Kansai Scene #175 December 2014 by Kansai Scene Magazine

Kansai’s Monthly Living Guide • Articles • Events • Classifieds • Maps + much more

December 2014 • issue 175

Noh – Meeting the Mask Maker

仮面の背後で：能に生命を吹き込む

Exploring Japan’s Gay History New-look Wagashi Sweets Kansai – you’re wanted on the phone!

www.kansaiscene.com

Plus+

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #175 DECEMBER 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Inside this Issue About Kansai Scene

Kansai Scene provides monthly English articles, information and listings for visitors and residents of the Kansai area.

Carving a Life from Noh A Noh mask craftswoman’s story. 女流能面作家の物語 Feature

Publisher/Creative Director........Daniel Lee Editor..................................Celia Polkinghorne Sub-editor..................................... Jason Haidar

Accounts Manager...................... Michiko Lee Art............................................... Deanna Wright

Club................................................... Terumi Tsuji Classifieds..............................Michael Gribben

Contact Kansai Scene General

Advertising sales@kansaiscene.com Fax.

06-7635-4791

Address

Osaka-shi, Nishi-ku, Shinmachi 3-5-7, Eiko Bldg. 2F Mojoworks KK

The history of homosexuality in Japan may hold stories that surprise you. Text: Dean Poland

Need to talk? Here to listen. TELL Lifeline is calling for Kansai volunteers to join its telephone counseling service.

mailbox@kansaiscene.com

06-6539-1717

Text: Sam Johnston

The Beautiful Way

Feature

Editorial editor@kansaiscene.com Tel.

Breaking the Mold with Wagashi

Feature

Event & Festival..........................Yuki Uchibori Live Music................................. Phillip Jackson

Text: Jason Haidar

A chef turns traditional into trendy with classic Japanese confectionary.

Production Manager...................Misa Matsui

Film Reviews..................................Adam Miller

Bilingual 日本語付

Promo Feature

Text: KS & TELL Lifeline

Foodspotting Intimate dining ideas for a romantic Christmas mood. Food & Drink

Text: Janelle McNeill

Website kansaiscene.com

All the sports, exotic dancing, and Middle-Eastern food you like at this ultimate international hangout.

If you would like to write for KS, 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. A BIT OF HISTORY Kansai Scene was founded by Peter Horvath and Nishikawa Keiko in 2000 and published by Jatin Banker between 2003 – 2011.

World Pub Umeda

Promo feature

Bilingual 日本語付

Text: KS

What’s on around Kansai Film p22 Events & Festivals

p25

Art

p30

Live Music

p32

Club

p36

Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

Classifieds p40 Maps p44

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

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Photo © Jason Haidar

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COVER PHOTO: This month’s cover photo of a Noh mask known as ko-omote (小面), which represents a young girl, was taken by Jason Haidar in the home of the mask maker Mitsue Nakamura.

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Out & About

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

Reader’s Photo

Kobe Luminarie by Tim Wilkinson Tim: This is a shot of the “Spalliera”, the centrepiece of the Kobe Luminarie festival in Higashi-Yuenchi park.

This month’s reader’s photo of the spectacular Kobe Luminarie (from Dec 4–15 this year) comes from Tim Wilkinson. Email your best snaps from around Kansai (with a caption telling us about the shot) to photo@kansaiscene.com

Train Deals

KS Christmas Party

T-shirt Competition

If you’re hoping to catch the last of the autumn leaves, scheduling an evening to see Christmas illuminations, or planning some weekend trips, there are two train passes offering discounts for a limited time. From Himeji to Lake Biwa, make the most of this opportunity to see another corner of Kansai with the Kansai Thru Pass – a special two or three-day ticket, good for any two or three days from now until April.

We’re throwing a massive, jolly, fun and prize-filled Christmas party this month and you’re invited to come and celebrate! Be among the first 50 guests in the door to get a special Christmas present from us. The grand prize from the draw is a 1-night stay for two people at the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka where guests will stay in the brand-new luxury 68m2 Japanese-style suite Waraku, and enjoy a next-day breakfast in the Executive Lounge. Other prizes include free private Japanese lessons, free yoga lessons, and much, much more! Come and wish us a Merry Christmas and be in the running for some extra-special gifts!

There’s still time to enter our 2014 T-shirt competition before entry closes on Dec 7th. Get your creative juices flowing and send us your best designs for a Kansai-themed tee. Head over to kansaiscene.com/tshirt-competition to check out the entries from last time and download the template. One lucky winner receives 10 printed T-shirts of their design, an iTunes gift card, and will have their work featured in Kansai Scene – the magazine and online. Not to mention the glory of seeing your Tshirts being worn around town!

¥5,200 3/D (¥1,750 per day); ¥4,000 2/D; concessions for kids • surutto.com/ tickets/kansai_thru_english.html

JR also has a special Seishun-18 pass which allows unlimited rides on local and rapid JR trains (excluding reserved seats) throughout Japan for five days from Dec 10 to Jan 10. The five days of travel can be shared by two or more people.

Fri Dec 19 • Time: 7:30–10:30pm • Where: Nambar 10 Sports & Beers, Swissôtel Nankai Osaka (10F) • Admission: ¥3,000 (2 drinks+snacks+lucky draw ticket) •

¥11,850 • jreast.co.jp/e/pass/seishun18.

Access: Nankai Line or Subway, Namba

html

Stn • facebook.com/kansaiscene

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #175 DECEMBER 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Feature

The Treasures of Noh The face behind the masks: A Kyoto woman forges an uncommon life carving faces for Japan’s oldest theater art. Text & Images: Jason Haidar

 “Patience is a lifelong treasure” – a Japanese proverb that nō-men-shi (Noh mask maker) Mitsue Nakamura has embodied and exhibited in her life and her life’s work. Not only because her craft demands it, but because she needed patience in order to forge the unique life that she dreamed of. Located in Higashiyama, a charming area in historic Kyoto that is now dotted with antique shops brimming with Japanese art, culture and tradition, it is here that you find Ms. Nakamura’s home; a perfect fit for a woman who has been perfecting her craft for over 30 years. “The house is over one-hundred years old” she says in English with a shy smile. The cool autumn air mixes with the smell of hinoki wood from which the nō-men (noh masks) are made, adding to the presence of the traditional Japanese home, that also serves as her workshop. Ms Nakamura’s masks are used by some of Japan’s top Noh (Classical Japanese musical drama) performers to tell intriguing and fascinating tales. Originating in the 14th century, Noh, which comes from the Japanese word for “skill” or “talent”, is Japan’s oldest theater art and is recognized by UNESCO as having “Intangible Cultural Heritage”. One of only 30 professional nō-men-shi in all of Japan, just five of which are women, this masterful creator behind these storytelling tools has her own interesting story. Born in Mie prefecture in 1947, Ms Nakamura’s family moved to Osaka when she was five years old. She showed a love for art from a young age and started painting portraits as she found herself drawn to human faces. She grew up in a generation of women who were generally expected to get married and raise children right after graduating high school. For those who did find work, it was customary to quit their jobs after marrying and not join the workforce again. However, Ms Nakamura’s parents did not place so much emphasis on her getting married, and they always encouraged her to pursue her talents. She herself didn’t want to settle down right away, so after graduating high school, she continued to study art.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #175 DECEMBER 2014 | kansaiscene.com

In 1969 she graduated from Kyoto City University of Fine Arts (presently, Kyoto City University of Arts) and went on to teach high-school art for two years. She said while she enjoyed teaching the students, she didn’t like the staff room politics. “I wanted to pursue something that would allow me to work on my own, that would allow for more freedom and independence,” she said. This dream, however, was put on hold for a while when after two years of teaching, she did decide to get married, and had two children. But married life wasn’t what she had hoped it would be, and she soon realized she wanted to leave her husband. Making decisions with her children’s best interests at heart, however, she felt she had to wait until they were over 18 before divorcing. Her dream of becoming a Noh mask craftswoman began when her kids started going to kindergarten. She had a little more free time during the day, so she decided to spend that time learning how to make Noh masks. It was 1983, she was in her mid-thirties, and this was her first step on what would be a 25-year journey to achieving her dream of earning her own salary through being a professional Noh mask maker and teacher. In 1990, she began to study with the esteemed Hori Yasuemon, a brilliant mask maker renowned within the Noh community. After only two years under his instruction, she reached a major milestone on her path to success. One particularly well-known Noh actor, noticed and became fascinated with her knack for the art of Noh mask making, and bought the first mask she ever sold. “I was so shocked, I didn’t know how to respond when he asked me the price,” she said with a laugh. Later, her reputation reached the attention of the head of the Kanze school (one of the five major schools of Noh), Kiyokazu Kanze. “I’ll never forget how I felt when he offered to buy my mask. I still cannot express how surprised, moved, and joyful I felt.”

Kanze has bought four masks from her over time, four of more than 200 masks she has sold throughout her career. Each Noh mask is carved from a single piece of hinoki, and takes several weeks to a month to complete. Many become heirlooms and are considered a sacred entity, so it is little surprise they can sell upwards of ¥500,000. It is the actor’s job to infuse the mask and bring the emotions to the audience with subtle movements of the head. Terasu (tilting upwards) generally gives a lighter feeling of laughter or smiling; kumorasu (tilting downwards) gives a range of sadder expressions, such as frowning or crying. By using small, controlled movements, a professional Noh actor can have a full range of emotions from one mask. It is the job of the mask maker to instill a variety of emotions into the mask while also ensuring it remains in a state of neutrality. Ms Nakamura says she always has in mind which mask she will create before she begins, but sometimes the wood has its own ideas, and a different character takes over during the carving process. To create vessels of such strong yet subtle expression, a mask maker must put their heart and soul into carving out these characters. “When creating a mask of a beautiful girl or child I feel very happy but when creating an onryo (vengeful spirit or ghost) I can feel sorrow or anger,” she said. It may be no coincidence that Ms Nakamura wields a chisel so naturally and with such skill. One of the main chisels used for carving Noh masks is called tou, which is another word meaning samurai sword. Ms Nakamura always credited her parents for encouraging her to learn a skill that could allow her to support herself without a husband, and this modern thinking could be attributed to her family being of samurai lineage. After the reforms of the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) that saw the ushering in of modern Japan, her ancestors learned the importance of being self sufficient, independent,

and having a diverse range of skills – values which were passed down to her. Samurai believed their souls dwelled in their swords which is why they treasured them. Ms Nakamura’s masks embody many souls when worn on the stage, and her creations are absolute treasures.  Mitsue Nakamura holds mask making classes in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. Tel: 080-5355-2559 mitsue-yuya.com

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #175 DECEMBER 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Things you should know about Noh Originally there were around 60 types of Noh masks but today there over 200. The waka-onna (young woman), is perhaps the most well-known and depicts the standard of classical beauty for medieval Japan. The classic Noh mask, the onnamen (woman mask), has many variations that at first glance might go unnoticed, even when looking at them side-by-side. The hannya mask with horns represents a distressed demon often used during the transformation of a female character when she reveals her jealousy, anger or sorrow. Noh masks exaggerate features such as the contours of the mouth and eyes. This leaves the mask with a neutral expression that can take on many different forms when viewed from different angles. When the actor goes to the kagami no ma (mirror room) to put on the mask, they use the word kakeru (to hang), or tsukeru (to attach), instead of kaburu (putting on clothing), to symbolize that the actor is transforming into that character.

Each no-men (Noh mask) is carved out of a single piece of hinoki wood and takes several weeks to a month to complete. Many become heirlooms and are considered a sacred entity, so it is little surprise they can sell upwards of ¥500,000.

能の至宝能面制作に打ち込む名工を京都東山に訪ねる。文と写真：ジェイソン・ハイダー • 翻訳：Tazlu Endo

堪忍は、人生の宝。能面師の中村光江さんが、人生と仕事の指標に掲げている諺だ。根気のいる工芸はもちろん、自分が望んだ人生を全うするためにも堪忍が必要なのだ。日本社会の様々な壁が立ちはだかったときはいつも堪忍で人生を切り開いてきた。さもなければ現在のように優れた能面師となることも叶わなかったかもしれない。中村光江さんが制作する能面は、日本最高レベルの能楽師達にも愛用されている。伝統芸能を支える名人芸の裏には、能の夢幻の物語と同様に、人の心を惹きつけてやまない彼女自身の物語があった。 1947年、中村さんは、三重県に生まれた。5歳の時に家族で大阪に引っ越し、その後の青春時代を大阪で過ごした。幼いころから、美術に関心があったが、特に人の表情に惹かれたと振り返る。高校卒業後は、同級生たちはそれぞれの進路を見つけて歩みだしたが、中村さんは、京都市立美術大学（現・京都市立芸術大学）に進学、1969年に卒業の後は、高校で美術を

教えた。教壇に立つことは楽しかったが、他の教師との付き合いや教職員室でのしきたりは面白くなかったと彼女は言う。2年間の教師生活に別れを告げ、結婚。2人の子供にも恵まれたが、夫との間にすこしずつすれ違いが起こりだしていた。それでも中村さんは子供たちの気持ちを第一に考えて彼らが成長するのを待ち、結果的には離婚までは時間がかかった。だが、その間、子供たちが幼稚園に通いだすとその日中のわずかな自由時間で能面制作を学び始める。1983年のことである。当時30代半ばの中村さんは、その後四半世紀にわたる自立への道のりを歩みだしたのだ。 1990年、中村さんは、能面の名工として知られる堀安右衛門氏に師事する。それからわずか2年後、成功への足掛かりとなる最初のチャンスがやってきた。ひとりの能楽師が彼女の打つ能面に魅せられ、買い取っていったのだ。「もう驚きました。値段を聞かれて、どう答えていいやらわかりませんでした」と本人は振り返る。そののち、能面の評

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #175 DECEMBER 2014 | kansaiscene.com

判が人伝てに五大流派のひとつである観世流の宗家の観世清和氏の耳に届いた。「宗家が私の打った面を買い上げたいとおっしゃた瞬間の驚き、感動、身に余るような光栄、どう表現したらよいものか」と、今でも中村さんは、戸惑いと、喜びを見せる。観世氏はこれまで彼女が制作した4点もの面を買い上げている。結局これまでに200点以上に及ぶ能面が能楽師やその他の愛好家の手に渡っていった。生まれつき内省的で、人一倍自立心が強い芸術家肌。それでいて明るく人間味に溢れた中村さんは、今や自分の作品を通して世界に力強く語りかけるまでの名工に成長した。日本にはプロの能面師が30人いるが、女流作家は中村さんを含めて5人のみ。男性中心の能の世界で、女性が能を演じる機会は伝統的に少ない。しかし中村さん自身は女性であることで能の世界で差別を受けた経験はないと言う。夫から自立するため、能面制作の技術を身につける。こんな考えもおそらく一族の伝統なのだろう。中村さんの実家は藤堂藩に仕えた士族の家系である。明治維新後は、

生き延びるために自立して多彩な技能を持つことの大切さを学んできた。中村さんにもきっとこの資質が受け継がれているのだ。刀を崇め、我が身とし命を懸け生きた武士の先祖を持つ彼女は、日々、刀（とう）と呼ばれる彫刻刀を手に命を込め、能面を打ち続けている。彼女と能面との出会いは、決して偶然のなせる業ではなく、彼女の中に流れるサムライの血が能面を引き寄せたのではないだろうか。今、彼女は京都東山区に居を構え制作に打ち込んでいる。周囲は骨董品店が多く、日本美術や伝統文化が満ち溢れる魅力的なエリアだ。築100年を超える中村さんの自宅兼工房は、日本最古の舞台芸術を支える仕事場にぴったりの伝統的な日本家屋である。玄関を入り、きしむ階段を上がって工房に入ると壁一面にかけられた様々な能面が圧巻である。ひとつひとつの面が様々な表情を持ち、語りかけてくる。哲学的でもあるこれらの面を用いて演じられる能楽は、14 世紀に完成したといわれ、ユネスコ世界文化遺産に指定された日本最古の舞台芸術のひとつだ。そして能面は、1点ごとにヒノ

キから打ち出され、完成までにひと月はゆうにかかる。多くの能面は家宝として扱われる神聖な存在でもあるため、1点50万円以上というのも無理からぬ話だ。いつもは頭の中であらかじめイメージを決めて打ち始めるという中村さんだが、時には、木が勝手にアイデアを主張し始め、そのうちすっかり違う表情が浮かび上がるということも起こるそうだ。そのように印象深く繊細な表情を生み出すため、能面師は木から夢幻の表情を打ち出すことに心血を注ぐ。「美しい乙女や純粋な子供の面を打っているときはとても明るい気持ちになりますが、鬼の面を打つ時には悲しみや怒りを感じる時があります。」中村光江さんの堪忍は、本物の美徳であると断言できる。その豊潤な人生経験からは、究極の至宝が生み出されるのだ。中村光江さんは、京都、大阪、東京で、能面教室を開講しています。電話：080-5355-2559 mitsue-yuya.com

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #175 DECEMBER 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Feature

Reshaping Wagashi Takayuki Maeda is a man on a mission, trying to popularize wagashi and bring it back into the confectionery mainstream. Text & Images: Sam Johnston

 Wagashi – a traditional Japanese confectionery made using mochi (Japanese rice cake) and sweet bean paste – has always been a part of Japanese cultural history. Originally used for religious ceremonies, in the past wagashi was often out of reach for the average person. These days though, the delicacy is available to all and is still used in traditional tea ceremonies. It’s often favored by the older generation. Takayuki Maeda, an up-and-coming celebrity chef, is trying to reshape the old image of wagashi and bring it to a younger generation. Traditional-style wagashi might take on the shape of a leaf, a flower or a seasonal fruit. One look at Mr. Maeda’s wagashi though, and you can tell this guy has something special and unique. A hand-crafted Sonic The Hedgehog, Marilyn Monroe, Snoopy, Tom Cruise, or even Prime Minister Abe; if your mind can conceive it, Takayuki Maeda can make it. It’s a unique ability that has made him popular on local TV and in magazines.

His handmade wagashi are an interesting new take on a craft that is centuries old. When asked why he thinks he is gaining such popularity, he says “I’m not aware of anyone else that is doing anything similar.” And it’s true. When asked if he feels traditional wagashi is boring, his reply is “No, not at all. I actually really love traditional wagashi and feel it is something very culturally important to Japan. The reason I make the kind of wagashi that I do, is to make it more appealing to the general public; especially the younger generation.” Mr. Maeda says wagashi has been in his family for three generations. His grandfather started a small wagashi business, so it’s something that has always been around him. One thing is very clear, Mr. Maeda is very passionate about bringing Wagashi into the mainstream. An advocate of wagashi being a healthier alternative to most sweet foods, he says it is made using all natural ingredients.

With the help of event organizer Yuki Mayco, Mr. Maeda has been hosting workshops throughout Kansai in both Japanese and English. His workshops have proven to be quite popular. Attendees to one of Maeda’s events can expect to be treated to some complementary dango (a sweet Japanese dumpling made from mochiko – rice flour), green tea, and a cultural presentation on the history of wagashi. Mr. Maeda also demonstrates his wagashi crafting skills and attendees get a chance to craft their very own unique wagashi.  For more information on Maeda’s up and coming demonstrations, visit his facebook page: facebook.com/sakai.motimoti For similar events in English, contact Yuki Mayco: facebook.com/YukiNoEnglish

Illustration: Nicole LaRue (smallmadegoods.com)

Feature

The Beautiful Way Japan’s gay history – can exploring homosexuality in Japan’s distant past help lead to greater acceptance of sexual minorities and LGBT communities in the country today? Text: Dean Poland • Illustration: Nicole LaRue

 The Kansai Rainbow Parade was held in Osaka in October and will next year celebrate its 10th anniversary, while just last month, the southern Japanese city of Fukuoka threw its first ever pride parade. Both are gay pride festivals which are a celebration of identity, with goals to promote better understanding of sexual minorities in Japan, and to strengthen ties between LGBT and non-LGBT communities. The area of Osaka that is popular with LBGT groups is Doyama-cho in the Umeda district. Brimming with bars, restaurants, and saunas, there is a vitality and atmosphere that can be

difficult to find in other more conventional commercial areas. The popularity of areas like this, and the people who frequent them, is often reflected in Japan’s pop culture, especially on prime-time TV shows that are known to present their LGBT guests, hosts, and personalities with pride. But these recent trends which suggest an ‘openness’ towards the gay community in Japan can be misleading. The perceptions of homosexuality in the media and amongst the general public are seen by many as misguided and based on novelties and stereotypes; treating homosexuality more

like an amusing fetish than a genuine sexual identity. A lot of the attitudes towards people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender in Japan are what make gay pride parades an important and necessary platform on which to fight discrimination against LGBT people in this country. It could be argued that Doyama-cho, and Tokyo’s Shinjuku 2-chōme area, are places of segregation rather than celebration; a means of preventing homosexual practices from impinging on the daylight solidity of Japan’s strict social and moral order.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #175 DECEMBER 2014 | kansaiscene.com

The truth is, however, that homosexual practices have played an important part in the history of Japanese culture. In fact, homosexual activities were so tightly woven into the fabric of social structures; religious, military, and artistic, that once upon a time, among some groups in Japan, “love between men was considered the purest form of love” (Nuzzi, 2012, p.46). In traditional Japanese culture, the word nanshoku (男色) was used to describe a kind of behavior rather than a particular identity, suggesting that in Japanese thinking there has been a fundamental difference between homosexual activity and homosexual identity. The term “nanshoku” literally means “male color”. The kanji for color connotes the meaning of “sexual pleasure” in both Japan and China, and was famously used by Yukio Mishima in his novel Forbidden Colors (禁色) which describes the marriage between a gay man and a young woman. It is commonly believed that Kukai (Kobo Daishi), the founder of the influential esoteric Buddhist sect of Shingon, introduced the concept of nanshoku into Japan after returning from Tang China in the ninth century (Borgen, 1996, p.170). Indeed, Buddhist monasteries appear to have been early centers of homosexual activity in ancient Japan. Sexual relations between a monk and his acolyte were widespread. These acolytes, or “boy-lovers” were known as chigo (稚児) and a collection of short stories known as Chigo Monogatari (“Acolyte Stories”) details many of these relationships. Although chastity among monks is one of the key doctrines of Buddhism, sex between monks and their acolytes seems to have been accepted as a reasonable compromise between heterosexual sex and complete celibacy. In fact, these activities came to be known as bido (美道): the “beautiful way.” The notion of same-sex love rapidly spread to the warrior class where it

was customary for a young samurai to be apprenticed to an older and more experienced male. The young apprentice would often take on the role of lover. In exchange for his loyalty, the young male received an education and military training. This practice was known as shudo (衆道), “the way of the youth,” and was revered by the warrior class (Leupp, 1996; Neill, 2008, p.283). A well-known example of a samurai participating in shudo is Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan’s most famous and revered daimyo (feudal ruler). When Nobunaga was killed in an ambush in 1582, his body was found with his teenage lover, Mori Ranmaru (Neill, 2008, p.291). An interesting example of how modern Japan has swept such memories under the mat of cultural amnesia, is the fact that not one of Kurosawa Akira’s world-renowned samurai movies refers to the practice of shudo. It wasn’t until the 1999 movie Gohatto (Taboo) that homosexual activities between the samurai were explored on film. Directed by Nagisa Oshima, the movie depicts the life of a samurai school at the end of the Edo period in the mid19th century and specifically examines issues of homosexual practices in the shudo tradition. As Japanese society became more pacified in the relatively stable Tokugawa period (1600-1868), the middle classes adopted many of the practices of the warrior classes, including shudo (Neill, 2008, p.291). During this period, however, same-sex relationships became more focused on enjoyment, rather than a formalized expression of loyalty. Although male prostitution was never actually legalized, male brothels and “tea-houses” flourished in Japanese cities, particularly in Kyoto, Osaka, and Edo (Ihara, 1990). Homosexual activities also permeated the arts of the time, especially the all-male theatre of kabuki, where young actors often worked as pros-

titutes off-stage (Neill, 2008, p.290; Ihara, 1990). Moreover, many of the great ukiyo-e artists, including Hokusai (1760-1849) and Hishikawa (16181694), contributed valuable works to the art of shunga (春画) or “pictures of spring”; a form of art expressing sexuality in a wide variety of forms including explicit heterosexual and homosexual acts between young and old. Although the increasing presence of Christian missionaries led to a decline in homosexual activities in Japan, it wasn’t until the Meiji Restoration (1868) that such practices began to be seriously questioned. The tide turned and noble notions of same-sex relations withered with shame (Neill, 2008, p.294; Pflugfelder, 1999, p11). Japan, wanting to appear civilized to the rest of the world, began a campaign of prohibition and denial, marginalizing homosexual practices, leading to the current ‘moderate’ attitude of modern japan (Pflugfelder, 1999, p11). The history of homosexual relationships in Japan can be very controversial when viewed through a modern lens because of the relationships that occurred between young boys and older men in positions of power. However, homosexuality was viewed and expressed very differently in Japan’s distant past to the way it is today, as homosexual practices were more so bound up in social concepts than an actual sexual identity. Nevertheless, perhaps a public acceptance and awareness of the role homosexual practices in Japanese history could lead to greater acceptance of the LGBT community in contemporary japan, making it easier for more people to openly declare and take pride in their gay identity, leading to more social equality like legalized gay marriage and more LGBT political and community leaders. 

Further reading on the history of homosexuality in Japan • Baird, V. (2007). The No-Nonsense Guide to Sexual Diversity. New Internationalist. • Borgen, B. (1996). The Woman’s Hand: Gender and Theory in Japanese Women’s Writing. Schalow, P., & Walker, J. (Eds.) Stanford University Press. • Nuzzi, C. (2012). ‘Anime’. Routledge International Encyclopedia of Queer Culture. Gerstner, D. (Ed.) Routledge. • Leupp, G. (1996). Male Colors: The Construction of Homosexuality in Tokugawa Japan. University of California Press. • Neill, J. (2008). The Origins and Role of Same-Sex Relations in Human Societies. McFarland Press. • Pflugfelder, G. (1999). Cartographies of Desire: Male-male Sexuality in Japanese Discourse, 1600-1950. University of California Press. •Ihara, S. (1990). The Great Mirror of Male Love. Stanford University Press.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #175 DECEMBER 2014 | kansaiscene.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

You’re wanted on the telephone! TELL Lifeline is calling for Kansai volunteers to be a part of its anonymous telephone counseling service. KS caught up with TELL director Vickie Skorji to find out more. Text: KS

What types of calls does the Lifeline receive? Forty years ago, when the Lifeline first started receiving calls, 50 percent were information related. Today, with the internet and an increasingly mobile society, 90 percent are of a counseling nature. More than 60 percent of our callers are Japanese. Loneliness, mental health problems such as depression, followed by relationship and workplace challenges form the largest categories of calls. Cultural diversity is a major theme in many of our calls. How do you become a phone counselor, and what’s involved? Anyone who is 21 and speaks English can become a volunteer. The training is held twice a year over an eight-week period, and involves online modules, telephone role-plays, and three Saturday workshops. Those who graduate undertake an apprenticeship period before fully graduating. We ask for a commitment of 10 hours a month for a minimum of 12 months. While I no longer take calls on the line, like many of our volunteers, the skills and the experience I gained from volunteering

on the line have given me more than I could ever have imagined, in both my personal and professional lives. TELL is opening a satellite phone room in Kansai - when is it happening and what is it all about? This year, TELL has reached out to the people of Kansai to help us finally achieve our goal of providing a 24hour support service. We know that during the early hours of the morning people are more vulnerable and most in need of this support. This year we have been busy training volunteers from the Kansai area and setting up a new phone room. The Kobe Union Church has been an amazing support in assisting us with training facilities, but to date the number of interested volunteers has been low. TELL will still only have one number for the Lifeline, but calls will be soon be answered in either Tokyo or Kansai. December 5th is International Volunteer Day - does TELL have any plans for this day? On December 5th, TELL will recognize those volunteers who have made outstanding contributions in 2014, and

hold a charity band night in Tokyo; something in the future we would love to see happen in Kansai. December 5th is a day of recognition and appreciation of the difference volunteers make, along with a call for action. This year’s theme is “Make Change Happen”. TELL is reaching out to the Kansai community to help us make history and become a 24-hour support service. TELL’s next training will start on February 14th in Kansai and finish on April 14th, and applications are now being accepted.

TELL Lifeline • TELL Lifeline: 03-5774-0992 Free, anonymous telephone counseling and support in Japanese and English • Hours: 9am–11pm daily • Website: telljp.com

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #175 DECEMBER 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Language

Spreading Holiday Cheer

Useful Expressions

The red leaves of autumn have come and gone and the cool winter winds have whistled their way back to Kansai, which means kurisumasu (Christmas) is around the corner! While Christmas is not generally celebrated throughout Japan the same way as in the West, that doesn’t mean you won’t hear plenty of holiday music, yuletide greetings, and see an abundance of festive decorations, albeit perhaps with a slight twist. Oddly famous for KFC Christmas lunch and dinner specials, and for its secondto-none illuminations, Japan captures many of the charms of this Western holiday with its own unique spin. With Christmas being more of a couples’ occasion than a family day (see page 20 for some romantic restaurant ideas), Japanese New Year (shougatsu – おしょうがつ) is family time where most people return to their hometowns to be with their relatives. If you’re planning to be in Japan for the Christmas/New Year period, start practicing these useful holiday phrases now so you’re well equipped to ask what’s going on in your area, and to spread festive season cheer. Santa-san is coming to town!

How do you celebrate Christmas?

クリスマスはどういわいますか？

Kurisumasu wa dou iwaimasuka?

Are you doing anything on Christmas eve?

クリスマスエブはなにかしますか？

Kurisumasu ebu wa nani ka shimasuka?

Are you going to any Christmas parties?

クリスマスパーチィにいきますか？

Kurisumasu party ni ikimasuka?

Have you heard of any Christmas events or festivals happening around town?

どこかでクリスマスのイベントやフェ

Doko ka de kurisumasu no ibento ya fesutibaru ga aru ka shittemasuka?

Where is a good place to go and see Christmas lights?

クリスマスのイルミネーションはどこでみるのがいいですか？

Kurisumasu no irumineeshon wa doko de mirunoga iidesuka?

Merry Christmas!

メリークリスマス！

Merii kurisumasu!

Happy New Year!

あけましておめでとうございます！

Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!

Are you getting time off over the new year?

お正月はやすみがありますか？

Oshougatsu wa yasumi ga arimasuka?

Are you returning to your hometown for New Year’s?

お正月にきせいしますか？

Oshougatsu ni kisei shimasuka?

Where is your hometown?

いなかはどこですか？

Inaka wa doko desuka?

Do you eat the traditional foods - osechi and ozone?

おせちとかおぞうねとかお正月りょうりをたべますか？

Osechi toka ozoune toka oshougatsu ryouri o tabemasuka?

What’s your new year’s resolution?

しんねんのほうふはなんですか？

Shin nen no houfu wa nan desuka?

Are you going to an end of year party?

ぼうねんかいにいきますか？

Bounenkai ni ikimasuka?

What are you doing on new year’s eve / day?

おおみそか / がんじつはなにをしますか？

Oomisoka / ganjitsu wa nani o shimasuka?

Are you going to a new year’s party?

しんねんかいにいきますか？

Shin nen kai ni ikimasuka?

スティバルがあるかしってますか？

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #175 DECEMBER 2014 | kansaiscene.com

Food & Drink

Foodspotting ‘Tis the season to be romantic! So grab that special someone and check out some of Kansai’s intimate dining spots. Text & Images: Janelle McNeill

Umeda

Nakanoshima

Honmachi

Italian Romancing

Seductive Haven

Love is all around

Tucked away in central Umeda is the intimate haven Osteria Gaudente. Italian head chef Alcide greets guests warmly from the open kitchen and the very attentive wait staff take care of you with friendly professionalism. Decadent lunch choices start from only ¥1,000 and will leave you feeling satisfied and content. Try for a late lunch to avoid the crowds, and always make a booking for evening visits. Consult the experienced sommeliers about which of the abundant Italian wines to choose for your festive cheers, whilst enjoying the specialized Christmas menu. Visit the Kobe branch, and watch effervescent chef Vincenzo create the renowned wood-fired pizzas. Both locations ooze a distinct mood of warm Italian hospitality.

Stepping into South Paradise Cafe in Honmachi, your equilibrium will be immediately reset by the resort hotel mood that greets you. The alluring pockets of privacy, floor-to-ceiling windows, meandering music, and sensual lighting all combine to melt away the outside world. Artful designs, gourmet magazines, and lavish greenery come together in the luxurious space. Come for breakfast to feel like royalty with cushions and candles, or saunter in for a slow, relaxing lunch. With five breakfast and lunch choices, there is plenty of variety and opportunities for sharing. The menu also boasts regional salad blends from around Japan in both half or full servings, healthy juice smoothie mixes, antipasto and ¥500 tapas.

If you’re in the mood for love this Christmas, Love Central beckons. Established in 2013 in collaboration with famous crooners Dreams Come True, there is a special blend of deliberate romance in the air here. Daytime energy at Sumile restaurant is bright and elegant, whilst the evening sparkles with promises of forever after, at lounge Nocturne upstairs. Situated right on the river opposite the commanding Nakanoshima Public Hall, the location is simply stunning. Lunch courses start from ¥1,800 and pamper you with their gentle combination of seasonal flavors. Be sure to grab a commemorative pair shot near the LOVE sign, ring the love bell in the garden, and take a hand-in-hand stroll beneath the pretty fairy lights for a true Japan style dating experience.

Osteria Gaudente

South Paradise Cafe

Open: Umeda branch 11:30am–10:30pm;

Open: 8am–11pm • Price Range: Breakfast

Love Central

Kobe branch 11am–10:30pm • Price

¥380–¥1580; Lunch ¥880–¥1,880;

Sumile Restaurant: Open: 11am–11pm •

Range: Lunch ¥1,000–¥3,400; Dinner

Dinner Course menu ¥3,500–¥7,500 •

Price Range: Lunch ¥1,800–¥4800; Dinner

¥3,500–¥5,800 • gaudente.jp • Access:

southparadisecafe.com • Access: Exit

¥5,800–¥10,000 • Lounge Nocturne:

(UMEDA branch) Short walk from Hanshin

2 from Honmachi and head North along

Open: 5pm–11pm (during Autumn/Winter)

Umeda Stn. (KOBE branch) In Kobe

Midosuji; Exit 13 from Yodoyabashi and

• Price Range: Dinner ¥2,500–¥5,500 •

Harborland Mosaic. 10-min walk from JR

head South along Midosuji.

love-central.jp • Access: 5-min walk

Kobe Stn.

from Yodoyabashi Subway Stn or Keihan Naniwabashi Stn (Nakanoshima Line)

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Film Previews  Dec 12

Pick

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Peter Jackson, Fantasy, Dec 13 Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly

The last Hobbit movie finished on a disappointing cliffhanger, but this time around Jackson is pushing for more action, destruction and ferocity. Fans know what to expect, non-fans know not to bother.

David Fincher, Thriller, 149 mins, Dec 12 Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon

This is most definitely a movie that is best approached cold, as the less you know about it going in, the more you will be drawn into the tangled story. That shouldn’t be a surprise to any David Fincher fans, as the vast majority of his past work is dark and laden with shocks and surprises that stay with you long after the credits have rolled. Gone Girl is yet another clear tick on a near-spotless tally of awesome movies (he disowned Alien 3, so we can let him off the hook for that one). Affleck plays Nick, a handsome and seemingly charming bachelor who falls in love with and marries Amy, a role that Rosamund Pike nails to such a degree she all but steals the show. It doesn’t take long for trouble to brew in paradise, as Nick isn’t all he seems to be, and the tension slowly builds until Amy goes missing. Fincher throws in a clutter of cats amongst the pigeons, but the narrative holds strong and you never feel lost or confused trying to piece all the different threads together in your mind. Although you will know what each party brings to the table, you may struggle to decide whose side to take. The media circles around Nick like vultures around an injured animal, Harris awkwardly plays Desi, an old high school admirer of Amy, and Tyler Perry surprises all by portraying Nick’s lawyer in a balanced and convincing way. Add to all this a police investigation and shrouded motives for all involved, the film gives the audience room to create their own theories, which is a very refreshing change of pace from your standard Hollywood fare. The film is long, and a little laborious, but for those that look for stimulation over pure entertainment, it is an amazing movie.

Baymax Don Hall and Chris Williams, Animation, 102 mins, Dec 20 Starring: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung, Daniel Henney, Genesis Rodriguez

A warm and fun tale that also tugs on the heart strings from time to time. Baymax is a perfectly puffy robot programmed to help people, but is tweaked to be a crime-fighter.

The Last: Naruto the Movie Tsuneo Kobayashi, Animation, Dec 6 Starring: Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Jun Fukuyama, Chie Nakamura

A manga/anime that many have grown up with, there are hordes of fans sorry to see Naruto come to an end. A falling moon, warring ninja and an attempted kidnapping make this a hectic ride.

Yokai Watch: Tanjo no Himitsu da Nyan Shigeharu Takahashi and Shinji Ushiro, Animation, Dec 20 Starring: Aya Endo, Yuki Kaji, Ainosuke Kataoka, Toru Nara, Romi Pak

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

The newest animation craze that has spread throughout Japan like wacky wildfire, although Yokai Watch isn’t drawing in a huge international audience, it is sure to be a big hit with the kids here in Japan.

 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: Runner Runner, Interstellar, Fury, Sabotage, Beauty and the Beast (FR), Dracula Untold, Grace of Monaco, The Equalizer, The Legend of Hercules • From Dec 12: Gone Girl • From Dec 13: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies • From Dec 20: Big Hero 6

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: Interstellar, The Legend of Hercules, No Tears for the Dead, The Expendables 3, If I Stay, The Guest, Dracula Untold • From Dec 12: Gone Girl • From Dec 13: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies • From Dec 20: Big Hero 6

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: The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet, Big Bad Wolves, The Last Days on Mars, The Double, Pee Mak Phrakanong (TH), Frank, Le Week-End, Montage (KOR), Argerich (FR), The Ridge (SP), The Hundred-Foot Journey • From Dec 6: Waltz For Monica (SWE) • From Dec 13: God’s Not Dead, Heaven is For Real • From Dec 20: Casse-tête chinois (FR)

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

Now showing: Nymphomaniac, Red Family (KOR), Tom à la ferme (FR), La mer à l'aube (FR) • From Dec 13: A Thousand Times Good Night • From Dec 20: Venus In Fur (FR) • From Dec 27: Of Horses and Men (IC)

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: Boyhood, Devil’s

Knot, Interstellar, Fury, Beauty and the Beast (FR), The Expendables 3, Dracula Untold, The Equalizer, The Legend of Hercules, About Time • From Dec 12: Gone Girl • From Dec 13: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies • From Dec 20: Big Hero 6

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: Interstellar, Fury,

Dracula Untold, The Legend of Hercules, Sabotage, Beauty and the Beast (FR), Grace of Monaco, The Equalizer • From Dec 12: Gone Girl • From Dec 13: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies • From Dec 20: Big Hero 6

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: Interstellar, Fury, Beauty and the Beast (FR), The Hundred-Foot Journey, Dracula Untold, The Expendables 3, The Equalizer, The Legend of Hercules, Paranoia • From Dec 12: Gone Girl • From Dec 13: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies • From Dec 20: Big Hero 6

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: See website

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: Interstellar, Fury, Paranoia, Beauty and the Beast (FR), The Hundred-Foot Journey, The Expendables 3, Dracula Untold, The Equalizer, The Legend of Hercules, Grace of Monaco • From Dec 12: Gone Girl • From Dec 13: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies • From Dec 20: Big Hero 6

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

Now showing: The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet, Nymphomaniac, Frank, Un plan parfait (FR), Le Week-End, Le Grand Cahier (HUN), La mer à l'aube (FR) • From Dec 6: The Double, Der Untergang (GER) • From Dec 15: The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet • From Dec 20: Paris I Love You, Balancing Act (ITA) • From Dec 27: A Parisian in New York (FR)

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: Interstellar, Fury, Devil’s Knot, Boyhood, Runner Runner, Sabotage, Beauty and the Beast (FR), The Expendables 3, The Legend of Hercules, Grace of Monaco, The Equalizer, Dracula Untold, About Time • From Dec 12: Gone Girl • From Dec 13: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies • From Dec 20: Big Hero 6

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

Now showing: See website

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: Boyhood, Runner Runner, Interstellar, Fury, Sabotage, Beauty and the Beast (FR), Dracula Untold, The Equalizer, The Legend of Hercules, Grace of Monaco, Million Dollar Arm

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: The Expendables 3, Paranoia, Interstellar, The Equalizer • From Dec 13: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

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: Interstellar, Fury, Sabotage, The Expendables 3, Beauty and the Beast (FR), Dracula Untold, The Equalizer, The Legend of Hercules, Grace of Monaco • From Dec 12: Gone Girl • From Dec 13: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies • From Dec 20: Big Hero 6

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: The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet, About Time, Nymphomaniac, The Hundred-Foot Journey, Le Week-End, Les garçons et guillaume à table! (FR), Big Bad Wolves, • From Dec 13: God’s Not Dead, A Thousand Times Good Night • From Dec 20: Venus in Fur (FR) • From Dec 27: Waltz For Monica (SWE)

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: Interstellar, Fury, Runner Runner, Devil’s Knot, Boyhood, Sabotage, The 100-YearOld Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared (SWE), Beauty and the Beast (FR), Grace of Monaco, The Expendables 3, Dracula Untold, The Hundred-Foot Journey, The Legend of Hercules • From Dec 12: Gone Girl • From Dec 13: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies • From Dec 20: Big Hero 6

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

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

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Events  Dec 13 – Mar 01

 Dec 31

Osaka Castle 3D Mapping Super Illumination 大阪城3Dマッピングスーパーイルミネーション Osaka Castle, Nishinomaru Garden grounds

It’s back and it’s bigger and better than before. Wrap up warm and head to the grounds of Osaka Castle this winter to enjoy the 2nd installment of this incredible 3D Mapping extravanganza, updated with a narrative inspired by the 400th anniversary of the siege of the castle. Using cutting-edge mapping technology, awe-inspiring graphics will be projected onto the castle walls in unison with bone-crunching audio effects to create an audiovisual experience quite like no other. You have to see it to believe it. Both regular and premium tickets available (see website for details).  Dec 13 2014 – Mar 1, 2015 • Time: 5:30–10:30pm (Dec 20–25, until 11pm / Jan 14–Mar 1, 6–10:30pm) • Access: Subway Tanimachi 4-chome Stn 10-mins walk • Regular admission: Adults ¥1,700 / Children: ¥1,000 • Where: Osaka Castle, Nishinomaru Garden grounds • tenka1hikari.jp

 Dec 7

New Year’s Countdown & Starlight Illusion 2015 ニューイヤーズカウントダウン2015 Wakayama Marina City

Celebrate New Year’s Eve and welcome 2015 with an exciting live music show and the “Starlight Illusion” fireworks display. This is one of the biggest New Year’s Eve events in Kansai, held annually at Wakayama Marina City. Enjoy the funky gig with a special DJ from FM 802, guest band Hilcrhyme and local musicians. See 2014 off with a display of 6,000 stunning fireworks spreading across the sky above the Porto Europa at the end of the show.  Dec 31 • Time: 7pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Kainan Stn, bus to Marina City • marinacity.com

Bonfire Ceremony 太郎坊宮お火焚大祭

Provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

FREE

Tarobogu Aga-Jinja, Shiga

One of the largest bonfire ceremonies takes place at a truly spiritual place, Aga-jinja. Called “Tarobo” after the Japanese mythical creature tengu, the shrine is well known as a holy place for mountain priests. On this day, more than 100,000 gomagi – pieces of wood inscribed with prayers – are collected from all over the country. Come and see these mountain priests throw the gomagi into the blaze one after another. Watch as 50 mountain priests walk on the hot coals with bare feet as part of their rituals. There will be many stalls selling warm refreshments and shrine goods.  Dec 7 • Time: 10am • Admission: Free • Access: Omi Line Tarobogu-mae Stn; 20-min walk • 1.ocn.ne.jp/~tarobo

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai  Dec 14

Event Listings December

FREE Former Foreign Settlement and Surroundings, Hyogo  Dec 4–15

The main streets of Kobe will be graced with gorgeous illuminated archways in remembrance of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.

Ako Gishi Sai – 47 Ronin Festival 赤穂義士祭 FREE

JR Banshu-Ako Stn & Surroundings, Hyogo

December 14 marks the anniversary of the 47 samurai heroes who took revenge on the death of their lord in the Edo period. Visit the hometown of these heroes and join the festival held to pay tribute to the great achievement of the samurai. This legend is much loved by the Japanese even today as it is seen on TV and in plays. Watch the grand parade re-enacting combat scenes and the thrilling climax. Famous actor, Ken Matsudaira will make an appearance in the parade again this year. A marching brass band, bustling market and many other exciting events will also be held in the heart of the city.  Dec 14 • Time: 10am • Admission: Free • Access: JR Banshuako Stn • hyogo-tourism.jp/english/whatsnew/index.php?id=981

 Dec 13 & 14

The 109th Exhibition of Kyoto Cuisine 第109回京料理展示大会 Miyakomesse, Kyoto

Food lovers, be tempted by the sight and smell of beautiful Kyoto cuisine. Traditional Kyoto delicacies are as pleasing to the eye as to the palate. This is an amazing exhibition of Japanese dishes and washoku, which has been designated by UNESCO as having “intangible cultural heritage”. Over 500 chefs from famous restaurants in Kyoto will prepare lavish meals for public display on these two days. There will also be dance performed by maiko (apprentice geisha), cooking workshops, and a counter selling cooking utensils that are treasured by Kyoto’s top chefs. Of course, there will be opportunities to taste the wonderful dishes in the venue!  Dec 13 & 14 • Time: 10am–4pm • Admission: ¥600 adults

Time: 6pm–9pm Mon–Thurs; 6pm–10pm Fri; 5pm–10pm Sat; 5pm–9:30pm Sun • Admission: Free • Access: JR / Hanshin Line, Motomachi Stn; 5-min walk • kobeluminarie.jp

World Christmas Decoration Exhibition

Lantern Fair

世界クリスマス紀行

FREE Kobe Nankin-Machi, Hyogo  Dec 3–25

Japan Toy Museum, Hyogo •  Until Jan 20

A great collection of Christmas decorations from around the world. Time: 10am–5pm (Closed Wed & Dec 28–Jan 2) • Admission: ¥500 adults, concessions • Access: JR Koro Stn; 15-min walk • japan-toymuseum.org

Antique Men’s Kimono Exhibition オトコのきものアンティーク展 Tondaya, Kyoto •  Until Dec 14

A marvellous collection of antique men’s kimono are on display at Tondaya that has a kimono shop with a long history.

Time: 9am–5pm • Admission: ¥1,080 Access: City bus to Imadegawaomiya; 3-min walk • tondaya.co.jp/ English/indexE.htm

Santa Claus Diver サンタダイバー～水中からメリークリスマス～ Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)  Until Dec 25

Kaiyukan presents a special seasonal event; a Santa Claus diver appears in its fish tank, swimming with a whale shark and waving to visitors.

Time: TBA • Admission: ¥2,300 adults, concessions on entry • Access: Chuo Subway Line, Osakako Stn: 5-min walk • kaiyukan.com/ index.html

Sennin-Buro Hot Spring 仙人風呂 FREE Kawayu Onsen Hot Spring, Wakayama •  Until February 28

A giant public bath set under the sky is open for free. Situated at the riverbank, the large bath is a genuine natural onsen.

Time: 6:30am–10pm • Admission: Free • Access: Bus from JR Shingu Stn to Kawayu Onsen • hongu.jp/en

(¥800 at door), concessions • Access: Higashiyama Subway Stn;

Kobe Luminarie

8-min walk • leafkyoto.net/kyo-ryori

神戸ルミナリエ

南京町ランターンフェア Colorful lanterns illuminate and create an exotic atmosphere at Chinatown in Kobe where you can savor all the marvellous morsels of food. Time: 4pm–10pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR / Hanshin Line, Motomachi Stn; 5-min walk • nankinmachi.or.jp/index.html

Collaboration of Wind & Earth 風と土の交芸in琵琶湖高島 Takashima City, Shiga •  Dec 5–7

An art event introducing artists and their everyday life. Purchase a passport at the information center and visit craftsmen, designers and other creators in their homes and workshops around scenic Takashima city.

Time: 10am–5pm • Admission: ¥1,000 (to buy a passport), concessions • Access: JR ShinAsahi Stn (to main info center of Takashimashi Kanko Busan Plaza) • kazetotsuchi.musubime.tv

Tempozan Gospel Festival 天保山ゴスペルフェスティバル FREE Tempozan Marketplace, Osaka •  Dec 7

20 Selected groups show their powerful performances on the central stage in the Tempozan Marketplace. Watch the special performance by Costie Payne, a singer who is busily engaged in international shows.

Time: 2:10pm • Admission: Free • Access: Chuo Subway Line, Osakako Stn; 5-min walk • kaiyukan.com/ topics/2014/10/topic_001329.html

Nenneko Matsuri – A Ritual for Children ねんねこ祭り FREE Konoha-Jinja Shrine, Wakayama •  Dec 7

This religious event celebrates the healthy growth of children.

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai The worshipping of the sunrise is performed by a little girl at 6am. An exchange of questions and answers between a Shinto priest and a child takes place at 8am. The tengu (long-nosed goblin) dance happens at 9am. Other unique rituals will be observed throughout the day. Time: 6am • Admission: Free • Access: JR Kii-Tahara Stn • nippon-kichi.com/article_list. do?p=4201&ml_lang=jp (click “En” for English)

Biwako Steam train ride SL北びわこ号運行「きのもと秋のＳＬまつり」 JR Maibara Stn, Shiga  Dec 7 & 14

Old steam trains will run through the beautiful countryside for the 22.4km between Maibara Stn and Kinomoto Stn. The trains operate twice a day.

Time: 10am–3pm • Admission: ¥520 for reserved seat is required plus an ordinary ticket • pref. shiga.lg.jp/kakuka/h/kotsus/2008kitabiwakogo.html

Ramen Expo 2014 ラーメンExpo2014 in 万博公園 FREE Expo70 Commemorative Park, Osaka •  Dec 11–14; 19–21; 22–25

30 selected noodle restaurants from all over the country will serve their specialties. Bowls of ramen at this event will be ¥800. Time: 10am–9pm • Admission: Free (¥250 is required to enter the park) • Access: Osaka Monorail Koenhigashiguchi Stn • ramenexpo.com

Himeji Robo-Challenge 姫路ロボ・チャレンジ第19回 FREE Himeji Science Museum, Hyogo •  Dec 13 & 14

An exciting contest of bipedal humanoid robots – demonstration stage, time races and one-on-one fights in a tournament. Time: 10am–4:30pm • Admission: Free (usual entrance fee ¥500 adults, concessions) • Access: JR Himeji Stn, bus to Hoshinokokanmae • city.himeji.lg.jp/atom/robo/ robo_challenge

Time: 4:30pm on the 13th; 2:30pm on the 14th • Admission: ¥2,500 • Access: City bus from JR Kyoto Stn to Kyodai seimon-mae • cmfestival. com

Pounding Mochi (Rice Cakes) 町家の餅つき Osaka Museum of Housing and Living •  Dec 14

A hands-on activity of pounding mochi (rice cake); the first 20 children under 15 years old can participate. The reception desk to book opens at 10am.

Time: 1:30pm & 2:30pm • Admission: ¥600 (to enter the museum) adults, concessions • Access: Tenjinbashisuji-6-chome Subway Stn, Exit 3 • konjyakukan. com

Yassai Hossai – Firewalking やっさいほっさい FREE Iwatsuta-Jinja, Osaka  Dec 14

Witness this curious religious event that is much loved by local people. Shouting “Yassai Hossai!” performers walk around read hot cinders.

Time: 8pm • Address: Free • Access: Nankai Line, Ishizugawa Stn; 5-min walk • sakai-tcb.or.jp/event/index. php?id=102

Osaka HikariRenaissance 2014 – Christmas Illumination 大阪光のルネッサンス2014 FREE Nakanoshima Park (Osaka City Hall to the eastern point of the park) •  Dec 14–25

One of the greatest free light shows in Kansai; Nakanoshima park will be flooded with a sea of colourful lights. Decorative illumination, shining objects, live music performances and gourmet food stalls.

Time: 5pm–10pm • Admission: Free • Access: Yodoyabashi Subway Stn • hikari-kyoen.com/en/ coreprogram/renaissance

On Matsuri – The Festival

World CM Festival 2014 in Kyoto, Short Version

おん祭

世界のＣＭフェスティバル2014 in京都ショートバージョン

Historic pageantry lasts for four days celebrating the deity of Kasuga-taisha, one of the oldest shrines in Japan. On the 17th, the grand parade starts at noon and majestic classical performing arts are on show one after another until late at night.

Institut français du Japon - Kansai, Kyoto •  Dec 13 & 14

Enjoy this highly popular event featuring TV commercial messages from all over the world. This time, it will be a short version of the usual “World CM Festival”.

FREE Kasuga-Taisha and Surroundings, Nara •  Dec 15–18

Time: Varies by day • Admission: Free • Access: JR / Kintetsu Line,

 Dec 19

Kansai Scene Christmas Party 関西シーンクリスマスパーティー Nambar 10 Sports & Beers, Swissôtel Nankai, Osaka

Celebrate the holiday season in style at our special Christmas Party at the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka! There’ll be the usual fun and games plus some winterwarming drink specials from Jameson before our extra special lucky draw and the chance to win some fantastic prizes including a stay for two at the Swissôtel, free dinners, Japanese lessons, haircuts, yoga sessions and other great stuff from our generous sponsors. See the websites below for full details of prizes.  Dec 19 (Fri) • Time: 7:30–10pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (w/2 drinks + lucky draw ticket) • Access: Swissôtel Nankai Osaka 10F, Namba Stn • meetup.com/KansaiScene • facebook.com/kansaiscene

Nara Stn, bus to Kasuga-taisha Omotesando • kasugataisha.or.jp

Owarai Shinji – A Laughter Ritual お笑い神事 FREE Hiraoka Shrine, Osaka  Dec 25

Join this Laughter ritual where priests lead the crowd for 20 minutes of hilarious howling. Laugh your head off to get a good start to the New Year! Also on this day, old shimenawa spiritual barriers are replaced with new ones from 8:30am. Time: 10am • Admission: Free • Access: Kintetsu Line, Hiraoka Stn • hiraoka-jinja.org/special/owaraishinji.html

Okera Mairi – Receiving Holy Fire

A unique tradition where you can see local people spinning a piece of cord that is burning at one end. The shrine provides people with sacred fire to cook zoni (vegetable soup with rice cake in it). It is believed that in using this sacred fire, one will have perfect health in the coming year. Time: 7pm • Admission: Free • Access: Keihan Line, Gion Shijo Stn; 5-min walk • yasaka-jinja.or.jp

The First Sunrise at the Floating Garden 初日の出in空中庭園展望台 Umeda Sky Building, Osaka  Jan 1

See the first sunrise of the year at the Floating Garden Observatory with magnificent views. The observatory opens at 5am on this day.

をけら詣り FREE Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto  Dec 31

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

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Community Events Submit your Event to Kansai Scene Having an exhibition? Staging a gig? Organizing 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 Art

Entry: ¥3,000 with 2 drinks + lucky draw ticket + special xmas gift for everyone! • Where: Nambar 10 Sports & Beers, Swissôtel Nankai Osaka 10F, Namba facebook.com/kansaiscene

Silver Ball Planet Pinball Tournament

Caption

Reylia Slaby Fine Art exhibition An exhibition to celebrate the release of Mr.Children's new album "足音~Be Strong". Pieces from the album will be displayed, as well as others from Slaby's personal work.

 Dec 21 • Time: 10:30–4:30 • Cost: Free • Venue: Irie Taikichi Museum of Photography Nara City • irietaikichi.jp

Everyone welcome to take part in this monthly pinball tournament at Big Step's fantastic pinball arcade Silver Ball Planet. All ages and levels welcome. Go head to head in teams and battle for pinball glory. Machines used for each tournament change each month. See Facebook for details.  Dec 27 • Time: 4pm • Admission: Just pay to play (¥100 per game) • Where: BIG STEP 4F, Amemura • Access: Midosuji or Nagahori Subway Line, Shinsaibashi Stn, Exit 7 (3-min walk); Yotsubashi Stn, Exit 5 (3-min walk) • big-step.co.jp

Jun Kaneko @ Sokyo Gallery Jun Kaneko is internationally renowned and highly respected in contemporary arts and contemporary ceramic fields. He is known for creating huge Dango, but in this exhibition, he will present 22 smaller works where he re-investigates the relationship of intimately scaled artworks to a traditional Japanese building. The exhibition is a visual and conceptual challenge to his work.  Nov 1–Dec 25 • Where: Sokyo Gallery, Kyoto • Admission: Free gallery-sokyo.jp

Event Kansai Scene Christmas Party Celebrate in style at our end of year Christmas Party. We have prizes galore in our extra special christmas draw, including a stay for two at the swanky new Waraku suite at the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka! Feeling lucky?  Dec 19, 7:30–10:30pm

The ACCJ Kansai Charity Art Auction Gala The ACCJ Kansai Community Service Committee will have its first Charity Art Auction Gala to support the Child Chemo House Center in Kobe – Japan’s first specialized childhood cancer treatment facility for children, which allows families to stay with their afflicted loved ones during the treatment process. The auction features art works from special guest artists including Jin Homura, Yutaka Inagawa, Teruya, Yuken, Takumi Yamazaki and Yoshimi Ohtani (pictured above).  Dec 6 • Time: 7–10pm • Event theme “Henna crowns” the combination of “Chemotherapy” and “Art” • Attire:

Caption

Umeda Snowman Festival 2014 “Many many snowmen” lie in wait for you again this year as the department stores, streets and shopping malls of Umeda display snowmen of all shapes and sizes to get you in the festive spirit. Running until December 25, the festival also features a variety of events, concerts and workshops all loosely connected to the snowman theme. Highlights include a winter market from December 19–23 at the Nishi Umeda Square ground (in front of the Central Post Office), complete with carol singers and a mini snow park for the kids.  Nov 22–Dec 25 • umeda-connect.jp

Semi Formal. • Admission: ¥7,500 (Food & Drinks included) • Location: The Kobe Art Center (2min walk from Shin Kobe Station) • Tickets available at: http://ptix.co/1v02mkh

Seminar The Fall of Language in the Age of English Talk/ Workshop Join Kansai JAT/SWET for an afternoon with literary translator Juliet Winters Carpenter. Ms. Carpenter will give a talk covering her latest endeavor: Minae Mizumura's The Fall of Language in the Age of English, a book discussing the dwindling role of Japanese and

other languages in our Englishbased global society. After the talk, there will be a workshop focusing on a selected passage that participants are urged to have a shot at translating (have a go and send to us by Dec 3). Check the SWET site for more details!

 Dec 6 • 2:30–4:30pm • ¥1,000 (Members) ¥1,500 (Non-members) • U’s2, Umeda, Osaka (Room D, 3rd Floor) Tel: 06-6345-1325 • swet.jp/ events/event/u_events/807

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Pleasure in the History of Fashion: From the Akira KS Ishiyama Collection Pick

 Until Jan 6

Kobe Fashion Museum

The Kobe Fashion Museum presents a new journey to an era not so long ago – the 18th and 19th century and its big, elaborately detailed dresses, long coattails, and the bust-crushing corsets that became icons of Western style. Featuring Akira Ishiyama’s collection of woodblock prints collected from over 70 years of research showing men, women, boys, and girls from the era in the popular style of their time. The exhibit explores the cultural and practical significance of the fashion. Full-size pieces from the museum’s collection of dress from the period will be on display alongside selected prints. French corset / 1778

 Until Jan 6 • Collection of 18th and 19th-century fashion with full-size dress displays alongside collected prints from researcher Akira Ishiyama’s private collection • Open: 10am–6pm • Closed: Wed; 12/29–1/3 • Admission: ¥500 • Access: From JR Sumiyoshi Stn or Hanshin Uozaki Stn, take the Rokko Liner to Island Center Stn • fashionmuseum.or.jp/english

Crossing Borders: Mahler's Manga Park

 Dec 2– Feb 8

Missing a dose of pop-culture and curious humour in your shonen manga (boys comic) lately? Here’s your chance to explore the world of Austrian comic culture through the widely published Austrian cartoonist Nicolas Mahler, whose repertoire ranges from single-panel cranks to lengthy graphic narratives. With the occasional pokes at Japanese culture, the American comic book industry, and his dabbles at philosophy, this international jokester will have you both laughing and thinking as you walk through the six-tiered “park” of his works. As a plus, the artist himself will also be present for a lecture on Dec 6th, 2–4pm.  Dec 2–Feb 8 • Exhibition of cartoons, comics, short films, and 3D objects from European cartoonist Nicolas Mahler • Open: 10am–6pm (admission open until 5:30pm) • Closed: Wed; 12/29–1/3 • Admission: Free (usual fee of ¥800 for general admission to museum is required) • Access: Karasuma or Tozai Line to Karasuma Oike Stn • kyotomm.jp

 Until Dec 9

Possibility of a Pen FREE

Aband Art Space & Cafe

Small gallery of works by Nishiwaki Naoki and Yamamoto Kenji, two artists who use only pen to create amazingly intricate and finely detailed works from pictures to small piece design.  Until Dec 9 • Open: 1pm–8pm • Closed: Weds, Thurs • Admission: Free • 8-min walk from Namba Stn • aband.jp

Thomas Bernhard Alte Meister, Suhrkamp, 2011 © NICOLAS MAHLER

Kyoto International Manga Museum

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Art Listings Busao: Adorably Ugly FREE

Gallery Avi •  Dec 10–14

Picture gallery of the adorably ugly animals we come to love. Amongst smushed faces, disproportionate body parts, and odd hair trims of pets galore, you might just find the next new Doge here.

Open: 12–7:30pm • Closed: Mon, Tues • Admission: Free • 3-min walk from exit 2B at Nagahoribashi Stn on the Sakaisuji or Nagahori Subway Line • g-avi.com/ex.htm

Contemporary Sword Artists Compete Osaka Museum of History •  Until Dec 23

Commencing the ultimate battle between the literary illustrators of swords and the real people who make them, this exhibition focuses on two subjects: one is titled “Two-Dimensional Works vs. Real Swords” featuring collaboration between contemporary swordsmiths and renowned novelists and illustrators. The other is the “Exhibition of Charm Swords,” in which contemporary swordsmiths compete as professionals of swordmaking. Open: 9:30am–5pm; Fri 9:30–8pm • Closed: Tues • Admission: ¥800 • Access: Tanimachi-4-chome Subway Stn • mus-his.city.osaka.jp

Kyoto On the Way to the Future, and Now FREE Kyoto University of Art and Design ArtZone •  Until Dec 21 Kyoto City University of Arts Art Gallery (KCUA) •  Dec 12–28

Having completed a two-year research study exploring the future of art, twelve up-and-coming young artists unite with an exhibition that explores the question, “What’s next for art?”. Artzone • Open: 1–8pm; Weekends & Holidays 12:30–8pm • Admission: Free • Access: Nijoujoumae Subway Stn • artzone.jp KCUA • Open: 11–7pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: Free • Access: Nijoujoumae Subway Stn • gallery. kcua.ac.jp

Affiches de la Belle Epoque Kyoto Institute of Technology, Arts & Crafts Resource Museum •  Until Dec 26

The Paris of the early 1900s was a bustling city of culture and fashion. Known as a golden age for its cultural and arts scene, astutely named La Belle Epoque (The Age of Beauty). This collection boasts about 80 original posters capturing the essence and energy of the city and its dynamic artistic atmosphere.

Osaka

Open: 10–5pm • Closed: Sun, Holidays • Admission: ¥200 • Access: 10-min walk from exit 1 of Matsugasaki Stn (Karasuma Subway Line) • cis.kit.ac.jp/~siryokan

The World of Yumeji Takehisa and Taisho Romanticism FREE Kyocera Museum of Art •  Until Dec 5

Display of around 100 pieces marking the 130th anniversary of the birth of Yumeji Takehisa, a prominent painter of Taisho romanticism in the early 1900s. Works include original paintings, bound books, stationery, postcards and more.

Open: 10–5pm • Admission: Free • Access: From Takeda Stn (Kintetsu Kyoto Line or Karasuma Subway Line) take a Kyoto City bus from the northwest exit to Pulse Plaza Mae (about 5 mins). • global.kyocera. com/news/2014/1029_bflp.html

Hyogo Georges Rouault: Peinture De L’ame Itami City Museum of Art •  Until Dec 23

Large exhibition of around 150 works by the distinctly different Fauvist and Expressionist painter Rouault. Best known for his deeply colored, dark oil paintings of unconventional subjects (courts, clowns, and prostitutes) and later for his richly Christian works. Symbolic and empathetic, his featured works include some of his most popular prints, like Miserere and Cirque de L’Etoile Filante. Open: 10am–6pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥800 • Access: Hankyu or JR Itami Stn • artmuseum-itami.jp

Wakayama Art Tourism: A Journey from Wakayama Wakayama Modern Art Museum •  Until Dec 7

The beautiful but unpredictable landscape of Wakayama has brought years of pleasure and sometimes anxiety to visitors

 Until Dec 10

Elizabeth Ogilvie — “Out of Ice: The Secret Language of Ice” Contemporary Art Space Osaka

Celebrate the coming of winter with an icy cool exhibit guaranteed to take you on an adventure to a different kind of winter wonderland. The world-renowned solo exhibition by Scottish artist Elizabeth Ogilvie, Out of Ice is a large-scale, immersive and interactive installation. It portrays the psychological, physical and poetic dimensions of ice and water. It pays homage to the indigenous people of the North and tells a narrative about the life of ice. This unique exhibit fuses architecture and science in experiential artwork comprising ice, water, video projections and film. It truly is a portal to the hidden extremes of our planet. Large scale and multi-dimensional solo exhibition portraying the complexity, beauty, and importance of ice • Open: 11am–7pm (until 5pm on 12/10) • Closed: Mondays • Admission: Free • Subway Chuo Line to Osaka Minato Stn, Exit 6 • caso-gallery.jp

and residents alike. Using two themes as a backdrop, Tourism with Art and Tourism of Art, this exhibit encompasses around 150 depictions of the Wakayama coastline and terrain from the past century that might inspire you to go out and experience it in a whole different way.

Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥500 • Access: Bus from JR Wakayama Stn to Kenchomae • momaw.jp

Nara On-Matsuri and the Sacred Art of Kasuga Nara National Museum •  Dec 9–Jan 18

Also known as the Grand Festival of Kasuga Wakamiya, this famous long-running event showcases some of Japan’s oldest traditional performance arts. Its accompanying exhibit features artifacts from the history of the festival. Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥500 • Access: Kintetsu Nara Stn • narahaku.go.jp

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Live Music  Jan 14

Martha Wainwright

Pick

Martha Wainwright (daughter of American folk singer and actor Loudon Wainwright III and Canadian folk singer-songwriter Kate McGarrigle) released her debut self-titled album in April of 2005. The younger sibling of singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, Martha’s most recent recording was the 2013 Trauma TV drama soundtrack, so fans will be anticipating new material soon. She hasn’t been so prolific with albums to date, however, leaving a teasing three to four years between Martha Wainwright (2005), I Know You’re Married But I’ve Got Feelings Too (2008) (which included contributions from Pete Townsend, Donald Fagan (Steely Dan) and Garth Hudson (The Band) ), and Come Home Mama (2012). As well as her own work, Martha Wainwright has worked with a number of other notable musicians such as Snow Patrol, Annie Lennox, Hole, Sean Lennon, and of course brother Rufus.  Jan 14 • Canadian-American singer-songwriter • Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Folk-rock • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥5,400/¥6,900 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Live Music Listings Dec/Jan Rock & Pop Queeness Quirky and popular Japanese Queen cover band Chicken George, Kobe  Dec 13 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • Tel: 07-8332-0146

Kazuyoshi Saito Japanese rock singer-songwriter & guitarist

Namba Hatch, Osaka  Dec 16–17 • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

 Dec 17–18 • Pop • 17th 7pm / 18th 6:30pm • ¥6,800 • Tel: 067732-8888

Club ALIVE!, Osaka  Dec 24 • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,000/¥3,500 • Tel: 06-6213-8585

Megumi Mori

SMAP

Japanese female acoustic guitarist & singer-songwriter

Popular Japanese pop group and TV entertainers

Big Cat, Osaka  Dec 20 • Singer-songwriter • 6pm • ¥4,800 • Tel: 06-6357-4400

Earthshaker Japanese metal band formed 1978 Neverland, Nara  Dec 20 • Metal • 5:30pm • ¥5,800/¥6,300 • Tel: 090-11421996

Kinki Kids Male Japanese pop duo

Kyocera Dome, Osaka  Dec 20–21 • Pop • 20th 6pm / 21st 4pm • ¥9,000 • Tel: 0180993-700

The Mirraz Japanese Arctic Monkeys influenced rock band since 2006 Miwa @ Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

Miwa Japanese female vocalist Osaka Jo Hall

Taku Taku, Kyoto  Dec 23 • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,500 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka  Dec 29 • Pop-rock • 5pm • ¥7,560 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

Kyocera Dome, Osaka  Dec 24–25 • Pop • 24th 6:30pm / 25th 4pm • ¥9,500 • Tel: 0180993-000

Damijaw Solo project of Janne da Arc bassist ka-yu

Club Quattro, Osaka  Dec 25 • Rock • 6:30pm • ¥6,480/¥7,020 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Salyu Female Japanese pop and alternative vocalist Namba Hatch, Osaka  Dec 25 • Female vocal • 7pm • ¥5,900 • Tel: 06-4397-0572

The Psycrons Japanese classic rock sound trio

Taku Taku, Kyoto  Dec 25 • 7pm • ¥2,400/¥2,800 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

Biosphia

The Alfee

Japanese visual kei rock band

Popular Japanese pop-rock trio

333 @ Shangri-La, Osaka

333 (bababa) Psychedelic new wave rock band from Osaka

Shangri-La, Osaka  Dec 29 • Rock • Time: TBA • ¥2,000/¥2,500 • Tel: 06-6343-8601

Sadie Japanese visual kei rock band formed 2005

Muse, Osaka  Dec 29–30 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,300/¥4,800 • Tel: 06-6245-5389 Chicken George, Kobe  Jan 4 • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • Tel: 07-8332-0146

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

 Dec 18

 Jan 10

 Dec 23

Zane Massey

Scoobie Do

The Mirraz

This is a rare, intimate treat to see tenor saxophonist Zane Massey with the Zane Massey Quartet at the small venue Blue Note, Kyoto. The son of trumpeter-composer Cal Massey, Zane was born in Philadelphia before moving to Brooklyn where he grew up. Massey had early musical experience playing in his father’s band and then his own Latin jazz band Young Blood Jazz Men. As well as jazz, Massey also opens up his style to influences from hip-hop, reggae and dance. Zane Massey’s recording debut as bandleader was the 90’s album Brass Knuckles and Massey as a musician was described by the Boston Globe as developing “a big, gruff, tenor sax sound, and a concept of great continuity and rhythmic momentum”.

To avoid being confused with a famous crime-busting, snack-munching dog who runs around with his best pal Shaggy, the Japanese band that came together in the mid-90s and released their debut single Yuuyake no Melody in 1999 spelled their name with an ‘ie’ and dropped an ‘o’ (though there is also a story that they chose the name after the Calvin Arnold song Scoobie Do). Playing funk rock as a four-piece, Taijiro Matsuki (guitar), Shu Koyama (vocals), Joe Nagaike (bass) and Takuya ‘Moby’ Okamoto (drums) released their latest album in September of this year titled Crystal, and have been busy playing dates across Japan. They should be in top form as this gig will be their first after a three-week winter break.

Coming together just eight years ago in 2006, the Japanese indie rock band The Mirraz (Hatakeyama Johei – vocals and guitar, Masahiko Sato – guitar, Nakajima Keizo – bass, and Shintani Mototeru – drums) take a lot of influence from British music scenes. Their music is openly influenced by The Arctic Monkeys and the band name is a play on the British 60’s band The Zombies (taking the Japanese word mirra meaning “mummy” and turning it into a plural, mirrazu; The Mirraz – The Mummys). The band’s debut album was the 2008 OUI!OUI!OUI! (which included the track WAAAAAAAAAA!!!!) and in October this year they put out the new album OPPORTUNITY. This gigs sees The Mirraz mid-way through a Japan tour that finishes on March 1st.

 Jan 10 • Japanese funk rock band  Dec 18 • American Tenor Saxophonist

formed 1995 • Taku Taku, Kyoto • Funk •

• Blue Note, Kyoto • Jazz • 8pm •

6.30pm • ¥3,300 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

¥3,300/¥3,500 • Tel: 07-5223-0398

 Dec 23 • Japanese Arctic Monkeys influenced rock band since 2006 • Taku Taku, Kyoto • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,500 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

Dir En Grey Japanese visual kei rock band

Namba Hatch, Osaka  Jan 6–7 • Rock • 6:30pm • ¥6,480/¥11,880 • Tel: 06-63574400

 Jan 7 • Indie • 7pm • ¥6,000 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

Cyndi Lauper

The Neatbeats

Osaka Festival Hall  Jan 11 • Pop • 6pm • ¥8,640 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Japanese rock & roll band

Shangri-La, Osaka  Jan 9 • Rock • 6:30pm • ¥3,000/¥3,500 • Tel: 06-6343-8601

HAWAIIAN6 Japanese melodic hardcore punk rock band Club Quattro, Osaka  Jan 9 • Punk • 7pm • ¥3,000 • 06-6535-5569

Oblivion Dust @ Club Quattro, Osaka

Oblivion Dust Japanese alternative rock trio since 1996

Club Quattro, Osaka  Dec 30 • Rock • 6pm • ¥5,940/¥6,480 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Klaxons @ Club Quattro, Osaka

Klaxons English indie-rock electronic band from London Club Quattro, Osaka

Scoobie Do Japanese funk rock band formed 1995

Taku Taku, Kyoto  Jan 10 • Funk • 6:30pm • ¥3,300 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

American 80’s pop singer

Ásgeir Icelandic folk rock singersongwriter

Club Quattro, Osaka  Jan 13 • Folk rock • 7pm • ¥5,800 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Martha Wainwright Canadian-American singersongwriter

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka  Jan 14 • Singer-songwriter • 6:30pm • ¥3,300 • Tel: 06-63427722

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai  Jan 13

Ásgeir Icelandic singer-songwriter Ásgeir Trausti Einarsson brings his brand of melodic folk to Japan in January. He won a number of awards for his debut album in 2012, and is now building a global audience by recording both in his native tongue in and English. Kansai Scene spoke with the young musician prior to his upcoming visit to Osaka’s Club Quattro. Your music has been described as melodic folk and various sub-categories of folk are proving to be commercially successful now. What would you say is the current appeal of the folk genre that is drawing in audiences globally? I have no idea but if I should give it a try, I would mention a throwback to more organic sound; simplicity, authenticity, and meaningful lyrics that can speak to a wide audience. Your album In The Silence was released in January (2014), and the deluxe edition was released in November (2014). What does the deluxe edition offer extra to the original and is it available in Japan? The deluxe album will be available in Japan. Besides offering the Icelandic and English version of In the Silence, it offers a few new songs (It Will Rain, Ocean, Stormurinn), some of the b-sides and extras we have released alongside In the Silence, the Heart-Shaped Box cover, and some acoustic versions and remixes. Your debut 2012 album Dýrð í dauðaþögn was recorded in Icelandic but In The Silence was recorded in English. Was this a conscious decision to catch a wider audience? Will all future releases be in English, or do you plan to continue writing music in both languages? Yes, the decision was conscious. When we were making the album back in Iceland in 2012 we decided to go with Icelandic lyrics and make this album first and foremost for the home market. But we already then decided that we would later make an English version. Most of the new songs we have done after In the Silence have been in both languages but I don’t really know what we will do in the future. I guess we’ll just do whatever feels right when the time comes.  Jan 13 • Icelandic folk rock singer-songwriter • Club Quattro, Osaka • Folk-rock • 7pm • ¥5,800 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

R&B & Soul

World

The Original James Brown Band @ Billboard Live OSAKA

Orquesta de La Luz @ Billboard Live OSAKA

The Original James Brown Band

Orquesta de La Luz

The Original James Brown Band featuring RJ and Martha High, Danny Ray, Fred Thomas, Tony Cook, The Bitter Sweets etc.

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka  Dec 28 • Soul • 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥10,500/¥12,000 • Tel: 06-63427722

Japanese salsa band singing in Spanish debuted 1990

Billboard Live Osaka  Dec 17 • Latin Salsa • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥6,900/¥11,500 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Jazz & Blues Zane Massey American Tenor saxophonist

Blue Note, Kyoto  Dec 18 • Jazz • 8pm • ¥3,300/¥3,500 • Tel: 07-5223-0398

Casiopea 3rd Japanese jazz fusion band 35th anniversary tour Jody Watley @ Billboard Live OSAKA

Jody Watley featuring Shalamar ‘Disco Nights’ Grammy winning R&B and Disco vocalist with band Shalamar

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka  Dec 30-31 • R&B Disco • 30th 6:30pm/9pm; 31st 7:30pm/10:30pm • ¥8,000/¥9,500 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Big Cat, Osaka  Dec 18 • Jazz fusion • 7pm • ¥6,500 • Tel: 06-6357-4400

T-Square Japanese jazz fusion band formed late 70s; 5-day special Chicken George, Kobe  Dec 19-23 • Jazz fusion • 19th & 22nd 7pm; 20th, 21st & 23rd 4:30pm • ¥6,000 • Tel: 078-3320146

Toki Eishi Japanese jazz saxophonist

Live Spot Rag, Kyoto  Dec 26 • Jazz • 7:30pm • ¥3,500/¥5,000 • Tel: 07-5241-0446

Tony Monaco, Yosuke Onuma & Gene Jackson Macy Gray @ Billboard Live OSAKA

Macy Gray US singer-songwriter, producer, actress

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka  Jan 10 • R&B • 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥10,300/¥11,800 • Tel: 06-63427722

Organ, guitar and drums jazz funk trio

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka  Dec 27 • Jazz • 7pm/9pm • ¥4,320/¥6,800 • Tel: 06-6342-5821

Hidefumi Toki Six-piece Japanese jazz band

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka  Dec 31 • Jazz • 9:30pm/11:30pm • ¥6,600/¥6,900 • Tel: 06-63425821

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

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Club

 Dec 13

Onzieme This month, one of the best clubs in Osaka, Onzieme, is having its 8th birthday. To celebrate, it welcomes the legendary German electro-techno DJ and producer Boys Noize as a highlight of the anniversary week. Alexander Ridha, aka Boys Noize, started producing and DJing from an early age and released his early works from DJ Hell’s International Deejay Gigolos, French electro label KitSune Music and Turbo Recordings, but Ridha launched his own label Boysnoize Records (BNR) to release his tracks in 2005. BNR soon became a home for multidirectional electronic music and is consistently putting out some of the edgiest and heaviest dance music. He has remixed numerous artists such as N.E.R.D, Depeche Mode, Snoop Dogg, Daft Punk and The Chemical Brothers, and has also collaborated with Scissor Sisters, Kelis, Erol Alkan and the South Korean band BIGBANG. In 2012, another electro icon Skrillex and Ridha started the electro unit called Dog Blood and they performed at the 2013 Miami Ultra Music Festival. French electro producer and the BNR rising star Djedjotronic will also come and support the electro extravaganza. It is going to be a huge one so get there early to avoid long lines.

Onzieme 8th Anniversary Special “BNR NIGHT” (Electro/House/ Techno) • DJs: Boys Noize, Djedjotronic, Yashima, Sekitova, TakuHero, Mnmn • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,600/1D (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Club Listings December

Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Troop Cafe

3 (Wed)

Onzieme

Ogawa, 2Nyan, Tatsuo.y, Mariko + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (Foreigners: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

Circus Bridge (Techno) • DJs: Yuichirou,

U-z, Koemasa, Cabot • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

5 (Fri) Circus Circus presents DC Breaks & Tendai (Drum‘n’Bass) • DJs: DC

Breaks, Tendai, Toyo, The Game Shop, Hiraku, Mountain • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Metro Rebeldom 32nd Edition x Tha Blue Herb (Hip-hop) • Acts:

Tha Blue Herb, Based On Kyoto, Freecool, Hybrid Brothers, Living Dead + more • Open: 10pm •

Infinity (EDM/House) • DJs: Ypy,

High Velocity, Witch & Nas, Hmen + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

6 (Sat) Circus Erol Alkan Japan Tour 2014 (Electro) • DJs: Erol Alkan,

Okadada, Koichi Sato, Keiburger • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥3,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

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

Tanaka, Taku Takahashi + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

Diatonik (Techno/House) • DJs:

10 (Wed) Onzieme London Graffitie - 22nd Anniversary Special - (Rock/ Punk/Guitar Pop) • Live:

Drinkin’ Buddies, Rude Boy + more • DJs: Toshiharu Aoyama, Kazumoto Nakamura • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

11 (Thu) Onzieme Gold - Onzieme 8th Anniversary Special - (EDM/Electro) • DJs:

Verbal, Lucas Valentine, Hiroto Da Yankee, Kenichi • Open: 9pm • Admission: TBA • Where:

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

12 (Fri) Joule Electlive feat. Hiloco aka neroDoll (Techno/House) • DJs:

Hiloco aka neroDoll+ more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62141223 • club-joule.jp

Circus Agile feat. Ellen Allien (Techno)

• DJs: Ellen Allien, Hito, Monashee, Ryo Yoshida • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Troop Cafe Seditional Jazz (Jazz) • Acts: Kyoto Jazz Massive, Kohji Matsuda, Ryo, Tatsuro + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (Foreigners: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai Onzieme Onzieme 8th Anniversary Party feat. Favorite Kors (EDM/K-Pop)

• DJs: Ree-Age, Ko-Taro, Gana Gana, Giann, Shin, Sweep + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

13 (Sat)

20 (Sat) Circus Hyberdub 10 - Closing Event - (Bass Music) • Acts: Kode9,

Spinn, Cooly G, King Britt presents Fhloston Paradim • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,800 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Circus

Onzieme

Qube TV presents Daze Maxim (Techno) • DJs: Daze Maxim +

Eleven Lights β (EDM) • DJs:

more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Troop Cafe Neue (Electronic) • Acts:

Apotheke, Usus, Omkt, SharLee, Tetsuko + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

14 (Sun) Onzieme Onzieme 8th Anniversary Sunday Night (Electro/House) • DJs:

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

17 (Wed) Metro Nebula 05 (Techno/House) • DJs:

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

Troop Cafe Deep Sessions feat. DJ Krush (Hip-hop) • Acts: Krush + more

• Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (Foreigners: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

World Tachytelic x Co- (House/Electro)

• DJ: Taku Takahashi, Takeru John Otoguro • Open: TBA • Admission: TBA • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 07-52134119 • world-kyoto.com

21 (Sun) Circus Marcel Dettmann Japan Tour (Techno) • DJs: Marcel Dettmann

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

Ageishi, Kazuma, Podd • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥1,500/1D • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Onzieme

19 (Fri)

Ohooji, Shinichi Sumino, Shinsukefukuzumi, Yop., Ikebara • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Circus King of Drum&Bass - Goldie (Drum’n’Bass) • DJs: Goldie +

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

Onzieme Girls On! X’mas Special Party (Electro/House/Techno) • DJs:

Cookie, Kitten, Yayoi Daimon & Zono, Maho, Shinjyu • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Bubble X’mas Special (Electro/House) • DJs: Kinpon,

Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Metro Undermine (Techno) • DJs:

Pinch, Compufunk • Open: 9pm • Admission: TBA • Tel: 075-7522787 • metro.ne.jp

Onzieme Breakaway (EDM/Hip-hop/R&B)

• DJs: Hasebe, Ree-Age, Tora, Masakaz, Giann, Sweep + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

DJ Nobe Open to Last (Techno)

• DJ: Nobu • Open: 11pm •

Onzieme Soul Free -Decade of The 2000’s (Hip-hop) • DJs: Minami, Benkay,

Troop Cafe

Precious 2014 Ends of The Year (Trance) • Acts: Skazi + more •

Deep Sessions (Techno) • DJ: Fumiya Tanaka + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (Foreigners: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

Open: TBA • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62141223 • club-joule.jp

Onzieme CyberJapan presents Bikini Night 2014 Winter (EDM/Electro) •

DJs: Mitomi Tokoto & CyberJapan Dancers + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Troop Cafe Abdullah Qadim Haqq 19892014 25 Years of Techno Art (Dance) • Acts: Abdullah Qadim

Haqq - Special Live Paint + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (Foreigners: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

28 (Sun) Onzieme KitSune Club Night (Electro/ House) • DJs: Gildas, Taku-

29 (Mon)

Circus

30 (Tue)

Joule

World

26 (Fri)

Juse, Alyn, Wolf Cats, Freak Menu, Idiot Deux • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

27 (Sat)

Hero, Sou, Witch&Nas, Assan + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Open: TBA • Admission: TBA • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075-213-4119 • world-kyoto.com

Midnight Request - 10th Anniversary Special (Electro/ House) • DJs: Dexpistols, Jommy,

George, Kaz001, Mc Moggy • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

22 (Mon/Before National Holiday) Emma House XlX “MouseColored Cat” Release Party (House) • DJ: Emma + more •

Onzieme

Circus Kinselas (Techno) • Live: Plug

In Loud • DJs: Fujimon, Takekiyo Ishimoto, Silver Fox, Call Me Rodney + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Uwaya Gekijo The Star Festival 2014 (Techno/ House) • DJ: Josh Wink, Lucy,

Nobu, Kaoru Inoue Kyoka, Haruka, Ageishi • Open: 10:30pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500 ) • Where: Kobe • thestarfestival.com

31 (Wed) Circus Circus New Years Eve (House)

• DJs: Daniele Baldelli, Ageishi • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥4,000/1D (ADV: ¥3,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Namura Zosen Atochi One Nation (House) • Acts: Theo

Parrish + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500) • Where: Kitakagaya • namura.cc

Troop Cafe Count Down (Dance) • DJ: Troopcafe All Stars • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

Universe Universe Final Countdown (Techno/Trance) • Acts: Skazi,

Energy Dai, Kitten, Yu-i, Shu, Kazuya + more • Open: 5pm - 1am • Admission: ¥4,000 (Advance: ¥3,000/1D) • Where: Namba

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

A Pub Without Borders World Pub in Umeda combines exotic entertainment and MiddleEastern flavors with international sports on the big screen. Text: KS • Images: World Pub

World Pub is the brainchild of Bob Soultan, a man better known for his thriving belly dance school and event production company – Habibi Egypt. With World Pub, Bob set out to create a truly international venue. Not an Irish pub or an American-style bar, but a space that takes influences from everywhere and anywhere. The interior is warm and inviting, with large oak barrels doubling as high tables, and comfy sofas with richly colored upholstery. Egyptian artefacts (including a golden sarcophagus) and shisha tobacco pipes provide an exotic mystique, while strings of national flags hang from the ceiling. TVs are positioned in every corner showing live sports including European and J-League football. The bar menu is eclectic too, featuring both delicious Middle-Eastern flavors, such as hummus and Babaganoush as well as more familiar pasta and pizza dishes. On any given night, there are free belly dancing, samba, pole dancing, or live DJ performances to get pulses racing and patrons dancing. To cater for VIP guests, there is a separate lounge across the hall, which also serves as a private party space for everything from wedding parties to casual networking events. Book your Christmas and New Year parties now!

World Pubの生みの親は、ボブ・スルタン氏。人気ベリーダンス・スクールやイベント企画会社「Habibi Egypt」の主宰者としても有名な人物だ。 World Pubのコンセプトは、本当の意味での国際的な空間。つまり、アイリッシュ・パブでもなく、アメリカンスタイル・バーでもない、世界のあらゆる国や地域から影響を受けた空間である。内装は、温かく開放的。ハイテーブル代わりの大きなオーク樽に、色彩豊かな装飾がほどこされた快適なソファ。エジプトの人工物 (金の石棺など) や水パイプがエキゾチックな雰囲気を醸し出し、糸で吊るされた世界の国旗が天井を彩っている。フロアの角にはそれぞれテレビが設置されており、欧州サッカーやJリーグをはじめとするスポーツのライブ観戦ができる。バーメニューも多国籍で、ハムスやババガヌーシュといった中東の美味から、パスタやピザといったお馴染みの料理まで用意されている。日によって、ベリーダンスやサンバ、ポールダンス、DJパフォーマンスなどのフリーイベントが開催され、フロアは興奮に包まれる。この親密な空間では、誰もが気づけば踊っている。 VIPゲストには特別に、専用ラウンジが用意されている。ラウンジはホールの向かいにあり、ウェディングパーティやカジュアルなプライベートイベントなど、様々な用途で貸し切り可能。クリスマスやニューイヤー・パーティの予約はお早めに!

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ENG TEACHER WANTED. English teacher position for classes Thursday Friday and Saturday required. 18 hours〜a week. Prefer teacher who lives close to Ibaraki and Suita. Please email us atroyalenglish725@gmail.com Contact: Royal English School <royalenglish725@gmail.com> [2282-1446-2014-12-07]

PART-TIME ENGLISH TEACHER.

Work two or three days a week, 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/ [2281-964-2014-12-07] ENGLISH TEACHER WANTED -. School in Sugimotocho on the

Hanwa line. Different schedules available M-F morning until night. 2000 yen an hour. Qualifications: Native speaker, Experience with kids, Experience teaching, Has acquired an education delivered in English for 12 years, must have visa Contact: Brian <staff@areyouglobal. net> [2296-1900-2014-12-17] FT HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER WANTED. FT English teacher for

girls’ high school in north Osaka. 18 classes/week + study-abroad progr. support. BA + teaching experience required. Pref. given to those with knowledge of New Zealand school system. Salary dep. on age + exp. Medical/Pension incl. April 2015 start. Contact: stewart73 <stewart73@hotmail.com> [22991996-2014-12-17]

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, Contact: Ashiya Plus <ashiyaplus@ hotmail.co.jp> Website: www. comlanguageschool.com/ [2306-252-

2014-12-20]

FT/PT NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER IN IZUMISANO, OSAKA. (1) FT

Native English Teacher: 256,000yen/ month+incentives+travel Wed 2-9 Thu 2-9 Fri 2-9 Sat 10-6 Sun 10-6 (2) PT Native English Teacher: 2000 yen/lesson+travel Tue 2-9 Wed 2-9 Fri 2-9 Sat 10-5 or 10-6 Sun 10-5 or 10-6 Izumisano, Osaka Contact us for more details. Contact: <gtec. recruiting@gmail.com> Website: gtecbeta.seesaa.net/ [2272-1742-201412-01]

SEEKING ENGLISH CONVERSATION INSTRUCTOR ASAP. Friendly school in

Shijonawate City, is seeking an qualified English instructor, for teaching from child until adults as P/T The school is located 5mins walk from JR Shinobugaoka St . Working day is Wed 14–20:30 The wage is 1500-2500/h. plus transport

If you’re interested please send your resume with a photo Contact: openarms <openarms0218@ yahoo.co.jp> Website: www. openarmsenglish.com [2251-16312014-11-24]

Entertainment PROMOTION STAFF. Attractive young people, especially Japanese girls, to pass out flyers, socialize, etc., with customers at my new American cafe-bar in Kita Horie. ¥1,000 per hour. Conversational English needed. usavincent@yahoo. com Contact: Vincent Patrick <usavincent@yahoo.com> Website: www.westside-americanbistro.com [2271-92-2014-11-30]

Kitchen / waiting staff BAR TENDERS AND LIVE BANDS WANTED. English speaking bar

tenders and live bands/musicians wanted for new International Bar in Umeda area. Native Japanese preferred, but any nationality okay if you speak Japanese too. Contact: Bob <worldpubosaka@gmail. com> Website: www.facebook.com/ worldpub.osakaumekita [2263-19682014-11-26]

Classes & events Courses and Classes JAPANESE LESSON IN OSAKA.

From beginner Taught by a professional native Japanese speaker At a coffee shop, your office, around Umeda Osaka area or Kyobashi area *Instructor can speak English Private lessons Small group lessons with your friends ) Brush up on your Japanese Preparation for JLPT http://www.jpnlessonosaka.net/ Contact: Fumiko <fu.nihon555@ gmail.com> Website: www. jpnlessonosaka.net/ [2275-283-201412-06]

 Kansai Scene Classifieds > kansaiscene.com/classifieds 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/

Events JAPAN TRAILRUNNING TOUR IN OSAKA, KYOTO, KOBE. TRAIL

RUNNERS OSAKA is hold a trailrunning tour every Sat and Sun. 9:00am-15:00pm around Mt.Rokko in KOBE, Kyoto Trail. Entry fee is 4,000yen. We run with 10-15 people together. If you want to make friends in Japan, this might be the best way to join in our tour. Contact: joeblack <tornadomagician@gmail. com> Website: www.facebook.com/ trailrunrun [2247-1755-2014-11-22]

Health & Beauty ENGLISH SPEAKING HAIRDRESSER IN MINAMIHORIE.

N SALON is located just 5 mins walk from Nishinagahori station (exit 6) or Sakuragawa station (exit 2). Special 20% OFF discount on your first visit! Open: 11:00-20:00 (Tue-Fri) 10:00-19:00 (Sat & Sun), Closed: Mon & 2nd/3rd Tue. For appointments, tel: 06-6556-9926 or email: nsalon1221@gmail. com Contact: N Salon (Noriko) <nsalon1221@gmail.com> Website: www.nsalon1221.com [2245-14882014-11-19]

Community Language Exchange LET'S STUDY JAPANESE TOGETHER IN UMEDA.. Why don't

you try it. I'll be able to support it.

This pave the way for your future success. Pleaes don't hesitate to start it. Cheers Contact: Kazuo Funane <aiming2004jp@yahoo. co.jp> [2273-240-2014-12-05] LANGUAGE EXCHANGE GROUP IN OSAKA ON MONDAY NIGHT!.

Let’s do language exchange with us. My friends are looking for English, German Spanish and others partners. We also have Japanese class at the same place. Any level is OK! Let's study together!! Contact: Rimi Makino <rimim@hotmail. com> Website: www.facebook.com/ rimi.makino.3 [2043-447-2014-12-09] IT WILL REALLY STRETCH YOUR ABILITIES. Would it be possible

to have a time for studying Japanese in Umeda? If it would be more effective for you, I would be glad to support. Best wishes, Arogatohgozaimasu Contact: Kazuo Funane <aiming2004jp@yahoo. co.jp> [2219-240-2014-12-06] SPANISH. i have experience

teaching spanish at jica/interac/ berkely/schools to japanese people i can teach you spanish all levels welcome Contact: eto <osakaemiliano@gmail.com> [2260-

1949-2014-11-24]

LANGUAGE EXCHANGE: FRENCH/JAPANESE. I am looking

for someone who wants to learn French and who is willing to teach me Japanese in return (level : conversational). Email address : julien.robillard@live.fr Contact: ju.r <julien.robillard@live.fr> [22651967-2014-11-27]

LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT SPEAK FRENCH.フランス

語を話すした. オフ私の日中に私と一緒にフランス語を話すしたい人を探している42歳のフランス人の男性。私は日本語と英語を話す french man 42

years old looking for people who want speak french with me during my days off i speak japanese and english . Contact: bruno rousselet <mermazj@yahoo.com> [2164-356-

2014-12-08]

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO SPEAKS PORTUGUESE . Muito

Prazer! I used to speak before but I totally forgot speaking Portuguese. So, I would like to study again. Tuition fee are negotiable. I hope to see you in Kobe or Osaka area! Contact: boca <atbocama46@gmail. com> [2268-1973-2014-11-28]

Community Services INFORMATION IN ENGLISH. Osaka

Information Service for Foreign Residents offers information in English. Serivce is free of charge. Please feel free to contact us at 066941-2297 or jouhou-c@ofix.or.jp. Open Monday to Friday. Contact: Osaka Information Service for Foreign Residents <jouhou-c@ofix. or.jp> Website: www.ofix.or.jp/life/ index_e.html [1235-1249-2014-12-10]

Announcements OSAKA BOOK GROUP'S JANUARY MEETING. SUNSET PARK, a novel

by Paul Auster, is our next pick. The discussion happens at a member's place in Suita on Jan 11's afternoon. Contact: Massa <bookisbetter2012@ yahoo.co.jp> Website: www. facebook.com/masanaka [2300-337-

2014-12-18]

SERBIAN COOKING CLASSES.

Serbian Cooking Classes December 28 (Sunday) p.m. 13:00 to 17:00 Kyoto.The main dish, salad, dessert. You stomach will be very full with delicious food. As soon as possible, is a 20persons maximum! Contact: KaoKakao <kao_kakao@hotmail. com> [2047-1402-2014-12-11] LIVING IN JAPAN WITH A SATIRICAL TWIST. What bugs

you about living in Japan? The obachan's and their rusty bikes from the 1940's? Or perhaps playing dodge ball with all of the people riding their bikes on the sidewalk? Contact: canadianinkansai <canadianinkansai@hotmail.com> Website: japanasty.com [2184-18942014-12-21]

WHY NOT TAI CHI?.

Health maintenance・Health recovery・Increase physical strength・Health and longevity. Body and mind I will be strong. It is an excellent self-defense. Want to learn Tai Chi? Let's try! Contact: KaoKakao <kao_kakao@hotmail. com> [1855-1402-2014-12-06] WANNA SING AT BARS AND CLUBS?. Osaka/Kobe popular

entertaining band is looking for female vocals. If you could dance & sing(in English), join us ! Lots of fun & paid gigs guaranteed. Covered artists: Katy Perry, Lady GaGa, Contact: Soulkiss Ng <soulkiss07@ hotmail.co.jp> Website: www. facebook.com/soulkissbandjapan

[1300-227-2014-12-19]

KANSAI INTERNATIONAL OUTDOOR CLUB. For fun in the

outdoors, join IOC Kansai! Nonprofit international group enjoys hiking, cycling, kayaking etc. See our website, join an event or attend our Christmas party on 13th Dec. See you there! Contact: iockansai <edeanjapan@gmail.com> Website: Http://www.iockansai.com [2173-

1879-2014-12-12]

Other FRIDAY NIGHT FUTSAL. We are

looking for new players to play futsal on Friday night in South Osaka. All abilities welcome. Email sundayfootyjapan@yahoo.co.uk if you are interested. Contact: Richard <sundayfootyjapan@yahoo.co.uk>

[2274-315-2014-12-05]

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

Theater Umeda

Umeda

InterContinental Osaka Hotel Umeda Sky Building German Consulate 35F

Yodobashi Camera

JR Osaka Sta.

Mitsukoshi Isetan

Hankyu Grand Bldg

Ume

Lucua

Toho Annex Hep 5 Hep Navio

Osaka YWCA

Hotel Kinki sh

Hanky

Ogimachi Dori

Ana Crowne Plaza

NTT Data

Hotel Elsereine Osaka

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Dojima

Toz

6F Untitled

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Kita Shinchi

Dojima Avanza 4F Junkudo

Oebashi Bank of Japan

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Nishi Tenma

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Hotel

Church

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Kitahama

Ostec Exhibition Hall Shrine

Temple

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Boston Clam Shack

Kitahama

Hospital

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Yodoyabashi

Police Station

US Consulate

Bank

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Edobori Utsubo Park

Post Office

Shinmei Law Office

Tosabori River

National Museum of Art

YMCA

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Tanimachi Lin

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Ogimachi Park

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Navio Toho Plex

Hankyu Dept.

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Hankyu Umeda Kinokuniya Sta. ABC Mart

Umekita Ship Craft Beer Base

Maruzen & Junkudo Club Noon

New Hankyu Osaka Hotel

Grand Front Osaka / Knowledge Capital

Westin Hotel

Loft

0 Movie Theatre

200m

Blue Wave Inn

Nishiohashi

Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line Nagahoribashi

Ali’s Kitchen

KitaHorie line

Naniw

Horie Park

MinamiHorie

2F Tezukayama Gallery

Dotonbori

OPA

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

Cross Hotel

Coolabah 1F

Spotaka

L&L

river

Dublin Bay / Dublin Garden

Namba Hatch

amb a St

JR N

Junkudo

OCAT

Little Long Beach

Inari Max Value

Hotel T’point Murphy’s 6F

Fubar 2F

Suomachi-dori (Europe street)

The Blarney Stone B1

HigashiShinsaibashi 1F Zerro

Soemon-Cho

Shooters

Pure Osaka B1

Beer House 86 Karaoke 86

Hotel Metro the 21

Dotonbori

Namba Hips

Nam

Hotel Monterey

Tominaga Hospital

Daimaru Dept. South

Shinsaibashi

Best Western Hotel fino

3F GS Travel

Daimaru Dept.

The Silver Ball Planet Big Step

Midosuji

a-suji

Family Mart

Boy 5F

Daimaru Dept. North

Nikko Hotel

Cafe 1F Absinthe

Yotsubashi

Covent Garden

Uniqlo

El Pancho 8F

Yotsubashi

Kitahorie Hospital

Minami-senba

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

Motomachi

Hanshin expressway (loop route) Namba Walk (underground) Sennic himae lineNipponbashi Nipponbashi sta. Kintetsu Nara line Namba walk

Namba Namba Sta.

Namba

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

NipponBashi

Nankai Namba Station

Fraser Residence

McDonalds Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

Namba PARKS

Pub Bar 30 2F

Namba -naka

Naniwa Post Office

6 Jack and Queen Naniwa Ward Office

Post Office

Bank

LABI Yamada Denki

0 Police Station

Hospital

Hotel

Church

Shrine

Temple

100m Movie Theatre

Kobe Sauna

Kobe Ikuta Junior High School

tetsudo Kobe kosoku

JR Motomachi sta.

Minato Bank

Movix Kyoto

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Kobe Kokusai Shochiku

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Sanjo

Butterfly

Wakamatsu-dori

Yamatoji-dori

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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

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

Post Office

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Flower road

Daimaru Dept.

Kainan lin

Ali’s Kitchen 3F

Sannomiy

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

Hyogo-ken Prefectural Hall

Sh iei Ya ma te s

Oriental Dental Clinic 4F Hotel Tor Road

Kobe Grocers

Sanjo

Soraku Park

Hunterzak

Pearl Street

Kobe Mosque Kobe Womens St. Michael’s Junior International College School Yamate kansen

Kobe YWCA

1F Bistrot Cafe De Paris

Kitano-cho Tor Road

Sannomiya

Yamamoto-dori

200m

N Yasaka Jinja