

Purchasing the land made it possible for the Ks to achieve their dream of

Meeting the Right Architect Revives Their Dream

(Top) Gentle light penetrates through the window into the white,

owning a home in an upmarket city neighborhood.

“Once the land purchase was settled we talked about the kind of house we wanted to build. Both of us wanted something functional yet separate from ordinary life, with a resort feel.”

Mr. K put together a summary of the concept and Mrs. K., an interior designer, drew up plans. Armed with these they visited a construction company, but were met with nothing but disappointment.

“After hearing what we wanted, the sales rep’s expression went dark and he told us it was impossible. The company would make no profit from such a project so they couldn’t do it.”

Instead they were shown the company’s own plans. They looked at these, and ask for detailed modifications, but in response the sales person only pulled out a list of

lightweight, spiral staircase that leads down to the basement.

(Center) Tall bamboo grows in the courtyard. Louvers on the outer wall of the courtyard allow light from the outside to penetrate but prevent the interior from being visible from the outside. (Bottom) The hammock space adjoining the children’s room is a favorite of the K’s daughter.

The K family: Mr. and Mrs. K, their daughter and two cats.

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2015 vol.23

Seen here standing in their parking space.

2015 vol.23

27

options to show them.

The dreams inspired by obtaining the land seemed to be tumbling down all at once. The couple decided to build a house independently and set about looking for an architect. They discovered Denso Sugiura, an architect with considerable experience in designing small, narrow houses, and went to consult him.

“When handed Mr. Sugiura our concept and designs, he said it was the first time he’d seen anyone so well prepared with such a concrete vision. The flagpole shaped plot of land, being so unusual, was a challenge that seemed to fire up his enthusiasm as an architect. When he told us he was very keen to work with us, we were so happy we could’ve jumped for joy.”

Denso Sugiura’s Three Principles for Utilizing Space in Tiny Houses The K’s house makes full use of Sugiura’s “Three Principles for Space in a Tiny House.” These are: omission, transparency, and multi-functionality.

First, the omission of a dividing wall between the first-floor entrance and the LDK (living/dining area/kitchen) room maximizes the sense of space.

At the same time, the entrance is

positioned so as to not give a direct view into the LDK, so that anyone relaxing in the living area need not worry about being seen by visitors at the door. The living room doubles as a dining area, with a switchover in functions possible in an instant since the kitchen is concealed by a semi-transparent door. Guests passing through the living area are also spared from seeing the kitchen sink. A courtyard facing onto the LDK is walled off by glass, a transparency which creates an impression of space.

This also reduces the need for lighting and ventilation, in line with the principles of omission and multi-functionality.

The underground floor also contains Mr. K’s study and his daughter’s room, plus storage space and a play area with a hammock.

“We had insufficient total floor space with just two floors, but couldn’t build a three story house because of local building height regulations. However, Mr. Sugiura suggested we add a semi underground floor up to 1.4 meters deep, which wouldn’t be a problem legally and would also reduce property taxes.”

Light filtering in from upstairs and through windows into the semi-basement floor prevents it from feeling dark and oppressive. The

concrete walls also provide effective soundproofing, which means the family can play the piano and not attract complaints from neighbors.

Large objects such as surfboards and skis can be kept in the spacious storage area.

“It was suggested that since we were living in a city center, we should take advantage of city services and use the car park space for something else, letting us build an even more comfortable home. But we stuck with our preference for a car parking space.”

The second floor bathroom is filled with soft, gentle light, and has a spacious feel reminiscent of a resort.

Privacy is a concern when building a semi open air bath in a residential area, but Sugiura solved this by utilizing the principle of transparency and fitting louvers so that nothing can be seen from the outside.

Relax in the elegant bath, bathed in gentle light with music in the background.

A Comfortable Home Close to Nature Every room is well ventilated with natural air blowing through, as well as extremely bright thanks to natural light. Even though they are in the middle of a big city, the couple are awakened in their second floor bedroom every morning by the sun and the sound of birds perched on the bamboo growing in the courtyard. The power of nature is harnessed to make this house even more pleasant and comfortable. With such a high degree of perfection, you would naturally wonder about the cost.

“We stayed within the budget that we first proposed when we consulted Mr. Sugiura. We really did not expect to come as close to achieving our ideal home as we have, so when we moved in we were extremely pleased.”

Finally, we asked Miroku, the K’s daughter, what she thought of the house.

“We have fun having barbecues or making oil fondue in the courtyard. I also do my homework in there sometimes for a change. I feel really good here, spending every day with the cats. I love this house.”27

A semi-transparent partition conceals the kitchen and creates a sense of depth. Not visible in the photograph is a large screen on the right hand wall and a sofa and sound system on the left.

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2015 vol.23

The semi open air bath space was achieved with the help of louvers and a skylight. Soak in a luxurious bath surrounded by white walls and high quality tiles.

2015 vol.23

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JQR

“ Sm al l ” an d “ C o z y ” Re a lly A r e B e t t e r !

g Makin

The Architect who Makes Dreams Come True

s

Space f Tiny Use o

Part 3 g Housin

Designing Ideal Homes on Small Plots of Land Architect Denso Sugiura came up with three principles for designing small houses in order to create functional, highly livable homes within the confines of cramped city spaces, and make his clients’ dreams a reality.

E

ighteen years ago a commission landed on Sugiura’s desk to build a house on a plot of land that measured only 31.2 square meters.

Sugiura had never considered building a house in such a small space before, and so he decided to make a study of this challenge.

“Creating a comfortable space within a limited area is difficult. I thought through the challenges and came up with what I call ‘Three Principles for Space in Small Houses.’ These are omission, transparency and multifunctionality.”

Drawing on these three principles enabled me to design comfortable houses even when working with limited space.”

The principle of ‘transparency’ involves regulating the view from both inside and outside the house. The use of transparent materials for partitions to divide up the space ensures a path for light, air and sight.

“If you use material such as wire mesh panels, woven wire cloth or expanded metal for partitions, the outside is visible from the house interior, but the interior is not visible from the outside.

Light and air pass through the rooms, and the line of sight extends to the

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2015 vol.23

outside. This preserves privacy while also creating a feeling of spaciousness.”

The second principle of ‘omission’ involves the removal of wall and floor sections to expand the space. Small, narrow houses often have three stories because of the limited absolute floor space. Sugiura will therefore choose things like mesh material for the stairs.

“Mesh stairways create a very pleasant chimney effect in summer, when upper floor windows are open and the air flows upwards. They also allow light coming though skylights to illuminate lower floors, making the interior light and bright.”

The third principle of ‘multifunctionality’ means to have one space perform several functions, such as the entrance way and garden.

“Normally a house occupies 60% of the site area, leaving 40% for gardens or parking spaces. If you locate the entrance inside the residence it becomes that much narrower, but if the entrance doubles as a garden area it means you can utilize the space more effectively. Melding the inside with the outside is what makes a small house viable.”

The three principles work together to

Sugiura has learned much from the traditional tea room, his model for creating small spaces

create a sense of spaciousness inside a limited area.

Making the Most of Traditional Culture in Modern Homes According to Sugiura, the Three Principles for Space in Small Houses were actually used in traditional Japanese homes.

“For example, they always had an enclosed veranda along one side, and when guests came you could sit there and talk while looking at the garden.

This unity of the exterior and interior is something that Japanese houses used to have.”

Sugiura always includes a tree in the first floor of his house designs, no matter how small the building. The purpose is to add depth to the space, but it also has the aim of enabling enjoyment of the outside environment, or in other words, nature.

“Leaves rustle when the wind blows, and the tree’s shadow shifts as the sun gets higher. I usually plant deciduous trees, so in spring there are buds, and flowers blooming in summer or berries that come out in autumn, and when

Denso Sugiura, head of the Arts and Crafts Architectural Design Associates. An expert in designing small houses, 70% of his clients come to him for that reason.

2015 vol.23

31

Smallness is a homebuyer’s greatest weapon for keeping costs down winter arrives the leaves fall. In this way residents get a sense of the seasons. Living in harmony with nature is the essence of Japanese culture.”

The Increasing Popularity of Small Houses and Average Budgets

larger. The average plot size for which Sugiura has designed his small houses is about 56 square meters, with an average total floor space of around 89 square meters. The average building price was ¥890,000*, and the cost of construction approximately ¥24 million, but these are averages based on old data. In recent years the price of land and the cost of construction have been rising.

“Nowadays the construction cost for a small house is approximately ¥30 million. On top of that you have consumption taxes and design fees,

to be the merits of small houses.

“Of course if you picture a lot of people inside, a small house seems crowded and cramped. But the merit of houses cannot be judged on whether they are big or small. I believe that what is important is how you use the house, and if it suits your purpose and lifestyle.

A house in the suburbs and an inner city house represent two different lifestyles that require completely different functions. For example, with a city house you don’t have to invite guests into your home, because if you have a favorite restaurant in the area you can take them there instead. A city lifestyle allows you to make use of the conveniences of a city.

Therefore, when designing a house, it works best if you think of it mainly as a place for the family to enjoy themselves.”

The majority of Japanese houses were not necessarily small. According to Sugiura, a number of social conditions are behind the increasing demand for small houses since the 1990s. There is a preference for free standing houses over condominiums because of concern about disasters, the declining birth rate and other changes to the family structure mean less need for large houses, diversification of lifestyles has stimulated demand for individualized houses, and with the progress of women in society there The families who live in are more working the houses Sugiura has couples who prefer inner designed appear to be city living. extremely satisfied, in spite “Light, wind, temperature and the texture of the materials are “For a long time it was of the fact that they are all important,” says Sugiura, “A range of factors besides size believed that the living in a limited space. are involved in the comfort of a space.” minimum land size requirement for building “When I see the happy a house was roughly a hundred square **as well the land price. Inner city land faces of clients who say that they enjoy meters. But people have come to is expensive, but can be purchased living in the houses I design, I feel realize that with some adjustments, you cheaply if buyers are willing to accept really glad I have this job.” can live quite comfortably even in a an irregularly shaped plot, and in the small house.” course of making adjustments to fit a Anything is possible. If you have only a Most people who find their way to the house on such land, all kinds of small piece of land, don’t give up, a Arts and Crafts Architectural Design interesting houses are born.” comfortable home may be possible if Associates are couples in their late The Merits of Small Houses you ask the right person. thirties to forties, with an average loan Small houses help to reduce land and size of ¥55 million. To buy land and building costs. Their compactness is build an inner city house with this conducive to greater energy efficiency amount of money necessitates that the in cooling and heating, plus * Tax not included size of the lot will be roughly between maintenance and cleaning is simple. ** Figures are as of May 2015 33 and 60 square meters, and no We asked Sugiura what he considered

Inquiries: Arts and Crafts Architectural Design Associates, tel.: 03-3402- 5315

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2015 vol.23

Every day the challenge of designing for small areas stimulates the creative urge and produces ideas

Sugiura’s office in Aoyama, Minato ward. Over the last 18 years he has designed countless small houses.

The smallest site he has ever designed a house for was 23.17 square meters (smallest floor space: 14.23 square meters).

2015 vol.23

33

QR 1

Swallowing Aid Jelly

All products sugarless, caffeineand allergen-free.

Safe even for those on a sugarrestricted diet.

Quality Review

Swallowing Aid Jelly

Jelly coats medication to deliver it gently and safely to the stomach.

Photos/text: JQR editorial staff

other problems. Crushing pills to make

down the throat at different speeds,

them easier to swallow crushes the

medicine sometimes gets left behind.

coating along with the medicine, and

We learned that about 85% of the

any small pieces left risk causing

time, medication taken with water

injury. Using yogurt or milk to cover

adheres to the throat and doesn’t

the unpleasant taste of medication,

reach the stomach smoothly.”

making it more palatable for children,

The final product, the result of much

can create a coating of proteins in the

trial and error, was immediately

ills that get stuck in the throat,

stomach that can interfere with a

welcome in medical and care settings.

the strain of taking multiple

medicine’s absorption rate, reducing

Not only were patients freed from the

pills at once, powders that taste bitter

the drug’s effectiveness.

stress that came with taking

… There is a lot to dislike about

Initially, however, Ms. Fukui was

medication, but many commented that

taking medication, but most people

instructed by her company to develop

regurgitation and choking were no

put up with it as something that’s for

“water that could be used to take

longer a problem, and medications

their own good. Now “Swallowing Aid

medication anywhere.” Based on her

were more effective. Early on, there

Jelly” can help take the stress out of

own experience, she proposed

were complaints that the product,

taking your medicine. This jelly wraps

developing a gel, rather than water,

which came only in a lemon flavor,

the unpleasant taste and smell of

but her suggestion met with vehement

was too sour for children, and

medication in a coating made of agar

opposition, and was quickly turned

eventually this led to the development

gelatin, ensuring the medicine reaches

down. She set the matter aside for a

of other, more child-friendly flavors

the stomach. Medicine goes down

time, but eventually once again

like strawberry and grape. And after

easily without getting caught in the

suggested that what was needed in a

being told by herbalists that the

throat, and because the jelly is about

medical setting was definitely a gel,

unique bitter taste and smell of

85% water, it dissolves easily in the

and not water. This convinced the

traditional herbal medicines was an

stomach. The product was developed

president of the company to visit a

important part of their effectiveness,

by Atsuko Fukui, head of Ryukakusan’

nursing home, where he saw for

the team developed a version of the

s Development Division, based on her

himself the difficulty patients had in

jelly that cut that bitterness by just

own experiences as a pharmacist

swallowing medication. With that,

50%, especially for use with herbal

interacting with patients in a hospital

almost a year after her original

medicines.

setting.

proposal Ms. Fukui was finally able to

No one gains if medication intended

“Hospital patients need to take

begin product development.

to improve one’s health instead

Easily take medications that are hard to swallow, or have an unpleasant taste or smell.

P

medicines daily, but some suffered from dysphagia and had difficulty swallowing, which made taking medication a struggle. Smaller children sometimes disliked taking

Medicine—Surprisingly Difficult To Take With Water

medicine so much that they would

In developing the jelly, a variety of

refuse to eat their meals,” Ms. Fukui

tests revealed some surprising new

recalls.

insights. Ms. Fukui recalls that, “First,

Improperly swallowed pills can get

we found that drinking medication

caught in the throat, causing

with water puts additional strain on

inflammation, or can be accidentally

the muscles of the throat. And

aspirated, leading to pneumonia or

because medication and water travel

becomes the cause of stress or even

Insert the medication between the layers of jelly.

Spoon it up without stirring, then swallow.

Basic use Multiple pills or powdered medicines go down with ease Lemon-flavored Swallowing Aid Jelly.

Works with larger capsules and supplements, too.

new illness, or can’t be fully effective.

2015 vol.23

Great taste and smell helps kids forget they’re taking medicine.

Put the Swallowing Aid Jelly in a bowl and add the medication.

Add more jelly on top of the medication to fully coat it.

Swallowing Aid Jelly for Kids comes in five flavors, including strawberry, grape, peach, lemon and chocolate.

Utilizing this swallowing aid jelly can make it easier to deal with taking medication.

Single-use stick type is portable and convenient.

Medication is easy to take wherever you happen to be.

For Herbal Medicine

Takes advantage of the unique smell and bitter taste of herbal medicine while making it easier to swallow.

Place the medicine and the jelly in a container and mix well.

● For inquiries, contact: Ryukakusan Co., Ltd. http://www.ryukakusan.co.jp/70120・797・010 （10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. except weekends and holidays）

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For Children

Swallowing Aid Jelly for Herbal Medicine comes in strawberry-chocolate and coffee flavors.

Spoon up the mixture and swallow.

No gritty texture.

The grape flavor uses coloring extracted from grape skin, making the child’s pills look like little grapes.

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35

QR 2

Quality Review

Pico-Falcon Comes in the three colors shown. Helicopter is equipped with a battery that can be recharged using the charger built into the controller. A 30-minute charge allows for about four minutes of continuous flight.

Pico-Falcon

Pico-Falcon, the Ultra-mini RC Helicopter That Maneuvers Easily Even in Small Spaces Photos/text: JQR editorial staff

Only 59 millimeters long and weighing just 9 grams,the world’s tiniest toy helicopter will captivate even adults!

happened after the company’s launch

The developers of the Pico-Falcon

of its first indoor miniature RC

focused not only on smaller, sturdier

helicopter in 2006. That launch was

construction, but on making the

followed by a flood of foreign-made,

helicopter fun to operate. For example,

inferior knock-offs that broke easily and

lift the lid of the Pico Box, the Pico-

created the impression that all toy

Falcon’s special carrying case, and you’

helicopters were flimsily made.

ll find everything you need stored snugly

“It was very frustrating,” recalled

inside: Helicopter, controller, batteries

Promotion and PR Team member

and screwdriver. Close the lid, though,

Kiyoko Hayasaki. “We needed to dispel

and the box instantly becomes a

that image, so our development team

heliport. The front of the helicopter is

helicopter small enough to fit on

put their heads together to come up

also equipped with white LED lights

the tip of a finger? More than a

with a sturdier, even smaller RC

that can be flashed on and off during

toy model, though—surprise! It takes off

helicopter. In 2013, we introduced the

flight, making it look even more like a

with a whir. Manipulate the included

Pico-Falcon’s predecessor, the 81

real helicopter. With the ability to fly

controller just right, and you can fly it

millimeter-long Nano Falcon.”

three Pico-Falcons simultaneously, you

not just up and down, but into left and

Typically, a product like this is

can even create formations.

right turns, rotations and horizontally

considered a hit if you can sell 30,000

The Pico-Falcon offers realistic flight in

forward and backward. The fun is in the

of them; 150,000 Nano Falcons were

a small package. Easy to operate, this

realistic sensation of flight, greatly

sold in just the first nine months. The

tiny helicopter is packed with features

scaled down. This is the Pico-Falcon, a

Pico-Falcon, meanwhile, is another

that are sure to captivate children and

helicopter just 58.5 millimeters long

30% smaller, and to make it even more

adults alike.

and weighing nine grams. Sold by toy

compact, both the size and number of

manufacturer CCP, this ultra-mini

electronic parts was reduced. Shogo

radio-controlled (RC) helicopter has

Matsuda, who led the planning and

been recognized by Guinness as the

development effort, noted that “We used

world’s smallest toy helicopter.

a soft material for the propeller and the

The helicopter and its controller are

legs of the fuselage. This material not

connected via infrared, giving it an

only reduces weight, but acts as a

operable indoor range of about five

shock absorber during impact, resulting

meters. The price is small, too, at just

in a sturdier toy.”

A

5,480 yen for a complete set including controller.

The development of this ultra-mini helicopter was prompted by what

Designed to foster a sense of fun

● For inquiries, contact: CCP Co., Ltd. http://www.ccp-jp.com ☎ 03-3527-8866 (9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m./1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m./except weekends and holidays)

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2015 vol.23

Stable flight is made possible by a high-performance gyro sensor that detects helicopter angle and speed, and by a dual-blade, counter-rotating propeller mechanism.

The included Pico Box holds the helicopter, controller and screwdriver (used when changing batteries). At just 11 x 10 cm, it is compact to store and easily portable.

(Batteries sold separately)

uipped Unique Camera-Eq Camera helicopter mode

Models, too!

When folded up

Digital camera mode

The new Nano Falcon Digicam model comes equipped with a 300,000 pixel camera. Just 13 centimeters long, the helicopter can be flown indoors for video and still photography. The two-way design features a folding propeller and tail shaft; store the helicopter in the controller to transform the controller into a hand-held digital camera.

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Etchu-Yatsuo

Owara Kaze-no-Bon Bon-Odori dancing is a seasonal staple of summer throughout the Japanese archipelago, and among the numerous Bon-Odori festivals held around the country, the Owara Kazeno-Bon stands out as an unmissable once-in-a-lifetime event for everyone.

Photos and text Yuko Iida 38

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Return to the Golden Years of the Edo Period with a Captivating Dance set to the Mournful Strains of the Kokyu In summer’s dying three days, hibiscus flowers spread their blowzy petals, big-hearted as love itself blooming.

The men and women of Yatsuo dance through the packed streets of their neighborhoods in a beautiful Bon-Odori dance that is the epitome of grace, and a breath of cool refinement for the spellbound crowd.

Every year the streets of Etchu-Yatsuo begin to

ears would not blow over before harvest. Obviously

stir around August 20 as the strains of the kokyu

the ritual was the same as others across Japan,

fiddle can be heard from behind lattice doors, wind

and in the festivals' earliest years during the

chimes chiming in at every pause. Amid such

Genroku era (1688-1704), in Yatsuo as elsewhere

serene awakenings the fever grows, rippling

it appears to have been a rather vulgar, noisy

outward, eventually swelling into a raging torrent.

affair.

The Kaze-no-Bon festival that is held here from 1

A transformation occurred in the Taisho and early

– 3 September attracts over 200,000 visitors from

Showa years, when a local doctor by the name of

all over Japan to the streets of this small town.

Junji Kawasaki invited top writers, artists and

Under their gaze, the people of Yatsuo dance, and

practitioners of Japanese Butoh dance to Yatsuo

dance, and then dance some more, pouring their

and encouraged them to mingle with like-minded

hearts and souls into the performance. Their

local enthusiasts for matters artistic. As a result

dancing is passionate yet elegant, even refreshing.

the dancing became more refined, and the

Faces hidden by straw hats pulled down low, the

foundations were laid for the separate men's and

women mesmerize onlookers with the suppleness

women's dances. Each of the 11 districts of

of their fingers, and the napes of their necks. The

Yatsuo has subsequently evolved its own original

men don short indigo coats with bright white rice

dances, from stage dancing to circle dances, as

ear motifs, and perform crisp movements with a

well as dances that mime agricultural work, as

beauty all of their own. As they dance, male and

prayers for a good harvest.

female forms entwine mutely, sometimes playfully,

In the evening, following a few gusts of wind and

sometimes passionately.

a sprinkling of rain, the dances recommenced on stage and street. Eventually, as the night wore on,

One theory is that Kaze-no-Bon originated as a

spectators departed on the last train. As silence

“wind-subduing” ritual. Under the lunar calendar,

fell on the cobblestones, the Kaze-no-Bon began

hassaku (August 1) is when the rice ears grow

again in the dark streets, each dancer dancing to

heavy with grain. This date, 210 days from the

their own tune, continuing under the light of the

traditional first day of spring in early February

moon, as if in some dreamlike state between sleep

(risshun, midway between the winter solstice and

and waking, until the sky began to brighten in the

spring equinox) , is an inauspicious day for wind,

east.

and a ritual was performed in the hope that the

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Summer ends and autumn begins.

Exhilarating dancing, a limpid moon.

Music flows under gathering clouds.

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The term “owara” is said to come from “owarai”, meaning to laugh heartily, or alternatively from “Owara-bushi”, the title of a folk song derived from the Japanese for “large rice stalks”, from a prayer for bountiful harvests.

DATA

Owara Kaze-no-Bon

Location Yatsuo-machi, Toyama-shi, Toyama Duration 1-3 September Rehearsal celebrations 20-30 August Getting there Take the JR Takayama Main Line from Toyama Station to Etchu-Yatsuo Station, then travel a further 12 minutes by bus. * Dancers from each of the 11 districts parade through their neighborhood and perform a circle dance and stage dance for only one night before the main event. During the main Kaze-no-Bon festival the crowds are huge, but these preliminary performances are more relaxed and accessible.

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Eyes beneath a hat of straw dance dreamlike just for this night.

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