Kansai Scene #182 July 2015 by Kansai Scene Magazine

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

July 2015 • issue 182

Tigers Fans Roar Loudest! Plus+

A Secluded Side to Suma Shimanami Kaido Island Hopping Craft Beer Tips for Summer

www.kansaiscene.com

猛虎の雄叫び

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Inside this Issue 08

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

Hanshin Tigers fans – they’re a rowdy bunch. KS shines a light on the most devoted sports nuts in the country. Feature

Publisher............................................Daniel Lee Managing Editor..............Celia Polkinghorne Editor............................................. Jason Haidar

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

A Second Side to Suma

Feature

Event & Festival..........................Yuki Uchibori Club................................................... Terumi Tsuji

Text: Sam Evans

If the sand, salt, and crowds are not your thing, consider a mid-summer hike in the Suma Alps.

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

Live Music................................. Phillip Jackson

Hear them roar!

Island Hopping on a Bike Grab your bike and head south for the glorious ocean views along the Shimanami Kaido cycling trail.

Classifieds..............................Michael Gribben

Travel

Contact Kansai Scene General

mailbox@kansaiscene.com

Advertising sales@kansaiscene.com 06-6539-1717

Fax.

06-7635-4791

Address

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

A BIT OF HISTORY Kansai Scene was founded by Peter Horvath and Nishikawa Keiko in 2000 and published by Jatin Banker between 2003 – 2011.

Text: Kansai Scene

Craft Beer Corner Osaka craft beer spots to quench your summer’s thirst. Food & Drink

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.

In the Ballpark

Language

Website kansaiscene.com

Write for Kansai Scene

Text: Matt Hodgkins

Japanese baseball lingo to help you be in the know at the next game.

Editorial editor@kansaiscene.com Tel.

Text: Tom Fay

Text: Jason Haidar

Foodspotting First-rate steak isn’t the only thing on the menu in Kobe. Food & Drink

Text: Clare Midgley

What’s on Around Kansai Events & Festivals

p25

Cinema p29 Art

p30

Live Music

p32

Club

p36

Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

Classifieds p39 Maps p44

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

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@kansaiscene

Photo: Daniel Lee

About Kansai Scene

ON THE COVER: This month’s cover shot of a devoted Hanshin Tigers fan was snapped by Daniel Lee outside Koshien Stadium in Hyogo.

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Meetup Kansai-Scene

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Got some news or need some advice about living in Kansai?

Out & About

Email your suggestions to editor@kansaiscene.com

Advice Column Your questions and concerns about living in Kansai answered by our experts Q. How do I find a hospital at night? A. In critical cases, you would want to call an Ambulance (#119) first. In noncritical cases, it is always more troublesome to find a hospital to go to.

Battle of the Bands voting begins Eight local bands have reached the second stage of the Kansai Music Conference Battle of the Bands contest and now it is over to you to cast your vote by checking out each band’s video clips on the KMC website. Your vote will help decide which final four will battle it out live during September’s KMC event. But hurry, voting closes on July 15. The Shortlist: The Mist Acoustics, Throwback band, Sabado Boys Band, 777 and black glasses, REVolution, Contagion, Union Trouble, Pure Psycho Tokyo Girl, Spacetime and Streams. Vote online: kansaimusicconference.com

Call for artists! An ambitious new art fair kicks off this autumn on Oct 17/18 at the iconic Osaka Central Public Hall in Nakanoshima. Art Exchange Osaka 2015 is billed as an opportunity for the next generation of Asia-based creators to get together, exhibit their works and exchange ideas. They are currently accepting applications online for exhibitors until July 31. If you think you deserve a shot, visit unknownasia.net for more details.

You could go to the Emergency Room at a nearby General Hospital, but it might not be the best place to get treatment. This is because many hospitals share night shifts with other facilities so that each hospital can distribute more resources on the “on-duty” days. The problem is, it is not always easy to distinguish the ones on duty. One way to find out is to try checking the district information listed below. Some of the services are only in Japanese. In that case, try asking one of the clinics or hospitals that you know for advice. They often have a list of on-duty clinics and hospitals.

Medical Information OSAKA • Osaka Prefectural Consultation (Japanese only): 06-6693-1199 (24 hours/7 days) • Osaka City Emergency Consultation: 06-6582-7119 (24 hours/7 days) • Pediatrics Emergency Consultation: #8000 or 06-6765-3650 (24 hours/7 days) • Website (Japanese only): mfis.pref.osaka.jp/apqq/qq/men/ pwtpmenult01.aspx

HYOGO (No telephone service) • Website (Japanese/English): web.qq.pref.hyogo.lg.jp/hyogo/ap/qq/ men/pwtpmenult01.aspx Kobe City • Kobe City Emergency Consultation (Japanese only): 078-846-0099 (Mon–Fri 5pm–9am; Sat & Holidays 24/7) • Pediatrics Emergency Consultation: 078-891-3499 (Mon–Fri 8pm–7am; Sat 3pm–7am; Holidays 9am–7am) • Website (Japanese/English): city.kobe.lg.jp/komet Nishinomiya City • Nishinomiya Fire Department (Japanese only): 0798-22-9999 (24 hours/7 days) • Pediatrics Emergency Consultation (Japanese only): 078-891-3499 (Mon–Fri 8pm–7am; Sat 3pm–7am; Holidays 9am–7am) • Website (Japanese only): nishi119-nemis.net/ap/qq/men/ pwtpmenult01.aspx

KYOTO (No telephone service) • Website (Japanese/English): mfis.pref.kyoto.lg.jp/ap/qq/men/ pwtpmenult01.aspx Dr. Adachi is a Physician/Pediatrician at Kobe Kaisei Hospital, and the Post Medical Advisor for US Consulate General Osaka-Kobe, Japan.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Kansai Scene 15th Anniversary Party Thanks to everyone that joined us to help celebrate our 15th Anniversary. The Pirates of the Dotombori warmed us up with a fabulous improvised comedy show and the Kansai Beatz Krew got us dancing to some great party tunes. Congratulations to the winners of the lucky draw prizes and a massive thank you to our generous sponsors.

Party Report ď&#x201E;ł June 20

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Feature

High of the Tigers Baseball season is in full swing! Let’s take a look at how Kansai’s craziest fans hit it out of the the park. Text: Sam Evans • Images: Kansai Scene • Translation: Endo Tazlu

 Hanshin Tigers fans are known throughout the baseball world as the most fanatic, devoted sports nuts in the whole of Japan. In a culture so famed for composure, what is it about the Tigers that ignites such a flame in the hearts of the people of Kansai? With the baseball season heating up under the midsummer sun, now seems an appropriate time to explore the history, culture and passion of this revered sports team and the people who hold it dear.

The Tigers, originally the Osaka Tigers (finally settling as the Hanshin Tigers in 1961), were founded in December 1935 and since then, have resided at Koshien Stadium, the oldest ballpark in the land. The Tigers first batted their way to victory in the 1960s, winning the Central league pennant twice in three years (’62 and ’64), repeating this impressive feat in 2003 and 2005. However, the team’s most emphatic success was the Japan Series win of

1985 which induced a frenzy in Kansai, sending shockwaves through the country for which Tigers fans are now (in)famous, and which firmly etched them in the pages of baseball folklore. In ecstatic celebration, fans who resembled players flung themselves off Osaka’s Dotonbori bridge into the filthy currents of the river. The first baseman at the time was American Andy Bass, and legend has it that in the subsequent absence of this caucasian

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Left: Colorful Hanshin Tigers fans young and old, gather before a game outside Koshien stadium Below: Tolucky (トラッキー Tiger + Lucky) , the official Hanshin Tigers macot

mustachioed character, the supporters snatched a statue of Colonel Sanders from outside a nearby KFC and hurled it into the river. The Tigers went on to have unholy luck in the following decade and a half, and this was imputed to “the curse of the Colonel” – the belief that the fried chicken gods were angry and would smite the team until the statue was gathered from the murky depths. Accordingly, the Colonel was recovered in 2013 and now stands in all his finger lickin’ glory outside the Koshien branch destined, one can assume, never to dive another day. “Tigers fans have a reputation for being crazy”, explains Osaka resident and enthusiastic fan Fasong Gu. “In combination with the rough-sounding Kansaiben commonly spoken, and a tendency to criticize other teams, Hanshin fans are even seen as slightly freakish outsiders who are too passionate to conform to Japanese standards of tranquility.”

Superstition and passion are, of course, synonymous with sports fans the world over. However, Tigers supporters have typically taken things one step further by dedicating a shrine to their slugger idols. Oe Jinja is nestled in the hilly backstreets of Tennoji-ku, Osaka. Built by Prince Shotoku (572622 AD), the shine is protected by two majestic stone tigers in lieu of koma-inu (guardian dogs). A myriad of Tigers memorabilia lies strewn around these statues by followers. “There was only one tiger guarding this shrine until 12 years ago,” said the shrine keeper, a friendly middle-aged woman eager to pass on her knowledge of the shrine to a curious passerby. “Back then the team was starting to get better after years of bad luck. The neighborhood fans decided to install a second tiger in the hope it would bring continued good luck, and it worked because that year the Tigers won the pennant! Since then, supporters see this shrine as particularly sacred and come

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Hanshin Tigers Schedule, July/August 2015 July:

here to offer gifts to the spirits and pray for the Tigers’ success,” she said. The sacredness of which she speaks is evidenced by the eclectic mix of baseball bats, photos, newspaper cutouts and jerseys positioned around the stone guardians. It’s a tad zany, make no mistake, but it saliently suggests that, for many followers, their love for the team transcends sports and is rather something of a devout spiritual experience. I decided it was time to see for myself. I pick a glorious day to step up to the plate for my first Tigers home game at Koshien Stadium where the Tigers are taking on the Nagoya Dragons. My immediate observation is that alcohol is encouraged inside the venue. Bring in your own but conform to the polystyrene cups issued at the entrance. If you didn’t have time to hit the konbini there’s no need to worry because teams of young women in cute cheerleader-style outfits) work the rows, calling and responding to thirsty fans’ beer requests with squirts of hoses connected to kegs lugged on their backs. The atmosphere inside the rustic stadium is electrifying as the fans sing tribal hymns to the beat of distant drums and cheer seemingly every hit, pitch, or stolen base. The highlight comes at the close of the seventh inning with the release of thousands of inflated but untied balloons that soar in unison into the atmosphere, only to rain back down seconds later.

Tigers fans obey this old tradition at every game, home and away, but have had to curb their release under the watchful eyes of the stewards at Tokyo Dome; home of the Yomiuri Giants. Unsurprisingly, this fuels some, let’s say distaste, for their Kanto cousins and longstanding rivals. After the game I head to Gosakudon, one of Osaka’s favorite Tigers izakaya. As well as being purveyors of fine seafood and cheer, it’s also a great place to drink, because if the Tigers win a night game, draft beers drop to ¥100 a pop for three glasses per person. Owner and avid supporter Ryuzo Moriyama sheds light on the Giants/Tigers rivalry and speaks of the fans’ enduring spirit: “I’ve been a huge Tigers fan since I was a little kid. Despite the rivalry between the Giants and Tigers, here there’s a lot of love between us as baseball fanatics. For the games, we host both sets of fans and this produces a unique and exciting atmosphere, although us Tigers fans aren’t happy when the Giants win! Baseball is about camaraderie. Mix that with Osaka, a city I love, and you have something special,” he said. And special it is. Whether superstitious, devout, or just fun-loving, the Hanshin Tigers certainly give the people of these parts something to hold on to and believe in. With the baseball season entering its climax, it’s high time to get out there and start rooting for the home team! 

• 1st, 2nd : Swallows (A) • 3rd,4th,6th : Baystars (A) • 8th, 9th : Dragons (Koshien) • 10th, 11th,12th : Giants (A) • 14th, 15th : Carp (Koshien) • 20th, 21st, 22nd : Giants (Koshien) • 24th, 25th, 26th : Baystars (Koshien) • 28th, 29th : Dragons (A) • 31st : Swallows (Koshien)

August: • 1st, 2nd : Swallows (Koshien) • 4th, 5th, 6th : Carp (A) • 7th, 8th, 9th : Baystars (A) • 11th, 12th, 13th : Dragons (Osaka Dome) • 14th, 15th, 16th : Swallows (A) • 18th, 19th, 20th : Giants (A) • 21st, 22nd, 23rd : Baystars (Osaka Dome) • 25th, 26th, 27th : Carp (A) • 28th, 29th, 30th : Swallows (Koshien)

Getting Tickets The best way to get tickets is from any Lawson Loppi machine. The process is in Japanese but friendly store clerks are willing to help. An option in English is japanballtickets.com, but be aware this website charges over the odds at around ¥6,000, when the most expensive from Lawson is about ¥4,000.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

熱狂タイガース野球シーズンまっただ中。関西が誇る、日本一熱いファンの声援を聞きにいこう。文：サム・エバンス

阪神タイガースは、日本野球界随一の熱狂的なファンで知られている。静けさや落ち着きを重んじる日本文化にあって、タイガースのいったい何が関西人たちの心をあそこまで掻き立てるのだろう。真夏の太陽の下で野球熱が高まるこの季節に、偉大なるタイガースの歴史、文化、情熱に目を向けてみよう。 1935年12月に大阪タイガースとして創立されて以来、球団は日本最古の野球スタジアムである甲子園球場を本拠地としてきた。1961年に阪神タイガースと改名すると、最初の黄金期がやってくる。セントラルリーグを1962年と1964年に制し、3年で2回優勝という好成績を残した。2003年と2005年にも、隔年のリーグ優勝を経験している。しかしながら、このチーム史上最大の栄光といえば、なんといっても日本シリーズを制した1985年が思い出される。関西地方は狂乱の渦に巻き込まれ、日本中に阪神フィーバーの衝撃が走った。当時のタイガーズファンの狂乱ぶりは今でも語り継がれ、日本球史に残る伝説になっている。優勝が決まって祝祭ムードがエスカレートした夜、ユニフォーム姿で選手に扮装したファンたちがヘドロまみれの道頓堀川に飛び込み始めた。当時の一塁手は髭をたくわえたアメリカ人のランディー・バース。この優勝の立役者に扮装できる者がいないということで、ファンたちは近所のKFC店頭からカーネル・サンダースの像を拉致して川に投げ入れてしまった。その後、15年以上に渡ってリーグ優勝から遠ざかったタイガースだが、低迷の原因は「カーネル・サンダースの呪い」によるものだと噂された。フライドチキンの神様の逆鱗に触れたので、像を回収して供養するまで決して優勝できないだろうと信じられていたのである。最終的に、カーネル像は2009 年に川底で発見。修復を経て、2013年より KFC阪神甲子園店の店頭に安住の地を得ている。再び道頓堀川にダイブさせられる日が来ないことを願っての措置だろう。大阪在住の熱心なファンであるク・パソン

さんは、ファンの心理をこう説明する。「タイガースファンの熱さは日本中で知られていますよ。あのキツい関西弁で他のチームを罵倒するから、普段はおとなしい日本人の中にあってもかなり奇異な存在に見えるでしょうね」もちろん、世界中のスポーツファンに伝説や熱狂はつきものである。それでもタイガースファンはさらに上を行く。大阪市天王寺区の路地裏にある大江神社がその証拠だ。聖徳太子（572〜622年）に創建されたこの神社は、石でできた2体の狛犬ならぬ「狛虎」で守護されており、無数のタイガース関連グッズがその虎像を取り囲んでいる。物見高い客人に見られたらしく、受付の気さくな女性が説明してくれる。彼女もこの神社にまつわるとっておきの逸話を伝えたくなったのだろう。「12年前まで、狛虎は1匹だけでした。当時のタイガースは何年も低迷が続いて、ようやく調子が上向きかけた頃です。近所のファンの方々が、このまま頑張って欲しいという願いを込めて、もう1匹の狛虎を設置しました。するとその年、タイガースが優勝したんです。あれからというもの、ファンの方々はここをタイガースの守り神だと崇めてお供え物をしてくださいます」説明の通り、神聖な狛虎のまわりには、バット、写真、新聞の切り抜き、ユニフォームなどが供えられている。まさしく珍妙な光景だ。しかしこれは参拝者のチーム愛が、スポーツを神聖な霊的体験にまで昇華させている象徴でもある。こうなったら、自分の目で確かめるしかない。晴れがましい初めてのホームゲームを体験しようと、中日ドラゴンズを甲子園に迎え撃つ試合に足を運んだ。球場に入るとすぐ、野球観戦にはアルコールが付きものだと気づく。お酒は外からも持ち込めるが、入口でもらえる紙コップに移し替えて飲むのがルールだ。試合前にコンビニに立ち寄る時間がなかった人も、心配には及ばない。チアリーダーのような格好をしたキュートな若い女性たちが、喉の渇いた観客たちに呼びかけて

ビールの注文をとっている。背中の樽に入った冷たいビールが、ホースからコップに注がれる。外観は飾り気のないスタジアムだが、観客席は目が覚めるように賑やかだ。ファンは遠くから聞こえる太鼓の音に合わせて応援歌を合唱し、それこそワンプレーごとに声援を送る。ハイライトは7回裏のジェット風船だ。無数の風船が一斉に空に向かって放たれ、数秒後にはみな空気が抜けて落ちてくる。ホームでも、アウェイでも、タイガースファンは毎試合この古い伝統を守っている。だが読売ジャイアンツの本拠地である東京ドームでは風船が禁止されているため、監視員の目を盗んで儀式を敢行しなければならない。当然のように、長年のライバルである巨人ファンたちはこの風船を毛嫌いしている。試合後は、人気のタイガース居酒屋「吾作どん」に向かった。美味しい魚介や明るい雰囲気はもちろん、この店には呑んべえに愛される理由がある。ナイトゲームでタイガースが勝つと、ビールが1杯100円になるのだ（1人3杯まで）。店長の森山嶐三さんが、ジャイアンツとタイガースのライバル関係を引き合いに、野球ファン独特の心理について語ってくれた。「小さい頃からタイガースの大ファンです。ジャイアンツファンとタイガースファンはライバルですが、お互いに野球ファンとして認めあっているんです。試合の日、双方のファンを迎え入れると、店内に独特の興奮が生まれます。まあジャイアンツが勝ったら、面白くないですけどね。野球の魅力は、仲間意識。それが大好きな大阪の街と混じりあって、特別な感情になるんです」そこには、確かに特別な感情が渦巻いていた。伝説を信じる人にも、神頼みをする人にも、ただ楽しみたいだけの人にも、阪神タイガースは信じるに足る手応えを返してくれる。野球シーズンが最高潮に達するこの夏、球場に出かけて地元球団に声援を送り、情熱的な野球ファンの仲間入りをしてみてはいかがだろうか。

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

A Secluded Side to Suma Suma beach is a popular hangout on those sizzling-hot summer’s days. But if the sand, salt, and crowds are not your thing, consider a mid-summer hike in the Suma Alps. Text & Images: Tom Fay

 As beach season begins and the summer heat and humidity kicks in, flocks of locals, expats and visitors alike head to the cooling waters and vibrant beach at Suma, just west of Kobe. Throughout July and August, the seafront is a throng of activity as young families escape the city, bikini-clad ladies soak up the sun (or try to hide from it), and muscular men show off their tans while trying their luck with said ladies. But if the beach parties and slightly hedonistic vibe gets a little too much, there is another alternative. Unknown to many, Suma has a secret side just waiting to be explored. A series of rolling hills that form the tail end of the well-known Rokko mountain range overlook the beach

and this side of Osaka Bay, and amongst their myriad of trials there is adventure to be had for anyone looking to get away from it all and yet still be within clear sight of the city. Popularly known as the Suma Alps, a traverse of these green but surprisingly rocky slopes can be undertaken in an afternoon by anyone of reasonable fitness, and the fantastic views of Kobe, Awaji Island, and the Inland Sea more than make the sweat and fatigue worthwhile. There are a number of approaches to the hike, but perhaps the best way is to start from Itayado Station. After exiting the station, head north through the shotengai (roofed shopping street). Grab a few energy-packed snacks for the hike, then turn left at the end of

the shotengai, before crossing the road and walking parallel to the small river. Cross it via one of the narrow bridges and start marching towards the hill up ahead. You basically want to aim for Itayadohachiman Shrine, which is perched halfway up the hillside, and can be found by navigating the maze of narrow backstreets, which are picturesque in their own Japanese suburban way. Keep your eyes peeled for the small signs (in Japanese) which will point you in the right direction. After a short slog up some twisting stairs, you will reach the shrine, so after catching your breath and saying a few prayers for luck, you’ll soon find the path which signals the proper start of the hike.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

From here the trail meanders gently through some green and lightly wooded areas, and if you started a little late in the day you’ll pass families and elderly folk cheerily making their way back home. You’re just getting started however, so keep following the path as it gradually ascends the hill, before eventually leveling out once again at the ridge top. There are plenty of places to stop and catch your breath, with benches offering splendid views of the urban sprawl below. The path is clearly marked and continues following the ridge, with the trees providing ample cover for hikers and a haven for lizards, butterflies and other creatures (don’t forget your bug spray!). Despite this being a popular hike, the hills feel a world away from the noise and concrete of the streets below. Before long, you’ll reach the top of Higashiyama, a great place to stop, as this high point commands impressive views in all directions. But don’t get too comfortable, as the fun is just about to begin. Between here and the next hilltop, the path drops down to, and then ascends, a rather precarious-looking rocky ridge known as the umanose (horse’s back), and hikers can feel

like real alpine adventurers as they scramble down, up and across its narrow and crumbling crest. The rock is very slippery when wet, and there’s not much more traction when it’s dry either, so proceed with care. The fun is rather short-lived however, so after the obligatory mountain poses and photos, heave yourself up the stairs and follow the path to the high point of this walk. Yokoo-san stands at 312m tall, which may not be very alpine in stature, but the panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding hills, city and sea are worthy of any lofty mountain top. From here the path gradually winds its way downhill and southwards through some quiet and pleasant woods, before the trees abruptly thin out and you arrive at a sturdy wooden viewing platform which offers some of the best views of the day. After enjoying the panorama, follow the path which heads slightly to the right and then down some steep stairs to the road below. Cross the bridge for pedestrians and follow the path as it snakes between apartments before reaching the final big climb of the hike, up five sets of concrete stairs! After that leg-burning workout, you can take it easy as the trail flattens out

and meanders gently over this final little protrusion in the famous Rokko range. This area is actually a hilltop park, so you’ll find plenty of places to take a rest if tiredness is creeping in. Before too long you’ll reach the top of the ropeway which whisks slightlyless-energetic people up and down the hill. Feel free to ride it down, but after coming this far it won’t take long to descend the path back to civilisation and pop out at Sumaurakoen Station. All in all, the walk will take about three and a half hours. Of course this route can be done in reverse, but after all that, who wouldn’t want to end the day at the beach? To do so, take a train one stop or walk for 15 minutes to join the crowds at Suma, where you can finally kick back on the sand with a drink or an ice cream, safe in the knowledge that you’ve thoroughly earned it. It turns out that Suma is more than just a sandy beach after all! 

Getting There Itayado Station can be reached via the Sanyo Electric Line and the Seishin-Yamate subway line.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Fukuyama Stn.

Shin-ominichi Stn.

Shinkansen

Onomichi Stn.

Mihara Stn.

Mukaishima Is.

Hiroshima Ferry route

Innoshima Is. Ikuchijima Is. Omishima Is.

Hakatajima Is. Ferry route



Oshima Is.

Hashihama Stn.

Imabari Stn.

Ehime

Travel

Island Biking Adventures For refreshing, sunny ocean views and a break from the daily grind, get on your bike and check out the island-bridge extravaganza that is the Shimanami Kaido bike trail. Text & Images: Matt Hodgkins

Situated along several bridges that connect Onomichi in Hiroshima to Imabari in Ehime, the Shimanami Kaido cycling route is a 70km (44mile) jaunt that can be an equally casual or challenging escape from the concrete jungle. There are two starting points to choose from: Onomichi in Hiroshima prefecture, accessible via JR railways; or Imabari, which is only a short LLC flight away via Matsuyama. We elected to start at Imabari. You can pick up your wheels at Sunrise Itoyama, with a choice of “General Use,” “Cross,” and “Electric Assist” bikes, all for very reasonable rates. As we had planned for two days of island hopping instead of one, my compatriots went for the comfortable general-use bikes. Thinking I would never need a soft-saddle mamachari, I went with the hybrid cross bike. While

having more gears available comes in handy, your rump might be a little tender after a day’s ride. Whatever you go with, it’s a short uphill climb to the Kurushima-kaikyo bridge that will take you to Island #1: Ōshima.

Ōshima

Though its name means “big island,” Ōshima isn’t terribly large. But it is hilly. It might be a good idea to think of Ōshima as a warm up. Even if you only plan on taking the intermediate course, Ōshima will probably give you just enough of a challenge to remind you that this isn’t always going to be a pleasure cruise. Thankfully, Ōshima is dotted with plenty of shrines, cafés and cyclist pit stops so you can catch your breath, if only to promptly lose it again from the amazing scenery. If you feel like going a little further afield, the Murakami Suigun Museum

has about an hour’s worth of pirate and naval-related distractions. From there, you can hop on a boat for the Miyakubo Seto Tidal Current Experience. The violent speed and sound these whirlpools produce will give you an appreciation for the sailors and pirates who dared approach them.

Hakatajima

After a short climb, surprising crosswinds await on the Hakata-Ōshima bridge. This leads to the small, yet charming island of Hakatajima. This is the shortest leg of the journey, and it might be tempting to breeze through it. However, the snacks at Marine Oasis Hakata are worth stopping for. Here you can pick up some delicious “salt soft ice cream” and fried octopus legs before kicking off toward Ōmishima.

Kosanji Temple

Ōmishima

Some of the prettiest views can be found on the largest of the trail’s islands. While there are a multitude of places to visit on the island, they will take a while to get to by bicycle. One of our biggest regrets was missing the Ōyamazumi Shrine. The gods there are said to protect soldiers, so military leaders made lavish offerings. As a result, this shrine also has a massive collection of swords and weapons used in the samurai era. Sadly, with dusk quickly closing in, we only had the chance to buy some fresh Ehime oranges from Tatara Shimanami Koen and admire the Kojojima ruins before tackling the Tatara Ōhashi bridge.

Ikuchijima

Crossing the Seto inland sea, this 1,480-meter-long (just under 5,000foot) bridge is the longest askewarched bridge in the world, plus one of the highlights of the trip. It’s impossible to not be impressed with this $600 million engineering marvel that connects Ehime and Hiroshima prefectures. Ikuchijima has plenty of places to spend the night if you are road weary. We chose the Setoda Private Hostel. For ¥4,800 you can get dinner, breakfast, a private room, a nearby beach, and access to an onsen. After

Heights of Eternal Hope for the Future

cycling all day, we would have gladly paid more. The next day, we promptly pedaled beside the sea toward the highlight of the trip – the temple Kosanji. Built by a wealthy businessman who was inspired by the love of his mother, this large temple complex is stunning. Gardens, pagodas, moss-covered statues, and vibrant Buddhist art flood your senses. As you make your way through, be on the lookout for the convincing replicas of Nikko Toshogu’s Yomeimon Gate and Byodoin’s Phoenix Hall. If you need to cool down, be sure to navigate the temple’s cave system. Here you are led through an eerie depiction of Buddhist hell, only to emerge in front of an impressive wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. But whatever you do, make sure you hoof it up to the Heights of Eternal Hope for the Future. This purely artistic construct is made of luminous white marble imported from Italy. From the top, you have a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Oh, and if the resident photographer at Kosanji asks you for a photo, do it – he might just give you and your party a free drink at the restaurant. After quickly stopping by Cafe Dolce for some of their famous gelato, we picked up the pace toward Ikuchi Bashi bridge and our next island.

Oshima

Innoshima

For many cyclists, Innoshima may seem quite uneventful. However, I recommend the Murakami Suigun Castle. This small castle belonged to the privateers who traded across the Seto inland sea during the Muromachi and Sengoku periods. The castle hosts impressive scenery and a museum detailing the power of the pirate kings of the time. Also, if you’re hungry, there is a very small hut at the base of the hill where you can get some delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and a very friendly welcome from the owner.

Mukaishima

Connected by the imposing Innoshima-Ohashi bridge, Mukaishima will either be your first or final island. This area definitely has a small-town feel to it, with more roads, schools and convenience stores than on any of the other islands. But this was our finishing line, so we cut right through, following the bikeway’s trusty blue path to the ferry terminal that would take us to Onomichi. Exhausted, we cruised over the waters to Honshu, thanked our trusty bikes for their service, and promised to return. Whether you opt for an abridged one-day, or leisurely two-day tour, you will be glad you saddled up.

Useful Information • Shimanami Kaido Map and bridge toll information: www.go-shimanami.jp • Sunrise Itoyama Bike Rental: sunrise-itoyama.jp • Setoda Private Hostel: setodashimanami.web.fc2.com/eshimanami.html This time last year, the Adventures in Kansai crew did the Shimanami Kaido bike trail starting at Onomichi and made a short video. To watch, visit kansaiscene. com and click the ‘Video’ tab.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Language

Step up to the plate! Baseball, (yakyuu), has been around in Japan since the late 19th century and is a dominant part of modern Japanese culture. There’s no refuting the Japanese passion for this sport. Nihon Puro Yakyuu, or NPB in English, is the 12-team pro league in Japan, and the team with the biggest fanbase, the Tokyo-based Yomiuri Giants, has even provided the backdrop for several household-name dramas, movies and manga such as Kyojin no hoshi – The Star of the Giants. The national high school baseball tournaments have also become an annual ritual. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese gather round the TV and take time out from their favorite shows to watch the games and look out for the future stars of Japanese baseball. High-school baseball, koukou yakyuu rivals the NPB in popularity during the spring and summer tournaments. These are played at Koshien stadium (Koshien kyuujou) in Hyogo, a Japanese baseball fan Mecca.

Major League Baseball (mejaa) also has a huge following in Japan. メジャー fans particularly relish in keeping tabs on Japanese players who compete in the U.S. In contrast to American players, Japanese athletes are generally more reserved and don’t like to gloat. But you’ll occasionally see a fist-pump, called a gattsu poozu (ガッツポーズ,) when a player comes up big in the clutch. This comes from the English words “guts” and “pose.” Non-athletes will sometimes pull a ガッツポーズ when they are proud of a funny joke they make or an idea that gets the approval of their peers. Baseball talk is often sprinkled throughout casual conversation, so to avoid being thrown a curveball (henkakkyu), below is a glossary of baseball terms that are sure to help you next time you catch a game (shiai).

Useful Expressions strike

ストライク

sutoraiku

ballpark

野球場

yakyuujou

infield / outfield

内野 / 外野

naiya / gaiya

1st/2nd/3rd base

一塁 / 二塁 / 三塁

ichi-rui / ni-rui / san-rui

left field

左翼 / レフト

sayoku / refuto

center field

中堅 / センター

chuuken / sentaa

right field

右翼 / ライト

uyoku / raito

home run

ホームラン / 本塁打

hoomuran / hon-rui da

strikeout

三振

sanshin

walk

四球 / フォアボール

shikyuu / foa-booru

beanball

死球 / デッドボール

shikyuu / deddo-booru

pitcher

投手

toushu

catcher

捕手

hoshu

manager

監督

kantoku

umpire

審判

shinpan

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Food & Drink

Craft Beer Corner Take a load off and quench your summer’s thirst at one of these superb Osaka craft beer havens. Text & Images: Jason Haidar

Garage39

Yellow Ape Craft

Open: Mon–Sat 5pm–2am • Closed: Sun •

Open: Mon–Thur & Sat 3pm–12:30pm, Fri

10pm • Sizes: ¥650 (280ml) ¥1000

Price Range: ¥690 (10oz half pint) ¥1000

3pm–2am • Closed: Sun • Price Range:

(435ml) • Food Price Range: ¥350–¥1000 •

(16oz USP) • Food: ¥310–¥3500 • Access:

¥650 (260ml glass) or ¥1000 (473ml USP)

Access: Yotsubashi Subway Line, Honcho

Hommachi or Sakaisuji Hommachi Subway

• Food Price Range: ¥380–¥1300 • Access:

Stn, 1-min walk • bar-tsuchinoko.com

Stns • facebook.com/GARAGE39.jp

Kitahama or Yodoyabashi Subway Stns •

Another relatively new bar on the ever-growing Kansai craft beer scene is Garage39. Located in Kitahama, this spacious location has an industrial urban feel with picnic style tables in the back (a non-smoking area) and an open patio style upfront – perfect for summer dining and drinking. With a wide range of beers from top Japanese brewers on their impressive 15-tap setup, you’re sure to find something to beat the heat in these hot, humid days. With an extensive food menu in English, there’s a lot on offer from standard fare like fish and chips, to slightly rarer hors d’oeuvres like the smoked chicken liver. Be sure to ask the friendly staff for their recommended beer and food pairing.

Opened in 2012, Yellow Ape Craft is the original bar by owner and operator Daikichi Kato, who opened Smoke House Ape earlier this year. Boasting 20 taps of craft beers from around Japan, the brands and types of which change daily, this jumps up to a whopping 28 taps during events that Daikichi hosts almost monthly. A small bar area is situated around the taps downstairs with a larger area upstairs for about 16 people. The upstairs area feels more suited to fine dining than a round of pints, but luckily both can be had there. A great selection of pizza, pasta and tapas is on offer and are sure to pair nicely with whatever beer style you choose. Daikichi recommends the Jack Chicken with an IPA.

Bar Tsuchinoko

Named after the snake-like creature that is prevalent in Kansai and, as legend has it, can speak and has a penchant for booze, Bar Tsuchinoko is also a play on owner Takashi Tsuchihashi’s name. This intimate bar can fit around 13 people at most, but has a nice, cosy air – a spot for the locals to enjoy a pint or two. The bar has three taps – one ji biru, one import, and one with fresh Asahi draft beer. While not the largest selection of brews on tap, Bar Tsuchinoko makes up for it by stocking unique, hard-to-find beers and truly delectable bar treats, like the juicy, medium-rare hind quarter beef cuts, or the hamburg bacon; giant slabs of premium bacon cooked to perfection. Open: Mon-Sat 5pm-12am & Sun 1pm-

facebook.com/YellowApeCraft

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #182 JULY 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Food & Drink

Foodspotting Great steak isn’t the only thing on the menu in Kobe. Check out these three spots for something new. Text & Images: Clare Midgley

Chinese

Gaen Shuka

If you can steel yourself to make it through Kobe’s Chinatown without succumbing to the tantalizing aromas wafting from the myriad of street stalls, you’ll find Gaen Shuka tucked away down a side street. With three sister restaurants in Kobe and Nishinomiya, these dining spaces offer an extensive à la carte menu incorporating Cantonese classics such as sweet-and-sour pork and an array of seafood dishes. The ¥1600 weekday lunchtime set menu is served in portions perfectly pitched to leave you feeling satisfied but not too sleepy. After a starter of shrimp mayonnaise and egg drop soup, top up your complimentary green tea and choose from the handful of mains – the squid in a tempura-like batter is a winner! The small dessert changes daily.

Café

Golden Dew Cafe

Overlooking one of Motomachi’s leafy shopping streets, Golden Dew Cafe provides a bright, airy spot for a break from retail therapy or to recharge after work. The menu celebrates all things mango and you can sample this juicy summer fruit in all its glory – cubed, pulped or juiced. On a sticky July day, quench your thirst with a ‘mango mix juice’ in a lidded jar, or for an adventure with texture try ‘mango and lemon jelly’, a refreshing combination of ice, juice and jelly topped with whipped cream. (If you’re not enthused by mango, there’s always coffee.) To keep hunger at bay there’s the ‘Mango Fiesta Grande’, a fruit salad (heavy on the mango, of course) with mango ice cream in a waffle basket, plus a range of fresh and healthy options for lunch. Open: Daily 10am–9pm • Price

Open: Daily 11:30am–2pm; Dinner

Range: ¥500–¥2000 • Access: JR/

5pm–1am • Price Range: ¥1000–¥5000 •

Hanshin Motomachi Stn, 5-min walk •

Access: JR/Hanshin Motomachi Stn, 5-min

goldendewcafe.com

walk • r.gnavi.co.jp/c063400

Curry

Die Currywurst

Yes, really. There’s a German currywurst restaurant down a Motomachi backstreet. With its red awnings, prominent corner situation, and large German flag, this specialist sausage eatery is unmissable, both literally and as a gastronomic experience. The options are simple: currywurst or weisswurst, in a bun or on a plate, with curry sauce or tomato ketchup. A few fast-food-style sides are available, though next to the typical fries, onion rings and coleslaw on the menu you’ll also find sauerkraut. Pay for your sausage at street level then take a seat upstairs in a narrow room decked out with German memorabilia. Alternatively, grab a stool outside, ideally with a cold beer (choose from a range of draft or bottled offerings from both Germany and Japan) to wash down your food. Not so good for vegetarians, but perfect for a chilled-out summer evening. Open: Daily 11am–9pm • Price Range:¥500–¥1500 • Access: JR/Hanshin Motomachi Stn, 5-min walk • currywurst.jp

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Events  Jul 5–7

 Jul 24

The Star Festival – Tanabata

Monju-do Defune Dragon Festival

七夕の夕べ in 四天王寺 2015

出船祭り

Shitennoji Temple and Surroundings

Chionji Monjudo Temple and Surroundings, Kyoto

 Jul 5–7

 Jul 24

At this traditional Japanese celebration, a 27-meter-long bamboo grass tunnel and an artificial Milky Way made with brilliant LED lights will appear at Shitennoji Temple. The Star Festival commemorates an old, romantic tale about of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively). According to legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar. Events at Shitennoji at this time include a walk through the bamboo archway, appetizing goody stalls, stargazing through telescopes (8pm–10pm Jul 5th), live music performances (4pm–6:30pm Jul 5th), a solemn Buddhist ritual (8:30pm Jul 7th) and many more.

The scenic coastal town of Amanohashidate comes alive annually on the 24th of July with this spectacular religious event. According to the legend, there was a dragon which was violent and was causing trouble for the village people. One day, Monju, the god of wisdom, came and fought the dragon. He preached wisdom to him and made the dragon a guardian spirit of the village. To mark that story, every year gold and silver dragon performances take place with fabulous music and lights. Enjoy the fantastic performance staged on a floating platform in the sea. Join the dancing crowd as the dragons roar down the street. The bustling celebration finishes with a colorful fireworks display against the night sky.

Admission: Free • Access: Tanimachi Subway Line, Shitennoji-mae

Time: 7pm–9:20pm • Admission: Free • Access: Kitakinki Tango

Yuhigaoka Stn, 5-min walk • tanabatanoyuube.net

Line, Amanohashidate Stn • monjudo-chionji.jp

 Jul 7

Tanabata Fireworks Display 七夕祭り手筒花火 Yagawa Shrine, Shiga  Jul 7

Come and see the magnificent, comet-like fireworks performed as part of the Tanabata festival at Yagawa-jinja. Braving a torrent of falling sparks, each performer holds a flame-spewing tube in their arms for two minutes. With a terrific explosion, these performers will vanish from sight in a performance sure to please the gods of Yagawa shrine! On this day, a ninja character show, street dance performance and other attractions take place for children in the early evening. The fireworks display will start around 7pm after an opening ceremony. Time: 4:30pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Konan Stn, 20-min walk • biwako-visitors.jp/event/detail/19705 Provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai  Jul 26, Aug 1 & 2

Event Listings July

Stn, 15-min walk • murata35. chicappa.jp/meisho/hatamono

Uzumasa Ninja Land

Osaka Legend of The Milky Way 2015

映画村忍者王国 Toei Kyoto Studio Park  Until Jul 12

At the amazing Toei Kyoto Studio Park, you can observe the making of period films. It is now offering family attractions featuring ninja. Time: 9am–5pm • Admission: ¥1,600 adults, concessions • Access: JR Uzumasa Stn, 5-min walk • toeieigamura.com/attraction

The 12th Kishu Yosakoi Festival おどるんや～第１２回紀州よさこい祭り～ Yasaka Shrine, Kizuki Shrine and Surroundings, Nara Wakayama Castle and Surroundings  Jul 26, Aug 1 & 2

Come and experience the joy and excitement of the world of the Yosakoi dance festival. Originating in Kochi city in 1954, the traditional yet contemporary dance form is called Yosakoi and has rapidly spread across Japan. Meet new people and learn new dances at several venues scattered around the city during this exciting three-day event. Traditional festival dancing is highly energetic and allows a lot of freedom for individual interpretation, making it very accessible. This festival’s popularity is tied to people’s nostalgia for the regions in which they lived their childhoods. Time: 11am–5pm Jul 26; 11am–9:30pm Aug 1; 9am–10pm Wakayamashi Stn, bus from Koen-mae to Wakayama Castle •

Matsubara Beach at Lake Biwa, Shiga  Jul 25 & 26

Who will fly and who will flop? This fun, and at times funny, flight competition for humanpowered air crafts is full of anticipation and excitement. Celebrating the sky and the water together, the Japan International Birdman Rally takes place every July in the picturesque lakeside town of Matsubara in Hikone city. Contestant attempt to fly off the lake’s jetty with homemade, people-powered flying machines, competing on distance flown and time in the air. Some of the air crafts sail effortessly over Lake Biwa for great distances, while others plunge straight into the water. The Birdman Rally is subject to weather conditions. Adverse weather for flying may result in cancellation of the event. Time: 8am Jul 25th; 6am Jul 26th • Admission: Free • Access: JR Hikone Stn, free shuttle bus to the venue • ytv.co.jp/birdman/ venue/index.html

Yasaka Shrine and Surroundings, Kyoto  Jul 1–31

One of the top three festivals in Japan, various ancient ceremonies are held at venues around the central Kyoto during this month. One of highlights is the grand parade of yamaboko floats on the 17th and 24th.

Admission: Free • yasaka-jinja.or.jp/ event/gion.html

 Shin Maiko Beach, Hyogo Jul 5

 Jul 25 & 26

鳥人間コンテスト2015

祇園祭

みつ海まつり～サンセットフェスティバル～

kishu-yosakoi.jp

The 38th Japan International Birdman Rally

Gion Festival

Mitsuumi Sunset Festival

Aug 2 • Admission: Free • Access: JR Wakayama Stn / Nankai

Provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

With so much to do, Mitsuumi Sunset Festival will be a memorable family day out. There will be artificial snow made from six tons of ice, dance performances by local teams, a flaming torch ceremony, and the festival will finish with a fireworks piece called “Niagara falls”. Time: 11am–9pm • Admission: Free • Access: Sanyo Line, Sanyo Aboshi Stn, bus to Kamaya Nishi • kankomitsu-hyogo.jp/topics_summerfes_2015/topics_summer-fes. html#top

Tanabata Matsuri – Star Festival 七夕祭り Hatamono Shrine, Osaka  Jul 6 & 7

Hatamono-jinja is dedicated to the the heroine in the legend of Tanabata, Vega. Decorated with bamboo branches on both days of the festival, the shrine is surrounded by numerous street stalls and welcomes many visitors. The portable shrines procession is held at 4pm on the 7th.

Time: starts early evening • Admission: Free • Access: JR Tsuda

平成OSAKA天の川伝説 2015 Between Kitahama and Temmabashi on the Okawa river, Osaka  Jul 7

Representing the Milky Way, 50,000 balls of LED light will float on the Okawa River. Bring a camera to catch the luminescent sea of electric blue. Time: 7:20pm–9pm • Admission: Free • Access: Subway or Keihan Line, Kitahama or Temmabashi Stn • osaka-amanogawa.com

Ohatsu Tenjin Summer Festival お初天神夏祭り Tsuyu no Tenjinsha Shrine, Osaka  Jul 17 & 18

This traditional summer festivity is held at the heart of the city and is much loved by locals. Run between the skyscrapers to the beat of thundering taiko drums, enjoy the lively lion dance, and the cheerful umbrella dance. Time: 7pm Jul 17th; 11am Jul 18th • Admission: Free • Access: Higashi Umeda Subway Stn, 5-min walk • tuyutenjin.com

Beer Fes Osaka 2015 ビアフェス大阪  Jul 17–19

Indulge yourself with an amazing variety of craft beers at this yearly beer-tasting event. Over 120 different beers will be available in 50ml samples at the cost of only the entrance fee. See the website for more details. Time: 6pm–8:30pm Jul 17th; 11:30am–3pm then 4pm–7:30pm Jul 18th; 12:30pm–4:30pm Jul 19th • Admission: Adv ¥4,600 (Door ¥5,000) • Access: Sakaisuji Hommachi Subway Stn, 6-min walk • beertaster.org/index.html

Himeji Children’s Seminar House Summer Festival 星の子サマーフェスティバル Himeji Children’s Seminar House, Hoshinoko Yakata, Hyogo  Jul 18 & 19

This summer festival serves up a huge variety of activities to keep children busy. There will be over 30 booths of scientific experiments, woodwork, games and goodies as well as planetarium shows, cinemas and more! Time: 9:30am–4pm • Admission: Free (around ¥100 for each booth)

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai • Access: JR Himeji Stn, bus to Hoshinoko Yakata-mae • city.himeji. lg.jp/hoshinoko/kousei/summer/ index.html

Tenjin Festival

Kyodai Konchu World – Giant Insect World

Drawing hundreds of thousands of festival-goers every year, this is one of the largest religious events in Japan; a vibrant parade of portable shrines and taiko drumming, followed by a spectacular fireworks display while hundreds of boats sail up and down the river Okawa.

巨大昆虫ワールド ATC – Asia and Pacific Trade Center – Osaka  Jul 18–Aug 31

Visit the Giant Insect World where you can find a six-meter mantis, a four-meter grasshopper, beetles, and many other insect specimens. Time: 10am–5pm (closed Jul 24–27) • Admission: Adults ¥1,200 (¥1,400 at door), concessions • Access: Osaka City Newtram, Tradecentermae Stn • atc-co.com/ event/001034

Light-up Promenade Nara 2015 ライトアッププロムナードなら 2015 Nara Park and Surroungings, Nara  Jul 18–Sep 27

This summer, Nara’s historic buildings and World Heritage sites in the vicinity of Nara Park will be will be illuminated. Come and see ancient sites like Gojunoto of Kofukuji Temple, Yakushiji Temple, and Todaiji Temple and more in all their luminescent glory. Time: 7pm–10pm • Admission: Free • Access: Kintetsu Nara Stn, 10-min walk • lightup-nara.jp

Wakayama Port Fireworks Display 第63回港まつり花火大会 Wakayama-Ko Port, Wakayama  Jul 20

3,000 spectacular fireworks will light up the night sky and reflect onto the midnight blue surface of the sea. This is an annual summer event to pray for the safety of the port.

Time: 8pm–9pm • Admission: Free • Access: Nankai Wakayama-ko Stn, 10-min walk • w-hanabi.com

Soemon-Cho Summer Festival 宗右衛門町夏祭り Aiaubashi Bridge in Soemon-Cho, Osaka  Jul 22 & 23

Come to Soemon-cho for an live show hosted by comedians, a beauty contest, and a beer garden with fine food from famous restaurants. A perfect summer’s night out.

Time: 5pm–10pm • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Nipponbashi Stn, 5-min walk • soemon-cho.com

天神祭 Osaka Temmangu Shrine  Jul 25

 July 18

Time: 12:30pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Osakatemmangu Stn, 3-min walk • tenjinmatsuri.digitalguide.net/english.html

2015 Water Sports Festival 2015 マリンスポーツフェスティバル Wakayama Marine City  Jul 25 & 26

A great family summer day out with banana boats, jet skis, and a plethora of other water-related activities.

Time: 9:40am–3pm Jul 25th; 10am–4pm Jul 26th • Admission: Free • Access: JR Wakayama Stn; Nankai Wakayamashi Stn, bus to Wakayama Marine City • marinacity. com

The 24th Lake Biwa Dragon Boat Race

Kansai Scene Party 関西シーンパーティー The Blarney Stone Shinsaibashi

Our popular monthly parties are a great opportunity to discover new places, make new friends and have fun in a safe, friendly environment. Join us this month at the popular Blarney Stone Irish pub in Shinsaibashi. With generous drinks, great bar food and a friendly international staff, it’s a popular hang-out for locals and expats alike. ¥1,000 gets you one drink and entry into our lucky draw.  Jul 18 (Sat) • Time: 6:30–9:30pm • Admission: ¥1,000 (incl.

第２４回びわ湖高島ペーロン大会

1 drink and lucky draw ticket) • Access: Shinsaibashi Sta •

Imazu-Cho, Minami-hama, Takashima City, Shiga  Jul 26

meetup.com/Kansai-Scene • facebook.com/kansaiscene

Set on scenic Lake Biwa, a fiercely competitive dragon boat race will be held. Cheer the rowers paddling in unison with gongs and drums! Time: 9am • Admission: Free • Access: JR Omi-Imazu Stn; 10-min walk • city.takashima.shiga.jp/ www/contents/1306800745850/ index.html

Onpara Matsuri, Summer Festival おんぱら祭り Tsunakoshi Shrine, Nara  Jul 30 & 31

Tsunakoshi-jinja hosts an annual event to pray for good health during the summer. Bon folk dance and other events by the locals will be staged on the 30th. Two thousand fireworks will be set off after traditional ceremonies on the 31st. Time: 4:30pm Jul 30th; 10am Jul 31st • Admission: Free • Access: JR Miwa Stn, 5-min walk • oomiwa. or.jp/omatsuri/7gatsu/#linktop

Hikone Fireworks Festival 2015 彦根・北びわこ大花火大会

Lake Biwa, Matsubara Beach, Shiga  Aug 1

A great fireworks display with 10,000 “light flowers” reflecting on the surface of the lake.

Time: 7:30pm–8:30pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Hikone Stn, shuttle bus to Kenritsu Hikone Sogo Undojo, 15-min walk • hikoneshi.com/jp/event/articles/c/ hanabi

Manga Museum Workshop 2015 夏休み特別えむえむワークショップ Kyoto International Manga Museum, Kyoto  Aug 1–2, 7–8 & 9–10

A workshop on drawing manga for children over 10 years old and people aspiring to become manga artists will be held. Bookings essential. A course: Aug 1 & 2; B course: Aug 7 & 8; C course: Aug 9 & 10. Time: 12:30pm–5pm • Admission: ¥2,000 per course plus usual entrance fee ¥800 adults, concessions • Access: Karasuma

Oike Subway Stn, 6-min walk • kyotomm.jp/workshop/sws2015. php

Hamaotsu Summer Festa 2015 滋賀うまいもん選抜総選挙 in 浜大津サマーフェスタ 2015 Otsu-Ko Port, Shiga  Aug 1 & 2

Come and enjoy local Shiga cuisine near the scenic Lake Biwa. Decide the best dish by voting from over 80 food booths. ¥100 to ¥500 for each dish. Time: 11am–9pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Otsu Stn, 10-min walk • b-shiga.com

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

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

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

kansaiscene.com/submit-event-kansai-scene Night with the Entrepreneurs KYOTO Design Lab invites you to the first edition of the "Night with the Entrepreneurs," an evening with trailblazers and innovators who are changing the world. How do you want to live your life? Come meet with people who decided to create their own companies and discover the joys and challenges of doing so. Jul 8 • Time: 6:30–8:30pm • Venue: Kyoto Institute of Technology 60th anniversary building • Access: Subway Karasuma Line, Matsugasaki Stn • Free

Viva La Mort 2nd Anniversary! You know the drill. Having fun with all kinds of people, all kinds of music. Viva style. DJs, live bands, food, drinks, art, shops, and more!

Jul 11 • Sakai City • Time: 5pm • Price: ¥1000 (inc 1 drink and a ¥500 coupon for Viva) • Access: Nankai Line, Sakai Stn • vivalamort.com

Retro Toy and Antiques Market Toys, watches, antiques and brica-brac market. 21st edition of this quarterly event. Free entry after 11am. ¥1,000 before (to get the best bargains).

Jul 12 • Venue: Namba Shrine (inside kaikan hall) • Time: 9:30– 4:00pm • www.eonet.ne.jp/~robot/ toymarket.html

Summer Love Beach party on the Tango Hanto An amazing party at an amazing location. An International gathering of music, dancing, creativity, sea, sand, swims, and camping and above all FUN ! All in a communal spirit of Love and Peace. Kids & families welcome!!!!! (Kids Free ) Enjoy camping on one of the most beautiful beach locations in Japan! Tickets limited (advanced sales only).

Jul 11 & 12 • Venue: Uenomatsushima beach camp -Tango Hanto, Kyoto Pref • Facebook "SUMMER LOVE on the Tango Hanto" • jollyjapan@hotmail. com

Eri Moon Solo EXHIBITION For her exhibition “The Blind Work” Eri Moon creates intimate figure studies exploring an ephemeral presence of the female form in isolation. Deep in character, yet delineated by fleeting, dynamic lines, her works are

characterized by stillness, clarity and a sense of self-reflection.

Jul 13–25 • Opening Party Sat Jul 18th (2pm–5pm) • Venue: 2kw gallery, Osaka (5F Fujiwara Building) • Admission: Free • Open: Weekdays 12pm–7pm; Saturday 12pm–5pm • Closed: Sun • Access: Yotsubashi Subway Line, Higobashi Stn • erimoon.tumblr.com

Pinball Tournament Everyone’s 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. Jul 25 • Venue: Silver Ball Planet, Bigstep Bldg • Time: 4pm–5pm • Access: Shinsaibashi or Yotsubashi Subway Stns • facebook.com/ silverballplanet

Pirates of the Dotombori Umeda Yukata Matsuri Umeda goes Yukata crazy this month. Among other yukatathemed events and entertainment, there’ll be the centerpiece Bon Odori dance event in Umekita Hiroba each evening from 6-8pm. Don your yukata and join in this traditional summer dance against a soundtrack of both classic Bon Odori sounds and some not-sotraditional J-POP. For refreshments head to the Sake Rock Festival in the area in front of the Central Post Office. Jul 17 & 18 • Venue: Umeda area • Free • umeda-connect.jp

Hey kids! Bring your sticky butts down to New Japan on Sunday July 26th for a fabulously cool and fantastic evening with Osaka’s one and only bilingual improv comedy group, the POTD! Remember, thanks to our lovely audiences, every show is different and new! Come ready to give great suggestions, have some fun, and enjoy our show in English and Japanese!

Jul 26 • Venue: Rooftop Bar OO (7F New Japan Bldg), Dotombori • Time: Doors open 7pm, Show 7:30pm • Price: ¥1,200 (inc 1 drink) • facebook.com/oo.rooftop

 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: Outcast,

Tomorrowland, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt 1, Cinderella • From Jul 4: The Avengers: Age of Ultron • From Jul 11: Terminator: Genisys • From Jul 18: Inside Out • From Jul 31: Minions

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: Kidnapping Mr.

Heineken, Hector and the Search for Happiness, Mad Max: Fury Road, Left Behind, The Salvation, Tomorrowland, A Walk Among the Tombstones • From Jul 4: The Avengers: Age of Ultron • From Jul 11: Terminator: Genisys • From Jul 18: Inside Out

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

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: Mad Max: Fury

Road, Selma, Tomorrowland, The Cobbler, Chappie, The Maze Runner, Cinderella • From Jul 3: Child 44 • From Jul 4: Shaun the Sheep Movie, The Avengers: Age of Ultron • From Jul 10: Walking on Sunshine • From Jul 11: Terminator: Genisys • From Jul 18: Inside Out • From Jul 31: Minions

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: Mad Max:

Fury Road, Selma, Outcast, Tomorrowland, Chappie, Cinderella, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt 1, The Maze Runner • From Jul 3: Child 44 • From Jul 4: The Avengers: Age of Ultron • From Jul 10: Walking on Sunshine • From Jul 11: Terminator: Genisys • From Jul 18: Inside Out • From Jul 31: Minions

Now Showing: Marie Heurtin

(FR), Ode to my Father (KOR), Loin des hommes (FR), Elephant Song, Bella Vita, Whiplash, Still Alice, The Congress, Sword of Vengeance • From Jul 4: Locke • From Jul 11: Winter Sleep • From Jul 18: Price of Fame (La rançon de la gloire) (FR), Turist (SWE, ENG, FR, NOR), Rhino Season (PERS, TURK), Zombeavers • From Jul 25: Wild Tales (SPA)

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

Now showing: Mr. Turner, Berthe

Morisot (FR), Lilting, Get On Up, Deux jours une nuit (FR),

Revenge of the Green Dragons, The Trip to Italy, Die Alpen - Unsere Berge von Oben (GER), Stuck in Love, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake 3D, Jauja • From Jul 4: The Look of Silence • From Jul 11: Stuck in Love • From Jul 18: Matthew Bourne's

Swan Lake, Jauja

Mon (men), Weds (women), 1st and 25th of the month: ¥1,000

Now Showing: Hector and the

Search for Happiness, Get On Up, The Salvation • From Jul 4: Look of Silence

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: Still Alice, Mad Max: Fury Road, Tomorrowland, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt. 1, Chappie, The Maze Runner • From Jul 4: The Avengers: Age of Ultron • From Jul 18: Inside Out • From Jul 31: Minions

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

Now showing: The Tribe (UKR), Mr. Turner, Hector and the Search for Happiness, Deux jours une nuit (FR) • From Jul 4: On The Highway, Marie Heurtin (FR), Life is Beautiful • From Jul 11: Winter Sleep, Big Hero 6 • From Jul 18: La rancon de la gloire (FR), Turist (SWE, ENG, FR, NOR), Chef • From Jul 25: Wild Tales

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

MadMax : FuryRoad

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: Still Alice, Mad Max: Fury Road, Tomorrowland, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt 1, Chappie, The Maze Runner, Cinderella • From Jul 4: The Avengers: Age of Ultron • From Jul 11: Terminator: Genisys • From Jul 18: Inside Out • From Jul 25: Wild Tales • From Jul 31: Minions

Cinem@rt Tel: 06-6282-0815 • cinemart.co.jp/ theater/shinsaibashi • Discounts:

Now showing: Mad Max: Fury Road, Back to 20 (CHI), Selma, Outcast, Tomorrowland, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt 1, The Cobbler, Chappie, The Maze Runner • From Jul 4: The Avengers: Age of Ultron • From Jul 10: Walking on Sunshine • From Jul 11: Terminator: Genisys • From Jul 18: Inside Out • From Jul 31: Minions

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: Mad Max: Fury Road, Tomorrowland, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt 1, Chappie,

The Maze Runner, Cinderella, Furious 7 • From Jul 4: The Avengers: Age of Ultron • From Jul 11: Terminator: Genisys • From Jul 18: Inside Out • From Jul 31: Minions

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: Mad Max: Fury Road, Still Alice, Chappie • From Jul 4: Shaun the Sheep Movie

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: Mad Max: Fury Road, Tomorrowland, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt 1, Chappie, The Maze Runner, Cinderella • From Jul 4: The Avengers: Age of Ultron • From Jul 11: Terminator: Genisys • From Jul 18: Inside Out • From Jul 31: Minions

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: Selma, Hector and the Search for Happiness, Advanced Style, Marie Heurtin (FR), The Trip to Italy, Price of Fame (La rançon de la gloire) (FR), Get On Up, Pride

• From Jul 4. Mr. Turner • From Jul 11: The Congress, Berthe

Morisot (FR)

• From Jul 18: Price of Fame (La

rançon de la gloire) (FR), Locke

• From Jul 25: Wild Tales

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: Back to 20 (CHI), Mad Max: Fury Road, The Cobbler, Selma, Outcast, Tomorrowland, Chappie, The Maze Runner • From Jul 3: Child 44 • From Jul 4: The Avengers: Age of Ultron • From Jul 11: Terminator: Genisys • From Jul 18: Inside Out • From Jul 31: Minions

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

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Pick

 Until Aug 30

FAINAL FANTASYⅡ Package illustration 1988 © YOSHITAKA AMANO

Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

Yoshitaka Amano: The World Beyond Your Imagination

Famous for his works as a character designer for Final Fantasy, illustrator Yoshitaka Amano’s marks can be found all over iconic Japanese characters since the late ’60s. From his first gigs drawing for popular anime like Time Bokan and Speed Racer, he moved into the fantasy realms of Vampire Hunter D and Guin Saga. After the success of Final Fantasy, he continued to create new fantastical images, like the cute creatures in his N.Y. SALAD series, or the grand and exquisite gods and goddesses of his DEVA ZAN and DEVA LOCA series’. As a fine artist, he has received international acclaim and accolades, but has never held a show in Japan that has incorporated his fine art work or independent series’ – until now. Seizing this opportunity, the museum has put on display a comprehensive portfolio of Amano’s diverse and gorgeous works. Until Aug 30 • Survey of Final Fantasy and Vampire Hunter D character illustrator Yoshitaka Amano’s commercial illustrations and fine art series’ • Open: 10am-6pm (until 3pm on Aug 30) • Closed: Mon (open Jul 20 national holiday, closed Jul 21) • Admission: (until 30 min before closing time) ¥1200 • Access: Hanshin Line Iwaya Stn • artm.hyogo.jp

 Until Jul 26

Ashiya City Museum of Art & History

Kahitsukan - Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art

The Chronicles of Modern Ashiya

Willy Ronis in Paris

From the late-Meiji to early-Showa period, the city of Ashiya found itself at the center of rapid modernization, due to its proximity to the busy seaports of Kobe and the hub for the development of the Hanshin railway system. Ashiya’s natural wealth and convenient location made it an ideal city for living, and thus congregated artists and workers across trades and specialities. Contrary to what you’d expect from a Japanese city around the early 20th century, the art is surprisingly Western. It varies in both medium and atmosphere: a painting of a naked woman lying on a couch seems to have inspired the famous sketch of Rose from Titanic, and still lifes of flowers and oil paintings of people enjoying the seaside channel the likes of early European Impressionists. About 200 photographs, paintings, books, and other miscellanea allow for a glimpse into the literature, art, daily life, and architecture during the eras of modernization and development into the Ashiya of present day.

This retrospective collection of black-and-white, deftly composed photographs of everyday life in Paris following World War II capture the French spirit of love, food, beauty, simplicity, and vitality against idyllic Parisian backdrops and architecture. The late photographer, Willy Ronis, was the first French photographer in Life magazine and had an illustrious career in advertising, fashion (including Vogue), and news photography. Willy Ronis in Paris is a homage to the artist’s light and happy perspective as he captured his beloved hometown. The approximately 60 signed, original and classic shots are simultaneously unforgettable and familiar, yet distinctly French – down to the shots of winding Parisian city streets, embracing couples, and bustling outdoor cafés.

Until Aug 2 • Survey of Ashiya city art, architecture, literature, and daily life from the late-Meiji through early Showa era • Open: 10am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥500 • Access: Hanshin Line, Ashiya Stn • ashiya-museum.jp

Until Jul 26 • Retrospective show of French photographer Willy Ronis’ famous collection of daily life in postwar Paris • Open: 10am-6pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: (until 30 min before closing time) ¥1000 • Access: Keihan Line to Shijo Stn • kahitsukan.or.jp

Les amoureux de la Bastille 1957 Willy Ronis

Jiro Yoshihara 《mullet and tulip》 1928 Oil on canvas

 Until Aug 2

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Osaka Ancient Rock Art of the Amur River Basin: A Sacred Place of the Indigenous People, Sikachi Alyan National Museum of Ethnology  Until Jul 21

Learn about the people of Sikachi Alyan, an indigenous tribe on the bank of the Amur River in Russia through rock rubbings, stone carvings, photographs of the land, authentic clothing and masks, and more.

Open: 10am-5pm • Closed: Wed • Admission: ¥420 • Access: Monorail to Banpaku Kinenkoen Stn • minpaku.ac.jp

Rediscovery: Legacy of Railway Infrastructure Gallery Osaka  Until Aug 18

There is no mistaking the superiority of the Japanese railway system. In order to reach today’s extensivity and reliability, railway developers had to overcome a laundry list of geographical impediments, often only finding success by grand feats like restructuring the land itself. Photographs of railroad infrastructure and land development marvels are on display that charter the history of Japanese railways since the late 1800s. Open: 10am-5pm • Closed: Wed • Admission: Free • Access: JR Osaka Stn • lixil.co.jp/gallery

Art Osaka 2015 Hotel Granvia Osaka  Until Jul 4 & 5

Continuing an annual tradition, this two-day contemporary arts smorgasbord brings together galleries, artists (both new and established), and their works in a unique gallery setting – redesigned hotel guest rooms. An excellent opportunity to get a feel for the Japanese contemporary arts scene or start an art collection, as art on display is also available for direct purchase.

Open: 11am-7pm (until 6pm on Jul 4) • Admission: ¥1500 (1-day pass) • Access : JR Osaka Stn • artosaka.jp

South Asia Exhibit Renewal National Museum of Ethnology  Until Oct (TBD)

Freshly updated, this comprehensive exhibit attempts to introduce South Asian culture, religions, daily life, physical environment, and history

through the museum’s extensive catalogue of statues, clothing, religious imagery, paintings, and more. Articles are staged in realistic scenes that mimic the period. The venue’s open space and high ceilings add to the immersive experience. Open: 10am-5pm • Closed: Wed • Admission: ¥420 • Access: Osaka Monorail to Banpaku Kinenkoen Stn • minpaku.ac.jp

Kyoto Kitaoji Rosanjin: A Revolutionary in the Art of Japanese Cuisine The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto  Until Aug 16

Multi-talented artist and potter Kitaoji Rosanjin considered the things we eat our food on as just as important as the food itself. He called dishware a “kimono” for food and accordingly created beautiful pieces that reveal the connections between Japanese food, dishware, and culture.

Open: 9:30am-5pm (until 8pm on Fri) • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥1400 • Access: Tozai Line to Higashiyama Stn • momak.go.jp

Japanese Masks: From Religious Procession to Noh Performance Kyoto National Museum  Until Jul 20

30 heirloom masks – some colorful, some intricate, some strange, some downright scary! – from Kyoto temples and shrines that were once used for rituals and performances are on display. Pieces date from the Heian period (795) up to the Edo period (1858) and the mask designs distinctly reflect the craftsmanship and styles of the eras in which they were made.

Open: 9:30am-6pm (until 8pm on Fri) • Closed: Mon • Admission: Free • Access: Keihan Line to Shichijyo Stn • kyohaku.go.jp

Wakayama Iterations of Beauty The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama  Until Sep 10

Repetition is perhaps most recognized in its music form, like a song’s chorus or a sequence of music notes. What about repetition in other forms, like sculpture and pictures? In this large mixed-media exhibition, 50 works by 33 artists challenge the beauty, utilization, and effect of repetition and pattern on different mediums.

 Until Sep 27 Osaka Culturarium at Tempozan

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto Exhibition For anyone still mourning the end of history’s third-best-selling manga (72 volumes and 121 anime episodes), you can now wear your Konoha headband in celebration – Naruto is back again! This time, in a gigantic exhibition that feels more like a convention, complete with a jaw-droppingly extensive goods shop, a 10-meter-wide theater screen, 3D reproductions of characters and entire scenes, a menagerie of original illustrations from the beginning of the series to its end 15 years later, and more. While longtime fans will enjoy the exclusive artwork and the chance to experience some of the most famous Naruto scenes ‘in the flesh’, new fans can get a feel for the entire Naruto world as the exhibition spans the complete series. As an added treat, the author Masashi Kishimoto himself may be present. Until Sep 27 • 15-year anniversary and complete exhibition of one of the world’s iconic manga and anime series’ Naruto • Open: 10am–8pm • Admission: ¥1900 (adv), ¥2000 (door) • Access: Chuo Subway Line, Osaka Minato Stn, Exit 1 or 2 • naruto-ten.com Open: 9:30am-5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥340 • JR Wakayama Stn, bus to Kencho-mae • kyohaku.go.jp

Nara The Charm of Monochrome Shots Irie Taikichi Memorial Museum of Photography Nara City  Until Jul 4

Feature of three photographers’ black-and-white shots depicting daily life during the politically, and economically complex and long Showa period (1926–1989) by the respective artists’ themes: Taikichi’s “The Children of Yamato,” Jun Abe’s “City People,” and Hitoshi Kondo’s “The People’s Town.” Open: 9:30am-5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥500 • Access: JR or Kintetsu Line to Nara Stn, bus to Wariishi-cho • irietaikichi.jp

Hyogo The 70th Summer – Painting for Prayer Tamba City Ueno Memorial Art Museum  Until Jul 5

Repeat of the 2004 exhibition (entitled “The 60th Summer”) that displayed works by students who died in World War II. The sculptures, paintings, and sketches reveal the now lost but once amazing talents and perspectives of their late artists. For us, it is a reminder not only of the true cost of war, but that these gifted individuals-turned-soldiers once lived and felt before the tides of war. Open: 10am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥300 • Access: JR Line, Kashiwabara Stn, bus to Bijutsukanmae • city.tamba.hyogo.jp/site/ bijyutukan

Find more listings online: kansaiscene.com/listings

Art Listings

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Live Music

Pick

 Jun 19

AMARANTHE

Originally called Avalanche until 2009, Amaranthe released their debut album in 2011. With mixed reviews on this release, their second, Nexus, fared better. This was probably because, as vocalist Olof Morck stated, they “took everything up to eleven” in true Spinal Tap fashion. The band is notable in that unlike other metal or rock bands, they have three vocalists. Interestingly each vocalist has a different style; Elize Ryd is a soprano, Jake E has a more hard-rock slant, and Henrik Englund offers an extreme metal edge. Last year Amaranthe released its third studio album (and most commercially successful to date). The Japanese version featured two extra tracks. Vocalist Elize Ryd describes the band’s sound as “dance-metal with a taste of death and modern/ melodic metal.” Swedish metal outfit with three vocalists • Big Cat, Osaka • Jul 16 • Metal • 7pm • ¥6,800 • Tel: 05-70200888

Live Music Listings SHOW-YA

July/August

Japanese rock four-piece from Japanese female heavy metal band Umeda Akaso, Osaka

Rock & Pop

 Jul 16 • Metal • 7pm • ¥6,000/¥12,000 • Tel: 06-78972450

RAVEN 80’s New Wave of British Heavy Metal band Live House Soma, Osaka

 Jul 2 • Metal • 6:45pm • ¥7,000/¥7,500 • Tel: 06-6212-2253

heidi.

heidi. Japanese visual kei rock band Namba Rockets, Osaka

 Jul 18 • Rock • 5:30pm • ¥4,200/¥4,700 • Tel: 06-6649-3919

Yuji Nakada Ex-Tsubakiya Shijuusou vocalist/ guitarist Taku Taku, Kyoto

 Jul 15 • Singer-songwriter • 7pm • ¥4,800 • Tel: 07-5351-1321 Nabowa

Nabowa Japanese jazz, dub, ambient rock four piece from Kyoto Taku Taku, Kyoto

 Jul 18 • Ambient • 6pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

AMARANTHE Swedish metal outfit notable for three vocalists Big Cat, Osaka

 Jul 16 • Metal • 7pm • ¥6,800 • Tel: 05-7020-0888

Tom Curren American surfer and musician Live House Soma, Osaka

 Jul 17 • Singer-songwriter • 8pm • ¥3,000 • Tel: 06-6212-2253

the pillows/a flood of circle Two Japanese rock and experimental bands Big Cat, Osaka

 Jul 17 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

NoGoD Japanese visual kei rock band Neverland, Nara

 Jul 19 • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,000 • Tel: 090-1142-1996

Kumi Adachi

Kumi Adachi Fusion rock guitarist from Osaka Live Spot Rag, Kyoto

 Jul 19 • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,500/¥5,000 • Tel: 07-5255-7273

Ikimonogakari Japanese pop rock band since 1999 from Kanagawa Prefecture Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

 Jul 17–18 • Rock • 7pm • ¥7,300 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Knock Out Monkey/ Locofrank/Mongol800 + more 773 Four Records presents ‘Four Seasons 2015’ Zepp, Osaka

 Jul 18 • Rock • 2pm • ¥4,300 • Tel: 06-6357-3666

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

 Every Fri & Sat

 Jun 21

The Muggles

A jamming band with Machiko on vocals/keyboards and guitarist Nori at the core, the Muggles play Fridays and Saturdays at Woodstock Café in Ashiya, Hyogo. Machiko has been singing with groups for many years, and it was in the band the Surf Riders that she first teamed up with Nori. Nori’s musical background also goes back many years and whilst living in the US he formed a band with an old friend Kenji Sano who now plays bass with the popular Hawaiian group Kalapana and also with the backing band to the successful Japanese dance vocal group EXILE. Woodstock Café is a hive of musicians who regularly get up to jam with Nori and Machiko, and on July 4th The Muggles will be performing a special Surf Riders concert of group sounds genre songs.

 Jul 13–15

Nathan East

SHOW-YA

“I’m living the dream. I’m not getting up to drive through rush-hour traffic to a job I hate so I never lose sight that this is something I love to do, it’s a privilege,” said bassist Nathan East in an interview with the UK’s Bass Guitar Magazine earlier this year, as he explained what has motivated him over his four-decade career. As a fresh-faced 16 year old, Nathan East got his first break with the late Barry White and since then has played either on tour or in the studio with the likes of Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Barbra Streisand, George Harrison, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Last year East released his debut selftitled album, which went straight to the top of the Billboard Jazz charts.

First coming together in 1982, Japanese all-female, rock-metal band ShowYa originally disbanded in 1998, but reformed with the original line-up in 2005 for the 20th anniversary of their first release. The music of Show-Ya is deeply rooted in classic rock, and in their albums and live concerts they have also covered songs from The Yardbirds, AC/DC, The Doors, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. Early recordings were more in the vein of pop rock, but this evolved into a more metal edge and their most successful albums were the heavier Outerlimits and Hard Way. The band is now touring to promote the May release of their latest album Glamorous Show II and what will be 30 years since the release of their debut album.

Well-known US studio and touring fusion

Japanese female heavy-metal band •

Mellow ballads and rock based jamming

bassist • Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka •

Umeda Akaso, Osaka • Jul 16 • Metal •

band • Woodstock Café, Ashiya • Every Fri

Aug 13–14 • Fusion • 6:30pm/9:30pm •

7pm • ¥6,000/¥12,000 • Tel: 06-7897-

& Sat • Rock and Group Sounds • ¥2,000

¥8,300/¥9,800 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

2450

for 2 drinks+snack • Tel: 07-9734-1044

Juliet

Wilko Johnson

Miyake Shinji

Japanese Visual Kei Rock band Club Quattro, Osaka

English singer, guitarist, songwriter and actor Taku Taku, Kyoto

Japanese blues rock guitarist and band Taku Taku, Kyoto

 Jul 20 • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,500/¥5,500 • Tel: 05-7020-0888

Ataru Nakamura Japanese pop singer and songwriter Chicken George, Kobe

 Jul 24 • singer-songwriter • 7pm • ¥5,000/¥5,500 • Tel: 06-6341-3525 Eric Martina

Eric Martin Ex-Mr. Big frontman and solo artist Sankei Hall Breeze, Osaka

 Jul 19 • Rock • 5pm • ¥7,500 • Tel: 06-6343-8888

Bobby Caldwell U.S. AOR vocalist Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka

 Jul 27–29 • AOR • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥11,000/¥12,500 • Tel: 06-63427722

 Jul 28 • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,500 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

The Used American four piece rock band formed 2001 Live House Soma, Osaka

 Aug 2 • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,500 •Tel: 06-6212-2253

 Aug 7–9 • Rock • 6pm • ¥5,000/¥13,000 • Tel: 07-53511321

Mix Speaker’s Inc. Japanese visual kei rock band Muse, Osaka

 Aug 8–9 • Rock • 5pm • ¥4,560/¥5,100 • Tel: 06-6245-5389

carnation

Daizy Stripper

Japanese rock guitar/vocals and bass/vocals duo Umeda Akaso, Osaka

Japanese visual kei rock band Muse, Esaka

 Aug 3 • Rock • 7:30pm • ¥5,500/¥6,000 • Tel: 06-7897-2450

 Aug 8–9 • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • Tel: 06-6387-0203

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai  Jul 28

Listings (Cont.)  Jul 20–22 • Jazz • 6pm/9pm • ¥8,500/¥9,000 • Tel: 06-6342-5821

Maceo Parker American funk and soul jazz saxophonist Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka

 Jul 23 • Funk Sax • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥9,500/¥11,000 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

T.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution Japanese male singer Takanori Nishikawa Osaka Festival Hall, Osaka  Aug 8–9 • Pop rock • 6pm • ¥7,350 • Tel: 05-7020-0888

Casiopea 3rd Japanese fusion band reunion Namba Hatch, Osaka Wilko Johnson @ Taku Taku, Kyoto

Interview // Wilko Johnson

Having been diagnosed with terminal cancer, British singer, guitarist and actor Wilko Johnson was playing his farewell tour to fans just a couple of years ago. The great news is that Wilko overcame his health challenges and is back on the road once more with his appropriately titled “Still Kickin’” tour. It was a great pleasure to get in touch with Wilko Johnson and find out how he is doing before he heads out to Japan. Since you are “still kickin’” how are you feeling about life and still being able to play now? The year when I was expecting to die, suffering from cancer, I look back on it now and it was like a dream. To be here now and playing when I didn’t expect to be here, that is like another kind of dream, and I’m still trying to get used to it. But it’s quite a nice dream.

Umezu Kazutoki KIKI BAND

Nathan East

Japanese prog rock meets jazz Taku Taku, Kyoto

Session bassist and solo artist Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka

 Aug 13–14 • Funk/Rock • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥8,300/¥9,800 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

 Aug 6 • Rock-Jazz • 7pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

World Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor Cuban style salsa Club Quattro, Osaka

 Aug 12 • Salsa • 8pm • ¥5,500 • Tel: 09-2762-4100

R&B and Soul YU-A Yagami Toll

Yagami Toll & New Blue Sky

You’ve known and worked with Norman Watt-Roy for many years, and Dylan Howe is the son of Yes guitarist Steve Howe and a renowned jazz-drummer. Many would say that it’s a ‘super group.’ How did the trio come about? In the ’70s, Norman Watt-Roy was my favorite bass player and I got to know him and play with him when I joined Ian Dury and the Blockheads. We became great friends and have played together ever since. More recently, Dylan Howe joined us. He also played with the Blockheads. Norman and Dylan are just great musicians, much better than me, and I think they are a kind of super group, the rhythm section, and I am very lucky to have them.

A Japanese band formed by BuckTick drummer Shangri-La, Osaka

English singer, guitarist, songwriter and actor • Taku Taku, Kyoto •

US Jazz Trio Mr. Kelly’s, Osaka

Jul 28 • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,500 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

Umezu Kazutoki KIKI BAND

 Aug 8 • Fusion • 6pm • ¥6,500/¥7,000 • Tel: 06-6357-4400

 Aug 15 • Rock • 5pm • ¥5,300 • Tel: 06-6344-3326

Jazz & Blues

Japanese R&B singer Purple Tour Mojo, Kyoto

 Jul 26 • R&B • 6pm • ¥4,200/¥4,700 • Tel: 05-7020-0888

JT Taylor Ex-Cool & The Gang Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka

 Aug 1–2 • R&B/Soul • 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥10,800/¥12,300 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

T-SQUARE

MISIA

70s and 80s jazz fusion band Muse, Kyoto

Japanese pop R&B singer and musician Osaka Festival Hall, Osaka

 Jul 17 • Fusion • 7pm • ¥6,500 • Tel: 07-5223-0389

Manhatten Trinity Trio from NY

 Aug 15 • R&B pop • 6:30pm • ¥8,500 • Tel: 05-7020-0888

Find more listings online: kansaiscene.com/listings

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Club

 Jul 18

Onzieme On July 18th, Onzieme welcomes French electro-techno producer Vitalic, aka Pascal Arbez. Pascal started making music from the mid ’90s and released a few EPs under the alias DIMA, but those were confined to the underground electronic music scene. Later, he sent his tracks to DJ Hell, the head of prestigious German Electro label International Deejay Gigolo Records, and everything changed. In 2001, Pascal released the well-known Poney EP under the new stage name Vitalic from Gigolo Records, which was Gigolo’s most successful release ever. La Rock01, the B-side of the EP, also became a huge club anthem of 2001. In 2005, he released the debut album OK Cowboy (including the rock-oriented techno track My Friend Dario) from his own imprint Citizen Records, and he became an international icon of the Electroclash scene. He is also a remarkable remixer, having made remixes for Daft Punk, Bjork, Moby, Miss Kittin & The

Hacker, and more. He often plays live shows at international festivals and dynamic big-room clubs, but it’s a very rare opportunity to catch him at a medium-sized club like Onzieme so do not miss this chance. Vitalic Live in Osaka (Electro/Techno) • DJs: Hiloco aka neroDoll, Mukai, Reload Reload, Soleil Soleil + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D (ADV: ¥3,000/1D) • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Club Listings July 3 (Fri) Circus Circus 3rd Anniversary Day 1 (Drum’n’Bass) • DJs: Bryan Gee,

Toyo, Bigted & Rasty, Mountain, Keshigomu • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Cyber Japan presents Bikini Night meets Eleven Lights (House/Electro) • DJs: Mitomi

Tokoto & Cyber Japan Dancers, Kento, Alphashot, Akkan + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: Gentlemen: ¥2,000/1D, Ladies: Free • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Socore Factory Terrence Parker in Osaka 2015 (House) • DJs: Terrence Parker,

Yosuke Yukimatsu, Hara Yu • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Horie • Tel: 066567-9852 • socorefactory.com

Fake, Aoki Takamasa • DJs: Kunimitsu, Yasuhisa, Matsuo Akihide, Koji Sawamura, Fumi, Mitsuyasu • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Reservation: ¥2,500) • Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

10 (Fri)

5 (Sun)

Circus

Joule

One Nation - Circus 3rd Anniversary Special (Techno/ House/Dance ) • Acts: The

Alisa Ueno x Form Party (House/ EDM) • DJs: Alisa Ueno + more •

Open: TBA • Admission: TBA • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Onzieme Dimitri From Paris Japan Tour meets “Timeless mixed by DJ Kawasaki” Release Tour 2015 (House) • Live: Kawasaki & The

Magic Sessions feat. EMI Tawata • DJs: Dimitri From Paris, Yoshihiro Okino, Yoshihisa Fuji, Takaharu Furutani, Kohji Matsuda + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,400) • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Socore Factory Chocolate City (House) • DJs:

Ageishi, Norio, Kaito, Guchi • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥1,500/1D • Horie • Tel: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

4 (Sat)

Troop Cafe

Circus

Lost Decade (Dance) • Acts: Tofubeats, Okadada, Wildparty, Tomad + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (Mail

Circus 3rd Anniversary Day 2 (Techno/House) • Live: Nathan

Daniel Bell x DJ Masda (Techno)

Namura Zosen Atochi

Orb, Krush, Nocando, Sunahara Yoshinori, Tofubeats, Kakato, Metome, Monashee + more • Open: 1pm–10pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500) • Kitakagaya • namura.cc

Onzieme Bass (Breaks/Dance) • DJs:

New Kid’n Play, Hi-C, Fummy, Bounce Cats + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥1,500/1D • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

9 (Thu) Circus Schole feat. DJ Dye (Techno) • Live: Hideo Nakasako • DJs: Dye (Tha Blue Herb), Ist, Jokei., Dongri • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥1500 • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

• DJs: Daniel Bell, Masda • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000 • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Asobiquest (House/Electro) • DJs: Nakata Yasutaka aka Capsule, Ram Rider, Maho, Glitter + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000) • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

11 (Sat) Circus Powwow feat. The Black Madonna (Techno) • DJs: The

Black Madonna, Cmt, Dnt, Yama, RieLambdoll • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Joule Visia x Form Party feat. Takkyu Ishino (Techno) • DJs: Takkyu

Ishino, Sekitova, DK-Baseline, Yusuke Hisada + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai Onzieme

Onzieme

Hyper Society – FPM Birthday Bash (House/Electro) • DJs:

Himlen - Frozen Summer Night (House/Techno) • DJs:

Tomoyuki Tanaka, Takeshi Hosomi, Taku-Hero, Saitoh, Takayuki + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Kitten, Marvy, Dimitri Absinthe, Nao Okada + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Troop Cafe

World Kyoto

Timeless – Sadar Bahar Japan Tour 2015 in Kobe (House)

World Kyoto 14th Anniversary Party 01 (All Mix) • DJs:

• Acts: Sadar Bahar, Kazikiyo, Shinya, Stepak-Takraw • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

12 (Sun) Circus Zipangu presents Anthony Naples x Huerco S. (House/ Techno) • DJs: Anthony Naples,

Huerco S., Mitsuki, Sota, Keiburger • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

15 (Wed) Onzieme Escape (Hip hop) • DJs: Martin,

Sound Naka-g, Jacky, Merit • Open: 9pm • Admission: Gentlemen: ¥2,000/1D, Ladies: Free • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

16 (Thu) Onzieme Room (House/Electro/Disco)

• DJs: Shinya, Onochan, Crew, Jun, Young + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D (ADV: ¥1,500) • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

17 (Fri) Circus Hip Hop Circus (Hip Hop) • DJs:

Sarasa, Urata, Questa, Ree-age, Tetsuo + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Metro Jazztronica!! in Kyoto (Nu Jazz/ Crossover/House) • DJs: Ryota

Nozaki aka Jazztronik, Isai, Megane, Nemo • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Kyoto • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro. ne.jp

Murakamingo, Chiba-Chups, Kento, Mr.Camp, Yunpi + more • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: Gentlemen: ¥3,000/1D, Ladies: ¥2,000/1D (Before 9pm: ¥1,000/1D) • Kyoto • Tel: 07-5212-4119 • world-kyoto. com

18 (Sat) Circus Circus Show Case feat. Function (Techno/Electronic) • Live: Radiq

aka Yoshihiro Hanno, Kyoka, Ken’ichi Itoi aka PsyEx • DJs: Function, Kunimitsu • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Rooftop Bar OO Hed Kandi Pool Party Day 1 (House/Dance Music) • DJs:

SoneBridge, Danny T, Amiga, Yasuca, Atsuo Morita, Takekiyo Ishimoto, Masanao Shibata, Joey Parker + more • Open: 2pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Shinsaibashi • Info: oo-u.jp

Troop Cafe phc (Techo/House) • Acts: Pearson Sound aka Hessle Audio, Yosuke Yukimatsu, Hal, Pwu • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (Mail Reservation: ¥2,500/1D) • Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

World Kyoto World Kyoto 14th Anniversary Party – Fearless x Sprung (Techno/House) • DJs: Shinichi

Osawa, Takkyu Ishino, Masatoshi Uemura + more • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: Gentlemen ¥3,000; Ladies ¥2,000/1D (Before 9pm: ¥1,000/1D) • Kyoto • Tel: 07-52124119 • world-kyoto.com

19 (Sun / Before National Holiday) Circus Congo Nutty aka Rebel MC Japan Tour (Reggae/Dub) • Acts:

Congo Natty aka Rebel MC & DJ Congo Dubz, Caspa, Sak-Dub-I, Shaka-itachi, Kinpon • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥3,000)

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

Metro Reflexion presents Kahn & Neek Japan Tour (Bass Music/ Dubstep/Dub) • DJs: Gorgon

Sound aka Kahn & Neek, Karma, Dizmo, Aki, 1450m, Young Animal, Dhalsim • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Kyoto • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro. ne.jp

23 (Thu) Onzieme Antenna (Techno/House/Bass Music) • DJs: Cazbow, Sak, Shinjyu

+ more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

24 (Fri)

Rooftop Bar OO

Circus

Hed Kandi Pool Party Day2 (House/Dance Music) • DJs:

Cio D’or Japan Tour (Techno) •

Remo-con, Supermaar aka DJ Maar, Yasuca, K-Hiro, Mk, Satoshi Tanaka, Big Ted + more • Open: 2pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Shinsaibashi • oo-u.jp

World Kyoto World Kyoto 14th Anniversary Party - NY Special (EDM/ All Mix) • DJs: Kaori, Verbal,

Lucas Valentine, LippiE, Danbo, Hifumi + more • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥3,500/1D) • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 07-5212-4119 • world-kyoto.com

20 (Mon / Nat Hol) Circus Somethin – DJ Paypal Japan Tour 2015 (Techno/House) • DJs:

Paypal, Fulltono, Keita Kawakami, Hiroaki Yamamura • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Rooftop Bar OO Hed Kandi Pool Party Day3 (House/Dance Music) • DJs:

Masanori Morita, Tjo, Yasuca, Poolclvb, High Velocity, Atsuo Morita, Milkbro, Mario Control, Dmitri Absinth + more • Open: 2pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Shinsaibashi • oo-u.jp

World Kyoto World Kyoto 14th Anniversary Party – Asobinite!! (EDM/House)

• DJs: Nakata Yasutaka aka Capsule, Taku Takahashi, 2Boy • Open: 5pm–10pm • Admission: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥3,500/1D) • Kyoto • Tel: 075-212-4119 • world-kyoto.com

22 (Wed) Onzieme Escape (Hip hop) • DJs: Martin, Sound Naka-g, Jacky, Merit • Open: 9pm • Admission: Gentlemen: ¥2,000/1D, Ladies: Free • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

DJs: Cio D’Or, Kazuma, Yasuhisa • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥3,000) • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Metro Night Cruising feat. Matomos & Jeff Carey Japan Tour 2015 (Electronic Music) • Live:

Matmos, Jeff Carey, Marihiko Hara, Shotahirama, Madegg • DJs: Ametsub, Raijin, Tatsuya Shimada • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,800 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Onzieme Infinity (Electro/House/Dance)

• DJs: Kick Off, Ypy, Hmen, Witch & Nas + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥1,400) • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Rooftop Bar OO Siine (House/EDM) • Acts: Toru

Ikemoto, Takekiyo Ishimoto, Dom Pang, Mitsuyasu, Yusuke Nakamura, Ben, Yuichirou Miyamoto + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥1,000 • Shinsaibashi • oo-u.jp

25 (SAT) Onzieme Youarehere (House/Techno) •

DJs: Wehbba, Nao Nomura, Junichi Kuwata, Sou, Unbalance • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

26 (SUN) Onzieme Bubble (House/Electro) • DJs: Galette, Ohooji, Shinichi Sumino, Shinsukefukuzumi.,Yop, Ikepara • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Classifieds  Have a job to advertise, an apartment to rent or stuff to sell?

 Place a classified ad.

Kansai Scene classified ads are free for community ads or just ¥3,000 a month for commercial listings.

Place your ad online at:

kansaiscene.com/classifieds

Ads posted online before 20th of each month will be published in the following month’s issue.

 Kansai Scene Classifieds > kansaiscene.com/classifieds For Sale (commercial) WE BUY YOUR ANTIQUE COLLECTION!. We are Japanese &

Chinese ANTIQUE seller. Please check our home page first! http:// www.art-en.jp/english/ If you feel like selling your antique collection, please e-mail us: kaitori@art-en. jp We appraise your item and make a good deal! Contact: EN CORPORATION <mandara555@ hotmail.co.jp> Website: www.art-en. jp/english/ [2773-5763-2015-07-10]

Accommodation For Rent KOBE - HANKYU MIKAGE / OKAMOTO. 61 sqm, semi-

furnished, no key money, no agency fee, 2 months refundable deposit, Y98,000/month. This is a sunny, spacious flat in a natural location near stream and mountain trail, 20 mins walk from Hankyu Mikage, bit more to JR Sumiyoshi. Regular buses too. ffeilden@yahoo.co.jp 090-9286-1216 Contact: ffeilden <info@ffeilden.com> Website: www. ffeilden.com/ [2567-436-2015-06-29] APARTMENTS IN KOBE WITH NO KEY MONEY. 1 room apartments

from 40,000 yen per month. 2 and 3 bedroom apartments also available from throughout Kobe. 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 [2748-335-2016-06-25]

Jobs

type & date valid till to: ashiyaplus@ hotmail.co.jp Contact: Ashiya Plus <ashiyaplus@hotmail.co.jp> Website: www.comlanguageschool. com [2711-252-2015-07-14] PRESCHOOL JAPANESE INSTRUCTOR WANTED IN AWAZA.

Happious International Preschool is seeking a Japanese teacher to join its new school near Honmachi station in Osaka. You must be motivated, organised and responsible and love kids! F/T Mon-Fri. Competitive salary. Starting mid-June. Send your resume incl. a photo and your availability for interview. Contact: Yosuke Uchida <happious. int@gmail.com> Website: www. happious.net/ [2738-1-2015-07-20] KANSAI CORPORATE CLASSES.

CES seeks English corporate instructors for (2-7 teaching hours a day) on weekday evenings and weekends in the Kobe area for 1-4 month courses starting immediately. 3,500-4,000 yen per hour. For more info, please forward C/V with availability to mark@cesjapan.co.jp Contact: Manager <mark@cesjapan. co.jp> [2193-77-2015-07-31] P/T ENGLISH TEACHER IS WANTED. We offer teaching Kids

are between 3 to 12 years old in Yao city, Osaka. Closest station is JR SHIKI or JR YAO station. Working time will be copule of lessons between 15:00 to 19:00 Mon to Fri. 2000 YEN per lesson plus transportation fee will be your payment. Please feel free to send your CV. Contact: yuka <enderra514@hotmail.com> [27904964-2015-07-11]

NEEDED NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER IN YOKKAICHI MIE.

Full-time,Less than 30H teaching class/week. 1pm-9pm/MF,Occasional Sat.APPLICANT MUST CURRENTLY RESIDE IN JAPAN.Furnished apartment/about 60,000yen/month.250,000yen/ salary,100,000yen/one year contract completion bonus.July 15th/ Deadline.August 3rd/Begin.Apply E-mail with all things that can introduce you. Contact: bigapple <bigapple.yokkaichi@gmail.com> Website: www.bigapple-school.com/

[2809-1008-2015-07-17]

FULL-TIME NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS WANTED FOR KIDS.

Education TEACHERS WANTED. School in

Ashiya/Okamoto is looking for FT/PT English, French & Korean teachers ASAP. University diploma preferable. Must be native speaker with valid visa. Payment: \2700\3000 per hour + transportation. Please email resume & photo, visa

Kids Duo is located in Sumiyoshi in Kobe. We have preschool and after school care for children from age 3 to 12. We are looking for Native English teachers who are cheerful, friendly and have experience teaching children. * Mon-Fri (8hours) * 250,000yen/month + transportation fee (Training term for 3months) Contact: Kids Duo <kdhigashinada@yahoo. co.jp> Website: navi.kidsduo.com/ tabid/61/pdid/4017/Default.aspx

[2747-4126-2015-06-24]

PT ENGLISH TEACHERS WANTED.

Small yet friendly and growing school in Settsu looking for PT native English teachers for kids and adults. Mon-Fri afternoon – evening. Experience preferred but not required. Please send your CV and photo via email to abies_kids@ yahoo.co.jp Contact: abies taro <abies_kids@yahoo.co.jp> [2817707-2015-07-19]

ENGLISH TEACHER. Part Time

English Teacher Position. 2000 yen a lesson. Mon-From 3pm TueFrom 4:30pm Thur-From 1:15pm Sat-From 9:15am We are located at Sugimotocho station on the Hanwa Line in Osaka. Must have a visa to work. Must be great teaching kids. Contact Brian at staff@areyouglobal. net Contact: aaronoflion <staff@ areyouglobal.net> [2821-1900-2015-

07-23]

日本人英語講師、スタッフ、ENGLISH TEACHER WANTED. 日本人英語講師、スタッフ募集！P/T English

teacher for kids & adults wanted in Suita and Ibarakishi Email royalenglish725@gmail.com Contact: Royal English School <royalenglish725@gmail.com>

[2801-1446-2015-07-15]

SEEKING FOREIGN ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR.ASAP. Privately

owned school in Shijonawate City is seeking an outgoing, qualified foreign English instructor, for teaching children and adults as a PT job. The school is located a 5mins. walk from Shinobugaoka station. Working hours are 2 days a week, from 2pm-8:30pm. The wage is ¥1500-¥2500/h plus transportation Contact: openarms English School <openarms0218@yahoo.co.jp> Website: www.openarmsenglish. com [2764-1631-2015-07-03]

WANTED - FULL-TIME NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS. Candidates

must have native English competency and a 4 year university degree. Experience is not necessary but should be professional and serious about teaching. Starting salary is ¥250, 000/m. Sponsorship is available to those who have proper university degrees. No classes on Sun, Mon, & holidays. Kobe&a Contact: TIME ENGLISH SCHOOL <mikekubota@timeheart. co.jp> Website: www.timeheart.co.jp

[2751-4052-2015-06-30]

PT NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER FOR SAT/SUN IN IZUMISANO.

Native English Teacher for adult and kids classes. Saturday 10-5 or 10-6 Sunday 10-5 or 10-6 2000 yen/ lesson+travel Must have a valid visa. Izumisano, Osaka Contact us for more details. gtec.recruiting@ gmail.com Contact: gitech <gtec. recruiting@gmail.com> Website: gtecbeta.seesaa.net/ [2822-1742-201507-23]

PART-TIME PRIVATE TEACHING JOBS IN ALL KANSAI AREA.

Looking for language students? Have you already registered at hello-sensei ? Pick your lesson fee, schedule and location then students will directly contact you! Available for: English, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Burmese and Arabic Contact: hell-sensei <contact@hello-sensei.com> Website: hello-sensei.com/en/sensei [2646-1905-2015-07-13]

General TOUR LEADERS FOR KYOTO BASED CITY TOURS. Passionate

about Kyoto?We are looking for full time/casual leaders for our Kyoto based tours Requirements-Japanese National or valid work visa Qual'sCustomer service experience/ superb people skills,experience leading pref,team player,enthusiastic Details-www.ventureea.com/news_ urbanadventures.html Contact: Venture <kyoto@ventureea.com> Website: www.ventureea.com/ news_urbanadventures.html [2818-

2036-2015-07-19]

PART TIMER REQUIRED IN T-SHIRT PRINT SHOP. T-shirt

print shop in Osaka is looking for PT staff. You would be required to take care of screen recycling, screen making, stock pulling and checking and other non print related activities. ¥900/hr. Contact: Rockers <ms@sweatshopunion.jp> Website: www.sweatshopunion.jp [2783-5771-2015-07-08]

ASSISTANT REPORTER WANTED FOR EXCITING JAPAN. Duties

would include assisting writing, translation and location interviews for a new series of travel guides. Osaka based and Japanese ability preferred. Send your CV attn Mr. Tsurutani to <concierge@ excitingjapan.com> Website: excitingjapan.com

Kitchen / waiting staff PART-TIME STAFF WANTED FOR NEW TEX-MEX TAKEAWAY. Part-

Time staff wanted for new Tex-Mex takeaway re-opening in July, in Kita-Horie, Osaka. Choose your working hours. Texans and cowgirls welcome! Proper visa required. Japanese ability preferred. 1,000 yen per hour. Please send resume (with photo) to Hiday. Contact: Hiday <hiday1.hk@gmail.com> Website: hidays-bbq.com [2813-5680-201507-18]

Hospitality STAFF WANTED! スタッフ募集！.

We are looking for staff who can work at our vacation rental houses in Kyoto! We are looking for who ... *Love to talk to people from all over

 Kansai Scene Classifieds > kansaiscene.com/classifieds the world. *has hospitality mind. *is responsible *is multi-tasker *has warm heart! <Qualifications> *English: Fluent Japanese: Preferable *PC skills Contact: Smile Link <office@smile-link.net> Website: kyoto-tsumugi.com/ [28305793-2015-07-23]

Classes & events

GREAT SITE FOR FINDING YOUR FRIENDS. This is a great site for

finding friends to learn Japanese language. Especially for Kanji study ,to make penpals is the best way. Don't be afraid to make new friends. and try to open the new door! Contact: kokusaitsuyaku <annai@ kokusai.ne.jp> Website: www.osakajapan.biz/ [2811-5785-2015-07-17]

GERMAN FRIEND SOUGHT. I am

middle aged j-guy who likes to study German with native speaker in Hyogo or Osaka.if you are Germany lets teach me ,I can show you Kansai area and teach japanese . I speak English. Contact: momotaro <momotaropga@hotmail.com> [2528-544-2015-07-03]

LANGUAGE EXCHANGE GROUP IN OSAKA ON MONDAY NIGHT!.

Courses and Classes

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> [2351-2007-2015-07-18]

LANGUAGE EXCHANGE GROUP IN OSAKA ON MONDAY NIGHT!.

Let's do language exchange with us. My friends are looking for partners. We also have Japanese class at the same place. Volunteers help your study. Any level is OK! Let's study together! Contact: Rimi Makino <rimim@hotmail.com> Website: www.facebook.com/rimi.makino.3 [2367-447-2015-07-04]

TALKS ON OUR CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN ENGLISH.

Interested in cultural differences between Westerners and Japanese . Please ask me what you don't really understand about Japan. Why Japanese can't answer to "why questions"? Why Japanese companies hold long meetings? etc. Contact: Shigeyuki Tomioka <s-tomi@mx5.canvas.ne.jp> [27855766-2015-07-08]

Friendship LOOKING FOR A JAPANESE MALE FOR FRIENDSHIP OR MORE. こん

にちは。I am a Chinese girl of her

22,s . I want to make friendship or probably more relation with a polit Japanese person. I like Japan very much and can speak Japanese a little bit. I also can speak English properly. I am very cute and attractive young lady . E-mail: sunshinelover001@yahoo.com Contact: Quin <sunshinelover001@ yahoo.com> [2829-5780-2015-07-23]

MR FUNNY-MOUTH IN OSAKA..

SJM, 41yo is looking for a woman who has a charming personality. I am creative, like to work out, social, and speak English. Any ethnic is fine, but my successful relationship in the past was with people who had university education in the U.S. Contact: Osamu <osamu. sononaka@gmail.com> [2791-5776-

2015-07-11]

LOOKING FOR LONG TERM FRIEND. hi , i am 40s looking

for sincere woman , i can speak japanese and chinese ,english , i am in fashion field , divorced , and living kyoto , if you are really looking for long term happy relationship then please contact me . Contact: alexvin <alexvin@qq.com>

[2513-447-2015-07-27]

[2641-5635-2015-07-08]

JF LOOKING FOR A BOYFRIEND.

Community Services 日英翻訳者 (JAPANESE-ENGLISH TRANSLATOR). 東アジア文学専門（日本語特）、色々翻訳経験ある。もっと言語・翻訳経験求めてる。

Stage Academy of Performing Arts (Osaka) <stageacademy.osaka@ gmail.com> [2826-5251-2015-07-23]

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

[2728-1894-2015-07-16]

PERFORM IN ENGLISH! 演劇・舞台芸術の為のノウハウを英語で学びましょう！. For Business~Kids※司会進行では、人前で自信を持って英語を話す為の練習を行い日本人の持つ英語への苦手意識をなくします！※発音では、ネイティヴから本物の発音を学びます。演劇スキルアップに限らず通訳等を目指す方にもオススメです。Learn from former USJ & Disney performers!クラスは、ユニバーサルスタジオジャパンでのパフォーマー経験者・現在プロのパフォーマーとして活動中の者・ネイティヴ講師により行われます! Contact:

Community listings Language Exchange

and have been struggling with my limited Japanese. Looking for someone to meet in a cafe in Umeda to exchange languages. English for Japanese. Arigoto Contact: canadianinkansai <canadianinkansai@hotmail.com>

SEEKING ENGLISH SPEAKER FRIENDS. We are looking for

someone who can come to see us regularly. We hope to have you in 4 days per a month with us in Yawata, and also 2-3 days per a month in our sister school in Uji. What we want is speaking English fluently and get fun with kids a lot in English. Mail us in detail Contact: Narumi ES <narumienglishschool@ gmail.com> [2755-5725-2015-06-27]

FREE FRENCH/ENGLISH/ RUSSIAN CONVERSATION MATSUBARA. I am an Russian

Canadian, living in Matsubara, close to Eganosho station. I am trying to learn Japanese and I am looking for someone to exchange languages with me in cafe in Matsubara. I'm offering free French/ English/Russian and some German conversation. Email: astgat@gmail. com Contact: Dmitri <astgat@ gmail.com> [2776-5751-2015-07-05]

NEED HELP WITH MY JAPANESE.

Am in Japan for a couple of months

BA in East Asian studies (Japanese lang. emphasis) with translation experience in multiple fields looking for more language experience. Contact: Scytale <dontgotnologin@ gmail.com> [2441-2177-2015-07-04] SCHEDULE A FREE RELAXATION SEMINAR. FREE Stress-Free

Seminars at your location. Learn powerful techniques that help companies and individuals cope with daily demands. Gain new insight into handling stress, from superunconscious. com. Contact: Professor Jay Tee <superunconscious@gmail.com> Website: www.superunconscious. com [2357-2045-2015-06-25]

Pets KHAO MANEE OR TURKISH ANGOLA CAT SOUGHT. Hoping

to adopt a Khao Manee or Turkish Angola cat or find others who love these breeds also. Any age of cat is fine. Breeders can contact me also. Contact: Sakura <larcencielsakura@ gmail.com> [2816-5782-2015-07-19]

calm 40's JF seeks just one boyfriend for long term who don't smoke. I'm sincere, kind woman, money＜love I wanna share with same thinking man. I wanna talk a lot and spend time with.... I'm working while caring for my mother(((^-^))) Contact: aki <artantomato@ hotmail.co.jp> [2769-548-2015-07-03] INTELLIGENT WOMAN OF EASYGOING, WANTED FOR DISCRET. Easygoing smart funny

sweet nice Asian guy looks 4 a woman to hang out, enjoy life for relationship. Openminded, smart to appreciate nature, zoo; Longer commitment. Wont cheat U, smart talk. Contact: nobel benzene <speak6up@yahoo.co.jp> [2077-104-

2015-07-23]

HANDSOME AND COOL SJM.

Handsome and cool SJM seeks well-educated, interesting, attractive, nonsmoking SWF to share wonderful times and make a good friendship. So let's meet for coffee or lunch to know each other better. If no experience, please just try me. E-mail: healsan@yahoo.com Contact: Healsan <healsan@yahoo. com> [2680-5448-2015-07-22]

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

Theater Umeda

Umeda

InterContinental Osaka Hotel Umeda Sky Building German Consulate 35F

Yodobashi Camera

JR Osaka Sta.

Mitsukoshi Isetan

Hankyu Grand Bldg

Ume

Lucua

Toho Annex Hep 5 Hep Navio

Shin Midosuji

Nishi Umeda

Ana Crowne Plaza

ji Li

Hotel Elsereine Osaka

6F Untitled

osu

Dojima Avanza 4F Junkudo

ana Lin Keih noshim Naka

Nishi Tenma

akanoshi ma Dori City Hall

niw

Church

iha

Kitahama

Ostec Exhibition Hall Shrine

Temple

ain

Lin

Boston Clam Shack

Kitahama

Hotel

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Yodoyabashi

Hospital

US Consulate

Edobori

ashi Lin Yotsub hi s Higoba

National Museum of Art

Police Station

Shinmei Law Office

Tosabori River

Utsubo Park Bank

ACCJ Kansai

Oebashi Bank of Japan

i bebash Watana

Post Office

Tanimachi Lin

Hanshin Expresswa y(Loop R ou te) N

Dojima Hotel

YMCA

Mid

NTT Data

Kita Shinchi

Dojima

Toz

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Ogimachi Dori

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Kita Shinchi 1F

Capt. Kangaroo

Mister Kelly’s

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Hanky

Higa

Herbis Ritz Osaka .2 Carlton No ute Ro

Ogimachi Park

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Lagunaveil Sonezaki Float Premier Visitors’ Police H.Q. Daimaru Court Club Information . a Quattro t S Center a d Hotel me Hanshin Asahiya U Dept. Granvia Bookstore hin ns Hilton Ha 6F Plaza West Umeda Hilton Hotel E-ma Hotel Burg7 Kansai The Blarney Maru Herbis Stone Bldg #4 1F Bldg. Ent Tower Records 3/4F TGI Fridays Osaka Dental Clinic Beer & Pizza Bldg #3 Outback Bldg #1 Bldg #2 GO_SUKE Steakhouse 33F Creamy 2F B1 Exeo

Drop Inn Osaka

Osaka YWCA

Hotel Kinki

Navio Toho Plex

Hankyu Dept.

jim

i-c

k za

Hankyu Umeda Kinokuniya Sta. ABC Mart

Umekita Ship Craft Beer Base

Maruzen & Junkudo Club Noon

New Hankyu Osaka Hotel

Grand Front Osaka / Knowledge Capital

Westin Hotel

Loft

0 Movie Theatre

200m

Moe Joe

Cafe 1F Absinthe

Family Mart

e Yotsubashi lin

MinamiHorie

Tezukayama Gallery 2F

Daimaru Dept. North

OPA

Daimaru Dept.

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

Naniw

Orange Stree t (shopping street)

Dotonbori

Nikko Hotel

The Silver Ball Planet Big Step

Horie Park

a. a St

amb

JR N

Nam

Junkudo

AEON MaxValu

Suomachi-dori (Europe street)

HigashiShinsaibashi 1F Zerro

Soemon-Cho

Shooters 5F Hotel Metro the 21

B1 Burlesque

B1 Pure Osaka

Don Quijote

Dotonbori Hozenji Temple

Namba Walk (underground)

Sennichimae line Nipponbashi sta. Nipponbashi Namba walk

BIC Camera Kintetsu Nara line

Namba Toho Cinemas Namba

Visitors Information Center

Absinthe Solaar 8F

Motomachi

The Blarney Stone

Hanshin Expressway (loop route)

Little Long Beach

Inari

Best Western Hotel fino

Hotel T’point

Murphy’s

Osaka Shochikuza

Namba Namba Sta.

Hotel Ichiei

Nest Hotel

Shinsaibashi

Namba Hips Beer House 86 Karaoke 86

Hotel Monterey

OCAT

Balabushka 4F

Dublin Bay / Dublin Garden

Namba Hatch

Tominaga Hospital

Lunar Club

Don Quijote

L&L

River

Hearton Hotel

3F GS Travel

Daimaru Dept. South

Kansai Tourist Information Center Cross Hotel

Coolabah 1F

Uniqlo 5F Boy

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

Kitahorie Hospital

Tokyu Hands

Arthur Murray

Crysta Nagahori (underground shopping) Nagahoribashi Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line

Ali’s Kitchen El Pancho 8F

Yotsubashi

The Westside

Louis Vuitton

Nagahori dori Shinsaibashi

Nishiohashi

KitaHorie

a-suji

Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

Blue Wave Inn

Mizuho Bank

Midosuji

Kansai Scene Mojoprint Office

Covent Garden

Minami-senba

Big Beans Supermarket

Life Supermarket

7-ELEVEN

Hearton Hotel

Sakaisuji

Shinmachi

Takashimaya Dept. Store

Swissôtel Nankai Osaka

Cine Pop Namba Oriental Hotel Junkudo MUJI/LOFT Tower Records

Nankai Namba Station

Fraser Residence

Misono Building Namba Plaza

NipponBashi

McDonalds Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

Namba PARKS

Pub Bar 30 2F

Namba -naka

Naniwa Sports Center Naniwa Post Office

Toys”R”Us Jack and Queen Naniwa Ward Office

Yamada Denki LABI1 Namba

N 0

Post Office

Bank

Police Station

Hospital

Hotel

Church

Shrine

Temple

100m Movie Theatre

Shinsaibashi/Namba

Namba Shrine

Orix Theater

Kobe Sauna

Kobe Ikuta Junior High School

tetsudo Kobe kosoku

JR Motomachi sta.

Minato Bank

Police Station

ine wa yl ub Movie Theatre

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku

Oike-dori

Sanjo

Wakamatsu-dori

Butterfly

World

Kawaramachi

Marui

Takashimaya

Yamatoji-dori

Keihan Line

Kawaramachi-

Kiyamachi-dori

dori

Kyoto Royal BLDG.

Kiraku Inn

ori awa-d Shirakkawa river Shira

Gion s hijo

Junkudo 7F Bal

Sanjo

The Gael Irish Pub

Shijo-dori Minamiza Theatre

Church

Shrine

Temple

Movie Theatre

Gion Gion Kaikan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art Gion Hotel

Joko-in

0 Hotel

200m

Hotel Okura

Mina

Fuji Daimaru

N 0

Movix Kyoto

Teramachi Shotengai Shinkyogoku Shotengai

Hospital

Temple

Sannomiya Hanadokeimae st.

Sanjo-dori

Hankyu Line

Bank

Shrine

Hanamikoji-dori

Gokomachi-dori

Fuyacho-dori

Tominokoji-dori

Yanaginobanba-dori

Sakaimachi-dori

Kyoto Post Office

Church

Kobe City Hall

OPA

Teramachi Area

Hotel

Kyoto Royal Hotel Kyoto Asahi Kaikan Starbucks

Jomo Gas

Daimaru

San

Hospital

Aoyama

Shiyakushomae

Kawara Machi

Police Station

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Kyoto City Hall

Tozai Subway Line

Bank

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

Post Office

miya

Flower road

Daimaru Dept.

Kainan lin

Ali’s Kitchen 3F

Sannomiy

Subway

Iznt 4F

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

Guild 2F

Kyukyoryuchi Daimarumae

Nankin-machi

Tokyu Hands

Sansei Hosp.

Midnight 5F Hobgoblin 7F a

Sanchika un

Hanshin line

Ikuta jinja

Mickey’s Club 5F Hotel Monterey

Motomachi

Kitanozaka

Ikuta Police Station

Pontocho

Hyogo-ken Prefectural Hall

Sh iei Ya ma te s

Oriental Dental Clinic 4F Hotel Tor Road

Kobe Grocers

Sanjo

Soraku Park

Hunterzak

Pearl Street

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

Kobe YWCA

1F Bistrot Cafe De Paris

Kitano-cho Tor Road

Sannomiya

Yamamoto-dori

200m

N Yasaka Jinja