Kansai Scene #191 April 2016

Free monthly guide covering Osaka • Kyoto • Hyogo • Nara • Wakayama • Shiga

APR 2016 / ISSUE 191

Blossoming into Spring PLUS+

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KIMONO-DYEING AND GEISHA-SPOTTING

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VINTAGE FASHION IN OSAKA

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A KYOTO PILGRIMAGE: THE JUSAN BUTSU

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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

Publisher.......................................................Daniel Lee Managing Editor..........................Celia Polkinghorne Editor.........................................................Jason Haidar Production Manager............................... Misa Matsui Production Assistant......................... Miyoko Morita Accounts Manager..................................Michiko Lee Art................................................................. Yuko Hirai Cinema.................................................Deanna Wright Event & Festival....................................Yuki Uchibori Live Music.............................................Phillip Jackson Club............................................................Terumi Tsuji

Contact Kansai Scene General ...........................mailbox@kansaiscene.com Editorial...............................editor@kansaiscene.com Advertising .......................... sales@kansaiscene.com Tel. ............................................................06-6539-1717 Fax. ...........................................................06-7635-4791 Address........................................Osaka-shi, Nishi-ku, ............................................................ Shinmachi 3-5-7, ................................................................... Eiko Bldg. 2F ................................................................ Mojoworks KK Website............................................. kansaiscene.com

What’s on Around Kansai Events & Festivals......................................................04 Art ...........................................................................................10

Photo: Tim Wilkinson

About Kansai Scene

Live Music ..........................................................................13 Club ........................................................................................ 18 Cinema................................................................................ 20 Classifieds.........................................................................38

ON THE COVER: This month’s cover photo of the cherry blossoms in bloom at Osaka Castle was taken by Tim Wilkinson.

Getting Around / Maps............................................42

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Hip Hip Hanami!

Six sakura spots to spread out your blue tarp in and sip sake til sunset.

FEATURE Text: KS

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Foodspotting For a bit of spice with a unique twist, head to one of these Japanese-curry hot spots.

FOOD & DRINK Text: Samuel Johnston

Write for Kansai Scene If you would like to write for KS, please contact editor@kansaiscene.com after reviewing our writers guidelines:

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kansaiscene.com/write-for-us

The Colorful World of Kimono A peek inside the vanishing world of yuzen kimono with master textile artist Kihachi Tabata.

FEATURE Text: Matt Evans

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.

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A Kyoto Pilgrimage Tracing the Jusan Butsu, a short but fascinating pilgrimage that winds through some of the best sights in Kyoto.

FEATURE Text: Matthew Coslett

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

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Fashionably Vintage Summon your inner fashion monster with a jaunt to the vintagefashion havens of Nakazakicho.

FEATURE Text: Tom Speaker

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Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

Classroom Apps Make lessons both fun and engaging with these top educational apps.

TECH Text: Dave Wingler

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Events APR

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI KYOTOGRAPHIE

MAY

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Various locations around Kyoto • Apr 23–May 22 The annual International Photography Festival, KYOTOGRAPHIE, will be held again in Kyoto this month. Fourteen exhibits will be held in venues across the city.

Valuable collections of photography and works by internationally renowned artists are exhibited in elegant, historic buildings as well as modern architectural spaces.

Some exhibits feature the work of traditional artisans, while others highlight collaborations with the most modern technology.

The theme this year is Circle of Life, and has been described as a photographic fantasy world depicting life and death, and the fleeting nature of time.

Single-entry tickets can be brought at each venue on the day, or you can pick up a Passport for ¥2,000, which allows entry into all 14 exhibitions. » For more details, visit

kyotographie.jp/en

Shigaraki Pottery Walking path 第 11回信楽窯元散策路 ぶらり窯元めぐり

Shigaraki Town, Nagano-Chiku Area, Shiga • Apr 8–10 One of the oldest pottery districts in Japan, Shigaraki plays host to this popular event where around 20 local pottery shops open their doors to tourists. Come and take in the sights of this unique pottery town where you will find climbing kilns, piles of abandoned earthenware, and cafés serving food and drinks with fine ceramic tableware. During the event, enjoy fun games, live musical performances, and free refreshments!

Get your hands on a potter s wheel at selected studios or take a guided tour behind the scenes of some of the shops. Enjoy both modern and traditional artworks at the earthenware and ceramics galleries.

Monster Jam Festival in Japan Maishima Island, Osaka, Japan • May 3–5, 2016

Over 4 million fans fill the world s premier stadiums and arenas to see this high octane live show, and for the first time these 12 feet tall, 12 feet wide, and 10,000 pound (5 ton) monster these trucks will roar their 1,500 horsepower engines for fans in Japan! The Monster Jam Festival in Japan is an all-day event with the gates opening at 10am.

Outside the main arena is a festival area is packed with fun attractions for the entire family, including a kids park, food stalls and exciting demonstrations.

TIME: 10am–8pm (Monster Jam 3:30–7pm) • ADMISSION: Tickets from ¥6,500/adults, ¥2,500 kids ++ • ACCESS: Shuttle bus available from Subway Cosmosquare Stn • www. monsterjam-japan.com

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: ShigarakikogenTetsudo Line, Shigaraki Stn; 10-min walk • sansaku.shigasaku.net

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI / KANSAI TEMPLE MARKETS Explore Kansai s wonderful monthly temple markets and grab a bargain. You ll find a lot of antiques, including old kimono, ceramics and lacquerware, but you may also unearth some more contemporary curiosities. Perfect as souvenirs or gifts for friends and relatives back home.

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Market:

Apr 21 & 22 • Shitennoji Temple Grounds, Osaka • Access: 5min walk from Shitennojimae Stn, Tanimachi Line » Toji Market Kyoto:

Apr 21 • Toji Temple • Access: 15min walk from JR Kyoto Stn » Kitano Tenmangu

Market:

Apr 25 • Kitano Tenmangu Shrine • Access: Tenman-gu-mae bus stop

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The 11th Wakayama Magical Music Tour

Provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

Hachiman Festival

第 11回わかやまマジカルミュージックツアー

八幡まつり » Shitennoji Temple Flea

Events

Himure Hachimangu Shrine, Shiga • Apr 14 & 15 Be mesmerized by roaring flames dancing into the night sky out of giant, 10-meter high straw torches during Shiga s largest fire festival, the Hachiman Festival on the 14th. This lively religious event boasts a history of more than 1,000 years, and is registered as having national cultural importance with various styles of torches to hold.The local men show off their strength by brandishing flaming torches on the grounds of the Himure Hachimangu shrine. At 2:30pm on the 15th, huge taiko drums arrive at the shrine from each neighborhood, their loud beats creating a traditional festival atmosphere.

TIME: 8pm on the 14th, 2:30pm on the 15th • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Omihachiman Stn,

Wakayama Castle Park and Surroundings • Apr 23 & 24 Join thousands of music lovers as they eat, drink, and be merry to the sound of their favorite tunes in the heart of Wakayama city. With a broad range of genres and performers, from an orchestra to sole acoustic musicians, there s something for everybody at this free music event. Enjoy the beautiful setting of Wakayama Castle Park where there will be local food stalls and a bustling flea market by the Nishinomaru main stage. On the eve of this event, the Wakayama Magical Music Tour will gear up as selected bands are on stage at 13 bars and cafes around Wakayamashi station.

TIME: 23rd at 5pm; 24th at 11am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Nankai Line, Wakayamashi Stn, 10-min walk • magical.wakayamashi.jp

bus to Osugi-cho • 5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~him8man

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Osaka Mint Cherry Blossom viewing 桜の通り抜け

The Osaka Mint Bureau, Osaka • Apr 8–14 Come and admire nature s beauty at the Osaka branch of the Japan Mint, an iconic spot for sakura no toorinuke (cherry blossom viewing) in Kansai. Every year in April, for one week only, the mint in Temma opens its cherryblossom-viewing path, and thousands flock there to be amongst the beautiful blooms. It s a stunning walk through this 560-meter, cherry-tree tunnel with gorgeous, pink blossoms. There about 350 cherry trees from 130 varieties, mostly the Yaezakura – the double-flowered cherry.

TIME: 10am–9pm (weekends 9am–9pm) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Subway or Keihan Line, Temmabashi Stn, 15-min walk • mint.go.jp/enjoy-eng/sakura-eng/

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Events

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

Easter Egg Hunt

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Utsubo Park, Osaka • Apr 24 (Apr 29 in case of rain) Looking for some family fun?

The Easter egg hunt is now in its third year and gets bigger and better every time! The event includes, of course, an Easter egg hunt for the kids, a bag of Easter treats, games (remember the egg and spoon race?), and great prizes. For parents, there s delicious craft beer, tacos, and couscous. This year there will be additional entertainment by local children s entertainer Mr. Ham, face painting, and a chance to take a selfie with the Easter Bunny himself!

Tightrope Lion Dance 伊勢の森神社 梯子獅子

TIME: 9:30am • ENTRY: ¥2,000

for kids - advanced registration required (before Apr 17) • ACCESS: Higobashi Stn (Subway Yotsubashi Line) • FACEBOOK:

“Utsubo Park Easter Egg Hunt 2016”

Isenomori Shrine, Hyogo • Apr 10

Feel the tension as traditional lion dancers walk the tightrope high above the crowds. This spectacular performing art is part of a religious ceremony with a 300-year history. Donning a heavy lion s headdress, performers bravely tiptoe along a tightrope without a net, crossing a 10-meter valley against the backdrop of beautiful cherry blossoms. There will be many other traditional ceremonies taking place on this festive day at this historic shrine, situated in the heart of a mountain.

TIME: 12:30pm–3:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Maiko Stn, Kosoku bus to Tsuna Ichinomiya IC, 10-min taxi ride • awajishima-kanko.jp/manual/detail.php?bid=400&lid=20&at=01

Osaka Naniwa Puppet Theatre Festival なにわ人形芝居フェスティバル

Issinji Theatre Kura and Surroundings, Osaka • Apr 3 Various Japanese puppet theater companies will be on stage to give their special performances at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines around the neighborhood. There will be entertaining plays, food stalls, and more on the streets during the event.

TIME: 10am–3:30pm • ADMISSION: Varies by venue and show • ACCESS: Tanimachi Subway Line, Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka

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Stn, 5-min walk • terateratera.sakuraweb. com/ningyoufes

The 69th Osaka City Regatta

Stn • city.osaka.lg.jp/keizaisenryaku/ page/0000340455.html

第69回大阪シティレガッタ

Electro Caravan Noon Café-Depot, Osaka • Apr 10 The Electro Caravan is an audiovisual feast for the senses. Video projections, belly dancers, live music and various other arts will be exhibited. This exciting show is held at Noon Café-Depot, and the artworks will be on display until the 16th.

TIME: 7pm–12 Midnight • ADMISSION:

¥2,500 • ACCESS: Hankyu Line, Umeda Stn, 5-min walk • noon-cafe.com

Genpachi-Bashi Bridge over the Okawa River, Osaka • Apr 16 & 17 Every April, competition rowers, sun lovers, and socialites gather on the banks of the Okawa River for two days of racing. The competitions will take place between the Sakura-bashi bridge and the Genpachi-bashi bridge at 2pm on the 16th, and at 11am on the 17th. See the website for further details including how to apply to try out rowing for yourself.

TIME: 9am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Loop line, Sakuranomiya

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Shellfish Gathering at Tokimeki Beach ときめきビーチ 潮干狩り

Tannowa Tokimeki Beach, Osaka • Apr 20–Jun 5 Enjoy the salty air at Tokimeki beach where you can collect buckets of live shellfish. Adults can take 700g of fresh clams home as a gift. Children can take 400g.

TIME: 8am–5pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,300 adults, concessions • ACCESS: Nankai Line, Tannowa Stn, 12-min walk • tannowa.or.jp

Events

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI Located on the pathway between Kasuga-taisha and Mt Wakakusa, Mizuya-jinja has held this annual ritual to suppress the plague since since 1288. Stay and watch a kagura dance performed by shrine maidens, and other kyogen (traditional performing arts) on this day.

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR or Kintetsu Line, Nara Stn, bus to Kasuga-taisha Honden • kasugataisha.or.jp/calendar/spring04. html

Apr 22, Shoryoe Court Dance @ Shitennoji Temple, Osaka

Pipe Organ Concert パイプオルガンコンサート

Shoryoe – Court Dance 聖霊会舞楽大法要

Shitennoji Temple, Osaka • Apr 22 The classical art of bugaku dance will be will be performed by a skilled bugaku troupe in commemoration of the great ancient figure, Prince Shotoku.

TIME: 12:30pm • ADMISSION: Free

• ACCESS: Subway Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Stn, 5-min walk • shitennoji. or.jp

Carp Streamer Festa 1000 こいのぼりフェスタ 1000

Akutagawa Sakurazutsumi Park, Takatsuki • Apr 25–May 5 Join the Boys Festival celebration as 1,000 carp streamers fly overhead in the park. Live music performances, balloon art, puppet shows, and more are scheduled for for May 29th.

TIME: 10am–4pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Takatsuki Stn, 15-min walk • city.takatsuki.osaka.jp/kakuka/ toshi/gesuikik/gyomuannai/kasen/ koinoborifes/index.html

Toy Car Expo, Tomica トミカ博 in Osaka

Asia and Pacific Trade Center, Osaka • Apr 28–May 8 One of the world s most famous toy manufacturers, Takara Tomy Co. presents a diverse showcase of its die-cast toy cars.

Featuring a Tomica market, stage shows, a showcase of latest model and many other events.

Expect crowds.

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TIME: 10am–4:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥700 (¥900 at door) adults, concessions • ACCESS: Cosmosquare Subway Stn, 9-min walk • takaratomy.co.jp/event/ eventlist2/tomica2016-osaka.html

The 42nd Oimatsu Kobijutsu Matsuri – Antique Fair 第42回老松古美術祭

Oimatsu-cho, Osaka • Apr 29 & 30 This antique shop district will have 40 retailers displaying their collections outside and inside their shops. Visitors can bring their own antique items for a free appraisal.

TIME: 10am–6pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Naniwabashi Stn,

5-min walk • oimatsu-cho.gr.jp

Esaka World Festival えさかワールドフェスティバル

Esaka Geijutsu Bunka-Kan Pierrot Harbour, Osaka • May 3–5 Head to Pierrot Harbour to enjoy Bollywood and Thai dance, African and Chinese music, and English speeches about world culture. Make friends with the performers at a tea party.

TIME: 11am–10pm • ADMISSION: Free •

The Nara Episcopal Church, Nara • Apr 10 Come inside this beautiful church, built in Japanese architectural style, and hear a live pipe organ performance.

Accomplished organist, Mana Usui, will play music from sacred manuscripts.

TIME: 3pm • ADMISSION: Free (donations are welcome) • ACCESS: Kintetsu Line, Nara Stn, 3-min walk • nskk.org/kyoto/nara/archives/3338

Spring Kemari Ball Game 春の蹴鞠祭

Tanzan Shrine, Nara • Apr 29 Performers wearing bright kimonos, kick and pass a ball in this classic game held at Tanzan-jinja, famous for the Taika Reform in 645. It is believed that two heroes of the Reform became close friends through the kemari ball game.

TIME: 11am • ADMISSION: ¥500 adults, concessions • ACCESS: JR or Kintetsu Line, Sakurai Stn, bus to Tanzan-jinja • tanzan.or.jp

Heijokyo Tenpho Sai 平城京天平祭 2016

Heijokyo Palace Site, Nara • May 3–5

ACCESS: Esaka Subway Stn, 6-min walk

• esaka-pierrot.jimdo.com

Nara Chinka Sai – Plague Supression Ritual 水谷神社 鎮花祭

Mizuya Shrine at Kasuga Shrine, Nara • Apr 5

Nara hosts a visual spectacle celebrating more than 1,300 years of history. With traditional ceremonies and a variety of activities to participate in, the Heijokyo festival is perfect for anyone interested Japan s ancient culture.

TIME: 10am–4:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Kintetsu Line, Yamatosaidaiji Stn, 15-min walk • tenpyosai.jp

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Kyoto Ikebana Festival 嵯峨天皇奉献 華道祭

Daikakuji Temple, Kyoto • Apr 8–10 A elegant ceremony will be held at the Daikakuji temple, the birthplace of ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement). There will be a traditional court dance, a tea ceremony, and an ikebana exhibition. Stalls selling local Kyoto sweets and flower arranging tools will be open during the event.

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: ¥500 adults, concessions • ACCESS: JR Kyoto Stn, bus to Daikakuji • daikakuji.or.jp

Kyokusui no Utage – Poetry Composition 賀茂曲水宴

Kamigamo Shrine, Kyoto • Apr 10 Poets from the Reizei-ke family (with traceable roots back to the aristocracy in the Heian period) in ceremonial kimono compose poems by the stream in the Japanese garden. The first 500 people are granted admission.

TIME: 1pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,000 (includes tea and a Japanese sweet) • ACCESS: Kitayama Subway Stn, bus to Kamigamojinja-mae • kamigamojinja.jp

La Festa Primavera 2016 ラ フェスタプリマベラ 2016

Nagoya to Kyoto • Apr 15–18 An exciting showcase for classic cars! Rare Alfa Romeos, Porsches, Bugattis, and other automobiles will begin a 1,000km tour. They start at Atsutajingu in Nagoya on the 15th and finish at Kyoto City Hall on the 18th. See the website for further information.

ADMISSION: Free • lafesta-primavera. com/2016/index.html

Shiga Biwako Jazz Festival びわこJAZZ東近江

Higashiomi City, Shiga • Apr 23 & 24 A great free music show featuring 200 bands of a range of gen-

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI / res from jazz, blues, Latin, Japanese pop, rock, and classical set in the picturesque Higashiomi City. Musicians will be playing in a total of 40 venues scattered around Yokaichi station.

TIME: 23rd at 12 Noon; 24th at 11am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Omi Tetsudo Line, Yokaichi Stn, bus to Shiyakusyo-mae • biwako-jazzfes.com

Wisteria Season 三大神社 藤まつり

Sandai Shrine, Shiga • Late Apr (date TBA) Long, purple curtains of Wisteria blossoms will be in full bloom from late April to early May. At Sandai-jinja, 8,000 clusters of the blossoms hang from a 150-square-meter trellis throughout the season.

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: ¥200 • ACCESS: JR Kusatsu Stn, bus to Kitaogaya, 10-min walk • kankokusatsu.com/info/fujimatsuri2015

Wakayama Yuasa Lantern Exhibition ゆあさ行灯アート展

Yuasa-cho, Wakayama • Apr 29–May 3

Events

Hyogo St. Michael’s International School Bazaar Apr 23 • St. Michael’s International School This annual school bazaar offers a fun-filled day out with lots of international food, games, stalls & rummage sales, music, dance and a raffle. Raffle tickets are on sale until 1:00pm on the day.

Everyone welcome!

TIME: 10am–3pm • ACCESS: 10min walk from Sannomiya Stn

Flower Festa Kobe 花のフェスタこうべ 2016

Kobe Sports Park, Hyogo • Apr 29 A great family day out awaits you at this fabulous floral event.

With a potted plant market, lectures and workshops on gardening, games, a mascot show, a booth selling horticultural materials, and more, there is something for everyone.

TIME: 10am–4pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Sogoundokoen Subway Stn • kobe-park.or.jp/hanamidori/event/ flowerfesta

Enjoy walking among the dimly lit classical houses in Yuasa-cho.

Beautifully crafted paper lanterns illuminate the old streets at this prize-winning light show.

TIME: 6:30pm–9pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Yuasa Stn, 10-min walk • lepo.fool.jp/green/andon

Wondering what to do this weekend?

Check Kansaiscene.com for the latest what s on information May 3–5 Heijokyo Festival, Nara

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Art

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

《Mt.Fuji》(right wing) 1898／Kiyoshi-Kojin Seichoji Temple, Tessai Museum

Tomioka Tessai Retrospective Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art クロード • モネ《印象、 日の出》1872年 Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris © Christian Baraja

Impressionist Masterpieces from Marmottan Monet Museum

Celebrating the 180th anniversary of painter Tessai Tomioka (1837–1924), Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art showcases more than 150 of his masterpieces. He traversed all over Japan creating art with fluid brushwork and rich colors. He was also a man of letters, leaving many masterpieces of calligraphy.

Until May 8 • OPEN: 10am–6pm (last entry 5:30pm), 10am-8pm Fri-Sat (last entry 7:30pm) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥1,300 • ACCESS: Hanshin Iwaya Stn • artm.pref.hyogo.jp

Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art

Claude Monet s "Impression, Sunrise" was the artwork that first gave rise to the Impressionist movement and the term Impressionism.

The piece depicts the port of Le Havre, Monet s hometown in northern France. From this painting to his masterpieces in the Water Lilies series, this exhibition celebrates works that span the artist s life. Approximately 90 pieces are on display including a portrait of his family and satirical works drawn in his teen years.

Impression, Sunrise, which was once stolen in 1985 and found in 1990, is displayed only until March 21st. The Marmottan Monet Museum in Paris is where Monet bequeathed many of his remaining works, and is from where his works are on loan.

Until May 8 • Monet exhibition from the collection of the Marmottan Monet Museum • OPEN: 9am–5pm (last entry 4:30pm) • CLOSED: Mon (Open Mar 21) • ADMISSION: ¥1,600 • ACCESS: Okazaki koen bijyutsukan, Heian Jingu mae bus stop from JR Kyoto Stn • www.ytv.co.jp/monet/

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Form161From25, 2016, porcelain, 21 x 42 x 30cm, Photo:中村光孝

FORM FROM TEZUKAYAMA GALLERY Porcelain artist Tomoko Sakumoto was born in Okayama Prefecture in 1978. She studied pottery and teaches ceramics at the University of Okayama, while also creating her iconic, three-dimensional porcelain works. Using a plaster mold for each color and then stacking each casting, Sakumoto creates eyecatching, modern, striped sculptures. Her pottery puts a unique and beautifully artistic twist on practical objects. TEZUKAYAMA GALLERY has expanded with a new space next-door to the existing space, which will also be open during Sakumoto s exhibition.

The new space will exhibit a collection of works by the gallery s represented artists.

Until Apr 30 • Porcelain display • OPEN: 12pm–7pm • CLOSED: Sat, Sun, and Holidays • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Namba Stn • tezukayama-g.com

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

Norio Imai Retrospective – TIME IN SQUARE ARTCOURT Gallery •  Until Aprl 23 Producing a steady flow of performances, installations, and image-media works with increasingly developed layers of imagery, Norio Imai has attempted to visualize time in his project, TIME IN SQUARE, which he has been working on for more than 30 years.

In the public performance to be carried out on the opening day of the exhibition, Imai will wind videotape around human-sized foliage trees arranged in a four-byfour-meter square.

OPEN: 11am–7pm Tue–Fri; 11am–5pm Sat • CLOSED: Sun, Mon & Holidays • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Sakuranomiya Stn • artcourtgallery.com

The Beauty of Chinese Celadon THE MUSEUM OF ORIENTAL CERAMICS, OSAKA •  Until Apr 17 During the Tang Dynasty (618– 907) in China, celadon was made for the imperial court. During this period, porcelain wares with blue glaze, multi-colored glaze, and blended glazes emerged. The technique was brought to Japan and trading expanded. Approximately 20 works have been selected for this show.

OPEN: 9:30am–5pm (last entry 4:30pm) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥500 • ACCESS: Keihan Naniwabashi Stn • www. moco.or.jp

The Art of Zen: From Mind to Form

Leaps in Evolution – Tracing the Path of Vertebrate Evolution Osaka Museum of Natural History •  Until Jun 19

KYOTO NATIONAL MUSEUM

Life has evolved through an intricate series of species formation and extinction events for about four billion years and has reached the tremendous diversity of life forms we see today. This long and continuous process is evidenced in the fossil record. Fossils are time capsules for tracing the evolutionary history of life. This exhibition presents extraordinary collections of invaluable fossils that represent each phase of Leaps in Evolution.

OPEN: 9:30am–5pm (last entry 4:30pm) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥1,300 • ACCESS: Subway Nagai Stn • seimei-ten.jp

Kyoto Renoir Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art •  Until Jun 5 This is an exhibition bringing together Renoir s attractive female images from around the world. Renoir was a celebrator of beauty, and especially feminine sensuality. He was especially known for painting women and children. The paintings are notable for their vibrant light and saturated color, most often focusing on people in intimate and candid compositions.

OPEN: 9am–5pm (last entry 4:30pm) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION ¥1,500 • ACCESS: Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan Heian Jingu-mae bus stop from JR Kyoto Stn • www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp

Tale of Genji Illustrated Scrolls

Jisso-in Temple

FUJITA MUSEUM •  Until Jun 12

THE MUSEUM OF KYOTO •  Until April 17

Hanging scrolls, picture scrolls, incense holders, dishes and other art-and-craft items handed down since ancient times depicting the classic world of Genji Monogatari, as well as works of shadowy black-and-white scenes and tales told in shiny maki-e (Japanese lacquer sprinkled with gold or silver powder).

Jisson-in Temple is a monzeki temple, which is a special term for temples that have strong connections with families of imperial or high rank (court officers, samurai feudal lord families). At this exhibition, historical documents and sculptures from the temple are on display for public viewing, as well as beautiful fusuma (sliding panel) paintings.

OPEN: 10am–4:30pm (last entry 4pm) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥800 • ACCESS: JR Osaka-jo Kitazume Stn • fujitamuseum.or.jp

OPEN: 10am–6pm (last entry 5:30pm)

• CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥1,100 •

Form is nothing but emptiness, emptiness is nothing but form. This is one of the most pertinent lines in the fundamental Buddhist scripture, the Heart Sutra.

Zen is one of the words most commonly associated with Japan, but it actually originated in India in the late 400s, and was then taken to China where it was called Chan. Finally, it was brought to Japan during the Kamakura period (1185–1333). Since the 20th century, the popularity of Zen has spread to North America, Europe, and beyond.

Huike Offering His Arm to Bodhidharma. By Sesshū (1420–1506?). National Treasure. Japan, Muromachi period, dated 1496. Hanging scroll; ink and light color on paper. Sainen-ji Temple, Aichi.

Osaka

Art

Two branches of Zen in Japan, Rinzai and Obaku, trace their lineages back to the Chinese Chan priest Linji Yixuan. 2016 marks the 1150th anniversary of Linji s death. It is also a year of grand rituals honoring the 250th memorial of the death of Hakuin Ekaku (1685–1768), the Japanese Rinzai Zen priest who revived the sect in the mid-Edo period. This exhibition commemorates these two milestones displaying visual works that represent the spirit of Zen. The Art of ZEN • Apr 12 - May22 • OPEN: 9:30am–6pm (Last entry 5:30pm) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥1,500 • ACCESS: Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop from JR Kyoto Stn • kyohaku.go.jp

ACCESS: Karasuma-Oike Stn • bunpaku.

or.jp

Nara History and Art of Todaiji Todaiji Museum This exhibition opened five years ago and exhibits a 3.62-meter-

tall standing statue of the Fuku Kensaku Kannon, the 1,000-armed Buddhist goddess of mercy – a national treasure. It is flanked by standing statues of Nikko Bosatsu (Suryaprabha) and Gakko Bosatsu (Chandraprabha), both national treasures and each 2.06 meters tall.

OPEN: 9:30am–5:30 daily (last entry 4:30pm) • ADMISSION: ¥800 • ACCESS: Kintetsu Nara Stn • culturecenter.todaiji. or.jp

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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The T-shirt Design Competition 2016 CALL FOR ENTRIES

Love Kansai? Want to share the love on a t-shirt? Get sketching and enter Kansai Scene s 2016 T-shirt design competition.

Sponsored by Sweatshop Union T-shirt print shop, Osaka.

2014 winning entry

by Reuben Peña

The theme: Kansai

The rules

Ultimately we are looking for designs that people would actually want to wear. Typography, illustration, graphic design - it s up to you.

• Design must include the Kansai Scene logo

The prizes One lucky winner receives 10 printed T-shirts of their design, and will have their work featured in Kansai Scene - the magazine and online. Not to mention the glory of seeing your T-shirts being worn around town!

• You must use our special template (download from website) • The design must be digital artwork (preferably vector) • Use no more than 3 flat colors • T-shirt color itself can be any color you choose • Max 3 entries per person • All entries will be posted to our Facebook page and readers invited to vote for their favorites.

• A winner will be chosen by Kansai Scene and announced in the June edition of the magazine.

How to enter Download the entry form at kansaiscene.com/t-shirt-competition/ and send your entries to competition@kansaiscene.com no later than May 20, 2016.

>

kansaiscene.com/t-shirt-competition

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

Live Music

Sarah Maeda

APR

14

Apr 14

Born in the city of Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japanese jazz-funk saxophonist, Sarah Maeda, took up the saxophone in her teens. After moving to Tokyo at the age of 16, she started to play saxophone at churches, on the streets, and at music venues. Forming her own band at the age of 19, she then visited the U.S. where she met the musician, Ron Brown (famous for playing for the Duke Ellington Orchestra as well as bands of other great artists such as Stevie Wonder), and ending up taking saxophone lessons from him.

In a recent interview, French jazzman, Dominique Fillon, said of Maeda, In September 2015 I did a series of concerts at the French Institute of Tokyo. A young Japanese saxophonist, Sarah Maeda, was invited to join our trio. If Sarah hadn t known how to improvise, I wouldn t have invited her. We did a jazz concert full of improvisation!

Japanese saxophonist debut-album-release tour • Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Apr 14 • jazz funk • 7:30pm/9pm • ¥4,000/¥4,300 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Rock and Pop Brent Backer Apr 1 Canadian singer and guitarist The Little Clover, Osaka • Pop-rock • 9pm • ¥TBA • Tel : 06-6563-9750

BUMP OF CHICKEN Apr 9–10 Japanese alternative-rock band Kyocera Dome, Osaka • Rock • 5pm • ¥8,640 • TEL: 06-6882-1224

Marker Starling Apr 13

U.S. rock supergroup featuring Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan, and Richie Kotzen Zepp, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥8,500 • TEL: 06-6341-4506

The Mirraz Apr 15 Japanese rock four-piece band Janus, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,500 • TEL: 06-6882-1224

Protest The Hero Apr 15

Limahl

Canadian progressive-rock band Sun Hall, Osaka • Rock • 5pm • ¥7,000 • TEL: 06-6213-7077

Canadian singer-songwriterpianist

Plastic Tree

UrBANGUILD, Kyoto • Singer-songwriter • 7:30pm • ¥2,000/¥3,500 • TEL: 075212-1125

Apr 16

The Winery Dogs

Big Cat, Osaka • Rock • 6pm • ¥5,500/¥6,000 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Apr 15

The Golden Wet Fingers

Japanese visual-kei rock band formed 1993

Umeda Akaso, Osaka • Pop rock • 7:30pm • ¥5,100 • TEL: 03-3475-9999

Apr 19 80 s pop vocalist from the band Kajagoogoo

Nightwish Apr 21

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Pop • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥9,800/¥10,800 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Symphonic-metal band from Finland

Against The Current

Big Cat, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • ¥8,500 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Apr 19 New U.S. pop-rock trio

The Golden Wet Fingers Apr 21

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Live Music

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

MAY

11 Against The Current Apr 19

Dizzy Mizz Lizzy May 11

Starting out in 1988, Danish alternative-rock band Dizzy Mizz Lizzy has enjoyed a good following of Japanese fans over the years. Spearheading the early- 90s, Danish-rock revival, the trio of Tim Christensen (vocals and guitar), Martin Nielsen (bass), and Søren Friis (drums) were originally active until 1998 when they disbanded. Christensen later described the band as, a mild version of what took place in Seattle with a delay of two years.

Coming back together in 2010 to tour Denmark and Japan, Dizzy went their separate ways once more, only to return to base yet again last year for more live shows. Last year also saw the release of the band s first single in 19 years, I Would if I Could But I Can’t. This month the band put out their third studio album, Forward In Reverse.

Danish alternative rock band formed 1988 • Namba Hatch, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥8,500/¥10,000 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

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Chrissy Costanza, Dan Gow, and Will Ferri make up the new U.S. pop-rock band Against The Current. The group has confirmed their highlyanticipated debut album, In Our Bones, will be out on May 20. In a recent online Q&A, vocalist Costanza said, Ask me how emotional I am over the album. It s all I can listen to and I cry by the end of every song. I m so proud.

The young trio from New York released the EP Infinity in 2014, followed by another EP Gravity. The band s new single, Running From The Wild Things (from the album In Our Bones), is a catchy, upbeat, foottapping pop-rock tune with hints of Euro-pop keyboards.

If the energy portrayed in the accompanying video is anything to go by then they will certainly put on a gutsy and energetic live show.

New U.S. pop-rock trio • Umeda Akaso, Osaka • Pop rock • 7:30pm • ¥5,100 • TEL: 03-34759999

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Protest the Hero May 15 The band s website info page begins the with describing themselves as carving, an identity for themselves that is so revolutionary within heavy music that to call them unique would be like calling Louis C.K. pretty funny or the classic Star Trek television series influential sci-fi. The band effortlessly balances high-minded artistry with wit and whimsy, substantive viewpoints with wanton tomfoolery, and masterful musicianship with true songcraft. On just that information, one would be left both intrigued and puzzled as what to expect from Protest The Hero. A progressive-metal group from Canada, the new album, Volition, is now out, and according to the band, the first song they wrote for the album Tilting Against Windmills is, an all-around assault .

Canadian progressive metal band • Sun Hall, Osaka • Rock • 5pm • ¥7,000 • TEL: 06-6213-7077

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI / New album, Chaos Survive Invader, release tour

Namba Hatch, Osaka • Rock • 7:30pm • ¥6,264 • TEL: 06-6882-1224

Taku Taku, Kyoto • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,500 • TEL: 07-5351-1321

Squeeze

Deradoorian Apr 22

Apr 27 English pop-rock five piece

Experimental-rock singer-songwriter-musician from California

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Poprock • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥7,900/¥8,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Conpass, Osaka • Exp. Rock • 7:30pm • ¥5,500 • TEL: 06-6243-1666

Kamijo

Kyosuke Himuro Apr 23 & 24 Japanese singer-songwriter and guitarist

Apr 30 Japanese visual-kei rock vocalist Muse, Osaka • Rock • 5:30pm • ¥5,400/¥5,900 • TEL: 06-6245-5389

Kyocera Dome, Osaka • Rock • 23rd-6pm/24th-5pm • ¥9,800 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Arai Akino

Wagakki Band

30th-anniversary tour

Apr 24

May 1

Taku Taku, Kyoto • Singer-songwriter • 5pm • ¥5,500/¥6,000 • TEL: 07-5351-1321

Japanese band mixing wagakki and western rock

Scandal

Zepp, Osaka • Rock • 6pm • ¥5,500 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

May 1

Vistlip Apr 24 Japanese visual-kei rock band Muse, Kyoto • Rock • 5:30pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • TEL: 07-5223-0389

Japanese female rock group from Osaka Namba Hatch, Osaka • Pop-rock • 6pm • ¥4,860 • TEL: 06-6357-4400

flumpool May 5

Christopher Cross

Four-piece Japanese pop-rock band

Apr 25 & 26

Osaka Festival Hall, Osaka • Pop rock • 5:30pm • ¥6,500 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

U.S. AOR singer-songwriter and guitarist Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • AOR • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥9,800/¥10,800 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Tame Impala Apr 26 Australian rock band founded

by Kevin Parker Namba Hatch, Osaka • Rock • 7:30pm • ¥6,500/¥7,000 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Halsey May 6 U.S. electropop singer-songwriter Umeda Akaso, Osaka • Electropop • 7pm • ¥6,500 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Earl Slick & Bernard Fowler May 7

Dragon Ash

Performing Station to Station in a tribute to David Bowie

Apr 27

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Pop rock • 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥7,900/¥8,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Japanese hip-hop-rock band formed 1996

Live Music

Wondering what to do this weekend?

Check Kansaiscene.com for the latest what s on information

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Live Music

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI Dizzy Mizz Lizzy

Keiko Lee

May 11

Apr 19

Danish alternative-rock band formed 1988

Female jazz vocalist s 20thanniversary album release

Namba Hatch, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥8,500/¥10,000 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz • 7pm/9:30pm • ¥5,500/¥6,000 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Dirk Schneider May 11

Kumi Adachi Apr 25

Ex-Accept metal vocalist

INTERVIEW

Flook Originally formed in 1995, Flook is an Anglo-Irish band playing traditional-style instrumental music. KS spoke with tin whistle and flute player Brian Finnegan about the band s music, and their first trip to Kansai.

Flook disbanded in 2008 only to return due to popular demand in 2013. Is Flook now a permanent thing for all the band members?

We are enjoying playing music together again. I think that was the main factor in us re-grouping. We played a concert or two and it just felt right; so, as long as it continues to feel that way then we ll follow our hearts and we might even make a new record one of these days!

Some great things have been said about the band in the press in past years. How would you describe the music and sound of Flook?

We write instrumental music inspired by life and we bring it alive, exploring the rough outer edges of it. Some people hear a strong flavor of Irish music in it, some jazz or world, but we don t write or source our tunes because they are of any particular genre.

The sound of Flook is the sound of the four individual voices in conversation with each other there s a lovely Zen-like state of being when music flows like that, and the rational mind gives up thinking about what style of music it is.

Japanese traditional and folk music has a strong following. How has the audience responded in the past to the Celtic-influenced traditional and folk music of Flook?

This will be Flook s third visit to Japan and we can t wait to come back! We found that when we visited for the second time, there was definitely a devotion developing to our music from people buying the records and the word spreading. Because we play traditional dance music, there are no language barriers, instrumental music has the power to sweep you up in the pure uplifting joy of it and we find that Japanese audiences embrace that spirit in our music.

Anglo-Irish instrumental band • Taku Taku, Kyoto • May 12 • Traditional • 7pm • ¥6,500 • TEL: 07-5351-1321

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Club Quattro, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • ¥8,000 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

Mystery Jets May 12 English indie-rock band formed 2004 Soma, Osaka • Indie • TIME: TBA • ¥TBA • TEL: 06-6212-2253

Rei Yasuda (Rachel Rhodes) May 14

Japanese fusion guitarist with band Club Pangea Chicken George, Kobe • Fusion • 7:30pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • TEL: 066258-5008

Juju Apr 26-27 Japanese jazz and R&B vocalist Osaka Festival Hall, Osaka • Jazz/R&B • 6:30pm • ¥7,900 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

Kayoko Nishizaki May 6

Japanese-American pop vocalist Umeda Akaso, Osaka • Pop • 6pm • ¥4,000 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

The Muggles

Japanese jazz trumpeter Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz • 7:30pm/9:15pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Every Fri & Sat Mellow ballads, classic rock, and dynamic rock and roll from Osaka-based jamming band Woodstock Café, Ashiya • Rock & Group Sounds • Entrance free, ¥2,000 for 2 drinks+snack • Tel: 07-9734-1044

Jazz & Blues Sarah Maeda

Classical Il Divo Apr 18 Multinational classical-crossover vocal group Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka • Classical vocal • 7pm • ¥11,000/¥14,000 • TEL: 066341-4506

Apr 14 First album, From My Soul, release tour Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz funk • 7:30pm/9pm • ¥4,000/¥4,300 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

World Flook May 12 Anglo-Irish instrumental band

Halie Loren Apr 18 American Jazz singer-songwriter Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Jazz • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥5,900/¥6,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Taku Taku, Kyoto • Traditional • 7pm • ¥6,500 • TEL: 07-5351-1321

Club

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

New Venue (formally known as Joule)

APR

22

April 22 (Fri)

One of the oldest clubs in Osaka, Joule, closed its doors in February, but returns this month on a bigger scale. The Grammy-nominated artist and Toolroom Records boss, Mark Knight, will come and celebrate its reopening. He is one of the most successful DJs and producers on the planet, responsible for some of the biggest dance tracks of the last decade including Man With The Red Face, Your Love, and Alright, and he has not left the pages of DJ Mag s top-100 poll since his first appearance in 2006. In 2003, he started Toolroom Records, which quickly became one of the biggest independent dance-music record labels in the world, and the best-selling label on Beatport. He launched his own club nights, Toolroom Knights, and is now headlining the Toolroom residencies at Space Ibiza, Ministry Of Sound London, Cocoon Frankfurt, and Club Space Miami, as well as hosting Toolroom arenas at major festivals such as SW4, Global Gathering, and Dance Valley. It

April 1 (Fri) Circus Lapalux Japan Tour 2016 Osaka (Electro/Beats) • Acts: Lapalux, Parkgolf, Sou, Paperkraft, Yuuna, 846 • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Gypsy Synapse presents Takaaki Itoh x S.O.W Laser (Techno) • DJs: Takaaki Itoh, Qritomato, Naotoshi Wada, Harry • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 07-5212-3223 • gypsy-kyoto.com

Metro Treks #20 Pedro Aguiar Japan Tour 2016 (Techno) • DJs: Pedro Aguiar, Mamezuka, Masato.M, Dsk • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

18

Mark Knight

is very rare to catch him in Osaka so do not miss this chance. Unfortunately the club cannot reveal its new name or the details due to the notorious cabaret law, a.k.a. fuzoku ho, so please check the promoter s website for further information.

Mark Knight – Exclusive to Osaka – supported by Himlen (Techno/ House) • DJS: Mark Knight, Mika Kitten, Nao Okada, Koichi Sato + more • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • facebook. com/himlen.osaka

Socore Factory

Socore Factory

Ammollo (Techno/House) • Live: CazU-23, Dantefone, Yuparupa Mon • DJs: Kazuma, Gyoku, Gasiram • Open: 11pm Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

Void (Techno/House) • DJs: Nobu, Ooshima Shigeru, OQ • Open: 11:59pm Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

Vanity EDM Tribe vol.3 Road to WMF (EDM) • DJs: Rivero, Naoto, Ray, Ryouheeei, Notorious + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥3,000/1D; Ladies Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6212-3333 • vanityosaka.com

2 (Sat) Circus Somethinn Vo.14 - RP Boo Japan Tour 2016 (House) • DJs: RP Boo, Eye, Yosuke Yukimatsu, Fulltono, Keita Kawakami, Momo • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Triangle The Age Of Love 7th Anniversary Party meets Evigt Morker (Techno/House/Drum‘n’Bass) • DJs: Evigt Morer, Saimura, Kihira Naoki, Ryuji Takeuchi, Hide, Piper, Saki + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel:06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka.net

Troopcafe Tresvibes (Techno/House) • DJs: Tresvibes Soundsystem (Satoshi Otsuki, Pi-ge, Kikiorix), Soichi, Ebo • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (Mail Reservation ¥2,000/1D); Foreigners ¥1,500/1D • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-83213130 • troopcafe.jp

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

3 (Sun) Circus Drawing feat. Stev (Electronic) • Acts: Stev, Kafuka, Mitsuyas, Matsuitakashi, U-z • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,000 (ADV: ¥1,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

5 (Tue) Socore Factory Ende (Techno/House) • DJs: Ageishi, Akihiro, Tetsuo, G n B, Fumi • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

8 (Fri) Circus Nightbirds presents State of Mind (Drum‘n’Bass) • DJs: State of Mind, Masashi, Rasty, Big Ted, Lowrise, Keshigomu • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi •

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI / Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Move Tha Blue HerbTha Boss “In The Name Of Hiphop” Release Tour (Hip Hop/R&B/Jazz/Funk) • Live: Tha Blue Herb, Buppon, Yuksta Ill, Nagan Server, Hybrid Brothers + more • DJs: K-Suke, Yakkin , Noa + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV ¥3,500/1D; WF ¥4,000/1D) • Where: Shiga • Tel: 07-7523-3870 • club-move.com

9 (Sat) Circus Gagle Live (Hip Hop) • Live: Gagle, Punch&Mighty • DJs: CM Smooth, Satoci • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Jaai On Os Im (Trance) • DJs: Fly, Masisi, Noriko Namba, Sai, Stick, Tsuko, Yuki, Shiva • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • iflyer.tv/ja/Bar-JAAI

Singh’s Kitchen One Night Premium Session – Mike Koglin vs Energy Dai (Trance/Techno) • DJs: Mike Koglin, Energy Dai, Mika Kitten, DK-Baseline, AwaChan, Aki Palladium • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Nipponbashi • Tel: 06-6632-4433 • singhkitchen.com

Troopcafe Realie – Tha Blue Herb (Hip Hop) • Live: Tha Blue Herb, SharLee x Prof.Chinnen, Hi-King aka Takase, Jazzy Blaze, Tech Nine, Light2 • DJs: Architect, Yoshi aka Vinyl Cat, Inga + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,500 (ADV ¥3,000) •

Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

10 (Sun)

Mistakes, Keita Kawakami, Mightwhales, Murakawa Koichiro • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Gypsy

Circus

Psymanism (Trance/Techno) • Live: Sun69, Takumei aka T.K.O, Anahiko • DJs: Yuya, Hisa, Vurck, Cakra + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 07-5212-3223 • gypsykyoto.com

Circus presents Sauce81 (Jazz/ Funk) • Live: Sauce81, Toyomu • DJs: Questa, Shinya • Open: 9:30pm • Admission: ¥1,500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Vanity Fatman Scoop (Dance) • DJs: Fatman Scoop + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,000/1D; Ladies Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6212-3333 • vanityosaka.com

15 (Fri) Circus Mace “Purple” Release Tour Osaka (Electro/House) • DJs: Mace, Jaxx Da Fishworks, Fanky Kow, High Velocity, Kenzoom, Monna Lisa, Takekiyo Ishimoto • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Singh’s Kitchen Feint Japan Tour in Osaka (Drum‘n’Bass/Dubstep/House/ Techno) • DJs: Feint, The Game Shop, Yanmah, Hmen, Boakilick, Molly + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Nipponbashi • Tel: 06-6632-4433 • singh-kitchen.com

16 (Sat) Circus

17 (Sun)

Club

Metro Do it Jazz! meets Kyotographie 2016 Kick Off Party (Jazz) • DJs: Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Massive), Yukari BB, Masaki Tamura, Kazuhiro Inoue, Eiki, Naoki Yoda • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Socore Factory Next Level (Techno/House) • DJs: Yasu, Kohei, Fumi, Akirha • Open: 11pm Admission: ¥2,000/1D (WF: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

Circus

Troopcafe

DJ Ageishi presents YY Sunday feat. Cantoma (House/Chill) • DJs: Cantoma aka Phil Mison, Ageishi, Akihiro, Tetsuo • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

John Osborn – Japan Tour in Kobe (Techno/Electronic) • DJs: John Osborn + rmore • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (Mail Reservation ¥2,000/1D); Foreigners ¥1,500/1D • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

22 (Fri)

28 (Thu)

Circus

Circus

Laurent Garnier x Ben UFO (House/Techno) • DJs: Laurent Garnier, Ben UFO + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,800 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Tha Blue Herb Live (Hip Hop/ House) • Live: Tha Blue Herb, Nagan Server x DJ Yasa • DJs: Ageishi, Okadada, Fulltono • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,500 (ADV ¥3,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

23 (Sat) Exodus 1 Mo’Gigs! (Dance) • Live: Based On Kyoto, Aquatukik Chikinika, Kuchikuchi • DJs: ALtz, Enitokwa, Kooh, Ground, Tossy, Unity + more • Open: TBA • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • exodus728.com

Metro Rub A Dub 30th Anniversary – Chapt.2 – (Raggae) • Acts: Ryo the Skywalker, PJ, Monkey Ken, Rockers Train, Sound Platinum + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV ¥2,500/1D) • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Photay Japan Tour in Osaka (Electronic) • DJs: Photay, Magical

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Cinema

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

Osaka Toho Cinemas Umeda Now showing: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Danish Girl, The Good Dinosaur, Inside Men (KOR), The Big Short, The Martian, The Finest Hours, Point Break, Carol, Star Wars: The Force Awakens • From Apr 8: Room • From Apr 15: Spotlight • From Apr 23: The 5th Wave, Zootopia • From Apr 29: The Sea of Trees Tel: 06-6316-1312 • tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st & 14th of the month ¥1,100; every day after 8pm ¥1,300

Umeda Burg7 Now showing: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Good Dinosaur, The Big Short, Point Break, The Martian, Star Wars: The Force Awakens • From Apr 9: Absolutely Anything • From Apr 16: Youth • From Apr 22: The Revenant • From Apr 23: Zootopia • From Apr 29: Captain America: Civil War Tel: 06-4795-7602 • burg7.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the month ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Cine Libre Umeda Now showing: Who the F**K Is Arthur Fogel?, Magical Girl (SP), Ricki and the Flash, Marguerite (FR), The Wrecking Crew, Cathedrals of Culture, Ixcanul (FR), The Water Diviner, Maiko – Dancing Child, Strangerland, Saul Fia (HUN) • From Apr 9: Thomas and Friends: Sodor s Legend of the Lost Treasure • From Apr 16: Cop Car, Shane, When Animals Dream (DAN) • From Apr 23: Matterhorn (DUT), Love 3D (FR) • From Apr 30: Her er Harold (NOR) Tel: 06-6440-5930 • ttcg.jp/cinelibre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,000

Theatre Umeda Now showing: Iris, The Shell Collector, 5 Flights Up, Escobar: Paradise Lost, The Lobster, Love Is Strange • From Apr 9: Cemetery of Splendor (THA) • From Apr 16: 45 Years

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• From Apr 23: The Eichmann Show Tel: 06-6359-1080 • ttcg.jp/theatre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st of the month ¥1,000

Osaka Station City Cinema Now showing: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Mr. Holmes, The Good Dinosaur, The Big Short, Scusate se esisto! (ITA), Automata, The Big Short, The Hateful Eight, The Finest Hours, Love the Coopers, The Whole Truth • From Apr 9: Sicario • From Apr 22: The Revenant • From Apr 23: Zootopia, The 5th Wave, Captain America: Civil War • From Apr 129: The Sea of Trees Tel: 06-6346-3215 • osakastationcitycinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the month ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Toho Cinemas Namba Now showing: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Danish Girl, Mr. Holmes, The Good Dinosaur, Inside Men (KOR), The Big Short, The Finest Hours, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Martian, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel • From Apr 8: Room • From Apr 15: Spotlight • From Apr 22: The Revenant • From Apr 23: Zootopia, The 5th Wave • From Apr 29: The Sea of Trees Tel: 06-6633-1040 • tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st & 14th of the month ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Namba Parks Cinema Now showing: Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Danish Girl, The Good Dinosaur, Automata, The Big Short, The Hateful Eight, Point Break, The Martian • From Apr 9: Anything Absolutely, Sicario • From Apr 16: Youth • From Apr 22: The Revenant • From Apr 23: Zootopia, The Fifth Wave • From Apr 29: The Sea of Trees, Captain America: Civil War Tel: 06-6643-3215 • parkscinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm ¥1,300

Room

Cinem@rt Now showing: The Treacherous (GER), Escobar, Unbroken, Saul Fia (HUN) • From Apr 9: Banksy Does New York • From Apr 16: 45 Years Tel: 0662820815 • cinemart.co.jp/ theater/shinsaibashi • Discounts: Mon (men); Weds (women); 1st and 25th of the month ¥1,000

Kyoto Movix Kyoto Now showing: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Ricki and the Flash, The Whole Truth, The Danish Girl, The Good Dinosaur, Automata, Scusate se esisto!

(ITA), Iris, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Big Short, The Hateful Eight, The Finest Hours, Point Break, The Martian • From Apr 8: Room • From Apr 9: Sicario • From Apr 15: Spotlight • From Apr 22: The Revenant • From Apr 23: Zootopia, The 5th Wave • From Apr 29: The Sea of Trees, Captain America: Civil War Tel: 07-5254-3215 • smt-cinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st and 20th of the month ¥1,100; every day after 8pm ¥1,300

Kyoto Cinema Now showing: The Shell Collector, Unbroken, Art & Craft, What We Did on Our Holiday, 99 Homes, Saul Fia (HUN) • From Apr 9: Ulyana Lopatkina: A Russian Star, Mad Max • From Apr 23: The Eichmann Show • From Apr 30: Liza the Fox-Fairy (HUN), Le Japon l empereur et

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

l armee (FR), Kingsman: The Secret Service Tel: 07-5353-4723 • kyotocinema.jp • Discounts: Weds (women & men); 1st of the month ¥1,100

Toho Cinemas Nijo Now showing: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Danish Girl, Mr. Holmes, The Good Dinosaur, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Big Short, The Finest Hours, Point Break, Carol, The Martian, Star Wars: The Force Awakens • From Apr 8: Room • From Apr 15: Spotlight • From Apr 22: The Revenant • From Apr 23: Zootopia, The 5th Wave • From Apr 29: The Sea of Trees Tel: 07-5813-2410 • tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st & 14th of the month ¥1,100; every day after 8pm ¥1,300

Hyogo OS Cinema Mint Kobe Now showing: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Danish Girl, Steve Jobs, The Good Dinosaur, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Big Short, The Finest Hours, Point Break, The Martian, Star Wars: The Force Awakens • From Apr 8: Meet Miss Anxiety (KOR) • From Apr 15: Spotlight • From Apr 22: The Revenant • From Apr 23: Zootopia • From Apr 29: Captain America: Civil War, The Sea of Trees Tel: 07-8291-5330 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women); 1st and 16th of the month ¥1,100; every day after 8pm ¥1,300

Feature

Chasing Cherry Blossoms Six sakura spots to unroll your blue tarp in and sip sake til sundown.

Japan s cherry blossoms are as memorable as they are fleeting. The blossoming of the sakura trees unveils the country at its most exquisite, and here in Kansai we are lucky to be just a train ride away from some of the most magnificent viewing spots in the land. Below are six to get you started this spring.

Kyoto 1

Arashiyama

The running river, the sakura trees, and the mountain backdrop make Arashiyama a truly spectacular sakura experience. The riverside Nakanoshima Park boasts many cherry trees, as does the Togetsukyo Bridge at the foot of Arashiyama mountains. Daikakuji Temple, which has a large pond encircled by cherry trees, is the perfect spot for a hanami.

ACCESS: Hankyu Line, Arashiyama Stn, 10-min walk

• INFO: kyotoguide.com/ver2/thismonth/CherryBlossomes.html

2

Ninnaji

The temple Ninnaji is known for growing a type of late-blooming cherry tree known as the Omuro Cherry variety.

There are several hundred of these located on the temple grounds, and when the Omuro trees are in full bloom, you know that the most beautiful season in Kyoto will soon come to an end.

ACCESS: Keifuku Kitano Line, Omuro Ninnaji Stn • HOURS: 9am–5pm • ADMISSION: ¥500 • INFO: ninnaji.

or.jp/multilingual_info.html

Hyogo 3

Kinosaki Onsen

Enjoy both daytime and nighttime views of Kinosaki Onsen s cherry blossoms.

The beauty of this hot-spring town is enhanced at night, when these sakura trees are lit up, with the illuminated soft

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Osaka 5 Satsukiyama Park, Ikeda

Hasedera Temple, Sakurai

pink creating a snowflake effect. Cherry trees line the Otani River from Kiyamachi Road to just past the foot of Onsen Temple. The castle in Izushi Castle Town, located about 40 minutes from Kinosaki by train, is a great hanami spot.

ACCESS: JR Line, Kinosakionsen Stn • INFO:

visitkinosaki.com/explore/seasons/kinosaki-cherryblossoms

Nara 4

Sakurai

While Yoshino probably takes the top spot for cherry-blossom viewing in Nara, stunning sakura views can also be found at the lesser-known location of Sakurai.

Far into the countryside and rich with sakura trees, you can experience the scent of the cherry blossoms here in a way that is impossible near the bigger cities. The river that winds through the town has steps leading down to it at some points, making riverside picnicking easy.

ACCESS: Kintetsu Osaka Line, Sakurai Stn • INFO: www.

city.sakurai.nara.jp/english/sakurai01.html

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Extending up the side of Mount Satsuki, Satsukiyama Park has five hiking trails with magnificent views of the Osaka Plain. If you prefer to take a more laidback approach to sakura appreciation, the park also has a free botanical garden, and a petting zoo, that are open for most of the day.

ACCESS: Hankyu Takarazuka Line, Ikeda Stn, 10-min

walk • INFO: osaka-info.jp/en/facilities/cat7/post_259. html

Wakayama 6

Negoroji Temple

Negoroji Temple is large complex of Shingon Buddhist temples, which has around 7,000 cherry trees on the spacious 3,500,000㎡ grounds. The temple complex is surrounded by the sacred peaks of the Katsuragi Mountains which dominate the horizon at the northern end of the city of Iwade city.

Wandering around the grounds of the temple complex is free, but entrance to view the Daito pagoda is ¥500.

ACCESS: JR Wakayama Line, Iwade Stn, 20-min taxi

ride to Negoroji • INFO: 07-3662-1144

GREAT PLACES TO EAT /

Food & Drink

FOODSPOTTING

Looking for a bit of spice with a unique twist? Try one of these Japanese-curry hot spots.

Text & Images: Samuel Johnston

Vasco da Gama

Irish Curry

Soma

History recalls the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, who was the first European explorer to reach India by sea. However, in Takatsuki, Osaka, Vasco da Gama is a wellknown curry restaurant. At first glance, you might assume that this little gem of a place is part of a restaurant chain, though you d be mistaken. Upon entering, it is very clear that this is a unique space with a personal touch. Soft jazz hums in the background and various classical jazz albums pepper the walls. Expect a tight squeeze around the table counter which overlooks the open kitchen. The curry base has a sweet yet tangy taste, which is complimented with a mild bite, though most probably wouldn t claim it to be too spicy. The dishes here are known for being of the healthy variety, containing lots of fresh seasonal veggies.

Irish Curry could very well be a regular bar. Retro Guinness posters and memorabilia of other symbolic Irish brands are scattered throughout the place, creating that classic Irish-bar feeling. Two sturdy pumps have Guinness on tap and a multitude of Irish whiskeys are available for purchase. It definitely feels more like a pub than any usual curry haunt. The real surprise with this place though, is the actual curry itself, which is made using Guinness.

While it is not strange to find Guinness in some savory dishes, curry is definitely not a common one. This curry tastes very rich, sweet, and creamy. It is plenty spicy too, causing most diners to work up a bit of a sweat. As the staff will of course point out, the best remedy for this is to wash your meal down with a smooth, refreshing pint of Guinness.

Soma is the kind of place you d probably miss if you were just passing by on the street. Tucked away and out of sight, the small, wooden-framed storefront looks like anything but a typical curry restaurant. A scattering of plant pots and a sleeping cat on the doorstep might have you assuming it were just a regular house. The inviting aromas and line of customers at lunchtime, however, hint at something special within. It is hard to categorize the style of curry that is served here. It is not quite traditional Japanese, as it contains elements of Indian and even Middle Eastern influence. Each dish is absolutely brimming with flavor, as a combination of complex spices and herbs work their magic on your taste buds.

Soma is only open for lunch, so make sure you get there early if you wish to get a seat at this fantastic spot.

OPEN: Mon–Sat 11:30am–3pm (lunch); 5pm–9pm (dinner); Sun 11:30am–3pm (lunch only) • Price RANGE: ¥700–¥1,200 • ACCESS: JR Takatsuki Stn, 3-min walk • TEL: 07-2683-8558

OPEN: Lunch 11am–2:30pm; Dinner 5:30pm–10pm • CLOSED: Sun • Price RANGE: ¥800–¥1,500 • ACCESS: Nakatsu Subway Stn, 10-min walk • facebook.com/irishcurry2008

OPEN: 12 Noon until sold out • Price RANGE: ¥1000–¥1,500 • ACCESS: Nakatsu Subway Stn, 3-min walk • http://tabelog.com/en/osaka/ A2701/A270101/27065233

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Feature

The Colorful World of Kimono Color is Eternal – Inside the vanishing world of yuzen kimono with master textile artist Kihachi Tabata.

Text & Images: Matt Evans

B

eautiful, mysterious, and iconic: For many Japanese, the kimono is not just a fashion statement but a bridge to the past, with many passed down and re-cut from one generation to the next. As the hub of tradition and art in Japan, Kyoto remains the beating heart of kimono fabrics, with a myriad of styles and methods in use to this day. To learn more, I met Tabata Kihachi, one of the best known kimono dyers alive today, and a regular supplier to the local geisha community.

The fifth in a line of master craftsmen, Tabata took the name Kihachi as part of the legacy he inherited. His grandfather, the third Kihachi, was designated a Living National Treasure by the government. Despite this, he insists that his continuation of the family legacy was far from inevitable.

It s true I was the elder brother, but my father never said anything about it. When I graduated from high school there were several things I could have done, actually at that time I didn t much like Kyoto. My father was famous and we were a rich family. There was always a fuss whenever I went somewhere – Where are you going? When are you coming back? he said.

When he graduated high school, he had different ideas than his parents about what his next step would be. My parents wanted me to go to Kyoto University, but I wasn t impressed by the kind of education there. In the end I decided to go to Waseda, where I could study art practically, not as a scholar, he explained. It wasn t until he returned to Kyoto to complete his postgraduate that he chose to join the family tradition.

Originating in the Edo period, the yuzen style of dyeing kimono employs a rice-gluten resist, painstakingly applied to inked outlines to act as a barrier to the dye. This is the key to the highly intricate patterns that define the craft. As dye is applied, color emerges in a series of layers.

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It s like a romance, Tabata beams. When you first meet a woman, she might not be wearing much makeup, but if she likes you, then next time she might wear a bit more. She reveals herself this way, and then at the wedding her face is beautifully decorated.

Coloring can be done by hand (tegaki yuzen) or in sets through special stencils made of paper washed in persimmon-juice (kata yuzen). After the dye is applied, the fabric is steamed, washed and dried, and the color sealed in place with a second layer of gluten.

Color is eternal, he says flicking through a series of oversized scrapbooks that he calls the treasure of his family. The pages are lined with cuttings of silk in a beautiful array of hues and weaves.

Even though you might look at something and say this is red, it s ultimately something relative to the person. That s why it s important not to be abstract but to have the specific color.

As for the colors Tabata likes the best: Indigo is especially versatile. It s the most natural color – the color of the sky and ocean – and it matches anyone.

Like many Japanese master craftsmen, Tabata can be a bit reticent about what makes his own work unique. When I ask how a collector or other expert might recognize his work, he waves a hand dismissively. Oh, just the appearance – you ll see my work from the appearance of the whole, not a specific thing, adding that until his father s generation, the Tabata name was well known for a palette of five colors, particularly green and vermillion, but that he himself chose not to continue this tradition.

With kimono tending to hide the natural contours of the body, the seduction is in the details.

Look at the inner lining of the sleeve, he says gesturing to a beautifully patterned white-and-indigo kimono, which took a full year to complete.

Everything is hidden – even showing the legs is

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

taboo ... But allowing a glimpse of more vivid color inside the sleeve – this kind of detail used to be very fashionable – and expensive.

Tabata describes himself as more helper than master, someone whose job is to help women blossom and find beauty in themselves. When I see a beautiful woman wearing my kimono, I think, I did it, baby!

I have to try to understand women – but who can do that?

Can you? he chuckles.

As for keeping up to date with fashion trends, he said Sometimes I ll check the department stores and see what color lipstick women are wearing. I try to be half a step ahead of the customer.

He uses the expression shinra bansho to describe the source of his inspiration. Virtually untranslatable, it describes the limitlessness of phenomena.

Nature, personality... and when I change something it comes back to this feeling. Everything has to be studied more; shapes, colors – you have to put all of your soul into it.

Where sellers like Takashimaya used to boast of their kimono being 100% made in Japan, today the vast majority of silk is imported from China and Brazil, and only a handful of factories in Gunma and Yamagata prefectures continue to spin raw silk.

With the rise of machine-made fabrics, the number of yuzen artists has dwindled to a handful, and of these, fewer still have succeeded in passing on their craft to a successor.

It s really hard, explained Tabata, Hardly anyone can inherit my way of thinking – it s almost impossible. Just studying is not enough – it has to include everything. Even the simple basics of a person s life are so different – westernized – ways of sitting, working, eating... houses and apartments are different. But even young people have a sense of what we call kaiki genshou (returning to one s origins). The craft will continue somehow. KS

GEISHA GAZING April is by far the best month to catch a glimpse of real maiko (apprentice geisha) in traditional dress, with a busy schedule of festivals and public appearances. You might even see one of Tabata s creations! Prices vary by seating, usually with multiple performances throughout the day.

Miyako Odori – biggest and most spectacular performance by geisha of the Gion Kobu district, held daily in April.

Kyo-Odori – second-biggest

Kitano Odori – fine

dance, by the MiyagawaCho district, held daily from the first through to the third Sunday of April.

Location: Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater

Location: Miyagawa-cho Kaburen-jo Theater

performance in a more intimate setting by geisha from the Kamishichiken district, held daily from April 15–25

Access: 5-min walk from the Higashiyama Yasui stop on the City Bus line

Access: 5-min walk from Keihan Shijo Stn

Price: ¥2,000~¥4,500

Price: ¥2,000~¥4,500

Location: Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre Access: 4-min walk from Kitano Tenman-gu-mae stop on the City Bus line

Kamogawa Odori – also excellent, with geisha from the Pontocho area, held daily from May 1–24

Location: Ponto-cho Kaburenjo Theater Access: 5-min walk from Keihan Shijo Stn, or from the Kawaramachi Sanjo stop on City Bus line Price: ¥2,000~¥4,500

Price: ¥4,000~¥4,500

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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染織の芸術 「色彩は永遠」 と語る染織家の田畑喜八さんが、失われゆく京友禅の世界 をご案内 文と写真：マット・エヴァンス 翻訳：遠藤 建

美しく、神秘的で、象徴的。日本人 にとって着物はただのファッションでは なく、過去と現在をつなぐ橋のような存 在だ。先祖代々受け継がれる着物もあ れば、親世代の着物を別の用途に仕立 てなおすこともある。伝統工芸の中心 地である京都は、今でも着物の生産が 盛んであり、無数のスタイルや手法が受 け継がれている。この世界をより深く学 ぼうと、現代日本でもっとも著名な染織 家の一人である田畑喜八さんにお話をう かがった。田端さんは、地元の芸姑さ んたちの着物も数多く手がけている。 京友禅の名跡である田畑喜八の五代 目を襲名し、祖父の第三代田畑喜八は 日本政府より人間国宝の指定を受けた 名人。それでも当代の田畑喜八さんは、 家業の継承を強制されたことがなかっ たと明言する。

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「確かに私は長男ですが、父から家 業について言われたことはありません。 高校卒業後の進路はいくつか考えてい ました。実を言うと、当時は京都があま り好きじゃなかったんです。父は有名人 だし、名のある家だし、どこへ出かける のにも一悶着ありましたね。どこへ行く んだ、帰りは何時だって」 高校を卒業するときに、田畑さんは 親の思惑と異なる道を選ぶことにした。 「両親は京都大学に行かせたがって いましたが、京大で学ぶことに興味は なかった。結局は早稲田大学に行きま した。学者を目指すのではなく、そこで 実践的に美術を学ぼうと決めたんです」 そして大学生活を終えて京都に帰り、 田畑さんはようやく家業を継ぐ決心をし たのである。

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

江 戸 時 代 に起 源 がある友 禅 の 染 織 は、米のでんぷん質からなる防染剤で 繊細な輪郭線を布に描く。これが複雑 な模様を染め上げるのに不可欠な工程 で、重層的な色調を浮かび上がらせる 秘密なのである。 「男女の間のようなものですよ。最初 に会ったときには化粧気もなかった女 性が、相手に気があれば次に会うとき は少しおめかしをしてくる。女性はこう やって次第に自分の気持ちを明かしてい って、結婚式では本当に美しい化粧を 纏っているというわけです」 本格的な手描き友禅もあれば、柿渋 紙の型紙を用いる型友禅もある。色挿 しが終わると蒸して色を定着させ、友禅 流しで洗ってから乾燥させる。そしてさ らにその上から、第二の色彩が防染剤 とともに染め付けられていく。

Feature

家宝であるという何冊もの大きなス クラップブックをめくりながら、 「色とい うものは永遠です」と田畑さんは言う。 線が引かれた各ページには、さまざま な美しい色調の端切れが集められてい る。 「 色を見 た 人 が『 赤 』 と言っても、 色は見る人ごとにまったく違う。だから こそ抽象的な名前ではなく、それぞれ の色に固有の名を付ける必要があるん です」 好みの色を訊ねると、田畑さんはこ う答えた。 「万能なのは藍ですね。空や海の色 でもあり、誰にでも似合ういちばん自 然な色です」 日本の多くの職人がそうであるよう に、田畑さんも自分自身の作品を語る ときは謙虚だ。コレクターや他の染織 家が、一目で田畑喜八の作品だとわか るような特徴はどこかと訊ねると、手 を振りながら素っ気なく答えた。 「ただの見かけですよ。細かい要素 じゃなくて、全体的な色や形でわかる のでは。父の代までは、田畑喜八とい えば緑色や朱色などを含む五色が有名 だったのですが、私はその伝統を引き 継がないことにしたんです」

体型を隠す衣類もである着物は、そ の魅 力を秘 めやかな 細 部 に宿してい る。完成までに丸一年かかったという 白地に藍色の美しい文様を見せながら、 田畑さんは説明する。 「この袖の裏地を見てください。脚 を見せるのもタブーですから、こういう のはすべて隠された意匠です。でも袖 の内側に鮮やかな色がちらりと見える ようなデザインは、とてもお洒落で贅 沢なものだとみなされてきました」 表現者というよりは、脇役であると 自認する田畑さん。女性の内なる美し さを咲き誇らせるための手助けが、染 織家としての役割なのだという。 「私の着物を着た美しい女性を見た ときは、やった！と思いますよ。女性の ことをもっと理解するために努力しな ければ。でもそれが難しいんです。あ なたはできますか？」 そう言いながら田畑さんは笑った。 また田畑さんは、現代のファッショ ントレンドを研究する努力も怠っていな い。 「ときどきデパートに行って、女性が どんな色の口紅をつけているのかを確 認しています。お客様より半歩先を行け るように努めています」

インスピレーションの源泉を訊ねる と、それは森羅万象だという。この世 界にある無限の存在が染織の題材にな る。 「自然も、人柄も、すべてです。何 かを変えるときには、この気持に立ち 帰ってくるようにしています。形も、色も、 あらゆることをもっと学んで、全身全霊 で仕事に打ち込まなければなりません」 高島屋などで 100% 日本製を誇って いた着物も、今では絹の多くを中国や ブラジルからの輸入品に頼るようにな った。生糸の生産を続けているのは、 群馬県と山形県にあるいくつかの工場 のみ。機械織りの隆盛によって友禅の 染織家は激減し、その中でも次世代に 首尾よく伝統技法を継承できている者 はさらに少ない。 「本当に難しい問題です。私の考え 方を受け継いでくれる人はほぼ皆無で、 継 承 はほとんど 不 可能 かもし れませ ん。友禅はただ技術を学ぶだけでなく、 すべての要素が必要です。基本的な生 活様式も西洋化されて、大きく変わって しまいました。座り方、働き方、食べ方、 家やアパートなども昔とは違います。で も若い人に回帰現象のようなものを感 じることもありますよ。伝統は何とか受 け継がれていくでしょう」

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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MORE INFO Most of the temples close at 4pm or 4:30pm, so plan accordingly.

Most buses only accept the correct change, so either bring lots of spare change or buy the bus pass from the tourist information booth at Kyoto station.

If seeing all the Jusan Butsu is a priority, check availability for the Buddhas before visiting.

The routes take you near such attractions as Fushimi Inari from Shichijo station.

FEATURE

The Lesser-known Pilgrimage KS investigates the Jusan Butsu, a short but fascinating pilgrimage that winds through some of the best sights in Kyoto.

Text & Images: Matthew Coslett

K

yoto is renowned for being home to many of Japan s pilgrimage routes.

Some of the biggest pilgrimages attract hundreds of thousands of people and are covered in the newspapers. While the more famous trails are a once-in-a-lifetime experience because of the amount of time they take, many visitors overlook the smaller pilgrimages that can be done in just a day or two.

One of the best of these shorter pilgrimages is the Jusan Butsu (13 Buddhist Icons) course in Kyoto. The icons included are an assortment of statues dedicated to the most important figures in Buddhism. With only 13 temples, this shorter course doesn t have the scope of the longer pilgrimages, but it makes up for this by offering a

30

fascinating setting, some of the best natural sights in the area, and a chance to visit some local areas most visitors miss.

As well as all these attractions, this route can be a lot of fun for parents of elementary school children, as most pilgrims travel with an ornate book called a noukyouchou for collecting stamps from each temple. To receive one of these stamps, look for signs marked 納経 noukyou at the temples.

Simply hand in your book and the staff will stamp a page, draw calligraphy around the stamp to authenticate it, and insert it into the book. Thankfully, there is only a small charge for the service, usually around ¥300 per page and ¥1500 for the book itself.

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Feature If you are going to buy a noukyouchou as a souvenir, the books that you find at Touji and Kaikouji temple are the ones to get. These books have all 13 Buddhist icons on the cover and are filled with beautiful Japanese writing. For those on a tighter budget, there are reports on the Internet of staff at the temples taking pity on visitors and agreeing to stamp convenience-store notebooks, but don t count on it.

Once you have decided whether to buy the noukyouchou or not, your will then have to decide whether to undertake the pilgrimage in the official order, or to create your own route.

The official Japanese pilgrimage route starts at Chishakuin, then moves on to Seiryouji, Kaikouji, Daikoumyouji, Daizenji, Sennyuuji, Hyoudouji, Senbon Shakadou, Ninnaji, Houkongouin, Zuishinin, Touji, and Hourinji in that order.

If you use a search engine to research this route, the official order makes no logistic sense as it crisscrosses over Kyoto, often doubling back on itself.

Therefore, because of its closeness to Kyoto and special status, I decided to start at one of the final temples on the official route: Touji. This allowed me to pick up the noukyouchou, then cross the road and take the eastbound bus to Shichijou.

From this bus stop, Chishakuin, Sennyuuji, and Kaikouji are all within walking distance. After this, taking the JR train from Toufukuji to Hanazono puts you close to the majority of the remaining temples.

While you will inevitably spend some time on buses and trains, it is best to organize your trip so that you walk around as much as possible, as a lot of the routes take you through local areas that you would otherwise never visit. Winding your way through these minor streets offers you a great chance to find some quaint little bakeries and restaurants with local cuisine.

Of course, if all the walking sounds a little exhausting, another option is to rent a bicycle from one of the shops near to Kyoto station and pedal around.

One of the advantages of walking or cycling is having the chance to take in some of the natural charms of these areas too. The path that leads to both Kaikouji and Sennyuuji travels through a beautiful natural area with many other tiny temples tucked away. If you have plenty of time, spending some of it walking through the gardens at Seiryouji and Chishakuin is recommended. Depending on the season, the lotus blossoms and herons at Houkongouin, and the autumn colors at Senbon Shakado are also well worth taking time to enjoy.

As well as the natural setting, many of the temples are still active, so expect to see monks in colorful robes chanting their prayers as you walk around.

Because of this active religious community, a lot of unique items that would otherwise be in danger of being lost are maintained. The Jusan Butsu icons themselves are perfectly preserved, alongside other attractions such as the ancient wooden oshaka statue at Kaikouji which has been maintained in its original condition and the sliding doors at Chisakuin that date back to the 16th century.

If you want to join the pious and take part in some of the prayers yourself, the procedure is simple. First, you will need to put a donation in the donation box, then ring the gong three times, put your hands together, and say a prayer. After the prayer, a candle or incense stick can be offered to each of the Three Sacred Jewels of Buddhism : the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. These goods are sold at the small stores inside each temple.

Taking the Jusan Butsu pilgrimage is a great way to walk through some parts of Kyoto that most people don t visit, see some unique and exciting sights, and experience the religious sites that are so important for the Buddhist pilgrims. While most people will need a weekend to see all the icons as well as their fascinating settings, for those on a tighter schedule, visiting half these temples is a great way to spend a day. KS

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

31

Feature

Osaka’s Vintage Fashion Sense Travel deep into the labyrinthine back roads of Nakazakicho and you ll find there is plenty more than Prada in this city – lesser in price but richer in style.

Text & Images: Tom Speaker

S

trolling round the streets of Umeda and Shinsaibashi, Osaka s fashion hubs, typically triggers one of three complexes.

One is the inferiority complex: You might be humbled by believers in fads such as ‘gyaru’ and ‘lolita’ dressed in crinolines and ten-inch heels, sporting handbags too tiny for iPhones. A second is the neutrality complex: Everything is okay, anyone can wear what makes them happy, up to and including that one dude you saw with a mohawk literally made of trash.

The third and most obvious is the superiority complex: If our Uniqlo jeans and novelty t-shirts lack pizzazz, well, at least we re not wearing corsets.

Green Pepe

32

While they may bruise the eyes, there s little denying that Japan s fashion monsters have 10 times the ambition of the rest of us (if one-tenth the sensibility). A good fashion sense appeals to almost everyone, cynics included. But, even in a cosmopolitan metropolis, it can be difficult to find a decent outfit, as the better-known districts are overrun by sweatshop giants or smaller shops selling t-shirts strewn with non sequiturs.

What a relief, then, that fashion salvation can be found in Kansai – one only has to know where to look.

The first stop of anyone having a fashion crisis in Kansai should be Green Pepe, located in Nakazakicho, just east of Umeda. Established eight years

Orange

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

ago by Kagawa native, Megumi Ishihara, and her partner, Green Pepe was born out of a love for the pin-up girls of the 60s and 70s, thus most of the items are vintage used clothing designed for women.

But this should not dissuade other genders, as the store might be best viewed as a space to explore unseen patterns and refine one s aesthetic. The experience of walking through Green Pepe is comparable to that of entering a contemporary art exhibit, for the fabrics

Feature pop with designs that seem of a future age: a dress with black dots against a warm cyan, a navy blouse with periwinkle Roman scales, and many others so unexpected that they escape the realm of description. Unlike many vintage shops, most of green pepe s items are found in Japan – it might be this very exception that makes the shop such a marvel. It should be the gold standard of Kansai fashion.

Up the street and around the corner is Orange, a small vintage store which could be viewed as green pepe s humbler, yet equally stylish, younger sibling (it s also unisex!). Almost all of the items are American imports as the owner, Yuki Matsunaga, travels to Chicago two to three times a year to find used clothing at thrift franchises like Goodwill. Plaid is the main theme of Orange, which overflows with crisscrossing colors, green and red, blue and yellow-orange, and has had several items featured in Japanese fashion magazines.

Two other Nakazakicho shops of similar quality are Tad and

Petit Bonheur, both a bit south of Orange and catering mainly for women.

If you are of the mind that 60s fashion should have stayed in its own decade, but still want something forward-thinking, then venture into Hanane T-shirt Living, run by Hyogo native Tei Kobashi since 2004. If a Zen garden could be squished into a t-shirt, Hanane s clothing would be the result. Shirts of all colors become pictorial Buddhist ponds, home to frogs, lilies, squirrels and, yes, angry dragons, each meticulously hand-painted by Kobashi (custom orders are available). Some designs work better than others: One of a white fish swimming through a blue ocean of shirt is hard to fathom wearing past infancy. But the best shirts, such as one of a translucent jellyfish billowing in a black abyss, evoke a peculiar reverence. If nothing else, you ll out-weird the wannabe Kyary PamyuPamyus on Mido-suji. KS

Green Pepe

GREEN PEPE » » » »

Open: 12pm–7pm Closed: Tues Price range: ¥1,900–¥10,000 Access: Nakazakicho Subway Stn,

3-min walk » Website: www.greenpepe3104.

com

ORANGE » » » »

Open: 1pm–8pm Closed: Tues Price range: ¥3,000–¥10,000 Access: Nakazakicho Subway Stn,

4-min walk

HANANE T-SHIRT LIVING » » » »

Open: 11am–7pm Closed: Thurs Price range: ¥7,800–¥12,000.

Access: Nakazakicho Subway Stn,

7-min walk » Website: http://hananetee.jp

Vintage in Shinsaibashi...

For items at the bizarre end of the used-vintage universe is Fugs of Amemura. Started 14 years ago by musician Wataru Toyokawa, Fugs used clothing is also purchased in America, but the commonalities end there. Fugs is a textile freak show.

A list of items recently for sale at Fugs: 1. A jacket covered only in a world map, with elementary school colors – blue for every sea, then some hue of red, orange or purple for every nation 2. A belt with squares of Marilyn Monroe s sultry visage in a spectrum of saturated duo-tones

FUGS

3. A white shirt with a scramble of ladybugs, flowers, and vegetables sewn onto the shoulders

» Open: 12pm–8pm daily » Price range: ¥1000–

4. A shirt tiled with a sepia print from Gone with the Wind, featuring Clark Gable gazing lustily into Vivien Leigh s eyes

» Access: Namba Stn,

5. A mannequin sitting on a stool with its legs crossed, and no head or torso (not for sale, but it does exist)

» Website: fugs6969.

¥100,000 (seriously) 5-min walk blog45.fc2.com

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

33

TECH

/ COOL STUFF

Best Apps for the Classroom Make lessons both fun and engaging with these top educational apps.

Text: Dave Wingler • Images: KS

With the start of the Japanese school year upon us, teachers everywhere are revamping their lesson plans while thinking of ways to make their classes as engaging as possible. Students nowadays feel the pulse of technology more keenly than ever before, and what better way to pique their interest than with educational apps. Here are three that will grab their attention and nurture their passion for learning.

HeadsUP! » Cost: Free with in-

app purchases » What it Does: A

simple multi-player game with small groups or whole classrooms in mind, HeadsUP! is a guessing game that starts when the user picks a category and then puts their smartphone or tablet to their forehead, not allowing them to see their word. Other participants must describe this word by shouting clues until the person guesses it. With one-minute rounds, the goal is to get through as many words as possible before it is the next student s turn. » Why it’s great for the classroom: The big plus is its entertainment value.

Students will absorb their knowledge through genuine fun. Most card sets in the game can be difficult for nonnative speakers, but you can create decks based on personal curriculum via an inapp purchase. Consider also using the Just for Kids set to get your classroom full of students eagerly talking.

DEVELOPER: Warner Bros • PLATFORM: Android and

iOS • WEBSITE: ellentv.com/page/2013/04/23/heads-up

FluentU – Learn a Language with Videos

Futaba Classroom Games for Kids

» Cost: Free with inapp

» Cost: ¥840 » What it Does: Futaba

purchases » What it Does: A great

way to learn a foreign language is by watching commercials, cartoons, and even TV shows. By doing their best to match the subtitles to spoken word in each video, students gain invaluable listening and language-processing skills. FluentU makes use of this approach using real videos viewed by people in English-speaking countries. The app transforms each video into Englishlesson material by adding subtitles in both English and Japanese. » Why it’s great for the classroom:

As opposed to most apps featuring English lessons, FluentU goes one step further. It not only encourages a natural learning of the English language, but at the same time, it makes a foray into the culture and traditions of English-speaking countries. What s more, the app can be used to watch videos in Japanese with accompanying English translation so it can really help students improve their translation skills.

is an incredibly fun, iPad-only, matching game that can engage up to four children at a time. Students are given a choice of four answers, only one of which can be matched to a picture or description spinning on screen. The first student to pick the right word is given one point. The winner of three rounds is crowned champion. » Why it’s great for the classroom:

Futaba is more than a simple matching game. It s a great vocabreviewing app provides an avenue for discovering new words through a trial-and-error system. It supports language acquisition and plays on students innate desire to be competitive by allowing them to play against their classmates and strive to become the champ. The best part is that teachers can create their own content using pictures or text. A win/ win for everyone!

DEVELOPER: INKids Education LLC • PLATFORM: iOS • WEBSITE: inkidseducation.com

DEVELOPER: FluentU • PLATFORM: iOS • WEBSITE:

fluentu.com

David Wingler is an Apple Distinguished Educator and an applications developer, having created close to 20 apps for use in K-12 education environments. He is also a teacher at Osaka Kun-ei Girls’ Junior and Senior High.

34

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Language

/ JAPANESE LESSON

Chatter by the Cherry Tree

Ohanami (cherry-blossom picnic) season is now in full swing! TV and online flower forecasts are charting the progress of the sakura zensen (cherry-blossom front) as it gradually blooms its way up from Kyushu to Hokkaido over the course of the month, leaving a sea of blue tarps and a slew of sloshed salarymen in its petalspotted tracks.

But it s not just the salarymen out in the parks propped up against tree trunks – this time-honored Japanese custom is shared by families, students, friends, and foreigners alike. It can be a serious business too, with groups sending a member out to the hanami site early in the morning to basho tori (claim) a prime picnic possie.

Armed with tasty hanami bento (picnic lunchboxes) and endless supplies of ocha (tea), biru (beer) and nihon-shu (Japanese liquor), there s no better way to spend a spring day. Whoever you find yourself exchanging sake and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) with, allow your Japanese to blossom with these handy hanami phrases.

Useful Expressions English

Japanese

Romaji

Here s a good spot.

ここはいい場所です。

Koko wa ii basho desu.

I ve been here since 7am.

朝７時からきているよ。

Asa shichi-ji kara kiteiru yo.

Are we allowed to barbecue here?

ここでバーベキューをしても 大丈夫ですか？

Koko de barbekyu wo shitemo daijyobu desu ka?

Looks like the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

桜は満開みたいですね。

Sakura wa mankai mitai desu ne.

More sake please!

もっと酒をください。

Motto sake o kudasai.

Chug!

一気！

Ikki!

I m not a strong drinker.

お酒は弱いです。

Osake wa yowai desu.

Can I have a rice cake please?

お餅をください。

Omochi o kudasai.

Can you please pass me a paper plate?

紙皿を取ってくれる？

Kami-zara o totte kureru?

Here, have a rice ball.

おにぎりをどうぞ。

Onigiri wo dozo.

Wow! Did you make these yourself ?

すごい！自分で作ったの？

Sugoi! Jibun de tsukutta no?

This is delicious!

これはおいしいです。

Kore wa oishii desu!

Let s make sure we take all the trash with us.

ゴミは必ず持ち帰りましょう。

Gomi wa kanarazu mochi kaerimasho!

I think I m drunk.

よっぱらったみたいです。

Yopparatta mitai desu.

36

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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LOOKING FOR AN ART MODEL. Hi, I'm a male around40 sometimes drawing croquis .Looking for a lady to be a live model for my drawing. Both Japanese and foreigners are welcome. It is easy in a relaxing atomosphere, No experience needed. If you interested, pls feel free to mail. brownrabbits@hotmail.com Contact: brabbits <brownrabbits@hotmail. com> [2975-5897-2016-04-07] 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> [2680-5448-2016-04-17] J-GUY SEEKS SECRET FUN FRIEND. Nice kind warm j-guy seeks nice lady who like to share weekend secret adult fun together. any nation age OK,if you like to explore fun adult time.

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SMART INTNL F SOUGHT FOR DISCRETE HARMONY RELATION. Im med-natured, funny humor, savvy easygoing knowledgeable guy. Seeking sweet woman from Western cultural background to hang-out, enjoy nature, for LT Relationship. Some intelligence, openminded heart, social, sense of humor is preferred to get along better. No cheating. Not for money, sex or asobi Contact: nobel benzene <speak6up@yahoo. co.jp> [2557-104-2016-04-06] JSF IN 40S LOOKING FOR SERIOUS RELATIONSHIP. Well educated, humorous & independent JSF in 40s is looking for a serious & long-term relationship.

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M SEEKS M. Hallo, I want to find a nice friend . My hobbies are reading , writing, hiking and travelling . Write: redwood2016@yandex.com Contact: redwood2016 <redwood2016@yandex.com> [3091-5985-2016-04-25]

HUMOROUS TEACHER SEEKS F. Hallo, a relatively young college- teacher is looking for a nice girl- friend. I like painting, writing, travelling, cooking and singing. welle321@yahoo. de Contact: Harry Schulze <Harryschulze885@hotmail.com> [3089-1998-2016-04-25]

MATURE LADY FRIEND NEEDED. Open-minded, considerate, professional SJM looking for a nice lady for a mature relationship. I like traveling, arts, going out and enjoying my life. I'm hoping for a happy, romantic relationship based on real friendship and attraction. Respect and sincerity expected and assured. Contact: ruutli <900916mailbox@gmail. com> [3402-6193-2016-04-06] (25 Y/O M) FROM NEW YORK CITY- LOOKING FOR FRIENDS. Hello, I'm an American male who has recently moved from New York City to Osaka City. I'm looking for some friends here for language exchange and for hanging out. I'm currently studying Japanese but, my Japanese is not good yet. You can message me at >> cal35beanie@yahoo.co Contact: Redstarm31 <Cal35beanie@ yahoo.com> [3272-6101-2016-04-22] ENGLISH SPEAKER FRIEND. Kids aged from 3-12 in Yawata-shi and Uji want an English speaker friend. Native level speaker is needed. Keihan line is convenient to us. Contact us in detail. Contact: Narumi ES <narumienglishschool@gmail.com> [3393-57252016-04-01]

Announcements ASABA'S ASSIMILATION: KATSUMI ASABA EXHIBITION. January 15, 2016 - March 19, 2016 Venue:kyoto ddd gallery 10 Uzumasa Kamikeibu-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City 616-8533 Tel: 075-8711480 / fax: 075-871-1267 Opening hours: 11:00 - 19:00 (until 18:00 on Saturdays) Closed on Sundays and holidays. Admission free. No parking lot. Contact: kyoto ddd gallery <Kumamoto-K@mail.dnp. co.jp> Website: www.dnp.co.jp/

gallery/ddd_e/ [3277-6057-201604-17]

SPRING BRICK FESTIVAL. Kansai Lego User Group is holding Spring Brick festival Lego(R) event at Settsu Community Plaza 20-21 March 10am - 6pm Free to enter, many exciting fan built models, activities for kids to try. We are an official social group of Lego fans in the Kansai region. Next event June 4-5 in Kobe Contact: Aeturnus <klug@outlook.jp> Website: klug-jp.com [3426-1721-2016-04-22] NEW WINTER SERBIAN COOKING CLASS IN KYOTO. Why not Serbian Cooking Classes? Date and Time: February 28 (Sunday) p.m. 13 to 17 Kyoto. Menu: The main dish, salad, dessert, bread.

You stomach will be very full with delicious food.20-persons maximum! Contact: KaoKakao <kao_kakao@hotmail.com> [3282-1402-2016-04-17]

OSAKA BOOK GROUP'S APRIL MEETING. "Where'd You Go, Bernadette" by Maria Semple will be discussed at Umeda s Willer Express Cafe on April 24, starting at 1pm. Contact: Masanaka <akanasam@yahoo.co.jp> Website: www.facebook.com/groups/OsakaBookGroup/ [3403-337-2016-04-06]

Other HYPNOSIS NEWS WITH PROFESSOR JAY TEE. Can YOU be hypnotized? Video meet online. Ask questions and find out anything you want about hypnosis. Worldfamous hypnotist guests drop in.

Hosted by Prof. Jay Tee, the "21st Century Hypnotist" living right here in Kobe... Schedule varies-see website for latest! Contact: Professor Jay Tee <superunconscious@ gmail.com> Website: blab.im/SuperUnconsc [3424-2045-2016-04-15] MODELING. we like to help you to get into modelling or being an extra for photo+TV+fashion+events... call: 06-6532-7117 or 090-6666-9415 or mail to: info@fum-intl.com Contact: FUM <info@fum-intl.com> [2205-1911-2016-04-24]

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Getting Around

/ MAPS & INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

The Kansai area covers the prefectures of Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Wakayama, Nara, Mie, and Shiga.

There is so much to explore, so you ll need to prioritize your time wisely. Its main travel hubs are Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, all of which are well connected by high-speed rail networks, including the shinkansen (bullet train).

On regular trains, you can travel between Osaka and Kyoto in about 45 mins, and between Kobe and Osaka in about 30 mins. If you are here on holiday, pick up a convenient travel pass, such as the Kansai Thu Pass (surutto.com) or new Kansai One Pass (kansaionepass.com – available from April 8), to avoid having to negotiate the ticket machines. Use a website such as HyperDia (hyperdia. com) to check train times and platforms from your smartphone.

Get Kansai Scene Kansai Scene is available from the following major outlets in the Kansai region:

OSAKA Hotels and Guesthouses

Kyoto

Hyogo

Shiga

Hyatt Regency, Nikko Hotel, St. Regis, Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, Ritz Carlton, Hilton Osaka, Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka, InterContinental Hotel Osaka Tourist Information Centers

Osaka

Nara

Mie

Wakayama

Osaka Visitors Information Center (JR Osaka), Hankyu Tourist Center Umeda, Osaka Visitors Information Center (JR Namba), Kansai Tourist Information Center (KIX), Kansai Tourist Information Center (Shinsaibashi), Nankai Information Center (Namba) Shops

Trains and Subways

Airport Transfers

There is an excellent rail network connecting all corners of Kansai. As well as JR (Japan Rail), there are numerous private railway companies servicing the area, including Keihan (Osaka/Kyoto), Hankyu (Osaka/Kyoto), Nankai (Osaka, Wakayama, Koya), Hanshin (Osaka/Kobe), and Kintetsu (Osaka/Nara/Mie/Nagoya). Each line operates several types of train. For the fastest trains, look for the Limited Express service trains. Be aware that Local trains stop at every station on the line, so only take them if no other type of train stops at your station. Subways operate in Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto and are an extremely efficient way to get around the cities.

To/from downtown Osaka, the most convenient option is the Nankai Rapi:t Express service (KIX <> Namba 42mins) or a Limousine Bus. To/from Kyoto, take the JR Airport Express HARUKA service (75 mins).

» Tip: Pick up a railway network map

from any major train station or Tourist Information Center.

Buses For out-of-the-way locations, or in certain cities such as Kyoto, you may need to take a bus. A travel pass usually includes travel on municipal bus services.

Taxis Fares start from ¥500. The drivers wearing white gloves and official hats tend to be the most courteous, but don t expect English to be widely understood. Have your destination name and address on hand in Japanese.

42

Kinokuniya Bookstore Umeda, Kinokuniya Honmachi, Tower Records Umeda, Junkudo Namba, Hard Rock Cafe

KYOTO Hotels and Guesthouses

ATMs and Credit Cards If you re using Visa, you will be able to withdraw cash at most bank or convenience-store ATMs. If you re using Mastercard, your best bet for withdrawing money is at 7-Eleven ATMs. Most other ATMs in Kansai do not accept Mastercard. It is not common to make in-store payments using credit or visa-debit cards in Japan, even for expensive purchases. Many shops and restaurants do not offer this service, so be sure to carry plenty of cash with you.

Wi-Fi Getting connected in Kansai can be tricky.

Renting a smartphone or SIM card at the airport is the safest option, to connect to the internet over a 3G network. In Osaka, you can access the Osaka Free Wi-Fi service at train and subway stations, stores and facilities throughout the prefecture.

Accidents and Emergencies » Ambulance/Fire service: Tel: 119 » Police: Tel: 110

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Royal Hotel, Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto, Kyoto Nikko Hotel Tourist Information Centers

Kyoto Tourist Information Center, Kansai Tourist Information Center Kyoto, Kyoto International Community House Shops

Junkudo Kyoto, Maruzen & Junkudo Kyoto Main Store, GEAR

KOBE Hotels and Guesthouses

Kobe Bay Sheraton, Kobe Portopia Hotel Tourist Information Centers

Kobe International Community Center, Hyogo International Plaza Shops

Junkudo Nishinomiya, Junkudo Sannomiya, Kinokuniya Kobe

MAPS & INFORMATION / A Post Office

InterContinental Osaka Hotel

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Osaka MINAMI

B

Shinmachi Life

MoeJoe

Hearton Hotel bi-grace nail

Big Beans Supermarket

Kansai Scene Mojoprint Office

Mizuho Bank Nagahori dori

Nishiohashi

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2

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South

Apple Store

Joule Sun Hall Ghost Ultralounge

Yamaya

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The Silver Ball Planet

Coolabah APA Hotel

River

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Triangle Park

Naniw

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MinamiHorie

Triangle

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Nest Hotel

GAP

Uniqlo

Daimaru Dept.

North

Nikko Hotel

EXODUS

Covent Garden

Tokyu Hands

1

Hearton Hotel

Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line

Ali’s Kitchen El Pancho 8F

Balabushka 4F

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

Kitahorie Hospital

Hiday's Texas BBQ

Minami-semba

Arthur Murray

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Louis Vuitton

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Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

Toyoko Inn

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Namba Shrine

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Daiwa Roynet Hotel

Cross Hotel

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Comfort Hotel The Blarney Stone Suomachi-dori B1 (Europe street)

Minami Police Station

HigashiShinsaibashi

Bar Jaai

Vanity

Sakaisuji line

Shinmachi Kita Park

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A

/ MAPS & INFORMATION

Fujiya Hotel

Zerro

3

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Kaneyoshi Ryokan

Mexico Osaka Shochikuza

Dotonbori Hotel

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Casa Lapichu

AEON MaxValu

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Namba

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Sennichimae line

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Namba Washington Hotel

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Dotonbori

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Takashimaya Dept. Store

Maruzen

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Namba Oriental Hotel

Misono Building Singh’s Kitchen Namba Plaza Hotel

MUJI/LOFT Tower Records

NipponBashi

Swissôtel Nankai Osaka

5

Nankai Namba Station

McDonalds Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

Naniwa Park

Namba -naka

6

Namba PARKS

Pub Bar 30 2F

NAMBA PARKS CINEMA

Naniwa Sports Center Naniwa Post Office

Animate Nihonbashi Shop

Toys”R”Us Yamada Denki LABI1 Namba

Jack & Queen

A

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Kuromon Market

Sakaisuji

Namba Hatch

B

Naniwa Ward Office

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #191 APRIL 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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100m D

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Kyoto

MAPS & INFORMATION / A

B

C

D

Club Metro

1

1 Heian Shrine

Kiya Cho

Aeon Shopping Mall

The Ritz Carlton

Irish Pub Gnome

Nijo-dori

Higashi Oji - dori

Mori Yu Gallery Kyoto

Tozai Subway Line Kyotoshiyakusho-mae

Pigs & Whistle Sanjokeihan

Sanjo

Kyoto Asahi Kaikan

Sanjo-dori Movix Kyoto Mina

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Kyoto Tourist Information Center

Kawaramachi Marui

Yamatoji-dori

Gypsy

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Fuji Daimaru

Keihan Line

Kyoto Bal

OPA

Hankyu Line

Sanjo

Gion s hijo

Kawaramachi-dori

Teramachi Shotengai Shinkyogoku Shotengai

Kawara Machi

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Higashiyama

Wakamatsu-dori

Butterfly Kitsune Hotel Vista Kyoto Premio Kyoto Maruzen Junkudo

Jomo Gas

Tourist Information Center

Takashimaya

Hanamikoji-dori

Gear

4

Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa

Pontocho

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Oike-dori

Kiyamachi-dori

Fuyacho-dori

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National Museum of Modern Art

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Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art 2

Miyako Messe

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Kyoto City Hall

Okazaki Park

Tsutaya Books

Tatsumi Bridge

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Yasaka Jinja

Maruyama Park

Apa Hotel

Minami-za Theatre

4

Genkoin

Gion Kaikan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art

The Gael Irish Pub

Ryoshoin

Kacho-michi

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Kyoto Municipal Museum of School History

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The world's smallest Ukiyoe museum

6

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C

Kitano Museum

D

Kobe YWCA

Kitanoseiryu Shrine

Hotel Piena Kobe

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