Kansai Scene #171 August 2014

www.kansaiscene.com

無料 issue 171

08 Aug 2014

Kitashinchi: Neon Lights & Hidden Delights 北新地のネオンと 秘密のお楽しみ

Plus+ A Game of 100 Ghost Stories Re-thinking the Swastika GEAR: Tricks for Kids

Listings: What’s on around Kansai Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

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

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Contents Features Features

Kinky Kitashinchi

p08

北新地の不思議 A Katano Hills Day Trip

p12

Ghostly Games

p14

The Swastika in Japan

p16

Business Matters

Buzzing Brastel

p07

COVER PHOTO: This month’s cover photo was taken in Kitashinchi by Jason Haidar.

08

12

14

16

20

29

Food & Drink

Foodspotting in Kyoto

p20

Promotional Feature

GEAR: A Feast for the Eyes

p29

Listings Film p22 Community Events

p25

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 Accounts Manager......................... Michiko Lee

Art...............................................Deanna Wright 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.

3

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Out & About

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

Reader’s Photo This month the t-shirt goes to Nathan Ellis in Juso - congratulations Nathan!

Email your best snaps from around Kansai (with a caption telling us about the shot) to photo@kansaiscene.com Nathan Ellis: This picture was taken last month on the night of Tanabata (July 7) at the Ohkawa river, where 50,000 inori-boshi or “prayer stars” were thrown into the river to celebrate the meeting of the two stars, Vega and Altair, deified in the form of Orihime and Hikoboshi. The two lovers are separated by the Milky Way, represented here by these inori-boshi, and are only able to meet once a year.

The Legend of Heisei Osaka Milky Way by Nathan Ellis

Strange Happenings

Adventures in Kitashinchi

KS has been told of a disturbing rumor that a group of people aged between 25 and 35 living in various locations around Kansai have gone missing. One night last month as stormy weather from Typhoon Neoguri was passing across parts of the region, the friends tried a modern-day Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai via recorded video chat from their own homes (to find out more about the Hyakumonogatari game - visit page 14). With nothing to do but wait inside for the bad weather to pass, they connected with each other online to tell their 100 supernatural stories. Problem is, none of them have been seen since…

In 2011 at the age of 24, Jason Frocht, originally from New York City, came to Osaka for his first long-term stay in Japan on a scholarship with the Japan Foundation. He first discovered Kitashinchi while exploring the city after just arriving at Osaka station. His first experience there – delicious plates of plates of sashimi, fried onigiri, tempura clam, and grilled bass – came as a bit of a shock to his wallet.

“I was well into the meal when I asked what kind of izakaya (Japanese pub) this was. The man serving the dishes said it wasn’t an izakaya. What I was eating was kappo kaiseki ryori (see page 10 for details), and the bill at this non-menu eating establishment, was ¥10,000. I was promptly relieved of my grocery money for the next couple of weeks.”

Regardless of his monetary predicament at the time, the superb quality of the food, the service, and the atmosphere of both the restaurant and the neighbourhood changed his perspective of the city in a way he had not anticipated. He began to go there every few weeks to get a firm handle on Kitashinchi and the kinds of people who graced its exclusive clubs, its standing bars, its kaiseki banquets, and its invitation-only steakhouses.

This month’s Adventures in Kansai video features a tour of Kitashinchi with Jason Frocht. With the help of Where Next Japan’s Felicity Tillack, he teaches us all that he has learned in his continuing love affair with this renowned entertainment district.

Warrior Minamoto Raiko and the Earth Spider.

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)

To view the footage, visit kansaiscene.com/category/video

Check out this and the other video adventures from the Where Next Japan team at kansaiscene.com/category/video

Connect with Kansai Scene…

Catch up with KS on social media

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

/kansaiscene

@kansaiscene

kansaiscene

5

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Business Matters

Just a Phone Call Away Brastel has been connecting people living in Japan with their loved ones here and abroad for almost 20 years. KS got Brastel’s Eduardo Matsumoto on the line to talk about what the company offers today.

Text & Images: KS

When, where and why was Brastel first started?

Brastel is a Tokyo-based company established in 1996. Primarily, the company was offering callback services to the Brazilian community in Japan.

Due to partnerships with Japanese carriers in 1998, Brastel began to offer connections directly from Japan, and in 2000, we were the first to launch a rechargeable prepaid calling card, the Brastel Card.

Describe Brastel’s main customer base.

Our main customers had been the foreign community living in Japan but recently, because of the use of Brastel Card on smartphones, we are noticing a rapid increase of Japanese users as well.

How much does it cost to use Brastel’s services?

The Brastel Card can be topped up from ¥500 using credit cards and PayPal. At convenience stores, the recharge amount starts from ¥2,000. International calling rates start at ¥2.99 per minute; calls to mobile phones in Japan are ¥5.5 per 30 minutes, and to fixed phones ¥8 per every three minutes.

How does Brastel compete with free online video calling services?

Using the Brastel Card on smartphones through the Cloud Softphone app allows users to not only place outgoing calls but also incoming with a 050 IP phone number offered free of charge.

App users can call each other for free, and non-users can call to the 050 number paying as a local call even if the user is overseas. The Cloud Softphone app can also receive push notifications and you don’t have to be signed in to receive the call, which means the battery consumption is much less.

can probably make a transfer in a couple of minutes. At the bank and most of our competitors, you will be required to fill in a remittance request every single time, which can be time consuming, plus you pay higher transfer fees at the bank.

The service is currently focused in the Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Eastern European countries but will soon start services to South America as well.

Toll-free: 0120-659-534 From mobiles: 03-5637-5904 brastel.com

What is Brastel Remit?

Since 2012 the company started the remittance service Brastel Remit to help the foreign community living in Japan to send money to their loved ones overseas. All procedures are available online, from subscription to remittance request.

We offer a fast-sending option called Easy Transfer where you can register up to five recipients. For each recipient you receive a bank account or deposit card where anytime you wish to make a remittance to that person, you just need to deposit the money into that account. The transfer is automatically processed without paperwork.

Once you have opened an account, and if you use internet banking, you

7

8

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE ||ISSUE ISSUE#170 #171JULY AUGUST 20142014 | kansaiscene.com | kansaiscene.com

Feature

The Feasts and Fortunes of Glitzy Kitashinchi 北新地の不思議 An elite entertainment district in the heart of Osaka, Kitashinchi is quirky, kitsch and classy all at once. Narrow streets brightly lit with neon signs and flashing billboards, it’s a place that wants your curiosity to get the better of you. 大阪の真ん中にある、 日本屈指の高級歓楽街。北新地はいつも怪し気で、 キッチュで、お高くとまっている。狭い路地を埋め尽くす、 ケバケバしいネオ ンの洪水。 ここには人の自制心を揺るがす魔力がある。 Text: Felicity Tillack • Images: Jason Haidar & Celia Polkinghorne • Translation: Endo Tazlu

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

 Explore the streets for free, but going deeper into this neon kaleidoscope could cost a pretty penny. There are many wonderful things in Kitashinchi and all of them come with a premium price tag. This narrow rectangle of streets, sandwiched in beneath Umeda’s central business district, is one of the more famous of the hanamachi (pleasure districts) in Japan. Its customer base is the executive elites, those who manage and own the nearby, glittering office towers. They come to wine and dine clients, or their girlfriends, after a hard day’s work.

But Kitashinchi isn’t just for those to whom money is no object. Walking the streets is still free, and casual visitors heading there on weeknights, from around 7pm til midnight, can get a feel of the unique atmosphere and energy of a Japanese entertainment district. On Saturdays and Sundays, however, Kitashinchi is dead; closed like the offices around it.

While there are no overt attempts to attract foreign visitors, this is not an exclusionary area, and for those with the funds, it boasts some of the finest culinary experiences in Japan. The cost, more than the language barrier, however, keeps most foreign tourists at bay. Of the hundreds of restaurants here, many fall into the category of high-class dining: kappo and kaiseki banquet style, and the sushi here is definitely not travelling around on a conveyor belt.

Even though it was once decimated by war, and despite its modern-day walls-of-neon streetscape, Kitashinchi feels like it reaches into the past for its style. This area was once an island between the Sonezakigawa and Dojimagawa Rivers, and was called Sonezaki Shinchi. It was where geisha charmed their customers with elegance, genteel service, dance and song, and that is still very much the mood that lingers over this whole place.

Even in some Western-style venues, with their woodtopped bars and well-dressed waiters, the feel is decidedly early 20th century; reminiscent of a time when evenings out were a special, expensive event. One such venue is Vin-Vino, where wonderfully friendly, vest-and-buttoned staff serve snacky, delicious, organic dishes, and a wide variety of wine, sake, and aged Nihonshu. The atmosphere is very relaxed, yet special, and the dress code calls more for a cocktail dress than jeans.

There is good food, and many a welcoming face behind doorways in Kitashinchi, however it remains an entertainment district with a purpose. The flower shops here cater to kyabakura (hostess club) decor, rather than couples out on romantic first dates. Invite-only sanctums fill the upper levels of the buildings.

On a typically busy Thursday night, the main road is likely to be buzzing with hostesses in kimono-clad elegance, or a more blatant short-skirt suggestiveness. There will be clumps of cheerful businessmen out for a good night. Stretch hummers can also frequent, navigating obliviously through it all at below walking speed, while a party pumps loudly inside.

Security, though young and friendly, bar entry to some doors, while in the background, older, grimmer guards watch strangers and mutter, expressionless, into their headsets. While I was chatting with one of the former, he admitted that working Kitashinchi is a tough lifestyle, with his mornings starting at 3pm, and days ending with the sunrise.

He said, after 18 months, he is looking at other options.

Of course, as in all places where alcohol is imbibed and sex is for sale, visitors should take sensible precautions.

While Kitashinchi can feel as safe as the rest of Japan, travelling with a friend is a good idea, as is knowing what kind of establishment you are entering before you actually go inside.

Street photography, especially candid shots of the hostesses or their customers, is strictly prohibited.

9

10

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

There is a glamour to visiting Kitashinchi; an alluring area, almost like movie-set Japan in the way that other urban neighbourhoods like Dotombori and Gion are. It can be enough just to walk through the area on a weeknight and people-watch for free. On very special occasions, or for those searching for culinary excellence, a meal in one of Kitshinchi’s sushi, kaiseki or kappo establishments may be the Mecca of your particular pilgrimage. However, beware, it might also be the beginning of an expensive obsession.

Take American visitor Jason Frocht for example. He wandered into Kitashinchi, and his first kaiseki restaurant, during his first few months as an exchange student in Japan.

He drifted in as a poor student about to become a lot poorer.

One banquet later, and his monthly grocery budget blown, an obsession was born. He noticed a trend, or a warning, for choosing restaurants in Kitashinchi; those with fountains, stone lanterns, or little gardens at the front will destroy your wallet. Jason is part explorer, part academic, and altogether devoted to delicious food. His personal Kitashinchi tour and recommendations for restaurants, ranging from the slightly expensive to the possibly once-in-a-lifetime, are the subject of this month’s Adventures In Kansai video (kansaiscene. com/category/video).

One of Jason’s particular recommendations is Geppa Kaiseki, a counter kaiseki restaurant which serves fabulous, seasonal sets starting from ¥7,500. This restaurant is recommended as great value for an experience that will linger long in your mind and on your taste buds. Consider your wallet forewarned.  • Access: Walk south (less than 10 minutes) from Osaka Stn, Umeda Stn, or Nishi-Umeda Stn. • Prices: Though some ramen and kushi-katsu shops exist with the usual prices, this is an expensive area. Expect many meal sets to start at ¥8,000.

• Photos: Photography of hostesses and their clients is not only frowned upon, it could get you sued.

• Safety: Mixed in among the genteel dining are hosts and hostesses, snack bars and girls’ bars. Late at night, when lots of drunk businessmen are on their way out, it is best to make sure to travel with a friend.

Food Options for the Newbie • Kappo: Rumoured to have originated in Osaka, customers sit along a counter, directly across from the chef and can watch as their meal is prepared.

Presentation, technique, conversation, and many small, exquisite courses are all part of the kappo experience.

• Kaiseki: A multi-course feast, considered by some to be the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. Foods and flavours tend to be simple, seasonal, and though often rare, including delicacies like fugu (puffer-fish); its flesh arranged on the plate like chrysanthemum petals.

• Sushi: Sushi-ya in Kitashinchi are omakase (“It’s up to you”) types, where the customers entrust their chef to choose their fish. There are several Michelin-starred sushi restaurants tucked away here, though many require reservations.

• Sushi Sougorou is an omakase sushi restaurant recently opened in Kitashinchi. Along with the sashimi comes conversation and stories, as the chef strives to build a personal connection with his customers, and serve them the perfect meal. This is not the place for anonymous, quick eating, nor is it cheap – courses start at ¥8,000. The chef noted that many foreigners walk through Kitashinchi, but never stay for dinner. Too expensive.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

一度は戦争で焼け野原となった。ネオンで飾られた街並みは現代の猥 雑さを映している。それでも北新地には、古き良き時代を偲ぶ独特のスタ

地の飲食店からさまざまな警告信号を読み取るようになったのだという。 噴水、石灯籠、箱庭が店先にある店は破産直行なので注意。冒険心と向

イルがある。ここはもともと曽根崎川と堂島川に挟まれた島で、曽根崎新

学心を美食の探求に注ぐジェイソンは、今月のAdventures In Kansai

地の名で呼ばれていた。かつては芸姑たちが踊りや唄で優雅に旦那衆を

の動画(kansaiscene.com/category/video)でも北新地でおすす

もてなした花街であり、その面影は今でも街全体に色濃く残っている。

めのお店を紹介している。

西洋風の店においても、懐古調は主流だ。木造りのカウンターと正装

ジェイソンが特におすすめする店のひとつは、カウンターで素晴らし

したウエイターは明らかに20世紀前半の風情で、夜の社交が特別に高

い季節の懐石料理が食べられる「月波」だ。季節のコースは7,500円か

価だった時代の名残りをとどめている。そんな店のひとつが「ヴァンヴィ

ら。心にも味覚にも長く記憶される、お値打ちの体験ができるとのこと。

ーノ」。ベストをきちんと着こなした感じのよい店員が、気の利いたスナッ

財布と相談してみよう。

ク、美味しいオーガニック料理、バラエティ豊かなワイン、日本酒、古酒な どを出してくれる。ゆったりとした雰囲気だが、それでいて特別な場所に いる華やぎもあり、ジーンズよりもカクテルドレスが似合う場所だ。 ドアの向こうでは、美味しい料理や上質なサービスが迎えてくれる 北新地。それでもある種の欲望が渦巻く大歓楽街であることには違いな い。この街の花屋は、初デートのカップルに売る花束ではなく、キャバク ラやホストクラブの飾り付けが本業だ。スナックビルの上層階にいくほ ど、一見さんお断りの聖域が軒を連ねている。 賑やかな木曜の夜に北新地へ行けば、メインストリートでは艶やかな

• アクセス：大阪駅、梅田駅、西梅田駅から南へ徒歩10分以内 。 • 予算：普通のラーメン屋や串かつ屋もあるが、高価なエリアであること は間違いない。多くのコースメニューは最低8,000円から。

• 写真撮影：ホステスや客を撮影すると、顰蹙を買うばかりか訴えられる 可能性もある。

• 安全：一般の食事処に混じって、クラブ、ホストクラブ、スナック、ガー ルズバーなどがある。酔っ払いのビジネスマンが行き交う深夜には、友 達と一緒に行動するのが無難。

着物姿やミニスカートのホステスたちが忙しく行き交っている。陽気なビ ジネスマンの集団が、夜のお楽しみを求めて繰り出す姿も見られるはず だ。豪勢なハマーリムジンもよく現れる。街の喧騒をよそに歩行者よりも ゆっくりと街を流し、車内からはパーティーの賑やかな音が聞こえてくる。

初心者向けグルメ指南

店先の路上では、若い客引きの男たちが愛想を振りまいている。後 方では、それよりやや年長のいかつい門番が、無表情でヘッドセットマ イクに何かをつぶやいている。客引きの一人と立ち話をしたが、北新地 で働く生活は楽じゃないそうだ。仕事は午後3時から始まって夜明けま で続く。もう18ヶ月も続けているが、他の仕事を探している最中なのだ という。 もちろん、酒と性が商われる街の常として、訪問者にはあらかじめ知 っておくべき注意事項がある。北新地は日本の他の場所とも同様に安全 だが、友達と連れ立って行くのが賢明である。そして実際に店に入る前に は、どんな店なのかを確かめてから入ったほうがいい。また、路上でホス テスや客を隠し撮りするような行為は厳禁である。 道頓堀や祇園にも共通する、映画のセットのように美しい日本の都市 風景が北新地にはある。平日の夜、路地を歩いて人々の様子を眺めるだ けでも十分に楽しい。特別な記念日の晩餐や、美食体験を求める人にと っては、北新地の寿司、懐石、割烹の店が終着の地となるかもしれない。 ただしその値段のせいで、外食恐怖症にならないように注意しよう。 アメリカ人旅行者、ジェイソン・フロクトの例がある。貧しい交換留学生 だった彼は、まだ来日して間もない時期に、初めて歩いた北新地でふらり と懐石料理の店に入った。ひと晩でひと月分の食費を失った彼は、北新

• 割烹 - 大阪発祥という説もあり、客がカウンターに並んで料理 人の仕事を間近に見られる店。料理の出し方、調理技術、会話、 繊細な小皿料理のすべてが、かけがえのない割烹体験となる。

• 懐石 - 日本料理の頂点と考える人も多い贅沢なフルコース。シ ンプルな味付けで、季節の味覚をじっくり楽しむ。運良くタイミン グがあえば、美しいフグの薄造りなどの名物も味わえるだろう。

• 寿司 - 北新地では、ネタの選択をすべて職人に一任する「おま かせ」が主流。 ミシュランで星を獲得した店も何軒かあるが、多く は予約が必要な人気店だ。

• 寿司 惣五郎 は、北新地に最近オープンした「おまかせスタイ ル」の寿司屋。刺し身ひとつひとつを丁寧に説明してくれる。客 の好みを理解することで、完璧な食事を提供しようという料理 長の方針だ。一見客向きではなく、食事だけして帰るような店で もない。もちろん安くない。コースは8,000円から。料理長いわ く、外国人は北新地を歩くだけで夕食をしない。値段が高すぎ るんだろうね。

11

12

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Feature

Relax, Refresh, Explore Wilderness trails, riverside walks, bridge crossings, lily pond picnics, and ice cream on paddle boats – a Katano Hills day trip is an adventurous way to get back to nature this summer.

Text & Images: Steven Hunter

 Some say as people get older they lose their sense of whimsy. Then again, some people have never seen an old lady in full hiking gear trying to steer a floating pink dinosaur. With paddle boats for hire and stalls selling ice cream, Kurondo-ike pond in Kurondo-Enchi park is likely the most popular destination for those walking in the Katano Hills with their kids and grandkids this summer.

Heading left out of Kisaichi Station there is a path making its way to Kurondo-Enchi. This features forest trails running off through the hills in various directions, a barbecue area, a raised walkway over some swampy ground where bald cypress trees grow, and a small but tranquil water lily pond.

Near Kurondo-ike, a giant boulder can be scrambled up by means of a chain ladder. This provides a rare chance to feel like an intrepid mountaineer attempting to ascend the north face of the Swiss Eiger – at least up to the moment when a seven-year-old clambers past, video game in hand.

The Katano Hills is also a wilderness for people whose junglecraft extends to making careful use of the sun to calculate whether it is day or night. For those in search of something slightly

more rugged, there are fine views to be had from the top of Konosan, a kilometer or two to the north of KurondoEnchi. The mountain makes visitors work for it though, forcing them up a seemingly endless series of steps.

Those who make it to the summit find a couple of monumental boulders, from atop which they get a sweeping view: Kyoto, Kuzuha, Takatsuki, Osaka – all the glass, steel and concrete they climbed so hard to get away from. Yet somehow even the utterly mundane can be awe-inspiring if seen from an unconventional angle.

If you turn right out of Kisaichi Station, the Hoshida Park hiking trail awaits - the most popular trail in Katano. It begins by following the Amanogawa River and then leads up to Takeruga Peak, a scenic peak of bare rocks. From there, the hike goes up the hill through the forest. The trails are wide and easy and for the most part not too steep. The nature along the trail is pretty and once you reach the top, the park’s central attraction is waiting, the Hoshi no Buranko suspension bridge – 200m long, 50m high, and linking anonymous hill A with anonymous hill B. It is hard to say whether the bridge is more breathtaking in

its epic scale or epic pointlessness, but nevertheless it is an interesting walk across.

Hikers traipse over the same kind of wooden planks that seem to rot and snap so easily in Indiana Jones films.

The superstructure itself, however, is made of steel – so if a plank does happen to give way, the unlucky trekker can plummet earthwards secure in the knowledge that the bridge itself will be quite all right.

For those who do make it across, the view of the surrounding mountains and valley below makes for a most scenic experience. 

Katano Hills • Access: Kisaichi is the final stop on the Keihan Katano line • Admission: Free • Konosan: lovekatano. com/?page_id=1305 • Suspension bridge: lovekatano. com/?page_id=1066 • Kurondo-Enchi park: osakamidori.jp/mori/kurondo • Hoshida Park: osaka-midori.jp/ mori/hoshida/index.html

14

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Laughing Demoness from the series One Hundred Stories.

Artist: Hokusai Katsuhika (1760-1849)

Feature

Conjuring the Supernatural August is known as the month when Japanese spirits are at their most restless, and there’s a centuries-old game designed to go hand-in-hand with this time of year. Play if you dare.

Text: Jason Haidar

 It’s a hot summer’s night in August and Obon (the festival of the dead) is just around the corner. The moon is nestled high in the sky illuminating the guests, all clad in elegant blue robes, as they make their way inside. Immediately they are bathed in an eerie, blue glow emanating from the 100 aoandon (blue lanterns), painting everyone in an otherworldly hue. Their eyes begin to adjust to the shapes and shadows swirling around them as they gather and sit in a circle on the floor.

One by one, guests take turns telling their eerie stories; recounting bizarre, strange and supernatural occurrences; reciting urban legends, myths, cautionary tales, and personal accounts of brushes with the spiritual world. After each tale, the storyteller blows out a lantern.

The lanterns form a circle around the room, and in the center sits a small wooden table with a mirror on it. After a guest blows out a candle, they are to stare into the mirror for a few seconds and wait. In the corner of their eye a shadow moves, or does it? They quickly return to the other guests.

Some say, with each extinguished lantern, the spirits are invited one step closer, and after the 100th lantern is blown out, something supernatural is expected to happen...

No one knows when or where Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai (a gathering of 100 strange stories) originated, but it is documented as far back as the mid-1600s and is believed

to have been played long before that. One of the earliest records of the game is by Ogita Ansei in his work titled Otogi Monogatari (“Nursery Tales”). According to Ogita, the game was first played by Samurai as a test of courage. He recounts a tale of a group of Samurai who went to a nearby cave and lit 100 candles. They each took turns telling a scary tale, and when finished, extinguished a candle. As the night went on, with each story, the cave became darker. The storytellers believed that without the light they would be vulnerable to the supernatural. After the last tale was told, the final storyteller went to extinguish the flame of the one remaining candle, when suddenly a large, grotesque hand appeared from the ceiling. Some of the Samurai cowered in fear until one brave warrior drew his sword and struck at the hand, revealing it to be nothing more than the shadow of a spider. The Samurai who cowered were mocked and ridiculed.

Originally a game for the aristocratic warrior class, Hyakumonogatari quickly made its way down to the working classes and became popular all over Japan. The game enjoyed the height of its popularity in the late Edo era (early 19th century) and in its heyday, Hyakumonogatari inspired people to scour Japan looking for new tales to shock and delight, leading to kaidan-shu (books designed to provide stories for the game) and many works of art by famed ukiyo-e (woodblock) artists such as Katsushika Hokusai.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

How to Play the Game • Get a group of at least three people together (The game is best played on the night of a full moon.).

• Prepare an L-shaped space consisting of at least two rooms, although three are preferable.

• In the center of the furthest room, place a mirror atop a table, and in a circle around it, light 100 candles or paper lanterns (made of blue paper instead of the traditional white paper). Blue lanterns are used as mood lighting as the blue color creates an eerie vibe.

• Participants should wear blue clothing (to match the lanterns and the vibe), and leave their swords at the door (Remember this game was devised in the 17th century; this was standard tea-house etiquette of the day. Modern-day participants should follow suit by handing over their guns, crossbows, mace, or whatever their weapon of choice, at the entryway.).

• Gather in the room furthest from the aoandon or candles and tell your stories. Traditionally kaidan were told, kai meaning “strange, mysterious, rare or bewitching apparition” and dan meaning “talk” or “recited narrative”. Kaidan are not the same as horror stories, and not exactly full-blown ghost stories, but just strange, unusual, or supernatural stories (The term is now used to classify a particular

type of story of the traditional Edo era ghost tale.). But any spooky or hair-raising tale will do the trick.

• After a guest has finished their story they are to get up and go to the far room containing the lanterns and the mirror and extinguish one lantern. The person must gaze into the mirror before returning to the rest of the guests. It is believed that with each extinguished aoandon, as the room grows darker, yurei (japanese spirits) or yokai (Japanese monsters) are being drawn closer.

The Conjuring • Once the hundredth lantern is blown out you are no longer protected from the spirit world and supposedly an unknown event will occur. Some say that once the spirits are summoned, supernatural occurrences can haunt participants uninterrupted for 30 days.

• Some believe it is Aoandon (who shares the name with the blue lanterns that became popular for the game) that will appear after the 100th lantern goes out. Aoandon is a female spirit dressed in a white kimono who has sharp teeth, long, black hair, and two horns sticking out of her head. Usually described as having a blue appearance

A Hyakumongatari game gone wrong. Artist: Hokusai Katsuhika (1760-1849)

or glow, she is the Japanese equivalent to Bloody Mary.

• If you’re eager to play the game, but not so eager to come face to face with horns, sharp teeth, or anything else supernatural, there is the option of simply stopping at 99 stories and leaving the last lantern burning. Many groups opt not to tell the last story, and instead spend the time chatting until sunrise. 

Strange Happenings • Last month, a group of young people around Kansai decided to do a modern-day take on the Hyakumonogatari game and record it. To see the video visit kansaiscene.com/category/ video • You can watch scary stories to your heart’s content from Scott Unrested Ackermann at youtube.com/user/unrested For details on Hyakumonogatari events happening in Osaka this month please see our Community Events (p 25).

To learn more about hyakumonogatari visit hyakumonogatari.com

15

16

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Feature

Rethinking the Swastika Westerners often associate the swastika with a dark past, but the same symbol brings good vibes and positive meanings to Buddhists, and is ubiquitous across Japan and other parts of Asia.

Text: Bonnie Carpenter • Images: Celia Polkinghorne & Bill White

 One day I was showing some tourist friends around various temples and shrines in Osaka and their son piped up with a query: “Dad, why are there Nazis in Japan?”

Baffled, his father turned to where his son was pointing.

The child had recognized the swastika on the noren (fabric dividers hung between rooms or in doorways) at Ishikiri Shrine and like so many other Westerners, had innocently identified it with the modern connotation of the symbol. We quickly explained that here in the East, the swastika holds a different meaning, one of long religious importance and reverence. Many minds are still clouded with the wrong images of this symbol, so let’s put the record straight.

The swastika has had a global presence as a prominent spiritual symbol in several ancient civilizations dating back 3,000 years, from the Egyptians to Native American groups to the Kuna people of Panama, with other historians believing it was a fire and sun symbol originating in Asia.

The swastika found its way to Japan through the subsequent spreading of Hinduism then Buddhism via India, and then continued onward from China. The word “swastika” comes from the Hindu Sanskrit word svastika meaning good fortune, luck and well-being.

Kanji was introduced to Japan from China in the 8th century and the swastika was adopted into Japanese language and culture, with the positive connotation of the symbol remaining unchanged.

In both countries, it was seen as an icon of eternity, abundance, prosperity and long life. Even today, the swastika is commonly known in Japan as the man-ji 万字 (man = 10,000 years; the same kanji used on Japan’s ¥10,000 bill) and is used frequently in shrines and temples as an auspicious representation of Buddhism.

The original design of the swastika was a horizontal, left-facing and clockwise graphic. It was only when the Nazi party flopped it, rotated it 45 degrees, and turned it to face the right, the swas-

tika was corrupted from something positive to something negative.

Having no stigma at all in the East, the way it does in the West as an emblem of evil, the swastika can often be found imprinted on the chest, feet or palms of Buddha in images or on statues. Sacred Buddhist texts often start with the swastika. Some of the Japanese clans in the Edo era even chose to use the man-ji as their family crest. The Hachisuka family as well as the Tsugaru and around 60 of the smaller clans belonging to the Tokugawa clan adopted the good-luck symbol for use on their helmets and banners for battle.

Nowadays, maps of older cities such as Kyoto and Nara use the swastika to indicate where Buddhist temples are located. Kinkakuji and Ryoanji temples as well as other surrounding temples in Kyoto are clearly marked by the swastika.

Getting re-educated about the original meaning of the swastika can help you – and those you are sightseeing with – appreciate the deeper meanings and symbolism of Buddhism in Japan. 

18

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Female Ghost. Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865)

Language

Are you afraid of ghosts?

Beware – the month for Yurei (Japanese spirits or ghosts), yokai (supernatural monsters) and oni (demons) has arrived.

While October in the West is associated with the spookiest time of year, here in Japan it is August. Obon is the time of year where the Japanese honor their ancestors who are said to return to visit household shrines, and with Obon upon us, now is the time it is thought that the supernatural come out to play.

Japan has a long history of things that go bump in the night, and the Japanese have an equally long love for telling these tales to give each other hair-raising goosebumps. Hyakumongatari (one hundred stories – see page 14) is a daring game designed to conjure spirits similar to the Western idea of saying “Bloody Mary” in the mirror multiple times. These days many gather for a more modern fix of J-horror, films often featuring a modern take on onryō (a vengeful spirit) with the now infamous long, black, hair-over-the-face look of Sadako from the movie Ringu (“The Ring”). What better time to give yourself an all-natural chill down the spine to take your mind off the heat? We’ve got the lingo you need to get you started, unless you’re okubyou mono (chicken)!

Useful Expressions なにか いい ゆうれいの はなしを しってま すか？

Nanika ii yurei no hanashi o shittemasuka?

I feel like being scared!

こわい おもいを したい きぶんです。

Kowai omoi o shitai kibun desu.

Have you ever seen a ghost?

ゆうれいを みたことが ありますか？

Yurei o mitakotoga arimasuka?

Do you think ghosts exist?

ゆうれいが いると おもいますか？

Yurei ga iru to omoimasuka?

I don’t think about it much.

あまり かんがえません。

Amari kangaemasen.

I don’t believe in ghosts.

ゆうれいを しんじていません。

Yurei o shinjiteimasen.

Let’s have a test of courage.

きも だめし しましょう。

Kimo dameshi shimashō.

Messing with spirits is a bad idea.

れいのことで ふざけるのは よくないです。

Reinokotode fuzakerunowa yokunai desu.

This is a haunted place.

ここは しんれい スポットです。

Koko wa shinrei spotto desu.

Did you hear that?

きこえましたか？

Kikoemashitaka?

There’s nothing there!

なにも いません！

Nanimo imasen!

Are you afraid of ghosts?

ゆうれいが こわい ですか？

Yurei ga kowai desuka?

I think I just saw something...

なにか みたと おもったんだけど。。。

Nanika mitato omottandakedo...

What was that?

それは なんですか？

Sore wa nan desuka?

This video is fake.

この ビデオは やらせ です。

Kono bideo wa yarase desu.

Do you know any good ghost stories?

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Food & Drink

Karasuma Stn

Foodspotting Each month KS brings you culinary delights from cafés and restaurants around the region. This month, we’re dining in Kyoto’s Shijo-Karasuma district.

Text & Images: Theresa Stieger

Good morning, Kyoto!

Ask a Japanese person what they think of when they hear the word モーニング (morning) and chances are the word evokes images of a simple western-style breakfast in a friendly neighborhood coffee shop like Takagi Coffee. With a bit of an old-fashioned diner atmosphere, and the aroma of fresh-roasted coffee, this is a great place to start your day. For breakfast, they offer a variety of “morning” sets, but you can’t go wrong with the “rich morning”. For just ¥650, you get scrambled eggs, sausage, toast, potato salad, and coffee (or other drink). You can also buy their coffee beans in bulk for that fresh-brewed taste at home. For lunch, they’ve got quite an extensive menu, with lots of sandwiches, one-plate specials, and curry dishes to choose from. The one drawback for some might be the unfortunate lack of a non-smoking section.

Superb Spanish-style Seafood

Dojishacho

Shijo Stn

20

Takazaimokucho Motoakujicho

Ogisakayacho

Bellota Concha

Suzuya

Kamiyabagicho

Ainocho

Takeyacho Higashimaecho

Omadokorocho Takahashicho Honeyacho Takagi Coffee

Senshojicho Takagi Coffee

Hontorocho

Access: Kyoto Subway Karasuma line, Shijo Stn; Hankyu Kyoto line, Karasuma Stn

Good things come in small restaurants

There are a few Bellota Concha restaurants around Kyoto, but this one, which takes its name from the small Bay of La Concha in northern Spain, features heavily on the seafood traditions of the area. The friendly staff will happily explain the various catches of the day and how they are prepared, though one of the larger whole grilled fish will set you back at least ¥2,000. A personal recommendation from their regular menu is the squid ink paella.

Appearances are deceiving as the black squid ink makes this dish look like it’s been left in a burning oven for a few days. One bite, however, and you’ll experience a wonderful balance of flavors in each grain of perfectly-cooked rice.

While Bellota Concha might not be the cheapest place in town, the quality of each dish doesn’t disappoint, and the cozy intimate atmosphere is great for small groups.

Suzuya is a tiny, counter-only place specializing in もつ煮 (motsu-ni), a dish consisting of cow intestines simmered in a miso-based broth. While there are many ways in which offal is used in traditional Japanese dishes, this is definitely one of the more approachable dishes for the less adventurous.

Each bite will melt in your mouth and the dish naturally pairs well with beer, sake, or whiskey. Suzuya’s reasonablypriced menu is limited, but that just makes it easier to decide what to order.

Homemade Japanese pickles, slowcooked oden, and charcoal-grilled beef and vegetables are a must and will help keep the drinks flowing. Also, be sure to look for their まかないカレー (makanai curry). Makanai is the word for a special creation that a chef makes for the staff using whatever is at hand, which sounds like leftovers, but tastes like a first-class treat.

¥500–¥700; Lunch ¥800–¥1,000 • takagi-

Bellota Concha

Suzuya

coffee.jugem.jp • Access: Kyoto Subway

Lunch: 11:30am–3pm; Dinner: 5pm–

Open: Tues–Sun, 4pm–11pm • Price Range:

Karasuma line, Shijo Stn; Hankyu Kyoto

midnight • Price Range: Lunch: around

¥2,000–¥3,000 • tabelog.com/kyoto/

line, Karasuma Stn; about a 5-minute walk

¥1,000; Dinner: around ¥3,500 • bellota.

A2602/A260201/26016033 • Access:

south from exit 5 (Karasuma location) or

jp/tominokoji • Access: Kyoto Subway

Kyoto Subway Karasuma line, Shijo Stn;

exit 6 (Takatsuji location).

Karasuma line, Shijo Stn; Hankyu Kyoto

Hankyu Kyoto line, Karasuma Stn; about a

line, Karasuma Stn; about a 7-minute walk

5-minute walk east of exit 3.

Takagi Coffee Open: 7am–7pm • Price Range: Breakfast

east of exit 3.

22

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai Aug 8

KS

Pick

© Universal Pictures

Lucy Luc Besson, Action, 90 mins, Aug 29 Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Analeigh Tipton, Morgan Freeman

A cross between Bourne and Limitless, Lucy is an ordinary woman, until a seeping bag of mysterious drugs buried in her body unlock her brain’s full potential. A weak concept, but a great action flick.

Transformers: Age of Extinction Michael Bay, Sci-Fi Action, 165 mins, Aug 8 Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Kelsey Grammer, Peter Cullen

Big explosions, huge robots and long, sultry shots of gorgeous sweaty people, this is Michael Bay 101, and it has the critics on one side calling it pure dribble, and the fans on the other ferociously defending it, saying it does what it sets out to do. This may well be a valid point, but not only is the unnecessarily convoluted narrative a headache, the motion-sickness inducing fight scenes and painfully-long running time may well finally see this franchise begin to topple…but the same was said after Transformers: Dark of the Moon, which lead to Bay getting three more of these in the bag!

There are some glimmering sparks of potential here that are drowned in the fluff. Such as the increasingly annoying Witwicky family being surgically removed from the franchise like a diseased tooth. Wahlberg and Peltz are great…for the first 30 minutes or so, then slow-mo running takes precedence. The Dinobots are also a great addition for fanboys (and girls), producing one of the most awesome scenes in the film (spoiled by the trailers unfortunately), but much like Falcon’s flying in Captain America and Rhino’s rampage in Spider-Man earlier this year, don’t get your hopes up for anything more than a satisfying glimpse.

Although there is a little less redundant toilet humour, the peripheral characters (be they human or transformer) are seriously lacking in any character, so there is little to no tension during most of the more dangerous scenes. This lack of investment can also make the fight scenes difficult to follow, as telling Autobots and Decepticons apart can be tricky.

Even for true Transformers fans (like myself), this movie is a hard sell. It is an hour too long, has too many subplots filled with characters the audience doesn’t care about, and the talent of the central cast goes to waste.

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

© Homefront Productions, Inc. 2013

Homefront Gary Fleder, Action/Crime Thriller, 100 mins, Aug 9 Starring: Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder

Ex-DEA agent settles in an idyllic town… only to tangle with a vicious meth kingpin.

The film would have been far better if it were a little more bombastic, but as it is neither an all-out action or a well-balanced thriller, it falls clumsily between the two.

© 2014 VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS (BVI) LIMITED / Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Into the Storm Steven Quale, Action, 89 mins, Aug 22 Starring: Sarah Wayne Callies, Richard Armitage, Jeremy Sumpter

Twister with teens, this destruction derby is just in time for the second bout of the typhoon season in Japan and is gloriously OTT. Having directed Final Destination 5, Quale is used to elaborate death scenes.

© 2014 モンキー・パンチ／「ルパン三世」製作委員会

Lupin III Ryuhei Kitamura, Action, Aug 30 Starring: Shun Oguri, Tetsuji Tamayama, Go Ayano, Meisa Kuroki, Tadanobu Asano

A movie four years in the making, fans are excited by the prospect of a high-quality, live-action Lupin movie. On the hunt for the precious “Crimson Heart of Cleopatra”, Zenigata is yet again pursuing this notorious thief and his motley crew.

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Cinema Listings (selected theaters) Osaka Toho Cinemas Umeda Tel: 06-6316-1312 • tohotheater. jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Edge of Tomorrow, Maleficent, Divergent, Transcendence, Pokemon the Movie XY 2014, Planes 2: Fire and Rescue, Escape from Tomorrow, Godzilla • From August 8: Transformers: Age of Extinction, Stand By Me Doraemon • From August 29: De toutes nos forces, Lucy

Umeda Burg7 Tel: 06-4795-7602 • burg7.com • Discounts: Weds (women) 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Edge of Tomorrow, Maleficent, Lupin III, Planes 2: Fire and Rescue, Oldboy, 300: Rise of an Empire • From August 8: Transformers: Age of Extinction • From August 9: Homefront • From August 22: Into the Storm

Cine Libre Umeda Tel: 06-6440-5930 • ttcg.jp/ cinelibre_umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,000

Now showing: Any Day Now,

More Than Honey, Beyond the Edge 3D, Child’s Pose, Enemy, English Vinglish • From August 1: Sunshine • From August 2: Attica Marcel • From August 16: The Lunchbox • From August 30: The Stories We Tell

Theatre Umeda Tel: 06-6359-1080 • ttcg.jp/ theatre_umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st of the month: ¥1,000

Now showing: Children of the

Revolution, Parkland, Mama the Wrestling Queen, My Brother, Any Day Now • From August 9: Ida, Bajari: Gypsy Barcelona • From August 16: The Queen of Versailles

Osaka Station City Cinema Tel: 06-6346-3215 • osakastationcitycinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Maleficent, Edge of Tomorrow, Transcendence, 3 Days to Kill, Her, Noah, Frozen, Godzilla • From August 1: Mea Culpa • From August 8: Transformers: Age of Extinction, Stand By Me Doraemon • From August 9: Space Brothers #0 • From August 22: Into the Storm, Promised Land • From August 23: New Initial D: The Movie - Legend 1 • From August 30: Lupin III

Toho Cinemas Namba Tel: 06-6633-1040 • tohotheater. jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Divergent, Pokemon the Movie XY 2014, Planes 2: Fire and Rescue, Godzilla, Maleficent, Edge of Tomorrow, Transcendence • From August 8: Transformers: Age of Extinction, Stand By Me Doraemon • From August 29: Lucy

Namba Parks Cinema Tel: 06-6643-3215 • parkscinema. com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Divergent, Maleficent, Edge of Tomorrow, Transcendence, Her, Frozen, Planes 2: Fire and Rescue • From August 8: Transformers: Age of Extinction • From August 9: Space Brothers #0, Homefront • From August 22: Into the Storm • From August 29: Lucy • From August 30: Little Forest, Zulu

Cinem@rt Tel: 06-6282-0815 • cinemart.co.jp/ theater/shinsaibashi • Discounts: Mon (men) Weds (women), 1st and 25th of the month: ¥1,000

Now showing: Parkland, Muscle

Shoals

Upcoming: Promised Land

Kyoto Movix Kyoto Tel: 07-5254-3215 • smt-cinema. com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 20th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: 300: Rise of an Empire, Maleficent, Her, Transcendence, Planes 2: Fire and Rescue, Godzilla, Noah • From August 8: Transformers: Age of Extinction

• From August 9: Space Brothers

#0

• From August 22: Into the Storm • From August 29: Lucy

Kyoto Cinema Tel: 07-5353-4723 • kyotocinema. jp • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st of the month: ¥1,100

Now showing: Fading Gigolo, The Devil’s Violinist, Lagerfield Confidential, Over All Your Cities Grass Will Grow • From August 2: Nobody Knows • From August 9: Diarios de Motocicleta • From August 16: Dabba, Ida • From August 23: The Great Beauty • From August 30: No

Toho Cinemas Nijo Tel: 07-5813-2410 • tohotheater. jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Divergent, Maleficent, Edge of Tomorrow, Transcendence, Pokemon the Movie XY 2014, Planes 2: Fire and Rescue, Godzilla, • From August 8: Transformers: Age of Extinction, Stand By Me Doraemon • From August 22: Into the Storm • From August 29: Lucy

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

• From August 9: Muscle Shoals • From August 22: Promised Land • From August 23: Any Day Now Coming soon: GF*BF

Hyogo OS Cinema Mint Kobe Tel: 07-8291-5330 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st and 16th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Divergent, Planes

2: Fire and Rescue, Godzilla, Edge of Tomorrow, Maleficent, Transcendence, 300: Rise of an Empire

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku Tel: 07-8230-3580 • smt-cinema. com • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Her, Edge of Tomorrow, Transcendence • From August 22: Into the Storm

OS Cinema Kobe Harborland Tel: 07-8360-3788 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st and 16th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Maleficent, Edge of Tomorrow, Transcendence, Planes 2: Fire and Rescue, Godzilla, • From August 8: Transformers: Age of Extinction, Stand By Me Doraemon, • From August 22: Into the Storm • From August 29: Lucy

Cine Libre Kobe Tel: 07-8334-2126 • ttcg.jp/ cinelibre_kobe • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,100

Now showing: Fading Gigolo, Parkland, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Enemy, • From August 1: Sunshine • From August 2: Mama the Wrestling Queen • From August 9: Space Brothers #0 • From August 16: Attila Marcel • From August 23: The Queen of Versailles • From August 29: The Way Back Home • From August 30: No

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: Divergent, Maleficent, Edge of Tomorrow, Godzilla, Planes 2: Fire and Rescue • From August 8: Transformers: Age of Extinction, Stand By Me Doraemon • From August 9: Space Brothers #0 • From August 22: Into the Storm • From August 29: Lucy

Nara Movix Kashihara Tel: 07-4421-1700 • smt-cinema. com • Discounts: Weds (women) Thurs (men), 1st and 20th of the month, 3rd Tues of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Chocolate Donuts, Maleficent, Edge of Tomorrow, Transcendence, Godzilla, • From August 8: Transformers: Age of Extinction, Stand By Me Doraemon

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

23

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Community Events Submit your event to Kansai Scene Having an exhibition? Staging a gig? Organising a business seminar? Think KS should know about it? Well, you can now submit your own event listings to Kansai Scene. Absolutely free. All listings will be posted online, and the best selection listed here. Priority will be given to free, or Not-For-Profit events.

kansaiscene.com/submit-event-kansai-scene/ Events Kansai Scene International Party Dublin Garden, Osaka • Aug 22

Beat the summer heat at our beer garden International Party. Allyou-can-drink beer, cocktails and soft drinks plus the chance to win a KS t-shirt in our prize draw. Check out our Meetup.com group or see Facebook for more details.

Time: 7:30–9:30pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (2 hours all-u-can-drink) • Access: Namba Stn (see KS Shinsaibashi map C-4) • meetup. com/kansai-scene/

Asian Youth Orchestra アジアユースオーケストラ大阪 公演2014 The Symphony Hall, Osaka • Aug 25 & 26

A quality classical music concert, which features on TV programs around the world. The orchestra consists of promising young musicians selected from various Asian countries.

Time: 6pm (open venue) • Admission: ¥3,000 / ¥2,000 • Access: JR Loop line Fukushima Stn; 7-min walk • Tel: 06-6453-6000 • symphonyhall.jp

Heijokyo Tenpho Sai – Ancient Capital Heijokyo Festival 平城京天平祭 夏2014 FREE Heijokyo Palace Site, Nara • Aug 29–31

This three-day evening attraction features spectacular illuminations decorating the ancient palace site.

A dazzling parade of the imperial court dignitaries, exciting food booths and more.

Time: 4pm–9pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Nara Stn; Kintetsu line Yamato Saidaiji Stn; free shuttle bus • heijo-nigiwai.jp

Basara Festival バサラ祭り FREE Nara Park and Surroundings • Aug 30 & 31

This is a two-day dance extravaganza where the entire city will come to life with spectacular dance performances.

Time: 1pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR / Kintetsu line Nara Stn • basaramatsuri.com/top.html

Tajima Airport Festival 2014 コウノトリ但馬空港フェスティバ ル2014 FREE

Konotori Tajima Airport, Hyogo • Aug 30 & 31

A day of family fun at Tajima Airport. Exciting events including aerobatic displays, Self Defence Forces helicopter demonstrations, an exhibition of airport duty cars and aircrafts plus stage shows, food stalls and more.

Time: 9:30am–4pm (bad weather may result in cancellation of the event) • Admission: Free • Access: JR Sanin Honsen line, Toyooka Stn; bus to Tajima Airport terminal-mae • tajima.or.jp/taf

Ghost Stories Sanke Hall Breeze, Nishi-Umeda • August 29, 30, 31

If you’re a Japanese speaker that can’t resist a spine-chilling story, renowned ghost storyteller and TV personality, Junji Inagawa, will be hosting three ghost story events in Osaka in August: Time: 29th from 6:30pm; 30th from 7pm; 31st from 3:30pm • Tel: 06-7732-8888 • Cost: ¥5,400 (advance); ¥5,800 (door price) • Access:Yotsubashi subway line, Nishi Umeda Stn • j-inagawa.com (in Japanese only)

Supernatural Tales Kintetsu Art House (8F Wing Building of Kintetsu Department Store) • August 26

Actress, Kayoko Shiraishi, who has been storytelling for 22 years will be hosting a hyakumonogatari kaidankai (see page 08) style event in Tennoji this month (in Japanese only) Time: 7pm • Tel: 03-3352-1616 • Cost: ¥5,800 (advance); ¥6,000 (door price) • Access: JR / Midosuji subway line, Tennoji Stn

Summer Love 5 Ueno Matsushima camp ground, Tango Peninsula • Sep 6–7

Beach party on the Tango Hanto.

Two days of live music, DJs, art, dancing, and fun in the sea and on the sand at one of the most beautiful beaches in Japan. Kids and families welcome, Sat 3pm–12 midnight; Sun 11am–3pm. Advance booking necessary. Party bus to venue also available from Osaka.

Time: 3pm start • Cost: ¥3,000 (Adv only) • Email: jollyjapan@hotmail. com

Art Children in the War and Postwar Era Otsu City Museum of History • Until Aug 31

Mixed media and written-word exhibition of the experiences and lifestyles of Japanese children in the wartime and postwar eras of World War II, featuring original documents, photographs, testimonial videos, and more.

Open 9am–5pm (and national holidays) • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥270 • Access: JR Kosei Line Otsu Stn, 15-min walk • rekihaku.otsu.shiga.jp/kikaku/ kikakuten.html

The Universe of Daigoji – Esoteric Buddhist Imagery and Sacred Texts Nara National Museum • Until Sep 15

Commemoration of 69,378 ancient and sacred writings extraordinarily preserved for hundreds of years by the Buddhist clergy of Daigoji temple, the center of a tradition of esoteric Buddhism in Japan.

Open: 9:30am–6pm • Closed: Mondays (except Jul 21, Aug 11, and Sep 15) and July 22 • Admission: ¥1,500 • Access: Kintetsu Nara Stn • narahaku.go.jp

Takedao Tunnel Art Event 2014 FREE A 15-minute walk from JR Takedao Stn •Sep 20

We are looking for artists (dance, music, theater, visual arts, performance art, sculpture, installation, etc.) to take part in this yearly art event in an abandoned train tunnel.

Time: 2pm–10:30pm • Contact: Charles-Eric Billard • Tel: 090-98899523 • charles_billard@hotmail.com

FOTOGRAFIKA 7: Nude Landscapes FREE

SoHo Art Gallery • Aug 5–17

The theme of this photography competition is Nude Landscapes and will feature various Japanbased photographers including Kit Pancoast Nagamura, Kim Dunstan, Edward Scruggs and more. In this exhibition we wish to highlight both of these approaches to engage in a conversation about our connections and relationships with the environment. The exhibition will be juried by the public through an open popular vote to take place at the gallery.

Open: Tue–Sat 12pm–7pm, Sunday 12pm–5pm • Closed: Mondays • Admission: Free • Access: A 1-min walk from Tanimachi-9-Chome Subway Stn, Exit 3 • soho-artgallery.com

Film School of Rock Film Festival Cinem@rt (BIG STEP 4F) • Aug 9–22

Screening classic rock movies, including Pink Floyd ‘The Wall’, The Band ‘The Last Waltz’ and Talking Heads ‘Stop Making Sense’.

Time: 9:30pm (Late Show) • Cost: ¥1,300 • Access: Shinsaibashi Stn • big-step.co.jp

Flea Markets BIGSTEP Farmers & Artisan Market FREE

BIG STEP • Aug 24

Monthly Market every 4th Sunday.

Time: 11am–6pm • Access: Shinsaibashi Stn • big-step.co.jp

25

26

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Event Pickups

Aug 8

2014 Lake Biwa Fireworks Display 2014 びわ湖花火大会 FREE

Otsu-Ko Port, Shiga

This fireworks display attracts millions each year and is one of the most popular in Japan. The beautiful light flowers are reflected on the glassy surface of Lake Biwa, making more an even more spectacular experience. The best view of the fireworks will be from Ojiyama Sports Park (a five-minute walk from Hamaotsu Stn), Nagisa Park, and the lakefront (a 15-minute walk from Otsu Stn).

Time: 7:30pm–8:30pm (could be postponed to Aug 11 if it rains on Aug 8) • Admission: Free • biwako-visitors.jp/hanabi/

provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

Until Sep 28

Summer Tropical Flower Show 南の島の夏物語 Kisekinohoshi Botanical Museum, Hyogo

This mid-summer exhibition takes place in a spectacular 6,700m² greenhouse. With a riot of colour and heady fragrances, the exhibits of tropical plants give visitors an exotic feast for the senses. Take in night-blooming flowers, such as Duchman’s pipes and Ylang-ylangs.

Sample tropical fruits like dragon fruit, jabuticabas and more. Between Aug 2–16, the event will have a special opening time of 9am–9pm and will feature special attractions like a night tour of the botanical garden, workshops, Hula dance shows and more.

Time: 10am–6pm • Admission: Adults ¥600 • Access: JR Kobe line, Maiko Stn, intercity bus to Awaji Yumebutai-mae • kisekinohoshi.jp

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai Aug 10 & 11

Aug 9

Taketoya in Shikinosato – Bamboo Lanterns Evening

Hozenji Yokocho Festival 法善寺横丁まつり

第３回竹燈夜 in 四季の郷 FREE

FREE

Hozenji Temple, Osaka

Shikinosato Park, Wakayama

Twenty thousand bamboo lanterns will illuminate Shikinosato Park and lull you into relaxation mode in the peaceful atmosphere and surrounding nature. Visitors will get the chance to see black-light art, where they shine a UV black light onto the works to see them. A concert will start around 7pm offering soothing sounds to complement the gentle lights in the cool evening air.

Time: 5pm–9pm • Admission: Free • Access: Wakayama Railway

Experience the essence of both modern and traditional Osaka culture. Hozenji Yokocho Festival is an annual festivity to celebrate the vibrant history of the neighbourhood. On the 10th around 2pm, the ceremony starts with a cracking of a sake barrel and a festive musical performance. The free bunraku puppet show will take place in front of Mizukake Fudo Temple. The festival will be a food lovers’ paradise as famous restaurants open their stalls to offer their culinary specialities. There is also a free jazz concert from around 5pm on both days.

Idakiso Stn, free shuttle bus to venue • taketoya.kisyu-sando.com Admission: Free • Access: Subway Midosuji line Namba Stn; 5-min walk • ittoko-minami.net/calendar.html

Chugen Mantoro – Lantern Service 中元万燈籠 FREE

Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, Nara

For an extra taste of tradition this ancient Shinto shrine holds a solemn religious event which has been performed for more than 800 years. Its vermilion corridors will glow with hundreds of thousands of lanterns. Since olden times, people have prayed for good health and a safe household by offering a holy light at the ceremony. On the 14th, a court dance takes place before the lanterns are lit. There will also be another light show, Tokae in Nara Park. On the 15th, a large bonfire ceremony, Nara Daimonji Okuribi, will take place in the same area.

Time: 7pm–9:30pm • Admission: Free (¥500 for the special visit to the main shrine) • Access: JR Kintetsu line Nara Stn, bus to Kasuga-taisha Honden • kasugataisha.or.jp

Aug 14 & 15

27

28

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Event Listings August Plarail – Toy Train Event 長浜鉄道スクエア プラレール フェスティバル Nagahama Tetsudo Square, Shiga • Until Aug 31

The company Tomy toys will present large toy train sets called Plarail. This is a great one for the kids.

Time: 9:30am–5pm • Admission: Adults ¥300; concessions • Access: JR Biwako line Nagahama Stn; 3-min walk • kitabiwako.jp/event/ event_12356

A Midsummer Snow Festival 真夏の雪まつり Rokkosan Country House, Hyogo • Until Aug 31

A large patch of snow will appear at Rokkosan Country House where children will frolic in a 20x20m play area filled with man-made snow.

There will also be a special snow area for dogs.

Time: 11:30am–4:30pm • Admission: Adults ¥620; concessions • Access: Rokko Cable Sanjo Stn, bus to Rokkosan Country House • rokkosan.com

Yuredaiko – Japanese Drum Show 第２３回つり橋まつり揺太鼓 FREE Tanise no Tsurihashi in Totsukawa, Nara • Aug 4

A thrilling Japanese drum performance will take place on one of the longest suspension bridges in Japan. Watch the powerful drumming as the bridge swings in the breeze!

Time: 4pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Wakayama line Gojo Stn bus to Uenoji • totsukawa.info/ joho/event

Pottery Festival 五条坂陶器祭り FREE Gojozaka Street, Kyoto • Aug 7–10

A three-day pottery sale and a chance to enjoy browsing traditional shops on streets that give an air of bygone days.

Time: 9am–10pm • Admission: Free • Access: Keihan line Kiyomizugojo Stn • toukimaturi.gr.jp

1st Osaka International Manga Grand Prix

第１回大阪国際マンガグランプリ Osaka International House, Osaka • Aug 8 & 9

A manga-themed international exchange. Events include a discussion about manga and anime, seminars on manga, business, and Japanese culture, a showcase of manga works, stage shows, and more.

Time: 10am–5pm • Admission: Adults ¥1,000 (¥1,500 at door) • Access: Kintetsu line Uehommachi Stn; 6-min walk • osaka-manga.com

Jazz Picnic in Inagawa 2014ジャズピクニックイン猪 名川 Inagawa Sports Park, Osaka • Aug 9

A quality live jazz performance where there will be a few famous faces among the line up alongside a selection of acclaimed musicians.

Enjoy cool jazz, beverages, and snacks on the lawn.

Time: 5pm–9pm • Admission: Adults ¥3,000 (¥3,500 at door); concessions • Access: Hankyu Railway Ikeda Stn; 15-min walk • Tel: 072-761-8811 • azaleanet.or.jp/ event180.html

Japanese Haunted House 今昔館で肝だめし The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living • Aug 13–15

A haunted attraction where visitors walk through scary set pieces and meet costumed actors, all from Japanese legends.

Time: 10am–5pm • Admission: ¥600 • Access: Subway Tanimachi / Sakaisuji line Tenjinbashisuji-6chome Stn; Exit 6 • konjyakukan. com

Hashiraimatsu – A Bonfire Ritual 柱松 FREE

Taiji Ko Port, Wakayama • Aug 14 & 15

An exciting bonfire event held to offer holy fire to ancestors’ spirits; young local men throw flaming torches to kindle one giant torch (15m high). There is a fireworks display and dance performance on the 14th.

Time: 5:30pm on the 14th; 8pm on the 15th • Admission: Free • Access: JR Kinokuni line Taiji Stn • taijiguide.geiniku.jp/famous/ taijikou

Daimonji Okuribi Bonfire 五山送り火 FREE

Areas around Kyoto City • Aug 16

Giant bonfires burn on the five mountains surrounding Kyoto City. Of these five bonfires, three are in the shape of Japanese kanji characters, one is in a ship and the other is in a shrine gate which will be lit at 8pm.

Time: 8pm–8:30pm • Admission: Free • kyokanko.or.jp/okuribi

Time: 9am–5pm • Admission: ¥1,050 • Access: Kyoto City bus 9 to Ichijo Modoribashi • tondaya.co.jp

Toro Nagashi

An annual rain making ceremony.

Surrounded by a sentimental atmosphere, villagers decorated with flowers dance in a circle.

Time: 7pm–9pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Biwako line Kawase Stn, bus to Gakko-mae • sangyo@ town.koura.lg.jp

嵐山灯篭流し FREE Arashiyama Nakanoshima Park, Kyoto • Aug 16

Thousands of paper lanterns will be set to float down the river. This is a Buddhist ceremony held to see off spirits of the dead who are believed to visit this world during Obon (the festival of the dead).

Time: 7pm–9pm • Admission: Free • Access: Hankyu line Arashiyama Stn; 5-min walk • geocities.jp/ butto_renmei/

Ninja Star Throwing Competition (Preliminary Round) 第一回姫路忍者流手裏剣打選手 権大会 予選 Himeji City Zoo, Hyogo • Aug 17

In this competition, participants throw stars and try to hit the bulls eye held by the Himeji Ninja Troupe. Finalists will go to the championship on November 2nd. Anybody over six years old can enter.

Time: 9am–3pm Admission: ¥1,000 Access: JR Himeji Stn, bus to Himejijo Otemon-mae • Tel: 079286-8988 • info@denpakudo.jp

Splash Away the Summer! マキノ高原水かけ祭り FREE

Makino Highland, Shiga • Aug 17

This is a fun activity for children held beside the River Yotogi in the Makino Highland. The idea is simple - bring a bucket and splash each other with water!

Time: 10am–1pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Kosei line Makino Stn bus to Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa-mae • makinokougen.co.jp

Antique Kimono Exhibition

Ohana Dance おはな踊り FREE Hiyoshi-Jinja Shrine, Shiga • Aug 21

Bon Odori Dance 北御堂盆踊り FREE Kita Mido Temple, Osaka • Aug 21 & 22

A traditional summer attraction in Japan, everybody is welcome to join in this bon dance. The first 1,000 visitors get gifts.

Time: 5:30pm–9:30pm • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Midosuji line Honmachi Stn; Exit 2 • kitamido. or.jp

Jizoe – Guardian Deity of Children’s Day 地蔵会万灯供養 FREE Gangoji Temple, Nara • Aug 23 & 24

Thousands of flickering flames will illuminate stone Buddhist images in this temple. There will be fun activities for children on the 23rd, and live music performed by Buddhist monks on the 24th.

Time: 5pm–9pm • Admission: Free • Access: Kintetsu Railway Nara Stn; 15-min walk • gangoji.or.jp/tera/ jap/link/link.html

Atago Fire Festival 愛宕の火祭り FREE

Ifukube-Jinja, Hyogo • Aug 24

This amazing ritual features acrobatic performances to pray for good health. Performers swing a rope, which is fixed to flaming bale of straw at one end.

Time: 5pm–8:30pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Sanin Honsen line Toyooka Stn, bus to Izu • izushi. co.jp/event_summer

アンティーク着物展 Tondaya, Kyoto • Aug 18–30

A large collection of antique kimonos will be on display in a more than 100-year-old traditional Japanese house.

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

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Magic, Mime, and all that GEAR Not a play, not a musical, not a circus - but somewhere in between! Gear up for a truly magnificent display of mime, magic, juggle and dance with GEAR. Text: Celia Polkinghorne • Images: Yoshikazu Inoue

 Hidden away backstage in the rigid, arched-iron structure of Art Complex 1928, are four eccentric humanoid robots, and a curious, life-sized doll garbed in a frilly, white dress. Now a venue for contemporary theater in central Kyoto, this building was once an office of the national newspaper Mainichi Shimbun. Since April 2012 it has been the old toy factory that is home to these five characters who make up the long-running production “GEAR”; a fun, colorful, techy, and captivating stage show performed without words.

Under the direction of On Kyakuyou, GEAR is the story of four “roboroids,” stuck in static motion inside an abandoned toy factory in a derelict, futuristic dystopia. The industrialstyle, machine-like set, with a thick, flat, rotating cog for a stage at first evokes a bleak air of nothingness. The roboroids are not aware their factory was closed down years ago, and are still working each day in the same way they were when it was in operation.

Their machine-like movements are inane and robotic, and their existence inconsequential. Roboroids can’t speak, so everything they do happens without a single word.

Then “Doll”, a product once manufactured there, appears before the audience like magic. In the blink of an eye she is transformed from a lifeless shelf item, confined to her box, into the charismatic, mischievous, full-of-life Doll. As soon as Doll makes the scene, everything changes. Her presence sud-

denly breaks the rigid routine of the roboroids, and they jolt into autonomous action, exploring their surroundings of their own volition. After a little getting-to-know-you time, the characters unleash the fun in the form of break dancing, juggling, mime and magic tricks; a positively entertaining feast for the eyes.

The thing about Doll that no one quite understands, but fully accepts in a state of suspended disbelief, is that she has the power to unlock the hidden talents of the roboroids with a single touch. Suddenly the previously grim, desolate factory interior becomes a colorful playground of flashing lights, levers, and a stage for all their talents to shine. And shine they do. GEAR’s cast of performing artists are impeccably trained, highly skilled, craftspeople who can turn their bodies into mesmerizing works of art.

An immersive sensory experience rather than a story with a strong narrative plot, GEAR uses everything in its grasp to enlighten the senses, and surprise, delight, and wow the audience. Projection Mapping is utilised by the crew to project light and video designs onto selected areas of the modernistic set to forge the appearance of a computerized, mechanical realm. Laser beams are a key part of the colorful light display and are even incorporated into the magic tricks.

The most captivating costume piece of the show is Doll’s LED dress, concealing hundreds of small, multicolored

lights, which are remotely controlled.

The LEDs light up and change colors according to the music and dance steps for a truly entrancing visual effect.

A fantastic show for all ages, and especially fun for kids, GEAR will have you so busy gazing in wonder, gasping in surprise, and whispering “How did they do that?” to the person next to you, that you won’t even notice 75 minutes pass by. This unforgettable theatrical experience may even have you shedding an unexpected tear for these five quirky beings, but you’re guaranteed to be laughing, smiling, and wow-ing your way out the front door. 

More Details • Times: 2nd and 4th Weds and every Fri 2pm & 7pm; Sat, Sun and hols 12pm & 5pm • Cost: General ¥4,700 (ADV ¥4,200); Over-60s & Uni Students ¥3,700 (ADV ¥3,200); School Students ¥2,700 (ADV ¥2,200); Children 3-5 Free • Access: 5-min walk from Keihan Sanjo Stn; 8-min walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Stn; 10-min walk from Subway Karasuma Line, Karasumaoike Stn • Information: info@gear.ac • Tel: 0120-937-882 (10am– 7pm, Closed Tuesdays) • Website: gear.ac/en

29

30

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

KS

Until Oct 7

Algeria, National Geographic, October 1922 © LEHNERT&LANDROCK/National Geographic Creative

Pick

World Costume & Fashion: A Story of 100-Year-Old Photographs & Costumes Kobe Fashion Museum

Jul 19–Oct 7 • Collection of National Geographic's photographs and Kobe Fashion Museum's costumes • Open: 10am–6pm • Closed: Wed • Admission: ¥500 • Access: From JR Sumiyoshi Stn or Hanshin Uozaki Stn, take the Rokko Liner to Island Center Stn. The Museum is just a few minutes south-east on foot • fashionmuseum.or.jp/english

What was world fashion like before the corset? What did people wear before Western and European styles spread across the world like wildfire, when the printing press churned out fashion magazines to be sent to all corners of the globe? Even Japan, though maintaining its traditional wear for special occasions, has undeniably adopted Western clothing style and embraced it since its globalization in the early 1900s. As hard as it may be to imagine the individual costume and fashion of each different country before the turn of the 20th century, this bold exhibit’s 100 photographs from international collections, and the museum’s own, attempt to show the variety of the fashionable world before the arrival of Western influence. This collection of photos is more than a historical time capsule, it is a glimpse into the lives and customs of separate worlds before globalization homogenized them.

Art Listings Osaka

Hyogo

Beyond Graphic Work

Historical Heritage of Osaka, the Naniwa Palace Site

Binette Schroeder: The Beautiful Fantasy World

Osaka Museum of History • Until Aug 18

Itami City Museum of Art • Until Aug 31

Exhibition of poster-style (vertically oriented) pictures on various mediums that aims to broaden one’s perspective of graphic works and understand the breadth of the style’s variety through the exhibit’s three themes: Frame & Horizon; People & Words; and Repetition & Pattern.

A once-forgotten palace from the Nara and Asuka periods, Naniwa Palace was discovered 60 years ago by a small research team.

Its anniversary exhibition at the Museum displays a plethora of groundbreaking archaeological discoveries that have changed many accepted understandings about the ancient history of Japan.

Open: 9:30am–5pm; Fri 9:30-8pm • Closed: Tue • Admission: ¥600 • Access: Tanimachi-yon-chome Subway Stn • mus-his.city.osaka.jp

Famous since her first publication in the 1960s, this German picture book author is known for her surreal, brightly-colored depictions of a transparent, Alice in Wonderland like world. The exhibit features 200 pieces, including original prints from her picture books, inviting you to join this unique and whimsical world.

Open: 10am–6pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥200 • Access: Hankyu or JR Itami Stn • artmuseum-itami.jp

Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art • Until Sep 28

Open: 10am–6pm, Fri/Sat Until 8pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥600 • Access: Hankyu Oji-koen Stn • ytmoca.jp

Kyoto 50th Kaiyodo Figure Anniversary JR Isetan Art Museum • Until Aug 31

If you’re not already familiar with the action figure giant Kaiyodo,

here’s your chance to learn about it from when it first began. As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, this exhibition gives hardcore fans and newbies a chance to check out pieces from its world famous collections dating from its roots in 1964 to now.

Open: 10am–8pm • Admission: ¥800 • Access: Kyoto Stn 7F, JR Isetan • kyoto.wjr-isetan.co.jp

Space Brothers (宇宙兄弟) Exhibition Kyoto Museum of Culture and Natural History • Until Sep 23

First a manga, then a live-action movie, now an exclusive museum exhibit; Space Brothers, the wildly popular, award-winning, and still running manga series, has given many children and adults alike a reason to get into space and astronomy in recent years. Great for children, this exhibit combines

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai Osaka Culturarium at Tempozan

Until Oct 13

Until Aug 31

Arguably one of the most popular and well-known anime to ever come out of Japan, Mobile Suit Gundam, starring giant space humanoid robots at war with Earth, has spawned dozens of sub-series, manga, movies, video games, and action figures since its release on the Asahi Network in 1979. As a globally recognized icon, the Gundam universe has amassed quite the collection of memorabilia, art, and merchandise, and now the public has access to over 1000 pieces of Gundam history and an exclusive screening of the latest film at its largest exhibition yet. Not to mention that goers get the opportunity to buy limited-edition Gundam figurines and other commemorative goods, plus a neverbefore-seen look at the development of the series as it has grown and maintained its popularity for the past 35 years. Any diehard Gundam fan or anime enthusiast should not miss it.

Jul 12–Aug 31 • Ultimate exhibition of over 1000 ラフデザイン ＜ザク＞ 大河原邦男、1978年 © SOTSU・SUNRISE

pieces of Mobile Suit Gundam memorabilia and original art, including film screenings, never-beforescene features, and more • Open: 10–8pm (admission until 7pm) 7 days a week • Admission: ¥2000, ¥1800 advance • Access: Subway Chuo Line, Osakako Station • gundam-ten.jp

original art pieces with education about space travel and more.

Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥1,300 • Access: Subway Tozai line Higashiyama Stn • bunpaku.or.jp

The World of Sato Sanpei Kyoto Institute of Technology Museum & Archives • Until Aug 9

Exhibition of the most famous works by ‘Fuji Santaro” creator Sato Sanpei, and how his humor and unique style has influenced Japanese manga and humor over the past half century.

Open: 10am–5pm • Closed: Sun • Admission: ¥200 • Access: Karasuma subway line Matsugasaki Stn • museum.kit.ac.jp

Thought and Culture of Buddhism: From India to Japan Ryukoku Museum • Aug 12–Sep 15

FUJI Santaro by Sanpei SATO

In the 2500 years since its conception and arrival to Japan, Buddhism took on many different challenges and forms as it spread throughout Asia. The exhibit introduces those changes in particular that have shaped its development in Japan and spread the message of happiness.

Children on Canvas Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts

Originally opened in Paris’ Musee d’Orangerie under the title “Les enfants modeles,” or “Children Models,” and then on show in Tokyo in spring 2014, this long-awaited exhibition features the paintings of the children of world-renowned French artists by the artists themselves. The exhibition challenges the viewer to question what theme each painting is showing – is it just a child’s portrait, or a reflection of the artist himself, or a reflection of the relationship between the artist (parent) and subject (their child)? Eighty-six selections were taken from 47 elite Impressionists (including Monet, Renault, Matisse, and Rousseau) that show not only changes in their subjects over time, but also changes in artistic style as trends came and went over the years. Even if the exhibit’s theme doesn’t draw you in, perhaps the rarity of its contents will. For example, of only four paintings Rousseau ever painted of his children, one is now on display at the museum.

Jul 19–Oct 13 • Exclusive exhibition of approximately 86 works of world-famous French artists with their own children as subjects; featuring rare pieces and unique comparative displays of the subject, as well as the artist, painted at different periods Open: 9:30–5pm (admission until 4:30pm) • Closed: Mondays (except national holidays) • Admission: ¥300 • Access: From Tennoji Stn, walk to Tennoji Park • osaka-art-museum.jp

Open 10am–5pm • Closed: Mon (Open: Sep 15) • Admission: ¥500 Access: JR Kyoto Line Kyoto Stn • museum.ryukoku.ac.jp

Shiga Mt. Fuji & The Eiffel Tower prints by Henri Rivière and Hokusai Sagawa Art Museum • Until Aug 31

Commemoration of the 90-year cultural alliance between France and Japan with an exhibition of beautiful ukiyo-e prints by Hokusai and Henri Rivière, depicting each country’s most famous landmarks – Mt Fuji and the Eiffel Tower.

Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mondays (except national holidays) • Admission: ¥1,000 • Access: 30 mins by bus from Moriyama Stn, JR

Biwako Line • sagawa-artmuseum. or.jp

Wakayama Summer, Alive!

The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama • Until Sep 23

This special summer exhibition aims to teach viewers how to look at the exhibits in a three dimensional way. Pieces explore four facets of life (birth, aging, sickness, and death) and what it means to be “alive.”

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

Find more listings online: kansaiscene.com/listings

Augustin Rouart オーギュスタン・ルーアール ≪眠るジャン=マリー、あるいは眠る子ども第１番≫1946年 個人蔵 © Collection particulière

The Art of Gundam

31

32

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Live Music

The Aristocrats A relatively new band (formed in 2011), though the members are no rookies to the music scene. Dubbed a rock ‘supergroup’ guitarist, Guthrie Govan played with the prog rock band Asia from 2001 to 2006 and is the guitar instructor for the well-known magazine Guitar Techniques.The bands Bassist Bryan Beller has worked with both Steve Vai and Dweezil Zappa; and drummer Marco Minnemann is known for developing a very advanced drum technique called “interdependence” that allows him to play various drumming patterns with each of his feet or hands (Minnemann also plays with Joe Satriani’s band).

Aug 20

KS

Pick

To date the band have released two albums, the 2011 selftitled debut and last year’s Culture Clash (plus the live album Boing, We’ll Do It Live!, 2012).

Rock supergroup featuring Guthrie Govan, Bryan Beller and Marco Minnemann • Big Cat, Osaka • Aug 20 • Fusion rock • 7:30pm • ¥8,000 • Tel: 06-6258-5008

Live Music Listings August/September Rock & Pop Summer Sonic Osaka ft.

Queen, Richie Sambora, Kasabian, Pixies, Bernard Butler, Robert Plant, Megadeth, Arctic Monkeys, Suicidal Tendencies, Babymetal, Mogwai, and more Mixed genre Osaka leg of the popular summer festival Maishima Osaka Site

Aug 16–17 • Mixed genre • 10am • 1-day ¥13,000; 2-day ¥23,500 • Tel: 0180-993-030

The Colts

Perfume

Japanese high energy Rock ‘n’ Roll band

Japanese girl pop group from Hiroshima

Aug 17 • Rock • 5:30pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • Tel: 06-6343-8601

Aug 19–20 • 7pm • ¥7,000 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Aldious

The Aristocrats

Japanese all-female melodious rock metal outfit

Rock supergroup featuring Guthrie Govan, Bryan Beller and Marle Minnemann

Shangri-La, Osaka

Club Quattro, Osaka

Aug 17 • Metal • 6pm • ¥3,800/¥4,300 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

Kenichi Hasegawa Kyoto singer-songwriter-guitarist Urbanguild, Kyoto

Aug 18 • Singer-songwriter • 7pm • Free • Tel: 075-212-1125

Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

Big Cat, Osaka

Aug 20 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,320 • Tel: 078-332-0146 Live Spot Rag, Kyoto Aug 23 • Rock • 7:30pm • ¥3,888/¥4,860 • Tel: 075-255-7273

Dir En Grey Popular Japanese visual kei rock five piece Namba Hatch, Osaka

Aug 20–21 • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,480 • Tel: 06-6357-4400

Aug 20 • Fusion rock • 7:30pm • ¥8,000 • Tel: 06-6258-5008

Lindberg

Jun Kajiwara & Kumi Adachi

Namba Hatch, Osaka

Acclaimed Japanese rock blues guitarists’ collaboration Chicken George, Kobe

Female fronted Japanese pop rock band formed 1989 Aug 22 • Pop-rock • 6:30pm • ¥7,000 • Tel: 06-6357-4400

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai Sep 6

Sep 7

Sep 9

Morgan Heritage

Goose House

Reggae band formed by five children

Seven piece Japanese band of singer-

of artist Denroy Morgan • Billboard

songwriters • Namba Hatch, Osaka • Sept

German metal band fronted by ex-

Live Osaka, Osaka • Sep 9 • Reggae •

7 • Singer-songwriters pop • 5:30pm •

Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske • Club

6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥6,400/¥7,900 • Tel:

¥4,500 • Tel: 06-4397-0572

Quattro, Osaka •Sep 6 • Metal • 6pm •

Formed in 1994 in Brooklyn by five children of Reggae artist Denroy Morgan (a member of the 70s New York based Black Eagles before going solo in the 80s, a notable album was the 1984 Make My Day), Morgan Heritage released their debut album in 1994.

This album, Miracles, has since lead to releases every year.

Band member ‘Gramps’ (real name Roy Morgan and also a solo artist in his own right) continues: “Morgan Heritage is a roots reggae band, there’s a lot of rock and roll influence and a lot of gospel influence. Vocally it’s more like an R&B influence: Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Sade...”.

On what Morgan Heritage brings to the table compared to others of the genre Gramps continues “we bring reggae music that rocks.”

Formerly known as playyouhouse, Goose House (changing their name in 2011) is a collection of Japanese singers, songwriters and musicians who caused quite a stir with their YouTube videos.

Originally posting cover versions on their YouTube channel the group gained an international following by also streaming live performances. To date they have posted over 400 videos and amassed over 160 million views!

There have been some lineup changes along the way. Currently, they are seven strong with each member providing vocals and most playing at least one instrument. The band’s latest release was the single PHRASE #08 Oto no naru ho e, released in February but subscribe to Goose House’s youtube channel and you’ll have an endless supply of material to listen to.

06-6342-7722

Unisonic

From the mid 80s until the early 90s the German metal band Helloween was fronted by vocalist Michael Kiske.

Kiske, a popular rock figure in Japan put together the metal band Unisonic at the end of 2009. Bringing together Dennis Ward and Kosta Zafiriou of fellow German power metallers Pink Cream 69 alongside Swiss guitarist Mandy Meyer (ex-Krokus and prog rockers Asia) and the recent addition of ex-Helloween cohort Kai Hansen.

They played their first gigs in the summer of 2010, with the Loud Park Festival in Japan in 2011 being Hansen’s Unisonic live debut.

The band’s second album Light of Dawn was released this month.

Unisonic play four dates in Japan along with the band EDGUY and promise that “fans can expect a night of Germany’s finest melodic power metal.”

¥9,000 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

flumpool

The Captains

Entombed A+D

Four-piece Japanese pop-rock band from Osaka

Japanese modern group sounds four piece since 2001

Pioneers of Scandinavian death metal

Aug 23-24 • Pop-rock • 23rd 6pm; 24th 5pm • ¥5,524 • Tel: 06-77328888

Aug 31 • Group Sounds • 6:30pm • ¥3,500 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Sept 4 • Metal • Time: TBA • ¥5,500 • Tel: 06-6649-3919

Lisa Loeb

Danger Danger

American singer-songwriter and actress

American 80s glam rock band

Osaka Jo hall, Osaka

X.Y.Z.→A Japanese heavy rock four-piece since 1999 Shangri-La, Osaka

Taku Taku, Kyoto

Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka

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

Sept 1 • Pop singer-songwriter • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥7,400/¥8,900 • Tel: 06-6342-7732

Sho Amano

Ali Project

Ex-E.B.S. and solo frontman and bassist

Japanese prog rock-baroque pop band

Aug 31 • Rock • 2:30pm • ¥5,000 • Tel: 078-332-0146

Sept 4 • Rock • 7pm • ¥5,400/¥5,900 • Tel: 06-6344-3326

Chicken George, Kobe

Namba Hatch, Osaka

Namba Rockets, Osaka

Club Quattro, Osaka

Sept 5 • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,500 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

Swing Out Sister British ‘Sophisti-pop’ band known for their hit Breakout Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka

Sept 5–6 & 8–9 • AOR-pop • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥8,500/¥10,000 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Edguy with Unisonic

Unisonic German metal band fronted by exHelloween Michael Kiske Club Quattro, Osaka

Sept 6 • Metal • 6pm • ¥9,000 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

Damijaw Janne Da Arc bassist current project Zepp, Osaka

Sept 6 • Rock • 5:30pm • ¥5,400 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

33

34

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai Aug 31

Yuzu Japanese pop-rock-folk duo of Yujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

Sept 6–7 • Pop-rock • 5pm • ¥6,500/¥7,000 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Goose House Eight-piece Japanese band of singersongwriters Namba Hatch, Osaka

Sept 7 • Pop singer-songwriters • 5:30pm • ¥4,500 • Tel: 06-43970572

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

The Captains The Group Sounds genre that started in the 1960s in Japan with bands such as The Spiders, The Golden Cups and The Mops is still going strong. At the forefront of this genre today are The Captains, a band that formed in 2001 in Sendai.

Consisting of Kizuhiko (vocals), Hizashi (guitar), Ted (bass) and Yosuke (drums). Kansai Scene spoke with vocalist Kizuhiko to find out a little more.

For those who haven’t heard or seen The Captains how would you briefly describe the band and music?

The Captains is a rock band that inherits the group sounds that were in fashion in the 1960s of Japan. The Japanese who heard and were influenced by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones interpreted this into something individual and attractive. We have also experienced two live tours of the US and the audiences that came to see us were very receptive so we want people to come and see our live shows.

US Indie band formed 2004 Club Quattro, Osaka

Sept 8 • Indie • 7pm • ¥6,000 • Tel: 06-6535-5560

Morgan Heritage Reggae band formed by five children of artist Denroy Morgan Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka

Sept 9 • Reggae • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥6,400/¥7,900 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Anri Japanese pop singer-songwriter Eiko Kawashima Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka

Sept 10–11 • Pop • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥8,500/¥10,000 • Tel: 06-63427722

Namie Amuro

Your last album was the 2011 Anthology and prior to that the 2008 We Love GS, is there a new Captains album coming soon?

We released the new single 失神ロック Shishinn Rock in April of this year. We would like to release an album next year. We hope it will turn into an important album for us, and also for the rock community in Japan.

New Japanese indie band

075-351-1321

Japanese jazz saxophonist’s debut solo album release gigs Mister Kelly’s, Osaka

Sept 4–5 • Jazz • 7:30pm • ¥5,500 • 06-6882-1224

The Quartet Legend & Wouter Hamel (Osaka Jazz Week) Jazz Quartet of Kenny Barron, Ron Carter, Benny Golson and Lenny White plus Dutch jazz-pop singersongwriter Wouter Hamel Mori Nomi Piroty Hall, Osaka

Sept 5 • Jazz • 6:30pm • ¥7,800 • Tel: 0570-000-407

Chaka Khan (Osaka Jazz Week) US Jazz-pop-funk singer dubbed ‘The Queen of Funk’ Mori Nomi Piroty Hall, Osaka Sept 7 • Jazz-funk • 6:30pm • ¥13,000 • Tel: 0570-000-407

Japanese globally known jazz pianist Anri

The ‘Queen of Japanese Pop’ J-pop idol

Taku, Kyoto • Aug 31 • Group Sounds • 6:30pm • ¥3,500 • Tel:

Kazuki Katsuta

Hiromi Uehara (Osaka Jazz week)

Genre-wise The Captains comes under the label Group Sounds. Group Sounds goes back to the sixties with Japanese bands like The Spiders. With the contemporary bands such as The Captains and Kinoco Hotel would you say that there is a modern revival of the Group Sounds genre?

I think that it has been revived many times, as the Group Sounds genre has the power to permeate the Japanese heart unconsciously. Comparing to present day artists like AKB48 or NMB48, who are famous in the Kansai area, they can be referred to as examples of the Group Sounds genre.

Japanese modern group sounds four piece since 2001 • Taku

Sept 2 • Jazz • 6:30pm • ¥15,000 • Tel: 0570-000-407

Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

Sept 10–11/14–15 • Pop R&B • 10th&11th 6:30pm; 14th&15th 5pm • ¥8,800 • Tel: 06-6357-4400

Lake US indie pop band based in Washington

Mori Nomi Piroty Hall, Osaka

Sept 8 • Jazz • 6:30pm • Tel: 0570000-407

Yamazen Japanese blues rock singer-guitarist Yamabe Zenjirou Taku Taku, Kyoto

Sept 13 • Blues-rock • 6:30pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • Tel: 075-351-1321

World Brown Rice Family World roots jamming band first live in Japan Shangri-La, Osaka

Aug 14 • World • 7:30pm • ¥5,000 • Tel: 0570-081-333

Urbanguild, Kyoto

Sept 11 • Indie • 8pm • ¥3,200/¥3,700 • Tel: 075-212-1125

Cero Taku Taku, Kyoto

Sept 15 • Indie • 6pm • ¥3,500 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Jazz & Blues Herbie Hancock (Osaka Jazz Week) Award-winning US pianist & keyboardist

Mori Nomi Piroty Hall, Osaka

Ikuko Kawai

Ikuko Kawai Classically trained instrumental violinist Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka

Aug 30 • Classical • 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥6,500/¥8,000 • Tel: 06-63427722

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

36

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Club

Aug 10

Blue Jaws

Summer is here and so are the beach parties! Osaka’s favorite techno crew TetralogisticS is getting out of the club and throwing a beach party in Awaji island with the special guest M.A.N.D.Y.! In the early 90s, Patrick Bodmer and Philipp Jung started their music career as the relatively commercial, house and hard trance dj/producer duo M.A.N.D.Y. They got a lot of attention after launching the electronic music label Get Physical (yes, the name came from the disco diva Olivia Newton John) in 2002, together with DJ T. and their old Friends Booka Shade. It didn’t take long for them to become one of the most popular house/techno labels in the in the international club scene and Get Physical Music is now the best-selling label on both Beatport.com and the iTunes Store. M.A.N.D.Y. hosted the label’s first ever Ibiza residency at Vista Club (part of the club Privilege) last year, and you can listen to their sets from Ibiza on their online radio show “M.A.N.D.Y presents Get Physical Radio”. If you don’t have a car, you can get to this gig using trains and buses; get off at Maiko Station (JR Kobe Line); take a highway bus from

Kousoku Maiko bus stop to TSuna-Ko; take a local bus from TSuna-ko bus stop to Aiga, and the beach house is about 3 minutes’ walk from the bus stop. Checking the train/bus schedule in advance is highly recommended.

TetralogisticS presents NoWorries feat M.A.N.D.Y Japan Tour Beach Party! (Techno/House) • DJs: M.A.N.D.Y., MaSataka, Kunimitsu, Yasuhisa • Open: 10am–7pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500) • Where: Awaji Island • Tel: 0799-28-1682 • bbq-bluejaws.jp

Club Listings August 1 (Fri) Circus Circus Summer Drum & Bass (Drum ‘n’ Bass) • DJs: Aki, Toyo,

Kenz1, The Game Shop, Shun-jack, Masashi • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Compufunk Records Unsound (Techno/House) •

DJs: Takashi Himeoka, Fumi, Beyond, Shirakawa • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • unsoundwork.com

Grand Cafe Hot List (EDM) • DJs: Kazuma,

Kodai, Kow-key • Open: 9pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Ladies: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • grandcafeosaka. com

Onzieme CyberJapan presents Bikini Night Summer 2014 (Houes/EDM) •

DJs: Mitomi Tokoto & CyberJapan Bikini Girls, K-1, Ke1Go, Ha_ta,

Skihiro, D&Y • Open: 9pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,000/1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Triangle Relation (House) • DJs: Chaki,

Fu-Tsuka, Rocbuzz, Edogaa, Ogu, Bluetreexxx, Key Toy’s Crew • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka. com

Troop Cafe Distinction (Nu Jazz/Latin) •

Acts: Kohji Matsuda, Ryo, Tatsuro Yamamoto, Masahiro “hamo” Matsuo + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥1,000 • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe. tumblr.com

2 (Sat) Circus Digital Vision (Techno/Trance)

• DJs: Mukai, Fumi, Minoru, Sho-hey, Caz&u4, Shu&PTBK, Katsukichi&Zoa, Fly • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Grand Cafe Weekend EDM (EDM) • DJs: Maro,

Super Rave!! DJs • Open: 10pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,000/1D, Ladies: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • grandcafeosaka. com

Onzieme Hyper:Society x The Block Party (Houes/Electro) • DJs: Tomoyuki

Tanaka, Taku Takahashi, TeddyLoid, Taku-Hero • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Seven Lounge Absolute Lounge (Techno) • DJs: Shine, Dan Elliot, Toru Ikemoto, Atta, Mamoru Hamada, Genki • Open: 10pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,500 /1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6120-2277 • seven lounge.jp

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

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

8 (Fri) Circus Somethinn - Da Mind of Traxman Vol.2 Release Tour (House/ Techno) • DJs: Traxman, Kihira

Naoki, Fulltono, Metome, Keita Kawakami, Kaoru Nakano, Hiroki Yamamura • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Lab.Tribe Euphoria (House/Techno) • DJs:

Nao Nomura, Senda, Shin, Masui, Yoshi, Anai + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D (Foreigners: Free) • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-2541228 • labtribe.net

Metro Do It Jazz! - Summer Edition (Jazz/Brazilian/Afro/Latin) •

Acts: Afrobeat Eat Osaka, Cosmic Butterfly, Masaki Tamura, Kazuhiro Inoue, Eiki, Naoki Yoda • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Tel: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Rooftop Bar OO &

38

Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai Gastro Garden

Troop Cafe

Riviera Poolside Party (Nu Disco/ House/Electro/EDM) • Live: Egypt

Soundbar feat. Long Slow Distance (House/Techno) • Acts:

• DJs: Kartell, Yuuna, 5kage, U2ki, Reload Reload + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Shinsaibashi • oo-u.jp

Troop Cafe Triple “3” Release Party (House/ Techno) • Acts: O.N.O aka

Machinelive, Duct, Ductelli, Doiike, Nakatani, Jokei, DB_G • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (WF: ¥2,000/1D, Foreigners: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

OG, Non-C, H’de, Ikumori, Pixie • Open: 11:30pm• Admission: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr. com

10 (Sun) Onzieme 2Bloc (Techno/Electro/House)

• DJs: Uchida, Jun Izumim Rue-Zy + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

9 (Sat)

14 (Thu)

Circus

Grand Cafe

Club Snoozer (Rock/Dance) • DJs:

Soichiro Tanaka, Ryota Tanaka • Open: TBA • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Joule Fashion Walker (Electro/House)

• DJs: Mademoiselle Yulia, Alisa Ueno, Devil, Amiya, Bndfux + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Grand Cafe Weekend EDM (EDM) • DJs:

Ram Rider, Super Rave!! DJs • Open: 10pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,000/1D, Ladies: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62130031 • grandcafeosaka.com

Metro Undermine (Techno/House) •

Acts: Hiroshi Watanabe aka Kaito, Ralph Zuckermann, iToy, Joix, Ryoma Sasaki, Taiki Masai, Fulltono + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Tel: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Onzieme Nu Wave feat Panorama (Houes/ Electro) • DJs: Shinichi Osawa,

Sekitova, Van Clife, Elli-Rose, Unbalance, Cazbow, Maho • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Seven Lounge Discotheque feat. Ko Kimura (Techno/House) • DJs: Ko Kimura,

Hiloco aka neroDoll, Bluetreexxx + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,500 /1D, Ladies: ¥Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-61202277 • seven lounge.jp

DJ Ageishi 60th Anniversary (House) • DJs: Ageishi & His

Friends • Open: 6pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • grandcafeosaka. com

15 (Fri) Circus Shiga Japan Tour 2014 (Techno)

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

16 (Sat) Circus

Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6120-2277 • seven lounge.jp

24 (Sun)

22 (Fri)

Circus Shei Shei Night (House/Techno)

Circus Miranda Miranda (Dance) • DJs:

Fencer, Mighty Mars, M-Rock, Ruka, Yurikamaal + more • Open: TBA • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Grand Cafe Cookies 1st Anniversary (Electro/Hip Hop) • DJs: Jommy,

George, Juse + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • grandcafeosaka.com

Onzieme Breakaway (Dance) • DJs: Hasebe,

Ree-age, Masakaz, Tora, Giann + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Troop Cafe Deep Sessions - Japanse Techno Sessions (Techno) • Acts: Fumiya

Tanaka + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (WF: ¥2,000/1D, Foreigners: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

23 (Sat)

Weekend EDM (EDM) • DJs:

Feadz Japan Tour 2014 (Electro/Techno) • DJs: Feadz +

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

Seven Lounge Mask in Summer Masquerade feat. Q’Hey (Techno) • DJs: Q’hey,

Shine, Youk, Qritomato, Dmitri + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,500 /1D, Ladies: ¥1,500/1D, Foreigners: Free • Where:

Joule SoundCheck presents Duo DiaMonds Live DJ Set (EDM/ Electro) • Acts: Duo DiaMonds,

Taku-Hero, Flash aka Shinji Kikuchi, Maxi + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Metro Give Funks & Praises (Soul/ Funk/R&B) • Acts: Baby China,

Dick Brown, Tatsuma Arex, Fairo Vanz, Love Funk, Bustin’ Loose & Funkacherry Horns • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,300/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Tel: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

KitSune Club Night (Techno/ Electro) • DJs: Digitalism,

Onzieme

Eleven Lights (EDM) • DJs:

29 (Fri)

Onzieme

Grand Cafe

Onzieme

Bubble (Techno/Electro/House)

• DJs: Hosohoso, Yop., Kinpon, Ohooji + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Kinselas (House/Techno) • DJs:

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

Hiroto.i.Am, Super Rave!! DJs • Open: 10pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,000/1D, Ladies: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62130031 • grandcafeosaka.com

Onzieme

Circus Sugiurumn, Jaxx Da Fishworks, Yummy, FujiMon, SilverFox, Keiburger, Call Me Rodney + more • Open: TBA • Admission: ¥2,700/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

CMT “Nowhere” Release Party (Techno/House) • DJs: CMT,

• DJs: Fu-tsuka, Shinya Yoshida, Uelta, Kinpon • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

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

Troop Cafe NewBreed Recordings (Dance)

• Acts: Muro, Professor Chinnen, Punch & Mighty, Kuma, Rigo, Tatsuro + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (WF: ¥2,000/1D, Foreigners: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

Taku-Hero + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D (ADV: ¥3,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

30 (Sat) Circus DJ Kentar 2014 Summer DJ Tour (Dance) • DJs: Kentaro +

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

Troop Cafe Black Market (Dance) • Acts: Ave, Ikebe • Open: 11pm• Admission: ¥2,000/1D (WF: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

39

 Kansai Scene Apartments apartments.kansaiscene.com

Powered by realestate.co.jp

 1LDK APARTMENT IN CHIKKO - OSAKA, MINATO-KU

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

ID 254451 Rent ¥90,000 Address Osaka, Osaka-shi Minato-ku, Chikko Station Osakakou Station 3 min. walk 3 min. bus Deposit 1 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 0 mths Size 51.00 m² Floor 8F

ID 237634 Rent ¥66,000 Address

Description 8th floor corner Apartment with a great layout, and great view from balcony. Unobstructed view of the Osaka harbor area 1LDK, 50square meters. Semi furnished for 90000yen/ month (curtains, lights, gas cooking range, refrigerator, washing machine) Can be fully furnished for 100000yen/ month.

Agent Name ABHousing Osaka Agent Tel 090-3703-0314

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

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

 2LDK APARTMENT IN ICHIOKAMOTOMACHI - OSAKA, MINATO-KU

 2LDK APARTMENT IN HANAKAWA - OSAKA, NISHIYODOGAWA-KU

ID 253294 Rent ¥100,000 Address Osaka, Osaka-shi Minato-ku, Ichiokamotomachi Station Bentenchou Station 8 min. walk 1 min. bus Deposit 1 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 0 mths Size 51.00 m² Floor 10F

ID 214157 Rent ¥118,000 Address Osaka, Osaka-shi Nishiyodogawa-ku, Hanakawa Station Himejima Station 8 min. walk Deposit 0 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 1 mths Size 80.15 m² Floor 2F

Description 10th floor corner apartment 100000yen/month semi furnished.

2LDK, 6 tatami mat bedroom, 6 tatami in size 2nd bedroom that has flooring, 8 to 10 tatami in size LDK area flooring. 10th floor apartment. Top floor with great west facing view. Great unobstructed view of the Bentencho area from th...

Agent Name ABHousing Osaka Agent Tel 090-3703-0314

Description Stylish designer's room! Spacious and Cheap! No deposit and key money means the initial costs are very reasonable!!

Agent Name Daiwa Homes Network Agent Tel 06-7670-7178

 2DK APARTMENT IN MINAMIICHIOKA - OSAKA, MINATO-KU

 1LDK APARTMENT IN NISHISHINSAIBASHI - OSAKA-SHI CHUO-KU

ID 251397 Rent ¥85,000 Address Osaka, Osaka-shi Minato-ku, Minamiichioka Station Bentenchou Station 6 min. walk 3 min. bus Deposit 1 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 0 mths Size 36.00 m² Floor 5F

ID 210942 Rent ¥80,000 Address Osaka, Osaka-shi Chuo-ku, Nishishinsaibashi Station Osaka Nanba Station 5 min. walk Deposit 0 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 1 mths Size 45.00 m² Floor 5F

Description No agency fees, no key money, no guarantors nor guarantor companies needed short 3month contracts 1 month refundable deposit no cleaning fees 85000yen/month fully furnished.

2DK with a bedroom 6 tatami mats, living room 6 tatami mat in size flooring and a dining/kitchen 6 tatami mats in siz...

Agent Name ABHousing Osaka Agent Tel 090-3703-0314

Description There are many bars and restaurants near this apartment. if you want to have fun in Osaka, this is the apartment!!!!

Agent Name Daiwa Homes Network Agent Tel 06-7670-7178

 1K APARTMENT IN MUKONOSO HIGASHI - AMAGASAKI-SHI

 3LDK APARTMENT IN MISONO - AMAGASAKI-SHI

ID 248510 Rent ¥52,000 Address Hyogo, Amagasaki-shi, Mukonoso higashi Station Mukonosou Station 8 min. walk Deposit ¥68,000 Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee ¥16,200 Size 20.00 m² Floor 2F

ID 85420 Rent ¥80,000 Address Hyogo, Amagasaki-shi, Misono Station Tsukaguchi Station 13 min. walk Deposit 1.5 mths Key Money ¥200,000 Agency Fee 0 mths Size 58.80 m² Floor 1F

Description Spacious room with a lot of storage space, as well as your own kitchen, unit bath and balcony! Furnished with bed, desk and chair. Rooms available in floors 2-4.

Agent Name ALL不動産 Agent Tel 06-6242-1134

Description Family Type Agent Name DID-GLOBAL CO.,LTD Agent Tel 06-6947-1828

 1K APARTMENT IN NISHINOKYO - KYOTO, NAKAGYO-KU

 1LDK APARTMENT IN SAIWAICHO - OSAKA-SHI NANIWA-KU

ID 237658 Rent ¥69,500 Address Kyoto, Kyoto-shi Nakagyo-ku, Nishinokyo nagamotocho Station Nijou Station 4 min. walk Deposit 0 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 0 mths Size 19.87 m² Floor 1F

ID 54042 Rent ¥155,000 Address Osaka, Osaka-shi Naniwa-ku, Saiwaicho Station Shiomibashi Station 8 min. walk Deposit 1.5 mths Key Money 0 mths Agency Fee 0 mths Size 65.05 m² Floor 7F

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 A popular marionette designed apartment is available. 5 minute to walk to Sakuragawa Station in Sennichimae Line!! No guarantor and No deposit are required. The room has an air conditioner and self-locking gate at entrance. 10 minute to walk to Nanba.

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

40

 Kansai Scene Classifieds kansaiscene.com/classifieds Accommodation For Rent KOBE - KASUGANOMICHI. 2LDK 43 sqm apartment. Y89,000/ mnth, Zero key money. 2 months refundable deposit. No agency fee.

Hankyu & Hanshin Kasuganomichi, one station from Sannomiya.

Very convenient location, recently renovated, furnished. info@ffeilden. com OR ffeilden@yahoo.co.jp Contact: Ffeilden <ffeilden@yahoo. co.jp> Website: www.ffeilden.com/ 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 KOBE, ASHIYA 2DK FOR 90000YEN/MONTH. Has a yard!!.

45 square meter 2DK apartment, with yard in Ashiya, Kobe area.

90000yen/month unfurnished, can be semi or fully furnished for additional fees. 9minute walk to JR Ashiya station. No key money, No guarantor, No Agency fees, 6month min. contact stay required.

Alex 09037030314 Check www. abhousingosaka.com Contact: alexb <alex@abhousingosaka.com> Website: www.abhousingosaka.com

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

apartment has room(s) available.

Fully furnished + special extras.

(Surround-sound theater system, tons of closet space, washer/dryer, gorgeous views,etc) Walking distance to major transportation systems. 45,000 + bills. Contact Darren and/or see my blog. (All rooms now furnished, Contact: Zoob <zoobiechan110@yahoo. com> Website: www.kobeliving. blogspot.jp/

SHARE ROOM. Female only, Good

location-6 min. walk from Hankyu Ashiyagawa. No key money, \41,000/month includes utilities with wifi & furnished. Call 0797 34 7656, 090 8751 5249 Contact yoshinari.1@i.softbank.jp Contact: Yukiko Yoshinari <yoshinari.1@i. softbank.jp>

Shared House 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

Jobs Education P/T NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS.

PLC Language Center seeks a P/T native English teacher for company classes on Tues. Thurs. and Fri. from Sept. The Tues. and Fri. job is in Yokotsuzumi from 4:30-6:30 pm in Osaka. The Thurs. job is in Shiki(Yao) from 5:30-7:30. ¥3500 per hour. Send resumes or inquiries to mark@gopros.net Contact: PLC < mark@gopros.net>

英会話学校・営業担当者募集. 大阪 市天王寺の英会話学校の短期パー トタイムの営業担当者を募集してい ます。営業経験・テレアポ経験のあ る方歓迎。短大卒・英語TOEIC600 点以上(目安)の方を求めます。基本 月給: ¥100,000+売り上げコミッショ ン。勤務時間は面接時に相談します。

Contact: tnakatani <tnakatani@ michaelsenglishschool.jp> Website: www.michaelsenglishschool.jp NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER RECRUITMENT FOR CHILDREN.

We are currently looking for native English speaking teachers to work 9:30 - 14:30 in our nursery. And also teachers for adult evening classes. Prior teaching experience is necessary. If you are interested please email a copy of your resume to:info@vacation-es.co.jp Contact: Lauren < info@vacation-es.co.jp> Website: www.vacation-es.jp/ NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER LIVING . or working in the Kobe

area needed to teach one on one type lessons for adult students on Saturdays and/or 1 or 2 evenings a week. Teachers with experience at a large English school are preferred.

When you apply by e-mail, please type “application” in the subject box.

Thank you. Sun Mihall 078-3313035 Contact: Sun MIhall<info@ sunmihall.com> Website: www. sunmihall.com

KANSAI CORPORATE CLASSES.

CES is seeking English/Other language corporate instructors for p/t classes (2-7 Hours a day) in Himeji, Wakayama, Nara, Osaka, Sakai, Kyoto and Shiga. Evenings and Daytime classes. P/t hourly rates 3,500-4,500 yen per hour. For more info, please forward C/V with availability to mark@cesjapan.co.jp Contact: Manager<mark@cesjapan. co.jp> NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER(S) WANTED. JETS Academy (English

school designed for adults) in

Nishinomiya (1 min. from Hankyu Nishinomiya-Kitaguhi stn) seeks a native English teacher for levels beginner to advanced, classes on Wednesdays @ 9:30 ~12:30 p.m.

(4,000 yen/1hr + transportation) Please send your resume (w/photo) to info@jetsacademy.org Contact: Yuri Ito<info@jetsacademy.org> Website: www.jetsacademy.org NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER WANTED IN IZUMISANO. Native

English Teacher for small adult and kids classes. Sunday 10-5 or 10-6 2000 yen/lesson+travel Izumisano, Osaka Contact us for more details. gtec.recruiting@gmail.com Contact: gitech<gtec.takashi@gmail. com> Website: gtecbeta.seesaa.net/ P/T NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER NEEDED IN TOYONAKA. Lollypop

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 [URGENT] FULL OR PART-TIME IN OSAKA. Native-speaker for business

English and/or business skills required in Osaka. Interviewing people who have working Visas only. Work is at corporate sites on weekdays. Please send following 3 items; resume, availability and Visa status to createltd@nifty.com Contact: Haruka Noda <createltd@ nifty.com> Website: www.createltd. com/

English House in Toyonaka needs P/T Native English Teacher.

Experience working w/ kids needed. Teaching fee 2,500/hour, transportation and meeting fee are paid. Job begins from Aug. 23 Saturdays from 9am to 4:45pm. 4 classes (7 hrs). Teaching program provided. e-mail: keikohsmt@ lollypop-english.com Contact: Lollypop <keikohsmt@lollypopenglish.com> Website: lollypopenglish.com

English teacher position for classes from Monday to Saturday required.

Prefer teacher who lives close to Ibaraki and Suita. Please email us at royalenglish725@gmail.com 日 本人の英語講師、スタッフ募集中! royalenglish725@gmail.com又 は、072-637-9899 Contact: Royal English School <royalenglish725@ gmail.com> Website: royalenglish. sakura.ne.jp/

NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER WANTED. +Color English Cafe,

EIKAIWA IN YOKKAICHI SEEKS FT NATIVE ENGLISH TEACH. ~40hrs/

is a place for English leaner to chat casually with English speakers, enjoying free coffee and popcorn."Chat Hosts" who love talking wanted in Hommachi.

Wages ¥1000~/hr. (1pm-5pm/5pm10pm) Transportation paid.

Looking forward to meeting you!

Contact: pluscolor.englishcafe <entry@pcolorcafe.com> Website: www.pcolorcafe.com/ ENGLISH TEACHER IN OSAKACITY. Work on Tuesday & Thursday

mornings, Qualification; TESOL etc.

Pay; 3,000 yen per 45-minute lesson, Send your resume to Takimoto(Mr) Kansai International High School (5 minute-walk from Tennoji-station, Osaka-city) Tel 06-6621-8108 Email; T_Takimoto@tg-group.ac.jp Contact: kihs<kihs@tg-group.ac.jp> Website: www.tg-group.ac.jp/kihs/ RELIABLE EXPERIENCED NATIVE E.teacher needed . Students centered

L. school requires a reliable native English teacher for senior citizens in Umeda and Okamachi from Sep. Wed.13:00-16:50(3×70min.)Umeda Mon.13:00-14:10 Okamachi. Rate 3,500〜/70min.+ train cost. 5yrs. teaching exp. and availability for both preferable. Send C/V to hello@ gentimeless.com Contact: Kazuko Hill Ito <hello@gentimeless.com>

CHAT HOSTS WANTED FOR ENGLISH CHAT CAFE IN UMEDA.

ENG TEACHER & PT JPN ENG TEACHER / STAFF WANTED..

week usually less than 30 teaching hrs/week. ¥250,000/month + ¥100,000 bonus. Children & adults.

Apt: ¥55,000/month. Required: BA/ BS, be in Japan. Preferred: TEFL cert or teaching exp., proper visa. Send resume/letter of intro to: bigapple. yokkaichi@gmail.com Deadline: 7/25, Start: 8/11 Contact: bigapple <bigapple.yokkaichi@gmail.com> Website: www.bigapple-school.com/ home.html PART-TIME NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER IN ASHIYA CITY.

Imagine Language Studio (www. justimagine.jp) is looking for an experienced, flexible, native English teacher who is enthusiastic about teaching. Schedule / Wage: Sundays, occasional weekdays and holiday cover in August. ¥2000~¥2500 per lesson, starting ASAP. Send CV to Brandon Hirano at brandon@justimagine.jp Contact: imagine<info@justimagine.jp> Website: justimagine.jp/

TEACHERS WANTED. School

in Ashiya/Okamoto is looking for FT/PT English, French and Korean teachers ASAP. University diploma is preferable. Must be native speaker with valid visa.

Payment: 2700-3000yen per hour and transportation. Contact us by email, ashiyaplus@hotmail.co.jp Contact: Ashiya Plus <ashiyaplus@

42 42

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #171 AUGUST 2014 | kansaiscene.com

hotmail.co.jp> Website: www. comlanguageschool.com SEEKING FOREIGN ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR.ASAP. Privately

owned, friendly school in Shijonawate (Osaka) seeks an outgoing, qualified foreign English instructor, for teaching children / adults as a PT job. We are a 5min. walk from Shinobugaoka sta. (Gakkentoshi line). Tur/Sat / Both 2pm ~ 8:30pm.from August 9th(so,need T/O time) . Wage is 1500-2500/h plus tr Contact: openarms <openarms0218@ yahoo.co.jp> Website: www. openarmsenglish.com

ENG SUMMER CAMP IN UJI, KYOTO. Aug. 18th - 20th.. We are

looking for a female leader and a male leader. And a nurse who is Japanese or able to speak Japanese.

We need great energy! It is not only English summer camp, but also international camp. We will ask you to share your homecooking recipe for more. 35~40. ricky1216success@ softbank.ne.jp Contact: impact international <rbm98na@hotmail. com> NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER.

Native English Teacher Wanted in Osaka city (FT) IC is a private language school in Momodani, Osaka. (JR Loop line) we are looking for cheerful and highmotivated English teacher for kids and adults. 230,000yen~ (considered your experience) 40hr/ week full time visa sponsered currently reside in Jap Contact: IC-school <info@ic-school.com> Website: www.ic-school.com PT ENGLISH TEACHERS AND GERMAN TEACHERS WANTED.

Small yet friendly and growing school in Settsu looking for PT native English teachers and German teachers for kids and adults. MonFri afternoon – evening. Experience preferred but not required. Please send your CV and photo via email to abies_kids@yahoo.co.jp Contact: abies taro <abies_kids@yahoo. co.jp>

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).

Contact: Mr. Asada <gogosuke@ hotmail.com> BILINGUAL ASSISTANT NEEDED FOR KYOTO GUESTHOUSE.

Looking for a Kyoto resident who can help us keep our guest house tidy, greet the guests, tell them about Kyoto, recommend sightseeing spots, and help us with the basic duties of running a guest house. It is a lot of fun and you get to meet people from all over the world! Contact: detroitjapan <detroitjapan@gmail.com>

JAPANESE OFFICE LADY WANTED. We are after a new office

lady who can speak a little english.

This job could be full or part time and we are very flexible with time off etc.It could suit a single mother quite well .We could provide accommodation if wanted also.

Email me at nickjapan@gmail.com or phone Nick on 08037861620 .

Contact: Nickjapan <nickjapan@ gmail.com>

Kitchen / Waiting Staff CHEF/COOK AND KITCHEN ASSISTANT. Kitchen staff needed

for our international kitchen in Kobe. Positions start early August with great salary packages including weekends off. Email resume for further details. Contact: Vince bornino <vince@cezarskitchen. com> Website: cezarskitchen.com/

Classes & Events Classes LEARN ENGLISH BEFORE THE OLYMPICS!!!. New Minoh Station

English School located in Minoh Osaka. The Olympic games will be held in Japan 2020! Our goal is for our students to speak like a "Native" American, and instill confidence in using it everyday! Limited class times available starting for September only. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Contact mace1941 < bentomac198@gmail.com> Website: www.modernenglish.net

JAPANESE LESSON IN OSAKA.

From beginner/Taught by a professional native Japanese speaker/ At a coffee shop, your office, anywhere convenient/ **Instructor can speak English Private lessons/Small group lessons with your friends ) Brush up on your Japanese/Preparation for JLPT (Japanese language proficiency test) fu.nihon555@gmail. Contact: Fumiko<okafumi355@yahoo.co.jp> Website: www.jpnlessonosaka.net/

ENGLISH SPEAKING TRAILRUNNING TOUR IN KYOTO.

TRAIL RUNNERS OSAKA is hold trailrunning event every Sat-Sun 9:00am-15:00pm around Mt.Rokko in KOBE, KYOTO. We have more than 100 trail courses. and we usually run 10 to 15km in mountains for beautiful sightseeing.10-20 people join in. You can make friends. Mail or Call 050-3633-6110 Contact: joeblack<tornadomagician@ gmail.com> Website: ameblo.jp/ powersports 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/

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

Community Community Services JOIN THE OSAKA DINGOES AFL CLUB!. The Dingoes are a

social sports club of Australians and Japanese, but we welcome all nationalities! Drop us an email and catch up for training, a beer or our next game! Contact: J-dawg <jonnorow@hotmail.com> Website: www.osakadingoes.com

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

Information Service for Foreign Residents offers information in English. Service is free of charge.

Please feel free to contact us at 066941-2297. Open Monday to Friday.

Contact: Osaka Information Service for Foreign Residents <jouhou-c@ ofix.or.jp> Website: www.ofix.or.jp/ life/index_e.html

Announcements OSAKA BOOK GOUP\'S AUGUST MEETING. We will talk about "The

Folded Earth" by Anuradha Roy at Takamura Wine & Coffee Roasters, starting at 1pm of August 31st.

Contact: Massa <bookisbetter2012@ yahoo.co.jp> Website: www. facebook.com/masanaka

FREE BEGINNERS' JAPANESE CLASSES. Class times:10:00am-

12:00pm on Thursdays September 4 - November 6 (10 classes) Venue:Sakai International Plaza Open to: People living, working, or studying in Sakai Contact: sakai-shi kokusai-ka <hi590399@city.sakai. lg.jp> Website: www.city.sakai.lg.jp/ english/visitors/living/beginners. html BASKETBALL PLAYERS WANTED.

Hi, Looking for gaijin basketball players to join low-key pickup basketball games. Our next practice is Sunday, July 27th, from 6-9pm in Kyobashi, Osaka. Please let me know if you're interested Contact: mjsaito <gatorball81@yahoo.com> Website: www.facebook.com/ eigoball

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/>

Other KANSAI INTERNATIONAL OUTDOOR CLUB (HIKE/CYCLE ETC). For fun in the outdoors,

join IOC Kansai! Non-profit international group enjoys hiking, cycling, kayaking, etc. See our website, join an event or come to our get-together on 14th June. See you there! Contact: IOC Kansai <estellaioc@gmail.com> Website: www.iockansai.com

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

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

Yodobashi Camera

Westin Hotel

Lucua JR Osaka Sta.

da

Mitsukoshi Isetan

Ume

Craft Beer Base

Loft Maruzen & Junkudo Club Noon

Theater Umeda

o

ak

iy

M

ri

do

a-

jim

Osaka YWCA

Hotel Kinki sh

u Higa

Hanky

Ogimachi Dori

Shin Midosuji

med

shi U

Higa

ne

ji Li

Hotel Elsereine Osaka

6F Untitled

osu

NTT Data

Dojima Avanza 4F Junkudo

Oebashi Bank of Japan

ana Lin Keih noshim Naka

Nishi Tenma Miyabi Int’l Law Firm 24F

akanoshi

City Hall

ma Dori

Na

niw

Hotel

Church

Ke

iha

Kitahama

Ostec Exhibition Hall Shrine

Temple

0 Movie Theatre

nH

ab

on

5

as

hi

sen

line

Naniwabashi/kitahama

Hospital

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Yodoyabashi

Police Station

US Consulate

e

Bank

ashi Lin Yotsub hi s Higoba

Edobori Utsubo Park

Post Office

Shinmei Law Office

Tosabori River

National Museum of Art

YMCA

e

Ana Crown Plaza

e

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

Tanimachi Lin

Hanshin Expresswa y(Loop R ou te) N

Dojima Hotel i bebash Watana

er

5F

Mid

Kita Shinchi

Dojima

Toz

a

Jr

Kita Shinchi 1F

Capt. Kangaroo

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

ho

i-c

k za

a

ak

N

Navio Toho Plex

Hankyu Dept.

Nishi Umeda

Umeda

InterContinental Osaka Hotel

200m

6

N

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

Dublin Bay / Dublin Garden

Namba Hatch

amb a St

JR N

Junkudo

1F Zerro

Soemon-Cho Pure Osaka B1

Shooters 5F

Hotel Metro the 21

Dotonbori

Motomachi

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

Namba

Little Long Beach

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

Inari 23 mm

B1

HigashiShinsaibashi

Beer House 86 Karaoke 86

Namba Namba Sta.

ba

OCAT

The Blarney Stone

Suomachi-dori (Europe street)

Namba Hips

Nam

Hotel Monterey

a.

Tominaga Hospital

Spotaka

L&L

river

Hotel T’point Murphy’s 6F

Fubar 2F

Daimaru Dept.

South

Cross Hotel

Coolabah 1F

Shinsaibashi 3F GS Travel

Daimaru Dept.

The Silver Ball Planet 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

Namba -naka

McDonalds

6

N

Namba PARKS

Pub Bar 30 2F Bank

5

Nankai Namba Station

Fraser Residence

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

Post Office

NipponBashi

Police Station

0 Hospital

Hotel

Church

200m Shrine

Temple

Movie Theatre

Kobe Sauna

Kobe Ikuta Junior High School

tetsudo Kobe kosoku

JR Motomachi sta.

Minato Bank

Movix Kyoto

ine wa yl Movie Theatre

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku

N 0

200m

Sanjo

Butterfly

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

Temple

Oike-dori

Sanjo-dori

Hankyu Line

Police Station

Shrine

Hotel Okura

OPA

Bank

Church

Sannomiya Hanadokeimae st.

Kyoto Royal Hotel Kyoto Asahi Kaikan Starbucks

Gokomachi-dori

Fuyacho-dori

Tominokoji-dori

Yanaginobanba-dori

Sakaimachi-dori

Kyoto Post Office

Hotel

Kobe City Hall

Mina

Kawara Machi

Teramachi Area

no

San

Hospital

Aoyama

Shiyakushomae

Jomo Gas

Daimaru

Police Station

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Kyoto City Hall

Tozai Subway Line

Bank

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 Port liner

e

Post Office

miya

Flower road

Daimaru Dept.

Kainan lin

Ali’s Kitchen 3F

Sannomiy

d.

Subway

Iznt 4F

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

Guild 2F

Kyukyoryuchi Daimarumae

Nankin-machi

Tokyu Hands

Sansei Hosp.

Midnight 5F Hobgoblin 7F a

Sanchika un

Hanshin line

Ikuta jinja

Mickey’s Club 5F Hotel Monterey

Motomachi

Kitanozaka

Ikuta Police Station

ub

Hyogo-ken Prefectural Hall

ka

za

do

Fu

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. Michael’s Junior International College School Yamate kansen

Kobe YWCA

1F Bistrot Cafe De Paris

a

Kitano-cho Tor Road

Sannomiya

Yamamoto-dori

200m

N Yasaka Jinja