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Art &Culture
Would you call these images obscene?
In Japan, shunga is considered so erotic it’s been dubbed ‘Edo porn’. Matt Schley looks at the history of the art form and the new exhibition that’s set to challenge the controversy
On September 19, the Eisei Bunko Museum in Tokyo bravely unveiled an exhibition of traditional Japanese erotic art called shunga. Despite the historical nature of the pieces, the art show doesn’t come without a fair bit of controversy: shunga is still considered obscene in many circles, and despite a successful showing at the British Museum two years ago, the exhibition was turned down by over ten Japanese museums before Eisei Bunko bit the bullet. So why is this art form from hundreds of years ago still causing so much hand-wringing in Japan? Here’s the big reveal…
What is shunga, actually? Though the earliest shunga (literally ‘spring pictures’, with ‘spring’ being a Japanese euphemism for sex) can be traced back much earlier, the art form is most closely associated with the Edo period and its ukiyo-e, woodblock prints that depicted Edo’s hedonistic ‘floating world’ of geisha, kabuki, sumo – and sex.
Shunga was painted by some of the best ukiyo-e artists of the day, including Kitagawa Utamaro and Katsushika Hokusai (Hokusai’s most famous shunga, which features some octopus-on-woman action, was the subject of a 1981 film titled ‘Edo Porn’). Shunga was in demand, and one commission from a wealthy buyer would reportedly keep an ukiyo-e artist eating for months.
One, ahem, standout element of shunga is the exaggerated genitalia. This flourish was not, in fact, ukiyo-e artists bragging about the size of their, uh, brushes, but rather an expression of the genitalia as a ‘second face’, one that, unlike the face presented to the public every day, represents one’s true primal desires – hence both the similarity in size and often unnatural physical proximity to the noggin’.
Another unique shunga element: both partners are usually fully (well, almost fully) clothed. Unlike in the West, where bare flesh was seen as simultaneously tantalising and taboo, men and women of Edo-era Japan saw each other in the nude regularly at mixed baths and the like. If anything, it was more appealing to see men and women in shunga clothed, as it helped to identify the characters’
walk of life and to emphasise the period, owned and displayed by parts that were exposed (as if they both men and women. Reports needed any more emphasising). from early foreign visitors to Pour some shunga on me homes in which the man and Why was shunga in such hot demand, wife of the house proudly show anyway? One reason was the Edooff their shunga collections to era system in which the wives of their horrified Western guests. Japanese lords were required by The de-shunganisation of Japan the shogun to live in the capital, came in the Meiji period. Opening making for some lonely evenings itself up to the Western world after for lords in the centuries of isolation, countryside. Despite the Japanese their questionable government sought anatomical accuracy, to bring the country there is also evidence shunga was used as a sex guide for One Hokusai shunga in line culturally and morally with the ‘civilised’ West, unpractised young men and women. Finally, though features some octopus-onbanning shunga (not to mention fun practices like public undoubtedly erotic, there was also an woman action nudity and mixedgender bathing). element of humour to shunga, Police raids in the early 1900s led which was sometimes referred to to the confiscation and destruction as warai-e, or ‘laughing pictures’. of thousands of pieces, and Shunga works are artefacts of shunga, though no longer banned an era in Japan where attitudes outright, has remained taboo since. about sex were freer, to the point Japan describe visits to Japanese where it could be laughed about. Shunga stay or shunga go? Ironically, it’s again Western So why all the fuss? influence that’s changing Japanese Indeed, anything but taboo, shunga attitudes towards shunga – this was widely accepted in the Edo time toward a positive re-evaluation. Many 20th century Western artists have cited the influence of shunga on their work (Picasso liked Hokusai’s aforementioned octopus-starrer so much he painted his own version), helping legitimise the form in the West while it was simultaneously being banned in Japan.
More recently, over the past decade there have been major exhibitions of shunga in Helsinki, Milan and Barcelona, culminating in the 2013 exhibition at the British Museum that serves as the basis for Tokyo’s, which ‘The Independent’ praised as being ‘the most explicit and brilliant pictures of pleasure ever produced’.
Today, it’s possible to buy books and even vintage prints of shunga. Still, with over 10 other Tokyo museums passing on the current exhibition before Eisei Bunko picked it up, it’s clear the shunga taboo in Japan persists. Keep an open mind, leave any Puritan attitudes you may be carrying at the door, and make your way to the Eisei Bunko Museum before December 23. Provided you’re over 18, that is.
And remember: it’s okay to laugh.
EXHIBITION DETAILS
The Shunga exhibition is showing at Eisei Bunko Museum until December 23, 2015.
Address: 1-1-1 Mejirodai, Bunkyo (Edogawabashi, Zoshigaya stations). Open: 9.30am-8pm (Sun until 6pm), Sep 19-Nov 1, Nov 3-Dec 23, closed Mon (except on hols). Admission: ¥1,500 (no admission for children under 18). More info: www.eiseibunko. com/shuna/
Art & Culture
Essential exhibitions
Art and fashion that pushes boundaries, the restless passion of one photographer, and the challenge faced by Japan’s architects
‘Niki de Saint
Phalle Exhibition’ The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT), Sept 18-Dec 14 Revolver in one hand, paintbrush in the other, Niki de Saint Phalle was a woman who believed that art is a means to an end. She tried it all, from huge Gaudi-style papier-mâché sculptures to shooting at paint-filled bags against a canvas. Working from the ’50s through to the ’90s, her unique artistic vision touched on outsider art, new realism and feminism, always advancing socio-political causes while forging a colourful, almost pop art-like style that eventually came to appeal to a wide audience. This extensive retrospective highlights her journey through more than 100 pieces, providing a comprehensive look at this tireless rebel’s artistic struggle. 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato. 03 5777 8600. www.nact.jp/english. 10am-6pm (Fri until 8pm), closed Tue
(except for Nov 3) and Nov 4. ‘Kimono Modernism’ Sen-oku Hakuko Kan (Tokyo), Sep 26-Dec 6 During the Taisho and Showa periods, new fabrics emerged with
‘KIMONO MODERNISM’: KIMONO WITH DESIGN OF INTERLOCKING HEMP LEAVES (1920s-1930s), SUZAKA CLASSIC MUSEUM designs that came to form richly patterned kimonos. As aesthetic sensibilities changed through the cycles of art nouveau and art deco, women in particular began to wear more colourful and modern kimonos. To mark the 20th anniversary of Nagano’s Suzuka Classic Museum, a selection of 100 kimonos are unveiled here at Sen-oku Hakuko Kan (Tokyo). 1-5-1 Roppongi, Minato. 03 5777 8600. www.sen-oku.or.jp/ english/. 10am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm), closed Mon (except for Oct 12 & Nov 23), Oct 13 & Nov 24.
‘Marking the 400th Year since the Passing of Furuta Oribe – Momoyama Period Ceramic Tea Utensils and Oribe’s Taste’ Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art, Oct 3-Dec 13 Furuta Oribe (1544-1615), a military commander and master of the tea ceremony, served under the three lords who endeavoured to unite Japan in the 16th and 17th centuries. Although he continued the tradition of the tea ceremony created by Rikyu, he is known for being fond of bringing a bold and free spirit to the ceremony. Oribe’s creativity tended towards the novel and unconventional, and it came into full bloom in tune with the mood of the Momoyama period. Designs that were said to reflect ‘Oribe’s taste’ were favoured and supported by the people of the times. This exhibit, which will mark the 400th year since Oribe’s passing, focuses on the ceramic tea utensils of the time when he was active and pursues the kind of beauty he sought after. 2-20-12 Shirokanedai, Minato. 03 3444 5787. tinyurl.com/TOToribe. Tue-Sun 10am-4.30pm (last entry 4pm), closed Mon (Tue if Mon is a pub hol), Nov 6.
‘Labyrinth of Undercover “25-year retrospective’’’ Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, Oct 10-Dec 23 This is a retrospective exhibition by Japanese fashion brand Undercover, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The brand attracted enthusiastic
support from youngsters when it launched in 1990, and founder Jun Takahashi has continued to attract global attention since. He has twice won First Prize in the Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix. Focusing not just on fashion, but also photography and video, the brand is revered for presenting its own unique world. 3-20-2 NIshi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku. 03 5353 0756. www.operacity.jp/ en/ag. Tue-Sun 11am-7pm (until 8pm on Fri & Sat, last entry 30 min before closing), closed Mon (Tue if Mon is pub hol).
‘Shoji Ueda Exhibition Illusion/ The Return’ Books and Modern, Oct 16-Nov 6 Shoji Ueda was known globally for his striking black-and-white photos taken on the sand dunes of his native Tottori as well as his portraits of family members and friends. Later in life, he started capturing images of imaginary landscapes by creating miniature sand dunes and microcosms with objects placed on his kitchen table. The series titled ‘Illusion’ (1987-1992) is his last collection and differs considerably from his signature style. While also functioning as a diary of his inner dialogue, it shows a lesser-known side of the photographer and reveals his restless passion and experimentation in the photographic medium. 201 Palais Nogizaka, 9-5-26 Akasaka, Minato. 03 6804 1046. booksandmodern.com/en. 12pm-7pm, closed Mon, Tue.
‘Festival/Tokyo 2015: Border Fusion’ Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and others, Oct 31-Dec 6 This international performing
‘KIMONO MODERNISM’: KIMONO WITH DESIGN OF INTERLOCKING HEMP LEAVES (1920s-1930s), SUZAKA CLASSIC MUSEUM arts festival brings together artists representing different genres, nations and generations. The lineup includes Otomo Yoshihide’s PROJECT FUKUSHIMA!, contributions by Toshiki Okada and Norimizu Ameya, and overseas artists including Spanish director Angélica Liddell. Three artists from Myanmar feature in this year’s ‘Asia Series’ programme, while the opening show will be ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ directed by Satoshi Miyagi and staged by the Shizuoka Performing Arts Center. 1-8-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima. 03 5391 2111. www.geigeki.jp. Showing times and venues vary according to programme.
‘Tokyo Art Meeting (VI) “Tokyo”: Sensing the Cultural Magma of the Metropolis’ Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, Nov 7-Feb 14 Focusing on the theme ‘Tokyo’, this event features different forms of expression and new possibilities in art, explored and rearranged through multimedia and from different angles. Works are by Japanese artists as well as overseas visitors, including an eagerly anticipated contribution from ambitious Danish group Superflex. 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto. 03 5245 4111. www.mot-artmuseum.jp/eng. 10am-6pm, closed Mon (except for Nov 23 & Jan 11), Nov 24, Dec 28-Jan 1, Jan 12. ‘Architecture since 3.11’ Contemporary Art Gallery, Art Tower Mito, Nov 7-Jan 31 A special exhibition exploring new architectural trends in Japan since the 3.11 disaster after which the industry was heavily impacted. The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami forced architects to fundamentally rethink their understanding of architecture and society’s systems. What role will be demanded of architects hereafter, and what kind of future should they envision? Including sections covering energy and environment, the exhibition will review the endeavours of 21 architectural offices, and ponder the architect’s role. 1-6-8 Gokencho, Mito-shi, Ibaraki. 029 227 8111. arttowermito.or.jp/ index_en.html. 9.30am-6pm (last entry 5.30pm), closed Mon & hols.
For more exhibitions, culture features and artist interviews, go to timeout.com/tokyo
Art & Culture
The power of art
As Tokyo gears up for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, cultural projects are popping up everywhere. We chat to artist Katsuhiko Hibino who’s leading the TURN project, focusing on the creative potential of people who come from different backgrounds. Words Kosuke Shimizu
Katsuhiko Hibino appeared on the Tokyo art scene in the ’80s with his works made from cardboard, immediately attracting a following from the enthusiastic younger generation. His works have since been widely exhibited and used for TV costumes and sets as well as shop and restaurant decor. In recent years, he has released several projectbased works that involve building the pieces together with participants at art festivals.
Under the name TURN, Hibino has now turned his sights to art created by persons with disabilities. It’s not necessarily art as we know it, in the form of painting or sculpture, for example. To use Hibino’s own words, this is art expressed as ‘the common values that not just the disabled, but all humans share’, a kind of ‘expressive power’ and ‘appreciation of art’.
The core of the project will be played out at the TURN Festival, where several artists will take up short residencies at facilities for those with disabilities, presenting their works while there. These exhibits will go beyond the work made by the artists to encompass works made by others at the facility. The goal is not to create an array of works on display, but to ‘recreate the environment of three days shared by artists, users of the facilities, and those interested in art – all coming together with different viewpoints’.
Hibino himself has completed short residencies at facilities for persons with disabilities. He felt them to be ‘even more remote than another country’. Hibino says that when visiting different regions, the more remote the place, the more he feels the need to capture the experience in a drawing. ‘Why draw? I want to see, through drawing, how I react to being in a new environment. Since I will never have that experience again, I want to make it concrete. The drawing is not the goal – rather, it is a tool for bringing the experience into being.’ So naturally, Hibino put pen to paper while visiting these facilities: ‘When I visited Mizunoki in Kyoto, I started drawing on the second morning. My body felt completely different. I’ll never be able to replicate what I drew that day. Even if asked to, I could never reproduce it.’
‘The role of art is not just the creation of objects. It is about expression and the experience of the viewer being moved. An apple looks different when painted by an elderly person or a child. Art allows us to see the differences from person to person. That is the basis of art. I want to share that experience. I want this fundamental power of art to be witnessed again by society and to revive this function.’
It’s not necessarily art as we know it
The TURN Festival kicks off in March 2016 and will be held every year in the run-up to 2020.
DISCOVER THE ESSENCE OF JAPAN
Visit Presenting Japan, an event that heads to London this October in the runup to the 2019 Rugby World Cup
The time has come for the Ceylon-loving Londoner to switch to Japanese green tea. At least, for those who’ll be following the Rugby World Cup to Japan, where it’s set to be held in 2019. This October, while the current tournament takes place in the UK, Japanese creatives and entrepreneurs will descend upon London to showcase their country’s allure to a worldwide audience. In addition to all the wonderful, unusual presentations and live art on display, traditional Japanese cuisine and sake will be served. Fancy immersing yourself in the very best of Japan this autumn? Here’s your guide to what’s in store.
Cultural food
Describe the difference between Japanese and Western cuisine. It’s generally thought to come down to ‘umami’ and holding local and seasonal ingredients in high regard, but I disagree. There are other kinds of cuisine that feature the same elements. However, Japanese cuisine has a special charm to it. That is, it intertwines culture and food, including the flower arrangements and the interior decor. I make my own bowls and arrange all of the flowers in my restaurant myself. How does Umu stay true to Japanese cuisine? Most overseas chefs have a predetermined menu, but at Umu, I decide on the menu each day, depending on the fish that was caught the day before. This is quite a common thing in Japan, but since there is no system abroad where Japanese cuisine, which is now part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, is far more than just food – it encompasses Japanese philosophy. At this event, both Japanese and Western chefs will share their perspectives on the charms of
Yoshinori Ishii, presenter at this event and executive chef at Umu London, shares his thoughts on washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine)…
Japanese cuisine.
Fukuoka
Kumamoto
Oita you can buy freshly caught fish or just-harvested vegetables, it took me five years to build a network of local fishermen and producers from whom I can obtain fresh ingredients.
Are the tastes of Londoners and Japanese different? They are the same. When I arrived here five years ago, I was aware that British people like condiments such as ketchup and mayonnaise, but the reason they use them so much is that there is no distribution system in place for procuring fresh ingredients, like in Japan. The truth is, they think the flavours of Japanese cuisine are also delicious if made with fresh ingredients. It is not that the Japanese palate is superior, but rather that the Japanese distribution system is amazing.
Toyota, Aichi Kobe Hyogo What is Umu’s most popular dish? Kumagai, Saitama The Chef’s Selection: Assorted Tokyo Shizuoka Higashiosaka, Osaka Sashimi Selection. It’s popular Yokohama, because it features quality and Kanagawa variety that only comes from Umu. Sometimes people ask if we serve spicy tuna rolls. I tell them that we don’t, but give them something else to try instead, and they are always satisfied.
Timeless creations
Social innovation
Traditional and pop culture have both come to symbolise Japan. Although at first glance these two elements might seem like complete opposites, is it possible that they actually influence one another and thereby evolve in new directions? This event will include time- and space-defying presentations. If you’ve ever been to Tokyo, you will have been struck by the city’s energy, which mingles chaos and calm. Let us peer into the future of Tokyo, a city that is about to transform in preparation for the 2020 Olympics, and consider it as both a tourist destination and a business hub.
Explore Japan Sapporo, Hokkaido Japan’s true appeal lies not only in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, but also in the smaller towns. This event presents the highlights of the 12 Japanese cities that will be hosting games during the 2019 Rugby World Cup. This is your chance to plan ahead and pick out destinations for your trip to Japan.
Experience Tokyo
As an earthquake-prone country that’s facing environmental challenges, Japan continues to develop ideas to support change and improvements for the future of the country. We look for clues about how to solve the world’s problems by studying social innovations that began in Japan.
Sport for
Tomorrow Why do judo wrestlers bow to their opponents? Is the Japanese spirit of fair play, ingrained in even the youngest children, actually rooted in the way of the samurai? In preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Sport for Tomorrow will discuss Japanese sportsmanship and how they wish to pass it on to the rest of the world. The artistic projects of Rhizomatiks come across as media art that treats humans as devices, such as the live footage used for pop band Perfume. Is this intentional? We are interested in the relationship humans have with technology and media. Sometimes we utilise biological aspects like the breath and movements of the muscles, while in other cases we pursue the human context vis-à-vis video media. We also take an interest in human thought processes, computer algorithms, and artificial intelligence. While stage performances that make use of robots and drones would stand on their own without the presence of people, the real point we’re mining is how technology expands and augments human expression. We will be giving a performance in December at Spiral in Aoyama featuring humans and machines. Are you inspired by Japanese culture? It’s possible that certain things unconsciously inspire me. In elementary school, I liked Nintendo, Namco and Taito games, and the works of artist
Presenting Japan YouTube Challenge Love Japan? Got a video clip you want to share with the world? Upload your ‘True Japan’ video to YouTube with the hashtag #presentingjapan and it might be selected to air at the Presenting Japan event in London.
For further information on the date and venue, visit www.presenting-japan.jp Technology with heart
Did you know that one of Japan’s most adored pop idols is actually a virtual reality star created by a singing voice synthesizer called Vocaloid? Top Japanese creatives will reveal the inventive technology they use to give robots like this
Daito Manabe, director of Rhizomatiks and presenter at this event, discusses the interaction between art, people and technology…
a range of ‘emotions’. collective Dumb Type were also a major discovery for me. I don’t particularly have Japan in mind when working. However, I produced a piece with dance company Elevenplay that integrated the dancers, robot arms, drones, and projection footage etc. The artists and curators who saw it said that the detailed design of the system and choreography were something only Japanese people could achieve. I guess that software engineering and manipulation are a kind of ‘artisan craft’ that resembles other Japanese crafts.
Rhizomatiks considers experimentation to be important. What technology and experiments are you interested in right now? These days, there is a lot of research being done into machine learning and training computers to understand images and music, then using that for new expression. These projects usually make use of neural networks. I’m interested in this field and collecting a range of data right now.
VISIT JAPAN IN 2019!
Combine the Rugby World Cup with the trip of a lifetime
If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Japan, then there’s no better time to make the trip a reality than in 2019. As host country for the next Rugby World Cup, Japan is gearing up for the event in a big way, promising not only a festive tournament atmosphere but also plenty of activities to keep visitors inspired. Here, we look at the 12 cities that have been chosen as venues for the games. It’s never too early to make travel plans!
Fukuoka,
Fukuoka Prefecture A gastronome’s paradise, Fukuoka is best enjoyed at night when you can hop between the curtained stalls in the areas of Tenjin and Nakasu. Lift your glass and toast the beautiful local ladies in these cosy quarters, and don’t forget to end the night’s escapades with a hearty bowl of ramen. Prefecture famous for: Curtained food stalls, cod roe, motsu-nabe (offal hotpot), ramen Best local spirits to cheers with: Morinokura sake, Shigemasu sake Time from Tokyo: 1.5-hour flight
Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture The city’s centrepiece is Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three most famous castles. As you leave the city, Kumamoto Prefecture’s nature spreads out before you and you’ll catch sight of Mt Aso, whose giant caldera is one of the world’s largest. Take the opportunity to go for an absorbing drive through the magnificent scenery. Prefecture famous for: Kumamoto Castle, Mt Aso, hot springs, horse meat, noodles, Kumamon mascot Best local spirits to cheers with: Kuro-Kirishima shochu, Bishonen sake Time from Tokyo: 1 hour and 40 minute flight
Fukuoka
Kumamoto
Kobe,
Hyogo Prefecture Along with Yokohama, Kobe is famed as a modern port city and here you can enjoy a luxury stay while surrounded by many exclusive boutiques and restaurants. Be sure to order the highest grade of Kobe beef, an exquisite treat that is loved by the world’s gourmands. Prefecture famous for: Kobe beef, night views, Arima Onsen, Mt Rokko, Ijinkan Best local spirits to cheers with: Fukuju sake, Rokko beer Time from Tokyo: Around 3 hours by bullet train
Oita Hyogo
Osaka
Oita, Oita Prefecture Oita has long been loved as Japan’s top-rated hot springs resort. After the rugby game, step into the exquisite healing hot waters and enjoy the elegant hospitality at one of the Yufuin or Beppu inns. After your bath, wrap yourself in a comfortable cotton yukata and enjoy superb cuisine made with local ingredients. Sure to be a highlight of your trip. Prefecture famous for: Hot springs, chicken, dumpling soup Best local spirits to cheers with: Shinrabansho sake, Nikaido sake Time from Tokyo: 1.5-hour flight
Higashi-Osaka,
Osaka Prefecture Although Osaka’s size can be compared to Tokyo’s, its people are known for being a far more lighthearted bunch. Mingle with friendly locals at the Rugby World Cup venue, which happens to be one of the most renowned rugby stadiums in Japan. Prefecture famous for: Kintetsu Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Shinsaibashi, takoyaki grilled octopus balls, okonomiyaki Best local spirits to cheers with: Akishika sake, Goshun sake Time from Tokyo: Around 3 hours and 20 minutes by bullet train and private railway lines
Kumagaya,
Saitama Prefecture Although close to Tokyo, Saitama Prefecture is full of natural riches. Throughout the year, Kumagaya consistently records top temperatures, but it has profited from the heat waves by developing merchandise that plays on the city’s scorching climate. Kumagaya is also home to Sakuratzuzumi, where some 500 cherry trees bloom in gorgeous profusion, and Ryusenji temple, which is surrounded by beautifully coloured foliage in autumn. Prefecture famous for: Heat waves, Inari zushi, Kawagoe, Chichibu Best local spirits to cheers with: Naozane sake, Kagamiyama sake Time from Tokyo: Around 40 minutes by bullet train
Iwate Hokkaido
Shizuoka Saitama
Tokyo
Kanagawa
Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture Serving as Hokkaido’s political and economic centre, Sapporo is most famed for its annual snow festival, exhibiting artistic snow sculptures and attracting over two million people from all over the country. It’s a must-see event. From leisure activities to gourmet cuisine, you can enjoy a deeply satisfying trip to Sapporo. Prefecture famous for: Sushi, ramen, Genghis Khan (lamb dish), soup curry, the Clock Tower. Best local spirits to cheers with: Chitosetsuru sake, Sapporo beer Time from Tokyo: 1.5-hour flight
Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture The poet Kenji Miyazawa once called Iwate Prefecture ‘ihatov’ (‘utopia’). Within Iwate, Kamaishi is nestled on the coast and is blessed with the glorious Sanriku Sea. A superb view of the deeply indented coastline is its ultimate attraction. Known as the birthplace of modern steelmaking, the city’s ruins of old blast furnaces are of keen interest. Prefecture famous for: The rias coastline, abalone, southern ironware, Morioka cold noodles, iron mine Best local spirits to cheers with: Hamachidori sake, Nanbu Bijin sake Time from Tokyo: Around 3 hours by bullet train to Shin-Hanamaki
Tokyo As the capital of Japan and one of the world’s top cities, Tokyo is a concentrated centre for everything from culture to politics to economics. Its myriad tourist attractions include areas such as Shibuya, Akihabara, Shinjuku and Asakusa, while Tokyo’s east side has gained attention in recent years as an epicentre of the newest fashions. Prefecture famous for: Tokyo Skytree, Imperial Palace, cosplay, crowded trains, being a matrix Best local spirits to cheers with: Highball, Yebisu beer
Toyota, Aichi Prefecture Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture developed as the town near the country castle of the Tokugawa shogunate and the city is now Japan’s third largest, after Tokyo and Osaka. Nearby town Toyota is home to Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan’s flagship industrial enterprise. Join a factory tour and discover the secrets of Toyota’s constant innovation. Prefecture famous for: Hitsumabushi, miso pork cutlets, Nagoya Castle, Toyota Motor Corporation, Nagoya Cochin Best local spirits to cheers with: Kikuishi sake, Edel-Pils beer Time from Tokyo: Around 3 hours by bullet train, JR and private railway lines Kakegawa,
Shizuoka Prefecture Renowned as the region where Japan’s tea is grown. Shizuoka’s Kakegawa boasts a large volume of tea production and is conveniently near the Rugby World Cup venue. Savour the taste of authentic green tea in the tearoom at 400-year-old Kakegawa Castle and you’ll be transported back to the age of the samurai. Prefecture famous for: Green tea, eel, Kakegawa Castle, nature, hot springs Best local spirits to cheers with: Kaiun sake, Kiwi wine Time from Tokyo: Around 1 hour and 50 minutes by bullet train
Yokohama,
Kanagawa Prefecture This prefecture boasts a unique culture that is completely different from other regions, with historic Kamakura offering a beach scene that’s almost like a mini California. Among Kanagawa’s delights is the port town of Yokohama, where the gourmet food of Chinatown and the romantic night views have turned it into a popular date spot. Prefecture famous for: Kamakura, the beach, Enoshima, Yokohama, Chinatown, night views Best local spirits to cheers with: Yokohama beer Time from Tokyo: Around 30 minutes by train
