Kansai Scene #201 February 2017

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

FEB 2017 / ISSUE 201

Sumo in Season The plus-sized wrestlers are coming back to town PLUS+

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HIKES WITH A VIEW FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS

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INTIMATE SPOTS FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER DATE

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APPS THAT WILL WIN YOUR HEART

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.........................................................Peggy Holsclaw Cinema.................................................. Miyoko Morita Event & Festival....................................Yuki Uchibori Live Music.............................................Phillip Jackson Club........................................................Saiko Fujiwara

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 Live Music ..........................................................................13 Club ........................................................................................ 18 Cinema................................................................................ 20 Classifieds..........................................................................31 Getting Around / Maps............................................34

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

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DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. We take no responsibility for the quality or content of advertisements. Public and private parties appproached by those claiming to work for or on behalf of Kansai Scene should call this office to confirm the truth of any such claim, especially where money may be involved.

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

© John Gunning

About Kansai Scene

This month begins with a flurry of Girls Day hina -doll displays and Setsubun beanthrowing ceremonies, but if you re hoping to get a seat at the sumo for the spring tournament in Osaka this March, February 5th is the date to mark on your calendar.

This is the day tickets go on sale and they will sell out fast. Down in Wakayama, one of Japan s greatest fire festivals will light up Kamikura Shrine, while the city of Nara will be shrouded in a sea of blue lights and visitors can stroll along twinkling paths as the romantic illuminations lead them to temples and shrines around the city. If you re getting into the Valentine s Day spirit, page 23 has some intimate dinner ideas in the Ura-Namba area, and for couples who prefer to be outside, a hiking guide for a day in the Ikoma mountains can be found on page 28. Look out for shows at the end of the month from comedy crew Pirates of the Dotonbori, and also V-DAY Osaka who will put on a bilingual benefit performance of The Vagina Monologues. We hope you have a fabulous February.

ON THE COVER: This month’s cover photo of sumo wrestler Tsurugisho was taken by John Gunning.

Sumo Season is Back Sumo tickets on sale! Two champions to return to Osaka: one a sumo legend and one the sport s newest hero.

FEATURE Text: John Gunning

Outdoor Adventure Date Get your heart pumping this Valentine s Day with a romantic hike for two plus stellar views of the city.

FEATURE Text: Ian Yates

Foodspotting

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Get your Valentine s dinner date just right at one of these intimate Ura-Namba locations.

FEATURE Text: KS

Apps for Romance

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Whether searching for romance or feeling introverted, we ve found an app for you.

Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

TECH Text: Dave Wingler

Connect with Kansai Scene…

Facebook kansaiscene

Twitter

@kansaiscene

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Meetup Kansai-Scene

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Events

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

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Oto Matsuri – Flaming Torch Ascetic Exercise 御燈祭り

Kamikura Shrine, Wakayama • Feb 6

One of the greatest fire festivals in Japan, Otou Matsuri, takes place in mid-winter every year at Kamikura-jinja, which is part of one of the three grand Kumano sanctuaries. Watch thousands of men in white dash down steep steps holding flaming torches in their hands.

This is a vigorous purification ritual with a 1,400-year history. At around 8pm, approximately 2,000 men will sprint down the 538 stone steps from the top of Mount Kamikura sending flames leaping and sparks flying!

With fire streaming along behind them, the locals call the procession a fire dragon. This spectacle attracts many tourists every year.

TIME: 5pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Shingu Stn, 15-min walk • kumanohayatama.jp

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The Vagina Monologues Pine Brooklyn, Osaka • Feb 26

Presented by V-DAY Osaka, this bilingual benefit performance aims to celebrate the strength of women, while raising awareness of violence against women and children. Come and experience the awardwinning play that launched a worldwide women s movement – Eve Ensler s The Vagina Monologues.

This performance will be in English and Japanese, with subtitles in both languages. All proceeds will be donated to organizations supporting women.

TIME: 7pm (doors open 6pm) • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (includes one drink and a zine) • ACCESS: Osaka Loop Line, JR Fukushima Stn, 7-min walk • vday.org

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WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

Events

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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:

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

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

Feb 25 • Kitano Tenmangu Shrine • Access: Tenman-gumae bus stop

FEB

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Setsubun Sai – Bean Throwing Ceremony 節分祭

Taga-Taisha Shrine, Shiga • Feb 3

February 3 is known as Setsubun in Japan, meaning the day before the beginning of spring and is the Lunar New Year s Eve. On this day, beanthrowing ceremonies take place at temples and shrines across Japan to scare away all the evil spirits and bring good fortune for the year to come. Witness hundreds of 60 year olds throwing beans from the platform of the historic Shinto shrine, Taga-taisha. Join the crowds scrambling to catch the beans. Do not miss the kagura performance where menacing monsters dance before the ceremony.

TIME: 10:30am & 1:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Omi Line, Tagataisha-mae Stn, 10-min walk • tagataisya.or.jp

Illumination with Japanese Blue しあわせ回廊 なら瑠璃絵

Nara Park, Nara • Feb 8–14 Nara city will be illuminated in a beautiful blue hue as part of this annual mid-winter festival. The lights laid out across the city are a mysterious marine blue, the color of ruri (lapis lazuli stone), which was adored and prized by the people of ancient Nara. Stroll along twinkling paths as the romantic lights lead you to ancient Kasuga shrine, Kofuku and Todai temples. Join a guided walking tour to hear interesting stories about the area or take a romantic walk with that special someone at your own pace.

Check out the Japanese acrobatic performing art called kagura as well as elaborate works of illumination art. There will be plenty of refreshments and goodies in the marketplace to keep you warm as well as a spectacular fireworks display on the 14th. Most of the events are free of charge.

TIME: 6pm–9pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Kintetsu Line, Nara Stn, 5-min walk • rurie.jp

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Events FEB

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

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© Provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

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Visiting Hina-Ningyo Dolls in Gokasho 商家に伝わるひな人形めぐり

Gokasho Omishonin-Yashiki, Shiga • Feb 1–Mar 20 Hina Matsuri (Girl s Day Festival) is one of the most important festivals in Japan. It is the day that families pray for the happiness and prosperity of their young daughters.

Many families display a set of figurines called hina-ningyo for this day of celebration. A picturesque town, Gokasho Omishonin-Yashiki hosts a visiting hina doll event from February 1st until March 20th. There, visitors will get the chance to admire beautiful dolls, which have been passed down through many generations displayed in historic houses. In a special attraction, a real, human hina-ningyo will appear at one of the historic houses in the town on the 18th and 19th. The living hina-ningyo doll will serve shirozake (a special Girls Day drink) and sweets to visitors.

TIME: 9:30am–4:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,000 (for 5 houses) adults, concessions • ACCESS: JR Notogawa Stn, bus to Plaza Sanpoyoshimae • higashiomi.net/notogawa/466.html

POP Circus in Himeji ポップサーカス 姫路公演

Himeji Casty21, Hyogo • Feb 11–Apr 9

Juggling to Latin music, acrobats soaring through the air, and dogs performing tricks are all in a day s pleasure for POP Circus meaning pursuit of pleasure. With high-flying, death-defying acrobatics, this is a display of athleticism and showmanship. POP Circus has a well deserved reputation for being spectacular and innovative. With flying trapeze artists, aerial ballet performed by contortionists, an amusing canine show and many other attractions, audiences of all ages enjoy incredible feats performed by over 30 international artists.

TIME: Depends on date (Closed Thursdays, Feb 15, and Mar 15) • ADMISSION: From ¥2,500 adults (¥2,800 at door), concessions • ACCESS: JR Himeji Stn, South Exit, 15-min walk • popcircus.co.jp

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

Events Osaka Tennoji Community Rakugo Show てんのじ村寄席 • 英語落語の会

Sanno Fukushi-Kaikan, Osaka • Feb 4 A traditional Japanese comedy will be performed in English.

Sitting on the stage, an entertainer tells comical stories. No need for subtitles!

TIME: 2:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥500 • ACCESS: Dobutsuen-mae Subway

Stn, 5-min walk • rakutopia.jp/ tennojimura-yose

One World Festival ワン • ワールド • フェスティバル

Kansai Telecasting Corporation, Ogimachi Square and Surroundings, Osaka • Feb 4–5 A two-day international festival featuring NGOs and Government institutions working for international assistance.

Enjoy ethnic food stalls, world dance performances, international films, and many other attractions.

TIME: 10am–5pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Ogimachi Subway Stn • interpeople.or.jp/owf

World Hobby Fair ’17 次世代ワールドホビーフェア 17

Kyocera Dome, Osaka • Feb 5 For children and parents, this is one of the largest showcases of video games, tech toys, and trendy arcade machines in Japan. Visitors can try all the latest toys and products as much as they like for free. They are also available to buy.

TIME: 9am–4pm ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Hanshin Line, Dome-mae Stn • whobby.com

Osaka Auto Messe 2017 大阪オートメッセ2017

Intex Osaka, Osaka • Feb 10–12 The Osaka Auto Messe is one of the largest motor shows focusing on various parts for car modification, tuning, and customizing. The event includes a model car exhibition, live

performances, fun activities for children, and more.

TIME: 9am–6pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,100 (¥2,700 at door) adults, concessions • ACCESS: Cosmosquare Subway Stn, 9-min walk • automesse.jp

The Peter Rabbit Exhibition ピーターラビット展

Knowledge Capital in Grand Front Osaka • Feb 11–Apr 2 The world of Peter Rabbit will be on show to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter s birth. The original pictures, sketches, and personal items of the author will be on display.

TIME: 10am–6pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,100 (¥1,300 at door) adults, concessions • ACCESS: JR Osaka Stn • peterrabbit2016-17.com/info_o

2017 MOBAC Show 2017モバックショー 第25回国際製パ ン製菓関連産業展

Intex Osaka • Feb 22–25 A biennial large bakery and confectionery show where visitors can learn everything they ever wanted to know about baking bread and sweets. The event includes demonstrations on how to make Japanese-style sweets, French-style confectioneries, breads, and more.

TIME: 10am–5pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,000 • ACCESS: Subway Cosmosquare Subway Stn, 9-min walk • mobacshow. com/index.html

Pirates of the Dotombori ZaZa Pocket’s • Feb 26 Kansai s longest-running bilingual comedy troupe the Pirates of the Dotonbori are back in full force in 2017 with their monthly improv comedy shows. Don t miss the next one on the 26th of the month at ZaZa Pocket s on the Dotonbori!

TIME: 7:30pm (doors open 7pm) • ADMISSION: ¥1,500 (includes 1 drink) • ACCESS: Namba or Shinsaibashi Stn, 10-min walk • piratesofthedotonbori. com • facebook.com/osakaimprov

Events

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI Kyogen Pantomimes 大覚寺身振り狂言

Daikaku-ji, Hyogo • Feb 3

© Provided by Nara Municipal Office, Tourism Section

This is a golden chance to see one of Japan s classical performing arts, kyogen. Masked actors perform silent comedies. A Japanese mechanical puppet show will also be held.

TIME: 10am–7pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Hanshin Line Amagasaki Stn, 5-min walk • amagasaki-daikakuji.com

Winter Food Fair 冬の味覚市

Akashi Park, Hyogo • Feb 25 & 26 Feb 9–Mar 12, Nara Park: Watch as a French hornist calls the deer with a verse of Beethoven's Sixth Symphony.

French Gala Party Imperial Hotel, Osaka • Mar 10 Fantastic French Gala Party celebrating French culture and gastronomy, including a very special menu by world famous French Chef Philippe Bodier, and a musical performance by opera soprano Anne Rodier accompanied by piano. This annual Gala party is always popular, attracting more than 300 people last year. Don't miss this wonderful upscale event.

Book your seat now.

TIME: 6:30–9:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥35,000 • ACCESS: JR Sakuranomiya Stn • For more information please contact Nobuko YOSHIDA : 03-32889623 / n.yoshida@ccifj.or.jp

Kyoto Salon Du Chocolat – The Chocolate Show サロン • デュ • ショコラ2017

Kyoto Cuisine Exhibition 第61回高島屋「京の味ごちそう展」

Takashimaya Department Store, Kyoto • Feb 22–28 Lavish dishes from Kyoto s famous restaurants will be showcased for this popular exhibition of Japanese cooking.

Sampling of chefs specialities, stalls from traditional shops, and many more exciting events will take place.

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Hankyu Line, Kawaramachi Stn • takashimaya.co.jp/kyoto

Plum Blossom & Tea Ceremony 梅花祭野点大茶湯

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto • Feb 25 Geisha perform during an openair tea ceremony at the Kitano Tenmangu shrine. Plum trees in the shrine grounds will be in full blossom around this time.

TIME: 10am–3pm • ADMISSION:

Lucua 1100, Osaka & JR Kyoto Isetan, Kyoto • Until Feb 14 Celebrity chefs from home and abroad will showcase their latest recipes at this worldwide event for all chocolate lovers.

One hundred brands from 17 countries are in the line-up for this year!

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Osaka Stn to Lucua 1100, JR Kyoto Stn to JR Kyoto Isetan • salon-duchocolat.jp/about

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Free to observe (¥1,500 for a tea ceremony) • ACCESS: Hankyu Line, Saiin Stn, bus to Kitanotenmangu-mae • kitanotenmangu.or.jp

Sanjusangen-Do Open Day 春桃会

Sanjusangen Temple, Kyoto • Mar 3 A historic temple famously home to 1,001 statues of a Buddhist god will have its open

day. There will be an ikebana (flower arrangement) exhibition, food stalls, and a theater for entertainment.

TIME: 9am–3:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Shichijo Stn, 5-min walk • sanjusangendo.jp

There will be an array of stalls selling tasty winter foods such as crabs, oysters, and mushrooms. Also, award-winning specialities from all over the country will be on display and there will be a soba-noodlemaking demonstration.

TIME: 10am–3pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Akashi Stn, 5-min walk • hyogo-park.or.jp/akashi

Hiina Matsuri – Girls’ Day ひいなまつり

Ichihime Shrine and Surroundings, Kyoto • Mar 3 As part of this Girls Day celebration, there will be demonstration on how to dress in a ceremonial kimono, a souvenir photograph session, traditional dance by human dolls, and many other interesting events.

TIME: 1pm–4pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000

(a tea and a lucky charm included) • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Kiyomizu-gojo Stn, 5-min walk • ichihime.net

Hyogo Setsubun Sai – Bean Throwing Ceremony 節分祭

Nara Shikayose – Herding Deer with Beethoven's 6th Symphony 鹿寄せ

Tobihino in Nara Park, Nara • Feb 9–Mar 12 Hundreds of deer rush from the forest to be fed, when a French hornist plays a verse of Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony.

Shikayose is a highly popular attraction held during the winter mornings from February 9th to March 12th.

TIME: 10am (Closed Mon) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR / Kintetsu Line, Nara Stn, bus to Kasugataisha Omotesando • naradeer.com/events

Ikuta Shrine, Hyogo • Feb 3

Sunakake Matsuri – Sand Fight Ritual

Experience a traditional Japanese bean-throwing ceremony at Ikuta-jinja. Celebrities perform the ritual along with 150 other bean throwers. Stage shows will be put on beforehand at 12 noon.

砂かけ祭

TIME: 1:45pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Sannomiya Stn, 10-min walk • ikutajinja.or.jp

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Hirose Shrine, Nara • Feb 11 A unique religious ritual where a fierce sand fight takes place.

It is said that the harder the participants fight, the more blessed the year s crops will be with rainfall. Wear goggles and

Events

Feb 25, Sugawara Shrine, Shiga: Firewalking Ceremony

put your camera into plastic bag for protection!

Ebe, 7-min walk • biwako-visitors.jp/ event/detail/755

TIME: 2pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Horyuji Stn, 30-min walk / 10-min bike ride / 5-min taxi ride • yamatoji.nara-kankou. or.jp/01shaji/01jinja/02west_area/ hirosejinja/event/0000000001

Wakayama Setsubun – Bean Throwing Ceremony 節分 福付き豆まき

Shiga Plum Tree Bonsai Exhibition 長浜盆梅展

Keiun-Kan, Shiga • Until Mar 12 With vivid colors and exotic aromas, this plum tree bonsai exhibition is a treat for your senses. Enjoy 90 magnificent pots of plum blossoms including a 400-year-old tree and a 3-meter tree set in a traditional Japanese house.

TIME: 9am–5pm • ADMISSION: ¥500 adults, concessions • ACCESS: JR Nagahama Stn, 3-min walk • bonbai.jp

Firewalking Ceremony 火渡り神事

Sugawara Shrine, Shiga • Feb 25 This is an extreme ritual where you can walk in a three meter-burning patch. The first 130 visitors can participate for ¥1,500.

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: Free to observe • ACCESS: JR Yasu Stn, bus to

Kimiidera Temple, Wakayama • Feb 3 Join the bean-throwing ceremony held to scare away evil spirits and bring good fortune for the year to come. Following a solemn ritual, beans and gifts will be scattered from the stage at the grounds of the temple.

TIME: 4pm • ADMISSION: ¥200 adults, concessions • ACCESS: JR Kimiidera Stn, 10-min walk • kimiidera.com

Sennin-Boro Hot Spring 仙人風呂

Kawayu Onsen, Wakayama • Until Mar 21 A natural outdoor hot spring is set up for free. This giant open-air bath created on the banks of Ohtou river is open only during the winter.

TIME: 6:30am–10pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Shingu Stn bus to Kawayu Onsen • kumano-shingu.com

Graphics and Music kyoto ddd gallery

Robert COUTELAS, Composition of My Nights 24-b 1973 Private collection (photo: Fumihito KATAMURA)

Music and visual art both serve as means of expressing the inner feelings of their creators, who craft them to appeal to our senses of hearing and sight, respectively. These two mediums have maintained a deep reciprocal connection throughout history, with one inspiring or influencing the making of the other. The inception of graphic design, one of modern society s most prolific artistic channels, dates back to 19th century Europe when the development of mass society awakened a need for mass communication. In response, artists began producing posters to generate publicity for different purposes, including the advertisement of live shows and revues held at music halls and theaters. This exhibition introduces graphic design posters that relate in some way to music. Visitors will witness a blended relationship between seeing and hearing, and gain insight into how artists convey the energy of music visually.

Robert Coutelas “I Seek the Small Golden Hand” Asahi Beer Omayazaki Villa Museum of Art

Graphics and Music Exhibition • Until Mar 18 • OPEN: 11am–7pm (until 6pm Sat) • CLOSED: Sun • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Tozai Subway line, Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Stn, 3-min walk • TEL: 075-871-1480 • dnp.co.jp/ gallery/ddd_e

The Beauty of the Prayer

For Parisian painter Robert Coutelas, the creation of art was an inherently spiritual experience. I work a lot, he once remarked, because working brings me closer to the mystery. He felt a revulsion for the trends espoused by the European art community in the 20th century.

Rather than attempting to appeal to the tastes of galleries, he elected to paint in poverty, creating entertaining works built over a subtext of sadness. Coutelas, an embodiment of the classic French spirit, is best known for cartes and gouache paintings depicting his characteristic motifs such as Bible stories and imaginary creatures with a fusion of human and animal characteristics. This exhibition includes various pieces from this forgotten artist, including early oil paintings from Coutelas' days in Lyon, some which are on display for the very first time.

Nara Prefectural Museum of Art

Robert Coutelas Exhibition • Until Mar 12 • OPEN: 10am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥900 • ACCESS: JR Kyoto line, Yamazaki Stn and Hankyu Kyoto Line, Oyamazaki Stn, approx. 10-min walk • TEL: 075-957-3123 (Japanese guidance only) • asahibeer-oyamazaki. com/english

Prayer Works Exhibition • Until Mar 15 • OPEN: 9am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥400 • ACCESS: Kintetsu line, Nara Stn, 5-min walk • TEL: 0742-23-3968 • pref.nara. jp/11842.htm

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《「S・F・X」Haruomi Hosono》奥村靫正 1984/1990年 © Yukimasa Okumura

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

The culture and history of Nara, Japan s capital city throughout the 8th century, has significantly influenced the artistic and emotional atmosphere of the country. The power of religious faith permeating Nara City, rooted mainly in the traditions of Shinto and Buddhism, has served Japan s mentality with a rich sense of spiritual peace and connection with the natural world. This exhibition brings together over 200 traditional and contemporary works featuring calligraphy, paintings, and ceramic items in celebration of Nara and the beauty of prayer. All pieces on display were created by three famous Japanese artists: Ikuo Hirayama, a Nihonga painter known for his dreamy landscapes, Kousho Shimizu, a former superintendent priest of Todai Temple and master painter of religious scrolls, and Kenkichi Sugimoto, who held an affinity for countryside scenes.

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

清水公照 《紅富士》 昭和60年

Art

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

Remnants of Reputed Katana Swords: Drawings of Katana Blades and the Splendor of Katana Swords Osaka Museum of History •  Until Feb 27 The katana sword was a traditional weapon of choice wielded by ancient Japanese samurai, and has remained a cultural icon in modern times. Katana enthusiasts are invited to view a collection of drawings featuring renowned blades alongside ancient weapons forged by famous swordsmiths.

OPEN: 9:30am–5pm • CLOSED: Tues • ADMISSION: ¥600 • ACCESS: Tanimachi subway line, Tanimachi 4-chome Stn, 1-min walk • TEL: 06-6946-5728 • mus-his. city.osaka.jp/eng

Asaki Narahashi “Ne/E – New Selection from 1992–1997 Exhibition @03Fotos” The Third Gallery Aya •  Until Feb 18 Internationally acclaimed photographer Asako Narahashi presents a selection of prints taken from 1992–1997 that have appeared over time in a total of 17 exhibitions. Narahashi manages to convey an air of tranquility and solitude in her works, generating feelings of peace in viewers. She has performed shoots in Japan and Amsterdam.

OPEN: 12pm–7pm (until 5pm Sat) • CLOSED: Sun, Mon • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Yotsubashi subway line, Higobashi Stn, Exit 7, 2-min walk • TEL: 066445-3557 • thethirdgalleryaya.com

Minako Nishiyama “Drawings” Yoshimi Arts •  Until Feb 19 Minako Nishiyama is known for her intricate and elegant paper mache sculptures centering on themes related to feminine culture. This exhibition focuses on drawings created from the early 2000s to the present day.

OPEN: 11am–7pm • CLOSED: Feb 8–13 • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Yotsubashi Subway Line, Higobashi Stn, Exit 7, 1-min walk • TEL: 06-6443-0080 • yoshimiarts. com/home.html

Masaaki Yamada Exhibition Tezukayama Gallery •  Until Feb 18 The first Masaaki Yamada retrospective exhibition, six years after his death, is showcasing Work (1956–1995), his longest and most voluminous series. As a painter, Yamada s style morphed over time, but always remained simple and minimalistic. Richly colored patterns of stripes, grids, and crosses characterize most of these works.

OPEN: 12pm–7pm • CLOSED: Sun, Mon, holidays • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Namba Stn, 10-min walk • TEL: 06-65343993 • tezukayama-g.com/en

Nara Manyo Collection Exhibition – New Additions 4 Nara Prefectural Complex of Manyo Culture •  Until Feb 26

Pierre Alechinsky Exhibition The National Museum of Art, Osaka Pierre Alechinsky, born in Belgium in 1927, specializes in a unique synthesis of Eastern and Western painting styles. He embarked on his artistic career after World War II by getting involved with Cobra, an avant-garde group that championed creative freedom and individualism. He soon discovered Japanese calligraphy in Paris and felt an immediate affinity with its freewheeling style. Upon visiting Japan in 1955, Alechinsky befriended calligrapher Morita Shiryu, and would go on to produce a film on the subject of Japanese calligraphy. The visit inspired Alechinsky to gravitate away from Western oil painting toward a lighter and less restricted style. He used sumi ink, watercolor, and acrylic paint to depict a range of motifs fuelled by experience and imagination. This exhibition consisting of some 80 works is Japan s first large-scale retrospective of Alechinsky, and also serves as a commemoration of Japan s 150-year friendship with the country of Belgium.

Pierre Alechinsky Exhibition • Until Apr 9 • OPEN: 10am–5pm (until 7pm Fri) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥900 • ACCESS: Keihan Nakanoshima line, Watanabebashi Stn, Exit 2, 5-min walk • TEL: 06-6447-4680 • nmao.go.jp/en/index.html

This museum houses more than 800 ancient artifacts, many of which make up Manyoshu, the oldest existing collection of classical Japanese poetry. The latest New Additions exhibition features some 90 works, including ceramic dolls, paintings, and other items donated by artists and collectors in 2015.

ピエール・アレシンスキー《写真に対抗して》1969 年 アクリル絵具、キャンバスで裏打ちした紙 ベルギーING コレクション © Pierre Alechinsky, 2016

Osaka

Art

OPEN: 10am–5:30pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥600 • ACCESS: Sakurai Stn, Kame bus to Manyo Bunkakan Nishiguchi stop, 1-min walk • TEL: 074-454-1850 • manyo.jp/event/detail. html?id=175

Hyogo Sculptures Gathering Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art •  Until Mar 19 This exhibition presents a selection of sculptures and 3D artwork created by masters of modern art, contemporary artists, and others.

2D artworks created by sculptors or related to sculptures will be also on display

Welcome to Tadanori Yokoo Hot Spring!

Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art •  Until Mar 26

OPEN: 10am–6pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Hanshin Line, Iwaya Stn, 8-min walk • TEL: 078-2620901 • artm.pref.hyogo.jp/eng

This display spotlights two series of works created by Japanese graphic designer, illustrator, printmaker, and painter Yokoo

Tadanori. All pieces relate to Japanese hot springs and public baths, filling the museum with the laid-back atmosphere of an onsen resort.

OPEN: 10am–6pm (until 8pm Fri & Sun) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥700 • ACCESS: Hankyu line, Oji Koen Stn, 6-min walk • TEL: 078-855-5602 • ytmoca.jp/ english/en_guidance.html

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

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WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

Explosions In The Sky A couple of years ago, researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute conducted a study about how music can affect our state of happiness. They listed some songs and pieces from their study which they believed would be inclined to make a person feel happy. One of these was the track First Breath After Coma by the US post-rock four-piece band Explosions In The Sky. Originally named Breaker Morant, the band formed in 1999. Their first album was the limited numbers release How Strange, Innocence. Their seventh studio album The Wilderness was released last year to positive reviews.

In a recent interview, guitarist Mark Smith said, This album is an attempt to sort of look at and honour that wilderness above us and around us.

Feb / Mar

Bay City Rollers

Kreva Feb 11–12 Japanese rapper and producer Orix Theater, Osaka • Rap • 2/11 at 6pm; 2/12 at 5pm • ¥6,800 • TEL: 0570-200-888

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American post-rock four piece • Club Quattro, Osaka • Post-rock • 6:30pm • ¥6,500 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

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

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

James Blake

Penicillin

English singer-songwriter and producer

Ronny Vergara

Feb 18 & 19

Namba Hatch, Osaka • Singer-songwriter • 7pm • ¥7,800 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

Feb 17

Japanese rock band s 25th anniversary tour

Scottish 70 s pop-rock band Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Pop rock • 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥15,500/¥16,500 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Animals As Leaders

Swiss dark techno DJ and producer

Feb 15

Joule, Osaka • Techno • TIME: TBA • ¥TBA • TEL: 06-6214-1223

Instrumental prog-rock-fusion band from Washington D.C.

FEB

Prog-rock band featuring Tony Levin plus saxophonist Mel Collins

Feb 17

Rock & Pop

Shangri-La, Osaka • Rock • 6pm • ¥6,500/¥7,000 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

Tommy Keene

In Defence

American power-pop singer-songwriter and guitarist

Feb 18

Feb 18

Moon Relay

American crossover thrash-metal trio

Helluva Lounge, Kobe • TIME: TBA • ¥TBA • TEL: 078-331-7732

Feb 16

Hokage, Osaka • Metal • TIME: TBA • ¥TBA • TEL: 06-6211-2855

Feb 19

Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,800 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

Norwegian rock four piece (instrumentalists) Hokage, Osaka • Rock • TIME: TBA • ¥TBA • TEL: 06-6211-2855

Travis Feb 17 Scottish rock band formed 1990 Namba Hatch, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥8,000 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

Live Music

Testament

Namba Mele, Osaka • 6:30pm • ¥3,000/¥3,500 • TEL: 06-6634-1539

Feb 18

Feb 21

US 80 s thrash-metal pioneers

Taku Taku, Kyoto • 7pm • ¥2,500/¥3,000 • TEL: 075-351-1321

Akaso, Osaka • Thrash • 7pm • ¥8,000 • TEL: 06-7897-2450

Stick Men with Mel Collins Feb 18

Periphery Feb 21

Feb 24

Halo Orbit Feb 24 Alternative-rock trio of Juan Alderete, suGar Yoshinaga, and Mark Guiliana Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Rock • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥4,900/¥5,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Yolz In The Sky/Woog Riots Feb 25 Japanese guitar/vocal duo plus German indie-electro-pop duo Namba Bears, Osaka • Pop rock • TIME: TBA • ¥TBA • TEL: 06-6649-5564

Explosions In The Sky Feb 26 American post-rock four piece

American prog-metal six-piece band

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

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Live Music

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

MAR

01 Jakob Bro Trio Last year saw the release of Jakob Bro s 13th album Streams, and over the past 13 years, he s picked up as many awards and recognitions to match (including Danish Jazz Album of the Year five times!).

The Danish jazz guitarist and composer currently leads his trio which includes Joey Baron (drums) and Thomas Morgan (bass). Online jazz music news outlet Jazz Trail says of Bro that he is a guitarist with a highly identifiable sound and deep intimacy inherent to his poetic approach and pallid textures.

The gig is billed as a Streams release concert so the trio will no doubt be showcasing compositions from the new album.

The music wants to go in its own direction, it s our job to follow it, Bro said.

Animals As Leaders

Warpaint

Feb 15

Mar 1

Instrumental prog-rock-fusion trio Animals As Leaders began just over 10 years ago and released their self-titled debut album in 2009. Their latest is last year s The Madness of Many, which is already faring well in the US rock charts.

The band features guitarist Tosin Abasi, a graduate of the Atlanta Institute of Music. Animals As Leaders originally began as Tosin s solo project and it wasn t until later that drummer Matt Garstka and guitarist Javier Reyes were drafted in.

American indie-rock band Warpaint were formed on Valentine s Day 2004. The original lineup consisted of childhood friends Theresa Wayman and Emily Kokal alongside sisters Jenny Lee Lindberg and Shannyn Sossamon.

Now, 10 years on, and with the only personnel change being Australian Stella Mogzawa taking over from Sossaman on the drums, Warpaint late last year released their third studio album Heads Up. Describing the new album prior to the recording sessions, drummer Mozgawa said her rhythms were a little more dancey and a little higher on the BPM scale in comparison to Warpaint s earlier material. Kokal further described the album s rhythms as dancier, faster and fun, noting that Heads Up best captured the spirit of the band s live performances. About the upcoming dates in Japan Jenny Lee Lindberg stated that It s such a magical place, the people are so loving and such lovers of music and art in ways I ve haven t seen much before, or at least not on that scale. Cannot wait to be there and play!

Anyone seeing, or listening, to Animals As Leaders will notice one thing about them instantly as musicians – they are very good.

Guitarists Abasi and Reyes both play eight string guitars, and drummer Garstka has been a gigging musician since the age of 12.

Instrumental prog-rock-fusion band from Washington DC • Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,800 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

Danish jazz guitarist and composer • Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz • 6:45pm/9:15pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

American art-rock, indie-rock band • Club Quattro, Osaka • Indie rock • 7:30pm • ¥6,300 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

Live Music Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 6:30pm • ¥6,500 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

Re-branded metal idol duo Rie Kaneko and Rei Kuromiya

Slapp Happy

Janus, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,000 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

Feb 27

backnumber

German avant-pop group formed 1972

Mar 3 & 4

Muse, Osaka • Avant pop • 7:30pm • ¥8,800 • TEL: 06-6245-5389

Japanese trio known for the hit single Christmas Song

Ray Parker Jnr. & Raydio

Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka • Pop rock • 6pm • ¥6,800 • TEL: 0570-200-888

Feb 28 Ray Parker of Ghostbuster hit fame and his 70 s band Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Funk • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥9,800/¥10,800 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Yellow Card Feb 28 Alternative rock-punk band formed 1997 in final tour Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥7,000 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

Warpaint Mar 1 American female indie-rock band Club Quattro, Osaka • Indie • 7:30pm • ¥6,300 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

Christopher Cross Mar 1 & 2 US Grammy-award-winning singer-songwriter Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • AOR (Album-oriented rock) • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥9,800/¥10,800 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

The Damned Mar 2 English rock band featuring David Vanian and Captain Sensible Akaso, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,800 • TEL: 06-7897-2450

The idol formerly known as Ladybaby Mar 2

Teenage Fanclub Mar 5 Scottish alternative-rock band formed 1989 Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 6pm • ¥7,000 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

Busted Mar 8 English rock-pop trio Akaso, Osaka • Rock pop • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-7897-2450

Magumi and The Breathless Mar 10 Japanese six-piece rock band Rocktown, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • TEL: 06-6632-6900

bonobos Mar 11 Japanese dub-rock band Shangri-La, Osaka • Dub rock • 6pm • ¥3,900 • TEL: 06-6357-3666

The Mirraz Mar 11 Japanese indie-rock band Janus, Osaka • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,500 • TEL: 06-6214-7255

Katayama Breakers Mar 11 Japanese rock band from Kyoto Taku Taku, Kyoto • Rock • 6:30pm • ¥3,000/¥3,500 • TEL: 075-351-1321

Live Music

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

INTERVIEW

The Stick Men Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, and Marcus Reuter make up The Stick Men. Levin and Mastelotto are both members of the famous prog-rock band King Crimson along with saxophonist Mel Collins who will be joining the trio, including for this Japan tour. KS last spoke with Tony Levin in 2015 and caught up again with the touch guitarist to find out about the upcoming visit to Japan and the new album Prog Noir.

The Stick Men are well known for the use of touch guitar. When we last spoke in 2015 you mentioned that the future of touch guitars looked exciting. Do you think we’ll eventually see the touch guitar becoming almost as common place in bands as regular guitars?

I must admit that I m not an expert on following how touch guitar playing is progressing in the music scene. But I do know that I m hearing a lot of great players doing special musical things. So I won t predict the future for touch guitars, but I can attest that the players are already a valuable part of the music scene of today.

The new album Prog Noir is now out and available, how would you describe the album briefly to the fans that have yet to hear any of the tracks?

I feel that our band is a special one in that we have our own sound and our own approach to music. With two touch-style guitars in one band, and Pat Mastelotto s unique drumming approach with acoustic and electric percussion it gives us sound options that are pretty unusual. The Prog Noir album represents about twoand-a-half years of writing and refining new pieces, so I feel that some of them are the best we ve come up with in our 10 years as a band.

Diaura/Mejibray

Varit, Kobe • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

Mar 11 & 12 Japanese visual-kei rock Muse, Osaka • Rock • 5:30pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • TEL: 06-6245-5389

Radwimps Mar 11 & 12 Japanese rock band since 2003 known for hits Order Made and Dada Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka • Rock • 2/11 at 6pm; 2/12 at 5:30pm • ¥7,900 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

Daizystripper Mar 12 Japanese visual-kei rock band s 10th anniversary

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Graham Bonnet Band Mar 13 Ex-Rainbow and Michael Schenker vocalist solo band Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥8,000 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

FLOW

FEB

18 To describe the sound of the album to those who haven t heard us that s not so simple for me. We are making progressive rock music, for sure, and some of the pieces are complex, but others not so much, and quite a few have lyrics. The song themes are about various things, some of them dark, like the title track Prog Noir. The Tempest lyrics are about how, after 9/11, there seemed to be more connection between the people in New York City. There is a humorous piece, Plutonium, which talks about the planet Pluto having been downsized to a dwarf planet and is interspersed with musical quotes from other pieces we all know. The song Never the Same is about my own experience, being again active in King Crimson, and how the musical ethic of that band can affect you.

Saxophonist Mel Collins will be a special guest, is Mel only joining you for the Japan dates on this tour?

Yes, it s going to be a very special event for all of us – only at these shows will Mel be touring with Stick Men. Pat and I play along with Mel, of course, in our King Crimson tours, and it s because he s such a great player that we had the idea of him joining us as guest in Japan. But he s also a big part of the history of King Crimson and that makes it special too.

Prog-rock band featuring King Crimson members and use of touch guitars • Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Rock • 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥7,900/¥8,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Mar 15 Hokage, Osaka • TIME: TBA • ¥TBA • TEL: 06-6211-2855

Mar 16 Socrates, Kyoto • TIME: TBA • ¥TBA • TEL: 075-254-6210

Mar 17 Helluva Lounge, Kobe • TIME: TBA • ¥TBA • TEL: 078-331-7732

Mar 14 & 15

The Muggles

Japanese five-piece rock band formed 1998

Every Fri & Sat

Varit, Kobe • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,900 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

Big John Bates Dark post rock-n-roll with symphonic elements

Mellow ballads, classic rock, and dynamic rock-n-roll from Osakabased jamming band Woodstock Café, Ashiya • Rock and Group Sounds • Free admission (¥2,000 for 2 drinks + snack) • TEL: 079-734-1044

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

Jazz & Blues Adachi Kumi and Okubo Japanese blues fusion guitarists

Feb 23 Rag, Kyoto • 7:30pm • ¥3,000/¥4,700 • TEL: 075-255-7273

Feb 24 Chicken George, Kobe • 7pm • ¥4,300/¥4,700 • TEL: 078-332-0146

Jakob Bro Trio Mar 1 Danish guitarist and composer Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz • 6:45pm/9:15pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Club

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

Festival Hall

FEB

Welcome to the space odyssey – the collaboration of DJ Jeff Mills and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra is finally coming to Osaka with Mills new Electronic Classical album Planets. Jeff Mills (aka The Wizard ) is one of Detroit Techno s visionaries and the father of Minimal Techno. His hit tune The Bells from Kat Moda EP (1996) sold more than 500,000 copies and is still admired by techno producers to this day. His career started in the 80s when he founded the collective Underground Resistance with Mad Mike Banksin in 1990. Mills created his own record label Axis with Robert Hood in 1992, and continued exploring the possibility of new sounds and contexts for techno. Playing with an orchestra is one of the most interesting possibilities he has explored. He released the DVD of his live collaboration with the Montpellier Philharmonic Orchestra in 2005 and then proceeded to tour all over the world. Unlike the collaborated show with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra last year, conductor Andrea Battistoni, who is expected to be a successor of the great

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Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini, will join Mills at Festival Hall to play songs from his new album.

Immerse yourself in the music and chill out at this unique musical experience.

Bakucla! presents Jeff Mills × Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra × Andrea Battistoni (Classic/Techno) • LIVE: Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra • DJ: Jeff Mills • OPEN: 6pm • ADMISSION: ¥6,800 • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 0570-200-888 • promax.co.jp/bakucla

February 3 (Fri)

4 (Sat)

Circus

Circus

#Madwant – Colours Asia Tour (UK Trap)

DJ Ageishi × Altz (House/Techno)

• DJS: Ozzie, Madkosmos, Bounce Catz, Keiriddim, Uc, Ch.0, Cazbow, Sahar, Gibson, Miles Star, Darkbase • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circusosaka.com

Joule Lit feat. Zomboy (Dubstep/EDM/ Bass) • DJS: Zomboy, Masayoshi Iimori, Jaxx Da Fishworks, Dubscribe, Shinya, Young, Nazanael, Rue-zy, Kenzoom, Ryota Aoki, Eisen, Megumi, Teho, Niziki, Sahyaa + more • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.com

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• DJS: Ageishi, Altz • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,000 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circusosaka.com

Joule Mighty Crown Entertainment presents Back to the Hardcore – 80 s 90 s Vibez – (Reggae) • ACTS: Mighty Crown, Shinehead, Mr.Williamz • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥4,500 (ADV: ¥3,500) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-1223 • clubjoule.com

Stomp

Triangle Revibes (UK Hardcore/Hardtek/ Breakcore) • ACTS: Liqo, Srav3r, Shimamura, Noriken, Myosuke, Numb’n’dub, RedOgre, Abitan, 490, Relect, B45h, Matres, TΔtsÜyΔ, UrameshiYuko, Nadeco, Say8, Mah!ro, Bishamon, Colon, Revenge, Sxuxm, Kantaro, Ochan, Neknee, Akd, Tokkun, Seiya Fukutoku + more • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,500 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka.com

8 (Wed) Socore Factory Sundrum×Afrirampo×Tokyo Ghetto Shamisen Special Live!!!

Sundrum Release Tour in Osaka (Neo Tribal/Jungle/Experimental) • LIVE: Sundrum, Afrirampo, Tokyo Ghetto Shamisen • DJS: Hayato, Gyoku, Erochemist + more • OPEN: 7:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

Troop Cafe Lovers Jak (Dance) • DJS: Takeshi Kouzuki, Hankyuvain, Yuko Nishida • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,500/1D • WHERE: Kobe • TEL: 078-3213130 • troopcafe.jp

Haleo (Techno)

West Harlem

• DJS: Ko-Jax, Shake M, Ono • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6245-0889 • clubstomp.com

Sensation (Techno) • LIVE: Ken’ichi Itoi • DJS: Shingo, Aoki Takamasa, Masahiko Takeda, Toshiki • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 050-1016-0099 • kyotosalsa.com • FACEBOOK: westharlem

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

10 (Fri) Circus Circus × Pbm Street Team presents Onra Japan Tour 2017 (Hip Hop) • LIVE: Onra, Geminis Azul • Dance Show CASE: Temporaly, Donuts & Shiro Gohan • DJS: Endrun, Questa, Ikkei, Showty • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI / Fab-Space Roots! meets Asuka Ando Dub U Set (Dub) • LIVE: Asuka Ando Dub U Set, Sou • DJS: Hoshino-I, Green Works, Aokiss, Kaoru, Kiyoca • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (Mail RESERVATION: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Hyogo, Himeji • TEL: 079-222-2882 • club-fab.com

Joule Castor presents Bryan Kearney Japan Tour in Osaka (Trance/ Techno) • ACTS: Bryan Kearney, Mau, M.Minami, Master Azia, Tiji, Yuki Higashi, Oxy Tech, Takashix • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 066214-1223 • club-joule.com

Metro Rub-a-Dub 31st Anniversary!

(Reggae/Dub) • LIVE: Cosmix, Banyaros, D’ Aqua • DJS: Nine Channel, Teke Teke Crew, Natty from R-celection Crew, Shintaroh, Soul Prime, Zukkey, Rub a Dub Soldier • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Move Amadi Japan Tour 2017 feat. Feel -odori- Special (Deep House/Garage/Dance Classics) • ACTS: Herb Martin, Hiroki M Piro, Kimpa • Dance SHOWCASE: Anchin + Comboo + Tatsuya, Tcchan, Kansai Bakudan, Oleeve, Evolve, Shabani (Mizuki + Tsubasa), Ish • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2500 (W/FLYER: ¥2,500/1D) • WHERE: Shiga • TEL: 077-523-3870 • club-move. com

Sugar Ultra Lounge Heaven vol.27 (EDM /House/ Trance) •ACTS: Kool Empire, Thomas Nguyen, Ryouheeei, Taika, Naoya, Ryo-ma • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: Gentlemen ¥2,000/1D; Ladies ¥1,500/1D; Foreigners ¥1,000/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-0799 • club-sugar.com

Troop Cafe Daze of Phaze (House/Techno) • DJS: Kabuto, Kohei, Ono, Soichi • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D • WHERE: Kobe • TEL: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

¥1,000 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 066266-6700 • galerie-tzigane.com

Circus

Gypsy

G★l★y(Techno/House)

Kikikaikai Spin off Party Hyakki yakoh (Techno/Tribal) •ACTS: Kihira Naoki, Mamezuka, Madam Columbia, Erochemist a.k.a.Ikeda Shacho, Dsk, Wataru, Chari • OPEN: 9:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-212-3223 • gypsy-kyoto.com

Metro 5364 × B From Outatbero presents Neo Sanzen Daiman Sekai (Techno/Breakcore/Tribal) •LIVE: Imai, Utabi, Outatbero • DJS: Keita Kawakami, Tomoh Satinko, 5364 • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,800/1D (Mail RESERVATION: ¥2,300/1D) • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Galerie Tzigane Tomei no Katachi (Ambient/ Drone)

• DJS: Sodeyama, Yashima, Goldtights, Lobo, Yoda Haruka • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circusosaka.com

Fab-Space Hoodlum vol.5 meets Movement (Dub/Reggae) • ACTS: Professor Chinnen, SakDub-I, Dread UK, Hyottoko, N.S.G.K, Naoki Matsumoto, Hondub Hiroaki, Dubnamyte, Hav, Yuyake, Ryohei, Kaoru, Kenta, Yasutakakita • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 • WHERE: Hyogo, Himeji • TEL: 079-222-2882 • club-fab.com

Piccadilly New Ôrder (EDM/House)

Triangle Suncaq #04 New Year Party (Breakcore, Grime, Juke, Drum n Bass, Hardcore) • ACTS: Miii, Humangas, Yabaicorenosuke + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka.com

• DJS: Merk & Kremont, Ray, Shinji, Silver Fox, Genki, Walt • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,500) • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-6809-5895 • clubpiccadilly.com

19 (Sun) Atmosphäre

17 (Fri)

BBV + Guilty C. Release Party (noise/experimental)

Circus Perfect Touch x Circus present Kyoka (Beat/Techno) •ACTS: Kyoka, Yousuke Yukimatsu, Erik Luebs, Eciv_Takizumi • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Joule TeiONklub in Osaka Underground Only (Techno/Psychedelic) • DJS: Ronny Vergara Yoni Banks & Yan Ka, D41, Mika Kitten, Sho, Dk-Baseline, Yasuhiro, Ryo Fujioka, Hidetaka, Gulu Guru, Naga, Momotaro, 9re, Ucemi, U-1, Tsuyoshi, Sano Kazuya, Piero, Freak’y, Yasu#13 • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000. Enter by 10PM: ¥1,000 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-1223 • clubjoule.com

Metro ContaKt (Drum n Bass/Techno)

11 (Sat)

18 (Sat)

• LIVE: Bodil, Kaz a.k.a.Hige • DJS: T-AK, Mountain, Tenkumo, Naotoshi Wada, Imadegawa, Yamame • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D (Mail RESERVATION: ¥1,500/1D) • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

• LIVE: BBV + Guilty C. • DJS: TBA • OPEN: 6pm • ADMISSION: ¥500 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • FACEBOOK: atmosphäre

Club

25 (Sat) Circus Florian Kupfer (Techno) • ACTS: Florian Kupfer + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circusosaka.com

Metro Bongbros × Burning Sign presents Killer Free Vol.3 (Hip Hop) • ACTS: Bongbros, Burning Sign, Shuren the Fire, Fumitake Tamura, Facecarz, Mass-Hole, Last, Psycho Patch, Ex-C, Chakra, Ball Busters, Endrun, NotⅡBelikesomeone, Yoshimari, Geminis Azul, Living Dead, Ch.0, Nikukiri Bocho, Pay a.k.a Wildpitch, Sativers • OPEN: TBA • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Noon + Cafe Freedom Time presents Shuya Okino 50th Birthday & Jazzanova 20th Double Anniversary Party (Nu Jazz/Chill out) • DJS: Alexander Barck, Shuya Okino, Yoshihiro Okino, Takaharu Furutani, Yoshihisa Fujii, Koji Matsuda, Koichiro Murakawa, Masatoshi Nakagawa, Yukari Bb, Masaki Tamura, Taihei Koyama, Akihide Shimada, Atsushi Miyoshi, Daisuke Matsumoto, Koichi Sano, Shogo Yokoyama • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000 (Mail RESERVATION: ¥2,500) • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-6373-4919 • noon-cafe.com

Space Eauuu

Circus

Ca/Na/Le (Ambient/Drone)

Coast 2 Coast Senninsho『VOICE』 Release Party (Hip Hop)

• LIVE: Ken’ichi Itoi, Monospin, Sleepland + Ztom Motoyama • DJS: Wubqun, Ssnm_ tky • OPEN: 6pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D • WHERE: Kobe • TEL: 078-381-9767 • musika-nt.com/spaceeauuu

•LIVE: Senninsho, Psycho Patch, J. Columbus, Illsugi, Endrun, Go • DJS: Michioshka, Dy, Ce$, Cronosfader • OPEN: 7pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

24 (Fri) Metro Diamonds are Forever presents Entertainment &Live-Fantasma!!

-Jungle Jungle- (House/Disco/Drag Queen Show) • DJS: Lala, kor • Drag Queen SHOW: Simone Fukayuki, Fracoir Aldente, Afreeda O Blart, Soyokaze San, Chocolate de Chocolate, Sana Siida + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D (STUDENTS: ¥2,000/2D; FOREIGNERS: ¥2,000/2D) • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Triangle Anybody Universe 1st ANV × BootyTune × DSO × GORGE.IN Release Party (Juke/Footwork/ Jungle/IDM) • ACTS: Lily Ultrademon + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka.com

Troop Cafe Phc (Techno/Breakbeats) • DJS: Nobu, Halptribe • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000/1D (Mail RESERVATION: ¥2,000/1D. Under 23YRS: ¥1,500/1D) • WHERE: Kobe • TEL: 078-3213130 • troopcafe.jp

•LIVE: Hirotaka Shirotsubaki, Endurance, Samuel André • OPEN: 7pm • ADMISSION:

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

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Cinema

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

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

Toho Cinemas Umeda Now showing: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Dirty Grandpa, Silence, The Magnificent Seven, Doctor Strange • From Feb 3: Miss Peregrine s Home for Peculiar Children • From Feb 10: Allied • From Feb 17: Cell • From Feb 18: The Nice Guys • From Feb 24: xXx: Return of Xander Cage, La La Land • From Feb 25: Collateral Beauty 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: Antigang, USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage, Oasis: Supersonic, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Accountant, Silence, Doctor Strange • From Feb 3: Miss Peregrine s Home for Peculiar Children • From Feb 18: The Nice Guys • From Feb 24: xXx: Return of Xander Cage • From Feb 25: Criminal 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: La passion d Augustine, Teatro alla Scala – Il tempio delle meraviglie, Relève: Histoire d une creation, Der Staat gegen Fritz Bauer (GER), Demain, Wiener-Dog • From Feb 4: Homme Less • From Feb 11: Quatsch und die Nasenbärbande (GER), Horizontes • From Feb 18: Wastecooking, Bacalaureat • From Feb 25: Fuocoammare (ITA) Tel: 06-6440-5930 • ttcg.jp/cinelibre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st and 15th of the month – ¥1,000

Theatre Umeda Now showing: Chant d hiver (FRA), Under sandet (GER) • From Feb 4: Chocolat • From Feb 11: It s Only the End of the World

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• From Feb 18: Leonardo da Vinci – Il genio a Milano Tel: 06-6359-1080 • ttcg.jp/theatre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st of the month – ¥1,000

© 2016 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

Osaka

Osaka Station City Cinema Now showing: The Accountant, Maggie s Plan, Silence, Eye in the Sky, The Neon Demon, Misconduct, Nerve, Meru, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Miles Ahead, Don t Breathe, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Magnificent Seven, Doctor Strange, Suffragette, Snowden • From Feb 3: Miss Peregrine s Home for Peculiar Children • From Feb 10: A Hologram for the King • From Feb 25: Collateral Beauty 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: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Dirty Grandpa, Silence, Snowden, Suffragette, The Magnificent Seven, Doctor Strange • From Feb 3: Miss Peregrine s Home for Peculiar Children • From Feb 10: Allied, A Hologram for the King • From Feb 17: Cell • From Feb 18: The Nice Guys • From Feb 24: xXx: Return of Xander Cage, La La Land • From Feb 25: Collateral Beauty 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: Doctor Strange, The Magnificent Seven, The Accountant, Maggie s Plan, Queen of the Desert, Silence, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them • From Feb 3: Miss Peregrine s Home for Peculiar Children • From Feb 10: Allied • From Feb 18: The Nice Guys • From Feb 24: xXx: Return of Xander Cage • From Feb 25: Criminal, Collateral Beauty Tel: 06-6643-3215 • parkscinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children: From Feb 3.

month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

• From Feb 18: Bacalaureat, Demain, Kramer vs. Kramer • From Feb 25: Suite Francaise

Cinem@rt

Tel: 075-353-4723 • kyotocinema.jp • Discounts: Weds (women & men); 1st of the month – ¥1,100

Now showing: Sad Vacation: The Last Days of Sid and Nancy, Wild • From Feb 11: Tangerine • From Feb 18: Bacalaureat Tel: 06-6282-0815 • cinemart.co.jp/ theater/shinsaibashi • Discounts: Mon (men); Weds (women); 1st and 25th of the month – ¥1,000

Kyoto Movix Kyoto Now showing: The Accountant, Maggie s Plan, Queen of the Desert, Silence, La Passion D Augustine, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Don t Breathe, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Magnificent Seven, Doctor Strange • From Feb 3: Miss Peregrine s Home for Peculiar Children • From Feb 10: Allied • From Feb 24: xXx: Return of Xander Cage, La La Land • From Feb 25: Collateral Beauty Tel: 075-254-3215 • smt-cinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st and 20th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Kyoto Cinema Now showing: Miekkailija, Smoke, Mandarinebi, 11 Minutes, The Shawshank Redemption, Egon Schiele: Tod und Mädchen (AUT), You re Not You • From Feb 4: The Lady in the Van, Chant d hiver, Homme Less, Der Atmende Gott: Reise zum Ursprung des modernen Yoga • From Feb 11: Juste la Fin du Monde

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

Toho Cinemas Nijo Now showing: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Dirty Grandpa, Nerve, Eye in the Sky, The Accountant, Snowden, The Magnificent Seven, Doctor Strange • From Feb 3: Miss Peregrine s Home for Peculiar Children • From Feb 10: Allied, A Hologram for the King • From Feb 17: Cell • From Feb 18: The Nice Guys • From Feb 24: xXx: Return of Xander Cage, La La Land • From Feb 25: Collateral Beauty Tel: 075-813-2410 • 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: Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, Don t Breath, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Silence, The Accountant, Doctor Strange, Snowden • From Feb 3: Miss Peregrine s Home for Peculiar Children • From Feb 10: Allied • From Feb 24: xXx: Return of Xander Cage, La La Land • From Feb 25: Collateral Beauty Tel: 078-291-5330 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women); 1st and 16th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

COOL STUFF /

TECH

Apps to Inspire Romance February – the month of passion! Looking for a new partner?

Want to expand your interests? How about cuddling up with a nice, romantic novel? We know the apps for you.

Text: Dave Wingler

Happn

Meetup

»» Cost: Free with in-app purchases

»» Cost: Free with in-app purchases

»» What it does: Happn is an app that

»» What it does: Even if you re not

uses your GPS to match you up with people that happen to be in close proximity to you. It s all about the mysterious destiny of crossing paths with a random stranger. Unique among many dating apps, Happn doesn t rely on matching you up based on your interests – if someone who has Happn installed on their device and is within 250 meters of you then you ll both be able to see each other s profile. If you both make the choice to heart each other then you can begin a chat. Alternatively, you can send a charm to initiate a conversation if you aren t initially hearted. The app also integrates with Facebook which allows you to see your friends in common. »» Why it’s great: The app allows you to

see a brief profile of the people you ve come across on any given day. While this app isn t ideal in the countryside, in a place as busy as Osaka it is great because there is lots of foot traffic.

While users actual location is kept invisible to others, the app lets you know the general proximity people are in, which makes easier to set up a casual meeting.

looking for a soul mate, Meetup will most certainly connect you with likeminded folks who are following their passions. Meetup originally started online as a way to find and meet people who have shared interests.

The app brings this service to the smart-phone age and hasn t missed a step. With a very slick interface, you re just a few quick taps away from joining a group and engaging in online discussions and participating in get-togethers created by the group s organizers. From language enthusiasts to tennis to knitting, this service enables you to find people who are into the same things as you and is totally worth looking into. »» Why it’s great: Meetup gives you a

great chance to explore things around you that you thought you might never be interested in. It is also perfect for those who have just relocated as it provides an immediate way to fit into a local community. Because groups on Meetup are so diverse, you can also use it to network for business.

You can also create your own group and you ll likely find people joining up before you know it.

Choice of Romance: Affairs of the Court »» Cost: Free with in-app purchases »» What it does: Choice of Romance is

an interactive novel with an incredible 600 pages of a gripping chooseyour-own-adventure-style content.

As the story unfolds, you encounter a multitude of choices. Eventually, you make a choice to be a woman or a man, gay or straight. Taking place in an alternate universe where magic can influence both the heart and politics, you may find yourself living a life of nobility, losing fortunes, having affairs, or getting married and dealing with complicated family relationships.

Find a lover, win the crown, or in a worst case scenario, get beheaded.

Your own story may end abruptly depending on what you choose to do but you can always go back and see where alternate paths would have taken you. »» Why it’s great: The story is full of

suspense. While you have to pay to unlock future chapters, it s an easy choice to tap yes to the in-app purchase because you re going to want to know what happens next.

This mysterious and intriguing book qualifies as an enjoyable game with replay value because of all the choices presented in every chapter.

»» Developer: HAPPN

»» Developer: Meetup

»» Platform: iOS / Android

»» Platform: iOS / Android

»» Developer: Choice of Games LLC

»» Website: happn.com/en

»» Website: meetup.com

»» Platform: iOS / Android »» Website: choiceofgames.com

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

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

21

JAPANESE LESSON /

Language

Compliments, Pickup Lines, Rejections While Japanese does have its rabu rabu no kotoba (lovey-dovey words) like Kimi no koto ga suki de tamaranai ( I adore you ), and Watashi no isshoo no koibito” ( You are the love of my life ), culturally, those are not used all that often. Showing your appreciation for your ai suru hito (loved one) through actions rather than words often seems to be the more favorable approach.

If you re lucky enough to have already met your unmei no hito (soul mate), good for you! But if you re looking for love or a Valentine s date this month, check out the phrases below that might just come in handy (but no guarantees!).

Fingers crossed you ll charm your hakuba no ojisama (prince on a white horse) or yamato nadeshiko (an idealized Japanese woman), or just whoever it is that you fancy. Happy Valentine s Day!

Useful Expressions English

Japanese

Romaji

That jacket looks nice on you.

そのジャケット、似合っていますね。

Sono jaketto, niatte imasu ne.

You look beautiful.

きれいだよ。

Kirei da yo.

You look exceptionally beautiful/handsome today.

今日は特に（きれい／ハンサム）だね。

Kyou wa toku ni (kirei/ hansamu) da ne.

You look pretty sharp.

なかなかカッコいいよ。

Nakanaka kakkoii yo.

You have a great sense of humor.

あなたは本当に面白いよね。

Anata ha honto ni omoshiroi yo ne.

Do you come here often?

よくここに来るの？

Yoku koko ni kuru no?

Allow me to buy you a drink.

一杯おごらせてください。

Ippai ogorasete kudasai.

Is anyone sitting here?

ここに誰か座ってる？

Koko ni dare ka suwatteru?

Have I seen you here before?

前に会ったことあったっけ？

Mae ni atta koto attakke?

Are you seeing anyone?

付き合っている人はいますか？

Tsukiatte iru hito wa imasu ka?

Do you want to go out sometime?

今度一緒にどこかに遊びに行きませんか？

Kondo issho ni doko ka ni asobi ni ikimasen ka?

I m seeing someone.

私には付き合っている人がいます。

Watashini wa tsukiatte iru hito ga imasu.

I have a (boyfriend / girlfriend).

私には（彼氏／彼女が）います。

Watashini wa (kareshi/ kanojo ga) imasu.

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

23

Feature

New Hero Headlines Sumo’s Return to Osaka Japan s national sport returns to Osaka riding a wave of popularity not seen since 1990 s heyday of brothers Takanohana and Wakanohana.

Text & Images: John Gunning

24

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

Tickets Tickets can be bought online at sumo.pia.jp/en/sumo03.jsp Chair seats range in price from ¥2,100 to ¥9,800

F

ive different winners of the Emperor s Cup in 2016, sold-out tournaments, and a host of new, thrilling wrestlers shooting up the rankings means that this spring, Osaka residents are likely to see the most exciting sumo tournament in years.

The entire Japan Sumo Association, comprised of 640 rikishi (professional sumo wrestlers) along with stablemasters, coaches, managers, referees, ring announcers, and hairdressers decamp from Kanto to Kansai from late February in preparation for the tournament which runs at Edion arena from March 12th to 26th.

Headlining the event are yokozuna (grand champions) Hakuho and Kisenosato. One a legendary champion and the other the sport s newest hero.

Hakuho, initially a scrawny 14-year-old Mongolian kid rejected by every single stable in sumo, now owns practically every record in the books and stands in that rarified air with

Box seats range in price from ¥9,500 to ¥11,700

athletes whose names transcend their respective sports like Pele, Jordan, and Gretzky.

Kisenosato after so many near misses finally won the January tournament and became the first new Japanese yokozuna since 1998.

Tickets for the Haru Basho (Spring Tournament) go on sale on Feb 5th and if recent tournaments are anything to go by, they will be snapped up quickly.

Seating is basically divided into two categories. Closer to the ring are the masu seki (box seats) where you ll be squashed crosslegged into a box with three other people. The dimensions of the boxes haven t changed since pre-war times, which means even for Japanese people they are a tight fit. So if you want to save your knees and back you re probably better off going with the isu seki (chair seats) which still offer a good view despite being further from the action.

Information on how to buy tickets is below but if you don t succeed in your efforts to get

A limited number of unreserved seats are available each morning on the gate.

They usually go on sale at 8am and are gone in 20 minutes

them you should try one of the jungyo (regional tour) events happening in the area (see sidebar). While the fights there don t have the same intensity, there are many activities you don t see in a regular honbasho (official tournament).

For those lucky enough to snag a tournament ticket for the first time, what can they expect to see?

A day of sumo actually runs from 8:30am to 5:45pm with bouts going on all day long.

Only the top division bouts (which start at 4pm) are televised on terrestrial TV. From when the doors open until about noon the arena will be mostly empty. My advice to first time visitors is to make a two-part day of it. Go in early and even with tickets for the

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

25

Feature Sumo on Tour Jungyo are regional tours that take place between tournaments and are a good opportunity for people in places that don t normally have tournaments to see sumo.

The atmosphere is much more relaxed and there are many chances to interact with wrestlers, pose for photos, get autographs, etc. Rikishi intermingle freely with the fans and often sit among them.

Small but muscular Ishiura (center) speaks English

cheaper seats further back you ll be able to sit near the ring and sample the atmosphere up close. The only people there will be a handful of hardcore fans and the family and friends of the rikishi. At that time of day, the place will be mostly silent apart from the slaps and thuds of wrestlers colliding and the calls of the gyoji and yobidashi. There are stalls dotted around the arena selling everything from towels to key chains, playing cards to beer, and rikishi-shaped chocolate snacks. Many of those goods are available only in Osaka and make good souvenirs.

Your ticket allows you to leave and reenter once so, after an hour or so in the morning, go get lunch, do your shopping, watch a movie, then come back around 2pm to watch the pageantry of the ring entering ceremonies and contrast the often tentative moves you saw earlier with the explosive power of the top rankers. From 3pm, the stadium will be full and the place will get louder as the fans

26

consume more beer and cheer on their heroes.

If you are at a loss as to who to support, sticking with the local guys will endear you to the people around you. Ozeki Goeido surprised the world in May 2016 by going 15-0 becoming the first Osaka tournament winner since 1930.

If you like underdogs, diminutive Terutsuyoshi (who was born on the day of the great Hanshin earthquake) gives it his all day in, day out despite facing much larger wrestlers every bout. KS

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

Osunaarashi from Egypt, Japan s Ishiura, and a few others (to a lesser degree) are able to speak English.

Most of the wrestlers are outgoing and willing to chat but if you have some nice snacks for them they ll definitely be more open as the food on tour tends to be a variation on the humble bento day after day.

You ll also see things like demonstrations of how the hairstyle is formed, how the yokozuna s white rope is tied, rikishi singing sumo songs, and comedy bouts.

A typical day begins with an open practice session training, then moves on to drumming and wrestlers doing sumo with small kids.

This year there are three jungyo days in Kansai: • Apr 3 near Ise Jingu in Mie (there will also be special events at the shrine) » jingukaikan.jp/kaikan/topics_

sumo.html

• Apr 4 in Kato City (last time was in 1983) » city.kato.lg.jp/kakukanogoannai/

kyodobu/hishokohoka/ kohokochokakari/news/sumo. html

• Apr 5 in Takarazuka (the first there in over 60 years) » takarazuka.sumo-j.com

None of the events provide information or the possibility of booking in English.

The easiest way to get tickets is to call them (in Japanese) and arrange it.

Phone numbers are on the websites.

Left: A rikishi poses for a selfie with a fan at a jungyo event

Ikoma

Kintetsu Keihanna Line

Kintetsu Ikoma Cable

Higashi-Osaka

Mount Ikoma

Fuse To Namba

Kintetsu Nara Line

su tet Kin ine aL ak Os

An Outdoor Adventure for Two

Ishikiri

Make your Valentine s Day date an adventure and take a romantic hike in the Ikoma mountains!

Osaka

Nara

Kintetsu Shigi Line Hattorigawa

Nishi-Shigi Cable Line Onji

Onji Shrine

Mount Shigi Chōgosonshi-ji Temple

Text & Images: Ian Yates

I

f a noisy restaurant dinner pales in comparison to the thought of you and your date sweating it out climbing a mountain together, then this Valentine s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a fitness adventure. A change of scenery could be the best gift you give this month, so why not pack a bottle of wine or a thermos of hot cocoa and take those fancy Valentine s chocolates on the road. (Don t forget to dress warmly and bring a blanket or tarp to sit on!).

Running north to south, the Ikoma mountain range, is definitely the best place to get nice views of Osaka city from the east. Nothing beats the sunset illuminating all those skyscraper shillouhettes and showing that despite being gritty, Osaka can

28

be gorgeous too. Not to mention the romance of twinkling city lights once the sun has gone down.

The only question remaining then is how to get up there. It s possible to just walk toward the mountains and find a path up, or, follow one of the three trails below. All are reachable from one of the Kintetsu train stations, and they offer a few historical treats as well.

Ishikiri – Kouhouji Temple Route Starting from Ishikiri Station, this route provides good hiking, temples and shrines, an odd but beautiful waterwheel, and best of all, a chance to jump in a local onsen (hot spring). The hike is a moderate level of difficulty and includes stairs in parts.

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

Leave the station on the mountain side, and walk three streets south (check your phone map and look for the road that leads furthest up into the mountain).

Once you are on the right track, start up the slope and continue past numerous mountainside shrines and temples, all good places for a peaceful break.

Perhaps the best place to stop, however, is on the sofa provided next to Sushidani Waterwheel, an outdoor memorial dedicated to all the former waterwheels that used to dot the mountains here.

After a break, continue upward and you will come to the end of the road, breaking into the calm mountainside. Keeping to the left will bring you to the main set of stairs up to the temple Kouhouji.

Feature From here, hike onward another 30 minutes to the Skyline Trail, or if a two-hour hike is all you are looking for, turn back around and head for Ishikiri Hot Spring, just a little south of the station and directly adjacent to the Kintetsu line, and treat your tired bones to a piping-hot Japanese bath.

Shionjiyama Burial Mound – Mizunomi-Jizoson Temple Route If you would rather bike up the slope than walk 2km, there is the option of starting this journey at Yamamoto Station and taking advantage of the rental bicycles available. If you choose to do this, head straight east to Shionji. If you are walking, leave Hattorigawa Station and head north on the main road just south of the station. You will already be on the mountain side with a decent view of the city below, but there is a better view up ahead. The walk is quite a long one, but the path is straight and takes you through tranquil farmland.

You will know when you hit Shionjiyama Burial Mound by the green hill to your left. Enjoy this unique place as, unlike most closed-off and overgrown burial mounds, since excavation, you are able to walk around and really see what it may have looked like 1,600 years ago. After a stroll (and picking up a map), start your hike up the road.

There will be a number of right and left turns at dead

ends on your way up to the beginning of the hiking path.

Once onto the mountain path, you will follow a river most of the way up, dotted with Jizo statues. Pass by your stone friends and after a not-too-strenuous 30-minute hike, you will come to Mizunomi-Jizoson Temple.

The first thing to do, as the name suggests, is grab a drink of the clean mountain water.

Take some back in a bottle, as most visitors do. Second, is to catch, what might be the greatest view of Osaka. If you are well-timed enough to catch a sunset, this will certainly become one of those memories that define your time in Japan but if the sun has set, make sure you have a flashlight for your climb back down.

or ready-to-use BBQs. Nodokamura also acts as the gateway to the temple of Shigisan Chogosonshi-ji, famous for its massive paper tiger guardian and which is often described as a far less busy version of Kiyomizudera.

The night view from here is also spectacular. This grand complex can keep you occupied for quite a while, and if you have the time to spare, book into one of the traditional temple rooms for the night. KS

The Onji Station – Onji Shrine – Shigisan Nodokamura Route Head out of Onji Station and up the sloped road for a day of history and nature. After 15 minutes, you will reach Onji Shrine.

As with some shrines, the stairway may be the most beautiful thing here, or so you think until you hit the top and turn around to see the view. One of so many great mountainside shrines, feel free to pray for a safe hike and enjoy the grounds before hitting the mountain path behind the shrine s exit.

From here, you have about a 45-minute hike up to the top of the mountain. When you reach the top, you will have passed into Nara, and will come straight out of the woods and into the entrance to Nodokamura. This agricultural park offers fruit picking, beautiful gardens,

© KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons

Shigisan Temple Lodgings » Senjyu-in: 0745-72-4481 » Jyofuku-in: 0745-72-2581 » Gyokuzo-in: 0745-72-2881

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

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Food & Drink

/ GREAT PLACES TO EAT

FOODSPOTTING

Hit up one of Ura-Namba s intimate dining spots this Valentine s Eve. Text & Images: KS

Cave Rosetta

Italian Dining Pesca

Pizzeria & Bar Logic

This French bistro is full of surprises with its deliciously unique FrenchItalian-Japanese fusion cuisine. Think delicate soup appetizers, prosciutto, pâté, salad, and sashimi entrée plates, and hearty, slow-cooked meats for mains: Choose anything from roast duck, to melt-in-your-mouth beef cheeks, to the hard-to-find succulent lamb chops. If a lot of meat is not your thing, go for one of their gourmet pasta dishes or tasty salads. Don t forget to ask for a recommendation on a matching wine from the extensive list. Desserts are to die for with rich chocolate pudding, fluffy tiramisu, delicate crème caramel, and of course icecream frequenting the menu. The atmosphere is lovely and quaint; while there is more social counter seating facing the chefs on the ground floor, upstairs holds three tables for couples or groups to dine in an intimate setting. The music complements the tranquil atmosphere and is always at a low volume. Prices are very reasonable for the high quality. No English menus are available.

Ura-Namba – the back of Namba – is home to so many unique, cozy, and mellow eateries and the intimate, low-lit Italian Dining Pesca is right at home in these hidden-away backstreets.

It does seem logical to eat fresh oysters and Italian cuisine on a Valentine s date, and Pizzeria & Bar Logic will gladly oblige. This stylish and comfortable space has downstairs and upstairs seating. Downstairs, counter seating is available in front of a huge glass dome containing the wood-fired oven and pizza chef! If you prefer a non-smoking environment, however, upstairs booth seating is certainly recommended. Their classic, tomatoey margherita pizza and delicious egg, pepper, and parmesantopped carbonara are great go-to dishes.

There are several delicious pizza and pasta flavors to choose from, however, as well as tasty salad and antipasto plates.

They have a great selection of sparkling, white, and red wines, and a delectable, not-to-be-overlooked dessert menu. Try the melty catalana, the chocolate cake, the pistachio gelato, or all three. English menus are available.

OPEN: 6pm–12am (L.O. 11pm) • Price RANGE: Approx. ¥4,000–¥5,000/person • ACCESS: Namba Nankai Stn, 2-min walk • 06-66318114 • FACEBOOK: Cave Rosetta

Two-person courses are available for ¥3,800, ¥4,800, ¥5,800, or ¥7,800 if you d really like to splash out. Expect to enjoy items like carpaccio platters, seasonal soups, a huge range of tasty pastas, and meat delicacies like Saga beef with foie gras. There is an extensive wine list to complement the dishes and coffee, tea, and dessert for after. Of course, appetizers, pizzas, pastas, meat and fish dishes can all be ordered separately outside of a course. Don t forget to enquire about what s on the specials menu – a rich and tasty crab pasta is sometimes on offer and comes fresh and complete with the shell of the crab nestled on top! Counter or table seating is available. There are no English menus.

OPEN: 5pm–3am daily • Price RANGE: Approx. ¥3,500–¥4,500/person • ACCESS: Namba Nankai Stn, 2-min walk • pesca.ac/ namba

OPEN: Sun–Thurs 5pm–1am (L.O. 12am); Fri & Sat 5pm–3am (L.O. 2am) • Price RANGE: Approx. ¥2,500–¥4,000/person • ACCESS: Namba Nankai Stn, 2-min walk • logic-of. com/namba

Need more dining options?

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

30

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

JOBS • ACCOMMODATION • FRIENDSHIP / Jobs Education PART-TIME ENGLISH TEACHER. to work two days a week mostly in the morning, Qualification; CELTA, TESOL etc. Payment; 3,000 yen per 45-minute lesson, Send resume to T. Takimoto, Kansai International High School (5-minute walk from Tennoji-station in Osaka-city) TEL; 06-6621-8108 Email; T_Takimoto@tg-group.ac.jp Contact: kihs <kihs@tg-group. ac.jp> Website: www.kihs.jp/ [3917-964-2017-02-13]

COMMERCIAL Accommodation For Rent PRIVATE APARTMENT-OSAKA. NO GUARANTOR/ENTRANCE FEES. lovely, newly renovated private apartment with bathroom in Fukae Minami. Very Convenient.

Only 4 stops from Namba. Suit 1 or 2 people. 58k/m unfurnished or 65k/m furnished. 1 month refundable deposit. Ph: Trish for inspection. Contact: Trish <trisha-d@gol. com> [3921-5857-2017-02-13] 38,000YEN/MONTH! ONE ROOM APT JR HYOGO STATION. 7 minutes walk to JR Hyogo station one room type apartment - 20 square meters 38,000 yen/month room has unit kitchen, unit bath with air conditioner, electric range, small fridge, curtains and all lightings. No key money, no sales fees. 1 month refundable deposit required. CALL Katayama 0907484695 Contact: katayama takahito <katayama@ksj.biglobe. ne.jp> [3860-6546-2017-01-30]

Hotels and hostels ZENLABO GUEST HOUSE AT DOTONBORI 30SECOND. New Open in January 2017!! The Tourist Information at ground Floor. Locate next to Dotonbori River. Namba,Nipponbashi and Shinsaibashi Station -Dormitory Style.Bath towels, small towels provide Price : 3000yen/per night 1-7-6, Sennichimae, Chuo-ku Osaka-shi, Osaka, 542-0074, Japan +81 6-6121-2283 Contact: ZenLabo Osaka <info@zenlabo.net> Website: www.zenlabo.net [3940-66462017-02-23]

TEACHERS WANTED. School in Ashiya/Okamoto is looking for Semi-FT/PT English, French, Korean Chinese native teachers with valid visa ASAP. University diploma preferable. Payment: ¥2700-¥3000 per hour + transportation for PT. Please email resume & photo, visa type & date valid till to: ashiyaplus@hotmail.co.jp Contact: Ashiya Plus <ashiyaplus@hotmail.co.jp> [3938-2522017-02-20]

FRENCH AND CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS.. We have a wonderful little English school with students wanting French and Chinese too.

In Takarazuka (25 minutes from Umeda or Kobe). Good pay, great conditions, nice team, part-time depending on your lifestyle.

Start Jan or Feb. These positions may soon be taken, so act quick.

Thank you in advance. Contact: Tony Sands <don.1@mac.com> [3873-519-2017-02-10]

PART-TIME ENGLISH TEACHERTUES & WED. Small, friendly English school requires a Native English Teacher for both Kids & Adults in Shin Fukae (pink or green Subway line) Osaka. Great students! email resume or phone Trish 090 15999 9767 to arrange an Interview. Come and join us!

Contact: Osaka English Academy <info@osaka-eng.com> Website: www.osaka-eng.com [3919-58502017-02-13]

FULLTIME NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER. We are a small language school looking for a Cheerful, friendly and responsible English Teacher for children classess in Hyogo. Salary; 220000~250000/ month 40 hours per week If interested, pls send us your resume and a recent photo Also pls state your Japanese level and visa status Thanks Contact: eigoinnishinomiya <eigoinnishinomiya@yahoo. co.jp> [3923-6636-2017-02-14] PART-TIME ENGLISH TEACHER. to work two days a week mostly in the morning, Qualification;

CELTA, TESOL etc. Payment; 3,000 yen per 45-minute lesson, Send resume to T. Takimoto, Kansai International High School (5-minute walk from Tennoji-station in Osaka-city) TEL; 06-6621-8108 Email; T_Takimoto@tg-group.ac.jp Contact: kihs <kihs@tg-group. ac.jp> Website: www.kihs.jp/ [3912-964-2017-02-11]

SATURDAY NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER. We are in immediate need of an experienced kids and adult teacher at our Tamatsukuri or Imazato School, for 2 to 6 classes on Saturdays. Pay is 2,500yen/class hr. Transportation is covered up to 800 yen. A proper visa is required. Send a cover letter and resume to Matt Kelley at info@es-osaka.com. Contact: matt kelley <info@es-osaka. com> Website: www.es-osaka.com [3936-5976-2017-02-18]

SATURDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS WANTED. Kyoto International School is searching for native English teachers to lead an English immersion class on Saturdays (8:30am to 3:30pm). 18,000 yen per working day. Starts April 7.

For further details about the position, please visit www.kis.ac.jp/ employment Contact: amcguigan <principal@kis.ac.jp> Website: www.kis.ac.jp [3926-5671-201702-15]

CES CORPORATE LANGUAGE CLASSES. CES is seeking English and Other language Instructors/ Interpreters for corporate classes (AM and PM) and short intensives in Umeda, Nara, Kobe, Kyoto, Shiga and South Osaka starting immediately. ¥3,500-4,000 p/hr.

Regular classes are 3-12 months in length. Please email CV and Availability: mark@cesjapan.co.jp Contact: Manager <mark@cesjapan.co.jp> [3933-77-2017-07-18] OSAKA SAKAI-SHI SCHOOL SEEKING ENGLISH TEACHER. We are looking for a Native Englishspeaking teacher for our International kids class on Weekdays and Saturdays with help from a Japanese teacher. If you enjoy playing with kids in English, we d love to work with you! If you are interested, please contact us at: info@vacation-es.co.jp with your resume. Contact: Lauren <info@ vacation-es.co.jp> Website: www. vacation-es.jp/ [3930-446-2017-02-17] ENGLISH TEACHER AFTER CLASS ON TUESDAY EVENING. English teacher needed at an English school in Awaza Osaka-city,from March 1, 2017. Tuesdays 15:30 to 17:30 (2 hours). 1,500∼ yen per hour (3,000 yen for 2 hours) plus transportation. Applicants must

Classifieds possess native-level English and a visa allowing them to work.

Contact: Uchida Contact: hapi <linesuka_117_117@yahoo.co.jp> Website: www.happious.net/ blank-2 [3907-6630-2017-02-09] NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER WANTED. Blue Dolphins Koroen is looking for Native English Teacher for school in Nishinomiya area.

Kindergarten class of ages 3 to 4 yrs. Mon. to Sat. Mon. - Fri. 9am - 2:45pm Sat 9am - 2pm Salary ￥240,000/month Send resume w/ photo. Tel 0798-37-0702 Fax 079837-0703 Email blue-dolphins@bcb. bai.ne.jp Contact: Blue Dolphins Koroen <blue-dolphins@bcb.bai. ne.jp> [3908-6368-2017-02-10] TEACHER'S ASSISTANT ( FULL TIME). We are seeking to employ a bilingual Assistant Teacher in the elementary school class (Grade 1) starting as soon as possible 1. International experience preferable 2. Ability to work in a collaborative environment 3.

English and Japanese communication skills 4. Assist the teacher in preparing materials Contact: Osaka YMCA International School <dwayne-primeau@oyis.org> Website: oyis.org [3922-1445-201702-13]

NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS WANTED IN SAKAI OSAKA. We are looking for native English speaker to teach and play with babies & kids at Sakai City, Osaka. Payment depends on your ability. Transportation payed up to 1000 yen. Love small children, friendly, energetic, enthusiastic and reliable rather than experienced. Please email your CV (with/photo). Contact: playfultime <office@playful-time. com> Website: www.playful-time. com [3928-2763-2017-02-15] ENGLISH TEACHER NEEDED FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHTS. English teacher needed at an English school in Kawanishi, Hyogo Prefecture from February 1, 2017.

Wednesdays 18:00 to 21:00 (3 hours). 1,562 yen per hour (4,686 yen for 3 hours) plus transportation. Applicants must possess native-level English and a visa allowing them to work. Contact: Derek Contact: peanutsandcream1 <dmaeckelburg@yahoo. com> [3898-6475-2017-02-08] FULL TIME AND PART TIME ENGLISH TEACHERS. International kindergarten seeking full-time experienced native English teacher. 250,000~320,000/month -- negotiable based on experience.

Also looking for part time native Native English teachers and FT/ PT Japanese English teachers for work between Monday and Sat-

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

31

JOBS • ACCOMMODATION • FRIENDSHIP / urday. Send resume with photo.

Contact: Employment application <employment.application.osaka@ gmail.com> Website: www.trinitymirai.com [3903-5812-2017-02-09] 日本人・外人英会話講師募集 TEACH-

ERS WANTED. School in Moruguchi is seeking English teachers ASAP Native teachers: ¥2000/ph + travel Fri 9:30 ∼12:30 Sat 10:00 ∼16:30 Japanese teachers:¥1300/ ph + travel Tue 12:00∼15:30 Sat 9:30∼16:30 Japanese staffs:¥900/ ph + travel Please send resume to will-english@peace.ocn.ne.jp Contact: Will English in Moriguchi <will-english@peace.ocn. ne.jp> Website: www.geocities.jp/ willenglish817/index.html [38891656-2017-01-28]

F/T ENGLISH TEACHERS NEEDED FOR APRIL 2017. Full-time English teachers needed to teach kids, adults from April 2017. Native speaker; TEFL certificate required. Please see website.

Contact: Modern English <info@ modernenglish.net> Website: www.modernenglish.net/ recruitment/?lang=en [3879-1172017-02-22]

General KYOTO OPERATIONS MANAGER AND TOUR/GROUP LEADER. Seeking; 1 a full time tour/group leader and 2 Kyoto Manager/ leader for city tours in Kyoto.

Applicants from nearby cities including Osaka are welcome. Tours run with maximum 12 customers, on bicycles in the morning, and walking tours in the afternoon and evening. For details email kyoto@ventureea.com Contact: Venture <kyoto@ventureea. com> Website: www.ventureea. com/news_urbanadventures.html [3856-2036-2017-02-10]

Entertainment MALE AND FEMALE BARTENDERS WANTED.. No Name Cafe, Namba is looking for both male and female bartenders. No experience required. English - conversational (non-native is ok). Japanese - basic ¥1000/hr. Hours: 17:00~23:00 (but possible work 2-3 hours at the day). Transportation - OK ENG: unforeseenfestival@gmail. com JAP: 06-6646-0228 (2-8pm) Contact: unforeseenfestival <unforeseenfestival@gmail.com> Website: www.no-name-cafe.com [3927-6500-2017-02-15]

LOOKING FOR A BARTENDER. We are looking for enthusiastic bar staff to join our busy team immediately. Looking for someone that can work 5 days a week,has

bartending experience. If you are friendly, reliable, likes to communicate with people, we would love to work with you!Please send your resume with picture. Contact: summer <uyacono@gmail.com> Website: www.pooljam-shinsaibashi.com/s/ [3931-6637-2017-02-17]

Hospitality **LOOKING FOR STAFF AT BAKPAK GION HOSTEL**. **JobsBakpak Gion hostel Recruitment** We are looking for someone… who is Bakpak , active, friendly, flexible, positive and neutral to make guests stay comfortable.

Any nationality and gender welcome! This is only those with working holiday visa or other visa which allow you to work in Japan.

Contact: Bakpak Gion hostel <kyotohostel@gmail.com> Website: www.facebook.com/bAKpAKJapan-hostels-44837070151/ [3913-6631-2017-02-11]

Classes & Events Events MEDITATION EVENTS: "HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE". Join us for one or more special meditation events with Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Rabten, visiting from Hong Kong. Events include free public talk in Osaka (Jan 31), and meditation workshops in both Osaka (Feb 1) and Tokyo (Feb 4 & 5). See website for all event details, venues, times, fees, & access. Contact: Meditationin-Kansai <matt.sangha.jp@ gmail.com> Website: www. meetup.com/Meditate-in-Osaka/ events/236656610/?rv=ea2 [38946577-2017-02-03]

COMMUNITY

Masanaka <akanasam@yahoo. co.jp> Website: www.facebook. com/groups/OsakaBookGroup/ [3872-337-2017-02-05]

WANTED: VOLUNTEER PHONE COUNSELORS (TELL LIFELINE).

Are you looking for ways to give back to the community? Are you a good listener? The TELL Lifeline (www.telljp.com) is looking for volunteer phone counselors in the Kansai area. Spring Training starts February 25. We are looking forward to hearing from you: kansai@telljp.com Contact: TELL Kansai <kansai@telljp.com> Website: telljp.com/lifeline/pctraining/ [3884-6138-2017-02-20]

For Sale (2nd-hand) Bicycles & Scooters 4 GREAT LIGHTLY USED TENNIS RACKETS.. Head Speed Pro (2015) ¥16000, Head Speed Pro (2014) ¥12000, Babolat AeroPro Drive Roland Garros (2012) ¥10000, Babolat Pure Drive (2011) ¥7000.

Grip size is 3 for all rackets. All come strung and in good condition. Will sell all four rackets for ¥40000. All four are great inter/ advanced players. Contact: mattkaste <mattkaste@yahoo.com> [3501-6087-2017-01-25]

MOTORCYCLE YAMAHA SR-400 FOR SALE! HIRAKATA CITY..

Mint,Yamaha SR-400 For sale!

220,000 yen (Ono) Reg Wof Till Nov 2017 Year : 1996 Kms : 12,700 Great for around town, Or touring. Single cylinder reliable engine in amazing condition.

Tires Near new.Original tool kit included. Retro head lamp and speedo. Original speddo available.

Contact: David <bay-english@ clock.ocn.ne.jp> [3932-6638-201702-18]

Announcements CO-ED FLAG FOOTBALL. Come on out and play 5-on-5 co-ed flag football. (3 guys, 2 girls during the games) Most teams are have completely Japanese players, but ours is a mix of Japanese and foreigners. It s very safe and a lot of fun!! We practice in Osaka every Sunday at 9:30am. Any age and ability welcome! Contact: kunio <kunio1@gmail.com> Website: www.geocities.jp/santomanatees2002/ [3803-6478-2017-02-20] OSAKA BOOK GROUP'S JANUARY MEETING. Vladimir Nabokov s Signs and Symbols and Pale Fire will be discussed on January 29 at Umeda s Willer Express Cafe, starting at 3pm. Contact:

Home and kitchen

Classifieds Grip size is 3 for all rackets. All come strung and in good condition. Will sell all four rackets for ¥40000. All four are great inter/ advanced players. Contact: mattkaste <mattkaste@yahoo.com> [3500-6087-2017-01-25]

Computers & Tech OVATION GUITAR W/ HARD CASE. Ovation slim line acoustic/electric guitar with hard shell case. Guitar is in excellent condition. Pictures available on request (images too large for the site) Asking ¥35,000 Contact: racer162 <racer162@ mac.com> [3419-1262-2017-02-08]

Language Exch.

PLEASE TEACH ME CHINESE IN KOBE. 早上好! I m an American man living in Kobe. If you teach me Chinese, I ll teach you English. hyphen-dot.2cats@ezweb.ne.jp. 謝 謝! Contact: Peter Tuillo <homesinkobe@gmail.com> [3897-66262017-02-08]

SEEKING 日本人 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE.. I am a native English speaker female and I am seeking language exchange with a native Japanese speaker. Contact: RRML <rakurakumiyakolenthall@gmail. com> [3895-6622-2017-02-05] FREE LANGUAGE EXCHANGE PLUS LUNCH. Foreign female looking for Japanese female who wants to practice English. Will need to come to my apartment and show how to cook basic Japanese food. We will cook it together whilst talking in English and eat what we cook. Must be available during the daytime weekdays.

Contact: aliroyal <sparky2uau@ gmail.com> [3902-6629-2017-02-09] SPANISH/ JAPANESE/ENGLISH. Hello i can teach Spanish if intertested please contact me Contact: alexander <tequilasalud@gmail. com> [3320-2381-2017-02-08]

4 GREAT LIGHTLY USED TENNIS RACKETS.. Head Speed Pro (2015) ¥16000, Head Speed Pro (2014) ¥12000, Babolat AeroPro Drive Roland Garros (2012) ¥10000, Babolat Pure Drive (2011) ¥7000.

Looking for something else?

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

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

33

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 Kansai One Pass (kansaionepass.com), 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 #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / 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

Cine Libre Umeda Sky Umeda Building German Consulate Westin 35F Hotel

1

Maruzen & C Junkudo

Theater Umeda

B

Grand Front Osaka / Knowledge Capital Yodobashi Camera

Osaka KITA

New Hankyu Club Azul Osaka Hotel Hankyu Umeda Kinokuniya Sta. H&M Hankyu Tourist Center

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Bookstore n Hilton Ha Junkudo Umeda 2 6F Plaza West Hotel Burg7 Hilton The Blarney Kansai Drop Inn Hotel Stone Herbis Dai-4 1F Osaka Maru Tower Hearton Ent Bldg.

Bldg. Records Hotel 3/4F TGI Fridays Hotel Nishiumeda Osaka Dental Clinic Dai-3 3RD WORD Monterey Dai-2 Bldg.

Dai-1 Creamy Osaka Herbis Bldg.

Bldg.

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Umekita Ship

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Shin Midosuji

Higa

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ABC Hall

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DIG Beer Bar

Watanabe Fineart Gallery

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kitahama

Utsubo Park

APA Sōai Hotel High School Honmachi

Hanshin Expressway B

Honmachi

Kitamido

Honmachi Dori

5

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OSTEC Exibition Hall

Utsubo Tennis Center

Elmers Green Cafe

Sakaisuji Line

Naniwasuji

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Am

TAKAMURA Wine & Coffee Roasters

Midosuji

Edobori

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YMCA

Sumitomo Hosp.

A

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Kitahama

Grand Cube Osaka

6

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4

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Rihga Royal Hotel

5

Museum of Oriental Ceramics

Nan

Kitahama

no

APA Hotel

Osaka City Public Hall

Tosabori River

Mitsui Garden Hotel

National Museum of Art Science Museum

City Hall Library

Yodoyabashi

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Bank of Japan

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St. Regis Hotel Osaka

Hooters Osaka

Hard Rock Cafe Osaka 0 Chuo Line

Starbucks 6

N 200m

Sakaisujihommachi D

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #201 FEBRUARY 2017 / kansaiscene.com

35

Osaka MINAMI

B

Shinmachi Life

MoeJoe

Hearton Hotel

Big Beans Supermarket

Kansai Scene Mojoprint Office

Mizuho Bank Nagahori dori

Nishiohashi

7-ELEVEN

Hotel Via Inn

Cafe Absinthe

Horie Park

Yotsubashi line

2F Tezukayama Gallery Orange Stree t (shopping street)

The Suite

Circus

Big Step

Triangle

Coolabah L&L

Nagahoribashi

Shinsaibashi

5F Boy

Ark Hotel

3F GS Travel

2

Murphy’s 2F

Daimaru Dept.

South

Apple Store

Joule

Moonshine

River

Cinem @rt

Yamaya

Daimaru Dept.

The Silver Ball Planet

Triangle Park

Moon Tower

Dotonbori

OPA

Sun Hall Ghost Ultralounge

Naniw

a-suji

MinamiHorie

Banco

Nest Hotel

GAP

Uniqlo

Daimaru Dept.

North

Nikko Hotel

EXODUS

Covent Garden

Tokyu Hands

1

Hearton Hotel

Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line

Ali’s Kitchen El Pancho 8F

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

Kitahorie Hospital

Minami-semba

Arthur Murray

Midosuji line

The Westside

D

Louis Vuitton

Shinsaibashi

2

3

bi-grace nail Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

Toyoko Inn

KitaHorie

D & Dept.

Namba Shrine

Yotsubashi

1

C

Daiwa Roynet Hotel

Balabushka 4F

Mustang

Cross Hotel

Kansai Tourist APA Information Center Hotel Don Quijote

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

3

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