Kansai Scene #148 September 2012

I’m free. Go on, pick me up.

無料 issue 148 September 2012

www.kansaiscene.com

The cycling issue Feature: Keirin track racing Style: City bikes Made in Kansai: Nakagawa Cycle Works Travel: Kyoto with a pro Travel: Scottish Island hopping Food & Drink: Nakanoshima and a whole lot more… + Where To Go And What To Do — Kansai listings, news, info, maps and classifieds

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Contents Features Get up to speed with Keirin

p10

Fix up, look sharp in the city

p41

© Yuji Yamada 2012 / DMOARTS.COM

Features

Style

Street cycles

p08

Travel

Kyoto with a pro

p18

Island Hopping in Scotland

p22

COVER ARTIST: Yuji Yamada See more of Yuji’s bicycle racing inspired art at DMO Arts in Isetan this month.

More details: www.dmoarts.com

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18

22

14

08

38

Food and Drink

Nakanoshima p38 Made in Kansai

Nakagawa Cycle Works

p14

Listings Art

p24

Events p26 Festivals

p30

Sports

p31

Classical Music

p34

Live Music

p32

Club

p36

Film p42 Business Finder

p44

Classifieds p47

kansaiscene

@kansaiscene

Kansai Scene is published monthly by Mojoprint

Enquiries

Publisher/Creative Director............Daniel Lee Editorial...................................Donna Sheffield ....................................................Nick Coldicott Sales Manager............. Nicholas Despopoulos Production Manager.................. Rie Okamoto Graphic Designer..................Naomi Mochizuki Accounts Manager....................... Michiko Lee

General mailbox@kansaiscene.com Advertising sales@kansaiscene.com Tel. 06-6539-1717 Fax. 06-7635-4791 Address Osaka-shi, Nishi-ku, Shinmachi 3-5-7, Eiko Bldg. 2F Website www.kansaiscene.com

Art................................................. Tomoko Ishii Event & Festival.......................... Yuki Uchibori Film..........................................Donna Sheffield Classical..................................Michael Vezutto Live............................................ Phillip Jackson Club.................................................Terumi Tsuji

DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. We take no responsibility for the quality or content of advertisements. Public and private parties appproached by those claiming to work for or on behalf of Kansai Scene should call this office to confirm the truth of any such claim, especially where money may be involved.

A bit of history Kansai Scene was founded by Peter Horvath and Nishikawa Keiko in 2000 and published by Jatin Banker between 2003 – 2011. Now in its 12th year, the magazine provides articles, information and listings for the Kansai area.

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for on the lookout KS is always ents and new newsworthy ev und town. openings aro ggestions to Email your su cene.com editor@kansais

News & Openings

A wheely good theme this month Osaka, Shinmachi — Notice a theme to this issue? From the stylish cover to the main features, you’ll see this month has become the cycling issue of Kansai Scene.

Whether you love jumping in the saddle every weekend, or spend most days jumping out of the way of that crazy guy on the sidewalk, bikes are a fact of life in Kansai.

Instead of a simple one-page nod to this, the KS team decided to approach the theme of cycling from as many different angles as possible. That’s why you’ll find pics of people on the streets with their bikes alongside an interview with a local bike craftsman this month. Look out for some more themed issues coming in the future. But if you don’t like bikes, don’t worry – there’s still plenty to read in our regular listings for Festivals, Events, Art, Music and Movies. The KS team has also added a few new sections this time too: check out Sports, Business Matters and Business Finder. Love it? Hate it? Drop the KS team a line any time.

Fix your Reeses’s craving Kansai — American residents no longer need to beg the relatives for a care package of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, as Seiyu GK stores are stocking them for a 12-month contract.

The Japanese arm of Wal-Mart Stores Inc, sold the candy for a trial month and was overwhelmed by customer response and sales figures.

It outsold Kit Kat Mini, their best selling candy product by 1.7 times.

The products aren’t exactly the same as those sold in the US, as one preservative in the original recipe is banned in Japan. www.seiyu.co.jp

Got some news?

From left: Katya, Hidesetsu Fujimoto, osh10

Music to Kansai’s ears Osaka — The fourth annual Kansai Music Conference (KMC) will be held from September 14 to September 17, welcoming musicians from five continents over four days at over a dozen venues in Osaka. All events will be open to the public.

KMC is the only globally-oriented music conference in Japan. Conference highlights include a popular English rakugo presentation, career-building seminars, workshops for shamisen and gospel singing, and artist interviews. Conference attendance is free of charge.

This year’s performance schedule includes over 60 different artists, spanning all genres. Highlights include Katya (Los Angeles-based rocker and blossoming TV celebrity), Hidesetsu Fujimoto (Shamisen master and teacher), osh10 (Australian electronic artist), and Wes Coas (world traveling hip-hop artist). www.kansaimusicconference.com

InterContinental hotels comes west Umeda, Osaka — A massive 24-hectare hotel is currently under construction in Umeda, and when it opens next year, it will be the first InterContinental Hotel in western Japan. The luxury chain currently has hotels and resorts in Okinawa, Yokohama and Tokyo.

Comprising 17 levels, the InterContinental Osaka will offer 215 guestrooms, 57 serviced residences and four food and beverage outlets. Facilities will include four banquet and meeting rooms, a wedding chapel, a spa, and a fitness centre with an indoor pool. Expect the decor to suggest contemporary luxury, matching modern interior design sensibilities with natural materials hinting at Japanese influences. Works by young stars in the Japanese art scene will also be on display.

“Osaka is developing rapidly—there is now better connectivity between East and West Japan, and with the strengthening of Kansai International Airport as an aviation hub, the InterContinental Osaka will stand out in what is one of InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) most important markets globally,” said Clarence Tan, CEO, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan. www.intercontinental.com

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And the award for least emotional performance goes to...

Osaka University — Actors are a tricky bunch. They make crazy demands, throw tantrums, forget their lines and always want to know what their motivation is. Not so with this Osaka-born star, Geminoid F. Reviewers have described her performance as “a bit mechanical”, but it’s a fair description, as she is the world’s most realistic android.

Geminoid F is one of two actors appearing in Sayonara, a work of “Android-Human Theatre” that explores the slippery boundaries between the two categories. Canadian performer Bryerly Long is the other actress, a dying young woman whose parents enlist a robot as her caretaker. The play began as a 20-minute work in Osaka but has now been expanded, and heading abroad to theatres in Melbourne, Australia.

Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro is director of the robotics department at Osaka University, and the creator of the Geminoid series of robots. He first came to international attention when he

produced an android identical to himself, which he sometimes uses to deliver lectures and workshops on his behalf. This move into theatre is the result of teaming up with another Osaka University professor, Oriza Hirata, who was interested in the idea of androids in theatre. What next, android theatre critics?

Meaty pie goodness Osaka, Horie — For all you meat and pastry lovers, there’s a new pie shop in town. Kiwi’s Pie in Kita-Horie offers handmade Australian/NZ style meat pies.

The pies are made in Shiga then baked on the premises. As well as traditional pie flavours, there’s loads of unique yums to choose from, including Thai Chicken Pie, Bacon and Egg Pie and Curry Pie. Prices start at ¥350 for a pie. www.kiwis-pie.com

Plans afloat to create new public swimming pool Dotonbori, Osaka— Fancy a swim in the Dotonbori river? By 2015, you could be doing just that, as plans are underway to create an 800m long, 12-15m wide and 1.1-1.4m deep pool there, called Pool Dotonbori.

The river water-fed pool is planned to open on the 400th anniversary of the Dotonbori area, and will feature open water swims and public swimming (¥1,000 for the first hour and ¥500 for every subsequent hour). The pool will also be available for events or sponsors for ¥200,000 for two hours.

Governor Ichiro Matsui proposed the plans back in January, and so far they’ve been given the green light.

The former Economic Planning Agency director general Taichi Sakaiya, who is now a special advisor to the all-Osaka authorities, added his weight to the plans, saying that as well as generating revenues for the prefecture Pool Dotonbori could also become a landmark destination for the region.

Time for Thai Osaka, Yodoyabashi — The third branch of the successful Chedi Luang chain opens in Yodoyabashi this month, with a focus on traditional Thai cuisine from the Esan region. Boasting the largest Thai kitchen of its kind in Kansai, the new resatuarant offers generous seating and seven private rooms. It takes over part of the old Sumitomo bank building. Should be Thai dining in style. www.chedi.jp

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Business matters What issues face business owners in Kansai these days? How easy is it to set up and run a business here? Business Matters is our new section giving readers a basic insight into the business world. Local business owners and experts will be sharing their thoughts and news.

Contact KS for more information on topics covered here or topics you want to know more about.

To Dance or Not to Dance

By Matt Naiman, Local club manager

There’s a new law in town, except it’s an old law, and nothing to celebrate: no dancing after 1am. If you’re a weekend clubber, you may already have had your party stopped abruptly by the law.

Nightclubs that used to close at 5am are now closing at 3am or even 1am.

Even worse, some nightclubs have shut down completely.

Over the last year and a half, Kansai police have been targeting Osaka and Kyoto nightclubs in draconian raids, and arresting owners and managers under the Fueiho law, the law that governs adult entertainment business. The dancing aspect of the Fueiho law has been on the books since the post-war occupation era, when it was enacted to give police a means to combat prostitution in GI-frequented nightclubs. The law states that a nightclub must have a license to permit dancing.

However, once the nightclub gets the license, it must close at 1am. This, in effect, means it is illegal to dance in Japan after the hour of 1am!

The law has largely been unenforced for decades. A thriving nightlife culture has grown up in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Internationally-known DJs have been nurtured in Japan’s cities.

Japanese electronics makers like Pioneer, Technics and Roland make the best DJ equipment in the world. But recently in Osaka and Kyoto, for reasons that are not altogether clear, the crackdown has begun. Typically, the police will issue a warning for violation of the dancing law to a bar or nightclub that doesn’t have a fuzoku license. The second time, the police will arrive in full riot gear and arrest the owner and manager. In the case of one club in Umeda, eight staff members were arrested for allowing people to dance. Generally, those arrested are kept in detention for 23 days, fined 500,000 yen each and then released after confessing to the crime of making people dance.

Renowned Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto has denounced the recent climate of crackdowns as a threat to artistic culture and self-expression. He has lent his name to an organization, Letsdance.jp, which is trying to get 100,000 signatures for a petition against the police actions.

As KS went to print, Letsdance.jp has garnered nearly 31,000 signatures to date.

Going it alone

By Nicholas Despopoulos, Real estate and investments advisor

Getting into business can be tricky. Knowing how and where to get started is not everyday information. If you are starting a small operation, there is an easy and free way to set up a sole proprietorship that will provide for your basic business needs.

You only need to go to your local tax office and ask to make a Koujin Gishou. It costs nothing and only takes five minutes to fill out the paperwork. This basic tax identity will allow you to open a Koujin Kouza or business account at your bank, through which you can operate your business. This provides an easy way to track and declare earnings while allowing many more tax deductions. The Koujin Gishou structure is for small businesses and may not be suited for larger operations. It is best to consult with a professional before making a final determination.

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Style

Street Cycles Some people choose a bike for its functionality, others purely for its street cred. The streets of Kansai are filled with unusual bikes and colorful characters riding them. KS stopped a few of them in Horie and asked about their steeds.

Images: KS

• Name: Shigeru • Occupation: High school student • The bike: Present • Bought: Online shop • Favourite ride: Yodogawa riverside

• Name: Tonmitsu • Occupation: Music event staff • The bike: Present • Bought: Second-hand • Favourite ride: Dojima area

• Name: Murata • Occupation: Shop staff • The bike: ¥180,000 • Bought: Ichijyo Bicycles • Favourite ride: Horie park

• Name: Takuto • Occupation: Elementary school student • The bike: Present • Bought: Toys R Us • Favourite ride: Utsubo park

• Name: Kira • Occupation: Office worker • The bike: ¥20,000 • Bought: Don Quijote • Favourite ride: Utsubo park

• Name: Hazuki • Occupation: Childcare worker • The bike: ¥36,000 • Bought: Tokyu Hands • Favourite ride: Namba area

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• Name: Yukari • Occupation: Unemployed • The bike: ¥40,000 • Bought: Online shop • Favourite ride: Umeda

• Name: Bug • Occupation: Cycling shop staff • The bike: ¥90,000 • Bought: Gira Gira Chariya • Favourite ride: Midosuji

• Name: Sayaka • Occupation: Cycling shop manager • The bike: ¥140,000 • Bought: Gira Gira Chariya • Favourite ride: Kyoto Kamogawa, Nishijin

• Name: Rene • Occupation: Cycling shop owner • The bike: ¥300,000 • Bought: Gira Gira Chariya • Favourite ride: Horie Area

• Name: Fuku-chan • Occupation: Cycling shop staff • The bike: ¥330,000 • Bought: Gira Gira Chariya • Favourite ride: Osaka castle, Mukogawa

• Name: Juan • Occupation: Bike manufacturer • The bike: €2390 • Bought: Dosnoventa, Barcelona • Favourite ride: Everywhere

• Name: Kazuki • Occupation: Hair stylist • The bike: Present • Bought: Online store • Favourite ride: Utsubo park

• Name: C.C. • Occupation: Restaurant owner • The bike: ¥5,000 • Bought: Second-hand • Favourite ride: Horie area

• Name: Shogo • Occupation: Restaurant owner • The bike: ¥70,000 • Bought: Asahi cycling store • Favourite ride: Yodogawa riverside

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Feature

Get up to speed with keirin With the London Olympics done and gone, keirin – Japanese bike racing – may be just the thing to ease one’s withdrawal from the athletic competition. A day at the races also beats your standard tourist activities in Kansai. Hang out with locals, cheer some cyclists and place your bets on the winning wheels.

Text: Jeff Lo Images: Jeff Lo and Keirin

The race ends in a wild flash of spokes, frames and thin rubber tires. A slowmotion replay reveals racers in brightly colored jerseys inching, inching their wheels toward the finish line. A pause.

The top three winners are announced, and the air rings with cheers for whomever’s just won (non-gamblers, these), and curses at whomever’s just lost (gamblers, these). Welcome to the world of Japanese bike racing, better known as keirin.

Kyushu’s Kokura city government created keirin in 1948 to boost post-war reconstruction. Keirin quickly grew in popularity and transformed from a regional diversion to an Olympic event in a matter of decades. The rules are

simple: nine riders race around a banked, oval track; the fastest three take bragging rights, cash and a chance to move up within keirin’s lettered ranks. Of the roughly 3,600 cyclists active in Japan, just nine are in the top-rated SS-class, where a victory can net a cool ¥100 million in prize money. Cyclists are constantly competing to reach SS class.

“Keirin athletes are very, very hardworking. We have some athletes, like Yoshio Ikari from Shiga, who compete well into their 60s,” says Nihon Jitensha Kyogikai (Japan Bike Race Association) assistant general manager Seika Marunaka. “Just as in the sumo world, however, pride makes people retire after

they go down in rank. Still, many cyclists will continue competing, simply because they love what they do.”

The career of a keirin athlete begins with induction into the official keirin school in Shizuoka, where a hellish training program awaits. The school is open to aspiring cyclists of any age, sex or nationality. According to one report, as long as you can race a kilometer in 1:10 and have no yakuza connections in your family, you stand a chance. And then comes the hard part: buying your own bike, handling your own repairs, spending days and nights traveling and competing, rain or shine, in any of Japan’s 44 velodromes, and risking life and limb (speeding 60

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Simon van Velthooven on the podium after winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics (far right)

Medal man Though not unheard of, it’s still a shock when the ending of a professional sports race is too close to call – and at the Olympics, no less!

Not that 23-year-old cyclist Simon van Velthooven is complaining.

His photo finish with Dutch athlete Teun Mulder in the Men’s Keirin event at the London 2012 Olympics netted him a bronze medal, which he dedicated to his home country of New Zealand. Van Velthooven spoke to KS about the race, his future, and a return visit this month to Japan to compete as a guest keirin racer.

KS: What kind of competition are you expecting in Japan this fall?

Will this be your first time competing in the country?

Simon van Velthooven: I raced in Japan in 2010. I learned a lot, and the racing helped me win the Olympic bronze. This year, I’m much stronger and wiser. I cannot wait to race.

KS: After your Olympics win, do you think the other racers will work much harder to beat you?

SV: I know as an Olympic medalist I’ll be a marked man. But I train hard to race strong and smart. km on a bike with no brakes!) for pride and glory.

Only a lucky few will earn the immortality achieved by local racers like Kiyofumi Nagai, a champion who became the first Japanese keirin cyclist to win an Olympic medal (in 2008, at the Beijing Games). Despite this, most athletes seem content to travel from place to place, scratching out a living doing fairly dangerous work for the cheers of the local crowd. Prior to a visit to the ready room, where 50-year-old athletes warm up with cyclists half their age, and well-muscled men teeter on single-slat geta sandals (“Helps you balance,” one athlete says),

Marunaka explains that this is actually part of the appeal.

“Keirin is a very emotional sport,” he says. “The racers come from every part of Japan. They depend on no one but themselves, and their abilities. They can win; but even so, no one wins forever.

People age, have bad races, drop in rank; regardless, they still do their best. That’s what the people cheer them for.”

For more information about keirin, including how to place bets at a race, visit http:// bg.keirin.jp/en/abcs

KS: Japan keirin races aside, what is your next big goal?

SV: A World Championship title.

Then the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

KS: Your Olympic finish was extraordinarily close. Will you and Mr. Mulder be looking to settle things more decisively the next time you race each other?

SV: Teun and I are good friends.

We’ve raced together in Japan before and he’s very strong. I do wish to settle things with him at our next UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) race, though.

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Language

Ride the legal wheels Text: Wes Lang

Have you ever wondered what the cops were saying as you rode by, ever so tipsily, with a random new friend on your back pegs and a look of brave defiance? Probably one of the most common phrases uttered by Osaka’s finest: “Futarinori wa kinshi desu. Orinasai.” (Doubling up is illegal. Get off your bike and walk). Most Japanese couples kindly oblige, walking for a block and a half until out of sight and then continuing the risky, yet immensely popular trend. Doubling up is one of just a small number of violations that both Japanese and foreigners commit regularly. Other commonly overlooked breaches include riding on the sidewalk (Yes, it is illegal in Osaka), riding without your headlight on, and riding an unregistered or stolen bike. If, by chance, you are pulled over for any of the above (or even just for evading a police roadblock), then what can you expect? Here are a few questions that the police may ask you when stopped: Nihongo wa daijoubu desu ka (Can you speak Japanese?)

Anata no jitensha desu ka (Is this your bicycle?)

Gaikokujin tourokusho o misete kudasai (Please show me your ID) Riding a stolen bike is a serious offence, and people have been deported for it. If the cops stop you they will assume that you were the one that stole it. The first thing they’ll do is run the registration number through their database to see who the real owner is. If the bike has been reported as stolen, then expect a long, potentially embarrassing interrogation at your local Box of Justice (the koban). If you’re on your own bike, then there’s no reason to panic, but if your bike has been passed down from flatmate to flatmate, then you could run into problems.

Registering is easy, painless and only takes minutes. Buy a new or used bike from a shop and they’ll do the paperwork for you, but if your friend has given you a bike, then a trip to any bike shop is necessary. Just say: “Jitensha o touroku shitain desu ga” (I’d like to register my bike.) Fill out the appropriate paperwork, slap down ¥500, and it’s a done deal. You will get a pink receipt, which is your proof of ownership, so guard it with your life.

Occasionally bikes have been known to disappear. Before crying ‘thief ’, think about where you parked it. Bikes left near major train stations typically get towed away in the mornings, so your bike may be at the local bike pound. Bikes lifted from your home, however, are more than likely the work of an experienced thief and require an adventurous trip to the aforementioned police box.

Reporting a stolen bike is a painless procedure that the cops are well accustomed to. Tell them: “Jitensha ga nusumaremashita” (my bicycle was stolen.) Give them your pink slip and fill out the tonanhoukoku (stolen bicycle report).

If you don’t have the registration receipt, it’s no problem as long as you have the registration number and bicycle plate number written down. The registration number is the orange colored sticker on your bike, while the plate number is a metal plate on the frame of your bike. Alternatively, you can find the same information on your pink slip, so make a few copies and place them randomly around your domicile.

So there you have it. The ABCs of bike ownership/registration.

See you on the sidewalks!

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Made in Kansai

The art and craft of bicycle frame building Shigeru Nakagawa has been hand-building bicycle frames from his small workshop in Neyagawa for 30 years. A master craftsman, his bikes are sought after the world over.

KS was lucky enough to be granted an interview.

Text & photos: Daniel Lee

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I chose to cycle from Osaka to Neyagawa rather than take public transport. I figure I’ll make a better impression if I turn up in my cycling gear and not business attire.

Besides, I want to show him my bike and hopefully use it as an ice-breaker.

I’m a little nervous. Will he be offended that I have come alone and not together with a crew of photographers and reporters? I arrive a little earlier than scheduled.

A well-worn handwritten note on the door to his workshop says he is “out to lunch, back soon”. I wipe the sweat from my brow and remove the omiyage I had brought with me from my backpack. Not knowing his likes or dislikes, I took the advice of my wife and got him some Japanese sweets. The safe option, she assures me. The carefully wrapped set of daifuku emerges unscathed.

Nakagawa returns from his lunch astride a battered old mountain bike (not a Nakagawa model I note). He wears easy fitting jeans and a navy blue Tour of Japan polo shirt. Not exactly the greasy overalls and welding glasses I had been imagining. He breaks into an easy smile and I am instantly at ease. He unlocks the door and ushers me inside, without so much as a glance at my Italian hand-made Casati bike leaning against the wall.

A comforting workshop smell hits me as I enter. It’s the smell of 30 years of blood, sweat and tears. Nakagawa has

forged, hammered, welded, polished and filed some 5,000 frames in this workshop, all by hand, and give or take a few apprentices over the years, all by himself.

We sit in a small corner of his workshop that has been assigned as his office.

There is no door, just a table and a jumble of books, paperwork and memorabilia. I offer my gift as humbly as possible and he gleefully accepts, revealing he has a sweet tooth. Relieved, we chat a little about the Olympics and the current strength of British cycling as he prepares coffee for us. The subject turns to frame building and he begins to talk about his craft. He speaks of it much as an artist would, with intense passion and pride. His enthusiasm and confidence just as steadfast today as when he set up Nakagawa Cycle Works back in 1983.

Nakagawa began his love affair with bicycles as a rider for the Zunow racing team, competing on the track, road, or even at cyclocross races. He broke his leg badly in a traffic accident at the age of 20 however, putting an end to his pro racing ambitions. If he couldn’t ride them, he decided, he would build them.

“I knew I wanted to create my own frame brand from the age of 20,” he says.

“But it took until the age of 35 before I had acquired the skills and readiness to do so. Just because you like bikes, doesn’t mean you can build one or that the qual-

ity will be any good. To make bikes, you have to study steel and that is exactly what I did.

“I used to ride all the time as a young man, but always the cool, Italian bikes — Colnago, Cinelli, De Rosa, those types of frames. Their quality and style was simply unlike anything being manufactured here in Japan at the time. Their use of color in particular was in stark contrast to the more conservative hues favoured by Japanese builders. Each manufacturer having its own brand color. I knew that I wanted a strong visual identity for my own frames too and developed my original Nakagawa pink and green.

“Right from the beginning I wanted to make a brand that could stand the test of time. A timeless design, logo and color scheme that wouldn’t constantly need updating to match every fashion fad.”

He roots around in the shelves and pulls out a vivid pink Nakagawa cycling jersey, banded with green and black. For Nakagawa, the building of a brand is just as important as the quality of the frames themselves. All his frames bear the Nakagawa mark, a logo that combines the kanji for naka with the letter N. All Nakagawa frames are custommade. You have to visit him to get measured up and be quizzed on how you want to ride. He is adamant about that.

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“I don’t accept orders over the phone or by fax, unless it’s for an existing customer of course. For new customers, I ask them to come here. I can’t create a bike for you unless I know your riding style or what you want from the bike. How do you want it to feel? Is it for speed, for touring, for cyclo cross, track racing … the job of a frame builder is to forge a rider’s feelings and hopes for his bike into reality.”

A typical frame can take a year to complete. It starts life with imported steel tubing from Europe or, if requested, a hybrid of both traditional steel and modern carbon fibre. The tubes are cut to size and threaded into original lugs to form the basic shape. There is no blueprint for this critical first stage, only a large, flat-bed that serves as a guideline while he forms the shape. Every stage is completed with hand tools, an unforgiving eye for detail and a craftsman’s sixth sense.

Although Nakagawa builds each and every one of his frames from start to finish, the final spraying and decal application are outsourced to a local finisher.

Not having absolute control over the final painting process is a bitter pill to swallow, but for this one-man-operation it’s the only practical solution.

“To do the paint work too, you need the proper equipment and set-up,” he explains. “Of course I could invest in the gear myself and set-up a spray booth, install the necessary drainage systems etc, but it’s a question of how far you want to go.

“There are sometimes minor imperfections in the paint job or sticker application that the average person wouldn’t notice or care about. To me they are unacceptable, but that’s life I suppose. After 30 years in the business I am still striving for perfection.”

Nakagawa was once the salaried mechanic for the Japanese national roadcycling team, travelling with them all over Asia. His proximity to professional riders lead him to form his own racing team, largely as an act of self-promotion.

By sticking pro riders on his bikes he sought to prove their worth as racing machines and a viable alternative to massproduced frames.

Team Nakagawa enjoyed considerable success on the domestic circuit, to which a shelf of trophies attests. But he says the competition now is too fierce for part-time riders and so when not building frames, he concentrates instead on the more gentle activities of his cycling club.

“There is no point just building bikes”, he says. “You need to show people where to ride them too.” His cycling club is some 70 members strong and meets frequently for communal rides and occasionally to compete in amateur races, with members coming from far and wide to participate.

“We were competing in a cyclo cross event down in Shingu, Mie,” he says.

“There were a bunch of American riders from Santa Cruz. They were taking part in a sister city exchange, and they were gathered around one of my bikes. One rider, Brian, was impressed by the build quality and the fact that a hand-built frame could compete on the racing scene.

I wasn’t very impressed by their American hand-built frames to be honest though. I knew mine were better.”

That rider was Brian Vernor, a California based filmmaker who came to Japan several years later to film part of a documentary entitled The Cyclo Cross Meeting.

The film offers a fascinating peek at the rise of the cyclo cross scene both in the States and Japan and features Nakagawa talking candidly about his craft.

“At first I didn’t remember who he was” he laughs. “He said he’d met me before and wanted to interview me. It wasn’t until he talked about the Shingu ride that it came back to me. The documentary was something to do with Rapha and the cameraman and whole crew were really professional. It’s really artfully shot”.

We go outside and he humours me by casting a discerning eye over my bike.

Even though he has a soft spot for Italian frames, the flashy ornate lugs and unnecessary frills of my Casati go against his own frame building ethos and he is unimpressed.

“There is a lot of wastage. A lot of show.

The way the dropouts seem to be just tacked on as an afterthought, for example.

I strive for simplicity and clean lines in my frames. There is beauty in simplicity.

Ultimately, I want to make quintessentially Japanese bicycles”.

One wonders what the future holds for the Nakagawa brand. Neither of Nakagawa’s two daughters show the slightest interest in bicycles, let alone the idea of building frames. One thing’s for sure, though: He’ll continue building bicycles for as long as his hands and mind allow.

Nakagawa Cycle Works • Address: 572-0075 Osaka-fu, Neyagawa-shi, Kuzuhara 2-14-34 • Tel: 072-829-5431 • E-mail: info@nakagawa-cw.co.jp • Open: 10am – 7pm • Closed: Sundays & Holidays • Url: www.nakagawa-cw.co.jp • Orders: Contact Rene at Gira Gira Chariya (Tel: 06-6534-2539)

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Travel

Kyoto with a pro Japan offers the road cyclist smooth roads, fantastic scenery and a wide variety of terrain for both beginners and experienced riders alike. KS squeezes into its lycra shorts, heads to Kyoto and gets some advice from a seasoned pro.

Text and images: Daniel Lee

There are no windows in the lock-up, but through the gloom we can make out at least a dozen bikes. There are more frames suspended from the ceiling, a set of shelves overflowing with spare parts and various tools poking out of boxes.

This is not your average bike shed. This is Vincent’s bike shed.

Vincent Flanagan is our guide today.

He’s agreed to take KS on a short ride into the hills north of Kyoto. A former pro mountain biker (having been crowned both the Australian and Japan national champion) and long-term Kyoto resident, he knows a thing or two about bikes and where and how to ride them.

We begin our ride on the towpath along the Kamogawa river, heading north from Demachiyanagi station. The path

is narrow and sandy, with little dunes forming at the edges. No problem if you ride dead center, but riding abreast, I am forced to tackle the dunes and the going gets a little hairy as the wheels stick and threaten to topple me at any moment.

Vincent notices my discomfort and suggests going faster to compensate.

“If you slow down you end up losing control. That’s when you fall off. Go faster through the sand and you’ll be fine”.

I reluctantly take his advice but am glad when we shoot back onto smooth road. We cross the river and head through a maze of back streets to reach the small but perfectly formed Radio Bagel shop for breakfast.

There is an unwritten lore amongst cyclists apparently, that a good ride starts

with coffee and ends with coffee. Nursing a hangover and having leaped on a train at 8am without breakfast, I wasn’t going to argue. Radio Bagel produces the most delicious bagels I think I have ever tasted.

These freshly baked rings were a world apart from the bland, chewy things masquerading as bagels I have had before.

Vincent is a regular and introduces us to the cheerful owner. She chats away about her bagel business as she prepares our coffee and pulls a fresh batch from the small oven. One fig bagel, one blueberry bagel and one hot cup of coffee later and we are off again but not before Vincent shoves a bagel into a pocket in his cycling jersey. “Perfect cycling food” he says.

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

We scoot down tiny lanes and side streets before hitting a main thoroughfare. “The thing to remember about finding good cycling roads is that there is usually a quiet road running parallel to a busy road”, says Vincent as, case in point, we dart down a street running parallel to the busy route 367, heading to Ohara. There is very little traffic and it’s easy to talk.

“Rivers too”, he continues. “There is always a quiet route to be found running next to a river”.

My thoughts turn to the enormous Yodogawa in Osaka. Its bike path, while at first glance a welcome oasis from the busy traffic of the city, is made infuriatingly impassable for cyclists due to the frequency of small steel gates.

Designed to prevent motorbikes getting through, they succeed only in putting off cyclists altogether.

“I used to try and commute into Osaka along the Yodogawa, but due to those damn things I gave up. But I discovered a way to beat them. I saw some other riders barely slow down and ride right through them. I thought to myself, if they can do it, I can do it! You just have to put your knees together against the crossbar and ride with level pedals right through the gate. You have to be committed though…”

I half-heartedly practice the position but then grimace at the thought of the consequences should I get it even slightly wrong. I vow never to try it.

We soon find ourselves following a river, winding along rural roads and all the while gently climbing. We cycle past throngs of people gathered besides the clear running waters, bathing or picnicking in the mid-summer heat.

Suddenly we veer off the smooth road and crunch onto a rocky path heading into woodland. We scramble up over a ridge and find ourselves thrust down a sharp descent that gets steadily more precarious as we go. Vincent assures us this is a shortcut. Our grips stiffen on the handlebars as we struggle to maintain control, dodge the larger rocks and try to stay upright.

“Are you out of your comfort zone?” he asks with a grin. The grim look on our faces tells him the answer. This is not pleasant. We’re worried we are going to puncture.

“The thing to remember about punctures”, he begins, “is that we never talk about them!”.

Miraculously none of us do puncture, despite all riding on narrow, notdesigned-for-off-road-riding tyres. We emerge onto smooth roads again and pass the entrance of the Yase cable car

that offers hikers an easy ride to the top of Mt. Hiei.

“They used to allow bikes on the cable car. It was great. Guys would take their downhill bikes up and then ride back down the mountain and do it all over again. The authorities soon killed it though, by demanding that you had to put any bike into a bike bag, knowing full well that those kind of bikes simply don’t fit in a bag. Fun while it lasted.”

A short stint on the main Route 367 and we arrive in Ohara. We take a breather at the Sato-no-eki and refill our bottles with Pocari Sweat from the vending machine.

Ohara is famous for its temples and red shiso. It has both in abundance.

The shiso gives umeboshi its distinctive pink color and the temples of Sanzen-in and Jakko-in are a major tourist draw.

Tour buses fill the car parks during the autumn, particularly when the maple leaves turn a fiery red, but today, in earlyAugust, everywhere is eerily quiet.

We criss-cross the valley and check out the temples, stopping to engage an inquisitive pickle vendor who thinks Vincent may be my dad.

At 50 years old, he would have had to have reached fatherhood at 13, but we chuckle about it as we leave Ohara.

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Vincent is no stranger to leading groups of riders. When he isn’t working at the Rapha Store in Osaka or busting a lung training for the winter cyclo-cross season, he leads small groups from overseas on cycling holidays. He supplies and maintains all the gear (which explains the overflowing bike shed), plans and leads the routes, books the accommodation and acts as chaperone.

“Currently I work with tour operators from Australia and the UK but I would like to set up tours for the domestic market too. There are so many great rides to show people.”

We are climbing steadily again and our bottles are running dry. Vincent pulls over by the side of the road next to a freshwater spring pouring from a bit of plastic guttering and promptly dunks his head, hat and all into the bucket beneath.

“Best fill up your bottle” he says, “no vending machine for the next 20km.”

We do as we are told and ride on.

“Ramps up a little just here” he informs us, “what I call a cheeky climb.”

No more slouching in the saddle. This is a stand-up-on-the-pedals climb. We do our best to keep up with him but Vincent tackles it like a walk in the park, almost dancing on the pedals. The cicadas cheer us on as we push hard to keep the wheels turning, the sweat streaming down our faces. Vincent is waiting just before the crest of the climb with camera in hand and a grin on his face. I put on my best ‘doesn’t hurt’ face as I puff past.

“I use this hill to test any riders I take out” he says. “See if they know how to ride a bike or not”. I’m not sure how we fared. He is barely sweating. His heart rate monitor displays 120 bpm. I don’t have mine on today, but I know from experience that it would be saying something like 180 bpm after a sharp climb like that.

What goes up must come down. We are rewarded with a long, winding descent from the peak of the Mochi Koshi pass.

Descending a hill at speed is quite a skill and Vincent glides down before us, apparently barely touching the brakes. He tells us later he reached 70km/h at one point.

We freewheel back into Kyoto and grab a well earned lunch at the retro American diner Speak Easy. Vincent goes for the all-day breakfast and coffee; we polish off some tasty avocado and bacon burgers.

We saunter back to Demachiyanagi station and break down our bikes to stuff them back into their bags, a requirement for taking a bike on any train in Japan, unfortunately. We’ve covered just shy of 60km and it’s taken us some 4 hours.

There are routes to suit every level of rider in Kansai, so if hauling yourself over mountains doesn’t sound too appealing then head to the coasts for some gentler rides, or try a loop of Lake Biwa. Wherever you choose to go, simply head out of the city and you’ll soon find yourself enjoying some of the best maintained country roads in the world. Just stick to the paved ones.

Get started • Local pro bike shops: Not only can they kit you out with everything you’ll need, but good shops usually organise rides and can get you into amateur cycling races.

• www.strava.com: Their free smartphone app tracks and records info about your ride. It automatically uploads the info to strava.com, enabling you to compare your performance to other riders in your area. Also a great place to find new routes since you can ‘follow’ other riders and access their training ride info. Great for short to medium distance rides, but be warned that the app will drain your battery fast.

• www.kancycling.com: run by Kansai local Don Todt. It’s full of great rides and tips for the aspiring cyclist, with a focus on touring.

• Touring Mapple Kansai: A great guidebook to help plan a mini tour.

Produced for motorbike tourers, it serves just as well for cyclists, highlighting low-traffic, scenic roads, campsites and youth hostels.

Available from good bookstores.

Links • Radio Bagels: www.radiobagel.com • Speak Easy: www.speakeasy.gr.jp • Rapha Store Osaka: www.rapha. cc/osaka

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Travel

Island Hopping in Scotland The story of three men and their bicycles, pedaling through Scotland’s most scenic countryside. No-one ever said it was going to be easy.

Text: Stuart Kerr Images: Ross Davidson

It was a hectic end to the week. In place of relaxed, meticulous final checks was a frantic and sweaty dash to the bike shop to rake through old metal jars of components. I resurrected a few and the bike was operational, if not quite finely tuned.

Packing is always easy for these trips the panniers only allow a certain amount.

Weight, or lack of weight, is the guiding rule. In retrospect I didn’t use my gilet, arm warmers or lock but they aren’t heavy and could have been invaluable in fact it’s unusual not to need a gilet in Scotland no matter the season.

My travelling companions arrived within minutes of each other. The coffee machine was primed and I was all packed. I’d even found a saddle for the bike and remembered water bottles. We rolled through quiet Sunday morning streets, cycle paths and fields to the coast

and arrived 40 minutes before our ferry departure. Our tickets for the ‘Hopscotch’ ferry all the way up the west coast - 4 ferries in all - cost £18 (¥2200).

There are many reasons a ferry is the best way to travel, although I’m sure they’re overlooked as a major pollutant.

The Arran ferry had quite a few cyclists coming off as well as going on - those having cycled the previous day enjoying the better weather. We sat up in the lounge munching homemade energy bars before docking in Brodick to some traditional drizzle.

The cycle up to Sannox is a gentle affair that loses traffic the further you travel from Brodick. Birch, pine and fern provide the green on your left and the sea, relatively translucent, a more subdued bluey-green on your right. Soon you climb, though, and the hill having its own

local name does not instill confidence.

It’s easier, though, when there’s a shower and a bed at the other end. It’s not such a bad hill but you have to dig deep on a few sections. The downhill - with its curves - was also a lesson in remembering how far to lean with bags of sugar strapped to your back wheel.

Lochranza Youth hostel is newly refurbished with a professional kitchen, pleasant bedrooms and welcoming staff (and deer). We ate at a hotel nearby and then sat by the castle watching the waves.

The next ferry left 35 minutes before we expected it to, but we managed to get the gangway lowered and hop aboard.

We’d reached a part of the country where decency and courtesy prevail over timetables.

We rolled over the hill to Kennacraig and on to Tarbert - a fine location for

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Scotland Glasgow

Mallaig

Tobermory Calgary Bay

Craignure Oban

Isle of Mull

Lochgilphead Tarbert Glasgow

Lochranza Brodick

Ardrossan

Isle of Arran

breakfast proper (the porridge with protein powder was more about function than taste). There were some big bumps heading north but by the time we got to Ardfern we’d covered good ground and were happy to take an extended lunch at a local hotel.

The best, or worst, climbing - depending on your standpoint - was on the short leg from Ardfern to Oban. Thankfully it also came with amazing views. It was the first stretch of road that had the suffix ‘pass’, so we’d been warned, but at the end of the day and with full belly it took quite a bit of stamping on the pedals.

After an eternity of climbing we suddenly dropped off the hill and into Oban a full two hours before the ferry was due. We had a couple of lagers and took the 6 o’clock to the Isle of Mull.

Craignure awaited and our lodge was ideal. We washed in the bathroom overlooking the harbour and moaned at our legs (or rather, they moaned at us) before heading to the local inn - which was at bursting point - for dinner. We ended the day shattered and agreed to take things easier on the route to Tobermory.

The next day ended up being a bit more epic, if rewarding, than we’d envisioned. After a full Scottish breakfast we made good progress to Salen before climbing to Tobermory. We made time

for a coffee, bought sausages and rolls, foraged a newspaper for kindling and headed west toward Calgary Bay. Our day off consisted of 4,000 feet of climbing. The sausages and mint tea, as ever in these circumstances, were much tastier than in an urban setting and the tasty homemade energy bars gave slow-release help to our bodies. As did a sachet of essential minerals before dinner.

The next day the sun finally put on a good show. We were up early, caffeinated and clean and suddenly only had ten minutes to catch the ferry. Fortunately, all we had to do was fall out the hostel.

There were a number of cyclists, including a couple from Stirling we had met in Oban two days before, and we all got aboard and hit the top deck to soak up the sun. Jellyfish were the short-range interest while the horizon shimmered in the background, but the porpoises inbetween stole the show.

After the bustle of Tobermory we soon found ourselves climbing silently around the extinct volcano on Ardnamurchan with only creaking brackets as accompaniment. By the time we reached the apex there was an incredible view north to the Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Skye and the Arisaig Peninsula. We rounded the top and descended a great road - this time with views to Loch Sunart and

Morvern and beautiful coves close at hand, before stopping for coffee and cake in Glenborrodale.

We cycled through an unusually flat plain before a wee climb over to Kinlochmoidart and along the Loch beside awe inspiring Beinns (hills). As we skirted Loch Moidart at sea level the road ramped up in the distance and we heaved our laiden bikes up the climb, looking back on our incredible route. These were the best cycling days of our lives - immaculate tarmac, little traffic, the sun in the sky, grand views and good company.

Ways & Means Getting there and around • Flights: Fly with a European airline to London and transfer at Gatwick or Heathrow for flights to Glasgow.

• Ferry tickets: www.calmac.co.uk/ tickets/island-hopping

Resources • Visit Scotland: www.visitscotland.com

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Sep 29-Oct 27

DESIGNEAST 03 OSAKA Namura Shipyard Dock/ Creative Center Osaka

Art Hideo Nagai: painkiller...

OSAKA Gallery Nomart

Five years have passed since the last solo exhibition by Hideo Nagai. Nagai’s works are known for their witty humor, such as creating a five-meter sculpture of a pro wrestler. In this exhibition, the works show a new sense of direction, with less focus Credit: Reference Image on scale, and more focus on dissecting and reassembling the image. In addition to the three-dimensional works, sketches and photographs will be displayed for the first time. A live performance featuring the group .es will take place from 5pm on 9/29 (Sat) with a ¥1,000 charge, followed by an opening party from 6pm free of charge.

September 29—October 27 • Sculpture • Open: 1—7pm, closed on Sun and Holidays • Admission: Free • Subway Fukaebashi Stn • www.nomart.co.jp

DESIGNEAST is a large-scale event that creates an opportunity for Osaka to showcase its high-quality design work to the international scene. This three-day event has taken place since 2009 and is packed with lectures, handson workshops, exhibitions, film screenings and more. Focusing on the theme “dialogue with the situation,” the exhibition features locally renowned designers as well as those from abroad. Anyone interested in the world of Japanese design should not miss this rare opportunity.

September 15—17 • Various Media/ Events • Open: 11am—10:30pm •Admission: ¥2,000/day, ¥1,000/ day Students, Price-It-Yourself (PIY) upwards of ¥10,000/3 days (3 drinks) • Subway Kitakagaya Stn • http:// designeast.jp

Art Listings Kyoto Kyoto Experiment 2012 Various Locations • September 22-October 28 • Performances, etc.

Please check out the website below for admission, show times and dates, and venues. • http:// kyoto-ex.jp

Yuichi Takahashi Exhibition The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto • September 7-October 21 • Paintings

Open: 9:30am—5pm, closed on Mon • Admission: ¥1,300, ¥900 University Students, ¥500 High School students • Higashiyama Stn • http:// www.momak.go.jp/English

Royal Copenhagen and Bing & Grondahl Exhibition Hosomi Museum • Until September 30 • Ceramics Open: 10am—6pm, closed on Mon • Admission: ¥1000, ¥800 Students • Higashiyama Stn • http://www. emuseum.or.jp/eng

Shingo Tanaka: Captivated by Ephemera eN arts • September 1-30 • Mixed Media Open: 12—6pm, closed Mon-Thu • Admission: Free • Gion Shijo Stn

Chika Ohgi Exhibition Gallery Gallery • September 8-22 Installation by Mixed Media Open: 12—7pm, closed on Thu • Admission: Free • Kawaramachi Stn • http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/ people/kictac/Gallery2/

Kyoto University of Art & Design MFA Exhibition ARTZONE • September 1-17 • Various Media

Open: 1—8pm (12:30—8pm on Sat, Sun, and Holidays, —5pm on 9/17) • Admission: Free • Keihan Sanjo Stn • http://artzone.jp

Takashi Iura + Sachiiyo Osima: Water’s Edge

2013 Tengensya Artist Calendar Exhibition

Art Space Niji • September 4-9 • Media Art

Tengensya • September 28-October 10 • Various Media

Open: 11am—7pm (—6pm on 9/9), closed on Mon • Admission: Free • Keage Stn • http://art-space-niji. com

Masato Tomobe: Back Garden of Memories Merry Go Round Kyoto • Until September 12 • Illustration

Open: 10am—7pm (—5pm on 9/12), closed on Thu • Admission: Free • Hankyu Kawaramachi Stn • www.merry-goround.co.jp

Osaka Asaru Exhibition iTohen • September 19-30 • Illustration

Open: 12—7pm (until 6pm on Sep 30th), closed on Mon, Tue • Admission: Free • Nakazakicho Stn • http://www.skky.info/itohen/gallery

Open: 4—8pm (12—6pm on Sat, Sun, Holidays) • Admission: Free • Higobashi Stn • http://tengensya.jp/

Yuji Yamada: Cycro d’Art DMO ARTS • Until September 11 • Illustration Open: 10am—8pm • Admission: Free • JR Osaka Stn • http://www. dmoarts.com/english

The Osaka Best ArtOur Collection, Our Selection Osaka City Museum of Modern Art, Shinsaibashi Temporary Exhibition Space • September 15-November 25 Various Media Open: 11am—7pm, closed on Wed and 10/21 • Admission: ¥500, ¥300 Students • Shinsaibashi Stn

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Until Oct 22

until Sep 30

Evangelion Exhibition

Credit: Kashihara Etsutomu, Koizumi Hiroo and Meada Kinzo, What is Mr. X ? 1968-1969, Chiba City Museum of Art

The Deconstruction of the “I”: An Experiment

by Kashihara Etsutomu OSAKA The National Museum of Art, Osaka

Kashihara Etsutomu is a Kyoto-based artist who was born in 1941 and studied painting at Tama Art University. His art career flowered in the 1960s and he became part of the anti-matter movement, otherwise known as the Gainen-ha (conceptual art).

Despite this categorization, he carefully distanced himself from the criticisms targeted at that niche. His works are represented

by What is Mr. X?, “Exhibition”, and My Methods Inspired by Marilyn. The works, known for their complicated structure and gigantic scale, have been tricky for venues to physically accommodate. With the help of the artist in the installation process here, this exhibition has been made possible.

Evangelion began as a TV animation series in October 1995. The story is a rather typical animation script, where a 14-yearold boy goes inside a robot and fights to save the world. However, its treatment of complex issues, cool character designs and visual effects have attracted a broad fanbase in Japan and beyond. Though the initial series has finished, the much anticipated film Evangelion: Q will be released this fall.

This exhibition will include life-size models of various figures, and original documents and storyboards, allowing fans to see behind the scenes of this legendary animation series.

Until September 30 • Various Media • Open: 10am—5pm (—7pm on Fri) and 9/17, closed on Mon, 9/18 • Admission: ¥420, ¥130 Students • Watanabebashi Stn • www.nmao.go.jp/en

Until October 22 • Various Media • Open: 9:30am—5pm, closed on Wed • Admission: ¥700, ¥300 High School and Junior High School Students, ¥100 Elementary School Students • JR/Hankyu Takarazuka Stn • www.city.takarazuka.hyogo.jp/tezuka

Haruko Sasakawa: case.D

Tomoko Sakurai: OUTLAW

Homage to Nakahara Yusuke

Yoshimi Arts • September 1-17 • Installation

Note Gallery • Until September 13 • Paintings

Gallery Yamaki Fine Art • Until September 22 • Various Media

Open: 11am—7pm • Admission: Free • Subway Higobashi Stn • http://www.yoshimiarts.com

Natsuki Tanigawa: Tethers Nii Fine Arts • Until September 16 Paintings Open: 11am—7pm, closed on Mon • Admission: Free • Kitahama Stn • http://www.niifinearts.com

The Wonderful Life of Wasps and Bees Osaka Museum of Natural History Until October 14 • Various Media

Open: 9:30am—5pm, closed on Mon • Admission: ¥500, ¥300 Students • Subway Nagai Stn

Keika Ishikawa: Void Bloom Gallery • September 19-October 7 • Photography

Open: 12—7pm (—5pm on 10/7), closed on Mon and Tue • Admission: Free • Hankyu Juso Stn • http:// www.bloomgallery103.com

Open: 11am—5pm • Admission: Free • Keihan Hirakata Koen Stn

Contemporary Local Artists Exhibition: Naoko Yoshimoto, Takeshi Kubo, Nobuo Asada Himeji City Museum of Art September 13-October 21 Various Media

Open: 10am—5pm, 9/17 and 10/8.

Closed on Mon, 9/18 and 10/9 Admission: ¥700, ¥500 University and High School Students, ¥200 Junior High and Elementary School Students • JR Himeji Stn • http:// www.city.himeji.lg.jp/art/

Hyogo The Link Between Words and Art: A

Open: 11am—7pm (closed 1—2pm) • Admission: Free • JR/Hanshin Motomachi Stn • http://www.gyfa. co.jp

Edward Burne Jones Exhibition September 1-October 14 • Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art • Paintings

Open: 10am—6pm (—8pm on Fri and Sat), closed on Mon, open on 9/17 and closed on 9/18 • Admission: ¥1,300, ¥900 University students, ¥650 High School Students • JR Nada Stn • http:// www.artm.pref.hyogo.jp/eng

Kodai Nakahara: Drawings 1986-2012 Ko-chan is “Go-gi-ga”?

Itami City Museum of Art • September 22-November 4

Open: 10am—6pm, closed on Mon • Admission: ¥500, ¥250 University Students and High School Students, ¥100 Junior High and Elementary

School Students • Hankyu/JR Itami Stn • http://artmuseum-itami.jp

Kevin Westenberg: Sounds from the Back Stage Tanto Tempo • September 8-October 7 • Photography

Open: 12—6pm, closed on Mon, Tue, Holidays • Admission: Free • Minato Motomachi Stn • http:// tantotempo.jp

Nara Melting Core Exhibition -5 Methods About SupportGallery OUT of PLACE September 7-October 7 Mixed Media

Open: 12—7pm, closed on MonWed • Admission: Free • JR/Kintetsu Nara Stn • http://www.outofplace.jp

© Color Illustration: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto

HYOGO The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Events

Sep 23

Tajima Ushi Matsuri Sep 23 Tajima Bokujo-Koen Park, Hyogo

Have you tried Japanese beef yet? The Tajima Ushi Matsuri is a perfect opportunity to savour it. The festival is held annually in Shin Onsen-cho town, one of the traditional hot spring resorts in Japan. Blessed with its fertile soil and rich nature, this region is home to Tajima-ushi cattle. Tajima cattle are the original source for famous brand beef throughout Japan. The festival will have many interesting attractions. Don’t miss the traditional bride parade with a cow cart, or the handiworkcattle contest. There will also be a local produce market and a variety of live performances. Of course, booths where visitors can taste some mouth-watering Tajima beef will be set up.

There are many hot spring resorts to stay at in this district too, making it a perfect getaway.

Time: 10am–4pm • Admission: most events are free • Access: JR Sanin honsen line, Hamasaka stn bus to Yumura Onsen, shuttle bus to the venue • Tel: 0796-92-1131 • Fax 0796-92-2044 • http:// sinonsen.core.hi5.jp/matidukuri/geopark/leaflet(English).pdf

Event Listings Yamato Sakurai Manyo Matsuri, Nara Sep 8

Yamato Sakurai Manyo Matsuri is a one-day spectacular celebrating the great history of Sakurai city where the first market was held in the 6th century of Japan. Varied live performances, a huge market and romantic toro nagashi – floating paper lanterns – can be enjoyed.

Time: 2pm–8:30pm • Admission: free • Where: Kanaya KasenjikiKoen Park • Access: JR/Kintetsu Railway Sakurai stn shuttle bus to the venue • Tel: 0744-42-9111

Beer Kura-Biraki, Osaka Sep 8

Let’s celebrate September with a freshly brewed beer! A traditional brewmaster, Kotobuki Shuzo will open his beer vault. Visitors can enjoy sampling some craft beer and fine food, plus a live music performance.

Time: 10am–3pm • Admission: ¥1,000 • Where: Kotobuki Shuzo • Access: Hankyu Railway Tonda stn, 5min walk • Tel: 072-696-0003

Midosuji Talkin’ About, Osaka Sep 13

Network with Japanese and foreign nationals at this cultural salon, Midosuji Talkin’ About. This month’s speaker is Marie-Aurore Stiker-Metral, a French product designer who designs furniture using ideas from traditional Japanese armour making.

Time: 7pm–9pm • Admission: free • Where: Osaka Gas Building • Access: Subway Midosuji line Yodoyabashi stn exit 13 • Tel: 06-6205-4545 (English/ Japanese) • www.facebook.com/ MidosujiTalkinAbout

Live Drawing Event, Kyoto Sep 15

Two Japanese manga artists, Masami Ogiwara and Belne, will display and demonstrate some fantastic artwork. Come and watch the creative process happening live.

Time: 1pm Belne, 3pm Masami Ogiwara • Admission: ¥800 (to enter the museum) • Where: The Kyoto International Manga Museum • Access: Subway Karasuma line/ Tozai line Karasuma Oike stn exit 2 • Tel: 075-254-7414

Kotorin – Rental Bicycle, Nara Sep 15–Dec 16

Visit Nara’s World Heritage Sights by bike this season. Nara Prefecture will offer a one-way rental bicycle service in its ten regions. Sightseers can pick up and drop off bikes at designated shops during the weekends.

Time: 9am–4:30pm • Admission: ¥1,000/¥1,500 • Where: Nara, Ikaruga and 8 other regions. • Tel: 0742-27-8103 • http://nara-cycling. com

Fiesta Mexicana 2012, Osaka Sep 15–17

Meet some new amigos at the Fiesta Mexicana, sure to be full of buoyant atmosphere. Cheerful mariachi and colourful dancers will be on stage. Enjoy browsing stalls selling Mexican goods and food.

Time: From noon–9pm (until 8pm on Sep 17th) • Admission: free • Where: Umeda Sky Building, Osaka • Access: Subway Midosuji line/ Hankyu Railway/Hanshin Railway Umeda stn/JR Osaka, 9min walk • Tel: 06-6440-3899

Kobe Steelpan Carnival 2012, Hyogo Sep 16

Join the largest Caribbean music event in western Japan. Steelpan bands and orchestras from all over the country will assemble at Suma beach. Their vibrant rhythms should get some dancing going.

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Sep 22

Sep 23

Swan Lake Ballet Sep 22 Amashin Archaic Hall, Hyogo

Free Stuff!

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by Sep 17. Ma ‘Swan Lake’.

Kansai’s premier ballet company, Sadamatsu Hamada Ballet, are based in Kobe. They will perform the Tchaikovsky classic Swan Lake with extra choreography

by Shouichiro Sadamatsu and music by the Otsu Philharmonic Orchestra. Sadamatsu Hamada Ballet company has 25 schools from Himeji to Nara and has been supporting and promoting ballet in Kansai for the last 57 years. Visit the website to buy tickets but hurry, since KS readers are being offered a special 10% discount on SS seats (¥7,000) and S seats (¥6,000) on the first 20 seats sold.

Time: 5pm • Admission: ¥7,000, ¥6,000, ¥5,000, ¥4,000 • Access: Hanshin Railway Amagasaki stn, 5min walk • Tel: 078-861-2609 • Email: shballet@hotmail.com • www.sadamatsu-hamada.com

Time: 11am–5pm • Admission: free • Where: The clock tower in Suma Kaihin-koen park • Access: JR Kobe line Sumaurakaihin-koen stn, 5min walk • Tel: 078-631-5055 • Email: info@asuta-steelpan.com

Takasegawa River Funa Matsuri, Kyoto Sep 22

Here’s a one-off chance to board a historic Takase-bune boat. This Japanese wooden boat is usually closed. A variety of attractions can also be found on land, as you can meet maiko (geisha apprentices) or enjoy a samurai combat stage show.

Time: 10:30am–4pm • Admission: free • Where: Takasegawa Ichinofunairi • Access: JR Kyoto stn bus to Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae • Email: takasegawa@email.plala.or.jp

Yuhi o Miru – The Setting Sun – Wakayama Sep 22

Legend has it that in Saigasaki, blossoms fall from the evening sun during the March and September equinoxes. The sunlight is said to look like confetti. Whether this special phenomena occurs or not, it will be a great family day out with a magnificent sunset.

Time: 2pm–dusk • Admission: free • Where: Saigasaki Todai Lighthouse • Access: JR Wakayama stn/Nankai Railway Wakayamashi stn bus to Saigasaki Yuen, 20min walk • Tel: 073-447-0844

Magic Words Creative Writing Workshop, Kyoto Sep 23

SWET Kansai is hosting a workshop lead by Rebecca Otowa. Here’s a chance to put the sparkle back into your writing. A fun, hands-on workshop with lots of different games, exercises and challenges, but no computers or electronic devices.

Nippon Classic Car Rally in Katsuragi Sep 23 Yashikiyama-Koen, Nara

Car enthusiasts, get yourself down to Katsuragi city today, one of the most important places in early Japanese history. Nearly 80 classic cars and rare automobiles will be shown at this rally.

These vintage cars will start at Yashikiyama park, drive 130km through the historic city and finish at the same park. Don’t miss this chance to get really close to the deluxe cars – they will start driving at 10am and finish around 4pm. Good chances for classic car fans to see these beautiful automobiles are here: Kakinohazushi Yamato Asuka at 10:30am, Lake Forest Resort at 1pm, Takada Police Station at 3pm and JR Yamato Shinjo stn at 3:30pm.

Time: 10am (start) • Admission: free • Access: Kintetsu Railway Shinjo stn, 20min walk • Tel:06-6760-7373 • Email: info@2and4. co.jp

Time: 1:30pm–4:30pm • Admission: ¥2,000 for JAT/SWET members, ¥2,500 for non-members • Where: Kyoto Otani Hall • Access: Subway Karasuma line Gojo stn, 2min walk • Reservations: kansai@swet.jp • http://swet.jp/events/u_events

Nagaokakyo Song Line ’12, Kyoto Sep 23

Join this one-day outdoor music festival showcasing Kansai’s young talented bands. It will be a great family day out with many hands-on activities for all ages.

Time: 10am–7pm • Admission: free to enter • Where: Nagaokatenmangu Shrine • Access: Hankyu Railway Nagaokatenjin stn, 10min walk • Tel: 075-957-7201

Gokasho Machiaruki, Shiga Sep 23

A celebration is happening in the picturesque traditional streets of

Gokasho. The town will be alive with a procession of people wearing period costumes in the Taisho Era style. Visitors can enjoy tea ceremony, arts and crafts and other great events.

Time: 9:30am • Admission: free • Where: Gokasho Kondo-cho Town • Access: JR Biwako line Notogawa stn bus to Plaza Sanpoyoshi • Tel: 0748-24-1234

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, Hyogo Sep 29 & 30

Enjoy a sensory explosion of dragon and lion dances, authentic Chinese food and goods galore at this festival. There will also be martial arts demonstrations, live music and lots of other exciting events on both days.

Time: Around noon • Admission: free • Where: Nankin-machi (Chinatown Kobe) • Access: JR/ Hanshin Railway Motomachi, 5min walk • Tel: 078-332-2896 • www. nankinmachi.or.jp

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

This month in Kansai

09

1

2

3

CLUB

LIVE MUSIC

ART

Grand Cafe: Mask feat. Egbert Japan Tour.

Chicken Garlic Steak Muse Kyoto Details p.32

Yuji Yamada Cycro d’Art. This month’s cover artist.

(Wear a mask for discounted entry.)

(Until Sep 11) Details p.24

Details p.36

8

9

10

11

EVENT

ART

LIVE MUSIC

FILM

Beer Kura-biraki, Osaka

Evangelion Exhibition

Tower of Power @ Billboard Live OSAKA

Marley Details p.42

Details p.26

Details p.25

Details p.32

16

17

18

19

FESTIVAL

EVENT

LIVE MUSIC

LIVE MUSIC

Details p.30

(Until Sep 15—17) Details p.26

Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

Fiesta Mexicana 2012

The Ting Tings @ Namba Hatch, Osaka

Ayumi Hamasaki @ Osaka Jo Hall Details p.33

Details p.33

24

25

26

27

FESTIVAL

Kushi Matsuri Festival

Kotorin Rental Bicycle in Nara

ART

ART

Details p.30

Details p.26

Kyoto Experiment International performing arts festival, until Oct 28 www.kyoto-ex.jp

The Wonderful Life of Wasps and Bees Details p.25

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

4

5

6

7

ART

LIVE MUSIC

ART

LIVE MUSIC

Shingo Tanaka: Captivated by Ephemera Details p.24

Oz Noy @ Rag, Kyoto Details p.32

Takashi Iura + Sachiiyo Osima: Water’s Edge

Mono @ Shangri-la Details p.33

(Sep 4—9) Details p.24

12

13

14

15

ART

Midosuji Talkin’ About

FILM

EVENT

The Deconstruction of the “I”: An experiment

by Kashihara Etsumoto

Details p.26

Mirror Mirror Details p.43

Live Manga Drawing, Kyoto Details p.26

Details p.25

20

21

22

23

CLUB

FESTIVAL

EVENT

EVENT

Details p.30

World Craft Beer Tasting 22/23 @Nakazakicho Hall

Danny Howells Circus Details p.36

Nishinomiya Matsuri

28

29

30

FILM

CLASSICAL

FESTIVAL

Andrew von Oeyen piano recital

Uneme Matsuri Festival

Details p.34

Details p.30

The Hunger Games Details p.42

Nippon Classic Car Rally Katsuragi Details p.27

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Kushi Matsuri Festival

Sep 24

Sep 24 YASUI KONPIRAGU SHRINE, KYOTO

As the Japanese saying goes, ‘Hair is the essence of beauty of women’. An amazing hair show will appear in Gion districts. It is part of a religious ceremony held annually at this shrine – a procession of women wearing their own hair made up in the traditional Japanese styles of bygone days. The styles are very varied, and cover periods from ancient times up to the present day. Surprisingly, nobody wears a wig in the hair show procession! The ceremony, called Kushi Matsuri, is where worn out combs and hairpins are brought and blessed for their hard work.

Many women visit to pray for their beauty on this day.

Time: 1pm • Admision: free • Access: Keihan Railway Gion-shijo stn/Hankyu Railway Kawaramachi stn, bus to Higashiyama Yasui • Tel: 075-561-5127

Festival Listings Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, Osaka Sep 15 & 16

Sep 30

Richly carved danjiri floats are raced through the town at high speed, like a thrilling motor racing event. At dusk, the danjiri floats will be illuminated with paper lanterns and the atmosphere will changes completely into calm and romantic.

Photo: Provided by Tourism Section Nara Municipal Officei

Time: 6am–10pm (on the 15th), 9am–10pm (on the 16th) • Admission: free • Where: around Kishiwada stn and Haruki stn • Access: Nankai Railway Kishiwada stn • Tel: 072-4360914

Nishinomiya Matsuri, Hyogo Sep 21–23

Uneme Matsuri Sep 30 SARUSAWA-IKE POND, NARA

A rich and colourful water pageant takes place at Sarusawaike Pond, representative of scenery of Nara. It is a re-enactment of an elegant boating event held by ancient citizens of Nara to appreciate the moon when it was the fullest and brightest. A solemn religious ceremony is also performed to comfort the spirit of uneme – ladies of imperial court – in this event. Legend has it that an uneme threw herself into this pond in despair after falling out of favour with the emperor. People dressed in 8th century styles will parade through Sanjo-dori street, from JR Nara stn to the pond at around 5 pm on this day.

Time: 5 pm • Admission: free • Access: JR Nara stn, 15min walk/ Kintetsu Railway Nara stn, 5min walk • Tel: 0742-22-3900

Nishinomiya-jinja will hold its most colourful festival, called Nishinomiya Matsuri.

Many dazzling ceremonies are carried out. There are a wide variety of live shows on the 21st. A procession of children in celestial costumes will march through the town on 22nd. There will be spectacular parade of boats in the sea on the 23rd.

Time: 5pm on the 21st, 10am on the 22nd, 9am on the 23rd • Admission: free • Where: Nishinomiya-jinja shrine • Access: Hanshin Railway Nishinomiya stn, 5min walk/JR Kobe line Sakurashukugawa stn; 8min walk • Tel: 0798- 33-0321

Hagi Matsuri, Kyoto Sep 22 & 23

Annually, when the flowers of hagi bush clover are in full

bloom, Hagi Matsuri takes place.

Chirping bell crickets are offered to the gods. Classical dances and music will be held. Also kyujutsu, the art of archery will be performed.

Time: 10am • Admission: free • Where: Nashinoki-jinja shrine • Access: JR Kyoto stn bus to Furitsu Idaibyoin-mae, 5min walk • Tel 075-211-0885 • Fax 075-257-2624

Seimei Sai, Kyoto Sep 22

Various rituals are carried out to celebrate the deity of this shrine, Abe no Seimei. The parade of 500 people in historical costumes is a must-see.

Time: 10am • Admission: free Where: Seimei-jinja shrine • Access: Subway Karasuma line Imadegawa stn, 12min walk/ Keihan Railway Sanjo stn bus to Horikawa Imadegawa • Tel: 075-441-6460

Mozu Hachimangu Autumn Festival, Osaka Sep 29 & 30

The crowds are always excited to see a futondaiko float moving magnificently. It is so heavy that it needs to be carried slowly by 70 men,. They’ll walk in rhythm to the sound of taiko drums and a choir of children singing. Great for taking photographs.

Time: 10am–10pm • Admission: free• Where: Mozu Hachimangu Shrine • Access: JR Hanwa line Mozu stn, 10min walk/Subway Midosuji line Nakamozu stn bus to Mozuhachiman-mae • Tel: 072-252-1089

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Sports

Event report: The Tantan Long Ride A long ride sounds like hard work in name alone. Richard Mort took part and reports from the road on what to expect from this annual cycling event.

Text: Richard Mort

As a cycling Brit, coming from a ‘tall and slim’ country like the UK, the term “coast to coast” can mean as little as 70 miles. I decided to better this with a rough vertical line up the Japanese map some 95 miles from Kobe to Amanohashidate. I planned to cycle, rest a day, and then take part in a 100km long ride around the beautiful tango peninsula.

Steep beginnings I set off around 4:30am to tackle the steepest part, cycling over Rokko from Kitano. On the other side of Kobe is the most dangerous and scary stretch – Arima kaido, or road 428, leading up to Sanda. There’s no lane of any kind for 3-5 km or so, other than a modest space for cars, trucks and yours truly. Thankfully, I made it to the wider section unscathed and from then on, the traffic and national roads became just unpleasant rather than unbearably dangerous. One highlight – perhaps the best thing about this inter-city cycling lark – was cycling past numerous inviting-looking roadside cafes and choosing a great one to stop and recharge in. I got a warm welcome, hot tea, great food and a sympathetic audience for the ride.

Listings Shiga trail run Sep 30, running

A 22km run in Otsu, in Shiga prefecture, south of Lake Biwa.

Time: 8am Application fee: ¥4,000 Tel: 075-366-8760 www.funrunde.net/kitahira.html Entry deadline: Sep 2

Awaji shima long ride Oct 14, cycling

Cycling at intermediate/advanced level, on a 140 km course around the island.

Application fee: ¥9,500 www.awajishima-longride.jp Entry deadline: limited to first 2,000 entrants

Long ride day dawns After a rest day in Amanohashidate, the actual long ride day dawned, literally, with a 6am start. I got to the course line on a mountain bike, albeit carbon and only 8kg, but still a mountain bike, inevitably one of around 20 among hundreds of race bike neighbours. Given that fact, plus the exertions mentioned and even, shock horror, no slick tyres, I wasn’t even expecting to finish the race, let alone gain any kind of respectable placement. But, as we set off, call it second wind, I attacked the hills, zoomed down the inclines and gave it everything. Helped considerably by the three aid stations, and the best selection of race snacks and drinks I’ve ever seen. A special mention has to go to the shio ame, salt candy, at the last stop, some 20 km from the goal. If you asked me before the race whether they would cut it, I would have laughed. But they really hit the spot.

The ride was fantastically organized and although not strictly a race, I finished in five hours, and came around 50th of 700 riders, shocked and delighted! This has given me the spark to continue competing in long rides.

Inspired by the 2012 Olympics to get some more sports in your life?

Sign up for some of these upcoming Kansai sporting events…

Maizuru Road Race, Kyoto Oct 7, running

3km/10km road race or 4.3km cross country course Application fee: ¥1,500 http://www.city.maizuru.kyoto. jp/modules/kyoikup/index. php?content_id=251 Entry deadline: Sep 7

Sports Festival Osaka Oct 14, athletics

Various athletics events. Limited to two events per entry. http://www.osaka-sports.net/furen/ ro-dore-su/akirikujyo.htm Entry deadline: Sep 7

ACCJ Kansai Walk-AThon

Yabu City Road Race

Oct 20, walking, Kobe, Meriken Park

Oct 8, running

Entry: ¥2,000/¥1,000. Ticket includes: Walk-a-thon, T-shirts, vendor discounts and raffle. http://www.accjwalk.com

Marathon, half-marathon and other shorter distances Application fee: ¥3,000 Enrty deadline: Sep 14 http://www.fureai-net.tv/roadrace/

A 3km charity walk

Cycle Mode International Oct 6–8, exhibition

A must-visit for all of the two-wheeled persuasion.

http://www.cyclemode.net ¥1,000 adv, ¥1,200 yen on the day.

39th Osaka Cycling Association Tournament Oct 20–21, cycling

Kishiwada City, details Tel: 072154-3213 http://www.j-cycling.org/event/ list.html http://www.kcsc.or.jp/oca/

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Live Music Sep 7

Sep 24

Sep 20

Oz Noy

Fear Factory

James Iha

Kyoto’s Rag has really pulled off a coup in getting Israeli born jazz-blues-rock guitarist Oz Noy onto their September schedule. The young guitarist quickly outgrew his homeland and in 1996 headed for New York. Stamping out his six string authority in the Big Apple, Noy’s breakthrough 2005 album HA! included an all-star band and a guest spot from Mike Stern.

Guitar Player magazine poll winner in 2007 and 2008, Noy plays Kyoto’s Rag on the 5th and Billboard Live, OSAKA two days later on the 7th.

Is it really 23 years since Fear Factory first came together?! There have been some line-up changes and hiatuses but frontman Burton C. Bell is still at the helm along with guitarist Dino Cazares.

It’s two decades since the band’s debut release Soul of a New Machine and this year saw the release of their eighth studio recording The Industrialist. The new album faired quite well with critics, one stating “The Industrialist is something of a minor triumph”.

James Yoshinobu Iha, guitarist and co-founder of The Smashing Pumpkins alongside Billy Corgan, has worked over the past five years either solo or on numerous guest spots and collaborations.

Iha’s latest album Look to the Sky was released in the spring of this year and featured a staggering 22 other artists as well as Iha. Iha and Smashing Pumkins fans won’t be disappointed with the new album as tracks including ‘To Who Knows Where’ are very much in the vein of the Pumpkins.

Rag, Kyoto • Sep 5 / Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Sept 7 • Guitar • 6:30pm /9:30pm • ¥5,000/¥6,500 • Tel: 06-63427722

US Industrial Metal Stalwarts • Akaso, Osaka • Sept 20 • Metal • 7pm • ¥6,800 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

The Smashing Pumpkins co-founder Solo • Club Quattro, Osaka • Sept 24 • Indie • 7pm • ¥6,800 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Live Music Listings Sept 1

Sept 5

Sept 10

Sept 15

Crying Nut/The 50 Kaitenz

Oz Noy

Tower of Power

Rag, Kyoto

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka

Kimura Mitsuru gst.

Mushu Kamayatsu

Taku Taku, Kyoto

Punk · 6pm · ¥2,800 · Tel: 075-3511321

Yuya Matsushita Club Quattro, Osaka

Pop · 6pm · ¥5,000 · Tel: 06-63574400

Sept 1–2 SMAP Kyocera Dome, Osaka

Pop · 1st-6pm/2nd-4pm · ¥TBA · Tel: 0180-993-000

Sept 2 Chicken Garlic Steak Muse, Kyoto

Acapella · 5pm · ¥5,000 · Tel: 075223-0389

Blues Guitar · 6pm · ¥4,400/¥5,500 · Tel: 075-255-7273

Funk · 6.30pm/9.30pm · ¥9,800/¥11,300 · Tel:06-6342-7722

Sept 6

Sept 14

Motionless in White

Art-School

Club Quattro, Osaka

Taku Taku, Kyoto

Sept 7

Cali Gari

Metalcore · 7pm · ¥5,800 · Tel: 066535-5569

Mono Shangri-La, Osaka

Rock · 7:30pm · ¥4,500 · Tel: 066535-5569

Sept 8 Loudness Club Quattro, Osaka

Rock · 6:30pm · ¥6,300 · Tel: 067732-8888

Indie · 6:30pm · ¥3,500 · Tel: 075351-1321

Namba Hatch, Osaka

Wynterland, Kobe

Blues · 6pm · ¥5,000/¥12,000 · Tel:06-6882-1224

Sept 16 H Factor (Terumasa Hiro & DJ Honda) Rag Live Spot, Kyoto

Hip Hop Jazz · 7pm · ¥3,000/¥4,500 · Tel:075-241-0446

Visual Kei Rock · 7pm · ¥5,250/¥5,775 · Tel: 06-7732-8888

Sept 17

Siberian Newspaper

Sachi Tainaka

Chicken George, Kobe

Akaso, Osaka

Folk · 7:30pm · ¥3,000/¥3,500 · Tel: 078-332-0146

Female Vocal · 6pm · ¥4,200 · Tel: 06-7897-2454

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Sep 7

KS

Mono

Pick

If you’re going to be an instrumental band then you have to have something a little bit special to really pull it off and not sound like a bunch of self-indulgent musos. Mono do indeed have that special something. Ambient prog, post rock with a hint of shoe-gazing Pink Floyd.

Formed in 1999, the band hit the ground running setting themselves a heavy touring schedule that took them across Asia, Europe and the US. Known for recording their albums in a day, live in the studio, Mono’s debut 2001 Under the Pinal Tree was funded and pushed by American experimental musician John Zorn who certainly saw promise in the band.

Sept 18

Sept 20

The Ting Tings

Scissor Sisters

Namba Hatch, Osaka

Big Cat, Osaka

Pop-rock · 7pm · ¥6,000 · Tel: 067732-8888

Flow/Orange Range/ Scandal Big Cat, Osaka

Pop-rock · 6:30pm · ¥4,200 · Tel: 06-6341-3525

Evan Christopher Mister Kellys, Osaka

New Orleans Jazz · 7:30pm/9:15pm · ¥4,000/¥4,500 · Tel:06-6342-5821

Sept 19–20 Ayumi Hamasaki Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

Pop · 7pm · ¥8,500 · Tel: 06-77328888

Pop-rock · 7pm · ¥6,500 · Tel: 066535-5569

Fear Factory Akaso, Osaka

Metal · 7pm · ¥6,800 · Tel: 06-65355569

ALvino Muse, Osaka

Visual Kei Rock · 7pm · ¥4,500/¥5,000 · Tel: 06-6245-5389

Sept 22 Penicillin Muse, Kyoto

Visual Kei Rock · 6pm · ¥5,500/¥6,000 · Tel: 075-223-0389

LM.C Big Cat, Osaka

Mono’s new double album For My Parents is released this month and of it and its theme the band state: “We hope that this album serves as a gift from child to parent. While everything else continues to change this love remains a constant throughout time.”

Sit back, relax and enjoy Mono.

Japanese Instrumental Post Rockers • Shangri-La, Osaka Sept 7 • Post Rock • 7:30pm • ¥4,500 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Visual Kei Rock · 4:30pm · ¥4,500/¥5,000 · Tel: 06-7732-8888

Santara Taku Taku, Kyoto

Pop-rock · 7pm · ¥3,300/¥3,800 · Tel: 075-351-1321

Sept 28 Royz Namba Hatch, Osaka

Visual Kei Rock · 6pm · ¥4,200 · Tel: 06-6341-3525

Sept 24

Sept 29

Julee Karan

Wakaba

Mister Kellys, Osaka

Jazz · 7:30pm/9:15pm · ¥4,000/¥4,500 · Tel: 06-6342-5821

James Iha Club Quattro, Osaka

Rock · 7pm · ¥6,800 · Tel: 06-65355569

Muse, Osaka

Pop · 5pm · ¥4,000/¥4,500 · Tel: 06-6245-5389

Funky Monkey Babys Kyocera Dome, Osaka

Pop · Time TBA · ¥6,800 · Tel: 067732-8888

Sept 25

Sept 29–30

Aika Yoshioka

Vamps

Club Quattro, Osaka

Female Vocal · 7pm · ¥4,000/¥4,500 · Tel: 03-5983-0877

Zepp, Osaka

Rock · 6pm · ¥6,660 · Tel: 06-77328888

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Classical music

Classical musings Text: Michael Vezzuto

Sep 7

September begins with two loosely themed concerts given by the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra at Kyoto Concert Hall. The first, on September 7th, takes Benjamin Britten as its subject. The Passacaglia from the opera Peter Grimes opens the concert and the Sinfonia da Requiem, which has an interesting story behind it, will be the finale. This symphony was originally commissioned by the Japanese government in 1940 to mark the 2,600th anniversary of the Japanese empire, but rejected because its references to Christian liturgy were taken as an insult. There is a pre-concert talk in Japanese at 6:40 where the evening’s conductor, Tatsuya Shimono, will undoubtedly talk about all of this.

In between, we have the First Violin Concerto by Dmitri Shostakovich, the link being that Shostakovich and Britten became great friends in 1960 despite moving in practically opposite musical and political spheres. Vadim Gluzman is the violin soloist, and many will attend to hear this talented young USSR-born Israeli violinist play his 1690 Stradivarius. For me, the draw is the inclusion of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten on the program. An early example of Pärt’s tintinnabuli style, the work is only about 5 minutes long but is stunning. Pärt is probably the world’s most famous living composer and is writing some of the most beautiful music of our times. His music really should be programmed more often in Kansai.

On September 16th, we get a rather belated Olympic-themed concert. Junichi Hirokami conducts the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra in a program that opens with John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare (originally composed for the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles), continues with Haydn’s 104th – and last – symphony, nicknamed The London, and ends thrillingly with Gustav Holst’s symphonic suite The Planets. Okay, so the London Olympics theme is rather belated and stretched, but no opportunity should be missed to hear a live performance Holst’s multi-hued astrological survey of our solar system.

The end of the month is dominated by pianists. Hungarian pianist Dezso Ránki first appears at The Symphony Hall in Osaka with the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marc Andreae playing the solo part in Bartók’s lovely Third Piano Concerto, a work the composer wrote for his wife as he was dying. It’s a surprisingly lyrical work, full of intimate, chamber-like moments. The other work on the program is Schubert’s “Great” Symphony, listed here as Schubert’s 8th Symphony but originally published as the 7th and familiar to many as the 9th (Sigh. I partially explained this only a few months ago).

Anyway, it’s Schubert’s last ever symphony, the one in C major, D. 944, a long dramatic work that makes an interesting coupling with the Bartók.

Ránki appears two days later in a solo concert at Hyogo Performing Arts Center which is predictably already sold out (Hyogo Performing Arts Center concerts are always sold out months in advance! How do they do it?). If you were dead set on hearing a piano recital on September 22, there’s no need to fret, because Swedish pianist Peter Jablonski offers an interesting program of mostly short works at The Symphony Hall. Jablonski’s program features Beethoven’s Bagatelles and Tempest Sonata, Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No.15 and Ballade No. 2, and jazzy works by Gershwin, Copland, and Rimsky-Korsakov.

If that’s too much of a good thing, you can hear a more traditional concert of Romantic piano music given by American pianist and Juilliard alum Andrew von Oeyen at The Symphony Hall on September 29. The program features Beethoven’s Pathetique and Waldstein sonatas (the Waldstein being the first composition to demand and orchestral range of expression from the piano), several Chopin works, and ends with Ravel’s lovely Pavane pour une infante défunte and a piano reduction of La Valse (undoubtedly intended to mirror the Waldstein). The recital starts at 2pm, and best of all, tickets are only ¥3,000. Enjoy!

September 7

September 16

Britten/Shostakovich/ Pärt: Kyoto Symphony Orchestra, Vadim Gluzman (violin), Tatsuya Shimono (conductor)

Williams/Haydn/Holst – Kyoto Symphony Orchestra, Junichi Hirokami (conductor)

Marc Andreae (conductor)

Kyoto Concert Hall, 7pm (preconcert talk by the conductor at 6:40)

Admission: S=¥4,500, A=¥4,000, B=¥3,500, P=¥2,000 (seats behind the stage) • Tel: 075-711-3231 • Kitayama subway station (on the Karasuma line), 3min walk from exit 1 www.kyoto-symphony.jp

Kyoto Concert Hall, 2pm

Admission: ¥2,000 (students ¥1,000) • Tel: 075-711-3231 • Kitayama subway station (on the Karasuma line), 3min walk from exit 1 www.kyoto-symphony.jp

September 20 Dezso Ránki (piano), Japan Century Symphony Orchestra,

The Symphony Hall, Osaka, 7pm

Admission: A=¥6,000, B=¥4,500, C=¥3,000, D=¥1,000 • Tel: 06-6868-0591 • JR loop line Fukushima Station or Oyodo-minami-1-chome bus stop http://asahi.co.jp/symphony

September 22 Peter Jablonski piano recital (Beethoven, Liszt, Gershwin, Copland, RimskyKorsakov) The Symphony Hall, Osaka, 3pm

Admission: A=¥4,500, B=¥3,000, C=¥2,000 • Tel: 06-6453-6000 • JR loop line Fukushima Station or Oyodo-minami-1-chome bus stop http://asahi.co.jp/symphony

September 29 Andrew von Oeyen piano recital (Beethoven, Chopin, Ravel) The Symphony Hall, Osaka, 2pm

Admission: ¥3,000 • Tel: 06-6453-6000 • JR loop line Fukushima Station or Oyodo-minami-1-chome bus stop http://asahi.co.jp/symphony

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Club

Danny Howells

Sep 20

One of the superstar DJs Danny Howells is FINALLY making a trip to Osaka! His sound is often described as progressive house but the perfect description would be “deepsexyfuturistictechfunkouse” in Danny’s words. In early 90’s, John Digweed heard one of Danny’s mixes and invited him to join the famous Bedrock club nights. Danny spent almost ten years as warm-up DJ for Digweed at Bedrock. He has released several albums from prestigious series such as Global Underground and Renaissance but in 2008 he launched his own record label “Dig Deeper” named after his own party. If you are interested in his recent sound go to www.soundcloud.com/danny-howells and check out his latest mix. It is a real treat for your ears. This is a Thursday night party, so be sure to get the Friday morning off!

Circus • Danny Howells Asia Tour 2912 (Techno/House) • DJs: Danny Howells, Yoshiki • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,300 (ADV: ¥2,800) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • http:// circus-osaka.com

Club Listings Sep 1 (Sat) ACDC Gallery Social Infection feat. Abe Duque (Techno) • Live: Abe Duque • DJs: Kihira Naoki, Ooshima Sigeru, Saki • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • www.acdcjapan.com

World Peace Love

Rockets

Onzieme

Switch (Hip hop/R&B) • DJs: Sancon, Tora, Hifumi • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Women: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-212-4119 • www.world-kyoto.com

Monolake Live - The Ghost in Surround Tour 2012 (Techno/ Electro) • Live: Monolake Visuals

by Tarik Barri • DJs: Inbeder, Kunio Asai • Open: 7pm–11pm • Admission: ¥3,500(ADV: ¥3,000) • Where: Namba • Tel: 06-6649-3919 • www.namba-rockets.com

Gan-ban Night Special presents Dexpistols (Electro) • Live: Dexpistols • DJs: Daruma, Maar + more • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥2,800) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • www.onzi-eme.com

Sep 2 (Sun)

World Peace Love

Grand Cafe

G2

Mask feat. Egbert Japan Tour (Techno) • Live: Egbert, Takehiro Okuyama • DJs: Shine, Kunio Torikai, Milk.Bro, Masanao • Open: 6pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (Foreigners: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • www.grandcafeosaka.com

DJ Nastia Japan Tour & Ree.K Birthday Premium Party (Techno/ Trance) • DJs: Nastia, Ree.K, Fullmoon Mondo, Yasuhiro, Fujioka, Hidetaka + more • Open: 9pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62443177 • g2-osaka.net

Troopcafe

Grand Cafe

Circus

I Want You (Electronia/House) • Live: Radiq, Aoki Takamasa • DJ: Kohei, Tomoho • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Sannomiya • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe. tumblr.com

Camo & Krooked Japan Tour (Drum’nBass) • DJs: Camo & Krooked, Toyo, Kenzi, Masashi • Open: 6pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62130031 • www.grandcafeosaka.com

Union

Sep 7 (Fri)

Circus Show Case feat. Peter Van Hoesen & Neel (Techno) • DJs: Peter Van Hoesen, Neel, Naoya Sugimoto • Open: 6pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Vino (House/Techno) • DJs: Yabu, Uoshima, Kino., Toshimi • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62512242 • www.club-union.jp

Circus Circus Friday (Drum’nBass) • DJs: Hiroshi aka FU1 + more • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Rainbow (All mix) • DJs: Kirist, 1-st, Luke, Rokkie, KMX + more • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Women: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-212-4119 • www.world-kyoto.com

Sep 8 (Sat)

Joule Queen 2012 (Electro/Techno/ Drum’n’Bass) • DJs: Starcream aka Slipknot, Energy Dai, Toyo, M.Minami, O-man + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,000/1D, Women: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Stork House Beat x United (House) • DJs: Sugiurumn, Atsuo Morita, Soery, Hifumi • Open: 10pm • Admission : ¥3,000/1D(ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Okamoto • stork-kobe.com

Troopcafe Visitors (Techno/House) • DJ: Eric D + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Sannomiya • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe. tumblr.com

Union Extended Mix (House) • DJs: peechboy, Daisuke Ito, Yusuke, Mayu • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6251-2242 • www.clubunion.jp

World Peace Love DDD (House) • DJ: Daishi Dance • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-212-4119 • www.world-kyoto.com

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Sep 9 (Sun) Circus Koze Japan Tour (Techno) • DJs: Koze, Kunimitsu • Open: 6pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

World Peace Love Switch (Hip hop/R&B) • DJs: Sancon, Tora, Hifumi • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Women: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-212-4119 • www.world-kyoto.com

Sep 14 (Fri) Circus Worm (Dubstep) • DJs: Goth-Trad, Eraguru, Nice J, Monka, Harutaka, Light-one, Z.Z.Z, mgo, Alice • Open: 6pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Union 4Rapture (House) • DJs: K-Suke, Masaaki, Kunio Yasumatsu, Nagisa • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066251-2242 • www.club-union.jp

Sep 15 (Sat) Circus Holic Osaka (Techno) • DJs: Pezzner, Tomoki Tamura, Kunimitsu, Yasuhisa, Fumi • Open: 6pm–1am • Admission: ¥TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Ministry of Sound feat. Mogai (House/Techno) • DJs: Moguai, Jax Da Fishworks, Ko-Matsushima, Koichi Sato, Hirro • Open: 7pm– 1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (WF: 2,500/1D, Before 9pm: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • www.onzi-eme.com

Owl Osaka Raptus (Trance/House/Techno) • Live: Moonbeam feat. Tomomi Ukumori • DJs: Max Graham, Kitten aka Mikanyan, Takekiyo Ishimoto, Shinji, MSYK & Big baby, 66 & unbalance • Open: 5pm–1am • Admission: ¥TBA • Where: Umeda • Tel: 06-6362-0822 • owl-osaka.net

World Peace Love Fearless (House/Electro) • DJ: Off The Rocker, Yanyan, ShunTa + more • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Kyoto • Tel:

075-212-4119 • www.world-kyoto. com

Sep 16 (Sun) Circus DJ Kyoko x Zombie Nation (Techno) • DJs: Kyoko, Zombie Nation • Open: 6pm–1am • Admission: ¥TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Grand Cafe Cocoon Heroes Club Edition in Osaka (Techno) • Live: Extrawelt • DJs: SIS, Shine, Mitsuyas, Kohsuke • Open: 6pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • www. grandcafeosaka.com

Owl Osaka Sunset Party (House/Electro) • DJs: Off The Rocker, Taku-Hero, Marvy, Kiminori + more • Open: 5pm–9pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,000/2D, Women: ¥2,500/2D (Before 6pm: ¥1,000/1D) • Where: Umeda • Tel: 06-6362-0822 • owl-osaka.net

Rockets Next Level feat. Ten & Maako (Techno) • DJs: Ten, Maako, Yacht, K.Sasaki • Open: 11:59pm • Admission: ¥2,5001D (WF: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Namba • Tel: 06-6649-3919 • www.nambarockets.com

Universe System 7 x Sugizo Tour 2012 (Trance/Techno) • Live: System 7, Sugizo, Uni • DJs: Kotaro • Open: 5pm–10:30pm • Admission: ¥5,500 (ADV: ¥4,000) • Where: Namba • cavaret-universe.com

Sep 17 (Mon)

Women: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-212-4119 • www.worldkyoto.com

Women: ¥2,500/2D (Before 4pm: ¥1,000/1D) • Where: Umeda • Tel: 06-6362-0822 • owl-osaka.net

Sep 22 (Sat)

World Peace Love

Grand Cafe Zettai-Mu(Hiphop/Abstract) • Live: Tha Blue Herb • DJs: 1945 aka Kuranaka + more • Open: 6pm–1am • Admission: ¥TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62130031 • www.grandcafeosaka.com

Circus

Ishino Takkyu (Techno) • DJs: Ishino Takkyu, D41 ex.energydai, DK-Baseline, Takutugu Wada, Monashee + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000, Before 9pm: ¥1,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Agile feat. A.Mochi (Techno) • Live: A.Mochi • DJs: Monashee, Ryo Yoshida, Yuuna • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme

Electro Climax (Trance/Electro/ Techno) • Live: Skazi • DJs: Dan Elliot, David Byrne, Dom Pang, Dmitri, Geroppa + more • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62130031 • www.grandcafeosaka.com

Hush (House/Techno) • DJs: Yashima, Nao Nomura, Yabu, Masataka, Landscape • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (Women before 9pm: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • www.onzi-eme.com

Owl Osaka Sunset Party feat. Vortex (House/ Electro) • DJs: Tasaka, Shinkawa, Yo-C, M.Minami, Junkyjun • Open: 5pm–9pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,000/2D, Women: ¥2,500/2D • Where: Umeda • Tel: 06-6362-0822 • owl-osaka.net

Chikusa Ski Resort Deepulse 2012 Open Air Party (Techno/House) • DJs: Apollo, Kihira Naoki, Nilei, DNT aka Donuts, Yoshi, Shirakawa, Lobo, Hide + more • Open: 4pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500) • Where: Hyogo • www.deepulse.com

World Peace Love

Circus

World Disco (All mix) • DJs: Murakamigo, Rokkie, Hifumi • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Women: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-212-4119 • www.world-kyoto.com

Sep 21 (Fri)

Sep 23 (Sun)

Circus

Circus

Circus Friday feat.Calm (Techno/ House) • DJs: Calm+ more • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV:¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

World Peace Love Friday Girly (All Mix) • DJ: Groovy workshop. • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D,

Sep 29 (Sat)

Joule

*National Holiday

Modern Cafe (Drum’n’Bass) • DJs: Aki, Toyo • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

World Stadium (All mix) • DJs: Banchan, O-Tan, Peit, Swingo, Shinya • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Women: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-212-4119 • www.world-kyoto.com

Paul Rich Japan Tour (Techno) • DJs: Paul Rich + more • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Owl Osaka Sunset Party (House/Electro) • DJs: Verbal, Cream, Lucas Valentine + more • Open: 3pm-9pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,000/2D,

Grand Cafe

Onzieme Nakata Yasutaka (Electro) • DJs: Nakata Yasutaka + more • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (Women before 9pm: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • www.onzi-eme.com

World Peace Love Saturday Girly (All Mix) • DJ: Groovy workshop. • Open: 8pm– 1am • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Women: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-212-4119 • www.worldkyoto.com

Sep 30 (Sun) Grand Cafe Freedom Time meets Hit The Spot! (Nu Jazz/Crossover) • DJs: Jazzanova, Yoshihiro Okino feat.

Live Percussions, Yoshihisa Fujii, Takaharu Furutani, Nao Nomura + more • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • www.grandcafeosaka.com

List your own club event in the Kansai Scene Club pages. Listings appear both in print and online.

Contact sales@kansaiscene. com for more details.

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Food and drink

Garb Weeks Fresh food, riverside terrace, top-end chef and bottom-end prices: Garb Weeks has all the elements of a great summer eatery Text and photos: Alan Wiren

At the western end of Nakanoshima Park, where the Naniwabashi crosses the eastern tip of the island, is a place you should know about. If you’re visiting The National Museum of Art, the Science museum, Nakanoshima Rose Garden, Osaka Public Event Hall, or the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, elegant refreshment, at prices that won’t spoil your mood, is just a few footsteps away at Garb Weeks. Even if you’re not in tourist mode, the innovative menu and the ambiance of this riverside restaurant make it worth a visit.

The word “weeks” in the restaurant’s name informs the architecture. The name of each day in the Japanese calendar has inspired a feature of the decor. During daylight hours, sunlight floods the open air garden, the river-view terrace, and the roomy interior. At night, a skylight lets moonbeams into the dining room. Those account for Sunday and Monday. The rest are named for the five elements. Fire is in the wood-fueled oven. Water plays in the

silver-petaled fountain in the far corner of the garden. Wood is the olive tree that shades outside diners, and her cousins along the edge of the terrace, shielding it from the morning sun. Golden bird outlines float above the guests who sit inside, with promises of good luck. Earth supports the plants that surround the restaurant and its tone continues on the floorboards of the interior.

Garb Weeks opened in 2010. For the first couple of years, manager Akira Takagami would arrive early and relax on the terrace with a cup of coffee. “It felt so good, that I knew I had to share it,” he says. So he recently began opening for breakfast. Between 7:30 and 11 am you can choose one of several “morning service” sets - perhaps French toast, egg, acai bowl or a hot dog, with unlimited coffee, herb tea and fruit juices for ¥500-¥650.

Most of Garb Weeks’ ingredients come straight from the farm. Planning the menus, Takagami says, is a team effort. He

works with the service staff and the chef, who spent eight years in a three Michelin starred restaurant in Milan then five years in his own establishment in Osaka.

It is, in essence, an Italian place. There are always intriguing variations on pizza and pasta, and creative sauces and cooking techniques together with an expertly minimalist treatment of vegetables transform fish, roasts, salads and even hamburg steaks into culinary adventures, most of which comfortably hug the ¥1,000 mark.

Garb Weeks • Where: 1-1-29 Nakanoshima Koennai, Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka • Tel: 06-6226-0181 • Hours: 7:30am – 10:30pm daily • Url: www.garbweeks.com

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Osaka City Hall

Riverside Grill and Beer Garden

There are two restaurants in Osaka City Hall that, despite being on the second floor of the basement, give you a glimpse of the outside world come rain or shine.

Despite its Mediterranean name, L’Osteria offers popular Japanese fare such as ramen, udon, soba, sushi and Japanese curry, served cafeteria style. The dining room has no frills, but what distinguishes it is the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto a small, sunken garden.

On the opposite side of the building, Vivacity Cafe is smaller and even simpler, but throughout the afternoon, they sell bento boxes. Take one into the park that runs along the rivers on both sides of the building. These are oases where artists paint and lovers stroll, with the skyscrapers far in the background.

B2F Osaka City Hall, 1-3-20 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka • Hours: 9am – 4.30pm

The Nakanoshima Club Osaka City Central Public Hall is an edifice that has watched over the western end of Nakanoshima Park for decades. Inside and out it preserves architecture and technology from days when quality and permanence were more a part of daily life than now. In the basement, the Nakanoshima Club will take you back nearly 100 years to Japan’s Taisho era. It’s an intimate space where white tablecloths are set with heavy silver, glass, and delicate china, and staff in crisp uniforms invite you to leave contemporary bustle behind.

A Taisho Roman (read “romantic”) course is offered at lunch (¥850) and dinner (¥1,680). For the latter, you’ll get deep fried, breaded shrimp and pork cutlet, and hamburg steak in a red wine reduction. Beef stew is ¥1,500 on the lunch menu and ¥1,980 on the dinner menu. There are other dinner courses that range from ¥3,000 to ¥6,000. If you’re not hungry, you can still drop in for a cup of coffee, tea or something from the bar.

On the northern bank of Nakanoshima Park is a restaurant aptly named Riverside. It has with a large rose garden on one side and the Dojima river on the other. The dining areas either side of the kitchen are covered, but there are no exterior walls and the seating spills out onto decks that were made for balmy summer nights. Picnic tables are outside with tables for two inside.

The main feature here is Korean-style barbecue, but you can choose lighter fare such as spicy chicken wings or a bucket full of onion rings from the a la carte menu. The barbecue is about ¥4,000 or ¥5,000 per person, depending on whether you choose the ordinary or deluxe course. Nonetheless, it’s a good deal. The portions are generous and it includes all you can drink for two hours from a varied menu of alcoholic and soft drinks. A takeout window faces the rose garden, so you can enjoy drinks and ice cream while touring the park.

1-1-27 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka Tel: 06 6233-3580 Hours: Lunch 11am-2pm, Cafe 2pm – 5pm, Dinner 5pm –9.30pm

Osaka-shi, Kita-ku, Nakanoshima 1 chome, Nakanoshima Koen Baraen nai Tel: 06-6202-0112 • Hours: Lunch 11.30am – 2.30pm, Dinner 4pm– 11pm

Nakanoshima area map HANSHIN EXPRESSWAY(LOOP ROUTE)

Spotlight on:

SUMITOMO SEIMEI YODOYABASHI BLDG.

NAKANOSHIMA LIBRARY

E LIN UJ I KA IS

THE MUSEUM OF ORIENTAL CERAMICS, OSAKA

NAN

NAKANOSHIMA PARK

IWA BA

SHI

STA

“R” RIVERSIDE GRILL & BEER GARDEN

.

GARB WEEKS

KEIH

AN

OSAKA YODOYABASHI POST OFFICE

KITA

NAK

ANO

HAM

KITAHAMA STA.

YODOYABASHI STA.

MIDOSUJI LINE

BANK OF JAPAN

SA

OSAKA CITY HALL

OEBASHI STA.

THE NAKANOSHIMA CLUB

SHIM

A LIN

E

AS

TA. KEIH

AN

MAIN

LINE

Nakanoshima

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Feature

Fix up, look sharp in the city Getting a bike for the daily commute is easy, but what you’d really prefer is something with a bit more style, and speed.

Ever thought about rehoming a fixed gear bike?

Text & images: KS

City messengers dart between lanes, leaving cars - and you - in their rear mirrors. How do they move so quickly? It’s probably not their legs, but the bike that’s doing the hard work, as many of them are riding adapted fixed gear bikes.

Fixed gear bikes are better known as track bicycles, and as that name suggests, they first started out in the velodrome as racing bikes. The two basic features that define a track bicycle are a fixed rear sprocket, which has no ratcheting mechanism, and a complete lack of mechanical brakes.

The lack of a ratcheting sprocket means that your legs are always moving.

You cannot ‘coast’ on a fixed gear bike.

This feeling is said to connect the rider to the bike and the road, in a way that normal bikes cannot. There are also many tricks which are possible to perform only on a bike with a fixed gear, such as riding backwards.

But let’s focus on the brakes. Professional track cyclists, like the Japanese keirin riders, are the main consumers for track bikes as they have no need to ever stop, or slow down during a race. No brakes is great for the track, but way too dangerous for the street,

so when track bikes began to gain popularity back in 2007, brake laws were speedily introduced.

Osaka-based Gira Gira Chariya started offering this specialist service, and works closely with Kansai-based parts maker, Yoshigai to provide quality parts.

The shop has a strong focus on Japanesemade products, including handmade frames from local craftsmen, including the internationally renowned Nagasawa and Nakagawa (see p.14).

Rene Spudvilas from Gira Gira Chariya said: “While most shops have long been turning to Taiwanese and Chinese products, we have tried to keep a ‘select shop’ mentality, and stocked high quality products which we like; products which we believe in. Many of these products are actually from Kansai.”

Converting a track bike into an everyday bike is no simple job. Rene explains: “Track bikes have very aggressive geometry, which can be tiresome to ride for the average commuter. The lack of brakes or gears, the low drop handlebar, firm saddle, and thin tires makes for a harsh ride.”

Rising mountain bike style handlebars, thicker touring or road bike tires, softer road bike saddles, and clamp-on

brake sets are all commonly used to make a pure track bike much more usable. This kind of customization is Gira Gira’s specialty.

“When properly set up, a track bike can be devastatingly quick in the city,” adds Rene. “Shop mechanics can alter the bike according to the customers needs, including adding extras like a shopping basket.”

Once the bike no longer has a fixed gear it becomes a ‘Single speed’, basically a faster, and more stylish version of a mamachari bike. This means that while it has the quality, speed and looks similar to a pure track bike, it is very easy to ride, and comfortable to live with for commuting.

So if you want to put more speed and style in your daily commute, maybe you should look to the tracks for inspiration.

Gira Gira Chariya • Address: 1F-1-20-20 Minami Horie, Nishiku, Osaka, 550-0015.

• Tel: (06) 6534 2539 • Website: www.giragirachariya.com • Online store: www.tracksupermarket.com

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KS

Pick

© 2012 LIONS GATE FILMS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Sep 28

Coming soon

Himitsu no Akko-chan/ Akko’s Secret Sep 1 A compact mirror enchanted with a magical spirit meddles with 10-year-old Akko-chan’s life – but with comic effect, as it transforms her into a 22-year-old woman.

Elementary schooler Akko loves her new life of make-up, money and fashion – and soon charms a cosmetics executive with her playful approach to life. It all starts to get a bit serious now, as he needs Akko’s help in launching a new product line to save his company. A fun and fluffy adaptation of a popular girl’s manga by Fujio Akatsuka.

120 mins Comedy Starring: Haruka Ayase, Mika Hijii, Teruyuki Kagawa Director: Yasuhiro Kawamura

The InTouchables

Colombiana

Marley

Sep 1 After a paragliding accident, an aristocratic Frenchman needs to hire a live-in carer to help him. A young offender rocks up for the job interview, and despite their differences the pair hit unexpectedly it off. This French language movie has proved a hit with audiences, blending energetic comic moments with a moving story about a man coming to terms with his new disabilities. What’s even more moving is that it’s actually based on a true story, the memoirs of Philippe Pozzo Di Borgo, who approved the adapted script during production.

Sep 1 Luc Besson is known for his stylish hitman dramas, from 1994’s Leon to the Transporter trilogy. Through his EuropaCorp production company, he’s co-written and produced countless action blockbusters, and introduced Hollywood cameras to the joys of parkour, or free running.

Here’s a reworking of a script he first drafted for a Leon sequel, exploring Matilda’s backstory. It’s now a stand-alone drama about a young Colombian woman who becomes an assassin after witnessing her parents’ murder. She’s working as a hitman for her uncle by day, and then taking her work into extra-curricular time to get her revenge.

Sep 1 A worldwide reggae music legend, Bob Marley died when he was just 36 years old. We’ll never know what his future could have brought, but he sure had an interesting back story. Many have tried to piece it together before, but this documentary does it with style, warts and all. It features interviews with his family and friends, and lots of previously unreleased stuff. Kevin Macdonald is the guy who directed Touching the Void and The Last King of Scotland, both sensitivelyhandled, gripping movies. He presents Marley as neither saint nor sinner, but a talented, likeable bloke who also made mistakes, and simply wanted peace in the world.

112 mins Comedy, Drama Starring: Francois Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny Directors: Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano

108 mins Action, Crime, Drama Starring: Zoe Saldana, Michael Vartan, Callum Blue Director: Olivier Megaton

144 mins Documentary, Biography, Music • Starring: Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff Director: Kevin Macdonald

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Film previews

The Hunger Games Sep 28

Hurrah! Despite rumours this movie wouldn’t get a Japan release date, here it is, though some months behind American theatres where it drew comparisons to a Japanese flick, Battle Royale.

The basic premise is admittedly close to the classic islandbased killathon. In the BR project, a school class was sent to a remote island and students had to kill each other to win their freedom. A sadistic teacher controlled the place and provided the kids with weapons. The island itself had many traps, and students sometimes teamed up to survive, though of course most of them ended up dead.

In The Hunger Games, the US has been divided into districts based on wealth and skill. The top district features the shiny, wealthy city of Panem, and every year two people from each district must come to Panem and fight to the death in a special game zone.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen is from the poorest district, and only feeds her family through illegal hunting, black market trades and basic survival skills. She volunteers to go to the games after her sister’s name is called to take part. Of course, the game arena has many traps and tricks to turn contestants against

each other. Katniss’ cunning, bravery and archery skills might keep her alive for a while in the arena, but there can only be one winner here.

The Hunger Games is just book one of a best-selling trilogy by Suzanne Collins, aimed at young teenagers but enjoyed by many more canny adults. Longtime fans of the book have praised this thrilling adaptation, which delivers the heart of Katniss’ story in style and guts. She’s a believable, gutsy heroine who looks more at home in boots and archery gear than high heels and a fancy dress (though, of course she gets to wear both.) Just one more thing to know about Katniss’ adventure: the men in her life. She has a trusted hunting partner at home called Gale. There’s also a childhood friend in the arena, but can he be trusted in this game of trickery? May the odds be ever in your favour, Katniss.

The Dictator

Soldiers of Fortune

Mirror Mirror

The Bourne Legacy

Sept 7 If you’re easily offended, look away now. British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen is known for overloading his movies with every cringeworthy and crude joke possible – his characters are racist, sexist, anti-disability – but usually just to satirise the people who do it for real. If you can ride out the cringes, The Dictator is a comic look at what would happen if a middle eastern despot were to visit America. Cohen’s teamed up with the same director as he did for his other characters Borat and Bruno, but unlike his usual ‘character meets real people’ farces, this one is entirely fictional, and maybe that bit funnier for it.

Coming soon With solid actors like Christian Slater and the mighty Sean Bean in the running, this looks like a promising action setup, but alas, fails to deliver anything grand. The plot - wealthy thrill-seekers pay to take part in military adventures, but of course things go awry – has potential, but audiences reckon the cardboard villians and poor effects make it more comic than thrilling. If you love some of Arnie’s early stuff, the almost slapstick B-movies, then grab a beer and some buddies and check this out. While it’s definitely got a September release date in Tokyo, Kansai movie fans may have to wait until October.

14 Sep High-ho, high-ho, it’s off with another Snow White adaptation we go. June’s gothic imagining of the classic fairytale is followed by the candyfloss pop version. Julia Roberts is the wicked queen, the fairiest in all the land bar one – her pretty step-daughter Snow White.

A charming prince falls for Snow White, and so the queen banishes her love rival to the forest. Can Snow White win the kingdom, and the prince, back? If you like your princesses in big swishy dresses and sparkles, this will be the Snow White movie you and your kids will fall for.

83 mins Comedy Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley Director: Larry Charles

94 mins Action, Adventure Starring: Christian Slater, Sean Bean, Ving Rhames Director: Maxim Korostyshevsky

Sep 28 Just when you thought it was over with Ultimatum, here comes another Bourne film. Except, there’s no Jason Bourne - an everyman struggling to regain his identity and take down the powers that took it away. Instead we have Aaron Cross, a new guy also caught up in the CIA web. The events here are taking place at the same time as the plot of Ultimatum, as Jason Bourne’s revelations are driving the CIA all kinds of crazy. New man Aaron is in the firing line as the CIA decides to wipe out all the agents involved in its operations. Best left to the Bourne fans, as newcomers to the series won’t be able to catch up with this intricate cross-plot.

142 mins • Action, Adventure • Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth • Director: Gary Ross Showing at: Toho Cinemas, OS Cinemas.

106 mins Adventure, Comedy Starring: Lily Collins, Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer Director: Tarsem Singh

135 mins Action, Adventure • Starring: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton Director: Tony Gilroy

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Kansai Business Finder Wining & Dining Absinthe Mediterranean Restaurant Cafe/Bar

Nishi-ku, Kita-horie 1-2-27 South Yotsubashi Bldg. 1F Osaka Tel: 06-6534-6635 Url: www.absinthe-jp.com

Asbinthe Solaar Roof Top Restaurant Cafe Bar & Beer Garden

Chuo-ku, Namba 5-1-18 Namba Dining Maison 8F Osaka Tel: 06-6633-1445 Url: www.absinthe-jp.com/absinthesolaar

Himalaya Indian Restaurant

Kita-ku, Umeda 1-2, Osaka Ekimae, Dai-2 Bldg. B1 Osaka Tel: 06-6545-6116 Url: www.meera.jp/en/himalaya

Meera Indian Restaurant

Kita-ku, Umeda 1-3-1, Osaka Ekimae Dai 1 bldg B2F Osaka Tel: 06-6348-0134 Url: www.meera.jp/en/

Ali’s Kitchen Pakistani & Arabic Cuisine

Chuo-ku, Shinsaibashi-suji 1-10-12B1 Osaka Tel: 06-6553-2292 Url: www.aliskitchen.jp

Coolabah Sports Cafe

Chuo-ku, Nishi-shinsaibashi 2-1613, Housen Bldg. 1F Osaka Tel: 06-6213-5153 Url: www.coolabah.jp

Outback Steakhouse Australian Themed Steakhouse

Kita-ku, Umeda 2-1-24 Shinsakurabashi Bldg. 1F Osaka Tel: 06-6457-7121 Url: www.outbacksteakhouse.co.jp

Murphy’s Irish Pub First Irish Pub in Japan

Chuo-ku, Higashi-shinsaibashi 1-631 Lead plaza 6F Osaka Tel: 06-6282-0677 Url: www.murphysosaka.com

Fubar Restaurant and Bar

Chuo-ku, Shinsaibashi-suji 1-5-22F Osaka Tel: 06-6245-3757 Url: www.fubarosaka.com

> for maps see kansaiscene.com/business-finder

Chuo-ku, Kitanagasa-dori 1-21-15, New Anchor Bldg. 5F Kobe Tel: 078-391-9553

El Pancho Shinsaibashi

Lapichu

Mexican Restaurant & Bar

Rooftop Beer Garden

Shinsaibashi: Chuo-ku, Shinsaibashi-suji 1-10-1, Shinsaibashi Tower Bldg 8F Tel: 06-6241-0588

Chuo-ku, Namba 4-8-3-2F Osaka Tel: 06-6631-8890

Trinity

Zerro

Bar

El Pancho Abeno

The Place to be...

Mexican Restaurant & Bar

Tennoji/Abeno: Abeno-ku, Abenosuji 1-6-1-1F Tel: 06-6556-7027

Shakka Bar Shakka’s International Paradise

Chuo-ku, Higashi-shinsaibashi 2-8-5, Nippo New Grand Bldg. 3F Osaka Tel: 06-65213-1157

Captain Kangaroo Food, Sports & Rock ‘n’ Roll

Kita-ku, Sonezaki-shinchi 1-5-20 Okawa Bldg. 1F Osaka Tel: 06-6346-0367 Url: www.roo-bar.jp

Chedi Luang Horie Traditional Thai food

Nishi-ku, Kita-horie 1-7-11 Osaka Tel: 06-6535-1515 Url: www.chedi.jp

Chedi Luang Umeda Traditional Thai food

Kita-ku, Umeda 2-2-22 Herbis Ent 5F Tel: 06-6344-6116 Url: www.chedi.jp

Dublin Bay Irish Pub

Chuo-ku, Dotonbori 2-1-5-B1 Osaka Tel: 06-6213-1122 Url: www.irishpub-dublinbay.com

Dublin Garden Roof Top Beer Garden

Chuo-ku, Dotonbori 2-1-5-B1 Osaka Tel: 06-6213-1122 Url: www.irishpub-dublinbay.com

Gastro Garden on the 7th Open-air Bar & Kitchen

Chuo-ku, Dotonbori 2-3-28 Osaka Tel: 06-6211-2384 Url: www.newjapan.co.jp/7th

Chinese Cafe Eight Chinese Cuisine

Chuo-ku, Soemon-cho 7-2 Luz Shinsaibashi 5F Osaka Tel: 06-6125-5338 Url: www.chinesecafe8.com

Chuo-ku, Shinsaibashi-suji 2-3-2, Queen’s Court Bldg 1F Osaka Tel: 06-6211-0439

The Blarney Stone Shinsaibashi The Irish Pub in the Heart of Osaka

Chuo-ku, Higashi-Shinsaibashi 2-527 Kohda Bldg B1F Osaka Tel: 06-6484-2220 Url: www.the-blarney-stone.com

The Blarney Stone Umeda The Irish Pub in the Heart of Osaka

Chuo-ku, Higashi-Shinsaibashi 2-527 Kohda Bldg B1F Osaka Tel: 06-6484-2220 Url: www.the-blarney-stone.com

Owl Osaka Club

Chuo-ku, Kakudacho 5-1 Rakutenchi Bldg B1 Osaka Tel: 06-6362-0822 Url: www.owl-osaka.net

Pure Osaka Club

Chuo-ku, Shinsaibashi-suji 2-3-12, Diamond Bldg. B1F Osaka Tel: 06-6214-6600 Url: www.osaka.clubpure.com

Sam and Dave Shinsaibashi Club

Chuo-ku, Shinsaibashi-suji 1-3-29, Miya Estate Bldg. 4F Osaka Tel: 06-6243-6848 Url: www.samanddave.jp

Sam and Dave Umeda Club

Kita-ku, Nishi-Tenma 4-15-19, Umeshin Plaza Building 1F Osaka Tel: 06-6365-1688 Url: www.samanddave.jp

IZNT Good People, Good Fun

Chuo-ku, Shimoyamate-dori 1-1-8, M:2nd Bldg. 4F, Kobe Tel: 078-334-3040 Url: www.iznt.net

Midnight Express Turkish and Mediterranean Bar

Chuo-ku, Nakayamate-dori 1-2-9, Shinko Bldg. 3F, Kobe Tel: 078-325-0830

Hobgoblin British Pub

Chuo-ku, Kano-cho 4-3-2, Kondo Bldg. 7F, Kobe Tel: 078-325-0830 Url: www.hobgoblin.jp

Bistro Cafe de Paris French Cuisine

Chuo-ku, Yamamoto-dori 1-7-21 Kobe Tel: 078-241-9448 Url: www.cafe-de-paris.jp

Caliente French Dining - Latin Bar

Chuo-ku, Nakayamate-dori 1-1-9, Goldwoods Sannomiya Bldg 3F, Kobe Tel: 078-392-3888 Url: www.calientekobe.com

Education Kobe YWCA Global Network of Women

Chuo-ku, Ninomiya-cho 1-12-10 Kobe Tel: 078-231-6201 Url: www.kobe.ywca.or.jp

Osaka YWCA Global Network of Women

Osaka-ku, Kamiyama-cho 11-12 Osaka Tel: 06-6361-0838 Url: www.osaka.ywca.or.jp

Arthur Murray Dance School Dance Studio

Chuo-ku, Minami-senba 3-5-28 Osaka Tel: 06-6245-1731 Url: www.arthurmurray.co.jp

Marga Language Service Japanese Language School

Chuo-ku, Onoe-dori 5-1-27-8F, Eiko Bldg. 2F, Osaka Tel: 078-271-6446 Url: www.marga.jp

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Online Japanese Lessons Study Japanese from Home

Suita, Toyotsu 40-6, EBIC Suita 3F Osaka Tel: 06-6484-6021 Url: www.nihongo-lesson.jp

Health & Beauty Ishida Women’s Clinic

Sumida-ku, Yokoami 2-6-2 Tokyo Tel: 0120-983-891 / 03-6869-4851 Url: www.brastelremit.jp

TNT-PC English PC Support

Nishinomiya-shi, Maruhashi-cho 6-8-1F Nishinomiya Tel: 0798-65-7555 Url: www.tnt-pc.com

Sweatshop Union T-Shirt Print Shop

Asashi-ku, Shinmori 2-1-26 Osaka Tel: 06-6951-9701 Url: www.ishida-clinic.jp/en/

Naniwa-ku, Sakuragawa 4-5-19 Osaka Tel: 06-4394-8850 Url: www.sweatshop.jp/eng

Hair Art & Make up BOY

Creamy Kids

Hair and Make Up

International Modeling Agency

Chuo-ku, Higashi-Shinsaibashi 1-223, Nishikan Higashi Shinsaibashi Bldg. 5F Osaka Tel: 06-6252-7630 Url: www6.ocn.ne.jp/~boy/i/index. html

Kita-ku, Umeda 1-2-2-200 Osaka Tel: 06-6347-7705 Url: www.pre21.com/creamy

Oriental Dental Clinic

Tsugiya 2-2-28 Amagasaki Tel: 06-6492-8950 Url: www.pakmail-ama.com

Women’s Health Care in Osaka

English Speaking Dentist

Chuo-ku, Nakayamate-dori 3-4-7, Oriental Medical Dental Bldg. 4F Tel: 078-321-2717 Url: www.oriental-shika.com

K Studio New York English Speaking Beauty Salon

Kita-ku, Toyosaki 5-2-22-2F Osaka Tel: 06-6371-9033 Url: www.ksny.jp

Pakmail We Ship Anything, Anywhere!

Kita-ku, Umeda 1-1-3 Sky Lounge Mariage, Osaka Tel: 050-5810-3977 Url: www.exeo-international.com

ACCJ Kansai American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Kita-ku, Dojima-hama 1-1-8, Eiko Dojima Park Bldg. 5F, Osaka Tel: 06-6345-9880 Url: www.accj.or.jp

Real Estate & Accommodation Oriental Process Apartments for Rent

Ikuno-ku, Tsuruhashi 1-1-36, Osaka Tel: 080-1422-4679 Url: www.orientalprocess.com

O2 Group Foreigner Focused Real Estate in Osaka

Shinmei Law Office Business Lawyer

Takani Co. Ltd.

Kita-ku, Nishi-tenma 4-11-22, Hanshin-shinmei Bldg. 501 Osaka Tel: 06-6362-8013 Url: www.shinmei-law.com/e

Meister Edi Orthopedic & Custom Shoes

Shops & Services Mojoprint

Guild Comics

Full Color Printing

Action Figures & American Comics

Nishi-ku, Shinmachi 3-5-7, Eiko Bldg. 2F, Osaka Tel: 06-6539-1717 Url: www.mojoprint.jp

Chuo-ku, Sannomiya-cho 2-10-7, Grace-kobe Bldg. 2F Kobe Tel: 078-326-7505 Url: www.bekkoame.ne.jp/i/atb/ guild

Send money overseas

International Dating Parties

Tel: 080-6145-8139 Url: www.02group.wordpress.com

Nada-ku, Kishichi-dori 5-3-9 Tel: 078-802-8043 Url: www.osmherbst.com

Brastel Remit

Exeo International

Total Solution for House-hunting

Yodogawa-ku, Nishimiyahara 2-335, Osaka Tel: 06-6396-6770

Mayflower House Guesthouse

Chuo-ku, Izumi-machi 2-1-15 Osaka Tel: 0120-881-456 Url: www.osaka-mayflowerguesthouse.com/en/

Hostel Base Point Osaka Hostel

Chuo-ku, Sennichimae 2-11-17 Osaka

Tel: 06-6644-1810 Url: www.basepoint-osaka.com

Avior Manor Clean and Spacious Apartments for Rent

Higashi-Osaka, Morikawachi-nishi 1-11-12 Osaka Tel: 06-6942-5766 Url: www.aviormanor.com

Travel World Express Kobe’s Popular Travel Agency

Chuo-ku, Kotono-cho 5-3-5, Green Chapeau Bldg 104 Kobe Tel: 078-222-5050 Url: www.wexp.co.jp

GS Travel Best Fares in Osaka

Chuo-ku, Higashi-Shinsaibashi 1-13-21, Wadayoshi Bldg 302 Osaka Tel: 06-6281-1230 Url: www.gs-travel.com/en

Across • No.1 Travel We go the extra mile for you

Kita-ku, Umeda 3-4-5, MainichiIntecio 15F, Osaka Tel: 06-6133-0273 Url: www.no1.his-west.jp

Legend Travel Absolute lowest rates on tours out of Osaka!

Chuo-ku, Minami-honmachi 3-211, Nikko Bldg. 5F Osaka Tel: 06-6263-8885 Url: www.legendtravel.co.jp

List your business in the Kansai Business Finder, and appear both in print and online. Visit www. kansaiscene.com/businessfinder for more details.

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Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Kansai Scene Classifieds Place your own ad online at classifieds.kansaiscene.com Please note: Kansai Scene is not responsible for the content of communications made through either printed or online classified ads.

Room/flat share ROOM FOR RENT IN

DAIKOKUCHO Room available in daikokucho area just south of Namba. 30 second walk to Daikokucho station. Shared kitchen and bathrooms. Large TV and washing machine. Rent is 56,000 yen. (6 month contract is available, reduces rent to 52,000 yen)please contact Thomas. Email: tom.greg. posner@gmail.com LOOK 4 A FEMALE ROOM MATE OSAKA JF looks for a female room mate in Kita-tatsumi,Osaka city. Available now-12/25.30K yen deposit(Refund)49K yen/M (elec.,water,gas & internet incl.)6 tatami sized wooden fl. with furniture. 2min. from the subway st.

The appartment is new. Non smoker & minimum 3 months stay prefer.

Email : mujimoto@yahoo.com ROOMMATE WANTED NEAR NAMBA 10mins bike ride to

Namba. 6 bed rooms house. From 43000yen/ m.(less than 6month +4000yen) expense 8000yen/m furnished. air-con,internet. A month deposit ID w/photo.

URL : http://www.flickr.com/ photos/61777941@N Email:high. time.gate@hotmail.co.jp

FURNITURE PRIVATE APARTMENT studio private

furniture apartment near subway awaza station by walk.supermarket, bank, post office near station. Good location, the rent is jp 55000/m &

deposit, detail please contact:Email : spvr5ws9@space.ocn.ne.jp IT TAKES ABOUT 15MIN

FROMOSAKA(U Fully Furnished!!

Free internet in your own room!!

Private room from ¥45,000 + ¥10,000(utilities)/m, Shared room from ¥30,000 + ¥5,000(utilities)/m.

We have a movie theater room!No key money, No commission charge, Deposit ¥20,000(Refundable) TEL:06-6430-9935 URL: http:// www.jafplaza.com/ Email: kansai2bm@jafnet.co.jp SHARE IN NAMBA JF looking for a female sharemate, 10mins walk to Namba sta, 5mins walk to Nipponbashi sta, 37,000yen/m, split utlts, no key money, furnished, free internet access, non smoker preferred Email : shushu8127@ gmail.com A ROOM IN SAKYO-KU, KYOTO

A Japanese woman would like to sublet one room in this furnished house. The rent is 50,000 yen for a 10-tatami mat room on the second floor. I’d prefer to share with a professional, for example a researcher, professor or advanced graduate student. Email : j.bluecarp@gmail.com 1 IN SHARED APARTMENT

ONE MILE to Namba. Shared gym, Jacuzzi, BBQ, sauna, rooftop balcony. Private furnished bedroom, built in closet, cable internet, 2 mins walk to JR and midosuji lines. 55,000yen + utilities Email : ep_osaka@hotmail.com OFFICE SPACE office space available in osaka best

designers area. kitahorie is next to shinsaibashi. the office is in a reformed building in a designers office.metal table, elect., internet and so on. all there. questions and appointments by mail. Email: office@cssg904.com

PENTHOUSE IN KOBE Room

available in spacious, modern apartment in Kobe, walking distance to major railways. Private furnished rooms, large kitchen and

theater system in living room. 45000 + bills URL: http://www.kobeliving. blogspot.jp Email: zoobiechan110@ yahoo.com AMERICAN COUPLE SEEKING SUBLET American couple seeking

Kyoto / Kobe Sublet Responsible, considerate, non-smoking, excellent references. Short / Long term Email : flowingalt@hotmail.com

Employment P/T ENGLISH TEACHER NEEDED Looking for a part-time

English teacher in Kyoto. 4 days a week (Tu-Fri),17:30-21:30. If you’re interested, please send resume to info@eli-international.com URL: http://eli-international.com

HELP WANTED We are looking for a native English teacher who can teach kids in kyoto or shiga.Lesson Locations: different place in kyoto or shiga. Lesson Fee: 2,100yen for one lesson/60minutes + allowance + transportation.Send your application through e-mail with picture, manami_a@minel.jp URL: http://www.minel.jp/index.html KYOTO/SHIGA Seeking parttime teachers for business

evening classes. Experience and qualifications preferred (must be native English speakers with a strong command of English).

Please clearly state availability and visa status in the covering letter.

Only successful applicants will be contacted. Email: nphojin@ecc.co.jp

HIMEJI TEACHERS Seeking part-time teachers for business

evening classes. Experience and qualifications preferred (must be native English speakers with a strong command of English).

Please clearly state availability and visa status in the covering letter.

Only successful applicants will be contacted. Email: nphojin@ecc.co.jp

ALT SETTSU CITY Minerva is

seeking a JHS ALT in Settsu City for 10 weeks starting September 2012

through November 2012 (10 weeks).

Working visa and bachelors degree required. For more info, please email us for an interview. Email: workinkansai@minel.jp JAPANESE LANGUAGE COURSE Sep.19~Nov. 21. 2012(10 lessons)

Every Wednesday, 6:30pm~8:00pm 1) Basic 2) Elementary 3) Intermediate Instructors: Japanese Language Instructors Place: NIA conference room Fee: 5,000en(material fees included) URL: http://www.nishi.or.jp/ homepage/nia/ Email: nia0930@ sound.ocn.ne.jp ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLASS/NAMBA HappyFlow

is looking for some part-time Native English teachers who are available from Sep. Adult women conversation class: 5pm-10pm/ Mon-Sat /2 or 3 hours a day (Max 4 hours)/2 or 3 days a week/ Location: 5mins walk from Namba. Need a proper working visa/ WH visa. Send resume + Photo by email. Emai: happyflow@live.jp ALT IN IZUMISANO CITY Citystaff

is now accepting applicants for public jhs and es ALT in Izumisano from October. We prefer that you are from a country where English is the official language and you can understand basic Japanese. Please apply by email with your resume.

Thank you URL: http://www. citystaff.co.jp/alt/ Email: englishhouse@hotmail.co.jp

P/T ENGLISH TEACHER A

small, independent school near Nishinomiya, Osaka, is looking for a native English teacher for kids/adult classes for Thursday afternoons and evenings. Pay 1600 to 2000 yen for a 45 minute lesson; plus transport; plus office duties allowance. URL: http://www.kiteenglish.com Email: kiteenglishschool@gmail.com PART-TIME TEACHER FROM SEPTEMBER Located 3min walk

from Nakamozu Station on the Midosuji line.(23min from Namba) Looking for a cheerful teacher to

49

Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

teach kids and adults on Tue. and Thu. afternoons and evenings.

Teaching experience and proper work visa needed. Send CV and a recent photo.090-2114-5335 Teddy Bear school URL: http://www.sakai. zaq.ne.jp/teddy/ Email: teddybear@ sakai.zaq.ne.jp P/T NATIVE TEACHER FOR

UNIV. Part-Time Native Teacher for University classes needed from Oct 1, 2012 to Jan 21, 2013. Mon 9:00-12:10 CELTA or related plus experience Kyoto or Shiga residents preferred Send resume to Ivy International Language Academy E-mail: nakanisi@ivy-intl.co.jp Fax: 075-255-3232 Email: nakanisi@ ivy-intl.co.jp A P/T NATIVE ENGLISH

TEACHER is urgently needed for a summer lesson program in a private language school near JR Rokkomichi, Kobe. Exchange students nearby universities are welcome. Wages are decided subject to your teaching experience. Please e-mail your CV ASAP to jlskobe@ hotmail.co.jp PART-TIME PRIVATE TEACHING JOBS Tired of absurd Japanese

school/office policies and dress code? Pick your own lesson fee, schedule and location then students will directly contact you! Also Korean, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian in all Kansai areas URL : http://hello-sensei.com/en/sensei Email: contact@hello-sensei.com

PT KIDS ENGLISH TEACHER

IN OSAKA Seeking nice teacher for 2 small kids' classes in Osaka.

Fridays from 4:00-6:30pm for 5,000 yen. Location: 10-minute walk from Miyakojima Station. First 30 mins is just setting up chairs, etc. No prep needed, as Japanese co-teacher provides all lesson plans/ materials. Please email CV. Email : albertsonbrendon@gmail.com PART TIME KOBE ENGLISH

TEACHERS Fun working

environment without the factory feeling. Motomachi and Sannomiya classrooms. Evenings Tuesday to Thursday available. Native speakers and visa holders only please.

2000 yen per hour. Email: mike@ perkinsandco.com PT ENGLISH SATURDAY TEACHER Abroad International

School is looking for a Saturday School teacher. Every Saturday, 10:00-15:00.English Native Speaker is requested. 2,500~/hour.Starting date is negotiable. Please send your CV to kparlar@ablc.jp URL: http:// www.ablc.jp Email: kparlar@ablc.jp PART-TIME ENGLISH TEACHER TKC provides after school care

for elementary school students aged between 7 and 12 . We look for native English speakers who love kids and can give kids fun English experiences at Ibaraki-shi in Osaka. Mon to Fri, 14:00-19:00, 180,000yen/mon. Japanese skills preferred. Email: ibaraki@tkidsclub.com NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER WANTED Our school is looking

for a native English teacher who can work at our Otsu (Shiga) or Shijo (Kyoto) school. Free-talking lesson, very casual style. Starting from once a week for 2hours.

2,000yen-3,000yen/hour + trans. If you're interested, please send your CV with your photo attached. URL : http://www.velco.jp Email: info@ velco.jp

MINERVA-PT ENGLISH TEACHER Minerva Kansai is

seeking Part Time Eikaiwa teachers at our new classes within the Kansai region. Positions starts Sept 2012.

Student visas (w/permission) are welcomed. Wages from 2100 per hour. Training provided Email: workinkansai@minel.jp MONDAY 4:30-8:30 Hirakata, Makino station. Pay; 짜3,000/hr

+ trans fee covered up to 짜1,000/d.

(4 classes a day) Contact; impact_ rb@i.softbank.jp URL : http://www.

impact-flare.com/ Email : Impact_ rb@i.softbak.jp

www.axcy.jp Email : axcyyamada@ aol.com

NEED A JAPANESE CULTURE

KITCHEN&HALL;STAFF Italian restaurant in Honmachi seeks

TEACHER To attract foreign visitors,experience Japanese Culture teacher offers drills by tutoring,letter. Hotels,Japanese inns,Japanse language schools, travel agents,sharing houses are invited to give a try. Email: wakinohama123@yahoo.co.jp PT ENGLISH TEACHERS WANTED We are looking for

NATIVE English speakers who live near Shinsaibashi (Chuo-ku Osaka) to teach part-time at our conversation and grammar classes.

No teaching experience needed.

Please send us your resume for an interview. URL: http://www. freespacecflat.com/ Email : freespace.cflat@gmail.com

LOOKING FOR A PT ENG

CONV TCHR Osaka Tenmangu / Minami Morimachi - Looking for a responsible, enthusiastic and interesting PT English conversation teacher, esp weekday evenings.

Must be native tongue. No teaching experience necessary. If you're interested in, send us your CV with your picture. URL: http:// www.hafadai-language.com Email : teachers-ka@hafadai-language.com

FACILITY SECURITY ESCORT The U.S. Consulate General Osaka-

Kobe is seeking U.S. Citizens for employment as Facility Security Escort. For more details and application procedures, please see the U.S. Embassy website: http:// japan.usembassy.gov/e/info/tinfojobs.html

CAREGIVER JOB AVAILABLE Nursing homes are seeking

caregivers in Osaka and Kobe area.

Non-experienced person can apply, but you must be able to speak Japanese. Applicants will learn fundamental knowledge of caring elders and will have OJT before start work. More details contact Axcyyamada@aol.com URL: http://

staff. experience and not experience people are welcome tel.0666621577 ORGANIC COOK NEEDED! I

need a cook/cleaner for my organic farm in Hyogo. No farm work required! For more details please send your C.V. and availability to princess.rainbow@gmail.com FEMALE BARTENDER/ WAITRESS International Restaurant in Tamatsukuri,

Osaka urgently requires part-time female staff to mix drinks and serve food. Some Japanese ability and proper visa required. Please send resume with photo immediately to arrange an interview. Email: citusa@ hotmail.com BABYSITTER WANTED Self employed international couple

looking for a baby sitter to work on Fridays from 8:10pm for 90 minutes and on some Wednesdays.

Would suit female with experience of looking after a young child.

Transport up to 500 yen provided.

Hankyu/JR kobe line.Serious inquiries only please EMPLOYMENT my company has gone out of business and I

have almost lost my chance to get a good job again in Osaka. I am 40 yrs old please does anyone know good any chance of getting a good job in Osaka? Let me know if you got any good info on employment.

Email: postnakagawa2011@gmail. com

For Sale DUMBBELL WEIGHT SET (KOBE) Selling Dumbbell Weight

Set for 6000 yen. The total weight of the set is 60 kilos, which is comprised of: 8 x 5 Kilos, 6 x 2.5 Kilos, 2 x 2.5 Kilo bars. I leave the logistics of getting these home to you, as unfortunately, there is no

51

Kansai Scene magazine SEPTEMBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

case with wheels that comes the set.

URL: http://bit.ly/QfOHez Email: iamterestedindumbbells@gmail.com PLAYSTATION 3 GAMES Dead

Rising 2 1200yen, Fight Night Round 4 1200yen, No More Heroes 1200yen, Fallout 3 1200yen, Fallout New Vegas 1200yen, Vanquish 1200yen, Crysis 2 (limited edition) 2000yen. Pickup around Osaka, or can possibly deliver. Also consider trade for other PS3 games. Email : mike.osaka1@gmail.com SMALL CABIN/ COTTAGE FOR

SALE 1hr from Osaka/Kobe.3 Sml bedrooms in mountains overlooking temple. Older building half log cabin style great for getting out of city, bbqs. Closest(not walkable)Stn: JR ShinSanda/Aino.

3.9 MillionY(No interest Financing possible wth Y500,000 downpayment) Email4pictures/ more info. Email: bec.banff@gmail.com MUJI MATTRESS BED FOR SALE Semi-double Muji mattress bed with 26 cm legs/washable cover for sale. I have been using it as a box spring since getting it about 1 year ago. Nice and clean and ready to go. Pick-up preferred, but we could work out a delivery option if that works better for you! ¥8,000 or best offer. Email: kenkyo@gmail.com

Vehicles LANDCRUISER PRADO FOR SALE! 2000 Landcruiser Prado

4WD for sale! Original owner.

VERY well maintained. In wonderful condition. MANY factory options. GREAT for outdoor types: skiers, surfers, campers, etc.!

Top-end model, 3.4 Liter gasoline engine! For more details, please contact me! Email: kobeband@ yahoo.com

HONDA SUPER CUB 50CC

Good cond, 29000kms, runs well, Y25000, ph08037704108 Email: mrbean_101@yahoo.com

Language exchange JAPANESE-ENGLISH LANG. EXCHANGE JF looking for female

language exchange partners in south Osaka eg.Sakai, Tennoji, Namba.

I'm an international kind of person who wants to improve their English & make new friends. I'd love to hear from you! Email: laugh-life@live.jp

AUSSIE KIWI ENGLISH I am

40yrs Japanese korean male living in Higashi Osaka. I am very much indeed interested in learning Aussie Strine and Kiwi English through friendship and language. I am also glad to help you learn Japanese or Korean instead. If interested, please send me mail anytime. thanks heaps. Email: postnakagawa2011@ gmail.com

LUNGUAGE EXCHANGE I am

JM is looking for language exchange friend. I can teach you Japanese I English. Please let me know, if you want to study Japanese. Takao Email: toloveuk@mail.com JAPANESE KANJI DRILLS Experienced Japanese

teacher offer Kanji lessons cafes in Kobe, Umeda. Focusing on Kanji along with Hiragana, Katakana, composition, grammar.

Lessons by fax available. Email: wakinohama123@yahoo.co.jp

ENGLISH I`m Japanese guy.

I'm into studying English but very beginner! I'm looking for language exchange partner. I live in Hirakata Osaka. Please give me a email.

Thank you so much. Email: h-ohe-lb@i.softbank.jp LANGUAGE EXCHANGE Spanish-Japanese Language exchange in Osaka.

Let's enjoy this summer chatting and having fun. Salsa dance or latin music, cool. beginners or advanced.

Welcome! EMAIL: robertotexmex@ hotmail.com

SPANISH-JAPANESE I'm 24yrs old Japanese from kobe who

is seeking a language exchange

partner. Could someone teach me Spanish? In return, i can teach you Japanese. I'm also quite fluent in English. If you are interested in, please feel free to contact me. Email: ayano_ogt219@hotmail.com

like movies, music, drinking, sight seeing, karaoke, and anything. If your interested please contact me and let's get to know each other first Email: adamsk48@yahoo.com

LET’S CLEAR THIS HURDLE!

Japanese working man(170cm, 62kg) here from Kyoto seeking one nice woman whose nationality is not so important to him for friendship and may be more! Email: km2012327@gmail.com

Are you thinking of studying Japanese? You are able to improve your speaking, listening, writing and reading. Keep a positive attitude and do not hesitate to start it. Let’s study together in Umeda! Arigatougozaimasu Email: aiming2004jp@yahoo.co.jp FREE COUNSELING Free consultation of residence

status Date: Sep.9.2012 (Sun) 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Place:Nishinomiya International Association Counselors: gyosei-shoshi Language support is available. Your privacy shall be protected. TEL: (0798)328680 URL: http://www.nishi.or.jp/ homepage/nia Email: nia0930@ sound.ocn.ne.jp

Pets

HI FROM KYOTO ! A mid aged

WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?

24/F from US looking for anyone in Kyoto who wants to hang out. Let's go for hookah or karaoke sometime!

Under 30 only, please! 24才アメリカ 人(女)が京都市に住んでいる人と遊 びたい。水タバコかカラオケ好き？ 30 才以下だけでお願いします! Email : lysistraata@yahoo.com VERY GOOD LOOKING AND

ATHLETIC European man is looking for slim Japanese woman age 40-42 / 160-165cm. Nondrinker / Non-smoker, for friendship or marriage. Email: fleartop@ymail. com Email: fleartop@ymail.com LET'S GO TO MATSURI! 25yo WF

ADORABLE MALTESE PUPPIES READY Ongoing support and

student in Kyoto looking for nice, athletic, non-smoking and open minded male up to 30yo to go to matsuri together in Kyoto or Osaka, eat and chat about movies, comics, manga, anime or games. 日本語もち ょっとできます！Please send info and picture! Email : ukiyou@gmail.com

Friendship

PARVATI VALLEY LOVER is

advice always available. Excellent home wanted for this adorable maltese puppies should contact for more details if interested. Email: maria.stim@yahoo.com

ANY COOL GUYS IN KYOTO?

hello guys! 29yo JP girl looking for a guy to hang out and drink with in Kyoto. MUST live in Kyoto, up to 32yo, fit & healthy, have a confident and love to try new things. You think you fit the bill? flag me down with a pic. NO language exchange, thank you. Email: delhaizer@ hotmail.com

JUST LOOKING FOR FRIENDS

I just moved to Japan this past April. I just want to make some friends. I want to explore Japan and get to know the culture more. I

there anybody who love parvati valley himachal pradesh india? If so let's meet and talk about parvati valley, kheerganga, malana. Email: organichimalayas@yahoo.co.uk

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