Tokyo weekender feb 2015

WHERE IS THE LOVE? The Story behind Japan’s Frozen Population Growth

TAKING NOTE Global Perspectives and New Designs in Education

COVER STAR

Songstress May J Breaks Through with “Let It Go”

ALSO: A Chocolate Movement Comes to Tokyo, Valentine’s Gift Guide, Art around Town, Agenda, Movies, and more... www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

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FEBRUARY 2015

CONTENTS

10

MAY J. How letting go and learning to love the cover song rekindled a music career

7

14

18

LEXUS TEST DRIVE

TOKYOFIT

BEAN-TO-BAR CHOCOLATE

Pernod Ricard Japan CEO Tim Paech takes

Getting in touch with your inner child—

Bringing a chocolate revolution to Tokyo,

the LS600h F SPORT for a spin

and getting him or her into shape

one delicious bean at a time

12 Reebok CrossFit

20 Tokyo Gallery Guide

30 People, Parties, Places

Running with the official brand supplier of the worldwide fitness phenomenon

Centuries of daily life on the canvas, a love affair with light, and “The Best of the Best”

17th annual orphans party and ukulele madness courtesy of New Zealand

16 Where Is the Love?

22 The Miracle Boat

34 Movies

The roots—and possible solutions—to Japan’s shrinking population crisis

How a small boat that drifted across the Pacific brought two continents together

The American Sniper takes aim, Anastasia Steele gets tied up, and TMNT kicks it

19 Valentine’s Gift Guide

23 British School in Tokyo

36 Agenda

Roses are red, violets are blue; Skip out on a present? Bad luck for you!

Teaming up with United World Schools to build schools in Cambodia

One Direction finds their way to Saitama, plums come to Setagaya, and much more

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

THIS MONTH IN THE WEEKENDER

FEBRUARY 2015

Publisher Chairman

BC Media Group Ray Pedersen

WHERE IS THE LOVE? The Story behind

Executive Producer Editor Art Director

Asi Rinestine Alec Jordan Liam Ramshaw

Japan’s Frozen Population Growth

TAKING NOTE Global Perspectives and New Designs in Education

Media Director Account Executives

Kotaro Toda Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa Ohad Elbaz

COVER STAR

Songstress May J Breaks Through with “Let It Go”

ALSO: A Chocolate Movement Comes to Tokyo, Valentine’s Gift Guide, Art around Town, Agenda, Movies, and more... www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

Media Consultants Marketing Society Editorial Associates

Film IT Manager DBA

Mary Rudow Sophia Bai Ingrid Dubreuil Bill Hersey Matthew Hernon Vivian Morelli Sarah Custen Christopher O’Keeffe Nick Adams Iryna Sundutova

EST. Corky Alexander, 1970

ven if you chalk it up as mere coincidence, the fact that a small boat from a Tohoku high school, swept away by the 2011 tsunami, could wash up two years later on the shores of Northern California has something to tell us about how connected we are on this planet. And the fact that students in a small Northern California town chose to restore that boat and give it back to Takata High School has something to tell us about how to build connections across borders.

It’s a hopeful thing, then, that Tokyo’s varied international schools seem to be renewing their efforts of instilling their students with a global perspective. As we see, one school

E

may do this by establishing ties with schools in poorer nations. Others might do it by engaging more closely with the Japanese community around the school itself, while others look to inspire kids to approach problems—be they coding challenges or societal concerns—with a creative mindset.

However, as one of our cover stories points out, Japan may be facing a considerable difficulty in filling its schools if a worrying dynamic continues unabated. Marriage rates, and with them, the number of new children born every year, have been declining steadily over the past decades, and policy makers, pundits and prognosticators can’t seem to agree on just how to reverse the trend.

Our look into the matter suggests that there are a lot of questions to confront, but not as many answers as we’d like.

And finally, this is the month when a certain four-letter word is around town and on everyone’s lips, but don’t let that lead you to believe that there isn’t time enough for love during the other eleven months of the year. If there’s anything that recent events have shown us, it’s that the world could use more of it— not necessarily the star-crossed variety, or the stuff of grand gestures, but a willingness to keep an open heart, care, and act, even when it hurts.

Published monthly at the Regency Shinsaka Building, 5th floor 8-5-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 (03) 6666-4924 / (03) 6432-9229 (fax) editor@tokyoweekender.com

Editor

To subscribe to the Tokyo Weekender, please call (03) 6666-4924 or email: customer-support@tokyoweekender.com For ad sales inquiries, please call (03) 6666-4924 or email: sales@tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher

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You are invited to a night of sake, geisha, and jazz at one of Hakone’s premier onsen ryokan

Hakone Ginyu, a luxury onsen ryokan located in the heart of nearby Hakone, will be offering a night of Japanese hospitality, fine food, and unique entertainment. Check in and relax during the afternoon in your own private onsen, or in one of Ginyu’s exquisite public hot spring baths before the festivities begin. Start off with a sumptuous multicourse dinner, and then sit back and relax to watch a traditional Japanese dance performance by six local geisha. Following the taste of old Japan comes the change in tempo, as the performers step over to their instruments and deliver a captivating jazz performance. Throughout the night, a variety of Japan’s finest sakes will be poured for the tasting. Spaces for this unforgettable evening are expected to sell out quickly, so make your reservations soon.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015 Room rates for the event start at ¥37,000 per person, which includes dinner and breakfast.

For more information about Hakone Ginyu, and to see a video of last year’s event, please visit www.hakoneginyu.co.jp Email: hakoneginyu@fine.ocn.ne.jp

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FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

TEST DRIVE TOKYO WITH LEXUS The new CEO of Pernod Ricard Japan takes a spin through the heart of the city in Lexus’s flagship sedan

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

IN THE DRIVING SEAT

Name: Tim Paech Job: CEO, Pernod Ricard Japan Nationality: Australian Interests: Golf, Australian Football, Scuba Diving, Fine Food & Wine, Cocktails, Cinema, Traveling Motto: “Quality over Quantity” Driving Music: “British music like Oasis, U2 and The Police, Australian bands like Cold Chisel, Icehouse and Midnight Oil—and while you might find some Linkin Park and AC/DC on my iPod, you won’t find much country, jazz or classical.”

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

T

im Paech, CEO of Pernod Ricard

Japan, is a man who is clear about

Jingu Gaien had mostly fallen from the trees

The golden leaves of the ginkgo trees in

what he likes, and what he doesn’t

on the cool, clear December morning when

like. A globetrotting, 25-year career

Paech got behind the wheel of the F SPORT

with one of the world’s largest spirits and

and closed the driver’s side door. Bringing the

wine groups has taken Paech from his native

445 horses of the powerunit to life with the

Australia to France, the US, Taiwan, and

touch of a button, he pulled out into traffic and

several months ago, Tokyo, and is probably

headed out on a long loop towards Roppongi

one of the factors behind his unique sense of

Crossing. After taking several turns through

style—he has already been interviewed and

light traffic in the whisper-quiet interior of

featured in a Japanese men’s magazine spread

the sedan, several things became quite clear:

on executive fashion. So, whether Paech is

“You’ve got a lot of space, and you feel like

helping to fine-tune the launch of a new prod-

you’ve got a bit of status on the road. It’s got

uct, or choosing the vehicle that will get him

a tremendous amount of power—the steering

from one point to another, high quality and

wheel feels tight and responsive—but the car

attention to detail are always on his mind.

has a soft feeling at the same time, and it’s

very comfortable. It really floats: I just feel

Since arriving in Japan, he’s been behind

the wheel of a bulky SUV, so when we asked

like I’m gliding along.”

him whether he was interested in taking the

Lexus LS600h F SPORT for a spin, he was keen

car was, Paech also remarked on the wealth

to give it a try. He’d owned several luxury Euro-

of small details that made the test drive stand

pean cars in the past, but over the course of his

out all the more, such as the fine stitching on

business experience in Japan and a few months

the enveloping bucket seats and wood accents

in country, he’d grown familiar with the dedi-

around the carefully designed instrument pan-

cation to detail that is one of the hallmarks of

el: “The small luxury details are wonderful.”

Japanese culture, and was looking forward to

Occasional stops at a few locations—including

the experience of driving a car that grew out of

a park in Midtown and the city’s iconic Tokyo

this tradition of fastidious craftsmanship.

Tower—gave Paech the chance to feel another

As impressive as the overall feeling of the

Quality and attention to detail. It’s something that we see in our business: people are fastidious about product quality and packaging. It’s one of the things that separates Japan from other countries. one of the car’s features in action. After he had first adjusted the seat and steering wheel to the best position the first time, the car would remember him on return: “When I sat down and buckled up, everything moved into driving position, waiting for me to start the car.”

Towards the end of the test drive, en route

to INTERSECT BY LEXUS in Aoyama, Paech realized that he had been driving in the car’s gas-sipping “Eco” mode the entire time. Looking to put the V8 engine to the test, he shifted into to the high-performance Sport mode, and the F SPORT’s handling became tighter and the acceleration more aggressive. Driving in this mode might not be as fuel-efficient, but it makes for a completely different driving experience, and as Paech pulled in front of Intersect, he said that he was ready to give the F SPORT another hour’s worth of road time.

Away from the driving seat, Paech reflected

on the factors that have always stood out for him when Japanese products come to mind: “Quality and attention to detail. It’s something that we see in our business: people are fastidious about product quality and packaging. It’s one of the things that separates Japan from other countries, and it’s one of the things that makes Japan special . . . the combination of those small details are part of what makes this car such a pleasure to drive. It’s everything that I expected

Meet the LS600h F SPORT Supercar performance meets luxury refinement in the Sport version of this Lexus sedan

T

he Lexus LS600h F SPORT is the perfect combination of power, performance, and innovative engineering. The high-performance, 445-horsepower powerunit and responsive yet smooth handling offers an exhilarating driving experience in town or on the highway.

Complementing the aggressive, sporty exterior, the F SPORT’s spacious interior comes complete with an array of luxury appointments, making the car your own personal automotive oasis.

In all seasons and all road conditions, the all-wheel drive provides a feeling of total control in any driving situation. Meanwhile, a range of performance and power modes makes it possible to shift from fuel-efficient “Eco” to high-performance “Sport” with the twist

of a knob, and the eight-speed paddle shift manual mode puts the full power of the F SPORT at your fingertips.

However, many find the ride of Lexus’s flagship sedan so smooth, and the interior so quiet, they forget just how much power there is under the hood.

Bold styling, innovatively designed instrument panels and navigation systems have been created with driving efficiency and ease in mind, and available four-zone climate control automatically adjusts to ensure that all passengers are comfortable at all times. Small details, such as a 16-way adjustable driver’s seat that can be set to remember three different drivers, are a constant reminder that the carmaker never stops thinking about how to make the driving experience more fulfilling.

To find out more about getting behind the wheel of the LS600h F SPORT, or any of Lexus’s other models, visit http://lexus.jp/international/

it to be from a luxury and quality perspective.”

We checked in with Tim Paech a few days

afterwards to see if he was planning on going for another test drive. No need, he said. He was already waiting for the Lexus that he had ordered.

LEXUS INTERNATIONAL GALLERY AOYAMA

INTERSECT BY LEXUS

To see some of Lexus’s latest models first-

is located in the stylish Aoyama District.

hand, drop in at the Lexus International

The multi-level facility houses a café and

Gallery Aoyama. Their English-speaking con-

a dining/lounge space that lets guests

cierge staff is on hand to consult with guests

experience Lexus design in a informal,

about any question, in a sales-free environ-

laid-back setting.

Lexus’s “lifestyle showroom,” INTERSECT

ment where there is no pressure to buy.

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

by Matthew Hernon

T

here are those who get cover songs horribly wrong—Miley Cyrus butchering “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Madonna’s version of “American Pie” instantly spring to mind—yet when it’s done right a cover song can really help boost an artist’s career.

Sinead O’Connor won critical acclaim for her debut album The Lion and the Cobra, but it was the release of the single “Nothing Compares to You”—a song originally written and composed by Prince—that turned her into an international star. Aretha Franklin penned a number of successful hits during her career, including “Think” and “Call Me”; however, Otis Redding’s “Respect” is the song for which she is most well known.

Some artists go even further and release whole albums with cover songs on them, like David Bowie with his LP Pin Ups, featuring songs from groups he had shared venues with in the sixties, and Rage Against the Machine, who covered bands ranging from the Rolling Stones to Cypress Hill on their record Renegades.

In Japan, Hideaki Tokunaga became one of the country’s most popular songwriters following a number of chart-topping records in the late 80s/early 90s, yet after a more than a decade without a number one he decided to start releasing cover albums. It has proved a wise move: he’s made six in total, all entitled Vocalist, and the series has sold in excess of six million copies.

MAY J. It’s an approach that has also worked for May J. over the past couple of years. A musician and TV presenter of Iranian-Japanese origin, she has become a singer very much in demand in recent times after some standout appearances on the variety show Kanjani no Shiwake and the release of numerous cover songs—most notably her rendition of “Let it Go” in the movie Frozen.

With her exotic looks, charm and mellifluous voice, it’s been no surprise seeing the 26-year-old reach the level of stardom she has. Her rise to the top, however, has been anything but smooth sailing. She started out with an R&B sound on the album Baby Girl, but after realizing it “wasn’t mainstream enough for a Japanese audience,” she started focusing on pop music. The change in style was initially successful— her second album Family did pretty well—but with each record that followed, sales got worse and worse. Her sixth effort, Brave, entered the charts at 57, selling just 2,585 copies in its first week. A disillusioned May J. had to think seriously about the direction her career was going in.

“It was a hard time,” she tells Weekender. “I wrote and

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

MAY J. | MUSIC | 11

I dislike it when people say negative things about an artist who doesn’t write his or her own songs. It doesn’t matter how the wonderful music got there, what matters is that it’s there. produced all my records, putting so much into all of them but they just weren’t selling and as a singer that is what you are ultimately judged on. From the age of three, when I started playing the piano, music was the only thing I envisaged doing, yet at the beginning of 2013 I started thinking that I just wasn’t good enough and considered quitting.”

Fortunately she didn’t. Instead of writing songs, she focused on covering them and it soon had the desired effect. Her next two albums—Summer Ballad Covers and Heartful Song Covers—were top five hits, both selling more than 200,000 copies. She has been criticized in some quarters for achieving success on the back of other people’s songs, but as long as she’s bringing her own unique style to the tracks is there really anything wrong with what she’s doing? Heavy metal guitarist Marty Friedman certainly doesn’t think so.

“I dislike it when people say negative things about an artist who doesn’t write his or her own songs,” Friedman tells Weekender. “Why must the sashimi provide its own wasabi? It’s ludicrous. It doesn’t matter how the wonderful music got there, what matters is that it’s there.

“I released two cover albums, Tokyo Jukebox and Tokyo Jukebox 2. Most musicians do them at some time or another. It worked for Elvis: in fact lots of great artists do their best work on covers. It’s all about being able to put your own interpretation on a song. Then if the artist is great, his or her identity will come through, making a decent song fantastic—and a fantastic song sublime.”

May J. showed she had the talent to do that on the karaoke segment of the show Kanjani no Shiwake. A singing contest for professional artists, the program helped give

the singer the shot in the arm her career needed. Asked to perform all kinds of covers, she ended up winning it 26 times in a row before finally losing out to Sarah Alainn who beat her with “Let it Go.” The song is now May J.’s signature track.

“It’s ironic that I lost on that song: it must have been a message from God or something,” she says laughing. “I’d had a great run and because of that I got the offer from Disney, which I’m incredibly grateful for. It had always been my dream to sing for Disney. I’d grown up memorizing the words from their films; then suddenly I was being asked to be a part of a movie they were making. I couldn’t believe it!”

Not just any old Disney flick either, but Frozen, the third highest-grossing film (behind Spirited Away and Titanic) of all time in Japan. Since its release people around the globe—most notably children—seemed to have become fixated with the movie and its signature track “Let it Go.” Described by The Boston Globe’s columnist Yvonne Abraham as “musical crack,” the Japanese versions of the song

by Takako Matsu (during the film) and May J. (closing credits) were being played everywhere in Tokyo last summer and can still be regularly heard today.

Of all May J.’s covers it is unquestionably “Let It Go”—written by married couple Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—that has taken her career to another level. Since the release of “Let it Go,” she has become a permanent fixture on numerous TV shows and now regularly appears on the front cover of various magazines. Her album sales have also

improved massively, with Precious entering the charts at number three. Marty Friedman believes her recent success is fully deserved.

“She’s fantastic: a rare type that guys and girls alike can easily fall in love with,” the former Megadeth lead guitarist says. “She has a very approachable demeanor and that comes through in her singing.”

May J.’s amiable persona is evident on the NHK WORLD TV program J-Melo, which she has been presenting since 2008. The only English language show that focuses on Japanese music, it includes live performances and interviews with many well-known acts such as The GazettE, Morning Musume and May J.’s favorite guest, jazz guitarist Kazumi Watanabe. Broadcast in more than 150 countries around the globe, the program also features fan meetings and live shows in cities like London, Paris and São Paulo.

“I’m always amazed by the reception when we go abroad,” she says. “I remember visiting Oman, thinking the people would be conservative but when I told them to get up they all really got into it; even the princess was dancing. I think Jakarta is the city where we get the biggest reaction, though. The people there watch J-Melo every week and really know about Japanese music. It really is a unique show and I feel privileged to have been a part of it for so long.”

May J. has come a long way since her first appearance on the program as a guest during her teens. While her dream back then was to make a significant impact in the music industry with original hits, her decision to take a different route and interpret other people’s songs has proven successful. Eventually she’d like to be known for her own tracks—and will be returning to them on future albums. We’re certain that the recent exposure she has received as a result of her covers will give her a wider audience with which to showcase her songs to come.

MAY J. OVER THE YEARS 1988 - Born June 20 in Yokohama.

2003 - Performs as a backing dancer for Aaron Carter during his tour of Japan.

2006 - Releases debut single “Here We Go.” 2008 - Becomes the host of NHK WORLD TV show, “J-Melo.”

2009 - The album “Family” reaches number four in the charts.

2013 - Records first covers album, “Summer Ballad Covers.”

2014 - Makes Kohaku Uta Gassen debut, singing “Let it Go.” 2015 - Releases May J. W Best—Originals & Covers.

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

What is CrossFit? It’s one of the fastest-spreading fitness programs in the world, and some of its devotees speak of it in terms that border on reverence.

But what, at its heart, is CrossFit? First developed 15 years ago in California, the regimen is a combination of many different exercises, including weightlifting—barbells, kettlebells, and body weight—calisthenics, and cardiovascular conditioning. A typical CrossFit workout would warm you up, and then hit you with a combination of different exercises, all performed at a high intensity: these “workouts of the day” (WODs) are constantly varied, and present CrossFitters with a different challenge each time. If you hadn’t guessed it already, the workouts are intense, but are adjusted to the individual fitness levels of each athlete. Combine this with the strong cooperative spirit that CrossFit gyms, or “boxes,” are known to foster, and you’ve got an environment where people push past what they thought themselves capable of doing, physically and mentally, as they hit their fitness goals.

Reebok CrossFit Roppongi When it comes to CrossFit, “thinking outside the box” is not what you’re looking for. In fact, the CrossFit experience is all about the box—it’s where the action happens, and where fitness is forged. So it’s important to find a box that fits you right. The Reebok CrossFit Roppongi in Midtown is a tightknit group of CrossFit practitioners who have come together with the common goal of improving themselves, physically and mentally. Founded by Reebok Master Trainer Nicholas Pettas and staffed by a team of dedicated CrossFit coaches, Reebok CrossFit Roppongi is an ideal place for newcomers to get a taste of the CrossFit experience and for more experienced athletes to challenge themselves.

Reebok CrossFit Roppongi 7-4-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0032 Tel: 03-6438-9813 Web: www.reebokcrossfit-roppongi.com For a listing of other Reebok CrossFit boxes, visit www.reebokjapan.com/fitness/special/crossfitgym_list

Reebok Stores The Reebok CrossFit Series Reebok has been an official clothing and equipment supplier for the CrossFit community since 2011, providing unique styles to that are meant to keep CrossFitters looking good before, during, and after workouts. This year, the Reebok CrossFit Series is showing off a bold new line. Its edgy graphic style is sure to catch the eye, while the ultra-durable Cordura that goes into the board shorts is guaranteed to hold up for an entire year’s worth of the toughest of WODs. Of course, no workout is going to work without the right footwear, so you’ll want to have your feet stuck in to the Reebok CrossFit Nano 4.0.

These kicks offer traction and support for everything from rope climbs and deadlifts to box jumps and sprints.

Whether you want to check out shoes, apparel, or other fitness products, don’t look any further than the many Reebok stores around Tokyo. Knowledgeable and friendly staff members are on hand to give you advice about products that are right for weekend warriors or hardcore athletes, and there is space for you to try on the gear before you buy. Reebok FitHub stores can be found in Roppongi Hills and Shinjuku.

Reebok FitHub Roppongi Hills 106-0032 Tokyo, Minato-ku, Roppongi 6-4-1 Roppongi Hills Metro Hat/Hollywood Plaza B1F Reebok FitHub Odakyu Department Store, Shinjuku 160-8001 Tokyo, Shinjuku-ku, Nishishinjuku 1-1-3 Haruku 2F

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

14 | FITNESS | TOKYO

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PLAY YOURSELF INTO SHAPE he TokyoFit crew offers outdoor workouts in a playground area near Ebisu and Hiroo Stations, and although the gym setting might be low-tech, the workout routines will push you to the limit. Every day offers a different set of challenges that will have you building endurance, strength, power, and flexibility, in a small-group environment that combines the individualized attention of a personal training session with the camaraderie and encouragement that comes with working alongside friends.

Between them, TokyoFit trainers Chris Colucci and Allan Wooding have 15 years of experience in fitness coaching, and know how to keep you motivated during your evening workout—which might find yourself doing deadlifts and pull-ups one day, and sprints and the kettlebell swings another—and will have you always looking forward to the next one. TokyoFit’s students come from a broad mix of male and female clients from overseas and Japan, and all fitness levels are welcome.

Once they’ve completed their introductory sessions, TokyoFit clients can sign up online for workouts that are held nearly every weekday from 19:15 to 20:15. In addition, individual workouts can be scheduled by appointment, and on-location corporate classes are also available. Chris and Allan can also help clients stay fit when they’re on the road by building personal training programs for them.

Drop in for a free introductory workout to get some fresh air, and find out just how much fun it can be to push, sprint, and jump yourself into a new level of fitness.

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EXPAT LIFE | WEEKENDER | 15 Quality Construction Project Management

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Enjoy alpine sports at the Phoenix Hotel, where East meets West in a blend of sophisticated styling and luxurious comfort.

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Offering private steam saunas, Japanese baths, complimentary ski resort shuttles and warm heartfelt service, this is truly a home away from home, nestled within a beautiful snowcovered forest. Less than 3 hours from Tokyo.

Tel: 0261-72-4060 Email: info@phoenixhotel.jp Web: phoenixhotel.jp 4690-2 Hokujo, Hakuba-mura, Kita-Azumi-gun, Nagano-ken, 399-9301, Japan

“Even longtime Japanophiles will enjoy and benefit from Tokyo Way’s tours”.

Douglas Erber, President, Japan-America Society of Southern California

Visitors to your family or company? Want them to understand the REAL Japan that you know, but don’t have time to show them everything? TOKYO WAY, offers experiential tours in English in the Tokyo area. We give guests authentic interaction with the heart of the city and Japan’s culture.

Regularly scheduled Half Day and Full Day small group tours—as well as customized schedules and contents covering all areas of interest

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03-4520-5429 or 080-8900-6921 www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

by Matthew Hernon

urveys related to sex and marriage in Japan have made quite a few headlines over the past few months. A recent poll taken by the Japan Family Planning Association (JFPA) revealed that 45% of women aged 16–24 “were not interested in or despised sexual contact,” while a questionnaire in Spa magazine showed that 33.5% out of almost 40,000 respondents thought that “marriage was pointless.” Hardly reassuring figures for a country facing a population crisis.

Last year Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Administration decided to act, assigning 3 billion yen for birthrate boosting programs that included marriage consultation and information as well as funds for local matchmaking events. It’s a proactive step which is encouraging, but will it really make a significant impact? Mariko Fujiwara—a research director and sociologist at Hakuhodo Institute of Life and Living—doesn’t think so. She believes both marriage rates and birthrates are decreasing because of various socioeconomic factors rather than a lack of opportunity for couples to meet.

“The whole notion of konkatsu (marriage hunting) parties is absurd to me,” Fujiwara tells Weekender. “The main reason why fewer people are tying the knot these days is because of the recession here in Japan. Between WWII and the 1980s people felt [like a part of the] middle class together because of a fairly successful redistribution of wealth: if you had a steady job you could expect a similar level of economic prosperity as your neighbor. This started to crumble in the nineties when the bubble burst and many companies went bankrupt. Since then the disparity between the rich and poor has been growing.

“For those in the lower economic strata, becoming financially stable is a difficult enough challenge when you are [on your] own; the prospect of then having to support a partner and kids seems impossible. Kindergarten, school and college fees can place huge financial demands on families. In a country like Japan, where people are quite prudent about planning for the future, many are choosing to forgo marriage altogether.

“It is a troubling situation that the government, in my opinion, has done little to aid. One of the main components of the 2015 tax reform package, for example, was a tax exempt scheme for presents of

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

money—up to ¥10 million—from parents or grandparents to their adult children or grandchildren. That is fine if you have the money to begin with, but what about less-privileged families who have nothing to pass on? These are the people the government should be helping if they really want to see an increase in wedding ceremonies in this country.”

It is not just marriage rates that are falling, but also the number of people actually going out on dates. A growing number of young male adults are finding romance with characters like Rinko, Nene and Manaka on games like Love Plus for the Nintendo DS. Set in a Japanese high school, the game allows players to take their girlfriends on trips, give them expensive presents or even help with their homework. Whilst it may all sound like harmless fun, Chuo University Professor Masahiro Yamada is concerned that in many cases people “are being satisfied virtually,” and as a result don’t have the desire to find a real partner.

“It is no exaggeration to say that virtual romance is standing in for the real thing,” writes Yamada in his essay, “Japan’s Marriage Crisis and the Future for Young Singles.” Examples include the “JK” (joshi kosei, or high school girl) services, in which men pay expensive fees to enjoy a romantic walk with a female high school student. … Similarly, single women in their thirties and forties are often to be seen among the crowds of adoring fans swarming around the latest boy bands.”

Yamada, the man who coined vogue phrases like konkatsu and “parasite singles”—a single person living with their parents beyond their late twenties to enjoy a carefree life—believes the three main causes of the current crisis are “(1)the dwindling earning power of young men, (2) the persistence of the idea that a man should support his family financially; and (3) the maintenance of the norm according to which unmarried people continue to live with their parents.”

The three factors Yamada talks about are all closely related.

In a survey carried out by the Cabinet Office in 2012, 43.9% of the female respondents agreed with the statement that “a man should go out to work while the woman looks after the home.” For many young females in Japan, bringing up children while continuing to work is not really an option. Revisions to the childcare leave law in 2010 helped—obliging companies to allow shorter working hours

LOVE IN JAPAN | FEATURE | 17

for women with children under the age of three—but childcare support for working mothers remains insufficient, meaning they have to give up on their careers after giving birth. A report by Goldman Sachs, titled “Womenomics 3.0: The Time is Now,” revealed that 70% of women in Japan leave the workforce after their first child, compared to around 30% in America.

That puts extra financial pressure on the husband to earn enough to support the whole family. A poll by the Meiji Yasuda Institute of Life and Wellness revealed that two thirds of women expected their spouse to earn in excess of ¥4 million yearly.

However, according to their findings, only a quarter of men aged 20–39 made that much. The consequences of this, according to Yamada, is that “many young men with poor economic prospects give up on the idea of finding a girlfriend altogether, while women continue to wait stubbornly for an attractive partner with a steady income.”

Yamada informs us that things started to change after the 1973 Gulf Oil crisis—when incomes began to stagnate. Back then, the annual number of weddings in Japan exceeded one million with a “crude marriage rate” (marriages per 1,000 people) of more than 10.0. In 2013 it stood at 5.3, with around 661,000 couples walking down the aisle. A massive drop certainly, but it’s not an anomaly. In the vast majority of OECD countries around the globe, crude marriage rates have fallen sharply over the past three or four decades and in many European countries like Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Germany the rate has been lower than 5.0 for the last few years.

The reason why people are more concerned about the situation in Japan is the alarming drop in fertility rates. In the aforementioned European countries, the proportion of births out of wedlock is usually somewhere

between 30 and 50%; here it is around 2%. In 2014 the estimated number of newborns in Japan fell to 1.001 million—the lowest birthrate ever recorded in this country—while at the same time it has the world’s oldest population with a quarter of its citizens aged 65 and over. According to government estimates if current trends continue that percentage could well double by 2060, while the population will decrease to around 87 million.

That doesn’t necessarily forecast doom and gloom. As Nicholas Eberstadt—a demographer at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative thinktank in Washington DC—points out in New Scientist, “fewer people in the future will mean ... [Japan] has more living space, more arable land per head, and a higher quality of life.

Its demands on the planet for food and other resources will also lessen.” The conventional view; however, is a much bleaker one: a shrinking workforce will result in a huge drop in productivity; this in turn will lead to a decline in investment and savings, while the increasing number of retirees will put an ever bigger strain on the public pension and health systems.

It’s a vicious cycle: Japan’s economic downturn leads to fewer people settling down and having kids; fewer people settling down leads to even more economic misery. It’s a problem that all the match-making parties in the world won’t be able to fix.

What does the man who coined the word konkatsu have to suggest, as a possible way out? “We need to act now to break society’s attachment to the idea of clearly defined gender roles,” says Yamada. “We must get rid of the gulf in pay and benefits that exists between regular and non-regular employees, and cultivate a more tolerant attitude toward different types of families. Unless we act to implement these policies now, in a few decades’ time Japan risks becoming a nation of isolated and impoverished old people.”

MARRIAGE IN NUMBERS

¥4,000,000+ 66% of women expect their spouse to earn in excess of ¥4 million

25%

1/4 men aged 20-39

earn more than ¥4,000,000 a year

decrease in people

getting married Since 1973

87,000,000

estimated population of japan by 2060 Sources: 1.Population Statistics of Japan 2011, the National Institute of Population and Social Security research.

2. “Seikatsu Fukushi Kenkyu” No. 74, 2010, Meiji Yasuda Institute of Life and Wellness.

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

B

ean-to-bar chocolate is the new standard for cacao aficionados and chocoholics alike. This single origin sensation has already become as commonplace in the US as high-end coffee shops and specialty grocery stores. Now it’s making its way to Japan, one hip little shop at a time.

Like its caffeinated cousin, bean-to-bar chocolate centers on single origin beans, from one estate in one carefully selected region.

Where a Hershey’s—or Cadbury’s or Meiji— bar is made up of a mishmash of mass-roasted beans, combined with refined sugar, cocoa butter, and emulsifiers like soy lecithin, beanto-bar chocolate prides itself on using nothing but the basics: carefully selected beans and natural sweeteners.

Minimal, in Tomigaya, uses only those two ingredients. This streamlined operation— founded by Takatsugu Yamashita and his university friend, Kosuke Tabuchi—achieves an unbelievable array of flavors, without any natural or chemical additives whatsoever. Their “Fruity” bar, for example, tastes astonishingly like tangy, sweet, fresh blackberries, a flavor imparted exclusively by the Vietnamese cacao

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

beans. Haitian-sourced “Nutty” tastes of toasted almonds and a bit of booze, while the ironicallytitled “Bitter” boasts 85% Madagascan beans, but is incredibly mild and sweet, like banana.

“The flavor comes just from the beans,” said Yamashita, whose original creations never dip below 70% cacao content.

“Everyone thinks it will be too bitter,” said Tabuchi, “But it’s sweet, because of the quality of the beans.”

The two young entrepreneurs, along with local designer Soshun Saeki, finish each other’s sentences and move about the small shop with a familiarity and fluidity that belie the novice operation, opened just two months ago. Yet already Minimal is showing signs of great things, including weekly workshops where you can make your own chocolate by hand, from bean to bar.

In addition to seven unique varietal bars, which run in price from ¥900 to ¥1300, they sell chocolate flakes (perfect for making hot chocolate, or as a sweet topping) and cacao nibs, a crunchy, nutty offering that can be used in everything from granola to yogurt, even as an addition to salads. “The chocolate you always eat is just sweet,” Tabuchi explained, “But cacao has many possibilities. You can pair it with alcohol or coffee, or snack on it during work, to help concentration.”

“Cacao is very good for your health,” Yamashita added, citing its minerals and feel-good, caffeine-like theobromine. “We wanted to make something new with chocolate in Japan.” You can experience the possibilities for yourself with a free, friendly tasting at their bean bar.

Or, for a less hands-on experience, you can have raw, all-natural, artisanal chocolate bars and bonbons delivered to your doorstep in about three days, courtesy of Choco Reko. The Saitama-based online shop, founded in 2012 by Reiko Kano, creates small batch chocolates

using traditional techniques without any artificial preservatives: just raw Ecuadorian cacao, organic palm sugar, and natural additives, like matcha, nuts, or berries.

One popular option, says Kano, is “Cashew Strawberry Milk,” which—despite its name—contains no traces of dairy. In fact, every item Choco Reko sells is hand made to ensure that it’s milk and egg free.

For coloring, she uses natural seaweed and fruits, such as goji berry or mango powder, making for sumptuously mouth-watering hues. Bars sell for about ¥1,300 each, and the quirky and colorful bonbons—think green algae four-leaf clovers and bitter Buddha’s heads—will set you back ¥3,600 for a box of nine. It seems that’s the price you pay for chocolate that’s “gentle on the body,” according to Kano.

Inexplicably, as with so many trends (think Wifi, cupcakes, food trucks, and tapas), bean-to-bar chocolate arrived late to the party and has been slow to take hold in Japan. However, we predict that it won’t be long before this uniquely delicious chocolate explodes into the boutique-loving, sweets-obsessed Tokyo market.

Minimal Chocolate Open: 11:30-21:00 (closed Mondays) 151-0063 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Tomigaya 2-1-9 Web: mini-mal.tokyo ChocoReko Saitama City, Saitama (Order online) Web: chocoreko.com

by Sarah Custen

JIMMY CHOO BELGRAVIA HIGH TOPS If you thought Jimmy Choo shoes only came in towering stilettos, fit only for the female cast of Sex and the City, you might be reassured to find out the famed designer also makes sneakers, including this pair of Belgravia high tops. And these Choos are definitely made for walking: the supple leather men’s kicks offer city walking comfort and runway swag.

Price: ¥87,480 and up Where: www.jimmychoo.jp

CHAMPAGNE JACQUART BRUT MOSAIQUE A mosaic of crus, grape varieties, aromas and flavors, Jacquart’s flagship cuvée—which was served at the Nobel Prize gala dinner—could not be more aptly named. The freshness and balance on the palate emphasize the character of the wine, while its light body reveals delicate aromas and showcases the elegance of the Jacquart style.

Price: ¥6,480 Where: Isetan Shinjuku More info: www.champagne-jacquart.com

PRINCESSE TAM TAM BRA AND PANTY SET No V-Day would be complete without a little underwear drawer update, but sometimes knowing just what to pick can be tough for a guy. We recommend this Princesse Tam Tam naughty-yet-nice combo, complete with embroidered daisies and just the right amount of sheer. After all, every miss wants to feel pretty under all those winter layers...

Price: ¥12,400 for the set Where: www.princesstamtam.jp

SABON VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT POUCH A selection from SABON’s popular men’s line—the “Gentleman series”—which features impressive, chic design, complemented by the elegant scent of citrus. The Valentine’s selection includes Hair Shampoo, Shower Oil, and Hand Cream, and makes a great gift for that special someone, or anyone else who’s close to your heart.

Price: ¥7,800 Where: SABON locations around Japan More info: www.sabon.co.jp

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

GALLERY GUIDE

TOKYO GALLERY GUIDE OUR PICKS FROM THE EXHIBITIONS AROUND TOWN

by Sarah Custen

Musée du Louvre: Genre Painting – Scenes from Daily Life

P

einture de genre, or genre painting, emerged from the decline of religious and historical painting in the 19th century, breathing new life into a stagnant artistic culture that had heretofore idealized landscape, portraiture, still life, and above all religion and history. Genre painting celebrates the beautiful mess of daily life with vivid color and palpable movement.

Divided into eight thematic sections, this exhibition features more than 80 works culled from the Louvre’s incredible collection of genre paintings, which spans four centuries, from the Renaissance to the mid-19th century, and nearly every region of Europe. Prominent artists include Rembrandt, Millet, Tiziano and Vermeer, whose famous painting, “The Astronomer,” will be shown for the first time in Japan.

Curator Ayako Miyajima sees genre

painting as particularly palatable for those unfamiliar with Western history and art. “Religious paintings and mythological paintings...are hard to approach, because you need to understand the background story,” she explained. However, genre painting deals with common themes of daily life, which allows for “feelings of closeness,” according to Miyajima.

While Bridgestone’s “Best of the Best” has a 19th century French focus, and Tokyo Met’s “Neo-Impressionism” exhibition features works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Genre Painting—Scenes from Daily Life covers earlier works, “mainly old master paintings of the Renaissance through the first half of the 19th century,” explained Miyajima, suggesting, “It might be interesting to visit our exhibition first, so that you can understand the full breadth of Western Art.” Johannes Vermeer (The Astronomer) 1668 oil on canvas

The National Art Center, Tokyo Dates: February 21–June 1, 2015 Open: Open 10:00–18:00, some Fridays until 20:00, closed Tuesdays Web: www.ntv.co.jp/louvre2015/english/

51×45 cm Photo © RMN-Grand Palais (musée du Louvre) / René-Gabriel Ojéda / distributed by AMF–DNPartcom

Best of the Best

T

he Bridgestone Museum

such as Manet, Cezanne, Monet,

of Art will close its doors

Renoir, Gaugin, Matisse and Picas-

on May 18, 2015, under-

so,” according to Tsuyoshi Kaizuka,

going several years of

senior chief curator. The exhibition

large-scale renovations in order

further explores modern Europe-

to reopen, bigger and better, in

an art’s influence on Japanese oil

time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

paintings as well as post-war art in

“Best of the Best” celebrates the

France and the U.S.

museum’s growth from the small

personal collection of founder

Bridgestone’s efforts to “flourish

Ishibashi Shojiro to a world-class

the collection,” said Kaizuka, add-

assemblage of nearly 2,500 works.

ing “The collection demonstrates

Japanese people’s love for and taste

In order to go out with a bang,

All of this is meant to highlight

Left: FUJISHIMA Takeji, Black Fan, 1908-1909 Right: Pierre-Auguste RENOIR,

curators have chosen 160 pieces

in fine art.” Now is your chance to

Mlle Georgette Charpentier Seated, 1876,

that “trace the history of modern

experience “The Best of the Best,”

art in Europe through representa-

before it becomes even better.

Bridgestone Museum of Art Dates: January 31–May 17, 2015 Open: 10:00–18:00, Fri. until 20:00, closed Mon. (exc. May 4) Web: www.bridgestone-museum.gr.jp/en/exhibitions/

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

tive works by individual painters

ART & EXHIBITIONS | CULTURE | 21 Neo-Impressionism, from Light to Color

A

s their title would suggest, Neo-Impressionists are interested in light, color and modern life, and much like their predecessors--the impressionists--they tried to find a different, modern way to convey this. However, unlike Monet and his contemporaries, the “neos” (as exhibition supervisor Marina FerrettiBocquillon lovingly terms them) sought to find “new, permanent rules for harmony and beauty.”

Neos looked to science, particularly Eugene Chevreul and Charles Henry’s theories about color, in order to empower and enliven their work. A well-known example of this is Georges Seurat’s “pointillism,” which uses small dots of pure color to create an optical illusion of blended colors, when seen from afar. Ultimately,

Georges Seurat, The Seine at Courbevoie, 1885, Oil on canvas 81×65.2cm, Private Collection © Droit Réservé

the neos “hoped to reach a more radical, equilibrated aesthetic,” explained FerrettiBocquillon.

This exhibition highlights the first phase of Neo-Impressionism, from 1886 to 1891, guided

by Seurat, who then passed the mantle to Paul Signac, through to Henri Matisse and Andre Derain, who used Neo-Impressionism as a jumping off point for finding their own way. “We tried to show very precisely how the movement evolved, step by step, with a very fast and large diffusion in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands” she said.

“From Impressionism to 20th Century painting...from great international museums to private collections...from Japan, Europe, the United States and Australia,” she added, “each painting is significant here.”

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Dates: January 24–March 29, 2015 Open: 9:30–17:30, Fridays until 20:00, closed Mondays Web: www.tobikan.jp/en/exhibition/h26_neoimpressionism.html

Gallery’s Eye

T

his unique and collaborative exhibition focuses on the particular points of view of 10 different Japanese galleries, selected by Takeaki Matsumoto, owner of “Utsuwa note” gallery in Kawagoe. Matsumoto wanted to give the galleries the opportunity to show “how they look at the Japanese crafts and art scene, and what makes them pick up artists to introduce in their gallery,” said PR representative Saiko Ena. “Each gallery selected only a few artists out of their usual lists to show and sell especially at this exhibition,” she explained.

Of the 10 galleries, some are local, and some come from outside Tokyo, but all are “well-known, sophisticated and knowledgeable,” said Ena. “Their word and perspective can influence the craft market and artists.”

The two-day exhibition takes place inside Kaikai Kiki gallery in Moto-Azabu, where the selected Kaikai Kiki Gallery Dates: February 14–February 15, 2015 Open: 11:00–19:00 Web: en.gallery-kaikaikiki.com/

galleries—Toukyo, DEE’S HALL, gallery yamahon, Jikonka Tokyo, feel art zero, tokinokumo, Saruyama, Utsuwa Kaede, Utsuwa note, and Oz Zingaro—will set up pop-up booths, displaying and selling pottery, glass-ware, wood crafts (including urushi—Japanese traditional lacquerware), metal crafts, and other objects, pictures and sculptures produced by some 70 Japanese artists. “Some products are modern, some are traditional, some might be avant-garde,” said Ena.

Visitors are encouraged to touch the pieces, in order to “discover the beauty and warmth of hand-made products and natural materials,” said Ena, and some of the artists themselves will be present to meet and talk with the public. She added, “the most interesting part is finding the difference of each gallery’s eye through the pieces they bring to the exhibition.”

tokinokumo

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

22 | EDUCATION | EXCHANGE

MIRACLE BOAT A boat washed away by the 2011 tsunami finds its way to Northern California and brings two schools together

Here is a present no one hoped to receive—a lost boat coming home, carrying the bonds of friendship forever.

I

t all started with a boat. Actually, it started with the tsunami that hit Rikuzentakata back in 2011, but the miracle part of the story starts with a boat.

Takata High School has a Marine Sciences Division, and a boat the students used in class was ripped away from the dock, lost forever. Or, so we all thought. Fast forward two years, a boat washes up on the shores of Crescent City, California and here is where the real miracle begins.

The Facebook page run by the city of Rikuzentakata (www.facebook.com/RikuzentakataCity ) received a message and a series of photos. “Is this boat something that belongs to your high school?” I browsed the photos and saw the large hand-written letters, the magic marker ink fading in places. Takata High

School. In Japanese. Was this our boat?

I called a high school teacher from the Marine Sciences Division and said, “I think I have something you’ll like. I’m sending you a photo.” He called five minutes later. “What is this? Where is it? Yeah. That’s our boat.”

A flurry of e-mails and telephone calls ensued between me, the Sheriff’s Office of Del Norte County, the Japanese Consulate in San Francisco, and NOAA. The boat was officially designated tsunami debris by both governments, but it remained sitting in the parking lot of the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office. What next?

“Our students are cleaning up the boat,” wrote Principal Coleen Parker of Del Norte High School in an e-mail to me. The boat was covered in barnacles resembling thick strands of spaghetti. Once hardened these creatures were impossible to remove but a group of students hacked away, revealing the white and blue underneath. I notified Takata High School again and began the process of returning the boat to Rikuzentakata.

Six months later the boat made its way back to our city, greeted with a bouquet of flowers and a group of students. Local newspapers sent crews of cameras and reporters to cover the story. “Let’s get these students connected,” I said to Principal Akihiko

Yokota of Takata High School. “Let’s start an exchange program.”

More phone calls and e-mails crisscrossed the Pacific. In February 2014, students from Del Norte High School arrived in Rikuzentakata and met with Takata High School students. How could we continue this exchange and keep the story of the miracle relevant?

Here was an incredible opportunity for a long-term relationship, for a more formal sister-school program to emerge.

With funding provided to cover travel expenses, fourteen students and three teachers from Takata High School visited Del Norte High School in early January this year. The students stayed with local families while attending school during the week. They visited local Native American tribes. They saw where the boat landed. They visited Redwood National Forest. They ate pizza, clam chowder, and cheeseburgers (ordering for themselves in English). Facebook and Twitter messages flew onto cell phones all week as students added friends and friends-of-friends.

Takata High School students who didn’t make the trip were brought into the circle of friendships being established in northern California as Takata High School students introduced their new American families to people back home. Good-byes were said through hugs and tears.

It all started with a boat. Now two schools and the communities surrounding these young people have connected allowing for friendship. Students connected across the Pacific. Programs were initiated. A disaster turned a tragedy into a story of hope. Here is a present no one hoped to receive—a lost boat coming home, carrying the bonds of friendship forever.

by Amya Miller

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

BST | EDUCATION | 23

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty The British School in Tokyo joins forces with United World Schools to bring education to the world’s poorest communities

T

wo years ago I was introduced to the work being done with some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children by a remarkable charitable organization—United World Schools.

It defies belief that in 2015 a staggering 58 million 6–11 year-olds still have no access to school and that a further 63 million, or 17% of the world’s young teenagers, are out of school. Something has to be done and the team at UWS is leading the way.

We work with communities to build schools and develop local teachers, providing a low cost and sustainable way to teach the unreached.

The UWS mission statement says it all and, having now built and opened no fewer than 20 schools in remote rural regions of Cambodia where it offers an education to more than 4,000 young people, it can certainly claim to be transforming lives in a very real and practical sense. I am proud to say that the newest of these schools, opened last autumn in Dor Village, Ratanakiri Province, is sponsored and will be sustained by the community of The British School in Tokyo.

To build the school we had to raise an

initial sum of twenty thousand US dollars, but for our students and wider community this is so much more than a one-off charity fund-raising exercise.

Over the next ten years we will continue to support the children and teachers in the village and build on our links with our Cambodian sister school. There will be visits and exchanges, and I am firmly of the opinion that our young people here at BST will gain as much from the relationship as the village children.

Through the work of United World Schools in Cambodia, and more recently in Myanmar and Nepal, more than 5,000 children now receive the education which should be their right, but which would otherwise have been beyond their reach.

Take, for example, the story of Pros. He had never been to school and could only speak his own tribal language. He spent his childhood looking after his younger siblings and tending the water buffalo. In 2009 UWS built a school in his village. Pros is now bilingual and can read and write in Khmer. He continues to look after the water buffalo but now he takes his younger siblings to school with him.

Chris Howarth, Director and founder of United World Schools, understands what education can mean for children like

Pros. Working in this way, we see cycles of poverty being broken. Through the simple opportunity of being able to go to school, we see children’s lives and whole communities being transformed.

When so many in our world have so little and so much is given to so few, it is surely more important than ever that our own education should take us beyond the narrow confines of our comfortable lives and help us to stand in the shoes of others. With UWS I believe that we can do just that.

To learn more about the work of United World Schools, please visit their website: www.unitedworldschools.org and, if you would like to know how you can help The British School in Tokyo support and maintain Dor Village School, do contact the Principal, Brian Christian: bchristian@bst.ac.jp

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

24 | EDUCATION | ASIJ

Education

by Design At The American School in Japan, students learn how thinking like a designer can help solve problems in a variety of subjects

W

hen we hear the word “design,” we are more likely to begin thinking about the keen lines of a new smartphone or a captivating website than we are a new way of looking at the learning process.

However, if you stop to consider the reasons why a phone’s curves seem to rest perfectly in your hand, or start to think about the decisions behind a site being laid out the way it is, you quickly come to understand that any design choice involves asking many questions—who will be using this?

What are his or her needs? What are the possible difficulties they might encounter when using a given design?—before the first model is even made. And since no project can ever be perfect from the beginning, the design process is one that demands multiple

IN BRIEF • Located in Chofu, Western Tokyo (Early Learning Center in Roppongi) • Diverse student body drawn from 38 different nations • State-of-the-art resources for academics, athletics, and the arts

“failures,” each one pointing to an aspect that still needs to be improved.

“Design Thinking,” then, is an approach that combines open-minded creativity with refinement and intellectual rigor, and as students at The American School in Japan continue to demonstrate, it is a mindset that can be used in a variety of subjects, from the arts to formal scientific disciplines. Students take a compulsory Creative Design class in sixth grade—from August compulsory seventh and ninth grade courses will be added—and they have a wealth of resources at hand with which they can make, build, and create, including several 3D printers, a 3D scanner, and small, programmable computers known as Raspberry Pis, in addition to Lego Mindstorm and VEX robotics kits.

Before students in the higher grades begin printing their own 3D shapes in the design labs or programming robots to do battle in friendly competition, they have already learned in the early grades how to “think like designers.” For example, in December, elementary school students joined in on the worldwide Hour of Code project, where activities ranged from programming small robots to developing more complicated software projects on their iPads.

But it was walking in on a fourth grade

Students are inspired to design their own problem solving approaches that will prepare them for university life and the challenges that lie beyond. class and back into ancient history that showed just how flexible—and powerful—Design Thinking could be. The fourth graders had been studying ancient civilizations and the various inventions that those societies had developed, and as their final project for the unit, they were tasked with trying to “reverse engineer” one of those technologies, without any assistance. For example, one had chosen the Roman road system, another was studying the architecture of the Roman Empire’s most famous buildings, and another pair was looking at the basic building material that made all of these possible: cement.

As the pair explained the process they went through in order to try to recreate this ancient technology, the crucial elements of Design Thinking could be seen very clearly: immersion, brainstorming, collaboration, prototyping, synthesis, and reflection. And the students were the first to admit that even after several different attempts, with different materials, and different mixtures, they weren’t able to recreate the cement perfectly. But in the process, they were forced to think for themselves and work together in order to improve upon their previous attempts, reflecting after each step.

Design Thinking is an approach to learning that encourages curiosity and imagination, but consistently requires that the products of that creativity be tested at each stage. And at each stage of their learning experience at ASIJ, students are inspired to design their own problem-solving approaches that will prepare them for university life and the challenges that lie beyond.

For more information about The American School in Japan, please visit www.asij.ac.jp

TRAFALGAR CASTLE SCHOOL | EDUCATION | 25

Foundation for a Life of Learning Trafalgar Castle School helps girls build an education and a sense of self-confidence that will serve them for years to come

T

rafalgar Castle is a place like no other—one that cultivates skills, ignites curiosity and brings your daughter into her own, whether she is an artist, an athlete, an intellectual, or a little of each. Capable and confident, our graduates are exceptional young women who know without question that their possibilities are endless.

Located in Whitby, Ontario, a suburban setting with a close proximity to Toronto, a city that is one of the world’s most internationally diverse, Trafalgar Castle School is a small close-knit all-girls day and boarding school for grades 5 through 12.

Small schools have a way of producing big results; small girls’ schools compound that advantage and then some. We are passionate about knowing each and every student and from this bedrock premise build a foundation that opens up every possible university option.

With over 140 years of education expertise, Trafalgar Castle School excels in educating young women for success at the university level and beyond. Selected from the best curricula from around the world, our internationally acclaimed programs provide an enriching learning environment for our students. Our “world-best curriculum” includes Little Red Schoolhouse—University of Chicago Writing Program, Latin, Robotics, London, Music, and Singapore Math and Science. In addition, the I3 (I-Cubed) Initiative is transforming the way that Trafalgar students learn by creating a context

for the application and exploration of knowledge in real-world settings. Building on the rigor and diversity of the School’s world-best curricula, students are guided to ask “wicked questions” and attempt to answer them through experiences beyond the Castle walls. The program strives to help students make meaningful connections between their courses and the wider world and increase their confidence, capacity and adaptability.

Our classrooms are just the beginning.

At Trafalgar, we offer a full life outside of the classroom, knowing that, for girls, taking risks and trying new things builds resilience and self-esteem—those key characteristics that will carry them through the toughest times. Whether it’s athletics, the arts, community outreach or peer support, we have something to offer you at the Castle. At our school, these programs are the fundamentals: the outcome is extraordinary.

Boarding at Trafalgar Castle School is available for girls in grades 7 through 12.

Trafalgar Castle residence is a home away from home that provides an essentially different experience, because students and teachers interact in significant ways both in and out of the classroom. Learning is not limited to academics; learning takes place after class,

IN BRIEF • Located in Ontario, Canada • All-girls school for grades 5–12 • Boarding programs available from grade 7

in the residence, in the gym, and during play and leisure.

Our boarders at Trafalgar Castle School come from many different countries. There are also many Canadian boarders who reside in other parts of Ontario. This vast diversity in the boarding population creates an opportunity for all the students to learn about other cultures and beliefs.

Trafalgar alumnae are leaders in business, science, technology, the arts, and philanthropy. Our alumnae play a vital role in your daughter’s Trafalgar experience.

Education has never been more prized than it is today and we invite you to learn more about our school and a singular 140 year old tradition that has contributed so much to generations of young women.

To find out more visit the Trafalgar Castle School website at www.trafalgarcastle.ca

26 | EDUCATION | AOBA-JAPAN

LEARNING, EXTENDED: Aoba-Japan International School

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f someone explained to you how to ride a bicycle in the classroom, but never gave you the chance to practice, how well do you think you would do on your first attempts at riding around the block? If you’ve ever tried to learn a new skill, you are well aware that putting new knowledge into practice is often the best way—if not the only way—to really learn something.

Of course, formal learning in the classroom will always be the cornerstone of any school’s academic programs, but it is becoming more and more clear that students do best when they can use practical, and fun, projects that allow them to test themselves and find connections across subjects.

This is something that students, teachers and administrators at Aoba-Japan International School have seen for themselves as they’ve developed their Extension and Summer School Programs over the past few years. With the backing of new parent company BBT, the school has made significant strides in improving physical infrastructure—most recently, new football and basketball areas, and big changes are coming to the classrooms themselves. But some of the most important steps include a move towards the International Baccalaureate curriculum and a set of after-school programs that “move international school education out of the ‘September to June, 9 am to 3 pm mindset,’ and away from the ‘foreign students only’ paradigm,” as Greg Culos, Director of Development at Aoba-Japan, explained.

One approach that these programs use to

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

help students experience a new learning approach is to rethink one of the fundamental systems for organizing any school: grade levels. “Rather than following the traditional model of students in classes, the entire population of students had as many opportunities as possible to participate on projects together. In the first year we did this by creating groups for particular activities that allowed older students to work with younger students. This generated an environment where the older kids acted as mentors and friends/supporters of the younger kids,” Culos explained. The following year, students were divided into two different kinds of groups—one for students at the same grade level, and another made up of a cross-section of ages/grade levels. This arrangement made for an even stronger sense of community, despite the fact that enrollment in the program has doubled year after year.

In addition to a variety of activities and projects that took place on campus, participants in the summer school programs visited locations across the Greater Tokyo area, including many museums, an assortment of Embassies, Mt. Takao, Ome River, the Ara River, and many more interesting places.

Students involved in the programs are able to get involved in a variety of educational and entertaining activities taught by a group of certified teachers, instructors, and coaches from around the world.

Most of the students in Aoba’s Summer Camp are Japanese, and not native English speakers. This is something that Culos sees as intrinsically linked to the school’s larger goal: “providing an accessible and meaningful point of interaction between the local and global populations by providing opportunities that will help Japanese students become more internationally minded themselves. In an insular country such as Japan, one of the roles of the international school should be to provide

IN BRIEF • Located in Nerima, Tokyo (Additional Kindergarten campus in Meguro) • Innovative extension programs for Aoba and local community students • Education with a global perspective

an experience of accessible cultural and social diversity.” So, as students are mixed across grade levels in the Summer Program, Japanese and native English speakers are also integrated, creating another level of linguistic and cultural sharing.

In January, the school launched an afternoon program, AJE Afternoons, which provides students with the opportunity to take a wide variety of applied learning opportunities that range from technology and robotics to dance, music, acting and more. Another new addition is the Saturday Camp series that focuses on English-language learning.

All of these programs are open to students who attend Aoba-Japan, as well as to students who live nearby. At the same time, the school is actively recruiting students from overseas, which adds yet another dynamic dimension to this new stage of the school’s development, making it an enriching and exciting educational environment for domestic and international students alike.

For more information about Aoba-Japan International School’s extension programs please visit the official website. www.japaninternationalschool.com

At Gymboree, newborns to 5-year-olds can move, explore, and stretch their bodies and minds.

In addition to our classes, our FREE member-only Playgyms offer a great opportunity for socialization.

Gym

Music

Art

Sports

Preschool

www.gymboree.jp Motoazabu

Lalaport Yokohama

NISHIMACHI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Nishimachi is...

• Academically rigorous.

• A Pioneer... in English and Japanese language education in Japan.

• Multicultural... with a student body of 370 children representing 30 countries.

• Small and intimate... which enables us to promote the optimal wellbeing and growth of each individual.

• Coeducational and non-sectarian... Kindergarten through Grade 9.

• Accredited... by WASC & CIS. • Conveniently located... in a residential area of central Tokyo favored by the diplomatic and expatriate communities.

Visit our campus and experience the warm atmosphere of Nishimachi!

03-3451-5520

2-14-7 Moto Azabu, Minato, Tokyo 106-0046

www.nishimachi.ac.jp

K–9

admissions@nishimachi.ac.jp

Jiyugaoka

SEISEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Seisen is an international Catholic school sponsored by the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our program spans preschool (with a toddler program for 2-year-olds), elementary, middle and high school years. Here, the students have the chance to take Religion classes and attend Mass.

As an IB school, we offer the Primary Years Program (PYP), an elementary curriculum framework for international education; and for high schoolers, a diploma that gives them a university entry credential for colleges worldwide. Seisen is about loving others. For the past 50 years, Seisen has been putting love into action within the school and beyond.

03-3704-2661 www.seisen.com

12-15 Yoga 1-chome, Setagaya-ku,Tokyo 158-0097 preschool- grade 12

info@seisen.com

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

28 | WEEKENDER | EXPAT LIFE

Hammered Damascus Steel—Set of 2 or 3 Carbon Steel— Set of 2 This pair of expertly crafted carbon steel blades provides you with the perfect kitchen combination: an all-purpose knife for meat and fish, and a small vegetable knife. (¥23,300)

Damascus steel knives have a unique appearance that is immediately recognizable. Available in a set of two or three, these knives come with a hard case for easy storage or transportation. (set of 2: ¥17,400, set of 3: ¥27,800)

Carbon Steel wa-santoku With edges sharp and delicate enough to shave wafer-thin slices from a piece of meat or fish, Kamata Hakensha’s carbon steel knives are a perfect example of Japanese style and craftsmanship. (¥8,800)

Damascus Steel with Flower Pattern The stainless, cobalt-alloy Damascus steel blade is easy to maintain and keep sharp, while the floral motif etched onto the side and the wooden, Japanese-style handle transform this practical meat and fish knife into a work of art. (¥26,800–35,800)

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

EXPAT LIFE | WEEKENDER | 29

Haraguchi International Law Office was founded in 2004 by Kaoru Haraguchi to provide the highest-quality legal service in a timely manner to Japanese and foreign clients. We offer all our services in English, Japanese and Chinese.

We specialize in: International Divorce

International Succession

Investment in real estate, financial instruments

Labor/Employment

KDX Toranomon Building 9th F, 4-3,Toranomon 1-chome,Minato-ku,Tokyo 105-0001,Japan +81(3) tokyoweekender_sakura_20140930_ol.pdf 6205-4404 www.haraguchi-law.com 1 2014/09/30 kharaguchi@haraguchi-law.com 17:31:59

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www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

Bill and Dewi Sukarno at the after party for the Drum TAO’s “33 Samurai” at Bunkamura

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f you traveled over the holidays, even for just a few weeks, I’m sure you’re surprised at all the changes in our city in such a short time. I decided to stay in Japan for Christmas and New Year’s.

There were meetings with lots of nice students I knew from before, back from schools they attend all over the world. A dozen or more breaks in my favorite coffee shops (Mostly Segafredos), a full calendar of seasonal cultural events, and several parties. Traffic was relatively light, so I drove around a lot, checking out some of the almost daily changes in this truly amazing city. Highlights of my holiday happenings were a great evening with Christmas masses by Father Russell and Father Grimm, as well as an inspirational music presentation by some of the very talented members of the Franciscan Chapel. Another night, thanks to designer Junko Koshino, I saw the latest dynamic performance of the show “33 Samurai” by the group Drum TAO before they left for an extended tour all over Europe. Junko’s costumes, I might add, were perfect for the energetic and multi-talented cast.

Just before the holidays, the Hilton had a huge opening party for their super chic new 2nd dining floor, Tsunohazu. Photos later, but for now I strongly recommend that you check out any—or better yet, all—of the super outlets: the Metropolitan Grill, Zatta bar and lounge, Dynasty Chinese restaurant, and Junisoh Japanese cuisine. I also suggest you visit the pastry counter. The sourdough bread is delicious.

There were about 1,500 people there that night—all enjoying the food, drink and ambiance.

Shibuya stayed busy over the holidays. The Don Quixote shop was open 24 hours a day, every day, and was pretty much full of foreigners.

Many of them were from Europe and their Euros were worth a lot here—some even brought extra suitcases to fill with all the bargains they found at “Donki,” Uniqlo, Labi, Tower Records, and the like before heading home.

I played couch potato quite a bit during the holidays, and thanks to the Uemura family (Tohoku Shinsha, National Supermarkets), I have five or six Korean channels on my home system. I don’t mind admitting

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

I’m a real fan of K-pop, and am really impressed with how professional young K-pop artists, male and female, have become in such a short time.

Korean promoters and producers are really surpassing J-pop with super sets, original fashions, a huge variety of all-color/all-style hair, unbelievably well coordinated dancing, and lots of talent. They’re fast gaining popularity all over the world and I recently saw a TV presentation of a huge popular Korean musical show in Brazil. If you visit Tower Records and follow showbiz trends here, you know what huge fascination Japanese women, both young and old, have for K-pop.

When I think about the rise of these K-pop stars, I can’t help but think about Japan’s idol maker Johnny Kitagawa, whom I worked with for 10 years—his groups include SMAP, Arashi, Kattun, and Kiss-My-Ft2.

They are talented, but seem to be too much under the control of promoters. One example is singer/actor Jin Akanishi. He pushed too hard on his dream of being an entertainment artist: not a pop star. His dream resulted in the cancellation of many of his projects, and even blacklisting.

In closing, this long opening will touch on something more heavy—a letter I received from the US Embassy just before the holidays, titled “Drink Spiking in Roppongi.” The letter said that the embassy continues to get reports of drink-spiking incidents in Roppongi. The victims unknowingly drinks a beverage that has been mixed with a drug, rendering them unconscious for several hours. Their credit card is stolen and used for large purchases. Some victims regain consciousness in the bar or club, while others wake up in a side street or other unknown locations.

US citizens also said they were charged exorbitant tabs in some bars and clubs. When they complained, they were threatened with guns or knives, and some have reported being beaten.

If you or anyone you know has problems like this, contact American Citizen Services—24 hour telephone service is available at 03-3224-5000.

Mori Buildings and Mitsue are behind a “Clean Up Roppongi” campaign—but it’s going to take time.

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(Greece) 10. Reiko Szerdahlyi (Hungary) 11. Mory Katayama 12. Cristina Escala

1. Marwa Ali, her mother Samara (Sudan), Jamilah Al-Otaibi (Kuwait) 2. Nahid

13. Matthew, Siebold Bucher (Switzerland), and Daniele Yoshikoshi 14. Le Nguyet

Al-Hoshimy (Iraq) 3. Hiroko Inayama (Yanase) 4. Siebold Bucher (Switzerland) 5.

Nga (Vietnam) 15. Kumiko Meric (Turkey) 16. Anna Shiga 17. Mary Aida, Rosanna

Abeer Aisha (Oman) 6. Maali Siam (Palestine) 7. Kyoko Fujisawa (Yodobashi Cam-

Kubodera 18. Steven Haynes and Michi “MJ” Sagara

era) 8. Haiti Ambassador Judith Exavier and Matthew Ireton 9. Yasmine Tsamados

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

32 | SOCIETY | PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES

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15 Elegant Italian Evening 1. Mr. & Mrs. Michelangelo Mastrangelo, Toho Music University Prof., Kyoko Spector 2. Col. Enzo Gasparini Casari, Micaela Metri, Rita Giorgi (Italy) 3. Conductor Antonio Pappano, Rita Giorgi and Domenico Giorgi 4. Thierry Marty (Bulgari Japan), Kyoko Spector, Mrs. Hyerin Soh Marty, guest, Mr. Walter Bolognino (Dir., Marketing & Communications at Bulgari Japan) 5. Antonio Pappano, Tiziana Alamprese, Mktg. Dir. of Fiat Chrysler Japan.

New Zealand Ukulele Concert 6. Paul Roberts, 1st Sec., NZ Emb., wife Nicki and son Flynn 7. Rebecca Adams, Kyohei Kusano, Promoter Brigid Connor 8. Joseph Chikwemba, (Malawi Emb.), Ilda Raivoso, 1st Sec., Mozambique Emb., Liberian Amb. Youngor Telewoda 9. Rebecca Adams, Capt. Tony Hayes, Defense Attaché, NZ Emb. 10. Fijian Amb. Isikeli U. Mataitoga, Palau Amb. Francis M. Matsutaro, wife Lucy 11. Tongan Amb. Tania Laumanulupe ‘o Talafolika Tupou, her daughter

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

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Sinaitakala Paunga 12. Takenori Ohmura, JRFU (Japan Rugby Football Union), Ambassador Sinclair, Naoki Maeda, JRFU Singapore National Day—Imperial 13. Aerospace’s Midori Nishiura, Swiss medical student, Michel Bielecki 14. Top gov’t officials Kenji Kosaka and Yasuhisa Siozaki join Singapore Ambassador Chin Siat Yoon and his wife, Wang Lee Moi, for the cake cutting 15. Carol Yoshida, Yasmine Tsamados (Greece) 16. Colombian Consul Jose Francisco Diaz, IBM’s GM Paul Yonamine In and Around 17. Egyptours Mg. Director, Esmat and Mrs. El Gammal, Their daughter Sarida, their sonin-law Mansour, their grandchild Laila at Segafredo.

PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 33 NEW ZEALAND UKULELE CONCERT It was a fun colorful noisy evening at the New Zealand Embassy when the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra presented a lively concert to guests of New Zealand Ambassador William Mark Sinclair.

Those there had the opportunity to meet and mix with the performers, who wore wild clothes, and were all really outgoing and talented.

Kudos to the embassy chef! The buffet was original and excellent.

SINGAPORE NATIONAL DAY The many people from all walks of life at the Imperial Hotel for Singaporean Ambassador Chin Siat Yoon and his wife Wang Lee Moi’s National Day reception were proof positive of Japan and Singapore’s good relationship. There were welcome speeches by the host and several Japanese government officials. The opening ceremony closed with the dignitaries on stage cutting a big cake. After that guests mingled, mixed and enjoyed the superb variety of Singapore food. The Imperial’s food is always good, but they were very smart in being the first to allow embassies to bring in food from their countries’ best restaurants in Japan. The satay, duck and chicken dishes were all very special.

Had coffee with top foreign entertainer here, Steven Haynes, who had just gotten back from doing a New Year’s Eve show at the Grand Hyatt in Singapore. He said the countdown event was a super happening in every way.

HERSEY, HILTON, WEEKENDER ANNUAL ORPHANS PARTY This was my 17th annual Christmas party for orphans. The venue, as always, was the marble lounge that the Hilton staff had, as always, turned into a winter wonderland. Their huge tree decorated with hundreds of teddy bears was beautiful.

Happy to report we had a great turnout of generous caring people who did a great job of taking care of the beautiful little boy or girl they were paired off with for the day. These Santa’s helpers included many Ambassador’s wives, showbiz personalities, community leaders, guardian angels, and more.

The program started off with a welcome speech by Hilton Tokyo’s generous and congenial GM Mike Williamson. This was short and sweet, and as soon as it was over, the full of energy and happy kids headed for the buffet tables that had everything children love— hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, and sushi, as well as Christmas cookies, cake, fruits, ice cream, and more. The hotel food and beverage staff had gone all out to make it colorful, artistic and delicious. During the meal there was a Cirque du Soleil mood with clowns, balloon animals, face painting and magic tricks. Each beautiful little boy and girl was then escorted by their parent for the day out to super Santa (the Dutch clown Rene Bosman), from whom they received their big gift from their sponsor, and a big bag of smaller gifts from sponsors that included Mercedes-Benz, Lufthansa, Paramount Pictures, Shintoyo Enterprise, Spector Communications, Walt Disney Co., Tohokushinsha, National Azabu Supermarket, Toho-Towa, 20th Century, Warner Bros. and Yodobashi Camera.

Then it was showtime and this year we started with the multi-talented Matthew Ireton, who got the kids singing in both English and Japanese. Japan’s #1 foreign entertainer Steve Haynes was there, and as always, was tons of talent and fun. This year, in addition to his playing the part of Rudolph the Reindeer in full costume, he led the kids and their new adult friends in dancing to the Village People’s “YMCA” and other songs. Steve also brought 7-year-old Michi Sagara who did a great Michael Jackson dance number.

My sincerest thanks to all the kind and caring friends who took time out of their busy holiday schedules to help make it the fun, successful event it was. A special thanks to Hilton’s PR gal Momoko Gonohe. She had really been busy with the opening of Hilton’s renovated 2nd floor, but still took time out to really help with the kids’ party.

Finally, I want to thank so many of you for the wonderful Christmas cards and apologize to those I wasn’t able to send cards to. To everyone, I pray that 2015’s a really good year for you, your family, and the world.

TOKYO-MANILA JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL The Tokyo-Manila Jazz & Arts Festival three-day went full blast in Tokyo, from November 28 to 30. The vibrant cross-cultural celebration of music grooved into its third year, more powerful and energetic than ever. Super performances from renowned musicians from Japan and the Philippines’s jazz worlds included Tetsuro Kawashima, Yuki Arimasa, Boy Katindig, and Noel Cabangon. One voice that really stood out was the ever-passionate voice of Japan-based Filipino artist Charito, who set up the the concert series as a means of uniting the two countries.

Over the past two years, the Festival has grown beyond what the producers’ expected as it treats audiences to music from top talent like Terumasa Hino, Makoto Ozone, the AMP Big Band. Sitti and Mon David—and of course Charito, who performs each year. TMJAF hopes to continue to keep the bridge called jazz stronger than ever, bringing two cultures and two countries together. Mabuhay!

ELEGANT EVENING AT ITALIAN EMBASSY A classical concert series by the world famous Orchestra Dell Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia Roma played to full houses all over Japan during their winter tour here. The orchestra, with its more than 100 members, is a favorite with classical music lovers here.

During their stay in Japan, Italian Ambassador Domenico Giorgio and his wife Rita hosted a reception at their beautiful home.

Special guests included noted music director Antonio Pappano and violinist Ayako Suwanai. Other lucky local guests included both Italian, French, and of course Japanese members of the fashion, arts, entertainment and music industries. Enjoyed talking with Antonio and hope to take him up on his invitation to the opera in New York. It was a perfect evening of interesting people, Italian food at its best and Domenico and Rita’s hospitality.

They should be back in Tokyo by now after a holiday in exciting Cambodia.

ASIJ student Alec Fujii raised $10,000 for Philippine disaster

Father Grimm, Linda Yonamine,

A busy Father Russell at the Franciscan Chapel

relief, which he’s giving to Philippines Amb. Manuel M. Lopez

Timmy at Franciscan Chapel

with receptionist Lolita de Leon

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

COMING TO A CINEMA NEAR YOU IN FEBRUARY FEB 21

FEB 14

FOXCATCHER

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teve Carell, best known for comedy turns in the likes of The Office and The 40-Year-Old Virgin, is playing it straight in a bid for Best Actor glory with his latest, Foxcatcher. In this dark slice of American truecrime drama, Carell stars as John E. Du Pont, a philanthropist, avid wrestling enthusiast and heir to a vast fortune. Du Pont invites Olympic gold-medal winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) to join “Team Foxcatcher” in a bid for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Eager to step out of the shadow of his brother, and fellow gold medal winner and successful coach Dave (Mark Ruffalo), Mark accepts. Moving into the wealthy eccentric’s lavish facilities, all is good until Du Pont turns his attention towards Dave and events spiral into unforeseen tragedy. The players are on top form, with Ruffalo joining Carell at the Oscars with a Best Supporting Actor nod in this intense psychological drama.

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

AMERICAN SNIPER

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radley Cooper, breakout star of The Hangover series and the voice of Rocket Raccoon in last year’s smash-hit Guardians of the Galaxy, has shown his (semi-) serious side before, earning plaudits for roles in the likes of Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle. American Sniper sees the actor take a firm step towards Best Actor territory with his portrayal of real-life sniper Chris Kyle in a film based on the Navy SEAL’s 2012 autobiography. Directed by Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood, himself an Oscar winner for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, the film offers an intense portrayal of the life of a man nicknamed “Legend” and certified as the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history. Serving in four tours of Iraq, Kyle is a hero on the battlefield but struggles with familial duties to his wife and young son while away.

On his return home Kyle faces further challenges as he battles to leave the war behind. Sienna Miller co-stars as Taya Renae Kyle in a film that’s been nominated for six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

ANNABELLE

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nspired by a truly terrifying real life case, haunted doll Annabelle made a memorable appearance in James Wan’s excellent 2013 horror-hit The Conjuring before being resurrected for her own spin-off flick.

In a prequel to events in the earlier film the origin of the demon-possessed doll is explored as Annabelle arrives on the scene as a present from young husband John to expectant wife Mia. In a night of terror, satanic cultists attack the home of the innocent couple, unleashing a malevolent presence with the doll acting as a conduit for evil. Screenings of the movie in France were canceled as teenagers ran rampant in cinemas, and while similar behavior is unlikely in Japan you shouldn’t expect high-art from this jump-scare sequel.

FEB 28

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

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tarting life as a comic book in 1984, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had grown into a phenomenon by the late 80s/early 90s, with a huge fan base eagerly consuming every cartoon, toy and video game on offer. The popularity of the mutant heroes has stuttered over the intervening years but now they’re back to kick-start the ninja craze for a whole new generation of fans. Returning to cinema screens in live action form for the first time since 1993, Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Donatello are once again going up against the Foot Clan and its villainous leader, Shredder.

The film is produced by Michael Bay of the Transformers movie franchise, which should tell you everything you need to know about the turtles’ latest adventure. Megan Fox co-stars alongside the turtles as intrepid reporter April O’Neill with Will Arnett providing comedy backup as cameraman Vernon.

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he multifaceted Jon Favreau broke onto the scene in the role of a struggling actor in cult hit Swingers before going on to kick-start Marvel’s box-office dominance when he sat in the director’s chair for Iron Man in 2008. A man of many talents, Favreau is back in the role of producer, writer, actor and director for indie comedy Chef. Favreau plays Carl Casper, a brilliant chef who has lost his enthusiasm for the job after being forced to cook the same menu night after night. After he blows up at a snarky food critic and the video of the incident goes viral online, Casper loses his job but finds a new lease on life, hitting the road with his son and best friend as he serves up American classics in his own food truck. While the film offers a smart script and a mouthwatering culinary tour of the USA, showcasing the delicacies of Miami, New Orleans and L.A., the meat of the movie is in the touching relationship between the chef and his son. The film is peppered with big name appearances including Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman and Robert Downey Jr., but it’s the presence of sidekicks John Leguizamo and Bobby Cannavale that add the real flavor to this satisfying comedy-drama.

FEB 13

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ifty Shades of Grey, the publishing sensation that started as a piece of Twilight fan-fiction before turning into a global bestseller and word-of-mouth phenomenon after its publication in 2011, is finally hitting cinemas in film form. Steeped in controversy, the novel’s success opened the floodgates to all kinds of conversations on its depiction of a dominance/submission and sadomasochistic (BDSM) relationship and on women’s sexuality in general, giving the book more weight than it perhaps deserved. The film generated a flurry of rumors since its initial announcement, with fans fiercely debating who should take the lead roles before Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan were chosen. English author E.L. James’s story concerns young and innocent student Anastasia Steele being drawn into a relationship with the powerful and commanding Christian Grey. As the relationship develops the two explore their intimate secrets and desires, which include a tour of Grey’s now infamous “Red Room of Pain.” Artist and Nowhere Boy director Sam Taylor-Johnson directs.

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

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AGENDA: THE WEEKENDER ROUNDUP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY 1 FEB 27 - MAR 1

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One Direction

Mötley Crüe

Gerard Way

New Found Glory

If you can handle the

While the hair may be

Following the split of emo

Revisit the pop punk

hysterical fan girls, see

slightly less voluminous, the

act My Chemical Romance,

what the hype is all about from the

legendary glam rock band seemingly

lead vocalist Gerard Way has gone

troupe, who served as a blueprint for the entire genre for the

British pop band.

rocks just as hard.

solo, with a Britpop album entitled

last decade.

Where: Saitama Super Arena, Saitama

Where: Saitama Super Arena, Saitama

Hesitant Alien.

Where: Shibuya Club Quattro

How Much: ¥12,000/¥ 19,000

How Much: ¥13,000

Where: Akasaka Blitz, Minato-ku

How much: ¥6,500

More info: www.udo.jp

More info: www.creativeman.co.jp

How Much: ¥6,500

More info: www.club-quattro.com

More info: www.smash-jpn.com

5 FEB 14

6 FEB 7

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Bonjour Tokyo Valentine

London Calling’s Red

Setagaya Ume Matsuri

Gan-ban Night Special

Masquerade

Devil Disco!

February is all about the

feat. Modeselektor

Hide behind a mask

Club veterans London

plum blossom, so head to

(free for first comers) for a sexy

Calling take over super club Womb

Valentine’s night featuring dancers, DJs and ... a lucky encounter?

The German electro duo

Umegaoka for some flower viewing,

is back in Japan, this time bringing

for a special edition night of pulsat-

haiku reading and plum sweets eating.

their sonic chaos to one of Tokyo’s

ing beats and non-stop disco.

Where: Hanegi Park, Setagaya-ku

largest clubs.

Where: Tokyo Salon (Las Chicas B1),

Where: Womb, Shibuya-ku

How Much: Free

Where: AgeHa

How Much: ¥2,000 (one drink included)

How Much: ¥3,000

More info: www.tokyoweekender.com

How Much: ¥4,000

More info: www.bonjourtokyo.com

More info: www.tokyoweekender.com

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

More info: www.smash-jpn.com

FEBRUARY | AGENDA | 37

FEBRUARY 9

10

RACK OF LAMB

11

The 450g of lamb, grilled in a full rack and served at the temperature you like, with a rich Cabernet sauce - and accompanied by mashed potatoes and fresh seasonal veggies. Served as chops upon request.

e

12

9 FEB 21-22

Classic Cheesecak

10 FEB 25

Hostess Club Weekender

Zazen Boys

Belle and Sebastian, Caribou,

Experimental J-rock-

Tune-Yards, How to Dress

ers Zazen Boys will

Well, St. Vincent, Thurston Moore Band

be giving not one, but two of their

and Real Estate will gather for this

typical roaring performances at

weekend-long indie fest.

Billboard Live Tokyo.

Where: Studio Coast, Shin-Kiba

Where: Billboard Live Tokyo, Minato-ku

How much: ¥7,900 (1 day)/¥13,9000 (2 days)

How Much: ¥4,000 - ¥6,000

More info: www.ynos.tv

More info: www.billboard-live.com

11 FEB 5-13

12 FEB 17 Kokufu Bonsai

OK Go

Exhibition

Their latest Japan-filmed

Learn a little more about

And why not finish your meal off with a delicious slice of New York-style cheesecake served with your choice of raspberry or chocolate sauce.

music video was an

this traditional Japanese art form by

internet sensation, so expect a full

admiring a full collection of the bite-

house for this gig from the Ameri-

sized wonders.

can pop act.

Where: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Where: Tsutaya O-East, Shibuya-ku

How Much: ¥1,000/¥500

How Much: ¥6,000

More info: www.tokyoweekender.com

More info: www.shibuya-o.com

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015

BACK IN THE DAY: FEBRUARY 1985 Check out the scene in Tokyo from 1985! You can read the rest of this issue (No.5

FEBRUARY 2015 www.tokyoweekender.com

1985) and view Weekender’s 42-year archive online. www.tokyoweekender.com/ weekender-archives/

Beauty

Glasses should be beautiful—they serve as a frame for your face

Vision

Glasses are tools that help you to see better— and to help you enhance your own personal look

Play

Fun

Glasses can completely transform the way that you look—play around, experiment, and enjoy yourself.

Glasses should be fun to choose—and fun to wear

Contemporary designer glasses that will have you seeing well, and looking good at the same time KAMURO Ginza 7-5-19 Ginza, Ginza Ryuroukaku 1st floor, Chuo-ku, Tokyo-to, 104-0061 Tel: 03-5537-5886 | Fax: 03-5537-5887 Email: ginza@kamuro-net.co.jp

KAMURO Aoyama Jingumae 4-4-11, Nezu Pureisu Omotesando 1st floor, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo-to, 150-0001 Tel: 03-5772-2460 | Fax: 03-5772-2461 Email: aoyama@kamuro-net.co.jp

www.kamuro-net.co.jp

www.tokyoweekender.com FEBRUARY 2015