Kansai Scene #169 June 2014 by Kansai Scene Magazine

無料 issue 169

06 June 2014

www.kansaiscene.com

Grappling with Aikido 合気道：和の武道に導かれた男

Plus+ Cycling solo from Kyushu to Hokkaido Traditional log rafting in Wakayama 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 #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Contents Features Features

Aikido: A Master’s Tale

p08

合気道：ある達人の物語 Whitewater Log Rafting

p14

Cycling Japan Solo

p16

COVER PHOTO: Jason Haidar This month’s cover shot of an aikido black belt and dogi (white training uniform) was taken by Jason Haidar at the dojo, Mugenjuku, in Kyoto.

Business Matters

Big-hit Bento Boxes

p07

Promotional Feature

Little Long Beach

p13

Promotional Travel Feature

5 Asian Island Getaways

p20

Event

2014 Beer Olympics

p24

Belgian Beer Abound

p29

Listings Film p22 Events & Festivals

p26

Art

p30

Live Music

p32

Club

p36

Apartments p39 Classifieds p40 Maps p44

kansaiscene

@kansaiscene

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.

kansaiscene

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 #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Out & About

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

Five things to know about aikido

Reader’s Photo

This month’s cover feature is about a man who made aikido his life. Here are five interesting facts about this intriguing

Congratulations to Damien Eastman, this month’s winner. Damien receives a coveted Kansai Scene t-shirt! Email your best snaps taken around Kansai to:

martial art.

Aikido is a non-competitive martial art that focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their energy to gain control of them or to force them away from you.

Aikido is taught to many branches of the Japanese Police. Today aikido is found all over the world in several different styles, with a variety of emphases. However, they all share techniques learned from the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, and most have consideration for the well-being of the attacker.

American screen actor, producer, and director Steven Seagal came to Japan in the sixties at about age 20 and trained in aikido, honing his craft up to a 7th dan (7th degree black belt). In the seventies, he became the very first foreigner to run an aikido dojo (Tenshin Aikido, in Jūsō).

Aikido can be translated as “way of harmony”, but it’s by no means a “soft” martial art. The training is very hard – especially on the lower body, the hips, the legs. You need to develop excellent balance in order to execute the movements not from your legs but from your center.

You don’t have to look big and strong to be up there with the best in aikido. Jacques Payet, who was an apprentice to the great aikido master Gozo Shioda (more on page 08), said Shioda sensei was very small, about 157cm tall and weighing around 49kg, but “he would just play around with big people, very playful, but very powerful”.

photo@kansaiscene.com

Damien Eastman

I call this one “Neo Maiko”. It was taken on January 3rd at Yasaka Shrine, Gion for Hatsumode (New Year’s shrine visit). I talked with the girl for a while and she described herself as a “genzai-kei maiko” - literally a modern-day maiko. Her hair, she told me, represents Mt Fuji as it was included as a World Heritage site last year. The piercing in her right ear is to celebrate Japan in general, but the energy bulb in her left is to protest nuclear power/ Fukushima.

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

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

/kansaiscene

@kansaiscene

kansaiscene

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Business Matters

From books to bento boxes KS caught up with CEO of Bento&co, Thomas Bertrand, to find out how a humble, French Kyoto University exchange student became an international lunchbox success. Text: KS • Images: Bento&co

How did you come to be in Kyoto running a bento box business? I’ve lived in Kyoto since 2003 after coming here to study at Kyoto University. I thought I’d be here for 10 months but so far it has been 11 years, and I still enjoy this city a lot! In 2005, I started a blog about my life in Kyoto (La Rivière Aux Canards - in French), the blog became a bit popular among Japan fans in France and I thought I could start a business thanks to it. I wanted to start small and simple, selling Japanese products online to France. That’s why I started a homebased online bento box business in November 2008. I worked as a freelance writer for some websites, I didn’t have a lot to spend, but I had time, and my blog readers trusted me. They were my first customers. We opened the English site in 2010 and a Japanese version in 2011. The company got a bit bigger every year and in April 2012, we had an opportunity to move to our actual location, near Sanjo Teramachi, a perfect place to open a store! What was the process of setting up the business like? It was quite easy. At first, Bento&co was a Kojin Jigyo, which means I was a sole proprietor. I just needed to sign a paper at my neighborhood tax office to start selling online. Two friends helped me to set up the site. My wife was in charge of contacting some potential

suppliers and I was on the marketing side. The biggest challenge, at first, was not about setting up the business, but believing in myself; making the first step, and launching the business even if some people around me didn’t believe in my idea. What kinds of people or organizations are your customers/clients? We’ve shipped out more than 70,000 parcels since 2009, in 84 different countries. Most of our customers are located in France (40%), and the U.S. (20%), but also in Australia, Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland. Some customers are fans of Japanese culture, but some of them are people who just want a nice box to bring their lunch to work or school in. We also do wholesale and work with about 150 retailers and restaurants in Europe, North America, and Asia. What kinds of designs are most popular among customers? Both “Kawaii” and “Chic” modern boxes are quite popular. The Kokeshi Bento Boxes and the Bento Colors have been our best sellers for a couple of years. We only have a few bento boxes with original designs, but most of the items we sell are made by about 20 different suppliers (most of them in Japan). We will soon introduce new original bento boxes. Stay tuned!

What are the challenges and rewards of running a business like this? The challenge is to find great people to work with... and there are plenty of rewards! Because I’m a foreigner selling what Japanese people see as a very common product, our shop in Kyoto is quite famous. It’s exciting to build this company and to be a part of the business world in Japan. It’s great meeting so many interesting people: our suppliers, the craftsmen who work for them, other entrepreneurs in Japan, and many of our online customers who drop in to see us when they’re passing through Kyoto.

Bento&co • Tel: 075-708-2164 • Email: thomas@bentoandco. com • Access: Shijo Kawaramachi Stn (north exit). Shop is located a few blocks away on Rokkaku street • Address: Nakagyo-Ku, Rokkaku Dori, Fuyacho Higashi, Iru Yaoya-cho 117, Kyoto 京都府京都市中京区六角通麩屋町東入八百屋町117 • Hours: Every day 12pm–7pm • Website: en.bentoandco.com

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Feature

Aikido: the martial art of harmony and peace and one man’s destiny 合気道の予備知識 One day in September 1980, a 22-year-old Jacques Payet travelled from France to Japan in search of one of aikido’s greatest masters. A pivotal moment of serendipity awaited him. 1980年9月。合気道の師を求めて、はるばるフランスから日本へ降り立った若者がいた。ジャック・パイエ、22 歳。彼を待ち受けていたのは、人生を変える奇跡のような出会いだった。 Text: Celia Polkinghorne • Images: Jason Haidar • Translation: Endo Tazlu

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Jacques Payet is renowned in his own right in the world of aikido. These days people fly across the world to meet him and train under him, seeking his skill, guidance, and wisdom. But once upon a time it was he who was in pursuit of a man with great wisdom, a pursuit that turned into his calling, and ultimately a journey spanning decades. It all began 34 years ago, with a short video clip and a plane ticket out of France. The first thing Jacques did as a fresh-faced university graduate in September of 1980 was board a flight from Paris to Tokyo on a quest to meet one man; the great Gozo Shioda, a master of aikido who founded a style known as Yoshinkan. “When I was in France doing a seminar I was exposed to a video of different martial arts, and I saw a very short clip of Shioda Gozo. I was inspired and I just decided that’s what I wanted to do, I wanted to come to Japan and meet him.” His greatest obstacle was language, and his first test patience. In 1980, when there was no Internet, there were no smart phones, he had no ability to speak Japanese or English, and practically no idea where Shioda sensei’s dojo (place to train in martial arts) was, there was only the man’s name to go by. He went to the French department of Tokyo University to forage out a French speaker, and found a Japanese girl studying his native tongue. “We started to talk and I told her my story and I asked her, would you help me to find this guy? And she said yes... It took us almost a month to find his place. Finally she called his home, his wife answered and gave the address of the dojo, and we went there.” Jacques joined Shioda sensei’s dojo as a regular student and found somewhere to live. But the next obstacle in his quest to meet the man himself was the dojo hierarchy. “I could train but only with a regular instructor, so I had no chance to meet Shioda Gozo at all. So I was very disappointed but there was nothing I could do.” On top of that, the lodging he had found in Saitama was very far from the dojo, requiring him to make an expensive two-hour commute every day in order to train. After one month all his savings were gone and he reluctantly made plans to return to France.

合気道の指導者として、その実力を広く知られたジャック・パイエ。彼のもとで稽古を積み、技と英知を学ぼうと世界中から入門希望者が訪ねてくる。そんなジャック自身も、かつては理想の師を探し求める旅人だった。武道への憧れはやがて彼の使命に変わり、終わりのないライフワークになる。すべては34年前、短い映像とフランス発の航空券から始まった。 1980年9月のある日、大学を卒業したばかりのジャックはパリ発東京行きの飛行機に乗り込んだ。目的はただひとつ。合気道養神館を創始した偉大な武道家、塩田剛三に会うためである。「フランスのセミナーで、いろいろな武道のビデオを見る機会がありました。本当に短い映像でしたが、塩田剛三先生の技に心を奪われたんです。これが自分のやりたいことだ、日本に行ってこの人に会うしかないとすぐ思い立ちました」最初にぶちあたったのは、言葉の壁だった。当時はまだインターネットも携帯電話も存在しない。おまけに日本語も英語も話せないジャックは、道場がどこにあるのかさえわからない。手がかりは、塩田剛三という名前だけ。そこで東京大学の仏文科を訪ね、なんとかフランス語を学んでいる日本人の女子学生を見つけ出した。「自分がここに来たいきさつを話をして、人探しを手伝ってもらえないかと頼みました。彼女は引き受けてくれましたが、インターネットもない時代です。電話帳とにらめっこで、ようやく塩田先生の住所を見つけたのは約1ヶ月後のこと。彼女が先生の自宅に電話をかけて、応対した奥様から道場の住所を教えていただき、一緒にそこへ行きました」ジャックは一般会員として道場に入門し、当面生活する住居も見つけた。しかし次に立ち塞がったのが、道場内の階級という壁だった。「稽古はできましたが、指導してくれるのはいつも同じ指導員だけ。塩田剛三先生には、まったく会うことができません。がっかりしましたが、どうしようもありませんでした」

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

それに加えて、埼玉で見つけた自宅から道場まではかなり遠い。高い交通費を払って、2時間かけて電車で通う毎日。1ヶ月が経つと貯金も底をつき、彼は失意のまま帰国準備を始めた。「最後の日、別れの挨拶をするつもりで道場に行きました。するとちょうどたまたま、駐車場に塩田先生のご子息の塩田泰久さんがいたんです」折しも塩田泰久はイギリスに合気道を教えにいこうと計画中で、外国人と実地の英会話を試す機会を待ち望んでいたところだった。「どちらも英語が下手だったので、互いに親しみが生まれたんでしょう。合気道を学ぼうとここまでやってきたのに、お金が尽きて国へ帰るほかないという状況をわかってもらえました」まさに一期一会のような瞬間だった。塩田剛三に会おうとはるばる来

“On the last day I went to the dojo to say thank you and goodbye, and it just so happened that outside in the parking lot there was Shioda sensei’s son”. Gozo Shioda’s son was planning to go to England to teach, so he wanted exposure to foreigners and a chance to talk in English. “He had bad English, me too, so we could relate to each other.” Jacques explained his regret that he came to see Shioda sensei but had no chance to meet him before having to leave. It was in this serendipitous moment that Gozo Shioda’s son told him it might just be his lucky day and offered to introduce him to his father. “He took me directly to the office and we started talking for a while...Suddenly Shioda sensei got up and looked me in the eyes and said, ‘Do you really like aikido? You came this far just for that?...If you really love aikido and really came for that, and if you’re courageous, I will give you a chance’.” Jacques was told he could stay for three months and live at the dojo for free but that he would have to get up early and earn his keep. He would spend hours a day cleaning, doing chores, and looking after the seniors at the dojo, as well as continuing his aikido training. He was told that if he could do this he could stay. He accepted the offer and moved there the following day. “Everybody thought that after three months I’d probably be gone because it was so hard, but I was still there, so they said ok to another three months, and after a year, naturally I became uchi-deshi.” Uchi-deshi is the Japanese word for “live-in apprentice” and Jacques Payet has the unique distinction of having been uchi-deshi directly under the counsel of Shioda sensei longer than any other Westerner. From there his aikido life

たのに、一度も会えずに帰国するのが残念でならないと説明するジャック。それを聞いた塩田泰久は、こんな日に出会ったのも何かの縁だろうと、ジャックを父親に紹介してやることにした。「それでまっすぐ先生の事務所に連れていかれ、先生としばらく話をしました。すると先生は突然立ち上がり、私の目をじっと見つめてこう言うんです。本当に合気道が好きなのですか。そのためだけに遠くからやってきたのですか……。本気で合気道に身を捧げる気持ちがあるのなら、あなたにチャンスを与えましょう」 3ヶ月間だけ道場での寝起きを許可すること。その代わりに毎朝早起きして、道場の仕事をすること。何時間も掃除し、家事を手伝い、先輩の世話をし、合気道の稽古も続けること。それができるのなら道場にいてもいい。そんな塩田剛三の申し出を受け、ジャックは翌日に道場へ引っ越した。「住み込みの修行は本当に辛いので、3ヶ月後には国に帰るだろうとみんな思っていたようです。でも私は3ヶ月持ちこたえて、さらに3ヶ月の滞在許可をもらいました。そうやって1年が経ち、いつしか内弟子になっていたのです」内弟子となったジャック・パイエは、塩田剛三から直々に教えを授けられる稀有な西洋人として一目置かれるようになる。この頃から、彼の合気道人生は開花し始めた。日本語と英語も上達し、数年後には養神館本部道場の指導員に任命。指導の傍ら、1991年に国際専修生コースの設置に力を注ぎ、塩田剛三の自叙伝を英訳した。一時代を築いた塩田剛三は、1994年6月に78歳で逝去している。現在、56歳となったパイエ先生は合気道7段。京都に住み、自らの無限塾で養神館合気道を教えている。「死ぬまで修行」が口癖だ。合気道の精神は、争いに勝つことではなく、争いを止めることだと説明する。「心身のバランスがよく、的確な距離感覚を持ち、身体の仕組みを熟知していれば、相手の弱点が手に取るようにわかります。だからほんのわずかな力で相手の動きが制御できるし、それでいて相手を傷つけることもないのが合気道の真髄なのです」パイエ先生の弟子は、老若男女さまざまだ。生まれや境遇や入門の目的も一人一人違う。

A bit of history Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), who was often referred to by his title O Sensei or “Great Teacher”. Gozo Shioda (1915-1994) was one of Morihei Ueshiba’s most senior students. Shioda sensei studied with O Sensei from the mid-30s. Shioda sensei held the rank of 10th dan in aikido. The Yoshinkan style of aikido pays close attention to form. Other more mainstream styles of aikikai (the original school of aikido) are very fluid, so there is less emphasis on form. The emphasis placed on correct form prior to practicing correct flow and timing is partly why it is thought of as a “hard” style.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

flourished, along with his Japanese and English language skills. After some years, he was appointed staff instructor at the Yoshinkan Honbu Dojo (world headquarters in Tokyo) and during that posting he designed the Foreign Instructor course in 1991, as well as translating into English Aikido Shugyo, the autobiography of the great master Gozo Shioda, who died in July 1994 at age 78. Now Payet sensei, the 56-year-old aikido instructor and 7th dan (7th degree black belt), lives in Kyoto and teaches Aikido Yoshinkan to Japanese and foreign students alike in his dojo, Mugenjuku. Mugen means “no limit” or “infinite” and juku means “school” or “learning”. He says, “Even until you die, you still have something to learn.” Aikido’s main philosophy is not to win fights, but to stop them. Payet sensei explains, “If you have a very good balance and understanding of distance and people, you can really see their weak point. So you can really use a very small amount of strength to control them. But without harming them.” Payet sensei teaches men and women of all ages from all walks of life. “They are all people who are looking for something. I have people here who trained in another martial art for many years and didn’t find what they wanted. Or some people are travelling and looking for a new life philosophy. Also we have people who want to learn self-defence, or who like the idea of no competition.” He says for himself, “Aikido is a way to be happy”, and it’s rewarding for him when he can see his students realizing the same. “They start to smile and to connect with people more easily. And they become more confident...It’s very nice to see that change in them.” In his humble pursuit for happiness, and the fulfillment of others, Jacques Payet has himself become legendary. Mugenjuku dojo is located in Marutamachi, Kyoto Access: 5 mins walk from Marutamachi subway stn from exit #2 Email: aikido.mugenjuku@gmail.com Tel: 075-746-3511 To learn about the dojo and the Kenshusei instructor’s course visit: aikidomugenjuku.wordpress.com

「彼らはみな探求者です。他の武道を何年も学んできたのに、自分が望むものを見つけられなかった人たち。新しい人生哲学を模索中の旅人たち。決して争わないという合気道の精神が好きな人。合気道は、それぞれの幸福をつかみとる道なのです」そして彼は、自分に言い聞かせるように言った。「合気道を学ぶ人はみな笑顔が増えて、他人とも自然に付き合えるようになる。内面の自信がにじみでるようになるんです。そういう変化を見るのが、私の幸せですね」ささやかな自分の幸福を求め、他者の達成を手助けしてきたジャック・パイエ。運命の道を切り拓くうちに、いつしか彼自身が伝説的な存在になっていた。無限塾の稽古場所は、京都市の丸太町にあります。アクセス：地下鉄烏丸線丸太町駅 4番出口より徒歩4分メール：aikido.mugenjuku@gmail.com 電話：075-746-3511 道場やコースに関する情報は、下記ウェブサイトをご覧ください。

aikidomugenjuku.wordpress.com

予備知識 • 合気道は、植芝盛平 1883〜1969年）が創始した日本の武道。合気道関係者は植芝盛平を大先生おおせんせい）、開祖などと敬意を込めて呼ぶ。 • 塩田剛三 1915〜1994年）は、植芝盛平の高弟の一人。1930 年代半ばに植芝盛平の薫陶を受けた。戦後に合気道を教え始め、養神館を創設。合気道10段の達人として後進の指導に尽力した。 • 養神館合気道は、構えを大切にする。他の主要な流派は動きの流動性に重点が置かれ、構えについては養神館ほど細かくない。養神館が硬派の合気道であると見做されている理由のひとつは、正しい動きやタイミングを実践するため、常に正しい構えを追求する点である。

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Lounging around at Little Long Beach Namba’s friendliest bar offers food, drinks, and fun in an atmosphere warmer than a Southern Californian afternoon. Text: Sam Evans • Images: Little Long Beach

Osaka’s bar scene is interesting to say the least. With a plethora of places lining the alleys of Minami, one can always find a nook or cranny to fall into at any hour for an often hazy episode unremembered until that flashback a few days later. Yes, the bar scene here indeed possesses a certain excitement for us foreigners, but do you ever feel that it lacks that passion and sense of community that we are used to with the bars and pubs back home? Introducing Little Long Beach (in case you haven’t heard the name already), one of the true institutions of Osaka’s good time drinking community and the brainchild of owner and manager Chad Bunch. Starting off 12 years ago as a Nihongo student with an eager eye on bar work in a foreign land, Chad worked his way through the ranks of Osaka’s bar scene earning his stripes, and learning so much that within just six years he was able to open Little Long Beach in its original location, which happens to be right across the street from where he opened the new and improved current location a year ago on the back of his initial success.

“I didn’t want to create just another hole in the wall to get drunk in; my vision was to create a warm, friendly space for people to get to know each other, to help create a community of good people.” It’s clear that Chad takes his ethos seriously because every facet of the bar has been tailored to be conducive to mingling; from the employment of exclusively bilingual staff making both Japanese and foreign customers feel at ease, to the staggered seating arrangement and design of the tables that tempt customers to make new friends. His philosophy stretches down to the finest detail, even deciding to keep the alternative rock soundtrack of bands like The Offspring, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Sublime to a level that allows people to be heard while speaking. “The Mission of this bar is to bring people of different backgrounds together and encourage enrichment through friendship.” So what’s on offer at Little Long Beach? As well as the warm, red motif that emanates that southern California vibe, and the large seated patio that

promises to come into its own on those languid Osakan summer evenings, this place also boasts a 50-inch flat screen TV on which World Cup replays will be aired this summer at more palatable hours than the 4am kick-off time. In addition to an impressive and reasonably priced selection of whiskeys and liquor, not to mention Heartland beer and Kirin’s new Hard Cider on tap, Little Long Beach offers a gnarly selection of Californian style food pizza, nachos, and quesadillas...even beef jerky; all prepared from scratch with the best ingredients by Chad and his team. “There’s plenty of awful bar food out there but I make sure I do it right. I research thoroughly and import as many ingredients as possible from the States, even down to the beef!” So if you haven’t already, why not give Little Long Beach a try and experience a bar as it should be; with great food and drinks, a warm atmosphere, and a solid community behind it. With summer 2014 just around the corner, there’s no better time to go and check it out.

Little Long Beach • Address: Osaka-shi Naniwa-ku Motomachi 1-4-22 1F • Tel: 06-6567-8685 • Opening hours: MondaySunday 6pm-1am • Facebook: littlelong.beach

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Feature

Whitewater rafting in Wakayama traditional Japanese style

Every year from May to September a more than 400-year-old tradition is brought to life on the Kitayama river. Ikadashi enact old-style rafting, which once brought logs downstream to build the shrines and temples of old Japan. Text: Jason Haidar â&#x20AC;˘ Images: Minato Ishikawa (courtesy of Kitayama Village Tourism Center) & Jason Haidar

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Deep in the heart of Wakayama lies the Kitayama River. For over 400 years, specially trained ikadashi (raft crew) have been navigating the gorges and waterways to bring logs 30 kilometers downstream in what is known as Ikada kudari (downstream log rafting) to the city of Shingu for both construction and export all over Japan. The area is home to many hinoki (Japanese cypress trees), which have a high quality timber used in the construction of temples, shrines, and castles. Sugi (Japanese cedar trees) are also found in the region and these too were transported downstream by raft. The cedar tree is the national tree, and commonly found planted around shrines and temples. The prized hinoki trees are what the ikada (log raft) is crafted from. The logs are tied together with a special rope that is made from hinoki bark. The Ikada usually consists of seven or

eight separate sections called yuka that span eight logs across (4-5 meters), tied together to slink down the river like a giant wooden snake. The fourman ikadashi team uses different kinds of poles to navigate the waterways. On the front yuka stand two ikadashi, one uses the kaji-bou (oar) to steer while the others skillfully rotate around along the sides of the ikada scouting the current ahead. The raft operator uses kai (paddles) looped through rope to help steer, and sao (a long stick) to push-off the rocks that the raft narrowly edges alongside. The five-and-a-half kilometer ride transports passengers back in time as the ikadashi rush about wearing traditional sugegasa (pointy straw hats), happi (traditional coats), and tabi (traditional shoes), all the while floating down a pristine, blue-green river by cascading waterfalls and through a mountainous landscape. The beautiful scenery lulls you into a state of awe only to be jarred back by one of several stretches of white-water rapids that will have you both shouting and laughing as you are whisked downstream.

You can expect to get wet as the water washes over your feet and ankles while the raft dips through the rapids and river spray rushes up to greet you. Ikada Kudari is fun for the whole family; anyone from age 10 to 75 is allowed on board, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of thrills to be had. The ride lasts a little over an hour with around 10 sections of whitewater rapids to encounter. May 3rd marked the start of the 2014 rafting season that will last until September 30th, with peak season being in July and August. Ikada Kudari is a unique Japanese tradition, and spectating first-hand these master Ikadashi at work as they captain the river the way they did hundreds of years ago, is a truly novel experience.

More Information Ikada Kudari is operated out of the Kitayama Village Tourism Center • Price: ¥6,000 per person (plus a ¥2,000 deposit per person paid when booking) • Tel: 0735-49-2037 • Email: jabara@kitayamamura. net • Access from Osaka: Kintentsu Ltd Express from Tsuruhashi Stn to Kumanoshi Stn, then a bus from Kumanoshi Stn to Kitayama • Times: May, June & September - weekends only • July & August - every day except Thursdays

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE ||ISSUE ISSUE#169 #169JUNE JUNE2014 2014| kansaiscene.com | kansaiscene.com

Feature

Travels with Chari for Charity

What could compel you to cycle solo the entire length of Japan - Kyushu to Hokkaido? For Daniel Olsson, a giant tsunami got him on his bike. Text and Images: Daniel Olsson

Japan has been my home for three years and four months. I’ve lived in one tiny apartment and slept on the same futon every day. But I decided to this year do something I don’t do every day. I’ve embarked on a monumental challenge - to cycle the length of Japan. From Cape Sata in Kyushu to Cape Soya in Hokkaido, I will be making this journey alone. The idea of cycling the length of the country took ahold of me nearly three years ago. A friend of mine wanted to cycle around Lake Biwa and, as I live close to the lake, invited me to join him. Two days riding and a night camping out - I was hooked. The following year I learned about mountains.

Another friend and I cycled from Shiga to Takayama in Gifu. A quick translation of the name Takayama (high mountain) offered a pretty clear hint as to what we were in for - cycling uphill for three days. So I have a little experience, but by any real cyclist’s standards, it is very little. The ride will be hard on my legs and hard on my backside but I predict that eventually, it will be hardest on my mind. Going solo is my biggest trepidation. Not just riding but camping, eating, and sleeping alone. That is why I want to share my adventure. Not just with my parents and girlfriend, but with everyone who knows Japan, or wants to know Japan. My blog Travels with Chari will be a place to share my tales from the road and for me to interact with the people who are interested in seeing Japan through my journey. Perhaps most importantly though, it will operate as my fundraising page. Travels with Chari is not just about me. As most of the world is well aware,

Japan suffered one of the greatest natural disasters in recorded history just three years ago. What many don’t hear much about is the continual fight to rebuild. I have chosen to support and bring awareness to one group in particular. The Ogatsu School Restoration Project unites two things that I hold very dear; education and the environment. The project aims to convert an old school building into a centre for outdoor recreation and environmental awareness that will host children from all over the world and provide jobs to a shellshocked community. Please help me raise $10,000 (¥1,000,000) towards their cause. I don’t know them, they don’t know me - and neither do you but giving is good for you! You can follow Daniel’s blog at travelswithchari.com or look for Travels with Chari on Facebook You can read more about the Ogatsu School Restoration Project or donate by visiting travelswithchari.com/donate

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Language

Bike talk While not many of us are likely to embark on a mammoth, Kyushu-to-Hokkaido-sized cycling trip while we’re in Japan (see feature on page 16), living or holidaying in Kansai means there’s still a good chance we’ll spend a fair bit of time on a bike. Perhaps you’ve been spotted by the cops giving someone a ride home on the back of your mamachari (granny bike) and heard them utter, or if you’re unlucky, blare through a megaphone from a police car Futarinori wa yamenasai! (Don’t ride two people on one bicycle). Or maybe they’ve pulled you over to ask Gaikokujin tourokusho o misete kudasai (Can I see your foreign resident card?). If they check your bike’s registration it’s easier if you’re riding one that’s registered in your own name. So once you buy one (or adopt a hand-me-down) you may want go to your local bike shop, say Jitensha o touroku shitain desu ga (I’d like to register my bicycle), and pay the ¥500 or so to have it done. It could be that one of your tires has a panku (puncture), perhaps you need to buy a laito (light) for your ride, or maybe you just need to ask, Kono hen ni churinjou ga arimasuka? (Is there bicycle parking around here?). Whatever your predicament we’ve pledged to prepare you. So go on, get on your bike!

Useful expressions I’m getting a flat tire.

タイヤのくうきがぬけています。

Taiya no kuuki ga nukete imasu.

I think I have a puncture.

パンクしたみたいです。

Panku shita mitai desu.

いちばんちかくのじてんしゃやはど

Where is the nearest bike shop?

こですか。

Ichiban chikaku no jitenshaya wa doko desuka?

Can I get some air in my tires?

くうきをいれてくれますか。

Kuuki o ire te kuremasuka.

About how many kilometers is _____ from here?

ここから _____ までなんキロです

Koko kara _____ made nan kiro desuka?

か。ここから _____ までじてんしゃで

How long does it take to get to _____ from here?

どのぐらいかかりますか。

Koko kara _____ made jitensha de dono gurai kakarimasuka?

Where does this path/road go?

このみちはどこにいきますか。

Kono michi wa doko ni ikimasuka?

Is it ok if I park my bicycle here? Do you need to pay to park here?

ここにじてんしゃをとめてもいいですか。ちゅりんじょうはおかねがかかりますか。じてんしゃがてっきょされたみたい

Koko ni jitensha o tomete mo ii desuka? Churinjou wa okane ga kakarimasuka?

です。

Jitensha ga tekkyo sareta mitai desu.

My bicycle was stolen.

じてんしゃがぬすまれました。

Jitensha ga nusumaremashita.

Is this your bicycle?

あなたのじてんしゃですか。

Anata no jitensha desu ka?

I think my bicycle was taken.

じてんしゃのライトをつけてください。

Jitensha no laito o tsukete kudasai.

Slow down! / Faster!

ゆっくり！/ はやく！

Yukkuri / Hayaku!

My legs are tired.

あしがつかれた。

Ashi ga tsukareta.

Watch out!

あぶない！

Abunai!

Ouch!

いたい！

Itai!

Please turn on the light on your bicycle.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Top Asian island retreats Seeking seduction by sandy white shores and stunning seascapes this summer? Allow yourself to be swept off your feet by one of these idyllic tropical destinations.

GS Travel • Address: 302 Wadayoshi Bldg., 1-13-21 Higashi-shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0083 • Tel: 06-6281-1230 • Fax: 06-6281-1255 • Softbank: 080-3847-9601 • URL: gs-travel.com • Email: info@gs-travel.com

Text: KS

Palawan Island, Philippines

Tioman Island, Malaysia

Ko Chang, Thailand

Explore jungle-clad mountains, snorkel pristine coral reefs, and island-hop to your heart’s desire. Palawan manages to delight both those seeking adventure and those looking to unwind.

Tioman has options for all kinds of holidaymakers: honeymooners, scuba divers, backpackers, adventure seekers, and the island boasts lush tropical jungle and many protected species of animals and birds.

• Best for: Couples • Best season: Feb-May • KS Reader Deal: From ¥23,000 to Manila* • Manila  Palawan: Domestic flight to Puerto Princesa airport

• Best for: Couples • Best season: Apr-Oct • KS Reader Deal: From ¥23,000 to K.L.* • K.L.  Tioman: Domestic flight to Subang airport

• Best for: Families

• Best season: Nov-Feb Ko Chang and its surrounding region is superb for snorkeling, diving, and jungle hiking. Enjoy the fascinating wildlife and golden • KS Reader Deal: From ¥19,000 to Bangkok* • Bangkok  Chang: Domestic flight to Trat sandy beaches of Thailand’s second largest island. airport

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Lembongan Island Bali, Indonesia

This coastal metropolis thriving with clubs and restaurants boasts a stunning setting, with magnificent mountains looming up behind the city, a sweeping beach stretching into the distance, and turquoise waters with little islands scattered throughout.

This island is fast becoming one of Bali’s most sought-after spots and is a world away from the hectic pace of South Bali. This is both a popular surfing spot, and a perfect place to put your feet up and relax. The water is some of the clearest you will find anywhere.

• Best for: Couples • Best season: Apr-July • KS Reader Deal: From ¥23,000 to Ho Chi Minh* • HCM  Nha Trang: Domestic flight to Nha Trang airport • Best for: Families • Best season: Apr-Oct • KS Reader Deal: From ¥28,000 to Bali* • Bali  Lembongan: Speedboat from Sanur area to the Island

*Airfares do not include airport taxes or fuel surcharges. Prices depend on departure date, ticket type and airlines. We speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Bengali and Japanese

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do June 7

Pick

Police Story 2013 Sheng Ding, Action, 110 mins, June 6th Starring: Jackie Chan, Ye Liu, Tian Jing

Jackie Chan is loved worldwide for his crazy and often comedic performances, but he has returned to his gritty roots in this dark, violent, and action-packed outing.

Film previews

Godzilla (1954)

Noah

Ishiro Honda, Monster Movie, 96 mins, June 7th

Aronofsky is not known for making your typical Hollywood blockbusters, and he may have bitten off more than he can chew this time around. The film is oddly enough not overtly religious, more mythical than biblical.

Starring: Takashi Shimura, Akira Takarada, Momoko Kochi, Akihiko Hirata

With the world’s favorite giant monster celebrating his 75th anniversary this year (along with a Hollywood reboot that won’t reach Japanese cinemas until late July), the original classic by Ishiro Honda will be hitting limited screens nationwide, and it is an absolute must-see. Now Godzilla has a cult following, loved by geeks and small children in equal parts. But the first movie was anything but camp, and although the effects were hardly special, some of the best actors of the time portrayed this story of fear, retaliation, and the consequences of trying to outgun your enemy. The monster itself is said by some to be the embodiment of the nuclear bomb; a giant beast that indiscriminately lays waste to anything in its path, with radioactive breath so intensely hot it can melt metal pylons. Others see Godzilla as a representation of the victims of the bomb, or hibakusha; a pocked-skin beast that is shunned, feared, and (perhaps) misunderstood. Shimura’s Yamane sees potential in Godzilla; a creature that survived a nuclear blast has the potential to shed light on how radiation poisoning could be treated, or even cured. His rather bohemian approach to the city-leveling beast is obviously not a popular one, and a weapon known as the Oxygen Destroyer is developed to take down the creature…but should a weapon so powerful be in the hands of mere humans (another thinly-veiled allegory for the bomb-debate)? Although there is a love triangle needlessly shoehorned into the narrative, the film thrives in the details; Tokyo is shown as a populated city, extras get dedicated scenes to voice their concerns, a mother cowers with her children as they face almost certain death. The consequences of Godzilla’s actions are real, and not just an excuse for a little destruction porn. The franchise may have nosedived soon after, which only helps point out how thought-provoking and deep this seemingly silly horror movie is. Don’t forget you can find a list of local cinemas (and what’s playing) online at: www.kansaiscene.com/cinemas/

Darren Aronofsky, Drama, 138 mins, June 13th Starring: Russell Crow, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Watson

Transcendence Wally Pfister, Sci-fi, 119 mins, June 28th Starring: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Morgan Freeman

Wally Pfister was cinematographer for some of Nolan’s best-loved movies, and there is so much potential in Transcendence, but the big ideas fail to go anywhere making it all too clear this is Pfister’s directorial debut.

Her Spike Jonze, Sci-fi Romance, 126 mins, June 28th Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Chris Pratt

A surprisingly charming love story that doesn’t dwell on future gadgetry, with everything feeling real and achievable. The quirky concept soon becomes a relationship you can believe and invest in.

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Cinema listings (selected theaters) Osaka Toho Cinemas Umeda Tel: 066-3161-312 • 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, Enchanted Kingdom 3D, The Professional • From June 7: Need For Speed, Pompeii • From June 16: Noah • From June 20: 300: Rise of an Empire, Third Person • From June 28: Transcendence, Her

Umeda Burg7 Tel: 064-7957-602 • 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 • From June 7: Traffic, Hummingbird • From June 13: Noah • From June 14: Two Mothers • From June 20: 300: Rise of an Empire • From June 28: Transcendence, Old Boy

Cine Libre Umeda Tel: 066-4405-930 • ttcg.jp/ cinelibre_umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,000

Now showing: Oma in Roma, Any Day Now, Next Goal Wins, La Montagna Degli Italiani, The Broken Circle Breakdown, Le Passe, The Secret Children, Student of the Year • From June 14: Cannibal, Jodorowsky’s Dune, Simon • From June 28: More Than Honey, Beyond the Edge 3D

Theatre Umeda Tel: 066-3591-080 • ttcg.jp/ theatre_umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st of the month: ¥1,000

Now showing: 12 Years a Slave,

Badges of Fury, Walesa Czlowiek z nadziei • From June 14: Playground Basketball, New York City

Osaka Station City Cinema Tel: 066-3463-215 • osakastationcitycinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Frozen, Winter’s Tale, Blue Jasmine, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, X-Men: Days of Future Past • From June 7: Need For Speed, Pompeii • From June 13: Noah, The Host • From June 20: 300: Rise of an Empire, 3 Days to Kill • From June 28: Her, Transcendence

Toho Cinemas Namba

• From June 28: Her,

Transcendence

Kyoto Cinema Tel: 075-3534-723 • kyotocinema. jp • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st of the month: ¥1,100

Now showing: Dark Blood: River Phoenix, Oma in Roma, Talk Back Loud, Medianeras • From June 14: Violetta • From June 21: Simon

Toho Cinemas Nijo

Tel: 066-6331-040 • tohotheater. jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Tel: 075-8132-410 • 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 Professional, Irma La Douce, Labor Day, August: Osage County • From June 7: Need For Speed, Pompeii • From June 16: Noah • From June 20: 300: Rise of an Empire, Third Person • From June 28: Transcendence, Her

Now showing: Ghost, Frozen, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Leon the Professional, Labor Day • From June 7: Need For Speed, Pompeii • From June 16: Noah • From June 20: 300: Rise of an Empire, Third Person • From June 28: Transcendence, Her

Namba Parks Cinema

Kyoto Minami Kaikan

Tel: 066-6433-215 • parkscinema. com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

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

Now showing: Winter’s Tale, Frozen, Blue Jasmine, Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom, Last Vegas, X-Men: Days of Future Past • From June 7: Pompeii, Need for Speed, Hummingbird • From June 13: Noah • From June 20: 300: Rise of an Empire • From June 28: Transcendence, Her, Old Boy

Now showing: Runaway Blues • From June 13: Strobe Light, • From June 28: Dorosky’s Dune, Coming soon: On the Road,

Cinem@rt Tel: 066-2820-815 • cinemart.co.jp/ theater/shinsaibashi • Discounts: Mon (men) Weds (women), 1st and 25th of the month: ¥1,000

Now showing: Any Day Now, The First Glide, The Heat • From June 14: Big Easy Express, Two Mothers, El Mar Mi Alma

Kyoto Movix Kyoto Tel: 075-2543-215 • smt-cinema. com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 20th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Winter’s Tale, Prisoners, Blue Jasmine, Frozen, Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom, X-Men: Days of Future Past • From June 7: Need For Speed • From June 20: 300: Rise of an Empire

Turning Tide, Promised Land

Hyogo OS Cinema Mint Kobe Tel: 078-2915-330 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st and 16th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Frozen, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, X-Men: Days of Future Past • From June 7: Pompeii, Need for Speed • From June 13: Noah, • From June 20: 300: Rise of an Empire • From June 21: Three Days to Kill • From June 28: Transcendence

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku Tel: 078-2303-580 • smt-cinema. com • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Winter’s Tale, Prisoners, Last Vegas • From June 7: Need For Speed • From June 28: Her, Transcendence

OS Cinema Kobe Harborland Tel: 078-3603-788 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st and 16th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Prisoners, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Kikaida Reboot, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom • From June 7: Pompeii, Need for Speed • From June 13: Noah • From June 20: 300: Rise of An Empire • From June 21: 3 Days to Kill • From June 28: Transcendence

Cine Libre Kobe Tel: 078-3342-126 • ttcg.jp/ cinelibre_kobe • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,100

Now showing: Blue Jasmine, Walesa. Czlowiek z nadziei, Labor Day, Disconnect, Any Day Now • From June 6: The Grand Budapest Hotel • From June 20: Third Person • From June 21: De marathon

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, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Enchanted Kingdom 3D, Labor Day • From June 7: Need For Speed, Pompeii • From June 16: Noah • From June 20: 300: Rise of an Empire, Third Person • From June 28: Old Boy, Transcendence, Her

Nara Movix Kashihara Tel: 074-4211-700 • 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: Grand Piano, World’s End, Prisoners, Railway Man, X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 • From June 7: Need For Speed, Pompeii • From June 16: Noah • From June 20: 300: Rise of an Empire • From June 28: Transcendence, End of Tomorrow

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

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Event

Hail the beer gods! The 5th annual Kansai Beer Olympics is your call to greatness, will you answer it? Text: Jason Haidar • Images: Kansai Beer Olympics Committee

Since time immemorial, the idea of pushing one’s limits to achieve greatness has been a fundamental part of human nature. The time-honored tradition of pitting the best of the best against one another for bragging rights and the chance at everlasting glory, stretches back thousands of years to the ancient Greeks and the first Olympic games in 776 BCE, which were held to honor Zeus and the Gods on Mount Olympus. This human drive to compete resulted in the first modern Olympic games in the summer of 1896 in Athens. And, since the first nationally televised games held in Italy in 1956, we the spectators have enjoyed the time-honored tradition of kicking back on the couch with a beer watching it all happen before our eyes. While the 5th annual Kansai Beer Olympics has admittedly much humbler origins than the ancient games, the story is no less fascinating. While founder Josh Gautreau was backpacking through a remote part of southern China he came across a hostel with a very unusual offer. If you could beat the owner, a seventy-something-year-

old Chinese woman, at a game called “beer pong” you got a free room. It was just five dollars to play. Beer pong, for those unaware, is a classic college drinking game where two teams of two set up a table and at opposite ends, fill six cups with beer, and line them up in a triangle shape. The players take turns shooting ping pong balls in their opponents’ cups, and for every shot made, the other team drinks that cup and clears it from the table. First team to clear all the other team’s cups wins. Seventy dollars later, with a dizzy head and no success, Josh’s brainchild was born. This year the Beer Olympics is bigger and better than ever. It has grown steadily with many of the sponsors being a part of the fun since day one. Josh attributes the success of the games to the sponsors’ generosity and willingness to see a bigger picture. It is not just about getting drunk and playing some games, its about fostering a sense of community in Kansai and making new friends from around the globe. Each four-person team must include at least one girl, and two different nationalities. Can’t find a team? Don’t worry. Individuals can sign up solo and be placed on one. There are eight events planned throughout the day, not including the unofficial halftime waterballoon fight. The show will go on, rain or shine, with an alternative undercover location secured if the heavens decide to open. Spectators are encouraged to come and check out the action, and join the fun at the official after party at the newly-renovated L&L bar in Shinsaibashi, where guests can enjoy the brand new outdoor patio area

complete with plenty of comfortable seating to relax, soak up the warm weather, cold beverages, and good company. There, the official awards ceremony will take place. The champion team will take home a $100 bar tab for each member to be used at one of the official sponsors’ bars. Various other awards including the prize for best team chant, best sportsmanship, and more will be given out. This year’s event is looking to be the biggest yet so register your team now and don’t miss out! You’ve likely been in training all year long anyway. So come on Kansai get out there, the beer gods will be watching!

More details • Register: kansaibeerolympics@gmail. com • Entry: ¥5,000 per person (includes an event t-shirt) • Date: Sunday June 15 • Time: 12:00 noon for a 12:30 start • Location: Naniwanomiya-ato Park • Access: Meet at 12:00 at Tanimachi-4-Chome Subway Stn • Exit 10 • After Party: L&L • Housen Building 1F 2-16-13 NishiShinsaibashi

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

2014 Beer Olympics Program of Events 1. “Yo Mama” Joke and Team Chant Competition Best “Yo mama” joke gets a head start on points. Best Chant wins a prize.

2. Flip Cup Teams face each other with full beers. At the whistle the first person on each team chugs their drink and then attempts to flip the cup to land on its bottom. Once it has, the next player does the same. The first team to have all cups flipped wins.

3. Beer Pong Each team will nominate 2 players to battle it out. Each team has 6 cups lined up in front of them, and must attempt to get a ping pong ball into the opposing team’s cups. Each cup contains beer and must be drunk by the owner if a ball is sunk. First team to sink all cups wins.

4. Spinny Bat Relay Each team member will chug a drink, run to a bat, spin around it 10 times, and then run back to tag their partner. First team to get all members past the finishing line wins.

Intermission Either a water balloon game, or an alternative non-drinking game will be played, depending on weather.

5. Five-legged Race First team member chugs a drink and runs to a second team member. He then ties himself to the second member while the second member chugs their drink. Together they race to the third member and the fourth member following the same rules. First team past the finish line wins.

6. Limbo Anyone who wants to try can play. Every attempt under the limbo stick requires a gulp of beer. Kwame wins every time. Beat him and there will be a special prize.

7. Tug of War A female member on each team begins on the rope and pulls after the whistle. First male member can only join in on the rope to help pull when he has chugged his drink. After the first male has finished, the second can chug and join, and so on. The name of the game is chug fast and pull hard!

8. No-hands Relay The points tallied from previous games will decide the starting time for each team. Each team will have a 5-second starting delay. The teams will have to pass beer from one container to another, passing it through each teammate with small cups and without using hands. Once the second container is full, the team will bring the container to a judge and chug the container through straws. First team to finish their bucket will be the winner of the day.

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Event pickups

June 5

Agata Festival あがた祭 FREE

Agata-Jinja, Kyoto

Well known as a curious late-night ceremony, the Agata Festival attracts over 100,000 visitors every year. Locals love this centuries-old religious event and celebrate it with great passion. Following the solemn ritual performed in the pitch black, a secret palanquin called bonten is set up for a parade in the streets around 11pm. Witness the acrobatic movements as bearers shake the bonten and spin it at a quick speed! Although the vigorous bonten parade takes place late at night, Agata Shrine is bustling with hundreds of stalls all day. Time: Stalls open until 10pm, main ceremony at 11pm • Admission: free • Access: Keihan Railway Uji Stn. 8min walk • Tel: 0774-21-3014 • agatajinjya.com

June 30

Summer Passing Purification 夏越の大祓式 FREE

Kifune-Jinja, Kyoto

Experience one of Japan’s spiritual traditions. Summer Passing Purification, also known as June Purification, is performed by many shrines across Japan. This summer ritual often features the use of a large ring made of thatch plants; people cleanse their sins by passing through the holy ring. Situated on a quiet hillside, Kifune Shrine carries out the ancient ritual according to the old protocol. Following the holy ring ceremony, they perform another old rite which is to let paper dolls, which have received impurities from people, float down the stream running through tranquil valleys. Enjoy these mystical events solemnly performed in a picturesque mountain area. Time: 3pm • Admission: free to observe, ¥200 to take part • Access: Kyoto Bus no.33 from Demachiyanagi Stn. (30 mins) • Tel: 075-741-2016 • kifunejinja.jp

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Jun 6–Sep 5

Jun 14–15

The Cool of Evening in Aqua Metropolis Osaka

2014 Jet Ski Freestyle National Championship Round 3

水の都の夕涼み

フリースタイル全日本選手権シリーズ第3戦和歌山カップ

FREE

Nakanoshima Park, Osaka

Aqua Metropolis Osaka presents a large-scale attraction to cool off in during the summer evenings. A variety of events will take place around the attractive Nakanoshima Park area, including a waterside terrace that will run throughout the event. The weekends will feature bustling markets selling Japanese arts, crafts, books, and fresh local produce. Exciting activities for children will be held on the first and third Friday and Saturday during the event. A spectacular night carnival has been planned for next month, from Jul 18 to 21.

FREE

Wakayama Marina City, Wakayama

Head to Wakayama Bay on the 14th and 15th of June, and you will see jet skiers bouncing along the water and even flying through the air upside-down. They will be racing on the surface of the beautiful blue water, and sliding between the waves at more than 100kph. This is Round 3 of the National Championship where they can show off their extraordinary skills. If you can only catch one event, make it the Freestyle event, where the skiers show off their best tricks. Time: 10am • Admission: free • Access: JR Wakayama stn / Nankai

Time: From 11:30am (Open Terrace: 5–11pm) • Admission: free •

line Wakayamashi Stn. bus to Marina City • Tel: 073-477-2923 •

Access: Nakanoshima Stn. • suito-osaka.jp/yusuzumi2014/

jjsfweb.net

Kansai Balinese Dance Festival 関西バリ舞踊祭 FREE

Kishiki-Jinja, Osaka

Kansai Balinese Dance Festival will celebrate its 6th anniversary on the 7th of June; the venue, a traditional Japanese Shinto shrine, will be turned into Bali Island once again. From time immemorial Japanese people have danced in dedication to gods of shrines. Balinese dance is also performed as an act of worship. At the festival, Kansai’s finest dancers perform along to the traditional Balinese music called gamulan in front of the beautiful shrine. It promises to be an exotic evening with dazzling dance performances and delicious Balinese food. Time: 5pm–8pm • Admission: free • Access: Nankai line Takojizo Stn. 5 min walk • sensyu.ne.jp/kishiki/

June 7

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Event listings June Belgian Beer Weekend Osaka 2014

The 30th Nobunaga – a famous samurai – Festival 第30回あづち信長まつり

ベルギービールウィークエンド

Azuchi Castle Ruins, Shiga • Jun 8

大阪2014

A procession in the full traditional feudal era garb with a large market of local products and many other attractions. Time:10am–4pm • Admission: free • Access: JR Biwako line Azuchi Stn. 25min walk • azuchi-shiga.com/ nobunaga-maturi.htm

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka • Jun 4–8

An open-air beer festival where visitors will be satiated with 52 varieties of Belgian beer, food, and live music. Time: 4–10pm weekdays; 11am–10pm weekends • Admission: ¥3,000 including a glass & 11 tokens • Access: 10 mins walk from Umeda Stn. • belgianbeerweekend.jp/ja/ osaka/

Candle Night 1,000,000人のキャンドルナイト＠Osaka City FREE Jun 4 at Chayamachi • Jun 11 at Nishi-Umeda

Calling for energy saving and CO2 emission, shops and buildings will turn off the light and burn candles in each area for two hours. Time: 6–10pm • Admission: free • Access: Umeda • Tel: 06 6446 1726 • candle-night-osaka.jp

Shinen Garden Special Open 神苑無料公開 FREE

Heianjingu Shrine, Kyoto • Jun 6

Enjoy a stroll through the magnificent ancient court garden at Heian Shrine, where some 2,000 Japanese Irises promise to be in full bloom. Time: 8:30am–4:30pm • Admission: free • Access: From JR Kyoto Stn. take City Bus 5 to Kyoto Kaikan Bijitusu-kan Mae • Tel: 075-7610221 • heianjingu.or.jp

The 8th Tanba Sasayama Mud Athletics 第8回丹波篠山大田動会 FREE Ajima in Sasayama City, Hyogo • Jun 7

Basically a competition to see who can get the muddiest. Teams compete with each other to complete relay games in an irrigated paddy field and get covered in mud from head to toe. A great photo opportunity. Time: 12–4pm • Admission: free • Access: JR Takarazuka line Sasayama-guchi stn free shuttle bus to the venue • Tel: 079-594-4230 • sasayama-jc.or.jp/daidendoukai. html

Water Clock Festival 漏刻祭 Omijingu Shrine, Shiga • Jun 10

A resplendent ceremony takes place to celebrate the deity who introduced the time signal system. Time: 11am • Admission: free • Access:10 mins walk from Omijingumae Stn. • oumijingu.org

Fireflies and Tea Ceremony 蛍火の茶会

Ukai Cormorant Fishing

Nara Oktoberfest 2014

宇治川鵜飼

奈良オクトーバーフェスト2014

Uji Park, Kyoto • Jun 15–Sep 23

FREE

An opportunity to witness the traditional Japanese art of cormorant fishing. View from a boat or watch from the shore. Time: 6pm Admission: free to observe, ¥2,000 adults to board • Access: Keihan Railway Uji Stn. 5min walk • Tel: 0774-23-3334 • kyoto-uji-kankou.or.jp

One of the largest beer festivals in the world is Germany’s “Oktoberfest”, where people go to enjoy large glasses of beer and sausages. Come check out Nara’s take on it! As it will take place in the national park, watch your glass as deer might join you! Time: weekdays 4–10pm, weekends 11am–10pm • Admission: free Access: 5 mins walk from Kintetsu Nara Stn. • oktober-fest.jp/nara/

Himeji International Short Film Festival ひめじ国際短編映画祭2014

Kyoto Antique Fair

FREE

京都大アンティークフェア

Egret Himeji, Hyogo • Jun 14 & 15

Award-winning works of both short films made in Japan and animation films from around the world will be on screen. Time: See website • Admission: free • Access: 15 mins walk from Himeji Stn. • harima-film.com

Time Week

FREE

時のウィーク2014

A large tea ceremony with many attractions – a Japanese court dance, a demonstration on how to put on junihitoe (a suit of twelve kimono worn by ladies of Imperial court) and the release of hundreds of hotaru fireflies into the Kyoto night sky. Time: Fireflies released from 8pm • Admission: free • Access: 12 mins walk from Demachiyanagi Stn. • shimogamo-jinja.or.jp

Located on the meridian, Akashi hosts an annual week long celebration of Time itself, culminating in a big festival on the 15th. Attractions include a demonstration of matchlock guns, food stalls, a flea market and more. Time: 10am–4pm • Admission: free• Access: JR Kobe line Akashi stn; 5min walk • akashi-tokikando. com

Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine, Kyoto • Jun 14

Okoshiya Festival 御輿屋祭 FREE

Nishinomiya-Jinja, Hyogo • Jun 14

A bustling parade will walk through the town to a holy place called Okoshiya; there is solemn ceremony followed by a religious dance, and girls in summer kimonos give out quinces. Time: 12–2pm Admission: free • Access: 5 mins walk from Nishinomiya Stn. • nishinomiyaebisu.com

Musikfest Nara 2014 ムジークフェストなら2014 FREE Temples, Shrines and many other places in Nara City • Jun 14–29

A diverse selection of music will be performed at many different venues including temples, shrines, restaurants and on the street corners around the city. Time: Various • Admission: most of them are free • naraken.com/musik/

Nara Park, Nara • Jun 20–29

FREE

Akashi Park, Hyogo • Jun 15

Festival of Lilies ゆり祭り FREE

Isagawa-Jinja, Nara • Jun 17

With the archaic belief that lilies have the power to guard against serious diseases, the flowers are offered to the gods; a dazzling procession of ancient princesses takes place in the afternoon. Time: 10:30am • Admission: free • Access: 15 mins walk from JR Nara Station or 5 mins walk from Kintetsu Nara Stn. • pref.nara.jp/ kankou/1608.htm

Ritual of Cutting Bamboo Poles 竹伐り会式

FREE Pulse Plaza, Kyoto • Jun 20–22

With 350 dealers and 150,000 items from home and abroad, this is one of the largest antique markets in Japan; enjoy buying period pieces, or even just browsing! Time:10am–5pm • Admission: free • Access: Free shuttle bus from the west exit of Takeda Stn. • pulseplaza.jp/

Music Day 2014 in Minpaku 音楽の祭日2014 in みんぱく FREE The National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka • Jun 22

Featuring musical instruments from all over the world, the National Museum of Ethnology hosts an international concert to celebrate Music Day – Fete de la Musique. Time: 10:25am–4:35pm • Admission: free • Access: 15 mins walk from Banpakukinenkoen Stn. Osaka Monorail • minpaku.ac.jp/ museum/event/other

Aizen Festival 愛染祭り FREE Aizendo Shomanin Temple, Osaka • Jun 30–Jul 2

With its vibrant parade of hoe-kago palanquins carrying campaign girls and a showcase of bustling performances put on every evening, the Aizen Festival is one of the most popular religious events in Osaka. Time: 12–3pm • Admission: free • Access: Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Stn. • aizendo.com/festival.htm

Kurama Temple, Kyoto • Jun 20

Marvel at a millennium-old ceremony in which mountain priests cut long, 15cm thick bamboo poles with their swords in one blow. Time: 2pm • Admission: ¥200 • Access: 5 mins walk from Kurama Stn. on the Eizan line • kanko.city. kyoto.lg.jp

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

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Event

Bring ‘fourth’ the beer For the fourth consecutive year, Belgian beers, grub and music will make a triumphant return to the city. Text: KS • Images: Belgian Beer Weekend

The Belgian Beer Weekend traditionally happens in September in Brussels, but heck, we can’t wait that long! Let’s raise an outdoor beer in celebration of early summer’s pleasant temperatures, and make it a four-day weekend to boot. The event is free to walk around, but to really enjoy it, you’ve just got to sample it - and that requires buying a starter set of ¥3,100. The starter set provides you with a special souvenir glass, and all drinks you get will be served in it. Note that glasses from previous years can’t be used. The starter set also gives you 11 tokens to exchange for food and drink. Strictly no cash is accepted at the stalls, so you really need the tokens. If you want to save ¥100 on the starter set, you can buy one in advance from 7-Eleven or CircleKSunkus convenience stores.

For those new to Belgian brew, there are more than 1,000 varieties from 150 breweries in the country itself. Narrowing it down a little to make your choice quicker, a selection of 52 beers will be available at the event, divided into ten categories: Pilsner, White Beer, Trappist Beer, Abbey Beer, Lambic Beer, Red Beer, Fruit Beer, Golden Ale, Saison Beer, and Special Beer. Whether you’re a hardy Belgian beer connoisseur, or just like to pick a beer based on how interesting the name sounds, you’re sure to find plenty to quench your thirst. There’s a brief description of each beer type below, but check the event website for more details, and individual brands available on the day. If you need some nibbles to soak up the booze, there will be food stalls, as the organisers promise a selection of

typical Belgian dishes. Traditionally cooked French fries, croquettes and grilled sandwiches are the kind of foods Belgians like to pair with beer, but check on the event website for more details on food as they are confirmed. Three different musical acts will be adding sounds to the event. Appearing only on June 8th will be Mi-Bemol. On all the other days, catch Isolde et Les Bens, featuring a female drummer (Isolde) and three band members all called Ben (Les Bens!). Also playing is Bent Van Looy, frontman and drummer from hit Belgian ‘90s band Das Pop. Check out Bent’s blond locks and signature shorts that are making him a style icon in his solo career.

Beers that will be available at the event Pilsner

The most common beer type in the world.

White Beer

A refreshing beer traditionally made with a mixture of wheat and barley.

Trappist Beer A beer that is brewed in a Trappist monastery by monks. Abbey Beer

A top-fermented beer that is made according to old recipes and brewing methods of a monastery.

Lambic Beer

A traditional wheat beer only brewed in the southwest of Brussels by spontaneous fermentation.

Red Beer

A unique top-fermented beer matured in large oak barrels giving it a special red color and a sour yet fruity taste.

Fruit Beer

Refreshing beer made by adding a variety of fruits during the brewing process. Easy-to-drink dessert beer with a fruity taste.

Golden Ale

A top-fermented beer with a beautiful golden color.

Saison Beer

Originally a refreshing, low-alcohol beer brewed seasonally in farmhouses in the South of Belgium.

Special Beer

Regional beers that cannot be put in one of the above 9 categories.

Belgian Beer Weekend • Where: Shin Umeda City Wonder Square (Under the Sky Building) • When: 4–8 June • Time: Weekdays 4pm–10pm • Weekends 11am–10pm • Last day ends at 11pm, and last order is 30 minutes before closing time • Entry: Free. Starter kit (glass + 11 tokens) ¥3,100; or ¥3,000 in advance from PIA ticket machines. Use P-code 988-733. belgianbeerweekend.jp/en/osaka/

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do Hokusai / The Great Wave off the Coast of Kanagawa (Kanagawa Oki Namiura), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku Sanjūrokkei) about 1830-34 / William Sturgis Bigelow Collection, Photograph © 2014 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. All rights reserved.

Until June 22

Pick

Apr 26–Jun 22 • Masterpieces by renowned Edo-period ukiyo-e woodblock artist Hokusai, reverse-imported to Japan from Boston • Open:9:30am – 5:30om (9:30am – 7:00pm on Saturday), *last admission is 30 minutes before closing time • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥1,400 • Access: JR/Hankyu/

Hanshin/Subway Sannomiya Stn or JR/ Hanshin Motomachi Stn • ukiyoe.exhn.jp/

Hokusai from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Kobe City Museum

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) produced ukiyo-e (literally “pictures of the floating world”) woodblock prints, including the iconic The Great Wave Off Kanagawa from the series Thirty-Six Views of Hokusai / Carp and Iris / 1808-13 / William Sturgis Bigelow Collection Mt. Fuji. It’s safe to say that he remains the most famous artist of that genre. Hundreds of his prints Photograph © 2014 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. All rights reserved. are in the world-class Japanese art collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and 142 of these are now on view in Kobe, in their first appearance in Japan. These include vivid, mint-condition printings of his best-known works, and rarities including prints designed to be cut out and assembled in 3D dioramas.

Art Listings Osaka

• Admission: Varies (Adult 900) • Access: Keihan Nakanoshima line, Watanabebashi Stn • nmao.go.jp

Shuzo Takiguchi FREE Tezukayama Gallery May 13–Jun 14 Karasawa Hitoshi 《Collapse》 2011, Collection of The National Museum of Art, Osaka

Nostalgia and Fantasy: Imagination and Its Origins in Contemporary Art

Drawings, watercolors, “rotodessins” (drawings made with a motor), decalcomania (transferred drawings) by a famous critic, artists’ mentor, and champion of Surrealism Open: 11am–7pm • Closed: Sun and Mon • Admission: Free • Access: Namba Stn • tezukayama-g.com/

The National Museum of Art, Osaka May 27–Sep 15

Hyogo

Works in various media by contemporary Japanese artists who have developed a unique pictorial vocabulary to explore the inner realms of nostalgia and fantasy

Let’s Go to the Forest!: Katayama Miyabi

Open: 10am–5pm (Until 7pm on Fri) • Closed: Mon and July 22 (except July 21, August 11, September 15)

Okanoyama Museum of Art Nishiwaki Mar 2–Jun 29

Retrospective showing artistic trajectory of a multimedia artist concerned with natural themes like the forest, clouds, and rain. The museum’s location, Nishiwaki, calls itself Nihon no heso the navel of Japan

Open: 10am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥310 • Access: JR Kakogawa line Nihon-Heso Koen Stn • nishiwaki-cs.or.jp/okanoyamamuseum/

Kyoto

Kuroda Seiki, Lakeside, 1897, Tokyo National Museum

Kuroda Seiki The Museum of Kyoto Jun 7–Jul 21

Leading figure in late 19th-early 20th Century Yōga (Western-style painting), who studied in France, exhibited Japan’s first nude, and painted his iconic Lakeside artwork in 1897 Open: 10am–6pm, until 7:30pm Fri • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥1,200 • Access: Karasuma subway line Karasuma-Oike Stn • bunpaku.or.jp/

Peacock Displaying His Tail Feather

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Shoji Ueda: Illusion FREE

Timeless

Nadar / Osaka

Borderless Art Museum NO-MA

Shoji Ueda (1913-2000) was internationally known for striking black-and-white photos taken on the sand dunes of his native Tottori, ranging from warm portraits of family and friends, to nudes, to surreal tableaux reminiscent of Magritte. Later in life he changed methods, shooting arrangements of tiny figures and objects on miniature sand dunes in his studio in extreme close-up to create imaginary landscapes. These are at the photography gallery Nadar, located in a charming, pre-war, Western-style building.

The museum’s name derives from two things. Firstly its mission, which is to present the works of Art Brut (or outsider) artists, notably works often made by people with disabilities, alongside those of professional artists without differentiation. Secondly the venue, which is a historic machiya townhouse formerly occupied by the Noma family. It is one of Japan’s top venues for outsider art. This exhibition presents works by six artists dealing with time and the universal human quest to transcend time through the imagination.

May 27–Jun 8 • Imaginary landscapes created by shooting

May 2–Jul 27 • Art Brut (“raw art” by people lacking artistic

miniature scenes in close-up, showing a lesser-known side of an

training and often having disabilities) and contemporary

internationally-renowned photographer • 11am–7pm • Closed:

installation and video art, on themes of time and timelessness •

Jun 2 (Mon) • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Shinsaibashi Stn •

Open: 10am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥300 • Access: JR

nadar.jp/osaka/

Omi-Hachiman Stn • no-ma.jp/

Uemura Shoko The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto May 27–Jul 6

Retrospective of one of Kyoto’s greatest practitioners of Nihonga (Japanese-style painting), who carried on its venerable traditions through the 20th Century

emerging artists Ryotaro Fuyuki on a common theme

Open: 10am–8pm • Admission: Free • Access: Shijo Stn on the Karasuma subway line • kac.or.jp/

Wakayama

Shiga

New Incubation 6 Sadaharu Horio & Ryotaro Fuyuki: Making Sense Out of Nonsense Latest in New Incubation series at a former elementary school venue, pairing veteran (here, Kansai avantgarde legend Sadaharu Horio) and

Pioneer of Japanese modern sculpture who combined organic and geometric, humanistic and monumental themes, in a wide range of media

Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥510 • Access: From JR Wakayama Stn to Kenchomae bus stop • momaw.jp/

Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥1,300 • Access: Subway Tozai line Higashiyama Stn • s-uemura.exhn.jp/

FREE Kyoto Art Center May 17–Jun 29

The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama Apr 22–July 6

Sasayama Tadayasu: Retrospective / Contemporary & Primitive, Ceramic Art The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga Apr 26–Jun 29

Retrospective of renowned contemporary ceramic artist, examining his influence on Japanese ceramics and on his native Shigaraki, one of Japan’s “old kilns” Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥1,000 • Access: Bunka Zone mae bus stop from JR Biwako line Seta Stn • shiga-kinbi.jp/

TATEHATA Kakuzo, Ceremony, 1972

Tatehata Kakuzo and Postwar Sculpture

Find more listings online: kansaiscene.com/listings 笹山忠保「ピンクのウェーブ」Pink Wave 1975年

Nishizawa Akira / Dialogues with Airplanes / Year unknown / Photo by Nobuo Onishi

Until Jul 27

Until Jun 8

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Live Music

Frying Dutchman Kyoto band Frying Dutchman were virtual unknowns until a couple of years ago, and then came the song humanERROR. The song is an anthem of all that is wrong and corrupt with the nuclear power industry in Japan, and the poetically ambient punk rant spread quickly via the internet. The video for humanERROR was shot on the bank of Kyoto’s Kamogawa river and ran for almost 20 minutes, finishing with the words “NO MORE NUCLEAR POWER”.

Pick

July 5

The band aren’t just going to hit you with epic, lengthy tirades though, they also knock out some great rock-a-billy, punk-inspired, three-minute tunes to get you stomping. For a taster, have a listen to their track Chinpunkanpun. Japanese political punk rock band • UrBANGUILD, Kyoto • Rock • 8pm • ¥2,000/¥2,500 • Tel: 075-212-1125

Live Music Listings June/July Rock & Pop

Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka June 16 • Pop • 6.30pm/9.30pm • ¥7,500/¥6,500 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Takui Nakajima

Triceratops

Nabowa

Japanese rock trio formed in 1996 (sometimes known as Tricera)

10th anniversary gig for this Japanese four-piece instrumental band

Club Quattro, Osaka

June 21 • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,800/¥5,300 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

Humbert Humbert

15th anniversary gig

Japanese pop-rock band formed 1999 (Ryousei Sato & Yuko Sano)

June 17 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,800 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Granrodeo

Odd Bowz

Zepp, Osaka

Taku Taku, Kyoto

June 15 • Pop-rock • 7pm • ¥4,000 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Ayumi Hamasaki Japanese J-Pop vocalist/model ‘J-Pop Empress’ Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

June 15 • Pop • 4pm • ¥9,300 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Puffy Popular Japanese pop girl duo

Taku Taku, Kyoto

June 21-22 • Rock • 21st 6pm / 22nd 4pm • ¥6,500 • Tel: 06-77328888

June 18 • Rock • 6.30pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Scandal

Akihide

Japanese four-piece girl rock-pop band

Club Quattro, Osaka

June 20 • Rock • 6.30pm • ¥5,500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

June 22 • Ambient • 5.30pm • ¥4,200/¥5,000 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

Japanese anime theme rock band

30th Anniversary acoustic gig

Japanese rock singer-songwriterguitarist

Big Cat, Osaka

Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

June 22 • Rock-pop • 5.30pm • ¥5,500/¥6,000 • Tel: 06-6357-4400

Crazy Ken Band Japanese funk rock pop band fronted by Ken Yokoyama

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do July 7

July 10

July 14

Red Dragon Cartel

Steve Vai

Chie Hanawa

Jake E.Lee is back! Alongside him is vocalist DJ Smith, bassist Ronnie Mancuso, and drummer Jonas Fairly. The band came together last year and their self-titled debut album, released at the beginning of this year, features guest appearances from the likes of Paul DiAnno (Iron Maiden), Rex Brown (Pantera), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick) and Todd Kerns (Slash). Musically, Jake E. Lee’s stalwart fans will not be disappointed, it’s fast, bluesy metal laced in Lee’s trademark licks. Lee will certainly be most remembered, though, for his Bark At The Moon days with Ozzy, and in a recent interview (Guitar World) the guitarist said of this time “I went from being just another guitar player to playing in front of hundreds of thousands of people. It’s a part of my life I’ll always look back on fondly”.

In 1980, Steve Vai was a fresh faced, 20-year-old guitarist going out on his first gig…with Frank Zappa! But then again, this was a boy who’d had guitar lessons from Joe Satriani. To follow would-be stints with Alcatrazz, David Lee Roth, and Whitesnake, as well as solo work and writing music for video games and movies. Vai’s last studio album was the 2012 The Story of Light, a twelve-track release described by the musician as “the journey of a man driven mad by grief, intertwining tragedy, revelation, enlightenment and redemption”. Outside of music, the three-time Grammy winner is an honorary member of the British Beekeepers Association, and his bees regularly produce a crop of honey which he sells for his Make A Noise Foundation.

Born in 1982, Chie Hanawa spent her childhood in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, where she first picked up the shamisen at age nine. By the time she was just 14, she had already performed in Denver, Colorado as well as the famed New York Carnegie Hall. Her debut album Tsuki no Usagi was released in January 2004 under the major label Columbia and was produced by jazz pianist and composer Makoto Kuriya. Hanawa is a master of her instrument both in traditional styles (she can be heard playing a short piece on a recent au Xperia commercial) and jazz (on her latest album she performs a rendition of Bill Evans’ Waltz for Debby. The new album CoLoRful was released in April and she is currently promoting it through her 10th anniversary tour.

New band founded by guitarist Jake E.

U.S. rock guitar maestro • Billboard

7.30pm/9.15pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • Tel:

Lee • Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 7pm •

Live Osaka • Rock • 6.30pm/9.30pm •

06-6882-1224

¥7,500 • Tel:06-6311-8111

¥12,500/¥14,000 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Japanese shamisen traditional and jazz • Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz world •

Chicken George, Kobe June 23 • Funk rock pop • 7pm • ¥6,500 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

Namba Hatch, Osaka June 25 • Funk pop rock pop • 7pm • ¥6,500/¥6,900 • Tel: 06-68821224

The Bawdies

Jupiter

Good4Nothing

The Hiatus

Japanese visual kei rock band

Japanese four-piece punk band

June 28 • Rock • 5pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • Tel: 06-6245-5389

June 29 • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,000 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Japanese rock band ft. ex-Ellegarden vocalist Takeshi Hosomi

84-95 Rainbow plus support Thin Zizzy

UVERworld

Muse, Osaka

Japanese 50’s & 60’s beta influenced rock band

Japanese Rainbow cover band ft. Otackie Blackmore and Cockey Powell

June 25-26 • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,990 • Tel: 06-6357-4400

Big Cat, Osaka

Japanese five piece rock band from Kusatsu Shiga Muse, Kyoto

Zepp, Osaka

July 1-2 • Rock • 7pm • ¥2,600 • Tel: 06-6344-3326

Frying Dutchman Japanese political punk rock band UrBANGUILD, Kyoto

June 29 • Rock • 6.30pm • ¥6,000 • Tel: 075-223-0389

July 5 • Rock • 8pm • ¥2,000/¥2,500 • Tel: 075-212-1125

June 28 • Rock • 6pm • ¥2,500 • Tel: 078-332-0146

UVERworld

Eddi Reader

Seiko Matsuda

Japanese five piece rock band from Kusatsu Shiga

Takao Tajima-Original Love

Ex-Fairground Attraction Scottish singer-songwriter-musician

Japanese 80’s ‘Eternal Idol’ pop vocalist

July 1 • Rock • 6.30pm • ¥6,000 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

June 28 • Singer-songwriter • 6pm • ¥7,000 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

June 28-29 • Pop • 28th 5pm / 29th 4pm • ¥8,900/¥22,000 • Tel: 067732-8888

Zepp, Osaka

Club Quattro, Osaka

Chicken George, Kobe

Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

Big Cat, Osaka

Japanese charismatic performer and talented songwriter Club Quattro, Osaka

July 5 • Singer-songwriter • 6pm • ¥5,300 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do June 28

Red Dragon Cartel

Jazz & Blues

New band founded by guitarist Jake E. Lee Club Quattro, Osaka

July 7 • Rock • 7pm • ¥7,500 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

Steve Vai US rock guitar maestro

Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka July 10 • Rock • 6.30pm/9.30pm • ¥12,500/¥14,000 • Tel: 06-63427722

Orange Range Five piece rock rap band from Okinawa Chicken George, Kobe

Eddi Reader

July 11 • Rock rap • 7pm • ¥4,000 • Tel: 06-6357-3666

Will the Japan gigs be showcasing the new album or a mixed-bag of past and present material? I always mix up my sets. It’s two hours so within that time I try to let the listener know who I am, using all the music I’ve played with. You’re not a stranger to playing in Japan and your 2009 shows here were recorded and released as the album Live in Japan (2010), do you have a short pre-visit message for your fans in Japan? You and I are old friends now. I still love you just the same as first we met. I’m excited to share time with my Japanese family. Ex-Fairground Attraction Scottish singer-songwriter-musician • Club Quattro, Osaka • 6pm • ¥7,000 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

Piano jazz ft. Ted Rosenthal (piano), Quincy Davis (drums) and Noriko Ueda (bass) Live Spot Rag, Kyoto

July 9 • Jazz • 7.30pm • ¥3,200/¥4,000 • Tel: 075-241-0446

David T. Walker

Brit Award winner Eddi Reader is well known for both her work with the band Fairground Attraction (the single Perfect reached top spot in the UK singles charts and the album from which it was taken First of a Million Kisses reached number two) and as successful solo singer-songwriter-musician. Kansai Scene caught up with Eddi Reader in anticipation of her upcoming Japan gigs. Your latest studio album Vagabond was released in February and is soon to be in Japan. Can you tell us a little about the new release? I bought a secondhand piano for my husband’s (John Douglas) birthday. Over the months of playing it I began to hear new songs to sing. The sound of it really influenced a lot of my melodic ideas and it wasn’t long before I noticed I wanted to record a new collection of music. So between October 2011 and January 2012 I started demo-ing. Then I got married and put recording on hold. In January 2013 I restarted and created musical sessions for a week in January and a week in April. Then spent last summer and autumn overdubbing arranging and finalising. I have 27 songs recorded but had to restrict Vagabond to what it finally is. I can start a new album with those left over.

Ted Rosenthal Trio

Tribute to Marvin Gaye

Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka July 12 • Soul • 4.30pm/7.30pm • ¥7,400/¥8,900 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Chie Hanawa Japanese shamisen traditional and jazz Mister Kelly’s, Osaka

The Pillows Alternative rock 25th anniversary tour Namba Hatch, Osaka

July 11 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,000/¥4500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

July 14 • Jazz-world • 7.30pm/9.15pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

World

LiSA Japanese anime pop singer Zepp, Osaka

July 12 • Pop • 6pm • ¥5,700/¥6,200 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

T-Square Japanese 70’s fusion band Namba Hatch, Osaka July 12 • Rock Fusion • 5pm • ¥6,500 • Tel:06-7732-8888

Scoobie Do Japanese funk-rock four piece Varit, Kobe

July 13 • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,000/¥3,500 • Tel: 078-392-6655

Rap & R&B

Rhizottome French clarinet and accordion duo UrBANGUILD, Kyoto

Vanessa Williams

June 18 • World • 7.30pm • ¥2,400/¥2,800 • Tel: 075-212-1125

U.S. R&B singer and actress Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka June 23-24 • R&B • 6.30pm/9.30pm • ¥11,700/¥13,200 • Tel: 06-63427722

Institut français du JaponKansai, Kyoto

Kreva Japanese rapper and producer Zepp, Osaka

June 18 • Rap pop • 7pm • ¥6,500/¥7,000 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

June 21 • World • 5.30pm • ¥1,000 tel: 075-761-2105

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

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do June 21

Club

Seven Lounge Seven Lounge in Higashi Shinsaibashi welcomes two Japanese techno icons, Ken Ishii and Q’hey. Ken Ishii has a highly successful career as a music producer. In 1996, he won an MTV award for the Best Dance Video of the Year. He also wrote the official theme song for the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998 and the music for Expo 2005 Aichi, won the Best Techno DJ award at the 2004 Dance Music Awards in Ibiza, and he was once on the cover of Newsweek. Q’hey is also a key figure of the Japanese techno scene. In 1998, he started Japan’s longestrunning techno party, REBOOT at the legendary club Maniac Love with Mayuri, the promoter of Metamorphoses festival. He also launched a fund-raising label called BPM Japan - Be Positive by Music Japan, to support those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Japanese female singer Tomomi Ukumori will also perform, singing live alongside the two techno kings. A perfect night for those who want to enjoy pure techno in a gorgeous atmosphere. Absolute Lounge (Techno) • Live: Tomomi Ukumori • DJs: Ken Ishii, Q’hey, Shine, Dan Elliot, Mamoru Hamada, Awachan • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D(ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel:

Ken Ishii

06-6120-2277 • sevenlounge.jp

Club Listings June/July 1 (Sun) Circus Something (Dance music) •

DJs: Fulltono, Keita Kawakami, Limited Toss & Toshnoman, Kaoru Nakano • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

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 Sankaku Park • Access: Take the Chuo Subway line to Cosmosquare Station. Walk out Exit 2, turn left at 7-eleven. Walk for at least 15 mins along the curved road taking every road to the left (about 3 of them). Keep heading towards the big red bridge.

6 (Fri) Black Boxxx Zettai-Mu "Groundation in Kyoto" Author Live in Japan (Dubstep) • Casts: Author, 1945

aka Kuranaka, Goth-Trad, Sheiho, Spacehospital, Aki • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,400 (ADV: ¥1,900) • Where: Kyoto • zettai-mu.net

Circus Valentino Kanzyani Japan Tour 2014 (Techno/House) • DJs:

Valentino Kanzyani + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Grand Cafe Jungle Brothers 25th Anniversary Japan Tour (Hiphop) • Live: Jungle Brothers •

DJs: Joymen, Tsugu, V-Zone, Shawn D, Ikkei + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥5,000 (ADV: from Lawson ¥4,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • grandcafeosaka.com

Seven Lounge A.L.I.V.E (Hip-hop/R&B) • DJs:

Kango, B-Ball, Juzzy + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6120-2277 • seven lounge.jp

7 (Sat) Circus Outdraw ft Julian Perez (Techno/House) • DJs: Julian

Perez, Masanori Mikami & Synya, Yashima, Mitsuyasu & icci • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Rooftop Bar OO & Gastro Garden Weekend Terrace - Early Summer Section - (Techno/House) •

DJs: Yasuhisa, Monashee, Yuuna, Akinali, Keiburger, Marboo • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000 (ADV: ¥1,500) • Shinsaibashi • oo-u.jp

Seven Lounge Mask - masquerade lounge (Techno/House) • DJs: Shine,

Dimitri, Youk, Hajime Matsumura,

BD + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Ladies: ¥1,500/1D, Foreigners: ¥Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-61202277 • seven lounge.jp

Troop Cafe Diatonik (House/Techno) • Acts: Ogawa, 2Nyan, tatsuo.y, Fukumura, Ebo Mariko, ina • Open: 11pm• Admission: ¥2,500/1D (WF: ¥2,000/1D, Foreigners: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

8 (Sun) Circus Wonder Headz “wonder wander” Release Party (House/Disco) •

Live: Wonder Headz • DJs: Dnt, Yokoyama Uchu, Dejirumasara, Doppo • Open: 6pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do 12 (Thu) Circus Connected Underground – Bee Lincoln Japan Tour (Techno) • DJs: Bee Lincoln,

Ryoma Sasaki, Shingo, Fulltono, Makoto Murakami • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Seven (Techno/House) • DJs: Yashima, Nao Nomura, Osakaman, senda, Asaura, Kojiman, Bancho • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

13 (Fri) Circus Circus presents DJ Kyoko (Techno) • DJs: Kyoko, Kenz1,

Yoshiki, Yuuna, Muta • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Metro Undermine (Techno/House) • Live: Rondenion, Ryoma Sasaki, Taiki Masai • DJs: Reynold, Bee Lincoln, Fulltono, Koizumi, Atari, Koichi • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Tel: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Onzieme Panorama ft. Monki Shinsaibashi 1st Anniversary (Electro/House/ Techno) • DJs: CLM, unbalance,

Shinji, Naoki, Macho, Batch • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

Seven Lounge A.L.I.V.E (Hip-hop/R&B) • DJs:

Kango, B-Ball, Juzzy + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6120-2277 • seven lounge.jp

14 (Sat)

Joule Lost (House/Techno) • DJs:

Off The Rocker, Chaki Zulu, Sou, Kinpon, Key Toy’s Crew + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Onzieme Electrojunkie ft Nom De Strip (Electro House/EDM) • DJs: Nom

De Strip, Ko-Matsushima, Ypy, Yuuka • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

15 (Sun) Circus Shei Shei Night vol.9 (Techno)

• DJs: Zikkey, FuTuka, Shinya Yohoshida, uelta, Kinpon, Kano, hinacc, JP • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Metro Foureal Records “Composition One” Release Tour (Progressive House/Techno) • DJs: Shinya

Okamoto, Kamekawa, Tsukasa, Mustelid, Hitomi Ishii • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Tel: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

18 (Wed)

Hanah Spring & Kaoru • DJs: Shuya Okino, Tsuyoshi Sato, Yoshihiro Okino, Freedom Time DJs • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D (ADV: ¥3,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Seven Lounge A.L.I.V.E (Hip-hop/R&B) • DJs:

Kango, B-Ball, Juzzy + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6120-2277 • seven lounge.jp

21 (Sat) Circus

Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Seven Lounge A.L.I.V.E (Hip-hop/R&B) • DJs:

Kango, B-Ball, Juzzy + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6120-2277 • seven lounge.jp

28 (Sat) Circus

Cart ft Shonky (Techno) • DJs:

Todd Terje Japan Tour 2014 - It’s Album Time - (House) • Live:

Onzieme

Joule

Eleven Lights (EDM) • DJs:

W Face (Electro) • DJs: Ali&

25 (Wed)

Onzieme

Metro

Detto.K, Jon-E, sou, Fanky Kow, Yuuna + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

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

Benkay, Kentaro, Mitsuda Daisuke, Marvy, Alpha-Shot • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Nebura (House/Downtempo) •

DJs: Kazuma, Podd • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥1,000/1D • Tel: 075752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Onzieme

Todd Terje • DJs: TBA • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥3,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

(80kidz), Habanro Posse, Taar + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000 (ADV&Foreigners: ¥1,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066214-1223 • club-joule.jp

A to Z - D.TT.K meets Fan (House/Techno/Electro) • DJs:

July 4 (Fri)

The 5 Circle (House) • DJs:

Onzieme Latest Land (EDM) • DJs: Akihiro,

Akimiyamato, Conny, D&Y, Ha_to + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

19 (Thu) Onzieme Ligand (Tech House/Trance) • DJs: Baunder, Erry, Jun, Eve, Ucchy + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

20 (Fri)

Circus Freedom Time presents Especial Records 16th Anniversary (Jazz/ Crossover) • Live: Rootsoul ft.

Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

K-katsu, Masaaki • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Circus

26 (Thu)

more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Logic (Tech House/Electro) • DJs: Hiyoyuki, yop, UK • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

27 (Fri) Circus TetralogisticS (Techno/House)

Circus Circus presents DJ Pinch Japan Tour 2014 (Dubstep) • DJs: Pinch

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

Onzieme EDM Friday (EDM) • DJs: Ko-taro,

Kenji, Ten-Ten, Yuki + more •

• DJs: Kunimitsu, Yasuhisa • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme CyberJapan presents Bikini Night Summer 2014 (EDM) • DJs:

Tokoto Mitomi, Marvy, Soery, Skire • Open: 9pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,000/1D, Ladies: Free • Where:

Circus 2nd Anniversary Drum’n’Bass Night ft Metrik (Drum’n’Bass) • Acts: Metrik +

July 5 (Sat) Circus Circus 2nd Anniversary Techno Night ft DJ Krush exclusive Techno Set (Techno) • Acts:

DJ Krush + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

July 6 (Sun) Namura Zosen Atochi Circus 2nd Anniversary ft DJ Harvey (House) • Acts: DJ Harvy

+ more • Open: 3pm • Admission: ¥4,000/1D (ADV: ¥3,500) • Where: Kitakagaya • circus-osaka.com

 Kansai Scene Apartments apartments.kansaiscene.com

 2DK MANSION IN MINAMIICHIOKA - OSAKA-SHI MINATO-KU

 1R MANSION IN MIKAGEISHIMACHI - KOBE-SHI HIGASHINADA-KU

ID 238080 Rent ¥80,000 Address Osaka, Osaka-shi Minato-ku, Minamiichioka Station Bentencho Sta 6 min. walk / 3 min. bus Deposit 1 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 0 mths Size 35.00 m² Floor 4F

ID 229258 Rent ¥55,000 Address Hyogo, Kobe-shi Higashinada-ku, Mikageishimachi Station Ishiya Gawa Station 8 min. walk Deposit 1.5 mths Key Money ¥10,000 Agency Fee 0 mths Size 21.22 m² Floor 1F

Description 6min walk to Bentencho subway and JR stations 8min train ride to Osaka Station (Umeda) by JR Loopline. All amenities close by: supermarkets, post office, ward office, sports club, 100yen shop, and much more... 8 tatami mat living room 4.5 tatami 2nd room... Agent Name ABHousing Osaka Agent Tel 090-3703-0314

Description *Possible to room share for two people Agent Name DID-GLOBAL CO.,LTD Agent Tel 06-6947-1828

 2LDK MANSION IN ICHIOKAMOTOMACHI - OSAKA-SHI MINATO-KU

 1R APARTMENT TO RENT IN OSAKA-SHI NANIWA-KU

ID 241368 Rent ¥95,000 Address Osaka, Osaka-shi Minato-ku, Ichiokamotomachi Station Bentencho Sta. 8 min walk / 1 min. bus Deposit 1 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 0 mths Size 50.00 m² Floor 10F

ID 148578 Rent ¥75,000 Address Osaka-shi Naniwa-ku, Osaka Station Ebisu-cho Station 1 min. walk Deposit 0 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 1 mth Size 29.55 m² Floor 13F

Description 10th floor apartment 95000yen/ month semi furnished. refrigerator, washing machine, curtains, lights, gas cooking range included. 2LDK, 6 tatami bedroom, 6 tatami size 2nd bedroom with flooring, 8 to 10 tatami size LDK area. Agent Name ABHousing Osaka Agent Tel 090-3703-0314

Description Interested? This and other properties at: http://apartment-osaka.com Apamanshop Shinsaibashi-nishi Osaka, Chuo-ku, Minamisenba 4-12-9 TEL: 06-6120-1177 FAX: 06-6120-1188 Agent Name Daiwa Homes Network Agent Tel 06-7670-7178

 1K APARTMENT IN TENNEIJIMONZENCHO - KYOTO-SHI KITA-KU

 1K APARTMENT TO RENT IN OSAKA-SHI CHUO-KU

ID 237634 Rent ¥66,000 Address Kyoto, Kyoto-shi Kita-ku, Tenneijimonzencho Station Kuramaguchi Station 7 min. walk Deposit 0 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 0 mths Size 19.87 m² Floor 1F

ID 215412 Rent ¥55,000 Address Osaka-shi Chuo-ku, Osaka Station Sakaisuji Honmachi Sta. 5 min. walk Deposit 0 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 1 mth Size 18.55 m² Floor 3F

Description Fire Insurance: 13,520 yen unlimited Internet:1,600yen/mth Guarantor Company: 100%~120% (Rent+Maintenance)Key exchange fee: 9,970yen→0 yen Disinfection fee: 17,220yen Agent Name Bridge Life Real Estates Agent Tel 04-8795-7320

Description Nice and Clean, Spacious balcony and great location as you can walk to Shinsaibashi and Honmachi. Honmachi is one of the business area in Osaka. You can find many cheap restaurants and IZAKAYA there! You will be very comfortable here! Agent Name Daiwa Homes Network Agent Tel 06-7670-7178

 1K APARTMENT IN HOMMACHI - KOBE-SHI HYOGO-KU

 1DK MANSION IN FUMINOSATO - OSAKA-SHI ABENO-KU

ID 237567 Rent ¥61,000 Address Hyogo, Kobe-shi Hyogo-ku, Hommachi Station Chuou Shijou Mae Station 8 min. walk Deposit 0 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 0 mths Size 19.87 m² Floor 1F

ID 85605 Rent ¥80,000 Address Osaka, Osaka-shi Abeno-ku, Fuminosato Station Shouwachou Station 8 min. walk Deposit 1.5 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 0 mths Size 33.90 m² Floor 4F

Description •1 month free rent • No agency fee • No deposit • Please contact to hokurikuwayne@hotmail.com to check the availability and view the room! Email: hokurikuwayne@hotmail.com Mobile :080-3931-4196 ( SB) Agent Name Bridge Life Real Estates Agent Tel 04-8795-7320

Description Modern 1DK apartment to rent. *Possible to live 2 people. *Indoor place for washing machine *There is also a maisonette type. (7F) No Key Money, No Guarantors,No Agency Fees Agent Name DID-GLOBAL CO.,LTD Agent Tel 06-6947-1828

 2DK APARTMENT IN NISHINOMIYA - IKOMA-GUN HEGURI-CHO

 1R MANSION IN MIYAKOJIMANAKADORI - OSAKA MIYAKOJIMA-KU

ID 231631 Rent ¥44,000 Address Nara, Ikoma-gun Heguri-cho, Nishinomiya Station Tatsutagawa Station 1 min. walk Deposit 0 mths Key Money ¥44,000 Agency Fee 0 mths Size 44.71 m² Floor 2F

ID 77888 Rent ¥37,000 Address Osaka, Osaka-shi Miyakojima-ku, Miyakojimanakadori Station Kyoubashi Station 12 min. walk Deposit 1.5 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 0 mths Size 13.00 m² Floor 4F

Description - No Key Money - No Lock exchange fee *Campaign pertains to certain properties. *Please ask us for more details now. Agent Name KINOSHITA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD Agent Tel

Description Easy access to Kyobashi. Peaceful and quiet. 12min to Kyobashi sta. 3min to Noe sta. 10min to Noe-uchindai sta. Very convenient area, (supermarkets, 24H Conbini, Restaurants, Shops etc). No Key Money, No Guarantors, No Agency Fees... Agent Name DID-GLOBAL CO.,LTD Agent Tel 06-6947-1828

View photos, make an enquiry or search more listings online at apartments.kansaiscene.com

 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 MOVE TO OSAKA?. Furinshed

Studio Apt in Osaka.1K with Loft. JR Mitejima Riverside Residence. Convenient &amp; Safe. Only 7min to Osaka Umeda Area by JR. Furinshed:58,000yen-74,000yen No key money.No fee. Call us to schedule a viewing. Steve: 080-24046317 info@passage.sunnyday.jp Contact: passage<kr_toa@po.twin. ne.jp> Website: passage.sunnyday.jp

Room/flat Share PENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN KOBE. Spacious 124-square- meter

apartment has room(s) available. Panoramic city, Osaka bay, mountain views. Fully furnished + special extras (ie. surround-sound theater system, 2-person sized bathtub) + tons of closet space. Private rooms. Rent starting are 45000 yen + bills. Contact Darren and/or see my blog. Contact: Zoob <zoobiechan110@yahoo.com> Website: www.kobeliving.blogspot. jp/

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.

Share-college KOBE. JR Nada station Room charge 43000(included utilities) about 17000en lower than the normal charge!! 2 person, English speaker or teacher. Task is petit support 2 hour per week. Contact: DREAMERS INC <info@dreamersjp.com> Website: dreamers-jp.com SHARED ACCOMMODATION FOR RENT IN OSAKA. Wagokoro:

Rent ¥39,000~, 9.72m2~, 8min walk from JRSenrioka st. / Marche Awaza: Rent ¥46,000~, 7.29m2~,

7min walk from Awaza st. No key money, deposit/ guarantor. Furnished. Initial cost: 1st month’s rent+handling fee(15,750). Mention Classified ad = handling fee is FREE: <info@entrance-japan.com> Contact: Entrance Japan Website: www.entrance-japan.com

Jobs Education TEACHER NEEDED A.S.A.P..

Need native English speaker who enjoys working with kids ages 2-12. Prior experience preferred, but not required. We are a small, but growing school located in Port Town Higashi and Kitakagaya, Osaka. Tues/Fri 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. and/or Mon 9 a.m. - 12p.m. Tues/Fri 9a.m. - 2p.m. Email: nikspreschool@gmail.com Contact: nikspreschool <nikspreschool@ gmail.com> Website: www2.nanko. ed.jp/~nanko/

CHAT HOSTS WANTED FOR ENGLISH CHAT CAFE IN UMEDA.

Chat hosts wanted for lively, friendly English conversations at chat cafe in Nishi-Umeda. Applicants need not be native speakers, but should have a good command of English. For more details and to apply, go to http://www.leafcup.com/job. php Contact: Leafcup <hr@leafcup. com> Website: www.leafcup.com 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, ashiyaplus@ hotmail.co.jp Contact: Ashiya Plus <ashiyaplus@hotmail.co.jp> Website: www.comlanguageschool. com/

KANSAI CORPORATE CLASSES.

CES is seeking professional, English/ Chinese/Korean/Indonesian corporate instructors for p/t corporate classes (2-7 Hours a day) in Shiga, Sakai, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara and Kyoto. P/t hourly rates 3,5004,500 yen per hour. For more info, please forward C/V with availability to mark@cesjapan.co.jp Contact: Manager <mark@cesjapan.co.jp> SEEKING FOREIGN ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR.ASAP. Privately

owned school in Shijonawate City seeks an outgoing, qualified foreign English instructor, for teaching children / adults as a PT job. We are a 5min walk from Shinobugaoka Sta. Working day is wed. from 1pm8:30pm. Wage is 1500-2500/h plus transportation. openarms0218@

yahoo.co.jp Contact: openarms <openarms0218@yahoo.co.jp> 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: www.kyoshin.co.jp/recruit/ jobs.html

KIDS TEACHER WANTED .

Sunshine Kids is searching for a native English instructor for Saturdays in Mino. Closest station is the monorail Shoji station. 9:30am to 3:30pm. 15,000 + transportation. Must have experience teaching children, and a valid working visa. Send resume to tony@sunshine-kids.com Contact: Tony Romani <tonyromani73@ gmail.com> Website: www. sunshine-kids.com HIRING LANGUAGE STUDIO MANAGER AND INSTRUCTORS.

Eikaiwa 360s Vision is to offer More Life to our clients, LS partners and LS owners through Language + Community and the less fortunate through Vision Care and Microfinance. Seeking: LS Manager - 280,000 to 390,000 Working Holiday 210,000 ~ Central and South Osaka Please apply via email Contact: Eikaiwa360HR <hr@ eikaiwa360.com> Website: www. eikaiwa360.com LOOKING FOR NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS.. PlusColor English

Cafe is a place for Japanese to chat casually with native speakers, enjoying free coffee and popcorn." Chat Hosts"who love talking wanted in Hommachi. Wages:￥1000~/ hr.(1pm to 6pm/6pm to 10pm) Transportation paid. Contact: pluscolor.englishcafe@gmail.com Contact: pluscolor <pluscolor. englishcafe@gmail.com>

PT NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER IN ASHIYA CITY. Imagine Language

Studio (http://justimagine.jp/) is looking for an experienced, part-time native English teacher who is enthusiastic about teaching. Schedule and wage: Sundays and occasional weekday evenings, ¥2000~¥2500 per 50 minute lesson, starting ASAP. Send CV to Brandon Hirano at info@ justimagine.jp Contact: imagine <info@justimagine.jp> Website: justimagine.jp/

TEACHERS WANTED. English

school teaching adult conversation

classes in Osaka and Kobe. Teachers needed for FT and PT hours. Competitive wages offered starting at 1,800 yen for each 50 minute lesson taught and transportation. Interested? Send me an email at personnel@oec.to to arrange an interview. Alex. Contact: Alex <personnel@oec.to> Website: www. oec.to/ KIDS TEACHER WANTED. Will

English is seeking for a native English teacher for Saturdays. 2 min from Keihan line Moriguchishi and 4 min from Subway Moriguchi. 2000 per hour and transportation. Must have experience teaching kids, and a valid working visa. Send resume to will-english@peace.ocn. ne.jp or call 06-6991-8540. Contact: Will English in Moriguchi <willenglish@peace.ocn.ne.jp>

UKPLUS OSAKA - TEACHERS NEEDED. Qualified teachers (Celta

minimum, Delta preferred) with plus 3 years classroom experience needed for regular hourly-paid work at busy Umeda-based professional English Language school. IELTS knowledge would be an asset. Group / 1:1 hours available throughout the week. CVs to tonybrace@ ukplus-osaka.jp Contact: tonybrace <tonybrace@ukplus-osaka.jp> Website: www.ukplus-osaka.jp FT & PT ENGLISH TEACHER WANTED. RES is looking for

a PT and semi-FT teacher, for Wed thru Sat, approx 25 hrs/ week (both kids &amp; adults classes), pays ¥160,000/mon + ¥600 transport/day max. Kids teachers preferred. Teachers living near RES school in Ibaraki are preferred. Please call / email at 072 637 9899 royalenglish725@gmail. com Contact: Royal English School <royalenglish725@gmail.com> 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: www. aie-campus.com PERSONAL TRAINER(ENGLISH/ JAPANESE). We are looking for

part time and full time personal trainer to run our Fit Camp. We are International Co who wants to build " Healthy Active Lifestyle Community" in Japan. If you can teach bootcamp, Zumba and any fitness movement, Please contact us for detail. Contact: GenerationFitNutrition <chairmansclub@surewest.net>

42 42

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #169 JUNE 2014 | kansaiscene.com

ENGLISH ADVENTURE CAMP STAFF (KANSAI-BASED). English

Adventure operates American-style summer camps in Japan. We are seeking energetic Camp Staff, with intermediate Japanese or better, to create an experience that kids will remember forever. Check out our website to learn more and to apply! Contact: EnglishAdventure <campteam@english-adventure. org> Website: www.englishadventure.org KIDS TEACHER WANTED NISHINOMIYA. Teachers wanted

for two classes: For the class of 4-6 year-olds Mon-Fri 10:00-15:00 The class of 1-3 year-olds Tue ,Thu, Fri 10:00-14:00 10:00-18:30 Hours may increase 1500 per hour Must have a valid VISA. Experience with kids is a plus. Please email your resume to bearsacademy@gmail.com Contact: bearsrika <bears.academy@ gmail.com> Website: www.bearinternational-academy.coml P/T KIDS TEACHER WANTED IN HIGASHI-OSAKA. Teacher

required for a small school near Fuse (higashi-osaka) Ideally looking for responsible native English speaker (preferably female) to teach group of 4-5 kids, aged 3/4 years old. At the moment 1 hour a week. pay is ¥3,000 per hour. Please send CV with photo to cdl@ nativewisdomenglish.com Contact: cdel3000< chrisdelacy2003@yahoo. co.uk>

Contact: Mr. Asada <gogosuke@ hotmail.com>

Entertainment PART-TIME: HOSTESS. WANTED

スタッフ募集. Foreign, female hostess

wanted for Fri-Sat, 20:30-01:00 Located in Fuse kintetsu line, ¥1500/hr~ Conversational Japanese and proper visa required. will provide transportation after shift, please call 080-6188-3645 or e-mail kikaku111@hotmail.co.jp Contact: Mr Higuchi <kikaku111@hotmail. co.jp> Website: www.facebook.com/ SWING.Fuse

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 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

General

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).

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>

FREE ABACUS CLASS FOR FOREIGNERS. FREE ABACUS

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

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

OPERATIONS MANAGER - KYOTO BASED TRAVEL GROUP. Addicted

to adventure travel, and a passion for Japan? Looking for someone whose values align to ours–growth, detail, integrity, passion, innovation, responsibility and fun... sound like you? Focus-organising group travel, planning, supporting leaders, suppliers enquiries plus more.Japan Nationals please. Contact: Aaron Davis<aaron@bashukwaytravel. com> Website: www.ventureea.com

with us!! Contact: Across_Japanese_ Language <across_japanese_lang@ coast.ocn.ne.jp> Website: www8. ocn.ne.jp/~across

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

Classes & Events Classes

Announcements

アメリカン英会話@CAFE!. Kansai

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/

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

ACROSS JAPANESE LANGUAGE WILL SUPPORT YOUR DREAM!.

If you look for the private Japanese teacher, please access us. "I want to take Japanese class, but I can&#039;t attend to the classroom." For such people, we prepared private home teacher and online lessons. You can choose the lessons match your style. Let&#039;s start to learn Japanese

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

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

MEDITATION AND DHARMA DISCUSSION GROUP. Join us

Saturdays at 5 pm near Hankyu Ashiyagawa Stn. Anyone interested in meditation is welcome. Email for specifics. Contact: peteru<mtginashiya@gmail.com>

FRIDAY NIGHT FUTSAL.

Players needed for Friday night futsal in Osaka. Sometimes 6-8pm, sometimes 7-9pm. All abilities welcome! Email: sundayfootyjapan@yahoo. co.uk Contact: Richard <sundayfootyjapan@yahoo.co.uk>

Kids YOUTH AMERICAN FOOTBALL TEAM IN KOBE!!. Our American

youth football team is recruiting some new members!! Practice Sunday 9:00am- Noon 5 to 15yrs old boy and girl tackle is banned for kids in Japan. Trial members are welcome! Contact: mozza <ss724. mailbox@gmail.com>

Other WHY NOT TAI CHI?.

Health maintenance・Health recovery・Increase physical strength・Health and longevity. Body and mind I will be strong. It is an excellent self-defense. Want to learn Tai Chi? Let's try! Contact: KaoKakao <kao_kakao@hotmail. com>

Language Exchange EXCHANGE JAPANESE, VIETNAMESE, ENGLISH FOR FRENCH. Bonjour. I want to learn

French to surprise my partner. In return, I can help you with Japanese, Vietnamese, English. Contact: livefull <shinro_jp@yahoo.co.jp>

For Sale / Home and Kitchen ART, INTERIOR GOODS, CURIOS.

Studio made and recycled goods in the north of kyoto near Daitokuji Temple. Oil paintings, interior goods, curios. http://phprac. blogspot.jp/ Contact: Lehan< lehanramsay@gmail.com> Website: http://phprac.blogspot.jp/

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

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

jim

Osaka YWCA

Hotel Kinki sh

u Higa

Hanky

Ogimachi Dori

med

shi U

Shin Midosuji

Higa

osu ne

ji Li

The Alex Bar Dojima Avanza 4F Junkudo

Kita Shinchi Ana Crown Plaza

NTT Data

Bank

Police Station

Hospital

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

Miyabi Int’l Law Firm 24F

akanoshi

Edobori

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Yodoyabashi

National Museum of Art

YMCA

Shinmei Law Office

Tosabori River

ashi Lin Yotsub hi s Higoba

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

Hanshin Expresswa y(Loop R ou te) N

ana Lin Keih noshim Naka

US Consulate

Tanimachi Lin

Nishi Tenma

Oebashi Bank of Japan

i bebash Watana

Mid

Capt. Kangaroo

Dojima

Toz

Kita Shinchi

Mister Kelly’s

ine in L Ma Sta. n i a nsh Ha ushim ine ai L Fuk

Ogimachi Park

rcade idori A

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

i-c

k za

Navio Toho Plex

Hankyu Dept.

Nishi Umeda

Umeda

InterContinental Osaka Hotel

200m

Blue Wave Inn

Nishiohashi

KitaHorie line Yotsubashi

Naniw

2F Tezukayama Gallery 1F DDD

Dotonbori

OPA

Onzieme 11F Cinem Triangle @rt Triangle Park Apple Store Drop Clapper Fanj twice Lunar Grand Club Cafe Ghost Balabushka Ultralounge 4F Coolabah 1F

Spotaka

river

amb

JR N

Junkudo

OCAT

Nam

Hotel Monterey

a St a.

Tominaga Hospital

HigashiShinsaibashi 1F Zerro

Soemon-Cho B1 Pure Osaka

Bank

Police Station

NipponBashi 5

Namba PARKS

Pub Bar 30 2F Post Office

Hotel Metro the 21

Nankai Namba Station

Fraser Residence

Namba -naka

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

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

Shooters

Dotonbori

Namba

Little Long Beach

Inari 23 mm

Namba Namba Sta.

The Blarney Stone

Suomachi-dori (Europe street)

Dublin Bay / Dublin Garden

Namba Hatch

Hotel T’point Murphy’s 6F

Fubar 2F

Daimaru Dept. South

Cross Hotel

Shinsaibashi 3F GS Travel

Daimaru Dept.

Big step

Horie Park

MinamiHorie

Nikko Hotel

Cafe 1F Absinthe

Boy 5F

Daimaru Dept. North

Midosuji

a-suji

Family Mart

Uniqlo

El Pancho 8F

Yotsubashi

Covent Garden

Minami-senba

Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line Nagahoribashi

Ali’s Kitchen

Kitahorie Hospital

Tokyu Hands

Arthur Murray

Crysta Nagahori (underground shopping)

Nagahori dori Shinsaibashi

Sakaisuji

Mizuho Bank

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

Shinmachi

Shinsaibashi/Namba

Kansai Scene Mojoprint Office

0 Hospital

Hotel

Church

200m Shrine

Temple

Movie Theatre

Tokyu Hands

tetsudo Kobe kosoku

Post Office

JR Motomachi sta.

Sanjo-dori Movix Kyoto

Police Station

N 0

200m

Sanjo

Wakamatsu-dori

Yamatoji-dori

ori awa-d Shirakkawa river

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

Hanamikoji-dori

Kiyamachi-dori

dori

Kawaramachi-

Kiraku Inn

Shira

Gion s hijo

Fuji Daimaru

Kyoto Royal BLDG.

Pontocho

Junkudo 7F Bal

Keihan Line

Sanjo Teramachi Shotengai Shinkyogoku Shotengai

Hospital

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku

Butterfly

Mina

Hankyu Line

Bank

Movie Theatre

Oike-dori

OPA

Teramachi Area

Temple

Hotel Okura

Kyoto Royal Hotel Kyoto Asahi Kaikan Starbucks

Gokomachi-dori

Fuyacho-dori

Tominokoji-dori

Yanaginobanba-dori

Sakaimachi-dori

Kyoto

Kobe City Hall

Shiyakushomae

Kawara Machi Daimaru

Shrine

Sannomiya Hanadokeimae st.

Aoyama

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Jomo Gas

Church

Port liner

Minato Bank

Kyoto City Hall

Tozai Subway Line

Hotel

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

Flower road

San

Hospital

miya

Daimaru Dept.

Kainan lin

Police Station

Sannomiy

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

Guild 2F

Kyukyoryuchi Daimarumae

Bank

Sansei Hosp.

Midnight 5F Hobgoblin 7F a

Sanchika un

Hanshin line

Nankin-machi

Post Office

Iznt 4F

Kobe Sauna

Kobe Ikuta Junior High School

Subway

ine wa yl

Ikuta jinja

Mickeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club 5F Hotel Monterey

Motomachi

Kitanozaka

Ikuta Police Station

Hyogo-ken Prefectural Hall

Sh iei Ya ma te s

Oriental Dental Clinic 4F Hotel Tor Road

Kobe Grocers

Sanjo

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