KANSAI’S ENGLISH MAGAZINE
無料 issue 163 December 2013
www.kansaiscene.com
Winter treats
Seize the season: holiday food, Biwako’s ski resorts, snowman festival
the holiday issue Plus+ Get outta town!
Guide to Kansai rail passes Sri Lanka: next big thing 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 DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
© Dabiz & Junko Books
Contents Features Features
Bringing home the Christmas
p08
Just the (discount) ticket
p12
Travel
Snow on Your Doorstep
p10
COVER ART: David Molinero
A Gem of an Island: Sri Lanka
p14
David is one half of publishing duo Dabiz & Junko Books. His vivid watercolor cover depicts characters from his children’s books. Find out more on p.20.
Food & drink
Craft Beer Base, Osaka
p16
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6
Business Matters
10
5
Pedalling to success
4
p07
7
3
Events
Umeda Snowman Festival
p23
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12
Listings
1
07
Events p26 Film p24 Art
p30
Live Music
p32
Club
p36
Business Finder
p38
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16
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
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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.
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KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
Got some news?
News & Openings
for on the lookout KS is always ents and new newsworthy ev n. tow und openings aro ggestions to Email your su cene.com ais ns editor@ka
Write for human rights UMEDA — Interna-
tional Human Rights Day is on December
10. Amnesty International, the world’s largest human rights group, organizes a global “Write-a-thon” in which millions of people worldwide join together to speak out (“write out”!) about human rights abuses. Amnesty International Japan, Group 95 (Kansai English language group)
participates with a focused, but relaxed, social WRITE-FOR-RIGHTS! event. It will be held at The Blarney Stone in Umeda on December 8, Sunday, 3pm to 5:45pm, but feel free to drop in any time to meet the group. It’s a free event and there’s no need to RSVP. All writing materials and information in English and Japanese will be supplied, but writing is not required for participation. Feel free to come just for information or fun. For more information check the Facebook Event page or call or email Louisa from the team. facebook.com/events/569762033078942
Short film fest reels more in KOBE & OSAKA — Future Shorts, the International short film festival that has been held in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe this year is holding its Autumn program this month. Kobe’s Autumn season show is on December 1, and Osaka’s will be at Pinebrooklyn Bar on Saturday December 7, 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Seats are limited so pre-register early to bag a place. Price: ¥2,000/¥1,500 for students, drinks ¥500 • Email: hi@wasabicreation.com wasabicreation.com
Email: amnesty.grp95@gmail.com Tel: Louise: 072-258-3560
Hooters comes to town OSAKA — Anyone who needs their fix of tater tots or fried pickles should be happy to hear Hooters is coming to Kansai this month. What? You’re not really interested in the food? Shame, because the menu looks like a pretty good offering of American bar grub. After running a successful beer garden in Nakanoshima this summer the big-name American brand has decided to open up shop in Osaka. They’ve already got two successful restaurants running in Tokyo, which are proving oddly popular with female diners. Expect chicken wings, grilled meats and burgers, flat-screen sports entertainment and some cheeky fun from the famed female staff. Opens mid-December in Honmachi, Osaka. Open 11:30am–11pm. • www.hooters.co.jp
KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
French Connections The latest news for francophiles in Kansai, by Stephan Ducoup
Cafe Absinthe turns 10 SHINSAIBASHI — Cafe Absinthe is marking its 10th anniversary this year with a big birthday bash. The party will be held not at the bar itself, but at a subterranean party space near Triangle Park in Amemura (remember the Rampage Halloween party?). The fun begins at 7pm on Dec 7 and promises live music, DJs, and projection mapping. See the advert this issue on the inside back page for map and more details. absinthe-jp.com/cafe-absinthe
Video adventures in Kansai OSAKA — Kansai Scene has teamed up with filmmaking duo Felicity Tillack and Ryann Beres (wherenextjapan. com) to bring you some monthly video shorts to inspire and delight. Our new Adventures in Kansai video series will introduce local travel getaways, events and cultural insights, in a 3-minute reportage video format. The first in the series is a report on traveling to Koya-san to enjoy the autumn leaves and soak up some culture.
Bonjour! December is already here! This month has a unique flavor of sadness because it’s already the end of the year and happiness because of Christmas celebrations. December is also the favorite month in Europe for kids, with school holidays, snowy weather and the venue of the generous fat guy with gray hair wearing a red coat! In Japan, December means also Christmas but not in a religious or family-related event way. Christmas Eve in Japan is the ultimate evening of love for Japanese couples. As French people tend to gather in their countryside grandparents house for the family meeting of the year, Japanese couples tend to gather in the most romantic restaurant of the city. Anyway, in both cases, Christmas means gifts and love, so let’s all enjoy it together. Joyeux Noel!
French Events in Kansai Gypsy concert by French group La Caravane Passe, Dec 2 at Institut Franco Japonais Kyoto. Kansai French meeting in Osaka and Kyoto, check the Facebook page 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 www.parisaleas.com
Watch the video online at kansaiscene.com/video.
The final countdown
Christmas party for kids
KANSAI — It’s not all about Christmas this month of course. Come Dec 26, all the X’mas decorations will be torn down and replaced with New Year trappings. To see in the new year and remember little of it the day after, there are countdown parties happening across Kansai on the 31st, from the smallest bars to the super clubs. For a Kyoto night out, Club Butterfly in Kyoto promises a glittering good time in its recently refurbished LED wonderland (butterfly-kyoto. com). In Osaka, Club Pure will be delivering an all-youcan-drink countdown special (pure-osaka.com) and Zerro, celebrating its 8th anniversary this month, will have special DJ countdown party. If you prefer a more sober way to welcome the new year, World Express travel agency (www.wexp.co.jp/e-index.htm) is offering a special hiking tour to watch the sunrise from the top of Mt. Hakusan in Hyogo (see ad on p.28).
NISHINOMIYA — Nishinomiya International Kids Club is holding a Christmas party for babies and preschool children on December 14. The event will be held from 10:30am to 11:30am and includes crafts, games and book reading. The fee is ¥150 per child to cover cost of materials and insurance. To register or get more information, send your name, number of children, address and phone number to NIA and you’ll receive a confirmation email. niasakura@ceres.ocn.ne.jp Tel: 0798-32-8680
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KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
Business Matters
Pedalling to success Osaka is filled with bicycles: you literally can’t avoid them some days. If you can’t beat ‘em… but you don’t want to invest in one just yet, why not rent one? Enter Cycle Osaka, the brainchild of Osaka resident, Sam Crofts. Text: KS
Kansai Scene: Why did you start Cycle Osaka? Sam Crofts: I had been riding around Osaka and loving it for years. Whenever I had friends from out of town, I would borrow bikes from my local friends and do a DIY tour. Then one day I was chatting to a guy who was raving about a bike tour he had done in another city and the penny dropped. I googled Osaka bike tours and when I found that there wasn’t much out there, I just decided to give it a go. KS: Is Osaka a good city to discover by bicycle? SC: It is the most amazing place to discover on two wheels. It’s too big to cover by foot (and who wants sore feet?), and if you take the train you miss so much of the real city in between the major sights. Add to that the fact that cycling is a green and healthy method of transport, Osaka is pretty flat and people are generally considerate, and you have a top city for riding. KS: Do you provide mama-chari style bikes or something sleeker? SC: We decided to go for six-speed cross bikes, which are somewhere between road bikes and mountain bikes. The gears are nice and they look cool in tourist pictures. Many of our guests say they like the bikes with orange tyres, though I am not sure why?! KS: Who are your typical customers? SC: We don’t really have a typical cus-
tomer. They have included professionals in town for conferences, couples on holiday, airline pilots, students on gap years, and English teachers from across Japan.
couple of bars and cafes in town, but our presence is mostly online. We have a good TripAdvisor profile, a decent Google ranking, a clean website and a few likes on Facebook.
KS: What have been the main obstacles to getting the business launched? SC: Really just fitting in all the tours and other associated things (arranging bookings, bike maintenance, website stuff) with my own schedule. I have been lucky to have two top guys helping me with the tours and a very patient wife helping me with Japanese business law. Thankfully, I think we’re all getting the hang of things now.
KS: How long is a typical tour and how do they work? SC: We basically have a two tours: a 3-hour and 6-hour course, both limited to 6 people to maintain a friendly, non-touristy atmosphere. We meet in the morning, have a quick orientation about the bikes and how cycling in Osaka may be different from elsewhere in the world. Then we just head out. The route is really great and takes advantage of all sorts of cycle-friendly paths and pretty photo opportunities. We stop for drinks, snacks, pictures, and sometimes just for a sit-down, it all depends on the group.
KS: How did you finance the operation? SC: A credit card and crossed fingers... KS: Cycle Osaka is currently number one on TripAdvisor’s ‘things to do in Osaka’ list. Was that by design? SC: Not really. I just wanted to design a really cool day out for people and show them that there’s more to Japan than Tokyo and Kyoto, and there’s more to Osaka than a castle and USJ. I was always aware of the power of TripAdvisor and I knew that climbing the rankings would be an important way to both measure how we are doing, and also attract new customers, but I didn’t think we would do so well so quickly. KS: What kind of marketing or promotion are you doing? SC: We have flyers in local hostels, a
KS: Where do you see Cycle Osaka one year from now? SC: I would love our tours to entice people into spending a day in Osaka when they otherwise wouldn’t have done. The numbers of foreign tourists visiting Osaka is tiny compared to Kyoto or Tokyo, so if we could redress the balance even by a fraction it would be a great result…
To find out more or to book a tour see cycleosaka.com
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Feature
Bringing home the Christmas No need to book the overpriced flight this year - you can bring a taste of Christmas past to your present. Text: Matthew Coslett
Christmas is a-comin! If you’ve got childhood memories of gifts under the tree and turkey on the table, adjusting to Christmas present in Japan can be a tricky time. It’s a working day for most; and if your Japanese family and friends can actually get time off to celebrate with you, of course you want to share a real taste of home with them. Buying a tree and some kawaii Christmas decorations is easy, as shops here have definitely embraced the more commercial side of Christmas. Christmas cake is in plentiful supply too – thought it’s likely to be sweeter and creamier than the stuff your folks will be sharing.
Turkey The centerpiece of the Christmas meal still remains one of the hardest things
to get hold of. No Christmas meal in the US, Australia or the UK is complete without a real turkey. But it’s not a popular meat in Japan; and even if you can get hold of it, most Japanese homes lack a big enough oven to cook it in. If you’ve got an oven, you’ve got two choices. For grab-off-the-shelf-and-go, your best bet is the old faithful Costco, where you can pick up a turkey (around ¥5,000) plus all the trimmings. Or, order your bird online with The Meat Guy (themeatguy.jp), who offers everything from plain turkeys to the turducken – a chicken stuffed inside a duck, stuffed inside a turkey! Prices vary depending on size, but a familysized turkey will cost around ¥7,000. Of course, supplies in both cases are limited, so plan ahead if the turkey will make or break your meal.
Trimmings While you’re shopping around online, you may want to visit the Foreign Buyer’s Club website (fbcusa.com), which offers some of those hard-to-find trimmings like cranberry sauce (¥420), mince pie filling (¥685), canned yams (¥455), advent calendars (around ¥650) and family-sized turkeys (¥4,0005,000). Similar products and prices are also offered by the Britsuperstore website (britsuperstore.com). Just remember that shipping is from the UK, so be careful to place your order in time and watch your packaging and import costs carefully.
Puddings While roast bird often steals the yuletide show, let’s not overlook the all-important Christmas pud. For the
KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
Eating Out
most authentic mince pies, stollen and Christmas pudding in Kansai, the ever popular British bakery Broadhurst’s (shopping.broadhursts.com) is your go-to destination. If this doesn’t satisfy your cravings, both Takashimaya and Hankyu department stores are falling over themselves to be the first to popularize Yule Logs (Bûche de Noël) in Kansai (expect to pay around ¥4,000) and Seijoishii are trying the same for mince pies (¥890 for a family box) and rich fruit Christmas pudding (¥1,490). In previous years, it has been difficult to get your hands on good gingerbread, but that all changed when the Hilton Osaka set up a small shop in its foyer selling everything from gingerbread Christmas tree packs (¥1,480) to those wonderfully decorated houses (between ¥3,600 and ¥4,900 depending on size). Nestled next to the hotel’s seasonal display and tastefully decorated tree, the shop will delight kids for more reasons than one. A short reindeer ride away at the Umeda Sky Building, the annual German Christmas market is somewhere you can warm your hands with a hot wine and munch on enormous slabs of iced gingerbread while admiring the towering light-strewn tree. Expect to pay around ¥1,000 for the experience.
And if you shudder at the idea of brining turkeys or beating eggnog, there are plenty of places that will take the cooking out of your hands. In Osaka, there will be real stuffed turkey and gravy on offer at stalwart Café Absinthe (¥1,500) and it’s sister venue Absinthe Solaar, where there will also be live jazz and illuminations as part of the package (¥6,000). Similarly, The Blarney Stone will be putting on their Irish Christmas dinner of turkey with sage and onion stuffing, veggies, gravy and a dessert (¥2,200). Those with gigantic appetites should consider Checkers at the Hilton Osaka who will be offering their authentic American-style Christmas buffet for between ¥3500 and ¥4,500 depending on the day. Head to the Hyatt Regency Osaka for annual Christmas Lunch Buffet (¥3,500) at the 1F The Cafe, where the kids can meet Santa between Dec 22–25. Or, if you are looking for a more romantic setting, head up to the 28F The Bay Lounge to enjoy their Christmas Gala Dinner (¥18,000), featuring live music and breathtaking views over the Bay. Hyogo will be hosting Christmas dinner at the fun-loving Mickey’s Club. This year the menu will consist of a deep fried turkey plate with rosemary stuffing, maple-glazed squash, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, gingered mixed veggies and cornmeal buns (¥2,500 per plate with a dessert and a glass of red wine).
Romantic setting: Table for two overlooking the bay at the Hyatt Regency Osaka.
In a nod to the romantic side of the festival in Japan, Tadg McLoughlin’s Irish Bar in Kyoto will be offering candlelit dinners on December 24 and 25. Diners will be treated to a starter; an authentic turkey roast with sage stuffing, cranberry sauce and a special giblet gravy; plus the Irish favourites of Irish porter and whiskey Christmas cake and plum pudding for dessert (¥4,000). Book early to avoid disappointment. Of course there are some alternatives for those looking for a new spin on tradition. Clapham Inn in Ashiya will be offering a seasonal minty lamb shank with a Guinness or Heineken, and Tavola 36 at the Swissôtel Namba will again be holding their annual Italian-style Christmas buffet (¥3,900). Whichever you choose, you can enjoy Christmas your way this year without having to leave Japan. Happy Christmas.
Restaurants and bars • Tadg McLoughlin’s Irish Bar: tadgs.com • The Blarney Stone: the-blarney-stone.com • Clapham Inn: facebook.com/claphaminn • Mickey’s Club: mickeysclub.jp • Checkers: hiltonosaka.com/restaurants • Tavola 36: swissotel-osaka.co.jp/restaurant • The Cafe, The Bay Lounge: osaka.regency.hyatt.jp
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Travel
Snow on Your Doorstep Is ski-fever rising? Discover Shiga Prefecture’s lesser-known snowy gems this winter.
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Text: Daniel Ollson • Illustration: Niole LaRue
Shiga Prefecture is on our doorstep and boasts a wealth of snow-sport facilities that are often over-looked in favour of more well known places further afield. Next time you are tempted into a cheeky weekend - or just a day - in the snow, consider one of Shiga’s seven ski resorts. There is something to satisfy any skier or boarder from beginner to pro - but remember that resorts with more options and longer courses are more popular and therefore can be crowded, especially at the weekend. 1
Biwako Valley
Biwako Valley is the most well known snow-sports resort in Shiga and for good reason. It boasts eight courses varying in length from a short 400m nursery slope to the fun ‘cruising’ 1400m Champions Course. There is one black run here with an average gradient of 17 degrees and reaching 30 degrees at its steepest point. In short, there is enough here for a skier or snowboarder of any level to enjoy a one or two day trip. However, the popularity of Biwako Valley usually results in crowds, especially at the weekend. Access: 10 min bus journey from Shiga station on the Kosei line. Only 50mins from Kyoto. 2
Kutsuki Snow Park
Katsuki is the smallest of Shiga’s resorts with three lifts serving two starting points. With a focus on kids and beginners most of the piste is a steady 5 to 15 degrees with a couple of sections for advanced skiers and boarders. The main, and longest course is sweetly named the Romance Course but you will have to discover why for yourself! Access: There are no public buses serving Katsuki Snow Park. Close to Takashima-shi it is about a 1 hr drive from Kyoto. 3
Hakodateyama Ski Resort If cross-country skiing is more your thing then Hakodateyama is the Shiga spot for you. A 3.5 kilometre course around the
perimeter of the site makes this the biggest resort, in terms of meterage of piste, in the prefecture. The rest of the piste is relatively tame with only a couple of minor sections that have a gradient of over 30 degrees. Again, Hakodate is ideal for beginners and families with children and there is always Hako-chan to cheer you up if you spend most of the day on your bum.
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Access: A 20 min bus journey from Omiimazu Station on the Kosei line. Buses run every hour. 4
Makino Highland Makino Ski Resort Primarily aimed at families with children, Makino Highland is not for the hardcore skier or snowboarder. There is a popular summer camping ground here that is used as a base for hiking in the local area and in winter snow-shoe trekking through the cedar forest is the main event for adults. For children there is the Kids’ Park with a great hill for sledging and generally playing in the snow. There is a small ski area that could pass a couple of hours. There is also a large, multi bath onsen on-site for after the fun. Access: 15 min bus journey from Makino Station on the Kosei line.
Ways and means A full day lift pass will set you back about ¥4,000 at most resorts (¥3,000 for a half-day). Equipment rentals are available from ¥4,500 for a board/skis and boots set (per day) but you can also hire warm hats and gloves or full snow-suits (prices vary). A plastic sledge for the kids can be rented for about ¥500 a day.
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Après-ski Where to stay? All of the ski resorts except Makino Highland and Biwako Valley offer on-site accommodation during the 6
Yogo Kogen Resort Yap
Kunizakai Kogen Snow Park Kunizakai Kogen is a family oriented place ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers and boarders. Like Yogo Kogen there is a floodlit section that stays open late but this is small and would only serve to extend your stay for an hour or so into the evening. With three short intermediate courses and a long meandering beginners’ course, Kunizakai is ideal for getting started or a gentle one day trip. It is a little beyond Biwako Valley but is generally much quieter.
and a central hotel are common
The oddly named Yap Resort boasts a floodlit course that remains open until 11pm throughout the season. There is also a well equipped snow park with kickers, boxes, rails and a bowl, which also remains open into the night. There are only four lifts, however, meaning you will probably have tried everything after a couple of hours.
to many with Yogo Kogen being
Access: Around 1 hr 45 mins from Kyoto
accommodation and would make a
by car. Buses run from Kinomoto and
good base for two or three day trips.
Nagahama stations. 5
ski season. A combination of cabins
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Oku Ibuki Ski Resort
particularly attractive. Makino Grand Park Hotel offers one night with an dinner and breakfast for under ¥9000 and is conveniently located for access to Kunizakai Kogen and Hakodateyama. Nagahama is a large city in the north of Shiga with a wealth of
Onsen Takashima Onsen and Sugatani
Okuibuki is on the border of Shiga and Gifu prefectures and with less total meterage than Biwako Valley, is also generally less crowded. There are nine lifts serving the different pistes which run from 300m to 900m. The ‘New Challenge Course’ is a near cliff drop with an average gradient of 43 degrees and will be enough to get even the seasoned pro giddy. The ‘Snow Park’ includes kickers, boxes and rails but there is no half-pipe.
Onsen are both conveniently located
Access: By public transport you will be
Shiga, try the mineral rich waters of
tied to a single bus. The bus leaves from
Nagahama Taiko Onsen.
Access: 35 mins by bus from Ominakasho
Ominagaoka at 8:40 and the return is at
station on the Kosei line.
16:15. Around 80 mins from Kyoto by car.
at the foot of the mountains on Lake Biwa’s western shore but the pick of onsen in that region is Makino Shirotani Onsen with delightful outdoor baths. Closer to Kyoto, the natural onsen waters of Ogoto will soothe aching bodies with Ogoto Agariyanse a large complex with plenty of space if you happen to be travelling in a big group. If you’ve been to either of the resorts in the north of
More info: en.biwako-visitors.jp
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Feature
Just the (discount) ticket Overseas visitors aren’t the only ones who can save on expensive train travel. Get the scoop on some annual deals for locals. Text: Ashley Thompson • Illustration: Nicole LaRue
Train travel is pretty pricy for residents, much to our chagrin when overseas friends come to visit and want to travel around together. If you have a tourist visa, you have the option to use the Japan Rail Pass or other region-specific passes, which can save some serious yen. But all is not lost if you live in Japan: railway companies across the country offer numerous discounts for Japan residents, including deals for the shinkansen, albeit the information is usually only available in Japanese. While you can find discounts anywhere in Japan, you can definitely save a few hundred to several thousand yen on your travels around Kansai. Here’s how.
From Kansai Airport If you plan to travel to a city in Kansai from the airport, you have several inexpensive options. Here are a few: Kyoto Access Ticket: This ticket allows you to take local trains to Kawaramachi station. The route requires three transfers to different train lines. One-way fare is ¥1,200 and express trains are excluded. Get the “Kyoto akusesu kippu”. Kobe Access Ticket: ¥1,100 gets you from the airport to Sannomiya station via local trains with one transfer at Namba. Purchase at the Nankai Train station at Kansai airport. Ask for the “Kobe akusesu kippu”. Nara Access Ticket: Either oneway or round-trip tickets via local
trains to Kintetsu Nara Station are available. The return ticket, if purchasing a round trip ticket, must be used within a month from the date of purchase. The one-way fare is ¥1,200 and round trip tickets cost ¥2,400. Get the “Nara akusesu kippu”. All of the above tickets can only be purchased at either Nankai station at Kansai Airport and one-way tickets are valid only on the day of purchase.
To Kansai Airport If you’re traveling to Kansai Airport from Osaka and don’t need roundtrip tickets, buy a one-way ticket for ¥1,100 to ride the express Rapi:t train on the Nankai line. The train departs
KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
from Namba station and stops at major stations along the line. Tickets can be purchased at any of these train stations starting a month before you leave. Ask for the “kankuu tokuwari rapiito kippu”. If you’re looking for a round-trip option to the airport, the Haruka Airport Express offers tickets to and from Tennoji Station for ¥3,000 (adult fare), ¥3,600 for Shin Osaka and ¥4,700 for Kyoto, to list a few. They are valid for 14 days from the day of departure and if you don’t have a return date, pick up your return ticket at the station on your way back. Tickets can be bought a month ahead and are available year-round. Ask for a “haruka oufuku waribiki kippu.”
Universal Studios Japan JR Pass This pass includes round-trip tickets to and from stations within the Kansai area on JR local, rapid and super rapid trains; a JR Osaka free pass; and a ticket to Universal Studios Japan. The pass and park ticket must be used within the same day. Prices range from ¥7,200 to ¥10,000 for adults (depending on where you are departing from) and ¥4,700 to ¥6,100 for children. Tickets can be purchased at major JR stations.
Osaka Kaiyu Ticket This one-day travel pass, gives you unlimited use of the Municipal subways and buses and includes the admission fee to the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan). Good value, particularly if you are travelling on multiple trains during the day. ¥2,400 adults or ¥1,100 children. Entry to the Aquarium alone is ¥2,000/¥900. Available at all subway station kiosks throughout Osaka.
Osaka Unlimited Pass
Kuroshio Round Trip Ticket
This one-day ‘ride free’ pass for ¥2,000 gives you access to the private city train lines, the subway, buses and the New Tram within Osaka. What’s more, it also gets you in to 28 local attractions for free! On sale twice a year in Spring/ Summer and Autumn/Winter. Currently available until Mar 31 and must be used by Apr 30. Find it at tourist information centers and major stations within Osaka. Comes with a coupon and guide book. Note: Anyone can get the one day pass, but the two day variety requires a passport with a tourist visa to buy. There is also a special Nankai Railway version available for ¥2,300 that includes the Nankai network too. See: www.osaka-
The Kuroshio Express offers discounted tickets for trips between Kyoto and Shingu, Wakayama. Costs vary depending on where and how far you travel. For example, a roundtrip ticket from Shin-Osaka to Shirahama costs ¥8,000, which saves you ¥2,900. Child fare is ¥1,500 between Tennoji and Wakayama or ¥2,000 outside of that area. Tickets must be purchased by Mar 31 and used by Apr 7 and at least two tickets must be bought. They can be purchased 21 days in advance of the departure date. Seating is limited and you can’t make changes to the tickets after purchase. Tickets must be bought for the same departure and arrival stations. Ask for the “Kuroshio shiteiseki oufuku kippu”.
info.jp/osp/en/
Enjoy Eco card A one-day travel card that costs ¥800 (¥600 on weekends or holidays) and is valid for travel on all of Osaka’s subways, New Tram and buses. It’s also good for discounts to major sightseeing attractions around the city.
Kyoto Miyakobito Day Pass Head to Kyoto for the day with the “Kyoto miyakobito 1 day chiketto”, courtesy of Nankai, Semboku and Keihan Railways and the Osaka subway. The free ride pass is good for one day and costs anywhere from ¥1,400 to ¥2,300, depending on your departure station. The free ride area differs for each pass. The pass can be purchased at train stations along those lines and includes coupons for the Kyoto area.
Many of the above passes will expire in March next year (as is typical every year) to make way for new passes, which are often similar. The list isn’t comprehensive, as most railways in Kansai offer their own discounted passes, coupons and other deals. To find them, visit any railway site and search for お得な (otokuna, meaning a deal or special) or 回数券 (kaisuuken, coupons). You’ll usually see お得な as お 得なきっぷ (otokuna kippu) or お得な乗車 券 (otokuna joushaken), both meaning ticket deals. To save even more on transportation or admission, search for お得な on any destination website (in Japanese).
Nara and Ikaruga Day Pass For ¥2,000, this pass allows you to ride in designated areas on the Nankai line (except from Kansai airport and Koyasan stations), the Semboku line, the Kintetsu line, and the Nara transit buses. Must purchase before Mar 31 and use by Apr 30. Ask for a “Nara Ikaruga 1 day chiketto” at Nankai and Semboku stations.
Transport links • Osaka Municipal Transportation Bureau: www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp • Nankai Railway: www.howto-osaka.com.e.iv.hp.transer.com • JR West: www.westjr.co.jp/global/en • Hankyu Railway: rail.hankyu.co.jp/en • Keihan Railway: www.keihan.co.jp/en • Kintetsu Railway: www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english
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KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
© srilanka.travel
Travel
A Gem of an Island Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the top travel destinations in Asia, with a fascinating cultural and ecological heritage waiting to be explored.
India
Bay of Bengal
Sri Lanka Columbo
Batticaloa Kandy
Galle
Text: Sally McLaren • Images: Albie Sharpe & Sri Lanka Tourism
An island of spectacular landscapes, fascinating history and diverse culture, it’s little wonder that Lonely Planet designated Sri Lanka as their top tourist destination for 2013. Renowned since ancient times as ‘the island of gems’, Sri Lanka has an abundance of precious stones as well as many other wonderful natural assets. The beaches are probably the best in Asia – clean, not crowded and perfect for swimming, scuba diving and surfing. The rivers, rainforests and even the arid plains offer magnificent views. You can join an elephant safari in one of the national parks, or go on a whalewatching expedition. Sri Lankans are friendly and welcoming, and English is widely spoken. The local cuisine is based on fish, vegetables and coconuts, with a tantalising mix of traditional Ayurvedic herbs and spices, and is tasty and nutritious. The country has a deep spiritual heritage - it’s considered to be one of the heartlands of Buddhism and diverse communities of Sinhalese, Tamils, Burghers, Muslims and Malays.
The Portuguese, Dutch and British all colonized Sri Lanka, but before that there were centuries of trade with the Arabs. All these influences can still be seen today, making for an enthralling cultural experience. After almost 30 years of civil war, it’s a good time to visit Sri Lanka – many areas are opening up and the tourist infrastructure is improving, with better roads and services.
City by the Sea Most guidebooks aren’t very complimentary about the capital city of Colombo. It’s certainly noisy, polluted and chaotic. However, it’s also full of leafy streets and suburbs (with names like Cinnamon Gardens), excellent restaurants and a burgeoning contemporary art scene. Colombo has an intriguing range of both colonial and modern architecture – from the grandiose 19th century buildings of Fort, to the striking modern design of the Parliament building by Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, the pioneer of the Tropical Modernism style of architecture.
Bawa’s former office is now Gallery Cafe, the city’s most stylish eatery. One of the best ways to meet the people of Colombo is to go for a sunset stroll along Galle Face Green – an open space by the sea that was a horse race track in colonial times but now attracts hordes of locals for kite-flying, picnics and paddling in the sea. It’s a great place to strike up a conversation, and as the sun sets you can nibble on street snacks such as isso vadai – deep-fried lentil patties topped with prawns.
Going Barefoot The laid-back beach resorts of Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa on the south and
south-west coasts are great places to relax and enjoy the sea and sand. If you catch the train from Colombo you can still see the scars of the 2004 tsunami as you pass through the colourful fishing villages that hug the coastline. Another way to go south cheaply and quickly is by taking the highway bus from Colombo to Galle on the Southern Expressway. Galle is a marvelous old Dutch Fort town with quaint streets
KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
15 © srilanka.travel
Opposite page left: Tea plantations. Right: Arugam Bay Left: The dramatic cliffs at World’s End. Above: Cave paintings at Sigiriya.
of colonial villas, as well as mosques, temples, shrines and churches. There are also plenty of designer boutiques, jewellery shops and art galleries to spend time in. The east coast is much less visited than the south, as it is more difficult to get there. The journey by train to Batticaloa, also a Fort town, passes through arid plains and chains of lagoons, with some war damaged buildings still visible. From Batti, as it’s referred to locally, it’s a couple of hours by bus to the town of Pottuvil, from where you take a three-wheeler taxi to the village of Arugam Bay. The bay was heavily damaged in the tsunami, but has recovered to become a popular destination for surfers and the coastline is stunning. The arduous trip will be compensated for by friendly locals, spicy cashew nut snacks and the amazing natural scenery.
The Cultural Triangle The dry zone of central Sri Lanka is where Sri Lankan civilization began over two thousand years ago, and these ancient sites of the cultural triangle indicate how technologically advanced the societies were with their ‘tank’ reservoirs and sophisticated water irrigation systems. The ‘triangle’ refers to the archeological sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla. At the top of the triangle is Anurad-
hapura, a major pilgrimage destination with a sacred Bo tree. On the east side, Polonnaruwa has wonderful examples of rock carving, and in the west there is Dambulla, with exquisitely detailed paintings on the walls and ceiling of its ancient cave temples. In the centre of the triangle lies the breathtaking rock citadel of Sigiriya, with its murals of celestial nymphs, and the Buddhist centre of Mihintale. Aside from Anuradhapura, the distances between the sites aren’t huge and can be managed by local bus services.
Tea Time Ceylon tea is world-famous and it is a very important export for Sri Lanka. The vast tea fields – dotted with tea pickers in their brightly coloured saris and colonial bungalows – carpet the hillsides. The train from Kandy, another important site of Sri Lankan Buddhism and culture, winds its way up through the hills to Nuwara Eliya. There’s not a lot to see and do in Nuwara Eliya itself, but it’s a good base for visiting the tea plantations, where you can see the whole process and sample a fresh cuppa. You can also visit World’s End, a dramatic cliff escarpment that marks the edge of the Hill Country and on a good day, has views out over the south coast.
Ways & means Accommodation From boutique hotels in beautifully restored colonial villas and tea factories converted to luxury hotels, as well as quaint guesthouses with tropical gardens and breezy beach huts – Sri Lanka has accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. In Colombo it’s mostly high-end hotels but backpacker hostels are starting to pop-up, and some are both stylish and very reasonably priced.
When to go Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons – roughly from April to September in the west and south-west of the island, and October to March in the east and north-east. Generally, the best time to visit is between January and April; however, climate change has disrupted the weather patterns.
Getting there There are currently no direct flights from KIX to Colombo. Malaysian Airlines offer the most competitive fares and have the shortest connection times. It’s also possible to fly there on Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways or Korean Air. Most flights depart from and arrive in Colombo around midnight.
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KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
A taste of craft beer heaven In a part of the world where craft beer isn’t exactly drizzling from the typhoon clouds, Ai Tani saves the day and aims to deliver us from our combini beer-chugging ways. Text: Sam Evans • Images: KS
It’s true that Japan certainly isn’t a place that springs to mind when we talk about craft beer. While there may be pockets of beer connoisseurs dotted about the country and a smattering of good micro breweries, this country that sometimes seems to have everything curiously comes up lacking in this field when we compare it to Europe and America. However don’t despair Kansai dwellers, for Craft Beer Base offers salvation in these dark, dark times. Opened in June 2012 in response to the distinct dormancy of the Japanese craft beer scene, this wholesale establishment is the brainchild of Ai Tani, a Kagawa University economics graduate and ever-growing big name in the craft beer scene. “In Japan there just weren’t a lot of craft beers available, and people were drinking the same beers week in week out,” explains Tani. “My mission always has been to spread the word of craft beer and change the culture of how people drink by making beer more of an experience than just a way to get tipsy.” And an experience she provides, stocking more than 300 divine beers at any given time imported with passion from the most micro of micro breweries from Germany to the US to Scotland and everywhere in between. What’s more, despire their rarity and the distance many of these beers have traveled, the prices are reasonable, averaging at about ¥450 per 330ml bottle, which can be picked up singly to be drunk on site, or bought in bulk to be enjoyed at home. Tani reveals that
her best sellers are the brawny Green Flash West Coast IPA from San Diego, which is a favourite of gaijin bar owners, and Japan’s own Baird, which comes from Shizuoka prefecture and, I can report, bears the balanced lightness and “ahhhh” factor characteristic of Japanese craft beers. The spectrum of brews is best enjoyed in the venue’s beer cafe where Tani has created a relaxing setting of ambient Jazz, minimalist wooden décor and bountiful brewing memorabilia from all over the world. To compliment the minimalist theme, Tani has also done the walls in a perfect white that is tarnished only by the inscriptions of big wigs within the craft beer universe. Among those of various brewers, the presence of scribbles from none other than The Brewer’s Association president, Charlie Papazian make it plain to see that Craft Beer Base is making some serious waves. Despite her already tangible presence, Tani has no intention of slowing down. She reveals that as well as taking her craft beers on the road to various beer and music festivals and continuing with the various events that have contributed to her notoriety, 2014 will be the year she sets about extending her beer selection even further, aiming for Italian and French brews. In other words, craft beer lovers, you’re in for a treat!
Craft Beer Base • Address: 1 -2-11, Oyodominami, Kita-ku, Osaka 531-0075, Kita-ku, Osaka 1-2-11 Oyodominami • Open: 11am–11pm, Thursdays 3pm–11pm • Tel: 06-6131-7015 • Website: craftbeerbase.com • Email: ai@craftbeerbase.com
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KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
Language
海外生活日記
Don’t slip up It’s December and the excitement of winter is starting to build. The jackets and gloves are out, Umeda is alive with snowmen, and every shop window is a wonderland of white tinsel, icy ribbons and dustings of fake snow. But while all this Christmas imagery is fun to look at, the fact remains that we are merely observing, rather than living, the best winter has to offer. Luckily, we in Kansai are only a short trip away from some excellent resorts (スキー場 sukii jyo) (see our Biwako story on page 12) where you can snap on some skis (スキー sukii) or hop on a board (スノーボード suno-bo-do), and carve into the freshest of powder. Just make sure you know your level (reberu) so you can choose the most appropriate ski runs (ゲ レンデ gerende). And after you’ve gotten chilly on the slopes, a soak in a hot spring (温泉 onsen) will be the perfect end to the perfect day.
Vocab and phrases To ski/snowboard (lit. to slide)
滑る
suberu
It’s snowing!
雪が降っています
yuki ga futteimasu
I would like to rent some skis
スキーをレンタルした
sukii o rentaru shitai desu
How much is to rent a snowboard?
スノーボードのレンタ ルはおいくらですか
sunobodo no rentaru wa oikura desu ka?
Lift pass
リフト券
rifuto ken
My shoe size is (__cm)
靴のサイズは __です
kutsu no saizu wa __ desu
Can I buy a lift pass?
リフト券ください
rifuto ken kudasai
My level is... (beginner/ intermediate/ advanced)
私は
watashi wa (shokyu/chuukyu/jyoukyu) desu
いです
(初級/中級/上級)です
Sledge
そり
sori
Where is the onsen?
温泉はどこにありま
Onsen wa doko ni arimasu ka?
It’s so cold
寒すぎるです
すか
samusugiru desu
What’s it like living in... Singapore? After working in an advertising agency in Japan for 16 years, Yorihiko Kato started over in Asia’s rapidly expanding business center, Singapore. KS asked all about it. シンガポールで何をしていますか。 「日本を外から揺さぶり刺激を与える」活動 をしています。具体的には、主にシンガポー ルにて日本人起業家が営む企業に、資本と 経営の両面から参画しています。今いちば ん力を入れていることは、今月14日から 公開の映画「Fly Me to Minami 恋する ミナミ」の販促活動です。ここでは企画と 製作総指揮を務めました。多くの方に観て いただきたいです。 シンガポールに移住するきっかけ。 1992年から2008年まで、東京表参道にて広告会社を営んでいま した。2006年のライブドア事件の余波を受け経営が傾き、止むを得 ず、長年のお得意先でもあった会社に譲渡しました。会社を手放す、 広告の仕事を止めることで全くのゼロから再挑戦するという機会を 得たので、お取引先やビジネス情報誌などで「外国人にとっての起 業環境がよい」とされていたシンガポールに飛び込みました。 シンガポールでビジネス習慣や文化の違いを感じたエピソード。 商談のなかで、やたら“uncle” を紹介されたりしますが、その方は 血縁のある叔父さんではありません。そのへんの年長のおっさん です…。 普段、何語を話しますか。 圧倒的に日本語です。そして英語ですね、習うより慣れろという感 じですが…。学習方法では私が参画しているオンライン英会話サ ービス「ラングリッチ」を利用しています。シンガポール人はシング リッシュを話しますが、中国語のアクセント （抑揚）に英語風の別言 語といえます。 シンガポールのここがすばらしい！ やはり外国人にとって充実した起業環境、そして衣食住の生活レベ ルの高さでしょうか。日本よりも安全で清潔だと思います。一方で、タ クシー以外は何もかも日本より物価・サービス価が高いのは残念です。 ホーカーズ料理、これがおすすめ。 サンバルという辛味調味料でカンコン（空芯菜）を炒めたサンバル カンコンが美味しいです。あとはチキンライス。ウイナムキー（威南 記）かブントンキー（文東記）か、甲乙つけがたいですね。 これから取り組んでいきたいこと。 参画している企業の中から、シンガポール起業で成功した日本人経 営者の誕生にコミットメントしていきます。再来年9月末を区切りに、 必ずやりきりますので、応援してください。 Follow Yorihiko: katou.jp/ Interview by Sarasa Kitano Fly Me to Minami premiers in selected theaters from Dec 14. Details: flyme2minami.com
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KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
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Artist profile
Spain’s storytelling supremo This month’s cover features original characters created by trilingual children’s book artist David Molinero, one half of Dabiz & Junko Books. KS asked him all about it. Text: KS • Images: David Molinero
Kansai Scene: What brought you to Japan? David Molinero: I was born in the Basque Country, an area of northern Spain near the town of Guernica. The town immortalised by Picasso. After studying art in Basque University and in Italy (Bologna), I was lucky enough to get a grant to come to Japan in 2006 and undertake research for my PhD thesis. It took 5 years to complete and focused on technology in art. It was a great experience but something wasn’t right. I decided to throw out my smartphone and other gadgets and return to more traditional techniques, like classical watercolour paints. I rediscovered my real passion. It was at that point that my wife and I decided to start Dabiz & Junko books - to self-publish our own original titles. We wanted to sell directly, face to face to our customers. Something that big publishers can’t do. One year later and we already have three titles and the fourth one in the oven. We have books in dual English/Japanese or Spanish/ Japanese, but the next book is going to be an extended book with audio in different English pronunciations.
KS: Where do you live now in Kansai and what do you like/dislike about it? DM: Now I live in Ibaraki. I really like that I can see the mountains from my window. I really need to see some green because Osaka is a very big city and its buildings are all too monotone. I really need green and blue. The only thing I miss is that the city needs more public areas where you can sit down and meet the local people. I really enjoy painting outside. KS: How would you describe your style? DM: My style is very flexible. The paintings I do for children’s books and the ones I create for exhibitions or for myself are very different. I enjoy changing my style and experimenting with different techniques, like for example mixing egg white with paint and seeing how the pigment moves on the paper or adding soil and glue with the paint. I like to relinquish control over the paint and give space to chaos. I prefer watercolor as my basic medium, since it is impossible to truly take control over it. When it dries the result is always different to the original painting.
KS: Who are some artists you admire or aspire to be like? DM: I like almost all the classical artists such as Dali, Schielle, Picasso, Mucha etc. I also like the Japanese artists Takagi Masakatsu, Hiraki Sawa and Chikako Bando too. I also enjoy other disciplines of art like sculpture, dance, performance, video art, etc. I find inspiration everywhere. KS: The cover features characters from your storybook series, can you tell us a little about them? DM: They are Galli, Pepe and Makina. A funny family composed of a dog, a squirrel and a robot. They are a really modern family. But we didn’t think so much about it when we created them. They were in the first book and we started to develop them later. We devise stories for them, and they naturally show their emotional reactions. I feel like I’m starting to know them better.
You can find out more about David, read some free online books or buy books published by David and Junko at: www.dabizjunkobooks.com
Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do
Event pickup
Coolest man in town Put on your scarf and head for Umeda to welcome the return of our snowy friend.
Snowman Festival 2013 Nov 23–Dec 25 Check the website for maps and details of all the events and venues. umeda-connect.jp
Text: KS
He’s white, fat and dressed (partly) to impress, and he’s back to light up Osaka with even more friends than before. Yup, our favourite winter man has returned - with scarf and all - as the undisputed star of the Umeda Snowman Festival, a hugely popular Christmas event running for the fourth consecutive year. Those with a soft spot for round bellies and carrot noses will not want to miss the dazzling array of snowmen on display for the whole of December on Umeda’s glittering winter streets. Plus, there’s the chance to get up close and personal with snowman themed events, workshops and a special interactive snowman lighting display. The official guide book and website has everything you need to know about all the events and where to find the snowy gentlemen. But to get you on your way, here are the highlights:
Snowman city Nov 23 (Sat) – Dec 25 (Wed)
From high-tech projection-mapped snowmen to little kawaii furry ones, 56 shops, hotels and public spaces around Umeda will be displaying their own snowmen. Vote for your favourite one online for the chance to win gift cards and theatre tickets.
Snowman rally Nov 23 (Sat) – Dec 25 (Wed)
If you want to win something bigger, then take part in the stamp rally. Pick up a guide book (Japanese only) and tour around any of the 48 designated rally points to get the back page stamped. Collect at least 10 stamps for the chance to win, or go crazy and collect more than 35 stamps for the bigger prizes. Look out for the special secret rally points too.
Snowman photo contest Nov 23 (Sat) – Dec 25 (Wed)
While you’re out and about, don’t forget to take happy snaps. Your kawaii snowman photo could win you a stay for two in the executive suite at the Westin Hotel or a Canon digital camera, among other prizes. Apply for the competition (Catch the Snowman) through the website.
Interactive snowman light show Dec 13 (Fri) – Dec 25 (Wed)
The highlight of this year’s festivities is the mammoth interactive lighting display, which will be projected onto the wall of the Umekita Ship building in Grand Front Osaka. Appearing for the first time this year, the 15-metre-wide
projection features a trio of musical snowmen that travel around the world on their ship, regaling us with festive tunes. But, here’s the interactive part, they can’t play music or go anywhere without audience participation. Located in front of the projection will be three interactive areas: a wood bass, a piano and a laser harp. By stepping, jumping or otherwise touching these areas, the audience will be able to affect the music and video projected onto the wall. Very fancy. The show will begin at 5pm on Dec 13 and run every evening from 6–10pm until Dec 25.
Snowman Park: Music and workshops Nov 23 (Sat) – Dec 25 (Wed)
Running through the month are various satellite events and workshops ranging from gospel, jazz and dance performances to decoration and photography workshops. Highlights include Snow Land on Dec 14/15 at Nishi Umeda Square, which will feature an exciting snow machine, and the Finale Event on Dec 23 at Umekita Hiroba.
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Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do KS
Pick
©2013 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Dec 27
©Universal_Pictures
47 Ronin Dec 6 • Carl Rinsch, 100 mins, Action Fantasy • Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada
He is the one…well, the one of 47. Reeves whispers his way through another action lead that will excite many, with its well choreographed sword fights, but eyes may roll (in the audience) with the more fantastical side of this narrative.
Film previews
Hunger Games: Catching Fire Francis Lawrence, 146 mins, Action Sci-fi. Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Although the original had its flaws, not least amongst them the stench of a stalker who has been riffling through the garbage of “Battle Royale” in an attempt to steal their identity, the original Hunger Games was insanely popular and profitable enough to be labeled “The next Harry Potter” by studio execs…mainly for its cashcow abilities, but also because the book series has a loyal fan base. Nevertheless, the film was able to crossover and woo a new crowd as well. It may seem a little twisted to bring out a fight-to-the-death movie for the Christmas period, but the film has the ability to empower its youthful cast with independence and cunning, and it doesn’t whimper in making them bloodthirsty and surivalistic; qualities that we all subconsciously revel in. The last game saw a double-win, and this time around the rules have been bent even further, with the bow-wielding mastermind Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and muscly wimp Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), being thrown back into the fray. What the last film really lacked was a worthy antagonist for Katniss to face up against, with her rival kids being too clichéd to truly fear, and even if they were better characters, they got as much screen-time as the lovesick Gale (Liam Hemsworth). That dead-end love triangle is unfortunately squeezed back into the narrative, like a square block being hammered into a triangular hole, but it can be swept aside without too much annoyance, as Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Heavensbee, this tournaments Game Master, drips with maliciousness and really adds venom to the proceedings. Woody Harrelson is also back as Haymitch, and although he may now be more of a mentor than an alcoholic, it is difficult to take anything he says seriously when he wears suits Willy Wonka would turn his nose up at. It seems strange that Hoffman got off so lightly with the ridiculous wardrobe, but then again, ruffles and wigs haven’t really been terrifying since the French revolution Don’t forget you can find a list of local cinemas (and what’s playing) online at: www.kansaiscene.com/cinemas/
©2013 WARNER BROS.ENTERTAINMENT INC.
Gravity Dec 13 • Alfonso Cuaron, 91 mins, Sci-fi • Sandra Bullock, George Clooney
Praised by all (except Neil DeGrasse Tyson) for its beautifully accurate depiction of space, this adventure sees Bullock’s Ryan Stone get thrown adrift from the International Space Station.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 Dec 28 • Cody Cameron, 95 mins, Animation • Cody Cameron, 95 mins, Animation
The follow up to the kids CGI movie that was far better than anyone had hoped for. The sequel is just as colourful, quirky and quick-witted, but nevertheless, a step down from its predecessor.
©２０１３ モンキー・パンチ 青山剛昌／「ルパン三世vs名探偵コナン」製作委員会
Lupin the 3rd VS Detective Conan: The Movie Dec 7 • Hajime Kamegaki, 100 mins, Animation • Kanichi Kurita, Minami Takayama
Not the first time these anime powerhouses have met up and surely not the last. Fans of both should be happy, but expect Lupin to be a little watered down so he is a little more acceptable for the younger audiences.
Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do
Cinema listings (selected theaters) Osaka Osaka Toho Cinemas Umeda • Tel: 06-6316-1312 • www. tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,000, every day after 8pm: ¥1,200
Now showing: Captain Phillips,
Red 2
From Dec 6: 47 Ronin From Dec 7: Lupin The 3rd VS
Detective Conan The Movie
From Dec 13: La Migliore Offerta From Dec 20: Walking with
Dinosaurs
From Dec 21: Planes From Dec 27: The Hunger Games:
Catching Fire
Umeda Burg7 • Tel: 06-4795-7602 • http://burg7. com • Discounts: Weds (women) 1st of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200
Now showing: Captain Phillips,
Red 2
From Dec 6: 47 Ronin From Dec 13: Gravity From Dec 20: Walking with
Dinosaurs
From Dec 21: Planes From Dec 28: Majokko Shimai no
Yoyo to Nene
From Dec 21: Almanya-Welcome
to Germany
From Dec 28: Chai Koi
Osaka Station City Cinema • Tel: 06-6346-3215 • www. osakastationcitycinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,000
Now showing: Captain Phillips,
The Big Wedding, Red 2
From Dec 6: 47 Ronin From Dec 13: Gravity From Dec 14: The Bling Ring From Dec 20: Walking with
Dinosaurs
From Dec 21: Ludwig II From Dec 28: Cloudy with a
Chance of Meatballs 2
Toho Cinemas Namba • Tel: 06-6633-1040 • www. tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 14th of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200
Now showing: Arise border 2,
Red 2
From Dec 6: 47 Ronin From Dec 13: La Migliore Offerta From Dec 20: Walking with
Dinosaurs,
From Dec 21: Planes From Dec 27: The Hunger Games:
Catching Fire
• Tel: 06-6440-5977 • www. gardencinema.jp/umeda/ • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200
• Tel: 06-6643-3215 • www. parkscinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200
Rosa Luxemburg, Ten no shizuku
From Dec 7: After Lucia, Un
monde sans Femmes, Tenshin
From Dec 14: Liv & Ingmar From Dec 21: Blancanieves,
Good ol’ Freda
Cine Libre Umeda • Tel: 06-6440-5930 • www.ttcg.jp/ cinelibre_umeda/ • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,000
Now showing: El Artista y la
modelo, Frankenstein’s Army, Love Craft Girl From Dec 14: The Stone Roses/ Made Of Stone, Kaiketsu zorori From Dec 21: Fire by Christian Louboutin, Cutie & Boxer
Theatre Umeda • Tel: 06-6359-1080 • www.ttcg.jp/ theatre_umeda • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,000
Now showing: The Extreme
Sukiyaki, Tightrope
Now showing: Red 2, The Call From Dec 6: 47 Ronin From Dec 7: Rikyu ni Tazuneyo,
A Liar’s Autobiography, Tosca Puccini From Dec 13: Gravity From Dec 20: Walking with Dinosaurs From Dec 21: Planes From Dec 27: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire From Dec 28: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, Majokko Shimai no Yoyo to Nene
Cinem@rt • Tel: 06-6282-0815 • www. cinemart.co.jp/theater/shinsaibashi • Discounts: Mon (men) Weds (women), 1st and 25th of the month: ¥1,000
Now showing: Lagerfeld From Dec 7: Naked Soldier From Dec 14: The Bling Ring From Dec 21: Flu From Dec 28: Blind Detective,
Switch, The Guillotines
• Tel: 075-254-3215 • www.movix. co.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 20th of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200
Now showing: Captain Phillips,
Red 2
From Dec 6: 47 Ronin From Dec 7: Tosca - Puccini From Dec 21: Eien no Zero, Planes From Dec 27: The Hunger Games:
Catching Fire
From Dec 28: Cloudy with a
Chance of Meatballs 2
Kyoto Cinema • Tel: 075-353-4723 • www. kyotocinema.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,000
Kamihate Syouten From Dec 7: Scialla! From Dec 14: Home Sick, Newton no seishun From Dec 21: Fire by Christian Louboutin, Blancanieves, God Save My Shoes, Naboer, Babycall, Tenshin
Toho Cinemas Nijo • Tel: 075-813-2410 • www. tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 14th of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200
Now showing: Captain Phillips,
Namba Parks Cinema
Confidential
Movix Kyoto
Now showing: Hannah Arendt,
Umeda Garden Cinema
Now showing: Hannah Arendt,
Kyoto
The Big Wedding, Red 2 From Dec 6: 47 Ronin From Dec 7: Lupin The 3rd VS Detective Conan The Movie, Rikyu ni Tazuneyo From Dec 13: Gravity, La Migliore Offerta From Dec 20: Walking with Dinosaurs From Dec 21: Planes From Dec 27: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire From Dec 28: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
Kobe Os Cinema Mint Kobe • Tel: 078-291-5330 • www.jollios. net • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st and 16th of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200
Now showing: Captain Phillips,
Red 2
From Dec 6: 47 Ronin From Dec 7: Lupin The 3rd VS
Detective Conan The Movie, Rikyu ni Tazuneyo From Dec 13: Gravity From Dec 14: Kanojo ha Uso wo Aishisugiteru
From Dec 20: Walking with
Dinosaurs
From Dec 21: Eien no Zero, Planes From Dec 27: Hunter Hunter The
Last Mission
Kobe Kokusai Shochiku • Tel: 078-230-3580 • www. shochiku-eigakan.com • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200
Now showing: Captain Phillips,
Asa Hiru Ban
From Dec 7: MET Live Viewing,
Tosca - Puccini
From Dec 13: Gravity From Dec 14: Bushi no Kondate From Dec 28: Cloudy with a
Chance of Meatballs 2
Os Cinema Kobe Harborland • Tel: 078-360-3788 • www.jollios. net • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st and 16th of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200
Now showing: Captain Phillips,
Red 2, Asa Hiru Ban
From Dec 6: 47 Ronin From Dec 13: Gravity • From Dec 20: Walking with
Dinosaurs, The Wolf of Wall Street
• From Dec 21: Eien no Zero,
Planes
• From Dec 28: Cloudy with a
Chance of Meatballs 2
Cine Libre Kobe • Tel: 078-334-2126 • www.ttcg.jp/ cinelibre_kobe • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,000
Now showing: Love Marilyn From Dec 7: El Artista y la modelo From Dec 13: La Migliore Offerta From Dec 21: Fire by Christian
Louboutin, Hannah Arendt From Dec 28: Moratorium Tamako
NARA Movix Kashihara • Tel: 0744-21-1700 • www.movix. co.jp • Discounts: Weds (women) Thurs (men), 1st and 20th of the month, 3rd Tue of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200
Now showing : Kiyoku Yawaku, Tomogui, Now You See Me From Nov 8: Captain Phillips, Spec close kou no hen, Red 2 From Dec 6: 47 Ronin From Dec 13: Gravity From Dec 20: Walking with Dinosaurs, The Wolf of Wall Street From Dec 27: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Note: for show times and ticket information, please contact the cinemas directly
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Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do
Event pickups
The Great Kobe Polar Bear Swim FREE
Jan 1
Maiko Beach, Kobe
What better way to welcome the new year that with an exhilarating, toe tingling dip in the ocean. The annual Polar Bear Swim, which sees contestants strip down for a plunge in winter waters, is a hugely popular event across the globe, especially Canada where thousands participate each year. Kansai thrill-seekers will be happy to know that this international fun fest will be happening right here on the golden sands of Kobe’s Maiko beach. Be prepared for lots of laughing, screaming and strange looks from passers-by as the human polar bears splash around in Osaka Bay for as long as they can bear it before running back to land and into the warmth of winter coats. A potluck BBQ follows where swimmers can exchange congratulatory back patting, with the final stop being a well-deserved soak in the local hot spring. Swimmers will even be given ¥500 yen off the onsen ticket! So what are you waiting for? Time: 12 noon (sharp) • Admission: free (bring something to share for BBQ) • Access: meet at 11:30am at JR Maiko Stn. • kansaicanada.com
Event Listings December
Local people walk around red cinders, which many believe can help remedy toothaches. Time: 8pm • Admission: free • Access: Nankai Railway Ishizugawa stn; 5 min walk
Kasuga Taisha Festival おん祭 Provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau
Bonfire Ceremony お火焚き祭 Tarobogu Aga-Jinja Shrine, Shiga • Nov 1 FREE
See ethereal mountain priests walk over glowing red embers left over after a roaring bonfire. Admission: free • www1.ocn.ne.jp/~tarobo
Forty-seven Ronin Festival 赤穂義士祭 FREE JR Banshu-Ako stn and Surroundings, Hyogo Nov 14
Celebrate the anniversary of when 47 samurai heroes took revenge on the death of their lord in the Edo period. Admission: free • www.city.ako. lg.jp/kanko/kanko
Yassai Hossai やっさいほっさい FREE
Dec 14
Iwatsuta-Jinja Shrine, Osaka
FREE Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, Nara Nov 15–18
Glittering and elaborate ceremonies held over four days to celebrate the god of Kasuga-taisha. Marvellous classical performing arts are on display until late on the 17th. Admission: free • www. kasugataisha.or.jp/onmatsuri
Visiting Yasaka-Jinja at New Year’s Eve おけら参り FREE
Yasaka-Jinja Shrine, Kyoto
Dec 31
A traditional custom unique in Kyoto; you will see local people spinning a piece of cord that is burning at one end. Admission: free • www.yasaka-jinja. or.jp/event/okera.html
Felissimo Happy Toys Project フェリシモ ハッピートイズプロジェ クト (神戸・三宮会場) FREE Kobe Asahi Building, Hyogo Until Dec 25
An exhibition of handmade dolls, created by volunteers, that are sent to children all over the world. Admission: free • Access: JR Kobe line Motomachi stn; 5min walk • info.felissimo.co.jp/toys/en
The Exhibition of Shiki Theatre Company 劇団四季展 FREE Herbis Plaza Ent and Surroundings, Osaka Until Dec 25
Pictures, props and stage costumes from the Shiki Theatre Company performances of CATS, The Lion King, Beauty and The Beast, and more. • Admission: free • www. herbis.jp
Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Laughter Ritual
Dec 25
お笑い神事 FREE
Dec 31
Hiraoka-Jinja Shrine,
Osaka
As the saying goes, “Fortune smiles on a merry home”, so give your household the best chance of good luck in the new year by joining the “laughing ritual” at Hiraoka-jinja Shrine. At this hilarious event, priests lead the crowd for 20 minutes of side-splitting laughter. This unique ceremony is based on the Japanese mythology that many gods danced and laughed to coax the sun goddess from her cave. Held on Christmas day, the event kicks off with a ceremony to replace old shimenawa spiritual barriers with new ones, and concludes with the the laughing ritual. There will also be a laughing contest, comedy performances and a lecture on mythology. Time: around 10am (the laughter ritual) • Admission: free • Access: Kintetsu Railway Hiraoka stn; 2 min walk • hiraoka-jinja.org
The Watch Night Bell on New Year’s Eve 除夜の鐘 FREE
Ryosenji Temple, Nara
Ring in the new year - literally - with the ancient Japanese custom in which a bell is struck 108 times, with each chime representing one of the earthly temptations a person must overcome to achieve nirvana. This nationwide event is held in many Buddhist temples, including Nara’s historic Ryosenji, which holds this ceremony every year. Because crowds form quickly here, it’s best to arrive before 11pm, when ques begin forming in front of the bell. If you are one of the first 300 people, the temple will provided ema - small wooden plaques on which prayers are written next to a picture. Time: Midnight (bell ringing begins) • Admission: free • www.ryosenji.jp
Music Box Museum Christmas
World Christmas Decorations Exhibition
オルゴールミュージアムのクリ
世界のクリスマス展
スマス
Japan Toy Museum, Hyogo Until Jan 21
Rokko International Musical Box Museum, Hyogo Until Dec 25
A showcase of beautiful yuletide antique musical boxes. Admission: ¥1,000 adults, concessions • rokkosan.com/museum
A great collection of Christmas decorations from around the world, with over 1,000 items on display. Time: 10am–5pm (Closed Wednesday and Dec 28 to Jan 2) Admission: ¥500 adults, concessions • japan-toy-museum.org
White Promenade 白砂のプロムナード Shirahama Beach, Wakayama Until Feb 28 FREE
A display of winter illuminations exhibited on a white, sandy beach. Admission: free • Access: JR Kinokuni line Shirahama stn bus to Shirahama • Tel: 0739-43-5511
World Christmas Decorations Exhibition
Kobe Luminarie 神戸ルミナリエ FREE The Former Foreign Settlement, Hyogo Dec 5–16
An Italian light event where the main streets will be aglow with illuminated arches. Admission: free • kobe-luminarie.jp
Ramen Expo 2013 ラーメンExpo2013 in 万博公園 Expo70 Commemorative Park, Osaka Dec 12–15 & 20–25 FREE
Slurp down ramen goodness from your choice of 30 selected noodle shops from across Japan. Admission: free (usual entrance fee is required) • ramen-expo.comp
Kototaki Winter Fireflies 琴滝イルミネーション冬ほたる
2013 Kototaki Park, Kyoto Dec 13–24
See trees, paths and waterfalls sparkling with fairy lights at this magical park illumination event. Admission: ¥500 • mirai.himl.net/contents/23.html
Exhibition of Kyoto Cuisine 京料理展示大会 Miyako Messe, Kyoto Dec 13 & 14
Experience the beauty and subtlety of traditional Kyoto cuisine with cooking workshops, dances by
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Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do German Christmas Market 2013
Until Dec 25
Until Dec 25
ドイツクリスマスマーケット大 阪2013 FREE
Umeda Sky Building,
Osaka
Osaka’s annual German Christmas markets are on again, offering a magical European-style festive experience for the whole of December. This annual Christmas event, which attracts 700,000 visitors, brims with seasonal produce from Germany including a beautiful antique merrygo-round, twinkling huts called hutte, mulled wine, sausages, krippe (nativity scene sculptures) and much more. Enjoy carols and live performances staged under the 27 metre illuminated Christmas tree. Saint Nicolas will also be there for photo opportunities who at weekends. This is the place where everybody can be totally immersed in a festive atmosphere! Time: from 12pm Mon–Fri, from 11am on weekends • Admission: free • www.skybldg.co.jp/event/xmarkt/2013
Santa Claus Scuba Dive サンタダイバー Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Osaka
Have a whale of a time this Christmas with a visit to Osaka Aquarium where you can watch Santa Claus feeding sharks and other tropical fish in 5,400 cubic meters of water. Dubbed the “Pacific Ocean”, this giant tank is home to schools of silver fish, stingrays, sunfish, the famous whale shark, and for one month only, Father Christmas too! This season’s snowy-bearded star will wave, pose for photographs and play stone, paper, scissors with visitors, all while under water. During December, there will also be sea-themed illuminations set up outside the aquarium, which is currently one of the largest in the world. Time: 9:30am–8pm • Admission: ¥2,300 adults, concessions • Tel: 06-6576-5501 • www.kaiyukan.com
Event listings cont. maiko (apprentices of geisha) and more. Admission: ¥600 adults (¥800 at door), concessions • www. miyakomesse.jp/access
Himeji Robot Challenge 姫路ロボチャレンジ第17回大会 FREE Himeji Science Museum, Hyogo Dec 14 & 15
May the best robot win! See bipedal bots flex their muscle in demonstrations, races, one-on-one fights and more. Admission: free (usual entrance fee is required) • www.city.himeji.lg.jp/atom
Romantic Street Lights 京都・嵐山花灯路 2013 Togetsukyo Bridge and Surroundings, Kyoto Dec 14–23
Enjoy a romantic walk around Arashiyama by night as the streets
and bamboo groves are illuminated for the christmas season. Admission: free • www.hanatouro.jp
Making Mochi Rice Cakes 町家の餅つき FREE The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living Dec 15
A demonstration of making mochi. The first 20 children under 15 years old can even participate. Admission: free (usual entrance fee is required) • konjyakukan.com
Sky Building Countdown 空中庭園展望台 FREE
Umeda Sky Building, Osaka
Dec 31
New Year’s Eve countdown with a laser show in Osaka. Time: 11:30pm–12:30am • Admission: free (usual entrance fee is required) • kuchu-teien.com
The First Sunrise at Mt. Kongo 金剛山で初日の出 FREE
Mt. Kongo, Osaka
Jan 1
Observing the first sunrise of the year on the summit of Mt. Kongo. Complimentary warm drinks will be served for the first 1,000 visitors at Chihaya-enchi Log-house. Time: 5am (the ropeway starts) Admission: free • www.konanso.com
New Year Fireworks ハチ高原新春花火大会 Hachi-Kogen Ski Slope, Hyogo Jan 2
See fireworks exploding over slopes blanketed in snow. Warm drinks will be served at Koryu Centre. Time: 7pm • Email: yumetajima2014@pref.hyogo.lg.jp • www.tajima.or.jp
Himeji Robot Challenge
Find more listings online at: www.kansaiscene.com/listings
Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do
Art
Until Dec 29
Art and Literature in Japan KS 1926-1936 Pick Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
The first decade of the Showa period, starting in 1926, was an important time for modern art in Japan. It saw the creation of influential works associated with the proletarian art and literature movement, including novels depicting the suffering of the working class such as Takiji Kobayashi’s The Crab Cannery Ship published in 1928, which once again hit the bestseller lists in 2008 as the Japanese economy reeled from the global financial crisis. There was also the flowering of “Showa modernism,” which fused Western cultural imports with Japanese aesthetics in architecture, design, fashion and other aspects of lifestyle. At the same time there was a revival of interest in traditional crafts and customs with the Mingei folk art movement, and humble pots and utensils made by anonymous craftsmen were reappraised as art objects just as mass production increasingly rendered handcrafting of utilitarian objects obsolete. Modernization, egalitarianism and cultural renaissance were all to be reversed later in the 1930s amid the march to war, but the works of art, illustrations, graphics, typefaces and so on exhibited in this show convey the charm, optimism and energy of the time as well as hinting at the way the global class struggle played out in Japan.
KOGA Harue, Make-up outside the Window, 1930
30
Nov 2–Dec 29 • 80 works of art and over 300 publications encapsulating the look and feel of the Showa period’s dynamic first decade (1926–1936) • Open: 10am–6pm (10am–8pm Fri and Sat during special exhibitions) • closed Mon • Admission: ¥1200 • Access: Hanshin line Iwaya Stn • www.artm.pref.hyogo.jp
Art Listings Osaka
medium as sculpture, grappling with the material properties and inherent energy of clay.
Open: 11am–7pm (Sat. 11am–5pm) • Closed Sun, Mon, holidays and Dec. 22–Jan 6 • Admission: Free • Access: JR Loop Line Sakuranomiya Stn • www.artcourtgallery.com
Kyoto
©"416,619pray"2013
Mariko Noda: Hope Tezukayama Gallery Nov 23–Dec 21
Open: 11am–7pm • closed: Sun and Mon • Admission: Free • Access: Namba Stn • www.tezukayama-g.com
FREE Artzone Nov 30 – Dec 23
Abstract paintings, which the artist began producing to develop powers of instantaneous judgment and to deal with the unexpected phenomena that occur during the painting process, plus the 3D works to which he applied these powers.
Open: Mon-Fri 1pm–8pm, Sat, Sun and hols 12:30pm–8pm • Admission: Free • Access: Keihan Sanjo Stn • artzone.jp
FREE
Two-dimensional works and installation on the theme of shi (which can be read as “death” or “poetry”).
Ryotaro Fuyuki: President
(top) ©Metavoid 21, 2013, Ceramics (bottom) ©Incubation“Portrait”, 1975-2013, Ceramics (photo: Kazuo Fukunaga)
Yo Akiyama solo exhibition FREE Art Court Gallery Dec 3–Jan 25, 2014
Roundup of current work by a ceramicist who approaches the
©無題（教育）、oil on canvas
Find gallery access details and more listings online at: www.kansaiscene.com/listings
31
Masaki Collection + Hiroshi Sugimoto: Monochrome
Until Dec 23
Until Feb 2
Masaki Art Museum
Akira Miyanaga x Tsukuru Bldg.: Inside-Out Tsukuru Bldg.
The Tsukuru Building is a 50-year-old commercial building in downtown Kyoto, formerly the premises of a furoshiki wrapping cloth wholesaler, recently renovated as a studio building for artists and creators. To mark the one-year anniversary of its establishment, a specially created video art piece is being screened on the second floor. The room, number 202, is occupied by a gallery/cafe, and visitors will be able to sit, relax and sip drinks while viewing the video installation by Akira Miyanaga. Miyanaga’s layered collages of scenes from the natural world and cityscapes make for contemplative viewing. For this event the Kyoto-based video artist has shot and processed exterior and interior footage of the Tsukuru Building itself, as well as the nearby street, to create a site-specific meditation on place and the boundaries between inside and outside. Nov 20–Dec 23: Site-specific video installation featuring collaged and layered footage that transforms the everyday, screened in a cafe in a commercial building converted to “space for creators”. 11:30am–7pm • Closed Tue • Free • Access: Kyoto subway Karasuma Line, Gojo Stn. • www.tukuru.me
Hyogo
Morio Shinoda: Grace of Gravity FREE Okanoyama Museum of Art Nishiwaki • Oct 26–Feb 16, 2014
Overview of work from the ‘90s onward by a metal sculptor known for enigmatic, futuristic and wonder-filled pieces that suspend steel in midair, including a unique new interactive work designed for this museum. Open: 10pm-5pm • closed Mon, after holiday and Dec29 - Jun 3,
The exhibition title is a play on words, with “monochrome” written in Japanese as 物 黒 無 (mono-kuro-mu, “thing” “black” “emptiness”). It pairs the work of contemporary photographer and multimedia artist Hiroshi Sugimoto with ink paintings from the collection of the Masaki Museum. The museum houses an important collection of classical Japanese and Asian art formerly owned by local connoisseur Takayuki Masaki, particularly suiboku-ga ink paintings, which will be featured in this show alongside Sugimoto’s work. Sugimoto is known for his series of black-and-white photographs of seascapes from around the world, each evenly divided between sea and sky with only the title providing a clue as to where it might be, yet endlessly enchanting in their variations and often looking like meditative abstract inkwash paintings. He is himself a fervent collector and curator of things, exhibiting antiques and natural found objects alongside his own work in his retrospective at the National Museum of Art, Osaka a few years ago. This show promises to be beautiful and intriguing. Nov 16–Feb 2, 2014 • Pairing of works by acclaimed photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto and famous ink paintings from the Masaki Collection • Open: 10am–4:30pm • Closed Wed • Admission: ¥1,000 • Access: Nankai Tadaoka Stn • www.masaki-art-museum.jp
2014 • Admission: ¥310 • Access: JR Kakogawa line Nihon-Heso Koen Stn • www.nishiwaki-cs.or.jp/ okanoyama-museum
Yokoo Tadanori: Human Icons
Shiga
Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art Sep 28–Jan 5, 2014
Ruriko Miyamoto: Immobility and Flux (Scenes Spun from Ceramic and Water)
Portraits of actors, writers, musicians and other prominent figures painted by Yokoo Tadanori from the 1960s through today, many of which are already iconic images transmogrified with the inimitable Yokoo touch.
FREE The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park • Nov 10 – Dec 15
Ceramics that speak to contemporary society by referencing the most contemporary of vessels: the plastic bottle. Open: 9:30am-5pm • closed Mon and Dec 28-Jun 4, 2014 • Admission: Free • Access: Togei no Mori-mae bus stop from JR Ishiyama Stn • www.sccp.jp
ⓒCalifornia Condor By Hiroshi Sugimoto 1994
Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do
ⓒToulouse-Yokoo, 2001, 作家蔵
Open: 10am–6pm (until 8pm Fri and Sat) • closed Mon (when Mon is a national holiday, open Mon and closed Tue) • Admission: ¥600 • Access: Hankyu Ojikoen Stn or JR Nada Stn • www.ytmoca.jp
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Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Jan 11
Live Music
KS
Nik Kershaw
Pick
For those of a certain age, the name Nik Kershaw and the lyrics “Near a tree by a river, there’s a hole in the ground, where an old man...” from the song “The Riddle” go hand-in-hand. Kershaw later stated that these puzzling words were in fact “nonsense, rubbish, the confused ramblings of an eighties popstar.” That was almost thirty years ago so what has the musician, singer-songwriter and pop-idol from Suffolk, England been up to since? Well, after his own success Kershaw went on to pen tracks for other artists as well as his own intermittent releases. Most recently he released the 2012 album Ei8ht followed by a small UK and European tour. He also has a live DVD out and has continued to tour, though not extensively. Good to see there is still some life in the old dog yet. UK ‘80s pop-rock singer-musician • Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka • Rock-pop • 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥6,900/¥8,400 • Tel: 06-6342-7722
Live Music Listings Nov/Dec
UVERworld Japanese rock five piece from Kusatsu, Shiga.
Rock & Pop
Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka
Dec 20-21 • Rock • 20th6:30pm/21st-6pm • ¥6,300 • Tel: 06-7732-8888
Kumi Adachi Osaka born Kyoto based rock and blues guitarist. Live Spot Rag, Kyoto
Dec 11 • Rock blues guitar • 7:30pm • ¥2,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 075255-7273
Bigmama BATHS @ Metro
BATHS
Japanese rock with the added mix of violin. Club Quattro, Osaka
Dec 23 • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,000/¥3,500 • Tel: 075-254-7707
EMALF Japanese vocal boy band. Muse, Esaka
Dec 23 • Pop • 6:30pm • ¥5,000/¥5,500 • Tel: 06-6387-0203
Lizards Tail Japanese rock outfit. Club Alive, Osaka
Elvis Costello
Aka. Will Wiesenfield US electronic musician.
Dec 21 • J-Rock • 6pm • ¥3,800/¥4,300 • Tel: 06-6882-1224
Dec 23 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • Tel: 06-6213-8585
Popular British singer-songwritermusician.
Dec 15 • Electronic • 6:30pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • Tel: 075-752-2787
T-Square
Flow
‘70s Popular Japanese fusion group.
Bay City Rollers ft. Les McKeown
Chicken George, Kobe
Pop-punk-rock Japanese five piece band known for their music used in anime.
Zepp, Osaka
Dec 15 • Singer-songwriter • 6pm • ¥7,500/¥8,500 • Tel: 06-6535-5569
Shonen Knife Japanese female rock trio. Conpass, Osaka
Dec 15 • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,000 • Tel: 06-6535-5569
Namie Amuro J-pop ex-teen queen singer. Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka
Dec 15 • Pop • 5pm • ¥7,500/¥8,500 • Tel: 06-6357-4400
Metro, Kyoto
‘70s Scottish glam rock revival. Muse, Osaka
Dec .17 • Glam rock • 7pm • ¥7,800 • Tel: 06-6245-5389
Air Supply Australian soft rock duo since 1975. Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka
Dec 19 • AOR • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥10,500/¥15,000 • Tel: 06-6342-7722
Kirinji Indie rock-pop band from Saitama. Indie rock-pop Japanese band from Saitama Club Quattro, Osaka
Dec 20 • Rock-pop • 7pm • ¥5,775 • Tel: 06-7732-8888
Dec 19-23 • Fusion • 19th-20th 7pm /21st-23rd 4:30pm • ¥6,000 • Tel: 078-332-0140
Alice Nine
Namba Hatch, Osaka
Dec 26 • Rock • 6:30pm • ¥4,200/¥4,700 • Tel: 06-6341-3525
Japanese visual kei rock. Club Quattro, Osaka
Dec 23 • Kei Rock • 5pm • ¥4,725 • Tel: 06-7732-8888
LoVendoR Japanese four-piece rock band ft. exMorning Musume Reina Tanaka. Muse, Osaka
Dec 23 • Rock-pop • 6pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • Tel: 06-6245-5389
The Collectors & Sister Jet Japanese MOD revival group. Mojo, Kyoto
Kiryu @ Zepp Osaka
Kiryu Japanese visual kei rock influenced by ancient Japan, and mixed with metal. Zepp, Osaka
Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Dec 23
Jan 7
Les Freres Les Freres, meaning “brothers” in French, is an interesting duo put together by Japanese brothers Moriyou and Keito Saito. Both studied classical piano at the prestigious music school Conservatoire de Musique de la Ville in Luxembourg. Les Freres as an outfit began in 2002, and their debut album Piano Breaker was released in 2006 through Universal Music. Hailed by a critic as “nothing like any music in society” the duo take their classical roots and add elements of other genres. (Brother Keito is renowned as a master of the Boogie Woogie!) To celebrate their ten-year anniversary last year, the brothers released a live album Best Live, and brought the New York Symphonic Ensemble to Japan to perform together. This month’s Osaka concert will showcase the best from the young men who promise to set the keyboard on fire with not two, but four hands.
Jan 7
Extreme The Dojo ft. Grave, Wehrmacht and Primate Metal fans can kick off the new year with a (head) bang! It’s a triple bill from Extreme The Dojo featuring swedish death metal band Grave, US thrash metal band Wehrmacht and hardcore punk metal outfit Primate. Primate list their interests on the band’s Facebook page as “Kicking ass and flinging poo” while describing their sound as “raw, hardcore brutality.” Fellow Americans Wehrmacht were once hailed as the fastest metal band in America and have toured with the likes of Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies and Death Angel. Grave, one of the longest running and probably most prominent Swedish death metal bands, formed in 1986. With numerous line-up changes only guitarist-vocalist Ola Lindgren survives from the original. A mix of thrash, death metal and punk-rock from the US and Sweden • Pangea, Osaka
Capital Cities Formed by Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian in Los Angeles, the indie synth-pop outfit Capital Cities released their debut EP in 2011. It’s still early days for the duo but they’ve already had a number one song on the US Alternative Songs Chart (the track “Safe and Sound”, which they describe as an upbeat mesh of programming and melody) and music used commercially, and earlier this year their debut album In a Tidal Wave of Mystery successfully charted on the Billboard Charts. Live, Merchant and Simonian are backed by guitarist Nick Merwin, bassist Manuel Quontero and trumpeter Spencer Ludwig. Musically the band throw echos of ‘80s pop, creating music that’s foot-tappingly fun and catchy. It’s therefore not surprising to learn that prior to Capital Cities, Ryan and Sebu worked as commercial jingle writers because they certainly know how to produce great musical hooks.
Metal • 6:45pm • ¥7,500 • Tel: 06-4708-0061
‘The Brothers’ Japanese piano duo
American indie-pop duo from California
• Zepp, Osaka • Classical & contemporary
• Club Quattro, Osaka • Indie pop
piano • 3pm • ¥3,500/¥6,000
• 7:30pm • ¥5,500 • Tel: 06-6311-8111
• Tel: 06-6882-1224
Dec 27 • Kei Rock • 6pm • ¥4,500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888
The Alfee Popular Japanese rock-pop trio. Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka
Dec 29 • Rock-pop • 5pm • ¥7,350 • Tel: 06-6341-3525
Kat-Tun Johnny’s Japanese boy-band. Kyocera Dome, Osaka
Dec 30-31 • Pop • 30th-6pm 31st10pm • ¥TBA • Tel: 0180-993-700
The Ventures ‘60s US guitar supergroup.
Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka
Jan 4-6 • Rock-pop • 4th/5th4:30pm/8pm 6th-6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥7,400/¥8,900 • Tel: 06-6342-7722
Extreme the Dojo ft. Grave/Wehrmacht/ Primate
Jan 7 • Indie pop • 7:30pm • ¥5,500 • Tel: 06-6311-8111
MGMT Psychedelic rock, prog rock band around duo Andre Vanwyngarden and Ben Goldwasser. Namba Hatch, Osaka
Namba Hatch, Osaka Jan 11 • Pop-rock • 5pm • ¥7,500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888
Nik Kershaw UK ‘80s pop-rock singer-musician. Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka
A mix of thrash, death metal and punk-rock from the US and Sweden.
Jan 8 • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888
Jan 11 • Rock-pop • 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥6,900/¥8,400 • Tel: 06-6342-7722
Jan 7 • Metal • 6:45pm • ¥7,500 • Tel: 06-4708-0061
Jang Keun Suk
PERSONZ
Korean singer-model-actor. Zepp, Osaka
‘80s Japanese rock-pop band.
Capital Cities
Jan 8-10 • Pop • 7pm • ¥10,300 • Tel: 06-4791-2400
Jan 12 • Rock-pop • 5pm • ¥5,500/¥6,000 • Tel: 078-332-0146
Pangea, Osaka
American indie-pop duo from California. Club Quattro, Osaka
Mayday Taiwanese rock group.
Chicken George, Kobe
33
34
Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Dec 11
Dec 22
Drakskip Kumi Adachi Originally from Osaka and now based in Kyoto, Kumi Adachi first picked up the guitar at the tender age of eleven. Still in her teens, at 19 to be precise, she relocated to Los Angeles to study the instrument further. Playing rock, blues, funk and fusion she made her debut recording in 2007 with the album Little Wing. This was followed by the 2008 Winners and the 2009 Lady Guitar Blues. Even though she has found acclaim in Japan as well as being a monitor for Paul Reed Smith Guitars, a spotlight in the US and Europe has yet eluded the guitarist, which is a real shame as she is not only one of the top female guitarists on the live scene but is also one of the top guitarists on the live scene overall! Osaka born Kyoto based rock and blues guitarist • Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • Rock blues guitar • 7:30pm • ¥2,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 075-255-7273
Japanese singer-songwriter and music TV host Shanti and exGodiego drummer Tommy Snyder. Mister Kelly’s, Osaka
Dec 20 • Jazz-pop • 7pm/9:30pm • ¥4,200/¥4,500 • Tel: 06-6342-5821
Les Freres Kidori Kidori Japanese ska and rock trio. Pangea, Osaka
Jan 15 • Rock • 7:30pm • ¥2,300 • Tel: 06-4708-0061
Jazz & Blues Kyoto Dark Blue New Sounds Orchestra Big-Band orchestra playing Duke Ellington.
Dec 16 • Live Spot Rag, Kyoto Jazz • 7:30pm • ¥1,500/¥1,800 • Tel: 075-255-7273
Acoustic instrumental band from Kyoto playing Scandinavian folk • Taku Taku, Kyoto • Folk • 6pm • ¥3,000/¥3,500 • Tel: 075-3511321
Shanti & Tommy Snyder
Kidori Kidori @ Pangea
Formed in Kyoto in 2006, Drakskip are a quartet of Shouta Enomoto, Yosuke Watanabe, Yukimoto Noma and Yusuke Urakawa who love Scandinavian folk music. Not only do they perform traditional Scandinavian folk, the band also play original compositions, which are inspired by the genre. Encompassing 12-string guitar, viola, percussion, fiddle and the traditional Swedish instrument called nyckelharpa, the band’s music is true to its roots and played with a real passion. The band’s debut album Weather-cock, Facing North was released in 2009. This was followed by the 2011 Stars and a Man and their latest is last year’s release Steering Through the Storm. Anyone experiencing a Drakskip live performance, whether it’s on a big festival stage or in a backstreet live house, will see quite clearly that these four guys simply love what they are playing.
‘The Brothers’ Japanese piano duo. Zepp, Osaka
Dec 23 • Classical & blues contemporary piano • 3pm • ¥3,500/¥6,000 • Tel: 06-6882-1224
Pe’z Japanese high energy jazz instrumental band.
Kyoto Ritsumeikan University RUSwingin Jazz Ensemble Swing jazz from Kyoto Ritsumeikan University. Live Spot Rag, Kyoto
Dec 30 • Jazz vocal • 7:30pm/9.15pm • ¥3,500 • Tel: 06-6342-5821
Hidefumi Toki Six Sixths Japanese jazz saxophonist. Mister Kelly’s, Osaka
Dec 26 • Jazz • 7:30pm • ¥1,500/¥1,800 • Tel: 075-255-7273
Dec 31 • Jazz • 8pm/11:30pm • ¥6,300/¥6,500 • Tel: 06-6342-5821
Kyoto Doshisha University Orchestra
Al Jarreau
Big-band jazz from Kyoto’s Doshisha University. Live Spot Rag, Kyoto
Dec 27 • Jazz • 7:30pm ¥1,500/¥1,800 • Tel: 075-255-7273
Club Quattro, Osaka
Kimura Atsuki
Dec 26 • Jazz • 7pm • ¥4,500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888
Japanese guitarist-vocalist. Taku Taku, Kyoto
Dec 27 • Jazz & Blues • 7pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • Tel: 075-351-1321
Emiko Mizoguchi Jazz pianist and vocalist. Mister Kelly’s, Osaka
Grammy Award winning US jazz vocalist.
Jan 9 • Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka Jazz • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥9,800/¥11,300 • Tel: 06-63427722
World Music Drakskip Acoustic instrumental band from Kyoto playing Scandinavian folk. Taku Taku, Kyoto
Dec 22 • Folk • 6pm • ¥3,000/¥3,500 • Tel: 075-351-1321Nov/Dec
Find more listings online at: www.kansaiscene.com/listings
36
Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do
Club
Dec 19
Troop Cafe Bush - special Ali Shirazinia, otherwise known as Dubfire, spent many years as one half of the house duo Deep Dish together with Sharam Taybe. The duo released numbers of acclaimed dance classics such as “Say Hallo”, “Flash Dance” and a remix of Dido’s “Thank You “ to name a few. They won a Grammy, among many other high-profile awards and became one of the most respected DJ acts in the World. In 2007, Ali decided to go solo and put the house music aside in favor of harder, darker, policed techno. To release his new music, he set up SCI+TEC Digital Audio, which has grown into a home for many emerging and established talents. He has also launched label showcases across the globe, notably at the BPM Festival in Playa Del Carmen, WMC in Miami, Sonar in Barcelona, Kazantip Republic in Simferopol, and Amsterdam Dance Event. Most recently, Dubfire decamped to Barcelona where he established a studio, an international office for The Bullitt Agency (which he co-owns), a booking agent for top international DJs and producers, and created a convenient jump-off point for frequent trips to Ibiza where he is a fixture at the White Isle’s most exceptional outings - Cocoon, Carl Cox’s Revolution, Circoloco and Richie Hawtin’s ENTER. With the busy european summer over, the acclaimed DJ is making a trip to Japan. He’ll be at a Thursday night gig in Kobe so make sure to take a day off on Friday. In case you were wondering, his stage name Dubfire was picked up from the living legend Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s song “Dubfire”. Bush - special (Techno) • DJs: Dubfire, Soichi, Yudai Tamura, Det-Chin + more • Open: 10:30pm • Admission: TBA • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com
Club Listings December 1 (Sun) Circus/Clapper/Drop/ Fanjtwice/Grand Cafe/ Pangea Go!Village (Dance Music) •
• Where: Shinsaibashi • Golden Daiichi Plaza 5F, 2-1-5, Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-Ku, Osaka
Joule Queen 2013 & Heaven presents Paul Oakenfold (Trance/EDM)
• DJs: Paul Oakenfold, EnergyDai, Hirofumi Ohta, Another Note, 1000dream, M.Minami + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp
Acts: Ken Ishii, Aoki Takamasa, Goth-Trad, Baku, Lainy J Groove, Channel2 + more • Open: 3pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • go-village.com
Metro
6 (Fri)
Butter x D Krush (Crossover, Hip hop) • Acts: Krush, Duct, Ucnd fea.
Circus Craig Richards Japan Tour 2013 (Techno) • DJs: Craig Richards,
Yashima, Synya, Aida • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com
Jaai Aurora (Techno/House) • DJs: Ryo Yoshida, Keitaro Sugimoto, Yuya • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥1,000
7 (Sat)
Red:Ai (Techno) • Live: DDR • DJs:
Cafe Absinthe Cafe Absinthe - 10th Anniversary Party (House/Techno/Live)
• Acts: Yoku, Yoshihiro Okino, Ageishi, Hirro, Dan Elliot, Dom Pang, Khashi B, Joey Parker, Alex Do, Dmitri + more • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shhinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6534-6635 • cafeabsinthe.jp
Circus Circus Showcase Atak Dance Hall (Electronic) • Live: Atak
Koyo & Shoichi Murakami, Shinya, Maaki Tamura, Oritana, Eiki • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500, WF: ¥2,800) • Tel: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp
Dance Hall • DJs: Nao Nomura, Kojima Misuru aka Juse, Fumi, Sou • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com
World
Onzieme
Originals Night (House/Electro)
Hyper:Society x block.Party (House/Electro) • DJs: Tomoyuki
• DJs: Yasutaka Nakata, Alyn, Taku-Hero, Erry + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-213-4119 • world-kyoto.com
Triangle
Tanaka, Taku Takahashi, Taku-Hero, Hagy, Urban Reserch DJs + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com
K.N., Ataka, Sxxo, Masamune, Yuki Hori, Ryu Ueda + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6212-2264 • triangle-osaka.jp
13 (Fri) Circus Agile feat. Josh Wink (Techno)
• DJs: Josh Wink, Monashee, Ryo Yoshida • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D (ADV: ¥3,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com
Metro Undermine (Techno) • Acts:
Edward & Okar Offermann, Pinch, Rondenion, Ryoma Sasaki, Fulltono, Koizumi, Atari, Koichi • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Tel: 075752-2787 • metro.ne.jp
Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do 14 (Sat) Circus Uchucamp (House) • DJs:
J.A.K.A.M, Monk a, Tetsuo, dejiru, Wasica, yokoyama Uchu • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com
Troop Cafe The Mole Live Show Case (Techno) • Live: The Mole • DJs:
Doiike, Jibb + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (WF: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr. com
20 (Fri) Circus Adult (Techno/House) • DJs:
Tomoki Tamura, Hideo Kobayashi • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com
Troop Cafe Timeless (Hip hop) • Acts:
Questlove from The Roots, Telly, Green Works, EmceeState x DJ Mo-Ri x SharLee + more • Open: 10:30pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (WF: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe. tumblr.com
World Spung (Techno) • DJs: Takkyu
Ishino + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-213-4119 • world-kyoto.com
21 (Sat)
(ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Tel: 075-7522787 • metro.ne.jp
27 (Fri) Circus Circus Friday Special presents DJ Kentaro (Breaks) • DJs:
Kentaro, Toyo, MC Aoi + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com
28 (Sat) AceCafe Happinesses (Techno/House) • DJs: FunkyGong, So, Mamezuka, Iris • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D + food • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-241-0009 • ace-cafe.com
Circus Zettai-Mu (Hip hop/Dub) • Acts: Shingo02 with 1945 aka Kuranaka, Goth -Trad + more • Open: TBA • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com
Jaai Ich bin (Techno) • DJs: Doppo, kk, Kunugi Takashiro, Loe, Shirakawa, Takataka, TKma • Open: 11pm • Admission: FREE • Where: Shinsaibashi • Golden Daiichi Plaza 5F, 2-1-5, Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-Ku, Osaka
Joule Precious 2013 (Trance) • Live: G.M.S, Skazi • DJs: Ta-ka, Takashi, Show-Hey, Dithforth, 1000Dream, Yuya, Shiva + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥6,000 (ADV: ¥5,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62141223 • club-joule.jp
Circus
Onzieme
Outdraw (Techno) • DJs: Jun
Midnight Request (House/ Electro) • DJs: Dex Pistols, Juse,
11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (WF: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr. com
30 (Mon) Circus Rolling Stone - Opening Special and Sugar Recordings 3rd Anniversary (House/Techno/ Rock) • DJs: Koichi Sato, Yoshiki
Akimoto, Masanori Mikami, Synya, Ume, Yudai Tamura • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com
Idiot Deux + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com
Yamamoto, Namix,Noriyuki Sakaue • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com
Onzieme
Studio Warehouse
Troop Cafe
80kidz New CD “80:XX-0120304” Release Party (Electro) • DJs:
Cosmic Lab presents Doppel “.dpl” & DJ Yama “Soar” W Release Party (Techno/House) •
Deep Sessions (Techno) • DJ:
80kidz, Jerome LOL, YPY, NKZY x FIRST + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com
Metro Jazztronica!! Xmas in Kyoto (Nu Jazz/Crossover/House) • Live:
Jazztronik • DJs: Ryota Nozaki, Isai, Kaeru Kacho, Megane • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D
Live Paint Showcase: Doppel x DJ Kensei x VJ ColograPhonic • Acts: Yama, Eye, Shhh..., Dnt + more • Open: TBA • Admision: TBA • Where: Kitakagaya • cosmiclab. jp/2210
Troop Cafe Seditional Jazz (Techno) • Acts:
Nik Weston, Jimbo, Kohji Matsuda, Ryo, Taturo Yamamoto • Open:
Fumiya Tanaka • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com
Uwaya Gekijo The Star Festival 2013 (Techno)
• DJ: Nobu Open to Last long Set • Open: 10:30pm • Admission: ¥3500 (ADV: ¥3,000 ) • Where: Kobe • thestarfestival.com
31 (Tue) Circus Circus New Years Eve (House)
• DJs: Daniele Baldelli, Ageishi • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥4,000/1D (ADV: ¥3,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com
Studio Warehouse Sea of Green 2013 - 2014 “Warehouse Count Down Special” (Techno) • Live:
Mambotur, Pier Bucci, Argeni Brito • DJs: Mixmastermorris, Coffee. Rumba, Shingo, Jibb, Wasica + more • Open: 6pm • Admision: ¥4,500 (ADV: ¥3,500) • Where: Kitakagaya • seaofgreen.jp
Universe Universal Adventure - Premium Countdown 2013 to 2014 (Techno/Trance) • DJs: Cio D’Or,
Dasha Rush, D41, Takatsugu Wada, Hirro, Ryo Fujioka, Hidetaka, Sai • Open: 3pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000 (Advance: ¥2,000/1D, Before 5pm: ¥1,000) • Where: Namba • cavaret-universe.com
37
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Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do
Kansai Business Finder 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
Arthur Murray Dance School Dance Studio
Chuo-ku, Minami-senba 3-5-28 Osaka Tel: 06-6245-1731 Url: www.arthurmurray.co.jp
Marga Language Service Japanese Language School
Chuo-ku, Onoe-dori 5-1-27-8F Kobe Tel: 078-271-6446 Url: www.marga.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
Shops & Services
> for more listings and maps see kansaiscene.com/business-finder
Brastel Remit
Creamy Kids
Send money overseas
International Modeling Agency
Sumida-ku, Yokoami 2-6-2 Tokyo Tel: 0120-983-891 / 03-6869-4851 Url: www.brastelremit.jp
Kita-ku, Umeda 1-2-2 Osaka Ekimae, Dai-2 Bldg. 2F Osaka Tel: 06-6347-7705 Url: www.pre21.com/creamy
TNT-PC English PC Support
Pakmail Amagasaki
Nishinomiya-shi, Maruhashi-cho 6-8-1F Nishinomiya Tel: 0798-65-7555 Url: www.tnt-pc.com
We Ship Anything, Anywhere!
Yuko Tamaki Accounting Office
Pakmail Esaka
Accounting & Tax Services
Chuo-ku, Tanimachi 1-7-3-8F, Osaka Tel: 06-6809-1955 Url: www12.plala.or.jp/ytaccounting/ indexeng.html
Mojoprint
Miyabi Int’l Gyoseishoshi Law Firm
Full Color Printing
VISA Lawyers in Osaka
Nishi-ku, Shinmachi 3-5-7, Eiko Bldg. 2F Osaka Tel: 06-6539-1717 Url: www.mojoprint.jp
Kita-ku, Nishitenma 1-8-9 Viequ tower #2406 Osaka Tel: 06-4981-7439
Tsugiya 2-2-28 Amagasaki Tel: 06-6492-8950 Url: www.pakmail-ama.com
We Ship Anything, Anywhere!
Suita, Esaka-cho 1-23-17 Osaka Tel: 06-6330-8988 Url: www.pakmail-osaka.com
Sweatshop Union T-Shirt Print Shop
Naniwa-ku, Sakuragawa 4-5-19 Osaka Tel: 06-4394-8850 Url: www.sweatshopunion.jp/eng
Shinmei Law Office Business Lawyer
Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do 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
Travel GS Travel Best Fares in Osaka
Chuo-ku, Higashi-Shinsaibashi 1-13-21, Wadayoshi Bldg 302 Osaka Tel: 06-6281-1230 Url: www.gs-travel.com/en
World Express Kobe’s Popular Travel Agency
Chuo-ku, Kotonoo-cho 5-3-5, Green Chapeau Bldg. 104 Kobe Tel: 078-222-5050 Url: www.wexp.co.jp
Real Estate & Accommodation Takani Co. Ltd. Total solution for house-hunting
Tomson Real Estate
K Studio New York
English speaking real estate specialist in Kobe
English Speaking Beauty Salon
Kobe, Chuo-ku, Kotono-cho 2-2-7, Ueda Bldg. 202 Tel: 078-200-6369
Yodogawa-ku, Nishimiyahara 2-335 Osaka Tel: 06-6396-6770
Health & Beauty
Mayflower House
Ishida Women’s Clinic
Osaka guesthouse
Women’s Health Care in Osaka
Chuo-ku, Izumi-machi 2-1-15 Osaka Tel: 0120-881-456 Url: www.osaka-mayflowerguesthouse.com/en
Asashi-ku, Shinmori 2-1-26 Osaka Tel: 06-6951-9701 Url: www.ishida-clinic.jp/en
Entrance Japan Shared houses across Osaka
Kita-ku, Shibata 1-14-8-9F Osaka Tel: 06-6136-3330 Url: www.entrance-japan.com
Dreamers Furnished / Non-Furnished lofts for rent
Nishiyodogawa-ku, Tsukuda 1-1-36 Osaka Tel: 06-6471-8136 Url: http://passage.sunnyday.jp
Hair Art & Make up BOY Hair and Make Up
Chuo-ku, Higashi-Shinsaibashi 1-2-23-5F Osaka Tel: 06-6252-7630 Url: www6.ocn.ne.jp/~boy
Oriental Dental Clinic English Speaking Dentist
Chuo-ku, Nakayamate-dori 3-4-7, Oriental Medical Dental Bldg. 4F Osaka Tel: 078-321-2717 Url: www.oriental-shika.com
Kita-ku, Toyosaki 5-2-22-2F Osaka Tel: 06-6371-9033 Url: www.ksny.jp
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/ absinthe-solaar
Outback Steakhouse Australian Themed Steakhouse
Kita-ku, Umeda 2-1-24 Shinsakurabashi Bldg. 1F Osaka Tel: 06-6457-7121 Url: www.outbacksteakhouse.co.jp
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KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
guarantor req. Samantha 090490362 <ep_osaka@hotmail.com>
Classifieds
KOBE: NO KEY 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. 090-9286-1216 <ffeilden@yahoo.co.jp> http://www. ffeilden.com/
Room / Flat share Place your ad online at: kansaiscene.com/classifieds
Accommodation For Rent OSAKAKO APARTMENTS AVAILABLE FROM 50000YEN.
1K 50000yen unfurnished. 2DK 65000yen semi furnished. 2DK 75000yen unfurnished (10th floor apartment). 2DK 80000yen fully furnished (9th floor apartment). No key money, No guarantor, No agency fee, 3 month minimum contract. Contact: Alex 09037030314 <alex@ abhousingosaka.com> 1K APARTMENTS FROM 40000. 1K, 39000~50000yen/
month (Tatsumi area). 1K w/ loft 56000~yen/month (Hanazonocho area) 1K W/LOFT 56000~YEN/MONTH (NAGAIKOEN AREA). 1K w/
loft 49000~yen/month (HiranoKu area). 2months free rental fee. Contact: Alex 0903703014 <alex@ abhousingosaka.com> PRIVATE 1K, 20SQ METER APARTMENT IN KAMISHINJO.
Kitchen, bath, shower &amp; toilet. Small balcony. Built in closet. 10 mins walk to Hankyu Kamishinjo station. 13 mins by Hankyu line to Umeda (180yen one way), building has 84 apartments, 5 apts available now. 36,000yen/month +1 month security dep. No key money, no
PENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN KOBE. Spacious, 124-square-meter
apartment has room available. Fully furnished +special extras. (Surround-sound movie system, 2-person sized bathtub, tons of closet space and gorgeous views!) 45000 + bills. Contact Darren and/ or see my blog. (rooms shown now fully furnished). http://www. kobeliving.blogspot.jp/ Contact: Zoob <zoobiechan110@yahoo. com>
Jobs Education MORNING ENGLISH CLASSES IN HONMACHI. Private English
school in Nishi-honmachi seeks native English speaker for adult morning classes. Convenient and friendly atmosphere. In front of Honmachi subway station (Yotsubashi line). 7:00am-8:35am (95 min) Monday-Friday 3000 yen per day Please send resume/w photo to <eigen.osaka@gmail.com> http:// eigenenglish.com
NATIVE P/T FEMALE ENGLISH TEACHER NEEDED ASAP! CANDIDATES MUST BE CHEERFUL AND PROFESSIONAL. University
degree, experience teaching kids + proper visa required Day: Tuesday 2-7:30 p.m. (3-yr-old to adults) / Pay: 2700-3500/hr+trans(up to 600 yen) / Place: 13mins from Sonoda St. on Hankyu / Email CV with recent photo: <active-english@zeus. eonet.ne.jp>
PT ENGLISH TEACHER WANTED. Eikaiwa School in Settsu
looking for PT native English teachers for kids and adults. *Tue-Fri *Afternoon - evening *Experience preferred but not required *Please send your CV and photo via email to abies_kids@ yahoo.co.jp or call 08042450011 for more details
TEACHERS WANTED SCHOOL IN ASHIYA/OKAMOTO IS LOOKING FOR FT/PT ENGLISH, FRENCH AND KOREAN TEACHERS ASAP. University
diploma is preferable. Must be native speaker with valid visa Payment: 2700-3000yen per hour and transportation. Contact us by email: <ashiyaplus@hotmail.co.jp> http://www.comlanguageschool. com/
ENGLISH TEACHER FOR CHILDREN SUNSHINE KIDS IS LOOKING FOR ENTHUSIASTIC, RESPONSIBLE ENGLISH TEACHER. South Osaka schools.
P/T Fridays and Saturdays. Future F/T position possible. Candidate must be a native English speaker and have a valid visa. 2500/class plus trns. Email CV to Tony: <tony@ sunshine-kids.com> Http://www. sunshine-kids.com EXPERIENCED MONTESSORI TEACHER IN OSAKA. 3-6
Montessori Directress in Osaka, Japan. We are looking for a certificated and experienced teacher for our new 3-6 Montessori class starting soon and English conversation classes. We have a good environment to work for children. 240,000yen/month 250 days/year 8 hours/day Please visit our website: http://www. hummingbirds.cc Contact: Masaaki Matsumoto: <flyhummingbirds@ gmail.com>
Entertainment PART-TIME: HOSTESS. WANTED
スタッフ募集 Foreign, female hostess
wanted for Fri-Sat,20:30-01:00 Located in Fuse [kintetsu line]
¥1500/hr~ Conversational Japanese and proper visa required. will provide transportation after shift, please call 080-6188-3645 or e-mail kikaku111@hotmail.co.jp https:// www.facebook.com/SWING.Fuse Contact: Higuchi PIANIST. Pianist, looking for extra
job in event, gigs, weddings. Every single day after 6 pm. Contact: Tomislav Vichev <tommy70@gmail. com>
General APEX CRUISE SHIP VACANCIES.
We seek new crew workers to fill in several positions in our cruise ship base in U.K. Send your CV to our HR Manager, Mr. Graham Hart (apexcruise.graham@gmail.com) to apply for the following positions: Kindergarten Teacher, ESL Teachers, Deckhand, chef, bar-tender, chef, cook, waiter/waitress, stewardess.
Courses & Classes PRIVATE JAPANESE LESSONS IN OSAKA. Tailored to you.
Grammar/Communication/ Preparation for JLPT. Can meet at coffee shop or any where in Osaka. Can do Skype calls too. Availability: 10am-9pm, Mon to Sat. Rates: 60min ¥2000 • 90min ¥3000 • 120min ¥4000. 2 or more lessons/ week = ¥1700/hr. Please check my WEB for more information http://japaneselessonosaka.jimdo. com/ Contact: Hidekazu Takahashi ,japaneselessonosaka@gmail.com> ONLINE ENGLISH LESSONS WITH BRITISH TEACHER.
Interactive online English lessons in Conversational and Business English with qualified and experienced British teacher. Vocabulary build-up, pronunciation, every day phrases, correct sentence structure, spelling, listening and grammar. Please contact Denise: <deniseellenh@yahoo.com> POLE-DANCE, JAZZ-DANCE LESSONS POLE-DANCE AND JAZZ-DANCE LESSONS IN
42 42
KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2013 kansaiscene.com
OSAKA. all levels are welcome! more info: darkangel.dance@ hotmail.com 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 <moritomo@osakaabacus.or.jp> Website: sites.google. com/site/osakasoroban/
Station West Exit. Easy access from JR Sannomiya Station. Drop-in consultations welcome. English spoken. NHI accepted. Appts required. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am7:00pm (Th&amp;Sat 9:30am-1pm) All your general needs, cleaning, etc. Call 078-331-3512 Contact: Kitano<kitano@kitanosika.com> Website: www.kitanoshika.com
November (Sat) 3 hours International Party in Osaka (Honmachi) This is the perfect occasion to make new friends, potential girlfriend/boyfriend, expand your relation circle and have fun all together! 7pm~10pm (Feel free to join at any time) Pizza and Snack will be served. Contact: Fred <cieletoile83j@yahoo.com> www. myosakaparty.com
Health & Beauty
ENGLISH SPEAKING DENTIST IN KOBE. Kitano Dental Clinic is
located near Hankyu Sannomiya
Events MY OSAKA PARTY. 23rd
TRY ACUPUNCTURE & MOXIBUSTION FOR YOUR HEALTH. If you suffer from any
problems, please feel free to contact me! For every pain, problems of internal organs and hormones, gynecology, stress, fatigue etc.. Open Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00. ¥3500 / one point ¥5000 / personalized treatment #10 exit Awaza station, Chuo or Sennichimae line.Contact: Toro <amt.toro@gmail.com> http:// www.tjutaosaka.com/service/jinriki. html
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/
http://www.marist.ac.jp/about-mbis/ contact-us/ Contact: Shitamotoe <shitamotoe@marist.ac.jp> EXPERIENCE REIKI AND MEDITATION IN ENGLISH IN KOBE.【Experience Reiki in
English】Meditation and Experience our subtle body. Date: Friday 8 November from 18.30 to 20.30 Venue: Cerceau de Caya Address: 5-3-13 Motomachi- douri Chuoku Kobe. Contact Tomo: <noza-tomo@ hotmail.co.uk> KANSAI BOOK CLUB (INSERT COOLER NAME HERE). Do you
like to read, meet people who like to read, or meet people who like to meet people who like to read? Then let's start a book club! Any genre/ reading level is on the table, fun is the priority. Contact: <cmhosin@ gmail.com>
Announcements INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR @ MARIST BROTHERS INTL SCHOOL. Saturday, November 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
9, 10AM-4PM, Marist Brothers International School:
INTERNATIONAL FOOD &AMP; SWEETS, USED BOOKS, GAMES &AMP; LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, GARAGE SALE &AMP; BIG RAFFLE. Fun for the Whole Family
Sorry… Due to space restrictions we are unable to print all classified ads. See kansaiscene.com for more classifieds online.
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