Kansai Scene #176 January 2015

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

January 2015 • issue 176

Plus+

Graffiti Art from the Heart Trekking with Orangutans in Borneo Making friends with Simians

2015 M ust-see Kansai Events & Festiva ls!

www.kansaiscene.com

Charging into the New Year

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KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #176 JANUARY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Inside this Issue About Kansai Scene

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

Our pick of the Kansai events and festivals not to miss in 2015.

Feature

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

Adventures in Kansai for Every Month

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Text: Kansai Scene

Say Hi to Our Simian Pals Visit Arashiyama and tell the monkeys happy new year!

Production Manager...................Misa Matsui Accounts Manager...................... Michiko Lee

Feature

Text: Steven Hunter

Art............................................... Deanna Wright Event & Festival..........................Yuki Uchibori Film Reviews..................................Adam Miller Live Music................................. Phillip Jackson

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

Contact Kansai Scene General

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Advertising sales@kansaiscene.com Fax.

06-7635-4791

Address

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

Text: Josh Mitchell

Boston Clam Shack Seafood lovers – head over there for the catch of the day.

mailbox@kansaiscene.com

06-6539-1717

Sumatran village Bukit Lawang is home to Indonesia’s only orangutan sanctuary.

Travel

Editorial editor@kansaiscene.com Tel.

Jungle Trekking in Sumatra

Promo Feature

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Bilingual 日本語付

Text: Felicity Tillack

Art on the Streets The street is his canvas: graffiti artist Grind Pencil.

Feature

Text: Janelle McNeill

Website kansaiscene.com

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American classics with TGI Fridays.

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.

Thank God It’s Friday!

Promo feature

Bilingual 日本語付

Text: Sam Evans

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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@kansaiscene

Photo © Claire Usmar

Write for Kansai Scene

COVER PHOTO: A young archer thunders towards his next target during the annual yabusame festival held on Nov 23 at Tado Shrine in Mie.

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Meetup Kansai-Scene

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Out & About

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

Readers Photo Osaka Castle by Tim Wilkinson Tim: Seeing snow when I woke up one morning, I dashed to Osaka Castle to capture this shot before work.

This month’s reader’s photo of Osaka Castle under a blanket of snow comes from Tim Wilkinson.

Email your best snaps from around Kansai (with a caption telling us about the shot) to photo@kansaiscene.com

KS T-shirt Competition Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered our competition this year. As usual we had some fantastic entries. There can be only one winner however and after much debate, we have chosen Rubén Peña’s entry to be made into the next KS t-shirt! Congratulations Rubén.

It really was a tough decision, but ultimately we couldn’t resist the octopus on a string. Of his winning design, Rubén says: “Basically, I thought about using one of the most prominent symbols of Osaka in some form of clothing, and what to came to mind was Tsutenkaku, and, of course, the octopus (in balloon form), because I personally dig takoyaki.”

Rubén’s design will be printed up by our wonderful competition sponsor, Sweatshop Union (sweatshopunion.jp) in Osaka in time for our new year party at Wormwood on Jan 30 where we will be giving a few away to lucky guests, but it will also be available for sale from kansaiscene.com.

Getting Hot and Steamy This month’s video is all about the wonderful onsens of Wakayama.

Check it out and get inspired to go on a winter adventure and relax in the warmth of Kansai’s natural hot springs. kansaiscene.com/video

A Penny for Your Thoughts We’d love to know what you think about Kansai Scene and learn more about you, our wonderful readers and supporters. Please spare five minutes to complete our online reader survey and we’ll enter you into a lucky draw to win a KS t-shirt and other free stuff.

The survey will be live from Jan 01 to Mar 31. kansaiscene.com/survey

Festivals & Events you don’t want to miss

in ď„ł

2015 Kansai is filled with so many weird and wonderful festivals and events that its often a task to decide which ones to see. Here are our picks to mark on your calendar for 2015.

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Wakasayaku

Shikayose

Jan 24 • Mt. Wakakusa, Nara

First they set the countryside ablaze in some crazy inferno and then launch fireworks to celebrate.

Feb 1–Mar 15, 10am • Nara Park

A man with a big french horn calls the deer back home for a snack with a verse from Beethoven’s 6th in this daily spring event.

Nipponbashi Street Festa

Doya doya

Jan 14 • Shitennoji Temple, Osaka

Men in loincloths charge around the temple in freezing cold temperatures. It’s good luck apparently.

JAN

Mar 21 • Nipponbashi, Osaka

Cosplay fanatics, manga fans and anime geeks gather in Western Japan’s biggest anime event.

FEB

MAR

Ohatsumode Jan 1 • Everywhere

Join the throngs and pay your respects at the local shrine to wish for a prosperous and healthy Year of the Sheep. Take home a hamaya arrow for even better fortune.

Katsube Fire Festival Jan 10, Katsue Jinja, Shiga

Brave the winter cold to catch one of the biggest religious events in Shiga. Local men in loincloths dance around huge bonfires to ward off evil spirits.

Plum Blossoms

Late Feb–Mar • Osaka Castle park, Osaka

Throughout February and March the orchard comes alive with hues of pink, red and white as the some 100 varieties of plum trees blossom.

Chinese New Year

Feb 19 • Nankinmachi, Kobe

Celebrate the New Year Chinese style as Chinatown in Kobe marks the event with traditional dragon dancing and other street entertainment.

Himeji Castle re-opens Mar 27 • Himeji Castle, Hyogo

The long wait is finally over! This World Heritage castle has been restored to its former (and very white) glory. They don’t call it the White Heron Castle for nothing.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #176 JANUARY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Aoi Matsuri

May 15 • Kyoto Imperial Palace and Surroundings, Kyoto

Osaka Sumo Basho

Mar 8–22 • Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

Around 700 of Japan’s biggest gladiators will descend on Osaka for the annual Osaka Sumo Tournament. A sight to behold.

One of the oldest festivals in Kyoto, this slow-moving parade of people wearing colourful historical costumes moves from the Imperial palace to Kamigamo-jinja via Shimogamo-jinja.

Belgian Beer Weekend Osaka 2015 Early June • Umeda Sky Bldg., Osaka

This festival brings 50+ different brews across 10 categories – Pilsners, Golden Ales, fruit beers, Trappist beers made by monks, and more – to Umeda Sky Building for five days in June.

Nagahama Hikiyama Festival Apr 13–16 • Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine, Shiga

Richly decorated floats that double as mini kabuki theaters are paraded around town in this 400-year-old festival and features traditional kabuki plays performed by children.

APR

MAY

JUN

Otaue Shinji Rice Planting Festival

Jun 14 • Sumiyoshi Taisha, Osaka

An ancient rice planting festival in the heart of Osaka. Complete with paddies tilled by oxen.

Nara Spring Festival

May 3–6 • Heijo-kyo Palace site, Nara

Colorful period-costumes galore on view at this annual jamboree, spread over the three-day Golden Week period, in celebration of Nara’s 1,300 year history.

Janjaka Odori Dance

Apr 27 • Dojoji Temple, Wakayama

A high-energy religious dance that re-enacts an ancient fable using a 25m-long papier-mache serpent.

Higashi Omi Giant Kite Festival May 25 • Fureai Undo Park, Shiga

Hundreds of kites on display at this annual kite flying contest, including the largest kite in Japan, measuring 15 meters high by 12 meters wide and weighing some 700 kilograms!

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Summer Sonic

Aug 15 & 16 • Maishima Island Osaka

Osaka’s very own Fuji Rock festival.

This two-day outdoor music festival gets bigger each year and attracts big names from all corners of the globe.

Hot, sweaty, good times.

Gion Matsuri

Main parades on Jul 17 & 24 • Kyoto

Kyoto’s infamous month-long summer festival has to be experienced at least once. Grand floats are hauled around the main streets in the centerpiece event, with a supporting cast of period cos-players providing a visual feast.

Daimonji Gozan Fire Festival Aug 16 • Kyoto

Enormous bonfires in the shape of chinese characters and other motifs are set ablaze in this highlight of the Kyoto festival calendar.

Biwako Fireworks Display Aug 8 • Otsu, Shiga

One of the best summer fireworks displays in Kansai.

JUL

AUG

SEP

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri

Sep 19 & 20 • Kishiwada, Osaka

Taga Lantern Festival Aug 3–5 • Taga Taisha, Shiga

Tenjin Matsuri

Jul 24 & 25 • Osaka Temmangu Shrine

If Kyoto’s summer festival is refined and understated, Osaka’s 1,000 year old festival is big, bold and brash! It’s an extravagant orgy of historical parades, burning boats, breathtaking fireworks and thousands of yukata-clad revellers.

Thousands of paper lanterns illuminate the streets around this ancient temple in Shiga, providing some wonderful photo opportunities.

Richly carved danjiri floats from each district are raced through the narrow streets at high speed, in a dazzling display of bravado.

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Jidai Matsuri

Kurama fire festival

A two kilometer costume procession that lasts five hours, featuring around 2,000 people dressed in colourful period costumes, ranging from the classical Heian era to the Meiji era.

Local men dressed in loincloths and hachimaki headbands, carry enormous flaming torches to the local shrine in this ancient, but frantic ceremonial event. Expect big crowds but a great photo opportunity.

Oct 22 • Imperial Palace, Kyoto

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Shitennoji Wasso

Oct 22 • Kurama, Kyoto

Nov 3 • Naniwa-no-miya Former Palace Site, Osaka

A colorful carnival of dance, music and ethnic food, commemorating historical cultural exchange between Japan and other Asian countries.

Osaka Castle 3D Mapping Dec–Mar • Nishinomaru Garden, Osaka Castle

Kemari Festival

Nov 3 • Tanzan-Jinja, Nara

An opportunity to see a display of the Heianera ball game kemari.

A bit like football, only much more elegant and played in highly impractical outfits.

OCT

NOV Tengu no Sakamori

Nov 8 • Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, Kyoto

Priests dressed as mythical Japanese Tengu shoot arrows and beat drums in this unusual festival held each autumn to ward off evil spirits.

Walk amongst beautiful illuminations and watch a 3D Mapping show where weird and wonderful graphics are projected onto the white castle walls in time with dramatic audio effects.

DEC Sennin Buro Hot Spring

Dec–Feb • Kawayu Onsen, Wakayama

A giant public bath set on the riverbank under the sky is open for free. With an optional do-it-yourself element, you can dig your own onsen or bathe in one already prepared.

Yabusame Festival Nov 23 • Tado Taisha, Mie

Yabusame is a religious ritual in which mounted archers speed along a straight 200m course and attempt to hit three targets in order to purify the shrine and bring prosperity for the coming year. Exhilarating stuff.

Nada Kenka fighting festival

Oct 11 & 12 • Matsubara Hachiman Shrine, Himeji

Watch as opposing troops of local men ferociously clash their danjiri floats together. Outright carnage.

Ako Gishi (47 Ronin Festival) Dec 14 • Banshu-Ako Stn, 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 watch the parades and exciting reenactments.

Kobe Luminarie

First half of Dec • Motomachi, Kobe

A light festival held to commemorate the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995.

Over 200,000 individually hand painted lights decorate the streets in the form of giant illuminated archways.

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Feature

Join in the Monkey Business If you were inspired by the recent Planet of the Apes reboot to make some new simian pals, Iwatayama Monkey Park is a safe and easy way to meet some.

Text & Images: Steven Hunter

 Don’t be put off by the seemingly endless steps and uphill slopes that stretch on ahead of you at the foot of Iwatayama. It’s true that getting to the monkey park at the top involves a bit of a climb, but the steps look a lot worse than they are, and at only 160 meters high – about half the height of the Eiffel Tower – Iwatayama is really rather more of a hill than a mountain.

Informative signs dotted along the pathway provide a kind of monkey trivial pursuit, ensuring that by the time you get there, you know things like only the male monkeys have sharp canine teeth, but both males and females have “cushions” on their bottoms enabling them to sit down for a long time without feeling pain.

It’s an undeniable thrill when at last you approach the park and catch your first glimpse of the Japanese macaques.

Unless you have done the entire climb with your eyes shut, there is simply no excuse for not knowing by this point the three golden rules of the mountain: • Never stare at the monkeys.

• Never touch the monkeys.

• Never show the monkeys your food.

It’s not that feeding them is completely forbidden, but it has to be done a certain way. For ¥100, visitors can buy some suitable simian snacks in the main park building. But in a unique twist, at Iwatayama, it is the humans who are caged and the monkeys who are free to roam at will. They hang from the wire mesh covering the windows and reach in to take food from the captives inside. Try not to think too Planet of the Apes, as these monkeys are quite amiable. Even young children can have a go at feeding the monkeys in this way without any problems, as long as they follow the rules.

Seen close up like this, you notice just how different the macaques look from each other: “wide boy” cheeky monkeys; nervous, twitchy ones; monkeys with sad-looking eyes; cute, little ones; and big, grumpy ones with more than a passing resemblance to your Uncle Fred.

As well as the monkeys, another major attraction at Iwatayama is the very fine view of Kyoto that can be enjoyed from the observation area in front of

the main building. If you ask one of the staff members politely, he or she will try to get you, the view, and a nearby monkey all aligned into a single shot.

One final joy of Iwatayama is that when your visit is over and you make your way down the mountain again, you find yourself back in the middle of Arashiyama, one of the most beautiful parts of Kyoto. 

Iwatayama Monkey Park • Open: 9am–4pm • Tel: 07-5872-0950 • Cost: Adults ¥550 (over 15 yrs); Children ¥250 (free for under 4 yrs) • Access: Hankyu Arashiyama Stn, 5-min walk; JR SagaArashiyama Stn, 15-min walk; Randen (Tramway) Arashiyama Stn, 5-min walk. The entrance is well signposted and can be found near the south end of the Togetsukyo bridge.

• Website: kmpi.co.jp/english

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Travel

Thailand

Into the Wild

Malaysia Sumatra

Jakarta

Fancy an adventure this year? Trek into the jungle of northern Sumatra and see some of the region’s most endangered animals.

Indonesia

Kalimantan Sulawesi

New Guinea

Java

Papua New Guinea

Australia

Text: Josh Mitchell • Images: Caspar McKeever

 In the deep, green Sumatran jungle there are few worries. Away from the hustle and bustle of the Indonesian metropolis, in the jungle the silence is broken up by only the shuffle of leaves and the long calls of the orangutans.

With their bold, red fur and bulky hands, the severely endangered orangutans hang in the tree tops, swinging around, conversing with one another, and looking bewildered at the humans down below.

The guide commands the group to not make any sudden movements.

“Jangan lari, jangan lari,” he says as the trekkers witness a mother and a baby orangutan brisk past them. Experiences such as seeing orangutans or any endangered animal in their natural

habitat are becoming increasingly rare in today’s rapidly developing world.

Bukit Lawang, a village on a river hidden in the mountainous jungles, is Indonesia’s only orangutan sanctuary.

Located two hours from Medan, the biggest city on the island of Sumatra, it is one of the few places in the world where people can see orangutans living freely in their native environment.

This peaceful village is the gateway to Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which sprawls all the way to the province of Aceh, the northern tip of Sumatra.

Further into the Sumatran jungle there are other opportunities to see different kinds of monkeys, elephants, bison, and the even-rarer Sumatran Tiger.

Nonetheless, the trek in and around Bukit Lawang is particularly renowned as it is the nation’s home of the orangutans, with the Bukit

Lawang Rehabilitation Centre for Orangutans founded in 1971. It was

primarily established by the Indonesian government and international NGOs to preserve the ailing orangutan population due to hunting, trade, and deforestation.

The Sumatran orangutans are particularly rare. WWF (World Wildlife Fund) estimates there are 7,500 Sumatran breeds of orangutan left on the island, most of them in the Gunung Leuser National Park. The orangutans in Sumatra are in extreme danger due to the booming palm oil industry on the island. Palm oil is a commodity

Photo © Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Republic of Indonesia

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Make a trip of it!

sold in Indonesia to local and foreign corporations, which has led to the deforestation of the region.

The palm oil industry has also had its effects on the local residents of Bukit Lawang. A flash flood hit the village in 2003 on November 2nd, attributed to illegal logging in the region. The disaster killed 239 people, with 1,400 people losing their riverside homes. This disaster led to a mass recovery mission with the help of the Indonesian government and foreign NGOs alike. Since then aid workers have been in Bukit Lawang to rebuild the devastated community. The people now rely on tourism as a way to redevelop their village.

Relief work volunteer, 24-year-old Feby Aritonang, from the University of Sumatra Utara, has been part of rehabilitation effort in the region.

Her program is involved with improving the public health of the region, which is problematic due to high amounts of poverty in the community.

However, another key component of the program is to influence the locals to love the environment and to protect the animals that they share it with.

“Part of my work in Bukit Lawang is to teach the locals that good health

works simultaneously with a good environment; as a well-kept environment will lead to a healthier life, and will also make the community more comfortable, serene and clean.”

In changing the locals’ mindsets, Feby’s program has initiated having local people start to replant trees and to learn more environmentally friendly ways to cultivate crops.

While there are problems in the community, the locals do respect and protect the endangered animals. The tour guides particularly have a special kinship with the orangutans, who even pray to the jungle before they enter it. They understand that both they and the orangutans rely on each other to survive.

Along with the jungle trek, the Bukit Lawang river is also a popular destination for people to go tubing.

One of Feby’s favorite things to do in Bukit Lawang is to just take in the beauty of the environment surrounding the village.

“On the riverbanks there are many small cafés and bars in the fresh air, with monkeys playing freely in the surrounding gardens and the river. It’s beautiful, you are right in the jungle.” 

Bukit Lawang can be reached by bus from the Kuala Namu International Airport in Medan, Sumatra. Flights to and from Bali are reasonably cheap, particularly with Air Asia.

Sumatra itself also has many other interesting sights to see. One of particular interest is Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. The city of Medan is also worth checking out.

Be Prepared Jungle trekking can be difficult.

Be prepared for rock climbing, sliding down mud slides, climbing trees, crossing rivers and of course mosquitoes!

While malaria is not in Bukit Lawang, it is still recommended that you wear repellent as the mosquitoes are everywhere.

Also be prepared for underdeveloped facilities such as toilets, showers and eateries.

You are up in the dense jungle after all!

How Long?

It is recommended to take a two-day trek around Bukit Lawang to see the orangutans.

However, the longer you go, the higher chance you will see other animals in the dense parts of the jungle such elephants or even the tigers

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Wicked Good Boston-Style Seafood Bringing the flavors of the Boston sea to Kitahama with East-meets-West seafood delights.

Boston Clam Shack • Address: Kitahama 1-130, Chuo-ku, Osaka • Tel: 06-4707-0029 • Open: Everyday 11am11pm (closed 3–4pm) • Access: Keihan Kitahama Stn, exit 26 • Website: facebook. com/bostonclamshak

Text: Felicity Tillack • Images: Boston Clam Shack

Missing American-style seafood? Head over to the newly opened Boston Clam Shack by Kitahama station, to enjoy its delicious, fishy fare. Effortlessly casual yet refined, the atmosphere balances between relaxed and fine dining, and is perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a tasty lunch or a fun night out.

The interior is warm and lively, with an American rock soundtrack and nautical-themed décor; wooden tables, oars, and blue and white striped cushions. Large, bright windows give a wide view over Okawa river, particularly pretty at night as the nearby bridge changes color.

Their famous clam chowder, is highly recommended; a creamy soup, heavy with carrot, onion, bacon and shell flavours. Follow that with a bowl of shells, including some clams flown in directly from New Zealand! For a special treat try their catch-of-the-day clams, served with smashed butter or sample their delightfully crunchy battered fish and chips, served with malt vinegar. For a traditional taste, go for their fresh oysters, shucked before your eyes.

Finish with the Boston Cream Pie – the official dessert of Massachusetts, this sizable hunk of custard-filled cake is drizzled with chocolate and extra ice cream is optional.

With a ceiling projector and plenty of space, the Boston Clam Shack is perfect for parties, so book early for your happy new year celebrations.

アメリカンスタイルのシーフードが恋しいですか？北浜駅そばに新 規オープンしたBoston Clam Shackに行き、その美味しい魚料 理を楽しんでください。肩を張らず、カジュアルですが、凝った作り で、リラックスした感じと格式ばった感じの間の雰囲気であり、美味 しいランチや楽しいディナーをお望みの、家族連れや友人グルー プに最適です。 アメリカンロックのサウンドトラックが流れ、自然がテーマの装飾も あいまって、内装は暖かく活気に満ちています; 木製のテーブル、 オール、ならびに青と白のストライプのクッション。大きく明るい窓 からは大川が一望でき、夜間に近くの橋の色が変わる風景は特に 素晴らしいです。 名物のクラムチャウダーは、たいへんお薦めです; そのクリーミー なスープは、にんじん、たまねぎ、ベーコンおよび貝類の風味が詰ま ってます。その後は、貝盛り合わせをお試しください。中にはニュー ジランドから直入れしてる珍しいクラムもある。特にお楽しみとして あげられるのが、細かくしたバターで蒸し焼きにした、当日水揚げし たあさりです。バタード・フィッシュアンドチップスは、ザクザクの食 感が楽しく、もろみ酢とともに提供されます。または、目の前で殻か ら外される、生カキの伝統的な柔らかな食感をお楽しみください。 ボストン・クリームパイで締めくくってください - マサチューセッツ 州の公式なデザートであり、この大きなカスタードの詰まったケー キは、チョコレートが軽くまぶしてあり、オプションで、アイスクリー ムを追加できます。 天吊のプロジェクターと十分なスペースを備えたBoston Clam Shackは、パーティーに最適なため、新年会の予約はお早めに。

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Feature

Gritty Street Art With Grind From rogue graffiti bombing to high-profile commissioned street art, Kansai artist Grind Pencil is making a name for himself off the beaten path.

Text: Janelle McNeill • Images: Jackie Hadel & Grind Pencil

 Japanese artist Grind Pencil arrives for the interview on a skateboard in the middle of suit-clad Hommachi.

Refreshingly open and devoted to pursuing his craft, 30-year-old Motofumi ‘Hei-chan’ Mori is making a name for himself around Kansai and beyond.

His commissioned artwork at JR Noda station, representing the nearby Central Wholesale Market is big and bold, and dramatically transforms the whole area making it vibrant and charismatic.

Giant-sized pillars of juicy watermelon, succulent eggplants, tuna, octopus and king crab that not only depict the 'food of Osaka', but delight the eye and uplift

the spirit. His dazzling Seven Lucky Gods street art under JR Fukushima station that so perfectly matches the energy of this bustling entertainment area, is another distinct example of how art can deliberately infuse public spaces with colorful expression. Needless to say, Motofumi's way of life and artistic visions are splashed all over this creative identity, and the unorthodox journey he has walked to honor his innate talents.

At 16 Motofumi was invited to paint an inner city Deadhead shop shutter.

"The combination of this incredible Grateful Dead culture, mixed with my

first live paint, has made a deep and lasting impression on me," he said.

The thrill of drawing in this style and the magnetic pull of peer culture, quickly turned into a love for graffiti bombing. The comradery, adrenaline of danger, and teenage bravado are all factors in how seductive this subculture is, but these same friendships have remained an important source of inspiration and encouragement for Motofumi throughout the years. Graffiti writing was a necessary part of his growing up.

Eventually though, he was caught by police and jailed. Convicted of three

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #176 JANUARY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

“Graffiti is like a war. People love it, people hate it.”

separate graffiti offenses that cost his family ¥600,000.

"I caused my family great stress and shame. It was then that I finally realised I had to stop," he said. Despite this experience, however, he credits it as essential to his foundational skills as an artist now.

"Graffiti taught me to paint big, paint fast, and paint cheaply. Because of graffiti, I can now make real art."

At around 22 years of age, it was skateboarding that caught his attention after he gave up graffiti bombing.

Although he had no experience, he still believed he could become a pro skater.

"I thought if I only just got a sponsor, I could really make a living from it,” he said.

So he started from zero, learned quickly, and put all of his energy into it.

However, it was around this time that he graduated from Osaka University of Arts. The reality of adult life eventually hit, and Motofumi decided to become a salaryman at age 27 (which he stuck with for 18 months).

"I saved money any way I could; by cycling to work, making my own lunch and giving up my cell phone. I used all my spare time and money on making art."

What really fired him up to pursue his passion more concretely, was a yearning he felt as a Father.

"My son had to write about what his Dad did for summer homework, and I really wanted him to say that I was an artist, so I fought even harder for this

reality. I started thinking about what I truly wanted to leave for my kids."

Hard work, dedication, and talent all then combined to forge the future he now embodies. Skate parks, shutters, shop interiors and vending machines highlight some of Motofumi's work, and big building murals are in the pipeline. Street art in Kansai is gaining momentum.

The street art subculture of Japan was explored in creative talent Remo Camerota's 2008 book Graffiti Japan.

After years of photographing graffiti and urban art in his Melbourne hometown, a chance opened up for a trip to Japan.

"I wanted to document the Japanese style and show the world the real art graffiti as it is very different to western graffiti. There's a twist on it due to knowledge of manga and other visual arts. The lettering is mixed together in a very unique way.

“In Tokyo, huge art pieces are commissioned, but the good graffiti is secretive. Many artists do it because they love it; not to make money. They have a steady ego, and are not looking for fame. There is some really great talent out there."

One such master is Osaka graffiti writer Very One who started his career in 1996 after watching Wild Style. He works at an art studio and as a DJ, publishes graffiti magazine HSM, and travels extensively worldwide to create graffiti and photograph graffiti culture. He collaborates with children's art workshops, and gets invited to do live painting.

"I struggled with the illegality of graffiti as many writers do, but I worked it through with a local monk.

I choose locations carefully. I want to create art that makes people happy, not to damage."

On the local Osaka street scene, it is obvious how widespread throw ups and sticker graffiti have become. Talking with various shop owners whose shutters have been vandalized, there was a strangely distinct cultural acceptance of it.

"It's not that it's a good thing, but as long as no more is added" said one, and "It is what it is. Can't be helped" was another reply.

Away from the inner-city energy of youth culture where graffiti is more commonplace, encountering local neighbourhood graffiti in inappropriate locations can be very confronting.

"Graffiti is like a war. People love it, people hate it. There's no one answer," said Motofumi.

"I still have the longing to go bombing, as it is a fun thing to do, but I understand the repercussions to my family and reputation. My family, friends and wife have always supported me to reach my dreams. I'm basically doing the same thing I did ten years ago, except I'm now painting in different locations with permission. I'm very grateful." 

• Grind Pencil official website: grindpencil.com • Remo Camerota Blog: graffitijapan.blogspot.jp • Very One Blog: ameblo.jp/cmkosaka • Photographer Jackie Hadel Blog: jacquelinemhadel.wordpress. com/category/japan-2/osakastreet-art

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KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #176 JANUARY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Food & Drink

Foodspotting Get yourself to Kyoto and munch on something new this new year!

Text & Images: JJ O’ Donoghue

Kyoto Stn.

Malebranche

Spice Chamber

It’s kind of hard to avoid Kyoto Station if you’re in Kyoto. On the plus side, it’s home to Malebranche, a patisserie going from strength to strength. The original shop is located in Kitayama, Kyoto’s ‘cake shop quarter’ in the north of the city. At Kyoto Station they have a few shops dotted around the place, but it’s best to head for the café on the Hachijo side of the cavernous station.

The bad news is they are always busy.

This being Kyoto they make much ado about maccha (green tea powder).

I was there for the French toast: voluminous, coquettish, accompanied by a twirl of creamy ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup. The green tea tart, despite its bar-of-soap-like appearance, is as delightful as it is subtle. One more reason to visit - the teapots; beautiful and colorful cast iron pots from Morioka city in Iwate prefecture.

Spice Chamber is actually more like a closet, or a long coffin. At kappō (counter-style) restaurants, you have to let your guard down a little. One of the attractions of this style of dining is immediacy; you can see every movement the cook makes, and when your food is finally ready, it’s simply passed over the counter. Voila.

The house special at Spice Chamber is keema curry, a dry mincedmeat-based Southeast Asian dish. Be warned, though; if you’ve become acclimatized to the sweetness and safety of Japanese curry, the keema curry at Spice Chamber has got a kick to it.

It was accompanied by a side dish of tsukemono (pickles): carrots, daikon (radish) and cabbage, cool and delicious to quench the fire of the curry, but only briefly. The curry was topped with a pickled Japanese plum. The only other curry option is New York chicken curry. Either one is worth stopping in for.

Open: 9:00am–8:30pm • Price Range: Cakes around ¥500; Sets ¥1,000; malebranche.co.jp • Access: Short walk from JR Kyoto Stn main gates

Kawaramachi

Karasuma

Nishitomiya Croquette Store When you think of eating croquettes you don’t usually picture yourself doing so over a wine cask with a glass of red, Camembert cheese, thinly sliced salted ham, figs and olives. At Nishitomiya croquettes have been gentrified, but thankfully not in the pejorative sense.

Price-wise they’re only a little more expensive than their street brethren, but there is a little more imagination at work here in the offerings; smoked salmon and dill, dried fruit and walnut, basil, boiled pork and ginger. And plain – just so you don’t entirely lose your croquette bearings.

The restaurant/bar is cozy; two casks that double as tables and a few stools at a bar crowded with empty wine bottles. The croquettes are, as they should be, on display when you walk in, and available for takeout. But if you’re not in a rush, pause for lunch, which is generous and reasonable.

Open: 11:30am–8pm • Price Range:

Open: Mon–Sat 11:30am–3pm; Tues &

croquettes around ¥250; lunch plates

Thurs 6pm–8pm • Price Range ¥1,000–

around ¥1,000 • facebook.com/

¥1,500 • spicechamber.com • Access:

nishitomiya • Access: Short walk from

Short walk from Shijo Karasuma Subway

Kawarmachi Subway Stn

Stn

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KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #176 JANUARY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Language

Feeling lucky? あけましておめでとう! (Happy new year!)

If you’re celebrating the new year in Japan, then you need to know all about ohatsumōde 初詣 – the first Shinto shrine visit of the Japanese New Year. Some people visit a Buddhist temple instead, but either way, it’s custom to visit on the first, second, or third day of the new year.

This is where you can buy omamori 御守 (charms or amulets), and ema 絵馬 (wooden wishing plaques), and make your wishes for the coming year.

Want to know what’s in the stars for you in 2015, year of the hitsuji 羊 (sheep)? Well, another common custom during hatsumode is to buy a written oracle called omikuji 御神籤. The omikuji goes into detail, and tells you how you will do in various areas in your life, such and business and love, for that year.

Your fortune is decided by some kind of lottery, depending on the shrine. For a small fee, you may either draw a numbered stick from a wooden box, or simply pick a folded strip of paper at random. Either way, you will end up with a small piece of white paper revealing your fortune.

Your luck, or misfortune as it may be, is usually divided into seven main categories, so keep an eye out for the kanji below.

If your omikuji predicts bad luck, don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. You can tie it onto a tree on the shrine grounds, in the hope that the bad luck will stay with the tree, and not follow you home, and the prediction will not come true. Good luck!

Useful Expressions 大吉

daikichi

Great blessing. (Big luck! You hit the jackpot.)

中吉

chukichi

Middle blessing. (Medium luck.

Not bad.)

小吉

shoukichi

Small blessing. (Only a little luck.

Could be better.)

吉

kichi

A blessing. (Kind of lucky. Good try.)

末吉

suekichi

Future blessing. (Fingers crossed?)

凶

kyo

Curse. (Bad luck.)

大凶

daikyo

Great curse. (Certain disaster.

Brace yourself.)

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 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Film Previews  Jan 30

KS

Pick

© 2014 Twentieth Century Fox

Taken 3 © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Olivier Megaton, Action, Jan 9 Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Forest Whitaker

Bryan Mills is yet again out battering bad guys and picking up clues; this time it is to clear his own name. Although the narrative has been refreshed (a little), the brutal action is familiar and as enjoyable as ever.

Exodus: Gods and Kings Ridley Scott, Adventure, 150 mins, Jan 30 Starring: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Ben Kingsley, Sigourney Weaver

Trends in Hollywood are obviously cyclical; as fashions fall out of favor they lay dormant for a time until they are once again ready to pounce on an accepting audience. The 1950s and 60s saw a slew of ancient epics and religious romps, and some modern blockbusters are following suit. Copying the tried-and-tested formula of taking a well known religious or historical figure, having a huge star fill their boots for a painfully long run time, and garnishing the film with lavishly expensive sets and action sequences.

Ridley Scott may be seen as more prolific with his depictions of the future, but he is no stranger to drawing on the past for inspiration, albeit with some mixed results. He delighted audiences and critics alike with the amazing Gladiator, while arguably fell short with Kingdom of Heaven and Robin Hood, both of which barely sit on the right side of adequate. Exodus: Gods and Kings focuses on Moses, played

by Christian Bale, and his brother from another mother, Rameses. Skipping the iconic “baby in a basket” opening, and plunging into the very heart of the story from the get go, the film looks at how Moses begins as a cynical bystander in a cruel world, a person who shows no compassion for the people suffering around him at the hands of Rameses; that is until he is told of his origins, and God himself informs him about his future.

Bale is awesome as Moses, playing a man that is conflicted and confused, but always imposing. Joel Edgerton on the other hand is not such a threatening Rameses, and classic cinema fans will be tutting at how short he falls of Yul Brynner who played the same role in 1956. The 10 plagues are the highlights of the entire film, as they seem to be lifted straight from a horror movie, depicting danger, disgust and destruction with gruesome detail. The grand finale, the splitting of the Red Sea, is a little less breathtaking, and although it is far from anticlimactic, it isn’t a payoff worthy of a movie with such a long runtime.

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

© 2014 Maddartico Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For Robert Rodriguez/Frank Miller, Action, 102 mins, Jan 10 Starring: Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Josh Brolin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Eva Green

If you wait nine years for a sequel, you float in limbo between being instantly recognizable and nostalgic. The second Sin City movie is still stylish and fun, but retreads old ground, constantly in the shadow of its superior predecessor.

Draft Day Ivan Reitman, Drama, 110 mins, Jan 30 Starring: Kevin Costner, Chadwick Boseman, Jennifer Garner

Those not fans of American football may find it difficult to get involved in this NFLbased flick, that (as the title implies) takes place on draft day, when players are traded like Pokemon cards. Sports fans will love it though, especially the final, tense act.

Annie Will Gluck, Musical, 118 mins, Jan 24 Starring: Quvenzhané Wallis, Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, Rose Byrne

A modern take on a musical classic, the new pic sees the insanely loveable Quvenzhané Wallis as the titular Annie, as she goes from the orphanage run by Hannigan (Cameron Diaz), to the office of mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx).

 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: Gone Girl, Interstellar, Fury, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Big Hero 6 • From Jan 10: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For • From Jan 23: Big Eyes • From Jan 24: Annie • From Jan 30: Exodus: Gods & Kings

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: Gone Girl,

Interstellar, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Big Hero 6, Fury • From Jan 9: Taken 3 • From Jan 24: Annie

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: Waltz for Monica (SWE), God’s Not Dead, Heaven is for Real, Casse-tête chinois (FR), Witching and Bitching (SPA), Big Bad Wolves, Jersey Boys, The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet, The Hundred-Foot Journey, A Promise, Love Rosie • From Jan 3: Life Feels Good (POL) • From Jan 10: Damnation • From Jan 17: Bad Milo!, Jimmy’s Hall • From Jan 24: Sixty and the City

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

Now showing: Moebius (KOR),

La mer à l'aube (FR), A Thousand Times Good Night, Venus In Fur (FR), Of Horses and Men (IC) • From Jan 3: Maps to the Stars, Jimmy P. Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian • From Jan 17: Gagarin: First In Space (RUS) Also scheduled: Elsa and Fred

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: Gone Girl, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Big Hero 6, Samba (FR), Fury, Devil’s Knot, Boyhood, Beauty and the Beast (FR) • From Jan 9: Taken 3 • From Jan 10: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Son of God • From Jan 17: The Judge • From Jan 24: Annie • From Jan 30: Exodus: Gods & Kings, Draft Day

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: Gone Girl, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Big Hero 6, Fury, Interstellar, Fury, The Fatal Encounter (KOR), Samba (FR), • From Jan 9: Taken 3 • From Jan 10: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For • From Jan 23: Big Eyes • From Jan 24: Annie • From Jan 30: Exodus: Gods & Kings, Draft Day

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: Gone Girl, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Big Hero 6, Love Rosie • From Jan 9: Taken 3 • From Jan 10: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Son of God • From Jan 17: The Judge, Jimmy’s Hall • From Jan 24: Annie, What We Do In the Shadows • From Jan 30: Exodus: Gods & Kings

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: Gone Girl, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Big Hero 6, Love Rosie, Fury, Interstellar, Beauty and the Beast (FR), The Expendables 3 • From Jan 9: Taken 3

• From Jan 10: Son of God • From Jan 17: Jimmy’s Hall • From Jan 23: Big Eyes • From Jan 30: Exodus: Gods &

Kings

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

Now showing: Moebius (KOR), Casse-tête chinois (FR), Toilet • From Jan 3: Life Feels Good (POL), The Quiet Man, The Squid and the Whale • From Jan 10: The Burning Plain • From Jan 24: Jimmy P. Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian, Atonement • From Jan 31: Waltz for Monica (SWE)

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: Gone Girl, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Fury, Interstellar, Boyhood, Big Hero 6, Samba (FR) • From Jan 9: Taken 3 • From Jan 10: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For • From Jan 23: Big Eyes • From Jan 24: Annie • From Jan 30: Exodus: Gods & Kings, Draft Day

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: Gone Girl, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Big Hero 6, Fury, Interstellar, Boyhood, Runner Runner

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 Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Interstellar • From Jan 10: Son of God • From Jan 17: Jimmy’s Hall • From Jan 24: What We Do in the Shadows

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: Gone Girl, Fury, Interstellar, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Big Hero 6 • From Jan 9: Taken 3 • From Jan 10: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For • From Jan 23: Big Eyes • From Jan 24: Annie • From Jan 30: Exodus: Gods & Kings

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: God’s Not Dead, A Thousand Times Good Night, Venus in Fur (FR), A Promise, Samba (FR), Waltz For Monica (SWE) Grace of Monaco, The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet, Big Bad Wolves, About Time • From Jan 3: Love Rosie, Maps to the Stars • From Jan 10: Casse-tête chinois (FR) • From Jan 17: Gagarin: First in Space (RUS), Life Feels Good (POL)

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: Gone Girl, Fury, Interstellar, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Big Hero 6, Samba (FR), • From Jan 9: Taken 3 • From Jan 10: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For • From Jan 23: Big Eyes • From Jan 24: Annie • From Jan 30: Exodus: Gods & Kings, Draft Day

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

Now showing: Gone Girl, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Big Hero 6, Love Rosie, Fury, Interstellar, Beauty and the Beast (FR), The Expendables 3 • From Jan 9: Taken 3 • From Jan 10: Son of God • From Jan 17: Jimmy’s Hall • From Jan 23: Big Eyes • From Jan 30: Exodus: Gods & Kings

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

25

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Events  Until Feb 22

 Jan 8–11

Illumi-Nara

The 40th Gafu-Ten – Tiny Pot Bonsai Exhibition

イルミ奈～ら

第４０回 雅風展

Man’yo Botanical Garden, Nara

Miyako Messe, Kyoto

 Until Feb 22

 Jan 8–11

Wander through the beautiful Man’yo Botanical Garden covered with a sea of colorful lights. Located in Nara Park, the garden grows flowers and trees loved by the ancients. The three-hectare ancient grounds have been given a glittering makeover with 1,000,000 LED lights for the festive season.

A shiny Imperial court coach stands on the dim grass patch, and the wisteria arbor flowers made from blue fairy lights glitter in the evening garden.

Time: 5:30pm–9:30pm (Closed Dec16,17,31 & Jan 1) • Admission: ¥1,000 adults, concessions • Access: JR or Kintetsu Line, Nara Stn; bus to Daibutsuden Kasugataisha-mae • illumina-ra.com

A large collection of fascinating Japanese bonsai art will be on display. Appreciate the artists’ eye for detail and patience, evident in these works of art made from miniature trees, under 20 centimetres tall. Don’t miss the bonsai tree crafting demonstration on the 8th. Seminars on how to create an exhibition-quality bonsai, workshops, a question and answer corner, and other interesting events will take place (some events will charge a fee). There will also be shops selling items for bonsai making and the potted trees.

Time: 9:30am–4:30pm (9:30am–3pm on the 11th) • Admission: Free • Access: Higashiyama Subway Stn; 8-min walk • shohinbonsai.or.jp/blog/category/gafu-ten

 Jan 11

Dezome-Shiki –The Himeji Fire Brigade’s New Year Ceremony 姫路市消防出初め式 Shirotopia Kinen Park, Hyogo

Provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

 Jan 11

Fire fighters’ will show off their best tricks in this New Year ceremony performed by 1,300 fire fighters. You won’t be able to take your eyes away as these men, in the traditional Japanese uniform, perform acrobatics; thrilling stunts including balancing on tall bamboo ladders! There will also be a demonstration of rescue drills, a water hosing show, and a firefighting exercise performed by children.

Time: 9:30am • Admission: Free • Access: JR Himeji Stn; 20-min walk • city. himeji.lg.jp/syoubou.html

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 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai  Jan 11

Event Listings

Photo provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

January

city.takarazuka.hyogo.jp/tezuka/ kikakuten

Chocolate; The Exhibition チョコレート展 Knowledge Capital in Grand Front Osaka •  Until Feb 15

Ceremony Karuta – Traditional Card Game かるた祭り Omijingu Shrine, Shiga •  Jan 11

A solemn ceremony “Karuta no Gi” takes place at the Omijingu Shrine annually around the beginning of the year; shrine maids in splendid ceremonial kimonos perform the classical Japanese card game to please the deity of the shrine.

Watch as the pretty maids gracefully try to grab the card quicker than their opponents. Reenacting scenes from the elegant ancient court game of karuta, the atmosphere is very tense. Following the ceremony, an official karuta tournament is held. Enjoy the highly competitive and thrilling scenes from the games on the large screen at the shrine grounds.

Time: 9am • Admission: Free • Access: Keihan Line, Omijingu-mae Stn; 9-min walk • oumijingu.org

 Jan 18

Oni-Oi Eshiki – Ogre Dance 鬼追い会式 Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, Hyogo •  Jan 18

Fierce oni ogres perform a ritual dance to ensure a good start to the new year. This annual religious event takes place at the large Buddhist temple, Engyoji, famous for its grand halls where a scene from the film The Last Samurai was shot. In a closed temple hall, a red-skinned and a blue-skinned oni dance with heavy footsteps, brandishing a flaming torch in the dark. Come and share the otherworldly atmosphere created by smoke from the torch and sounds of the bell rung by the red oni. Try to get a pair of plain wooden chopsticks handed out at some points during the ritual; people believe they are a good luck charm for good health.

Time: 1–3pm • Admission: ¥500 • Access: JR Himeji Stn, bus to Shosha, ropeway to Sanjo stn, 20-min walk • shosha.or.jp

Chocolate lovers! Here is your chance to learn about the “food of the gods”. Discover the path of chocolate from the tree to your table, and learn about the history of chocolate. There will also be handson activities, and of course, many chances to sample.

Time: 10am–7pm (closed Jan 1) • Admission: ¥1,300 adults, concessions • Access: JR Osaka Stn • chocolate-osaka.com

Kiyoshiro Imawano Exhibition 忌野清志郎展～手塚治虫ユーモ アの遺伝子～ The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, Hyogo •  Until Feb 20

Praised as “King of Rock” in Japan and known to most as a musician, Kiyoshiro Imawano also happened to be a talented painter. In this exhibition, 23 of his works of art are on display, along with an introduction to his musical career.

Time: 9:30am–5pm (closed Weds except Jan 7 & Feb 11) • Admission: ¥700 adults, concessions • Access: Hankyu Line, Takarazuka Minami-guchi Stn; 5-min walk •

Get close to the penguins at the Osaka Aquarium in this annual event

Penguin Parade ペンギンパレード Kaiyukan (Osaka Aquarium)  Jan 1–4 & 10–12

Plump King penguins waddle in a procession in the forecourt of the aquarium twice a day. Take this opportunity to get close to live penguins!

Time: 1:45pm & 3:45pm • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Osakako Stn; 5-min walk • kaiyukan. com

Plarail Expo プラレール博 ATC (Asia and Pacific Trade Center), Osaka •  Jan 1–4 & 10–12

A nice place for children to be!

Plarail is a toy train set made by Japanese toy company Tomy. There will be a huge variety of Plarail attractions, as well as a market selling these toy train sets.

Time: 10am–4:30pm • Admission: ¥900 adults, concessions • Access: Chuo Subway Line, Trade Centermae Stn • takaratomy.co.jp/event/ eventlist2/pla2014-osaka.html

Butterflies and Orchids チョウ温室のラン Itami City Museum of Insects, Hyogo  Jan 1–19

Visit the museum’s butterfly farm where 1,000 butterflies of 14 varieties flutter among the visitors as they walk through colorful tropical orchids.

Time: 10am–4pm (closed Tues) • Admission: ¥400 adults, concessions • Access: JR / Hankyu Line, Itami Stn, bus to Tamada Danchi-mae, 2-min walk • itakon. com

Ebisu Festival 十日戎 Imamiya-Jinja, Osaka •  Jan 9–11

What better way to bring in the new year than with a visit to the Ebisu

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai Festival in Kansai? Every year, it is anticipated that more than a million people are expected to visit Imamiya-jinja during the festival.

Visitors buy a holy bamboo branch and pray for business prosperity.

Time: 9am–9pm • Admission: Free • Access: Sakaisuji Subway Line, Ebisucho Stn; Nakai Line, Imamiyaebisu Stn • imamiya-ebisu. jp

Hoe-Kago Parade 宝恵駕籠行列 Soemon-cho Area, Osaka  Jan 10

Dazzling palanquins called hoekago parade around the shopping districts in the Minami area.

Geisha, celebrities, and puppets from bunraku theatre will ride on the palanquins.

Time: 10am (plan subject to change if needed) • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Midosuji Line, Namba Stn • soemon-cho.com/ feature/newspring1

Railway Fair 2015 鉄道博2015 Enkei Hall, Osaka Business Park  Jan 10–12

Come and see an exhibition of model railway sets. There will be a display of N & HO gauge models, and a market of collectibles and activities to keep the kids happy.

Time: 10am–5pm • Admission: ¥600 (¥700 at door) adults, concessions • Access: JR Osakajokoen Stn / Kyobashi Stn; 5-min walk • tvosaka.co.jp/tetsudou2015/event. php

Falconry Show 放鷹術の実演 Nijo Castle, Kyoto •  Jan 11

Takagari is an old Japanese sport and a very expensive pastime, involving training young falcons, hawks, or eagles to follow commands. This demonstration of traditional Japanese falconry will take place at the designated World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle.

Time: 11am and 2pm • Admission: ¥600 adults, concessions • city. kyoto.jp/bunshi/nijojo

Naked Festival 裸祭り Hotokuji Yakushido Temple, Shiga  Jan 11

In a truly exciting religious event, young bachelors clad in very little will scramble to grab the lucky charm hung three meters above the floor. It is said that the winner will find his bride and be the happiest man in the village.

Time: 7:30pm • Admission: Free • Access: Omi Line, Ichinobe Stn, 20-min walk • gaido.jp/machikado/ machikado.php?ID=14

Dezome-Shiki – The Kobe Fire Brigade’s New Year Ceremony 神戸消防出初め式 Kobe Meriken Park, Hyogo  Jan 11

A spectacular performance by fire fighters; a parade of fire engines and a brass band; and a hosing show and rescue drill.

Time: 10am • Admission: Free • Access: Kaigan Subway Line, Minatomotomachi Stn; 5-min walk • kobe-syobokyokai.org

Doyadoya, Annual New Year Ritual どやどや Shitennoji Temple, Osaka  Jan 14

Crowds of naked young men scramble to get paper talismans under the bleak winter winds in a New-Year ritual that is said to bring good harvests to farmers.

Time: 2:30pm • Admission: Free • Access: Tanimachi Subway Line, Shitennojimae Yuhigaoka Stn; 5-min walk • shitennoji.or.jp

Uzue Festival

 Jan 24

Field Burning at Mt. Wakakusa 若草山焼き Mt. Wakakusa, Nara

A spectacular field burning with over 300 years of history; Mt. Wakakusa will be ablaze. Before the event there will be a dance performance, a ceremony run by the Nara fire brigade, food stalls, and more.

卯杖祭り Itakiso-Jinja, Wakayama  Jan 14 & 15

Itakiso-jinja performs a divination to read the year’s produce by cooking azuki bean porridge on the 14th; then they treat visitors to the porridge on the 15th.

Time: 14th–8pm, 15th–10am • Admission: Free • Access: JR Wakayamashi Stn • itakiso-jinja.net

Japan’s Best Food Stalls とんど祭とたぶん（自称）日本一 の屋台達 Kozugu Shrine, Osaka  Jan 12 (date subject to change)

Famous restaurants from Osaka will open their stalls and sell their specialities at low-prices. There will be fun attractions and live performances will also take place.

Time: 11am • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Tanimachi9-chome Stn; 5-min walk

Toshiya – Japanese Archery Competition 通し矢 Sanjusangendo Temple, Kyoto  Jan 18

This is a special January event for Kyoto. Wearing beautiful kimono, young ladies with a cool, calm, and collected demeanor shoot arrows at targets.

Time: 9am • Admission: Free • Access: Keihan Line, Shichijo Stn, 7-min walk • sanjusangendo.jp

 Jan 24 (Sat) • Time: 6:15pm • Admission: Free • Access: Kintetsu Line, Nara Stn; 15-min walk • narashikanko.or.jp/ yamayaki

Ondasai Festival 丹生都比売神社 御田祭 Niutsuhime-Jinja Shrine, Wakayama  Jan 18

A classical Japanese performance held to wish for a large harvest.

A comical mime depicts ancient farming.

Time: 2–3pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Kasada Stn, bus to Niutsuhimejinja-mae • niutsuhime. or.jp

Makino Winter Festival たかしまマキノウィンターフェステ ィバル2015 Makino Highland Ski Slope, Shiga  Jan 24

Various activities will be provided for children, including music shows, performances by TV characters, a snowman contest and more.

Time: 10am–4pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Makino Stn, bus to Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa

Hyobaku Tour – Frozen Waterfall Tour 御船の滝氷瀑ツアー Mori to Mizu no Genryu-kan, Nara  Jan 31

Guests will participate in a leisurely walk following frozen waterfalls and warm up afterwards with a barbecue.

Time: 9:30am–3:30pm • Admission: ¥4,000 adults, concessions • Access: Kintetsu Line Yamatokamiichi Stn, bus to Suginoyu, 5-min walk • genryuu. or.jp/i-30.htm

Wakayama Field Burning 本州最南端の火祭り Shionomisaki Boro no Shiba, Wakayama •  Jan 31

A spectacular field burning event held at the southernmost tip of Honshu. A variety of attractions to enjoy – but the highlights are watching flaming arrows ignite the grassland!

Time: 4:30pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Kushimoto Stn, bus to Shionomisaki • kankou-kushimoto. jp/event/himaturi.html

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

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 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 Live

Silver Ball Planet Pinball Tournament

Music for Kyoties vol. 42

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.

A night of music and one man bands featuring three unique acts: 造酒耕平 (Miki Kouhei), Colin Garvey and TheTrueStoryOfTheEnd

Jan 9 • Time: OPEN 19:00 / START 19:30 • Admission: ADV ¥2,000 (+1 drink); DOOR ¥2,300 (+1 drink) • Where: UrBANGUILD, Kyoto • Access: Sanjo Keihan, 5 mins walk • urbanguild.net

Event Kansai Scene International Party Over-indulge over the holidays?

Our January party is guaranteed to put some funk back in your soul.

Afro & Latin deep grooves from DJ Jules and live percussion by Olu (drums) and Gaz (bass).

Jan 30 • Time: 7:30–10:30pm • Admission: ¥1,500 (+drink) • Where: Wormwood, the basement lounge at Cafe Absinthe in Horie • Access: Yotsubashi Stn • facebook.com/ kansaiscene • meetup.com/KansaiScene

Jan 31 • 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

Art Stuart Gibson Solo Photo Exhibit Closely observed Kyoto by Scottish photographer Stu Gibson.

Jan 15–25 • Time: 11:30am–9pm • Where: Cafe Foodelica, Kyoto • Access: • Eiden Shugakuin station • foodelica.com

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #176 JANUARY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

TGI Fridays • Address: 2F Fuji Bldg., Umeda 2-118, Kita-ku, Osaka • Tel: 06-6442-3531 • Open: 11am–1am • Access: Nishi-Umeda Stn. • Website: tgifridays.co.jp

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

That Friday Feeling Over the Pacific and onto your plate - TGI Fridays brings you USA flavor and style with all the essential American classics!

Text: Sam Evans • Images: TGI Fridays

Overlooking the cosmopolitan Yotsubashi-suji, and a threeminute walk from Nishi-Umeda station, TGI Fridays is the convenient, quality choice for those craving an authentic American dining experience.

Fridays’ extensive menu boasts a host of American favorites like chicken nuggets and buffalo wings among innovative riffs on old classics, such as the french onion bites. These playful yet seriously tasty parcels consist of fried onions, cream cheese and beef crammed inside a deep fried tortilla, all to mouthwatering effect.

From succulent steak to rich, glazed ribs and titillating chicken, all courses in the Jack Daniel’s Grill selection are complemented with the Jack Daniel’s nectarous signature sauce. I recommend the Ultimate Jack Daniel’s Burger; a wickedly decadent composition of two 200g patties smothered with cheese, fried bacon and fried onions and accompanied by authentic fries, all drenched in that famous garnish.

Wash all this down with Fridays’ quality beers and cocktails, but don’t forget the luxurious Blender Blasters alcoholic shakes that come in four flavours: Orange, Strawberry Shortcake, Barnamint Baileys, and Ice Cream Sandwich.

Not just a restaurant, TGI Fridays is an experience that transports you across the Pacific through the food and the quintessential Americana atmosphere. Somewhere between a 50s diner, modern sports bar and casual restaurant, Fridays caters to all tastes, providing that taste is in good quality and good times.

国際的な四ツ橋筋の景色を見渡せ、梅田駅から徒歩3分のＴＧＩフラ イデーズは、本格的なアメリカの食事を楽しみたい方には、お手ご ろでうってつけのお店です。 フライデーズの幅広いメニューにはアメリカ人にとってポピュラー なチキンフィンガーやバッファローウィングなどがあります。フレン チオニオンバイツのような伝統的なメニューもあります。この遊び 心もあり、かつ本格的な味付けのフレンチオニオンバイツは、フラ イドオニオン、クリームチーズ、ビーフをトルティアに包まれしっかり と揚げられていて、思わずよだれが出てしまいそうです。 ジューシーなステーキや贅沢に調理されたバックリブ、刺激的なチ キンなど、 「ジャックダニエルズグリル」セレクションのコースには 全てジャックダニエルの程よく甘くうまみのある特別なソースが副 えられて提供されます。 オススメはウルティメイトジャックダニエルズバーガーです。本格的 にグリルした２００ｇのビーフパティをこれでもかというほどに2枚重 ね、チーズ、ベーコン、フライドオニオンをトッピング。ポピュラーな フライドポテトと共に提供されます。フライデーズでの楽しみはビー ルやカクテルだけではなく、豪華なシェイクのカクテルを味わってく ださい。オレンジ、ストロベリーショートケーキ、バーナミントベイリ ーズ、アイスクリームサンドウィッチ、4種類あるブレンダーブラスタ ーズを忘れないで下さい。 ＴＧＩフライデーズはただのレストランではなく、食べ物と本物のア メリカの雰囲気を通して、あなたに太平洋を越える体験をさせてく れます。50年代のダイナーとモダンなスポーツバーとレストランの 中間にあるようなフライデーズには、高いクオリティとたしかな味、 楽しい時間があります。

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 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai  Until Apr 12

Domoto Insho: A Retrospective

KS

Pick

堂本印象 木華開耶媛（このはなさくやひめ） 1929年 京都府立堂本印象美術館 Princess Konohanasakuya / 1929 / Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts

Kyoto Prefectural Insho-Domoto Museum of Fine Arts

On the occasion of the museum’s eponymous author’s 40th anniversary of his death, Domoto Insho’s most renowned works have been put together for display. Exemplifying a multitude of artistic styles over favoring one, Domoto’s works exude a muted yet rich energy, and his brush stroke goes from thick abstract, Dali-like shapes to detailed, distinctly Japanese lines to cathedral-esque detail and shading. Everybody can find something to enjoy in Domoto’s varied breadth of work.

Until April 12 • Exhibition in honor of the 40th anniversary of the death of Kyoto native and 1961 recipient of the Order of Culture Domoto Insho, featuring his works “Princess Konohanasakuya”, “Metro”, “Symphony”, and more • Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥500 • Access: JR Kyoto Stn, take a bus to Ritsumeikan Daigaku-mae, 1-min walk • insho-domoto.com

 Until Feb 22

 Jan 23–Mar 8

NISHIDA Jun《No.3-A Zetsu(Cut off)》2001

Koyasan 1200th Anniversary: Treasures of the Sacred Mountain Abeno Harukas Museum

Collection/Donation The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama

Contrary to popular belief, museums aren’t the only places that collect and safeguard arts and cultural treasures – ordinary people do too. These folks have donated, over the course of many years, approximately 8,500 individual pieces to the museum’s collection, 70 of which are featured in this exhibit. The selections span across genre, media type, and time, and feature mostly Japanese artists. Alongside the exhibition, the documentary ‘Herb and Dorothy’, about a middle-class New York couple that has amassed a huge and valuable personal collection of contemporary art, will be shown in special screenings throughout the month.

Until Feb 22 • Feature exhibition of choices from vast mixedmedia, mixed-genre collection of approx. 8,500 donated pieces • Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon; Jan 1–3 • Admission: ¥340 • Access: JR Wakayama Stn, bus to Kenchomae bus stop • momaw.jp

Seeking a glimpse of a national treasure, ancient history, or perhaps enlightenment for the New Year? Look no further than to the top of Mt. Koya, a sacred ground for Buddhism for the past 1200 years as well as the birthplace of one of the most remarkable collections of Buddhist art. The exhibition of rare works (including Buddhist script about secret rituals, paintings based on the doctrines of esoteric Buddhism, and Keiha school Buddhist sculptures) is a great opportunity for enthusiasts of Japanese culture. Don’t miss the first public display in almost 10 years of the “Figures of the Eight Attendants of Fudo Myo'o”, the protectors against evil and ignorance whose expressive faces and intricately detailed clothing will make you wish you had your own to take home.

Jan 23–Mar 8 • 1200th-year anniversary celebration of the Buddhist history of Mt. Koya and its collection of Shingon esoteric art treasures • Open: Tues– Fri 10am–8pm*; Weekend & Holidays 10am–6pm (admission until 5:30pm) • Admission: ¥1300 • Access: JR Tennoji Stn, Central Exit • aham.jp *Special Open Day Mar 2 (Mon)

重要文化財 孔雀明王坐像 快慶作 鎌倉時代・正治2年（1200） 金剛峯寺 Important Cultural Property / Seated Figure of Kujaku Myo'o / By Kaikei / Kamakura Period, dated 1200 / Kongobuji

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 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Art Listings Osaka Relationsheep Between Mankind Sheep and Goats in the World National Museum of Ethnology •  Until Jan 27

Are you a sheep? No, no, is your Chinese zodiac sign a sheep? If so, the National Museum of Ethnology has an exhibit all about you! Just in time for the new year, while enjoying photo panels, film works, and other sheep-centric works, you can contemplate the connection of sheep and mankind.

Open: 10am–5pm • Closed: Wed • Admission: ¥420 • Access: 15-min walk from Banpaku Kinenkoen Stn on the Osaka Monorail • minpaku. ac.jp/english

ing: no-r-malization: The World of Art Brut in Japan NOMA Museum •  Until Jan 18

Mixed-media exhibition of art brut (art created from an impulse or urge to create, with no particular audience in mind). Highlighted artists of this installment of art brut are the mentally disabled, who worked closely with instructors to produce these unique pieces.

Themes and materials differ considerably but all share an infectious energy and reveal the imaginations and one-of-a-kind perspectives of the artists. On the 10th and 17th, selected teachers who assisted the artists will be available for Q&A. Open: 10am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥200 • Access: JR OmiHachiman Stn • no-ma.jp

Oh Jin-Hee & Kyoung Sik Yang FREE CASO: Contemporary Art Space Osaka •  Jan 13–Jan 17

A week-long exhibit featuring two Korean artists with over a decade of appearances in international exhibitions. Kyoungsik explores reality and its relationship with mass-media and time; likewise, Jin-Hee’s smooth and blurry-lined monochromatic paintings reveal a similar sense of distorted reality.

Open: 11am–7pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: Free • Subway Chuo Line to Osaka Minato, Exit 6 • casogallery.jp

Taiyo Kimura – “55 Bethune Street, NYC” FREE Art Court Gallery •  Until Jan 24

Exhibition consisting of a moving image installation and other 3D works made during artist Taiyo Kimura’s recent one-year stay in New York. Kimura is known for his sarcastic yet humorous flair woven into his unusual creations. Although this other-worldly artist’s drawings and installation works have been featured abroad and across Japan numerous times, this is his first Kansai exhibition in three years.

Open: 11am–7pm • Closed: Sun, Mon, Holidays; Jan 1-12 • Admission: Free • Access: 5-min walk from Sakuranomiya Stn on the JR Loop line • artcourtgallery.com

Taman Collection I Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts •  Jan 10–Feb 8

Selections from the personal collection of Taman Kiyoumi, a well-known Osaka politician and lawyer in the early 20th century, who accumulated approximately 50 medieval and early modern oriental paintings. Exhibit showcase features a folding screen work from the Momoyama period (15831600) that was recently named an “Important Cultural Asset” and a painting from the 1800s of a deftly detailed fluffy feline sleeping below a cheeky poem.

Open: 9:30am–5pm (admission until 4:30pm) • Closed: Mon (except national holidays) • Admission: ¥500 • Access: Tennoji Stn, walk to Tennoji Park • osaka-art-museum.jp

Kyoto Daydream with Gravity FREE Hotel Anteroom Kyoto •  Until Jan 11

An exhibition of mixed media in a chic, contemporary, and cultureoriented hotel’s first floor gallery by a group of seven artists including Kenji Itagaki, Asako Otsuka, Teppei Kaneuji, Shohei Nishigami, and Takuya Harada.

Open: 12–7pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Kyoto Stn, Hachijo East Exit, 15-min walk.

Hyogo Just One Photo Itami City Museum of Art •  Jan 10–Feb 11

Exclusive Fujifilm photo collection of the past 80 years showcasing 101 photos that, in one shot, stand representative of a particular energy, feeling, or part of Japan. With prints coming from as far back as the 1930s, the gallery is a retrospective and sometimes stunning look at

Graphic Jam Zuko FREE

ddd Gallery •  Jan 16–Mar 31

Nagai Hiroaki, wellknown for his performance in advertising as an art director and work for brands like Louis Vuitton, is highlighted in this display of his latest posters and widely lauded previous works from international magazines and newspapers. All works are complemented by his research and production notes. The artist argues that his style has not changed since his experiences in elementary school art, but his audience and tasks have, thus the question his design poses is not, ‘What did I say?’ but rather, ‘How did I express it?’.

Open: 11am–7pm (Sat until 6pm) • Closed: Sun/Hols • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Tozai Line, Uzumasa Tenjinkawa Stn, Exit 1, 3-min walk • dnp.co.jp/gallery/ddd

the tradition, growth, trials, and tribulations of Japan throughout the years.

Open: 10am–6pm • Closed: Mon (except the 12th) • Admission: ¥300 • Access: Hankyu or JR Itami Stn • artmuseum-itami.jp

Nara Lucky Art (おめでたい美術) Museum Yamato Bunkakan •  Jan 6–Feb 15

From the beginning of mankind, humans have turned lucky animals (like the phoenix or Chinese dragon) and other symbolic tokens into art using their likenesses and traits. This exhibit displays the many exquisite manifestations of symbolism hidden in selected pieces (including handicrafts and tapestry-style paintings), and reveals their meanings so that you can fully appreciate omedetai, the fortune they were made to carry.

Open: 10am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥620 • Access: Kintetsu Nara Line, Gakuenmae Stn, South Exit • kintetsu.jp/yamato

Mie Gifts from the Cultural Foundation of Okada The Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Mie Prefectural Art Museum •  Until Feb 15

An exhibition of masterpieces donated by the Cultural Foundation of Okada, including artists Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Takeji Fujishima, Shohaku Soga, and more. Visitors may also enjoy a short gallery talk for free on select weekends throughout the month.

Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥300 • Access: JR/ Kintetsu Line, Tsu Stn, West Exit, 10-min walk • bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/ art-museum/en/index.htm

Find more listings online: kansaiscene.com/listings

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 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Live Music  Jan 26

Larry Carlton & Steve Lukather

KS

Pick

A dream gig for guitar lovers with four-time Grammy winning smooth jazz guitar master Larry Carlton and prolific rock and fusion Toto axeman, five-time Grammy winning Steve Lukather.

Lukather was just 19 years old when he joined school friend David Paich and the Pocaro brothers Steve and Jeff in forming the band that became the hugely successful Toto.

Larry Carlton started his musical career as a session guitarist in the 70s playing with the likes of Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and The Four Tops before releasing his first solo album in 1978.

Carlton and Lukather have collaborated before and on one such occasion winning them both a Grammy for the album No Substitutions, Live In Osaka (2002).  26 Jan • US guitar maestros join forces for Japanese tour • Sankei Hall Breeze, Osaka • Jazz rock fusion • 7pm • ¥6,000/¥8,500 • Tel: 06-6341-8888

Live Music Listings Fest Vainqueur

Jan/Feb

Japanese visual kei rock band

Muse, Osaka  Jan 24 • Rock • 2:30pm/6pm • ¥ 5,400/¥6,000 • Tel: 06-6245-5389

Rock & Pop Europe

Kicell

Swedish hard rock band popular in the 80s Namba Hatch, Osaka  Jan 14 • Rock • 7pm • ¥9,500/¥10,500 • Tel: 06-77328888

Julian Casablancas US singer-musician frontman of The Strokes

Namba Hatch, Osaka  Jan 15 • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Bonobos Japanese dub trio from Osaka

Shangri-La, Osaka  Jan 19 • Dub • 7:30pm • ¥3,800 • Tel: 06-6357-3666

Post-rock Japanese brothers duo from Kyoto 10CC @ Billboard Live Osaka

10CC 70’s classic art rock band from England

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka  Jan 21 • Rock • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥8,000/¥9,500 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Taku Taku, Kyoto  Jan 25 • Experimental • 6pm • ¥3,800 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

Royz Japanese visual kei rock band

Big Cat, Osaka  Jan 25 • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

US experimental rock band ft. multi-instrumentalist Michael Gira Club Quattro, Osaka  Jan 28 • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,000 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Def Tech Japanese-American hip-hop pop duo

Namba Hatch, Osaka  Jan 30 • Pop • 7pm • ¥5,800 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

Brian The Sun Club Quattro, Osaka  Jan 30 • Indie • 7pm • ¥2,800/¥3,300 • Tel: 06-6344-3326

Japanese reggae female singer

Namba Hatch, Osaka  Jan 22 • Reggae • 7pm • ¥5,800 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

GLAY Japanese visual kei rock band

Diaura Club Quattro, Osaka  Jan 23 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,200/¥4,700 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

Swans

Japanese four-piece indie rock outfit

lecca

Japanese visual kei rock band from Tokyo formed 2010

 Jan 27 • Singer-songwriter • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥7,400/¥8,900 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Julia Fordham @ Billboard Live Osaka

Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka  Jan 31–Feb 1 • Rock • 5pm • ¥5,800/¥7,560 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

Julia Fordham

Balzac

British singer-songwriter

Japanese punk band formed 1992 in Kyoto

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka

Gattaca, Kyoto

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

 Feb 12

 Feb 13

 Jan 31

At The Gates

Banks

Balzac

Originally formed in 1990 before going their separate ways in 1996 and then reforming in 2007, At The Gates last year released their first studio album in 19 years, At War With Reality. On the album Decibel Magazine wrote “The greatest Swedish Death Metal band ever reclaims their rightful throne”, and the band says “we are very satisfied with the way it sounds. Now, it’s time for everyone else to make up their mind.

I feel confident though, we have done something our fans will enjoy”. And with the album charting straight at #77 on the Japan Oricon International ranking on its release week there are plenty of fans waiting to hear the new material live.

American singer-songwriter Jillian Rose Banks, using the simplified name Banks, was last year named ‘Artist to Watch’ (Fox Weekly) as well as being nominated for awards by both the BBC and MTV. Citing Lauryn Hill and Fiona Apple as influences, musically Banks’ songs are not easily pigeonholed to a genre. There are ample servings of electronic, alternative and R&B in an almost dark ambient mix. The debut album Goddess was released in September last year and was a top-20 charting hit in a number of countries. In a 2013 interview with GLAMOUR magazine the singer described her music as “dark bluish black with smoke and chants and fire and heart”.

Formed just over 20 years ago in Kyoto, the only original member of the band from 1992 still in the fold is vocalist Hirosuke Nishiyama. The early musical sound of Balzac (taking their name from the French novelist Honore de Balzac) drew influence from US punk band The Misfits. Self-releasing their debut single The Lord of the Light and the Darkness in 1993 (re-released in 2012 to mark 20 years of the band), they have since released 13 studio albums, six compilations, and two live albums.

Balzac has also enjoyed success outside of Japan both in the US and Europe. For information in English on the band visit balzac308.com

 Feb 12 • Swedish melodic death metal

 Feb 13 • American female singer-

 Jan 31 • Japanese punk band formed

band from Gothenburg • Umeda Akaso,

songwriter from California • Umeda Akaso,

1992 in Kyoto • Gattaca, Kyoto • Punk •

Osaka • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,000 • Tel: 06-

Osaka • Singer-songwriter • 6pm • ¥6,000

6pm • ¥2,500/¥3,000 • Tel: 050-1225-

7897-2450

• Tel: 06-7897-2450

6613

 Jan 31 • Punk • 6pm • ¥2,500/¥3,000 • Tel: 050-12256613

Chicken George, Kobe  Feb 7 • Pop • 5pm • ¥4,300 • Tel: 06-6344-3326

Level 42

Nagi Yanagi

English pop-rock and jazz funk band

Japanese female singer-songwriter from Kansai

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka  Feb 2 • Pop-rock • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥9,300/¥10,800 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Richie Kotzen Ex-Poison & Mr. Big US rock guitarist

Big Cat, Osaka  Feb 4 • Rock • 7pm • ¥8,000 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

Gille Japanese female singer formerly known as Tasha gee

Big Cat, Osaka  Feb 8 • Pop • 5pm • ¥5,500/¥6,500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Slash Ex-Gun n Roses guitarist

Namba Hatch, Osaka  Feb 9 • Rock • 7pm • ¥TBA • Tel: 06-7732-8888

The Chef Cooks Me Japanese pop techno trio formed 2003 Taku Taku, Kyoto

 Feb 10 • Pop • 7pm • ¥3,000 • Tel: 075-351-1321

At The Gates Swedish melodic death metal band from Gothenburg Umeda Akaso, Osaka  Feb 12 • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,000 • Tel: 06-7897-2450

Czecho No Republic Japanese indie pop five-piece band Club Quattro, Osaka  Feb 13 • Indie • 7pm • ¥3,000 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

Kicell Post-rock experimental brothers duo from Kyoto

Club Quattro, Osaka  Feb 14 • Experimental • 6pm • ¥3,500 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Granrodeo Japanese rock duo

Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka  Feb 15 • Rock • 6pm • ¥7,980 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Jazz & Blues

Banks

Rie Akagi

American female singer-songwriter from California

Japanese jazz latin flutist also active in Puerto Rico

Umeda Akaso, Osaka  Feb 13 • Singer-songwriter • 6pm • ¥6,000 • Tel: 06-7897-2450

Rag, Kyoto  Jan 16 • Jazz • 6:45pm • ¥2,000/¥4,300 • Tel: 07-5255-7273

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 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai  Feb 2

Level 42 English band Level 42 rose to fame in the 80s and 90s with hits such as Lessons in Love (reaching #3 in the UK charts) and Something About You (#7 on the Billboard Hot 100).

Disbanding in 1994, bassist-vocalist Mark King returned with a new-look Level 42 in 2001. In 2006 original member Mike Lindup re-joined the band and the album Retroglide was released. KS spoke with keyboardist-vocalist Mike Lindup about the upcoming shows in Japan.

The last time Level 42 visited Japan the band played the Running in the Family album in its entirety as part of the anniversary tour. What can the Japanese audience expect to hear this time around?

We have just finished a very successful tour of UK & Europe, playing a set that was a showcase for our recent Sirens EP. The songs from this EP take us full circle, as they are groove orientated and danceable, mixed by DJ John Morales in a style some say is similar to where we came in when we started in 1980. The rest of the set is a real mixture taken from our 15-album catalogue, some great live re-arrangements and some of our classic hits.

Last year saw the release of remastered versions of the 80’s albums Standing In The Light (1983), Staring At The Sun (1988) and True Colours (1984). Although in 2013 you released the Sirens EP, the last studio album was RETROGLIDE in 2006, which was the first in 12 years. Are these re-issues and EP a teaser for a new, full-length studio album of new material from Level 42?

These are different times we are living in. Whilst it is traditional to associate Level 42 with full-length albums, in these days of home studios and downloads, we can be more flexible with how and when we write and record new material. It was worth waiting until we had a direction & songs that we were really happy with. The Sirens EP was fresh for us, and it has translated really well to the stage.

The Sirens tour included a three-piece brass section with the band, will this also be part of the Japan show?

Yes, we had a great time with the brass section, Nicol Thomson (Trombone) and Dan Carpenter (Trumpet) join regular member Sean Freeman (Saxophone), and the three of them have a power that really sounds more than three individual players. It adds an exciting extra dynamic to the band’s sound, and that’s before we even mention the new choreography, as you will see!  Feb 2 • English pop-rock and jazz-funk band • Billboard Live OSAKA • Funk pop-rock • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥9,300/¥10,800 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Level 42 @ Billboard Live OSAKA

Pe’z

Hiromichi Inoue

Japanese jazz instrumental fivepiece band

Japanese tenor saxophonist and quartet

Mojo, Kyoto  Jan 21 • Jazz • 7pm • ¥4,300 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Blue Note, Kyoto  Jan 30 • Jazz • 7pm • ¥2,400 • Tel: 07-5223-0398

Allen Toussaint @ Billboard Live Osaka

Allen Toussaint American musician, composer, producer of New Orleans RnB

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka  Jan 24 • New Orleans • 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥7,400/¥8,900 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather US guitar maestros join forces for Japanese tour

Sankei Hall Breeze, Osaka  Jan 26 • Jazz rock • 7pm • ¥6,000/¥8,500 • Tel: 06-6341-8888

Fried Pride Japanese guitar and female vocal duo

Rag, Kyoto  Jan 27 • Jazz • 7:30pm • ¥4,520/¥5,650 • Tel: 07-5255-7273

Marlena Shaw @ Billboard Live Osaka

Marlena Shaw featuring Chuck Rainey, David T. Walker,Larry Nash, Harvey Mason “Who Is This Bitch Anyway?”

Reunion Tour 60’s-present Jazz, blues and soul singer from New York

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka  Feb 11 • Premium Stage• 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥9,500/ ¥11,000 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Benjamin Booker American singer-songwriterguitarist based in New Orleans

Shangri-La, Osaka  Feb 12 • Rock blues • Time: TBA • ¥TBA • Tel: 06-6357-3666

Yoshi Senzaki US-based Japanese blues guitarist

Taku Taku, Kyoto  Jan 27 • Blues • 7pm • ¥3,000 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

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

38

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Club

 Jan 11

Circus Osaka’s number one techno party, Agile welcomes Japanese techno producer/DJ Yoshinori Sunahara, aka Marin, as their very first guest DJ of 2015. Since he first heard of the Yellow Magic Orchestra at a local robot exhibition at the age of 10, he was heavily influenced by electronic music pioneers such as Kraftwerk, Art of Noise and YMO. After playing in several different bands, he joined Japan’s biggest techno act Denki Groove in 1992 and worked with Takkyu Ishino and Pierre Taki until he left the group in 1999. While earning nationwide fame and international recognition with Denki Groove, Yoshinori also became known for his inspiring solo works and remixes. He has done amazing remixes for YMO, Cornelius, Towa Tei, Fantastic Plastic Machine, Sakanakushon etc. If you are interested in the Japanese techno scene but don’t know where to start, maybe he is a good one to begin with. Let’s bring in the new year with some awesome techno.

Jan 11 (Sun/Before National Holiday) • Agile feat. Yoshinori Sunahara (Techno) • DJs: Yoshinori Sunahara, Monashee + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Club Listings January 1 (Thu) Cheval Come on My House (House) • DJs:

Daishi Dance, Shinji Takeda • Open: TBA • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-6288 • cheval-osaka.com

Circus 2015 Techno Heaven - New Year Special Night (Techno) • Live: Ryo

Murakami, A# • DJs: Kihira Naoki, Coffee Rumba, Nori, Sakiko Osawa, Saki • Open: TBA • Admission: ¥2,000 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Do With Cafe New Year Party 2015 (House)

• DJs: Idjut Boys, Altz, Masanori Ikea, Ageishi, Abrock • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Where: Umeda • Tel: 06-6312-1778 • 16.ocn.ne.jp

Ghost Ultra Lounge The Phantom (Hip Hop) • DJs:

Lead, New Kid’n Play, Ymx, Nore

+ more • Open: 9pm • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

2 (Fri) Circus Circus presents Pendulum (Drum & Bass) • Acts: Pendulum

& MC Verse, George, Okadada, Toyo • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Ghost Ultra Lounge Loyal (Hip Hop) • DJs: Martin,

Ymx, Ax, J Amour, Vegas, Shin Reapa + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

Onzieme Jack - New Year Special (Hip Hop/Reggae) • Acts: Kira,

Shimotaku, Ree-Age, Make Love Sound, No Border + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

3 (Sat) Circus Circus New Year Party featuring 25 Years of Mental Groove Records (Techno/House) • DJs: Dj

Reas, The Genevan Heathen, Olivier Ducret, takataka & Koji Sawamura, Fumi • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Onzieme New Year Party 2015 - Sekitova Birthday Bash - (Techno/House) • Live: Kaito

aka Hiroshi Watanabe • DJs: Fake Eyes Production, Licaxxx, Sekitova, Unbalance, Maho, Sak • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

9 (Fri)

Ghost Ultra Lounge

Circus

En:Core (Hip Hop/EDM) • DJs:

Daniele Baldelli 2015 (Techno/ House) • DJs: Daniele Baldelli,

Minami, B-Ball, Malu, Jun + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62140545 • ghostosaka.com

Joule New Year Party 2015 (Trance) • Acts: G.M.S., Yuya, Juji, Dithforth, Sai, Koki, 1000Dream + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥4,500/1D (ADV: ¥3,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62141223 • club-joule.jp

Gonno, Yama • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Favorite Kors (Dance) • DJs:

Komori, Ree-Age, Gana Gana, Shin, Seep, Ar • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai 10 (Sat)

15 (Thu)

23 (Fri)

Circus

Onzieme

Circus

Freedom Time New Years Session 2015 (House/Nu Jazz/ Crossover) • DJs: Yoshihiro

Gold (EDM) • DJs: Hiroto Da

Nightbirds presents The Upbeats (Drum’n’Bass) • Acts: The Upbeats,

Okino, Kawasaki, Yoshihisa Fujii, Kohji Matsuda, Nao Nomura + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Dimitri From Paris Japan Tour in Osaka (House) • DJs: Dimitri

From Paris + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

11 (Sun/Before National Holiday) Club Move Face presents Andre Collins Japan Tour 2015 (House) • DJs:

Andre Collins, Yakkin’ + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shiga • Tel: 07-7523-3870 • club-move.com

Cheval Best Sunday Night feat. Vinai (EDM) • DJs: Vinai, DJ Kitten,

Cheval Sunday DJs • Open: 9pm • Admission: Gentlemen: ¥3,000/1D, Ladies: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-6288 • cheval-osaka.com

Exodus Trancist 3rd Anniversary Party (Trance) • Live: Jikooha, Gu •

DJs: Show-hey, Tomocomo, a.T.s., Jackson, Noriko Namba, Hiroto + more • Open: 9pm • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6532-9385 • exodus728.com

13 (Tue)

Yankee, Kenichi, Young, Aika, Rein + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: Gentlemen:¥2,000/1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

17 (Sat) Circus Zipangu (Techno/House) • DJs:

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

Onzieme Eleven Lights - New Year Edition (mixed) • Acts: Cyber

Red (Black music) • DJs: Hiyoco, Ys + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

14 (Wed) Escape (Hip Hop) • DJs: Martin,

Ax, Naka-g, Jacky, Merit • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

Breakaway (Hip Hop/EDM) • DJs:

Hasebe, Ree-Age, Tora, Masakaz, Giann, Sweep + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

24 (Sat) Circus 1 Night 1 DJ with Ree.K (Techno)

18 (Sun)

Onzieme

Onzieme

Funeral Audio feat. Stereo829, Assan, U-z + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Bubble (Techno/House) • DJs:

Galette, Ohooji, Shinichi Sumino + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

20 (TUE)

• DJ: Ree.K -open to last- • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,000 (ADV: ¥1,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Party Favor Japan Tour 2015 (EDM) • DJs: Party Favor, Jiro,

25 (Sun) Circus

Onzieme The Future (Hip Hop) • DJs:Yeazzy,

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

21 (Wed) Escape (Hip Hop) • DJs: Martin,

Ax, Naka-g, Jacky, Merit • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

22 (Thu) Onzieme

Onzieme

Onzieme

Japan Dancers, Kento, Marvy, Alphashot, Ziel, Nick • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Onzieme Onzieme

Rasty, Bigted, Toyo, Masashi, MC Aoi • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Gold (EDM) • DJs: Hiroto Da

Yankee, Kenichi, Young, Aika, Rein + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: Gentlemen:¥2,000/1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Somethinn (Techno/House) • DJs: Fulltono, Keita Kawakami, Hiroki Yamamura • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥1,500• Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Beat Addiction vol.5 (Dance) •

Acts: Toyo, Plug in Loud, Yop. + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

28 (Wed) Onzieme Escape (Hip Hop) • DJs: Martin, Ax, Naka-g, Jacky, Merit • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

29 (Thu) Onzieme Gold (EDM) • DJs: Hiroto Da

Yankee, Kenichi, Young, Aika, Rein + more • Open: 9pm • Admission:

Gentlemen:¥2,000/1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

30 (Fri) Circus Siine presents Hiroyuki Arakawa Solo Album “Trigger” Release Tour (Techno/House) • Live:

Hiroyuki Arakawa, Takehiro Okuyama • DJs: Toru Ikemoto, Dom Pang, Ryutaro, Yuichiro, Junya Miyoshi • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000 (ADV: ¥1,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Metro Outdraw Music 2nd Anniversary “Underground” (Techno/House)

• Acts: Jun Akimoto, Yoshitaca, Yudai Tamura x Masahiko Takeda, Mikami • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Onzieme Othello (Dance) • DJs: Kango, Juse,

Alphashoto, Roo, Yuuna, Tact, Sara, Alex • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

31 (Sat) Circus Sugiurumn “20XX” Release Tour (House) • DJs: Sugiurumn,

Nao Nomura, Osakaman • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Metro Gift (Dance) • Live: Rumi & OG, Byakudan, Living Dead • DJs: Yama, Yottu, Kiyoca • Open: 10:30pm • Admission: ¥2,700/1D • Tel: 075752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Onzieme Hush! (Techno/House) • DJs: Yashima + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

39

40

 Kansai Scene Classifieds > kansaiscene.com/classifieds Accommodation For Rent

6month min. contract. Contact: alexb <alex@abhousingosaka.com> Website: www.abhousingosaka.com [2243-90-2014-12-19]

1K TASHIBASHI 40000YEN/ MONTH SEMI FURNISHED. 1K

apartments on 1st, 3rd, 4th floor.

Just remodeled, 22 square meters.

3minute walk to Taishibasi/Imaichi subway station (tanimachi line).

No key money, No guarantors, No agency fees, 6month minimum stay required. Refrigerator, curtains, lights, gas cooking range, futon bedding included. Alex 09037030314 Contact: alexb <alex@ abhousingosaka.com> Website: www.abhousingosaka.com APARTMENTS IN KOBE WITH NO KEY MONEY. 1 room apartments

from 40,000 yen per month. 2 and 3 bedroom apartments also available from JR Kobe to Rokko Michi.

Email kevin@elliottventures.com, call 090 6777 9864 for a viewing or visit www.elliottventures.com or find us on Facebook. Contact: kevin elliott <kevin@elliottventures.com> Website: www.elliottventures.com [1613-335-2015-04-06]

SAWANOCHO AREA, 1DK SEMI FURNISHED 55000YEN/MONTH . 4min walk to Sawanocho Nankai

Koya train line, or 8min walk to Abiko JR Hanwa station. 15min by train to Namba or Tennoji. Semi furnished for 55000yen/month.

Available on 4 and 5th floors. No elevator building. No Key money, No Guarantors needed, No Agency fees, 6month minimum contract.

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

[2303-90-2014-12-19]

KOBE, ASHIYA 2DK FOR 90000YEN/MONTH. Has a

yard!!. 1st floor 2DK apartment, with 20 square meter yard. 44 square meter apartment. Recently remodeled, very clean. Unfurnished at 90000yen/month, semi furnished 100000yen/month, fully furnished at 110000yen/month. 10minute walk to Ashiya JR station. No key money, 1month refund. deposit,

TANIMACHI 6, 2 STORY HOUSE, 110000 FULLY FURNISHED.

Small 2 story townhouse, Fully furnished for 110000yen/month.

6month minimum contract stay, 1 month deposit, No key money, No guarantors. Utilities extra. 4min walk to Tanimachi 6chome and Matsuyamachi subway stations. Old nostalgic area of Osaka with many restaurants and shopping close by.

Alex 09037030314 Contact: alexb <alex@abhousingosaka.com> Website: www.abhousingosaka.com [2141-90-2015-01-01]

Jobs Education ENGLISH TEACHER FOR KIDS LESSONS/OSAKA. We are looking

for a part-time English teacher to teach kids on Wednesdays.

Neyagawa-city Osaka/5minute walk from Keihan-line Kourien Sta. Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm (3le ssons).2000yen/1hour+transport ation. If you are interested,please send your resume & photo to <cafeginga@xrj.biglobe.ne.jp> 0901969-4125 Aika. Website: http:// www.b-ginga.com/kidsenglish.html

ENGLISH TEACHER. P/T English

teacher needed for adults and kids in Ibarakishi 18〜20 hours a week in 3 days Please email royalenglish725@gmail.com Contact: Royal English School <royalenglish725@gmail.com>

[2347-1446-2015-01-15]

PT/FT MORNING JOB FOR KIDS ENGLISH TEACHER. We are

looking for a genki reliable English teacher to teach mornings at a new pre school (ages3-6) opening in April in Ikeda. Lessons are 1.5 hours long at 5000 yen plus transportation. We can also offer more work hours in the afternoons if willing. Please contact us for more details. Contact: An English Club

<aec_stu@ybb.ne.jp>

[2316-2017-

2014-12-29]

KANSAI CORPORATE CLASSES.

CES is seeking instructors for English(Other languages also) for corporate classes in Osaka, Shiga, Nara, Hyogo and Wakayama areas starting immediately. 1-5 Days a week. 3,500-4,500 yen per hour. For more info, please forward C/V with availability to mark@cesjapan.co.jp Contact: Manager <mark@cesjapan. co.jp> [2193-77-2015-01-23] PIANO AND GUITAR TEACHER WANTED. KIMA international

music academy is looking for bilingual ( Japanese/English) piano and guitar teachers. Work includes work with both children and adults.

If interested please send your resume and photo to: info@kima. co.jp Contact: kima <vlad_jocic@ hotmail.com> [2304-2001-2014-12-19] COLLEGE CLASSES IN AMAGASAKI. Native English

Teacher Needed for College classes in Amagasaki. Work 6 hours a day once a week (based on availability) from early April to the end of July.

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

Thank you. Sun Mihall 078-3313035(13:00-20:00) info@sunmihall. com Contact: Sun MIhall <info@ sunmihall.com> Website: www. sunmihall.com [2342-1481-201501-12]

ENGLISH TEACHING WORK WITH IMMEDIATE START. Native-level

English speakers needed to teach at an English conversation school in Kawanishi, Hyogo Prefecture.

Immediate start. Days and times available: Tuesdays 18:00-21:00, Wednesdays 18:00-21:00 and Saturdays 12:00-19:00. 1,562 yen an hour plus transportation.

If interested, please email Derek now. Contact: Derek1 <tsukaguchischool@gmail.com> [2344-2038-2015-01-13]

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/ [2306-2522014-12-20]

TEACHER NEEDED ASAP.

Teacher Needed ASAP - School in Sugimotocho on the Hanwa line looking for teacher to teach all ages.

Different schedules available M-F morning until night. 2000 yen an hour. Qualificaitons: Native speaker, Experience teaching kids English Contact Brian staff@areyouglobal.net Contact: aaronoflion <staff@areyouglobal. net> [2320-1900-2015-01-04] NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER. PLC Language Center seeks a F/T native English Teacher. Teaching young kids to adults. School is located in Tsuruhashi. The job will start in April 2015 but would like to begin P/T training in Jan. 2015. Mon-Fri ¥260,000 a month. Please send resumes and inquiries to Mark at mark@gopros.net Contact: PLC <miyoko@gopros.net> [2331-17872015-01-10]

General GROUP LEADERS, TOUR MANAGERS. We are looking for

dynamic and professional group leaders to join our team of tour leaders and client managers for our range of Japan wide itineraries.

Full time and seasonal positions available. Superb people and communication skills needed. Full training. Email us for application form info@ventureea.com Contact: Aaron Davis <aaron@ bashukwaytravel.com> Website: www.ventureea.com [2348-427-201501-16]

FOREIGN FEMALE BAR TENDER.

American owned International Dining Music Bar in Tamatsukuri requires foreign female bartenders for part-time position starting immediately. Flexible scheduling,

42

 Kansai Scene Classifieds > kansaiscene.com/classifieds easy-going and relaxing work environment. Basic Japanese speaking ability is required. Please send resume and photo and desired interview time. Contact: Harmony <citusa@hotmail.com> [2336-14482015-01-10]

Media / IT GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER IN KOBE. FBC in Kobe specializes in

importing products from the US. We're looking for a graphic and web designer to join our team. We're open to full or part time workers with varying levels of experience to take part in catalog production, web development, and our brand image.

Please reply with resume & Contact: FBC <mail@fbcusa.com> Website: www.fbcusa.com [2335-1598-201501-10]

BI-LINGUAL OFFICE SECRETARY.

We are looking for a Fluent bilingual secretary. TNT is a tech company however, no geekiness required. Good communication skills a must. Pay starts at 200,000 yen per month. Reading and writing Kanji a must. Contact: TNTPC <koji.tomita@gmail.com> Website: www.tnt-pc.com [2345-1412-201501-15]

SEEKING THAI/CHINESE/ KOREAN TRANSLATORS. Looking

for native Thai/Chinese/Korean translators for a short term project with a large corporation. Translation requires business-level Japanese.

Web development skills (HTML/ CSS/PHP) a plus. Project will span from mid-January to mid-February with options to extend. For more information, please contact us.

Contact: tnakatani <tnakatani@ michaelsenglishschool.jp> Website: www.futuramarketing.org/ [2337-

1779-2015-01-10]

Kitchen 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. Email Bob at worldpubosaka@gmail. com for details. Contact: Bob <worldpubosaka@gmail.com> Website: www.facebook.com/ worldpub.osakaumekita [2263-19682014-12-26]

Classes & Events WANT TO HAVE YOUR PRIVATE TOUR IN KYOTO AREA?. Interested

to have your private tour in Kyoto area by a car? Need a bilingual tour-guide/chauffeur/personal photographer to show you around?

Wanna make your own tour plan? If so, my 7-seater van and myself are at your disposal. Please contact for details: kansai.tour@gmail.com You better be hurry !! Contact: Kansai Tour <kansai.tour@gmail.com> [2326-2026-2015-01-05]

JAPANESE ONLINE LESSON. Do

you want to get friends in Japan?

Do you want to learn Japanese Conversation? Let's learn Japanese now! I would like to teach online so you don't need to worry where you live and where you can meet.

Just preparing the webcam,headset and of course PC! Please check out the website! Contact: mimmi <gth_ps@yahoo.co.jp> Website: nihongolesson.com/ [2321-2023-

2015-01-04]

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 [2245-14882014-12-21]

Community For Sale VANMOOF FOR SALE!!. Silver

VANMOOF Tiny 2.2 Great bike!!

Leaving the country soon and do not want to take it with us. 70,000 yen o.b.o. 090-8537-6963 Contact: OnTheGo <peacegod97@hotmail. com> Website: rollingorangebikes. com/vanmoof-2-2/ [2327-1986-2015-

01-06]

SCUBA DIVING GEAR FOR SALE.

Full set of MARES dive gear. Fully serviced, used on less than 50 dives. Includes Mares Vector BCD, Proton/Abyss regulators, gauges, Suunto dive computer, 5mm wet suit, knife, tables. Best offer!

Contact: MikeG <mc_gringo@ yahoo.com> [2329-2029-2015-01-06]

Language LANGUAGE EXCHANGE PARTNER. Hello~I'm looking for a

language exchange partner in Osaka area. I'm Osaka-jin. I can teach you Japanese and you can teach me English. I like music. I like rock, alternative music Contact: kazu yama <english101@hotmail.co.jp> [2333-399-2015-01-08]

HISTORY OF EUROPE-TALKS IN JPANESE OR ENGLISH. If you

interested in historiy, please bring your favorite topics to me. I know especially about Medieval Europe, the others. Please speak and teach, and I am going to tell you things which I studied. Contact: Shinya Hada <sinya-hada@hotmail.co.jp>

FRENCH TEACHING!. Hello! I am looking for someone who want to learn french, and teach me japanese ! Thank you!! Contact: Julien <j.vimeux@gmail.com> [2324-20242015-01-03]

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> [22651967-2014-12-27]

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-

2015-01-08]

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 [1235-1249-2015-01-10]

[2351-2007-2015-01-18]

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 [2043-447-2015-01-09]

Sorry…

Due to space restrictions we are unable to print all classified ads.

See kansaiscene.com for more classifieds online.

Theater Umeda

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InterContinental Osaka Hotel Umeda Sky Building German Consulate 35F

Yodobashi Camera

JR Osaka Sta.

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Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line Nagahoribashi

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2F Tezukayama Gallery

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Little Long Beach

Inari Max Value

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Suomachi-dori (Europe street)

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3F GS Travel

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Family Mart

Boy 5F

Daimaru Dept.

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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)

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Mizuho Bank

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

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