Kansai Scene #149 October 2012 by Kansai Scene Magazine

I’m free. Go on, pick me up.

無料 issue 149 October 2012

www.kansaiscene.com

The scary Halloween issue Feature: Ancient burial mounds Feature: Halloween costumes on a budget Made in Kansai: Special effects make-up Travel: Haunted Ireland Travel: Volcanic Sakurajima Food & Drink: Shinsaibashi and a whole lot more…

+ Where To Go And What To Do — Kansai listings, news, info, maps and classifieds

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Contents Features Features

Stupendous piles of history

p08

¥1,000 costume challenge

p17

Horrifically Good Make-up

p14

Kansai Seen

Inekari: Rice harvest

Made in Kansai COVER ART: Mad Bunny, the mascot for the Minami Wheel 2012 music festival. Three days of live music in and around Ame-mura spanning Oct 12-14. More details: http://funky802.com/minami/

p10

Travel

Spirited away by Ireland’s charm p18 Mind if I smoke?

p20

Food and Drink

Shinsaibashi p38

Listings Art

p24

Events p26 Festivals

p30

Sports

p31

Classical Music

p34

Live Music

p32

Club

p36

Film p44 Business Finder

p46

Classifieds p48

kansaiscene

@kansaiscene

Kansai Scene is published monthly by Mojoprint

Enquiries

Publisher/Creative Director............Daniel Lee Editorial...................................Donna Sheffield ....................................................Nick Coldicott Sales Manager............. Nicholas Despopoulos Production Manager.................. Rie Okamoto Graphic Designer..................Naomi Mochizuki Accounts Manager....................... Michiko Lee

General mailbox@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 Website www.kansaiscene.com

Art................................................. Tomoko Ishii Event & Festival.......................... Yuki Uchibori Film..........................................Donna Sheffield Classical..................................Michael Vezutto Live............................................ Phillip Jackson Club.................................................Terumi Tsuji

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. Now in its 12th year, the magazine provides articles, information and listings for the Kansai area.

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Got some news?

for on the lookout KS is always ents and new newsworthy ev und town. openings aro ggestions to Email your su cene.com editor@kansais

News & Openings

Get clicking with KS Visited the Kansai Scene website lately? Our online presence has had a sweet little overhaul recently, to make it even more useful for readers. Of course, there’s the usual articles and listings you know and love, but they’re looking better than ever on an improved smartphone friendly site. There’s a couple of new sections too. Get Kansai Scene features an interactive map to help you find a copy of KS. All the locations registered as pick-up points in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and beyond are easy to find, once you enter a street address or location. Business Finder, another new section, helps you look for a local hairdresser, cafe or bar, especially those currently advertised in Kansai Scene. The Classifieds section has seen the biggest change of all. Adverts are browsable by section, and you can edit your own advert once it’s online, giving you more control over your sales and any pesky typos. All commercial adverts now cost ¥3,000 a month, whether you are a business or an individual. Commercial means anything that involves money, for example selling your furniture, holding a charged event, renting a room. Non-commercial adverts remain free of charge, so if you’re looking for that special someone, giving away free stuff or wanting a language exchange partner, you can keep doing so for zero yen. What do you think of the new KS website? What’s useful? What’s missing? Drop the KS team a line any time. www.kansaiscene.com

Get snapping for Kameraoke 7 Kansai — Kameraoke, the event where anyone with a camera can take part, returns for its seventh year. Inspired by the seven wonders of the world, this year’s theme will be the wonders of Kansai. Photographs entered for the competition will be exhibited on Sunday December 2nd at Pinebrooklyn gallery in Osaka. In this interactive exhibition, visitors to the event vote for their favourites to win prizes. It’s a great chance to have fun with your camera, and mingle with other Kansai and photography lovers. All entrants will also have pictures published in a special photo book. If you love taking pictures and want to take part, simply email the Kameroke team ASAP for more information or to register. All photographs need to be submitted by November 11th. Email: kameraoke7@gmail.com • www.kameraoke.com

Say bonjour to Blanche Kyoto — Did you know Kyoto had a sister? Us neither, but it’s no surprise to hear it’s the stylish European city of Paris. To help celebrate this bond, Kyoto is hosting a French night-time art festival for one evening only. Nuit Blanche is held every October in Paris, and has also been held in Brussels, Montreal and Singapore. This is its second time in Kyoto. In Kyoto’s event, French and Japanese artists are working together across different media and different venues in the city. Music, theatre and outdoor light exhibitions will create a lively festival atmosphere. Best of all, admission to the event is free. Events begin at 6pm on Friday October 5th, but as there’s so much happening on this evening, it’s best to check out the English website for more details and plan your night carefully. www.nuitblanche.jp/en

Teketeru Kudo performs at the 2011 Nuit Blanche Kyoto

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

We are watching you: Japan’s New party in new downloading laws town By Naoki Maekawa, Shinmei Law Office

Japan has a tougher, tighter copyright law from this month. You’ll now face criminal penalties for illegally downloading copyrighted materials. The punishment can be up to two years in prison or two million yen in fines. Until now, both uploading and downloading was illegal under the law, but in practice only uploaders were penalized. Not anymore. And it won’t matter if the material was uploaded in Japan or abroad. But there’s a twist. The law states that violators must be aware that the materials were illegally uploaded. How do you prove that? That’s not clear yet. And there’s widespread concern that the vagueness of the criteria could lead to unfair arrests or prosecutions. Under the new law, you’ll need to be more careful what you watch or

download on your PCs and smartphones. But before you get too worried, I don’t expect police to detect very small downloads, and you won’t get into trouble for streaming music or movies on websites like YouTube.

Osaka — Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto has launched a new political party to compete in the next election for the House of Representatives. The Nihon Ishin no Kai, or Japan Restoration party, includes seven current Diet members. The new party’s vision is to make Japan a self-sustaining nation, by focussing on regional communities and individuals. Look out for more information on the new party in the next issue of Kansai Scene.

Anything but bland

Euro film fest returns Osaka — The annual Osaka European Film Festival is back in town next month, from November 3rd to December 8th. Premiere Screenings, a Bruno Gantz retrospective and a selection of movies about London are just some of the events that await cinema lovers. Morning coffee and cake, free evening drinks, childcare and the traditional signing sessions are some of the little extras offered to spectators. The main screenings will be held on November 22–26, and the festival will close with the Night of the Ad Eaters. Look out for more on the festival next issue, and an exclusive KS ticket giveaway. www.oeff.jp

GEARing up again Kyoto — Non-verbal performers GEAR, who’ve featured in KS previously, have announced an updated version of their popular show. GEAR v2 is a unique theatre performance using magic, mime, dance and performance without any words. Performances will run throughout October. www.gear.ac/en

Higashiyama, Kyoto — Berjaya Land Bhd (The rather oddly nicknamed BLand) has announced plans to build a new luxury hotel in Kyoto. The Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto will have 186 rooms and 200 staff, and is designed along the lines of a traditional ryokan. Executive director Leong Wy Joon said: “Kyoto is one of the most difficult cities for hotel development due to its strict building guidelines and its UNESCO World Heritage status. There have been no significant hotel developments in Kyoto in the past few years. It took us over two years to get this permit.” Construction will begin in March 2013, and the hotel is planned to open by winter 2014. www.berjaya.com

Lightfingered locals Osaka — The highlyanticipated iPhone 5 was in the hands of some Osaka residents before the rest of the world, though illegally, as boxes of them were stolen from shops around the region. In Osaka, Ibaraki and Sakai, around 191 handsets were stolen from three retail outlets on launch day, and a string of thefts was also reported in Kobe.

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Business matters What issues face business owners in Kansai these days? How easy is it to set up and run a business here? Business Matters is our new section giving readers a basic insight into the business world. Local business owners and experts will be sharing their thoughts and news. Contact KS for more information on topics covered here or topics you want to know more about.

Why the strong yen By Nicholas Despopoulos, Real estate and investments advisor

It is important to understand that the value of anything, especially currencies, is based on perception. The Japanese yen has been strong for so long, but why? Figures from the UK’s Investment Management Association (IMA) show that Japanese equities have been hot over the past year as money has been sucked out of Europe, the UK and the US. It makes sense that investors have been speculating in developing Asian economies, but Japan is a surprise - it’s suffering from demographic and debt issues. One reason for Japan’s continued strength seems to be the success of Japa-

nese companies in Asian markets. Nearly 60% of Japanese exports are going to Asia and emerging markets instead of the US and Europe. This is a current trend, not an irrevocable fact. Asia’s growth could slow. Confidence in the dollar or euro could grow. Both would cause a fall in the yen. But right now we have an historic opportunity for people with yen-based wealth to by investments in dollars or euros for massive discounts. Consult with a professional to find out how.

100

You can bank on it Osaka — Save your financial questions for the end of this month, as some 7,000 professional bankers will be in town for Sibos. Sibos is an annual conference and exhibition for the financial services industry. This year the hot topics will include mobile banking, the rise of Asia’s global commerce and U.S tax regulations. The event will be held at INTEX Osaka from October 29th to November 1st. www.sibos.com

Foreignerfriendly credit cards By Nicholas Despopoulos, Real estate and investments advisor

It’s near impossible for foreigners in Japan to get a local credit card. This can make banking complicated, juggling overseas accounts, making international money transfers and dealing with exchange rates. But there’s now a solution to this problem. Resona bank offers a Visa debit card account. You can place your own money in the account and use the card just like any Visa card to go shopping or make Internet purchases. Each purchase also earns JAL miles, so paying your bills can help you earn a free flight home with any JAL affiliate. The one quirk is that the card functions as both a debit card and an ATM card, and the PIN numbers can be different. To avoid confusion, make sure you enter the same number for both functions. All you need to open the account is your residence card. They will ask you for a hanko, but you can open the account with just a signature. They charge ¥1000 a year and you can open the account with a zero balance. The card will be mailed to you within two weeks. Place money in the account, go shopping, earn JAL points. Thank you Resona for bring Japan into the modern banking age. More info: www.resona-gr.co.jp

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Feature

Stupendous piles of history What’s really beneath all the fancy shopping malls and train stations? A buried past, of course. Kansai is home to some of the largest kofun – burial mounds – in Japan. KS digs up the past so you don’t have to get your hands dirty Text: Mark Smith

William Gowland, a British amateur archeologist working as an engineer for the Osaka Mint, once called burial mounds in Kansai ‘stupendous piles’. He is one of the key figures in establishing archaeology as a recognised science in Japan, and his research increased awareness of the importance of kofun. Kansai has got some pretty impressive tombs because it was home to many of the local kings, who were later claimed as emperors. The two largest, Kondagobyoyama (425m long) in Habikino and Daisenryu (486m long) in Sakai are said to be the tombs of Emperors Ojin and Nintoku. These are the 15th and 16th emperors in the Imperial line and thought to be the first two that are based on historical figures, rather than legend. The Kofun Period extends from the third century AD through to the late seventh century, and marks the transition of Japan from being several Wa kingdoms to a unified state. There are few written records from the period, except for Chinese and Korean records of visits to these Wa kingdoms. Since there are no native Japanese records from this period, we are left to rely on ancient chronicles such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, compiled in the early eighth century. But we can be

sure the rulers of the nascent nation ordered these massive mounds, the largest of which took thousands of workers many years to complete. The two largest mounds in Japan are now part of one of Japan’s World Heritage Site applications. It’s worth seeing the smaller mounds too, though, as they are well preserved and give a better impression of how these monuments looked when they were built over a thousand years ago.

Konda-gobyoyama Kofun (Ojin-ryo) & the Furuichi Kofun Cluster, Habikino This kofun is probably the tomb of Emperor Ojin, the first emperor thought to have been based on a historical leader. He is said to be the son of the regent Empress Jingu, whose own kofun is located near Kintetsu Heijo Station in Nara. This period, the late fourth and early fifth century, saw closer ties develop between the Wa kingdoms of the nascent Japan and its neighbours Korea and China. Both Emperors Ojin and his son Emperor Nintoku seem to have played a key role in developing these ties.

This tomb is surrounded by a series of satellite mounds (baicho or baizuka) that are a common feature of many of the larger mounds. In addition to the burial mound itself, this area also includes the remains of the haniwa (clay figurine) workshop that produced the thousands of figurines that decorated these monuments. (Nagare-yama Kofun in Kitakatsuragi or Goshikizuka Kofun in Kobe, described later, both offer glimpses of how impressive these tombs once looked.) Situated immediately to the south of the mound is Konda Hachiman-gu shrine. This is where Emperor Ojin is enshrined and the annual autumn festival there would see a procession ascend to the summit of the burial mound to pay homage to the emperor. This practice was soon stopped when the Imperial Household Agency acquired the mound in the Meiji period. However, you can occasionally see some of the illustrated panels depicting scenes from these festivals at the shrine. Address: Konda, Habikino City, Osaka (14 mins walk from Hajinosato Station or 16 mins walk from Domyoji Station on the Kintetsu Minami Osaka line)

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Opposite page, left: Part of an illustrated panel at Konda Hachiman-gu showing worshippers visiting the kofun to commemorate Emperor Ojin Opposite page, right: Arial photo of Ojin Tennoryo from the southeast. Courtesy of the Osaka Prefecture Chikatsu Asuka Museum. Left: Nagare Kofun in Kitakatsuragi, Nara. Above: Goshiki Kofun in Tarumi, Kobe. Courtesy of the Kobe City Education Committee.

Daisenryo (Nintoku-ryo) Kofun and the Mozu Kofun Cluster in Mozu, Sakai City

been included on UNESCO’s tentative list of sites after Japan finally submitted it for inclusion in October 2010.

Daisenryo is one of the largest burial mounds in the world, and deserves a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. It is thought to be the last resting place of Emperor Nintoku, said to have ruled Japan for 87 years. The Kojiki says he was the fourth son of Emperor Ojin. One of his older brothers killed himself to oblige Nintoku to ascend to the throne. His lively court was at Naniwa Palace and he was reportedly a benevolent king who improved the region’s infrastructure. The Kojiki, first published in 712, contains many stories about Nintoku and the numerous women in his life. Daisenryo is not yet on the UNESCO list as Sakai City has been slow to realise its potential as a possible World Heritage site and only recently began pushing for its inclusion after places like the Kumano Kaido in Wakayama and the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Shimane were accepted. The Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun, of which Daisenryo is a part, has now

Address: Daisenryo, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka (10min walk from Mozu Station on the JR Hanwa Line)

Nagare Kofun & Umamikyuryo Park, Nara The park was built in 1984 to help preserve the Umami Kofun Cluster. The most impressive of its burial mounds is the 105-meter-long Nagare-yama Kofun. This 1,600-year-old kofun was restored in 1997 and is one of the few mounds in the region to give a realistic impression of what they would have looked like when first built. It’s only a quarter the size of the largest kofun in Japan, it offers an outstanding opportunity to appreciate the majesty of these structures. Even this comparatively small mound would have been a major public works project; the restoration work alone took 10 years to complete even with the aid of modern technology. It would have kept

the builders and haniwa potteries busy for many years, and clearly shows how these mounds would have dominated the local landscape. These mounds were built to impress both the local populace and visitors from overseas. Address: 2202 Samita, Kawai, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara

Goshikizuka Kofun, Kobe The largest kofun in Hyogo is 194 meters long and has been restored to something close to its original glory. It is thought to be the tomb of an important emissary or diplomat of the royal court. Unlike Nagare Kofun in Nara, it is not decorated with thousands of haniwa, but it does sit on what would have been the old coastline. It would have made an impressive sight for ships passing through the Inland Sea. Address: 4-chome, Goshikiyama, Tarumiku, Kobe (15 mins walk from JR Tarumi Station)

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Kansai Seen Life through the lens of Kansai based photographers

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Inekari September and October are the best months to get making some rice balls for lunch, as the new rice harvest, Inekari, takes place. Rice harvesting is done by machine in most places, but in some parts of Japan itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all still done the traditional way, with minimal tools. Tawa in Sayo city, Hyogo is one place where you can see the rice plants being hand cut and tied by one hardworking bunch of locals. Photographs by Buddhika Weerasinghe http://buddcom.blogspot.jp/

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Language

Wicked party words Text: Wes Lang

It’s that time of year again when people dress in silly outfits and let loose. What better way to welcome one of Japan’s wilder celebrations than to introduce some important terminology for All Hallows’ Eve? To begin with, there are two ways to express Halloween clothing. The first is the katakana kosuchuumu, which is used colloquially in the expression kotoshi no harouiin no kosuchuumu nani wo kiru no? (What are you going to dress as this Halloween?) The other term for costume is the Japanese ishou, which is seen most frequently in the written form. Look for the signs during your next visit to your neighborhood Tokyu Hands, Loft, or Don Quijote store. Likewise, you can ask the sales clerk harouiin no ishou wa doko desu ka? (where are the Halloween costumes?) When you hit the streets for the festivities, be on the lookout for the staple outfits such as meido (maid), majo (witch), kaizoku (pirate), kangofusan (nurse), fukeisan (female cop), miira (mummy), kyuketsuki (vampire), gaikotsu (skeleton), yuurei (ghost), and kigurumi (cartoon-character costume). When you see something truly eye-catching, try out this phrase as an icebreaker: sugoi, jibun de tsukutta no? (Awesome, did you make it yourself?). This can be followed up with shashin wo tottemo ii desu ka? (Is it OK if I take a photo?) Enjoy the festivities and stay safe.

コスチューム (kosuchuumu)

Costume

衣装 (ishou)

costume, outfit

今年のハロウイーンのコスチューム何を着るの? (kotoshi no

What are you going to dress as this Halloween?

メイド (meido)

maid

魔女 (majo)

witch

海賊 (kaizoku)

pirate

看護婦さん (kangofusan)

nurse

婦警さん (fukeisan)

policewoman

harouiin no kosuchuumu nani wo kiru no?)

ミイラ (miira)

mummy

吸血鬼 (kyuketsuki)

vampire

骸骨 (gaikotsu)

skeleton

幽霊 (yuurei)

ghost

着ぐるみ (kigurumi)

cartoon-character costume

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Made in Kansai

Horrifically good make-up Here’s a man who’ll make anyone look good - dead good, that is. KS meets professional horror make-up artist Susumu Nakatani. Join us if you dare… Text: Matthew Coslett • Images: Olaf

A journey to Susumu Nakatani’s studio is not for the fainthearted. You have to pass through a labyrinth of corridors where eviscerated corpses, rotting zombies and weird dragon-like creatures serve as unmoving sentinels. If you make it past all of these creepy wonders, you end up in the classroom itself, which is a celebration of the macabre, from the decapitated heads on the wall to an egg with an eyeball peering grotesquely out of where the yolk should be. Of course, if you want to meet a professional horror make-up artist, you really shouldn’t expect anything less. “I was really inspired by the work of George A. Romero,” Susumu explains as he guides me deeper into this dark world. The Night of The Living Dead director’s influence is especially apparent in Susumu’s recent series of zombie movies for Kansai Television, where he got a chance to create the kind of world his idol created.

“Basically, I am a fan of anything zombie,” he says, as he gestures towards the numerous undead body parts that decorate his studio. “I saw Biohazard and was really inspired by that. I loved what they did... I hope that people get a similar feeling when they watch my movies.” This love of the art of horror is what keeps Susumu so prolific. He has designed a business card so that it opens up like a booklet to list just the highlights of his filmography. He is particularly proud of his work with Panasonic, bringing Frankenstein to the Japanese fans and doing the make-up to promote Freddy vs Jason. Of the films that his independent film company has produced, he admits to a fondness for his recent productions Psycho, Sun of the Dead and A Wife and the Child are Corrupt. While he admits that his love of foreign films inspired these films, he is also keen to stress that every scene inspires him, including Japanese

cosplay and anime scenes. He is especially glad that Halloween is coming up, as one of the key things that he noticed from both of these subcultures is the carefree way that they enjoy this festival. “Whenever I have a Halloween event, I am happy when people turn up wearing costumes,” Susumu explains. “I love the costumes and I often hold Halloween events for cosplayers where students from my schools can give them help with make-up and effects.” While Susumu is the first to admit that his film company has a long way to go before it attracts the kind of commercial success that Eli Roth and Sam Raimi enjoy, his make-up has caught the attention of the Hollywood make-up community. In his studio, there’s a private room covered in pictures with the famous people who have dropped in to help his school out. The first picture is Kenny Myers who did the make-up for Pirates

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

of the Caribbean: At World`s End and The Prestige. Next to him is Jordu Schell, who designed the creatures for the world of Avatar. Finally there is a picture of a man who looks like a special effect himself. Known better as Screaming Mad George, horror lovers will instantly recognise his work in the Predator series, and for bringing Freddy back for his fourth haunting of Elm Street. Susumu’s face opens up into a huge grin as he talks about their visits. “I like to bring in these guests to meet my students. It is also nice for them (the American artists) to see what is going on here,” he says. “I love it when my students can meet some of these talented people and be inspired.” Of course no horror master would be complete without his legion of minions, and training the next generation of make-up artists has always been a big part of Susmu’s plans. When ECC recently opened their Artists and Make-up specialist school, Susumu was able to work with them to create a course teaching talented young artists to embrace their darker side. “I am sure that all of my students will go on to become professionals,” He says, gesturing at a desk covered with student coursework, namely latex heads and characters inspired by the recent Men In Black movie. “Of course, some will work in horror and special effects companies, but there are other related jobs out there. Often our students work alongside USJ, especially on their Halloween produc-

tions. Others make the fake plastic foods you see outside restaurants, or create the wounds and scars used in Pro-Wrestling matches. We train them well, so that they can do a lot of different jobs.” To help raise awareness of his school, and give students a place to showcase their skills, Susumu hosts an annual contest. Though it started off small, his Halloween Special Live and Special Make-Up Contest has grown into a big attraction for horror and costume fans thanks to its freedom of expression and carnival-like atmosphere. Students compete using make-up and live performances at the event to win one of the medals that Susumu makes. While other Japanese makeup events may stress the family-friendly over the horrific, Susumu is keen to stress that this will be the real, gory, thing. “After experiencing American Halloween parties, I became fascinated by how different they are to the Japanese model,” Susumu explains as he looks through photos of the event’s previous successes: kimo-kawaii maids splattered in blood and an axe-wielding demon. “Foreigners seem to really get into monsters and Halloween parties, and they love to be truly scared. I wanted to bring some of the feel of those parties and events to Japan. I guess I am making something like a horror festival but with a big mixture of ideas from around the world. Basically, I want to create a party atmosphere where the crowd can show off their costumes, get

some scary make-up done, or just enjoy watching our performances.” Susumu thinks that Halloween events are more common in Tokyo, so it’s about time Kansai got in on the act. “Until now, Osaka has mostly hosted beauty or cosmetic events. These are good, but they don’t really capture the spirit of creative make-up, which can be used for Halloween. I hope that everyone can get into the spirit of this new kind of event and enjoy being scared. I have a vision that lots of people will come and support all our productions. I can promise that there will be something at my events for everyone: friends, couples, Mom and Dad and even the kids too.” If they can brave it past the entrance, perhaps...

Halloween Special Live and Special Make-Up Contest ATC, Osaka, Oct 28 Susumu and his students are transforming the ATC building into a gory celebration of the undead and everyone’s welcome. The event can be accessed from the Trade Center Mae station. To get here, take the Chuo line to Cosmo Square station and then transfer to the New Tram.

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Feature

¥1,000 costume challenge These traditional demons should give your Halloween an authentic Japanese chill. Text & photos: Adam Miller

As Halloween draws nearer, it’s hard to avoid the plethora of tacky decorations and jack-o-lantern-shaped goods flooding the stores. The horrible holiday is becoming more and more popular in Japan, and sniffing a potential goldmine, party organizers have started putting together Halloween romps, for which costumes are a must. But a trip to your local department store may be a shock, as costumes can be pricy, coming in at ¥5,000-¥10,000. So what to do if you have a tiny budget, but still want to impress your fellow pranksters? Here are two options under ¥1,000:

Costume 1: Oni

Costume 2: Kappa

The quintessential Japanese bad guys, Oni are the blue or red demons that plague Japanese fables.

The creepy Kappa are misrepresented in modern Japan. They’re depicted as friendly tykes who love cucumbers and endorse everything from sushi to ramen. But the critters of old would drag unsuspecting victims to the bottom of the river, and make the subway chikan look like saints.

The head The distinctive curly hair of the Oni is a look normally reserved for 1980s Yakuza movies. I grabbed a second-hand woolly hat for a mere ¥200. The horns I came from a ¥100 store and show how child-friendly Halloween is in Japan. Picking off the glitter and fluff is optional.

The body The red body is difficult, especially one that’s ripped with muscles. But a ¥100 T-shirt with abs scribbled all over it gives the right idea. The black arms were the sun-protectors that old ladies wear in the summer, and they are tight! Expect circulation to be cut off, which could turn your arms an indigo-hue, giving you the option to transform into a blue Oni halfway through the night. The black and red gloves are also from the ¥100 store and thankfully cover up the frilly ends of the sun-sleeves. The lower half is when things get a little bit strange, as you squeeze into a pair of red tights (¥200) and a mutilated leopard-skin skirt (¥200). I’d suggest dressing from the head down, as if you got caught in the act of putting on such garish lady’s clothing, you may be mistaken for a cross-dresser with no sense of coordination.

The verdict At the end of all of your tribulations, you may look like an Oni who has finally accepted who he really is and wants the world to know. Maybe you’ll look scarier than I did. If you want to splurge a bit more, finishing the look off with a stick, club or feather duster really adds a lot, as would a lick of face-paint or a mask.

The head Kappa have a bowl of water on their head, and if you have them bow to you they will lose that water and freeze on the spot, reanimating only if someone refills the bowl with water from their river, after which you will have a Kappaservant for life. This headware was made from a green felt basket and a fisherman’s hat cut into pointy sections.

The body The green T-shirt was a no-brainer, but the shell proved a little trickier. The front is a tasteful, lemon-yellow toilet seat cover, held in place with a few precarious stitches. The back is a bamboo strainer normally used for rinsing noodles. I tied it to the label of the T-shirt with a little string. I was wondering how I could get green legs. Then I saw a pair of green jeans for ¥300 at a local secondhand store. They were so tight, Mick Jagger would refuse to put them on, and a crouching position could only be achieved after a severe reordering of the family jewels – but they are green and that’s what counts. The feet were plastic shoes usually used when cleaning bathrooms. To really set everything off, I got a fishing rod from the ¥100 store.

The verdict Trying not to look like a Chinese rip-off of TMNT was tough, but I think I managed it. A little more authentic than the Oni, but still as scary as a kitten rolling around in dove feathers. If you could squeeze a rotting fish between the shell and the T-shirt, you may have a more convincing aroma and cause wild panic at parties.

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Travel

Spirited away by Ireland’s charm It may be the land of green booze and charming accents, but Ireland is also home to ancient myths and mysterious dwellings. KS visits the Emerald Isle just in time for Halloween to see what kind of spirits abound...

N. Ireland

Ireland

Belfast

Dublin

Galway

Leap Castle Limerick

Text and images: Skye Hohmann Cork

In the dusk of the high chamber known as the Bloody Chapel, my heart beats loudly against the gloom. Slivers of light steal hesitantly through the thin, ancient windows, illuminating slices of the hall, casting the rest into shadow. Above me, ancient stone walls vanish into darkness. Stories I lost sleep over in childhood send prickles of fear along my spine. I imagine the spirits said to haunt this ancient tower house: the ghost of a priest killed by his brother while saying mass in this very room; the tall, unknown woman in a scarlet gown; the bloodstain that can never be scrubbed clean; and the terrifying spirit of an elemental called forth by misguided dabbling into the occult.

Not for nothing is Leap Castle, built in the 14th century as the stronghold of the O’Carroll clan, thought to be the most haunted place in Ireland. Said to have been built on a Druidic site, the castle is famous for its bloody history of fratricide, murder, and intrigue. During restoration work in the early 20th century, a full three cartloads of human bones were removed from Leap’s dungeon. Weirdly, it feels peaceful. Perhaps on All Soul’s Day even the most troubled spirits rest. Downstairs, the castle’s current owner, Sean Ryan is talking history with a group of American visitors, descended, like me, from the Anglo-Irish family that succeeded the castle in the 17th century.

Behind the ivy-covered keep and crumbling walls, the low, darkly forested hillsides of the Slieve Bloom Mountains disappear into the overcast day’s low clouds. It is not hard to imagine that this is the land of the banshee, of fairies. Below the clouds lies a rounded, ancient landscape. Ireland is a country worn smooth with years of weather and history, heavy with a past that is still somehow so present. My visit is on the cusp of the Celtic seasons, where light fades into dark and night falls in the afternoon. Four short days is enough for only a taste of a country: two days in Dublin at either end, a

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Halloween: A history The end of October was once marked by the Gaelic feast of Samhain, a harvest celebration that presaged the turning of autumn into winter. Bonfires were lit, and people wore masks to disguise themselves from the spirits which were believed to walk freely on that night. Turnips, carved into lanterns, were placed in windows to ward off evil spirits. When the Christian holy day of All Souls, or All Hallows, was fixed on the first day of November in the 8th century, Samhain became All Hallows’ Eve, or Halloween.

day in Galway, and a day exploring the countryside between, but I’m making the most of them, vaguely tracing a thread of my family history, visiting friends and pubs and scenery along the way. In Dublin, it rained. A steady downpour soaked down from grey skies, beating fallen yellow leaves onto the pavement. The rain drives me to Trinity College where—as it seems, as everywhere in Ireland—religious tensions and history rub close against each other. Inside the elegant long room of the old library, under the upward curve of the barrel-vaulted ceiling, we marvel over antique manuscripts in glass cases. The most famous of these is the extraordinary Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript of the Christian Gospels. Created at the time of Viking raids, the

book’s intricately illuminated vellum pages have weathered the centuries gracefully, with abstract Celtic patterns and mythical beasts dancing in vivid colours across its ancient pages. The rains lifted by the evening, and friends took me to sample some of Dublin’s pubs. At the Stag’s Head, a crowded, comfortable place whose eponymous attraction adorns the main bar, I sampled a couple of perfectly poured pints of stout. On the last day of October, I headed over the high peat bogs to the west of Galway at the edge of Connemara. The somehow wild landscape stretches up to the wide sky here. A lone, bare house stands at the narrow roadside like something out of a gothic novel. The road winds down to the rocky coast at the tiny village of Spiddal, and follows the edge of the sea into Galway, which I reached at sunset. In Galway, Halloween is celebrated with costumed revelers and plenty of music. I find myself at the crowded bar of a cosy little pub. Ordering stout, I hear, for the first time, Irish being spoken. A group of musicians play traditional tunes in the corner by the window. Soon toes are tapping, and dancing breaks out spontaneously on the tiny floor. Drinkers squeeze up against each other to give the dancers space. An old man strikes up a

conversation, but his accent is so thick, and the music so loud, that I eventually give up talking, and let the music take over, washing me away. On Halloween, it’s said that the world of the supernatural brushes closely against this one, just as the ghosts of Leap Castle are sometimes said to brush against visitors. Walking back to the hotel, through the midnight dark yet busy streets, with the music still ringing in my ears, and dancing figures playing like firelight after-images across my eyes, it drunkenly occurs to me that perhaps we are the haunting spirits. Returning to ancestral lands, as we have over a few brief and liminal days at the turning of the seasons, perhaps we, too, haunt our forebears on nights like these.

Ways & Means • Getting there and away: There are no direct flights from Kansai to Dublin, but plenty of one stop connections with European airlines • Where to stay: www.goireland.com for local hotels and B&Bs • Resources: www.discoverireland.com

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Travel

Mind If I Smoke? Kagoshima’s notoriously imposing volcano is not asking for permission. Text & Photos: Natalie Emmons

In an attempt to be adventurous and face my fears, I decided to spend a night at the foot of a volcano. To be fair, the 5,000 residents of Sakurajima also spent the night beneath the smoking cone. You can imagine my anxiety when I woke up to an eerie grumbling the next morning. I glanced out the window to see smoke pouring out of the top of Sakurajima. Even more shocking than the billowing cloud arising from the mountain was the lack of concern among the locals. Apparently they’ve become so accustomed to the smoking habits of their volcano, that what I feared was a sign of apocalyptic doom was for them simply a reason to break out the dust rags. With thousands of minor eruptions each year, Sakurajima is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Both feared and loved by local residents, this symbol of Kagoshima is a major tour-

ist draw and a valuable specimen for scientific researchers. From across the bay, the billowing cloud of greyish white constantly hovering above the summit serves as a reminder that although Sakurajima is magnificently beautiful, she is not altogether predictable. But the cliff-side onsens, dazzling ocean views, glorious hiking and the thrill of being in the shadow of such an impressive natural power make a daytrip worth the risk. Made up of three mountain peaks, Sakurajima is a composite volcano and a former island (hence the name “Cherry Blossom Island”). Its last major eruption was in 1914 after a series of earthquakes. Fortunately, seismologists predicted the outburst and the area was completely evacuated by the time the lava began flowing. The Sakurajima Visitor’s Center has displays explaining how that lava connected a few meters of the island

to the Osumi peninsula, though the majority of the former-island is still surrounded by ocean. On the eastern shore, the Kurokami Shrine, a 3-meter structure of which only the crossbeam is still above ground, serves as a reminder of the effects of the 1914 eruption. Minor explosions in recent years have caused no significant damage, though the ash can be a nuisance. But the fact that several thousand people currently inhabit the former-island, not to mention the 680,000 who live a mere four kilometers away in Kagoshima, makes Sakurajima hazardous enough to merit special attention. In 1990, the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) chose 16 volcanoes for scientific observation due to their proximity to populated regions and history of destructive eruptions. Sakurajima was one of these “Decade volcanoes”.

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

For safety and convenience, a 24-hour ferry travels between Kagoshima and a port on the western shore of Sakurajima. From the terminal, head first to the Visitor’s Center for some insight into the island’s history. Among the displays is a seismograph that acts as a scientific “mood ring” for the volcano’s temperament. After immersing yourself in volcanic jargon, head to the Nagisa Lava Trail. It’s a terrific hike through the heart of a lava field and back along the seashore. Although only a few kilometers long, it gives walkers and cyclists the feeling that they’ve been transported to a prehistoric land. This impression is only reinforced by the amusing Sakurajima Dinosaur Park just minutes away from the trailhead. The massive fiberglass brontosaurus poking its head above the trees is quirky photo op, while the 12 meter slide is thrilling for children and adults alike. Nearby, the 100-meter-long Yogan Nagisa Park footbath is perfect for soaking tired feet. No visit to a volcano is complete without getting as close to the steaming crater as is permitted. Of the three main observation points on Sakurajima, the

Yunohira Observatory is the easiest to access and the closest to the summit. About halfway up the mountain, this lookout point offers a magnificent view of the summit and the terrifying smoke pouring from its peak. If the weather is clear, you can look in the opposite direction for a beautiful view of the bay and the city of Kagoshima. The Sakurajima Island View Bus, which services Yunohira Observatory, also stops at Akamizu View Park, where you can see the bizarre memorial entitled, “Portrait of a Scream.” Built to commemorate Kagoshima native Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s All-Night Concert that took place there in 2004, the sculpture shows a screeching face protruding from the surrounding rubble. The unsettling image is almost as disconcerting as the idea of 75,000 people attending a concert at the base of an active volcano. To finish off the journey, head towards the Furusato Onsen on the south side of the island. It’s inside the Furusato Kanko Hotel, but open to the public. Visitors can bathe in the sacred Ryujin (“dragon god”) bath. It’s a mixed onsen, but out of respect to the deity, both women and men are required to wear the white yukata

provided by the hotel. Bathers can relax in the shade of a 200-year-old camphor tree while enjoying a panoramic view of Kinko Bay. Despite its oppressive appearance, this smoking giant is a celebrated source of pride among locals. Shops are filled with chocolates, senbei, and plush toys bearing the image of Sakurajima. These little souvenirs are a perfect gift for any colleagues afraid to get a little ash on their collars.

Ways & Means Osaka to Kagoshima: Kagoshima is accessible by air from KIX, Itami Aiport, and Kobe Airport or by shinkansen.

Kagoshima to Sakurajima: 24-hour ferry service (¥150) Local Information and Sightseeing Bus timetables: www.kagoshima-kankou.com/for

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Food and drink

Squash in some seasonal kabocha yums Text and images: Joan Bailey

Autumn conjures thoughts of colored leaves, cooler temperatures, pumpkins and squash. North American and European residents south of Tohoku and Hokkaido may be hard pressed, though, to find familiar varieties. (Those varieties prefer cooler summers.) Luckily, Japan is home to many other tasty members of the kabocha (the general word for squash and pumpkin) family. Kabocha – Cucurbita maxima A number of variations of this little green squash can be found throughout the year. Harvested in late summer and fall, the slightly dry but terrifically sweet flesh gets crafted into everything from tempura to scrumptious desserts. The seeds are excellent pan or oven roasted. Spaghetti squash – Cucurbita pepo Oblong and bright yellow, spaghetti squash (somen kabocha or kinshi uri) arrived in 1921 from China where it was grown as animal feed. The Sakata Seed Company developed the cultivar enjoyed today. Cooked, its noodle-like meat is excellent in soups and salads. Red Kuri – Cucurbita maxima Duchesne This festively red squash gets its name from its distinctive teardrop or chestnut shape. With its brilliant skin and sweet, dense flesh, it’s an irresistible choice at the farmers market. Chirimen – Cucurbita moschata ‘Chirimen’ Sharing its name with Japanese textured silk, Chirimen may be warty or bumpy, gray or orange, large or small. They were first brought to Japan by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century. The country quickly fell in love with the bright orange flesh and sweet flavor reminiscent of butternut squash. Shishigatani – Cucurbita moschata ‘Shishigatani’ This warty, hour-glassed shaped squash changes from slate gray to an orangey-tan as it ripens. Named for the valley just north of Kyoto where it first grew, the Shishigatani is a prized ingredient in shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).

Spicy Pumpkin Miso Soup • ½ squash, any variety, peeled and cut into bite size pieces • 1 bunch leafy greens (komatsuna, spinach, etc.) • 4 tbsp. miso • 4 cups water • ½ cup dashi • ¼ cup soy sauce • ½ block of tofu, cut into bite size pieces • 1 tbsp. Korean chili paste • 1½ inches ginger, peeled and thinly cut Heat the water and smooth in miso and chili paste. Add dashi, soy sauce, squash, tofu and ginger slices. Just before boiling, turn down to softly simmer until the squash cuts smoothly with a knife. Cut greens into bite size pieces, keeping the leaves whole. Place in the bottom of each bowl and pour in the soup. (The hot soup softens the greens while retaining their color.)

Simple Pumpkin • 1 kabocha • 2 ½ cups water • 5 tbsp. sugar • 1 tbsp. sake • 1 tbsp. soy sauce This is my version of the popular Japanese dish served this time of year. Wash squash and halve. Remove seeds and innards, and cut into roughly 1-inch pieces. Mix other ingredients together in a saucepan and add the pumpkin. Boil covered for about 5 minutes, then simmer for 20 minutes. The pumpkin should be soft but not mushy.

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Pick

Until Oct 8

Art

Ricky Powell's 50th Retrospective OSAKA Galaxy Gallery

Known for his photographs of Run DMC, Beastie Boys and Andy Warhol, Ricky Powell is a NY-based photographer who captured the urban culture of the 1980s. Initially a good friend of the Beastie Boys, Powell jumped on the bandwagon when the Raising Hell tour was realized. After a series of success with the License to Ill tour, Together Forever tour, Lollapalooza and more, Powell became accredited as the official tour photographer and the fourth member of the Beastie Boys during their Paul's Boutique era. His latest works have been featured in major publications such as the New York Times, VIBE, Rolling Stone, and more. Until Oct 8 • Photography • Open: 4-11pm, closed on Wed • Admission: 1 drink order • Namba Stn

Art Listings Kyoto Marc Chagall 2012 – The Love Story The Museum of Kyoto • Oct 3Nov 25 • Paintings

Open: 10am–6pm (Until 7:30pm on Fri), closed on Mon and 10/9 open on 10/8 and 10/22 • Admission: ¥1,300, ¥900 College and High School Students, ¥500 Junior High and Elementary School Students • Access: Karasuma Oike Stn • www.bunpaku.or.jp

Nuit Blanche Kyoto 2012 Oct 5th from 6:00pm A spectacular night of contemporary art, music and dance at various locations in Kyoto, kicking off at the Kyoto International Manga Museum. • Access: Karasuma Oike Stn • Admission: Free • www.nuitblanche.jp/en/

The Art of Film Posters in Japan The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto • Oct 31-Dec 24 • Posters

Open: 9:30am–5pm, closed on Mon (open on 12/24) • Admission: ¥420, ¥130 University students • Access: Higashiyama Stn • www.momak.go.jp/English/ exhibitionArchive/2012/394

ignore your perspective 16 Kodama Gallery Kyoto • Oct 20Nov 24 • Various Media Open: 11am–7pm, closed on Sun and Mon • Admission: Free • Access: Jujo Stn • www.kodamagallery.com

Fumihiro Takemura: Flight Kodama Gallery Kyoto • Oct 20Nov 24 • Painting Open: 11am–7pm, closed on Sun and Mon • Admission: Free • Access: Jujo Stn • www.kodamagallery.com

Yuki Amazu gallery Main • Oct 11–16 • Photography

Open: 2–8pm (From 1pm on Sat, Sun, Holidays) • Admission: Free • Access: Kiyomizu Gojo Stn • www.gallerymain.jpn.org

Kaori Yoshikawa and SNOO: INSIDE OUT ARTZONE • Oct 27-Nov 11 • Painting, Installation

Open: 1–8pm (From 12:30pm on Sat, Sun, Holidays, until 5pm on the last day) • Admission: Free • Access: Sanjo Stn • www.artzone.jp

Hiroe Saeki Exhibition Taka Ishii Gallery Kyoto • Until Oct 13 • Drawings

• Paintings

Open: 11am–7pm, closed on Sun, Mon, Holidays • Admission: Free • Access: Jingu Marutamachi Stn

Faces 3F project room • Oct 11-23 • Photography, Video

Open: 1:30–7:30pm, closed on Wed • Admission: Free • Access: Karasuma Oike Stn • www.3-gai.com

Osaka Katsuo Taichi Exhibition Yoshimi Arts • Oct 12-Nov 4 • Paintings

Open: 11am–7pm • Admission: Free • Access: Higobashi Stn • www.yoshimiarts.com/en/home

Open: 11am–7pm, closed on Sun, Mon and Holidays • Admission: Free Access: Gojo Stn • www.takaishiigallery.com

Norio Imai Retrospective: From 17 to 22 Years Old

Etsuko Kawamura: Place wherein plants thrive

ARTCOURT Gallery • Oct 9-27 • Painting, Mixed Media

imura art gallery • Oct 5-Nov 10

Open: 11am–7pm (Until 5pm o n Sat), closed on Sun, Mon and Holidays • Admission: Free • Access: Sakuranomiya Stn

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Osaka Canvas Project

Credit: BIWAKO BIENNALE 2012 / photo: Yuto HIRAKAKIUCHI)

Until Nov 4

OSAKA Nakanoshima Park and various locations

What would happen if Osaka prefecture became a canvas? That is the question asked, and hopefully answered, by the Osaka Canvas Project that will be held in October around Nakanoshima Park. This year twelve artworks Oct 13-mid December will be on display including sculptures, performances, installations and more. Most works contain an interactive component, allowing a wide range of viewers to enjoy the works through multiple senses and not just stand, nod, and walk away. The Nakanoshima area is scheduled to coincide with the Suito Osaka Fes (Aqua Metropolis Osaka 2012 Festival). Oct 13-mid December • Open: 10am–9pm • Admission: Free Tenmabashi Stn, Kitahama Stn, Naniwabashi Stn, etc. • http://osaka-canvas.jp

• www.artcourtgallery.com

• http://nu-things.com

El Greco's Visual Poetic

Minoru Takemura: Trip

The National Museum of Art, Osaka • Oct 16-Dec 24 • Paintings

Soho Art Gallery • Oct 9-14 • Photography

Open: 10am–5pm (Until 7pm on Fri), closed on Mon • Admission: ¥1,500, ¥1,200 University Students, ¥600 High School Students • Access: Watanabebashi Stn • www.nmao.go.jp

Namura Art Meeting '04-'34: Critical Creationism Namura Shipyard Dock • Oct 20-21 • Installation/Lectures/Other

Open: 10/20 4pm-10/21 6pm (26 hours) • Admission: ¥5,500, Students ¥4,000, Cruising ¥1,000 • Access: Kitakagaya Stn • http://nam04-34.jp

Blue than Blue night 2012 awaza nu things • Oct 6 • Art/Alternative

Open: 5pm–10:30pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Access: Honmachi Stn

Open: 12–7pm (Until 5pm on Sun), closed on Mon • Admission: Free • Access: Tanimachi 9-chome Stn • http://soho-art-gallery.com

Biwako Biennale 2012 SHIGA Omihachiman and Gokasho (Higashiomi)

This year will mark the fifth opening of the Biwako Biennale. Since its first event in 2001, the exhibition area has expanded, and will be held at Omihachiman to Gokasho (Higashiomi) this year. With the theme focusing on "fairy tale," local merchants’ houses and vacant traditional town houses built in the Edo period are adorned with the artists' works. Most participating artists are Japanese, and will hold workshops for children during the exhibition period. For those interested in other forms of interaction, concerts, performances and craft markets are scheduled in the program. Until Nov 4 • Various Media • Open: 10am–5pm (Omihachiman Area), 10am-4:30pm (Gokasho Area). Closed on Mon (open on Holidays and closed the following day) • Admission: ¥2,000, ¥1,500 Students • JR Omihachiman Stn, JR Notogawa Stn

• Access: Sannomiya Stn • www.gallery-shimada.com

Yuichi Watabe: Stakeout Diary Tanto Tempo • Oct 13-Nov 11 • Photography

Hyogo

Open: 12–6pm, closed Mon, Tue, Holidays • Admission: Free • Access: Motomomachi Stn • http://tantotempo.jp/newsite

France vs. Japan: Modern Paintings

Takemi Nishimura Exhibition

Otani Memorial Art Museum, Nishinomiya City • Oct 13-Dec 16 • Paintings

Atelier Cooooooood • Oct 1-31 • Installation

Open: 10am–5pm, closed on Wed • Admission: ¥300, ¥200 University and High School Students, ¥100 Junior High and Elementary School Students • Access: Koroen Stn

Megumi Sakakibara: Breathing Colors and Shapes Gallery Shimada (1F deux) • Oct 20-25 • Painting

Open: 12–7pm (Until 6pm on Tue, Until 5pm on final day) • Admission: Free

Open: Open: 11am–7pm, via appointment on Mon-Fri • Admission: Free • Access: Takasago Stn • www.cooooooood.jp

Kobe Shitamachi Okan (Mother's) Art Exhibition Kaibundo Bookstore • Oct 6-7 • Various Media

Open: 11am–6:30pm • Admission: Free • Access: Motomachi Stn • e-mail: citamatiretro@yahoo.co.jp

SHIGA Dogu, a Cosmos Miho Museum • Until Dec 9 • Archeology/Ceramics

Open: 10am–5pm, closed on Mon (open 10/8, closed on 10/9) Admission: ¥1,000, ¥800 University and High School Students, ¥300 Junior High and Elementary School Students • Access: Miho Museum stop from JR Ishiyama Stn • www.miho.or.jp/english

The Kannon of Kohoku Takatsuki Kannon-no-sato Historical Folk Museum • Until Oct 21 • Buddhist Art

Open: 9am–5pm, closed on Mon, Tue, day after Holidays • Admission: ¥300, ¥150 Junior High and Elementary School Students • Access: JR Hokuriku Takatsuki Stn • www.city.nagahama.shiga.jp/ section/takatsukirekimin

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Events

Oct 6–8

India Mela 2012 Oct 6–8 Meriken Park, Hyogo

Try yoga, henna art, authentic Indian food and lots more! The India Mela 2012 will show a slice of true Indian culture. With a huge programme of entertainment, this event is a vibrant celebration for friendship between India and Japan. The venue will be bristling with spectacular dance performances and traditional music, food stalls, fashion and hands-on activities. Join a Bollywood dance performance as instructors give you the steps in the evenings on the 6th and the 8th. There will also be a large child-friendly area to keep little boys and girls happy. Time: 10am–7pm (3pm–8pm on the 6th) Admission: free • Access: JR/ Hanshin Railway Motomachi stn, 15min walk/ Subway Kaigan line Minatomotomachi stn, 10min walk • Tel: 06-6451-7994 • Email: india@happy.odn.ne.jp

Event Listings Taketouya, Wakayama Oct 6 & 7

8,000 bamboo lanterns will illuminate Wakayama castle and surroundings. Enjoy classical and South American folk music performances in the tender lights. Time: 6pm–9pm • Admission: free • Where: Wakayama Castle and surroundings • Access: JR Wakayama stn bus to Koen-mae/ Nankai Raiway Wakayamashi stn bus to Shiyakusho-mae • Tel: 073-435-1234

Art in Nagahama 2012, Shiga Oct 6 & 7

A popular fine art market where 300 artists open stalls and sell their works. Meet the artists and watch them working on their painting, craft, calligraphy and more! Time 10am–5pm • Admission: free • Where: central Nagahama shopping streets • Access: JR Biwako line Nagahama stn, 10min walk • Tel: 0749-65-0393 • Email:

ain@mx.bw.dream.jp • www.art-innagahama.com

Antler Cutting Ceremony, Nara Oct 6–8

Watch in awe and excitement as trained men grapple with deer. These men cut off deer’s antlers so that tourists can safely walk in the park. No blood runs in the fully-grown antler, so the deer aren’t being injured in the process.

Time: Noon–3pm • Admission ¥1,000 adults, concessions • Where: Rokuen in Nara Park • Access: JR/ Kintetsu Railway Nara stn bus to Kasugataisha Omotesando, 7min walk • Tel: 0742-22-2388

Historic buildings of Osaka Castle open to the public, Osaka Oct 6–8

Beautiful old buildings constructed early in the 17th century will be open to the public. Walk into these yagura turrets and kinzo warehouse

and feel the atmosphere from centuries ago.

Time: 10am–4:30pm • Admission: ¥200 adults, concessions • Where: Osaka Castle Park • Access: JR Loop line Osakajo-koen stn/ Subway Chuo line/Tanimachi line Tanimachi4-chome stn • Tel: 06-6941-3044

Osaka Akinai Matsuri, Osaka Oct 7 & 8

A huge number of booths and crowds will kick off the Osaka Akinai Matsuri. Witness exciting performances, purchase local products, taste Osaka cuisine from famous shops and more! Fun events will be held at local shopping districts throughout the rest of the year. Time:10am–4pm •Admission: free • Where: Naniwanomiya-ato Koen Park • Access: Subway Tanimachi line Tanimachi4-chome stn, 5min walk/JR Loop line Morinomiya stn, 10min walk • Tel: 06-6268-5169

The 35th Oimatsu Kobijutsu Matsuri, Osaka Oct 13 & 14

Osaka’s premier antique event will take place in peaceful Oimatsu-cho neighbourhood. 40 retailers will display their collections outside and inside their shops. You can bring any period pieces for a free appraisal. Time: 10am–6pm •Admission: free • Where: Osaka Oimatsu Antique Street • Access: Keihan Railway Naniwabashi stn, 5min walk/JR Tozai line Kitashinchi stn, 10min walk • Tel: 06-6365-8324

Ryukyu Matsuri Festival, Hyogo Oct 14

Head to Tetsujin Square for the Ryukyu Matsuri – Okinawa festival. Witness powerful Eisa dance and drumming performances. Enjoy food and all things Okinawan. Time: 10am • Admission: free • Where: Wakamatsu-koen

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Oct 7

Oct 28

Tenma Music Festival

Kobe Global Charity Festival 2012

Oct 7 Osaka Amenity Park Tower & Surroundings, Osaka

Oct 28 St. Michael’s International School, Hyogo

For all music lovers, enjoy a balmy day out at the Tenma Music Festival. This festival is a large scale free event held in the warm-hearted neighbourhoods of Tenjin and Tenma, presenting an eclectic mix of music performed by selected amateur bands from the whole country. Music fans can expect everything from Latin, rock and pop to jazz and R&B on stages at 28 venues scattered around the neighbourhoods. In addition to these free live music performances, a flea market and a musical instrument market will take place at the main venue. A free bus travelling to these venues will be available on this day.

Over the past two decades this annual event has raised millions of yen for children’s projects in Asia and Japan, providing educational opportunities for those in the direst circumstances. Join the school again this year in a fun, community event and help them make the event bigger and better for the charities that benefit. Enjoy world cuisine at the international food court and live music and dances at the special stage. Children’s games and bingo will keep all of the family happy. Please bring second-hand items and clothes, books and magazines in good condition to St Michael’s on Oct 20th or 27th between 9am and 5pm.

Time: 10am • Admission: free • Access: Subway Tanimachi line Tenmabashi stn, Sakaisuji line Minamimorimachi stn/Ogimachi stn, 10min walk to the main venue of OAP Tower • Fax: 06-6358-1040 • Email: info@ten-on.jp • www.ten-on.jp

Time: 10am–4pm • Admission: free • Access: JR Kobe line Sannomiya stn/Motomachi stn 10min walk • Volunteers needed: contact Peter Mallett – peter@shoin.ac.jp • Donations of cakes, cookies and other baked goods: contact Heather Mallett – hdmrokko@gmail.com • www.kgcf.org

• Access: JR Kobe line Shin Nagata stn, 3min walk • Tel: 078-646-3028

need to have any knowledge of tea ceremony.

Midosuji Kappo 2012, Osaka Oct 14

Midosuji Street will be vehicle-free today. With live performances, demonstrations of visual art, sports events, special guests and more, Midosuji Kappo 2012 celebrates Osaka’s cutting edge culture.

Time: at Noon–4pm • Admission: free • Where: between Yodoyabashi and Shinbashi on Midosuji • Access: Subway Midosuji line Yodoyabashi stn • Tel: 06-6210-9304

Machikado Geino, Kyoto Oct 19–21

Travel back in time to the samurai period of Kyoto! In this event, costumed actors will be re-enacting street performances from the Edo era. Watch a sword-play and acrobatics, and buy sweets from peddlers.

Time: 11am–4pm • Admission: ¥2,000 adults, concessions • Where: Hannyarin (the noth gate of Shokokuji Temple) • Access: Subway karasuma line, Kuramaguchi stn• Tel: 075-211-0138

Kiyomizuyaki Sato Matsuri, Kyoto Oct 19–21

Grab a bargain at Kiyomizuyaki Sato Matsuri where a row of shops will sell a vast variety of potteries and ceramics. Enjoy local gourmet food, potter’s wheels and traditional performing arts during this event.

Time: 9:30am–6pm • Admission: free • Where: Kiyomizuyaki Danchi • Access: JR Biwako line Yamashina stn/Keihan Railway Sanjo stn bus to Kiyomizuyaki-danchi • Tel: 075-5816188• www.kiyomizuyaki.or.jp

Autumn Tea Ceremony, Hyogo Oct 21

Join an authentic tea ceremony held at a traditional tea house in a genuine Japanese garden. No

Time: 10am–4pm • Admission: ¥500 including a dessert (usual entry fee required ¥300 adults, concessions) • Where: Himeji Castle Nishinoyashiki-ato Garden, Koko-En • Access: JR Kobe line Himeji stn, 15min walk • Tel: 079-289-4120

Rokko Island Halloween Festival, Hyogo Oct 27 & 28

Come and join in some Halloween fun on Rokko Island. Enjoy a fancydress parade and contest. There will also be a bustling market selling local products and gourmet food. Time: 11am–8pm • Admission: most of events in the Rokko Island Halloween Festival are free • Where: River Mall Park in Rokko Island • Access: JR Kobe line Sumiyoshi stn Rokko Liner to Island Center • Tel: 078-857-0677

C’festa – Nara Food Festa Oct 27–Nov 11

Enjoy some great food at C’festa, an event celebrating Nara’s local produce. As well as a french-style food market, top chefs from the region will serve delicious meals and desserts.

Time: 10am–5pm • Admission: free • Where: Noborioji-enchi in Nara Park • Access: JR/Kintetsu Railway Nara stn bus to Kencho-mae • Tel: 074227-7401 • https://niplanning.heteml. jp/nara-foodfestival.jp/inquiry

Charity Chainsaw Carving in Takatori 2012, Shiga Nov 2–4

Carvings will be auctioned and profits used for conservation and assistance for victims of the Tohoku disaster.

Time: 9am–4pm• Admission: ¥200 (to enter the park) • Where: Takatoriyama Fureai-koen Park • Access: JR Biwako line Kawase stn bus to Otaki-jinja, 30min walk • Tel: 0749-49-0029 • Email: takatoriclub@ hotmail.com

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

This month in Kansai

ART

Details p.25

(Until Oct 8) Details p.24

Details p.24

LIVE

ART

LIVE MUSIC

ART

Tobias Preisig @ Mister Kellys, Osaka

Takemi Nishimura Exhibition

Hiroe Saeki Exhibition Details p.24

Ricky Powellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th Retrospective

Char @ Neverland, Nara Details p.32

Marc Chagall 2012 The Love Story

Biwako Biennale 2012 Details p.25

Details p.32

ART

LIVE MUSIC

ART

EVENT

Yuki Amazu Details p.24

Toshinori Yonekura @ Namba Hatch, Osaka

The Kannon of Kohoku

Machikado Geino Details p.27

Details p.25

Details p.33

CLASSICAL

CLUB

FILM

EVENT

Wiener Singverein Schubert Mass in G Major Details p.34

Jeff Mills @ Circus, Osaka Details p.36

Argo Details p.45

Rokko Island Halloween Festival Details p.27

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

LIVE MUSIC

EVENT

CLASSICAL

Wilko Johnson @ Club Quattro, Osaka Details p.32

Tommy Emmanuel @ Namba Hatch, Osaka

India Mela 2012 Details p.26

Abdel Rahman El Bacha @ The Symphony Hall Details p.34

Details p.32

LIVE MUSIC

FILM

FESTIVAL

Joe Henry and Lisa Hannigan @ Club Quattro, Osaka

Safe Details p.44

Aki Matsuri Autumn Festival

Nada Kenka Matsuri Details p.30

Details p.43

Details p.33

FESTIVAL

ART

FESTIVAL

LIVE MUSIC

Kinomoto Shishimai Details p.30

Namura Art Meeting ‘04-’34: Critical Creationism

Kurama Fire Festival Details p.30

Details p.25

4Strike - Straight Rock Play @ Big Cat, Osaka Details p.33

EVENT

ART

EVENT

LIVE MUSIC

Details p.25

C’festa - Nara Food Festa

Kobe Global Charity Festival 2012 Details p.27

Dogu, a Cosmos

Details p.27

Lars Jannson @ Rag Live Spot, Kyoto Details p.33

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Festivals

Kinomoto Shishimai

Oct 20 & 21

Oct 20 &21, Kinomoto Hachimangu shrine, Wakayama

Your eyes will be glued to this acrobatic lion dance. This spectacular performing art is part of a religious ceremony, with a history of over 500 years, held annually at Kinomoto-jinja. The lion dance is believed to scare away evil spirits. Wearing a headdress, performers bravely dance on bamboo poles five meters above the ground to flutes and gongs. Watch in admiration as performers show off their skilful manoeuvres. Time: 8pm on Oct 20th, 10am & 4pm on Oct 21st •Admission: free • Access: Nankai Railway Hachiman-mae stn, 20min walk/ Wakayamashi stn bus to Kinomoto, 10min walk • Tel: 073-4515915

Oct 22

Jidai Matsuri Oct 22, Central Kyoto

Provided by Kyoto-design.jp

Witness the magnificent pageantry of one of Kyoto’s three largest festivals. See stream after stream of people in colourful period costumes ranging from the Heian era to the Meiji era. The procession is two kilometres long with 2,000 participants and 70 horses and oxen. It’s a great chance to see authentic costumes and hand props crafted carefully. Thousands of colourful people in the history of Japan depart from the Imperial Palace, travel along Oike Street and Sanjo Street, and finally arrive at Heian jingu. Time: Noon (the Imperial Palace) •Admission: free•Access: Subway Karasuma line, Marutamachi to Imperial Palace • Tel: 075-752-7070

Festival Listings Otsu Matsuri Festival, Shiga Oct 6 & 7

A procession of 13 magnificent hikiyama floats, complete with mechanical puppets. It is one of the three largest religious festivals in Shiga, which has been practised since the Edo period.

Time: 5pm on the 6th, 9am on the 7th • Admission: free • Where: Tenson-jinja shrine • Access: JR Biwako line Otsu stn, 3min walk/ Keihan Railway Hamaotsu stn, 5min walk • Tel: 077-525-0505

Okina-Mai, Nara Oct 8

A solemn performing art, Okinamai dance takes place at the ancient Narazuhiko-jinja. Feel the mystical atmosphere as masked performers

move on stage. Okina-mai is said to be the origin of Noh plays.

Time: 8pm •Admission: free •Where: Narazuhiko-jinja shrine •Access: JR Nara/Kintetstu Railway Nara stn bus to Narasaka, 5min walk•Tel: 0742-23-1025

Aki Matsuri Autumn Festival, Hyogo Oct 13 & 14

Enjoy many unique rituals at this most important religious event for Sone Tenmangu shrine. See a procession of children on horsebacks in celestial costume. Witness vivid floats and the exciting bamboo-breaking ritual. Time: 11am • Admission: free • Where: Sone Tenmangu shrine • Access: Sanyo Railway Sone stn,

5min walk/JR Kobe line Sone stn, 20min walk • Tel: 0794-47-0645

Nada Kenka Matsuri, Hyogo Oct 14 & 15

Portable shrines clash violently, grand floats are pushed and shoved by feverish bearers. ‘Kenka Matsuri’ literally means ‘the fighting festival’. The wild action depicts a great sea battle in the mythological age.

Time: Noon on Oct 14th, 10am on the 15th • Admission: free • Where: Matsubara Hachiman-jinja • Access: Sanyo Railway Shirahama no Miya stn, 5min walk • Tel: 079-245-0413

Kurama Fire Festival, Kyoto Oct 22

One of the must-see festivals in Kyoto. Enormous flaming torches are carried through the small village of Kurama by local loin cloth clad torch bearers. Expect big crowds. Time: 6pm • Admission: free • Where: Yuki-jinja shrine • Access: Eizan Railway Kurama stn • Tel: 075-741-4511

Yabusame Shinji, Osaka Oct 25

An exciting horseback archery exhibition that dates back to the 15th Century.

Time: 3pm • Admission: free • Where: Osaka Tenmangu shrine • Access: JR Tozai line Osakatemmangu stn • Tel: 06-63530025

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Sports

Lake superior Braving currents and competition in the Biwako Cross Swim Text and images: Garry Meiklejohn

On the shores of Lake Biwa, just north of Omimaiko Beach, lies the start line of a swimming race. It’s a 16-kilometer, cross-lake marathon. Each team comprises six swimmers, a commercial fishing boat and a crew of helping hands. This year was the 17th time the race was swum, and our team was entering as the 5-time defending champions. The race is an annual event. It starts at 8am on the last Sunday of August. It takes a little under four hours for the faster teams to finish, with each member swimming for 30 minutes. Our team headed off for the race briefing in Hikone shortly before 5am. After the briefing and Rajio Taiso warm-up exercises, all ten teams climbed onto the fishing boats and sped to the other side of the lake. This year’s event was a little more challenging than those of previous years. Windy conditions pounded meter-high swells into the swimmers and gave the support crew a rollercoaster ride for the first hour. By the end of the race, we’d earned our complimentary curry and rice on the beach.

water and a spectacular view of the entire lake. Some of the spots we swam over were more than 80 meters deep. The water temperature is also a refreshing 30 degrees, so it’s better to be in the water than above it. The competition is fierce but the camaraderie out on the lake is genuine. It’s also quite nice to win, too. After 3 hours, 56 minutes and 29 seconds, our team crossed the line in first place for the sixth consecutive year. Think you could snap our streak? Come to Biwa next August and try.

Why do it? This is not just a swimming race. It’s a constant challenge to navigate yourself and your boat to the opposite shore. The currents within the lake mean the fastest team won’t necessarily be the winning team. It’s a continuous battle with the elements as well as your limits. The solitude to be found out in the middle of the lake is something to behold. It’s just you and about 30 billion cubic meters of

Listings

Inspired by the 2012 Olympics to get some more sports in your life? Sign up for some of these upcoming Kansai sporting events…

ACCJ Kansai Walk-AThon

Halloween Run in Osaka Park

Oct 20, walking, Kobe, Meriken Park

Nov 11, running

A 3km charity walk

4 hour team relay event with teams from 3-16 people allowed.

Entry: ¥2,000/¥1,000. Ticket includes: Walk-a-thon, T-shirts, vendor discounts and raffle. www.accjwalk.com

Nagai Park Relay Marathon Nov 3, running

Teams of up to 5 can battle it out in this popular fun run to complete 15 laps of Nagai park in Osaka. Time: 10:00am Entry deadline: Oct 15 Application fee: 3000yen/2500yen www3.hp-ez.com/hp/funrun/

Time: 9:00am Entry deadline: Oct 8 Application fee: 2500yen www3.hp-ez.com/hp/funrun/

CalfMan Japan Duathlon Grand Prix Nov 11, duathlon

Run and cycle in Miki City, Hyogo. Multi-class entry from kids and beginners to elite. Time: 8:00am Entry deadline: Oct 22 Application fee: 3000yen–7000yen

Tel: 042-379-5201 www.calfman.jp

J Green Sakai 3 hour night enduro race Nov 3, cycling

Team road cycling event.

Time: 5:30pm Entry deadline: Oct 16 Application fee: 5000 - 7000yen Tel: 072-222-0123 matrix-sports.jp/event/sakaintc2h

Diamond Trail Run Nov 17, running

Join 500 others for a 36km trail run in the mountains along the Diamond Trail spanning three prefectures (Osaka/

Nara/Wakayama). Not for the faint hearted. Time (start): 8:30am Tel: 06-6441-6100 Entry deadline: Oct 17 Application fee: 7000yen www.actrep.com

2nd Tohoku Charity Run Kyoto Nov 25, running, Uji city

Join 600 others on a 10km fun run in Uji to support the Tohoku relief effort. Time (start): 10:00am Tel: 075-241-0674 Entry deadline: Nov 11 Application fee: 2500yen

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Live Music Oct 5

Oct 31

Oct 8

Tommy Emmanuel

Lars Janssont

Tobias Preisig

Just one word describes acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel: phenomenal. The acoustic guitar is usually thought of as a quiet, relaxing instrument, but this guitarist takes it to another level completely. Born in Australia in 1959, William Thomas Emmanuel was given his first guitar aged four, and claims that at just seven years old he found his first inspiration listening to Chet Atkins on the radio. Three decades and more than twenty albums later, he’s on a 7-country tour of Asia, starting here in Japan and finishing up in Thailand.

Swedish jazz pianist Lars Jansson certainly has a touch of the Bill Evans about his playing. Influenced as a youngster by Miles Davis and Jimmy Smith, Jansson studied at the Goteburg College of Music where he was introduced to the jazz music of Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett and Herbie Hancock. One of the most well-renowned jazz pianists in Sweden, Jansson’s trio is nothing but a pleasure to listen to and fans can pick up the latest album Lars Jansson Trio Koan here, which has just been released in Japan.

Jazz and violins don’t usually make good bedfellows but Swiss-born Preisig has put the two together and the critics have called him “sensational”, “an exceptional talent”, and described his music as “the accuracy of chamber music, the agility of jazz and the lightness of pop.” Preisig’s new release In Transit features himself on violin, along with Stefan Aeby (piano), Andre Pousaz (bass) and Michi Stulz (drums). Although placed in the jazz genre, Tobias Preisig is not your average jazz musician, but rather intriguing, expressive and different.

Australian Acoustic Guitar Maestro • Namba Hatch, Osaka

Renowned Swedish Pianist Composer • Rag Live Spot, Kyoto

Swiss Jazz Violinist Quartet • Mister Kellys, Osaka / Rag, Kyoto

Live Music Listings Oct 4

Oct 5–6

Oct 10

Oct 12

Wilko Johnson

Vamps

Char

Pink Martini

Club Quattro, Osaka

Zepp, Osaka

Neverland, Nara

Sakai City Cultural Centre, Osaka

Oct 5

Oct 8

Tangled Hair

Joe Henry & Lisa Hannigan

Rock Blues · 7:30pm · ¥6,500 · Tel: 06-6535-5569

Rock · 7pm · ¥6,660 · Tel: 06-7732-8888

The Inspector Cluzo

Digitilism

Conpass, Osaka

Club Quattro, Osaka

Funk Rock · 7pm · ¥4,000 · Tel: 06-6535-5569

Electro House · 6pm · ¥5,800 · Tel: 06-6535-5569

Tobias Presig

Club Quattro, Osaka Jazz · 8pm · ¥6,000 · Tel: 06-6311-8111

Jazz violin · 7:30pm/9:15pm · ¥4,000/¥4,500 · Tel: 06-6342-5821

Oct 11

Joe Henry & Lisa Hannigan

Oct 9

Dirty Projectors

Namba Hatch, Osaka

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka

Mouse on the Keys Jazz Funk Rock · 7:30pm · ¥3,000 · Tel: 06-6535-45569

Indie · 7pm · ¥3,500 · Tel: 06-6243-1660

Oct 14

Tobias Presig

Shangri-La, Osaka

Conpass, Osaka

Jazz pop · Time TBA · ¥TBA · Tel: 072-222-5533

Rag, Kyoto

Tommy Emmanuel Acoustic Guitar Blues · 7pm · ¥6,400 · Tel: 03-3499-6669

Blues Rock · 7pm · ¥5,500/¥6,000 · Tel: 0742-36-2431

Terry Bozzio Big Cat, Osaka

Drums · 7:30pm · ¥6,000/¥6,500 · Tel: 06-6258-5008

Jazz violin · 7:30pm · ¥3,600/¥4,500 · Tel: 075-241-0446

Club Quattro, Osaka Rock · 7pm · ¥5,800 · Tel: 06-6535-5569

Taku Taku, Kyoto

Jazz · 7pm · ¥6,000 · Tel: 075-351-1321

Oct 15 Casiopea 3rd Big Cat, Osaka

Jazz Funk · 7pm · ¥6,000/¥6,500

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Oct 12

Pick

Joe Henry and Lisa Hannigan When Joe Henry came to Japan for the very first time three years ago he expected to be coming as an unknown, and in his own words “was shocked to find an audience waiting”. The singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer is back and this time around he’s accompanied by the smoothly exquisite vocals of Lisa Hannigan. Joe and Ireland-born Lisa have just recently toured Europe and North America together and of their upcoming Japanese dates Henry says: “It will be our intention to be onstage together for the duration of the evenings… all we can know for sure is that it won’t be what we imagine, but will likely be much more.” Surprisingly from the man behind a number of Madonna tunes (Henry is in fact Madge’s brother-in-law) this should be an evening of bluegrass, folk, easy jazz-inspired music to sit back to and enjoy. Prolific US singer-songwriter and up and coming Irish vocalist • Club Quattro, Osaka • Oct 12 / Taku Taku, Kyoto • Oct 14

· Tel: 06-6357-4400

Theatre Brook Taku Taku, Kyoto

Funk Rock · 6:30pm · ¥4,000/¥4,500 · Tel: 075-351-1321

Oct 16 Cannibal Corpse Club Quattro, Osaka Metal · 7pm · ¥6,000 · Tel: 06-6535-5569

Oct 17–18 Toshinori Yonekura Namba Hatch, Osaka

Pop RnB · 7pm · ¥7,350 · Tel: 06-7732-8888

Oct 18 Feeder & The Hiatus Zepp, Osaka

Rock · 7pm · ¥4,800 · Tel: 06-6535-5569

Oct 19 The Orb Conpass, Osaka

Electronic Ambient House · Time TBA · ¥TBA · Tel: 06-6243-1660

Oct 20–21 Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

Rock · 6pm · ¥7,800/¥8,800 · Tel: 06-6882-1224

Oct 22 Richard Marx Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka

AOR · 6:30pm/9:30pm · ¥6,900/¥8,400 · Tel: 06-6342-7722

Oct 23–24 4Strike –Straight Rock Play Big Cat, Osaka

Pop Rock · 23rd-7pm/24th2pm&7pm · ¥6,000/¥9,000 · Tel: 03-5665-7628

Oct 24 Eastern Youth Taku Taku, Kyoto

Punk · 7pm · ¥3,500 · Tel: 075-351-1321

Oct 26 Paul Weller Zepp, Osaka

Mod rock · 7pm · ¥8,000 · Tel: 06-6357-4400

Oct 27

Oct 30 Boz Scaggs & The Dukes of September Grand Cube Osaka

AOR · 7pm · ¥9,000/¥12,000 · Tel: 06-6341-4506

Junko Onishi Billboard Live Osaka, Osaka

Jazz Piano · 6:30pm/9:30pm · ¥5,900/¥7,400 · Tel: 06-6342-7722

Oct 31 Sunn O))) & Chelsea Wolfe Akaso, Osaka

DAPAPEPE

Doom Metal · 7pm · ¥6,000 · Tel: 06-6535-5569

Big Cat, Osaka

Lars Jansson

Acoustic Duo · 6:30pm · ¥4,800/¥5,300 · Tel: 06-6357-4400

Rag, Kyotoa

Jazz Piano · 7:30pm · ¥3,600/¥4,500 · Tel: 075-241-0446

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Classical music

Classical Musings Text: Michael Vezzuto

Kansai has been bitten by the Vienna bug this month (and next month too!), especially at Izumi Hall, where the staff have put together the Wiener Musikfest in Osaka 2012 festival, a series of seven concerts held from October 24 to November 25 featuring some legendary European musicians paired up with some of the best local talent. Every one of these concerts is worth hearing, so let’s start at the beginning. The first two feature the Wiener Singverein (the Wiener Musikverein’s versatile concert choir, with around 230 members. I wonder if they’ll all be here?) with Japanese soloists in mighty late 18th-early 19th century choral works. On October 24th, Alois Glassner conducts the ensemble in arrangements for soloists, choir, and organ of Mozart’s Requiem and Schubert’s Mass No. 2 n G major, D. 167. The soloists are soprano Miwako Handa, mezzo Megumi Isaka, tenor Tetsuya Mochizuki, and bass Tsutomu Wakabayashi, with Robert Kovács at the organ. On October 27th, Christian Arming conducts the Singverein and the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, along with soprano Keiko Koizumi, mezzo Etsuko Kanoh, tenor Makoto Sakurada, and baritone Tsuyoshi Mihara, in a performance of Beethoven’s heaven-storming Missa Solemnis in D major. Thank God they’re on our side! I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a peek ahead into next month and recommend the concert of chamber music given by violinist Sayako Shoji and pianist Gianluca Cascioli on November 3. They perform Beethoven’s F major Spring Sonata op. 24 (it’s never too late in the year to hear this), Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 6 in A major, op. 30, Schubert’s six-movement Fantasy in C major D934, and Debussy’s Violin Sonata in G minor. The biggest concert of the series, and the best concert the year in my opinion, is a rare solo piano recital by legendary pianist Radu Lupu on November 6. He performs music by Schubert, a composer he’s always been closely associated with. On the program are 16 German Dances D783, Impromptus D935, and the

Oct 7 Abdel Rahman El Bacha The Symphony Hall, Osaka

Time: 2pm Admission: All seats ¥3,000 Tel: 06-6453-6000 Access: JR loop line Fukushima Station or Oyodo-minami-1-chome bus stop http://asahi.co.jp/symphony/event/ detail.php?id=1645

major D167, Mozart Requiem in D minor Izumi Hall

Time: 7pm Admission: ¥5,000/students ¥2,500 Tel: 06-6944-1188 Access: Keihan Kyobashi Station, JR loop line Osakajo-Koen station, subway Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokichi line Osaka Business Park station exit 1 www.izumihall.co.jp

Oct 24

Oct 27

Wiener Singverein – Schubert Mass in G

Wiener Singverein – Beethoven Missa Solemnis Izumi Hall

Oct 7

El Bacha © Alix Laveau

Piano Sonata No. 21 in B flat major, D960. Absolutely unmissable, this concert may quickly sell out, so purchase tickets well in advance if you plan to attend. If you can’t wait until November to hear a great solo piano recital, there is one on October 7th at The Symphony Hall in Osaka, featuring music by Beethoven and Chopin. Abdel Rahman El Bacha, a Lebanese pianist/composer now living in Paris, won the Queen Elisabeth Music Competition in 1978, when he was 19, by unanimous judgment. His repertory is largely based on the core repertoire (Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, you get the idea). He draws from that well in his Kansai appearance by programming two of Beethoven’s titled sonatas (the Pathetique and the Tempest) with some of Chopin’s longer, more dramatic works (the 1st and 4th Ballades, the 6th “Heroic” Polonaise, and the “Funeral March” Second Piano Sonata). It’s a dark program, not for the faint-hearted, but the price is fantastic at ¥3,000. Take advantage!

Time: 4pm Admission: S ¥8,000 – A ¥6,000 – students ¥4,000 Tel: 06-6944-1188 Access: Keihan Kyobashi Station, JR loop line Osakajo-Koen station, subway Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokichi line Osaka Business Park station exit 1

Access: Keihan Kyobashi Station, JR loop line Osakajo-Koen station, subway Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokichi line Osaka Business Park station exit 1 www.izumihall.co.jp

Nov 6

www.izumihall.co.jp

Nov 3 Sayako Shoji (violin), Gianluca Cascioli (piano) Izumi Hall

Time: 2pm Admission: ¥6,000 – student ¥3,000 Tel: 06-6944-1188

Radu Lupu Izumi Hall

Time: 7pm Admission: ¥6,000 – student ¥3,000 Tel: 06-6944-1188 Access: Keihan Kyobashi Station, JR loop line Osakajo-Koen station, subway Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokichi line Osaka Business Park station exit 1 www.izumihall.co.jp

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Club

Jeff Mills

Oct 25

Techno pioneer and visionary Jeff Mills is returning to Osaka this month. Born in Detroit, Mills was set on his creative path inspired by a science fiction festival in the late ‘60s. In 1989, Mills and Mad Mike Banks founded the legendary Detroit techno collective Underground Resistance (UR) and later Robert Hood, the co-founder of Axis label, joined the team. 2012 sees the 20th anniversary of the label and to celebrate this special occasion he is releasing a 320-page book called Sequence. The book is a collection of art, photo, and design from the history of Axis Records and comes with a USB card of 30 tracks that represent the 20 years. You might be able to hear some of his classics on the night. Oneness (Techno) • DJs: Jeff Mills, Kunimitsu• Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,300 (ADV: ¥2,800) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • http://circus-osaka.com

Club Listings 5 (FRI)

6 (SAT)

Azure

Circus

Heartbeat (Hip-hop) • DJs: Lead, B-Ball + more • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Women: ¥Free (¥Free before 11pm) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6212-0226 • www.clubazure.net

Circus Show Case (House/Techno) • DJs: Dragon + more • Open: 7pm– 1am • Admission: ¥2,000/1D (WF: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • http://circusosaka.com

Circus

Grand Cafe

Bass Factory (Drum&Bass) • DJs: Hiroshi aka FU1, Nari, Yoshiki • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • http://circusosaka.com

Golden Time (All mix) • DJs: Kireek, Head Bangerz, Rene, Kitada Ken, A-Killer, Ken • Open: 5pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • www.grandcafeosaka.com

Joule Platina (Techno/House/Electro) • DJs: Masashi Osaku, Junky Jun, Kunio Torikai, Shine, Milk Bro, DK-Baseline + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,000/1D, Women: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • http://club-joule.jp

Onzieme Oiren West (House/Electro) • DJs: Ol Killer, Isao aka Lucas, Venus Kawamurayuki, Da Yanagi, Omkt, Coconut Beat Club + more • Open: 7pm–12:30am • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (WF: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • www.onzi-eme.com

Onzieme Block Party (House/Electro) • DJs: Taku Takahashi, Taku-Hero, Takeru John Otoguro + more • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • www.onzi-eme.com

Troopcafe Diatonik x m magazine (House) • DJs: Ogawa, tatsuo.y, 2Nyan, kenji adachi, Fukumura + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (WF: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Sannomiya • Tel: 078-321-3130 • http://troopcafe. tumblr.com

Wold Peace Love World Disco (All mix) • DJs: Murakamigo, MJ-Michi, Rokkie • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Women: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel:

075-212-4119 • www.world-kyoto. com

7 (SUN) Circus Circus Show Case presents Drum&Bass Conversation (Drum&Bass) • DJs: Nagisa after DJs • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • http://circusosaka.com

Grand Cafe Nagisa Osaka After party feat. Tetla Logistics (Techno) • DJs: Kunimitsu, Yasuhisa + special guest • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (WF: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • www.grandcafeosaka.com

Maishima Sports Island Nagisa Music Festival (All mix) • Acts: Chris Lieving, Skazi, Marky, Tha Blue Herb, Yoji, Aki, Yoku + more • Open: 10am–8pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500) • Where: Maishima • http://nagisaosaka.jp

Onzieme Digitalism DJ Set (Electro) • DJs: Digitalism + more • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,500(Adv: ¥3,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • www.onzi-eme.com

12 (FRI) Azure Osaka Safari (Hip hop) • DJs: George, Shimotaku, Malu, B-Ball, Bullset, Macko • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/1D, Women: ¥Free (¥Free before 11pm) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6212-0226 • www.clubazure.net

Joule Kinda Alright (Progressive House/ Trance) • DJs: Kitten aka Mikanyan, Shinji, Kohsuke, MSYK, big baby + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • http://clubjoule.jp

13 (SAT) Circus Tightrope Dancing (House) • DJs: Ageishi, Kunio Asai, Tetsuo • Open: 7pm-1am • Admission: ¥2,000/1D (Before 9pm: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • http://circus-osaka.com

Grand Cafe Daishi Dance presents Mid Night (House) • DJ: Daishi Dance • Open: 9pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (WF: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • www.grandcafeosaka.com

Onzieme Torque (Techno) • DJs: DVS1, Angel Alanis, Jak, Shine, Emijah aka

Hajime Matsumura + more • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • www.onzi-eme.com

19 (SAT) Circus Circus Show Case (Drum&Bass) • DJs: Masashi, Hikari Connection • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,000/1D (WF: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • http://circus-osaka.com

Owl Osaka Culture Club ‘75 (All mix) • DJs: Jommy, Lead, Yeazzy • Open: 7pm– 1am • Admission: Men: ¥3,500/1D, Women: ¥2,000/1D (Before 9pm: ¥Free) • Where: Umeda • Tel: 066362-0822 • http://owl-osaka.net

Triangle Brutal Ass (Drum&Bass) • DJs: Forbidden Society, 3x6, Uterozzzaaa, Hikari Connection, Anode + more • Open: 4pm–12am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (WF: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6212-2264 • www.triangleosaka.jp

20 (SAT) Joule Yoji - Exclusive Club Nite (Trance/ Hard Dance) • DJs: Yoji, M.Minami, Pajama Hero • Open: 8pm • Admission: Men: ¥3,000/1D, Women: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • http://club-joule.jp

Grand Cafe Electro Climax - Bar Mustang 3rd Anniversary (Electro) • DJs: Dan Elliot, David Byrne, Dom Pang, Dmitri, Geroppa, Show-Hey + more • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-0031 • www. grandcafeosaka.com

Onzieme Electrojunkie (Electro) • DJs: Ko Matsuhima, Taku-Hero, YPY + Shinji, Flash, Sliverfox • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,500/4D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • www.onzi-eme.com

21 (SUN) Circus Agile feat Ken Ishii (Techno) • DJs: Ken Ishii, Monashee, Ryo Yoshida • Open: 6pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • http://circus-osaka.com

Nanko Sankaku Park OBP 2nd Anniversary (House/ Techno) • DJs: DNT, maru, BT, Tossy, Erini, Comboy + more • Open: 9am–6pm • Admission: ¥Free • Where: Nanko

26 (FRI) Circus Circus Show Case (Drum&Bass) • DJs: Ken, Monka + more • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,000/1D (WF: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • http://circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Bouncer (Electro) • DJs: Rocketman, Takuto Oomuki, Koji Kubota, Ko-Matsuhima • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,000/4D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • www.onzi-eme.com

27 (SAT) Onzieme Hush! - Halloween special (Techno/ House) • DJs: Simon Baker, Yashima, Nao Nomura, Yabu, Masataka • Open: 8pm–1am • Admission: ¥2,500/4D (¥Free in Halloween costume) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • www.onzi-eme.com

WhyNot!? Halloween Party The Biggest Halloween Costume Party in Kansai! 800 people are expected! Costume Contest With Big Prizes! All you can drink for 3.5 hours! • Where: GIRAFFE in Namba • Open: 5pm-8pm (Open: 4:30pm) ADV: 3,000yen Day Ticket: 3,500yen • www.whynotjapan.com

28 (SUN) Circus Circus Halloween Party (Techno) • DJs: Fumiya Tanaka, Thomas Melchior • Open: 7pm–1am • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • http://circus-osaka.com

Owl Osaka Owl Halloween Night! (All mix) • DJs: Spankers, Ami Suzuki, Groovy workshop • Open: 5pm–9pm • Admission: Men: ¥2,500/2D, Women: ¥2,000/2D (Before 6pm: ¥1,000/1D) • Where: Umeda • Tel: 06-6362-0822 • http://owl-osaka.net List your own club event with Kansai Scene. Contact sales@kansaiscene. com for more details.

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Shinsaibashi’s gou Food and drink Osaka’s oldest bistro and other eateries that transport you to foreign lands KANSAI SCENE MOJOPRINT OFFICE

TOKYU HANDS CRYSTA (UNDERGROUND SHOPPING) NAGAHORI DORI NAGAHORI TSURUMI-RYOKUCHI LINE NAGAHORIBASHI

APPLE DAIMARU STORE DEPT. SOUTH

TOMINAGA HOSPITAL

MARIMBA CAFÉ AXUM

SUOMACHI-DORI (EUROPE STREET)

BISTRO D’ANJOU CROSS HOTEL

GASTRO GARDEN ON THE 7TH

NAM

HOTEL MONTEREY OCAT JUNKUDO JR NAMBA (BOOKSTORE) STA.

Bistro d’Anjou

NAMBA NAMBA STA. LAPICHU 2F

OIKE-DORI BEST WESTERN HOTEL TOZAI SUBWAY LINE FINO

DOTONBORI RIVER

YOTSUBASHI

LINE

DAIMARU DEPT.

COOLABAH

HATCH

As winter creeps in and the mercury drops, the body yearns for comfort food. And few places do comfort food like the French bistro, serving satisfying cooking with glamour and finesse. Osaka has no shortage of French restaurants, but in bustling Shinsaibashi lies the gem Bistrot d’Anjou. Osaka’s oldest bistro has been serving brasserie food to a loyal following for 40 years. The subterranean restaurant, tucked away in an alley just off Ebisubashi arcade, is an affectionate homage to the Parisian bistro. Its decor does a fine job of evoking the grandeur of the Belle Epoque; a pastiche of bow-tied waiters, brass railway luggage racks, dark banquettes and chairs, a wall of gleaming copper pots and brass lamps. The menu is similarly faithful, never straying too far from the built-in familiarity of bistro classics. A pleasant surprise, however, is the affordability of this menu; a three-course dinner with coffee and tea will only cost ¥3,500. Lunch is, of course, even better value at ¥2,625 for the lot.

OPA

VIENTO

HANSHIN EXPRESSWAY(LOOP ROUTE) NAMBA WALK (UNDERGROUND) SENNICHIMAE LINE NIPPONBASHI KINTETSU NARA LINE NAMBA WALK NIPPONBASHI STA.

CINE POP TOHO CINEMAS NAMBA NAN-NAN TOWN (UNDERGROUND SHOPPING) SWISS HOTEL

JUNKUDO (BOOKSTORE) TOWER RECORDS

OSAKA Entrée could be escargotNANKAI simmered with butter and parsley, or the dangerously wicked foie gras terrine, which is served at the table with customers OAK CLINIC asked to indicate the desired portion size (warning: although it’s tempting to take a massive slice, there is such thing as too much foie gras). For main you can’t go past the coq au vin, cooked in its own little cast-iron pot and theatrically served at the table. First, a quenelle of buttery mash is placed on the plate, over which the wait staff spoon a rich sauce and then meat. Those wanting the forest taste of autumn should order the rabbit in cream sauce, which is cooked with a generous helping of seasonal chanterelle mushrooms. To finish, dessert could be a light ice cream done affogato style with bubbly moscato, or, if digestion allows, the memorable chocolate mousse. Staff serve it at the table from a giant glass bowl, and here again let us dictate how many scoops (tip: four is too many).

With authenticity, attention to detail and plenty of good food, Bistrot d’Anjou sends diners on a one-night trip to Paris. And we can only hope they’ll keep doing it for another forty years.

• Where: Hayakawa Bldg B1F, 2-6-18, Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6211-6085 • Hours: Lunch 11:30am-3pm, Dinner 5:309:30pm (weekdays) 11:30am-9:30pm (Sat, Sun, holidays) • Url: www.anjou.co.jp/shop/bistrot

-SUJI

BIG STEP SANKAKU KOEN

NIKKO HOTEL

MIDOSUJI

KITAHORIE

HOSPITAL TROISDIX 1F For tourists, Shinsaibashi is a must-see THE of lights and bustle, with all kaleidoscope NAKANOSHIMA the takoyaki and izakayas you could AM-PM ask for. But forCLUB locals, well, sometimes we just wantKITA-HORIE PARK to get away, and Shinsaibashi has that too. You can share foie gras to the strains of anTEZUKAYAMA GALLERY 2F accordion, eat Spanish food al fresco, or find comfort on a leather couch with a devilish DDD 1F torte. These are places designed to immerse DOTONBORI RIVE R you in another world, offering you a night away from the neon. NAMBA

DAIMARU DEPT. NORTH

SHINSAIBASHI-SUJI (SHOPPING ARCADE)

UNIQLO CHEDI LUANG 1F

SAKAISUJI

SHINSAIBASHI

YOTSUBASHI

Text: Carla Avolio

NISHI OHASHI

NANIWA

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

ourmet getaways Marimba Café

Viento If on a mild evening one was looking for the fresh food and sultry atmosphere of the Mediterranean, chef Kosuke Shinobu’s Viento would be the destination. Sitting in this breezy corner establishment, with its sliding doors pushed aside to let in the warm summer air, feels not unlike being in Barcelona. Hand-painted Spanish tiles, upholstered weathered chairs and colourful glass lamps evoke the relaxed ambiance of the Mediterranean coast. The heart of the venue is the enormous bar, behind which cocktails are expertly shaken and chef Shinobu performs his culinary magic. Shinobu prepares all food from his broadly Mediterranean menu on a large grill in full view of guests. His tapas, range of pastas and mains are bursting with flavour, and are graced with the freshness that makes food from that region so good. Go for the ¥300 pizza, which is great for a light meal and may well be the best value item on the menu. Eat on stools watching Shinobu cook or on one of the tables a touch away from the action. Even as winter draws closer, never fear, this little beauty has the cosy factor covered. Friday is roast night; a rotating menu of pork, beef, lamb and turkey with mashed potatoes, winter vegetables and gravy. With this hearty fare, Friday’s live musical acts, and Shinobu’s warm hospitality, you’re guaranteed to stay roasty-toasty. • Where: 1F, 1-12-11 Higashi-shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6121-7887 • Hours: 7pm – 5am

Step off the street and into Old Word Europe with a visit to this distinctly charming café. The establishment’s antique romance comes from carefully selected bric-a-brac, heavy furniture and the dim glow of candles and lamps. The ground floor of this two-story café could be a salon in Paris, with dark tables and chairs, smoky mirrors, and a gleaming cake stand displaying the tortes du jour. Down here, chef-owner Ikuta Daiki puts out dishes that could be described as loosely French. Chicken liver mousse, ratatouille, and the shrimp, scallop and avocado tartare form part of the “small plates” menu, which can be shared for a French tapas-style meal. The more substantial dishes, however, tend to venture out of France and into German (hamburg steak), Italian (risotto and pastas) and Asian (green curry) territory. Marimba is also open to those wanting just a slice of cake or a drink.

Couples wanting a cheeky drink will find the perfect spot on the second floor. In this broodingly sensual living room – complete with comfortable leather couches and tall lamps with tasselled shades – you can find a nook in which to curl up with a companion (or book) over a tumbler of whisky. The staff are discreet, only coming upstairs if customers ring a bell, which leaves you free to dream of your next holiday to Vienna. • Where: 1F & 2F, 1-18-18 Higashishinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6281-1310 • Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30am-11pm, FriSat 11:30am-12:30am

Axum This East African den serves drinks or an Ethiopian feast against a soundscape of rhythmic music. It claims to be Kansai’s only Ethiopian restaurant. Ethiopia-born Nunu Hadis has been dishing up unique cuisine and, on weekends, a party atmosphere for 11 years. For the uninitiated, Ethiopian cuisine consists of spicy meat or vegetable stews served with injera, a sour flatbread that resembles a spongy crepe. And the food doesn’t disappoint. Go for doro wat – meltingly tender chicken stew served with an egg – the most popular dish both at Axum and back in the motherland. There’s a good selection for vegetarians, but the must-try dish is atr kik – a rich red lentil dish. Nunu is strict about etiquette, so be warned that he may come to your table to demonstrate the proper way of handling the food. (Using the right hand, injera should be unrolled and placed on the plate, stew spooned on top, then a piece of injera torn off and used to scoop up the sauce.)

Culturephiles wanting the real deal should opt for the “traditional dish”. A variety of stews will be dolloped onto an enormous disk of injera, which serves as both plate and food. Another treat is to experience the real Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which Nunu does by reservation only. Alternatively, you can sit at Nunu’s expansive bar where he will pour you a drink, play some music, and entertain you with stories about his homeland. • Where: 5F, 1-17-15 Higashi-shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-5838 • Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Food and drink

A real taste of Down Under There are three things Antipodeans need in a watering hole, and Coolabah has them all Text: Carla Avolio • Images: KS

Cold beer, meat pie ‘n’ sauce, and sport on the TV. This could be a scene from any pub in Australia – from outback Queensland where men down cans of XXXX to inner Sydney where workers have drinks at beer o’clock. But this is a far cry from Australia. This little slice of the antipodes is in south Shinsaibashi, nestled amongst the bright lights of izakayas, konbinis and love hotels. For the last five years, Australian Andy Carne has been at the helm of Coolabah, a compact but lively Australia/New Zealand sports bar. “I used to run all the Aus/NZ events at other bars before finally deciding to start my own place,” he says. The meat pie special may well be the best excuse to drop in. Andy makes his own pies and sausage rolls onsite. “It takes me about five hours to prepare and bake 50 pies,” he says. Andy guarantees aficionados won’t be disappointed with his 100% real beef pies.

“We’re so confident in the taste of our pies, sausage rolls, and pastry wrap, that we can claim they are the best homemade, Australian-style pastries in Japan and perhaps even Asia.” Real addicts even stop by just to pick some up for dinner at home. But of course, the most important part of any pub is the beer, and Coolabah does not disappoint. It stocks Australian staples, including Coopers Pale, Coopers Sparkling, Crown Larger, VB and Pure Blonde, as well as many local brews. It also has Australian wines from Wolf Blass, Lindemanns, Penfolds and Tatiara. There’s a decent selection of spirits, but we suggest a bundy and coke (Australian for Bundaberg rum and cola) while you watch a game on the TV. Wherever you sit, one of the five screens will be in eyeshot. “Coolabah has the biggest coverage of any sports in Kansai,” says Andy. “We can play any sport live at anytime, and do all

games from English Premier League, to AFL, NRL, NBA, NHL, NFL and more.” Watching a game of footy over a meat pie and beer – it doesn’t get much more Aussie than that.

Coolabah Coolabah will celebrate its 5th anniversary on the 12th and 13th of October. There will be live bands playing contemporary and classic rock with Australian and New Zealand songs in the mix. There’ll be drink and food specials all week, and 100 yen off pies and Australian beers. • Address: Housen Bldg. 1F, 2-16-13 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka • Tel: (06) 6213 5153 • Website: www.coolabah.jp • Open: 7 days a week, from 6pm

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Food and drink

The garden of gastro delights A taste of Europe in Dotonbori? The newly-opened Gastro Garden on the 7th may well be taking you to seventh heaven with its tasty menu, stylish decor and sweet barbecue deals Text: Celia Polkinghorne • Images: New Japan Kanko

Wander seven floors up to the rooftop beer garden of Dotonbori’s New Japan building and you might feel like you have teleported yourself to the south of France. Opened just a few months ago, the open-air bar and kitchen looks like the courtyard of a Saint-Paul de Vence art museum with miniature, arched, stained glass windows, creeping vines, hanging pot plants and tiled walkways. It is so quaint, you would be forgiven for getting carried away browsing the area and forgetting to buy a drink. That is if you are not distracted first by the giant 500-inch screen showing a film or televising the latest world sporting event. Gastro Garden on the 7th’s owners, Katsuhiro and Yoshie Nakano, say the European-style garden is a family project inspired by their grandfather’s love for Europe. Often Japanese customers tell them once they walk into the courtyard they feel like they are on vacation. Katsuhiro and Yoshie think the garden’s atmosphere will make many a foreigner feel at home. The area seats about 40 people on woven bamboo chairs arranged in small

groups around matching tables. These encircle a central water feature which is illuminated from below by soft, yellow underwater lights. A large menu of drinks is on offer with beers, cocktails and everything in between starting from ¥600. To really get a feel for the place, you could sit at one of the tables next to the herb garden and order the bar’s signature drink; a mojito garnished with its very own home-grown mint. Take a Japanese slant on the beverage and order the mojito made with saké. Open the English/Japanese food menu and you are bound to find something to your taste. There are some delicious starters to choose from including Norwegian salmon, smoked scallop carpaccio and ratatouille. Pasta, curry and pizza are on offer along with a variety of meat dishes, or you could select some light greens from the salad list. The huge California sushi rolls are a delicious must-try. Dessert is not to be overlooked; you can choose from rice flour roll cakes, pineapple sticks with tiramisu and mouthwatering chocolate brownies with vanilla ice-cream.

The latest offer from Gastro Garden on the 7th is a lunchtime barbecue course which is available each day before beer garden opening hours. The kitchen provides the grill for you to cook, plus ¥10,000 meat and vegetable plates that can feed five people each. All-you-candrink deals cost ¥1,500 yen and there is a ¥500 per person charge for renting the barbeque grill.

Gastro Garden on the 7th • Address: 7F New Japan Building, 2-3-28 Dotonbori Chuo-Ku, Osaka • Access: See KS Shinsaibashi map B4 • Open: 5pm ~ 12:00 midnight • Closed: Mondays • Barbecue course: available every day (including Mondays) 11am – 3:30pm (reservation only) • Reservations: Please call 06-62110900 or e-mail 7th@newjapan.co.jp • Website: For more information visit www.newjapan.co.jp/7th

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Pick

Sep 28

Coming soon

Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie 1&2 Part 1 – Oct 6 / Part 2 – Oct 13 A cutesy magical story so complex it has to be told in two parts, this relatively new series has already been a monthly manga, PlayStation game and anime series. Pink pigtailed schoolgirl Madoka doesn’t think of herself as anyone special, so when she’s offered the chance to get magical powers, she doesn’t hesitate for too long. But of course, the powers come with a price – her soul is removed for safety into a special gem, and she has to fight witches and help out other magical girls in peril. Cute but not overly detailed animation, it’s some fluffy anime fun without too much to really tax the brain. Animation, Fantasy, Mystery Directors: Yukihiro Miyamoto, Akiyuki Shinbo. Starring: Eri Kitamura, Chiwa Saito, Emiri Katou

The Lorax Oct 6 A town without trees, now there’s a thought. Japanese city planners would do well to watch this environmental tale of woe, where greed and construction has won out over nature. One of the townsfolk, young Ted, is on a mission to bring it back. The girl he adores, Audrey, dreams of seeing a real tree, but no-one knows where they went. Through some perky musical numbers and helpful old folk, Ted finds out the true story of the trees, and befriends the odd creature called The Lorax. A lively and colourful adaptation of a classic children’s book by Dr Seuss. 86 mins Animation, Comedy, Family Directors: Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda Starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Danny DeVito

I Have to Buy New Shoes / Atarashii kutsu wo kawanakucha Oct 6 Ahh, Paris. The city of freshlybaked bread, the Eiffel tower, and delicious cheeses. Oh yeah, and romance. Following the footsteps of many artists, freelance writer Aoi moved to Paris for a new start in life – new friends, new skills and new expensive shoes. Handsome Japanese photographer Sen comes to Paris not on a job, but to help out his younger sister, Suzume. After a chance encounter, Aoi and Sen fall for each other. Scenically shot, gentle drama with some easy-onthe-eye casting. Drama Director: Eriko Kitagawa Starring: Miho Nakayama, Osamu Mukai, Mirei Kiritani

Safe Oct 13 While other 12-year-olds are busy playing video games or texting their mates, genius Mei is memorizing a metric tonne of numbers for some mean men. It means little to her, until she makes a break for freedom, and realises some other bad guys clearly want the info in her head. As they’re chasing the youngster through an uncaring NY subway, an ex-cage fighter comes to her aid. With a trailer packed full of Jason Statham blasting guns, leaping through windows and kicking men in two, as he does, this is a pleasing action flick with only a few sneaky twists. 94 mins Action, Crime, Thriller Director: Boaz Yakin Starring: Jason Statham, Catherine Chan, Chris Sarandon Director: Kevin Macdonald

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Film previews

The Raven Oct 12

If you fancy some Halloween chills of an old-school nature, Edgar Allan Poe isn’t a bad place to begin. The American writer is best known for his dark tales of grisly deaths, but he’s also credited with the invention of the detective genre, and it’s the blending of these two that inspired this movie. A detective called to a crime scene thinks it rings a bell with Poe’s short story Murders in the Rue Morgue, where two women have been murdered by something not-quite human, leaving one almost headless and the other stuffed inside a chimney. He decides to bring Poe in for questioning, but Poe is pretty useless right now, as he’s a penniless drunk wandering the streets and longing to be with his lover Emily. A second murder takes place, this time inspired by The Pit and The Pendulum. It helps if you have a knowledge of Poe’s stories, but all you need to know about this one is it involves a cell that has a deep pit below and a sharp, slowly descending blade swinging overhead. At the time it was published, this story was popular for its lack of supernatural elements; the narrator focuses on the sounds, smells and feelings of a real-life situation to share his terror, so expect that to be reflected onscreen.

While the detective is scratching his head over the latest murder, pretty Emily is threatened. Now Poe has good motivation to sober up and figure out who the killer is, why he’s doing the deeds and how to stop him. It may be useful to know that Poe’s titular work here, The Raven, was published in 1845, just four years before Poe died. It’s a poem about a man who is visited by a spooky raven, that can only croak the word ‘Nevermore’ at him. Poe himself had a mysterious ending in real life; he was found wandering the streets of Baltimore in someone else’s clothes, delirious and needing a hospital. The cause of his death is still unknown. A good blend of gothic fiction and fact from the director of V for Vendetta, and a solid lead in John Cusack, this would make a thrilling start to any Halloween weekend.

Get the Gringo

Argo

A Dangerous Method

Biohazard: Damnation

Sept 7 Crinkly-faced Mel Gibson writes and stars as the lead in this gritty Mexican drama, about a career criminal finally facing some cell time. Driver, as we come to know him, is a new inmate at El Pueblito, an unusual prison where wives and families can virtually live with the inmates. While thieving and fighting his way to the top of the men, he falls for a pretty girl, and strikes up an unusual friendship with her street-smart 10-yearold son. Gibson fans won’t be disappointed as Driver has echoes of another Gibson screen guy, Porter from 1999’s Payback.

Oct 26 Following up The Town, Affleck directs and stars in another gripping drama based on true events. In November 1979, Islamist militants took control of the US Embassy in Iran, and held 52 Americans hostage for over a year. However, six of them were able to sneak out under their captor’s noses, thanks to CIA agent Tony Mendez and the Canadian embassy. Mendez created an amazing plan to enlist the six in a new movie, as actors, screenwriters and so on, and recreate their citizenship as Canadian. Some painstaking cover work was carried out to make the story realistic, and ‘the Canadian caper’ was so successful that the true facts about it weren’t officially revealed until 1997.

Oct 27 The daddy of psychology, Sigmund Freud, takes a starring role in this drama based around his Swiss counterpart Carl Jung. Jung is the eager student, wanting to pick Freud’s brains on sexuality and emotions, after he meets hysterical patient Sabrina Spielrein. Russianborn Spielrein is a violent, severely traumatized 18-year-old who Jung tries his experimental ‘talking cure’ on. She talks, he just listens. Their sessions soon reveal a mixed up, emotional woman with confused sexual desires. As the married Jung grows closer to his patient, he also begins to clash with his mentor. Aragorn, whoops, sorry, Viggo Mortensen cuts a dash as the brooding Freud.

Oct 27 Biohazard, renamed Resident Evil for its US release, is a zombiefilled blast-em-up Nintendo game dating back to 1996. It spawned a number of sequels and both live action and CG-animated movies, vastly different in execution. While the live action revolved around new character Alice, the animated movies stick closely to the game series. Leon S Kennedy, who first debuted in Resident Evil 2, is the main guy again here, uncovering the authorities who are using bioorganic weapons to wipe out cities. Can Leon save the day with his blasting abilities and floppy hair? Let’s hope.

120 mins • Drama, Thriller • Director: Ben Affleck • Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman

99 mins • Biography, Drama, Thriller Director: David Cronenberg Starring: Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightly, Viggo Mortensen

96 mins Action, Crime, Drama Director: Adrian Grunberg Starring: Mel Gibson, Dean Norris, Peter Stormare

110 mins Mystery, Thriller Director: James McTeigue Starring: John Cusack, Alice Eve, Luke Evans Showing at: Toho Cinemas, OS Cinemas

Animation, Action, Horror Director: Makoto Kamiya Starring: Courtenay Taylor, Carolyn Lawrence, Matthew Mercer

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Kansai Business Finder Wining & Dining Absinthe Mediterranean Restaurant Cafe/Bar

Nishi-ku, Kita-horie 1-2-27 South Yotsubashi Bldg. 1F Osaka Tel: 06-6534-6635 Url: www.absinthe-jp.com

Asbinthe Solaar Roof Top Restaurant Cafe Bar & Beer Garden

Chuo-ku, Namba 5-1-18 Namba Dining Maison 8F Osaka Tel: 06-6633-1445 Url: www.absinthe-jp.com/absinthesolaar

Himalaya Indian Restaurant

Kita-ku, Umeda 1-2, Osaka Ekimae, Dai-2 Bldg. B1 Osaka Tel: 06-6545-6116 Url: www.meera.jp/en/himalaya

Outback Steakhouse Australian Themed Steakhouse

Kita-ku, Umeda 2-1-24 Shinsakurabashi Bldg. 1F Osaka Tel: 06-6457-7121 Url: www.outbacksteakhouse.co.jp

Murphy’s Irish Pub First Irish Pub in Japan

Chuo-ku, Higashi-shinsaibashi 1-631 Lead plaza 6F Osaka Tel: 06-6282-0677 Url: www.murphysosaka.com

Fubar Restaurant and Bar

Chuo-ku, Shinsaibashi-suji 1-5-22F Osaka Tel: 06-6245-3757 Url: www.fubarosaka.com

Captain Kangaroo Food, Sports & Rock ‘n’ Roll

Kita-ku, Sonezaki-shinchi 1-5-20 Okawa Bldg. 1F Osaka Tel: 06-6346-0367 Url: www.roo-bar.jp

Chedi Luang Horie Traditional Thai food

Nishi-ku, Kita-horie 1-7-11 Osaka Tel: 06-6535-1515 Url: www.chedi.jp

Dublin Bay Irish Pub

Chuo-ku, Dotonbori 2-1-5-B1 Osaka Tel: 06-6213-1122 Url: www.irishpub-dublinbay.com

List your business in the Kansai Business Finder, and appear both in print and online. Contact sales@kansaiscene.com for more details.

> for maps see kansaiscene.com/business-finder

Chuo-ku, Onoe-dori 5-1-27-8F Kobe Tel: 078-271-6446 Url: www.marga.jp

Tel: 06-6362-8013 Url: www.shinmei-law.com/e

Chuo-ku, Dotonbori 2-3-28, Newjapan Bldg. 7F Osaka Tel: 06-6211-2384 Url: www.newjapan.co.jp/7th

Online Japanese Lessons

Orthopedic & Custom Shoes

Zerro

Suita, Toyotsu 40-6, EBIC Suita 3F Osaka Tel: 06-6484-6021 Url: www.nihongo-lesson.jp

Gastro Garden on the 7th Open-air Bar & Kitchen

The Place to be...

Chuo-ku, Shinsaibashi-suji 2-3-2, Queen’s Court Bldg 1F Osaka Tel: 06-6211-0439

Study Japanese from Home

Shops & Services

The Blarney Stone Shinsaibashi

Mojoprint

The Irish Pub in the Heart of Osaka

Full Color Printing

Chuo-ku, Higashi-Shinsaibashi 2-527 Kohda Bldg B1F Osaka Tel: 06-6484-2220 Url: www.the-blarney-stone.com

Nishi-ku, Shinmachi 3-5-7, Eiko Bldg. 2F, Osaka Tel: 06-6539-1717 Url: www.mojoprint.jp

The Blarney Stone Umeda

Brastel Remit

The Irish Pub in the Heart of Osaka

Kita-ku, Sonezaki 2-10-15 Sonezaki Center Bldg. 6F Osaka Tel: 06-6364-2001 Url: www.the-blarney-stone.com

Owl Osaka Club

Kita-ku, Kakudacho 5-1 Rakutenchi Bldg B1 Osaka Tel: 06-6362-0822 Url: www.owl-osaka.net

Education Kobe YWCA Global Network of Women

Chuo-ku, Ninomiya-cho 1-12-10 Kobe Tel: 078-231-6201 Url: www.kobe.ywca.or.jp

Osaka YWCA Global Network of Women

Kita-ku, Kamiyama-cho 11-12 Osaka Tel: 06-6361-0838 Url: www.osaka.ywca.or.jp

Arthur Murray Dance School Dance Studio

Send money overseas

Sumida-ku, Yokoami 2-6-2 Tokyo Tel: 0120-983-891 / 03-6869-4851 Url: www.brastelremit.jp

Nada-ku, Kishichi-dori 5-3-9-1F Kobe Tel: 078-802-8043 Url: www.osmherbst.com

Exeo International International Dating Parties

Kita-ku, Umeda 1-1-3-3F Sky Lounge Mariage, Osaka Tel: 050-5810-3977 Url: www.exeo-international.com

ACCJ Kansai American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Kita-ku, Dojima-hama 1-1-8, Dojima Park Bldg. 5F, Osaka Tel: 06-6345-9880 Url: www.accj.or.jp

Real Estate & Accommodation

TNT-PC

Takani Co. Ltd.

English PC Support

Total Solution for House-hunting

Nishinomiya-shi, Maruhashi-cho 6-8-1F Nishinomiya Tel: 0798-65-7555 Url: www.tnt-pc.com

Yodogawa-ku, Nishimiyahara 2-335 Osaka Tel: 06-6396-6770

Yoshimoto Tax Services Tax Services for English speakers

Amagasaki-shi Tsukaguchi-cho 6-8-6-203 Hyogo Tel: 06-6421-3318 Url: http://yoshimotokaikei.tkcnf. com

Sweatshop Union T-Shirt Print Shop

Naniwa-ku, Sakuragawa 4-5-19 Osaka Tel: 06-4394-8850 Url: www.sweatshop.jp/eng

Creamy Kids International Modeling Agency

Kita-ku, Umeda 1-2-2 Osaka Ekimae, Dai-2 Bldg. 2F Osaka Tel: 06-6347-7705 Url: www.pre21.com/creamy

Pakmail

Chuo-ku, Minami-senba 3-5-28 Osaka Tel: 06-6245-1731 Url: www.arthurmurray.co.jp

We Ship Anything, Anywhere!

Marga Language Service

Shinmei Law Office

Japanese Language School

Meister Edi

Tsugiya 2-2-28 Amagasaki Tel: 06-6492-8950 Url: www.pakmail-ama.com

Business Lawyer

Kita-ku, Nishi-tenma 4-11-22, Hanshin-shinmei Bldg. 501 Osaka

Avior Manor Clean and Spacious Apartments for Rent

Higashi-Osaka, Morikawachi-nishi 1-1-12 Osaka Tel: 06-6942-5766 Url: www.aviormanor.com

Travel World Express Kobe’s Popular Travel Agency

Chuo-ku, Kotonoo-cho 5-3-5, Green Chapeau Bldg. 104 Kobe Tel: 078-222-5050 Url: www.wexp.co.jp

GS Travel Best Fares in Osaka

Chuo-ku, Higashi-Shinsaibashi 1-13-21, Wadayoshi Bldg 302 Osaka Tel: 06-6281-1230 Url: www.gs-travel.com/en

Across • No.1 Travel We go the extra mile for you

Kita-ku, Umeda 3-4-5, MainichiIntecio 15F, Osaka Tel: 06-6133-0273 Url: www.no1.his-west.jp

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

Kansai Scene Classifieds Place your own ad online at kansaiscene.com/classifieds Please note: Kansai Scene is not responsible for the content of communications made through either printed or online classified ads.

Education P/T Position at Universe

Language Institute, min. 3 hrs/ week (Mon/Sat pref.), 1800-2000/hr, transportation allowance 1500 RT. Looking for applicants with proper VISA, modesty and intelligence. No experience/Students OK Please email resume, cover letter and picture to universe-gakuin@ hotmail.co.jp P/T BUSINESS ENGLISH INSTRUCTORS, 3 yrs. teach exp.

needed. Exp. with banking / finance a plus! Send resume, photo, and availability to employment[at] coaching-english.jp. (Please change the [at] to @...) Only qualified candidates contacted. (Also looking for instructors who can teach Sat. / Sun.) Saturday English Teacher Needed English teacher needed

to teach at an English school in Kawanishi on Saturdays with immediate start. If interested please contact Derek at ma1_11@hotmail. com

Kids English Teacher in

Moriguchi An enthusiastic, creative and responsible NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER needed. 30 hours/ week Tue-Sat. 180000/month. Transportation up to 25000/month. 1 year contract w/completion bonus, available immediately. Proper VISA required, experience preferred. Please email CV and photo to john@jbandjust. Part-time private teaching jobs Tired of absurd Japanese

school/office policies and dress code? Pick your own lesson fee, schedule and location then students will directly contact you! Available for English, Korean, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian in all Kansai areas. contact@hello-sensei. com

TUTOR FOR KIDS 21. Native tutor

to teach kids English at their house in Osaka/Kobe as well as urgently needed in Kyoto. Must have proper visa and teaching experience preferred. Foreign students at Japanese univ. are also welcomed. 2200-2500 Yen/h based on experience + trans. Email CV with

a photo to NANNO & COMPANY recruit121@nanno.biz KIMA international music school seeks a female class

assistant, KIMA international music school seeks bilingual Japanese female class assistant for our morning program. Must have experience working with children, must have good command of English. Work is from 9:30 am to 1pm six mornings a month. If interested please get in touch on info@kima.co.jp or 0798713777

P/T Position at Imagine

Language Studio. Native English teacher needed to teach on Saturday mornings in Ashiya, starting immediately. 2000 yen per lesson. There is the possibility of teaching some lessons throughout the week. Please email resume and cover letter to info@justimagine.jp Make Extra Cash! Hand

out flyers on the the JR Kyoto line.Morning and evening work available. Send availability, nearest station and a recent photo to: info@ sunrises.jp KIMA international music school seeks a female class

assistant KIMA international music school seeks bilingual Japanese female class assistant for our morning program. Must have experience working with children, must have good command of English. Work is from 9:30 am to 1pm six mornings a month. If interested please get in touch on info@kima.co.jp or 0798713777

Children's English Teacher / Ashiya Kids

Immediate opening for experienced, energetic, dependable native English teacher for PT (Mon/ thurs) children's classes in Ashiya. We offer a friendly working environment, competitive pay & transportation. Please send resume with picture to mariko@ashiyakids. com, or call 0797-75-5284

Saturday English Teacher out Adult classes 15 minutes

from Umeda. Earn extra money in a relaxed yet professional environment. Experience is not necessary but a great attitude and a willingness to learn is. 10,000 per day. Native English speakers only. Send CV and a recent photo to: info@sunrises.jp

General Bartender Immediate opening available for

Female and Male Bartenders at our international dining bar in Tamatsukuri, Osaka. We can train you! Basic Japanese ability and proper visa are required. Please send your resume and photo to citusa@ hotmail.com and inform us when you are available for an interview.

For Rent Passage Mansion Furnished Studio Apt in

Osaka. JR Mitejima Riverside residence. Convenient & Safe. Only 7min to Osaka Umeda by JR. Furnished: 58,000-62,000. Semi-Furnished: 52,000-57,000. Call us to schedule a viewing. Bill: 090-2591-9960

KOBE Various locations: no key money, 2 mon deposit

Kasuganomichi: 43sqm, Y89,000/ mn, Semifurnished. Very convenient, Mikage: 68sqm sunny Y98,000/mn, Incredible views, near trails, Mikage/Okamoto: 63sqm 98,000/mn, Kitano: Convenient 100,000/mn, Agency fee applies to Kitano only Penthouse Apartment in Kobe! 124-square-meter modern

apartment has vacancies. Modern everything! (including surroundsound theater system, 2-personsized bathtub and panoramic sea/ mountain/city views) 45000 yen + bills. Non-smokers, considerate people only please. Contact Darren and/or see my blog. (all rooms now furnished) URL: www.kobeliving. blogspot.jp

Language exchange Echange Linguistique FraJap Je(japonaise) cherche une

personne qui peut faire echange linguistique sur Osaka dans un cafe. Francai-Japonais. Email: mujimoto@yahoo.com

Let's Study Japanese Together! Why don’t you

take advantage of your time to improve Japanese abilities?If you have any interest in it, please do contact me. I will be happy to study Japanese with you in Umeda. Email: aiming2004jp@yahoo.co.jp Cheers / Arigatoh

English-Japanese in Umeda-Kobe! Friendly

American teacher in Osaka is looking for Japanese friends for language exchange over a cup of tea or coffee. Lets help each other out! Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu! Email: letschatinumeda@writeme.com Spanish-English language exchange I'm a British guy

looking for a native Spanish speaker. I can teach you English and you can teach me Spanish. I can meet in Umeda, Nanba, Shinsai etc. Contact me at falcolombardi87@yahoo.com.

LANGUAGE FOR EXCHANGE: a website where you can find a

language partner from another country who wants to do a language exchange travel with you. URL: www.languageforexchange.com Email: edu.luis.go@gmail.com

English-Japanese I am JF in my 30s looking for Native English speakers in Osaka for language exchange. It would be great if we can be also good friends and hang out together. Let's brush up together. Email: sugarhighhi@yahoo.co.jp TOEIC! TOEICを一緒にスコアーを短期でUPさせませんか? 興味のある人はshinya_ya@hotmail.comまで連絡をください. language exchange french hello. my name is

bruno im french im 41 and i leave since 9 years at osaka. im also looking for friend and language exchange. i finish my job usualy at 15h00 i start very early after 15h00. Email: mermazj@yahoo.com Let’s get cracking! Why

don’t you take advantage of your time to improve Japanese abilities? If you have any interest in it, please do contact me. I will be happy to study Japanese with you in Umeda. Email: aiming2004jp@yahoo.co.jp Cheers/Ariga French-Japanese Language Exchange JF looking for

a language exchange partner (French-Japanese). If you are a native French speaker (preferably a female) and interested in learning Japanese as well, please contact me! sparklefuture@hotmail.com

Language exchange friendship British guy

friendly and patient would like a similar lady to help my bad Japanese. im free sometimes on a Sun or Mon Lets enjoy chatting for a long time. Thank you. Johnny: uk1seaview@yahoo.ie

Announcements Free Poetry Event! Osaka

University Toyonaka campus, Building 7, 2f on November 17 Saturday 13:00 to 17:00 PM. Contact: Trane DeVore, Osaka University: trane@lang.osaka-u.ac.jp Looking for Bassist ProMetal band looking for a bassist

to jam around Osaka. Email: genaosaka@yahoo.co.jp

Kansai Beer Lovers - 関西のビール愛好会 I started a Facebook

community for all beer lovers in Kansai to share information on nice new beers, bars, microbrew events and hopefully make a few friends too! Please "Like" my page to join. http://www.facebook.com/Kansai. Beer.Lovers 50cc scooter Hello. I am seeking 50cc scooter willingly to pay. Email: jdavide222@hotmail. com OSAKA YWCA BRIDGES EVENT

Nagahama, Shiga-ken, famous silk crepe production town, will hold a Kimono Festival for 1000 kimono

Oct 12th & 13th: 5th anniversary party Oct 20th New Orleans Food Tasting withCC, Oct 27th Halloween with live music and All-u-can drink specials Welcome to the Coolabah Australia/ New zealand sports cafe. The friendliest staff in japan. Live music, Djs, International sports events, AFL Football, NRL, Soccer, Private parties, Theme parties, and more. Do yourself a favour and come on down under. Tel/Fax: 06-6213-5153 www.coolabah.jp • Email: thecoolabah@hotmail.com Housen buld. 1F, 2-16-13, Nishi-shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka *KS Shinsaibashi 大阪市中央区西心斎橋2-16-13 宝泉ビル1F • 7 DAYS OPEN 6PM map B-4

Kansai Scene magazine OCTOBER 2012 kansaiscene.com

clad ladies, on Sat. Oct. 20. Why not walk with a volunteer guide and enjoy the historic town? http:// osaka.ywca.or.jp/english/ Email: usagi9999@yahoo.co.jp

Free Giveaways Freecycle! Free stuff exchanged daily. Join

us! http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/kansaifreecycle/ Email: whityumeda@gmail.com

Pets It's kitten season! Adopt

or foster a cat/kitten/dog! URL: www.japancatnet.com and http:// www.facebook.com/groups/ japancatnetwork/

Friendship Friendship Aloha man 30s

looking for a happy simple outgoing & fun Japanese girlfriend. your looks and age not important. please contact me soon. rug.street@yahoo. com Let's go for a date I'm waiting. mahalo Single Man hello iam man

gaiyin late 30s seeking female single/married to casual relationship in osaka we can explore together talk dinning drinking i like japanese food we can exchange our language and culture. Erwin: erwinromel1@ yahoo.com

Seek a Japanese Girlfriend! I am cool and

friendly gaijin in late 30s. I broke up with my Japanese girlfriend and looking for a new relationship. I hope to meet one who can understand each other and be happy together. wannabewithyou@ beatlesfan.com Looking for a Marriage

Partner! US man, 30s, is looking for a Japanese marriage partner.Im a businessman and a teacher and hope to meet a Japanese female for

marriage, who will live between Japan and USA. Yoroshiku! Email: shallwebe@couple.com Looking 4 Unique Smart

IQ Woman who is easygoing, openminded Easygoing smart funny sweet nice Asian guy looks 4 a Western F to hang out, enjoy life for relationship. Better she is openminded smart appreciate nature, zoo; Longer commitment. No cheating mutually. Email: benzene98@hotmail.com eating tour in juso if you

people who pursue rational exploration of the Unknown in themselves and the universe, and who value enlightened self-interest. See our website for more info. https://xeper.org// Friendship Hi iam man single seeking female married/single ok we can be friends talk listening music out dinner travel camping in the nature go to onsen eat japanese food drink etc. why we dont hang out soon. Email: necnec61@yahoo. com

find something new in osaka,shall we go eating tour in juso for a chan ge?chinese,korea,okinawa,thai,sush i,osaka food.yammy and cheap!pls contact me if you are intersted in the tour. Email Hideo: matsuurahideo@ hotmail.com

qhi cherche un/une person(ne) qhi veut étudier japonais. If you're interested this ad, let me know SVL. Have a fun lesson together! Email: sweetmimoza77@gmail.com

Island lovers Sweet well-read Aussie-born SM

French-Japanese Bonjour! 30'sF looking for French

seeking island and nature lovers for romance and more. Serious single ladies only with photo. Age not a problem. Seann: mi.lao_sean@ yahoo.com British man seeks Japanese

lady (any age) for casual lunch dates What more can I say in 200 Characters? Not a lot. My name is William Bell - If you are hungry and free for leisurely lunches from time to time, please drop me a line. E-mail: williambell@yahoo.co.uk If you think life is interesting, so does this Eurosian gentleman with a humble heart, warm smile, optimism, and an attractive face on top of a good physique and persona. Am looking for same in an attractive SF. Email: eiffelshine@ yahoo.com looking for friends to

make music looking for people to play HEAVY METAL music or even some hard rock no other music. if interested and if you are a metal head contact me. im vocalist so i need musicians. Email: vilaboac@ yahoo.co.jp The Temple of Set seeks

intelligent, magically inclined

Exchange French-Japanese Bonjour! Je suis une japonaise,

speaker, who wants to learn Japanese. If you are interested in this ad, feel free to contact me! Let's have a lesson over coffe in Umeda or Kobe. Email: trueharp0829@ yahoo.co.jp 2 ladies wanted to Go

Drinking 2 English speaking ladies wanted to go drinking in Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe. We are two guys both in 40s. Lets Enjoy! Email: ansomelad@yahoo.com An amature woman model

needed A male 30s seeks a voluntary lady(over 20) to be a live model for my drawing. Tall person is preferred. No experience needed in a relaxing atomosphere. Email: brownrabbits@hotmail.com your JM is here. I am single 30s Japanese guy. Now I would like to hang around with an adrable WF in Kansai area. If you are interested in me, keep in touch! Shinya: shinyama1972@gmail.com Japanese Only I only

Japanese. I wish English friend. I loved sport travel gym. i cooking each day. please tell why you go japan? what your country love song? young age people email me

japanese only. thank you. matsu: 0hk2001t78t403h@ezweb.ne.jp Magical moments. Hello ! very friendly healthy gaijin

30s, looking for a sweet Japanese married or single lady to share romantic times together once a week or more. please email me if you interested. see you soon. Gordon: sweat.gold@yahoo.com

seeking female im a young man originally from europe,now i live in kansai area,im looking for a female to become friends ,im married ,yoroshiku desu. Email: discreetguy1984@yahoo.co.uk Looking for a special friend

I'm a 52y/o house wife living and working in Osaka city. Looking for a special friend who can meet at least once every 2 weeks. Email: yoko3579@goo.jp

Nomi tomo Let's have some

nice conversations over beer or wine in South Osaka. I am JF, fun to talk to! Email: secretgarden3430@ hotmail.com

Himeji Language Exchange Recently moved to Himeji -

would like to exchange English with any other language. Please get in touch! Email: himejilang@hotmail. com

Looking for fun friends to show us Osaka We are looking for fun women to share food and drinks in with us in Osaka. I'm English, my friend American, ages mid 20's to early 30's. We will be in Osaka from Wed 19th to Sat 22nd. Email: b_cg81@yahoo.co.uk Handsome Englishman looking for female friends

Blond hair, blue eyes, muscular, I'm looking for cute/slim JF for day time fun married or single is ok. If you'd like to have some fun contact me and let's meet. Chris: kansailowfi@ gmail.com

No Guarantor! No Agent Fee! No Key Money! No Deposit!

TO RENT

Ask us about other great locations around Osaka

●Clean, spacious and convenient rooms in Fukaebashi ●Shared, women-friendly apartments also available Contact us for more information

090.3167.4401

1-1-12 Morikawachi-nishi, Higashi Osaka

10mins from JR Katamachi-Line Hanaten stn and Subway Fukaebashi stn

06.6942.5766 (Moritomo Corp.) Web Email

www.palforest.com/e/ info@palforest.com

Find us on Facebook Check out our photos.

E FRE AND ADB BROTERNET IN

» www.aviormanor.com

Bank

Police Station

Hospital

Hotel

Church

Shrine

Temple

Movie Theatre

Bar/Club/Live House

THEATER UMEDA

Umeda

WESTIN HOTEL

LAGUNAVEIL PREMIER)

NAVIO TOHO PLEX

NS HI N

MA IN

LIN E

NISHI UMEDA

KITA SHINCHI

BLARNEY STONE 6F

BLDG #3

HIMALAYA B1

EXEO 33F

TANIMACHI LINE

DOUJIMA AVANZA JUNKUDO 4F

US CONSULATE

ANA CROWN PLAZA

HANSHIN EXPRESSWAY(LOOP ROUTE) BANK OF JAPAN

CITY HALL

IMA DORI

NIW ABA

EDOBORI

SHI

MITSUI SUMITOMO BANK

OSTEC Exhibition Hall UTUBO PARK

CHEDI LUANG YODOYABASHI

YODOYABASHI

YMCA

NAKANOSH

TOSABORI RIVER

NINE KEIHA NOSHIMA L NAKA NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART

HIGOBA

RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL

SHINMEI LAW OFFICE 5F

LINE

HOTEL KANSAI

SUJI

SH NTT NO

OGIMACHI DORI UMEDA PICCADILLY

CAPT. KANGAROO 1F NO.1 TRAVEL 3F

WATANA

M OJI

HIGASHID

ASAHIYA BOOKSTORE

OEBASHI

IMA

HANKYU

OGIMACHI PARK

ADE ORI ARC

HANSHIN EXPRESSWAY (MORIGUCHI ROUTE)

BLDG #2

CREAMY 2F

I BEBASH

OSAKA YWCA HOTEL KINKI

TOWER RECORDS B1

BLDG #1

NTT DATA

IV AR

MIDO

STA

JR T

E HI UM HIGAS

INE AI L

BLDG #4

MARU BLDG.

YOTSUBASHI LINE

HI KUS

. STA

SONEZAKI POLICE H.Q.

UMEDA BURG7

HILTON HOTEL

HILTON PLAZA WEST HERBIS ENT CHEDI LUANG 5F BREEZE BREEZE OUTBACK HERBIS STEAKHOUSE OSAKA O.2 N TE ROU

A JIM

K YA

TOHO ANNEX HEP 5 OWL OSAKA HEP NAVIO

HANKYU DEPT.

JR OSAKA FLOAT STA. DAIMARU COURT VISITORS’ TA. INFOMATION AS HOTEL ED CENTER M GRANVIA U HANSHIN HIN DEPT. NS HA E-MA

RITZ CARLTON

SHIN MIDOSUJI

A UMED

NORTHGATE BLDG LUCUA MITSUKOSHI ISETAN

K ZA

-D

INGS

NEW HANKYU HOTEL

YODOBASHI CAMERA

KS distribution point

CLUB NOON

GERMAN CONSULATE 35F

Restaurant/Cafe

I-C

MARUZEN & JUNKUDO

HANKYU UMEDA KINOKUNIYA STA.

UMEDA SKY BUILDING

Shop

LOFT

ARC 6F CINE LIBRE UMEDA 3F UMEDA GARDEN CINEMA 4F

Gallery/Museum

KEIH

ANH

KITAHAMA

ONS

TheTag Free Space Studio

MIZUGUCHI MIZUGUCHI MIZUGUCHI

ENL

INE

TENM

NANIWABASHI/KITAHAMA

Post Office

Bank

Police Station

Hospital

Hotel

Church

Shrine

Temple

Movie Theatre

Bar/Club/Live House

Gallery/Museum

Shop

Restaurant/Cafe

KS distribution point

Shinsaibashi/Namba

KANSAI SCENE MOJOPRINT OFFICE

TOKYU HANDS CRYSTA(UNDERGROUND SHOPPING) NAGAHORI DORI

NISHI OHASHI

CAFE ABSINTHE 1F

BIG STEP ONZIEME 11F DAIMARU DEPT. CINEM@RT SOUTH APPLE TRIANGLE SANKAKU STORE DROP KOEN CLAPPER FANJ GRAND TWICE LUNAR CAFE CLUB AZUL MITSUTERA TEMPLE

DDD 1F COOLABAH 1F SPOTAKA

DOTONBORI RIV

NAM

OCAT JUNKUDO JR NAMBA (BOOKSTORE) STA.

NAMB NAMBA STA. A

LAPICHU 2F

GS TRAVEL 3F

HOTEL MURPHY’S 6F FU BAR 2F T’POINT SUOMACHI-DORI(EUROPE STREET) THE BLARNEY STONE B1 SHAKKA BAR 3F

ZERRO 1F HOTEL METRO THE 21 CHINESE CAFE EIGHT 5F

GASTRO GARDEN ON THE 7TH

HOTEL MONTEREY

OIKE-DORI

BEST WESTERN HOTEL FINO

DUBLIN BAY B1 DUBLIN GARDEN

NAMBA HATCH

TOMINAGA HOSPITAL

CROSS HOTEL

NAGAHORIBASHI

SAKAISUJI

TEZUKAYAMA GALLERY 2F

OPA

DAIMARU DEPT.

MIDOSUJI

INTERACTION HAIR DESIGN

LINE

KITA-HORIE PARK

YOTSUBASHI

NANIWA

-SUJI

FAMILY MART

NIKKO HOTEL

DAIMARU DEPT. NORTH SHINSAIBASHI-SUJI (SHOPPING ARCADE)

TROISDIX 1F

KITAHORIE HOSPITAL

YOTSUBASHI

CHEDI LUANG 1F

SHINSAIBASHI NAGAHORI TURUMI-RYOKUCHI LINE ALI’S KITCHEN B1 UNIQLO EL PANCHO BOY 5F 8F

HANSHIN EXPRESSWAY(LOOP ROUTE) NAMBA WALK (UNDERGROUND) SENNICHIMAE LINE NIPPONBASHI KINTETSU NARA LINE NAMBA WALK NIPPONBASHI STA.

CINE POP TOHO CINEMAS NAMBA NAN-NAN TOWN (UNDERGROUND SHOPPING) SWISS HOTEL NANKAI OSAKA

JUNKUDO (BOOKSTORE) TOWER RECORDS

OAK CLINIC

Post Office

Bank

Police Station

Hospital

Hotel

Church

Shrine

Temple

Movie Theatre

Bar/Club/Live House

Gallery/Museum

Shop

Restaurant/Cafe

KS distribution point

CAFE TERRACE DE PARIS 3F

Sannomiya

BISTROT CAFE DE PARIS 1F KIC

KA OZA

FUD

KITANOZAKA

TOR ROAD

KOBE GROCERS

ST. MICHAELS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

HUNTERZAKA

PEARL STREET MOSUQUE KOBE WOMENS JUNIOR COLLEGE

YAMATE KANSEN

ORIENTAL DENTAL CLINIC 4F

WA YL

INE

IKUTA POLICE STATION IKUTA JINJA

MIDNIGHT EXPRESS 5F POLICE BOX TRINITY 3F HOBGOBLIN 7F HOTEL MONTEREY TOKYU HANDS IZNT 4F CALIENTE 3F

SH IEI YA

MA TE S

HOTEL TOR ROAD

SANSEI HOSP.

WORLD EXPRESS 1F

SANNOMIYA

KOBE SAUNA

A OMIY

JR MOTOMACHI STA.

MOTOMACHI

SANNOMIYA CINE PHOENIX GUILD 2F

MARUI

SOGO DEPT. KINOKUNIYA 5F KOBE KOKUSAI KAIKAN HSBC 1F

DAIMARU DEPT.

MARGA 8F

KOBE KOKUSAI SHOCHIKU

SANNOMIYA HANA DOKEI ST.

HOTEL OKURA

SHIYAKUSHOMAE

KYOTO ROYAL HOTEL

SANJO

JUNKUDO 7F HANAMIKOJI-DORI

Kyoto

FLOWER ROAD

ASAHI BANK MINATO BANK

HOTEL TOKYU INN

SANNOMIYA

UND.

JUNKUDO

SUN CITY JUNKUDO 7F

PORT LINER

ROUTE 2 CENTER CENTER SUN PLAZA PLAZA PLAZA EAST WEST

MINT KOBE TOWER RECORDS

SANCHIKA

HANSHIN LINE

IYA NOM OS CINEMA’S SAN

SANN

UDO KOBE KOSOKUTETS

OMI

ANN

JR S

KAWARAMACHI MARUI

KIRAKU-INN