Kansai Scene #161 October 2013 by Kansai Scene Magazine

KANSAI’S ENGLISH MAGAZINE

無料 issue 161 October 2013

www.kansaiscene.com

Falling into Autumn Blaze of glory: Gorgeous leaf-viewing spots, Scare season: Halloween family fun and party listings, At the sharp edge: Why Sakai knives are a chef ’s best friend

Listings: Where to go & what to do Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

Events / Art / Film / Live / Club / Maps & Classifieds

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

Contents

Features Falling for the season

p08

Kick-off with J.League

p10

Kids Halloween ideas

p12

Travel

Features

COVER ARTIST: Cecilie Okada

Jakarta, Indonesia

p16

Clear Autumn skies and falling leaves feature on this month’s cover. Find out more about the artist, Cecilie Okada, in our interview on p.36.

Sport

Capoeira at Espeto Sports

p18

Made in Kansai

Sakai Knives

p14

Books

Love with a Western woman

p22

Business Matters

Apps the way to do it

p07

Listings Events p24 Film p28 Art

p30

Live Music

p32

Club

p34

Business Finder

p38

Classifieds p40 Maps p44

kansaiscene

@kansaiscene

Kansai Scene is published monthly by Mojoprint Publisher/Creative Director...............Daniel Lee Editor.............................................. Carla Avolio Sub-editor................................Donna Sheffield Production Manager..............Akiko Kuribayashi Accounts Manager......................... Michiko Lee

Art....................................................Colin Smith Event & Festival............................ Yuki Uchibori Film................................................. Adam Miller Live music................................. Phillip Jackson Club.................................................Terumi Tsuji

Interested in writing for Kansai Scene? Please contact editor@kansaiscene.com after reviewing our writers guidelines: kansaiscene.com/write-for-us

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.

Contact Kansai Scene General mailbox@kansaiscene.com Editorial editor@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 kansaiscene.com A BIT OF HISTORY Kansai Scene was founded by Peter Horvath and Nishikawa Keiko in 2000 and published by Jatin Banker between 2003 – 2011. Published monthly, KS provides English articles, information and listings for visitors and residents of the Kansai area.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

Got some news?

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

News & Openings

Lollapalooza for language teachers Prepared for anything KOBE — The Kansai region has been testing its disaster alert system recently, which is great, but what happens after you get the alarm for real? Get some practice in a special disaster prevention event designed just for foreign residents. The event will cover earthquake, fire and emergency ration procedures. There are only 45 places available and the event is free, so if you’re interested, sign up quickly. Date and time: Sat, Oct 19 9:30am-5pm Place: KIC and Kobe Fire Academy (Hiyodoridai, Kobe Kita Ward)

KOBE — The JALT 2013 International Conference on Language Teaching and Learning & Educational Materials Exhibition is heading our way, on Oct 25–28 at the Kobe Convention Center in Portopia. It’s a jam-packed weekend of graduate-school learning and networking for language teachers in Japan (at the bargain price of ¥17,000/day or ¥27,000/full, about the price of just one class!), with a star-studded list of presenters and authors in the ELT field. The two satellite conferences are real bargains: JALT Junior for teaching children (¥7000), and Technology in Teaching workshops (¥4,000). The theme this year is “Learning is a Lifelong Voyage”, so check out this conference if you are interested in “cruising” through life (even partially) as a language teacher.

Application: kicc.jp/kicc Tel: 078-291-8441/ Email: kic03@kicc.jp

Walk to improve work OSAKA — The annual American Chamber of Commerce in Japan Walkathon will take place on Oct 19.

The Walkathon is a sponsored 3 km walk to raise money for improving the working conditions of young women in Japan. Even if you’re not interested in walking, there’s entertainment, international food booths and kids’ play areas to explore. Events begin at the Grand Front Osaka building, at 10.30am.

accj.or.jp/en/chapters/kansai/walk-a-thon kansai@accj.or.jp

jalt.org

Get experimental in the city KYOTO — Performing arts takes over the city for a month, as the Kyoto Experiment is held from Sep 28 to Oct 27. For the fourth year in a row, Japanese performing artists will team up with those from Brazil, Germany, and Argentina. The goal: being creative, and unconventional, to make people stop and question their world. The month sees multiple venues hosting theatre, lectures, dance shows and film screenings. A variety of ticket types are available for these events – check the website for more details in English and Japanese. kyoto-ex.jp

Lola Arias “Melancholy and Demonstrations” photo: Lorena Fernandez

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com 「関西シーン」誌の英語でのビジネスネットワーキング＆トークイベントシリ－ズ

Business Networking and

Turn your idea into an app

Presentation Event

The Business of Apps

Strategies for succes s As a teacher, David Wingler was frustrated the lack of useful apps with available to turn his into a collaborative iPad learning in the market, he decided aid. Sensing a gap to create his own. Futaba Classroom Games for Kids was born. In this presentation, David will be sharing his app development experien non-programmers perspectces from a ive. He’ll show us that you don’t need to be develop your own apps a coding wizard to — you just need a idea and the will to great succeed.

OSAKA — English teacher David Wingler improved the way iPads could be used in the classroom after he created his own app, Futaba Classroom Games for Kids. If you’ve always thought ‘there should be an app for that!’ David has some great advice for how to turn your ideas into reality. Come and meet him at the monthly Kansai Scene Business Matters event, and network with other businesspeople in the region. Read more about David’s app on page 7 this issue. Date: Oct 23 (Wed) Venue: The Blarne y Stone, Shinsaibashi, Osaka Time: 7:30–9:30pm (doors open 7:00pm ) Entry: ¥1,000 w/1d

Address: B1 Koda Bldg, 2-5-27 Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Tel: 06-6484-2220 • Access: Sannomiy Osaka 542-0083 a sta. (5 mins walk) • Url: the-blarney-stone.co m

To register for this

event, see either:

www.kansaiscene.com /businessmatters www.facebook.com/g roups/ksbusinessmatte rs

Oct 23, 7:30–9:30pm • Blarney Stone Shinsaibashi • ¥1,000 w/1d Registration: kansaiscene.com/businessmatters

River rescue hero OSAKA — Local authorities are bestowing honours upon a Chinese man this month, after he rescued a boy during a typhoon. Yan Jun, a 26-year-old student, was jogging along the Yodo river in Osaka’s Kita ward when he spotted a nine-yearold boy in trouble. The area was badly flooded by a typhoon that led to evacuations in some parts of Kyoto. Yan jumped into the river but was overwhelmed by the current, and had to get out, run some 350 meters down the bank, and jump in again before he could grab the youngster. For his brave actions, Yan has been given a certificate of commendation from Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto and the chief of Osaka’s prefectural police. Yan plans to enter a PhD programme in Osaka next year.

What will you go as? OSAKA — Have you decided what to wear yet? The Kansai Scene Halloween Costume Party on Oct 26 promises to

be a scream!

Tatsy treats to sink your teeth into: Party-size Aussie pies and sausage rolls from Coolaz Pastries, biryani and samosas from Ali’s Kitchen and spicy vegetarian fritters from Nepaliko Chulo. Drop-dead gorgeous: We’ve got not one, not two, but three face-painters standing by to give you a ghoulish make-over. Dress to impress: We’ve got prizes up for grabs for the best costumes from Mojoprint, Cafe Absinthe, Sweatshop Union, Broadhurst’s and Pure Osaka + more TBA. So, dress up, bring your friends and enjoy three hours of all-you-can-drink party fun to kick off your Halloween weekend in style. Oct 26 (Sat) at Pure Osaka • Time: 7–10pm • Entry: ¥3,000 (¥2,500 for students – with valid ID) • All-you-can-drink • facebook.com/kansaiscene/events

French Connections The latest news for francophiles in Kansai, by Stephan Ducoup

Bonjour! Welcome October, when the magic of autumn is finally upon us. Don’t be surprised if Laduree’s macaron flavor of the month is pumpkin and if Louis Vuitton’s store windows are orange. It’s all part of the fun that is Halloween. If you live in Japan, you must have noticed that locals love to play dress up - even if it’s just to go to work. From school students to road workers to depato employees, the Japanese make the mundane wearing of uniforms into an art form. But if you think the kid working at the conbini looks adorable in his neat little outfit, just wait until you see the finery that comes out during Halloween. From a posse of 10 feather-and-beaded indians to the entire cast of Sailor Moon, expect to see the Japanese love of costume and attention to detail manifested in one night of insane revelry. So this month, get your wig ready and let’s trick or treat together! OSAKA: Last chance to see this medieval masterpiece on its first ever trip to Japan. The Lady and the Unicorn from the Musee de Cluny, Paris, France until 20 October at the National Museum of Art, Osaka.

Don’t miss the French Halloween party, Saturday 26 October at Common Cafe Nakazakicho from 7:30pm. KYOTO: French meeting at Kawa Cafe, check the link for the exact date and place (facebook.com/francekansai)

If you prefer to stay at home, don’t forget to check your new episode of the French/Japanese web drama PARIS ALEAS on parisaleas.com.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

Business Matters

App’s the way to do it As a teacher, David Wingler was frustrated with the lack of useful apps available to turn his iPad into a collaborative learning aid. Sensing a gap in the market, he decided to create his own. KS asked him all about the process from inception to marketing. Text: KS • Images: David Wingler

What inspired you to create your first app? I had long been using an iPod touch in my classroom as a learning aid. As soon as the iPad was released I immediately began using apps to teach all aspects of language, from introducing new vocabulary to exchanging ideas to expressing opinions. Students usually find learning vocabulary a little boring, so I wanted an app that made it fun. In the early days, finding multi-player apps where you could input your own content for testing students was virtually impossible. For this reason, I put together plans for Futaba Word Games for Kids, which is a customizable application that allows four students to use one iPad and play an exciting fast-paced review game. Who is the app aimed at? This really depends on the reading level of students. Because it is fully customizable, learners from aged 3 to 12 would find the most benefit and enjoyment from playing. How did the app evolve? Getting the app out in the iTunes store to see how well it would be received was a primary goal. Sales were slow at first, but little by little teachers from all over the world mailed in. They made specific requests for content other than ESL-based material for use in their Kindergarten through 5th grade classrooms. Based on these requests, we decided to rebrand it as Futaba

Classroom Games for Kids. Futaba

now has a single-player mode, allows teachers to add their own voice to content, and enables teachers to easily share games they’ve created to multiple iPads by use of a class code. Content now includes Japanese, maths, science, geography, music and more. The app is very slick. How was it developed? I partnered with INKids Education based on their exceptional design of children’s apps. The first version took about 6 months to produce, and it has been constantly updated since its release with even more enhancements planned. Who was the app tested on? My partners and I put it through rigorous testing with each version update. I brought it into my classroom at school and was able to get a feel for how to integrate its use into an overall lesson as a way to introduce new vocabulary, review previously taught material, or as reward for good behavior. How did you finance the production costs? I used my savings anticipating it would be an exceptionally easy ROI, but was very wrong. Once the app is launched on the iTunes store - then what? We were fortunate that Apple has featured our app on two occasions, which helped us get the traction we needed to

enhance the app. Marketing has been an essential component to the success of Futaba. I’ve been to the US multiple times to discuss the app at education conferences. What advice do you have for anyone else that may be eager to develop their own apps? To find out, please come to my talk at The Blarney Stone Shinsaibashi, on Oct 23 (Wed, 7:30pm) where I’ll be

discussing more about my experience creating Futaba and other apps. Basically, app development is costly, and there is no guarantee that you’ll make your money back. If you have an idea make certain it hasn’t been done before. If you don’t get a coveted feature from Apple, then you have to devote substantial time and resources to marketing.

Futaba Classroom Games for Kids Price: ¥600 Download it by visiting

inkidseducation.com

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

Feature

Falling for the season Roll up, roll up. Get yourself front row seats to nature’s wildest show as she decorates the land in an explosion of glimmering gold, burnt-orange and blood-red. Text: Daniel Tang Illustrations: Cecilie Okada

There’s no better time to appreciate nature than autumn, when the hills are set ablaze with trees making their slow transition into winter. Luckily, Kansai is home to some of the best and most popular places to see this annual spectacle. From big-name classics to hidden treasures, here are 10 of our favourite leaf-peeping spots.

Arashiyama, Kyoto

Kongourin-ji temple, Shiga

Widely regarded as one of Japan’s most popular autumn destinations, Arashiyama has a long history of attracting tourists with its beautiful scenery. Several UNESCO World Heritage sites, chartable river boat trips, and an amusing monkey park all boast stunning fall views. Along with charming cafes and restaurants, it is little wonder the area has been a favourite for centuries.

Known in Japanese for its autumn “bloody maple” display, Kongourin-ji is a spectacular sight, especially when the sun is out to illuminate nature’s bold interpretation of a gory, bloodsplattering horror flick. The temple and its grounds also contain many historical and religious points of interest. Thankfully, its relative isolation means visitors can avoid the crowds and enjoy a comparatively relaxed atmosphere.

• Access: Kyoto City buses and JR, Hankyu and Keifuku railways all service the area. • Information: www.pref.kyoto.jp/ visitkyoto/en

• Access: Accessible from JR Inae and Kawase stations. Shuttle buses run during peak viewing season. • Information: www.kongourinji.org

Tofuku-ji temple, Kyoto

Suma Rikyu Park, Kobe

If the sight of crowds makes you cringe, this is probably one venue to avoid during the change of leaves season. Tofuku-ji’s main attraction – the 100m long Tsutenkyo Bridge – overlooks a lush expanse of around 2,000 maple trees that draws tourists from all around the nation. It’s so popular that waiting lines form during peak viewing periods: definitely not for those whose disposition tends against the Zen temple’s ethos.

This Impressionist’s dream is modelled on the Palace of Versailles park; fittingly, it abounds with an array of colours, flowers, trees, rare plants and importantly, spaces to commune with nature’s most sumptuous offerings. The main autumn highlight is a 150m long tunnel of maples, but it also offers special autumn workshops that focus on insect identification, roses and orchids. Did we mention the ocean view? Japonisme comes full circle.

• Access: Tofuku-ji is about a 10-minute walk from the JR Tofukuji Station. Kyoto City buses 202, 207 and 208 also go there. • Information: www.tofukuji.jp/english. html

• Access: 10-min walk from Sanyo railways Sumadera/ Tsukimiyama station. Several buses from JR Suma Station also pass the area. • Information: kobe-park.or.jp/rikyu

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

Minoo Park, Osaka

Manshu-in temple, Kyoto

A perennial favourite, this forested valley is just 30 minutes from Umeda and offers the best autumn views in a wholly natural setting. Unlike the humanhelped fall foliage found in gardens and temples, Mother Nature has been allowed to run naked here. Complete with a waterfall, the designated trek around the park is about 45 minutes one way – don’t worry, there are plenty of side trails, temples and shops to keep everyone entertained. Among the multitude of snacks available, KS recommends the momiji tempura, which are maple leaves coated in batter and deep fried. Sounds strange, tastes amazing.

Seemingly afloat on a pale, rocky ocean, Manshu-in’s fiery red maples leap towards you like the tendrils of a dragon. Nationally recognised for its scenic beauty, the meticulously raked white sand garden envelops buildings and visitors alike, while providing the perfect surface to accentuate the momiji. The temple serves up a perfect sample of Japan’s approach and appreciation of the season; be sure to take a moment to metaphysically escape.

• Access: A 5-minute walk from Hankyu Minoo Station. • Information: mino-park.jp

Mt. Yoshino, Nara Slightly overshadowed by its popularity as a cherry blossom destination, the mountainous area should by no means be discounted as a hotbed of momiji activity. The Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde action is concentrated in its four main sakura/ momiji groves, the highest of which is situated 800m up the mountain. Yoshino is a popular subject of tanka poems, so the walk should inspire some choice words. If not, at least a vow to hit the gym more. • Access: The area is a short walk from Kintetsu Yoshino station. • Information: yoshinoyama-sakura.jp/ english/flowers.htm

• Access: A 20-minute walk from Eizan Electric Railway Shugakuin Station or the Kyoto Bus Ichijo-ji Shimizu-cho stop. Take buses 5, 31, 35 or 65. • Information: manshuinmonzeki.jp

Nanzen-ji temple, Kyoto Emperor Kameyama (the 90th ruler of Japan) fancied this enchanting area so much that he built a palace here in 1264. Thankfully, the serfs have since been liberated and ordinary citizens can now visit to soak up the charming views and ambience. KS recommends a climb to the top of Sanmon, the gargantuan gate, for a spectacular 360-degree view. After that, obligatory photos are also in order around the red-brick aqueduct, which perfectly complements the autumn leaves. Don’t forget the 45 degree sideways lean here – kawaii ne! • Access: Take the Kyoto Tozai Line to Keage Station, or Kyoto City buses 5, 32, 93, 100, 203, 204 to the Higashi Tenno-cho bus stop. The temple is about a 10-minute walk from all stops. • Information: nanzenji.com

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Osaka Okamato Taro said it best with his famous quote, “Art is Explosion”. Just follow the discharge of people from the monorail station to Taro’s Tower of the Sun for the start of a perfect autumn outing. The area teems with a seemingly immeasurable amount of maple trees, and this, coupled with plenty of green space and public facilities, makes it the perfect place for a day out. If you can’t spare that much time, KS recommends the 2-hour walking tours: you’ll see the autumn highlights and end your extended stroll with a forest footbath. • Access: Take the JR, Hankyu and/or Subway Midosuji lines to Senri-chuo station. Then take the monorail to Bampaku-kinen-koen. • Information: www.expo70.or.jp/e

Eigen-ji temple, Shiga Time runs slowly at the head temple of the Rinzai Eigenji Sect of Buddhism, so take plenty of photos as you mosey along in the picturesque gorge of the Echi River. The long stairs pose a healthy challenge, but the reward is well worth the effort. • Access: Take the Ohmi bus from Ohmi Railway Yakaichi station to the Eiganjimae stop. Walk for 5 minutes. • Information: eigenji-t.jp/index.html

Gamba Osaka’s Yasuhito Endo in full flow against Yokohama FC

Feature

Kansai on the up again as Gamba and Vissel prepare to rejoin J1! Having dominated the second tier of Japanese football all year, two of the region’s biggest teams lead the way in the fight for promotion to the top flight. Kyoto might even get in on the action too. Text: Mark Buckton • Images: ©J.League

2013 has been an unusual year for fans of the beautiful game in and around the Kansai region. Never before have the region’s four professional J.League teams – Cerezo Osaka, Gamba Osaka, Vissel Kobe, and Kyoto Sanga – seen three of their number slugging it out in J2.

But after a disastrous 2012 season on the part of Gamba, finishing at an alltime low of 17th out of 18 teams in J1, and with Vissel finishing just one place higher, the stage was set for a year in which Cerezo alone would be flying the flag for Kansai up in J1.

Currently sitting in sixth position in J1, Cerezo’s impressive season thus far sees them seven points off an automatic AFC Champions League slot for 2014. And, while probably unable to challenge for the championship at time of writing, 2013 will no doubt be the year

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

many will one day remember as when Cerezo held the mighty Manchester United to a 2-2 draw; a game that saw Shinji Kagawa return to play against the team at which he cut his teeth between 2006 and 2010. Yes, the team from Manchester was on a pre-season tour in which it is often said European- based players sweat beer and rarely take games seriously; and yes, United were still experimenting with formations under a new manager, but for Cerezo the game was massive. One that will be remembered long after the 2013 season is laid to rest. Down in J2 though, it is less about whether or not the Kansai teams challenging for promotion will make it into the top three, and thereby secure automatic promotion for next year, and more about ‘will all three of them squeeze through?’ For Gamba, 2013 is the first time the team has ever played in J2. No doubt this fall from grace delighted their cross-city rivals Cerezo, whose own dismal 2007–2009 J2 run coincided with Gamba’s most successful streak ever, which saw the team netting two Emperor’s Cups, a Japanese League Cup, and the coveted AFC Champions League trophy in 2008. Vissel too are relative strangers to playing at this level, with this year be-

ing only their second season in J2 since joining the J.League in 1997. Kyoto meanwhile remained in J2 for a third successive season – their longest streak ever in the division – after a third place finish in 2012, but a poor showing in the play-offs. As is, with Gamba and Vissel firmly anchored in first and second in J2 for so much of the season, both are pretty much guaranteed J1 football in 2014. At the time of going to print, Gamba are on 70 points with Vissel two behind on 68 and cushioned by a 12 point gap to the third placed team Tokushima Vortis, one of four teams occupying the third to sixth positions permitted to play off for the third promotion slot. Kyoto Sanga, the sometime forgotten boys of Kansai football, are currently one of those teams in a play-off slot meaning that if the stars above Gion and Kamogawa align properly we could have a 1, 2, 3 Kansai promotion scenario come December. The odds are not great with Kyoto’s inability to string successive wins together in recent months, and with a couple of in-form teams hot on their tail. That said, as the oldest team in Kansai by a country mile – founded way back in 1922 – perhaps, just perhaps, a slice of long overdue luck is headed their way, and 2014 will see J1 the home of Kansai’s quartet of footy teams.

Rough and tumble at a Vissel Kobe game

See a game Those looking to catch a game in the closing months of the season should first head to the official J.League site at www.j-league.or.jp, which is available in both Japanese and English. Upcoming games are all listed with times of kick-off. At most games you will be able to pay on the day, but as the season draws to a close some games may sell out so it might be best to buy ahead of time at convenience stores or through the club. Expect to pay between ¥1,800 and ¥5-6,000 for reserved seats. Oh, and how about a beer while you watch? It’s no problem at all! Go for it.

See also www.jsoccer.com and JSoccer Magazine for the best in soccer news.

Team Stats Cerezo Osaka

Gamba Osaka

Vissel Kobe

Kyoto Sanga F.C.

• Home kit: Pink and

• Home kit: Blue and

• Home kit: Crimson,

• Home kit: Purple,

blue, blue shorts,

black stripes, black

white shorts,

blue socks

shorts, black socks

crimson socks

• Home

• Home stadium:

black shorts, purple socks • Home stadium:

stadium: Kincho Stadium

Osaka Expo Stadium (Suita,

Noevir Stadium (Kobe; Tel

Nishikyogoku Stadium (Ukyo-

(Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka;

Osaka; Tel 06-6875-8111)

078-685-5510)

ku, Kyoto; Tel 075-212-0635)

Tel: 06-6692-9011) • Major honours (as proteam): none • Highest J.League finish: 3rd in J1 (2010)

• Major honours (as proteam): J1 champions (2005), Emperor’s Cup winners (2008, 2009), J.League Cup winners (2007), AFC Champion’s League winners (2006) • Highest J.League finish: 1st in J1 (2005)

• Major honours (as pro team): • Major honours (as pro team): none • Highest J.League finish: 9th in J1 (2011)

Emperor’s Cup winners (2002), J2 champions (2001, 2005) • Highest J.League finish: 5th in J1 (2002)

11 11

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

Kids & Family

Scarily good family fun With the year’s scariest holiday right around the corner, it’s time to start prepping so you’re not caught empty handed. From a parade of evil zombies to carved jack-o-lanterns, we’ve sourced the best festival, food and costume ideas to make sure you and the kids are trick-or-treat ready by All Hallow’s Eve. Text: Fran Shepherd • Images: KS

For many of us born outside of Japan, Halloween is a season full of childhood memories. Cool nights, scary decorations, homemade costumes, sweet treats, fun with neighborhood friends, trick-or-treating, and the inevitable tummy-aches from too much candy. How, as parents raising kids in Japan, can we pass on those experiences and memories to our little ones? If your neighbourhood seems to be lacking in all things Halloween, here’s a few ways to embrace the spooky season (and not terrify your wallet too much). Getting creative at home

If your kids need a refresher course, or are learning about Halloween for the first time, finding books and stories in English can be tricky. The Book Depository (bookdepository.com) is an

online bookstore with books of every description. They have some great Halloween stories for toddlers and teens. And best of all? They ship to Japan for FREE! Amazon Japan (amazon.co.jp) also has some Halloween themed books, and even some coloring and activity books for little ones. If you are thinking of buying decorations, why not get your kids involved in making some? Balloon ghosts, pasta skeletons, paper plate masks, papiermâché jack-o-lanterns, and much more are fun and cheap to make. A Google search and a quick visit to your local ¥100 shop should give you lots of ideas. On the topic of decorations and supplies, have you been to Matsuyamachisuji yet? Nicknamed Matcha-machi by Osakans, this is a one kilometre long shopping arcade full of shops

that supply goods like toys, hina dolls, candy, and Japanese paper for every occasion. You never know what kind of goodies you might find there... perhaps the perfect little Halloween gift or trinket? Matsuyamachi-suji is a short walk from Matsuyamachi station on the subway Nagahori Tsurumiryokuchi line. The all-important costume

As far as Halloween night is concerned, the most important thing is a great costume. Will you be a zombie, a witch, a ghost, or your own cute version of Hello Kitty? Japan is famous for cosplay, so finding something to wear should be a cinch. For adults and big kids, there are costume selections at Loft (loft.co.jp), Tokyu Hands (tokyuhands.co.jp/en), Don Quixote (donki.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

Time to party Heading out? The biggest and most popular Halloween event in Kansai is held at Universal Studios Japan (located at Universal City station on the JR line). During the Halloween season (from September 13 to November 10) USJ is transformed with Halloween-themed sweets, meals, character costumes, decorations, a parade, and at night, the Resident Evil zombies come out to play. The famous Kitayama Halloween event will be held on October 26 and 27, (kitayama-halloween.com) near Kitayama station (on the Kyoto Karasuma subway line) where you can watch a great parade, take part in a costume contest and see some carved pumpkins. com) and of course online (try Amazon Japan and Rakuten (rakuten.co.jp) for some great deals). For the little kids, Toys R Us (www.toysrus.co.jp), Disney Store (disneystore.co.jp), and some of the souvenir shops at Universal Studios Japan (www.usj.co.jp/e) stock costumes

both scary and cute. If you live near a branch of the Claire’s Accessories chain (clairesn.co.jp), it might be worth a look; they stock some cute and colorful costumes and accessories for Halloween (for girls only). You could even pop into your local ¥100 shop and be rewarded too. They have some simple costumes like witch’s hats and masks, as well as trick-ortreating bags for sale. Sweet treats

Getting hungry? If you are stocking up on candy and treats to host your own Halloween soiree, Costco (www.costco. co.jp in Amagasaki, Tarumi and Kyoto) is probably your best bet when feeding the masses, but for smaller goody-bags, Sony Plaza (plazastyle.com) and international grocery stores like Kaldi (kaldi.co.jp/english) stock a few of your favorite sweets from home.

Sweet treats can be bought amost anywhere, but nothing beats the homemade variety. Get creative in the kitchen and have a go at making some fun cupcakes together with your kids! Recipes abound online.

There will be lots of scary fun at the Rokko Island Halloween Festival (rokko-island.com/en) that same weekend, where a parade and costume contest will take place, and Crayon House in Osaka (located at Suita City, Tarumizu-machi 3-34-24, famous for its kids bookstore on the 2nd floor) will be serving yummy pumpkin soup during October 13-31. Local international schools, kindergartens and small local English conversation schools often hold parties during this time, so be sure to check local bulletin boards and newspapers for details. Of course our very own Kansai Kids Network will also host some great events. Remember to check our website (kansaikidsnetwork.com), and join our Facebook group for more information on these and many more events. You can even create your own Halloween or autumn event on our Facebook page, and make some new friends for you and your kids in the process!

Made in Kansai

Making a fine point In Sakai, the knives are a cut above. KS meets the men whose handiwork helps world-class chefs earn their stars. Text and images: Alan Wiren

There are some knives you just cannot buy. Well, not unless you are one of the industry’s most superlative of chefs. Bjorn Heiberg, while sitting in his own knife emporium (Tower Knives Osaka), told me that, should lesser mortals come offering the one to two million yen price the purveyors of

these rare blades command, “Even if they do know you they’ll say, ‘I don’t think you are ready for it.’” Those knives were made from a batch of steel so fine it is almost legendary, but what makes them truly venerable is that these tools were fashioned by the traditional methods

of Sakai, a city that was once the seat of kings. Many clues to the history of royalty there remain hidden within keyhole-shaped burial mounds dating back to the third century AD. Building those mounds, however, did require iron tools, and that is where the story of metal craftsmanship in Sakai begins.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

The right tool for the job Traditional Japanese cuisine uses lots of vegetables and fish. The usuba, a long, rectangular blade, is meant for vegetables. The deba, with a gently curved blade and back that meet in a pointed tip, is ideal for fish. The yanagiba is a long, narrow, tapering blade made for slicing filleted fish in a single draw, letting the knife do the work. The more modern gyuto has almost the same silhouette as a French chef’s knife and is meant for cutting meat. The santoku, designed for versatility, is good for slicing, dicing, and chopping, and would be the best choice for an all-around kitchen knife. A variety of shapes are made for very specific tasks, as well, such as the sushikiri for cutting rolled sushi and the unagisaki for filleting eel.

As regal power waned and military power grew in ancient Japan, Sakai became a major supplier of the swords that would not only be the weapons, but also the icon of the samurai class. Official recognition came in the eighteenth century after the Portuguese brought tobacco to the archipelago. Sakai produced knives of such high quality, for cutting the leaves, that the government allowed the blades to be engraved with a Sakai Kiwame (Sakai Exclusive) mark. In 1982 the Ministry of Trade, Economy, and Industry designated Sakai cutlery as a Traditional National Craft, ranking it among Osaka’s other traditional crafts: Naniwa pewterware, transoms, fine cabinetry, Senshu Paulownia chests, Kongo bamboo blinds, and household Buddhist altars. The contemporary stage of this millennial evolution of expertise requires no less than three craftsmen to produce a single, handforged kitchen knife. The blade is first given its composition and shape in the forge. The light is kept low here, so that the bladesmith can see clearly the color of the metal as he works it. He is a metallurgist who spends his days surrounded by a

mechanized hammer, a cooling trough, and the hearth, which approaches a temperature of 1500ºC. He uses templates while coaxing high carbon steel into a variety of shapes, driving out impurities, and balancing the different characteristics of the metal, sometimes with nothing more than an anvil and a hand-held hammer. Sparks do sometimes fly, but the work is a meticulous mastery requiring years of apprenticeship. The blade then travels to the grinder’s workshop where it is given its final profile, keen sharpness, and high polish on a series of increasingly finer surfaced wheels. There are no templates here. The arms and hands of the grinder are guided by his knowledge of the materials and decades of experience. Mr. Fujii Keiichi, whose workshop I visited, regularly demonstrates his ability to do this with one hand when he guides schoolchildren through a hands-on introduction. The most traditional Sakai Knives are single beveled (essentially flat on one side with the bottom half of the other side angled to create the edge). This makes for the sharpest possible edge in the cutting tool industry. It also means there are different knives for lefties and righties. Even the most exquisitely worked blade, however, would be of little use without a handle, and the handle will ideally suit the blade and the hand of the cook. The different shapes of Japanese knives are intended for different food preparation tasks. The handles are designed to balance the knife and provide the proper grip for that task. For Sakai knives, the handles are made by hand in yet another workshop. Different woods are turned to a variety of shapes on a lathe. A hole is drilled, then prepared for insertion of the tang with a red hot iron. Each handle is sanded, burnished, and capped with a ring of water buffalo horn, by hand. In this workshop alone, a single handle may result from the work of several different craftsmen. Not all Sakai knives are priced at a small fortune. You can own one of these technological masterpieces for between ¥10,000 and ¥40,000, depend-

ing on the size and shape. Even for the average home cook, these knives are a worthy investment because with proper care, they will last a lifetime, and enhance your experiences of cooking and eating. The sharper a knife, the easier and safer it is to use, and the more it preserves the taste and texture of ingredients, even at the microscopic level. Cells that are sliced cleanly, rather than torn or crushed, remain crisp and release less of their self destructive enzymes that begin the process of decay. They retain more of the compounds that give foods their nutritional value and flavor. That is why Sakai knives have gained recognition from chefs worldwide as among the finest and most reliable of kitchen tools.

Free Stuff!

n this reader can wi One lucky KS ed with av gr en , ife kn special Sakai urtesy sai Scene’, co the words ‘Kan ives Osaka. Kn r we of To name aw email your To enter the dr ansaiscene.com @k ys wa ea to: giv by Oct 17. ct Mark the subje ‘Tower Knives’.

Tower Knives Osaka Tower Knives Osaka, 70m east of Tsutenkaku Tower, proudly offers a wide range of Japan-made culinary knives and sharpening stones for professional and home use. Hands-on lessons and workshops in knife use and maintenance available upon appointment. • Address: 1-4-1 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi 556-0002 • Open: 11am-6pm, Mon-Sat • Tel: 06-4395-5218 (International call: +81-64395-5218) • Email: info@TowerKnives.com • Url: www.TowerKnives.com

istockphoto.com

Myanmar

Travel

Cambodia Vietnam Phnom Penh

Philippines

Thailand India

The beautiful and damned

Bandar Seri Begawan Kuala Lumpur

Brunei

Singapore

Malaysia

Indonesia Jakarta Timor-Leste Ashmore and Cartier Islands

It may be called the “big durian” of South East Asia, but Jakarta offers visitors some unexpected wonder in the midst of its chaos. Text and images: Josh Mitchell

An open Muslim city Indonesia is the biggest Muslim country in the world, but unbeknownst to most, it’s also an exceedingly tolerant and accepting nation. Tourists are encouraged to visit the city’s mosques and participate in religious ceremonies. One place of paramount importance to Indonesian Muslims is Mesjid Istiqlal, the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia. Opened in 1978 by the then President Soekarno, the mosque in the city’s centre can accommodate 120,000 people, which it well and truly surpasses during the end of Ramadhan celebrations every year. In 2001 it was famously visited by former Jakartan, US

President Barack Obama. Just across the road from the mosque stands the quaint Jakarta Cathedral, built in the early 1900s by the Dutch during their colonisation of the country. In the same district there is also the iconic National Monument, or Monas, which is a viewing tower in the shape of a cauldron that symbolises Indonesia’s fight for independence.

A melting pot for the Archipelago’s food There is no better place to taste the nation’s diverse cuisine than on the streets of Jakarta. Popular dishes include chicken sate skewers smothered

with peanut sauce, bakso meatball noodle soup, pecel lele fried catfish and everyone’s favourite fried rice dish, nasi goreng. Jakartans like all of their food spicy, so be prepared for copious amounts of chili and sambal

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

Travelling Tips • Be prepared to be patient, Jakarta’s traffic is one of the most congested in the world. • Ride a Bajaj, a traditional threewheel taxi that are everywhere in the city. • Be careful of your belongings

sauce in your meals. For an authentic Indonesian experience, head to one of the Restoran Sederhana chains. The restaurants serve unique dishes from Padang, Sumatra including the famous beef rendang curry. Those with an adventurous palate should explore the streets of Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, where you can chow down on sate skewers of a different sort, such as goat, horse, and even cobra meat.

A Mecca for shopping With over 130 open for business, Jakarta lays claim to having the most malls of any city in the world. At the top of the list is Grand Indonesia, located next to the majestic Selamat Datang fountain in the centre of the city. As the city’s biggest and most renowned mall, it encompasses eight floors of designer shops, Indonesian restaurants, rides for the kids, and an 11-cinema multiplex. At the more traditional end of the spectrum, a fun option is Mall Ambassador in Kuningan, which has has the prices and atmosphere of an authentic outdoor market in the comfort of an air-conditioned mall.

Beaches that rival Bali Just an hour offshore from the hazy smoke lies one of the region’s hidden treasures: Kepulauan Seribu, or One Thousand Islands. With its white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and vast coral reefs, the archipelago that encapsulates 140 islands (not 1,000 as the title prescribes) is surprisingly off the beaten tourist trail. You can scuba-dive, island hop and eat fresh fish caught off the boat. Tour company Expat Travel offers cheap trips around the islands with English-speaking guides and a night’s stay on your own private island. For more information check out their Facebook page (facebook.com/expattravelindonesia).

The place to party in Southeast Asia Forget the overpriced drinks in Singapore, go-go bars in Bangkok, and backpacker watering holes of Ho Chi Minh; Jakarta’s diverse nightlife has something to offer every partygoer. For a bar hopping, head to Kemang, a funky district alive with pubs, restaurants and hipster locals. If a dance is on the agenda, big clubs such as X2 and Dragonfly regularly host international DJs and are popular with foreigners and locals alike. However, to see the city at its wildest, you can not look past the infamous Stadium, in Jakarta’s north. This four-story club built as a medieval castle thumps trance and dance tunes from Friday afternoon into the wee hours of Monday. For all information on the city’s vibrant nightlife, check out (indonesiaclubbing.com), which has reviews and event listings in English.

when in crowded areas and on public transport. • Learn some key Indonesian phrases—the locals love it when foreigners speak some Bahasa. • Although Jakarta is relatively liberal, still be mindful and respectful of Muslim customs.

When to go Jakarta traditionally has a dry and wet season. However due to changing climate conditions, the seasons are no longer as clear-cut. The wet season takes up most of the year from November through to June, however it is wettest in January. Be aware too that Jakarta can be prone to flooding. Depending on your reasons to go there avoid traveling during the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan, as many services and stores are closed during the day.

How to get there Low-cost carriers Jetstar and Air Asia now offer competitive prices to Jakarta from Osaka KIX with stopovers in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur respectively. Garuda Indonesia and Malaysia Airlines offer competitive deals too.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Ginga all the way Dancing and fighting? Sounds great! Time for one reporter to try his hand (and legs and feet) at capoeira in one of Kansai’s premier studios. Text: Sam Evans • Images: Espeto Sports

Part martial art, part dance; Capoeira has come a long way from its origins in 16th century Brazil, where the African slaves infused tribal dances with local influences into a mode of self defence that flew under their masters’ radars. Now this most deliciously kinetic of art forms is everywhere, and in no place is it more passionately practiced than right here in Kansai; in Bentencho, west Osaka to be exact. Espeto Sports’ owner and resident capoeira master is Simon Williams, a Sydneysider with 20 years’ experience and a true love for the sport. The studio has mats and all things typical to a martial arts gym, but the thing that sticks out is the array of weird instruments that lie temptingly in the corner. “When it was time to choose one martial art to pursue in particular, it had to be capoeira,” Simon says. “Capoeira has everything, from combat, to acrobatic elements to dance and music, steeped in culture. For me, it’s the most fun of all the martial arts.” After some vigorous stretching, we get into the core of the lesson practicing moves. Simon demonstrates each with a commentary in both Japanese and English, giving the option of a basic move for newbies or a more complex version for those with more experience. Seeing as I’m decidedly a rookie, I decide not to embarrass myself and stick with the easy moves. I have the time of my life doing (attempting) cartwheels, learning to spin kick and perfecting my ginga;

capoeira’s signature rocking motion that completes each move. While a lot of fun, capoeira is also refreshingly taxing on the brain too. Simon explains that this is the sport’s beauty: “Capoeira is both physically and mentally challenging. The complexity makes room for everyone to develop their own unique style. It’s a fantastic way to express yourself.” And I agree. Looking around the room and observing everybody from the elementary school-aged boys and girls, to the twenty-something guys and girls with tellingly-toned triceps, to the middle-aged ladies in the corner; I notice definitive differences in each person’s style. After a lot of heavy breathing, laughing and reaching for my bottle to replace the sweat that’s formed in a salty V under my neck, it’s time for the main event; the roda. Everybody gathers in a circle and the enigmatic instruments are passed around. Suddenly the circle comes to life with music, face-offs and singing in Portuguese. Even though I don’t know what the hell is being sung, the music creates an atmosphere that sends a shiver down to my toes. Although we’re nowhere near South America I feel somehow transported from the cinerescent streets of Osaka to somewhere much more colourfully latin. As the session comes to a close, I realise that I’ve been sweating for two hours and barely noticed. Exercise that’s both fun and challenging? I’m well and truly sold.

Simon Williams

Espeto Sports • Address: 1st floor, Fukuhara Mansion, Minato Namiyoke 5-4-20, Osaka, 552-0001 • Tel: 06-6582-7177 • Web: espeto-sports.com • Classes: Wed/Fri 8:30pm-10:30pm and Sat/Sun 6pm-8pm. • Taster class: adults ¥1,500, kids ¥1,000

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

Language

海外生活日記

Scary good fun

What’s it like living in...France? Yoko started a fair trade business in France, where she can pursue her lifelong passions: bringing up her beloved child and working for children in Africa. KS asked all about it. フランスで何をしていますかコートジボワール産のカカオを使ったフェアトレードのチョコレートを作っています。夏などチョコレートのオフシーズンには、近所のフェアトレードショップARTISANS DU MONDE（アーティザン・デュ・モンド）でボランティアをしています。1974年にできたフランスで最初のフェアトレードショップで、ミーティングやイベントも頻繁に行われ、地元の人も多く、地域へのつながりを感じられる大切な場となっています。

Some celebrations are about eating. Others are about enjoying the great outdoors. And some are all about fun. And fun is well and truly the name of the game during the late October celebration of Halloween. This is the one time of the year when you can, nay are expected to, lose your inhibitions and run wild - all in the name of tradition. Be it marauding the neighbourhood during trick-or-treating, dressing up as Lady Gaga for a costume party, or carving pumpkins into creepy jack-o’-lanterns. Halloween is one holiday that’s well worth the effort. And of course, things will only be better if you can converse with fellow revellers. Arm yourself with these handy phrases and you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life. Vocab (casual) その衣装は

Sono isho wa kakkoii ne

That’s a cool costume!

何に仮装しているの?

Nani ni kasou shite iru no?

What are you dressed as?

自分で作ったん

Jibun de tsukuttan desu ka?

Did you make your costume?

その衣装買ったの?

Sono isho katta no?

Did you buy your costume?

…のつもりです

… no tsumori desu!

I’m dressed as a…

わぁ〜

Waa!

Boo!

飴食べる

Ame taberu?

Would you like some lollies?

かっこいいね

ですか?

フランスで暮らすきっかけは学生時代の地球一周の旅がきっかけでアフリカが大好きになりました。日本のファッション企業に就職しましたが、ファッションを深く学ぶため、海外生活を経験するため、そしてアフリカ主要国の公用語であるフランス語も同時に学ぶために渡仏を決めました。海外で起業してファッションの仕事をしていた頃、カカオに関する児童労働のことを知り衝撃を受けました。何度か訪れたマリ共和国の子どもたちもコートジボワールのカカオ農園に連れて行かれている・・・。チョコレートに関わることは、マリの子どもたちにもつながるんだと思い、フェアトレードのチョコレートに取り組むことにしました。フランスや日本のフェトレードのチョコレートは中南米産のカカオが中心で、コートジボワール産のものはあまり市場に出回っていません。まずはフランスと日本で、チョコレートを広く販売していきたいです。将来的には、アフリカにより密着した活動をしたいと思っています。パリでの子育て 2歳半の娘がいるので、子育てとやりたいことのバランスは常に課題です。フランスは先進国の中でも出生率が高く、パリは特に働くお母さんが多いので、保育園、託児所、ベビーシッターさんの数は多いです。幸運なことに、現地の保育園に娘を預けることができ、娘はフランス語と日本語をほぼ同じペースで習得しています。保育園を活用できることは起業を進める上でのかなりの追い風となっています。パリのここが好き！美しいものに常に触れられる街並みです。建物はもちろん、門や窓の装飾にもときめきます。広告を規制するなど、国を上げて景観を守ろうという姿勢に感銘をうけます。住んでいる環境が美しいって心地よいことなんだ、と気づきました。また、住所の表記が「通りの何番地」なので、住所を聞けば、ほとんど迷わずその場所に辿り着けることも便利ですね。 Follow Yoko: ameblo.jp/afofraw • afrinote.com Interview by Sarasa Kitano

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

Books

What women want Love with gaijin girls - it’s not easy, but it’s not rocket surgery either. In her new book, Caroline Pover shows J-guys exactly how it’s done, from first date to wedding bells.

Free Stuff!

reader One lucky KS of Love with a can win a copy n. Western woma ur name aw email yo To enter the dr ansaiscene.com @k to: giveaways by Oct 17. ct Mark the subje r book’. ‘Caroline Pove

Text: KS

Caroline Pover loves to help. Be it launching a magazine for expatriate women only six months after arriving in Tokyo aged 24, starting a publishing company so she could turn that magazine into the bestselling book Being A Broad in Japan, or kicking off a series of books for Japanese women called Ask Caroline. If there are people in need of guidance, Caroline will be there to help. It’s fitting then that the latest project from British-born Pover sees her again offering a helping hand to the needy, and this time they happen to be men. Japanese men. In Love with a Western woman, Pover teaches them how to have happy, respectful, and successful relationships with Western women. Crammed with practical, direct, and laugh-out-loud tips (Western women don’t favour the Duracell bunny approach to sex), this is the ultimate field guide that no heterosexual J-man should ever leave home without. On the eve of the book’s release in Japanese (it’s already out in English), KS catches up with Caroline to hear what she really thinks about this mysterious thing called love. KS: Is Love with a Western woman only for Japanese men? It was always intended to be just for Japanese men and actually was only ever supposed to be in Japanese but lots of other people said they wanted to read it too, so I brought out an edition

with my original English writing. I am told that women find it interesting to read about other women’s experiences, and perhaps to have some of their own feelings validated. KS: Have you had much experience with Japanese men? Not romantically, but this isn’t a book about me. As research, I interviewed 150 Western women to find out about their experiences. When it came to writing, I actually found not having experience with Japanese men meant that I could write from a completely non-biased point of view. KS: What do you see as the main problem between Western women and Japanese men? From the Western woman’s perspective I think the most difficult thing is working out what a Japanese man thinks of her. A lot of the women I interviewed said that they couldn’t tell if he was interested or not because he wasn’t giving signals that she could read. KS: What would be your first piece of advice to a Japanese man considering a relationship with a Western woman? Stop worrying – especially not about your English level. And don’t be afraid of approaching somebody you are interested in. Encouraging men to be more forthcoming is one of the main themes in the book.

KS: And what can western women do to help the process? Be open to making new friends, learning Japanese, being in Japanese environments, and not expecting what you think might be a date to necessarily end with any physical contact. Put less pressure on yourself and on any guys to have everything move along quite so quickly. KS: What has been the reception for the book? I know there has been a bit of controversy about it in certain circles. The sex chapter is extremely detailed, which will make some people uncomfortable. But this is an opportunity to tell men exactly what women want in bed, and if that makes just one woman happier, then it’s worth it. KS: Is there anything else you’d like to add? Contact me if you want to be invited to the launch party! It won’t be your usual dull book launch party, I can tell you that.

• Title: Love with a Western woman: a guide for Japanese men • Author: Caroline Pover • Publisher: Alexandra Press • ISBN: 978-0-9573282-1-1 • Price: ¥1,139 • Format: Paperback www.carolinepover.info

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Event pickups

Oct 11–27

Aqua Metropolis Festival 水都大阪フェス2013 水辺のまちあそび FREE

Nakanoshima Park and surroundings, Osaka

A giant, floating rubber duck is just one of the many fun attractions set to be part of the Aqua Metropolis Osaka 2013 Festival. This three week feast of fun will see the city’s many waterfront areas play host to an abundance of activities, art instillations, markets, and special events. At Nakanoshima Park, taste international beers, browse farmer’s markets, and entertain the kids with oodles of activities. At Nakanoshima Gate, get your adrenaline pumping with water sports, or simply relax in the openair restaurant. With this much fun on offer, there’s no better way to rediscover and enjoy Osaka’s abundance of riverside attractions. Admission: free • suito-osaka.jp/fes2013

Event Listings Soni Kogen Heights Lighting 曽爾高原山灯り FREE Soni Kogen Heights, Nara Until Nov 24

Said to be one of the most beautiful villages in Japan, Soni is renowned for its fields of Japanese “silver grass”, which will be dreamily illuminated by lantern light at this event. • Admission: free • sonimura.com

Kyoto Antique Fair 京都大アンティークフェア FREE Pulse Plaza, Kyoto Oct 4–6

With 330 dealers and 150,000 items from home and abroad, this is one of the largest antique markets in Japan. • Admission: free • Access: Subway Karasuma line Takeda stn bus to Pulse Plaza

Art in Nagahama アートインナガハマ2013 FREE On Shopping street at the centre of Nagahama, Shiga Oct 5 & 6

In an annual event, workmen called seko grapple with stags to cut off their antlers to keep the deer park safe for people. • Admission: ¥1,000 adults, concessions • naradeer.com

A popular fine art market where visitors can talk one-on-one with artists. • Admission: free • art-in-nagahama.com

Kobe Global Charity Festival 2013

Okina-Mai Dance 翁舞

A community event with food stalls, a marketplace, raffles, live music shows, a flag ceremony and more. • Admission: free • kgcf.org

FREE

Narazuhiko Shrine, Nara

Oct 8

See okina-mai, a solemn performing art said to be the origin of Noh plays, set against the ancient backdrop of Narazuhiko-jinja. • Time: 8pm •Admission: free • Access: JR / Kintetsu Nara stn bus to Narasaka; 5 min walk

Antler Cutting Ceremony 鹿の角きり Rokuen in Nara Park, Nara Oct 12–14

FREE St. Michael’s International School, Hyogo • Oct 13

Kitchen Emporium Open Day 道具屋筋まつり FREE

Doguyasuji Street, Osaka

Oct 13

The land of the culinary emporium – a.k.a Doguyasuji Street – will present a special open day with demonstrations of takoyaki cooking, knife sharpening, plastic food making, noodle crafting noodles, and more. • Admission: free • doguyasuji.or.jp

Street Performing Arts 大道芸フェスタin 虎御前 FREE Toragozen Ikigai Centre, Shiga • Oct 13

An annual event featuring street performances, from juggling and balloon art to mime and busking. • Admission: free • torasho.sakura. ne.jp

History of The Three Kingdoms Festival 三国志祭 FREE Shin Nagata stn and Surroundings, Hyogo Oct 13 & 14

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Oct 5–20

Nara Food Festival

Oct 6

奈良フードフェスティバル～シエフェスタin 馬見公園 Umami Kyuryo Park, Nara

The great novelist, Naoya Shiga, once famously mocked the cuisine of Nara, saying that no delicacies could be found anywhere in the region. Obviously the man has never experienced the Nara Food Festival – a gastronomic showcase celebrating the region’s exceptional produce and ample culinary talent. For two weeks in October the beautiful rolling hills of Umami Park will play host to the county’s top chefs, who will demonstrate their finest cooking using local produce. And it won’t just be traditional Japanese fare on offer; expect to see stall after stall selling authentic Italian pizza, French baked sweets, and more. With glorious autumn weather and eats to suit every palate, this is an event that’s sure to please even the most curmudgeonly novelist-cum-food critic. Admission: free • Access: Kintetsu Railway Ikebe stn; 2 min walk • Emai: fukuyoshi@niplanning.jp • nara-foodfestival.jp

Annual celebration held to commemorate the comic book Sanguo Zhi, with Chinese acrobatics, martial arts, food stalls, a costume parade and much more. Admission: free • sangoku-maturi.com

Tenma Music Festival 第１４回天満音楽祭 OAP Tower and Surroundings, Osaka

Join thousands of music lovers at the Tenma Music Festival, where 300 amateur and professional bands will play their hearts out at over 30 venues scattered around the neighbourhoods of Tenjin and Tenma, as well as JR Osaka station. With so many groups participating, you can expect an eclectic mix of music on offer, with rock, pop, R&B, classical and dance music all making an appearance. If you’re put off by the event’s dispersed venues, don’t be: a free bus is there on hand to help get you between locations. Just remember to pick up the pamphlet at the main venue of OAP Tower so you can tailor your program. Time: 10am–7pm • Admission: free • Access: JR Loop line Sakuranomiya stn; 5 min walk to the main venue of OAP Tower • ten-on.jp

Fighting Festival

DESK Oktoberfest

灘けんか祭

FREE Rokko Island, Deutsche Schule Kobe/European School Oct 19

Matsubara Hachiman-Jinja Shrine, Hyogo • Oct 14 & 15 FREE

Traditional German food and drinks; live music with Bayern Brass Kyoto; fun and games for the kids; and a big tombola with prizes to be won. • Time: 11am–5pm Admission: Free • Access: 2 min walk from Island Center Station • dskobe.org

Floats and portable shrines clash in a ceremony depicting a famous mythological sea battle. • Admission: free • nadamatsuri.jp/ hachiman

Classical Japanese Street Performance

Otsu Jazz Festival

町角の芸能

India Mela 2013 インディアメーラ 2013 Meriken Park, Hyogo Oct 13 & 14 FREE

A 2-day celebration of India with Bollywood dance performances, authentic food, yoga, henna art, and more. • Admission: free • www1.odn.ne.jp/indiamela7

Hannyarin (The North gate of Shokokuji Temple), Kyoto Oct 18–20

See costumed actors re-enacting street performances, including swordplay and acrobatics, that date back to the Edo period. • Time: 11am–4pm • Admission: ¥2,000 adults, concessions • Access: Subway Karasuma line Kuramaguchi stn

Good Eats in Wakayama第5わかやま城下町バル Wakayama Castle and Surroundings Oct 19

One of the largest “baru” events (a Japanese style pub-crawl) will be held across 150 restaurants, bars and cafes. • Admission: ¥3,200 (¥3,400 at door) • baru.wakayamashi.jp

第５回大津ジャズフェスティバル FREE Otsu Lakefront and surrounds, Shiga • Oct 19 & 20

Performances from over 150 bands on special stages scattered around the picturesque lakeside town of Otsu. • Admission: free • otsu-jazz.com

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Oct 12 & 13

Oct 22

Provided by Kyoto-design.jp

Festival of The Ages 時代祭り FREE

Otsu Festival 大津祭 FREE

Tenson Shrine, Shiga

With 13 magnificent hikiyama floats and fantastic performances of mechanical puppets, known as karakuri ningyo, the Otsu Festival is one of the three largest religious events in Shiga. Originating in the early Edo period, the festival puts on an exciting show featuring the impressive hikiyama, often described as moving museums, with their elaborate clockwork mechanisms and rich decorations of valuable fabrics, golden carvings and lacquer work. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the traditional puppets, plus ornaments on display at select homes on the evening of the 12th.

In the Heart of Kyoto

Experience the pomp and ceremony of one of Kyoto’s three largest festivals – Jidai matsuri, also known as Festival of the Ages. Tracing its roots back to 1868 when the capital was relocated to Tokyo, this festival is held to celebrate Kyoto’s glorious history and culture. The festival’s main attraction will be a 2 kilometre costume procession, featuring around 2,000 people dressed in colourful period costumes ranging from the classical Heian era to the Meiji era. The parade, which lasts for approximately five hours, will depart from the Imperial Palace, travel along Oike and Sanjo streets, and finally end at Heian shrine. This is a rare opportunity to see Japan’s history rendered in an exciting display of exquisite costumes and props. Time: noon (the Imperial Palace) • Admission: free

Admission: free • Access: JR Biwako line Otsu stn; 3 min walk

• Access: Subway Karasuma line, Marutamachi to Imperial Palace

• otsu-matsuri.jp

• Tel: 075-752-7070

Event listings cont. • Oct 19 & 20

Bamboo lanterns illuminate the Edo-period streets and classical houses of this castle town. • Admission: free • taketouya.jp

Kinomoto Shishi-Mai Lion Dance 木ノ本獅子舞い Sakai Festival 第４０回堺まつり FREE Osyoji-suji Street and surrounds, Osaka • Oct 19 & 20

A celebration of the history and the culture of Sakai with a grand parade, gun demonstration, international market and more. • Admission: free • sakai-tcb. or.jp/s-matsuri/gaiyo.php

A Night of 8,000 Bamboo Lights 竹燈夜 2013 FREE Wakayama Castle and Surroundings, Wakayama

Kinomoto Hachimangu Shrine, Wakayama • Oct 19 & 20 FREE

An acrobatic lion dance in which performers bravely dance on bamboo poles five meters above the ground. • Admission: free • Access: Nankai Railway Hachiman-mae stn 20 min walk • Tel: 073-451-5951

a religious dance. • Admission: free • yukijinjya.jp

KS Halloween Costume Party

Yabusame-Shinji – Horse Stunt Ceremony

Club Pure Osaka, Osaka • Oct 26

流鏑馬神事 FREE Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, Osaka • Oct 25

In an exciting religious event passed down since the 15th century, dressed horses and riders perform stunts in the front approach to the shrine. • Admission: free • tenjinsan.com

Kurama Himatsuri – Fire Festival 鞍馬の火祭り

Charity Chainsaw Carving in Takatori 2013 森の感謝祭 in たかとり

FREE Yuki-Jinja Shrine, Kyoto • Oct 22

Takatoriyama Fureai Park, Shiga • Oct 25–27

Greet the arrival of Yuki-jinja’s deity at this ancient ceremony featuring families lighting their bonfires, a parade of flaming torch carried by exotic dressed men, and

A display of chainsaw sculptures and carvings set in a hillside park. Time: 9am–4pm • Admission: ¥200 • Email: takatoriclub@hotmail.com • takatori.tagatown.jp

Dust off your cape, it’s time for the Kansai Scene fancy dress party! Three hours of all-you-can-drink party fun, with prizes for best costumes, an international fingerfood spread, free face-painting and non-stop music guaranteed to keep you on the dance floor. Leave the kids at home! Time: 7–10pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (all-you-can-drink) / ¥2,500 student discount (w/valid ID) • facebook.com/kansaiscene

Find more listings online at: www.kansaiscene.com/listings

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Oct 11

R.I.P.D Oct 18 • Robert Schwentke • 96 mins • Ryan Reynolds, Jeff Bridges

What do you get if you mix Men In Black and Ghostbusters? A desperate action comedy that lacks both decent action and comedy. Bridges all but revises his role from True Grit, while Reynolds may have produced a character even more forgettable than his Hal Jordan!

Film previews

Pick

Trance

Danny Boyle • 101 mins • Hero Movie James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson, Vincent Cassel

Filmed before Boyle’s Olympic duties and edited afterwards, you could forgive him for making a film that lacked focus, but although Trance is by no means Boyle’s masterpiece, it is a tight, energetic and head-scratching ride that respects the viewer and allows them to ponder over the narrative long after the film has finished. The film follows a gambling addict-cum-art dealer, who gets a bonk on the head, your standard movie amnesia, and some very angry fellows looking for a 25 million pound painting he apparently hid. The story revolves around lost memories, suppressed desires, deep fears, and the power of hypnosis. Dawson does a pitch-perfect rendition of the professional yet alluring hypnotherapist, while McAvoy and Cassel bring equally complex and conflicted characters to life. Everyone else on screen seems to merely act as background noise, fuel for the narrative or the dreaded maguffin, as they embody the typical London thugs, lofty upper-class snobs, or the doe-eyed innocent caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. But the film isn’t any less entertaining for having just three central characters on which the narrative clings. Indeed, if there were any more lost memories, dreams or trances weaved into the movie, it would become unbearably confusing. What makes Trance stand out from other dream like blockbusters, is that it lacks the exposition of The Matrix, and resists dangling the cliffhanger ending in front of you like Inception. Instead, you wander through the film as clueless as the protagonists (well two of them at least), and will be unraveling it all long after. That isn’t to say the film feels fake or otherworldly. In fact, bar one odd action scene spliced with an ill-fitting soundtrack, the film’s universe is consistent, convincing and most importantly, enthralling.

Don’t forget you can find a list of local cinemas (and what’s playing) online at: www.kansaiscene.com/cinemas/

Frozen Ground Oct 5 • Scott Walker • 105 mins • Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, Dean Norris, Vanessa Hudgens

Cage and Cusack are known for chewing the scenery from time to time, but while that dynamic worked in the bombastic Con Air, it feels a little odd in this somber world. Worth a watch nonetheless though

Red Dawn Oct 5 • Dan Bradley • 93 mins • Isabel Lucas, Chris Hemsworth

Shot before Hemsworth made it big with Thor, this is based on a 1984 film of the same title. A group of armed teenagers protect their all-American backyard from an invading Korean army.

©吉本興業株式会社

R100 Oct 5 • Matsumoto Hiroshi • 100 mins • Matsumoto Hiroshi, Eriko Sato, Nao Ohmori

Hiroshi is a very divisive director, whose off-kilter comedy and jarring pacing makes for a diverse collection of films. This time around we follow a normal man join an abnormal club… membership is for one year only and absolutely no quitting!

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Until Nov 6

Art © 國府理／森のドライブ、若木くるみ／汗王（いずれも2013年）

Rokko MeetsArt: Art Walk 2013 Mt. Rokko (Hyogo)

Sep 14–Nov 24 • Fresh contemporary art exhibited in multiple sites atop Mt. Rokko in an event pervaded by an alpine picnic mood. • Open: 10am–5pm every day during the exhibition • Admission: ¥1,800 (¥1,500 adv., sold at major Hankyu, Hanshin and Sanyo stations) • Access: Hankyu Mikage, JR Rokkomichi, or Hankyu Rokko Stn., then Kobe city bus 16 to Rokko cable car • rokkosan.com/art2013

Pick

On your next holiday, would you like to breathe fresh mountain air and drink in splendid vistas? Or would you prefer to soak up contemporary art? How about both simultaneously? Rokko Meets Art: Art Walk, the annual art festival held atop Mt. Rokko near Kobe, is the rare art event that makes this possible. Simply getting to the mountaintop and from venue to venue takes some time, so consider it an all-day outing. Works by both well-known artists and members of the public whose submissions were accepted are exhibited in Rokko Garden Terrace, Rokko-Shidare Observatory, Rokkosan Country House, Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden, Rokko International Musical Box Museum, Rokko-san Hotel, the Rokko Cable Car station, and Rokko Hilltop Gallery. Many are outdoor, site-specific installations or sculptures, while other pieces are displayed in indoor facilities, with the overall tone one of entertainment and wonder. Those without a car can buy a Rokko Maya Enjoy Pass at Hankyu, Hanshin, Nose and Sanyo railway stations that includes the fare for train, cable car, and buses between sites that are too far apart for walking. October is the ideal month to visit, as autumn comes quickly atop the mountain and chill winds blow by evening. That said, after the majority of venues close at 5pm (though some are open late), sticking around for the famed “million-dollar nightscape” from Rokko Garden Terrace is a great way to round out the day.

Art Listings Osaka

Open: 11am–7pm (until 6pm on Sat) • closed Sun, Mon, and hols • Admission: Free • Access: Yotsubashi line Namba Stn • dnp.co.jp/gallery/ddd

postwar avant-garde group Gutai, and partner Midori Araki.

Hyogo

Open: 1pm–7pm; closed Wed and Thu • Admission: Free Access: JR, Kintetsu or subway Namba Stn • cas.or.jp

Léonard Foujita Sanno Art Museum Until Jun 31 2014

2013 ADC Exhibition ddd gallery Sep 10–Oct 25 FREE

Graphic and commercial art by winners of the prestigious Tokyo Art Directors Club (ADC) Award, a driving force in the Japanese advertising and design world since 1952.

Araki Midori M←→m Yoshida Minoru Exhibition FREE CAS (Contemporary Art and Spirits), Sep 28–Oct 26

The trajectory of collaboration between Minoru Yoshida, a member of the seminal, Kansai-based

Works by Japanese painter Fujita Tsuguharu (known by his French name Léonard Foujita), a key figure in the 1920s School of Paris group, plus contemporaries such as Marie Laurencin, at the museum on the 22nd floor of the Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka. Open: 11am–5pm (Admission until 30 minutes before closing) • closed Mon, Tue, and Wed (But open holidays) • Admission: ¥1,000, Students ¥500 • Access: JR Namba Stn • www.hotelmonterey.co.jp/ sannomuseum

The Charm of Ceramics & The Thrill of Art The Museum of Ceramic Art, Hyogo • Sep 7–Nov 24

Ceramic works by painters and sculptors, showing the intriguing results of non-ceramicists taking on the challenge of the medium. Open:10am–5pm Closed: Mon • Admission: Current ¥1,000 Advance ¥800 • Access: Shinki Green Bus Museum Stn from JR

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Hitoshi Nomura: Perception, or I Who Think I Am “I”

FREE

Oct 14–19

Gallery Nomart (Osaka)

Artcourt Gallery (Osaka)

Known for combining grand themes like the movements of the heavens with prosaic or non-art materials like cardboard boxes, conceptual artist Hitoshi Nomura blends science and mysticism in a manner that brings to mind the tradition of alchemy. Over his more than 40-year career, he has explored ways of harnessing natural forces to display the passage of time in a visible form. Many of his works gradually deteriorate over time, eventually existing only as photographic or written records. The starting point for this show is the 1975 work Age: M→F, consisting of photos and videos that manipulate agreed-upon codes for gender, age, and social position. More recent works update these concerns to relate to contemporary social issues. They are exhibited alongside images of the remote, inhuman realm of outer space, highlighting human life’s transience and susceptibility to influence from outside forces.

©Hitoshi Nomura

FREE

Yukio Fujimoto + .es: ZBO (Zinc Buckets Orchestra)

Until Oct 19

Sep 28–Oct 19 • Photos and video art by well-known conceptual artist, depicting natural forces and phenomena and questioning the nature of “I” as perceiver. • Open: 11am–7pm (until 5pm on

Kansai-based artist Yukio Fujimoto’s sound art and installation pieces often engage the audience interactively, and use deceptively simple devices to complex effect. His Ears with Chair, consisting of a chair with two long pipes on either side, invites the viewer to sit, put the pipes to his or her ears and be submerged in amplified ambient noise created by the space and people around. Another sound piece, plus/minus, features 213 wall-mounted CD players set on repeat, each playing one of the 213 songs the Beatles officially released. What starts as a murmuring wall of white noise fragments into individual recognizable snippets as the viewer/listener draws near. In this project, Fujimoto and contemporary music unit .es have teamed up to create makeshift instruments using zinc buckets of varying sizes (“violin, viola, cello and contrabass”) with music box innards inside, which ought to generate intriguing sounds. In the gallery the instruments will be displayed, accompanied by a recording of a concert where they are played together orchestra-style, and visitors will be able to activate them. It promises to be another immersive and consciousness-changing audio experience.

Sat) • closed Sun, Mon, and hols • Admission: Free • Access: JR Loop Line Sakuranomiya Stn • artcourtgallery.com

Oct 14–19 • Open: 1pm–7pm • Admission: Free • Access: Chuo Subway line Fukaebashi Stn • nomart.co.jp

Fukuchiyama line Aino Stn • mcart.jp

Kyoto

2pm–6pm Fri, 10am–8pm Sat, 10am–5pm Sun • Admission: ¥2,000 • Access: Kyoto Stn • chokyoto.com

Ryue Nishizawa + nendo: Roof + Mushrooms FREE Kyoto University of Art & Design Entrance Lounge Oct 4 2013–Jun 13 2014

Guided walking tour of works that were constructed on campus. By reservation only, wear comfortable walking shoes. © KANAKO NAKANO

★

ChoKyoto 2013

KYOMO: Heisei Kyoto-Style Machiya Townhouses, Oct 4–Oct 6

Art fair in which prominent galleries in Kyoto and elsewhere exhibit work in a group of newly designed “model homes” that update the Kyoto-style townhouse for today.

Tours from 10am and 2pm on Tue, Thu, and Fri • Admission: Free • Access: Eizan-Dentetsu line Chayama Stn • kuad-entrance.com

Ohira Kazumasa: Creative Transformation of Gallery Shirakawa II / Kaze Kangen: Spheres FREE

Gallery Shirakawa

Stone and metal sculptures with sphere motif, positioned to generate a unified space for kaze kangen (wind turning nature’s elements back to the origin).

Open: 12am–6pm Closed on Nov 7 • Admission: Free • Access: City bus to Higashiyama-Yasui from JR Kyoto Stn • galleryshirakawa.com

Shiga Fragility and Power Borderless Art Museum NO-MA Aug 24–Dec 15

Works embodying “fragility and power” by both creators of Art Brut (also known as Outsider Art), in whom the museum specializes, and well-known non-outsiders.

Open:11am–5pm Closed: Mon (when Mon is a national holiday, open Mon and closed Tue) • Admission: ¥300 • Access: JR Omi-Hachiman Stn • no-ma.jp

Muneyoshi Yanagi: Eye to the Daily Life of the People The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga Oct 12–Nov 24

Folk art from the Japan Folk Crafts Museum in Tokyo, established by mingei folk art movement founder Muneyoshi Yanagi, as well as works by son and famous product designer Sori Yanagi. Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon (when Mon is a national holiday, open Mon and closed Tue) • Admission: Advance ¥750, on the day ¥950 • Access: Bunka Zonemae bus stop from JR Biwako line Seta Stn • shiga-kinbi.jp

Find gallery access details and more listings online at: www.kansaiscene.com/listings

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Live Music

Nov 12

Eddie Jobson

Pick

Experimental rock violinist and keyboardist Eddie Jobson got his big break when he replaced Brian Eno on the ivories for Roxy Music in 1973. Jobson stayed with the band until their 1976 hiatus, when he was recruited for the Frank Zappa band. He went on to work with numerous legends of the prog rock establishment, as well as releasing his own work and being involved in various musically-related projects. This concert named ‘Four Decades’ highlights his career, and he is joined by fellow prog rocker Jon Wetton. Jobson and Wetton have also been touring together as part of the reformed supergroup UK that they were originally members of alongside Bill Bruford and Allan Holdsworth in the late ‘70s. Eddie Jobson has a strong fan base in Japan (in 2011 he performed a series of successful masterclasses here) so there is no doubt that tickets will sell out quite quickly. Experimental rock UK keyboardist/violinist ex of Roxy Music and Frank Zappa • Namba Hatch, Osaka • Prog Rock • 7pm • ¥9,800/¥10,300 • Tel: 06-4937-2572

Live Music Listings October/November Rock & Pop

Bump of Chicken

ALICE

Japanese alternative rock group.

Previously Alicenine, visual kei rock group.

Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

Oct 16–17 • Rock • 6.30pm • ¥6,900 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

Aiko

The Trojans Ska Reggae with a dash of soulfunk. Club Quattro, Osaka

Oct 15 • Ska • 7:30pm • ¥6,000 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

The Strypes Four-piece rhythm and blues outfit from Ireland. Club Quattro, Osaka

Oct 16 • Rhythm & Blues • 7pm • ¥5,800 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

Fujimaki Ryota Remioromon vocalist/guitarist. Taku Taku, Kyoto

Oct 16 • Rock • 6:30pm • ¥4,500 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Oct 26–27 • Kei Rock • 26th5pm/27th-4pm • ¥8,400 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Japanese female pop vocalist.

The Polysics

Oct 17–18 • Pop • 7pm • ¥5,800 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Japanese New Wave rock group.

Zepp, Osaka

The Trojan @ Club Quattro, Oct 15

Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

Club Quattro, Osaka

KISS

Oct 29 • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,800/¥4,300 • Tel: 06-6357-3666

US pomp-glam rock legends.

Tacica

Oct 21 • Rock • 7pm • ¥9,000/¥12,500 • Tel: 06-6341-4506

Japanese rock outfit from Sapporo.

Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

Taku Taku, Kyoto

Rake

Oct 31 • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Japanese rock-pop singersongwriter.

Rip Slyme

Oct 25 • Male vocal • 7pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Zepp, Osaka

Taku Taku, Kyoto

Japan ‘Shoegazer’ Festival ft. Lemon’s Chair Ambient sounds of the Shoegazer genre.

Nov 3 • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,000 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Ra Ra Riot US indie rock from New York. Club Quattro, Osaka

Nov 5 • Rock • 7pm • ¥5,500 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Primal Scream ‘90s UK rock reunion tour. Zepp, Osaka

Nov 7 • Rock • 7pm • ¥7,500 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Namie Amuro R&B singer/fashion icon ex-teen pop idol. Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

Nov 7–8 • Pop • 6:30pm • ¥8,500 • Tel: 06-6357-4400

Japanese old school Hip-hop. Oct 31 • Hip-hop • 7pm • ¥6,300 • Tel: 06-6344-3326

Belinda Carlisle US ‘80s pop singer and GoGo’s vocalist.

Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka

Kitahorie Club Vijon, Osaka

Nov 2 • Pop • 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥6,900/¥8,400 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Oct 26 • Shoegazer • 1pm • ¥2,500/¥3,000 • Tel: 06-6539-7411

Kinoco Hotel Japanese retro rock all-girl band. Taku Taku, Kyoto

Nic Lowe @ Billboard Live Osaka Nov 8

Nic Lowe English punk rock/new wave singersongwriter-producer. Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Nov 3

Nov 5

Nov 15

Kinoco Hotel

Ra Ra Riot

The four-piece all-girl retro rockers are back at Kyoto Taku Taku for an intimate live performance fronted by the extravagant Marianne Shinonome. Vocalist Shinonome is the only original member from when the group first came into existence in the summer of 2007. Known for her sometimes crazy onstage antics, such as throwing condoms in to the audience, swinging a whip, and climbing atop the keyboard, Shinonome does little though to distract from the band’s musical ability and distinctive sound. On their sound, the vocalist says: “It’s cool that a band like Kinoco Hotel exists in this country because there are so many bands in Japan that sound like copies of foreign bands.” Look out for Kinoco Hotel’s latest mini-album, which is a selection of covers of past Japanese GS (Group Sounds) bands.

It’s been a rapid rise to success for the New York indie rock outfit Ra Ra Riot since they formed in 2006. By 2007 they had embarked upon their first solo headlining US tour and had signed to the major label V2 Records. Though their popularity has grown, studio album releases have been few and far between. They debuted in 2008 with The Rhumb Line, which was followed by The Orchard in 2010, and then Beta Love this year. Though labelled indie rock, the band don’t really sit comfortably with this genre. The baroque pop violin of Rebecca Zeller plus other pop elements gives the band’s music an interesting slant. The album Beta Love, though, has been seen as a shift from their earlier style, so who knows what to expect in the future.

Japanese retro-rock all-girl quartet

Jake E. Lee & Warren DeMartini

Club Quattro, Osaka • Taku Taku, Kyoto

The ‘80s brought a deluge of virtuoso electric guitar players that in many cases were more of an audience puller than the bands to which they belonged. Two such guitarists were Jake E. Lee and Warren DeMartini. Lee (real name Jakey Lou Williams) played in an early line-up of Ratt before joining Ozzy Osbourne from 1982 until 1987, filling the void left by the passing of Randy Rhodes. DeMartini joined Ratt after Lee moved on and co-wrote some of the band’s best known songs. After Ratt, DeMartini played with a handful of bands, such as Dokken and Whitesnake, until Ratt reformed in 2007. While in Japan, these two virtuosos will be leading guitar super clinics in Tokyo and Osaka. Be quick to get your tickets for this one because at the time of writing, the Tokyo event was already sold out!

• Indie-pop • 7pm • ¥5,500

Update: Sold out in Osaka now too, sorry

• Tel: 06-6535-5569

‘80s rock guitar virtuoso’s Charvel Guitars

US indie rock-pop outfit from New York

Taku Taku, Kyoto • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,000

Super Clinic

• Tel: 075-351-1321

• Muse, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥2,500/¥3,000 • Tel: 06-6245-5389

Nov 8 • Rock • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥6,900/¥8,400 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Eddie Jobson Ex-Jethro Tull/Roxy Music UK prog rock keyboardist/violinist. Namba Hatch, Osaka

Nov 12 • Prog Rock • 7pm • ¥9,800\¥10,300 • Tel: 06-4937-0572

The Telephones Japanese electronic rock quartet. Club Quattro, Osaka

Nov 12 & 14 • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,600 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

Charvel Guitar Super Clinic ft. Jake E. Lee and Warren De Martini 80s US rock guitar maestro’s exhibition gig. Muse, Osaka

Nov 15 • Rock • 7pm • ¥2,500/¥3,000 • Tel: 06-6245-5389

Jazz & Blues Benjamin Herman Dutch alto saxophonist, founder of the jazz, soul, latin band New Cool Collective. Mr. Kellys, Osaka

Oct 15 Jazz • 7:30pm/9:15pm • ¥4,200/¥4,500 • Tel: 06-6342-5821

Manhattan Transfer Mixed music chorus group.

Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka Oct 21–22 • Jazz-pop vocal • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥10,500/¥12,500 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Allen Toussaint

World

New Orleans influential jazz pianist. Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka

Oct 24 • Jazz • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥6,900/¥8,400 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Saori Mine Japanese singer, actress, dancer, choreographer. Mr Kellys, Osaka

Oct 30 • Jazz-pop • 5pm/8pm • ¥10,000 • Tel: 06-6342-5821

Chris Duarte Group

Vincente Amigo @ Namba Hatch Oct 15

Vincente Amigo

US blues guitarist singer-songwriter.

Spanish flamenco composer and virtuoso guitarist.

Nov 7 • Blues • 7pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Oct 15 • Spanish guitar • 7pm ¥10,000 • Tel: 06-6341-4506

Taku Taku, Kyoto

Namba Hatch, Osaka

Find more listings online at: www.kansaiscene.com/listings

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Club

Oct 13

Maishima Sports Island Mai Asia Music Festival 2013 The Fall edition of the Mai Asia Music Festival 2013 (formally known as Nagisa Music Festival) is being held this month on Oct 13 at Maishima Sports Island. It’s an urban music festival for all ages, an ensemble of Dance Music, diverse stages with DJs and live artists from multi genres, unique decorative artwork and colorful shops and food stalls set against a stunning panoramic view of Osaka bay. Headliners include the legendary punk-dub-electronic group Asian Dub Foundation, the first Asian winner of DMC World DJ Championships, DJ Kentaro and the Japanese trance/hard dance icon Yoji. Some 50+ other acts complete the bill, playing across five outdoor stages. This might be the last outdoor party of the season so do not miss this chance. For hardcore party people, there is an after party with Juan Atkins at Circus in Amemura. Bring the festival brochure for a special discount. Check out my-fes. com for more details.

Asian Dub Foundation

Mai Asia Music Festival (Dance Music) • Acts: Asian Dub Fundation, Kentaro, Yoji, Dexpistols, 80Kidz, Shingo Nishinari, Damage, Kihira Naoki + more • Open: 10am–8pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500) • Where: Maishima • Info: my-fes.com

Club Listings October 4 (Fri) Circus Ancient Methoeds & Nobu (Techno) • Live: Ancient Methods

• DJs: Nobu, saki, Sullivan • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Joule Justin Michael Japan Tour (Trance/EDM/Techno) • Acts:

Justin Michael, Joey Parker, Khashin Bb, Dom Pang + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

5 (Sat) Circus Gothamcity presents DJ Baku “JapOneEra” Release Tour

(Dubstep/Bass/Techno) •

Live: Numb’N’Dub • DJs: Eyez, An, Kaoru Nakano, Shakaitchi, Yanmah • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Joule Takkyu Ishino in Joule (Techno)

• Acts: Takkyu Ishino, A.Mochi, Shine, DK-Baseline, hidetaka, Kitten aka Mikanyan + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Ian Handsley, Takekiyo Ishimoto, David Byrne, Synya • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Shinsaibashi • oo-u.jp

Troop Cafe Diatonik - 5th Anniversary (Techno/House) • DJs: Ogawa,

tatsuo.y, 2Nyan, Kenji Adachi, Fukumura, Mariko + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (WF: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr. com

6 (Sun)

Onzieme Hyper Society x block.Party (House/Electro) • DJs: Tomoyuki

Tanaka, Taku Takahashi, TakuHero • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Rooftop Bar OO & Gastro Garden Oasis Radio presents Luna (Tehcno/House) • DJs: Dan

Elliot, Shawn Basik, I-Bec, Kama,

Joule Rolling Thunder presents Kill The Noise (EDM/Drum’n’Bass) •

Acts: Kill The Noise, Masashi, LaidBack Aliens, Blue Cosmic Monkey + more • Open: 6pm • Admission: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥3,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

11 (Fri) Circus Tightroop Dancing (House) •

DJs: Ageishi, Tetsuo • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Lab.Tribe Euphoria (House/Techno) •

DJs: Hideo Kobayashi, OMKT, Sota, K-Hiro, Yudai Tamura + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (WF: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-254-1228 • labtribe.net

Metro Undermine - Transit Records Kyoto 4th Anniversary Special (Techno) • DJs: Stefan Goldmann,

Efdemin, Gunne & Zuckermann, Phillipp Priebe, Fulltono, Koizumi, Atari • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Tel: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do 12 (Sat) Circus Lostweekend (Techno) • DJs: Yogurt, Apollo, Newtone crew • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Joule Studio 54 (Electro) • DJs: TeddyLoid, Sekitova, h.nakajima • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Onzieme Digitalism DJ Set Japan Tour feat. Electrojunkie (Electro/EDM)

• DJs: Digitalism, Ko-Matsushima, YPY, Shinji, Flash, SilverFox • Open: 9:30pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

13 (Sun) Circus Mai Music Festival After Party feat. Juan Atkins (Techno) •

DJ: Juan Atkins • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Daihikaku Technogaoka vol.5 (Dance Music) • Live: halptribe, Mo-waii

• DJs: Bucco, Jibb, Jimmer, Kunio Asai, Maiko, Rawfila, Wataru Takagi + more • Open: 3pm • Admission: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥3,000) • Where: Ashiya • technogaoka.com

Move Sound on Sound presents SyncMotion (Techno) • Live: Monotix

• DJs: Shinya.N, Kazuma, Unagi • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • club-move.com

14 (Mon/Holiday) Circus Julien Dyne Japan Tour (Techno/ House) • DJs: Julien Dyne, Auce81,

Kazikiyo, Tell, Monk a + more • Open: 6pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

18 (Fri) Joule Queen 2013 & Bar Mustang presents Astrix (Trance) • Acts:

Astrix, Energy Dai, M.Minami,

Another Note, Sai + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

World FLASH!! (House/Electro) • DJs:

Yasutaka Nakata, Ram Rider, Missileman, Kohske • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥3,000) • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-213-4119 • world-kyoto.com

19 (Sat) Circus Spark Star (Techno) • Live: doreminate • DJs: Yapan aka Yosuke, Hiroyama, Ryosuke Murai, kk, Fu-Tsuka, Loe, Naotaro • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Grand Cafe Bassworks Orange ((House/ Techno) • DJs: OMB, Nao Nomura,

Osakaman, tatsuo.y, 2Nyan + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D (Before 10pm: ¥1,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • grandcafeosaka.com

Onzieme Amnesia Ibiza World Tour 2013 (Techno/House) • DJs: Mar-T +

more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Troop Cafe Sea of Green presents Techno Kissa Special (Techno) • Acts:

Daniel Bell, Coffee.Rumba, Shingo, Jibb, makiyama, Distest + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (WF: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

World Tachytelic x Co (House/Electro)

• DJs: Taku Takahashi, Takeru John Otoguro, Taku-Hero • Open: 8pm • Admission: TBA • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-213-4119 • world-kyoto. com

25 (Fri) Troop Cafe Halloween Party 2013 (Electronic) • Acts: Ian O’Brien +

more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (WF: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

26 (Sat) Circus Circus Halloween! Lawrence New Album “Films and Windows” Tour (Techno) • DJs:

Lawrence, Shingo, Ono • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Haunted House Halloween Rampage 6 (House/ Techno/R&B/Hip hop) • DJs: Dan

Elliot, Hirro, Khashi B, Big Ted, Vega, Joey Parker, David Byrne, Dom Pang + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: 1-16-8 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Onzieme Onzieme Halloween Special feat. Matthias Tanzmann (Techno/ House) • DJs: Matthias Tanzmann

+ more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (Free entry in full costume) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Pure Osaka Kansai Scene Halloween Costume Party (Dance music) •

DJ: Khashi B • Open: 7pm - 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000 with All-youcan-drink • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-6600 • pure-osaka.com

27 (Sun) Circus Tetralogistics - Halloween Special (Techno) • DJs: Mathias

Kaden, Kunimitsu, Yasuhisa • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

Art

A passion for good patterns This month’s cover artist Cecilie Okada fuses Nordic design with oriental passion to create unique beauty. Text: KS • Images: Cecilie Okada

They may have been created to ferry invading warriors, but the curved intricate patterns adorning Viking longboats were one of the first things that fascinated and inspired this month’s cover artist as a child. Cecilie Okada hails from Norway, and so the Viking spirit of adventure must be in her blood. She studied visual communication in New Zealand and began her professional career in 1998, building her own business as a successful web and graphic designer and illustrator. With a Japanese husband, a need to be closer to her aging parentsin-law brought her ashore here. In Norway, she created bed linen pattern designs for a well-known brand, but moving to Japan without a working knowledge of Japanese meant her business had to take a bold new turn. She now works in decorative design for consumer products, for example mobile phone covers, and is busy building her own brand, Cecilie O. “My pattern collection is inspired by cultural heritage, nature and my Nordic roots,” she says. “Nordic design is simple and clean, so regardless of the colors, motifs and complexity of my patterns, the Nordic qualities are always there. I think the visual language that we grow up with remains the blueprint for what we create, regardless.” While her parents-in-law live in Tokyo, Cecilie and her family are Kobe-

based. She both lives and works on Rokko Island, and has nothing negative to say about the area: “I love the open spaces, the ocean and especially the beautiful greenbelt. I love the hiking opportunities in the mountains behind Kobe, and the closeness to amazing Kyoto and metropolitan Osaka. There is always some event to attend if I want to, and the opportunities for building networks are many. I have an office in Kobe Fashion Mart, that I share with Jacqueline Okuma, who is a seasoned curator of international art exhibitions and cultural events. We inspire each other. It is convenient to live on a small island where everything is close by.” Aside from Viking ships she saw as a child, a big influence on Cecilie’s artistic development has been the illustrator Edmund Dulac. “I fell for his work when I was a teenager and the love affair has never ceased. He was inspired by Persian miniature art and the Far East, and illustrated fairy tales in the early 1900s.” A sense of elegance and subtle beauty is a good way to describe Cecilie’s work too; she has an online zazzle shop where a hoard of everyday items have been given a touch of her style. Because I love blues and purples, I’m drawn by the Oriental Purple pattern - giant flowers popping out against muted greens. I can see why her style is gaining fans in Japan, with its love

of nature. But even more than that, Japanese people love cute characters, so Cecilie’s brand is making a smart next move this winter. “In Japan this winter, you’ll find my Nordic patterns and illustration on various products for the Japanese character Pickles the Frog, with Cecilie O branding. Another highlight this year is pattern design for various products for the Chi Mei Museum in Taiwan, who has the largest collection of Western art in Asia.” From Norway to Japan, now Taiwan – could Cecilie O be just beginning her course for world domination? Maybe those Viking ships have something to answer for after all. To see more please check www.cecilieo.com or contact Cecilie at cecilie@cecilieo.com

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

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

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

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

Dublin Bay Irish Pub

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

Zerro The Place to be...

> for more listings and maps see kansaiscene.com/business-finder

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

Kita-ku, Sonezaki 2-10-15 Sonezaki Center Bldg. 6F Osaka Tel: 06-6364-2001 Url: www.the-blarney-stone.com

Ali’s Kitchen Pakistani & Arabic Cuisine

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

Go_suke Beer & Pizza restaurant and bar

Kita-ku, Sonezaki-cho 2-5-24, Chuo Bldg. 3/4F, Osaka Tel: 06-6312-3387 Url: facebook.com/beerpizzagosuke

Nepaliko Chulo Authentic Nepalese Cuisine

556-0015 Osaka, Naniwa-ku, Shikitsu-nishi 2-9-7 Tel. 06-6636-5131 Url: oasiscafejapan.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

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

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do 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

Shops & Services Mojoprint Full Color Printing

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

Brastel Remit

Japanese Language School

Send money overseas

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

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

Osaka Abacus Association Let’s learn Abacus!

Minatoku, Yunagi 2-13-7 Osaka Tel: 06-6572-6877 Url: https://sites.google.com/site/ osakasoroban/

Espeto Sports Acrobatics and Capoeira school

Osaka, Minato-ku, Namiyoke 5-4-20 Tel: 06-6582-7177 Url: www.espeto-sports.com

TNT-PC English PC Support

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

Yuko Tamaki Accounting Office Accounting & Tax Services

Chuo-ku, Tanimachi 1-7-3-8F, Osaka Tel: 06-6809-1955 Url: www12.plala.or.jp/ytaccounting/ indexeng.html

Miyabi Int’l Gyoseishoshi Law Firm

Tel: 06-4394-8850 Url: www.sweatshopunion.jp/eng

VISA Lawyers in Osaka

Shinmei Law Office

Kita-ku, Nishitenma 1-8-9 Viequ tower #2406 Osaka Tel: 06-4981-7439

Creamy Kids International Modeling Agency

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

Pakmail Amagasaki We Ship Anything, Anywhere!

Business Lawyer

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

Exeo International International Dating Parties

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

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

Travel

Pakmail Esaka

GS Travel

We Ship Anything, Anywhere!

Best Fares in Osaka

Suita, Esaka-cho 1-23-17 Osaka Tel: 06-6330-8988 Url: www.pakmail-osaka.com

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

Sweatshop Union T-Shirt Print Shop

Naniwa-ku, Sakuragawa 4-5-19 Osaka

H.I.S. • 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

40 40

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

Classifieds

140000yen/month. 3months and longer stays 80000yen/month. No Key money, No Guarantors, No Agency Fees, 1month refundable deposit required. Alex 09037030314 Contact: <alex@ abhousingosaka.com> Website: www.abhousingosaka.com CENTRAL KYOTO FOR RENT. -

Place your ad online at: kansaiscene.com/classifieds

Accommodation For rent

private 2FL house or private room in shared house Room prices: 25,00 0/33,000/40,000/42,000/45,000/50,0 00/55,000 yen/month House prices: 75,000/110,000/125,000yen/month We have 7 houses, ~27 rooms, up to 50m from each other Gojo Paradiso Homes - best location best value! Contact: <info@gojoparadiso.com> Website: www.gojoparadiso.com/ 2LDK SHINSAIBASHI 160000 FULLY FURNISHED. 8th floor

money No agency fee Furnished with washer, fridge etc. 2LDK Hankyu Ojikoen, near shops, 51m² ¥98,000 Good for sharing Very convenient Eng or Jpn. 090-92861216 ffeilden@yahoo.co.jp Contact: <ffeilden@yahoo.co.jp> Website: www.ffeilden.com/

corner apartment in 10year old building. Fully furnished now at 160000yen/month. 60 square meters, 8th floor corner apartment.. No key money, No guarantors needed, No agency fees, 6month min. stay required 5min walk to Shinsaibashi / Honmachi stations. Alex 09037030314 Contact: <alex@ abhousingosaka.com> Website: www.abhousingosaka.com

BENTENCHO APARTMENTS AVAILABLE. 1DK from 55000yen/

UNIVERSAL CITY, 150000YEN/ MONTH FULLY FURNISHED. 16th

KOBE: NO KEY MONEY NO AGENCY FEE. KOBE: No Key

month.. (Semi, and Fully Furnished also available) 1DK 55000 unfurnished, 1DK 70000 full furnished, 2DK 70000 unfurnished, 2DK 75000 unfurnished, 2DK 80000 semi furnished, 6min walk to Bentencho subway and JR Loopline stations. 15min bikeride to downtown Nanba/Shinsaibashi areas. Alex 09037030314 <alex@ abhousingosaka.com> www. abhousingosaka.com SHORT TERM STAYS FROM ¥140000/MTH, 3MTH+ STAYS FROM ¥80000/MTH. 2DK

fully furnished by Osakako subway station. 11min trainride to downtown Honmachi area. Short term stays from 1month at

floor apartment in 18story building. Only 5 year old building. Right by Universal Studios. No Key Money No Guarantors 1month refundable deposit 6month minimum stay required No Agency Fees 12min trainride to Umeda area by JR. Alex 09037030314 Contact: <alex@ abhousingosaka.com> Website: www.abhousingosaka.com

Room/flat share SHARED ACCOMMODATION FOR RENT IN OSAKA. Wagokoro:

Rent ¥39,000~, 9.72m2~, 8min walk from JRSenrioka st. / Marche Awaza: Rent ¥46,000~, 7.29m2~, 7min walk from Awaza st. No key money, deposit or guarantor.

Furnished. Initial cost: 1st month’s rent & handling fee(15,750). Mention Classified ad & handling fee is FREE. info@entrance-japan Contact: Entrance Japan<info@ entrance-japan.com> Website: www. entrance-japan.com

is preferable. Must be native speaker with valid visa. Payment: 2700-3000yen per hour and transportation. Contact us by email. ashiyaplus@hotmail.co.jp

PENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN KOBE!. Over 100-square-

Then we are looking for you! Mon/ Wed/Thu & some Sats. If you\'re interested for a PT teaching position (could lead to FT if willing to give at least 1year commitment) please call 06-6321-6108 1-5pm. Email us disc_eng@yahoo.co.jp with C/V and picture, Hankyu Kyoto Line Kamishinjo DISC ENGLISH SCHOOL

meter flat has rooms available. Modern appliances and many special extras (surround-sound movie system, 2-person-sized bathtub, washer:dryer and tons of closet space!) Walking distance to all major transport lines. Nonsmoking, considerate people only. 45000 yen+bills Contact Darren Contact: Zoob <zoobiechan110@ yahoo.com>

Shared House SHARE HOUSE SUPPORTER.

Share-college KOBE. JR Nada station Room charge \\32000(included utilities) about 30000en lower than the normal charge!! 2 person, English speaker or teacher. Task is English teacher 1 hour per week. Contact: DREAMERS INC<info@dreamersjp.com> Website: dreamers-jp.com

Jobs Education ENERGETIC PT INSTRUCTOR WANTED FOR NEW SCHOOL!!.

October/November 2013: Native/ near-native PT language instructor for adult classes. Require proper visa, BA minimum, and experience: 2500/hr plus transport. Please send your CV and contact information to: inoue@motherese.co.jp 06-63778844 Only interview prospects will be contacted: we thank you! PT ENGLISH/FRENCH TEACHERS. School in Ashiya/

Okamoto is looking for FT/ PT English, French and Korean teachers ASAP. University diploma

LOVE TO TEACH KIDS (KINDERGARTEN AGE TO HS)?.

ENERGETIC NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER WANTED. Energetic

native English speaker wanted. Int. Kinder in Shukugawa. F/T M-F. Visa s/ship avail. 2 min from Hankyu.10 min JR. Travel included. Email: tree-house@pearl.ocn.ne.jp Contact: Tanaka<tree-house@pearl. ocn.ne.jp> PT ENGLISH-SPEAKING WORKSHOP FACILITATORS. For

Japanese undergraduate program. Mid-Sept. to Jan. Wednesdays 8:30am-1pm in Kusatsu, Shiga. Pre- and ongoing training provided. Must be team player. Advanced interpersonal & business communication skills required. Great skill-building opportunity if interested in expanding career options in J Contact: Akira Sasabe <sasabe.akira@gmail.com> Website: www.linkedin.com/pub/akirasasabe/4/246/678 PT ENG TEACHER & PT JPN ENG TEACHER / STAFF WANTED. English teacher position

for classes from Tuesday to Saturday required. Prefer teacher who lives close to Ibaraki and Suita. Positions available ASAP. Please email us at royalenglish725@gmail.com 日本人の英語講師、スタッフ募集中! royalenglish725@gmail.com 又は、072-637-9899

42 42

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013 kansaiscene.com

PT INSTRUCTOR NEEDED.

Looking for a PT native English teacher for Wednesdays 330-700 near JR Kyoto line Kishibe stn, and Fridays 440-820 near Hankyu Shojaku stn. ¥2200/hour plus transport (¥1000/hour during short training period). Please email resumes to rainbowlearningcentre@ yahoo.ca Contact: Website: rainbow.8107.net NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS WANTED!. Small yet friendly

growing school in Senrioka seeks PT native English teachers for Tue &Fri for kids &adults. Starting \1,500-2,300 per hr depends on experience + transportation fee. Please send your resume and recent photo to abies_kids@yahoo.co.jp or 08042450011 for more details.

SEEKING A NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER IN SAKAI. We are

seeking an English teacher for a once or twice a week position. Previous teaching experience is appreciated. Applicants who are interested in a positrion, please send your resume via email to the address listed below. Successful applicants will be contacted further. info@ vacation-es.co.jp Website: www. vacation-es.jp/ PT INSTRUCTOR NEEDED IN SUITA. We need a PT native

English teacher to work Weds 330-700 near JR Kishibe stn (Kyoto line) and Fri 440-820 near Hankyu Shojaku stn. Students of all ages, but primarily kids. ¥2200/hr plus transport (¥1000/hr during short training). Please email resumes to rainbowlearningcentre@yahoo.ca www.rainbow.8107.net SATURDAY ENGLISH TEACHING JOBS. Looking for English

teachers, strictly native speakers. Preferably someone with a degree in Education or relevant experiences. Please E-mail us your resume and photo at or call at 0774-44-3929 22,000yen /day 8:45-16:45 (30times / year) Contact E-mail:misato@ ultrakids.net Contact: Japan Lead Cooperation <misato@ultrakids. net>

HYOGO IN-HOUSE CORPORATE POSITION. CES is seeking a Native

English speaker for a semi-f/t (Monday - Thursday) on-site corporate teaching position in the Hyogo area from October. 1-year contract. Daytime and evening classes. Attractive remuneration and support. Send resume to mark@ cesjapan.co.jp

General ADMIN & CAD STAFF NEEDED IN KISHIWADA. Irish company,

Importing McDonald';s Kitchen equipment, looking for energetic

Admin staff. Must be fluent in Japanese. Bonus to have skills/ experience in English, Importation, Purchasing, Logistics and Sales Admin work. Also looking for a experience CAD Engineer with relevant experience. Contact: Andy O\'Doherty <andy.odoherty@hki. com> Website: www.hki.com PART-TIME: NIGHTCLUB HOSTESS. スタッフ募集 Bar/

Nightclub Female hostess wanted for Fri-Sat! Located in Fuse (Kintetsu line) we offer Englishonly service. Basic Japanese abil., proper visa required. Will provide transportation after shift ends. ¥1500/hr~ please call 080-61883645 worldline888@yahoo.com Lets talk in English with customers! Contact: Higuchi<worldline888@ yahoo.com>

CARS FOR EXPORT. Send cars to your country from the Japanese auto auctions and earn a commission. Offer by a qualified member, experienced shipper. More details email: kobetradeco@gmail.com

with lovely U-co, our yoga teacher. Only 2 minutes from Osaka Station, next to Grand Front. Contact: <tonybrace@ukplus-osaka.jp> Website: www.ukplus-osaka.jp/en/ english-courses/yoga-in-english/

Events FREE ABACUS CLASS FOR FOREIGNERS. FREE ABACUS

CLASS for FOREIGNERS offered by O.C.C.I. and Osaka Abacus Assoc. to promote int'l goodwill. Individualized lessons taught in Japanese or English. Saturdays 10-12 am. Course material provided for free. Near Sakaisuji-Hommachi and Kitahama. Call: Moritomo Ken 06-6572-6877 Contact: Moritomo Ken <moritomo@osaka-abacus. or.jp> Website: sites.google.com/ site/osakasoroban/

Health & Beauty

ENGLISH SPEAKING BAR STAFF WANTED FOR NEWLY OPENED BAR IN UMEDA. Beer &

IT WORK. SEO,SMO,Web Design

Courses & Classes MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY AT DOSHISHA, KYOTO. Mindfulness-

based Cognitive Therapy research program is continuing at Doshisha University, Kyoto. It is open for all English speaking foreigners living in and around Kyoto and is free to participate. Anybody interested in joining in please visit the website for details. Contact: Michael Rasmussen<gkm0001@mail2. doshisha.ac.jp> Website: www. doshisha.vpweb.com.au

FUN BEGINNER YOGA CLASSES IN ENGLISH, IN UMEDA. Looking

for something new this autumn? Something to keep you healthy while meeting nice people? In a place which is comfortable and easy to get to? Well, come to UKPLUS Osaka for our Wed nite Yoga classes

Community Services INFORMATION IN ENGLISH.

Osaka Information Service for Foreign Residents offers information in English. Serivce is free of charge. Please feel free to contact us at 066941-2297 or jouhou-c@ofix.or.jp. Open Monday to Friday. Contact: Osaka Information Service for Foreign Residents<jouhou-c@ofix. or.jp> Website: www.ofix.or.jp/life/ index_e.html HOPE CHAPEL OSAKA INTERNATIONAL CHURCH.

Looking for a church? We are a modern church in Shinsaibashi with a no-pressure policy. Whether you are a christian or just curious, come along any Sunday at 1030 - www.hopechapelosaka. wordpress.com Contact: Cassandra Scott<cjscott10@gmail.com> Website: www.hopechapelosaka. wordpress.com

BAR KITTY is starting a new LIBRARY for English books! All books will be FREE to borrow!! If you have any books lying around, please clean out your room &bring them down, we're just 8mins fm Contact: kaori<playin_ka@yahoo. com> Website: blog.livedoor.jp/ barkitty/

Media / IT

Classes & events

Community listing

BOOK DONATIONS WANTED FOR BAR KITTY FREE LIBRARY.

Pizza Gosuke. Conversational level Japanese required. All nationalities welcome. 3 hrs a night, 6pm–5am. ¥900/hr (first month ¥850/hr). Please contact the manager, Mr. Asada at 06-6312-3387 (4pm– midnight).

work in English (pref. US,UK) 25 - 35 yrs. Osaka-Kobe city. Rem/hr. ID copy req'd. More details email: kobetradeco@gmail.com

Contact: <a1eigo1@gmail.com> Website: www.a1eigo.com/sale.htm

KANDA MEDICINE IN KOBE.

SHIATSU, ACUPUNCTURE and MOXIBUSTION Okamoto stn. on Hankyu Kobe-line, or Settsumotoyama stn. on JR Kobe-line Open everyday except Sunday and Public holiday 6am - 8pm 5,000 yen / session Tel: 078-412-5385 iPhone 090-9692-8758 hidomo@ gmail.com SHIATSU COURSES are also Offered. ENGLISH SPOKEN Contact: KANDA, Katsuhisa <hidomo@gmail.com> Website: www.zenonecompany.com/en/ health/

For Sale General ENGLISH SCHOOL & HOUSE FOR SALE ~ PRICE REDUCED.

Successful SCHOOL (not franchise) &comfortable renovated HOUSE in Sennan City. Income approx 400,000 yen /month + extra wkend income. Near AEON, supermkts, schools, Nankai and JR rail, KIX. All the help you need for a smooth transition + furniture air con internet etc PHONE 072 485 3896

Announcements PLAY FUTSAL. Join us for FUTSAL on Sunday morning. Japanese welcome! seoulmon@hotmail.com Contact: seoulmon<seoulmon@ hotmail.com> Website: fcintern. blogspot.jp/ OSAKA BOOK GOUP'S OCTOBER MEETING. We'll talk

about "The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared" written by Jonas Jonasson on October 20. The meeting starts at 1pm in Cafe Garb near Shinsaibas Contact: Massa<bookisbetter2012@yahoo. co.jp> Website: www.facebook.com/ masanaka

Sorry… Due to space restrictions we are unable to print all classified ads. See kansaiscene.com for more classifieds online.

Cine Libre Umeda 3F

ARC 6F

Grand Front Osaka

Umeda Sky Building

35F German Umeda 4F Consulate Garden Cinema Westin Hotel

Yodobashi Camera

JR Osaka Sta.

Mitsukoshi Isetan

Loft Maruzen & Junkudo Club Noon

Hankyu Umeda Kinokuniya Sta. Ings New Hankyu Toho Hotel Annex Hep 5 Hep Navio

Ume

Lucua

Craft Beer Base

Theater Umeda

jim

i-c

k za

Osaka YWCA

Hotel Kinki

Hanky

Ogimachi Park

rcade idori A

u Higa

Navio Toho Plex

Hankyu Dept.

med

shi U

Shin Midosuji

Higa

Alma Ogimachi Dori Latina Lagunaveil Sonezaki Daimaru Premier Visitors’ Police H.Q. Float Information Court ta. Umeda S Center da Piccadilly Hotel me Hanshin Asahiya U Dept. in Granvia Bookstore sh n a Hilton H E-ma 6F Plaza West Hotel Hilton Umeda Kansai Blarney Hotel Burg7 Stone Maru Bldg. Herbis Chedi Bldg #4 Ent Luang Tower 3/4F 5F Records Beer & Pizza Bldg #3 Outback Bldg #1 Bldg #2 GO_SUKE Steakhouse 33F Creamy 2F B1 Exeo Breeze Herbis Breeze Kita Shinchi Ritz Tanimachi Lin Osaka e o.2 Carlton N 1F Capt. Kangaroo te u 5F 3F Switch Ro Shinmei No.1 Travel Law Office 1F Mister Kelly’s Dojima Avanza US 4F Junkudo Consulate a

Nishi Umeda

Umeda

Entrance InterContinental Japan Osaka Hotel

Dojima

Kita Shinchi Ana Crown Plaza

NTT Data

YMCA

Police Station

Hospital

ma Dori

24F Na

niw

Hotel

Church

Chedi Luang Yodoyabashi

iha

Kitahama

Ostec Exhibition Hall Shrine

Temple

The Tag Free Space Studio 0 Movie Theatre

Miyabi Int’l Law Firm

sen

line

Naniwabashi/kitahama

Bank

City Hall

Utsubo Park

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Yodoyabashi

National Museum of Art

Edobori

Post Office

akanoshi

Tosabori River

ashi Lin Yotsub hi s Higoba

iv aR a jim him NTT s Do o n a k Na Rihga Royal Hotel

e ana Lin Keih noshim a k Na

Nishi Tenma

Hanshin Expresswa y(Loop R ou te) N

Oebashi Bank of Japan

i bebash Watana

ji Li

osu

Mid

ine in L Ma Sta. n i a nsh e Ha ushim Lin Fuk zai

200m

Arthur Murray

Crysta Nagahori (underground shopping)

Nagahori dori Shinsaibashi

Nishiohashi

Nagahori tsurumi-ryokuchi line Nagahoribashi

Ali’s Kitchen

line

Naniw

Tezukayama Gallery

Onzieme Daimaru Dept. Sankaku Cinem 11F South Koen @rt Triangle Apple Store Drop Clapper Fanj twice Lunar Grand Club Cafe Azul 4F Balabushka

DDD

Dotonbori

Coolabah

river

Spotaka México 5F

Sta.

amb a

JR N

Junkudo

Nam

Hotel Monterey

OCAT

Shinsaibashi 3F

Hotel T’point

Fubar

Murphy’s

The Blarney Stone

1F Zerro

SoemonHotel B1 Pure Osaka Cho Metro the 21 Dotonbori

Toho Cinemas Namba Nan-nan Town

Motomachi

NipponBashi

Cine Pop

Junkudo Tower Records

Swissotel Nankai Osaka

0 Post Office

Bank

Suomachi-dori (Europ

HigashiShinsaibashi

Namba

Little Long Beach

GS Travel

Hanshin expressway (loop route) Namba Walk (underground) Senni chimae lineNipponbashi bash Kintetsu Nara line 5 Namba walk Nippon

Namba Namba Sta.

Inari 23 mm

Cross Hotel

Dublin Bay / Dublin Garden

Namba Hatch Tominaga Hospital

5F Boy

Daimaru Dept.

Big step

Horie Park

MinamiHorie

OPA

Midosuji

a-suji

Family Mart

Daimaru Dept. North

Nikko Hotel

Uniqlo

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

KitaHorie

Cafe 1F Absinthe

Yotsubashi

Covent Garden

El Pancho

Yotsubashi

Kitahorie Hospital

Minamisenba

Tokyu Hands

Sakaisuji

Mizuho Bank

Shinsaibashi/Namba

Shinmachi

Kansai Scene Mojoprint Office

Police Station

Hospital

Hotel

Church

200m Shrine

Temple

Movie Theatre

Kobe Sauna

Kobe Ikuta Junior High School

Post Office

JR Motomachi sta.

Minato Bank

Police Station

Hospital

ine wa yl

Sanjo-dori

Movix Kyoto

Sanjo

Starbucks

Sanjo

Kawaramachi

Marui

Takashimaya

i Yamatoji-dor

Gion Kiraku Inn

-dori kawa Shirakawa river Shira

Shijo-dori Minamiza Theatre

Shrine

Temple

Movie Theatre

Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art Gion Hotel

Joko-in 0

Church

Hanamikoji-dori

World

Pontocho

Kyoto Royal BLDG.

Kiyamachi-dori

ori

Junkudo 7F Bal

Keihan Line

Sanjo

Gion s hijo

Fuji Daimaru

Hotel

200m

Wakamatsu-dori

-d Kawaramachi

Teramachi Shotengai Shinkyogoku Shotengai

Shin Kyogoku Cine Lalibe

Hankyu Line

Bank

Kyoto Royal Hotel

Gokomachi-dori

Fuyacho-dori

Tominokoji-dori

Yanaginobanba-dori

Sakaimachi-dori

Kyoto Post Office

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku

Oike-dori

OPA

Teramachi Area

Movie Theatre

Hotel Okura

Mina

Kawara Machi

Temple

Kobe City Hall

Shiyakushomae

Jomo Gas

Daimaru

Shrine

Sannomiya Hanadokeimae st.

Aoyama

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Kyoto City Hall

Tozai Subway Line

Church

Port liner

Daimaru Dept.

Kainan lin

San

Sansei Hosp.

World Express

miya anno JR S Sun City OS Cinemas 7F Junkudo iya Mint Kobe m no San Tower Hotel Tokyu Inn SannomiyaRecords SOGO Dept. Marga 5F Kinokuniya 8F Kobe Kokusai Kaikan 1F HSBC

Flower road

Subway

Hotel

Route 2 San Plaza Sannomiya Cine Marui Center Phoenix Center Plaza East Plaza West Junkudo Kowka 4F

2F Guild

Kyukyoryuchi Daimarumae

Hospital

miya

Nankin-machi

Police Station

1F 7F Hobgoblin

Sannomiya

Sanchika un

Hanshin line

Bank

Midnight Express 5F

Trinity 3F

Tokyu 4F Hands Iznt

tetsudo Kobe kosoku

Motomachi

Ikuta jinja

Hotel Monterey

Hanakuma Park

Ikuta Police Station

Oriental Dental Clinic 4F Hotel Tor Road

Hyogo-ken Prefectural Hall

Kobe Grocers

a KIC

d Fu

Sh iei Ya ma te s

Soraku Park

Kitanozaka

Kobe Mosque Kobe Womens St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Junior International College School Yamate kansen

Kobe YWCA

1F Bistrot Cafe De Paris

Hunterzak

Pearl Street

Tor Road

Sannomiya

Kitano-cho

Yamamoto-dori

Cafe Terrace De Paris 3F

200m

Gion Kaikan

N Yasaka Jinja