Kansai Scene #168 May 2014 by Kansai Scene Magazine

無料 issue 168

May 2014

www.kansaiscene.com

Hiking Heaven

ハイキング天国へようこそ

Plus+ Tips from a sake sommelier Beautiful Borneo

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 | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Contents Features Features

Hiking in your backyard

p08

Hunger, in Kansai?

p12

Travel

Magnificent Malaysia

p14

Food & Drink

Inside info on sake

p16

Business Matters

Art with SoHo Gallery

COVER ART: Viva La Mort Erik Svare, the artist behind Viva La Mort, says the inspiration for this month’s cover comes from the steep and rocky ridgeline of Omine-san in Nara, said to be frequented by mountain hermits (yamabushi). Find out more about Viva La Mort on p.25.

p07

Artist Profile

Viva La Mort

p25

Promotional Feature

Ghost Ultra Lounge

p20

Listings Film p22 Events & Festivals

p26

Art

p30

Live Music

p32

Club

p36

Apartments p39 Classifieds p40 Maps p44

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Kansai Scene is published monthly by Mojoprint Publisher/Creative Director...............Daniel Lee Editor................................... Celia Polkinghorne Sub-editors...... Donna Sheffield / Jason Haidar Designer...................Carolina Sandoval Durazo Sales Manager...........................Ryuichi Fukuda Accounts Manager......................... Michiko Lee

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

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

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

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Contact Kansai Scene General mailbox@kansaiscene.com Editorial editor@kansaiscene.com Advertising sales@kansaiscene.com Tel. 06-6539-1717 Fax. 06-7635-4791 Address Osaka-shi, Nishi-ku, Shinmachi 3-5-7, Eiko Bldg. 2F Website kansaiscene.com A BIT OF HISTORY Kansai Scene was founded by Peter Horvath and Nishikawa Keiko in 2000 and published by Jatin Banker between 2003 – 2011. Published monthly, KS provides English articles, information and listings for visitors and residents of the Kansai area.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Out & About

Got some news? Email your suggestions to editor@kansaiscene.com

Reader’s Photo

The Changing Face of Japan: Screening and discussion of the movie Hafu

KS is bringing back the reader's photo! Jason Haidar from the KS team is getting us started this month - next month’s winner receives a coveted Kansai Scene t-shirt. Email your best snaps taken around Kansai to: photo@kansaiscene.com

Nishinomiya — Kansai Scene, The ACCJ Kansai, and Konan University Cube are pleased to present a special screening and discussion of the movie Hafu (as featured in our Feb issue). Ed Sumoto, one of those featured in the movie, and founder of the Kobe Mixed Roots organization, will host an open discussion of the movie post-screening. Konan University Nishinomiya Campus (Konan CUBE) • May 29 • Time: Doors open 6pm, event ends 9pm • Entry: Free to students with ID. ACCJ Members and members of the public: ¥2,000 (incl. food/drink ticket) • Access: Nishinomiya Kitaguchi Station, Hankyu Line (5-min walk)

Video adventures - how to hanami Once again this year, hanami season came and went in the blink of an eye. Some of you may have managed to enjoy awesome parties under perfect blossoms, but many may have missed them altogether due to poor planning or inclement weather. The latest entry to our video blog series this issue is a report about the whole history and culture of hanami with tips on what to bring, where to go, and general hanami etiquette to make sure your flower viewing goes according to plan next season. Check out this and the other video adventures of Felicity and Ryan from Where Next Japan at kansaiscene.com/video

House hunting help Jason Haidar Photographers were out in force at the Nipponbashi Anime Festa on Mar 21. We posted lots of great images on our Facebook page, including this one from the KS team taken by Jason Haidar, featuring this girl dressed as a S.T.A.R.S member from the Resident Evil (Biohazard in Japan) franchise.

Connect with Kansai Scene… Catch up with KS on social media

Osaka — Kansai Scene has teamed up with Real Estate Japan and we’ve added a new ‘Apartments’ section to our website, listing properties available to rent in Kansai - all in English. In the back of this issue you’ll find an Apartments page that highlights 10 of these properties, but to see photos, extra details, and even more listings, please visit apartments.kansaiscene.com

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Out & About

Got some news? Email your suggestions to editor@kansaiscene.com

Five of the best... Camping spots for lovers of the great outdoors (and hot springs!) Each month, KS brings you five hot tips

Kawayu, Wakayama Nestled in the heart of Wakayama prefecture, Kawayu offers great camping from spring through to fall. Cool off in the crystal clear waters after a nice day-long hike on the surrounding World Heritage sanctioned Kumano Kodo trail, or soak your tired legs by digging your own personal onsen in the very same river! The combination makes this camp site a good choice in warm or cool weather.

Makino Sunny Beach, Lake Biwa, Shiga For a spot of swimming, fishing, or even tennis, head to Chinai-hama campground at Makino Sunny Beach. A 15-min walk from Makino Station on the Kosei Line, you can rent a tent here for ¥2,000, soak up the green grass and blue sky, and enjoy the largest lake in Japan. takashima-kanko.jp/english/area/makino.html

tb-kumano.jp/en/lodging/campgrounds-bungalows/

Tango Peninsula, Kyoto For a night under the stars by the Japan Sea, head three hours north of Kyoto to the Tango Peninsula (or Tango Hanto). Stay at a 100-year-old farmhouse overlooking Japanese rice paddies. Head down to Kotobikki-hama and watch the sunset from a natural onsen right on the beach!

More information about camping in Japan: • NCAJ (National Camping Association of Japan camping.or.jp/english/ • JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization): jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/pdf/pg-804.pdf

twototangohome.com/tango-hanto/index.html

Amanohashidate, Tango Peninsula, Kyoto If you’ve got all your own equipment, why not check out the Amanohashidate campground, a seven-minute walk to one of the “Three Views of Japan” Nihon Sankei: the pine tree-clad sandbar Amanohashidate (“the ladder to the heavens”). It’s located in Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture. seasidekyoto.blogspot.jp/2013/03/camping-site-7minswalk-from.html

Yubara Onsen, Okayama Maybe you’re up for a road trip and some extra company. If so, you could join the onsen camp to Yubara Onsen located in the mountains of Okayama. Enjoy a choice of three free, 24-hour unisex natural hot springs. Bijin-no-yu (for skincare), Kodakara-no-yu (for fertility) and Choju-no-yu (for a long life). kigouya.com/camps/yubara_onsen_(jun_oct).html

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Business Matters

Art SoHo style Weekly, there are hundreds of art exhibitions happening throughout Kansai, with more than 350 art spaces in the region booked up. That’s more than in London and Paris combined. Text: KS • Images: SoHo Gallery

KS caught up with Celio Barreto from SoHo Gallery in Osaka, to hear how he navigated the intense Japanese art scene from the ground up. How did you come to open an art gallery in Tanimachi? My friend and business partner Yachiyo Nakao and I both seriously love art and had both lived in the Tanimachi area of Tennoji for many years. In 2006 we had been wanting to go into business together for a while, and wanted to do something art-related and unique in the city. We came across a wonderful building and it just so happened that all the stars aligned. A primo location on a main thoroughfare, a flexible building with great character, and nothing short of an incredibly ambitious dream driving us to action. Tell us about the process of setting up SoHo Gallery. Well, it was painstaking to say the least. First of all we needed to set in stone the role the gallery would play, its vision and mission, and stick to those principles. We wanted to help and support emerging artists and to create opportunities for artists to grow and advance in their careers. We wanted to bring the local and international art communities together in our space and through our projects. Getting the paperwork together was a fun process in retrospect, but frustrating at the time. We did all the renovation work ourselves with the help of a few friends. It took about three months worth of

18-hour days and no holidays to get it ready for the first show in May 2007. What kinds of artists do you showcase? We showcase a great deal of artists, from the avant-garde to the traditional and almost everything in between. Our focus is primarily on contemporary art, working with painters, photographers, installation artists, performance artists, conceptual artists and many more. What will you be showcasing this month? We have our eighth anniversary exhibition from May 20th to the 25th. It’s a fun group exhibition featuring smaller works by dozens of artists we have worked with since our inception, as well as new artists. We have people joining in from all over Japan, Europe, and North America. What’s the visual arts scene in Osaka like generally? It’s vibrant, exciting, and mind-blowing at times! However it’s quite disjointed and fragmented. There are a lot of artist and industry collectives doing a lot of exciting projects, from commercial art fairs to riverside flea markets. The range is astounding but there is very little cooperation between these groups. Osaka affords artists levels of freedom to act and create beyond what many “art” towns around the world allow. Osaka and Kansai are great places to be if you’re an artist. Lots of opportunities!

What are the challenges and rewards of running a gallery like this? It’s a 24/7/365 kind of deal. You’re working with people in different time zones and languages. You’re planning future shows a couple of years in advance and seeing current shows materialise. There’s always something urgent coming up. Quite a bit of work goes on behind the scenes by everyone involved in an art exhibit, which isn’t always apparent. Is there anything of note on the horizon for SoHo? Oh yes! Since 2009 we’ve been curating TRANSNATIONAL ART, first at the Osaka Contemporary Art Center and then at the Enokojima Art & Creative Center. This exhibition showcases works by artists from around the world who are active in Japan and other countries simultaneously. Since 2010 we began making headway in Northwestern Europe, creating exhibition opportunities for our artists in Finland, France, and soon Germany and Canada.

SoHo Gallery • Address: Ikutamacho 9-18, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0071 • Hours: Tue-Sat 12:00-19:00 Sun 12:00-17:00 • Tel: 06-4394-7456 • Email: info@soho-art-gallery.com • Access: 1 min from Tanimachi9-Chome station, exit #3 • Website: soho-art-gallery.com

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Feature

Knocking on hiking heaven’s door

ハイキング天国へようこそ

Hanami season has frisked its way to yet another nostalgic end and left us with a couple more months of prime hiking time before the big heat. Here are five spots to get back to nature with this spring. 花のつぼみもほころび、自然の空気が恋しくなる春。これから酷暑がやってくるまでの数ヶ月間は、ハイキングに最適な気候が続く。爽やかな初夏の休日に、大自然を満喫できるとっておきのスポットを5つご紹介しよう。 Text: Tom Fay • Images: Tom Fay and KS • Translation: Endo Tazlu

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Mt. Bungatake

Mt. Shiraga

Hyogo

Shiga

Kyoto

Osaka

Mie

Mt. Kongo

Mt. Sanjogatake

Nara

Mt. Odaigahara

Wakayama

In days long past, mountains were revered as sacred and mysterious places, and were only climbed by Shinto and Buddhist priests on their spiritual pilgrimages. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that an Englishman called Walter Weston arrived in Japan, founded the Japanese Alpine Club and changed the perception of those high places forever. Climbing mountains became a form of recreation, and has boomed in popularity ever since. These days, people of all ages and fitness levels can be found huffing and puffing along the myriad of trails which litter the mountainsides, and although the biggest and most challenging peaks tend to be found in the Japan Alps, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy some beautiful scenery and satisfying treks. Indeed there are countless enjoyable hikes to be had in the Kansai region, most famous of which (and best for beginners) is probably Mount Rokko, with its clearly marked and easy ascent overlooking Kobe. One of the best parts of this particular hike is finishing the day with a nice, hot soak in the hot spring town of Arima. The following hikes are all good ones for this time of year, but trekkers must always ensure they have the right equipment (clothing, food, water, boots, map, compass). As route-finding can sometimes be tricky it would be wise to consult a guidebook or look online for a more detailed guide before setting out.

古来、日本の山々は神聖な場所として崇められ、足を踏み入れるのは修験者たちに限られてきた。そんな時代が終わりを告げるのは19世紀後半のこと。英国人登山家ウォルター・ウェストンが、日本アルプスに登攀して山岳のイメージを一変させたのだ。それ以来、登山は国民的なレクレーションのひとつとなった。今日では日本中の山々に登山道がめぐらされ、人々が息を弾ませながら歩いている。子どもから高齢者まで、初心者からアスリートまで、登山人口の多様化は著しい。本格的な登山のメッカといえば日本アルプスだが、そこまで遠出しなくとも美しい景色と山歩きの喜びは味わえる。関西地方にもハイキングの名所は無数にあり、初心者でも登れる山としてもっとも有名なのが六甲山だろう。登山道もわかりやすく、簡単に神戸の街を見渡せる。そしてもちろん最大の楽しみは、下山後に一日の疲れを癒やす有馬温泉でのひとときだ。ここで紹介するのは、これからの季節に最適なスポットばかりである。登山者は衣類、食料、水、靴、地図、方位磁石などの必需品を忘れずに完備すること。標識が少なく迷いやすい山道もあるので、出発前にはガイドブックやネット上でさらに詳細な情報を集めておきたい。

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Mount Kongo (Osaka) As the highest mountain in the prefecture, Kongo-san had to make the list, and luckily it is an easily accessible mountain with a range of clear, well-marked paths. A good choice for beginners, it is popular with older climbers, families and yama girls throughout the year. It is even possible to ride a cable car most of the way up, and refreshments are available at the top. Purists will argue that the mountain has been somewhat ruined with man-made intrusions at every turn, but it still provides a few hours of good solid cardio and a satisfying escape from the city. Access: Train to Kawachinagano station and then a bus.

Odai-ga-hara (Nara) A high alpine plateau found deep in Yoshino-Kumano National Park, it sounds more intimidating than it really is. A number of arduous, longer routes can be found for those looking for a challenge, but a loop of this mossy upland offers stunning views (as far as Mount Fuji on a clear day) and a chance to glimpse some rare plants and wildlife. The path from the visitor’s centre is very well maintained, and is relatively level most of the way around, so it’s usual to see families and couples rubbing shoulders with more seasoned mountaineers just passing through. Access: Train to Yamatokamiichi station and then a bus. There is a large, free car park.

金剛山（大阪）忘れちゃいけない、大阪府最高峰といえば金剛山。道もわかりやすく、気軽に登れる初心者向けの山ということもあって、中高年、家族連れ、山ガールたちで一年中賑わっている。ロープウェイで一気に駆け上がることもでき、山頂付近には軽食が買える売店もある。山にうるさい人のなかには、人工物で溢れかえった登山道が気に入らないという向きもあるだろう。それでもなお、有酸素運動を数時間たっぷり楽しんで、都会の喧騒から逃れるのには格好の場所である。アクセス：河内長野駅（南海電鉄）からバス。

大台ヶ原（奈良）吉野熊野国立公園の奥座敷にある台状の高地。名前から連想するほど険しい山ではない。本格的な登山者には長めのルートもいくつかあるが、苔むす山をぐるりとめぐり、素晴らしい景色の中を歩ける遊歩道が人気だ。晴れた日には富士山まで見渡せ、希少な植物や野生生物との出会いも楽しい。ビジターセンターからの道はとてもよく整備され、高低差も少なめ。気軽な散策を楽しむ家族連れやカップルが多く、年季の入った登山者にはもっぱら通過点になる。アクセス：大和上市駅（近鉄）からバス。大きな無料駐車場もある。

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

The following three hikes are more serious and require a good written guide and map. Omine-san (Nara) This is a popular hike on a pilgrimage route, taking in a number of sacred sites. In fact, the peak of Sanjo-ga-take remains off-limits to women, although there are routes which bypass this. With an early start from Dorogawa Onsen, it is possible to reach two of the highest points in Kansai, Mount Misen and the nearby Mount Hakken (although it is probably best to stay the night in a hut). The trail itself is well marked, following the ridge line after a steep climb, and even if your muscles begin to feel the pain, the spiritual nourishment of hiking along a route still used by pilgrims and mountain priests will surely spur you on. If not, then the promise of a hot bath back at the foot of the mountain might do the trick. Access: Train to Shimoichikuchi station and then a bus.

Shiraga-san (Hyogo) This mountain is a little-known gem, easily accessible by train, providing a full day of hiking in beautiful surroundings, and best of all, very few people! From the station, the first 45 minutes is very gentle, as the narrow road meanders through quaint villages and rice paddies, before the hike starts proper with a gruelling and steep ascent, and a relatively short but invigorating climb over rocky outcrops. The top provides stunning panoramic views over much of Hyogo. After that the trail continues through peaceful forests, past waterfalls and countless other interesting sites providing a hike with a bit of everything. The path does branch off in a number of places however, so be careful not to get lost. Access: Train to Furuichi station.

Buna-ga-take (Shiga) From the beginning this hike is very steep and tiring, and you’ll begin to wonder what you have let yourself in for. But before too long you will reach the top of the ridge, and from then on it is an enjoyable trek over a number of false-summits, before the impressive peak and one of Japan’s 200 famous mountains, Buna-ga-take, looms into view. On a clear day you can see for miles, with Lake Biwa sitting proudly out to the east. The route can be a little difficult to follow at times, so keep an eye out for the red markers which help to guide the way. Access: Bus from Kyoto’s Demachiyanagi bus station to Bomura. There is a car park.

以下の3箇所は本格的な登山コースなので、詳細なガイドブックと山岳地図を参照のこと大峰山（奈良）いにしえの参詣道で、聖地を訪ね歩く人気コース。山上ヶ岳の山頂は今も女人禁制だが、迂回ルートはある。洞川温泉を早朝に出発すれば、関西最高峰の八剣山と弥山を一日で走破できるだろう（ただし山小屋に1泊するのが無難）。険しい坂道から稜線をたどる登山道は、よく整備されていてわかりやすい。現代でも修験者や山僧が行き交う信仰の道。筋肉痛が始まっても、清々しい森の霊気が癒してくれる。万が一、霊験がなくともご心配なく。麓の温泉の効能は抜群だ。アクセス：下市口駅（近鉄）からバス。

白髪岳（兵庫）知られざる名峰。電車で簡単に行けて、きれいな景色を一日中楽しめて、何よりも人の少なさが魅力のコースだ。駅からの45分は、趣のある村や田んぼを縫うようにして、曲がりくねった小道をゆったりと歩く。山道に入ると本格的な急登が始まり、短いながらも手応え十分な岩場を乗り越えていく。頂上からは、兵庫県の山々がほとんど見渡せる眺望。その後も静かな森を抜け、滝を通り過ぎ、見所満載のハイキングになる。登山道には枝道が多いので、迷わないように注意。アクセス：古市駅（JR宝塚線）から徒歩。

武奈ヶ岳（兵庫）登り始めからの急坂で体力を消耗し、いったい何のためにここまで来たのだろうと不安になるかもしれない。だがほどなく稜線の上に出ると、そこからは実に爽快な山歩きだ。いくつかの小さな頂を越え、日本二百名山のひとつに数えられる武奈ヶ岳の山頂にたどり着く。晴れた日なら数十キロ先まで見渡せ、東には堂々たる琵琶湖の姿を見下ろす絶景。ところどころ山道がわかりにくくなっている場所があるので、正しいルートを示す赤い目印を見失わないように注意すること。アクセス：出町柳駅前（京都）からバスで坊村下車。

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Feature

Kozmoz cracks down on hunger in Kansai The annual World Hunger Day will this year be recognized on May 28th, and while hunger may not strike many Kansai dwellers as a problem, Kyoto-based organization Kozmoz International begs to differ. Text and images: Heenali Patel

People going hungry... here? This is not a question we would usually think to ask in Kansai. Pay a visit to Kozmoz International in Kyoto however, and it will be the first question on your mind. For over 25 years, the non-profit organisation has worked in Kansai to prevent thousands, unseen by most of us, from slipping through the cracks of food poverty. Founded by American man, Barry Wyatt, Kozmoz International runs a food bank every day, using a small café as a centre for sorting and repackaging goods. The project, now into its tenth year, involves distributing donated food from local manufacturers to public housing blocks, orphanages and the homeless across Kansai. With few other food banks working in the area, the scale of the task is phenomenal. Last year alone, the team delivered over 300,000 kilograms of free food to those in need. At any given time, crates full of bread, fruits and vegetables line the centre’s entrance. Some days, a volunteer driver will deliver a fresh haul of bananas, stacking up to over two metres high. Used as samples for quality inspection, these bananas are deemed unsuitable for commercial sale. As Barry points out, without Kozmoz they all would all go to waste. “In Japan, about a third of all food is thrown away every day. Stores purposefully purchase an excess of what

they need out of fear of losing customers. They give it to Kozmoz because it’s the easiest and cheapest way to deal with it.” Each week, the Kozmoz truck journeys to several warehouses in Kobe to collect the bananas. All in all, the trip can take over six hours and rack up a substantial bill. The cost and time incurred however, are outweighed by the need these bananas answer. With an estimated one in seven people living below the poverty line in Japan, every bunch counts. This is most apparent at the housing blocks, where hundreds of elderly people, children, and low-earning individuals line up weekly to receive the bananas among other food packages. Although everyone is likely to leave with something, some people’s desperation is clear. A Kozmoz volunteer recalls how fights sometimes break out over the last supplies. “We once had a woman holding a baby in one arm and striking people with the other to reach the front. There are only four of us at a time, so crowd control can get difficult.” What the team lacks in size, it makes up for in dedication. Their goal is not only to provide relief, but to present a replicable socio-economic model for other communities to use. Barry tells a story that demonstrates why it is so important that we support projects like these.

“Last summer, we had a woman and her baby starve to death in Osaka right by where we drive every week. If somebody had only said something, then we could have changed that.”

Helping out Volunteer opportunities exist for helping the foodbank project, teaching English / other subjects in English, helping with the cafe, and one-off events. For more information or volunteer opportunities, please visit the Kozomoz website or email heenalivpatel@gmail.com

Kozmoz International • Address: 59-2 Hirano-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. • Tel: 075-200-3845 • Website: kozmoz.org

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Travel

Meandering Kota Kinabalu and the Sabah region Picture long, sandy beaches, paradise islands, quaint tropical rain forests, mountainous hinterlands, and a gateway city to it all boasting its own metropolitan charms. Welcome to Kota Kinabalu and the tropical island of Borneo. Text and images: Samuel Smith

Malaysia is captivating and full of charm. It is an amalgamation of cultures and religions where Middle Eastern and Asian influences, as well as parts of the Western world, are all rolled in together. Its history is just as fascinating and varied; the country is now officially a part of the British Commonwealth with a parliamentary democracy, yet it has nine native Malay royal families. Even the mouth-watering food shares a host of identities, mixing Asian noodles, Indian curries, and Western-style meats onto one plate. It is a challenge for anyone, including Malaysians, to tell you exactly

Gayana Eco Resort

what “Malaysian food” really is. The diversity has to be the most wonderful part. The city of Kota Kinabalu is certainly testament to all of this this. KK, as it’s known locally, is the capital of the state of Sabah in northern Borneo. My first adventure there was a river cruise, about a 45-minute drive outside of KK at the Klias River. Even in November the air was hot and moist, but nothing a seasoned veteran of Japanese summers couldn’t handle. The river itself was gorgeous. Lush and colourful fauna dotted both sides of the water. But that’s not what I was there for. I was there for the monkeys; the Probos-

Proboscis monkeys

cis monkeys that only exist in Borneo. The river is home to the Proboscis. Their long human-like noses are fascinating to observe; a wonderful oddity of nature. I spotted one in the fading light of a sunset; it looked like a person was sitting up in the branches, contentedly watching the sun go down. The next day I was up and out to a must-see destination; Mount Kinabalu inside Kinabalu National Park. This is where the Malaysian “fish massage” can be experienced, at Kampung Luanti, Ranau. It takes roughly an hour and a half from the city to get to Kampung Luanti, Ranau, but the drive

Fish massage

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

up hills and down through sprawling valleys, dipping between mountains that just ooze greenery, makes the journey alone completely worthwhile. Along the way are local tourist markets selling various wares, but the most authentic items made in Malaysia are the hand-woven baskets. The “fish massage” was stationed inside a protected fish habitat where the fish are not caught, but preserved. I watched as families stood at the edge of a shallow river where thousands of fish swam around waiting for the next person to get into the water. It turns out they are attracted to the dead skin on people’s bodies, so as someone walks into the water, these fish literally eat the skin off of them. Eventually I gathered my courage and stepped in. Dozens of various-sized fish flocked around my legs as I let the massage begin. It was hilarious, fascinating, and a little traumatizing. I let the fish run up past my ankles and stopped. My heart couldn’t take much more than that. But the locals were pros at this. Some of them liked to dip their arms, but remember this – whatever you dip in is considered fair game. A hidden gem near KK is the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort. While the hotel is meant for guests (and is well worth the stay if you can afford

Thailand Gulf of Thailand

Sulu Sea Kota Kinabalu

South China Sea Strait of Malacca

Brunei

Sabah

Kuala Lumpur

Indonesia

Celebes Sea

Malaysia Singapore

it), a day-trip is a must. Not only does the hotel have its own stunning beach and a ridiculous amount of activities (ATVs, massages, hikes), it is home to an Orangutan sanctuary. Housing orphaned orangutans, this publicly available sanctuary is beautiful enough just to visit for its jungle trek. But there is a bonus at the end. Hiking through the man-made pathway and vibrant greenery I came to a feeding ground not far away from the base of the mountain to observe the orangutans in action. Staff are actually preparing these creatures to be released back into the wild, and this process takes a few years. Once they leave this area, they graduate to another sanctuary nearby that the locals consider a “high school.” Basically it is a reverse zoo. The humans stand on an observation deck in the jungle and watch the orangutans. It’s adorable, educational, and most of all a great time. It’s difficult to capture Kota Kinabalu in only a few hundred words. I spent just four nights there and only began to scratch the surface of this wonderful part of the world. Getting there and back from Japan has never been easier, especially now that Malaysia Airlines has opened a brand-new direct flight from Narita to Kota Kinabalu. The flight time is around five to six hours. Leaving Malaysia was hard to do. Memories of mid-November sunset cruises, drinking white wine and relaxing on a boat in the South China Sea play nostalgically on my mind. And that’s just one of many, many adventures awaiting in Sabah. I can’t wait to go back.

Indonesia

When to go While Kota Kinabalu’s weather is consistent all year round, January to March is when the weather gets a little more dry and is best for backpackers and the adventurous. Between November and January there are many festivals to check out, but the fun could be dampened by a higher chance of rain.

Getting there Access to KK is getting easier with many airlines opening up direct flights from Japan in the last year alone. Flights can be found with Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Asiana Airlines, and more.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Food & Drink

Kansai’s sake sommelier Look out craft beer, Japan’s very own microbrewery tradition - jizake - is back in public favor. Text: KS

Just as the production of craft sake is an art, as a consumer, knowing which to choose and how to enjoy them, is an art in itself. It’s no surprise then, that there actually exists an internationally recognised sake sommelier qualification. Kansai Scene sat down with Kansai’s very own sake sommelier, Eni Otsuka, to sniff out the story. What is a sake sommelier and how did you become one? A sake sommelier is a sake professional. Someone with expert knowledge regarding the materials, fermentation methods, history, and proper serving methods of sake. I am a certified Kikisake-shi (sake sommelier) and an International Kikisake-shi by the S.S.I (Sake Service Institute). I am also a certified wine expert by the Japan sommelier association. I was one of three semi-finalists at the 2012 World Kikisake-shi competition, and the only female sake sommelier from Kansai. Sake is part of Japan’s cultural heritage and I hope I can help in some way to increase its popularity not only in Japan, but also around the world.

The four classiﬁcations for sake based on aroma and ﬂavor

When should sake be served chilled and when warm? Suitable serving temperatures for sake range widely, especially compared to wine or beer. Sake can be served anywhere from five to 60°C. The same sake can be enjoyed at different temperatures, with each change affecting the aroma and flavor. Generally, aromatic sake is suitable to be consumed at comparatively low temperatures (10 to 15°C) whereas a rich sake’s character, it’s umami and texture, are often enhanced at higher temperatures (40 to 55°C). What is the jizake scene like in Kansai? Traditionally, Kansai has accounted for some 50 percent of all sake production in Japan. With washoku being awarded Unesco World Heritage status last year, Kansai is experiencing a boom in consumer popularity and consequently, the motivation of its brewers to keep producing the amazing variety of sake on offer, from low alcohol varieties to 10-year aged sakes. Does sake pair well with food? Sake pairs exceedingly well with all seafood (naturally masking the often

Fragrant

Kun-shu

Juku-shu

Aromatic Sake

Aged Sake

Fruity aroma and light, fresh flavor.

Overall, rich flavor with umami and the aroma of steamed rice.

This type can be sweet or dry.

Light So-shu

Jun-shu

Refreshing Sake

Rich Sake

Modest overall, but fresh aroma with a smooth and lush flavor.

Overall rich and powerful with an aged aroma of dry fruit and spices,

So-shu is the lightest and simplest of the four types of sake.

including a creamy texture with sweetness and umami.

Less Fragrant

overpowering smell of raw fish) yet is surprisingly good with all types and genres of foods. It enhances the natural flavors of vegetables and in my opinion, goes better with cheese than even wine. What is your personal favorite sake? Kohakukou, a 10-year-old premium sake from Tsukino Katsura. This is the only koshu sake in Japan to be slowly matured for 10 years in special earthenware pots. It has a unique burnished gold color and an elegant aroma of dry fruits and spices, yet has a smooth, creamy texture with sweetness and umami. What should a beginner look out for when buying a bottle of sake? Sadly, unlike wine bottles, sake labels offer little clue about the quality or taste of the drink inside. My best advice is to buy from a reputable sake dealer and take their advice. Better still, only buy a sake that you have tasted first!

Try it for yourself Get to grips with the amazing variety of jizake being produced under our noses, with 12 Osaka breweries combining together for this annual sake-tasting fest. Osaka Jizake Tenma Festival

Full Flavor

• OAP center • When: May 25 • Time: 11am–4pm • Access: 5 mins walk from JR Sakuranomiya Sta • Entry: ¥1,000 for 10 samples + ¥300 for a sake cup (ochoko) that you can take home.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Language

Which way to the top? Cherry blossoms have come and gone and hot, humid summer days are right around the corner. With the window of wonderful weather speeding to a close, there is no time like the present to get outside and enjoy yourself. Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking to get away from the crowds and go somewhere off the beaten track, or a winter couch potato who just feels like a stretch of the legs on a less-challenging hike, we have you covered in this month’s bilingual feature article (see page 8). Perhaps you fancy exploring old temples and shrines, walking the paths of pilgrims and mountain priests, or just taking in magnificent landscapes and awe-inspiring views on your way to a well-earned soak in an onsen. Or maybe all you want is some fresh air. Whatever the excuse, May is the perfect time of year to explore the natural beauty right in your own backyard. We’ve got the lingo to keep you on the right path. So dust off your hiking boots (tozan gutsu), grab your backpack (zakku), fill up your water bottle (suitou), and hit the trails!

Useful expressions Can you help me?

おしえてくれませんか。

Oshiete kuremasen ka?

I'm lost.

みちにまよってしまいました。

Michi ni mayote shimai mashita.

Turn left / right

ひだり / みぎへまがってください。

Hidari / migi e magatte kudasai.

Then, go straight.

それから、まっすぐいってください。

Sorekara, massugu itte kudasai.

About how much further to the summit?

ちょうじょうまでは、どのぐらいですか。

Chōjō madewa dono gurai desu ka?

It's near / far from here.

ここからちかい / とおいです。

Koko kara chikai / tooi desu.

How long does it take to get there?

そこまでどのぐらいかかりますか。

Soko made dono gurai kakari masu ka?

Where does this trail lead to?

このみちはどこにいきますか。

Kono michi wa doko ni ikimasu ka?

Would you like to take a rest?

やすみませんか。

Yasumimasen ka?

What a beautiful view!

きれいなけしきですね。

Kirē na keshiki desu ne.

I thought I was in better shape!

ちょうしがいいとおもっていました。

Chōshi ga ii to omotte imashita!

We're almost there, I promise!

あとすこしです。ほんとです！

Ato sukoshi desu. Hontō desu!

I thought you said we were almost there!

あとすこしだといいましたよね。

Ato sukoshi da to iimashita yo ne.

Hurry up!

いそいで！

Isoide!

Let's stop and have a snack.

とまってスナックでもたべばしょう。

Tomatte sunakku demo tabemashō.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

A Dose of the Supernatural Osaka’s eagerly-anticipated new club Ghost Ultra Lounge has formally opened its doors and breathes an urban chic lifeline into the Kansai club scene. Text: Sam Evans • Images: Ghost Ultra Lounge

Maybe I’m jaded, but in Osaka especially I feel as though walking into a club often takes me back; and not in the heartwarming nostalgic way. Upon paying the usually over-the-odds admission fee and battling through the sense-stripping wall of tobacco smog guided only by the tawdry neon illuminations, I feel transported back to the dingy student nights of uni past, or sometimes even worse; like I’m ten again and reliving that traumatic birthday party at laser tag. Stepping into Ghost is different. Upon entering, one is immediately thrust into an a la mode universe of black leather, white tiling and brown brick and wood that is ever-so-slightly reminiscent of a New York loft with an awesome sound system. Tear down the glorified glow sticks you might be used to seeing strewn over the walls in your regular Saturday night haunt and replace them with impressive in-wall lighting and image projections, all programmed in a way that make the walls surrounding the dance floor spring into life. This is urban chic for the urban clubber, and while positively expensive looking, the decor is subtle and classy to make for an atmosphere that complements the immaculately-dressed bartenders and is decidedly conducive to a great night out. Of course, club goers know that clubs aren’t merely defined by the way they’re decorated. Great clubs must have a certain ambience, a soul right? Well fear

not faithful dance-the-night-awayers, because Ghost Ultra Lounge isn’t just a pretty face, even though there are plenty of them flocking there. As well as an incredible sound system and multiple booths from which the well known resident DJs spin out the freshest Hip Hop and R&B fist pumpers, the raised stage gives way to a fashionable island bar from which one can choose from the usual suspects to quench one’s thirst and maintain one’s hard-earned buzz. The ladies are catered to here too, as one side of the bar provides dedicated seating for those wishing to slip out of their high heels for a few minutes and sip on a cocktail. Prices. Thankfully, they don’t match the sophisticated feel of the place. A beer will set you back the average ¥500 whilst cocktails hang at around the ¥600 to ¥800 mark. If you and your entourage are feeling particularly extravagant, Ghost offers a great VIP package service with exclusive black leather-clad booths for ¥12,000 to ¥15,000 for an hour depending on which bottle of liquor you choose to accompany your infinite swag. With all this on offer why not get down to Ghost Ultra Lounge next time you’re in the mood for a late one and experience clubbing as it should be. I can say with elation that finally my laser tag ghosts have been exorcised. No more therapy for me.

Ghost Ultra Lounge • Address: Ark Shinsaibashi West B1F, 2-17-3 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • Website: ghostosaka.com • Facebook: GhostUltraLounge • Open: 7pm-1am • Closed: Weds.

Schedule • Every Saturday: EN:CORE hosted by DJ Minami, DJ YMX, DJ Shiotsu, DJ Jun and DJ Kango. • Every Friday: XOXO hosted by DJ YMX, DJ Rufferty, DJ Kazunari, MC Ani and DJ Shiotsu. • Every Sunday: GHOST on SUNDAY hosted by DJ Lead, DJ Kaz001, DJ Bullset and DJ W-One. • Every Monday: LOVEWAY hosted by DJ Ree-Age, DJ Masakaz, DJ Mahoroba. • Every Tuesday: tuLuce hosted by DJ Ken-Bow, Make Love Sound and DJ Peit. • Every Thursday: THE PHANTOM hosted by DJ Lead, DJ YMX, DJ Nore and MC Macko.

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do May 30

Pick

Justin Chadwick, Biography, 141 mins, 24th May Starring: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris

Film previews

X-Men: Days of Future Past Bryan Singer, Sci-Fi Action Starring: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lawrence, Ellen Page, Peter Dinklage, Kelsey Grammer

Although he has been producer for some of the less-loved X-Men movies, Bryan Singer hasn’t been directing the legendary band of mutants for a while. He launched the movie franchise and surpassed expectations with his X2 sequel, but since then the franchise has only had a few high points. It wasn’t until 2011 and Matthew Vaughn’s First Class that there seemed to be some new and exciting ground to tread. The newest movie Days of Future Past is extremely ambitious, hoping to tie in the original three movies, First Class and The Wolverine (with Origins being sent to the naughty corner and dutifully ignored). There are more cast members than most other superhero movies combined…which could prove to be the film’s main drawback. The current comic-book one-upmanship that is plaguing Hollywood means that the star-studded cast for this film dwarfs most others, which is great for nods to fans, but perhaps less so for coherent storytelling. Stewart and McKellan are as stellar as always, and it is easy to see how the twisted yet loveable Magneto played by Fassbender aged into the respect-demanding leader of mutants. But McAvoy’s lady-killer come depressed wheelchair user is a far stride from the smooth-voiced (and headed) Xavier that Stewart flawlessly portrays; an interesting arc to be sure, one aided by time travel and the like, but one that struggles to ring true. Avoiding spoilers, the film is based on a popular comic book narrative, one that was adapted and shown on the awesome 1990s X-Men cartoon series. Wolverine, Storm, Beast, and Shadowcat all make an appearance and Game of Thrones’ Peter Dinklage plays Bolivar Trask, a man with a penchant for gigantic robots. Whilst the movie is full of twists and turns that could confuse those less accustomed with the franchise, it never fails to be fun, engaging and stylish. Don’t forget you can find a list of local cinemas (and what’s playing) online at: www.kansaiscene.com/cinemas/

Idris Elba nobly portrays the late and legendary Nelson Mandela, in this wartsand-all story. Whilst it may predictably spend a lot of time on Mandela’s years of incarceration, his earlier exploits also get a nod.

Prisoners Denis Villeneuve, Crime Thriller, 153 mins, 3rd May Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis

A bit of a slug at 153 mins, this tense crime thriller looks at what lengths a father will go to in order to secure the safety of his child. As law meets instinct, it is difficult to decide which is more reliable.

Enchanted Kingdom 3D Patrick Morris, Neil Nightingale, Documentary, 2nd May

A BBC Earth documentary that will be hitting limited cinemas nationwide, Enchanted Kingdom 3D shows the beauty of the natural world and the potential held in 3D cinemas.

Kikaida Reboot Ten Shimoyama, Action, 24th May Starring: Starring: Ryuji Harada and Kazushige Nagashima

Kikaida was originally a kids’ action TV show that aired in 1972. It has gone through several failed reboots since then, and this new one will only attract die-hard fans or tokusatsu enthusiasts.

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Cinema listings (selected theaters) Osaka

• From May 16: Winter’s Tale • From May 24: Mandela: Long

Walk to Freedom

Toho Cinemas Umeda

• From May 30: X-Men: Days of

Tel: 0663161312 • tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Toho Cinemas Namba

Now showing: Frozen, Captain

America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 • From May 2: Enchanted Kingdom 3D • From May 9: Mademoiselle C • From May 30: X-Men: Days of Future Past

Umeda Burg7 Tel: 0647957602 • burg7.com • Discounts: Weds (women) 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Captain America:

The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Frozen, La Vie d’Adele Chapitres 1 et 2 • From May 24: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Kikaida Reboot, Disconnect, Last Vegas

Cine Libre Umeda • Tel: 0664405930 • ttcg.jp/ cinelibre_umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,000

Now showing: The World’s End, The Broken Circle Breakdown, The Railway Man, Parked, Le Passe • From May 3: Enough Said, Act of Killing • From May 10: K2 - La Montagna Degli Italiani, Any Day Now • From May 17: Next Goal Wins • From May 24: The Secret Children

Theatre Umeda Tel: 0663591080 • ttcg.jp/theatre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st of the month: ¥1,000

Now showing: Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa, Plot for Peace, Walesa Czlowiek z nadziei • From May 10: Badges of Fury

Osaka Station City Cinema Tel: 0663463215 • osakastationcitycinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Philomena, Frozen, August: Osage County, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Labor Day, Enchanted Kingdom 3D • From May 3: Prisoners • From May 10: Blue Jasmine

Future Past

Tel: 0666331040 • tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Frozen, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 • From May 1: Labor Day • From May 2: Enchanted Kingdom 3D • From May 9: Mademoiselle C • From May 30: X-Men: Days of Future Past

Namba Parks Cinema Tel: 0666433215 • parkscinema. com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Frozen, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 • From May 2: Enchanted Kingdom 3D • From May 10: Blue Jasmine • From May 16: Winter’s Tale • From May 24: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Last Vegas, Kikaida Reboot • From May 30: X-Men: Days of Future Past

Cinem@rt Tel: 0662820815 • cinemart.co.jp/ theater/shinsaibashi • Discounts: Mon (men) Weds (women), 1st and 25th of the month: ¥1,000

Now showing: The World’s End,

Act of Killing

• From May 24: We Are What

We Are

Kyoto Movix Kyoto Tel: 0752543215 • smt-cinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 20th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Shadow Hunter, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 • From May 2: Enchanted Kingdom 3D • From May 3: Prisoners • From May 10: Blue Jasmine • From May 16: Winter’s Tale • From May 24: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Last Vegas, Kikaida Reboot

• From May 30: X-Men: Days of

Future Past

Kyoto Cinema Tel: 0753534723 • kyotocinema.jp • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st of the month: ¥1,100

Now showing: Walesa. Czlowiek z nadziei, Le Passé, Act of Killing • From May 3: Parked • From May 10: Any Day Now • From May 24: Medianeras

Toho Cinemas Nijo Tel: 0758132410 • tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Frozen, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 • From May 1: Labor Day • From May 2: Enchanted Kingdom 3D • From May 30: X-Men: Days of Future Past

Kyoto Minami Kaikan Tel: 075-661-3993 • kyotominamikaikan.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100, Students ¥1,500

Now showing: Room 237, Twin

Dragon, The Silent War • From May 3: Dario Argento’s Dracula • Coming soon: Secret Children, We are what we are, Strobe Light, La Danza de la Realidad

Hyogo OS Cinema Mint Kobe Tel: 0782915330 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st and 16th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Frozen, August:

Osage County, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 • From May 2: Enchanted Kingdom 3D • From May 24: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Kikaida Reboot • From May 30: X-Men: Days of Future Past

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku Tel: 0782303580 • smt-cinema.com • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

• From May 24: Last Vegas

OS Cinema Kobe Harborland Tel: 0783603788 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st and 16th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Frozen, August: Osage County, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 • From May 2: Enchanted Kingdom 3D • From May 24: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Kikaida Reboot • From May 30: X-Men: Days of Future Past

Cine Libre Kobe Tel: 0783342126 • ttcg.jp/ cinelibre_kobe • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,100

Now showing: Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa, Le Passe, Labor Day • From May 3: Walesa. Czlowiek z nadziei • From May 10: Blue Jasmine • From May 24: Disconnect

Toho Cinemas Nishinomiya OS Tel: 050-6868-5051 • tohotheater. jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Frozen, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 • From May 1: Labor Day • From May 2: Enchanted Kingdom 3D • From May 30: X-Men: Days of Future Past

Nara Movix Kashihara Tel: 0744211700 • smt-cinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women) Thurs (men), 1st and 20th of the month, 3rd Tue of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Shadow Hunter, Railway Man • From May 2: Enchanted Kingdom 3D • From May 3: Prisoners • From May 17: Grand Piano • From May 24: World’s End

Now showing: Shadow Hunter,

Railway Man

• From May 2: Enchanted Kingdom

• From May 3: Prisoners • From May 16: Winter’s Tale

Note: for show times and ticket information, please contact the cinemas directly

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Artist profile

Artistic inspiration for your wardrobe Like the look of this month’s cover? You can wear it. Meet the artist Erik, the man behind hand-drawn clothing print brand Viva La Mort. If Japan’s original ukiyo-e artists had been given access to a silk screen printer and bolts of plain kimono cloth, there would have likely been some very unique threads on the 17th century streets of Japan. Art just gets a new kind of life when it becomes clothing. Erik from Viva La Mort has long been inspired by the woodblock prints of old; but instead of hanging on a wall, his artwork hangs on people, in the shape of original print T-shirts and bags. Erik was born in Nevada, and moved to Seattle, Washington when he was 21. “I have been drawing since I can remember, originally inspired by cartooning, then I moved onto graffiti, illustration, graphic design, Japanese woodblock prints and the like. I have also been shooting photos since I was 10 years old and that influences me by placing extreme importance on composition, color and light.” He started making money from his art around the age of 25; everything from sign painting, gallery exhibitions and wedding photos to logo and graphic design, though he’s often had another non-art job to help keep his finances afloat. “I founded Viva La Mort as way to combine art and business in September of 2012 and I have been doing my best to grow the brand since then. Designing graphics and printing clothing and accessories has been a very cool learning process and it has changed the way that I think about line work, and graphics.”

Erik first came to Japan in 2002, and moved to Sakai to live about six years ago. “My favorite thing about Sakai is the community. There is a long history here and a great group of creative people that stick together; in work and in play. It’s a kinda off-the-radar type place. My least favorite thing about it is the amount of factories/industry and the lack of green/nature. I wish I lived a bit closer to the mountains.” Just like the ukiyo-e artists, all of Erik’s designs are hand-drawn; never created on the computer. “I usually finish my illustration work at home, but sometimes it will be started other places, with a quick sketch so I don’t forget my ideas. I also sketch in my shop, and print shirts, bags, etc. with my silk screen press.” When asked to describe his style, he says: “Mixed up. I have MANY influences and I like to blend them together. Love graphics. Love graffiti. Love tattoo art. Love animation. Love culture, symbology, traditions, religious imagery… and I love to break tradition by combining things in my own way. I’m not the biggest fan of rules. I think my art/ style is constantly evolving. I have been drawing mostly with screen printing in mind for the last year and a half or so.” He finds it hard to put a timeline on the creation of an image: “The idea is usually in my head for a while before the process of drawing it begins. I will usually look at various pictures, photos, drawings, etc. for reference and then I come up with my own imagery. Usually I start with a pencil sketch and refine it by tracing and finish it with

pen and ink. If I am painting, I use everything from water colors and acrylics, to aerosol and sign paint.” Erik’s favourite ukiyo-e artist is Utagawa Hiroshige, who he says has “perfect composition and strong, graphic colors.” Lately he’s been inspired by a more modern artist, Yuko Shimizu. Not the Yuko Shimizu who created Hello Kitty, he points out, but the one based in New York who has illustrated work for big-name brands such as Pepsi and Gap. Erik says: “Her technique and skill is inspiring. She is really masterful at combining things in a dynamic way.” While he has designed many logos, signs, T-shirt graphics and the like as commissions, Erik’s main focus now is Viva La Mort, creating unique wear from concept to design to print. Just like this month’s cover, which will be made into an exclusive T-shirt. Check it out by popping into the shop (if you make an appointment) or grab his latest designs online, with free shipping in Japan. www.vivalamort.com

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Event pickups

May 11

Waka Festival – Commemoration of Shogun Ieyasu 和歌祭 FREE

Kishu Toshogu Shrine and Surroundings, Wakayama

An energetic and dynamic mikoshi portable shrine performance is the main draw here, and it attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. A mikoshi will be carried down 108 steep stone steps by around 1,000 people. Around 50 young men will be carrying the mikoshi itself, and the rest of the parade is filled with people demonstrating some of the region’s traditional performing arts. It’s said that the festival originally started as a memorial service for the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was first celebrated in 1622, shortly after the start of the Edo period. Many of the objects and costumes you’ll see reflect the styles of the Warring States Period, and they’re rarely seen in Japanese festivals. Admission: free • Access: JR Wakayama stn / Nankai Railway Wakayamashi stn bus to Gongen-mae • wakamatsuri.com/ about

June 1

Otaue Sai – Rice Planting Ritual お田植祭 Taga-Taisha Shrine, Shiga

Otaue Sai is a festival all about agriculture; namely rice planting being done ritually to please the gods. Held annually on the first Sunday of June, the festival celebrates the blessed rain and a good harvest. Saotome girls, wearing crimson sashes and sugegasa sedge hats, will go into the paddy field and plant rice seedlings. Traditional folk songs and drum dances are performed while the saotome girls work in the paddy. Enjoy the comedy of classical performing arts, and the solemn ritual of oyushiki which involves splashing hot water held before and after the rice planting work. It is said these performances strengthen the seedlings and produce a good harvest. Time: 2pm •Admission: ¥500 • Access: Omi Railway Tagataishamae stn; 10 min walk •Tel: 0749-48-1553 • tagataisya.or.jp Provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

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

May 25

Confectionery Festa in Kobe

Japanese Traditional Music Concert

2014洋菓子フェスタ in Kobe

邦楽の会和奏伎「和に親しむひとときを」

FREE

Daimaru Kobe Department Store, Hyogo

FREE

Creo Osaka East, Osaka

One of the largest sweet foods shows in Kansai, Confectionery Festa in Kobe introduces the latest and tastiest of baked and sweet desserts. This year’s theme is “Fashionable lovers of Kobe”, and professional confectioners from the region will compete with each other by making the fanciest cakes. Beautiful artworks such as sugar sculptures and novelties will also be on display. Tempting aromas of fresh cream, butter and chocolate will waft towards you at the café in the venue. Don’t miss “Sweet Street”, that will be lined with popular dessert shops during the event.

The traditional Japanese music troupe Wakanagi will hold their annual concert at a spacious council hall close to Osaka Castle. A variety of performances have been planned, based on the subject of Mito Komon – a famous deputy shogun in the Tokugawa shogunate. The programmes in this free music show will include: samisen performance, drama, rakugo traditional comic storytelling, dance and singing. It’s a rare opportunity to see classical acrobatics on stage too. Don’t worry about having to follow all the performances in Japanese, as an English explanation will be provided.

Time: 10am–8pm (on the 6th 10am–5pm) • Admission: free •

Time: 2pm • Admission: free • Access: JR Loop line Kyobashi stn; 7

daimaru.co.jp/kobe/index.html

min walk • wakanagi.com/activity/concert/plan.html

Higashi Omi Giant Kite Festival 東近江大凧まつり FREE

Fureai Undo Park, Shiga

Look up! Spectacular giant Japanese kites will be flying above you at this festival. Around 40 teams will fly traditional kites, showing off their beautiful designs. The largest kite in Japan, which is 15 meters high, 12 meters wide and 700 kilograms in weight, will fly sometime between 11:30am and 2:30pm. Witness the exciting moment when 100 kite launchers propel the kite into the sky. There will be food stalls, a local produce market, stage shows and many other attractions during the event. Time: 9:30am–3pm (Postponed to Jun 1 if there is stormy weather) • Admission: free • Access: JR Biwako line Notogawa stn free shuttle bus to the venue • Tel: 0748-24-1234

May 25

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Event listings May

Pillow Festival まくら祭り

Naramachi Walker Kintetsu Railway Nara stn, Nara Saturdays May to July

A walking tour around Naramachi, an old town dating back to the 8th century. The professional guide Yoshiko Hatcho speaks excellent English and is happy to answer your questions. Time: 10am • Admission: ¥2,000 • Tel: 0743-55-6609 • eonet. ne.jp/~naramachiwalk/index.html

Exhibition of Antique Musha Ningyo Dolls 商家につたわる武者人形めぐり Gokasho Omi Shonin Yashiki, Shiga Until May 31

A tourist attraction, musha ningyo dolls representing the heroes from Japanese legend are on display in four historic houses and three institutions. Admission: ¥600 adults, concessions • higashiomi.net/kanko

Toy Car Expo, Tomica トミカ博 in Osaka Asia and Pacific Trade Center, Osaka May 2–6

One of the world’s most famous toy manufacturers, Takara Tomy Co. presents a diverse showcase of its die-cast toy cars – see assembly factories, a Tomica market, stage shows, a showcase of the latest models and many other events. Expect crowds. Admission: ¥700 adults, concessions (¥900 at door) • mbs.jp/event/ tomica

Pet Animal Kingdom みんな大好きペット王国 Kyocera Dome, Osaka • May 3 & 4

An large annual event featuring small animals where you can visit with your own pets – there are petting animal sections, a dog fashion show, and a question and answer corner. No animal is for sale at the event. Admission: ¥1,600 adults, concessions • pet-oukoku.jp

Showcase of Japanese Traditional Martial Arts 古武道奉納 Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine, Kyoto May 4

Judo, kendo, swordplay, kusarigama – a sickle with chains – and many other martial arts will be on display in front of the altar. Admission: free • shimogamo-jinja. or.jp/index.html

Hine-Jinja, Osaka • May 5

Colourful pillows tied on bamboo poles will be marched around. These pillows symbolise a good night’s sleep and being blessed with children. Admission: free • rinku.zaq.ne.jp/ hine-jinja/index.html

Horse Racing Ritual 賀茂競馬

hosts interesting attractions for historians – guided walking tours, open houses, art exhibitions, a fancy-dress parade and more. Admission: most of the events are free • kcn.ne.jp/~imaicho/sanpo. html

May 24 & 25

The 44th Kobe Festival

Aioi Peron Festival – Dragon Boat Race

第44回神戸まつり FREE The Former Foreign Settlement and Surroundings, Hyogo • May 18

Riders and horses wearing ancientstyle garb will gallop at full speed to win glory in this event, which dates from the 11th century. Admission: free • kamigamojinja.jp/ index.html

The streets of Sannomiya will come alive with a huge parade featuring brass bands, Japanese folk dance, samba and baton twirling. Enjoy stalls of world cuisine all day long! There’s also some events on Saturday 17th, check the website for more details. Admission: free • kobe-matsuri.com

Shinkaichi Music Street 2014

Tour of Japan 2014 (Stage One: Sakai)

第14回神戸新開地音楽祭

第17回ツアー・オブ・ジャパン(

FREE

第一ステージ堺)

FREE

Kamigamo-Jinja, Kyoto May 5

Minatogawa Park and Surroundings, Hyogo May 10 & 11

Spread across the streets of the neighbourhood of Shinkaichi, this large music festival offers a great programme of rock, jazz, pop and folk gigs. Admission: free • http://shinkaichi. or.jp/ongakusai/

Aoi Festival 葵祭 FREE Kyoto Imperial Palace and Surroundings, Kyoto • May 15

A series of events held to appease the gods for a good harvest, the highlight is a slow-moving parade (including cow-pulled carts!) walking to Kamigamo-jinja from the Imperial palace via Shimogamojinja. Admission: free • kyokanko.or.jp/ aoi/index.html

FREE

Daisen Park, Osaka • May 18

The Tour of Japan is Japan’s only international professional road cycling event. The kick-off time trial stage is held again this year in Sakai, where top class riders will compete against the clock over a distance of 2.65km around Daisen park. Admission: free • toj.co.jp/2014/

Fan Scattering Ceremony うちわまき

An open-air exhibition of artworks; performances and workshops more than 100 programmes will be set up in the neighbourhood of Shinsekai. Admission: free • tsumutenkaku. com

相生ペーロン祭り FREE Aioi Bay, Hyogo May 24 & 25

A colourful parade of energetic dance teams provide the backdrop to this fiercely competitive rowing race. Culminates in a huge firework display on the evening of the 24th. Admission: free • city.aioi.lg.jp/site/ pe-ron/

Kanku Tabihaku 2014 – Air Travel Fair 関空旅博2014 FREE Kansai International Airport, Osaka • May 24 & 25

Kanku Tabihaku 2014 is a 2-day event for people to collect a variety of information on domestic and overseas air travel; events include live performance, tasty world cuisine, a quiz show and many other attractions. Admission: free • tabihaku2014. com/

Sand Sculpture Contest 第46回砂まつり大会

Toshodaiji Temple, Nara • May 19

FREE Shirahama Beach, Wakayama May 25

An amusing Buddhist ritual where hundreds of paper fans believed to be lucky charms are thrown from the Koro reliquary building towards crowds of people. Admission: ¥600 adults, concessions • toshodaiji.jp

Amateur teams attempt to transform thousands of tonnes of beautiful white sand into works of art. Admission: free • Access: JR Kinokuni line Shirahama stn bus to Shirahama • Tel: 0739-43-5511

第19回オアシス2014

Thai Festival 2014 Osaka

Chimaki Matsuri – Clay Offering Ceremony

FREE

第12回タイフェスティバル2014

粽祭

大阪

FREE Hochigai-Jinja, Osaka May 31

Oasis 2014 OBP Twin 21, Osaka May 16–18

A great international art exhibition that anybody can just pop into and communicate with the exhibitors; there is an interesting workshop every year. Admission: free • reijinsha.com/ event/oasis.html

Pleasant Walk about Imai-Cho Town

FREE

Osaka Castle Park, Osaka May 24 & 25

The annual Thai festival takes over the Taiyo no Hiroba in Osaka castle park again this year. Featuring Thai dance, cuisine, pop music, boxing and even the chance to win plane tickets to Bangkok in a lucky draw. Admission: free • thaiconsulate.jp

今井町町並み散歩

Tsumutenkaku EX

FREE

ツムテンカクEX

Imai-Cho Town, Nara May 17 & 18

Featuring its historic townscape from the Edo period, Imai-cho

FREE

Spa World Onsen and Surroundings, Osaka

A unique religious ceremony to offer holy clay to the deity; a hot water splashing ritual and a procession of costumed children will also take place. Admission: free • hochigai-jinja. or.jp/index.html

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

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Private Pick Utopia: Contemporary Art from the British Council Collection KS

Until May 25

Itami City Museum of Art • The Museum of Arts & Crafts, Itami

Wood & Harrison, Table and Chairs, 2001 Courtesy the Artists and Carroll / Fletcher, London © The Artists

The British Council Collection is known as the UK’s “Museum Without Walls” and is home to over 9,000 artworks by high-profile British artists. This year, Japanese curators were let loose like kids in the candy store, free to choose around 120 artworks for a new touring exhibition. The result is a mix of media and theme; photography, illustration, painting and film are all included to give visitors a broad picture of British art. Around 30 artists are represented, many who emerged during the Young British Artist movement in the 1990s, including Turner Prize winners and nominees David Shrigley, Elizabeth Price, Haroon Mirza, Ryan Gander, Sarah Lucas and Gary Hume. Apr 12–May 25 • Contemporary art from the British Council Collection • Open: 10am– 6pm • Closed: Mon and May 7 (except May 5) • Admission: ¥800 • Access: JR Takarazuka line Itami Stn • artmuseum-itami.jp

Art Listings Osaka

Hyogo

Shiga

Keinosuke Itō, Fontenay-aux-Roses, 1929

Imai, Norio 'Voyant' 1994-2010

The Age of Youga from Museum Collections

Sculpture and Object

As Pure As the Lotus: East Asian Ceramics and the Eyes of the Photographer MUDA Tomohiro The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka Apr 12–July 27

Exhibition shedding light on lotus motifs decorating East Asian ceramics, through 64 works of art from the museum collection and 50 photographs by Tomohiro Muda Open: 9:30am-5pm • Admission: ¥600 • Access: Keihan Naniwabashi Stn • moco.or.jp

Asako Tanaka "earth bowl" c-print, 7.5 x 9.1 cm

Tanaka Asako: Travel FREE Gallery Nomart Apr 26–May 31

Series of 144 photographs of slices of daily life, taken from a unique perspective during several years of travels around Japan

Open: 1pm–7pm • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Fukaebashi Stn • nomart.co.jp

Otani Memorial Art Museum Apr 5–May 25

Youga (Western-style oil painting by Japanese artists) from the century following the Meiji Restoration of 1868 Open: 10am–5pm • Closed: Wed • Admission: ¥500 • Access: Hanshin Line Koroen Stn • otanimuseum.jp/ home/

The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga Apr 1–Jun 29

Unique 3-D works made with techniques ranging from traditional to avant-garde and installed with out-of-this-world methods Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Access: Bunka Zone-mae bus stop from Seta Stn, JR Biwako line • shiga-kinbi.jp

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Until Jun 15

Until Jun 29

《地球の果てまでつれてって》1994年作家蔵

The Genesis of Ultraman 1966-1980 © Tuburaya Pro.

Yokoo Expedition: Lost in Yokoo Jungle

The Genesis of Ultraman 1966–1980

Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art

Sagawa Art Museum

Yokoo Tadanori is perhaps the most famous living artist from Hyogo Prefecture and has a museum dedicated to his works in Kobe. His endlessly inventive, mind-boggling paintings often appropriate imagery from old adventure book illustrations, and these provide the focus of this exhibition held in advance of the 20th anniversary of the Kobe earthquake. The recurring image of several Boy Scout-like boys gazing raptly on a marvel they have discovered, which is replaced with various surreal tableaux, is hilarious and poignant.

Eiji Tsuburaya, the special effects wizard behind Godzilla and many more monsters, worked with a passionate young creative team to create Ultraman in 1966. Nearly half a century later, the giant red-and-silver humanoid from space has won the hearts of millions. As a mainstay of the Showa period’s thriving TV, magazine and toy industry, Ultraman inhabited the dreams of children who went on to shape the Japan of today. His early years are explored in depth in this special exhibition.

Apr 12–Jun 29 • Works incorporating jungle and exploration motifs

Apr 5–Jun 15 • In-depth exploration of the genesis, lasting impact,

by the versatile and prolific Yokoo Tadanori • Open: 10am–6pm,

and cultural context of tokusatsu (special effects) hero Ultraman

until 8pm Fri and Sat • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥500 • Access: JR

• Open: 10am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥1,000 • Access:

Nada Stn • www.ytmoca.jp

Sagawa Art Museum bus stop from Moriyama Stn, JR Biwako line • sagawa-artmuseum.or.jp

Kyoto

Open: 10am–6pm • Closed: Mon (but open May 5) • Admission: ¥1,000 • Access: Keihan Jingu-Marutamachi Stn • kahitsukan.or.jp

family crests and a warrior flying with a propellor on his head

Open: 10am–5pm • Closed: Mon (Open: May 5, Jul 21 Closed: May 7, Jul 22) • Admission: ¥900 • Access: JR Kyoto Line Yamazaki stn • asahibeer-oyamazaki.com

Kahitsukan • Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art Mar 25–Jun 29

The work and philosophy of renowned Kyoto-born calligrapher, seal engraver, ceramicist, epicure and aesthetic renaissance man Rosanjin (1883-1959)

Kyoto International Manga Museum Mar 15–May 25

Comics and mixed media artworks including illustration, film, animation and music, by six promising artists in the increasingly popular medium of bande dessinée (French comics)

Bowl with camellia design, Rosanjin Kitaoji

Kitaoji Rosanjin: Contemplating Japanese Beauty

Nouvelle Bande Dessinée: Artists Connected by French Comics

Rocket Man

Open: 10am–6pm (Last entry 30 minutes before closing) • Closed: Wed • Admission: ¥800 • Access: Tozai subway or Karasuma line, Karasuma-Oike Stn • kyotomm.jp

Tetsuya Noguchi Exhibition: Historical Odyssey Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art • Apr 19–Jul 27

Samurai warrior figures and pictures that mimic folding screens from feudal times, but with fanciful contemporary touches like Chanel

「Smile!」© Fumio Obata

Find more listings online: kansaiscene.com/listings

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Live Music

Black Star Riders

Pick

A relatively new band in many respects but Black Star Riders are also road-hardened journeymen of rock. Ricky Warwick (The Almighty), Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy), Damon Johnson (Alice Cooper, Brother Cane), Marco Mendoza (John Sykes, Whitesnake) and Jimmy DeGrasse (Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth, Alice Cooper) are also members of the recent Thin Lizzy lineup. When they put together some new tracks though they decided that they didn’t want to release them under the Lizzy banner and so was born Black Star Riders. Thin Lizzy, it seems for now, has been put on a back burner and let’s face it Lizzy without Lynott ain’t Lizzy. So it’s an opportunity for these great rock musicians to step forward with fresh material and not be compared with what is and what is not (Thin Lizzy).

May 20

Classic rock super-group • Namba Hatch, Osaka • Classic Rock • 7pm • ¥8,000 • Tel:06-4397-0572

Live Music Listings May/June Rock & Pop

Angelo

Magokoro Brothers

Paul McCartney

Japanese visual kei rock band formed by ex-Pierrot members

Japanese rock duo formed in 1989

Ex-Beatle singer-songwriter

May 22 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,900/¥5,400 • Tel: 075-351-1321

May 24 • Rock-pop • Further details contact venue direct

Jimmy Cliff

Bridget (One Piece Tour Season 2)

Big Cat, Osaka

Cali Gari

May 18 • Rock • 5pm • ¥6,000/¥6,500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

‘Erotic grotesque’ Japanese visual kei rock band

Chiharu Matsuyama

May 17 • Rock • 5.30pm • ¥5,800 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Grand Cube, Osaka

Taku Taku, Kyoto

Japanese folk singer-songwriter

Jamaican multi-instrumentalist, singer, and actor

May 19-20 • Singer-songwriter • 6.30pm • ¥7,875/¥8,100 • Tel: 06-6357-4400

May 23 • Reggae-ska • 6.30pm/9.30pm • ¥11,500/¥13,000 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Japanese visual kei rock band

Black Star Riders

SicSic Tapes Japan Tour

May 17 • Rock • 5pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Classic rock featuring Ricky Warwick and Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy)

Featuring Hering und seine sieben Sachen (Germany) and Former Selves (US)

May 20 • Rock • 7pm • ¥8,000 • Tel: 06-4397-0572

May 23 • Ambient • 7pm • ¥2,000/¥2,500 • Tel: 075-212-1125

Big Cat, Osaka

Kra Varit, Kobe

Namba Hatch, Osaka

Billboard Live Osaka

UrBANGUILD, Kyoto

Yanmar Stadium Nagai, Osaka

Japanese pop boy band Muse, Esaka

May 24 • Pop • 6pm • ¥3,500 • Tel: 06-6387-0203

Fukuyama Masaharu Popular Japanese musician, singer, and actor Kyocera Dome, Osaka

May 24-25 • Pop-rock • 24th 6pm • 25th 5pm • ¥6,500/¥12,000 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do May 29

May 26

June 3–4 9–10

Solas

Lewis Nash

Gabrielle Aplin

“Solas is the quintessential Irish-American band recording and touring in the US today”, so says the band. Consisting of the multi-instrumental Seamus Egan (flute, banjo, mandolin, guitar, bodhran, whistle), Winifred Horan (violin), Mick McAuley (accordion, whistle), Eamon McElholm (guitar, keyboard) and Noriana Kennedy (vocals), Solas released their debut selftitled album nearly 20 years ago. The band’s latest album was last year’s Shamrock City, a concept album based on the life story of Michael Conway, great-great uncle to band member Seamus Egan. Conway left County Mayo, Ireland in 1910 and set sail for Montana but died six years later; “in a cloud of mystery, he was dead at the hands of local police”.

We all know that jazz drummers are a slightly different breed to your average drummer. Well, if you want to take that a step further then see Lewis Nash and his quintet playing at Osaka’s Mister Kelly’s for four nights in June. Hailed as “Probably the most talented drummer of his generation” by the Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz, the American musician born in 1958 in Phoenix, Arizona has one of the longest discographies in the genre and has played on over 400 recordings. Applauded by his contemporaries, “a tasteful, beautiful drummer with impeccable time”- Clark Terry, “an enlightened guy on the instrument” - McCoy Turner, Nash is joined by Kiyoshi Kitagawa on the 3rd, Yasuke Nakatani on the 4th, Takeshi Yamaguchi on the 9th and Park Yeongse on the 10th.

Twenty-one-year-old Gabrielle Aplin first grabbed her audience by posting acoustic videos on YouTube. It wasn’t long before her Joni Mitchell come Leonard Cohen style of folk indie pop caught the eye and ear of the recording industry and by December 2012 she’d topped the UK singles chart with a haunting rendition of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood ‘80’s track ‘The Power of Love’. The British singer-songwriter comes to Japan for three dates on the back of her first US tour before then heading off to Australia. To date, Aplin has released just one studio album, last year’s English Rain, which reached number two in the UK album chart. Gabrielle Aplin is going to be a big name in the future so take this opportunity to see her in the small surroundings of Billboard Live Osaka.

IIrish-American traditional folk group • Club Quattro, Osaka • Celtic • 7pm •

US renowned jazz drummer and guests •

5,800/¥6,300 • Tel:06-6311-8111

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz • 7pm/9pm •

Up and coming young British singer-

¥4,500/¥6,500 • Tel:06-6342-5821

songwriter • Billboard Live Osaka • 6.30pm/9.30pm • ¥5,900/¥7,400 • Tel:066342-7722

Great3

Guitar Panda

Kemuri

Japanese reformed rock band

He’s Japanese, he plays guitar, and he dresses in a panda suit

Japanese upbeat ska band

June 3–4 • Ambient rock • 6.30pm • ¥7,900 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

May 30 • Ska • 7pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Primal Fear

Club Mojo, Kyoto

May 25 • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • Tel: 075-254-7707

Gabrielle Aplin British female singer-songwriter Billboard Live Osaka

May 26 • Singer-songwriter • 6.30pm/9.30pm • ¥5,900/¥7,400 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Imperial State Electric

Taku Taku, Kyoto

May 28–29 • Funk rock • 6.30pm • ¥2,400/¥2,800 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Solas Irish-American musical group formed in 1994 with traditional and original compositions Club Quattro, Osaka

May 29 • Folk • 7pm • ¥5,800/¥6,300 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

Hard rock band formed by exHellacopters front man Nicke Andersson

Acidman

May 27 • Rock • 7pm • ¥5,000 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Zepp, Osaka

Club Quattro, Osaka

Namba Hatch, Osaka

vistlip

Osaka-jo Hall, Osaka

German power speed metal band Club Quattro, Osaka

Japanese visual kei rock band

June 5 • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500/¥8,000 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

June 1 • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

The Oral Cigarettes

Namba Hatch, Osaka

Fact Japanese rock five piece from Ibaraki, Osaka formed in 1999 Zepp, Osaka

Japanese indie punk rock trio formed 1997

June 2 • Rock • 6.30pm • ¥3,700 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

May 29 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,500 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

Kobukuro Japanese duo of Kentaro Kobuchi and Shunsuke Kuroda

Japanese rock trio Neverland, Nara

June 5 • Rock • 7pm • ¥2,500 • Tel: 090-1142-1996

Eluveitie Swiss folk metal 10-piece band Namba Rockets, Osaka

June 5 • Rock • Time: TBA • ¥5,000/¥5,500 • Tel: 06-6649-3919

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Jun 5

Chris Dave and The Drumhedz Drummer Chris Dave with a band of renowned musicians Billboard Live Osaka

June 7 • Drums • 4.30pm/7.30pm • ¥5,900/¥7,400 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Chirinuruwowaka Japanese rock band fronted by Go!Go!7188 member Yumi Nakashima Taku Taku, Kyoto

June 7 • Rock • 5.30pm • ¥3,500/¥3,800 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Is this Eluveitie’s first visit to Japan? Yes it is! And we’ve been waiting for it for many years now, so we’re really excited about it. I personally already expect it to be one of the highlights of Eluveitie’s 2014!

Varit, Kobe

June 15 • Rock • 6.30pm • ¥4,200/¥4,700 • Tel: 078-392-6655

Jazz & Blues Wouter Hamel Dutch jazz pop singer

Billboard Live Osaka

Keiko Lee

Ray Parker Jr. and Raydio

Japanese jazz vocalist and pianist Rag Live Spot, Kyoto

June 1 • Jazz • 7pm • ¥5,040/¥6,500 • Tel: 075-255-7273

Monday Michiru

Ghostbusting Ray Parker with 70’s funksters Raydio

Japanese club jazz vocalist and tv presenter

June 10 • R&B Funk • 6.30pm/9.30pm • ¥7,900/¥9,400 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

June 3 • Club Jazz • 6.30pm/9.30pm • ¥5,500/¥7,000 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Code-V

Lewis Nash

Korean pop boy band

American jazz drummer voted Most Valuable Player (2009 Modern Drummer Magazine)

Billboard Live Osaka

Club Quattro, Osaka June 12 • Pop • 6.30pm • ¥5,500 • Tel:06-7732-8888

Billboard Live Osaka

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka

Extreme

June 3–4/9–10 • Jazz • 7pm/9pm • ¥4,500/¥6,500 • Tel: 06-6342-5821

90s US funk rockers

Saori Yano Quartet

June 12 • Rock • 7pm • ¥8,000/¥9,000 • Tel: 06-6341-4506

Japanese jazz alto saxophonist

Namba Hatch, Osaka

Chicago Poodle Kyoto pop-rock trio Big Cat, Osaka

June 12–13 • Pop-rock • 7pm • ¥4,500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

I believe the band has been working on new material for a future album, will some of these new tracks be played at the Osaka gig? Yes, we’re actually in the middle of recording our new album right now. Osaka and the other Japanese shows will be among the first gigs ever where we will present some of those songs live!

Egg Brain

Time: TBA • ¥5,000/¥5,500 • Tel:06-6649-3919

Japanese reformed indie rock band

Retro rocking all-girl group sounds band

With a wide ranging mix of musicians in the band using both traditional and modern instruments how would you describe Eluveitie’s sound to a first time audience? Simple: Folk Metal, with emphasis on both words. Because that’s exactly what we do: we play 100 percent metal, but mixed with 100 percent folk - including all the traditional instruments involved.

Swiss Folk Metal Outfit • Namba Rockets, Osaka • Folk Metal •

Stray Pig Vanguard

May 21• Jazz • 6.30pm/9.30pm • ¥5,900/¥7,400 • Tel:06-6342-7722

June 8 • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,000 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Originally put together in Zurich in 2002 as a studio project by vocalist Chrigel Glanzmann, Eluveitie soon became a live act, in fact the band this year won the Best Live Act Award at the Swiss Music Awards. Combining sounds of traditional instruments (bagpipes, hurdy gurdy, mandolin, bodhran, etc.) with modern electrics, the band also writes many of its lyrics in the old Gaulish language. Kansai Scene caught up with the band’s drummer Merlin Sutter to find out a little more about Eluveitie’s upcoming gigs in Japan.

June 14 • Rock • 5.30pm • ¥3,200 • Tel: 075-223-0389

Kinoco Hotel Taku Taku, Kyoto

Eluveitie

Muse, Kyoto

m-flo Japanese hip-hop duo featuring DJ Taku Takahashi and VERBAL Zepp, Osaka

June 13 • Hip-hop • 7.30pm • ¥6,800 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Japanese rock indie trio from Hyogo Club Quattro, Osaka

June 13 • Rock • 7pm • ¥2,800 • Tel: 06-6357-4400

wyse Japanese visual kei rock band

Rag Live, Kyoto

June 14 • Jazz • 7.30pm • ¥2,600/¥4,800 • Tel: 075-255-7273

World King Mensah African dance, funk, reggae and Afropop from “The Golden Voice of Togo” Osaka Museum of History 4th Floor Hall, Osaka May 17 • World • 3pm • ¥2,000/ ¥3,000 • Tel: 06-6829-7976

Astrolorico Japanese Argentine tango quartet (violin, contrabajo, piano, bandoneon)

Kyoto Gokomachi Church YWCA, Kyoto May 30 • Argentine Tango • 7pm • ¥3,000 • Tel: 075-431-0351

Muse, Osaka

June 14 • Rock • 6pm • ¥5,500/¥6,500 • Tel: 06-6245-5389

Fact Japanese rock band from Ibaraki, Osaka formed in 1999

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

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Club

STIHL no Mori Kyoto May 17–18

The annual outdoor dance festival, The Star Festival will take place on May 17th this year with its biggest lineup ever! A colossal list of big names for 2014 including the exclusive Minilogue vs Mathew Jonson collaborative live set (the first time in Japan!), techno star Peter Van Hoesen, UK Drum’n’Bass legend DJ Zinc, Nathan Fake and Ricardo Tobar from Border Community and many more. Since the festival goes on until 5pm on Sunday this year, bringing your camping gear and some warm clothes is highly recommended. A regular shuttle

bus service will be running between the festival site and JR Sonobe station throughout the festival. For more information and the full lineup, check out the festival website. The Star Festival 2014 (Dance Music) • Acts: Minilogue vs Mathew Jonson, Peter Van Hoesen, DJ Zinc & MC Tippa, Fumiya Tanaka, Goth-Trad, Vakula, Nathan Fake, Tha blue Herb, Aoki Takamasa + more • Open: 1pm • Admission: ¥6,000 (ADV: ¥5,000) • Where: Hiyoshi (Kyoto) • thestarfestival.com

Club Listings May/Jun 2 (Fri) Circus DJ Friction Japan Tour (Drum’n’Bass) • DJs: Friction,

Danny Wheller, Toyo • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

World Fearless x Co (House/Techno)

• DJs: Shinichi Osawa, Masatoshi Uemura, Tem + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,000/1D, Ladies: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-213-4119 • world-kyoto.com

3 (Sat) Circus Cube TV presents Move D (Techno/House) • DJs: Move

D, SHingo, Ono • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Man From Tomorrow (Techno) •

DJs: Jeff Mills, Ken Ishii, Sekitova. Loe + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

Rooftop Bar OO & Gastro Garden Black Moon Party Osaka (EDM/ All Mix) • DJs: J Amour, Make Love

4 (Sun) Circus Metro feat Tiago (House) • DJs:

Tiago, Akihiro, Daisuke Kakimoto, Norio • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Lab.Tribe

Sound Yannick Le Bellec, Dmitri, Toshiyuki Tsuruha + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,500 /1D, Ladies: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • oo-u.jp

Euphoria (House/Techno) • DJs:

Union

Onzieme

Gulp! (House) • DJs: Osakaman aka

Avantgarde Sundays (EDM) • DJs:

DJ Yagyu, Mottsu, Fujimon • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62512242 • club-union.jp

World Asobinite!!! (Electro/House)

• DJs: Yasutaka Nakata + more • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-213-4119 • world-kyoto.com

Ogawa, Senda, Shin, Hitomi + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-254-1228 • labtribe.net

Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Joule Queen 2014 & Raptus presents Ferry Corsten - Music Circus ’14 Afterparty (EDM/Techno) • DJs:

Ferry Corsten, Jonas Hornblad, Energy Day, Ken-Gee, DJ Kitten, Shinji, FxTxW + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500, with Music Circus’14 Wrist Band: ¥1,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Kobe Convention Center Music Circus ’14 (EDM/Trance/ Dance) • Acts: Steve Aoki, Showtek,

Ruffty, Jag, 4Rest, Woods • Open: 9pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,000/1D, Ladies: ¥1,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Ferry Corsten, Cedric Gervais, Deorro,Tetsuya Komuro, Yoji, Lab4, Tomoyuki Tanaka, Daishi Dance, Taku Takahashi + more • Open: 11am - 9pm • Admission: ¥8,000 • music-circus.jp

5 (Mon/Holiday)

Onzieme

Circus Sound By Sound (Techno/House)

• DJs: Yasuhisa • Open: 9pm •

Eleven Lights GW Special Botnek (EDM) • DJs: Botnek,

Benkay, Ko-Matsushima, Kento, MJ-Michi, Alphashot • Open: TBA • Admission: TBA • Where:

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Seven Lounge Torque Osaka feat. Heiko Laux, Vaein (Techno) • DJs: Heiko Laux,

Vaein, Shine, Atta, Qritomato, Genki, Mamoru Hamada + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000 /1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066120-2277 • seven lounge.jp

6 (Tue) Circus DJ Doppelgenger 1st Album Release Tour Osaka (Dubstep)

• DJs: Doppelgenger, Tuttle, SakDub-I, Chise + more • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

8 (Thu) Circus Nina Kraviz (Techno) • DJs:

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

10 (Sat) Circus Modern Love Showcase (Techno)

• Acts: Andy Stott, Demdike Stare, Miles aka Mlz, Fumi • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Ministry of Sound presents Tujamo (Electro/House) • DJs:

Tujamo, Jaxx Da Fishworks, High Velocity, Hmen, Dmitri Absinthe, Hirro • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Seven Lounge NY II NY (House) • DJs: Kaeru

Kacho, Keita Imayuki, Masaaki, Choo, 244 aka 822, Takasugi, Shinpe+ more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,000 /1D, Ladies: ¥Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6120-2277 • seven lounge. jp

World World Disco (R&B/EDM/All Mix) • DJs: Murakamigo, Komori,

MJ-Michi + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,000/1D, Ladies: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-213-4119 • world-kyoto.com

16 (Fri) Circus Kinselas (Electro/House/ Techno) • DJs: Supermaar aka

DJ Maar, Jaxx Da Fishworks, DJ Yummy, Fujimon, Silverfox, Mirai • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Palette art alive 2nd Anniversary Rasmus Faber (House/Techno)

• DJs: Rasmus Faber, Akinyan Electro, Yuuna, Ohooji, Kinpon, Kashiwagi + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

17 (Sat) Onzieme Eleven Lights (EDM) • DJs: Benkay, Ko-Matsushima, Ypy, Mj-Michi, Unbalance • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

23 (Fri) Circus Chaos (Techno/House) • DJ:

Fumiya Tanaka • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

World

Onzieme

DDD x Tachytelic (House) • DJs:

Satoshi Tomiie presents Frankie Knuckles Tribute (House) •

DJs: Satoshi Tomiie, Yoku, Keita Imayuki, Masaaki + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000 /1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

24 (Sat) Onzieme Hush! feat. Pirupa (Techno/ House) • DJs: Pirupa, Yashima +

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

Seven Lounge Himlen (Progressive House/ Techno/Trance) • DJs: DJ Kitten,

Nao, Dmitri Absinthe, Tune • Open: TBA • Admission: Men: ¥3,000 /1D, Ladies: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6120-2277 • seven lounge.jp

Daichi Dance, Taku Takahashi • Open: 8pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,000/1D, Ladies: ¥2,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D, Before 9pm: ¥1,000/1D) • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-213-4119 • world-kyoto.com

25 (Sun)

• Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

31 (Sat) Circus Sidney Charles Japan Tour (Techno/House) • DJs: Sidney

Circus

Charles, Yashima, Yasuhisa • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Beats “Strictly Bass Music” (Bass Music) • DJs: Danny

Jun 1 (Sun)

Wheeler, Yo-Hey, Tuttle, Hiroshi aka Fu1, Kom aka BigChief feat. DJ Tomishi, Rasty • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

30 (Fri) Circus Jazztronik “Cinematic” Release Tour Osaka (House) • Acts: Ryota

Nozaki + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi

Nanko Sankaku Park Park It! (Dance music) • DJs: Yoshihiro Okino, Koichiro Murakawa, Banzawa, Dan Elliot, Hirro, Luke Hunter, Shawn Basik, Steve Lowrise, Kipp Dick Hendricks • Open: 10am–7pm • Admission: Free • Where: Nanko

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 Kansai Scene Classifieds kansaiscene.com/classifieds Accommodation For Rent APARTMENTS IN KOBE WITH NO KEY MONEY. 1 room apartments

from 40,000 yen per month. 2 and 3 bedroom apartments also available from JR Kobe to Rokko Michi. Email kevin@elliottventures.com, call 090 6777 9864 for a viewing or visit www.elliottventures.com or find us on Facebook. Contact: kevin elliott<kevin@elliottventures.com> Website: www.elliottventures.com

Shared House RETRO-MODERN SHAREDHOUSE OSAKA. retro-modern shared

house with cool renovated building in OSAKA. Rent ¥36,000~46,000 and utility ¥10,000 per month. at contract, admin fee ¥30,000 and deposit one month rent. 5mins walk from Bentencho stn; 4 stns to Umeda by JR loop line, 3 stns to Honmachi by subway. <j.kumakiri@ gmail.com> or facebook page Contact: Jiro Kumakiri Website: www.facebook.com/jiro.kumakiri

SHARE HOUSE SUPPORTER.

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Jobs Education ESL TEACHERS NEEDED NOW..

Kyoto, Ashiya, Sanda KIDS academic environment. Takarazuka mostly ADULTS student base with serious student motivation. We are looking for great teachers to join our team. It’s easy to find a teacher. Our students are expecting skill and talent. Several positions open now.. All serious applicants replied Contact: Tony Sands <don.1@mac. com>

ENG TEACHER & PT JPN ENG TEACHER / STAFF WANTED.

English teacher position for classes from Monday to Saturday required. Prefer teacher who lives close to Ibaraki and Suita. Positions available ASAP. Please email us at royalenglish725@gmail.com 日本人の英語講師、スタッフ募集中! <royalenglish725@gmail.com> 又は、072-637-9899 Contact: Royal English School TEACHERS WANTED. 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: 2700-3000 yen per hour and transportation. Contact us by email, Ashiya Plus<ashiyaplus@hotmail.co.jp> Website: www.comlanguageschool. com/

LOOKING FOR A PART-TIME NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER. A

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Small yet friendly and growing school in Settsu looking for PT and Semi Full-Time native English teachers for kids and adults. Experience preferred but not required. Please send your CV and photo via email to <abies_kids@ yahoo.co.jp> Contact: abies taro KANSAI CORPORATE CLASSES.

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Work on Tuesday mornings and Friday Afternoons from this April, Qualification; TESOL etc. Pay 3,000 yen per 45-minute lesson. Send your resume to Takimoto (Mr) Kansai International High School (5 minute-walk from Tennoji-station, Osaka-City) TEL 06-6621-8108 Contact: <T_Takimoto@tg-group. ac.jp> Contact: KIHS Website: www.tg-group.ac.jp/kihs/ ENGLISH TEACHER NEEDED IN NISHINOMIYA. We are looking

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NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER WANTED.. English School in

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ENGLISH TEACHERS WANTED.

SEEKING A NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER IN OSAKA. We are

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School in Nishinomiya, 3 mins walk from Hanshin Koroen Station. Wages: ¥2000/hr (¥1600/hr during training period) Working hours negotiable from 2-6pm (Tue.-Sat). Transport expenses reimbursed. Send applications via e-mail. Please attach resume, photo and brief intro: sato@ibsolution.co.jp Contact: Sato <sato@ibsolution.co.jp>

ENGLISH TEACHER WANTED.

A small school near Sakasegawa station of Hankyu line is seeking an English teacher for adults classes from 10am to 2pm every Tuesday.Prefer teacher who lives close to Takarazuka. Please send your CV and photo via e-mail to <chachaenglish2007@gmail.com>. Contact: chachaenglish Website: www.chachaenglish.com/ AET POSITIONS (AT JUNIOR HIGH) IN SUITA CITY. Period:May

1st to October 31th Time:8:30 am to 3:30 pm Payment:11,000 yen / per day Transportation:up to 1,000 yen / per day 《Requirement》 Applicants must have proper visa except a tourist Visa. University degree is required.Teaching experience in Japanese Elementary, junior high is required. Contact: IVY <info@ivy-ryuugaku.com> SEEKING NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER FOR KIDS/ADULTS..

A small school near Nishinomiya requires a native teacher for kids / adult classes for Monday afternoons and evenings. \2200-2500 yen per hour of teaching, office allowance

ENGLISH TEACHERS WANTED.

seeking an English teacher for a teaching position. Previous experience and availability on Saturdays is preferred. One private adult lesson pays 2000 Yen plus travel expenses. Applicants who are interested, please send your resume to the address listed below info@vacation-es.co.jp Contact: Lauren <info@vacation-es.co.jp> Website: www.vacation-es.jp/ NATIVE ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR WANTED. ■Class:English

conversation classes ■Location:AIE Mikage Campus (Right in front of Hankyu Mikage station) ■Time: afternoon, evening classes (working days negotiable) ■Age of Students: 5 year olds to adults ■Qualification: B.A. and valid visa required. Contact: aiemikagecampus <kobe@ aie-campus.com> Website: http:// www.aie-campus.com LOOKING FOR PART-TIME/NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS. Universal

Campus (Kyoshin Co.) is looking for part-time/Native English teachers for our conversation school. Locations: Kobe(JR/ Ashiya,Amagasaki,Nada), from ¥1500/hr~. Open:11:00-21:00. 9:4518:00 Sat. / Part time teachers: Once a week~, Several hours a day. Send your CV to: hiring_uc@kyoshin. co.jp Contact: UniversalCampus <hiring_uc@kyoshin.co.jp> Website: http://www.kyoshin.co.jp/ recruit/jobs.html

General BEACH RESORT JOBS IN OKINAWA. Work in a Ski/Summer

Resort this year! Experience the natural beauty of Japan, improve your Japanese, make life-long friends, and get paid for it! Telephone Interviews are being held now. For further details and the Application Form, please visit our website at http://www.sanconjp. com/english.html Contact: SAN

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KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #168 MAY 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Consulting <info@sanconjp.com> Website: www.sanconjp.com/ IURGENT-PT TEACHING IN YASU,SHIGA. Business English

instructor who has proper working Vis a required in Yasu,Shiga. The work is 4hrs × 16-17weeks on Monday. Send resume with availability to createltd@nifty.com Contact: Haruka Noda <createltd@ nifty.com> Website: www.createltd. com/ BAR STAFF WANTED! OSAKA'S FAMOUS AND FUN BAR ZERRO.

International, friendly and fun bar Zerro seeks PT, bartenders and kitchen staff. Hours 7pm 5am, Sun. to Sat., negotiable. No experience is welcome but need big smiles:) Further details at interview. Contact barzerro@gmail.com or call us 06-6211-0439 after 6pm. 5min from Namba stn. FB: Bar Zerro Contact: Bar Zerro <barzerro@ gmail.com> ENGLISH SPEAKING BAR STAFF WANTED FOR NEWLY OPENED.

bar in Umeda. Beer & Pizza Gosuke. Conversational level Japanese required. All nationalities welcome. 3hrs a night, 6pm-5am. ¥900/ hr (first month ¥850/hr). Please contact the manager, Mr. Asada at 06-6312-3387 (4pm - midnight). Contact: Mr. Asada <gogosuke@ hotmail.com>

アメリカン英会話@CAFE!. Kansai

Sceneをお読みの日本人の皆さん! 英語が好きですか? 英会話に興味がありますか? もしそうなら、OECのFacebook ページに今すぐアクセスしてください! 気さくなアメリカンがお手頃なレッスン料で英会話を教えます ^^ Contact:

Toshinobu <okigaruenglishcafe@ gmail.com> Website: www. facebook.com/okigaruenglishcafe

FREE ABACUS CLASS FOR FOREIGNERS. FREE ABACUS

Kids

arrangement lessons in English! One or two lessons/month. Choose classes from Osaka, Kobe, and Shiga. Tuition-Free Trial Lessons available for those considering enrolment. Contact: Tomoyo Wells <cosmoflorita@ezweb.ne.jp> Website: http://www.cosmoflorita. com/

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/

Events

cooking class in Kyoto's machiya studio. We have morning class (9:30-13:00) and afternoon class (14:00-17:30) every day except 2nd and 4th Sundays. Our English speaking staff will teach you how to cook Japanese home dishes in a friendly atmosphere. 6,800 yen per person. Contact: Cooking Sun <info@cookingsun.co.jp> Website: www.cookingsun.co.jp

POLE-DANCE AND JAZZ-DANCE LESSONS. Pole-dance, Jazz dance

lessons in Osaka learn in a joyful atmosphere. Welcome everybody contact : darkangel.dance@hotmail. com Contact: Julia <darkangel. dance@hotmail.com>

Language Teachers: Please join the Osaka JALT email list at http:// www.osakajalt.org for FREE announcements of various ESL events in the Kansai area. Also join our Facebook group (Osaka JALT). Contact: ray5star<ray5star@yahoo. co.jp> Website: www.osakajalt.org/ KANSAI SWET: WRITING TRAVEL BOOKS. Spend the afternoon

JAPANESE COOKING CLASS IN KYOTO. Experience Japanese

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: An eight week group program, to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, increase clarity of awareness and attention. Beginning May 3rd, Higashiyama-Sanjo in Kyoto. Visit Doshisha.vpweb.com.au for details. Contact: Michael Rasmussen <gkm0001@mail2.doshisha.ac.jp> Website: www.doshisha.vpweb. com.au

JOIN OSAKA JALT'S FREE EMAIL LIST FOR ESL NOTICES.

IKEBANA FOR BUSY KANSAI PEOPLE. Relax with flower

Classes & Events Classes

MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY KYOTO.

consultations welcome. English spoken. NHI accepted. Appts required. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am7:00pm (Th&Sat 9:30am-1pm) All your general needs, cleaning, etc. Call 078-331-3512 Contact: Kitano Dental Clinic <kitano@kitanosika. com> Website: www.kitanoshika. com

in a traditional Kyoto Machiya restaurant listening to author Judith Clancy give a casual talk on her experiences writing and publishing traveling guides and more! Contact: KansaiGigGuide <andrew.w.brasher@gmail.com> Website: www.swet.jp/events/ event/u_events/779

♡ ASHIYA INTERNATIONAL PLAYGROUP ♡. Mondays 10:00-

Community Community Services FREE JAPANESE LESSONS IN KOBE. KICC volunteers offer one-to

one free Japanese lessons once a week for six months for foreign residents of Kobe. 12 min. from Sannomiya st. Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00 Tel: 078-291-8441 Contact: Kobe International Community Center (KICC) <kic03@kicc.jp> Website: www.kicc.jp/kicc/index_eng.html

INFORMATION IN ENGLISH. Osaka

START YOUR WEEKEND OFF AT BAR ONE.. Every Friday start your

weekend off at Bar One. Every week the DJ line-up changes to provide the party people with a range of sounds from some of the hottest DJs in Osaka including DJs from International Party Rockers and Kansai Beat Krew. Check out Bar One on facebook or www.bar-one.jp Contact: International Party Rockers <internationalpartyrockers@gmail. com> Website: www.bar-one.jp

Health & Beauty ENGLISH SPEAKING DENTIST IN KOBE. Kitano Dental Clinic is

located near Hankyu Sannomiya Station West Exit. Easy access from JR Sannomiya Station. Drop-in

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

Announcements ATTENTION HIKERS! . Enjoy

chatting and walking with the Kansai Ramblers on the second Sunday every month. Information in Japanese and English can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/ kansairamblers Contact: Kansai Rambler <paseohiking@gmail. com> Website: www.facebook.com/ groups/kansairamblers/

OSAKA BOOK GROUP'S JUNE MEETING. We will bookclub George

R. R. Martin's "A Game of Thrones" at Cafe Garb on June 1. Contact: Massa <bookisbetter2012@yahoo. co.jp> Website: www.facebook.com/ masanaka

11:30, Parents and Tots, 6mos4yrs, enjoy songs, fingerplays, storybooks, crafts, and snacks together at the Ashiya Citizen’s Center. Contact us for more info or to set up a visit. Contact: Ashiya International Playgroup <internationalplaygroup@hotmail. com>

Language Exchange LANGUAGE EXCHANGE IN OSAKA. Hi I'm a Japanese guy

living in Osaka. I've had a hard time learning English. If you have felt that of Japanese, we should get together and help each other out. Cheers Contact: Yusuke <a-neattrick@hotmail.co.jp>

ENGLISH & JAPANESE IN OSAKA.

Hi, I'm looking for language exchange partners in Osaka,I'm new to Osaka and looking to make friends through language exchange,please drop me a line and let's meet up soon... Junko. Contact: junkoinosaka <Kodebu2005@ yahoo.co.jp> LOOKING FOR NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS. Want to impro. I used

to live in NZ for 2 years. I came back to Osaka 3years ago. You know? I'm losing my English Skills:( So, I'm looking for someone who can help my English!!! I'll help your Japanes Contact: Floren <southernsky.nz@ gmail.com>

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

Love art?

Kansai Scene is currently seeking a new listings writer for our art and exhibition pages. Research and liason with galleries required so advanced Japanese skills a must. Freelance position.

Send samples of your writing to:

editor@kansaiscene.com

Entrance Japan

Umeda Garden Cinema 4F

ARC 6F

Grand Front Osaka

Umeda Sky Building 35F German Consulate

JR Osaka Sta.

Mitsukoshi Isetan

Ume

Lucua

Loft Maruzen & Junkudo Club Noon

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

Yodobashi Camera

Westin Hotel Craft Beer Base

Theater Umeda

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Osaka YWCA

Hotel Kinki sh

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Hanky

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Shin Midosuji

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The Alex Bar Dojima Avanza 4F Junkudo

Kita Shinchi Ana Crown Plaza

NTT Data

Bank

Police Station

Hospital

Nishi Tenma Miyabi Int’l Law Firm 24F

akanoshi

City Hall

ma Dori

niw

Hotel

Church

iha

Kitahama

Ostec Exhibition Hall Shrine

Temple

0 Movie Theatre

sen

line

Naniwabashi/kitahama

Utsubo Park Post Office

Shinmei Law Office

Edobori

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Yodoyabashi

National Museum of Art

YMCA

Tosabori River

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

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US Consulate

Tanimachi Lin

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Oebashi Bank of Japan

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Capt. Kangaroo

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Lagunaveil Sonezaki Daimaru Premier Visitors’ Police H.Q. Float Information Court ta. Umeda S Center da Piccadilly Hotel me Hanshin Asahiya U Dept. in Granvia Bookstore sh n a Hilton H 6F Plaza West Umeda Hilton Hotel E-ma Hotel Burg7 Kansai The Blarney Maru Stone Bldg #4 1F Bldg. Herbis Tower Records Ent 3/4F Osaka Dental Clinic Beer & Pizza Bldg #3 Outback Bldg #1 Bldg #2 GO_SUKE Steakhouse 33F Creamy 2F B1 Exeo

Herbis Ritz Osaka .2 Carlton No ute Ro

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k za

Navio Toho Plex

Hankyu Dept.

Nishi Umeda

Umeda

InterContinental Osaka Hotel

200m

Blue Wave Inn

Arthur Murray

Nagahori tsurumi-ryokuchi line Nagahoribashi

Yotsubashi

KitaHorie

line

Naniw

Horie Park

MinamiHorie

2F Tezukayama Gallery 1F DDD

Dotonbori

OPA

Onzieme 11F Triangle Cinem @rt Triangle Park Apple Store Drop Clapper Fanj twice Lunar Grand Club Cafe Ghost Balabushka Ultralounge 4F Coolabah Spotaka

river

a. amb a St

JR N

Junkudo

OCAT

Namba Namba Sta.

Nam

Hotel Monterey

Hotel T’point Murphy’s 6F

Fubar 2F

The Blarney Stone

Suomachi-dori (Europe street) B1

HigashiShinsaibashi 1F Zerro

Soemon-Cho B1 Pure Osaka

Dotonbori

Cine Pop Toho Cinemas Namba Visitors Information Hotel Center Ichiei Takashimaya Junkudo Dept. Store MUJI/LOFT Absinthe Swissôtel Tower Solaar 8F Nankai Records Osaka

Motomachi

Post Office

Bank

Police Station

NipponBashi

Nankai Namba Station

Fraser Residence

Namba -naka

Hotel Metro the 21

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

Namba

Little Long Beach

Inari 23 mm

Shinsaibashi 3F GS Travel

Dublin Bay / Dublin Garden

Namba Hatch Tominaga Hospital

Daimaru Dept. South

Cross Hotel

Boy 5F

Daimaru Dept.

Big step

Midosuji

a-suji

Family Mart

Daimaru Dept. North

Nikko Hotel

Cafe 1F Absinthe

Yotsubashi

Covent Garden

Uniqlo

El Pancho 8F

Sakaisuji

Ali’s Kitchen

Kitahorie Hospital

Minamisenba

Tokyu Hands

Crysta Nagahori (underground shopping)

Nagahori dori Shinsaibashi

Nishiohashi

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

Mizuho Bank

Shinsaibashi/Namba

Shinmachi

Kansai Scene Mojoprint Office

N Namba PARKS Hospital

Hotel

0 Church

200m Shrine

Temple

Movie Theatre

Hotel Monterey

Post Office

JR Motomachi sta.

Minato Bank Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Teramachi Area Bank

Police Station

Hospital

Sanjo

Sanjo Kyoto Royal BLDG.

Kawaramachi-

Kiyamachi-dori

dori

Wakamatsu-dori

Kiraku Inn

ori awa-d Shirakkawa river Shira

The Gael World

Kawaramachi

Marui

Takashimaya

Shijo-dori Minamiza Theatre

Church

Shrine

Temple

Movie Theatre

Gion Gion Kaikan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art Gion Hotel

Joko-in

0 Hotel

200m

Sanjo

Butterfly

Junkudo 7F Bal

Teramachi Shotengai Shinkyogoku Shotengai

Hanamikoji-dori

Movix Kyoto

Fuji Daimaru

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku

Yamatoji-dori

Gokomachi-dori

Sanjo-dori

Hankyu Line

Movie Theatre

Oike-dori

OPA

Daimaru

Temple

Hotel Okura

Mina

Kawara Machi

Shrine

Kobe City Hall

Kyoto Royal Hotel Kyoto Asahi Kaikan Starbucks

Jomo Gas

Church

Tomson Real Estate

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

Sannomiya Hanadokeimae st.

Aoyama

Shiyakushomae

Fuyacho-dori

Tominokoji-dori

Yanaginobanba-dori

Sakaimachi-dori

Kyoto

Tozai Subway Line

Hotel

World Express

Flower road

San

Hospital

Daimaru Dept.

Kainan lin

Police Station

miya

Sansei Hosp.

Port liner

Guild 2F

Kyukyoryuchi Daimarumae

Bank

Sannomiy

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

Kyoto City Hall

Post Office

Iznt 4F

Midnight 5F Hobgoblin 7F a

Sanchika un

Hanshin line

Nankin-machi Subway

ine wa yl

tetsudo Kobe kosoku

Motomachi

Kitanozaka

Tokyu Hands

Kobe Sauna

Kobe Ikuta Junior High School

Sh iei Ya ma te s

Ikuta jinja

Mickeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club 5F

Pontocho

Hyogo-ken Prefectural Hall

Ikuta Police Station

Keihan Line

Oriental Dental Clinic 4F Hotel Tor Road

Kobe Grocers

Gion s hijo

Soraku Park

Hunterzak

Pearl Street

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

Kobe YWCA

1F Bistrot Cafe De Paris

Kitano-cho Tor Road

Sannomiya

Yamamoto-dori

200m

N Yasaka Jinja