Kansai Scene #193 June 2016

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

JUN 2016 / ISSUE 193

Nakazakicho’s Retro Charm

PLUS+

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TRY YOUR HAND AT TEA CEREMONY

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EXPLORING KYOTO’S NEW TRAIN HOTSPOT

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NOODLING AROUND OSAKA STATION

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............................................................. Kansai Scene Cinema.................................................. Miyoko Morita 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: Daniel Lee

About Kansai Scene

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

ON THE COVER: This month’s cover photo was taken by Daniel Lee in Nakazakicho

Classifieds........................................................................ 30 Getting Around / Maps............................................34

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Take a Turn at Tea Ceremony Discover the elegant art of Japanese tea ceremony with your very own hands-on experience.

FEATURE Text: Matt Evans

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Foodspotting Eateries you should know around Osaka Station.

FOOD & DRINK Text: Robert Kodama

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

Exploring Downtown Nakazakicho If it s gourmet coffee, history, or fashion, art and culture you re after, Nakazakicho s got it all in one.

FEATURE Text: Felicity Tillack

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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Kyoto Train Museum It s full steam ahead for the newly opened Kyoto Train Museum.

LANGUAGE Text: Jean-Yves Terreault

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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Learn the Lingo Get on the right track while training around Kansai with these useful language tips.

LIVE Text: Jean-Yves Terreault

 Kansai Scene Classifieds

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Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

Looking for a job, an old sofa or new friends? » kansaiscene.com/classifieds

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Events JUNE

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/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

KIX Travel Expo 2016

JUNE >

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関空旅博 2016

Kansai International Airport, Osaka • Jun 4&5 Thinking about taking a trip somewhere but not sure where to go, or with what airline? This month, Kansai International Airport is hosting a large-scale air-travel fair where you can find a wealth of both domestic and overseas tourist information all in one spot. You can seek advice from travel agencies and representatives from foreign embassies, and there will be multiple seminars you can attend offering tips for traveling abroad. There will also be world music and dance shows, and delicious international food stalls – let your taste buds guide your next choice of travel destination! If you are interested in aviation, make sure to stop by the event s KIX Charity Junk Market, where you will find rare goods and collectible items from various airline companies.

TIME: 10am–5pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR / Nankai Line Kansai-Airport Stn • kanku-tabihaku. com

Agata Festival あがたまつり

JUNE

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Agata Shrine and Surroundings, Kyoto • Jun 5

One of Kyoto s unique festivals, Agata matsuri is held every year on June 5th, attracting more than 100,000 spectators. This exciting event is also known as kurayami matsuri (festival in the dark). At around 11pm when the hundreds of yatai food stalls that line the street leading to the shrine are taken down, the main ceremony starts. Following a solemn ritual performed in pitch darkness, a sacred palanquin called a bonten is paraded in the streets. Crowds watch the acrobatic movements of the portable shrine bearers shaking and spinning the bonten. Two days later, a purification ritual using large paper streamers is carried out at Uji Shrine.

TIME: 10pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Keihan Line Uji, Stn, 8-min walk • agatajinjya.com

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 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. » Shitennoji Temple Flea

Market:

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

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

Market:

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

JUNE

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Events

Rokoku – Water Clock Festival

JUNE

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漏刻祭

Omijingu Shrine, Shiga • Jun 10

Musikfest NARA ムジークフェストなら2016

Nara Park and Surroundings, Nara • Jun 11–26 Be Vibrant with Music, Nara! is the catchcry for the 2016 Musikfest NARA. This grand music festival is celebrating its fifth year, offering an array of performances, ranging from acclaimed classical orchestras to popular local bands. With the goal of promoting culture and regional development in Nara, this event will be held for 16 in venues across the prefecture. Enjoy friendly gigs at clubs and cafés, family events at stations and hotels, and free concerts at shrines and temples! Visit the website for more detail.

Time, admission, and access depends on each performance • naraken.com/musik

Water clocks were among the earliest timekeepers, and official timekeeping in Japan began during the reign of Emperor Tenji (668– 672) at his capital Omi Otsu no Miya, with the building of Japan s first water clock. The rokokusai (Water Clock Festival) is held on every June 10, the National Time Day, to commemorate this day.

Watch and clock manufacturers will bring their new products as the offerings to the shrine, and bugaku, a traditional Japanese performing art will also be staged.

This is a great opportunity to see rare clocks displayed at the shrine precincts, such as Japanese historic timepieces, and the fire clock presented by the Rolex watch company.

TIME: 11am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Keihan Line Omijingu-mae

Stn • oumijingu.org

Noh Play “Hotaru Fireflies” あきの蛍能

Aki Shrine, Nara • Jun 18 A unique Noh play will be staged at the ancient Aki-jinja in Uda city. At the climax of the play, hundreds of fireflies are released into the dim light cast by flaming torches. Elaborate costumes, traditional musical instruments, and the firefly special effect will bring audiences all the splendor and grandeur of a live Noh performance. The theater has a seating capacity of 500 people but tickets must be purchased in advance. The venue will be changed to the Kagirohi Hall in the case of rainy weather. For details please phone 07-45822457 (Uda-shi Shoko Kanko-ka).

TIME: 6:30pm–8:30pm • ADMISSION: Adults ¥4,000 (¥5,000 at door), concessions • ACCESS: Kintetsu Line, Haibara Stn, bus to Oudakoko-mae, 5-min walk to Aki-jinja, bus to Uda to the Kagirohi Hall • yamatoji.nara-kankou.or.jp

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Events

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI JUNE

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Belgian Beer Weekend Osaka 2016 ベルギービールウィークエンド大阪

2016

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka • Jun 1–5 Come and join this open-air beer festival where visitors can indulge in a large variety of Belgian brews, tasty food, and live music.

TIME: 2pm–10pm weekdays; 11am–10pm Sat; 11am–9pm Sun • ADMISSION: ¥3,100 including a glass + 11 tokens • ACCESS: JR Osaka Stn / Subway / Hankyu Line Umeda Stn, 9-min walk • belgianbeerweekend. jp/en

Osaka Kansai Balinese Dance Festival 関西バリ舞踊祭

Kishiki Shrine, Osaka • Jun 4 A Japanese Shinto shrine transforms into Bali for one night!

Come and enjoy traditional Balinese dance contests performed

by Japanese troupes, and don t forget to indulge in the goodies on offer at the Balinese food stalls.

TIME: 5pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Nankai Line, Takojizo Stn, 5-min walk

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Kansai Balinese Dance Festival 関西バリ舞踊祭

Kishiki Shrine, Osaka • Jun 4

A Japanese Shinto shrine transforms into Bali for one night! Come and enjoy traditional Balinese dance contests performed by Japanese troupes, and don t forget to indulge in the goodies on offer at the Balinese food stalls.

TIME: 5pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Nankai Line, Takojizo Stn, 5-min walk • kishibura.jp/blog/ hiyori/2016/04/bali-4.html

• kishibura.jp/blog/hiyori/2016/04/ bali-4.html

One Million People’s Candle Night in Osaka 2016 Summer NishiUmeda Night 1000000人のキャンドルナイ ト＠OSAKA CITY2016Summer西 梅田ナイト

Hilton Plaza and Surroundings, Osaka • Jun 8 Shops and buildings will turn off the lights and burn candles in the Nishi Umeda area for two hours in a bid to save energy and reduce

greenhouse gas. There will also be art installations using candle light, entitled Candle Corridors and Message Candles. In addition, there will be live music and various other events.

TIME: 6pm–10pm (Postponed to Jun 9 in case of rain) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Osaka Stn; 2-min walk • candle-nightosaka.jp

Rescue teams from Japan and other Asian countries will showcase rescue techniques – a Fire Truck Parade, Fire Drills on Ships, Air Rescue Drills, International Training Programs, and a Water Jet Display.

TIME: 10:15am–11am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Nanko Port Town Line, Trade Center-mae Stn • ifcaa2016osaka.com/ index.html

International Rescue Teams’ Drills & Parades

Rakugo in English

消防防災 • 国際救助隊合同訓練

第10回てんのじ村寄席 • 英語落語の会

ATC (Asia & Pacific Trade Centre), Osaka • Jun 10

Sanno Fukushi-Kaikan, Osaka • Jun 11

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Events

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI learn more about Japanese kanji using touch panels, watching films, playing games, and enjoying the museum s other facilities.

TIME: 9:30am–5pm (Closed Mon) • ADMISSION: Adults ¥800, concessions • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Gion-Shijo Stn, Exit 6, 5-min walk • kanjimuseum.jp

Bamboo Pole Cutting Ritual 竹伐り会式

Kurama Temple, Kyoto • Jun 20 A dynamic performance by monks cutting broad bamboo poles in one swipe. This millennium old ritual is based on the legend that Saint Minenobu killed off serpents in the ancient times.

TIME: 2pm • ADMISSION: ¥300 • ACCESS: Eizan Line, Kurama Stn • pref. kyoto.jp/gyoji/k10.html

June 8 – One Million People’s Candle Night in Osaka A traditional Japanese comic will perform rakugo in English. In rakugo, the storyteller sits on the stage telling funny stories. No need to read subtitles this time!

TIME: 2:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥500 • ACCESS: Dobutsuen-mae Subway Stn, 5-min walk • rakutopia.jp/tennojimurayose

Music Day 2016 in Minpaku 音楽の祭日2016 in みんぱく

The National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka • Jun 19

This festival dates back to the early 8th century when Princess Isuzu dedicated lilies to the gods. Following a solemn ritual, a colorful procession of ancient princesses will parade through the neighborhood.

1:15pm) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Kintetsu Line, Nara Stn, 5-min walk • isagawa-jinja.jp

Nara Oktoberfest 2016 奈良オクトーバーフェスト

Nara Park, Nara • Jun 17–26 A jolly celebration of German beer, Oktoberfest will be held at Noborioji-Enchi overlooking the five-story pagoda. A returnable deposit of ¥1,000 can be paid to rent a beer glass for the day.

TIME: 10:30am–4:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Osaka Monorail Koen-higashiguchi Stn, 15-min walk • minpaku.ac.jp/museum/event/ fetedelamusique/2016/index

TIME: 4pm–10pm (11am–10pm at weekends) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Kintetsu Line, Nara Stn, 5-min walk • oktober-fest.jp/nara

Totsukawa Onsen Festiva

Yuri Matsuri – Lily Festival ゆりまつり

Isagawa Shrine and Surroundings, Nara • Jun 17

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TIME: 10am–9pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Shingu Stn, bus (150 mins)

to Totsukawamura yakuba-mae • totsukawa.info/joho/event

Shiga Otaue Sai – Rice Planting Festival 御田植祭

Taga Shrine, Shiga • Jun 5

TIME: 10:30am (the parade starts

The National Museum of Ethnology hosts an international concert to celebrate Music Day – Fete de la Musique – Enjoy world music performed by both professional and amateur bands.

Nara

ing the event. See the website for details.

源泉かけ流し温泉感謝祭

Totsukawa Village, Nara • Jun 18–30 June 28th marks the anniversary of Totsukawa village declaring its hot spring water as gensen kakenagashi meaning purely natural. Four public bathhouses in this region will be free dur-

Kyoto Fireflies and Tea Ceremony 蛍火の茶会

Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto • Jun 11 At this large, annual tea ceremony held in the evening, there will be a Japanese court dance and a ceremonial kimonodressing demonstration at 6pm.

The 600 fireflies will be released at 8pm. Stalls of quality Kyoto goods and food will be open from 1pm.

During this important religious ceremony celebrating farming, 70 saotome (young maidens) in traditional farming clothes go into an irrigated paddy and plant rice seedlings. Traditional farming songs and dances will be performed beside the field.

TIME: 1pm • ADMISSION: ¥500 • ACCESS: Omi-Tetsudo LinTagataisha-mae Stn; 10-min walk • tagataisya.or.jp/info/ otaue/index.html#top

Wakayama Firefly Spotting ホタル観賞会

TIME: 5pm • ADMISSION: Free to

observe • ACCESS: Subway Kitaoji Stn, bus to Shimogamojinja-mae • shimogamo-jinja.or.jp

Kanji Museum Open 漢字ミュージアム 開館

Gion, Kyoto • Jun 29 A kanji museum, west of the Heianjingu shrine in the Gion district, will open. Visitors can

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Kishibe no Sato Park, Wakayama • Jun 1–12 Enjoy a romantic scene of fireflies dancing around a pond in a bamboo grove. The Hotaru no Yakata museum is open during the event for visitors to learn about these fascinating, luminescent insects.

TIME: 8pm–9:30pm (canceled in case of rain) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS:

Events Wakayama-Dentetsu Line Kishi Stn, 10min walk • city.kinokawa.lg.jp/kanko/ park/kishibe-no-sato.html

Plum Liquor Bar 梅酒BAR

Nakano BC Co.,ltd., Wakayama • Jun 6 Plum wine tasting, fine food booths, a live music can all be enjoyed at this annual event held by one of the leading umeshu (plum liquor) breweries in Japan.

TIME: 10am–3pm • ADMISSION: Adults ¥500, concessions • ACCESS: JR Kainan Stn, 20-min walk / free shuttle bus to the venue • nakano-group.co.jp

Aoba Festival 青葉祭

Kongobuji Temple and Surroundings, Wakayama • Jun 15 This annual ceremony celebrates the renowned monk Kukai who established the Shingon Buddhist sect and the spiritual village of Koyasan.

Portable shrines will be paraded throughout the town escorted by dancing groups and onlookers.

TIME: 9am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Nankai Line, Gokurakubashi Stn, cablecar to Koyasan Stn, bus to Kongobujimae • shukubo.net/contents/event

2016 National Jet Ski Championship Round 1 フリースタイル全日本選手権シリーズ第 1戦 和歌山カップ

Wakayama Marina City, Wakayama • Jun 18 & 19 Watch as jet skis bouncing along the surface of the water, sliding in the waves at more than 100kph. The first round of this series will kick off at Wakayama Marina City. The Hoverboard Japan Championship 2016 will also be held at the same time.

TIME: 10am (9am on the 19th) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Wakayama / Nankai Line, Wakayamashi Stn, bus to Marina City • jjsfweb.net

Beach Rugby Japan Tour 2016 Round 2 ビーチラグビー白浜大会

Shirahama Beach, Wakayama • Jun 25 & 26 Fierce competition This action-packed rugby competition takes place at the beautiful Shirahama beach.

More than 100 teams from all over the country will wage heated battles on the long, white sand.

TIME: 9:30am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Shirahama Stn, bus to Shirahama • beachrugby-shirahama. com/top.html

Hyogo Tanba Tea Festival 大国寺と丹波茶まつり

Ajimaoku in Sasayama City, Hyogo • Jun 4 & 5 A two-day fete celebrating the season for newly picked tea.

Try out tea picking and hand rolling for yourself. There will be tea ceremonies and a village market on both days, and fun athletics activities held in an irrigated paddy on the 4th.

TIME: 10am–4pm • ADMISSION: Most events free • ACCESS: JR Sasayamaguchi Stn, free shuttle bus to venue • tourism.sasayama.jp

Himeji Summer Kimono Festival 姫路ゆかた祭り

Osakabe Shrine & Surroundings, Hyogo • Jun 22–24 More than 150,000 people flock to the center of Himeji for this yukata (summer kimono). Free admission to the zoo is available to all wearing yukata, as well as free admission to museums, and discounts for traveling on city buses.

TIME: 4:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Himeji Stn, 10-min walk • himeji-kanko.jp

Art

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI Seiji Fujishiro “Light in Fairy Tales” Nara Prefectural Museum of Art

《1945年、夏》 1996年 作家蔵（広島市現代美術館寄託）

1945, Summer , 1996, collection of the artist (Deposited in Hiroshima City of Contemporary Art)

Yokoo Tadanori “My Pop & War”

Seiji Fujishiro is a kiri-e artist. Kiri-e is Japanese 3D cut-out art, and the medium is cut paper and other materials. The paper is placed in three dimensions behind glass, giving the scenes a sense of distance which leaves some objects out of focus.

Back lighting is key to creating the shadowy, dreamlike effect of Fujishiro s art. Fujishiro s shadow-play visions are filled with vivid colors, abstract shapes, and detailed scenery. Using vibrant hues in subtle gradations and tones, the backgrounds to his cutouts reveal multi-colored mystical worlds of birds, mermaids, elves, and unicorns.

Nara Prefectural Museum of Art presents these vivid, fantastical shadowgraph works alongside earlier monochrome works and Fujishiro s latest oil and watercolor paintings.

Until Jul 3 • Seiji Fujishiro exhibition • OPEN: 9am–5pm (until 7pm Fri & Sat) , (Last entry 30 mins before closing) • ADMISSION: ¥1,400 • ACCESS: Kintetsu Line, Nara Stn, Exit 1, 5-min walk • TEL: 0742-23-3968 • pref.nara. jp/11842.htm

Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art

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ABENO HARUKAS ART MUSEUM Cubism, one of the most revolutionary movements in 20th-century art, was spearheaded by Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), having a huge influence on his artistic contemporaries and successors. Picasso began making art as a boy, and continued creating until his death at 91. He was seen universally as a genius.

This exhibition explores the roots of Picasso s immense talent by focusing on his pre-Cubist art.

Until Jul 3 • Picasso exhibition • OPEN: 10am–8pm (Tue–Fri), 10am–6pm (Mondays, Weekends, Holidays), (Last entry 30 mins before closing) • ADMISSION: ¥1,500 • ACCESS: JR Tennoji Stn • aham.jp

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National Gallery of Art, Washington Gift of the W.Averell Harriman Foundation in memory of Marie N.Harriman, 1972.9.19 Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington ©2016−Succession Pablo Picasso−SPDA[JAPAN]

Until Jul 18 • Yokoo Tadanori exhibition • OPEN: 10am–6pm (until 8pm Fri & Sat) • Closed Mon (but open Jul 18) • ADMISSION: ¥700 • ACCESS: Hankyu Line, Oji Koen Stn, 6-min walk • TEL: 078-8555607 • ytmoca.jp/english/en_guidance.html

The Secret of Picasso’s Genius

パブロ • ピカソ 《扇子を持つ女》 1905 年 油彩／キャンバス 100.3×81cm ワシントン • ナショナル • ギャラリー

Yokoo Tadanori is a Japanese painter from the Hyogo region of Kansai. He is one of Japan s most successful and internationally recognized artists. The Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art presents a double feature, with part one showing works based on Tadanori s childhood memories of war, and part two exhibiting Tadanori s pop-art expressions from the 60 s and 70 s. This exhibition highlights Tadanori s perspective on pop and war which he portrays as two sides of the same coin, and the product of our 20th-Century material and consumer culture.

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

New Colony / Island 2 Art Area B1  Until Jun 26 This exhibition contrasts our everyday and the disasters which exist side by side. Treating Art Area B1 as a house, certain environments have been constructed, such as an entrance, living room, and play room. Various artworks and disaster-themed projects are exhibited, with materials from past disasters converted into media and placed in an everyday setting, forming the wallpaper of a room, a TV screen, and books on a shelf.

OPEN: 12pm–9pm (open til 7:30pm Fri) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: Depends on event • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Naniwabashi Stn, Exit 1, short walk • TEL: 06-6226-4006 • search5.jimdo.com

Kyoto Excavation: Matthew Fasone Art Spot Korin, Kyoto  Until Jul 3 Osaka-based artist Matthew Fasone will have a solo exhibition featuring selected artwork from his ongoing Excavation series.

Originally from New York City, Fasone has been living and working in Osaka for the past 10 years making collage and assemblage art from materials found on the street, namely cardboard, paper, and newspaper.

OPENING PARTY: Sat Jun 25 from 8pm • OPEN: 3pm–7pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Sanjo Stn, Exit 2 • TEL: 07-5746-3985 • artspotkorin.wordpress.com

English Garden:The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Showcase for Flowers and Plants of the World The Museum of Kyoto  Until Jun 26 First established in the suburbs of London in the 18th century, Kew Gardens was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 2003 for the scale of its collection and standard of its research. It is home to more than 8 million species of plants as well as holding a collection of more than 220,000 botanical illustrations. With the

support of this historic institution, this exhibition presents 150 works especially selected from this collection, spanning from the 17th century to the present day.

OPEN: 10am–6pm (open til 7:30pm Fri) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥1,300, student concessions • ACCESS: Karasuma Oike Subway Stn, Exit 5, 3-min walk • TEL: 07-5222-0888 • bunpaku.or.jp

Hiroshi Sugimoto “Art and Leisure – Misenkyo” Hosomi Museum  Until Jun 19 Known for his iconic words like Dioramas, Theaters, and Seascapes, world-renowned contemporary photographer and artist, Hiroshi Sugimoto, is also known for being a serious collector of antique art pieces. This exhibition unveils historic art items from Sugimoto s own collection, with antique pieces dating from the Heian Era (794–1185) and Edo Period (1603–1868), as well as rare Showa pieces.

OPEN: 10am–6pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Tozai Subway Line, Higashiyama Stn, 10-min walk • TEL: 07-5752-5555 • emuseum.or.jp/eng

©Tezuka Productions

Osaka

Art

Osamu Tezuka’s Heroines – From Cuties to Bewitching Beauties Takarazuka City Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum

Shiga Time and Vision: Our Collection Toward the Future The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga  Until Jun 26 Revolving around the theme of time, this exhibition features some 80 pieces from the museum collection by 23 artists expressing visions in their work, including Robert Rauschenberg, Henri Matisse, Christo, and Clyfford Still.

Osaka-born Osamu Tezuka was a Japanese manga artist, cartoonist, animator, film producer, and activist best known as the creator of the comics series Astro Boy, Kimba the White Lion, Black Jack, and Phoenix. His innovation, prolific output, and pioneering techniques, earned titles lie the father of manga.

He is often considered the Japanese equivalent to Walt Disney, who was a major inspiration for Tezuka.

Highlighting the heroines of Osamu Tezuka s manga, this exhibition introduces the era and trends of these works along with the artist s portrayals of women. From the cute, young, girl protagonists of his shojo (girls ) manga, to the brave heroines appearing in his shonen (boys ) manga, to the captivating beauties of his seinen (teens ) manga, visitors can appreciate the many and varied roles of Tezuka s leading women.

OPEN: 9:30am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥500 • ACCESS: JR Seta Stn, bus to Bunka Zone-mae, 5-min walk • TEL: 07-7543-2111 • shiga-kinbi.jp

Until Jun 27 • Osamu Tezuka exhibition • OPEN: 9:30am–5pm • Closed Wed • ADMISSION: ¥700 • ACCESS: JR or Hankyu Line, Takarazuka Stn, 8-min walk • TEL: 07-9781-2970 • city.takarazuka. hyogo.jp/tezuka/

Wakayama Risaku Suzuki “Stream of Consciousness” Tanabe City Museum of Art  Until Jun 26 Risaku Suzuki (1963) began actively exploring the medium of photography in the mid-1980s.

He has won numerous awards and exhibited internationally gaining popular acclaim from his rich images with an ingrained sense of deep narrative. In this exhibition, Suzuki s four series, Between the Sea and the Mountains, Sakura, White, and Etude invite

each viewer to tap into their own stream of consciousness.

OPEN: 10am–5pm (last entry 4:30pm) • CLOSED: Mon, Wed • ADMISSION: ¥600, students free • ACCESS: JR Kii-tanabe Station, Meiko bus Shinjo Byoin-mae, 5-min walk • TEL: 07-39243770 • city.tanabe.lg.jp/bijutsukan/ exhibitions/160416RisakuSuzuki

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

Live Music

Kurt Rosenwinkel Trio

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Jun 29

Next year will mark 10 years since Kurt Rosenwinkel s first live solo performance. In those 10 years, Kurt says, I have made five albums as a leader. I have toured constantly throughout the world. I have also collaborated with great artists such as Q-Tip (rapper from A Tribe Called Quest), and continued to compose tons of music. These are all highlights!

A frequent visitor to Japan since 1990, this time around Kurt says, The Trio that I am bringing is a straight ahead jazz trio, which means we are playing songs from the jazz repertoire, and improvising with them in a fairly traditional way, but it is a modern sound and it is very deep and exciting.

His last release was the 2012 album Star Jupiter. Regarding new recordings on the horizon, Kurt adds, I have started my own record label called Heartcore Record, and our first release is a brand new album

Rock and Pop Dir En Grey Jun 16 & 17

from me called Caipi which I have been working on for eight years. I play all of the instruments myself and there is singing and very original and personal songs but with a Brazilian influence. Caipi is set to be released in late October.

Influential U.S. jazz guitarist • Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • jazz guitar • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥5,900/¥6,900 • TEL: 06-63427722

Grand Cube, Osaka • Pop rock • Time:TBA • ¥TBA • TEL: 0570-200-888

Florencia Ruiz Jun 21

Japanese visual-kei rock band Namba Hatch, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,000 • TEL: 06-6357-4400

Jet Set Boys

Argentinian singer-songwriter and guitarist Taku Taku, Kyoto • singer-songwriter • 7pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • TEL: 07-5351-1321

Jun 17

Bridear

Japanese rock four-piece albumrelease tour

Jun 21

Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,000 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Royz Jun 18

Jun 24 Culture Club @ Osaka Festival Hall, Osaka

Japanese female metal band Mojo, Kyoto • Metal • 7pm • ¥3,000/¥3,500 • TEL: 07-5254-7707

Big Cat, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥5,500 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Helloween

Jeff Jollman

Jun 22

Jun 22

80 s German power-metal band

American rock and jazz fusion guitarist

Japanese visual-kei rock four piece Varit, Kobe • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • TEL: 07-8392-6655

flumpool Jun 18 & 19 Japanese pop rock four-piece originally form Osaka

Namba Hatch, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • ¥9,000/¥12,000 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Raphael

Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • Rock fusion • 7:30pm • ¥4,400/¥5,500 • TEL: 07-53511321

Jun 22

Koji Tamaki

Japanese visual-kei rock band

Jun 22 & 23

Japanese singer-songwriter since 1982 with Anzen Chitai Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • singer-songwriter • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥11,000/¥16,000 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Bonobos Jun 24 Japanese dub band originally from Osaka Shangri-La, Osaka • Dub • 7:30pm • ¥3,700 • TEL: 06-6882-1224

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

13

Live Music

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

JUN

22

Helloween Jun 22

Thirty-two years ago, Helloween came together, a band considered by many as the founders of German, melodic, speed metal. In the same year, 1984, they signed to Noise Records and recorded two songs for a metal compilation album.

Though there have been many lineup changes in those years, original members Michael Weikath (guitars) and Markus Grosskopf (bass) are still in the fold.

Last year saw Helloween release their 15th studio album My God Given Right. Considered musically as back to the roots by Weikath, he says it s just good old classic heavy metal the way it s supposed to be. The Japanese edition of the album features three bonus tracks.

80’s German power-metal band • Namba Hatch, Osaka • metal • 7pm • ¥9,000/¥12,000 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

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Jeff Kollman

The Birthday

Jun 22

Jul 5

Picking up the guitar at the age of 12, Jeff Kollman was influenced by the likes of Kiss, Van Halen, and the late Randy Rhoads.Over the years, Kollman has released a number of solo albums as well as working with other musicians such as Glenn Hughes, Linda McCartney, Phil Mogg (UFO), and Joe Lynn Turner to name a few.

His most recent release was the 2014 mostly acoustic Hills Of Granada, but a new album is on the horizon with the guitarist working with his old band Cosmosquad.Mixing jazz harmony, acoustic playing, prog rock, and modern heavy rock, Jeff Kollman has worked with many musical legends and was also voted in the top 20 guitarists in Young Guitar Magazine s readers poll. If you like good rocking guitar then you ll love Jeff Kollman.

This year marks 10 years since the release of The Birthday s debut album, the 2006 Rollers Romantic. Falling under the genre of garage rock, though mixing elements of blues, indie, and punk, the band features ex-Thee Michelle Gun Elephant and Rosso frontman Yusuke Chiba (he started Rosso as a side-project in 2001 but when the Elephants disbanded in 2003 he continued with Rosso), along with drummer Kazuyuki Kuhara, ex-My Little Lover guitarist Kenji Fujii, and bassist Haruki Hirai.The band released the album Gold Trash last September to mark their 10 years together and the deluxe edition contains two CDs and a blue-ray DVD of live studio material. The Birthday will also be appearing at this year s Fuji Rock Festival.

American rock-fusion guitarist • Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • rock fusion • 7:30pm • ¥4,400/¥5,500 • TEL: 07-5241-0446

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Japanese rock band • Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥5,000 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

Live Music Culture Club Jun 24 British 80 s pop band Osaka Festival Hall, Osaka • Pop • 7pm • ¥15,000/¥25,000 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Original Love Jun 25 Originally a five-piece Japanese band, now solo project of Takao Tajima Club Quattro, Osaka • Pop • 6pm • ¥5,940 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

LM.C Jun 26 Japanese visual-kei electronicrock duo Muse, Osaka • Rock • 4:30pm • ¥5,500/¥6,000 • TEL: 06-6245-5389

Sakanamon Jun 27

Japanese alternative-rock trio since 1989 Namba Hatch, Osaka • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,320 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

aiko Jul 2 & 3 Japanese pop singer-songwriter Osaka Festival hall, Osaka • Pop • 6:30pm • ¥6,500 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Mission Impossible Kyoto 2016 Jul 2 & 3 Two-day Kyoto music festival ft.

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Straightener, Dragonash, Ken Yokoyama, Rottengraffty, and more Uji Taiyogaoka Park Yamashiro Sogo Undo Koen, Kyoto • 11am • 1 day ¥5,980 / 2 days ¥11,500 • sound-c.co.jp/ Kyotodai/16/ticket

Seiko Matsuda Jul 2 & 3

Japanese pop-rock three piece Club Quattro, Osaka • Pop-rock • 7pm • ¥3,300 • TEL: 06-6357-3666

The Three Degrees Jun 27 U.S. female soul-pop vocal trio Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Soulpop • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥8,500/¥9,500 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Doug Smith Jun 29 Grammy-winning acousticguitar-picking champion Taku Taku, Kyoto • Acoustic guitar • 7pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • TEL: 07-5351-1321

back number Jun 29 & 30

Japanese pop singer dubbed The Eternal Idol Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka • Pop • 2nd5pm/3rd-3pm • ¥8,900/¥22,000 • TEL: 0570-200-888

The Birthday Jul 5 Japanese rock band of exMichelle Gun Elephant and Rosso lead Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥5,000 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

The Yellow Monkey Jul 5 & 6 Japanese rock band since 1988 re-formed this year Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥8,640/¥19,920 • TEL: 06-6344-3326

Japanese pop-rock trio

Hiromi Go

Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka • Pop-rock • 7pm • ¥6,800 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Jul 9 & 10

The Pillows Jul 2

Popular Japanese pop singer Osaka festival Hall, Osaka • Pop • 9th at 6pm / 10th at 3pm • ¥8,000 • TEL: 06-6344-3326

Live Music

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI taught me how to bring out different voices as needed, whether it is a melody, bass line, or inner voice. Singing in choir helped as well, as I sometimes will think of a particular melodic line as being soprano, alto, or tenor lines moving in different directions.

While doing my classical studies, I was playing in rock bands at night, so hopefully that energy comes through as well. I m more of a traditional fingerpicker, with occasional tapping tunes thrown in, but either way, I like to have a strong sense of melody in my original music. Those compositions may run from the introspective and serious (as in Renewal or Order of Magnitude) to the playful and fun (as in Night of the Raccoons by my friend Paul Chasman). In live performance I like to throw in some fun American cover tunes, as well.

You’ll be playing your Kyoto gig alongside Japanese guitarists Masaaki Kishibe and Masa Sumide. How did this collaboration come about?

INTERVIEW

Doug Smith Doug Smith is a Grammy-award-winning guitarist and champion finger picker combining folk, classical, and jazz influences, praised

by Billboard magazine as producing inviting melodies and stunning finger picking.

KS spoke with Doug prior to his upcoming show at Kyoto s Taku Taku.

How would you describe this your music in general to someone coming to see Doug Smith for the very first time?

If it sounds like more than one guitar is playing, that goes back to my classical guitar training. Classical studies and Bach inventions

9mm Parabellum Bullet Jul 12 Japanese rock band formed 2004

Jazz and Blues KIAP

I ve been on two tours of Japan with Masa Sumide, who is an amazing guitarist and good friend. He has such a strong sense of groove and is a great performer. On our last tour, we did a duet of Hit The Road, Jack which was a lot of fun! I ve always loved the beautiful playing of Masaaki Kishibe – his compositions are so melodic. We got to share the stage at the IFSGF (International Finger-Style Guitar Festival) concert in China a few years ago. I am very much looking forward to playing with them both again!

Which guitarists, past or present, would you say have been an influence on your own playing?

Chet Atkins would be my number one, as I learned to fingerpick by watching him on TV, so I adopted his playing technique. Also, I played a nylon string guitar until I heard British guitarist John Renbourn play classical style on a steel string, so that s what I switched to. Other big influences on me are Michael Hedges, Pat Metheny, Alex deGrassi, Leo Kottke, and Steve Hackett.

Grammy-winning acoustic-guitar-picking champion • Taku Taku, Kyoto • Jun 29 • acoustic guitar • 7pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • TEL: 07-53511321

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz drums • 7:30pm/9pm • ¥6,500/¥6,800 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Jun 6

JUJU

Taku Taku, Kyoto • Rock • 6:30pm • ¥3,800 • TEL: 07-5351-1321

Norwegian avant garde jazz trio

Jun 18 & 19

Misia

Hokage, Osaka • Jazz • 7:30pm • ¥1,800/¥2,000 • TEL: 06-6211-2855

Japanese jazz and R&B singer

Jul 14 & 15 Japanese pop singer-songwriter Orix Theater, Osaka • Pop • 7pm • ¥8,500 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

The Muggles

Jan Lundgren Trio Jun 9 Swedish jazz pianist and composer Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Every Fri & Sat Mellow ballads, classic rock, and dynamic rock & roll from Osakabased jamming band Woodstock Café, Ashiya • Rock & Group Sounds • entrance free (¥2,000 for 2 drinks and snack) • TEL: 07-9734-1044

16

Billy Kilson Trio Jun 15 U.S. jazz drummer William Earl Kilson

Orix Theater, Osaka • Jazz/R&B • 18th at 6pm / 19th at 5pm • ¥7,900 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

Saori Yano Jun 20 Japanese female jazz saxophonist Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz sax • 7:30pm/9:15pm • ¥5,500/¥6,000 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Kurt Rosenwinkel Trio Jun 29

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Influential U.S. jazz guitarist Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Jazz guitar • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥5,900/¥6,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

T-Square Jul 9 Japanese jazz-fusion band formed 1978 Namba Hatch, Osaka • Jazz fusion • 4:30pm • ¥6,500 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Classical Jean-Guihen Queyras Jun 26 French-Canadian cellist Hyogo Performing Arts Centre • Classical • 2pm • ¥4,000/¥5,000 • TEL: 07-98680255

Club

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

Circus

JUN

11

June 11 (Sat)

German techno diva and BPitch Control label boss, Ellen Allien, returns to Osaka in July. Apart from the fact she is pretty much the coolest female DJ in the world, with a world-famous record and fashion labels, she is known for her DJing skills and ability to rock a dancefloor mixing old rave from the 90s with new, unreleased tracks and then going for a techno bomb. Ellen is a resident at DC 10 in Ibiza and she spends most of her time on the island enjoying the beaches and clubbing – she loves to see how the music and DJs evolve with time. No wonder she has been leading the scene and headlining dozens of festivals across the globe in the past two decades.

June 1 (Wed) Circus Hippopotamus Equipment (Techno/House) • DJs: Hiro Ezaki, Mitsuyasu & Iccii, Ryo Yoshida, Takeshi Tanaka • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

2 (Thu) Ghost Ultra Lounge Crack (Hip Hop) • DJs: Nore, Bullset, K-1, Katsu, Slick, Ryota + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,000/2D; Ladies ¥1,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka. com

3 (Fri) Circus Zettai-Mu presents Asia Dub (Dub/Reggae/Bass) • DJs: 1945 aka Kuranaka, Red-i, Ras Taro, Jase, Hamati, Shaka-itchi, Masta T • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000 (ADV: ¥1,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

18

Ghost Ultra Lounge Loyal (Open Format) • DJs: Lead, Minami Boyz, Martin, YMX + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥1,500/1D; Ladies ¥600/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

ex.Joule Himlen (Techno) • DJs: Mika Kitten, Koichi Sato, Nao Okada, Dmitri, Yasu#13, Soery • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Rooftop Bar OO Room x BWX3 Osaka – Bass Works Recordings 3rd Anniversary (House/Techno) • DJs: Todd Edwards, Sugiurumn, Nao Nomura, Osakaman aka Yagyu, Yashima, Sekitova, Toru Ikemoto + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥1,500) • Shinsaibashi • oo-u.jp

Socore Factory Socore Factory 2nd Anniversary – LMIRL (Techno) • DJs: Sodeyama, Yuuna, Fumi • Open: 11pm Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

World Tiki Disco Japan Tour (Disco/House) • DJs: Eli Escobar, Lloydski, Andy Pry, Yan, Toyo, Mr.Camp, Shiotsu + more • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,500/1D; Ladies

Ellen Allien

Ellen Allien Japan Tour 2016 Osaka (Techno) • DJs: Ellen Allien + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

¥1,500/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 07-5212-4119 • world-kyoto.com

4 (Sat) Circus Zone Unknown III Kamixlo in Japan (Bass) • Live: Ypy • DJs: Kamixlo, Eciv_Takizumi, Zodiak, Yosuke Yukimasu • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Ghost Ultra Lounge En:Core (Hip Hop/Open Format) • DJs: Minami, B=Ball, Malu, Jun • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,500/1D; Ladies ¥600/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka. com

ex.Joule Main Course Japan Tour (EDM/ Bass/Techno) • DJs: Astronomar, Bot, Neoteric, Jaxx Da Fishworks, Yuuna, Fanky Kow, Kenzoom, Ryota Aoki + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Maishima Special SIte Avicii Japan Tour 2016 (EDM) • Acts: Avicii + more • Open: 4pm • Admission: ¥12,000 (ADV: ¥9,000) • Where: Maishima Sports Island • Tel: 05-7020-0888 • creativeman.co.jp

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

5 (Sun) Ghost Ultra Lounge Ghost on Sunday (Dance Music) • DJs: Kaz001, Anri, Bullset, WOne • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,000/2D; Ladies ¥1,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka. com

9 (Thu) Ghost Ultra Lounge Crack (Hip Hop) • DJs: Nore, Bullset, K-1, Katsu, Slick, Ryota + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,000/2D; Ladies ¥1,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka. com

10 (Fri) Circus Arca DJ + Jesse Kanda AV Set in Osaka (Electronic) • Acts: Arca DJ + Jesse Kanda AV Set, Seiho, Yosuke Yukimatsu, Keita Kawakami + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Ghost Ultra Lounge Loyal meets Glister (Open Format) • DJs: Lead, Minami Boyz, Martin, YMX, Ree-Age, Giann, Fu-Chi + more • Open: 10pm •

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI / Admission: Gentlemen ¥1,500/1D; Ladies ¥600/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

Rough Rare Jearney – Meets Ametsub (Electronic) • Live: Ametsub, Hikaratama • DJ: Pwu • Open: 8pm– 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8333-0808 • roughrare.com

Triangle Ninja Kore Japan Tour – Basement Style (Bass) • DJs:Ninja Kore, Ovds, Toyo, Numb n dub, MC Aoi, The Game Shop, Grind Circus + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,800 (ADV: ¥2,300) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka.com

11 (Sat) Ghost Ultra Lounge En:Core (Hip Hop/Open Format) • DJs: Minami, B=Ball, Malu, Jun • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,500/1D; Ladies ¥600/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

Socore Factory Socore Factory 2nd Anniversary – Mark E Japan Tour (Techno/Bass) • DJs: Mark E, Compufunk, Tuttle, Hankyo, Yasu, Hara, Matsuo Akihide, K.Sassaki • Open: 10pm Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

Troopcafe Hiroshi Watanabe “Multiverse” Release Party in Kobe (House) • DJs: Hiroshi Watanabe aka Kaito, Ryoma Sasaki, Yuji Kudo, Koichi • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (Mail Reservation: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

12 (Sun) Circus Sunday Session (Drum‘n’Bass) • DJs: Surgical, GiddlahSelecta, Yanmah, Anode, Rasty, Toyo, Keshigomu • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥1,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Ghost Ultra Lounge Ghost on Sunday (Dance Music) • DJs: Kaz001, Anri, Bullset, WOne • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,000/2D; Ladies

¥1,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka. com

13 (Mon)

(Mail Reservation ¥2,000/1D; Foreigners ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

18 (Sat)

Club

¥1,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka. com

24 (Fri)

Circus

Ghost Ultra Lounge

Ghost Ultra Lounge

DJ Mu-R x Questa Open to Last (Hip Hop) • DJs: Mu-R, Questa • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥1,000 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

En:Core (Hip Hop/Open Format) • DJs: Minami, B=Ball, Malu, Jun • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,500/1D; Ladies ¥600/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

Loyal (Open Format) • DJs: Lead, Minami Boyz, Martin, YMX + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥1,500/1D; Ladies ¥600/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka. com

15 (Wed)

Metro

Circus Musique (House) • DJs: Taihei Koyama, Cazi aka Seconds Hands!

• Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Butter 11 Anniversary (Black Music/Crossover) • Live: N Gaho Ta quia, Ucnd feat. Koyo & Shoichi Murakami, Stepak – Takraw • DJs: Kensei, Shinya, Masaki Tamura, Oritana, Eiki • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Troopcafe

16 (Thu) Ghost Ultra Lounge Crack (Hip Hop) • DJs: Nore, Bullset, K-1, Katsu, Slick, Ryota + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen: ¥2,000/2D, Ladies: ¥1,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka. com

17 (Fri) Circus CM3 feat. Akito Japan Tour in Osaka (Bass/Techno) • DJs: Akito, Ooshima Shigeru, Young Animal, Eciv_Takizumi, Yuki Pacific, Satinko • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Ghost Ultra Lounge Loyal (Open Format) • DJs: Lead, Minami Boyz, Martin, YMX + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥1,500/1D; Ladies ¥600/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka. com

Metro Sepp Asia Tour in Kyoto (Techno/ House) • DJs: Sepp Asia, Ken ichi Itoi, Kohei, Tsukasa, Masahiko Takeda • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,800/1D (ADV: ¥2,300/1D) • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Troopcafe Bush – Daniel Bell (Techno) • DJs: Daniel Bell, Soichi, Ebo • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D

phc (Dance) • DJs: Shhhhh, Hal, Pwu • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (Mail Reservation: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

19 (Sun) Circus Noise Fanatics presents Deon Custom in Japan (Future Bass) • DJs: Deon Custom, Lolica Tonica, Sneil s House, Mossari, Sprout s Dub 94, SxUxM • Open: 3pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Ghost Ultra Lounge Ghost on Sunday (Dance Music) • DJs: Kaz001, Anri, Bullset, WOne • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,000/2D; Ladies ¥1,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka. com

Rooftop Bar OO & Gastro Garden Utopia (Trance/Progressive House) • DJs: The Soundseekers, Bernis, Neko Shiba, Umeco, Aoi, Oxy Tech + more • Open: 4pm– 11pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D (ADV: ¥1,500/1D) • Shinsaibashi • oo-u.jp

23 (Thu) Ghost Ultra Lounge

25 (Sat) Cafe Absinthe Joey Jelectromance 10-Year DJ and Events Anniversary (House/ Techno/EDM) • DJs: Joey, Yoku, Luke Hunter, Dan Elliot, Milk Bro., Dmitri, Shawn Basic, Rasty, Will Robinson + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6534-6635 • absinthe-jp.com

Ghost Ultra Lounge En:Core (Hip Hop/Open Format) • DJs: Minami, B=Ball, Malu, Jun • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,500/1D; Ladies ¥600/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

Troopcafe Daze of Phaze (Techno/House) • DJs: Andrew James Gustav, Gwenan, Kabuto • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (Mail Reservation ¥2,500/1D; Foreigners ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

26 (Sun) Circus DJ Ageishi presents YY Sunday feat. Kza from Force of Nature (House/Dance) • DJs: Kza from Force of Natur, Ageishi, Akihito, Testuo • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

Ghost Ultra Lounge Ghost on Sunday (Dance Music) • DJs: Kaz001, Anri, Bullset, WOne • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,000/2D; Ladies ¥1,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka. com

Crack (Hip Hop) • DJs: Nore, Bullset, K-1, Katsu, Slick, Ryota + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: Gentlemen ¥2,000/2D; Ladies

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

19

Cinema

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

Osaka Toho Cinemas Umeda Now showing: Captain America: Civil War, Zootopia, The Revenant, The Sea of Trees, Hail Caesar!, Garm Wars: The Last Druid, Le tout nouveau testament (FRA), Where to Invade Next, The Huntsman: Winter s War • From Jun 1: Deadpool • From Jun 3: Southpaw • From Jun 10: Money Monster, Collide • From Jun 17: 10 Cloverfield Lane, Er ist wieder da (GER) • From Jun 24: We Are Your Friends 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: Captain America: Civil War, Zootopia, The Revenant, Youth, The Huntsman: Winter s War, London Has Fallen • From Jun 1: Deadpool • From Jun 11:The Lazarus Effect • From Jun 17: 10 Cloverfield Lane 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: Cartel Land, Backtrack, Mountains May Depart, Victoria (GER), Room, Her er Harold (NOR), Matterhorn (NLD), Tour De Force (Hin und weg) (GER), Torneranno i prati (ITA), Armi Alive! (FIN), Risen • From Jun 11: A Royal Night Out, Knock Knock, Il gattopardo (ITA) • From Jun 18: Ludwig (ITA), Triple 9, Miracles From Heaven • From Jun 25: The Mirror Never Lies (IDN) Tel: 06-6440-5930 • ttcg.jp/cinelibre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st and 15th of the month – ¥1,000

Theatre Umeda Now showing: Omar (ARA), Noma: My Perfect Storm, The Eichmann Show, 45 Years, Chronic • From Jun 11: Ex Machina • From Jun 18: Legend Tel: 06-6359-1080 • ttcg.jp/theatre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st of the month – ¥1,000

The Revenant, The Sea of Trees, The Huntsman: Winter s War, De Surprise (NLD) • From Jun 1: Deadpool • From Jun 4: Elektra (R. Strauss) • From Jun 10: Secret in Their Eyes • From Jun 11: Irrational Man • From Jun 17: 10 Cloverfield Lane • From Jun 17: Dark Places 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: Captain America: Civil War, Zootopia, The Revenant, The Sea of Trees, Hail Caesar!, Macbeth, Garm Wars: The Last Druid, Where to Invade Next, The Huntsman: Winter s War, Le tout nouveau testament, London Has Fallen, • From Jun 1: Deadpool • From Jun 3: Southpaw • From Jun 17: 10 Cloverfield Lane, Er ist wieder da(GER) • From Jun 24: We Are Your Friends, Dark Place Tel: 06-6633-1040 • tohotheater.jp • Weds (women); 1st & 14th of the month – ¥1,100, every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Namba Parks Cinema Now showing: The Huntsman: Winter s War, Captain America: Civil War, Zootopia, The Revenant, De Surprise (NLD) • From Jun 1: Deadpool • From Jun 4: Elektra (R. Strauss), Blur: New World Towers • From Jun 11: Burnt Tel: 06-6643-3215 • parkscinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Cinem@rt Now showing: Cartel Land, Sicario, Room, Sunset Strip, Beyond the Reach, The Huntsman: Winter s War • From Jun 11: Lambert & Stamp • From Jun 18: Legend • From Jun 25: Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans Tel: 0662820815 • cinemart.co.jp/ theater/shinsaibashi • Discounts: Mon (men); Weds (women); 1st and 25th of the month – ¥1,000

Kyoto

Osaka Station City Cinema

Movix Kyoto

Now showing: Macbeth, Captain America: Civil War, Zootopia,

Now showing: Where to Invade Next, The Huntsman: Winter s

20

Money Monster

War, Captain America: Civil War, The Sea of Trees, Zootopia, The Revenant • From Jun 1: Deadpool • From Jun 4: Elektra (R. Strauss) • From Jun 10: Money Monster • From Jun 11: Knock Knock, Burnt, Irrational Man • From Jun 17: 10 Cloverfield Lane 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: Matterhorn, 45 Years, Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au Bon Dieu?, The Eichmann Show, Inequality For All, Matterhorn, Hrutar (IRL), Boychoir • From Jun 4: Torneranno i prati (ITA), L'albero degli Zoccoli(ITA), The Virgin Suicides • From Jun 11:A Royal Night Out, Ixcanul (SPA) • From Jun 18:Noma: My Perfect Storm, Babette's Feast (DNK), Dust in the Wind (TWN), Nostalgia de la luz (FRA), El boton de nacar (FRA) • From Jun 25: Passion & Poetry: The Ballad of Sam Peckinpah (GER), Coming Home (CHN) Tel: 07-5353-4723 • kyotocinema.jp • Discounts: Weds (women & men); 1st of the month – ¥1,100

Toho Cinemas Nijo Now showing: Captain America: Civil War, Zootopia, The Revenant, The Sea of Trees, Hail Caesar!, Macbeth, Garm Wars: The Last Druid, The Huntsman: Winter s War, Le tout nouveau testament • From Jun 1: Deadpool • From Jun 3: Southpaw • From Jun 10: Secret in Their Eyes, Money Monster, Collide • From Jun 17: Er ist wieder da (GER) • From Jun 24: We Are Your Friends, Dark Place

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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: Hail Caesar!, Captain America:Civil War, Zootopia, The Revenant, The Huntsman: Winter s War, London Has Fallen • From Jun 1: Deadpool • From Jun 10: Money Monster • From Jun 17: 10 Cloverfield Lane Tel: 07-8291-5330 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women); 1st and 16th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku Now showing: The Sea of Trees • From Jun 4: Elektra (R. Strauss) • From Jun 11: Knock Knock, Burnt, Citizenfour • From Jun 18: Blur: New World Towers Tel: 07-8230-3580 • smt-cinema.com • Discounts: Tues (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

OS Cinema Kobe Harborland Now showing: Captain America: Civil War, The Sea of Trees, Zootopia, The Revenant, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Huntsman: Winter s War, Le tout nouveau testament (FRA) • From Jun 1: Deadpool • From Jun 10: Collide • From Jun 17: 10 Cloverfield Lane Tel: 07-8360-3788 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women); 1st and 16th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

MORE INFO FEATURE

The Way of Tea Experiencing cha no yu – the elegant art of Japanese tea ceremony.

Text & Images: Matt Evans

There are several opportunities in Kansai to experience tea ceremony or even take lessons with an Englishspeaking instructor. To inquire in English, contact the International Affairs Department of the Urasenke Tankokai Federation. » Email: kokusai@urasenke.or.jp » Tel: 07-5451-5166 » Website: urasenke.or.jp/texte/

index.html Opportunities with other teaceremony schools: » Omote senke: omotesenke.jp » Mushakoji senke: mushakouji-

I

senke.or.jp/english

n a simple tatami (straw mat) room in Osaka, women in beautiful kimono move through the motions of the ancient art form that is cha no yu (Japanese tea ceremony). All subtle movements and intense concentration, there certainly seems to be a lot more to it than just handling tea and water.

It s something formless, says tea ceremony instructor Teruyo Sakaguchi. The act of sharing tea with a guest is so simple, but it reveals everything about you.

For all its precision and apparent complexity, correct tea-ceremony conduct is defined by a handful of unchanging elements. Water heated in a little hearth, implements and utensils chosen according to the taste of the host, and carefully placed and examined by each guest, flower arrangement, traditional clothing, and of course, the powdered green tea called matcha. The history of this practice is closely intertwined with the history of Japan itself.

The tea trees were originally from modern-day Cambodia

22

and Myanmar, Teruyo explains.

They were brought back to Japan by Zen monks returning from their travels in China.

They would spend long hours in meditation on the tatami, and so they drank tea to keep themselves awake.

The arrival of Zen in the Kamakura period (1185–1333) coincided with sweeping political change as the samurai class displaced the aristocratic elite as the real power in the land.

The new religion, with its emphasis on discipline and direct experience, quickly flourished among the warrior class, who soon came to celebrate tea as an important status symbol.

In the 16th century, as the country was engulfed by bitter power struggles, the Zen monk and tea master, Sen no Rikkyu, took on the task of gathering the many regional customs into the unified system of manner and aesthetic that Japan has today. Hugely influential in his own time, Rikyu became the teacher and confidante of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but these were dangerous times,

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

and he was forced to commit suicide by his former pupil. His teachings were carried on by his descendants, eventually branching into three distinct ryuha (tea ceremony schools). Teruyo belongs to the most popular of these, known as ura senke.

When I was young – A long time ago! Girls my age had to learn tea ceremony, flower arrangement, cooking – these kinds of things, explains Teruyo. It wasn t something I chose to do – in fact I didn t enjoy it at all at first. I came back to it when I turned 40 and I ve come to love it.

Teruyo now sees tea ceremony as a life-enriching practice. It s also everything – poetry, color, taste, seasonality, but what you gain is spirit – something beyond words.

Fluent in English, Teruyo now teaches tea ceremony to visitors from abroad. Cha no yu contains the essence of Japanese culture – it is my hope that they will be able to take it with them to their own countries. KS

GREAT PLACES TO EAT /

Food & Drink

FOODSPOTTING

Don t be a wet noodle. Try out these delicious eateries around Osaka Station.

Text & Images: Robert Kodama

Chabuton

SOSH The Market Bar

TsuruTonTan

Conveniently located in the Yodobashi Camera food court, this little ramen restaurant boasts that the original chef once scored them a Michelin star.

Despite this, the place is inexpensive and on a similar priceline with other ramen restaurants in the area. It s got all your usual types of ramen on the menu, but what stands out about this place is the vegetable ramen. The noodles are made from spirulina, giving it the distinct green color. Fish stock is used in the soup, however, so be warned that it s not vegetarian. The vegetable gyoza is also a refreshing change to the standard ramen shop menu, allowing yourself to pretend you re doing the healthy thing, relatively speaking. Expect to wait as it can be busy, especially on weekends. There s an English menu, and tickets are purchased from a vending machine.

A slightly topsy-turvy establishment nestled in the bustling Grand Front Osaka, Sosh serves Italian-style fare with a Japanese twist. Their lunch menu is simple with a range of pasta, pizza, curry, and meat-based dishes available. The best part of this place is that all orders are accompanied with a salad buffet. A range of fresh salads are available alongside jars of flavorful dressings. There are further pasta dishes available as part of the buffet, as well as vegetable soup. There is a large assortment of vegetables to choose from that all come directly from the farm. Fresh ingredients and great flavors can be enjoyed in a nice, open-air section, or in cosy booths at the back.

Simple doesn t quite come to mind when looking at the Tsurutontan menu.

It boasts everything from your typical tempura and curry udon to interesting concoctions such as a sweet chilli chicken udon, clearly taking inspiration from the sweet, tangy flavor fused with the sharpness of coriander and chilli usually found in Thai cuisine. These fusion flavors are the main reason to come here as long as your taste buds are up for the challenge! Some of the dishes might have you thinking the chefs are being too ambitious, but the interesting flavors complement the udon noodles perfectly.

The portion sizes are impressive, with everything coming in large bowls with large spoons. Combine that with a plush interior, and you ll get your money s worth. The unique menu brings a lot of customers to the restaurant, so be prepared to queue for a while.

OPEN: 11am–11pm (l.o. 10:30pm) • Price RANGE: ¥300–¥1500 • ACCESS: JR Osaka

Stn or Hanshin/Hankyu/Subway Umeda Stn, 5-min walk, Yodobashi Camera 8F • chabuton.com

OPEN: Mon–Thur 11am–12am (l.o. 11pm); Fri, Day before a National Holiday 11am–1am (l.o. 11:30pm); Sat 8am–1am (l.o. 11:30pm); Sun & National Holiday 8am–12am (l.o.

11pm) • Price RANGE: ¥1000–¥1500 • ACCESS: JR Osaka Stn or Hanshin/Hankyu/Subway Umeda Stn, 5-min walk, Grand Front Osaka 1F • sosh-grandfront-osaka.jp

OPEN: Sun–Thu 10am–8:30pm (l.o. 8pm); Fri & Sat 10am–9pm (l.o. 8:30pm) • Price RANGE: ¥1000–¥2000 • ACCESS: JR Osaka Stn or Hanshin/Hankyu/Subway Umeda Stn, 5-min walk, Daimaru Umeda B2F • tsurutontan.co.jp

Need more dining options?

Check kansaiscene.com to search all of our Foodspotting reviews.

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

25

Cafe Utena

MORE INFO NAKAZAKICHO EVENTS » International Sign Language

Cafe – Wednesday 7pm at Shuka Bar (Free entry with one order) » Farmers Market – third Sunday of every month » Nakazakicho Summer Festival – the weekend of Aug 7–9

Pipinera Kitchen

ACCESS

FEATURE

Find Your Niche in Nakazakicho

The best way to explore Nakazakicho is by wandering north of Nakazakicho Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line. Head out of Exit 2.

A multicultural hipster haven that still retains the feel of old Japan, all within walking distance of Umeda station.

Text: Felicity Tillack • Images: KS

N

akazakicho, like so many parts of Osaka, has more beneath the surface than meets the eye. On exiting the station, surveying the crowded intersection and rows of grey buildings, there isn t much that indicates where the neighborhood itself is. Less than a minute beyond the busy main street, cheerful, chalk-drawn menus, brightly painted shop fronts, and lush, green plants proliferate. The occasional expat on a first-time visit can be heard muttering, I never even knew this place existed.

Going to Nakazakicho feels like stepping through the Narnian cupboard into a different world. Exploring the maze of lanes reveals vinedraped cafes, boutique restaurants, and a range of tiny, trendy businesses from yoga and tea shops, to galleries of handmade trinkets.

Yet, the buildings are all reminiscent of the Showa era, a time in Japan that spanned the

26

Depression, and World War II. This is one of only two areas in Osaka that survived the bombings of the Second World War with buildings intact. A local legend claims that it was thanks to the ojizo shrines hidden within the twisty streets. These tiny, dainty shrines are home to ojizosama – statues that are believed to be guardians of children.

Fifteen years ago, this was a purely residential neighborhood, frequented only by its elderly inhabitants. The impetus for Nakazakicho s change was an abmitious Amemura-born dancer and performaner, Jun Amanto, and the collective of artists and performers he inspired to join him in bringing the neighborhood to life.

Born and raised in Shinsaibashi, Jun spent much of his young adult life performing in different countries, namely in Europe. He became fascinated with the cultures he was exposed to, and of course, asked many questions by curious

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Feature Europeans about the exotic Japanese culture.

Jun found himself bothered that he had difficulty describing Japan s traditions, the Japanese way of life, and the meanings behind those traditions in his own culture, and decided to return to Japan to learn what it is to be Japanese. He began a three-year search to find a traditional Japanese way of life that still existed within a city, and his search culminated in Nakazakicho. Jun endeavored set up in Nakazakicho in 2001.

While celebrating Japanese culture, as an inherently internationally minded person, he also endeavored to attract other cultures into his world. As a result, Nakazakicho has slowly transformed over his time there into a vibrant and multicultural hub, with the support of a collective of artists called Art Eco Village. They work together with the neighborhood s fastaging property owners to create this unique, culturally diverse, artsy haven. Even today, however, more than half the buildings are empty.

I hope one day it will become a hub in Asia. Like a dokodemo door, Jun enthuses. The idea behind dokodemo is anywhere you want to go.

Over here, it s Malaysia. You d like to find the Thai community? This is where they are. Korean? Over there, he gestures.

Jun sites his biggest challenge in developing Nakazakicho as overcoming the generation gap.

At first, the elderly residents were nervous of the new, young, tattooed and pierced artist tenants, but they eventually

opened their hearts and minds to Art Eco Village.

Jun s cafe, Salon de Amanto, was the first building to be renovated, after 10 years of semiabandonment. The renewal was with 100% recycled material from the original shop. Used to working as a performer, Jun had to learn a lot of new skills, like carpentry, to make his dream come alive.

I had to learn everything when I started. Even how to make coffee, he explains as he carefully pours the boiling water over the grinds. His dedication has certainly paid off.

From the outside, the cafe looks like it is being consumed by the vines that hang down around the entrance, though inside it is spacious, cosy and warmly lit. Like Nakazakicho itself, the style is retro, and there are little nooks to explore and relax in.

Jun also runs a small movie theater that is open to rent by groups of at least four people.

Naturally, he has a dance space, where yoga classes are also held, and there s even a veggie cafe to address the shortfall of vegetable options in Osaka.

Nearby is the La Granda Familio, an organic, fair-trade granola shop run by Chiaki Sawada and her husband Yasuharu where the air is filled with the smell of roasting wheat and dried fruit.

The couple was deeply affected by the March 11 earthquake in 2011, and created a survival bar called the Okoshi Bar that creates oraganic, high-calorie food specifically useful for when disaster strikes. They also have strong connections to preservation efforts in the Philippines,

where they source the fair-trade bananas from.

For pure coffee and visual enjoyment, Cafe Utena is housed in an old machiya (traditional wooden townhouse) on the west side of the neighborhood. The building has been restored lovingly, with an eye to an earlier era. The owner takes his coffee very seriously, but serves his brews in cheerfully colored cups, along with toast, or cakes.

The quiet ambience, aided by a mix of natural light and oldschool, yellow lamps, polished, dark-wooden furniture, old books, and a small garden beyond the window makes this a perfect place to settle in and while away an afternoon.

Nakazakicho is an oasis in the heart of gritty downtown Osaka.

Superficially, it can be enjoyed as a tourist, dipping into nondescript buildings to uncover the vintage second-hand shops within, or sampling the numerous pasta lunches on offer in the various quaint cafes. But there is much more to Nakazakicho than what meets the eye. It is the product of more than a decade of hard work, to ensure that both the traditional Japanese way of life, and ideas and traditions from other cultures, are shared and celebrated by both young and old. KS

Moncafe Wawon

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

27

Feature

Kyoto Train Museum in Locomotion Calling all trainspotters and rail enthusiasts!

Make tracks to Kyoto s new train hotspot.

Text & Images: Jean-Yves Terreault

T

he newly opened Kyoto Train Museum is in full swing, featuring 53 cars ranging from the Japan s oldest steam locomotive to more recent shinkansen models.

Located near the Kyoto Aquarium, the 30,000-squaremeter space exhibits not only trains from the former Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum and Osaka Modern Transportation Museum, but also many sections depicting activities related to rail transportation, as well as play areas for the kids.

Of course, the 53 cars displayed are the main stars, the top picks perhaps being the Twilight Express sleeping train, 500 Series Shinkansen, and the collection of 23 steam locomotives (SL) built between 1880 and 1948. The SLs are housed in the 1914, 20-track roundhouse, an Important Cultural Property.

Just outside sits the functional turntable, moving locomotives to the two service sheds (semiaccessible to visitors), or pulling the open-air cars that whisk passengers between the standard JR lines and Umekojii park.

The other cars are housed in three structures, two of which are open air: the Promenade, featuring notably a Shinkansen

28

0 Series (with walk-in museum), an imperial wagon, and a restaurant car where you can actually eat or buy a bento; and the Twilight Plaza with the sleeping cars of the same name.

The highlight of the experience, however, is in the main hall. Welcoming you in is the 1903 Kitson (UK) SL, followed by three emblematic locomotives – 500 Series Shinkansen, 581 Series Kuhane and 489 Series Kuha – towering over crowds of doe-eyed kids of all ages. The rest of the first floor features a few other cars, including undertrain passages to compare diesel and electric locomotive engines, exhibits explaining bridge and tunnel construction and inspection, and interactive displays allowing visitors to get in the driver s seat, go through train crossings, and pedal a coach on actual tracks.

On the second floor, there is a restaurant with train-themed meals, a Plarail corner, a diorama, a smaller diorama where children can control toy trains, simulators (get there early!), a library with various train-related media, a video room, and other exhibits on the evolution of trains in society. The third floor is divided between an indoor section with another library and

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

MORE INFO » Admission: ¥1,200 (concessions

for students and children).

Tickets are valid for a day, unlimited admissions » Access: JR Kyoto Stn, 20-min walk west, or 10-min bus ride to Umekoji-koen-mae » Website: kyotorailwaymuseum. jp/en

an outdoor terrace allowing visitors to watch passing trains on the Tokaido lines.

Obviously, with the popularity of trains, the museum and the souvenir shop get very crowded on weekends and holidays, though it tends to thin out from the middle of the afternoon.

At the moment, there is little English available, but audio guides languages other than Japanese should be available in a few months.

So, jump aboard and make tracks to train heaven. Any day, rain or shine, is a good day to go, though a sunny day will you allow you to also enjoy the nearby Umekoji park. KS

JAPANESE LESSON /

Language

Get on the right track!

Text: Jean-Yves Terreault

Riding trains in Japan can be tricky at times: not only do you need to figure out the fastest/cheapest/nicest way to get there while navigating multiple train companies, but often the nomenclature for the different types of trains changes from company to company.

The fastest of all is the JR Shinkansen (新 幹線) which links major cities of Japan from Sakuranomiya in Kyuushu to Sapporo in Hokkaido. Nozomi (のぞみ), Hikari (ひかり) and Kodama (こ だま) are from fastest to slowest. JR Rail Passes for visitors do not allow travel on the Nozomi.

For most local transportation, people rely on local JR lines and private companies, and this is where things get a little complicated. In most cases, you cannot transfer with the same ticket from one company to the next, except in some cases with Hanshin (阪神), Kintetsu (近鉄), Hankyu (阪急) and Sanyo (山陽) lines.

Also, the appellations for the various types of express trains varies, and this becomes important as in some cases extra charges are needed for trains sharing the same name. Here is the standard nomenclature from fastest to slowest, some adding 区間 (kukan) before a train type to indicate that it

stops at more stations. The English translations, especially as far as sub express and semi express go, are not consistant from one company to the next, while with the Keihan line (京阪), kyuukou (急 行) is slower than junkyuu (準急).

Limited Express (extra charge with JR, Kintetsu & Nankai)

特急

tokkyuu

(Special) Rapid

(新)快速

(shin) kaisoku

Express

急行

kyuukou

Sub/Semi Express

準急

junkyuu

Local

普通

futsuu

Finally, here are some phrases to help you get to your destination more quickly and easily.

Useful Expressions English

Japanese

Romaji

Excuse me, which way to Yodo station?

すみません。淀駅はどちらで すか？

Sumimasen. Yodo eki wa, dochira desu ka?

How much is it to Fukakusa station?

深草駅までいくらですか？

Fukakusa eki made ikura desu ka?

The Special Rapid to Himeji is on what platform?

姫路行きの新快速のホームは 何番ですか？

Himeji iki no kaisoku no ho-mu wa nanban desu ka?

Which train is the fastest to Ishiyama?

石山まで、 どれが早いですか？

Ishiyama made, dore ga hayai desu ka?

Does this train stop at Takedao?

この電車は武田尾駅に止まり ますか？

Kono densha wa Takedao eki ni tomarimasuka?

Can I sit here?

ここに座ってもいいですか？

Kono ni suwatte mo ii desu ka?

Let s sit on this side. The view is more beautiful.

こちらに座りましょう。景色がい いです。

Kochira ni suwarimashou. Keshiki ga ii desu.

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Positions: Part time native english teacher: 1500~2200 yen per hour Full-time native English teacher 220,000~280,000/month Please send resume with recent photo and cover letter. Contact: Employment application <employment. application.osaka@gmail.com> Website: www.trinitymirai.com [3517-5812-2016-06-10]

PT ENGLISH TEACHERS WANTED. Small yet friendly and growing school in Settsu looking for PT native English teachers for kids and adults. Monday to Friday afternoon – evening. Experience preferred but not required.

Please send your CV and photo via email to abies_kids@yahoo. co.jp Contact: abies English Room <abies_kids@yahoo.co.jp> [34935832-2016-05-27]

TEACHERS WANTED. Ashiya/ Okamoto school is looking for PT English, French, Korean teachers.

University diploma preferable.

Must be native speaker with valid visa. ¥2700-¥3000 per hour + transportation. Free Japanese lesson available. Please email resume & photo, visa type & date valid till to: ashiyaplus@hotmail.co.jp Contact: Ashiya Plus <ashiyaplus@hotmail.co.jp> [3537-2522016-06-20]

General CES IS SEEKING ENGLISH/OTHER LANGUAGES CORPORATE. CES is seeking English/Other languages corporate instructors/interpreters in Hyogo, Shiga, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama and Wakayama for 3-12mth regular courses and 3-5 Day Intensives (Spring) starting immediately. Please email CV and Availability - mark@cesjapan. co.jp Contact: Manager <mark@ cesjapan.co.jp> [3302-77-201607-19]

JOB INFORMATION WEBSITE FOR FOREIGNERS. YOLO-JAPAN is the biggest community in the nation that provides various job opportunities for foreigners in Japan. Everything is for FREE !! SURVEY JOBS: 7,000 yen/ hour etc.. REGULAR JOBS: Full-time jobs, Part-time jobs WEBSITE: https://www.yolo-japan. com FACEBOOK: https://www. facebook.com/yolojapan/ Contact: YOLO-JAPAN <info@yolo-japan. com> Website: www.yolo-japan. com/?utm_source=Kansaiscene_ classified&utm_ medium=email&utm_campaign=1 [3533-6296-2016-06-18]

Entertainment ENTERTAINERS WANTED. Entertainment agency is looking for actors that can speak English with a British accent and also for any other actors, singers or performers. Please contact Lawrence at 080-4242-6335 or send your resume at omnibus-osaka@ moon.odn.ne.jp. Contact: lauconst <lauconst@aol.com> [3540-63012016-06-24]

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Kitchen / waiting staff CHEF AT INTERNATIONAL MACHIYA RRESTAURANT IN KYOTO. We are looking for responsible and flexible chef who can manage the kitchen by himself, that can learn our basic foods and develop new menu dishes in a beautiful restaurant that reopen. Details: Culinary backgrounds and experience as a chef required. - Full time - Salary 200,000-350,000yen Contact: gojoparadiso <office@ kin-japan.com> Website: www. hotpepper.jp/strJ001040208/ [35166281-2016-06-10]

Hospitality PART-TIME HOSPITALITY HELP WANTED.. Hotel Nikko Osaka is looking for those interested in the part time jobs in Restaurant Service and Front Service. Interested applicants should have Japanese capability and full visa requirement to work in Japan. English or Chinese ability is also a plus.

Contact to morita.sh@hno.co.jp for more details. Contact: Hotel Nikko Osaka <morita.sh@hno. co.jp> [3219-2098-2016-11-20]

Classes & events Courses and Classes BROADWAY MUSICAL THEATER WORKSHOP AUGUST 22-27!. Stage Academy presents from New York City: Singing,Acting,Dancing,Stage Combat workshop! Tuition includes 5 days + 4 nights, Breakfast + Lunch, Performance in Osaka and More! Sign-up by July 1st. 3人 の新しいニューヨークブロードウェイ•イン ストラクター！授業料は以下を含みます：4 泊5日の宿泊料•朝食と昼食•ダンス•歌• 演技•ステージコンバット•ステージでの 披露•限定Tシャツ。7月1日までに申し込 みを！ Contact: Do-Up Studio <ast@ do-up.ws> Website: www.stagejapan.com [3528-6208-2016-06-17] FREE ABACUS CLASS FOR FOREIGNERS. FREE ABACUS CLASS FOR FOREIGNERS OFFERED BY O.C.C.I. and Osaka Abacus Assoc. to promote int'l goodwill. Individualized lessons taught in Japanese or English. Saturdays 10-12 am.

Course material provided for free.

Near Sakaisuji-Hommachi and Kitahama. Call: Moritomo Ken 06-6572-6877 https://sites.google. com/site/osakasoroban/

Classifieds Events

/ JOBS • ACCOMMODATION • FRIENDSHIP guage exchange partner. I want to improve my pronunciation, so..if you are the native English speaker, please contact me. I don t need romance and a expensive teacher. I want to enjoy talking about something. Contact: SueSue <Sue_s848@yahoo.com> [3487-5911-2016-06-24]

FREE INFORMATION & ADVICE FOR FOREIGN RESIDENTS. Free information and counseling services will be offered to foreign residents at Osaka International House on Sunday, June 26th (11:00 - 17:00). Specialists will offer advice regarding Japanese Law, immigration, taxes, human rights, labor and more. Free and confidential, with interpretation in 10 languages. Contact: Osaka International House <ih-johokikaku@ih-osaka.or.jp> Website: www.ih-osaka.or.jp/english [35205744-2016-06-19]

COMMUNITY Language Ex. HISTORY OF EUROPE-TALKS IN JPANESE OR ENGLISH. If you interested in historiy, please bring your favorite topics to me. I know especially about Medieval Europe, the others. Please speak and teach, and I am going to tell you things which I studied. Contact: Shinya Hada <sinya-hada@hotmail.co.jp> [2351-2007-2016-06-12] LANGUAGE EXCHANGE GROUP IN OSAKA ON MONDAY NIGHT!. Let s do language exchange with us. My friends are looking for partners.

We also have Japanese class at the same place. Volunteers help your study. Any level is OK! Let s study together! Contact: Rimi Makino <rimim@hotmail.com> Website: www.facebook.com/rimi.makino.3 [2513-447-2016-06-21]

SPANISH/ JAPANESE/ENGLISH. Hello i can teach Spanish if intertested please contact me Contact: alexander <tequilasalud@gmail. com> [3320-2381-2016-06-06] I'M LOOKING FOR A LANGUAGE EXCHANGE PARTNER.. Hello everyone. I m a 47 years old Japanese female who are looking for a lan-

32

CHEINESE AND JAPANESE / LANGUAGE EXCHANGE. Hello, thank you for reading this ad.

I am Japanese male, 49-yearold, working at Umeda. I am seriously looking for someone to teach me Chinese and I can teach Japanese in return. I am available weekdays evenings, and weekends day-time. Those who are interested in, please contact me. BR, K. S Contact: katsuosato <changechange3@gmail.com>

Contact: eCom <ecommunication0001@gmail.com> [3484-62602016-05-25]

Friendship HI. hello iam single man 4os gaijin seeking female to star a friendship relation if interested please contact me see you Contact: alexander <tequilasalud@gmail. com> [3319-2381-2016-06-07] BICYCLE TOURING TRIPS. hello i like to meet some peoples who enjoy bicycle touring and camping , for short trips of 2 ,3 days 4 days or more...my next trip will be in shodoshima island ,a 3 days and camping...15/16/17 of may if someone interessted please be free to contact me..... Contact: herve <dpelouse@yahoo.com>

[3529-6293-2016-06-17]

[3509-6273-2016-06-04]

LANGUAGE EXCHANGE IN OSAKA. Looking for serious English/ Japanese language exchange with preferably (not necessarily) a dedicated author/writer. I d like to start my own blog explaining English to Japanese , which I need help with for some of contents there. Thank you for taking your time. Have a nice day. Contact: Boojum <for-language-exchange@ hotmail.com> [3508-6272-2016-

DRUMMER SEEKS PRACTICE PARTNERS. Drummer, based in Osaka, seeks other musicians.

Only started learning a couple of years ago and thus pretty mediocre at the moment. I m not looking to audition, just wanting similar musicians to practice with, help each other improve and have a good time. Any music ok. Anywhere in Osaka ok.

Contact: red osaka <redosaka@ hotmail.com> [3511-6276-2016-

06-04]

06-05]

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

East Asian studies (Japanese lang. emphasis) with translation experience in multiple fields looking for more language experience. Contact: Scytale <dontgotnologin@ gmail.com> [2441-2177-2016-05-30] FREE HYPNOSIS TALK AND DEMONSTRATION. Yes, it s real!

FREE HYPNOSIS CLASS with demonstration for any audience of 50-500 English-speaking people. Experience the power and mystery of hypnosis as presented

by Master Hypnotist Professor Jay Tee. Available Japan-wide.

Based in Kobe, Japan. Find out more at http://superunconscious. com Contact: Professor Jay Tee <superunconscious@gmail.com> Website: superunconscious.com [3523-2045-2016-06-13]

HIKING & OCEAN SPORTS!. Suma area people. Looking for people into healthy mountain walking/ jogging and marine sports. We are into outdoor activities including scuba diving. Now is the season for enjoying Japan. Contact us at ecommunication0001@gmail. com (Japanese and English ok)

LOOKING FOR SMART COOL INT L F TO HANGOUT. Nice sweet funny Jpn-rooted scientist M seeks smart international F to hang around, possibly relationship, soalmate.

Loyal & sincere. Long-term faith, commitment. Intelligence, social, love in nature, zoo, med to get along smoothly. Good mind& heart. I won t cheat, or abuse you.

Not for mone Contact: nobel benzene <speak6up@yahoo.co.jp> [3231-104-2016-06-24]

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 inter-

ested, pls feel free to mail. brownrabbits@hotmail.com Contact: brabbits <brownrabbits@hotmail. com> [2975-5897-2016-06-07] I'LL BE IN OSAKA IN APRIL AND I'M LOOKING FOR LOVE. Hi, I am an italian man 42 yearso old. I ll be in Osaka again next April and I d like to know someone to go out together and maybe to start a serious relationship. I m not interested to have only fun or in girls looking for short relationships. I ll wait for you. Contact: Flavio73 <spezzacatena@email.it> Website: www.japanitaly.it [33682063-2016-06-14]

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> [2680-5448-2016-06-16] 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> [3091-5985-2016-06-26]

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> [3089-1998-2016-06-26]

LOOKING FOR FRIENDS. Hi to everybody! I m a 43 years old italian man who is now in Osaka and would like to meet some friends here. Please contact me if you are interested to become my friend.

Flavio Contact: Flavio73 <spezzacatena@email.it> Website: www. japanitaly.it [3489-2063-2016-06-25] MATURE LADY FRIEND NEEDED. Open-minded, considerate, professional SJM looking for a nice lady READ MORE ONLINE >

Looking for something else?

Check Kansaiscene.com for the latest ads, or to place your own

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 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 a major 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.

34

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 #193 JUNE 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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Honmachi

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Boston Clam Shack

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Rihga Royal Hotel

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Museum of Oriental Ceramics

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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

7-ELEVEN

Hotel Via Inn

Cafe Absinthe

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3F GS Travel

2

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South

Apple Store

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The Silver Ball Planet

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GAP

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North

Nikko Hotel

EXODUS

Covent Garden

Tokyu Hands

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Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line

Ali’s Kitchen El Pancho 8F

Balabushka 4F

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

Kitahorie Hospital

Hiday's Texas BBQ

Minami-semba

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Midosuji line

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D

Louis Vuitton

Shinsaibashi

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3

Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

Toyoko Inn

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Namba Shrine

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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

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

A

/ MAPS & INFORMATION

Fujiya Hotel

Zerro

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Hozenji Temple Osaka Floral Inn

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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

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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

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Kuromon Market

Sakaisuji

Namba Hatch

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Naniwa Ward Office

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Kyoto

MAPS & INFORMATION / A

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Club Metro

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Aeon Shopping Mall

The Ritz Carlton

Irish Pub Gnome

Nijo-dori

Higashi Oji - dori

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Kyoto Asahi Kaikan

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Kyoto Bal

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Teramachi Shotengai Shinkyogoku Shotengai

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Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa

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Kyoto City Hall

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Tatsumi Bridge

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Yasaka Jinja

Maruyama Park

Apa Hotel

Minami-za Theatre

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/ MAPS & INFORMATION A

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Kitano Museum

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #193 JUNE 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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