Tokyo Weekender - January 2016

JANUARY 2016

Japan’s number one English language magazine

HIT 2016 IN FULL SWING How to Stay True to Your Resolutions

LOOKING BACK AT THE YEAR THAT WAS The Stories of 2015

GET OUT OF BED AND GET ON THE SLOPES Snowboarding & Skiing in Honshu

and MoreJANUARY 2016 ALSO: Hand-Crafted Elegance at Wabist Gift Shop, People, Parties, and Places, Movies, Agenda, www.tokyoweekender.com

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JANUARY 2016

CONTENTS

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POWDER QUEST No need to head all the way up to Hokkaido: our guide to riding Kanto’s slopes

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22

25

FITNESS TRENDS

2015: THE YEAR IN SPORTS

HANZAI JAPAN

Some of the newish ways you’ll be getting

Highlights and lowlights from the

A collection of sci-fi tales from the seedy

fit in the year to come

Japanese sporting world

underbelly of Japan’s future

6 The Guide

17 Fitness Products

21 Wabist

Sharp looks for 2016 and a cocktail to help you back on your feet

A quartet of gear to help you get motivated and stay healthy

A gift shop specializing in elegant craftsmanship, made in Japan

8 Gallery Guide

18 New Year’s Resolutions

26 People, Parties, Places

Architectural wonders, Tokyo’s cultural magma, and Tie Fighters hit the big city

Some tips for creating some resolutions that you’ll be likely to keep

Dewi Sukarno’s annual charity bash and Toko Shinoda celebrates her 103th

10 2015 in Review

20 Learning Japanese

30 Movies

A look back at the news that was in The Year of the Sheep

もしこの文章が読めるのであれば、この記事 は読まなくて大丈夫です

Tom Hanks’s espionage thriller, a high-wire tour de force, and Johnny Depp gets gritty

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

THIS MONTH IN THE WEEKENDER JANUARY 2016

JANUARY 2016 Japan’s number one English language magazine

Publisher Executive Producer Editor Art Director Designer Account Executives Media Consultants

Marketing Society

BC Media Group

Alec Jordan Liam Ramshaw Tohko Kanzaki Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa Mary Rudow Sophia Bai Chris Zajko Yumi Idomoto Bill Hersey Matthew Hernon

Editorial Associates

Vivian Morelli Luca Eandi Kyle Mullin Natalie Jacobsen

IT Manager

How to Stay True to Your Resolutions

Asi Rinestine

Lead Writer

Film

HIT 2016 IN FULL SWING

Christopher O’Keeffe Nick Adams

EST. Corky Alexander, 1970 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

LOOKING BACK AT THE YEAR THAT WAS The Stories of 2015

GET OUT OF BED AND GET ON THE SLOPES Snowboarding & Skiing in Honshu

and MoreJANUARY 2016 ALSO: Hand-Crafted Elegance at Wabist Gift Shop, People, Parties, and Places, Movies, Agenda, www.tokyoweekender.com

espite our somewhat cynical leanings—and, to be quite honest, the often disappointing show we humans put on the world’s stage—it’s hard not to take in the dawn of a new year without a touch of optimism.

Of course, to look ahead without remembering back is the worst kind of blindness, so we’ve decided to take a look at some of the events that shaped our lives in this biggest of cities, as well as the sports stories that lifted Japan’s spirits (and occasionally broke its heart). Our reminiscences in the world of athletics finishes up with a preview of our Road to Rio series. In the months to come, we’ll be running an interview with members of the Japanese Olympic

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team as the countdown to the 2016 Games carries on.

While we imagine that you didn’t wake up next to as streamlined a companion as our mysterious cover girl did on January 1, but if you have been dreaming of mountains of white powder for the riding, we’ve compiled a guide for some of the best places in Honshu to get your snow fix in 2016. Whether you’re a veteran skier or snowboarder or still working on staying vertical, you should find yourself an apt spot.

Then it’s on to those promises we make to ourselves every year. It might be a commitment to being a bit fitter or a renewed dedication to improving your Japanese, and we’ve got some advice for you if your ambitions tend in that direction. But perhaps most important of all is the advice we get from Healthy Tokyo CEO Michael Bobrove, who reminds us of the importance of being realistic when we set our new standards in the year to come. Here’s to stepping up your game in The Year of the Monkey—even if you’re just taking baby steps.

Thanks again as always for reading, and the very best to you and your loved ones in the new year.

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 広告に関するお問い合わせ先 電話：(03)6666-4924 メール：sales@tokyoweekender.com 担当：井戸本 www.tokyoweekender.com Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher

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the guide

ILLESTEVA SUNGLASSES It is easy to gloss over the myriad of sunglasses trends each season but the colored lens style is one that we are excited to get on board with. This blue mirrored pair from Illesteva takes a contemporary approach to traditional Italian craftsmanship, a style which has built the brand a celebrity and fashion industry following. The combination of gold-tone metal, tortoiseshell acetate, straight brow bar and the absence of a nose bridge create such a contemporary shape that they stand out from the crowd. They will certainly remain current right through to the blazing sun of the summer months. illesteva.com

EUGENIA KIM WOOL BEANIE Step up your basic beanie a notch with this super soft and on-trend number from New York designer Eugenia Kim to add a spot of Manhattan cool to your look. We found a beanie that has a chic take on the animal ear trend, steering clear of the cutesy and kitsch variations that have come before. The chunky knit design has an element of fun with its animal ear fur pompoms simply adorning the top. There is no better way to simultaneously stay warm and conceal a bad hair day on your weekend morning coffee run than pulling on this wool beanie.

STELLA MCCARTNEY FOR ADIDAS LEGGINGS Feel like you need to dust off the cobwebs after the festive period? Looking and feeling confident in your form-fitting leggings is always the first hurdle to tackle when building the motivation to get active. These colorful leggings will make you want to get up and get moving for a great workout or a loop of the Imperial Palace. Boring, dowdy sportswear became a thing of the past when Stella McCartney’s partnership with Adidas launched stylish, flattering performance pieces. Each collection gets better and better and this season’s printed designs and color tone combinations are a winner. stellamccartney.com

eugeniakim.com

MOJA – SHIBUYA The warm and laid-back atmosphere, straddled with strings of lights, and wafting smells of fried chicken and waffles lures in diners on a daily basis. Giant comfy couches, dim lamps, and the exquisite house cocktails keep customers coming back. With three floors of dining options, from the French-style basement with seafood, a coffee cafe and live bar on the first, to the American-style chicken and waffle focal point on the second, MOJA can be enjoyed again and again.

Weekly events, live shows, and changing menu keep MOJA ahead of the other Shibuya hotspots, and will make you a regular after the first meal. Come for the taste of home, stay for the music and the new friends.

Prices: ¥1000-5000 Address: 1-11-1 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002 B1, 1, 2F

JANUARY 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com

UNIQLO ULTRA LIGHT VEST You may be surprised to see this unique V-neck cut gilet with down feather lining is from high street chain Uniqlo (we were!). There is no compromise of quality or style with this piece so, at less than ¥5000(!), this vest is a real bargain.

This super thin vest is perfect to slip under your coat or suit jacket for an added layer of warmth and resistance against the winter winds. The luxurious down feather padding insulates your body and retains heat without adding bulk to your frame, thanks to the composition of the lining. Staying true to its Ultra Light name, the vest is almost weightless. uniqlo.jp

DENTS LEATHER GLOVES Hate taking your gloves off and risking frostbite when using your phone in the city? Luckily, Dents have managed to remove the impracticalities of wearing gloves by specially engineering this pair for use with touch-screens. That means your leather gloves stay on your hands when texting or choosing your music and your fingers stay snug. In addition to being tech-savvy, this pair also looks very dapper with plush black leather and a simple stitching detail for embellishment. For an added opulent feeling, the inside is lined with cashmere for warmth and softness on your skin. A blend of comfort, style and convenience.

Something for the weekend...A cocktail guide for the most discerning of drinkers

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very Happy New Year to one and all. I do hope that everybody enjoyed the festive season and managed to stay on the right side of merry. For the most part I spent a very jolly Christmas and New Year; however I fear the years may be catching up with me: unfortunately, on more than one occasion I managed to wake up feeling ever so slightly delicate.

Salvation, however, is only a quick shake away. This month’s cocktail is the Bloody Mary, the saviour of hungover ladies and gents the world over, and the only cocktail that is socially acceptable to drink before midday.

It seems that every establishment that you go to these days has a slightly different take on the classic tomato/vodka recipe. An American acquaintance of mine tells me that his local bar serves their Bloody Mary with bacon bits (honestly is the anything that Americans won’t serve bacon with?). As much as I’m partial to a bit of bacon, some things should remain sacred.

My rule of thumb for Bloody Marys is to keep it simple and keep it spicy. The ideal Bloody Mary should be spicy enough to bring even the most hungover reveller back from the dead, but not so spicy that you need to keep the toilet roll in the fridge. And on that note, bottoms up chaps, and I’ll see you next month!

Method: Pour the vodka and tomato juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake thoroughly and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Add Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce to taste and a pinch of celery salt and pepper. Finally add a teaspoon of horseradish sauce, stir thoroughly and garnish with a stick of celery.

dents.jp

EDWARD GREEN CHELSEA BOOTS Worn by the most stylish men across the decades from the Beatles to David Beckham, Chelsea boots are an essential wardrobe staple. If you don’t own a set yet then you need not look further than Edward Green. Although they are a little pricey, the boots are definitely an investment piece as they are a timeless classic and you will be pulling them on for years to come. The almond-shaped toe and subtle suede of these Chelsea boots are so adaptable that they can be coupled with a woolen suit for smart occasions or paired with jeans and a shirt for a more informal atmosphere.

Ingredients: – 2 Absolut Pepper Vodka – 4 shots of tomato juice – 1 tsp horseradish – Squeeze of lemon juice – Splash of Tabasco – Splash of Worcestershire sauce – Pinch of celery salt and black pepper

edwardgreen.com

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

GALLERY GUIDE

TOKYO GALLERY GUIDE OUR PICKS FROM THE EXHIBITIONS AROUND TOWN

by Luca Eandi

TOKYO ART MEETING VI: “TOKYO” – Sensing the Cultural Magma of the Metropolis

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n the build up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the public focus has been largely on questions around the skyrocketing cost of hosting (recently quoted at an estimated ¥1.8 trillion) and controversial issues such as logo plagiarism, outlandish stadium designs and increased security from possible terrorist threats. The latest installment of the “Tokyo Art Meeting” series seeks to answer a different question: what is Tokyo’s cultural identity and how does it differentiate itself among other enlightened world capitals?

Acknowledging Tokyo’s initial impact onto the global artistic scene in the 1980s, the exhibition is framed by two elements that allow people to sense Tokyo anew.

One presents images curated by

Tokyo-based, internationally known creative figures and the other consists of new works by artists who work both in Japan and abroad, all proposing their own concept of the city.

Not restricted to conventional art, the exhibition covers a wide range of media including music, video and design, giving the viewer a sense of the possibilities that are present in the city today and putting its current identity into relief.

Some of the featured artists include YMO + Akio Miyazawa, Mika Ninagawa, SUPERFLEX, Takashi Homma, Saâdane Afif, Toshiki Okada, [Mé], EBM(T), Lin Ke and Tetsuaki Matsue, along with works from the collection of Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo.

Tabor Robak 20XX, 2013, Courtesy: the artist and Team Gallery

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo Dates: November 7, 2015–February 14, 2016 Open: 10:00 am–6:00 pm, closed on Mondays (except Jan 11) and Jan 12 Web: www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng/exhibition/TAM6-tokyo.html

CEDRIC DELSAUX: Dark Lens

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Dark Lens, The Falcon’s Flight, Dubai, 2009 © Cédric Delsaux

s we get used to them, the shapes and contours of fictional characters become as fully integrated into our culture as our actual surroundings. Shaking up the boundaries between fiction and reality, French photographer Cedric Delsaux pairs familiar images of modern cityscapes with equally familiar characters and vehicles from the “Star Wars” universe, to create scenes that induce a sort of “double déjà vu.” The postmodern world meets “a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.”

Serving as the artist’s first-ev-

er exhibition in Japan, and coinciding with the release of the much-awaited film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Dark Lens” features photographs of surreal scenes such as an AT-AT Walker wandering through a thick fog by interstate overpasses, the Millennium Falcon parked amidst a Dubai construction site and two Speeder Bikes zooming under power lines. The fourteen pieces that make up the exhibit have received high praise from George Lucas himself and were released as part of a book, also titled “Dark Lens,” back in November.

Diesel Art Gallery Dates: November 20, 2015–February 11, 2016 | Open: 11:30 am–9:00 pm Web: www.diesel.co.jp/art/en/cedric_delsaux

JANUARY 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com

GALLERY GUIDE | WEEKENDER | 9 Foster + Partners, 30 St. Mary Axe, 1997-2004, London, Photo: Nigel Young, Foster + Partners

18th DOMANI: The Art of Tomorrow

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ince antiquity, patronage and support has been vital to young artists’ development and ability to afford training in their specialties. Since 1967, the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs has been doing their part to help promising artists make their way overseas to learn from masters of their respective disciplines. Since the late 1990s, the annual Domani exhibition has been a showcase of the achievements of the program.

Now in their eighteenth edition, the theme for the exhibition is “the intersection between expression and material: matter, action and data.” The conceit is that today’s artists are not limited to matter as a material for expression—actions and data are also materials with which art can be created, and perhaps are even best suited to convey modern society’s shift into expressive media. The artists featured have been pursuing their development in places such as Brazil, the US, Indonesia, Estonia, the UK, Italy, Belgium, France and more.

Making use of the rich space of the National Art Center and unrestricted by medium requirements, the twelve diverse exhibits range from painting to sculpture, textiles, mosaics, animation, video and installation. The wood engravings of guest artist Sachiko Kazama are also featured for the first time in this exhibition. Additionally, the works of trainees in the conservation and restoration field are presented.

The National Art Center, Tokyo Dates: December 12, 2015–January 26, 2016 Open: 10:00 am–6:00 pm, 10:00 am–8:00 pm on Friday, closed Tuesday Web: domani-ten.com

Top: Aika Furukawa, Interlinking Moments, 2013, Private Collection Bottom: Mutsumi Noda, Namu fukashigi nyorai, 2007

FOSTER + PARTNERS: Architecture, Urbanism, Innovation

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he Gherkin in London, the Reichstag in Berlin and Cupertino’s Apple Campus 2 are some of the contemporary architectural masterpieces created by international design studio Foster + Partners. The first exhibition to comprehensively survey the studio’s last half-century of activity, “Architecture, Urbanism, Innovation” includes models, videos, furniture, graphics, products and plans focusing on around 50 representative projects.

Founded in 1967 by architect Norman Foster, the studio has completed more than 300 projects in 45 countries. Lord Foster, also the subject of the 2010 documentary film, “How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?,” is a protégé of architect/system theorist R. Buckminster Fuller, and has been awarded the prestigious Pritzker Prize, regarded as the Nobel Prize of architecture.

The exhibition, which is organized by the Mori Art Museum, highlights Foster + Partners’ organizational pursuit of themes such as “tradition and the future” as well as “humans and the environment.” Showcased are projects that have outfitted traditional structures with state-of-the-art technology, such as the Reichstag, and in the case of the under-construction Apple Campus 2, the image of sustainable architecture of the near-future is represented. The setting of the exhibition at the Sky Gallery, inside the Roppongi Hills observation deck, affords visitors panoramic views of Tokyo while stimulating curiosity about the future of the city’s own landscape.

Sky Gallery, Tokyo City View (52F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower) Dates: January 1–February 14, 2016 Open: 10:00 am–10:00 pm, last admission 9:30 pm Web: www.mori.art.museum/english/contents/foster_partners

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

MARCH

JANUARY

If a look back at the events of the previous year teach us anything, it’s that you can always count on Tokyo to keep us guessing—and give us something to discuss.

From architectural ups and downs and debates of war to rough-housing dignitaries and movie monster ambassadors, here are some of the stories that shaped 2015

by Alec Jordan

JANUARY 2016 DECEMBER 2016 www. www.tokyoweekender.com tokyoweekender.com

Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa—one man an independent journalist and the other a would-be “mercenary”—are killed by the terrorists of ISIS, after being held hostage for several months. Prior to their murders, a ransom video, which showed the two men in orange jumpsuits kneeling on either side of the London-born terrorist known as “Jihadi John,” grips the world. Kiyoshi Kimura, the owner of the Sushi-Zanmai chain of sushi restaurants, keeps his four-year streak of winning the first auction of the year at Tsukiji market going with a ¥4.51 million ($37,500) bid on a bluefin tuna.

Michelle Obama arrives in Japan wearing a dress by the Japanese designer Kenzo.

Meanwhile, Angela Merkel urges Japan to come to grips with its wartime past. Tokyo marks the 20th anniversary of the Aum Shinrikyo gas attacks on the Tokyo subway lines. Shibuya Ward becomes the first location in Japan to recognize same-sex partnerships. Service between Tokyo and Kanazawa begins on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line.

Ariana Miyamoto, a Japanese national whose mother is Japanese and whose father is African American, is selected as Miss Universe Japan. A statue reuniting the faithful Hachiko and his master Hidesaburo Ueno is unveiled.

APRIL FEBRUARY The Ethiopian runners Endesha Negesse and Berhane Dibaba win the Men and Women’s sections of the 2015 Tokyo Marathon.

Security was significantly stepped up for the race in the wake of the ISIS murders: anti-terror police run alongside competitors on the cold, rainy day. The UK’s Prince William makes a four-day trip to Japan; it is the first visit of a British royal to the country since 2008. The novelist, and some-time advisor to Prime Minister Abe, Ayako Sono writes an opinion piece in which she supports allowing more immigrants in Japan, but suggest that those immigrants live separately from Japanese people.

A Japanese man is arrested for using a drone to carry radioactive sand to the top of Prime Minister Abe’s office, in protest of Abe’s nuclear energy policy. Next month, laws go into place limiting the use of drones in public parks and near governmental buildings. Godzilla is recruited as the tourism ambassador for the ward of Shinjuku, and his giant likeness was erected to loom over the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. The final Rugby Sevens World Series matches are held in Tokyo. Taco Bell makes a popular return to Tokyo after 20 years.

MAY Demolition of Tokyo’s old Olympic Stadium, the centerpiece of the 1964 Olympics, is completed.

A pair of Japanese melons from Sapporo sell for $12,400. Butter shortages increase as the government weighs the idea of carrying foreign imports. Japanese ad giant Dentsu announces that, for the first time in its 114-year history, it has generated more profit outside of Japan than inside. Notwithstanding the continuing stories about Japan’s supremely low birth rates, Germany manages to take the inauspicious crown, with a tally of 8.2 children per 1,000 people, compared with 8.4 per 1,000 from Japan, according to BDO and the Hamburg Institute of International Economics.

SEPTEMBER JULY After months of criticism, budget cuts, and rising building costs, architect Zaha Hadid’s design for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Stadium is taken off the drawing board.

Following suit with Shibuya Ward, Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward announces that it will begin issuing certificates that recognize the marriage of same-sex couples.

Amid strong protests (a rarity for Tokyo), the Lower House of Parliament approves a controversial set of bills that would expand the capability of the Japanese military. After a gutsy performance that got them into the Finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nadeshiko go down 5–2 against the US Women’s team. It’s the final game for superstar Homare Sawa, who has the most caps of any player.

NOVEMBER A small bomb is detonated in a bathroom at the controversial Yasukuni Shrine. No injuries were caused, and a South Korean suspect is arrested the following month. In the first tranche of what might be one of the largest IPOs in the world, the first shares of Japan Post Holdings and its two financial units go onto the market. The privatization of the institution was a major political coup pushed forward by former Prime Minister Koizumi. An artificial intelligence called the Todai Robot Project passes a standardized university exam with higher than average marks. It scores 10 percent higher than human examinees on a test that included questions in math, physics, English, and history.

OCTOBER

JUNE Haruo Hayashizaki, a 71-year-old pensioner, sets himself on fire on a southbound Shinkansen. He kills himself, 52-year-old Yoshiko Kuwahara, and wounds 26. He had complained to a neighbor about the difficulties of living on what he called a meager pension.

The Managing Officer and Chief Communications Officer of Toyota, American Julie Hamp, is arrested for having Oxycodone mailed to her without a prescription. She had been appointed in April. Volcanic eruptions in Hakone close some areas of the popular vacation spot near Tokyo.

An old law that made it illegal to dance in clubs after midnight is officially taken off the books.

Deluges from heavy rains lead to flooding throughout Japan, with the worst in Tochigi and Ibaraki Prefectures. Parts of the Ibaraki city of Joso is flooded after the bordering Kinu River washes over its banks. The new logo for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, first unveiled in July, is scrapped following plagiarism complaints, and an eventual lawsuit, due to its similarity to the mark used by Belgium’s Théâtre de Liège. PR firm Sunny Side Up purchases Bulbous Cell Media Group, the publisher of Tokyo Weekender.

Massive protests continue against the controversial security bills as they are debated in the Upper House of Parliament; they are finally passed on September 19.

AUGUST After 53 years in business, during which it played host to world leaders and even found its way into a James Bond novel, the Hotel Okura Tokyo closes its doors. A new 41-story Okura Tokyo will be rebuilt in 2019. The Yamaguchi-gumi, Japan’s largest organized crime syndicate, fractures into several different gangs. Protests against the security bills continue to rage while the country recognizes the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. In the “good luck with that” department, a group of railway companies, the operators of Haneda and Narita airports, and the Japan Elevator Association declare an unofficial rule that all escalator riders should simply stand, hold onto the handrails, and not try to pass or the right— or the left.

London mayor Boris Johnson catches a fair amount of flak for bowling over a 10-year-old boy during a casual rugby match. Organizers of the Tokyo Olympics announce an open competition for the design of the new Olympics logo. In a questionable bid to appeal to foreign tourists, the district of Ebisu promotes a food festival centered on whale meat.

In a news conference, UN envoy Maud de Boer-Buquicchio makes the controversial statement that 13 percent of all schoolgirls in Japan engage in enjo kosai (“compensated dating,” a practice that can range from casual conversation to paid sex). The following month, de Boer-Buquicchio retracts her statement under pressure from Japanese government officials and complaints that her figure could not be corroborated with any “official” reports. After years of private deliberations, the Trans-Pacific Partnership is passed.

DECEMBER The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee selects a new design for the Olympic stadium. Created by architect Kengo Kuma, the environmentally friendly concept is already raising some hackles for its similarity to Zaha Hadid’s design. Somewhat slow on the heels of the drone scare in April, Tokyo police announce the launch of a drone squad: its unmanned aerial vehicles are tasked with taking down nuisance drones and equipped with nets. The restaurant Tsuta becomes the first ramen establishment to earn a star in the Michelin Guide.

www.

2016 www.tokyoweekender.com tokyoweekender.comDECEMBER JANUARY 2016

12 | WEEKENDER | EXPAT LIFE We Build Dream Homes

Kagami Crystal Shop offers a dazzling selection of cut glass for connoisseurs and amateurs alike Established in Tokyo in 1934, Kagami Crystal is Japan’s first crystal glass factory, and after a visit to their shop in Ginza, you may be inclined to say that it is the country’s finest.

Kagami crystalware has been receiving accolades since the company was founded, and has received commissions from the Imperial Family, the Japanese government, and Japanese embassies and consulates around the world. Kagami Crystal glassware can be found in embassies and consulates in more than 250 countries around the world.

If you’re looking for an artfully cut whisky or wine glass, you can find a wide array of exquisitely crafted pieces that will bring elegance to the table or anywhere else you enjoy your favorite beverages.

The Kagami Crystal Shop also has an impressive selection of “Edo Kiriko” cut glasses, which are available in a variety of shapes, colors, and patterns. You can find decanters, perfume containers, vases and other vessels, which are decorated in a variety of traditional Japanese patterns and designs. Custom engraving, featuring a name, a family emblem, or another design can be performed.

With the holiday seasons rapidly approaching, a fine piece of Japanese craftsmanship just might be the perfect gift. Come see for yourself at Kagami Crystal Shop.

Ginza Store Daiwa Building, 2-1, Ginza 6-Chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061 Tel: 03-3569-0081 Open: From Mon, Fri (11:00~19:30) Sat, Sun and holiday (11:00~18:30) Closed: Thursday

W W W. K A G A M I . J P / E N G L I S H / JANUARY 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com

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POWDER QUEST | FEATURE | 13

by Phil Luza

While many hardcore snow fiends head all the way up to Hokkaido to get their fix, there’s plenty of the white stuff to go around in Kanto. Here’s our guide to getting your ride on t’s no secret that Japan has some of the greatest skiing and snowboarding on the planet. With some of the world’s highest annual snowfall, the country has long been on the radar for powder hunters. Thanks to a myriad of resorts to choose from—ranging from tiny bubble-era destinations with a few runs to high-tech mega resorts that offer a great experience for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros—it belongs on every winter sports enthusiast’s bucket list.

Living and exploring northern Honshu has left a soft spot in my heart for its snowy winters and huge variety of mountains. The broad range of course difficulties and the combination of modern convenience and traditional Japanese culture makes each trip a memorable experience. Winter in Japan offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of mountain ranges and embrace seasonal cuisine, spectacular festivals, and a relaxing soak in an onsen.

Tokyo offers great access to resort destinations in the Honshu area for hardcore powder hunters and weekend warriors in addition to weekend getaways and family vacations.

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WEEKEND GETAWAY One of the most popular getaways is Gala Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture. It’s only 80 minutes from Tokyo on the Joetsu Shinkansen and the station connects directly to the gondola. Gala is one of the most hassle-free day trips from Tokyo and resort tickets are often packaged by JR East with the purchase of your Shinkansen ticket.

If you are looking to get a break from the crowds, explore, or have a unique experience, a trip to Zao Onsen Ski Resort is a great choice. Zao has less of

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

14 | FEATURE | POWDER QUEST HOW TO GET THERE Myoko Kogen - Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano, then the JR Shinetsu Line to Myoko Kogen (3.5-4 hrs) Gala Yuzawa - Some direct trains available in winter between Tokyo Station and Gala Yuzawa; otherwise Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa and bus to Gala Yuzawa (1.5-2 hrs) Zao Onsen - Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Yamagata Station, then bus to Zao (~3.5 hrs) Shiga Kogen - Shinkansen to Nagano, then bus to Shiga Kogen resorts (~3 hrs) Hakuba - Shinkansen to Nagano, then bus to Hakuba (~3 hrs) Tenjindaira - Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa, then JR Joetsu Line to Doai (~2 hrs)

Winter in Japan offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of mountain ranges and embrace seasonal cuisine, spectacular festivals, and a relaxing soak in an onsen. a bubble-era feel and provides a more traditional Japanese setting, with ryokans and local onsen for a nice soak after a day on the mountain. Cold Siberian winds and an ample snowfall create the famous “snow monsters” (known as juhyo in Japanese) that attract visitors and skiers alike. Clumped ice and snow stick to the tall fir trees to create bizarre shapes that are more spectacular than spooky. The awe-inspiring setting and steep terrain offer an unforgettable getaway.

Nagano’s Shiga Kogen is by far Japan’s biggest ski resort area and is also home to the famous onsen-loving snow monkeys.

The snow monkeys have lived in the Shiga Kogen area for several generations and visit the natural hot springs near the base of the mountain daily for a hot soak. The area is also a center of the Japanese craft beer renaissance and is home to some of the finest brews in the country.

The high altitude means Shiga Kogen consistently has great snow conditions, and with more than 20 interconnected ski resorts all accessible with one lift pass, there is a huge area to explore. The 1998

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Nagano Winter Olympics women’s downhill, slalom, super-G and snowboarding events were held here. With more than 80 kilometers of trails there is terrain for every level of rider. For solo riders or those looking to explore these resorts and more the Tokyo Snow Club offers tours all winter. Trips often include tickets to local events, sightseeing, and are a guaranteed good time. (www.tokyosnowclub.com)

GETTING DEEP AND STEEP If you are looking to beat the crowds and score some famous “Ja-pow” there are several ways to get off the groomed trails and go off-piste.

Nagano boasts some of the best snow in Japan: locals as well as international skiers and snowboarders flock there for the steep terrain, variety of resorts, and nearly endless powder.

Meanwhile, Hakuba is one of the largest snow resort areas in Japan—with over 12 meters of powder annually it’s easy to see why. Resorts like Cortina and

Tsugaike offer great access to lift-accessed sidecountry and relatively mellow backcountry. There are also a large number of beginner and intermediate runs available.

Myoko Kogen, near the border of Niigata, is a freeriders’ playground and also a great cultural setting. Created in the 1930s, Myoko derives its name from a Buddhist phrase that speaks about a “holy mountain standing in the center of the universe.”

With off-piste and tree skiing permitted, and some of the longest and closest to vertical runs in Japan, it can be easy for any skiing devotee to find their own Nirvana.

Closer to Tokyo is Tenjindaira in Gunma Prefecture. Tenjindaira is regularly ranked in the top five Japanese resorts for snow depth and is one of Japan’s 100 “Famous Mountains.” Despite its proximity to Tokyo it’s often less crowded than farther-flung locations. It is not uncommon to be graced with 2–3 meters of fresh powder overnight and long untracked lines in the morning from the top of the mountain to the base of the gondola. To access some of the more extreme and remote lines using a guide is recommended. In Nagano the Tao of Pow (www.taoofpow.com) and Hakuba Mountainlife (www.mountainlife.jp) provide bilingual and experienced guides with local knowledge. For adventuring in Tenjindaira check out Tenjin Lodge for backcountry tours and accommodation. (www.tenjinlodge.com)

POWDER QUEST | FEATURE | 15

Skiers David Enright & Julie Nieuwenhuys Photo by Caroline Vanthoff

WINTERLAND RETREAT For those looking for a relaxing day on the mountain and a deep soak in a hot spring, Nozawa Onsen offers a beautiful setting and selection. With traditional Japanese architecture lining the small cobblestone streets, the Edo-era town is renowned for its onsen and happens to have a great ski resort above it. Nozawa Onsen offers a great variety of beginner and intermediate runs in addition to off-piste riding. The ski resort is a short walk or ride on the covered escalator from the village.

Nozawa Onsen also offers a great variety of accommodations, including the modern traditional Japanese hotel Sayaka. The Michelin Guide recently granted the Sayaka a coveted 2-star rating. The Sakaya Ryokan is ideal for small families or groups and is located in the heart of the village.

Nozawa also hosts one of the most spectacular fire festivals in Japan every January 15th. The 42 and 25-year-old men (so called unlucky ages) of the village take on special roles of protecting a massive tower constructed from trees chopped down from the mountain in October. The festival is focused on celebrating the birth of a family’s first child, dispelling evil spirits, and on praying for a happy marriage. At night, villagers charge at the tower with torches. The 25-year-olds fight them off at the base and the 42-year-olds defend the top. The event climaxes in a massive bonfire as the tower is engulfed in the flames.

If you’re traveling with a group that enjoys après style skiing, consider the Bluebird Chalets in Hakuba.

They’re modern, elegantly designed, and conveniently located a short stroll from the restaurants, cafés and bars in the heart of the town. Surrounding the chalets are Hakuba 47 and Happo ski areas, two of the largest and most popular resorts in Nagano.

Hakuba Valley is a skiier and snowboarder’s paradise Ski runs for everyone from complete beginners to experienced downhill riders Stay at a traditional ryokan, a luxury resort hotel, or a private cabin Après ski, soak in an onsen or dance the night away

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

If you find the whole idea of getting fit to be too much of a hassle, you may not be alone. That’s one of the common ideas that we noticed while checking in on some of the latest trends in the fitness world. The upside of this is that there are more and more ways to get your exercise in without having to spend hours (or yen) at a gym. Here’s a bit of the state of the art for improving your condition in 2016

WEARABLES EVERYWHERE Wearable products that measure fitness activity are nothing new, but they have truly come into their own this year in both form and function. The Apple Watch is a multifunction product, but a strong contender in this new space, which also features the reliable standbys from Jawbone and Fitbit. If you’re on the fence about the wearable fitness tracker trend, you can dip your toes in with the easy-on-the wallet Misfit Flash, which should only set you back about the cost of a night at the movies. Sleep tracking is a common feature on most of these products, and it’s a good reminder to pay as much attention to that precious downtime as you do your workouts.

Paired with the many apps that can connect with your wearable of choice and you can get a detailed understanding of your fitness progress, and set achievable goals. Of course, this also means that your devices know when you’ve been slacking...

KEEP IT SHORT It might be a sign of just how busy our lives have gotten, but the “short workout” trend certainly isn’t just a fast flash in the pan. The 7-Minute Workout was the first brief, high-intensity exercise routine to make it into the mainstream, but workouts based around short bursts of activity have been popular in some fitness circles for a while. The best thing about these bite-sized workouts is that they’re much easier to say “yes” to than a full-length gym session, and easier to fit into a tight schedule. All of the fitness apps below can provide these quick hits of fitness, but if you haven’t been working at all, you should let yourself get up to speed gradually with these workouts.

APPED UP You may not be able to beat a personal trainer for the kind of dialed in advice and “get in your head” coaching that a live human being can provide, but a smartphone app will always be around, and you’re even less likely to leave your phone behind than skip an appointment with the trainer. We mentioned the Sworkit Pro app last year in our fitness guide last year, and a few updates have increased the number of exercises that you can use in premade or custom workout sessions. The Runtastic series got its start, obviously enough, as an app that would get users ready for running 10Ks and similar distances, but has branched out to everything from pushups and pullups to collections of weightlifting exercises that you can do at the gym. Zova is a relatively new product that kicked off in 2014, and with a monthly subscription, it is one of the pricier apps, but features a good-looking interface and Apple Watch integration. Currently, this one is only available for iOS. One app that we have on our list of resolutions to try is Lark, an app that chats with you about your food intake.

KEEP YOUR SMARTPHONE CLOSE AT “HAND” Tuneband Exercising with a soundtrack is always more fun, but it hasn’t always been practical. The days of running with your phone awkwardly in your hand or having it bounce out of your pocket are over. Tuneband has nailed the shortcomings of other products in the market with a smartphone holder and armband that is packed with all the right features. Made from a durable silicone that allows access to all ports, buttons and camera lenses, the Tuneband comes with screen protectors included and two soft and flexible straps with sturdy velcro fastenings to ensure fit and comfort for all sizes.

Price: ¥¥2,800 | Where: www.grantwoodtechnology.com

A STYLISH COACH FOR YOUR WRIST Jawbone UP2 Fitness Tracker Wearable tech has had a tough time in recent years with many products simply not cutting it in the fashion stakes, regardless of items’ functionality and features. Jawbone’s UP2 tracker (a step up from the UP24 that we recommended last year, but still a bit more trusted than the newest model UP3) has done a great job of successfully combining both style and practicality. Its sleek, lightweight design and range of vibrant colors are far from just a fashion statement—the UP2 tracks your daily sleeping and activity patterns, and provides tips and tricks for improvement along the way. Particularly impressive is the “Smart Coach” feature—your own trainer that gives you detailed personalized health and fitness advice based on your habits.

Price: ¥14,000 | Where: jawbone.com

FITNESS FOURSOME Whether it’s keeping track of your vital statistics, motivating you to take the stairs a few more times each day, or helping you work the kinks out of sore muscles, this four-member team of fitness products is a good one to have in your corner.

YOUR OWN PERSONAL MASSAGE THERAPIST GRID Foam Roller An invaluable and versatile product, especially for those of us stuck behind a desk for most of the week. The GRID Foam Roller is ideal for self-massage and working through any tight muscles, kinks and knots that get in the way of free and easy movement after too many hours in front of the computer or a particularly tough workout. Its multitextured surface is firmer than many traditional rollers, which provides a consistent and deep pressure that hurts so good. Perfect for the back, glutes, hamstrings or calf muscles, it comes in a range of colors and sizes.

Price: ¥3,600 | Where: www.tptherapy.com

THERE’S NO OUTSMARTING THIS SCALE Withings Smart Body Analyzer Step onto this scale and not only will it tell you your weight and body composition, all right, it can check your heart rate through your feet. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections allow it to connect with your smartphone and feed data right into a Withings app or more than 60 different applications. The Body Analyzer can help as many as eight different users set up weight loss goals that can be broken down into bite-sized targets, and the companion app can offer a few tips that might motivate you to stay away from the snacks.

Price: ¥18,000 | Where: www.withings.com

by Michael Bobrove

1. Be Honest

What is the one thing you would like to achieve for yourself that has always been on the back burner? This should be what you WANT to do, not what you think you SHOULD be doing. Take some time to consider what this is, and do not be tempted to make impulsive resolutions over the New Year’s toast. Be honest about what truly motivates and excites you.

Committing to lose a lot of weight only through a heavily restrictive diet is simply unrealistic, especially if you are passionate about good food. Perhaps changing every third meal to a delicious low-carb or vegetarian one will keep you on track—without missing out on a culinary experience. Likewise, promising to run on the treadmill several times a week is not sustainable if you find it boring! Alternatives include social exercises like CrossFit or Zumba, which offer more variety to keep you interested.

In addition to listing your goals, you may want to include what can stand in your way. For example, if you are not an early riser, avoid resolving to run before work. Instead, consider finding a running partner in the office, who might like to do it over lunch or at the end of the workday.

2. Keep That List Short

Instead of an overly ambitious list of 12 resolutions, why not keep it to three or even one that you would like to achieve next year?

Being successful at a few commitments gives you greater confidence to achieve more, and truly focus on doing them well. After all, more goals may be added if resources allow!

3. Don’t Go It Alone

You don’t have to do it all on your own to make it happen. Try sharing your New Year’s resolutions with your co-workers or closest friends. It has been found that people are more accountable to their goals when they involve their community. If you’re looking to get fit next year, a personal trainer can help you get started and stay motivated.

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4. Plan To Make It Happen

Do not be tempted to sign up for the first gym you set your eyes on. Go for a tour and find out if the gym offers classes you enjoy and are aligned with your fitness goals. If you’ve got a specific fitness goal, doing concrete research and consulting experienced people can help you find out more about how to make it happen.

For example, participating in a marathon involves more than just a lot of running. Talking to seasoned runners can reveal that while training is important, physiotherapy support is equally important for adequate body recovery, and better conditioning and performance leading up to that marathon day.

5. Nobody’s Perfect

It is just as important to be kind to yourself as it is to be accountable. Don’t get discouraged if you miss one yoga session; plan instead to make it for the next one. Remember: a New Year’s resolution should be a long term goal. You have one year to make it and keep it. However, if your research reveals that your goal might not be achievable within the year, consider making it a two-year goal.

6. Reward Yourself

Above all, don’t lose sight of the big picture—resolutions are about improving your general well-being and savoring what life has to offer. While you are making that list, be sure to throw in a commitment to treating yourself from time to time. That may well come with trying something new like a Thai massage, disconnecting yourself electronically from the rest of the world with a spa retreat, or simply rewarding your senses with a luxurious meal.

Regardless of your resolutions, enjoy the year ahead!

Michael Bobrove is CEO of HealthyTokyo.com, your guide to Japan’s best health and wellness providers. They spend thousands of hours locating, visiting and screening high-quality, foreignerfriendly health and wellness facilities. Users get free access to their extensive network, useful info for healthy living in Japan, and special offers.

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www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

Speaking in Tongues

by Alec Jordan

You may have thought it to yourself each time you were confronted with a menu that you couldn’t make sense of, or every time you tried to read an ad on the subway, or tried to figure out what all of the buttons on your washing machine meant: It’s finally time to improve your Japanese. But where to start? We’ve put together a few ideas to get you started on your quest. Ganbatte kudasai!

THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY

READ WHAT YOU LIKE One fellow who hit upon a solid approach to learning Japanese from an early age is translator, media personality, and tourism ambassador for Nakano Ward, Benjamin Boas. Giving the otaku cred of the ward he represents, it should come as no surprise that he started off learning Japanese through manga and video games. We asked him for a few language-learning pointers.

Do you have any particular tips or tricks that proved particularly useful to you as a student of Japanese? To speak, you have to put yourself in situations where you’re forced to use Japanese. Group activities can be very helpful in doing this. Getting drunk with strangers even more so. Even one drink can help you relax and make mistakes. Making mistakes and being corrected is the only way

to learn. For reading, read what you like. You’ll need to read things over and over to fully understand them so you might as well go with stuff you won’t mind repeatedly poring your eyes over.

Finally, there might be those of you out there who might not want that completely open-ended approach. A classroom environment, or the motivation of a test, could be just the trick. If you’d like to get started in an informal class setting, many of Tokyo’s ward offices and smaller city organizations offer classes taught by volunteer teachers, which are a quick (English language!) Google search away.

They’re usually quite affordable, but more advanced students may want to find something more challenging before long. And speaking of challenges, there’s the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Offered twice a year, this five-level exam (1 is the highest level and 5 is the lowest) has sections on kanji and vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. It may not be the truest indicator of your functional Japanese, but in preparing for the JLPT, you’ll pick up more than you expected. Added bonus: going to the exam offers an experience in diversity rivaled only by dropping by the Immigration Office. (www.jlpt.jp)

What approach would you recommend for people who are interested in improving their Japanese?

Figure out what you want to do with your Japanese once it gets good. Then try to do that, even though you know you can’t.

What do you think are some of the biggest barriers that most people have when trying to learn Japanese?

Kanji is a big one that everyone has to get through. It’s a slog. Start early and chip away every day. There’s no shortcut.

CLASSROOM IN THE CLOUD So we’ll start with the good news. There are more ways to learn Japanese online than you could possibly imagine. JapanesePod101.com has been providing Japanese podcast and vocabulary lessons for years, and they’re still going strong. While there’s plenty of advanced material for grammar and reading on the site, it’s also a great place for beginners: and naturally, there’s a lot of audio. When it comes to knuckling down and making your way through written Japanese, you could go with the flash card systems at WaniKani or ReadtheKanji.com. The principle behind these apps is called spaced repetition—basically, the better you remember a given electronic “flashcard,” the less often it will be called up. These services are designed specifically for Japanese, but if you are willing to spend some time on similar products of a more general bent—but with plenty of learning options— you can try out Memrise or Anki. So, what’s the bad news? With so many choices, it can be tough to stick with just one method.

JANUARY 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com

IN PURSUIT OF BEAUTY Wabist began selling elegant, functional products that epitomize Japanese craftmanship on its online platform. But in 2014, it opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Ebisu. Here are three unique pieces that caught our eyes on a recent visit FRAMESCAPE DOUBLE SET Japanese people have always believed that gods existed in the natural elements around us—rivers, mountains, trees, and in each single stone. The art form known as bonkei, in which miniature landscapes are depicted with small plants and rocks, originated in ancient times as one way of expressing nature’s divine beauty. Framescape was specifically developed for creating and displaying these bonkei creations at home. Grow small plants in the included miniature clay pots and experiment with the modular design of the wooden frames, steel tray, and ceramic planters. A bit of Zen for your bookshelf or tabletop.

Price: ¥5,400 (two wooden frames, two planters, artificial soil, one steel tray)

BAMBOO WINE VESSELS These unique conversation pieces are made by a timehonored technique for processing natural bamboo.

Crafted by highly skilled artisans, the wine glasses come in two colors: white, which is the original color of the bamboo, and the brown shade that results after the bamboo is smoked. If you’re worried about putting red wine in these natural containers, fear not: the vessels are made with a special coating that resists staining by darkcolored beverages, but still displays the organic grain of the wood. The rims of the vessels are thin, which allows the natural taste of the wine to come through.

Price: Set of two (one white, one brown), ¥7,776

SHUKIDARUMA To understand this product’s name, you’ll need a quick language lesson: yuki daruma is Japanese for “snowman,” and shuki is Japanese for “drinking vessel.” Put them together, and you’ll also understand the idea behind the set. The snowman is made from two sake cups and a sake bottle, which you can warm up in hot water to make atsukan—hot sake. The two cups work as a cap for the sake bottle so it heats up more quickly. In summer, when most snowmen would be melting, you can store the Shukidaruma in the refrigerator for cool sake. Comes in two varieties: the matte finish “Bisque” and “Glaze,” which has a glossy finish. Price: ¥3,780

Gift Shop Wabist Address: Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Ebisu 1-16-26 Kyowa Building 1F Open: (Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00 Sat 12:00-18:00) Web: www.wabist.com | Tel: 03-6459-3451 Email: eplga@wabist.co.jp

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

by Matthew Hernon

From Karne Hesketh’s injury time try in Brighton to Yuzuru Hanyu’s flawless displays on the ice, it’s been a year to remember for fans of Japanese sports. Here’s a look at some of the highlights, lowlights and stand-out performances from the past twelve months.

Male Athlete of the Year

Team of the Year 1. JAPAN RUGBY UNION SQUAD No doubt about this one. The Brave Blossoms produced the biggest shock in World Cup history, defeating South Africa in the opening game of the tournament. After losing to Scotland they then went on to win two more against Samoa and the US. Not bad for a side who prior to the tournament had only recorded one victory in 24 World Cup matches.

2. JAPAN MEN’S GYMNASTICS TEAM After a 37-year wait the Japan team finally won a gold at the Gymnastics World Championships.

3. JAPAN WOMEN’S FOOTBALL SQUAD Norio Sasaki’s ladies reached the World Cup final for the second time in succession before losing out on the top prize to the US.

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1. KOHEI UCHIMURA (GYMNASTICS) The man known as “Superman” hasn’t lost in the all-around event since 2008, so it came as no surprise to see him win yet another world title in 2015. He also picked up a gold on the parallel bars before leading Japan to victory in the team competition. Widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time.

2. YUZURU HANYU (FIGURE SKATING) On a different planet from the rest, he seems to set a new world record every time he sets skates on the ice. The first skater to break the mythical 300-point barrier.

3. AYUMU GOROMARU (RUGBY) He’s become a household name since the World Cup and even boosted tourism in Gifu: the hand gesture of a Buddhist statue there resembles his pre-kick action.

Female Athlete of the Year 1. SAORI YOSHIDA/KAORI ICHO (Wrestling) For the past decade these two ladies have been so dominant in their categories it is difficult to split them. In 2015 Yoshida won her 13th world title while Icho won her 10th. At 22 years of age, Eri Tosaka looks like she’ll become the next big wrestling star from Japan, having claimed her third gold medal at the Worlds in the 48kg competition.

2. KANAKO WATANABE (SWIMMING) The teenager produced a late surge in the 200m breaststroke final in Russia to win gold at the World Aquatics Championships.

3. AYA MIYAMA (FOOTBALL) The captain and heartbeat of the Japan side that reached the World Cup Final. Voted the third-best player of the tournament.

Young Athlete of the Year 1. KENZO SHIRAI (GYMNASTICS) He’s only 19, but already has three skills named after him (with a fourth possibly on the way). Known as the “Twist Prince,” he is one of the biggest risk-takers in gymnastics and in October became world floor champion for the second time. He followed that up by helping his country win a gold in the team event.

2. KANAKO WATANABE (SWIMMING) Along with her gold in the 200m breaststroke, she also picked up a silver in the 200m individual-medley.

3. ABDUL HAKIM SANI BROWN (ATHLETICS) Broke Usain Bolt’s World Youth Championship record in the 200m and made the semi-finals at the Worlds. Named the IAAF Rising Star of the Year.

Looking ahead to the 2016 Olympics, Weekender previews some of the Japanese stars we expect to shine in Rio.

Best Coach 1. EDDIE JONES (RUGBY) Speaking to Weekender two years ago, Jones said that he wanted Japan to “be respected, with people saying the team have enough about them to trouble any side in the world.” It’s fair to say he achieved his goal with his brilliantly prepared squad lighting up the World Cup. In November he agreed to become the coach of England.

2. HAJIME MORIYASU (FOOTBALL) Won his third J-League title in four years as coach of Sanfrecce Hiroshima after a play-off final victory over Gamba Osaka.

3. KIMIYASU KUDO (BASEBALL) Guided the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks to their second successive Pacific League and Japan Series title. Received the Matsutaro Shoriki Award.

Best Moment 1. KARNE HESKETH’S TRY (RUGBY) The last play of the match and Japan could have kicked for a draw. It would’ve been an unbelievable result against a formidable South Africa side; however, the players weren’t satisfied with that and decided to go for a scrum. It proved a wise decision. Hesketh’s beautifully orchestrated try gave Japan the most stunning World Cup victory ever.

2. NATSUMI HOSHI WINS GOLD (SWIMMING) A few months after having her thyroid gland removed due to Grave’s disease, Hoshi came from behind to win the 200m butterfly event in Russia.

3. NADESHIKO INTO THE FINAL (FOOTBALL) Deep into stoppage time, England defender Laura Bassett put the ball into her own net to give Japan a dramatic semi-final victory.

Biggest Disappointment 1. NADESHIKO HUMBLED IN THE FINAL (FOOTBALL) Norio Sasaki’s ladies had done brilliantly to get as far as they did, but their performance in the final against the US was horrendous. Going down 4-0 after just 16 minutes, their game was effectively over before the crowd had a chance to catch their breath. Despite scoring twice to recover some pride, it was a day to forget for Japan.

2. NISHIKORI’S INJURY STRUGGLES (TENNIS) It was supposed to be the year that Nishikori properly challenged the game’s elite players. Unfortunately injuries have once again held him back.

3. SEMI-FINAL AGONY (BASEBALL) 3-0 up in front of a packed Tokyo Dome, Japan looked set to reach the final of the WBSC Premier 12. Then Korea scored four in the ninth to stun the home crowd.

GYMNASTICS Kohei Uchimura (AA/Parallel bars) and Kenzo Shirai (Floor Exercise) will be expected to take home golds, but the main objective for both is a team victory. Japan boasts a strong group of male gymnasts with the likes of Kazuma Kaya, Ryohei Kato and Yusuke Tanaka all capable of winning medals.

JUDO Japan won just a single judo event in London, but should do much better this time following a successful World Championships last year where they picked up eight golds. Kaori Matsumoto will be attempting to defend her crown from four years ago while younger names like Takanori Nagase, Mami Umeki and Ami Kondo are definitely worth looking out for.

SWIMMING Japan will go to Brazil with a number of formidable swimmers including 2015 world champions, Kanako Watanabe, Natsumi Hoshi and Daiya Seto. Kosuke Hagino, who missed out on the worlds due to a broken elbow, is arguably the strongest of the lot and is expected to compete in a number of events. He was named the World Swimmer of the Year in 2014.

TABLE TENNIS Players like Kasumi Ishikawa, Ai Fukuhara and Jun Mizutani are all ranked highly; however, their best chance of a medal could come in the doubles.

WRESTLING Traditionally one of Japan’s strongest sports. Saori Yoshida and Kaori Icho will both be aiming for a record fourth Olympic title. Eri Tosaka, making her debut at the Games, has dominated her category in recent years. Other female wrestlers who could be in contention for a medal are Risako Kawai and Sara Dosho.

BEST OF THE REST 22-year old Mayu Hamada wanted to be a speedboat racer as a youngster but is now dreaming of a gold in the Taekwondo featherweight division. Weightlifter Hiromi Miyake is looking to follow in the footsteps of her uncle who won gold at the 1964 and 1968 Olympics. Fencer Yuki Ota and archer Takaharu Furukawa will be hoping to better the silver medals they received at the London Games. Kento Momota is an exciting prospect in the badminton competition. World Record holder Yusuke Suzuki and Takayuki Tanii are likely contenders in the 20km and 50km walks.

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

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Taking a look at Japan’s “possible” futures through the speculative lens of fantasy and science fiction

By Leslie Lee III If you know anything about manga, you probably know a lot about VIZ Media.

The company is one of the longest-running and most notable international distributors of anime and manga. Some of their properties include huge series like “Naruto,” “Dragon Ball,” and “Bleach.” Last year VIZ Media expanded into film production with the Tom Cruise sci-fi action thriller “Edge of Tomorrow/All You Need Is Kill.”

VIZ Media’s venture into Hollywood was enabled by its decision to get into the Western dominated science business. Since 2009, VIZ Media’s Haikasoru line has brought translations of popular Japanese science fiction, fantasy, and horror to the English-speaking world.

Award-winning author Nick Mamatas—known for brewing a unique mix of science fiction, fantasy, and Lovecraftian horror in works like “Love Is The Law” and “The Nickronomicon”—is one of the is one of the masterminds behind Haikasoru.

Their latest release on the Haikasoru line is “Hanzai Japan,” a collection of weird crime stories from Japan and abroad. It’s the third in a series of anthologies that began with the sci-fi focused “Future Japan” and the fantasyleaning “Phantasm Japan.”

Nick and co-editor Masumi Washington have put together an

entertaining and thought-provoking collection of tales from both Japanese and Western authors. One sees yakuza use a monster attack as cover for a bank robbery; another has a sentient atlas that helps its owner get away with heinous crimes.

Nick talked to Weekender about “Hanzai Japan,” what he looks for when publishing and a story, and what he thinks the future of Japan looks like.

What do you think makes Japan so fascinating to Western SF/F readers and writers? Why do you personally find it interesting?

I suspect fundamentally that it’s a false Japan—a Japan of the spectacle comprised of ninja and glowing neon and tittering geisha—that initially attracts SF/F readers and writers to Japan. Only when they dig a little deeper to they learn about the society, which does contain those bits of spectacle, but which is far more interesting than all of that. I suppose what I find interesting about Japan is its ability to navigate the decades since the end of the Second World War to become not just an economic power on the world stage, but a major exporter of popular culture.

What’s your favorite story in “Hanzai Japan”?

That’s sort of like asking a parent who his or her favorite child is. But I do think there is something special about “Monologue of a Universal Transverse Mercator Projection”

by Yumeaki Hirayama. I would be amazed if it doesn’t get nominated for some sort of award next year.

As an editor, what are you looking from stories or writers when you publish them on Haikasoru?

What I look for is something roughly analogous to the sort of SF Western readers already know, but that doesn’t slavishly emulate it.

Sometimes we throw caution to the wind and publish something entirely off the wall, like “SELF-REFERENCE ENGINE” by Toh EnJoe—a risk that led to a reward in the form of a Philip K. Dick Award Special Citation.

The book presents visions for an alternative or future Japan; what do you imagine is the future for the country and culture?

I think that in the same way science fiction and the pressures of the Cold War influenced the United States to become a contradiction—a giant military tied to an individualistic ethos—we’ll see a similar thing in Japan: science fiction and population pressures will lead to massive innovations in robotics and portable AI, and increased collectivist attitudes among the non-robot population, even as AI serve to make people more self-sufficient and isolated from their fellows.

What crime would you commit in future, or present day, Japan?

Present-day: eating a food other than ice cream, while walking down the street, with my bare hands, though that’s more of a social violation than a crime.

Future: Kaiju rustlin’.

Hanzai Japan: Fantastical, Futuristic Stories of Crime From and About Japan is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle format. For more information about Haikasoru, visit www.haikasoru.com

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

Bill with film world’s Kaz Kuzui (left) and Shake Shack Japan CEO Ryota Tsunoda (right) at the Grand Opening for Tokyo’s first Shake Shack

D

Tokyo’s Longest Running

ecember was back-to-back parties and events, and I always like to start out the first column of the new year with something very special. This means moving back a bit for Dewi Sukarno’s glittering Grand Imperial Charity 18th Banquet. The venue was, as usual, Tokyo Meguro Gajoen’s “Maiougi,” which has been given a facelift and is even more beautiful than before. Dewi set up the elegant evening in cooperation with the Earth Aid Society NPO to benefit the Japan Red Cross Society and AAR—The Association for Aid & Relief, Japan.

As it is at all of her events, the huge venue was wall-to-wall people that included top politicians, film stars, celebrities, fashion girls and the cream of Japanese society. The variety of really outstanding fashion was right-out-of-Vogue awesome.

My thanks to Dewi for one of the best tables in the house. It was next to her table and people seated there included my ex-business partner Ceremony President Tsukasa Shiga, Swiss medical student Michel Bielecki, politician Akiko Sano and several top businessmen, including the president of Steiff Teddy Bear. The toast was by Peruvian Ambassador Elard Escala.

The seven-course gala dinner as delicious as always. This was followed by entertainment that included a show by veteran popular singer, Ikuzo Yoshi and two modern dances by Mai Nakanishi and her partner Tatsuya Kukizawa. Mai, who’s Chinese, has an almost identical twin sister who lives in New York where she’s a dancer as well. The big surprise at our table was when Shiga bought a painting by Dewi for ¥800,000 in the silent auction. Since he graduated from St. Mary’s, Shiga has become

JANUARY 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com

Society Page with Bill Hersey a real business tycoon and has many successful businesses as President of Ceremony, which includes wedding halls, funeral parlors, and movie production. He’s a Rotary Club member, helps support the Urawa Reds Soccer team and contributes to many charities. He is also an art collector (he owns a gallery) and dedicated F-1 race fan. Congratulations to Dewi on her super beautiful event.

TURKISH NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION – IMPERIAL The popular diplomatic couple, Turkish Ambassador A. Bulent Meric and his wife Kumiko chose the Imperial Hotel for their National Day Reception in October. The program included the playing of both the Turkish and Japanese anthems, an informative welcome speech by the Ambassador, a congratulatory speech by a Japanese government VIP, and a toast by another dignitary. Japan and Turkey have excellent relations and guests included high ranking government officials, as well as a full house of business leaders and other VIPs from both countries.

Turkish food is very special and the Imperial’s Food and Beverage Department worked with the embassy staff to prepare a lavish buffet of Turkish and Japanese favorites as well as many western specialities. It was a nice evening with many interesting people and good friends—perfect for the occasion.

TOLMAN’S SHINODA EXHIBITION AT CONRAD HILTON As the pop song goes, “Oops I (actually he) did it again.” I’m talking about art expert/top dealer Norman Tolman. If you were able to see the exhibition by the world famous artist Toko Shinoda at the Conrad Hilton, you know, I and

PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 27

Azerbaijan Amb. Nursel Ismayilzada and Rana Ismayilzada

Michel Bielecki, Tsukasa Shiga, Haitian Amb. Judith Exavier Uruguay Amb. Eduardo Bouzout, his wife Monica

Atul Parekh, Chinese Modern Dancer Mai, French artist MarcAntoine Squarcafichi, Michel

Michel, Kaoru Maki, Shiga Tsukasa

Dewi’s Annual Charity Gala Dinner

Dewi and Tsukasa with Dewi’s painting that he bought at the silent auction

Mori Hotels & Resorts’ Mika Mori, Norman Tolman, renowned artist Toko Shinoda, Miwako Date

Actor/Model Hide Kusakari, Norman, Shinoda-sensei

Bill, the film world’s Fran and Kaz Kuzui, film director Masahiro Toda

Toko Shinoda Exhibition

Geraldine Donovon, Qatar Amb. Yousef Bilal, his wife Jamilah, Conrad Hilton’s GM Heinrich Grafe

The hosting couple, Turkish Amb. A. Bulent Meric, his wife, Aichi Prefecture official Tadahiko Ito

Turkish National Day

Seiko Ishikawa (Venezuela), Samir Arrour (Morocco), Khalid AlMuslahi (Oman), Kazuyuki Hamada, Manilo Cadelo (San Marino)

Good friends Toko (103) and Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara (104) exchange years of memories

Kuwait Amb., Maria Teresa and Manuel Lopez, Fashion Designer Yamamoto Kansai

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

28 | SOCIETY | PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES

Saudi Military attaché Abdul Rahman al-Harbi, Politician Yuriko Koike, Saudi Amb. Ahmed Younos S. Al Barrak

Palestinian Rep. Waleed Siam, Jordanian Amb. Demiye Haddad, Qatar Amb. Yousef Bilal

Top video cameraman Richard Colombo and his wife

Saudi National Day

Tongan Amb. Tania Tupou, Sumo champ Konishiki, his lovely wife Chie

Actor and model Hide, Dominican pop star Kat

Film producer Georgina Pope, DJ Guy Perryman

Bill rocks the mic at his yearly Orphans’ Charity party

In & Around

Kenichi Yamamoto and Tomoya Nakamura of National Azabu at one of their super BBQs

Sarah Muir, her mom Yuko, Carol Yoshida, Pamela Mori

NOVEMBER2016 JANUARY 2016www. www. tokyoweekender.com tokyoweekender.com

The Iretons—Charo William and Bill—with National Azabu’s owner Tetsu Uemura

Robert Zemeckis, director of “The Walk,” which opened at the Tokyo International Film Festival

PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 29 many other art lovers know.

Norman and the Tolman Collection’s staff always come up with special exhibitions and interesting ideas to promote their special collection of paintings and prints by many of Japan’s best known artists.

Toko will turn 103 next year, and I’m happy to see she’s still painting.

To celebrate, Norman was able to get 102 paintings and prints of her work over the years and that, plus her huge famous mural that permanently hangs in the lobby of the Conrad Hilton, added up to 103. I had the privilege of attending the opening reception which was wall-to-wall international VIPs. Long time friends I hadn’t seen for a long time who were there included the film world’s Kaz and Fran Kuzui and Gabriel from event planners Black List.

People I met for the first time, and really enjoyed talking to, included the famous doctor (at St. Luke’s Hospital) and author (of many medical and health books), Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara—he’s 104 and still very cool.

Father Grimm of the Franciscan Chapel told me Japan has 60,000 people who are over 100 years old. Other VIPs at the opening included Mika Mori of Mori Trust Hotels and Resorts and her daughter Miwako Date who is President of Conrad Hilton. I stayed in their beautiful Westin Hotel in Sendai a week after the terrible Tohoku earthquake and tsunami when I was helping Bill and Matthew Ireton distribute baseball uniforms and other supplies to several schools that really suffered during that natural disaster. Back to the reception, I really enjoyed meeting the Conrad Hilton GM Heinrich Grafe and his super staff. Congratulations to all concerned on the tremendous success of the exhibition.

SAUDI ARABIA RECEPTION – PALACE HOTEL It was Saudi Ambassador Ahmed Yonos S. Al Barrak’s first time to host a big National Day celebration. The occasion was his country’s 85th National Day and he chose the palatial, completely renovated Palace Hotel for the well attended, first class midday reception. The ambassador, his staff and many Saudi students there wore national costumes which really were perfect for the kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s special day.

Guests included former sumo champ and great philanthropist Konishiki and his wonderful wife Chie. In just a few years she learned to speak, sing and dance Hawaiian, and the busy couple often do musical shows together. If you ever have the opportunity to see them perform, don’t miss it. They’re really good. It was also nice seeing popular politician Yukiko Koike there that day. She attended university in Cairo, speaks fluent Arabic, and is a real expert on Arab affairs.

I was really surprised (and of course, happy) when two Saudi students I’ve known for a long time came over and gave me a set of CDs. They knew I had been a guest of the Shoboshi family when Ambassador Fawzi was posted here, and I was invited to the five-day culture festival in Jinadriyah near Riyadh several years ago. The festival was truly fantastic and the Saudi National Guard’s hospitality marvelous. My new CDs are a collection of the music of the festival over the years, and I listen to them almost every day. Talk about great memories of a travel experience I’ll never forget. The festival will be in February this year.

SPECIAL PEOPLE So lucky to meet so many great people through the column and plan on writing more about them this year. My sincerest thanks to Director/Producer Karen Severns of Kismet Productions and her husband Koichi Mori for their help in helping me set up a screening of Tsukasa Shiga’s feature film “Boku ha Bousan” (“I Am a Monk”) at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club. The film produced by Tsukasa Shiga was one of the many projects he did to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of his company, Ceremony. There are plans to show it with English subtitles. I’ll let you know when I know.

Thanks as well to Gene Pele who once again donated all kinds of fun T-shirts for my annual boxes to unfortunate people in the Philippines at Christmas time. Thanks to so many of you who let me bring Swiss medical student Michel Bielecki to many of the events I was invited to.

Michel, whose father is a famous doctor in Zurich, loves Japan and thanks to several friends in high places here I was able to get him into a special program at Keio for several months. He made a lot of friends, and worked hard while he was here. He also taught me quite a bit about operating my iPad, including setting up my blog. He returned to Europe mid-December, will complete his studies there, and hopes to come back here several times a year to work on a project on traditional Japanese handicrafts he’s set up.

Another great happening because he was here was meeting and getting to know his super mom who was a top model in Europe at one time, and is still the epitome of chic, as well as being super cool. I’m so lucky with people. Thanks to Michel, I also met American photographer Anthony Wood, his wife Junko and son Kenji, who came to my house with lots of equipment and took some interesting photos. Anthony’s really good—I loved the photos and if you need any special pics, I strongly recommend you contact him. Tel: 080-2107-8690 or anthony@anthonywood.net.

I really enjoyed a lunch at the Grand Hyatt’s Oakwood restaurant with two of my talented friends: the movie business’s Georgina Pope (she’s from Australia) and top British DJ Guy Perryman. They are both interesting and fun people who are both super busy, so I really enjoyed our time, and the delicious crab cake and New York cheesecake at the popular restaurant. Georgina had one of her films in the Venice Film Festival and has just finished shooting a short film with Elizabeth Moss from the TV series “Mad Men”—the popular actress was here last summer shooting a segment of TV’s highly rated “Girls.” Watch for Georgina’s specials on Japanese films on NHK. She gave me some interesting news about the entertainment industry and the NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) that actors, actresses, and others in the film business have to sign when they go to work on a new project.

In addition to all his regular DJ gigs, Guy is very busy on a big project for Refugees International. The event will be held on the night of February 5, on the 27th floor of the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel. This is the second year Guy’s done this. At last year’s “Night on Broadway,” we had a huge success and I’m sure this year’s “Night in Hollywood” will be as well.

Delta Airlines is a big supporter of this worthwhile project. For information, call 03-3407-1145. A few months back, it was a busy night at National Azabu, where guests enjoyed the best in barbecued lamb, delicious hamburgers, great ham, and Bonito’s paella. There was a fine selection of wines for the adults and special desserts for the kids. Staff members of the popular store provided the great live jazz music.

Big Pictures President Mark Fuoti and the US Em-

Boris and fashion guru John Bosworth

French wine dealer Philippe Sauzedde and friend

bassy’s Lt. Col. Joe Sweeney at Hiroo Segafredo

at Hiroo Segafredo

at Hiroo Segafredo

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

COMING TO A CINEMA NEAR YOU IN JANUARY JAN 8

JAN 23

THE WALK

F

rench high-wire artist Philippe Petit’s staggering walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974 has already been chronicled in awardwinning 2008 documentary “Man on Wire.”

Robert Zemeckis has now given the story the drama treatment, capturing Petit’s feat in heart-stopping 3D. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the diminutive Frenchman as he arrives in New York and assembles a team in order to accomplish his dream. The film has fun with the crime caper–like drama that precedes the main event but the film really soars once “The Walk” begins. Petit’s suicidal mission is staggeringly realized as the camera swoops and soars to capture the tiny walker trembling above the great city. Not one for sufferers of vertigo, this is a film where a 3D screening is highly recommended.

JANUARY 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com

BRIDGE OF SPIES

T

here was a time when it wouldn’t have been possible for a new film from industry titans Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks to slip under the radar, but in a way it’s fitting that Cold War–era historical drama “Bridge of Spies” has done just that. This film may not have got the press but it has certainly earned the plaudits. The director and star, who collaborated in the past on “Saving Private Ryan,” “Catch Me If You Can” and The Terminal, return to tell a true story of espionage and heated negotiation in the 60s. Hanks plays lawyer James B. Donovan, a man tasked with representing Rudolph Abel, a possible KGB spy.

Representing the enemy, and doing a better job at it than his superiors or the public would have liked, puts Donovan and his family under intense pressure.

Later, when an American U-2 spy plane is shot down over the Soviet Union and its pilot is taken captive it’s up to Donovan to negotiate the exchange. Based on real events and from a script co-written by the Coen brothers, “Bridge of Spies” is a smart throwback to the tense, political Cold War movies of old.

CRIMSON PEAK

JAN 8

G

uillermo del Toro has carved out a niche of his own as a master of deliciously dark fantasy. “Crimson Peak” is the director’s take on the gothic horror films of old; a deliciously macabre ghost story with the sumptuous visuals of a period drama. Mia Wasikowska stars as a young American author, Edith Cushing, who falls for a dashing and mysterious stranger, Tom Hiddleston’s Sir Thomas Sharpe. After marriage the pair move from the New World to the Old as they set off for Sharpe’s ancient family estate of Crimson Peak in a desolate corner of England. Thomas’s sister Lady Lucille Sharpe (Jessica Chastain) is not the only sinister presence young Edith has to deal with inside the crumbling walls of the mansion; the estate is populated with gruesome apparitions and terrible secrets.

JAN 8

IT FOLLOWS

O

ne of the most talked-about horror movies of recent years and destined for cult-classic status, “It Follows” was one of 2015’s indie success stories. The film takes that old familiar horror cliché, sex is sinful, and gives it a post-modern twist to create a terrifyingly relatable tale for our time. College student Jay (Maika Monroe) has been dating Hugh, which inevitably leads to a fumble in the back seat of his car. After the event, Jay awakens to find she’s been tied to a chair as her lover proceeds to explain that he was being stalked by a demonic entity that is passed from person to person via sexual intercourse. Now the supernatural force is following Jay and there’s only one known way to get rid of it. “It Follows” is a slick and stylish affair that takes the best of classic horror and gives it a modern overhaul with an awesome 80s synth-inspired score.

PREVIEWS | MOVIES | 31 JAN 30

OFOFTHETHEBEST: MOVIES OF 2013 >10BEST REST THE ThisMUST Month’sSEE Releases

BLACK MASS Johnny Depp, whose late stage career seems almost entirely comprised of playing over-the-top characters while disguising himself under buckets of makeup, tones it down and gets serious for his latest role. Ditching the colorful costumes for a bald head, Depp has taken up the mantle of notorious Irish-American gangster James “Whitey” Bulger. As crime boss of South Boston’s Winter Hill Gang, Bulger was unchallenged in the area until Italian mobsters the Angiulo Brothers arrived on the scene. Bulger is given the chance to gain an upper hand over his competitors when the FBI ask him to turn informant—an alliance that will quickly spiral out of control. “Black Mass” charts the rise and fall of this infamous murderer and mobster. Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin Bacon, Dakota Johnson and Corey Stoll join Depp in the stellar cast in a film from “Crazy Heart” director Scott Cooper.

JAN 16

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA Award-winning “Apollo 13” director Ron Howard returns to tell the true-life tale that inspired Herman Melville’s classic novel “Moby-Dick.” Setting sail in the year 1820, the New England ship Essex undertakes a voyage “In the Heart of the Sea” to catch whales and harvest them for oil. Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland and Ben Whishaw form the ship’s crew as they bond and bicker before an event which will alter the course of their lives forever. At the height of the expedition a whale of staggering size appears and destroys the ship, and after a mammoth battle against the planet’s mightiest mammal the survivors find that the fight for survival has only just begun. This period adventure pits man against an opponent of righteous size with a fearsome hunger for revenge that would eventually be turned into a story for the ages.

PADDINGTON JANUARY 15 Charming family comedy with Ben Whishaw (“Q” in the Bond films) voicing Paddington, the little bear from deepest, darkest Peru who is found by the Brown family at a London train station.

THE INERASABLE JANUARY 30 Ai Hashimoto and Yuko Takeuchi play a student/author team investigating the series of unpleasant events that led to a curse hanging over an apartment building in this J-horror throwback.

THE HALLOW JANUARY 5 Dark fairytale in which a family move to the Irish countryside only to be tormented by an ancient presence lurking in the woods.

MONSTERS: DARK CONTINENT JANUARY 9 Sequel to 2010 indie hit “Monsters” that increases the action quota to the detriment of the film’s drama.

NINA FOREVER JANUARY 19 Ben’s ex-girlfriend Nina, who died in a car crash months earlier, returns from the dead to sarcastically torment her former lover and his new girlfriend every time they have sex in this jet-black romantic comedy from the UK. This month’s movie previews were written by Christopher O’Keeffe. For more movie news and reviews visit www.tokyoweekender.com

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

AGENDA 1

2

3

4 6

7

8

5

AGENDA: THE WEEKENDER ROUNDUP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JANUARY 1 JAN 26

2 JAN 29-31

3 JAN 29-31

4 JAN 8- FEB 11

Grimes

Darumaya CD & Vinyl

Yokohama Brewer’s Cup

Flowers by NAKED

Her Ac!d Rain Tour has

Fair

Keep warm with a beer,

From the masterminds

taken the world by storm.

Browse 70,000 used,

or several, if you opt to

of illumination at Tokyo

Catch one of the year’s rising and most

new, and (almost) forgotten albums at

enter the drinking contest. Enjoy good

Dome City comes a new 3D, immersive,

highly rated Canadian artists at her

one of the world’s largest record fairs.

food and lively crowds, and be sure to

gallery of projections and explosive art

concert honoring her new album “Art

Peruse old favorites and discover

secure a ride home.

in a walk-through experience.

Angles.”

new artists.

Where: Osanbashi Hall, Yokohama How

Where: Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall,

Where: Akasaka Blitz, Akasaka

Where: Darumaya Record Shop, Ikebukuro

Much: ¥500 to enter

How Much: ¥1,300

How Much: ¥6,500

How much: Free

More info: www.tokyoweekender.com

More info: www.flowersbynaked.com

More info: www.tokyoweekender.com

More info: www.darumaya.to

5 JAN 10-24

6 JAN 11

7 JAN 21

8 JAN 8-17

Sumo New Year Basho

Coming of Age Day

Rakugo in English

Furusato Matsuri

Get your year off to a

This pivotal festival in Japan

Prolific Japanese comedian

This annual festival

rumbling start with the

is a fundamental event in the

Shinoharu Tatekawa is per-

celebrates all prefectures

all-day sumo tournaments. Fun for

year, especially for youth celebrating

forming his entire routine in English

of Japan by showcasing their local cui-

the whole family, it’s sure to be an

adulthood. Don a kimono and visit a

for a special event. Join in the fun

sines, dance, costumes, music, and art.

exciting way to ring in 2016.

temple—or Disneyland.

and share a laugh!

Experience all of Japan in one week.

Where: Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium

Where: Temples around Tokyo;

Where: Fukagawa Edo Shiryokan,

Where: Tokyo Dome City, Bunkyo-ku

How Much: ¥2,200- ¥14,800

How Much: Free

How much: ¥2,300

How Much: Free

More info: www.sumo.or.jp/en

More info: www.tokyoweekender.com

More info: www.tokyoweekender.com

More info: www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/furusato

JANUARY 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com

JANUARY

JANUARY | AGENDA | 33

9

10

11

12

9 JAN 16 - FEB 11

10 JAN 15-16

Kon Ichikawa Cinema

Setagaya Boroichi

One of Japan’s best direc-

Market The second part of

tors is being celebrated

the market is back, if you

for 100 years of masterpieces. His 27

missed the first. Steaming food, ec-

works are being shown to commemo-

lectic home-made goods, and vintage

rate his vision and Japanese history.

collectables are available.

Where: Kadokawa Shinjuku Cinema

Where: Near Kamimachi Station, Setagaya

How Much: ¥1,600

How Much: Free

More info: www.cinemakadokawa.jp

More info: www.tokyoweekender.com

11 JAN 9

12 JAN 23-24 Ageha New Year’s Party

Earth Garden Winter

Already scoping out the

A festival that is serious

first party of 2016? Look

about advocating for

to Ageha, starting off the year with

the environment, where you’ll find

a bang, featuring 30 DJs, artists, and

eco-friendly booths, products, food,

performers on all stages.

workshops, and performances.

Where: Studio Coast, Shinkiba

Where: Yoyogi Park, Shibuya-ku

How Much: Free (¥1,000 drink)

How Much: Free

More info: www.ageha.com

More info: www.earth-garden.jp

www.tokyoweekender.com JANUARY 2016

BACK IN THE DAY: JANUARY 1982 Check out the scene in Tokyo from 1982! You can read the rest of this issue (No.2 1982) and view Weekender’s 45-year archive online. www.tokyoweekender.com/ weekender-archives/

PHOTO BY FORWARD STROKE

Opening in January 2016 A sanctuary in a pulsating city

Oakwood Asia Pacific will be opening its 9th property—Oakwood Premier Tokyo in Japan. Located near the Marunouchi district, the property is a 2-minute walk from Tokyo Station—the gateway to the whole of Japan.

Oakwood Premier Tokyo boasts 123 fully furnished apartments and is housed from the 6th to the 19th floor of a 19-storey multi-serviced complex. Complete with shopping and dining options to complement your stay, Oakwood Premier Tokyo is designed to offer an unbeatable combination of exclusivity, convenience and luxury.

Oakwood is celebrating 15 years in Japan For details and reservations, please visit http://www.oakwoodasia.com/tokyo/oakwood-tokyo-marunouchi.php BANGALORE BANGKOK BEIJING CHENGDU GUANGZHOU HANGZHOU HONG KONG HYDERABAD INCHEON JAKARTA MANILA MUMBAI PUNE SEOUL SHANGHAI TOKYO