Kansai Scene #202 March 2017

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

MAR 2017 / ISSUE 202

Cosplay Fever Dressing up in Den Den Town for the Nippombashi Street Festa PLUS+

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FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF MUSASHI MIYAMOTO

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SCOUTING OUT THE BEST SOBA IN KANSAI

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KANSAI’S TOP EVENTS AND FESTIVALS LINEUP

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

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

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.

For film lovers, the Osaka Asian Film Festival is on between the 3rd and the 12th at various venues around Osaka. There is a huge variety of screenings and tickets available, so be sure to check out the OAFF website to see what suits you.

Predictably, tickets for Osaka’s spring sumo tournament have sold out, but there is still a slim possibility of snagging a spot to see the wrestlers; a limited number of unreserved seats are available each morning on the gate at around 8am.

If you would rather get away from the buzz of the city and experience something more traditional, head down to Wakayama’s Awashima Shrine on March 3rd where they will be launching traditional Japanese hina dolls out to sea in a special ritual.

Awashima Shrine is one of the few places where doll floating is still practiced.

Last but not least, keep your eye out for budding cherry blossoms in anticipation of warmer weather toward the end of the month! We hope you have a magnificent March in Kansai.

What’s on Around Kansai Events & Festivals......................................................04 Art ...........................................................................................10 Live Music ..........................................................................13 Club ........................................................................................ 18

© Jason Haidar

About Kansai Scene

March is the month of cosplay in Osaka when Nippombashi springs to life with thousands of dressed-up manga, anime, video-game, and pop-culture fans strutting their stuff up and down the streets of Den Den Town. Long-lensed spectators (including our writer and photographer Jason Haidar – see page 22) lurk between costumed clans vying to capture the perfect shots of outfits participants often spend the best part of a year making and polishing. If you are in town and you have never been, it is certainly worth braving the crowds to see at least once.

Cinema................................................................................ 20 Classifieds.........................................................................27 Getting Around / Maps........................................... 30

ON THE COVER: This month’s cover image was taken at the Nippombashi Street Festa by Jason Haidar.

Cosplay Mania

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Swarms of cosplayers flock to Nippombashi for Western Japan s largest cosplay festival.

FEATURE Text: Jason Haidar

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

Tracing the Trails of Miyamoto Musashi

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Matt Hodgkins follows the footsteps of this one-of-a-kind swordsman – a renowned and legendary samurai.

FEATURE Text: Matt Hodgkins

Foodspotting

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Noodle around to these tasty spots to get your soba fix.

Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

Connect with Kansai Scene…

FOOD & DRINK Text: Judith LaFaver

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Meetup Kansai-Scene

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Events MAR

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

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Sagicho Festival 左義長祭り

Himure Hachimangu Shrine, Shiga • Mar 11 & 12

© Provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

This is a centuries-old religious festival, which the powerful lord, Oda Nobunaga, greatly loved in the early 16th century. Admire the spectacular floats carried by men wearing make-up.

Watch as participants dance excitedly amid showers of fiery sparks around a blazing sagicho, a float with a two-meter high pine torch woven from new straw, on top of which is propped a three-meter long bamboo pole decorated with thousands of strips of red paper.

A figure of the animal of the year is mounted in the center of the float. On the 16th, these sagicho perform in a fighting ceremony. Ramming into each other, some of them break into pieces. See elaborately dressed young men dancing wildly around the flames as the floats are set ablaze at the ceremony s end.

TIME: 1pm Mar 11; 10:30am Mar 12 • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Omihachiman Stn bus to Obatamachi • omi8.com/maturi/ sagicho.htm

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Hina Doll Excursion in Traditional Streets 第 11回高取土佐町並み町家の雛めぐり

Takatori-Cho Tosa-Kaido, Nara • Until Mar 31 Families with their young daughters display hina dolls to celebrate Girls Day. More than 100 houses showcase their precious hina dolls for tourists at this event. Enjoy walking in the old streets and meeting the locals smiling faces; visitors are always welcome to hear the locals anecdotes about their hina dolls (a set of Japanese dolls for Girls Festival) at this event. This is a highly popular attraction where residents of Tosa-kaido Street, which still retains the appearance it had centuries before, will exhibit these figurines for tourists. Nearly 40,000 people come to enjoy the excursion and the historic town every year. On weekends, there will be tea ceremonies, live music, a local produce market and many other fun events. Festival maps will be provided at Tsubosakayama Station.

TIME: 10am–4pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Kintetsu line, Tsubosakayama Stn • hinameguri.jp

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WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

Events

MAR

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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

MAR

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Hina Nagashi – Farewell Hina Dolls 雛流し

Awashima Shrine, Wakayama • Mar 3

Awashima shrine is well-known for the hina nagashi (doll floating) ritual that takes place annually on March 3rd – Girls Day. Many women visit this shrine to pray for good luck in matters such as childbirth and fertility. The shrine is famous for its dolls, which are lined up in the front hall and have been dedicated from all over the country by families with girls. The festival involves piling traditional Japanese dolls on boats and launching them out to sea in a special ritual. It's thought that any potential bad luck is launched out to sea with the dolls, ensuring the health and success of the girls who donated the dolls. Awashima Shrine is one of the few places where doll floating is still practiced. Every year, thousands of women attend the ceremony to send off their dolls carrying precious memories to the land of the gods.

TIME: 12 Noon • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Nankai line, Kata Stn, 15-min walk • kada.jp/awashima

Celebration of Kyoto Cuisine 京都 •和食の祭典2017

Kenninji Temple, Kyoto • Mar 5 This newly established event celebrating traditional cuisine, which has been designated as being of cultural importance, offers the chance to learn all about the food culture of Kyoto, from local delicacies to lavish feasts. Events include the sampling of everyday dishes cooked by famous chefs, taste testing high-quality authentic stock, specialities from various regions, a market selling products of Kyoto, and an exhibition on the culture of tea ceremony. In addition, a hands-on experience of making powdered green tea, a workshop for children, and other interesting activities have been planned.

TIME: 10am–4pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Kyoto Stn, bus to Higashiyama Yasui • washoku-kyoto.jp

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

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Events

APR

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

APR

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Unforeseen Festival 2017 An exciting, new contemporary community arts festival in Osaka will showcase the best local artists, musicians, and performers in Kansai.

Unforeseen Festival, now in its second year, spans three days and includes an international lineup of exciting guest artists from all over the world including Japan, USA, Australia, Russia, UK, Latvia, Chile, Canada, and many other countries.

Check the website for details of the full lineup.

TIME: 4–10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 • ACCESS: Namba Stn, 3-min walk •

unforeseen.info

Event organiser?

List your event online for free at

Kansaiscene.com

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Mrs K

No Name Cafe, Osaka • April 21–23

Osaka Asian Film Festival 2017

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Umeda Burg7, Osaka / ABC Hall, Osaka, etc. • Mar 3–12

Aimed at promoting Osaka as a gateway for Asian cinema, this annual celebration of filmmaking features a wide selection of independent movies including select titles previously unreleased in Japan. Another great aspect of this event is being able to meet with people in the film industry. The opening movie, Mrs K, is a collaboration between Malaysia and Hong Kong, filmed by Ho Yuhang. The closing movie is a Japanese film Parks, starring Ai Hashimoto and directed by Natsuki Seta. Several movies will be screened with English subtitles. There is an almost bewildering array of tickets and screenings available, so check the website for venues and prices. It is wise to get advance tickets as numbers are limited. Prices range from ¥1,100 per movie, to a one-day ticket. oaff.jp/2017/en

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

Events Osaka Cycle Mode Ride Osaka 2017 サイクルモード ライド大阪

Expo’70 Commemorative Park • Mar 4 & 5 For cyclists, over 150 brands of sports bicycles and accessories will be on show. Try out the latest bikes on a pump track.

There will also be an outdoor sports fair and souvenir booths during the event.

TIME: 9:30am–5pm • ADMISSION: ¥900 (¥1,200 at door) adults, concessions • ACCESS: Osaka Monorail, Koen-Higashiguchi Stn • cyclemode.net/ride

2017 March Grand Sumo Tournament 大相撲三月場所

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium • Mar 12–26 Five different winners of the Emperor s Cup in 2016, soldout 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 ring-entering ceremony by top-division wrestlers starts 3:30pm TIME: Around 9am (venue opens 8am) • ADMISSION: A limited number of unreserved seats are available each morning on the gate at 8am • ACCESS: Nankai line, Namba Stn, 5-min walk • sumo.or.jp/index

Rakugo Storytelling with Sanyuutei Haruba Sanshin Café Kikaijima, Osaka • Mar 17 Prominent rakugo storyteller and avid sumo fan Sanyuutei Haruba is down from Saitama to perform a special event at an izakaya (Japanese pub) with close ties to the giant sumo wrestler Sadanofuji.

Expect a well-informed and humorous look at Japan s national sport. Japanese language only.

TIME: 6pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000 • ACCESS: Keihan line, Sekime Stn, 3-min walk

Ireland Festival in Osaka アイルランドフェスティバル in 大阪

Tonbori Riverwalk • Mar 18 Come and join the St Patrick s Day festivities! There will be live performances of Irish music and dance and booths selling foods and other items.

The parade will start at 2pm.

TIME: 2pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Namba Subway Stn; Kintetsu line, Osaka-Namba Stn • irishnjosaka. web.fc2.com/index.html

Nippombashi Street Festa 2017 日本橋ストリートフェスタ2017

Denden Town and Surroundings, Osaka • Mar 19 Hundreds of thousands of anime and video-game fans, descend upon Nippombashi for its annual cosplay event. See page 22 for the full story.

Time: 11am–5pm • Admission: Free • Access: Ebisu-cho Subway Stn, 6-min walk • nippombashi.jp/festa/2017

Tennoji Zoo Open Night イースターナイトZoo

Tennoji Zoo • Mar 18–20, 25 & 26 Come and check out what the zoo animals do after dark!

The Tennoji Zoo offers a great opportunity to learn about the nocturnal habits of animals.

TIME: 9:30am–8pm • ADMISSION: ¥500 adults, concessions • ACCESS: Dobutsuen-mae Subway Stn, 5-min walk • jazga.or.jp/tennoji

Kansai Collection 2017 Spring & Summer 関西コレクション2017春•夏

Kyocera Dome Osaka • Mar 19 This event features a fashion show, live music, booths selling cosmetics, and nail and hair art. Models and singers will strut their stuff and perform on the catwalk.

TIME: 1pm–9pm • ADMISSION: From ¥3,000 ~ (¥3,500 at the door) • ACCESS: Hanshin / Kintetsu line, Dome-mae Stn • kansai-collection.net

Events

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI The neighborhood will be lively with sake cellar visits, live jazz music, sake tastings, food stalls, and much more.

TIME: 9:30am–4pm • ADMISSION: Depends on each event • ACCESS: Keihan line, Fushimi-momoyama Stn • fushimi.or.jp/sake_blog/3333

Kyoto Antique Fair 京都大アンティークフェア

Pulseplaza Mar 24–26 Enjoy browsing period pieces and get yourself a bargain at the Kyoto Antique Fair. With 330 dealers, this is the largest treasure market in western Japan.

TIME: 10am–5pm (10am–4pm on the 26th) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Takeda Subway Stn, free bus to Pulseplaza • gomoku-do.com

Mar 19: Nippombashi Street Festa 2017

Shofukutei Bebe’s Rakugo Night Hanjotei Theater, Osaka • Mar 24 Saitama s storytelling cult hero Sanyuutei Haruba joins rising star Shofukutei Bebe and other Osaka big hitters for a pulsating rakugo event at the historic Hanjotei Theater. It s the perfect chance to compare Kanto and Osaka (kamigata) rakugo styles.

Japanese language only.

TIME: 7pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000 Adv (¥2,500 same day) • ACCESS: JR Osakatemmangu Stn / Minamimorimachi Subway Stn, 5-min walk

Kyoto The Doll Exhibition in Spring 春の人形展

Hokyoji Temple • Mar 1–Apr 3 Unique antiquities, which successive emperors sent their daughters in the samurai period, will be on display. Old and new doll masterpieces will also be shown.

TIME: 10am–4pm • ADMISSION: ¥600

adults, concessions • ACCESS: JR Kyoto Stn, bus to Horikawa Teranouchi • hokyoji.net

Higashiyama Luminous Evening 東山花灯路

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Higashiyama Area • Mar 3–12

Hanezu Dance はねず踊り

Approximately 2,500 lanterns decorate the five-kilometer walking path that leads to the foothills of Higashiyama Mountain. A bride procession, a dance by maiko – geisha apprentices, ikebana (flower arrangement) displays, a live ohayashi (festival music) show, and more will be showcased during the event.

Zuishinin Temple • Mar 26 Celebrating the pretty, pink plum blossoms, Hanezu dance is performed by young girls in matching kimono. One of the songs is about Ono Komachi who was renowned as a great beauty in Japanese history.

TIME: 6pm–9:30pm • ADMISSION: Free

TIME: 11am • ADMISSION: ¥1,000

• ACCESS: Keihan Line, Gion-shijo Stn • hanatouro.jp/higashiyama

(included entering the plum garden) adults, concessions • ACCESS: Ono Subway Stn • zuishinin.or.jp

Seiryu-E – Dragon Parade 青龍会

Kiyomizu Temple • Mar 14, 15 & Apr 3 This festival at Kiyomizu-dera features a colorful dance and procession through the neighborhood of the Blue Dragon (it s a green dragon, but green is often called blue in Japanese).

The dragon is said to have flown into this temple to drink the water from the Otowa waterfall, which is beneath the main hall.

TIME: 2pm • ADMISSION: ¥400 • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Gion-shijo bus to Kiyomizumichi • monzenkai.com/ seiryue.html

The 11th Sake Festival 第11回日本酒まつり

Fushimi Yume Hyakushu Café and Surroundings • Mar 18 A sake-brewing district, Fushimi hosts an annual event celebrating delights of Japanese liquor.

Hyogo Kobe International Fair 2017 神戸国際交流フェア 2017

Kobe Kinro Kaikan Mar 11, Space Theater in Harborland Mar 12 The annual Kobe International Fair is held to introduce Kobe s international exchange activities to the public. There will be stage shows, world cuisine stalls, folk costumes and many other interesting events!

TIME: 1:30pm–7pm Mar 11, 11am–5pm Mar 12 • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Sannomiya Subway Stn on Mar 11; JR Kobe Stn on Mar 12 • kicc.jp/fair

MS Queen Elizabeth in Port of Kobe

The most renowned cruiseliner in the world, the MS Queen Elizabeth will dock in the Kobe port. The luxury cruise ship will appear at Kobe Port Terminal from 6am to 8pm on the 13th, and from 6am to 9pm on the 20th.

ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Port Liner line, Port Terminal Stn • city.kobe.lg.jp/information/ press/2015/09/20150902173001.html

Rakugo Show Gokurakuji Temple, Nishinomiya • Mar 15 Bubbly female rakugo talent Katsura Kichibo is joined by charismatic Saitama storyteller Sanyuutei Haruba in the grounds of an ancient temple.

Gokurakuji presents a truly idyllic setting for this traditional Japanese storytelling event.

Japanese language only.

TIME: 6:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,000 • ACCESS: Hankyu Nishinomiyakitaguchi Stn, 15-min walk

Nara Otaimatsu – Heralding of Spring お松明

Todai-ji, Nigatsu-Do Hall • Mar 1–14 During Otaimatsu, priests run to and fro along the corridors of Nigatsu-do, one of the important structures of Todai-ji temple, waving huge pine torches.

It is believed that if you are showered with these fire sparks, you will be protected from evil.

This centuries-old ritual has been carried out every year since 752. The largest torch appears on the 12th.

TIME: 7pm on the 1st to 11th & 13th, 7:30pm on the 12th, 6:30pm on the 14th • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR / Kintetsu Nara Stn, bus to Daibutsuden Kasugataisha-mae, 5-min walk • todaiji.or.jp/contents/guidance/index. html#map

Nara Food Festival 奈良食祭

Kashihara Koen, Nara • Mar 19 & 20

クィーン•エリザベス入港

Port of Kobe • Mar 13 & 20

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

Savour the culinary delights of Nara! With a full array of local

Events

Mar 26: Magoichi Festival

delicacies, this two-day food festivity drew 10,000 gourmetfood lovers last year.

Wakayama Mochi Nage Gift Tossing

TIME: 10am–4pm • ADMISSION:

福つき大投餅

Free • ACCESS: Kintetsu line, Kashiharajungu-mae Stn, 5-min walk • naragenkimon.com

Kimiidera Temple • Mar 8

Ceremony to Drive Away Demons 鬼追い式

Yakushiji Temple • Mar 31 A concluding ceremony for the Buddhist ritual Hana Eshiki, you ll see five demons put on a wild performance here with flaming torches.

Time: 8:30pm • Admission: Free to enter after 7pm • Access: Kintetsu line, Nishinokyo Stn • nara-yakushiji.com/ index.html

Shiga Tsuchiyama Saio Princess Procession あいの土山斎王群行

Tsuchiyama-cho Koga City • Mar 19 A splendid Heian-period (794–1185) pageant will be reenacted to celebrate the town of Tsuchiyama-cho once being a temporary place of accommodation for the Imperial family. Hundreds of participants dressed in Heian-period style will take part in the threekilometer parade from Ono Shogakko School to the Tarumi Saio Tongu ruins.

TIME: 11:30am–4pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Kibukawa Stn, bus to Ono-Higashiguchi • ac-koka.jp/ aituchi/saiou/index.html

Thousands of mochi (rice cakes) and other treats will be thrown into the crowd. This event is an exciting attraction held after a solemn Buddhist ceremony.

Join the people scrambling to get the lucky mochi!

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

Saigasaki Sunset 夕日を見る会

Saigasaki Lighthouse & Surroundings • Mar 20 Legend has it that in Saigasaki, blossoms fall from the evening sun at the equinoxes in March and September. Many people gather to view this this sunset every year.

TIME: 2pm–dusk • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Wakayama / Nankai Line Wakayamashi Stn, bus to Saigasaki Yuen, 20-min walk • wakayamakanko.or.jp/event/detail.php?id=11675

Magoichi Festival 第13回孫市まつり

Saginomori Betsuin Temple • Mar 26 A spectacular, one-day celebration of one of the historic heros of Wakayama, Magoichi Saiga. The event includes an armoured samurai parade, a matchlock gun demonstration, stage combats, and many other exciting attractions.

TIME: 10:30am–4:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Nankai line, Wakayamashi Stn, 5-min walk • magoichi.fc2web.com

Art

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

Abeno Harukas Art Museum

Shigeru Izumi “How to Make a Handsome Painting” The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama

Contemporary artist Shigeru Izumi has incorporated a variety of media into his works throughout his career, including oil painting, lithographs, etching, and silkscreen prints. He founded the avant-garde Democratic Artists Association with Ei-Q in 1951, and went on to win the Newcomer s Award at the 1st Tokyo International Print Biennale in 1957. He then spent approximately a decade abroad in New York and Paris, where he expanded his practice from prints to oil paintings while continually submitting works to exhibitions in Japan and around the world. Izumi resumed printmaking after returning to Japan, manifesting a style that had evolved over time from poetic and fantastical scenes toward distinct geometric themes containing abstract and colorful forms. This exhibition introduces the alluring works of this postwar Kansai artist.

Shigeru Izumi Exhibition • Until Mar 26 • OPEN: 9:30am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥510 • ACCESS: JR Wakayama Stn, bus to Kencho-mae, 2-min walk • TEL: 073-436-8690 • www.momaw.jp

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Umehara & Renoir Exhibition • Until Mar 26 • OPEN: 10am–8pm (until 6pm Mon, Sat, Sun, & holidays) • ADMISSION: ¥1,400 • ACCESS: Tennoji & Osaka Abenobashi Stn • TEL: 06-4399-9050 • aham.jp

The Peter Rabbit Exhibition – Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Beatrix Potter's Birth Grand Front Osaka Knowledge Capital Event Lab Last year marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of worldrenowned English author and illustrator Beatrix Potter, best known for her beloved Peter Rabbit series.

Potter grew up in England s Lake District, where she began sketching drawings of animals and plants as a child. Her earliest models were her talented pet rabbits, who joined her family on trips, learned to perform tricks, and followed Potter wherever she went. Her deep fondness for nature inspired her pursuits in natural science and environmental conservation, as well as a desire to write children s books featuring animals. This exhibition features more than 200 works, including original picture book prints, sketches, and personal items once owned by Potter now belonging to the UK National Trust. Visitors will have the opportunity to examine the life of Beatrix Potter and the origins of the timeless world of Peter Rabbit.

The Peter Rabbit Exhibition • Until Apr 2 • OPEN: 10am–6pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,300 • ACCESS: Umeda Stn, 5-min walk • TEL: 050-55428600 • peterrabbit2016-17.com

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

Beatrix Potter 《Illustration for The Table of Benjamin Bunny》 Location / The National Trust for England, Wales and Northern Ireland

泉茂《インディアン》1956年 石版、紙 48.8×39.0cm ZUMI Shigeru, Indian [1956] color lithograph, paper

Ryuzaburo Umehara, highly regarded today as a master of Japanese Western painting, began indulging his affinity for European art at a young age. In 1908, at the age of 20, Umehara traveled to Paris to study European painting techniques, and moved to the south of France the following year to become a pupil of the great Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Upon returning to Japan, Umehara garnered fame for the many portraits, still lifes, and landscapes that he produced in France. He stood out for his fearless application of rich color and luxurious brushstrokes, as well as his incorporation of Japanese stylistic techniques such as Momoyama, Nanga, and Rinpa imagery. This multifaceted exhibition celebrates interactions between Eastern and Western compositional styles with 83 works from Umehara s collection and numerous paintings by his close friends, including Renoir, Picasso, and Roualt.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir 《Girl with a Straw Hat》 1888-89 On Loan to Mitsubishi lchigokan Museum, Tokyo

Bonjour Monsieur Renoir; Renoir et Umehara – Joie de Peindre

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

Enokojima Art Days 2017 – Other Ways Flag Studio •  Until Mar 19 Flag Studio is proud to introduce Enokojima Art Days, a recently launched project aimed at presenting different ways of looking at Japanese apartments and the lifestyles of the people who inhabit them. This multimedia display includes paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations from 10 promising artists from all over Japan.

OPEN: 11am–7pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Awaza Stn, Exit 8, 5-min walk • TEL: 06-6147-7154 • enokojima.info/event/464

Chieko Shiraishi “Shimakage” Gallery Solaris •  Until Mar 19 Chieko Shiraishi uses gelatin printing, a monoprinting technique employed by early twentieth-century amateur photographers, to capture the misty ambience of phantom memories in her works. This photography exhibition features self-developed black-and-white prints centered on a trip to Penguin Island taken by the artist many years ago.

OPEN: 11am–7pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Shinsaibashi Stn, Exit 1, 10-min walk • TEL: 06-62518108 • solaris-g.com

Kyoto Noriyori Shirakawa “I.L.L.U. of Blue” HRD Fine Art •  Until Mar 25

Endless: The Paintings of Masaaki Yamada

Lucas Cranach the Elder《Hercules and Omphale》1537 Foundation Bemberg, Toulouse ©bpk/ PMN - Grand Palais/ Mathieu Rabeau

Osaka

Art

The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto •  Until Apr 9 This exhibition marks the first major retrospective of works

by Masaaki Yamada, a solitary artist best known for his colorful striped images. Over 200 paintings are on display, as well as notes detailing Yamada s production process.

OPEN: 9:30am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥1,000 • ACCESS: Tozai subway line, Higashiyama Stn, 10-min walk • TEL: 075-761-4111 • momak.go.jp

Nara Yuka Doutou Exhibition Gallery IND. •  Until Mar 26 Yuka Doutou s silkscreen prints are characterized by densely packed combinations of tiny, indistinguishable figures like cats, rice balls, and butterflies.

When examined up close, these complex compositions inspire various reactions depending on the mood of the viewer, ranging from surprise or delight to a sense of eerie discomfort.

OPEN: 12pm–6pm • CLOSED: weekdays, except by appointment • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Kintetsu Line, Ikoma Stn, 10-min walk • TEL: 090-6606-9697 • gallery-ind.com

Hyogo Themed Exhibition Kimono: The Beginning of New Year – Koshino Hiroko KH Gallery Ashiya •  Until Mar 27

Tokyo-based painter Noriyori Shirakawa, currently a teacher at the Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Art and Music, aims to manifest three-dimensionality over two-dimensional planes. He often utilizes silver and aluminium metal leaf to add depth to his intricate and carefully constructed works, resulting in an interactive dance of color and luminescence.

KH Gallery in Ashiya presents a vibrant exhibition of Japanese kimono displayed alongside a collection of artist Hiroko Koshino s most recent oil paintings. Experience the unique beauty of Japanese culture expressed via these two contrasting mediums.

OPEN: 11am–6pm • CLOSED: Sun–Thu, except by appointment • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Karasuma subway line, Kuramaguchi Stn, Exit 1, 2-min walk • TEL: 075-414-3633 • hrdfineart.com/top-e.html

OPEN: 11am–4pm • CLOSED: Tues, Wed, Thurs • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Ashiya Stn, bus #80 or #81 to Okuike Stn • TEL: 0797-63-5678 • kh-gallery.com/ ashiya

Lucas Cranach The Elder: 500 Years of the Power of Temptation The National Museum of Art, Osaka Osaka s National Museum of Art offers a rare opportunity to explore a varied selection of masterpieces by German Renaissance painter and printmaker Lucas Cranach the Elder.

Cranach served as a court painter for the Electors of Saxony at Wittenberg and became widely known throughout Europe for the portraits he created there. He painted likenesses of German princes and leaders of the Protestant Reformation led

by Martin Luthar, whose cause Cranach embraced with great enthusiasm, leading to the development of a close friendship between the two figures. He also produced various nude portraits of classical religious and mythological heroines such as Lucretia and Venus, earning noteworthy attention from audiences captivated by the air of composed and elegant seduction communicated by his subjects. The works presented in this exhibition, the first of its kind to take place in Japan, have garnered praise and fascination from artists and viewers alike for centuries.

Lucas Cranach the Elder Exhibition • Until Apr 16 • OPEN: 10am– 5pm (until 7pm Fri) • CLOSED: Mon (except Mar 20) • ADMISSION: ¥1,600 • ACCESS: Yotsubashi subway line, Higobashi Stn, 10-min walk • TEL: 06-4862-5777 • tbs.co.jp/vienna2016/english

The Old Masters of Baroque: Bruegel – Rubens – Rembrandt Himeji City Museum of Art •  Until Mar 28

dramatic tension in the minds of viewers. This exhibition presents a selection of Baroque paintings from 17th-century Europe by prolific artists such as Titian and Rembrandt.

OPEN: 10am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon •

Baroque visual artworks use exaggerated depictions of movement and intense emotion to communicate narratives and produce

ADMISSION: ¥1,000 • ACCESS: Himeji Stn, 20-min walk • TEL: 079-222-2288 • city.himeji.lg.jp/art/english

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

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WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

a flood of circle Formed in 2006 in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, a flood of circle is a Japanese experimental-rock trio consisting of Ryousuke Sasaki (vocals/guitar), Hisayo (bass), and Watanabe Hajime (drums).

They signed to Loft Project s CRUX sublabel and released their self-titled mini album in 2007. Taking inspiration from blues and 70 s hard rock, their next release was the 2009 Buffalo-Soul album.

Jump forward to the present, and the three have just released their seventh album (in January), the twelve-track New Tribe. Last year saw the band play for the first time in London, England at some small but well-known venues (Camden s Dublin Castle and Barfly).

Frontman Ryousuke Sasaki said that the performances were a dream come true.

Mar / Apr

MAR

26

Japanese experimental rock trio • Muse, Kyoto • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,500 • TEL: 075-223-0389

Worth Taking & others

Big Cat, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,500 • TEL: 06-6882-1224

Mar 19

Rock & Pop Chisato Kawaguchi Mar 14 Japanese fusion drummer Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • Fusion • 7:30pm • ¥3,500/¥5,500 • TEL: 075-241-0446

Frankie Cosmos Mar 15

Music Bar Sinkagura, Osaka • Rock • 1:30pm • ¥2,000/¥2,500 • TEL: 06-62126225

Mar 20

Namba Hatch, Osaka • Pop • 5pm • ¥4,800/¥5,300 • TEL: 06-6357-4400

Mar 21

Mar 18

South Korean Boy Band

Coward Piero

Japanese singer Mei Nakabayashi

Shinsaibashi Conpass, Osaka • singersongwriter • 6:30pm • ¥3,500/¥4,300 • TEL: 06-6243-1666

Mar 22

Big Cat, Osaka • K-Pop • 2:15pm/6:30pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 03-5458-4681

May’n

The Specials

Uriah Beep

Tritops

American pop-rock trio

American singer-songwriter Greta Kline

Live Music

British ska-pop band formed 1979 Zepp, Osaka • Ska • 7pm • ¥8,500/¥9,500 • TEL: 0570-200-888

The Oral Cigarettes

Japanese classic rock tribute to UK band Uriah Heep

Mar 21

Muse, Kyoto • Rock • 6pm • ¥2,500/¥3,000 • TEL: 075-223-0389

Japanese four-piece alternativerock band

Mar 22 Japanese duo and other bands

A guitarist dressed as a panda!

Taku Taku, Kyoto • Rock • 6:30pm • ¥2,800/¥3,300 • TEL: 075-351-1321

Jerry Paper Mar 24 US synth-pop musician Conpass, Osaka • Pop • TIME: TBA • ¥TBA • TEL: 06-6243-1666

Punkspring 2017 Mar 25

Foot, Rock, & Beers, Osaka • guitar/vocal duo • 6:30pm • ¥1,800/¥2,000 • TEL: 06-6282-1120

Kobe & Tokyo music festival ft.

The Offspring/Bad Religion/NOFX/ Zebrahead/Mongol800/Less Than Jake/Brahamn and others

Gus G with Elize Ryd

Kobe world Memorial Hall, Kobe • Punk rock • 11:30am • ¥10,800/¥13,300 • TEL: 0570-200-888

Mar 23 Ozzy Osbourne and solo guitarist with guest vocalist

a flood of circle

Club Quattro, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

Mar 26 Japanese experimental rock trio

Guitar Panda

Muse, Kyoto • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,500 • TEL: 075-223-0389

Mar 23

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

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Live Music

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

APR

04 Epica Dutch symphonic metal group Epica, fronted by vocalist Simone Johanna Maria Simons, takes in a number of different genre influences. Speaking to KS, the vocalist said, There has always been a love for soundtracks and symphonic metal.

Through the years our music has evolved because of the other songwriters that joined us.

Last year saw the release of Epica s latest album The Holographic Principle, ad when describing the album, Simons stated that it s the band s most complex and epic sound to date. We went real deep to write and record these songs. We have five songwriters in the band and started off with a huge amount of songs. We picked the absolute best ones and recorded them with the addition of a real orchestra and choir.

Dutch symphonic metal band • Club Quattro • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

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Frankie Cosmos

The Specials

Mar 15

Mar 21

Greta Kline, who goes by her stage name Frankie Cosmos, is an American musician and singersongwriter. Cosmos is the daughter of actors Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates and was born in New York City. Also a previous collaborator and bass player with the US band Porches, Cosmos last year released her second album Next Thing.

The album has 15 tracks but is just 28 minutes and 28 seconds long, with the longest tune clocking in at just over two and a half minutes.

Online magazine Pitchfork Media stated, Her greatest talent remains her ability to transform minutelong songs into experiences that resemble hours of intimate and impressionistic conversation.

Formed in Coventry, England in 1977, 2 Tone-ska revival band The Specials are still going strong and featuring three originals members in vocalist Terry Hall, bassist Horace Panter, and guitarist Lynval Golding.

The group play four dates in Japan.

Well known for the hit singles Ghost Town and Too Much Too Young, among others, it s been just over 15 years since The Specials last released an album but last year saw them sell out many dates on their European and US tours. Though they spent a number of years either disbanded or with different lineups, it seemed inevitable that the band would eventually reform with front-man Terry Hall. It happened in 2007 and it seems that the band has every intention to continue.

The singer-songwriter has also performed under the alias Ingrid Superstar and is backed by a trio of drums, bass, and synth.

American singer-songwriter Greta Kline • Shinsaibashi Conpass, Osaka • singer-songwriter • 6:30pm • ¥3,500/¥4,300 • TEL: 06-6243-1666

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

British ska-pop band formed 1977 • Zepp, Osaka • Ska • 7pm • ¥8,500/¥9,500 • TEL: 0570-200-888

Live Music Mai Kuraki Mar 26 Jaanese RnB-pop singer Grand Cube, Osaka • Pop • 6pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 0570-084-005

Featuring Trey Gunn & Jerry Marota Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Prog rock • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥7,900/¥8,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Dir En Grey

Fall Out Boy

Apr 11 & 12

Mar 27

Japanese visual-kei rock band

US rock band formed 2001 from Chicago Namba Hatch, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥7,500/¥8,500 • TEL: 03-3475-999

The New Power Generation Mar 29 R&B Funk tribute to Prince Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Funk pop • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥7,900/¥8,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Plastic Tree Apr 1 Japanese visual-kei rock band formed 1993 Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 6pm • ¥6,500/¥7,000 • TEL: 0570-200-888

Level 42 Apr 3 British fusion-pop band

Zepp, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,500/¥13,000 • TEL: 06-6357-4400

Cloud Nothings Apr 12 US indie-rock band Shinsaibashi Soma, Osaka • Indie • TIME: TBA • ¥TBA • TEL: 06-6212-2253

Gilbert O’Sullivan Apr 12 UK singer-songwriter-guitarist Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • singer songwriter • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥10,800/¥11,800 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Shobaleader One Apr 14 British musician Tom Jenkinson (Square Pusher) and band Club Quattro, Osaka • Experimental techno • 7:30pm • ¥6,000 • TEL: 066535-5569

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

Dizzy Sunfist

Epica

Japanese rock trio

Apr 4

Muse, Kyoto • Rock • 6pm • ¥2,500/¥3,000 • TEL: 06-6357-4400

Dutch symphonic-metal band Club Quattro • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

Alcest Apr 10 French rock band from Bagnolssur-Cèze Conpass, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥5,000/¥5,500 • TEL: 06-6243-1666

Security Project Apr 11

Apr 16

Block Party Apr 22 Music event ft. Andy Couzens & Christopher Fryman/Ally Mobbs and others Yokai SOHO, Kyoto • Experimental, electronics and beats • 5pm • Free • TEL: 070-4400-1116

The Muggles Every Fri & Sat

Live Music

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

INTERVIEW

MAR

23

Gus G Metal guitarist Konstantinos Karamitroudis is better known as Ozzy Osbourne and Firewind axeman Gus G. After releasing his solo album Immortals he is currently touring. KS caught up with Gus to talk about his Japan dates and collaborating with vocalist Elize Ryd. The beginning of this year saw the release of the Firewind album Immortals, and a European tour. Now you’re on the road solo.

With such a busy start to the year what can fans expect from the second half of 2017?

We re still figuring out the second half of 2017, to be honest. We re discussing the option of possibly going to South America, but we also have some more countries in Europe that we need to visit as well, maybe Scandinavia.

Will you be playing any songs from other bands and projects that you have been a part of or will it be a set-list of 100 percent Gus G solo?

I plan to play material from both of my solo releases, but also Firewind (old and new songs from Immortals), some old Dream Evil stuff, some Ozzy as well, as I know fans have been expecting a special setlist. So it ll be a career retrospective type of show and it ll be a lot of fun!

Elize Ryd features on the track What Lies Below and is a special guest for the Japan dates, how did this collaboration come about?

When we wrote that song, I immediately thought of Elize singing it. I reached out to her and sent her the song. Luckily she liked it a lot and wanted to work with me as well. We became good friends during this collaboration and have been talking about touring together for some time now. Our first time on stage together will be in Japan, so it s very special to me.

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

Jazz & Blues Yoko Sakai Mar 10 Sings George Gershwin Jazz On Top, Osaka • Jazz • 9pm • ¥2,800 • TEL: 06-6311-0147

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Hiroshi Sammy Kubo Mar 15 Drums, piano, bass, and vocals jazz outfit Jazz On Top, Osaka • Jazz • 9pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • TEL: 06-6311-0147

Ozzy Osbourne and solo guitarist with guest vocalist • Club Quattro, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

Kayoko Nishizaki ft. Akita Onozuka Trio Mar 29

Lars Janson Trio Mar 30 European jazz piano trio

Japanese jazz trumpeter and piano trio

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

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

Jesse Forest Mar 21 US and Japan resident, jazz guitarist Royal Horse, Osaka • Jazz • 7pm/9pm • ¥2,500/¥3,000 • TEL: 06-6312-8958

Who’s playing?

Check Kansaiscene.com for the latest live music listings...

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

Club

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

Piccadilly

MAR

Piccadilly, one of the most luxurious clubs in Kansai, is hosting a heavyweight of Dutch Trance, Ferry Corsten. His breakthrough single Out Of The Blue was released in 1999 under his alias System F. It made his name synonymous with trance music worldwide. He followed up the success of that single with a string of hits. His tracks Cry, Gouryella, and Rock Your Body, Rock all made it onto the UK charts. He ranked number five in DJ Mag s list of best DJs in 2004. During his 25-year career he has released seven albums and remixed numerous tracks for big artists such as U2, Duran Duran and The Killers. He has continued to evolve and embrace new styles such as EDM. He regularly plays big festivals all over the world, including Electric Daisy Carnival and Tomorrowland, and this Month it is Osaka s turn. He will be performing at Club Piccadilly in Umeda, which used to be a historic movie theater, but in 2014 it was renovated and reopened as a club. Its gorgeous cavernous space is a perfect environment to feel Corsten s pulsat-

18

ing beats. This will be a great night for old-school trance lovers and younger EDM supporters alike.

New Ôrder (Trance/EDM/House) • DJS: Ferry Corsten, Ken-Gee, Shinji, Silver Fox, Ray • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥2,500) • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-6809-5895 • clubpiccadilly.com

March 3 (Fri) Circus Qube.TV feat Jan Krueger (Techno) • DJS: Jan Krueger, Ono, Shingo • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circusosaka.com

Socore Factory White Peach & Coyote Records Hillraiser vol.2 ft. OH91 (Grime) • DJS: Oh91, Ce$, Young Animal, Satinko, Eciv Takizumi • OPEN: 7pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 066567-9852 • socorefactory.com

4 (Sat) Lab.Tribe Treks #23 at Lab.Tribe feat. Isao Sudo + DJ Shungo (Techno) • DJS: Isao Sudo, Shungo, Masato. M, Dsk + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-254-1228 • labtribe.net

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Piccadilly New Ôrder (EDM/House) • DJS: Marnik, Ray, Shinji, Silver Fox • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,500) • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-68095895 • clubpiccadilly.com

Rooftop Bar OO Portal (Techno/House) • DJS: Wario + Control, Aika, Dak, Eisen, Souki, Yuumi • OPEN: 5pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000 (ADV: ¥1,500) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 080-4974-4835 • oo-u.jp

Triangle T.F.C presents Trippin Factory -Return to the Jungle- (Drum n Bass/ Hip Hop/UK Hardcore) • ACTS: Kuranaka, MC Cardz, GiddlahSelecta, Indra, Shaka-Itchi, Naga, Big Ted, Yanmah, Hitoshi, You, MC Aoi, Duck Steal, Memento, Kom, Kazuhide, Afro, Don-8, Tatsuki, Horn, Revenge, Ryumu*, B45h, Merupo vs Matres, Tarachine, Hiyashit, Shumataro ,Rio, Polyhedla • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000. FOREIGNERS: Free)

• WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-62122264 • triangleosaka.com

Troop Cafe Bush (Techno/Minimal) • DJS: Mikio Kaminakamura, Fumi, Soichi, Ebo • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D • WHERE: Kobe • TEL: 078-3213130 • troopcafe.jp

5 (Sun) Circus Braids Japan Tour 2017 in Osaka (Art Rock/Experimental Rock) • LIVE: Braids, Dygl • OPEN: 6pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥3,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

7 (Tue) Triangle Legalize -weekday D n B!!!!!(Drum n Bass) • ACTS: 81blend, Yanmah, Hiraku, Pacone, Mountain, Kurosu_core, Duck Steal + more • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION:

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

¥1,000/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka.com

10 (Fri) Circus Unsalted #2 feat. Makoto (Drum n Bass) • ACTS: Makoto + MC Leo, Toyo + MC Aoi, T-Ak + Ence, Rasty, Mountain • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Jaai Phonorama presents: Hard Times vol.2 (Acid Techno/Raggatek/Tribecore /Jungle /Techno) • DJS: Shoko-Bons, Aon, ****, Pavtek, Nishino, Shaka-Ichi • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,000/1D (Enter by 11PM: Free) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • iflyer.tv/ ja/Bar-JAAI

Joule Yves V feat.4C s (EDM) • ACTS: Yves V, O-Man, Taku-Hero, Mario + Control, Nabe, Titi, A_Ponz, Tacumi, Up,

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI / Lara, Tichr, Kenny Takasaki, Souki, Ai + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-62141223 • club-joule.com

Metro Nebula (House/Down Tempo) • LIVE: Ifax! • DJS: Fran-key, Gross Dresser, Kazuma, Podd, Tok • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

11 (Sat) Atmosphäre

• ACTS: Protohype, Shockone, Hiroshi a.k.a Fu1, The Game Shop, Yanmah, Hmen, Matres vs. TΔtsÜyΔ, Nazanael, Kenzoom, Mountain, Exit • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,800 (ADV: ¥2,300; FOREIGNERS: ¥1,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka.com

18 (Sat) Circus Al Ma Key presents Soul Renaissance Numero Group Japan Tour 2017 in Osaka (Soul)

• LIVE: Orhythmo • DJ: Maru • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • FACEBOOK: atmosphere

• DJS: Rob Sevier & Jon Kirby, Ralph Tee, Daisuke Kuroda, Aya Ifakemi Yem, Shinohara, Stew, Dolly • OPEN: 8pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circusosaka.com

Joule

Noon + Cafe

See You at Club Joule (Tech House)

Social Infection (Techno/House/ Tribal)

• DJS: Ray Okpara, Yashima, Idiot Yuuka, Osakaman, Dmitri + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-1223 • clubjoule.com

• ACTS: Cmt, Ooshima Shigeru, Kihira Naoki • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000 (Enter by 11PM: ¥1,500) • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-6373-4919 • noon-cafe.com

Echoes (Techno/Noise/Experimental)

Metro Do it Nama Jazz! (Jazz/Crossover) • DANCE & PERCUSSION SHOW CASE: Kyoto Jazzy Blue Tribe • DJS: Shuya Okino, Takeshi Yamaguchi, Masaki Tamura, Kazuhiro Inoue, Eiki, Naoki Yoda • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D (Mail RESERVATION: ¥2,000/1D. STUDENTS: ¥1,500/1D) • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Troop Cafe Extro presents Visitors -feat. Ron Morelli (Techno/Ambient) • DJS: Ron Morelli, Makiyama, Jibb, Pixie, Ze, π, Hikaru, Raii • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000/1D (Mail RESERVATION: ¥2,000/1D. Under 23YRS: ¥1,500/1D) • WHERE: Kobe • TEL: 078-3213130 • troopcafe.jp

17 (Fri) Circus Avalon Emerson &Courtesy Japan Tour in Osaka (Techno)

Singh’s Kitchen & Bar Singh s Kitchen x Hypocrite presents Chemicalism vol.6 (Dance/ Electro/Break Beats) • LIVE: Electric Mama, Kisadori • DJS: Baku, A’?’B, The Game Shop, Kan, Panasonic, Kanemah, Zushi, Hiposhin, Ria, Yama & Ren • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D & Curry Buffet • WHERE: Namba • TEL: 06-6632-4433 • singh-kitchen.com

Troop Cafe Sound of Vast Showcase (Techno/ Minimal) • DJS: Egal 3 aka. Vid, the People in Fog, Knock • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000/1D (Mail RESERVATION: ¥2,000/1D; Under 23YRS: ¥1,500/1D) • WHERE: Kobe • TEL: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

19 (Sun) Circus Utah Jazz & Stamina MC Japan Tour 2017 in Osaka (Drum n Bass)

• DJS: Avalon Emerson, Courtesy, Soichi, Koichi Sue, Torei • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

• DJS: Utah Jazz, Toyo, Giddlahselecta, 81Blend, Rasty+ Bigted, Hmen, Akane, N1ke • MC: Stamina MC, Aoi, Ence, Duck Steal • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Triangle

Metro

Fuct Base Osaka presents Protohype × Shockone Japan Tour in Osaka (Drum n Bass/Dubstep/Bass)

CU+V presents Reynold Japan Tour in Kyoto (Tech House/ Techno/Juke)

• LIVE: Ken’ichi Itoi, B from Outatbero • DJS: Reynold, Ryoma Sasaki, Fulltono, Ouch!, Koichi, Wataru Horiuchi • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000 • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Move Steph Pockets On This Journey Release Japan Tour 2017 (Hip Hop) • LIVE: Steph Pockets, Shark feat Kagura Sunshine, One Drop Syndicate, Seigo • DJS: Ken, Bonzo, Aki, Kengo, Shiva • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,500 • WHERE: Shiga • TEL: 077-523-3870 • club-move. com

Zakuro Major Force Night (Instrumental/ House/Downtempo/Future Jazz) • DJS: K.u.d.o, Tanko, Yohei Yamamoto, Teizo Matsumoto, 2☆Shan, Yuuna • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,000 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-3607 • zakuro-osaka.com

20 (Mon) Namura Zosen Atochi Circus×Pine Brooklyn presents We Want Circus at Namura Zosen Atochi (Hip Hop) • ACTS: Pete Rock & C. L. Smooth, Kid Fresino, Tall Black Guy • OPEN: 2pm • ADMISSION: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500.

UNDER23: ¥3,000) • WHERE: Kitakagaya • TEL: 06-4702-7085 • www.namura.cc

Metro Rumah Cafe 4th Anniversary (Reggae) • LIVE: Mi-I, Inoue Ohana, 5th Avenue, Aaiirru • DJS: I-Jack, Conan, Dedy + more • OPEN: 4pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

24 (Fri) Circus Space Dimension Controller Circus Tour 2017 in Osaka (IDM/ Electro) • DJ: Space Dimension Controller + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Club

Metro Connected Underground - Zuckermann in Kyoto (Tech House/ Techno) • LIVE: Bodil, Outatbero • DJS: Zuckermann, Daniel M, Ryoma Sasaki, Koichi, Wataru Horiuchi, Kobayashi • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000 • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

25 (Sat) Atmosphäre Innocence - Free Party on 4th Saturday Every Month - (Techno/ House) • DJS: Tateno Tomoyuki, Malta • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: Free • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • FACEBOOK: atmosphere

Noon + Cafe Noon 13th Anniversary Party!

(Open Format) • ACTS: Nakamura Kazumoto, Aoyama Toshiharu, Okino Yoshihiro, Tuttle, 1945 a.k.a.Kuranaka, Samurai Yoshijiro, Kihira Naoki, Akihiro, Hara, Blitz and Squash Brass Band, Amateur Crew + all of noon’s resident DJs • OPEN: 8pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,000 • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-63734919 • noon-cafe.com

Socore Factory Newport at Socore Factory Endrun Oneway Release Party (Hip Hop) • ACTS: Endrun , 1982s, Jjj, Oyg, Shigechiyo, Psycho Patch, Willy Wonka, O.D.S, Shoe, Questa, Dy, Ce$ • OPEN: 6pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

26 (Sun) Circus Uyama Hiroto Freeform Jazz Release Party in Osaka (Smooth Jazz/Jazzy Hip Hop) • LIVE: Uyama Hiroto + more • OPEN: 6pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,800 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circusosaka.com

Where’s the party?

Check Kansaiscene.com for the latest club listings...

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 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

Osaka Toho Cinemas Umeda Now showing: Allied, Miss Peregrine s Home for Peculiar Children, Doctor Strange, The Magnificent Seven, Silence, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, La La Land, Collateral Beauty • From Mar 3: Assassin's Creed, Loving • From Mar 10: Moana, Voyage of Time: Life's Journey • From Mar 17: Sing • From Mar 24: Passengers • From Mar 25: Kong: Skull Island • From Mar 31: Jackie, The Light Between Oceans 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: The Nice Guys, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, Criminal, Doctor Strange, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Silence, The Accountant, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story • From Mar 3: Assassin's Creed • From Mar 10: Moana • From Mar 17: Sing • From Mar 24: Passengers • From Mar 25: Kong: Skull Island 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: Quatsch und die Nasenbarbande (GER), Free State of Jones, Homme Less, Wastecooking, Bacalaureat, Fuocoammare (ITA) • From Mar 11: Experimenter, Man Down, Gruppo di famiglia in un interno • From Mar 18: I, Daniel Blake • From Mar 25: Things to come (FRA), Mon Roi (FRA) Tel: 06-6440-5930 • ttcg.jp/cinelibre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st and 15th of the month – ¥1,000

Theatre Umeda Now showing: It's Only the End of the World, Chocolat, Egon Schiele: Tod und Madchen, Leonardo da Vinci – Il genio a Milano • From Mar 4: The Music of Strangers • From Mar 11: Demolition • From Mar 18: Tigers

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

Osaka Station City Cinema Now showing: La La Land, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, Cell, A Hologram for the King, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Snowden, Doctor Strange, The Magnificent Seven, The Accountant, Silence, Don't Breathe, Collateral Beauty • From Mar 3: Assassin's Creed • From Mar 10: Moana, Voyage of Time: Life's Journey • From Mar 17: Sing • From Mar 24: Passengers • From Mar 25: Kong: Skull Island • From Mar 31: Jackie 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: Allied, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Doctor Strange, A Hologram for the King, Snowden, The Magnificent Seven, Silence, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, La La Land, Collateral Beauty • From Mar 3: Assassin's Creed, Loving • From Mar 10: Moana, Voyage of Time: Life's Journey • From Mar 17: Sing • From Mar 24: Passengers • From Mar 25: Kong: Skull Island • From Mar 31: Jackie, The Light Between Oceans Tel: 06-6633-1040 • tohotheater.jp • Weds (women); 1st & 14th of the month – ¥1,100, every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Namba Parks Cinema

La La Land - a modern day musical starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone

Cinem@rt

Toho Cinemas Nijo

Now showing: Tangerine, A Brilliant Young Mind, Wild, Bacalaureat • From Mar 4: 2 Coelhos (BRA), The Music of Strangers

Now showing: Allied, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Doctor Strange, A Hologram for the King, Snowden, The Magnificent Seven, Silence, The Accountant, Rogue One : A Star Wars Story, Cell, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, La La Land • From Mar 3: Assassin's Creed, Loving • From Mar 10: Moana, Voyage of Time: Life's Journey • From Mar 17: Sing • From Mar 24: Passengers • From Mar 25: Kong: Skull Island • From Mar 31: Jackie, The Light Between Oceans

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: Allied, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Doctor Strange, The Magnificent Seven, The Accountant, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, La La Land, Collateral Beauty • From Mar 10: Moana • From Mar 17: Sing • From Mar 25: Kong: Skull Island 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: La La Land, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, The Nice Guys, Allied, Chocolat (FRA), Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Doctor Strange, The Magnificent Seven, The Accountant, Silence, Criminal, Collateral Beauty • From Mar 3: Assassin's Creed • From Mar 4: Bastille Day • From Mar 10: Moana • From Mar 17: Sing • From Mar 24: Passengers • From Mar 25: Kong: Skull Island

Now showing: Egon Schiele: Tod und Madchen (AUT), Homme Less, Chant D'Hiver, The Lady in the Van, Juste la Fin du Monde, Bacalaureat, Demain, Kramer vs.

Kramer, Suite Francaise • From Mar 3: Loving • From Mar 4: The Neon Demon, Sing Street, • From Mar 11: Knight of Cups, Beatles, Remember, • From Mar 18: I, Daniel Blake, Demolition, Ants on a Shrimp, PK, • From Mar 25: Carol

Tel: 06-6643-3215 • parkscinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

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

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

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: Allied, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Magnificent Seven, Doctor Strange, Snowden, Silence, Don t Breath, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, La La Land, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, Collateral Beauty • From Mar 3: Assassin's Creed • From Mar 10: Moana • From Mar 17: Sing • From Mar 24: Passengers • From Mar 25: Kong: Skull Island Tel: 078-291-5330 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women); 1st and 16th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Come Out and Cosplay!

Western Japan s biggest cosplay event takes over the streets of Nippombashi.

Text & Images: Jason Haidar

I

t is hard not to stare in awe at your surroundings when spring rolls around in Osaka. Budding cherry trees are beginning to blossom, larger-than-life sumo wrestlers tower over you on the train, and Pikachu and Super Mario, along with all your other favorite anime, manga, and video-game characters take over the streets to pose for pictures with their adoring fans.

While this may sound like a romanticized version of Japan, this is made a reality once a year during Osaka s Nippombashi Street Festa, when the streets of Den Den Town become stranger than ďŹ ction.

Den Den Town or denki no machi (electric town) is what Nippombashi is colloquially known as. The nickname stretches back to post World War II days when consumer electronics stores sprung up around the area, which stretches from Kuromon Market to Shinseikai in the north-south direction, and occupies the area surrounding Sakaisuji street.

These days, Nippombashi is best known as a shopping district of over 500 stores specializing in all things otaku (nerd) Ěś anime,

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

Feature

10,000 fans dressed up as their favorite anime, game, comic book and Hollywood heroes, makes the annual Nippombashi Street Festival a photo-op fantasy. Be prepared to jostle for position though, since the most popular cosplayers attract swarms of avid photographers.

manga, video games, electronics, maid cafes, themed restaurants, and more. Offering the largest selection west of Akihabara in Tokyo, many of the shops have the added bonus of being dutyfree for tourists, making it the one-stop shopping spot for all your Japanese hobbyist needs.

So, what better place to host Western Japan s biggest cosplay festival, which attracts around 200,000 attendees and 10,000 cosplayers each year, than in Den Den Town, the heart of Kansai s Japanese pop culture.

Now in its thirteenth year, the festival takes place in the third week of March, rain or shine, during the long weekend for Spring Equinox. Since its inception in 2005, it has only been canceled once after the great Tohoku earthquake in 2011, which struck just a few weeks before the event. Put on by the Nippombashi Den Den Town Association, the festival was started as a way to re-energize the electric town.

At that time we were a lot of smaller independent stores; larger chain stores had left the

area and opened up in other areas. We wanted to find a way to bring people back and highlight what makes Nippombashi unique, explained Koutaro Nakata the vice chair of the Nippombashi Street Festa.

This year promises to be bigger and better than ever. The event starts at 12pm with the opening ceremony, followed by the cosplay parade at around 12:20pm. Various performances, including J-pop idol groups, will be showcased on a designated stage throughout the festival until 3pm. New this year will be dedicated food stalls, based on Osaka street-food classics, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, for those who need to take a break from the action and refuel.

The festival itself wraps up at 3pm, but that does not mean the cosplay hijinks has to stop there!

Club Janus in Shinsaibashi will be hosting an after party with special guest anime voice actors and idols. There will be music and drinks to party the night away from 4:30pm ̶ costumes are encouraged! KS

Nippombashi Street Festa » » » » » »

When: Sunday March 19th Where: Nippombashi, Osaka Time: 12pm–3pm After Party: 4:30pm–11pm Venue: Club Janus Price: ¥2,000 with one drink

*Note people who have a wristband from the event get ¥500 off

Wristbands

Wristbands are available for purchase for ¥2,000 on the morning of the Nippombashi Street Festival for those needing access to a changing area and locker. See the Nippombashi Street Festival official website for more information. » nippombashi.jp/festa/2017

For those who do not speak Japanese and wish to buy a wristband or get more information, the 8th floor of the OPA building in Shinsaibashi has an Osaka tourist information center, OTA BASE, which specializes in Japanese pop-culture information in several different languages, including English.

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

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In Search of

Musashi Following in the footsteps of Musashi Miyamoto – one of the most legendary samurai to have ever lived.

Text & Images: Matt Hodgkins

Statue at Ganryujima, Shimonoseki

T

he era of the samurai has been over for many years. Yet the heroes, villains, and legends of this expansive and tumultuous period persevere in popular culture, and the echoes of their deeds continue to stimulate the consciousness of the Japanese and other admirers around the globe.

Perhaps one of the most iconic samurai to have ever lived was Musashi Miyamoto.

This one-of-a-kind swordsman has been the subject of books, films, and TV shows. He claimed decisive victories in dozens of duels, and eventually cultivated the renowned Niten Ichi Ryu, which was an unorthodox twosword fighting style. Although we know he was real person who lived and died about 400 years ago, the details of his exploits are riddled with conflicting accounts, exaggeration, or just plain hearsay. Many facts of his life are argued about by his-

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torians, but, thankfully, we can pinpoint several places where Musashi was present – including inside Kansai.

One of my reasons for coming to Japan was to visit these places on a kind of pilgrimage to the swordsman who captured my imagination when I read Eiji Yoshikawa s epic novel Musashi 15 years ago. My first port of call was right on the border with Kansai in Okayama Prefecture.

Musashi Miyamoto was born Bennosuke in 1584. He changed his name and took the name of his home village, Miyamoto, for his own. Miyamoto is presently called Mimasaka; a small town in the rural north of Okayama Prefecture, about two hours from Kobe. The town takes pride in their hometown hero; as you exit Miyamoto Musashi Station you are greeted with statues of Musashi as a boy, playing with his childhood friends.

There is a trail that passes by several noteworthy locations,

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

including his birthplace, a large statue of him in his youth, and Sanomo Shrine, where Musashi supposedly had a flash of inspiration that resulted in his Niten Ichi Ryu sword technique. In the distance, you can see the impressive Miyamoto Musashi Budokan, an enormous Kendo hall.

Shaped like a tsuba, or sword guard, that Musashi made, this modern facility towers over every other nearby building.

I also dropped by the nearby Musashi Museum, which sells Musashi paraphernalia aplenty and has a small exhibition room that contains items related to his legend.

My reason for being in this remote village was to pay my respects at Musashi Shrine. It resides in a thicket of trees, overlooking Mimasaka. Adjacent to Musashi shrine is the family burial spot. Although Musashi was laid to rest in Kyushu, parts of his remains were returned home to be buried with his fam-

Feature

Miyamoto Musashi Budokan, Mimasaka

Before the battle, it is said Musashi visited the nearby Hachidai Shrine with the intention of praying for help during the fight. However, he decided to depend on his own strength instead of that of the gods. This time, Musashi arrived early.

He slew the new leader of the Yoshioka clan, and reportedly killed half of the opponents before retreating. This battle stripped the school of its prestige, resulting in them closing their sword school some years later and becoming silk dyeing merchants instead – in fact, they are still in business.

You can find a monument dedicated to the duel and the fourth generation of the Sagarimatsu tree just minutes away from Ichijo-ji station. Hachidai shrine is still in operation and you can see an enshrined piece of the original Sagarimatsu tree next to a statue of Musashi.

You can even pick up Musashithemed omamori (amulet).

Ichijo-ji is a mostly residential area, yet it has many temples and shrines that are gorgeous in autumn and spring. Definitely check Enkoji and Shisendo Temple.

After the battle at Ichijo-ji, exploits involving Musashi pop up all over Japan. Musashi claims he fought in the Siege of Osaka Castle, although no accomplishments were recorded. He spent time in Nara, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture and Tokyo, before eventually settling in Kyushu.

Musashi lived in a cave called Reigandou for a few years while he authored The Book of Five Rings. He passed away shortly after and was buried in nearby Kumamoto. KS

Ichijoji Hachidai Shrine, Kyoto

ily. After lingering and absorbing the atmosphere, the frosty air got the better of me. I would continue my journey in Kyoto.

Musashi was no stranger to Kyoto. It was the place to be in the early Edo period if a swordsman wished to join a school or make a name for himself.

Musashi certainly did this.

He arrived in Kyoto in 1604 at around the age of 20 or 21.

He initiated a series of duels with the Yoshioka clan, which ultimately resulted in the destruction of the school. Of these duels, two in particular were of interest to me.

After arriving late to a duel and defeating the then-master of the Yoshioka school, the newly appointed head, Denshichirou Yoshioka, promptly challenged Musashi to claim revenge. The two are believed to have fought at Sanjuusangendou, also known as Rengeo-in, which is a famous Kyoto landmark that houses 1001 statues of Kannon (the goddess of mercy). The temple grounds are very airy, with a picturesque garden sitting in the shadows of the looming temple. Even if chasing tales of samurai isn t your thing, Sanjuusangen-dou is really impressive and worth a visit.

After Musashi arrived late (again) and defeated Denshichirou, the Yoshioka clan flew into a frenzy. They amassed as many as 72 warriors made up of swordsmen, archers, and musketeers and challenged Musashi yet again. This time, the battle was set for Ichijo-ji at the base of the Sagarimatsu tree in northeastern Kyoto.

Chasing Legends There are many more Musashi legends to chase on a trip to Kyushu. » Place: Ganryujima » Why It’s Famous: Musashi fought

his most famous duel against Kojiro Sasaski here » Location: Shimonoseki » Place: Seishin Chokudo » Why It’s Famous: A monument

where Musashi used to live » Location: Kokura Castle » Place: Musashizuka Park » Why It’s Famous: Musashi s final

resting place » Location: Kumamoto

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

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Food & Drink

/ GREAT PLACES TO EAT

FOODSPOTTING

Ditch the ramen and try Japan s other famous noodle dish at some of Kansai s best soba restaurants.

Text & Images: Judith LaFaver

Na-ya Soba

Konichitei

Takama

Walking towards Na-ya from Ojikoen station may leave you wondering, What else is around besides vegetable stands and recycle shops? but at the end of the long shotengai (covered shopping street) is one of Kobe s best soba restaurants.

Great quality soba at affordable prices, what more could you want? A piping-hot bowl of delicious broth served with a plate of chewy, nutty soba noodles and crispy tempura will only set you back ¥1,000. Such a quality meal in Kyoto easily costs double. Their pork belly soba is a unique menu item and, at ¥770, it s tempting to order two bowls. The broth is rich and flavorful while the pork belly is melt-in-your-mouth tender. One of the best lunch deals in Kobe is Na-ya s tonkatsu set meal. It comes with a crispy pork cutlet, a small bowl of soba, daikon (radish) pickles, tofu, and a bowl of rice for only ¥870. No English available. Smoking is allowed.

In the suburbs of Sakai, Konichitei may seem like too much of a hassle for just soba. However, this place is well known in the Sakai area for being fantastic.

Located in an old Japanese-style home, Konichitei immediately welcomes you with creaky hardwood floors and a huge Japanese-style hearth right in the middle of the restaurant. While this restaurant offers a large menu filled with classics like curry udon, katsudon, and tempura set meals, soba is the star. You can order the style of soba you d like and then choose the soba serving size. One of the most special things about Konichtei is that, for an extra ¥200, a fresh wasabi root comes with the meal along with a grater to choose the perfect amount of pep for your soba. Make sure you take the extra home with you in the plastic bag. You haven t really tried wasabi until you ve grated it yourself. No English available.

Smoking allowed.

Right outside the Tenjinbashisuji-6chome shotengai is one of Osaka s highest ranked soba restaurants, and the owner of a coveted Michelin Star. Takama has no distinguishing features outside.

In fact, I walked by it and I thought it was closed until I attempted to open the door and was ushered in. Expect to wait at least 30 minutes for your meal, but it s well worth it. There are a variety of sides and styles of soba to choose from. The miso-yaki is sublime with a chewy, meaty texture that is almost reminiscent of a good cheese. It s hard to describe, but should be on your order. The duck soba broth is dark and flavorful with savory slices of duck. The myoga (Japanese ginger) soba, topped with myoga slices and sansho pepper leaves, may not be for everyone, but it has a refreshing bite for a simple dish. Each meal comes with unlimited refills of hot soba tea, perfect on a cold winter day. English is available.

OPEN: Lunch 11am–11pm • Price Range ~¥1,500 • ACCESS: Hankyu Ojikoen Station,10-min walk • tabelog.com/hyogo/ A2801/A280103/28007252

OPEN: 11:30am–9:30pm • Price RANGE: ~¥2,000 • ACCESS: Nankai Nakamozu Station, South Exit, 9-min walk • tabelog. com/osaka/A2705/A270501/27003199

OPEN: Lunch 11:30am–2:30pm; CLOSED: Tuesdays • Price RANGE: ~¥2,000 • ACCESS: Tenjinbashisuji-6-chome subway station, Exit 4, 5-min walk • tabelog.com/osaka/ A2701/A270103/27000530

Need more dining options?

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

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #202 MARCH 2017 / kansaiscene.com

JOBS • ACCOMMODATION • FRIENDSHIP / Jobs Education

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NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER WANTED. Native English teacher wanted in Osaka-city, Hirakata,and Daito city. weekday from 3pm. Long term. Love children. 3000yen per lesson. Please send e-mail with your picture to (s-techfield@nyc. odn.ne.jp) Canadian and Australian teachers are working for long time at my school. Genki Sensei needed! Contact: Thomas English <s-techfield@nyc.odn.ne.jp> Website: thomasenglish.info/ [3959-1024-2017-03-12]

COMMERCIAL Accommodation For Rent ROKKO MICHI 2LDK, NO KEY MONEY, NO FEES. Recently renovated, bright 2LDK apartment in a quiet location close to JR and Hanshin lines. Monthly rent is ¥70,000 and semi furnished basis is possible with a/c. and light fixtures. 1 month refundable deposit. Please call 090 6777 9864 or email kevin@elliottventures. com for a viewing. Contact: kevin elliott <kevin@elliottventures. com> Website: www.elliottventures.com [3950-335-2017-03-05]

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]

Shared House SHARE HOUSE FUSE. Absolutely fully furnished. 2 minutes walk from the station . Monthly rent : 28,000yen ∼ 35,000yen (included utilities & Internet wifi) Detail : please see my web. http://sanctuary.jp/fuse/ 09069671762 Contact: SHF <akshirae@gmail.com> Website: sanctuary.jp/fuse/ [39546454-2017-03-10]

ENGLISH TEACHER FOR KIDS. Sunshine Kids is looking for enthusiastic, PT and FT English teachers for kids. Schools are in Toyonaka and Osaka. Must have a valid visa, and must be native level English speaker. PT starts at 2200/class plus trns. Full time starting wage dependent on experience. Email resume to info@ sunshine-kids.com Contact: Tony Romani <tonyromani73@gmail. com> Website: sunshine-kids. com/ [3955-125-2017-03-10] P/T ENGLISH TEACHERS STARTING FROM APRIL. To teach company classes via Skype and on-site.

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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] PRESCHOOL TEACHER AT NISHINOMIYA. Seeking lively person who is committed to work.

MUST BE fluent English speaker MUST HAVE appropriate VISA Wage:¥900(training) ¥1250(after training) up to ¥2000 /hour Time&Days:10:00-14:00 Mon. Tue. Thurs. Fri. Location:2-29 Hourakuchou Nishinomiyashi Hyogo Sta: Kurakuenguchi, Hankyu Line 0798-74-4504 Contact: International Playcentre FREDERICK <masaketchup@live.jp> Website:

PART-TIME ENGLISH TEACHER. to work 9:00 to 11:45 am on Tuesdays and Fridays from this April 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/ [3958-964-2017-03-12] SWEDISH & FINNISH TEACHERS WANTED. Urgent wanted Parttime Swedish & Finnish Teachers !! Proper working visa is required.

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Contact: ANC Language school <info@asianetclub.jp> Website: www.asianetclub.jp [3965-61642017-03-17]

KINDERGARTEN AFTER SCHOOL TEACHER. Little Gems International School Kyoto is looking for teachers who love working with children, creatively approach teaching, are English native level speakers. Working hours are 15 hours per week Monday - Friday from 3-6 p.m. Min.Salary ¥2,000/h Please send your cover letter and resume to lgiskyoto@gmai.com Contact: lgiskyoto <lgiskyoto@ gmail.com> Website: littlegemskyoto.com [3957-6658-2017-03-11] 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.

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SATURDAY, P/T NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER IN HIRAKATA. Person, Love children! Love talking! Love exercise! Wanted! Working with a Jap. billingual teacher, NO teaching experiences OK! Saturday 9:30-12:30 or 9:30-14:00(including 30mins. break) 1800yen/ hour+up to 1000yen transp. fee Proper Visa, long tem commit pref. Pls. send CV w/photo to deaa3322@yahoo.co.jp Contact: chie <deaa3322@yahoo.co.jp> [3970-6129-2017-03-19]

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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> [3978-2522017-03-22]

AFTER SCHOOL/ SATURDAY SCHOOL JAPANESE TEACHER. Teaching assistant needed to help after school elementary students with their homework and studies for the day. The applicant must be able to speak Japanese on a fluent to native level and have knowledge and the ability to help children up to the age of 6th grade in elementary school with their homework. Contact: Scott Ackerman <TLCEnglishAcademy@ gmail.com> Website: TLCeng.org [3981-6675-2017-03-22]

SATURDAY SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHER BLOSSOM KIDS. English teacher wanted for class of 9 to 12 year-olds from 10:00 to 12:00 at Blossom English Club, (Heian Jougakuin, 5 min walk from Marutamachi Stn). 5,000 yen for each Saturday 2-hour lesson (transportation is not included).

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Kitchen / Waiting Staff SEEKING WAITERS FOR IDOL CAFÉ WITH STAGE. Full-time

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

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JOBS • ACCOMMODATION • FRIENDSHIP / Classes & Events FREE ABACUS CLASS FOR FOREIGNERS FREE ABACUS CLASS. FOR FOREIGNERS OFFERED BY O.C.C.I. and Osaka Abacus Assoc. to promote int l goodwill. Individualized lessons taught in Japanese or English. Saturdays 10-12 am.

Course material provided for free.

Near Sakaisuji-Hommachi and Kitahama. Call: Moritomo Ken 06-6572-6877 https://sites.google. com/site/ osakasoroban/ Contact: osakasoroban <mm2k-umhr@ asahi-net.or.jp> Website: sites. google.com/site/osakasoroban/ [3949-6518-2017-04-04]

PUBLIC TALKS ON AWAKENING

BY VISITING TEACHERS. Two public talks by visiting teachers from Canada. Fri. March 17, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm @ Kyoto Impact HUB Passion & Presence Sat. March 18, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm in Ashiya @ Sakliev Turkish Restaurant https://www.meetup. com/Ashiya-Dharma-MeditationMeetup/events/236690563/ Email: mtginashiya@gmail.com Contact: Richard S <richard.sadowsky@ gmail.com> Website: www.planetdharma.com/events/category/liveteachings/ [3983-6677-2017-03-23]

Services 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> [3860-6546-2017-03-01]

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

Loyal & sincere. Long-term faith, commitment. Intelligence, social, love in nature, zoo, med to get along smoothly. Good mind& heart. I won t cheat, or abuse you. Not for mone Contact: nobel benzene <speak6up@yahoo.co.jp> [3231-104-2017-03-13]

HANDSOME AND COOL SJM. Handsome and cool SJM seeks well-educated, interesting, attractive, nonsmoking SWF to share wonderful times and make a good friendship. So let s meet for coffee or lunch to know each other better. If no experience, please just try me. E-mail: healsan@yahoo. com Contact: Healsan <healsan@ yahoo.com> [2680-5448-2017-03-13] CHARMING & CUTE M SEARCHES LADY. Hi, rock- music loving lady, I m a cheerful fun- loving singer and want a permanent relationship with a tolerant woman. I m cute, not fat , have no beard and my hair is curly and blonde. I m working at University and love Japan ! My hobbies are Karaoke & singing with bands: s Contact: shutommy@yandex.com <shutommy@yandex.com> [32566096-2017-03-19]

LOOKING FOR AN ART MODEL. HI, I m a male around 40 sometimes draw croqios of humen body.

I seek a girl(over 19yo) to be a live model for my drawing. No photo needed. It is easy and no experience of modeling is needed.

Either Japanese or Foreigner is welcome. Please feel free to mail me. Contact: brabbits <brownrabbits@hotmail.com> [3960-58972017-03-14]

COMMUNITY Language Exch.

SPANISH/ JAPANESE/ENGLISH. Hello i can teach Spanish if intertested please contact me Contact: alexander <tequilasalud@gmail. com> [3320-2381-2017-03-10] JAPANESE-FRENCH/ENGLISH WITH A JAPANESE VEGAN. I am French vegan would like to correspond with a Japanese vegan who learn or speak a little French and who can to come a day here. 私はビーガンです。 フランス人 日本人

Contact: Biigan <shogun21us01@ yahoo.com> [3660-6373-2017-03-16]

EDUCATED SMART WOMAN WANTED FOR MATURE DISCRETE RE. Nice Smart funny sweet considerate Asian SM seeks a lady to enjoy life for longterm relationship. Health support, survival tips assured. If she is smart enough to appreciate nature, society, practice frugality, the better fit for both. Won t cheat U, Based on mutual trust, faith, warmhe@ rt.respect, Contact: nobel benzene <speak6up@yahoo.co.jp> [3513-104-2017-02-28]

HI THERE. this season japan its more cold ,somebody wants to talk iam here, iam man gaijin spanish, english, japanese Contact: alexander <tequilasalud@ gmail.com> [3854-2381-2017-02-26]

LOOKING FOR A JAPANESE GIRLFRIEND !. Friendly English teacher in 40s looking for a Japanese girlfriend. Lets start as friends and see if we match. Hope to have a chat and coffee with you. Contact: Tonyinosakajapan <dambadam@ yahoo.com> [3886-6617-2017-02-24]

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/ [3803-6478-2017-03-22] THE OSAKA BOOK GROUP'S MARCH MEETING. Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro will be discussed on March 12 at usual Umeda s Willer Express Cafe, starting at 3pm. Contact: Masanaka <akanasam@yahoo. co.jp> Website: www.facebook. com/groups/OsakaBookGroup/ [3943-337-2017-02-28]

Other AFL IN JAPAN. We play Australian Rules Football (AFL) in Osaka, Japan. We are currently looking for players, sponsors, match day assistants, and supporters, so if you would like to be involved in any way, please contact us on Facebook. Next training Sunday 19th February. ANZAC Cup in April Contact: Osaka Dingoes <osakadingoes@hotmail.com> Website: www.osakadingoes.com [3948-6480-2017-03-03]

For Sale (2nd-hand) Home and Kitchen 4 GREAT LIGHTLY USED TENNIS RACKETS.. Head Speed Pro (2015) ¥16000, Head Speed Pro (2014) ¥12000, Babolat AeroPro Drive Roland Garros (2012) ¥10000,

Classifieds 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> [3500-6087-2017-02-25]

KARLSTADT DOUBLE SOFA BED. Long white sofa easily seats 3 people. Opens up into a double sofa bed 200 cm by 140cm.. Sofa covers were replaced two years ago. Good condition. Comfortable to sit on or stretch out and read your favorite book. perfect for couple or student 20,000 yen pick up only. Nara area Contact: kansai dweller <rainbowfishkate@aol. com> Website: www.photobox. co.uk/album/4734167426 [39856674-2017-03-23]

SEMI DOUBLE BED WITH HEADBOARD AND MATTRESSS. Semi double bed base and headboard with a mattress. 2 years old. Used as a guest bed Excellent condition. Sultan mattress from Ikea.

Ready for pick up. Moving to a smaller place. Great if you want a little more room than a single bed. 200cm by 83 cm by 140 cm pick up only. Nara area. 20,000 yen Contact: kansai dweller <rainbowfishkate@aol.com> [3986-6674-2017-03-23]

IKEA MALM DOUBLE BED FRAME (NO MATTRESS). Malm double bed frame high 160cm by 200cm in white stained oak. Original price was 31,990 yen. 2 years old. Excellent condition. Perfect for a couple who enjoy plenty of sleeping space. Comes with lurby slated bed base. No mattress included. Pick up only. 16,000yen Nara Contact: kansai dweller <rainbowfishkate@aol.com> [3987-6674-2017-03-23]

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> [3419-1262-2017-03-10]

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

29

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.

30

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 #202 MARCH 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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Honmachi

Kitamido

Honmachi Dori

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OSTEC Exibition Hall

Utsubo Tennis Center

Elmers Green Cafe

Sakaisuji Line

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TAKAMURA Wine & Coffee Roasters

Midosuji

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Sumitomo Hosp.

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Kitahama

Grand Cube Osaka

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Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Rihga Royal Hotel

5

Museum of Oriental Ceramics

Nan

Kitahama

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APA Hotel

Osaka City Public Hall

Tosabori River

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National Museum of Art Science Museum

City Hall Library

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Bank of Japan

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Hooters Osaka

Hard Rock Cafe Osaka 0 Chuo Line

Starbucks 6

N 200m

Sakaisujihommachi D

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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

TABIJI Kitchen

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

Soemon-Cho

Burlesque B1 Pure Osaka Don Quijote B1

Kaneyoshi Ryokan

Mexico Osaka Shochikuza

Dotonbori Hotel

Kokopelli

Namba Hips Tominaga Hospital

a St

amb JR N

Casa Lapichu

AEON MaxValu

BIC Camera

Namba

Motomachi

Absinthe Solaar 8F

Toho Cinemas Namba annex

Toho Cinemas Namba

Visitors Information Center

Hotel Ichiei

Nipponbashi sta.

Sennichimae line

Little Long Beach

Inari 5

Namba Sta.

Junkudo

ba

OCAT

Namba Washington Hotel

4

Namba

Nam

a.

4

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

Dotonbori Hozenji Temple Osaka Floral Inn

Takashimaya Dept. Store

Maruzen

Fraser Residence

Namba Oriental Hotel

Misono Building Singh’s Kitchen Namba Plaza Hotel

MUJI/LOFT Tower Records

NipponBashi

Swissôtel Nankai Osaka

5

Nankai Namba Station

McDonalds Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

Naniwa Park

Namba -naka

6

Namba PARKS

Pub Bar 30 2F

NAMBA PARKS CINEMA

Naniwa Sports Center Naniwa Post Office

Animate Nihonbashi Shop

Toys”R”Us Yamada Denki LABI1 Namba

Jack & Queen

A

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Kuromon Market

Sakaisuji

Namba Hatch

B

Naniwa Ward Office

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100m D

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Kyoto

MAPS & INFORMATION / A

B

C

D

Club Metro

1

1 Heian Shrine

Kiya Cho

Aeon Shopping Mall

The Ritz Carlton

Irish Pub Gnome

Nijo-dori

Higashi Oji - dori

Mori Yu Gallery Kyoto

Tozai Subway Line Kyotoshiyakusho-mae

Pig & Whistle

HUB

Sanjokeihan

Sanjo

Sanjo-dori

Movix Kyoto Mina

ori awa-d Shirakkawa river Shira JAM Hostel Kyoto Gion

Kyoto Tourist Information Center

Kawaramachi Marui

Yamatoji-dori

Gypsy

World

Fuji Daimaru

Keihan Line

Kyoto Bal

OPA

Hankyu Line

Sanjo

Gion s hijo

Kawaramachi-dori

Teramachi Shotengai Shinkyogoku Shotengai

Kawara Machi

3

Higashiyama

Wakamatsu-dori

Butterfly Kitsune Hotel Vista Kyoto Premio Kyoto Maruzen Junkudo

Jomo Gas

Tourist Information Center

Takashimaya

Hanamikoji-dori

Kyoto Asahi Kaikan

Gear

4

Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa

Pontocho

3

Oike-dori

Kiyamachi-dori

Fuyacho-dori

Gokomachi-dori

Honno-ji

National Museum of Modern Art

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Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art 2

Miyako Messe

2

Kyoto City Hall

Okazaki Park

Tsutaya Books

Tatsumi Bridge

Gion

Shijo-dori

Yasaka Jinja

Maruyama Park

Apa Hotel

Minami-za Theatre

4

Genkoin

Gion Kaikan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art

The Gael Irish Pub

Ryoshoin

Kacho-michi

5

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Teramachi Area

Riv er

Kaosan Kyoto

Kenninji

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Kyoto Municipal Museum of School History

Bakpak kyoto hostel

Ebisu Shrine

Nawa Clinic

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Kodai-ji

KamibentenCho

The world's smallest Ukiyoe museum

6

N Ninenzaka

A

B

Higashiyama Ward Office

0 C

200m D

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/ MAPS & INFORMATION A

B

C

Kitano Museum

D

Kobe YWCA

Kitanoseiryu Shrine

Hotel Piena Kobe

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Kobe Meriken Park Oriental B

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