Kansai Scene #212 January 2018

FREE MONTHLY GUIDE COVERING OSAKA • KYOTO • HYOGO • NARA • WAKAYAMA • SHIGA

JAN 2018 / ISSUE 212

And the 2017 Winners Are…

Readers’ Choice

AWARDS

Top Spots in Kansai Revealed

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WINTER HIKING ON SNOWY MT. HIEI OSAKA’S AUTHENTIC VIETNAMESE CUISINE EVENTS AND FESTIVALS TO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR

INCLUDING

FIND OUT WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

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.

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

As always, we know there are a few of you itching to brave the cold and get outside among that white stuff. If this is you, check out page 8 where our writer Randy Poehlman takes us on a winter climb up snowy Mt. Hiei. This month on the events and festivals schedule, the Otateyama Festival will take place for the second time in Nara where towering Buddhist gods will be paraded around the historic Heijokyo Palace Site. At the end of the month, head out to see the spectacular Shio no Misaki Boro no Shiba fire festival in Wakayama and the Wakakusayamayaki fire ritual in Nara Park.

We hope you had a fun-filled yet restful festive season and we wish you a happy and productive year of the dog!

Kansai Finder Events & Festivals.......................................................10 Art ........................................................................................... 16 Live Music ......................................................................... 19 © Randy Poehlman

About Kansai Scene

Happy 2018! To bring in the New Year, we share the results of the annual KS Readers Choice Awards, where residents of and tourists to the Kansai region vote on their favorite shops, cafes, restaurants, clubs, and more. For this second round of awards, winners can be found on pages 4 & 5, so get inspired by the best in Kansai and get out and experience it for yourself this year!

Club ........................................................................................24 Cinema.................................................................................26 Classifieds.........................................................................27 Getting Around / Maps............................................29 04 Readers’ Choice

AWARDS

2017

ON THE COVER: This month’s cover image was taken at Mt. Hiei

by Randy Poehlman.

Readers’ Choice Awards

A shout out to Kansai s best cafes, bars, shops, restaurants, and more – as voted by you!

FEATURE Text: KS

Foodspotting

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If you re a pho fanatic, treat yourself to tasty Vietnamese cuisine at one of these top Osaka spots.

FOOD & DRINK Text: KS

Mt. Hiei’s White Vistas

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Get out to Shiga for a snowy hike this winter.

FEATURE Text: Randy Poehlman

Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

Looking for a job, an old sofa or new friends? » kansaifinder.com

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Readers’ Choice

AWARDS

2017

Drum roll please…

Announcing the winners of the 2017 Kansai Scene Readers’ Choice Awards!

Bars, Pubs & Entertainment  Winner

Craft Beer Base Bud

Imported and Japanese craft beer on tap in this smoke-free bar hidden in the basement of the Osaka Eki-mae Dai-1 building in Umeda. » Location: Umeda, Osaka » craftbeerbase.com

Runner-up: Craft Beer Spot Hathor Location: Kyobashi, Osaka • Facebook: craftbeerspot.hathor

Best Bar Hands-down, the best place to pull up a stool in Kansai  Winner

The Suite

Modeled after a New York hotel suite, this place is as suave as it gets. » Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka » thesuitejapan.com

Runner-up: Cafe Absinthe Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka • absinthe-jp. com/cafe-absinthe

Best Craft Beer Bar Serving up Kansai’s best brews

Best Irish Pub Top spot to enjoy the Craic  Winner

The Local Irish Pub

Lively new-comer on the scene, the Local has quickly established itself as a late-night party bar where the craic it seems, is served on tap. » Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka » Facebook: Thelocalirishpub

Runner-up: Murphy’s Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka • murphysosaka.com

Best Sports Bar Where to throw some darts, shoot some pool, or just watch the game

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

 Winner

Balabushka

» Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka » balabushka.jimdo.com

Runner-up: Absinthe Wormwood Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka • absinthe-jp. com/cafe-absinthe/wormwood

Best Whiskey/Bourbon Bar Where to find a finger of your favorite single malt  Winner

Rogin’s Tavern

» Location: Moriguchi, Osaka » facebook.com/pages/Rogins-

Tavern/332010490216285 Runner-up: Marciero Location: Doyamacho, Osaka • Facebook: craftbeerbar.marciero

Best Sake Bar The mecca for sake lovers  Winner

Hana Sake Bar

» Location: Nishishinsaibashi, Osaka » hanasakebar.com

Runner-up: Sake Bar Yoramu Location: Kyoto • sakebar-yoramu.com

Kansai Scene Readers’ Choice Awards 2017 Best Cocktails Kansai’s best alcoholic concoctions  Winner

Cafe Absinthe

» Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka » absinthe-jp.com/cafe-absinthe

Runner-up: The Suite Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka • thesuitejapan.com

Best Alternative Bar Quirky spots for a drink and something different

 Winner

Space Station

Indulge in some nostalgia and play some video games from your childhood. » Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka » facebook.com/SpaceStationOsaka

Runner-up: Rock Rock Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka • rockrock.co.jp

Best Club For carving up the dance floor  Winner

Picadilly

» Location: Umeda, Osaka

» clubpiccadilly.com

Runner-up: Metro Location: Kyoto • metro.ne.jp

Best Lounge Bar Where to go for cocktails and conversation  Winner

Absinthe Solaar

» Location: Namba, Osaka » absinthe-jp.com/absinthe-solaar

Runner-up: The Suite Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka • thesuitejapan.com

Restaurants & Dining Best Cafe Where to kick back and enjoy a drink and a snack Brooklyn Roasting Company  Winner

 Winner

Saboten

» Location: Kitahorie, Osaka » facebook.com/saboten.horie

Runner-up: El Pancho Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Spacious, stylish, great coffee and plenty of power outlets. Their new branch in Namba, under the Nankai railway, even has an American pizza and beer stand inside.

 Winner

Craft Burger

With craft beer pairing suggestions for every burger (The gorgonzola burger is to die for. Try it with an IPA). » Location: Kitahorie, Osaka » craftburger.jp

Runner-up: Critters Burger Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka • Facebook: crittersburger

Best Mexican Food The tastiest burritos and nachos in town

Best Vegetarian/Vegan Food

 Winner

Paprika Shokudo

Huge amounts of creativity poured into every dish - so flavorsome you could swear you were eating meat sometimes!

Runner-up: Coffee Roughnecks, Osaka Location: Minami-horie, Osaka • Facebook: coffeeroughnecks

The real burger king

Runner-up: Santa Lucia Location: Higobashi, Osaka • Facebook: Ristorante Pizzeria Santa Lucia

Where to go for some healthy whole food

» Location: Various, Osaka » brooklynroasting.jp

Best Burgers

» Facebook: ナスコンディーノ-Nascondino

» Location: Shinmachi, Osaka » Facebook Search: Natural BAR Paprika

Best Curries Where to go to eat spicy curry to your heart’s content  Winner

Chai Chai

» Location: Minami-horie, Osaka » Facebook: chaichaiasiankitchen

Runner-up: Ali’s Kitchen Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka • aliskitchen.jp

Best Italian Food The go-to Italian restaurant  Winner

Nascondino

Vegan Dining Runner-up: Base Island Kitchen Location: Horie, Osaka • Facebook: baseislandkitchen

Best Noodles Kansai’s most mouth-watering noodles  Winner

Me-Cha-Ku-Cha

» Location: Shinmachi, Osaka » Facebook: noodleshop.mechakucha

Runner-up: Ippudo Location: Various • ippudo.com

» Location: Kita-horie, Osaka

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

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Readers’ Choice

AWARDS

2017 Best American Favorites Where to get your fix of some classic American soul food  Winner

Runner-up: Hard Rock Cafe Location: Honmachi, Osaka • hardrock.com/cafes/osaka

Sauce Boss

Chicken wings and craft beer take center stage at this new hangout in Kita horie. » Location: Kita-horie, Osaka » sauceboss.jp

Shops & Services Best Backpackers’ Hostel

Best Museum

Top digs on a budget

If you only go to one museum in Kansai...

 Winner

Hostel 64

» Location: Shinmachi, Osaka » hostel64.com

Runner-up: Jam Hostel Location: Gion, Kyoto • Facebook: jamhostel

Best Hotel The finest rooms in town  Winner

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka

» Location: Namba, Osaka » ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/japan/

osaka

 Winner

Osaka Science Museum

» Location: Nakanoshima, Osaka » sci-museum.jp

Runner-up: Kyoto National Museum Location: Kyoto • kyohaku.go.jp

Best Record Store The best place for vinyl  Winner

King Kong Records

» Location: Umeda, Osaka » kingkong-music.com

Runner-up: Swissôtel Nankai Osaka Location: Namba, Osaka • swissotel-osaka.co.jp

Runner-up: Time Bomb Records Location: Shinsaibashi, Osaka • timebomb.co.jp

Best Art Gallery

Best Hair Salon

The gallery space that consistently inspires

For the ultimate trim

The National Museum of Art, Osaka  Winner

» Location: Nakanoshima, Osaka » nmao.go.jp/en

Runner-up: The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto Location: Higashiyama, Kyoto • momak.go.jp/English

 Winner

Esiotrot

» Location: Shinmachi, Osaka » esiotrot.jp

Best Bakery / Patissiere Baking the tastiest treats in Kansai  Winner

» Location: Minami-horie, Osaka » baeckerei-kirschbluete.com

Runner-up: Westwood Bakers Location: Minamihorie, Osaka • westwoodbakers.com

Best Imported Groceries Store Most reliable spot for a fix of tastes of back home  Winner

Runner-up: K Studio New York Location: Nakatsu, Osaka • ksny.jp

Kirschblüte

German bakery offering wholemeal loaves, granary rolls and pretzels.

Costco

Stocking almost every grocery item you could ever want. » Location: Amagasaki, Kyoto Yawata,

Kobe, Izumi-chuo » costco.co.jp

Runner-up: Seijo Ishii Location: Several locations • seijoishii.co.jp/en

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GREAT PLACES TO EAT /

Food & Drink

FOODSPOTTING

Warm the cockles of your heart this winter with a hearty, steamy, authentic, bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup.

Text & Images: KS

An Ngon

Rive Gauche

BIA HO’I

An Ngon certainly lives up to its name, meaning it s delicious in Vietnamese.

A long-time fixture in Osaka s South East Asian cuisine scene, it first opened its doors 1998. The cozy restaurant that seats around 50 is adorned with traditional masks and other Vietnamese decorations and boasts an extensive menu with all the classics like fresh spring rolls with either shrimp or pork, and pho (rice noodle soup) with either beef, chicken, or just vegetables. If you re looking to recapture an epicurean memory from a trip to Vietnam where you had a tasty dish that you can t remember the name of, An Ngon has a full English menu with pictures to help guide you. A standout dish is món bún: rice vermicelli (thin rice noodles) and grilled pork balls in a savory broth with a side of fried spring rolls and adorned with fresh herbs galore, all for under ¥1,000. Course menus in this stylish and comfortable space are around the ¥3,000–¥4,000 mark and private functions can be booked for groups of 20 to 50.

If it s classy Vietnamese you re after, Rive Gauche is the closest thing to Vietnamese fine dining in Osaka.

Nestled in a white stone building in the Yodoyabashi business district of Osaka, entering this comfortable and spacious restaurant feels like being transported to somewhere in Europe. The A and B course sets on the dinner menu come highly recommended at ¥3,800 or ¥4,500 per person respectively. If you order course A, you ll be treated to fresh and deep-fried spring rolls, steamed chicken with sour sauce, the Vietnamese version of okonomiyaki called bánh xèo, sauteed tamarind prawns, roasted chicken or grilled pork, a steaming bowl of pho, and finally a Vietnamese coffee or lotus tea. The tasty Vietnamese pancake with nuoc cham sauce is to be eaten with your hands wrapped in lettuce leaves, but it comes with handy picture instructions and the friendly staff are more than happy to demonstrate. If you get the slightly pricier B course set, ready yourself for all the Course A items plus some delicious fried soft shell crab, a seafood or mincemeat soup, and a Vietnamese dessert to finish off.

Bia Ho i is the kind of restaurant where you are served half a mangosteen in your drink. Their special tropical cocktails transport you straight to a South East Asian beach. The food menu at this restaurant has every Vietnamese dish you could possibly think of plus a host of others you ve probably never heard of before. Along with the authentic taste of the dishes, this huge range of options might explain why so many customers from Vietnam dine here. If you re having trouble deciding from the plethora of choices, go for a side of fresh or fried spring rolls and order the yellow coconut chicken curry which cooked to perfection with chunks of potato and carrot. The sauteed shrimp in a fried-egg and chili sauce is another delicious choice. Be sure to leave room for dessert where you can choose from an array of delectable puddings and flans with coconut and vanilla ice cream, or Vietnamese coffee with tapioca and coffee jelly over vanilla ice cream, or even fried banana in cinnamon sugar. And these are just scratching the surface.

OPEN: Lunch 11:30am~5pm; Dinner 5pm~11pm • Price RANGE: ¥980–¥5,500 • ACCESS: Yotsubashi Subway Stn, 5-min walk • TEL: 06-6282-4567 • TABELOG: Angon (ア ンゴン)

OPEN: Lunch 11:30am~3pm; Dinner 5:30pm~10:30pm • Price RANGE: ¥980– ¥5,500 • ACCESS: Yodoyabashi Subway Stn, 1-min walk • TEL: 06-6202-2202 • GURUNAVI: RIVE GAUCHE

OPEN: Lunch 11:30am~5pm; Dinner 5pm~11pm • Price RANGE: ¥980–¥5,500 • ACCESS: Umeda Stn, 2-min walk; Osaka Stn, 10-min walk • TEL: 06-6292-2345 • anngon. com/biahoi

Need more dining options?

Check kansaifinder.com/places to search all of our food and drink spots, or add your own favorites to the list.

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

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FEATURE

Winter Views from Mt. Hiei Challenge yourself to a snowy climb on one of Kyoto s biggest and most historic mountains.

Text & Images: Randy Poehlman

S

traddling the border of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures, Hiei-zan, or Mt. Hiei, was once thought of as the home of Shinto gods and demons.

Later, Buddhist monks began traversing the paths of Hiei-zan and many call the mountain home, having become the stuff of legends themselves. Follow in their footsteps along snowy wilderness paths to experience some of the best winter views in Kansai.

The jewel of the mountain is Enryakuji, which is a large temple complex near the summit. Opened in 788, it is the head temple of the Tendai-shu sect of Buddhism. Visiting the vast grounds is a delightful and peaceful experience. The two most beautiful elements of Enryakuji are Tenporindo (Shakado), which is the main temple building, and Jodoin, which is a shrine burial ground and is said to be the most sacred spot on Mt. Hiei.

Tenporindo is the oldest structure of Enryakuji and is flanked by tremendous pine trees.

Enryakuji is also home of the Marathon Monks of Mt. Hiei, a select group of monks who have embarked on a journey called Kaihogyo. This is the practice of walking or running long distances every day for 100 consecutive days as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment.

Very few monks have achieved this feat of endurance.

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There are a few routes going up and down Mt. Hiei, but for winter climbing, it is recommended to take the most popular route, which is a section of the Kyoto Trail, and as the days are quite short in the winter, plan to leave in the early morning. Maps for this trail are easy to obtain and the path is well signposted. Perhaps, the ideal starting point of this climb is Ginkakuji Temple (the Silver Temple). The trail can be picked up near the front gate of the temple at signpost #51, and after a few hundred meters of city walking, you can access the trailhead into the forested area behind a hospital parking lot at signpost #54 and #55. All of the signposts on this trail are numbered and have mini maps to help you make sure you re on the right track. The signposts are brown and about 1.5 meters tall with a square white map on top. After entering the forested trail, the first stretch of the hike runs along a drainage stream and there will be a trickle of water that can make things icy and wet. The trail splits into two at signpost #57-1 but both options converge at signpost #60. The climb continues along the trail and you will eventually reach a beautiful large stone torii gate at a trail and road junction, at this point the trail will descend briefly, but fairly steeply and you will cross a stream before your climb continues. The top half of Mt. Hiei is covered

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Feature

in large evergreen trees and the rich greenery and thick brown tree trunks are uniquely beautiful rising out of the mountain s snowy floor.

The trail will eventually reach Cable Hiei Station where it will switch from the Higashiyama Course to the Kitayama East Course. At this point, you will have covered about 7km, and gained around 600 meters in elevation. The only thing that will change from one trail to the next is that the signpost numbers will start again at number 1. There are some nice views to be had from this point, and as the trail continues toward Enryakuji, the wide panoramic vistas get even more impressive. After descending a magnificent set of stone stairs, you will reach Jodoin and then a little further down the trail, the grand hall of Tenporindo.

When the snow comes, you will likely be one of only a few visitors as the temperatures are quite chilly and the winds can pick up. Remember to dress for the weather; it will be colder and windier at the top of the mountain.

At this point, there is a decision to make. There are three options: The first is to take the easy way down. Find a bus or use the cable car. The second is to turn around and retrace your steps back down the mountain. Option number three is for those with a sense of adventure. Continue along the trail in search of the quaint town of Ohara, where you can catch a bus back to Kyoto city. The distance from the top of Mt. Hiei to the country town of Ohara is 10 km. If you choose this option, consider that this part of the trail is less frequented by hikers as there are two difficult sections. Both the climb to Mt. Yokotakayama (signpost #13) and the climb to Mt. Mizuiyama (signpost #161) feature steep sections that will leave you pulling yourself uphill with tree branches and roots, especially when there is snow. Although crampons and snowshoes and other technical gear is not needed for this section, good physical fitness, adequate clothing (gloves are a must), and proper footwear will keep you safe and warm

Winter Hiking Safety Precautions • Let someone know your hiking plan, including route, times, distances, and other information.

• Wear warm clothes, hats, gloves, and adequate footwear and pack extra clothing.

• Headlamps, proper maps, a GPS device, extra food kept in inside pockets and warm drinks in a thermos are all excellent ways to keep you warm and safe.

• Start early in the day and plan for early nightfall. Sunset in Kyoto in December and January is about 4:45 p.m.

during the challenging parts. If you do make it to Ohara, there is a wonderful shop on the main street called Shino famous for mochi (pounded rice) and vegetable dressing. They also have seasonal vegetables and other fresh and pickled items.

It is located on Route 367 and the bus stop to take you back to Kyoto is about 200 meters from the shop. The total trek from Ginkakuji to Ohara is 17km and is possible to cover in a day, provided you have good fitness, some hiking experience, and keep a relatively good pace. KS

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Events  Cultural

JAN

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Dezome-Shiki – Himeji Fire Brigade’s New Year Show 姫路市消防出初め式

Shirotopia Kinen Park, Hyogo • Jan 7

In this annual New Year spectacle, Himeji firefighters show off their skills performing thrilling stunts and balancing on bamboo ladders.

There will be a fire-truck parade, rescue drills, a water-hosing show and a firefighting exercise performed by kids.

TIME: 9:30am (canceled if raining) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Himeji Stn, 15-min walk • city. himeji.lg.jp/syoubou

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Events  Cultural © Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

JAN

JAN

9 10 >

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:

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

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

Jan 25 • Kitano Tenmangu Shrine • Access: Tenmangu-mae bus stop

Toka Ebisu Festival 十日戎

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, Osaka • Jan 9–10

The Toka Ebisu festival is held all around Kansai, but no place does it bigger and better than Imamiya Ebisu Shrine. Every year, more than one million people make the pilgrimage from all over Kansai and beyond to Imamiya Ebisu Shrine to pray for success in business to Ebisu, the patron god of business and fisheries. Those hoping for his blessing in the new year buy lucky bamboo branches adorned with various lucky items such as special coins, sea bream, and rice bales all decorated by lovely miko (shrine maidens) dressed in white kimono with ornate golden headdresses. The three-day ceremony starts on the 9th on the Eve of Ebisu and the main parade takes place on the 10th.

TIME: 9am–9pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Ebisu-cho Subway Stn / Nankai Line, Imamiya Ebisu Stn, 5-min walk • imamiya-ebisu.jp

© Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

JAN

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Doyadoya – Buddhist Good Luck Ceremony どやどや 修正会結願法要

Shitennoji Temple, Osaka • Jan 14 In this fascinating festival held at Shitennoji Temple, hundreds of semi-naked men scramble to get their hands on religious objects said to bring good luck.

This Buddhist event is called doyadoya – from the sound made by hundreds of stamping feet – and is performed as the closing ceremony of an essential ritual held to bring in the New Year. The real action starts at around 2:30pm when talismans are cast from the beams in the Rokujido Hall. At this point, young men wearing nothing but white loincloths, red headbands, and tabi (traditional Japanese socks) jostle with one another to catch the lucky charms.

TIME: 2:30pm–3:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Subway Stn, 5-min walk • shitennoji.or.jp

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Events  Cultural JAN

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JAN

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Kemari – Japanese Medieval Ball Game 蹴鞠始め

Shimogamo Shrine • Jan 4

An elegant ball game that was popular among court people in the olden days will be played. Wearing traditional kimono, performers kick and pass the ball gracefully to one another.

Hoe-Kago Gyoretsu Parade 宝恵かご行列

Ebisubashi-suji & Surroundings, Osaka • Jan 10

Event organiser?

The streets of Minami (south Osaka) come alive as brightly decorated palanquins called hoe-kago parade to Imamiya Ebisu Shrine. Join in on the fun as national celebrities, beautiful geisha and puppets from the bunraku theater make their way through the streets while cheered on by the crowd. The parade starts at Soemon-cho and travels along Dotonbori, Ebisubashi, Sennichimaesuji, and Takashimaya on its way to the shrine. With shrine bearers roaring and shouting to fire up the crowd and women in festive kimono applauding and encouraging the spectacle, the streets truly take on exciting, festive atmosphere that rivals any festival in Japan.

List your event online for free at

or.jp

TIME: 1:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS:

Keihan Line, Demachiyanagi Stn, 10-min walk • shimogamo-jinja.or.jp

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Subway / Nankai / Kintetsu Namba Stn • ebisubashi.

Kansaifinder.com

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Osaka Happy Dream Circus ハッピードリームサーカス

Naniwa Park • Until Feb 26 Featuring high-flying, deathdefying acrobatics and the art of clowning, Happy Dream Circus creates an intimate atmosphere with acts to entertain audiences of all ages.

TIME: Depends on date (closed Wed but open Jan 3) • ADMISSION: From ¥2,500 adults, concessions • ACCESS: JR Ashiharabashi Stn, 5-min walk • dreamcircus.jp

New Year’s Greeting at Osaka Castle Park ちょろけんと迎えるお正月

Osaka Castle Park • Jan 2 & 3 Enjoy the festive mood at Osakajokoen where acrobatic shows will be put on in front of the castle tower four times a day.

TIME: 11am, Noon, 2pm & 3pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Osakajokoen Stn • osakacastle.net/ events

Railway Fair 2018 鉄道博2018

Osaka Business Park Enkei Hall • Jan 6–8 For train lovers and kids, this large exhibition featuring railway-related items includes a display of N & HO gauge models, an auction of collectibles, train lunch boxes, and more.

Osaka Kyuko Line, Ryokuchikoen Stn, 5-min walk • sportsone.jp/choco

The Osaka International Women’s Marathon 第37回大阪国際女子マラソン

Yanmar Stadium Nagai • Jan 28 Runners will leave Nagai stadium at 12:10pm, pass through Osaka Castle Park, past Osaka Municipal Hall and Mido-suji Street, and then back through the park to finish at the stadium.

TIME: 12:10pm • ADMISSION: Free • Access • Nagai Subway Stn, 10-min walk • osaka-marathon.jp

Bean-throwing Ceremony 通天閣 福豆まき

Tsutenkaku Tower • Feb 1 A lucky bean-throwing ceremony will be hosted at one of Osaka s most iconic sites – the Tsutenkaku Tower. This ceremony is well known for featuring celebrity performers; stars from Cats the musical participated last year.

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Ebisucho Subway Stn, Exit 3, 5-min walk • tsutenkaku.co.jp/ index.html

Kyoto Coming of Age Ceremony 成年祭

Fushimi Inari Shrine • Jan 8

TIME: 10am–5pm • ADMISSION: ¥700

adults (¥800 at door) • ACCESS: Osaka Business Park Subway Stn • tv-osaka. co.jp/tetsudou2018

Choco Run Osaka チョコラン2018 大阪

Hattori Ryokuchi Park • Jan 21

Traditional coming-of-age ceremonies will be performed at the Fushimi Inari hall for all young men and women who will reach the age of 20 in 2018. Two services will be in the style of the early and late samurai eras and the other one in the imperial court style.

TIME: 1pm • ADMISSION: Free •

Join this fun event where you can enjoy running and eating chocolate at the same time! Over 50 types of quality chocolate will be prepared for runners. Visit the website to apply.

TIME: 10:20am • ADMISSION: From ¥2,600 (free to watch) • ACCESS: Kita-

ACCESS: Keihan Line, Fushimi-inari Stn, 5-min walk • inari.jp

Gafu-Ten – Miniature Bonsai Fair 雅風展

Miyako Messe • Jan 11–14

Events  Cultural JAN

Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival

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美山かやぶきの里「雪灯廊」

Miyama Kayabuki no Sato • Jan 27–Feb 3 Step back in time and see old Japan at this illumination event.

Kayabuki no Sato (the thatched village) is lit up decoratively and the whole village is adorned with lanterns made of snow.

TIME: 5pm–8pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Sonobe / Hiyoshi Stn, bus to

Kita; a tour bus from JR Kyoto Stn is also recommended • yukitouro.jp

Hyogo

Wakakusayamayaki Jan 27 • Mt. Wakakusa in Nara Park

Join this magnificent spectacle where 33 hectares of grassland is turned into a sea of flames. This activity, heralding the coming spring and attracting millions of people each year, can be traced back to the 18th century, but its true origin is unknown.

Starting with a fireworks display, the whole of Mt. Wakakusa gradually goes up in flames. Before the event, there will be a dance show, a ceremony performed by the Nara fire brigade, and more.

TIME: 6pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR / Kintetsu Nara Stn, bus to Daibutsuden Kasugataisha-mae, 20-min walk • yamatoji.nara-kankou.or.jp

Special Orchid Exhibition 2018 特別展 淡路夢舞台ラン展2018

Kiseki no Hoshi Botanic Museum • Jan 20–Mar 4 The beautiful scent of orchids fills the air in the 1,000-squaremeter garden displaying over 10,000 pots of orchids at this popular flower show. Based on a Meiji Restoration theme, orchids will be displayed in the Japanese style of 150 years ago.

TIME: 10am–6pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,200 (¥1,500 at door) adults, concessions • ACCESS: JR Maiko Stn, bus to Awaji Yumebutai-mae • kisekinohoshi.jp

Nara Bugaku – Japanese Court Music and Dance 舞楽始式

Ladies in beautiful kimono serve ceremonial sake in a bamboo container over fire. The sake is regarded as anti-cancer medication.

TIME: 8am–4pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR / Kintetsu Nara Stn, bus to Daianji, 10-min walk • daianji.or.jp

Otateyama Festival 大立山まつり

Heijokyo Palace Site • Jan 26–28 The Otateyama Festival features four colorful dashi (floats) featuring tateyama – giant (7m tall) images of Buddhist gods – representing Nara s hopes and wishes for good health and prosperity for all in the new year. The towering Buddhist gods will parade around the historic palace grounds.

TIME: 4pm–8pm Fri, 1pm–8pm Sat/Sun • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Nara Stn / Kintetsu Yamato Saidaiji Stn, bus to Heijokyo Palace Site • ootateyama.jp

Shiga Karuta – Traditional Card Game かるた祭り

Omijingu Shrine • Jan 7 Shrine maids in ceremonial kimono perform karuta, a traditional Japanese game between two or more people who fight over cards, to please the god of Omijingu.

TIME: 9am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Omijingu-mae Stn, 9-min walk • oumijingu.org

Kasuga Shrine • Jan 8

A large collection of fascinating Japanese bonsai art will be on display. Appreciate the artists patience and eye for detail, evident in these works of art made from miniature trees, under 20 cm tall.

TIME: 9:30am–4:30pm (until 3pm Jan 14) • ADMISSION: ¥800 adults, concessions • ACCESS: Higashiyama Subway Stn, 8-min walk • shohinbonsai.or.jp/app/wp-content/ uploads/2010/07/gafuuten43.jpg

Toshiya – New Year Archery Contest

Sanjusangendo Temple • Jan 14 In this national Japanese archery competition, 2,000 women archers wearing beautiful kimono shoot arrows over a distance of 60 meters into targets approximately 50–100 centimeters in diameter.

The first performance of bugaku for the year will be offered to the gods at Kasuga Shrine. Enjoy the graceful and elegant movements and old-time music performed by accomplished troupes.

TIME: 1pm • ADMISSION: Free (¥500 to enter the shrine grounds) • ACCESS: JR / Kintetsu Line, Nara Stn, bus to Kasugataisha Honden • kasugataisha. or.jp/index.html

TIME: 9am–3:30pm • ADMISSION:

Free • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Shichijo Stn, 5-min walk • sanjusangendo.jp/ index.html

Sasa Bamboo Sake Ceremony 光仁会 ささ酒祭り

Daianji Temple • Jan 23

通し矢

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Plum Tree Bonsai Exhibition 長浜盆梅展

Keiun-Kan • Jan 10–Mar 11 Browse 90 magnificent pots of plum blossoms including a 400-year-old tree and a threemeter tree set in a traditional Japanese house.

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

Katsube Fire Festival 勝部の火祭り

Otateyama Festival in Nara. Jan 26–28.

Katsube Shrine • Jan 13

Setsubun – Beanthrowing Ceremony

Scantily clad young men dance wildly beside the roaring fire. This is an annual religious festival celebrates a legend where an evil serpent was slain.

節分 福付き豆まき

TIME: 6pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Moriyama Stn, 5-min walk • shigabunka.net/archives/214

Wakayama South Honshu Island Fire Festival

Kimiidera Temple • Feb 3 Join the bean-throwing ceremony held to scare away demons and bring good fortune for the year to come.

After a ritual, beans will be scattered from the stage on the grounds of the temple.

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

本州最南端の火祭り （望楼の芝焼き）

Shio no Misaki Boro no Shiba • Jan 27 A spectacular field-burning event where flaming arrows are shot to ignite the grassland. Watch as the fire spreads rapidly across the six hectares of open area facing the Pacific Ocean, engulfing the fields and lighting up the surrounding area.

TIME: 4:30pm (will postpone to Feb 3 in case of stormy weather) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Kushimoto Stn, bus to Shionomisaki • kankou-kushimoto.jp/event/ himaturi.html

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Events  Art 150th Birth Memorial Fujishima Takeji Exhibition

（タイトル未定）2017年 92.0×68.0cm シルクスクリーン • 紙 岡部版画出版蔵

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the venue s opening, the Kobe City Koise Memorial Museum of Art presents a retrospective exhibition of works by Takeji Fujishima, the famous Japanese master of modern Western oil painting. Born in Kagoshima in 1867, Fujishima first studied traditional Japanese painting before moving to Tokyo to learn techniques employed by European artists. From 1905 to 1910 he traveled through Europe, honing his craft before returning to Japan to become a professor at the Tokyo Art School and a member of the Imperial Art Academy. This exhibition focuses on oil paintings created by Fujishima throughout the entire span of his career, in addition to drawings and various graphic design materials.

藤島武二 婦人と朝顔 1904 個人蔵

Kobe City Koiso Memorial Museum of Art

Fujishima Retrospective Exhibition • Until Jan 28 • OPEN: 10am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon, Jan 1–3 & 9 • ADMISSION: ¥800 • ACCESS: Rokko Liner, Island Kitaguchi Stn, 1-min walk • TEL: 078-857-5880 • city.kobe.lg.jp/koisomuseum

Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art

Yokoo Tadanori, born in 1936, has been hailed as one of Japan s greatest 20th-century graphic designers. Yokoo began his printmaking career in 1968 creating posters for underground theater productions in a style infused with creative imagery and vibrant hues. Throughout his tenure, he has created some 230 original prints. This exhibition combines the concept of hanga , a term that refers to extraordinary printed works, with jungle, hinting at the wild and enveloping diversity of Yokoo s canon. Guests will experience an opportunity to consider Yokoo s contemporary opposition to artistic modernism, a movement that focused greatly on logic and thought. This exhibition also explores the possibilities of the future of printmaking as an artistic medium.

Yokoo Tadanori Exhibition • Until Feb 4 • OPEN: 10am–6pm (until 8pm Fri & Sat) • CLOSED: Mon, Jan 1 & 9 • ADMISSION: ¥700 • ACCESS: Hankyu Line, Oji Koen Stn, 6-min walk • TEL: 078-855-5607 • ytmoca.jp/english/ en_guidance.html

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Wim Crouwel “Fascinated by the Grid” kyoto ddd gallery This exhibition marks the first orverview of works by Wim Crouwel, the 20thcentury Dutch graphic designer best known for his contributions to the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. Crouwel is also renowned for his experimental computer writing system, stamps, and calendars. In 1963 he co-founded Total Design, a multidisciplinary design agency, and went on to introduce Swiss modernism in Holland. In his works, Crouwel created logical and systematic designs using grids, fueled by the belief that information design should be approached with an objective attitude instead of a focus on marketing goals. Guests will view over half a century of works created in a manner that joins theory with method while incorporating pleasing aesthetic effects.

Wim Crouwel Exhibition • Until Mar 17 • OPEN: 11am–7pm (until 6pm Sat) • CLOSED: Sun & holidays • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Tozai subway line, Uzumasa Tenjingawa Stn, 3-min walk • TEL: 075-8711480 • dnp.co.jp/gallery/ddd_e

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

New Alphabet / 1967 catalogue

Yokoo Tadanori: Hanga Jungle

Events  Art Takeji Asano Exhibition Enokojima Art, Culture and Creative Center •  Until Jan 28 This exhibition presents a selection of woodblock prints

by Takeji Asano, a printmaker who was active in Kyoto during the postwar period. These prints portray representations of famous places in Kyoto and Osaka.

OPEN: 11am–7pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Awaza Stn, 5-min walk • TEL: 06-6441-8050 • enokojima-art.jp/english

Rune Nito Exhibition Daimaru Museum Umeda •  Until Jan 21 Illustrator Rune Nito was known for her adorable depictions of young female characters.

Visitors have a chance to view a carefully selected collection of her works in this retrospective exhibition organized in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of her death.

OPEN: 10am–8pm • CLOSED: Mon •

Do You Know Quebec Comics? – 25 Significant Moments and 7 Authors Kyoto International Manga Museum The Kyoto International Manga Museum is pleased to present an exhibition centering on French-language comics originally created in Quebec, Canada. French bande dessinée, meaning comics, have gained popularity in Japan in recent years, but little is known about their québécoise counterparts. This display aims to provide knowledge about this mysterious subset of the Canadian art scene by covering the history of bande dessinée, in addition to the works of seven contemporary artists from Quebec. This exhibition has been organized as an exchange project following last year s formation and signing of a friendship and collaboration agreement between Kyoto Prefecture and the Canadian province of Quebec. ©Michel Falardeau / Studio Lounak

Osaka

Quebec Comics Exhibition • Until Feb 13 • OPEN: 10am–6pm • CLOSED: Wed & Jan 1–4 • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Karasuma Oike Stn, 3-min walk • TEL: 075-254-7414 • kyotomm. jp/en

ADMISSION: ¥800 • ACCESS: JR Osaka Stn, 1-min walk • TEL: 06-6343-1231 • daimaru.co.jp/museum

Masaaki Kato “From Machu Picchu to Patagonia II” Ricoh Imaging Square Osaka •  Until Jan 15 Photographer Masaaki Kato presents a series of colorful shots taken in various locations dotting the Andes mountain range in Argentina and Peru, from Macchu Picchu to the slopes of Patagonia. Subjects include local people and the surrounding natural environment.

OPEN: 10:30am–6:30pm • CLOSED: Tue & New Year’s holidays • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Tenmabashi Stn, west exit, direct walk • TEL: 050-3534-6188 • ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/community/ squareosaka/2017/12/20171220.html

Kyoto Sansui Art Shokoku-ji Jotenkaku Art Museum •  Until Mar 25

Sansui is a classical style of Japanese landscape painting derived from Chinese artistic traditions.

In this exhibition, viewers can examine original Sansui works, including paintings, writings, and crafts dating back to the Middle Ages.

OPEN: 10am–5pm • ADMISSION: ¥800 • ACCESS: Karasuma subway line, Imadegawa Stn, 8-min walk • TEL: 075241-0423 • shokoku-ji.jp/top.php

The 40th Memorial of Shoji Hamada from Tamesaburo Yamamoto Collection Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum •  Until Apr 8 Shoji Hamada was a highly influential potter who created energetic pieces inspired by everyday living. This exhibition commemorates the 40th anniversary of his death with works donated primarily from the Yamamoto collection.

OPEN: 10am–5pm • ADMISSION: ¥900 • ACCESS: JR Kyoto line, Yamazaki Stn, 10-min walk • TEL: 075-957-3123 • asahibeer-oyamazaki.com/english

20-min walk • TEL: 0796-28-3085 • maruyamagawa.com/facilities/art

Wakayama Hyogo Tajima Artists Collection Hyogo Prefectural Maruyamagawa Koen Museum •  Until Jan 28 This multimedia exhibition contains 130 works of calligraphy, ceramics, prints, watercolors, oil paintings, Nihonga paintings, and more from artists with ties to northern Hyogo s Tajima Province. Some 50 of these pieces were created by printmaker Hideo Kawahara, oil painter Akihito Kodama, oil painter Takehiko Saeki, and Nihonga painter Tsuyoshi Yamada.

OPEN: 9am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon •

Nanga Paintings and Calligraphy Kumanokodo Nakahechi Museum of Art •  Until Jan 28 The Tanabe City Museum of Art and Kumanokodo Nakahechi Museum of Art have come together to offer a showing of Nanga Southern paintings, calligraphy, and poetry that flourished in Japan during the Edo period.

OPEN: 10am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon & New Year holidays • ¥250 • ACCESS: JR Kii-tanabe Stn, Kumano Kotsu bus to Nakahechi Art Museum, short walk • TEL: 0739-65-0390 • city.tanabe.lg.jp/ bijutsukan/index.html

ADMISSION: ¥350 • ACCESS: Kinosaki Onsen Stn, Zentan bus to Kojima stop,

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

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Events  Live Music The Haunted Formed in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1996 from the Swedish deathmetal scene, The Haunted s debut album was the self-titled 1998 release, which led to them being named Newcomer of The Year by a number of rock and metal magazines. 2017 saw the release of the band s ninth studio album, Strength In Numbers, through JAN Century Media Records and the current line-up of the band includes original members Patrik Jensen (guitar), Jonas Björler (bass), and Adrian Erlandsson (drums), alongside vocalist Marco Aro and lead guitarist Ola Englund.

Talking about the latest album, the band says the new material sounds really heavy and thrashing, and anyone taking a listen to the track Brute Force from the album would not disagree with that description.

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Swedish extreme metal band formed in 1996 • Umeda Trad, Osaka • Metal • 6pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

Jan / Feb Rock & Pop Sunrise in My Attache Case Jan 6 Japanese four-piece pop-rock band

Umeda Trad, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,500 • TEL: 0570-200-888

Guitar Panda

Japanese pop-rock guitarist and singer in a panda suit Taku Taku, Kyoto • Pop rock • 6:30pm • ¥2,800/¥3,300 • TEL: 075-351-1321

Paul Weller

Music Zoo, Kobe • Pop rock • 6:30pm • ¥2,500/¥3,000 • TEL: 078-231-5540

Jan 19

Good Morning America Jan 13 Japanese four-piece rock band Muse, Kyoto • Pop rock • 6pm • ¥3,500 • TEL: 075-223-0389 Music Zoo, Kobe • Pop rock • 6pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • TEL: 06-6882-1224

Nothing But Thieves

Namba Hatch, Osaka • Pop rock • 7pm • ¥9,000/¥10,000 • TEL: 0570-200-888

Fleet Foxes Jan 19

Jan 21

Japanese singer-songwriter and guitarist Shangri-La, Osaka • Singer-songwriter • 6pm • ¥4,000 • TEL: 0570-200-888

Jan 23 Norwegian experimental keyboardist Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • Experimental • 7:30pm • ¥2,800/¥3,500 • TEL: 075241-0446

Jan 24

Big Cat, Osaka • Indie • 7pm • ¥7,800 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

English alternative-rock band

Jan 21

The Internet

US Indie-folk band

BiS

Jan 24 & 25, 27 & 28

Eldbjørg Raknes

British singer-songwriter and guitarist (ex-The Jam frontman)

Jan 16

Masaharu Fukuyama

Banana Hall, Osaka • Pop metal • 5pm • ¥3,000 • TEL: 0570-200-888

Anly

Jan 16 & 17

Neverland, Nara • Pop rock • 6:30pm • ¥2,500/¥3,000 • TEL: 0742-36-2431

Japanese pop-metal band

Soul and hip-hop band from California Club Quattro, Osaka • Hip hop • 7:30pm • ¥6,300 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

Japanese musician, singersongwriter, and actor Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka • Pop rock • 6:30pm Jan 24 & 25; 5pm 27 & 28 • ¥9,500 • TEL: 0570-200-888

The Haunted Jan 27 Swedish extreme-metal band from Gothenburg Umeda Trad, Osaka • Metal • 6pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

The High Jan 27 Japanese pop-rock band Taku Taku, Kyoto • Pop rock • 6:30pm • ¥3,000/¥3,500 • TEL: 075-351-1321

Hitorie Jan 28 Japanese pop-rock band

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

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Events  Live Music JAN

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Fleeting Foxes This American indie-folk band from Seattle, Washington was formed by high school friends Robin Pecknold and Skyler Skjelset.

The two were influenced by Bob Dylan and Neil Young and recorded their first demo in 2006. The duo soon expanded with keyboardist Casey Wescott, drummer Nicholas Peterson, and bassist Bryn Lumsden. The line-up has since changed, now with Christian Wargo and Morgan Henderson. At the end of 2017, the band released the EP The Electric Lady Session, a collection of live radio performances.

Writing about their sound, Pecknold has said, I think this music draws influence and inspiration from popular music and folk rock of the mid-60s to the early 70s. I d say it s a synthesis of folk rock, traditional folk, and psychedelic pop.

US indie-folk rock band • Big Cat, Osaka • Indie • 7pm • ¥7,800 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

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Father John Misty

Eldbjørg Raknes

Feb 13

Jan 23

Joshua Michael Tillman, also known as Father John Misty is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and drummer. Releasing a steady output of solo recordings since 2004, in 2008 Tillman joined Seattle folk-rock band Fleet Foxes (who are also playing in Kansai this month) as their drummer. After extensive touring with Fleet Foxes, promoting the album Helplessness Blues, Tillman played his final show with the band in Tokyo in January 2012. In May 2012, Tillman released the album Fear Fun under his new moniker Father John Misty. Tillman s last release was the 2017 album Pure Comedy. The tracks revolve around themes of progress, technology, fame, the environment, politics, aging, social media, human nature, human connection, and his own role in it all. Included in the album s release announcement to fans was a 1,800-word essay by the artist about its symbolism and meaning of the songs. It began like this: Pure Comedy is the story of a species born with a half-formed brain.

Eldbjørg Raknes is a Norwegian jazz and experimental vocalist and musician using a cappella vocals, improvisation, and electronic effects and samples.

Musically educated from an early age, she has worked with many other artists and has been recording since 1992. Raknes has her own label to release her solo work and her latest is the 2017 AGAIN!, which features Kirsti Huke (Norwegian singer and experimental/jazz composer) and Nils-Olav Johansen (Norwegian jazz guitarist and vocalist). As well as performing and recording, Raknes teaches music and has done some inspiring musical events recently with babies and small children (check out her videos of these online). Huke and Johansen will be accompanying Raknes for her Japan dates showcasing material from AGAIN!.

US singer-songwriter and musician • Club Quattro, Osaka • Singersongwriter • 8pm • ¥7,000 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Norwegian experimental/ jazz musician • Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • Experimental • 7:30pm • ¥2,800/¥3,500 • TEL: 075-241-0446

Live Music Taku Taku, Kyoto • Pop rock • 5pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • TEL: 075-351-1321

The xx Feb 9

Ayasa Jan 28 Japanese violinist mixing rock Shangri-La, Osaka • Classical-rock crossover • 7pm • ¥4,500 • TEL: 066357-4400

Indie-pop electronic trio from England Bayside Hall, Osaka • Indie • 7pm • ¥4,500 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

Father John Misty Feb 13

Butcher Babies Jan 29 US H=heavy-metal band from Los Angeles Club Quattro, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

US singer-songwriter Joshua Tillman Club Quattro, Osaka • Rock • 8pm • ¥7,000 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

Bonobo Feb 14

Municipal Waste Jan 30 US thrash-metal crossover band Club Quattro, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

British musician and DJ Simon Green Big Cat, Osaka • Electronica • 7:30pm • ¥6,800 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

The Muggles Every Fri & Sat

Dizzy Sunfist Jan 31 Japanese rock trio americamura FANJ twice, Osaka • Rock • 6:30pm • ¥2,800 • TEL: 066484-3880

B’z Feb 1,3,4 Japanese rock duo Kyocera Dome, Osaka • Rock • 7pm Feb 1; 5pm Feb 3 & 4 • ¥5,000/¥9,300/¥14,000 • TEL: 0570084-005

Brian Setzer Feb 2 Ex-Stray Cats guitarist with band Namba Hatch, Osaka • Rockabilly swing band • 7pm • ¥9,800 • TEL: 06-6341-4506

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan Feb 6 Japanese rock trio Music Zoo, Kobe • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,240 • TEL: 06-6357-4400

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

Soul Paul Stanely’s Soul Station Jan 15–17 KISS frontman with soul-R&B band Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Soul/R&B • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥21,000/¥22,000 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Mama’s Gun Jan 30 Modern soul band from England Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Soul R&B • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥6,900/¥7,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Events  Live Music INTERVIEW

Mama’s Gun

JAN

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This London-based five-piece band is currently working on a fourth album Golden Days. Their first album Routes to Riches successfully broke them into the Japanese market where they became the most played international artist on Japanese radio in 2009. KS spoke with the band about the new album and upcoming trip to Japan.

How would you describe the Mama’s Gun sound and influences?

For someone coming to see Mamas Gun live for the first time, they can definitely expect to sing and dance. It s true that Funk, Soul and RnB artists like Marvin Gaye, Sly, Aretha, and Al Green have influenced us a lot, but our biggest source of inspiration are great songs that we find. Between the five of us, we listen to a huge spectrum of music and we take from all of it and channel it into soulful music.

You have a new album just released - how would you describe the music on Golden Days?

We released Golden Days in December 2017 and we ve taken our sound further into the soul realm than anything prior to this. We produced and recorded it by ourselves (for the first time), and a goal from the initial days of making it was to give it

Jazz & Blues Thad Jones & Mel Lewis Orchestra Tribute Jan 7 Tribute band to 60s/70s New York Jazz band

Keito Saito Feb 1

a sound that was closer to the soul and RnB records from the 60s and 70s that have inspired us so much.

Is there anything that you look forward to either musically or nonmusically when playing in Japan?

We always love coming to Japan! It s the first time for our new boy drummer Chris to play a gig in Japan, which has been on his bucketlist since he was young. We all love Japanese food (ramen and sushi forever), and the fans always know how to make us feel welcome. Every single trip is memorable and special each time we visit.

Modern soul five-piece from England • Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Soul • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥6,900/¥7,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz/Pop • 1pm/2:30pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Japanese boogie woogie pianist Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Boogie woogie • 7:30pm/8:45pm • ¥5,400/¥5,900 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

World Manoa DNA

Royal Horse, Osaka • Jazz • 7pm • ¥1,200/¥2,500/¥3,000 • TEL: 06-63128958

Ichihara Hikari

Jan 17

Feb 2–4

Family band from Hawaii

Grégory Pivat

Japanese jazz trumpeter

Jan 15

Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • Jazz • 7:30pm • ¥3,000/¥4,500 • TEL: 075-241-0446

Pianist Grégory Privat with drum-and-bass trio

Ryu Miho

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz • 7:30pm/9pm • ¥5,400/¥5,800 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Feb 11

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Japanese jazz-pop vocalist

Live Spot Rag, Kyoto • Hawaiian • 7:30pm • ¥5,200/¥6,500 • TEL: 075241-0446

The Internet @ Club Quattro, Osaka

Who’s playing?

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

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Events  Club Stomp

JAN

Club Stomp has invited Breakcore artist Hitoritori from Canada to celebrate the New Year. Hitoritori, AKA Julian La Brooy s first release was a couple of IDM tracks under the artist name Finch on the Omniscience Compilation (Sugarmonk/Interchill Records) in 1999. He released his first full-length album under the artist name Fasp on the Nishi net-label in 2002. Then, in 2005, he released the album Seedful Things under the Hitoritori moniker. Since then, Julian has released numerous EPs and tracks on net labels such as Peace Off (France), Vermin Street (US), Panospria (Canada), and Otherman Records (Japan). He toured Europe three years in a row starting in 2012 and then he toured the west coast of the U.S. Finally, he is coming back to Japan. Small clubs are the best places to experience underground scenes and to hear new sounds. Besides Hitoritori, you can enjoy tracks from other local DJs and Crzkny from Hiroshima. Indulge yourself with something new!

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Stella #02 ft.Hitoritori & Crzkny – New Year Party 2018 by Anybody Universe – (Breakcore/IDM/Juke) • LIVE: Clock Hazard, Extreme Obsn, Kafuka, Laxenanchaos • DJS: Hitoritori, Crzkny, Kaoll, Gyoku, Ooshima Shigeru + more • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6245-0889 • club-stomp.com

January 1 (Mon) Alzar Alzar Nerw Year Party 2018 (Techno/House/Electronic) • DJS: Kihira Naoki, Ageisgi, Kazuma, Halptribe, Shu + more • OPEN: 5:30am3:00pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,600/1D (Entry before 6PM: ¥700/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 090-6960-8527 • alzar.jp

Troop Cafe New Year Party!!! feat. Boo Williams (Chicago House/Deep House) • DJS: Boo Williams, Takeshi Kouzuki, Mitsuki + more • OPEN: 2pm-12am • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: Kobe • TEL: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

2 (Tue)

Ghost Ultra Lounge

Circus

Ghost New Year s Party Glister (Hip Hop/R&B)

Circus New Year Party (House/ Techno)

• DJS: Ree-age, Fu-chi, Yk, Plus + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: GENTLEMEN: ¥3,500/ All You Can Drink, LADIES: ¥2,000/All You Can Drink • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

• DJS: Peter Van Hoesen, Fumi, Kaito + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,100/1D (ADV: ¥2,600/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Socore Factory Dice 2018 (Deep House) • LIVE: Ulzdlz • DJS: Hankyovain, Pixie, Yasu, yoko + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,500/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

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Ghost Ultra Lounge Ghost New Year s Party V (Hip Hop/R&B) • DJS: Su, Yeazzy, K, Kazuya, Bakuto + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: GENTLEMEN: ¥3.500/ All You Can Drink, LADIES: ¥2,000/All You Can

Drink • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 066214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

Lab.Tribe Ravers United -DJ Brisk Japan Tour in Kyoto (Happy Hardcore/ UK Hardcore/Bass) • ACTS: Brisk, Makoto, Massive, Horn, Shimamura feat. MC Stone + more • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,018 • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-254-1228 • labtribe.net

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

4 (Thu) Move Beat Up Go. (House/Techno) • DJS: Yar, N-Sa, Lovedelaxx, Koichi Inoue • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥ Free • WHERE: Shiga • TEL: 077-523-3870 • club-move.com

Sun Hall Sun Hall New Year Party 2018 (House/Techno) • DJS: Prins Thomas, Ageishi, Akihiro, Yoku+ more • OPEN: 8pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,500 (ADV: ¥3,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6213-7077 • sunhall.jp

Triangle Triangle New Year Bash!!!

(Hardcore Techno/Drum n Bass) • ACTS: Beatman, Non, Kurosu_core, Revenge, You, Yanmah + more • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,600/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D, FOREIGNERS: ¥600/1D) •

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

5 (Fri) Circus Hito presents OTO Supported

by Youarehere (Techno) • DJS: Spinnzinn, Hito, Toru Ikemoto, Sekitova + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,100/1D (ADV: ¥2,600/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Ghost Ultra Lounge Loyal (Open Format)

Events  Club • DJS: Imai, Danbo, Ayane, J Amour + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: GENTLEMEN: ¥1,500/1D, Ladies & FOREIGNERS: ¥700/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

Move Club Move New Year Party (Open Format) • DJS: Move Residents DJs • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥ 2,000/2D (W/F: ¥1,500/2D) • WHERE: Shiga • TEL: 077523-3870 • club-move.com

6 (Sat) Circus Aoki Takamasa x DJ Ageishi (House) • DJS: Aoki Takamasa, Ageishi • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,600/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Ghost Ultra Lounge En:Core (Hip Hop/Open Format) • DJS: Minami, B=Ball, Malu, Jun Tanaka + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: Gentlemen ¥1,500/1D; Ladies & FOREIGNERS: ¥700/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

Move Shelter Japan Tour (Deep House/ Garage/Dance Classics) • DJS: Timmy Regisford, K-Suke, Dama + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥ 3,500 (FOREIGNERS: ¥2,500/2D) • WHERE: Shiga • TEL: 077-523-3870 • club-move.com

(ADV: ¥2,000/1D, Entry before 12am ¥1,500) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 090-6960-8527 • alzar.jp

Circus Dop 11 Years in Osaka (Tech House) • LIVE: Dop + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,100/1D (ADV: ¥2,600/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Ghost Ultra Lounge Way Up Sunday (Hip Hop/R&B/ Reggae) • DJS: Tact, Guri, Taishi, Lisa, Cero + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: Gentlemen ¥2,000/1D; Ladies & Foreigners ¥1,500/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-0545 • ghostosaka.com

Hokage Dubby Bon presents [New Year Osaka Dub Party] (Dub/Reggae) • ACTS: Kanayama, Soul Fire, Ruv Bites, Regal Iwah, Sak-Dub-I, Dubby Bon, Dub Liberation, Ras Ton + more • OPEN: 5pm11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6211-2855 • musicbarhokage.net

Noon + Cafe Hoofit (Hip Hop/House/Disco) • DJS: Mu-R, Kazikiyo, Questa, Dy + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-6373-4919 • noon-cafe.com

Troop Cafe New Year Shinnenkai (House/ Techno) • DJS: Sodeyama + more • OPEN: 4pm12am • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: Kobe • TEL: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

7 (Sun)

• DJS: Patrick Topping, Yashima, Idiot Yuuka, Dmitri + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000/1D • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.com

Metro Contakt vol.6 (Dance/Techno) • LIVE: Bodil, Yamada Warp • DJS: Nagomu Tamaki, Shin, Xi a.k.a Musicarus, Tenkumo, Hsmt + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D (ADV: ¥1,500/1D) • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075-752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Noon + Cafe Vibes Crossover vol.14 (Afrobeat/ World/Hip Hop) • LIVE: Dig.Dug • DJS: Echigo Shuuichi, Mogura, Fox-x, Go Kiuchi + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D (FOREIGNERS: ¥500/1D) • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-6373-4919 • noon-cafe. com

13 (Sat) Circus Vatos Locos x You Are Here (Tech House) • DJS: Randall M, David Gtronic, Chad Andrew, Nao Nomura, Junichi Kuwata + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,100/1D (ADV: ¥2,600/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Noon + Cafe Freedom Time presents Kansai Crossover Jazz Shinnenkai (House/Crossover/Jazz) • DJS: Yoshihiro Okino, Takaharu Fukutani, Koji Matsuda, Yoshihisa Fujii, Koichiro Murakawa + more • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,500/1D • WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-6373-4919 • noon-cafe.com

8 (Mon/Hol) Circus 2 Many DJ s x Tofubeats (House/ Electro)

Alzar Dubfire Japan Tour at Alzar (Techno/Tech House) ALZAR OSAKA showcases some of dance music s most exciting djs and producers from around the globe. This time in the shape of GRAMMY AWARD WINNER DUBFIRE from SCI + TEC. • DJS: Dubfire, Ko Kimura, Taiki+ more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,600/1D

• DJS: 2 Many DJ’s, Tofubeats • OPEN: 7pm–11pm • ADMISSION: ¥4,100/1D (ADV: ¥3,600/1D) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

12 (Fri) Joule See You at Joule 1st Anniversary with Patrick Topping (Tech House/Techno)

19 (Fri) Noon + Cafe Moldive (Deep House/Techno/ Disco) • DJS: S.s.d, Takuro Higuchi, Kaito & G’n’b + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,000/1D (FOREIGNERS: ¥500/1D) •

WHERE: Umeda • TEL: 06-6373-4919 • noon-cafe.com

20 (Sat) Exodus Trancist 6th Anniversary Party (Psychedelic Trance) • LIVE: Cylon • DJS: Yuya, Azuma, Tomita, Hisa, Show-Hey, Shiva, Fly + more • OPEN: 9pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,500 • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-65329385 • exodus728.com

Troop Cafe Daze of Phaze feat. Max Vaahs (House/Techno) • DJS: Max Vaahs, Kabuto + more • OPEN: 11pm • ADMISSION: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D, Under 23YRS: ¥2,000/1D) • WHERE: Kobe • TEL: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

26 (Fri) Alzar Wols feat. DJ Yazi & Haruka (Techno) • DJS: Yazi, Haruka, Takaaki Itoh, Loe • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500, Entry before MIDNIGHT: ¥2,000) • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 090-6960-8527 • alzar.jp

Joule Absolute Music presents Absolute Session with Roger Sanchez (House) • DJS: Roger Sanchez, Beatman + more • OPEN: 10pm • ADMISSION: TBA • WHERE: Shinsaibashi • TEL: 06-62141223 • club-joule.com

27 (Sat) Metro Takkyu Ishino in Kyoto Metro (Techno) • DJS: Takkyu Ishino, Bushmind, Kazuma, Podd • OPEN: 10:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥4,000/1D (ADV: ¥3,500/1D) • WHERE: Kyoto • TEL: 075752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Where’s the party?

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

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

25

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

Toho Cinemas Umeda Now showing: Murder on the Orient Express, Justice League, It, Gifted, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, The Zookeeper s Wife, Flatliners • From Jan 05: Kingsman: The Golden Circle • From Jan 12: Renegades • From Jan 19: Paddington 2, Geostorm • From Jan 26: Rings, Detroit 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: Murder on the Orient Express, Moomins and the Winter Wonderland, Justice League, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, All Eyez on Me • From Jan 05: Kingsman: The Golden Circle • From Jan 19: Geostorm • From Jan 27: Jupiter s Holdja (HUN) 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: Neruda (SPA), La Bare, Poesía Sin Fin (FRA), Interlude in Prague, Kedi, The Midwife, Une Vie (FRA), The Paris Opera, Loving Vincent • From Jan 06: Toivon tuolla puolen (FIN), Le coeur en braille (FRA), El Bosco. El jardín de los sueños (SPA) • From Jan 13: Dries (GER), Yarn • From Jan 27: Welcome to Germany Tel: 06-6440-5930 • ttcg.jp/cinelibre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st of the month – ¥1,100

Theatre Umeda Now showing: Django (FRA) , Brain on Fire, Beethoven Par Béjart, Félicité • From Jan 06: Diamant noir (FRA) • From Jan 13: The King s Choice (NOR) • From Jan 20: Les Beaux Jours d Aranjuez (FRA), Le lion est mort ce soir (FRA) Tel: 06-6359-1080 • ttcg.jp/theatre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st of the month – ¥1,100

26

Osaka Station City Cinema Now showing: Justice League, It, How to Talk to Girls at Parties, Murder on the Orient Express, Denial, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards • From Jan 05: Kingsman: The Golden Circle, Final Portrait • From Jan 13: Mein Blind Date mit dem Leben (GER) • From Jan 19: Geostorm • From Jan 20: The 9th Life of Louis Drax • From Jan 27: The Dark Tower, Gauguin - Voyage de Tahiti 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: Murder on the Orient Express, Justice League, It, Denial, Gifted, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, The Zookeeper s Wife, Flatliners • From Jan 05: Kingsman: The Golden Circle • From Jan 12: Renegades • From Jan 19: Paddington 2, Geostorm • From Jan 26: Rings, Detroit Tel: 06-6633-1040 • tohotheater.jp • Weds (women); 1st & 14th of the month – ¥1,100, every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Namba Parks Cinema Now showing: Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards, All Eyez on Me, Murder on the Orient Express, How to Talk to Girls at Parties, It • From Jan 05: Kingsman: The Golden Circle • From Jan 06: The Assignment • From Jan 13: Mein Blind Date mit dem Leben (GER) • From Jan 19: Paddington 2, Geostorm • From Jan 20: The 9th Life of Louis Drax, Zashchitniki (RUS) • From Jan 27: The Dark Tower, MET: Adès's The Exterminating Angel Tel: 06-6643-3215 • parkscinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Cinem@rt Now showing: Army of One, Gifted • From Jan 06: Brimstone

Kingsman: The Golden Circle. From Jan 5.

• From Jan 27: Jupiter Holdja (HUN) Tel: 06-6282-0815 • cinemart.co.jp/ theater/shinsaibashi • Discounts: Mon (men); Weds (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; 25th of the month – ¥1,000

Kyoto Movix Kyoto Now showing: Murder on the Orient Express, How to Talk to Girls at Parties, Justice League, It, Blade Runner 2049, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Brain on Fire, Flatliners, Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards • From Jan 05: Kingsman: The Golden Circle • From Jan 06: The Assignment • From Jan 13: Mein Blind Date mit dem Leben (GER) • From Jan 19: Paddington 2, Geostorm • From Jan 20: The 9th Life of Louis Drax, Zashchitniki (RUS) • From Jan 26: Detroit • From Jan 27: The Dark Tower, MET: Adès's The Exterminating Angel 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: Lumiere!, Interlude in Prague, Sara Baras. Todas las voces (SPA), L'Opera (FRA), Gleason, Vergiss mein nicht (GER), Kedi, Paris Can Wait, Quatsch und die Nasenbärbande (GER) • From Jan 06: The Midwife (FRA), Nelly, Cross of Iron, Jackie • From Jan 13: Une Vie (FRA), Jota de Saura (SPA), Remains of the Day

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

• From Jan 20: Toivon tuolla puolen (FIN), Mal de pierres (FRA), Truman, Leon The Professional • From Jan 27: Liberami (ITA), Eternite, A Street Cat Named Bob Tel: 075-353-4723 • kyotocinema.jp • Discounts: Weds (women & men); 1st of the month – ¥1,100

Toho Cinemas Nijo Now showing: Murder on the Orient Express, Justice League, It, Denial, Gifted, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, The Zookeeper s Wife, Flatliners • From Jan 05: Kingsman: The Golden Circle • From Jan 12: Renegades • From Jan 19: Paddington 2, Geostorm • From Jan 26: Rings, Detroit 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: Lumiere!, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Flatliners, Murder on the Orient Express, Justice League, Gifted • From Jan 05: Kingsman: The Golden Circle • From Jan 12: Renegades • From Jan 19: Paddington 2, Geostorm • From Jan 26: Detroit • From Jan 27: The Dark Tower Tel: 078-291-5330 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women); 1st and 16th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

© 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Osaka

Classifieds & Jobs CLASSIFIEDS Apartments For Rent

INTERNATIONAL SHAREHOUSE IN KOBE. Traditional Japanese market street next to the apartment and our fully equipped kitchen make a perfect combination for those who experience real local life. Your room is private so you can relax in your room or chill with other friendly Japanese / international share-mates in the living room.

Price: 60000 • Pickup location: Kobe • Website: https://www.

japanroomfinder.com/en/ property/2262/headquarters-kobe/ • Contact: kakisawa@gmail.com

Community Clubs and Groups 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 SakaisujiHommachi and Kitahama. Call: Moritomo Ken 06-6572-6877.

Website: https://sites.google.com/ site/osakasoroban/abacus-classes • Contact: mail@osaka-abacus.com

JOBS Teaching こども英会話日本人講師＆イベントアシ スタント講師募集中！PART-TIME. 明る く元気でこどもと英語が大好きな方を探

しています！ ①英会話講師 週2,3日小 学生に英語を教えて頂きます。未経験者・ 大学生大歓迎です！ （日常会話準1級程度 要）②日本人イベントアシスタント講師 英語など月に数回の楽しい英語や国際交 流イベントの企画や運営を行って頂きま す。 （日常会話程度要）未経験者・大学生大 歓迎です！ Salary: ①1500∼2000円（ 経験等による）②800円∼ • Company Name: サリーズイングリッシュスクー ル • Website: http://sallys-english.

com/ • Contact: sallyshappi@ gmail.com OSAKA SCHOOL LOOKING FOR KIDS' TEACHER! PART-TIME. We are looking for a native English speaker to teach together with a Japanese teacher for our Kids' Class (only 7 kids with a Japanese teaching assistant). We also have positions available to teach private adult lessons. Training and lesson plans provided as well as reimbursed transportation costs.

Company Name: KIDS Vacation • Website: http://www.vacation-es.jp • Contact: sakai@vacation-es.co.jp CES CORPORATE CLASSES. parttime. CES is seeking experienced Instructors/Interpreters/

Translators (All Languages) for corporate classes all over the Kansai area. Immediate openings.

All materials and support provided. 3,500-4,000 yen per hour. Travel Expenses Covered.

Please contact - mark@cesjapan. co.jp with C/V and Availability.

Contact: mark@cesjapan.co.jp

General

(DAYTIME) CLEANING STAFF IN THE FRIENDLY HOSTEL AT SHISAIBASHI. part-time. Why don't you work with us in the friendly hostel? View our website for more detail. http://j-hoppers. com/j_recruite_listing.html 910JPY /hour - Cleaning work for a hostel for 3-4 hours per a day

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

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Classifieds & Jobs (11:00 - 14:00) - 2-5 days working per week - Transportation allowance provided (maximum 700JPY/day). Salary: 910JPY/hour • Company Name: J-Hoppers Co. Ltd., • Website: http://osaka. hanahostel.com • Contact: yamaguchi@j-hoppers.com

PLACES

KYOTO BUTOH-KAN. The world s first and only theatre devoted to authentic and artistic Butoh dance. Butoh is an avant-garde dance that was born in Japan in the late 1950s. An ancient Japanese storehouse̶an intimate space limited to maximum seating 9 people̶is devoted to ongoing Butoh performances from top dancers.Access: Just north of the intersection of Koromonotana St. and Sanjo St. Kyoto Subway: Five minute walk from Karasuma line or Tozai line, Karasuma Oike station, Exit #6.

Hankyu Train: Ten minute walk from Kyoto line, Karasuma station, Exit #22. • Tel: 075-254-6520 • Website: http:// butohkan.jp

GEAR. A long-running show, the first of its kind in Japan, GEAR is contemporary non-verbal entertainment that combines a superb cast with high technology to tell a story for all humankind about the power of touch. This is Japanese theatre at its absolute best, with high-talent, technology, and heart. Open: 10:00 • Closed: 19:00 • Access: At the corner of Sanjo St. and Gokoumachi; in the heart of Kyoto. • Tel: 075-254-6520 • Website: http://www.gear.ac/en/

Many more jobs and classifieds online at Kansaifinder.com

Looking for something else?

Kansai Scene Classifieds and Jobs are now online at Kansaifinder.com

Place your own ad today It's free for online listings or just ¥3,000 per month for your ad to appear in print. Post and pay online.

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

Getting Around

MAPS & INFORMATION / INTRODUCTION

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

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

On regular trains, you can travel between Osaka and Kyoto in about 45 mins, and between Kobe and Osaka in about 30 mins. If you are here on holiday, pick up a convenient travel pass, such as the Kansai Thu Pass (surutto.com) or 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

Hyogo

Kyoto

Osaka

Shiga

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

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.

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

KYOTO

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 or 4G 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

Hotels and Guesthouses

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

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

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Osaka North (Kita) MAPS & INFORMATION ho

-c D C Maruzen & ki Junkudo za a Osaka Loop Line Post Office InterContinental ak Club N Osaka Club Noon Hub Azul Hotel Cine Libre Noon+Cafe ri Kitano New Hankyu Hankyu do Umeda Sky Umeda Hosp. aOsaka Hotel Umeda Sta. Grand Front Building m ji o Kinokuniya Osaka / German k a 1 1 iy Knowledge Consulate H&M OWL Osaka M Westin 35F Capital Yodobashi Hankyu Ogimachi Hotel Tourist Toho umeda Camera Park Center Annex TRAD Hotel Osaka Shangrila Hep 5 Kinki Umekita YWCA Hep Navio Plaza Hankyu ade Craft Beer idori Arc Osaka Station Grand Bldg Toho Cinemas Higash Base Umeda Hankyu City Cinema Lucua Hankyu Dept.

JR Osaka Sonezaki Lucua 1100 Daimaru Police H.Q. Osaka Club Umeda a. t S Quattro Visitors’ Station City da e Information Hotel Um Hanshin Granvia shin Center Dept. n Hilton Ha Junkudo 2 2 Umeda 6F Plaza West Hotel Burg7 Hilton The Blarney Kansai Always Drop Inn Hotel Stone Dai-4 Herbis Osaka Maru Tower Bldg. 1F Hearton Ent Bldg. Records Hotel 3/4F TGI Fridays Hotel Nishiumeda Osaka Dental Clinic Dai-3 3RD WORD Beer Monterey Dai-2 Bldg.

Dai-1 Creamy Osaka Herbis Bldg.

Bldg.

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Utsubo Park

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A

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kitahama

OSTEC Exibition Hall

Utsubo Tennis Center

6

Watanabe Fineart Gallery

Starbucks

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

St. Regis Hotel Osaka

Hooters Osaka

Hard Rock Cafe Osaka 0 Chuo Line

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MinamiHorie

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Apple Store

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Ghost Ultralounge

Moonshine Moon Tower

Music Bar S.O.R.a

Cross Hotel

Slices

APA Hotel

Dotonbori Hotel

Namba Hatch

Balabushka 4F Mustang

Kansai Tourist Information Center

Don Quijote

Comfort Minami Hotel The Blarney Police Stone Station Suomachi-dori B1 (Europe street) JANUS Bar Jaai

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MUJI/LOFT Tower Records

Swissôtel Nankai Osaka Nankai Namba Station

6

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Namba Plaza Hotel

K2 record

NAMBA PARKS CINEMA

Naniwa Sports Center

Otaroad

Pub Bar 30 2F

Jack & Queen Naniwa Ward Office

Kuromon 5 Market

Sofmap

Animate Nihonbashi Shop

Toys”R”Us

B

Jazz Bar B-Roxy

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Namba PARKS

Naniwa Post Office

A

Singh’s Kitchen

APA Hotel

McDonalds

Namba -naka

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Namba Oriental Hotel

Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

Naniwa Park

Namba Washington Hotel

Hozenji Temple Osaka Floral Inn

BIC Camera

Visitors Information Center

Hotel Ichiei

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Little Long Beach

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Ohno Memorial Hospital

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Granknot Coffee

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Cafe Absinthe

Nest Hotel

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North

Nikko Hotel

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EXODUS

Craft Burger

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Critters Burger

Midosuji line

Covent Garden

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Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line

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Big Beans Supermarket

Kansai Scene Mojoprint Office

Namba Shrine

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1

C

Daiwa Roynet Hotel

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A

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MAPS & INFORMATION

C

Yamada Denki LABI1 Namba

0

6

N

100m D

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

31

Osaka Tennoji Area MAPS & INFORMATION

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Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Art

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Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Museum of History

Hanshin Expressway Higashi Osaka

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

C

Morinomiya

Subway Chuo Line

2 Subway Im azato Line

Tanimachi 4-chome

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Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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Kobe

MAPS & INFORMATION A

B

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Kitano Museum

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Kobe Maritime Museum Jumbo Ferry Terminal

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5

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0 C

200m D

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

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Kyoto MAPS & INFORMATION A

B

C

D

Club Metro

1

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Mori Yu Gallery Kyoto

LAB.TRIBE

Nijo-dori

Irish Pub Gnome Kyoto City Hall

H&M

Hankyu Line

Marui

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World Kawaramachi

Hanamikoji-dori

Yamatoji-dori

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Fuji Daimaru

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Gypsy

Tatsumi Bridge

The Gael Irish Pub Shijo-dori

Ryoshoin

Kacho-michi

Gion

4 Genkoin

Gion Kaikan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art

Yasaka Jinja

Maruyama Park

Apa Hotel

Minami-za Theatre

Takashimaya

3

Higashiyama

Wakamatsu-dori

Butterfly Kitsune Kyoto Kyoto Bal

Hana hotel

Sanjokeihan

Sanjo

Sanjo-dori

Kawaramachi-dori

Kawara Machi

HUB

Keihan Line

Hotel Vista Premio Kyoto

Pig & Whistle

Pontocho

Movix Kyoto Mina

Teramachi Shotengai Shinkyogoku Shotengai

Oike-dori

Kiyamachi-dori

Gokomachi-dori

Fuyacho-dori

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National Museum of Modern Art

Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa

Tourist Information Center

Jomo Gas

Okazaki Park

Library

Miyako Messe

Hotel Okura DUBLIN

Honno-ji

Gear

ROHM Theatre Kyoto

Gastro Pub Tadgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art Annex

Higashi Oji - dori

Aeon Shopping Mall

The Ritz Carlton

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Heian Shrine

5

5

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Teramachi Area

Riv er

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Guest House Rakuza

Kam

Kyoto Municipal Museum of School History

Kyoto bAKpAK Gion hostel

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Ebisu Shrine

Nawa Clinic

6

Kodai-ji

KamibentenCho

The world's smallest Ukiyoe museum

6

N Ninenzaka

A

34

B

Higashiyama Ward Office

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #212 JANUARY 2018 / kansaiscene.com

0 C

200m D