Tokyo Weekender - April 2017

APRIL 2017

Japan’s number one English language magazine

SHOP TOKYO 6 NEW TRENDS FROM TOKYO FASHION WEEK 5 INTERIOR DESIGN BRANDS TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING SPACE 33 DESIGNER JAPANESE ITEMS FOR YOUR HOME, WARDROBE, AND BEAUTY KIT

PLUS: Q&A with Ghost in the Shell Cast Feat. Scarlett Johansson, the Curious “Adult Wrapping” Therapy, and Win a Year’s Worth of Facials

© Paramount Pictures

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in-depth

THIS MONTH’S HEAD TURNERS

COFFEE-BREAK READS

We ask the movie's key players – including

8 AREA GUIDE: KOENJI

19 THE WEEKENDER SHOP

This iconoclastic neighborhood found its free-spirited identity back in the 60s and 70s, and has been trying to live up to it ever since.

Thirty-three designer Japanese items to renew your living space, wardrobe, and beauty kit.

weigh in on the whitewashing controversy.

10 STYLE

28 THE GREAT INDOORS

Whether you're planning a spring picnic, a fancy soiree, or a date with your duvet, here are six pieces to suit the occasion.

Want to update your home decor without much fuss? Head to OZONE for layers of design in one location.

12 BEAUTY

30 ON THE COVER: RUNWAY REPORT

Four deep-cleansing masks, plus the chance to win a year's worth of facials at NUA Japan!

Six styles and trends straight from the Tokyo Fashion Week AW17 catwalks.

14 TRENDS

32 HOW TO UNWIND BY GETTING TIED UP

From the world's first hand-drip green tea café to a shopper's hideaway serving organic rooibos, here are four spots for tea time.

We try out the curious new Japanese therapy called otonamaki ("adult wrapping"). Plus, gong therapy and Kadampa meditation.

34 THE GHOST IN THE SHELL DEBATE Scarlett Johansson and Ruper Sanders – to

guide CULTURE ROUNDUP 39 ART & MUSIC Two innovative digital art exhibitions, three inspired album releases, and a new communal space for artists.

44 AGENDA 80 years of Marvel Comics, Alfons Mucha's art, and papery things from around the globe.

46 PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES Dramatic tango, musical sensation Michiyo, and the latest from Junko Koshino.

A PRIL 2017

radar

A P R I L 2 0 17 Publisher

ENGAWA Co., Ltd.

President

Takanobu Ushiyama

Executive Producers

Asi Rinestine Naoya Takahashi

Editor in Chief Senior Editors

Annemarie Luck Alec Jordan Lisa Wallin

Creative Director Features Writer Contributors

Liam Ramshaw Matthew Hernon Vivian Morelli Luca Eandi Bill Hersey Bunny Bissoux

Sales Director Sales Executives

Takaaki Murai Hirofumi Ohuchi Kahori Terakawa Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa Yu Suzuki

Media Strategist Media Consultant Media Relations Media Producers

Mandy Lynn Mary Rudow Junko Shimaya Jessica "Yumi" Idomoto Claudia Sun

Cover art by Bunny Bissoux EST. Corky Alexander, 1970 SSU Bld. 1F 4-12-8 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku Tokyo, Japan 151-0051 (03) 6432-9948 / (03) 6438-9432 (fax) editor@tokyoweekender.com To subscribe to the Tokyo Weekender, please call (03) 6432-9948 or email: customer-support@tokyoweekender.com For ad sales inquiries, please call (03) 6432-9948 or email: sales@tokyoweekender.com 広告に関するお問い合わせ先 電話：(03) 6432-9948 メール：sales@tokyoweekender.com Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher

Published by ENGAWA Co., Ltd.

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@bapawn: You know, even though it’s out of step with many other nations, I like how Japan’s new school year starts in April – usually with a backdrop of cherry blossoms. @mizrama: Yes, it’s fitting for the theme of spring.

While I hate to be a cliché, I can’t help but associate spring with new beginnings and fresh starts. @bapawn: And we’ve got plenty of those in this month’s issue… @mizrama: Indeed, starting with six styles straight from the Tokyo Fashion Week AW17 catwalks. Don’t you love Bunny’s cover illustrations? @bapawn: I do. I’ve always had a thing for the “fashion model strut,” and I think she captures it quite nicely.

Speaking of new beginnings, we’re going to be unveiling a new section on our website, aren’t we? @mizrama: Yes, the entire Tokyo Weekender site is getting a facelift this month, and one of our new sections is The Weekender Shop [page 20]. I’m excited about being able to showcase some exquisite designer Japanese goods. Do you have your eye on any of the items?

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.TOKYOWEEKENDER.COM

@bapawn: I’m a fan of that denim kimono jacket, the lacquer plates, and for what might be the first time in my life, I’m jazzed about a comb. @mizrama: Ha! Here’s another odd thing to get jazzed about: the curious new Japanese relaxation therapy I tried called otonamaki. The word means “adult wrapping” and I literally got wrapped up in a big piece of cotton fabric. @bapawn: Wow. Sounds like a scene from a sci-fi movie. @mizrama: I know, that photo of me all tied up [page 32] does look pretty alien. Although, perhaps not as alien as Scarlett Johansson’s cyborg character in Ghost in the Shell. The film’s getting released this month in Tokyo – what was it like interviewing the director Rupert Sanders? [page 36] @bapawn: Well, I think he was getting a little tired of having to field questions like mine, about the whitewashing controversy. @mizrama: I’m sure. But anyone who follows Beat Takeshi around the world to persuade him to be in his movie is clearly up for a challenge.

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T OKYO WE E KE N DE R | A P RI L 2 0 1 7 | 5

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WH AT ’ S O N O U R RA DA R TH I S MONTH . . .

We've gone a little shopping mad for April: enjoy vintage finds in Koenji; magic face masks for spring beauty; and a new kind of hand-drip green tea in Sangenjaya.

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AREA GUI DE

JUST DANCE

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ITED E-SPIR O E R F N D I TS N T RY I N G T D FOU EE O O H OR H AS B B D H N G I A TIC NE D 70S E O C L AS T H E 6 0 S A N E V E R S I N C N O C I S T N I I I H O T T CK Eandi TY BA VE UP I I y Luca T b L s N h E p ra ID hotog nd p

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THRIFTING ALONG After Harajuku and Shimokitazawa, Koenji is your best bet for finding that perfect vintage piece to complete your outfit. There are dozens of boutiques specializing in different eras, styles and price ranges. For a pair of gently worn leather boots, check Whistler or Chart. Gasoline has more leather on hand for augmenting your biker wear. AiLeen and (capriciously named) Slut deal in classic Americana, while Jacob’s Ladder is stocked with European name brands. Hit up Hayatochiri for stylish domestic garb and Kirakuya for vintage kimonos. If you’ve got clothes to spare, you can sell them at one of many recycle shops like Don Don Down on Wednesday, Mode Off or Treasure Factory Style.

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By far, the biggest yearly event in Koenji is the Awa Odori Festival at the end of August. For two days starting on the last Saturday of the month, over 12,000 participants in nearly 200 groups take to the streets to dance accompanied by traditional instruments. This festival is a smaller-scale Awa Odori from Toku­shima, and was brought to Koenji

by Shikoku natives who had moved to Tokyo in the 1950s. More than a million spectators flock to it every year and it’s one of the most fun street events on Tokyo’s calendar. If you prefer to enjoy dance and the arts in a seated, indoor capacity, the Za-Koenji Public Theatre is a comfortable performing arts venue that is relatively new to the neighborhood.

HIP SHOP HOORAY One of the highlights of Koenji is its shotengai, or commercial areas. The covered PAL arcade is the main shopping drag through Koenji, adjoining boutique-lined Look Street and nightlifecatering Nakadori shotengai. The streets are filled with unique independent businesses and specialty shops. Nekonohitai, for example, deals in cat-themed merchandise and has an obligatory resident store kitty. Ehonya Rusubanbansuru Kaisha has picture books, many of which are from Eastern Europe. There’s no shortage of record stores selling mint, original pressing vinyl – check out EAD Record, Be-In Record and Universounds. If you’re looking for a cup of joe, or for some roasted beans to take home, look no further than Coffee Amp.

ON THE MENU The food scene in Koenji is varied and goes beyond the usual Tokyo fare.

Khana has excellent Indian/Nepalese food right on PAL street. SUBstore is the perfect trifecta of Indonesian restaurant/record store/music venue owned by a friendly couple.

Binh Minh has great Vietnamese and as a plus, is open late. If you’re vegetarian, Meu Nota is the place for you. Of course, if you’re looking for standard Japanese food, you can also hit up Tensuke for tempura or the excellent yakitori joint Taisho, which has three branches around Koenji Station. Also give Dachibin a try for Okinawan food. For a drink and a book, Cocktail Shobo has both and doesn’t mind you using a coaster for a bookmark after you’ve had one too many.

HIPPIE TURNED PUNK Known as a hotbed for activists, Koenji has been home to antiwar and antinuclear demonstrations for decades thanks to its liberal, bohemian constituency. Hippies put down their roots in the neighborhood as far back as the 60s, and later on in the 70s Koenji became ground zero for punk rock in Japan.

To this day, many of Tokyo’s best concert venues are in the neighborhood, starting with mainstays 20,000 Den-atsu and UFO Club in Higashi-Koenji. Although those venues host a varied sampling of rock music these days, there are more specialized live houses around, like Penguin House for local talent, One Koenji for DJs and Muryoku Muzenji for experimental and noise.

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STYLE CHLOE PUMPS Spring has sprung, and it’s impossible to resist this blushtoned pair of Chloe suede pumps. These strapped beauties feature an almond toe and a scalloped edge, a signature of the label and a legacy of Clare Waight Keller’s tenure as creative director of the iconic Parisian brand. The sturdy block heel makes them a sensible shoe that remains elegant and feminine. They also come in black, so prepare yourself for a difficult decision. chloe.com

WH ETH ER YOU ’R E PLAN N IN G A S PR IN G PICN IC, A FA N CY SOIREE, O R A DAT E W IT H YO UR DUVET , H ERE A RE SIX P IECES TO S UIT T HE O CCAS IO N Compiled by Vivian Morelli

EBERJEY PAJAMA SET Forget about gym clothes and old jogging pants for sleepwear, and instead slip into a proper pajama set to catch some quality Zs. While we cannot guarantee you will actually sleep better, we are convinced that nice pajamas do make a difference and force your brain to switch to sleep mode. We like this light leopard-print jersey set, which is equally naughty and cute, and adorned with tuxedo-inspired black piping to add a bit of structure. Caution: these pajamas are so soft that you’ll want to go to bed early every night. eberjey.com

PAUL SMITH BLAZER The start of a new season is the perfect excuse to add another investment piece to your wardrobe, such as this timeless Paul Smith blazer. Crafted from a blend of wool and cashmere, you can wear it as a cover up in (often) chilly April temperatures. Adorned with large patch pockets playfully lined in yellow, it is left unlined through the torso to keep it light. Wear this fitted number with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt for a casual look, or spruce it up with a spring-appropriate pastel shirt. paulsmith.co.jp

DRIES VAN NOTEN SCARF You will be thankful for this light scarf at night-time hanami, when the weather suddenly drops but you see no reason to head indoors just yet.

Made entirely of silk, this scarf is frayed at the edges and is printed with a delicate, mid-century-inspired tile pattern. It comes as no surprise that it’s created by Dries Van Noten, one of the original Antwerp Six designers who is especially known for his elegant pieces. The muted khaki, burgundy and black tones make it easy to pair with pretty much everything you already own. driesvannoten.be

MIU MIU COAT Instead of getting lost in a sea of beige trench coats (a springtime Tokyo staple), choose to be unique and wear something with a bit of color. Not only will it boost your mood, but it will also make you easier to find in a crowd. This Miu Miu coat probably costs more than your monthly rent, but we can assure you it won’t look outdated 10 years from now. Designed to be worn from sunrise to sunset (which you’ll want to do after splurging on it), this coat is embellished with pastel panels and an array of studs, beads and crystals, making it completely appropriate for cherry blossom season. miumiu.com

JUNYA WATANABE SWEATER Equal parts nautical and grunge, this lightly distressed sweater has been designed by Junya Watanabe, one of the protégés of Comme des Garçons’ Rei Kawakubo. Renowned for his avant-garde approach, Watanabe drastically reworks classics to give them a cutting-edge yet wearable aspect. This top is a good example of the designer’s signature style, and while the price tag may seem hefty, it’s good to note it’s been knitted in Japan from fine-gauge cotton. mrporter.com

B E AU T Y DESIGN FACE PACK

BY ISSHINDO HONPO Probably most famed for being a confectionery company, Isshindo Honpo launched their Kabuki Face Mask in 2013, and it quickly took off in popularity. To ensure the design properly represented the stage make-up (kumadori) worn by Kabuki actors, the company consulted with Kabuki actor Somegoro Ichikawa. And they didn’t skimp on beauty ingredients either – the mask includes hyaluronic acid, collagen, and extracts from Japanese tea leaves, satozakura flowers, and camellia seeds.

We also love their quirky animal face masks – the panda, in particular.

Design Face Pack by Isshindo Honpo, ¥900, japaneseface.jp/en

E C A F

C I G A M K S MA

EEPOUR D F D N R FOU RESHE WE’VE F D D N E A K LO O A RT , EVER SH ST N E R S ’ F T RA THA Wallin L LS F O R SKIN A O C d Lisa F G S N I K uck an L R S ie P A r a S Annem SING M iled by Comp CLEAN

SMOOTH GOLD BY LULULUN

DON’T LOOK AT ME

BY LUSH We have to admit, we first reached for this face mask purely because of its beautifully vivid color – slathering the thick turquoise scrub all over your face is bound to make you feel better just because it looks so pretty! But its beauty is more than skin deep: it contains ground rice and kaolin (China clay) to gently exfoliate; fresh organic lemon juice for cleansing; and organic silken tofu to make your skin as soft as, well, silk. Smooth the mask all over your skin (body too, if you want), and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing off.

Don’t Look At Me fresh face mask, ¥1,050, jn.lush.com

Treat your skin to 10 minutes of bliss with Smooth Gold, a once-a-week deep moisturizing mask infused with nature’s finest ingredients: amino acids from Thai golden silk contain high levels of serine, which keeps your skin soft and supple; the sake lees (fermented grounds left over from sake production) from Kyoto Fushimi sake contain high levels of ceramide, which helps protect the skin and retain moisture; and the polyphenols in organic brown rice have an antioxidant effect to give you a youthful glow.

Smooth Gold mask by Lululun, ¥810, lululun.com/plus/smoothgold

BLACK PAINT BY MYYUKI If you’re looking for a deep cleanse with a difference, this handmade soap brimming with rich, organic oils helps improve skin immunity and minimizes irritation. High grade Kishu Bichotan charcoal made from Ubame oak absorbs impurities and feeds minerals to the skin. Even though this is more a soap than a mask, the way you apply it along with its powerful cleansing results give us a little leeway in terms of categorization. To achieve a smooth, fresh face without stripping the skin of its natural oils, simply apply a layer of Black Paint to your face and massage for five minutes before rinsing off. It’s free from alcohol, artificial fragrances or colors, and is even Halal certified.

Black Paint Soap Bar by Myyuki, ¥2,700, www.blackpaint.jp

H T R O W S ' R N A A E P Y A WIN A S AT NUA J L A I C A OF F OM [ PR

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IT FELT A LITTLE TINGLY, BUT THIS, OUR SALON THERAPIST ASSURED US, ONLY MEANT IT WAS WORKING ITS MAGIC Peltier machine

To celebrate their eighth anniversary, NUA Japan is giving one lucky winner the chance to receive a full year of free facials. To find out more about the treatments you can win, Weekender went along to try out NUA's new IonActive Power Treatment facial

I

t's part relaxing, part powerful," says NUA founder Nicola Aquino, who introduced this new Dermalogica treatment to her salon menu in December.

"Essentially, it's a combination of Dermalogica's three most powerful products – for acne, pigmentation, and anti-aging – and we use different technology to ensure these penetrate the skin more effectively."

The key difference between the products used in the IonActive Power Treatment – as well as any of the facials on offer at NUA – is that the ingredients are far stronger than in the products you might be buying from the shelf. The 45-minute facial can be customized to suit your needs, and for our treatment we

chose the anti-aging option, which incorporates a serum that's packed with hyaluronic acid – a molecule that helps your skin retain moisture and become more resistant to lines and wrinkles. It felt a little tingly when applied, but this, our salon therapist assured us, only meant it was working its magic.

There are a couple of machines used in the facial, including the galvanic, which uses an electric current to drive active ingredients deeper into your skin (making things feel even more tingly!), and the Peltier, which has warm and cold settings, and is used to massage the skin to increase blood flow – adding to that radiant glow you'll be left with after the treatment.

Aside from the IonActive Power Treatment, which falls into the "results-driven" category, NUA has a range of facials to choose from. "For a more relaxing treatment, I'd recommend either the 60-minute or 90-minute Dermalogica facials," says

Aquino. "If you're looking for a deeper cleanse, then go for the longer session."

There's also an IPL Photocare Facial, which uses light to increase collagen production and is excellent for anti-aging.

And how many facials do you need to see visible results? "Many people say they can already start to see a change in their skin after just one IonActive Power Treatment," she says, "But we always recommend a series of three to six facials for optimal results."

All the more reason to enter the competition...

HOW TO WIN Simply book a facial at NUA Omotesando or Hiroo branches from now until August 31, 2017, and you will automatically be entered into the draw to win a year's worth of facial treatments. Each facial booked counts as one entry, so the more treatments you book, the more chances you'll have of winning. Also, follow NUA Japan on Facebook and Instagram (@nuajapan) for additional entries. Each social media platform counts as an additional entry, so follow them on both for more chances of winning!

More information and contact details at nuajapan.com

TRE ND S

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AY D E AW I H S ’ ER AK HOPP S A N BRE O O T O E N F R A TE TEA C UR AF N O E Y E R R FO PG P OT S D-DRI S N R A U H FO in RST E A R E Luck and Lisa Wall D’S FI R L E R H , O S rie THE W O O I B O ompiled by Annema R C I F RO M N C GA NG OR I V R E S NAKAMURA TEA LIFE STORE T H E S TORY Opened in Kuramae in 2015, Nakamura Tea Life Store is the brick-andmortar store of a family-run tea company that’s been in business for almost 100 years.

The Nakamura family, now in its fourth generation of tea producers, switched to pesticide-free farming when the third generation owner fell ill due to exposure from chemicals used to protect the tea bushes. That was over 30 years ago and they’re still going strong.

W H Y W E LOVE T H E M What’s not to love? The tea is organic, is only harvested during the peak season (late April to early May), and each tea canister – stylishly retro in its own right – lets you know exactly where the tea was harvested.

W H AT TO T RY The Garden No. 01 Covered Edition sencha tea (¥3,600 with canister) is grown in the very first field that switched to organic production. For this particular tea, the bushes are covered two weeks before harvest to protect them from the sun.

This gives the tea a clean and crisp flavor, with less astringency and bitterness.

4-20-4 Kuramae, Taito-ku, www.tea-nakamura.com

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ROSE BAKERY TH E S TORY Originally from Paris, Rose Bakery now has branches in London, New York, Seoul, and Tokyo. We visited the Dover Street Market Ginza branch, which is tucked away at the top of the swanky department store, offering a light, bright haven for shoppers and brunchers who need a break – and a good cup of tea.

WH Y W E LOVE T H E M Rose Bakery is a chic yet unpretentious canteen-style space with the spotlight shining directly on their smorgasbord of sweet treats – most of which will more than satisfy those who are craving British or American-style fare.

As for the teas, they serve all types of top quality brews by Clipper, including English breakfast, rooibos, and green tea.

WH AT TO T RY We stopped by for a late breakfast, pairing organic vanilla rooibos (a caffeine-free tea that’s sourced from South Africa and packed with immune-boosting antioxidants) with a Moroccan omelet, which was gently spiced and served with freshly baked brown bread. Only want a snack? This is one of the few places in Tokyo that serves classic scones with jam and cream!

7F Dover Street Market Ginza, 6-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, rosebakery.jp

YOU CHA

TOKYO SARYO T HE STORY Described as the world’s first hand-drip green tea shop, Tokyo Saryo opened its minimalist doors in Sangenjaya this January.

Inspired by coffee culture, they designed their own dripper, which the barista uses to extract green tea from their selection of seven types of sencha leaves.

W HY WE LOVE TH E M Aside from the aesthetic beauty of the café, which is all white and wood and clean, straight lines (and the handiwork of Lucy Alter Design), we love how they are reviving, modernizing and simplifying the traditional tea ceremony. Also, instead of offering blended tea, which is the norm these days, they serve single-origin green tea sourced from around Japan, allowing you to appreciate the contrast in flavors.

TH E S TORY One of the first Chinese tea speciality shops in Tokyo, You Cha opened in Omotesando back in 1997, but has recently had a mini facelift, giving it a fresh new look. The original idea was to change the perception of Chinese tea in Japan – 20 years ago, there was a lack of knowledge in Japan about Chinese tea, and most of the types sold were not high quality. Today, the shop offers 80 varieties of Chinese and Taiwanese teas as well as distinct Japanese teas.

WH Y W E LOVE T H E M Based on the concept of offering a memorable Chinese tea experience, You Cha also has a tea school where they hold classes for people who wish to learn how to select and prepare Chinese tea as well as keep abreast of the latest developments in the world of Chinese tea.

WH AT TO T RY No idea where to start? Take up a seat at the small counter to sample high-grade Chinese teas for free before choosing which ones you’d like to purchase. Japanese-, English-, and Chinese-speaking staff will happily assist.

5-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, youcha.com

W HAT TO TRY Go for the tasting course menu (¥1,300) which includes your choice of two sencha varieties (Harumoegi and Yoino Shichiyousei are the most popular) served with wagashi (traditional sweets). You’ll get five cups in total, with the first and second steeps done at different temperatures to influence the taste and bitterness, and the third steep done with genmai (roasted rice). All the teas can be bought in store, too. 1-3415 Kamiuma, Setagaya-ku, www.tokyosaryo.jp

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To coincide with the launch of our brand-new website, we've taken our monthly Concierge supplement online. Here, we share this month's editor's picks from the lineup, but for the full roundup of great restaurants, hotels, and other top venues around Tokyo – as well as plenty of reader discounts and special offers – simply head to www.tokyoweekender.com

Elana Jade

Owl Café Search

S

pruce up in time for spring! Elana Jade offers a range of deluxe beauty treatments that will have you looking beautiful from head to toe. Know someone in need of pampering? We also have gift vouchers for all occasions. Mention Tokyo Weekender when you book and receive a Shellac Pedicure for ¥5,600. Offer expires April 30; conditions apply.

J

apan is famed for its wide variety of animal cafés, with owl cafés being one of the latest to join the lineup. This new website provides all the information you need on where to find one of these feathery creatures to pet while sipping on a cuppa. Launching their English site this month, Owl Café Search lets you search by area, and includes details such as price, opening hours, and contact info for each café listed.

A B O U T T O W N | E D I T O RS C H O I C E

www.owlcafe-search.com

A B O U T T O W N | E D I T O RS C H O I C E

www.elanajade.com 03-6453-9319 4F NS Azabu Juban Building, 3-6-2 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku

RES TAU RA NTS | ED I TO RS CH O I CE

Ruby Jack's

W

elcome to steakhouse heaven. Whether you're looking for a succulent ribeye or a hefty tomahawk, Ruby Jack's uses only the best meats from the US, Australia and Japan. The 50-day aged wagyu is really something! Start things off with a tempting array of appetizers and an expertly blended cocktail, and savor your meal with a bottle drawn from their wide-ranging wine list. During the warm months, their terrace awaits. Special Promotion: Visit Ruby Jack’s on the 29th of every month for “Meat Day” (Meat = Niku = 2[Ni]9[ku]) and enjoy the selected premium beef at 50% discount.

Average Price: Lunch ¥3,000 Dinner ¥12,000

rubyjacks.jp/en 03-5544-8222 2F Ark Hills South Tower, 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku

WANT TO FEATURE YOUR ESTABLISHMENT IN THE CONCIERGE? For ad sales enquiries, please call 03-6432-9948 or email sales@tokyoweekender.com 1 6 | A PR IL 2 0 1 7 | TOKYO W E E K E NDE R

[ PROMOTION ]

THE VIBE Sultry, playful jazz welcomed us when we visited, adding to the sophisticated yet casual atmosphere that’s created by the combination of warm woods, soft lighting, and buzzing open kitchen. Tall slabs of cedar line the walls near the entrance, and in between these are elegant but not-too-serious illustrations of bourgeois types enjoying cocktails.

The mood is upbeat and conversational, with the slick bar area begging for Friday-night mingling – although, should you prefer to nurse your Scotch in peace, you’d easily be able to find a quiet corner.

For those who’d like even more privacy, there’s a table for eight at the end of the restaurant that’s hidden behind frosted glass and available for rent for small private parties. Whether you’re a guest staying at Remm hotel or you’re a Tokyoite looking for a vibey new spot for wining and dining, Cedar The Chop House & Bar is the perfect blend of cool and cozy.

Grab a seat at Roppongi’s newest restaurant for a unique menu concept

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on’t let the name fool you – Cedar The Chop House & Bar does not only serve steak and chops. Rather than being a nod to the traditional 17th century London chophouses, this restaurant, which opened on March 30 inside the new Remm Roppongi hotel, takes the original concept and gives it a Tokyo twist.

THE FOOD “The idea is that every dish on the menu is literally chopped,” explains manager Hisayoshi Shiraki as he shows us the varied menu. There are Chopped Appetizers such as salmon with caper spices; Chopped Salads including tuna and avocado with pepper dressing; Chopped Seafoods; Chopped Meats … You get the idea. Of course, this doesn’t mean all ingredients are sliced and diced into tiny pieces. We ordered the Angus T-bone, and it was served as a hefty 700g steak, juicy and sizzling with a side of roast potatoes and (chopped) salsa. We also tried the Lobster with Spicy Roasted American Sauce, which was served as two open red-orange shells holding the succulent meat, drizzled with tomato-flavored sauce, and topped with two grilled asparagus tips.

THE MOOD IS UPBEAT, WITH THE SLICK BAR AREA BEGGING FOR FRIDAY-NIGHT MINGLING

CONTACT Cedar The Chop House & Bar Address: 2F Remm Roppongi Bldg, 7-14-4 Roppongi, Minato-ku | Tel: 03-6432-9791 Website: www.cedar-chophouse.com

To try a bit of everything, go for either the Tasting Course (¥5,800) or the Monthly Course (¥8,000), both of which include appetizer, salad, seafood or meat, and dessert. The restaurant is open to everyone, but since it caters to guests staying at Remm Roppongi hotel, you have the added bonus of being able to enjoy a buffet breakfast here. And if you’re popping by for dinner or after-work drinks, be sure to explore their special selection of Japanese whiskies, including Fuji Sanroku, and Hibiki Japanese Harmony, which is said to “encapsulate the harmony that exists between nature and people in Japan.”

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W EEK E N DER R E C OM M E N DS Our top four choices for your first fineDine delivery TOM YAM KUNG SOUP ¥1,480 from Yum Yum Siam Serving authentic Thai food at reasonable prices, Yum Yum Siam never disappoints when it comes to flavor. For a quick lunch meal with a kick, go for their hot Tom Yam Kung (spicy shrimp soup; also spelled Tom Yum Goong).

STEAK BURRITO ¥1,540 from Frijoles Craving Mexican? This burrito hits the spot. Its soft flour tortilla is packed with cilantro-lime rice, beans or fajita vegetables, salsa, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and juicy steak that’s been marinated in Frijoles’ special spicy adobo sauce.

MEXICAN BURGER

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ately, we’ve seen more Tokyo food delivery websites popping up, but there are still very few that offer service in English, and even fewer featuring non-fast-food options. So what’s a gourmand to do when you’re craving a bit of top quality sushi, but hate to leave the comfort of your sofa? Introducing fineDine, a food delivery website boasting more than 350 (and counting) of Tokyo’s best restaurants, and now offering service in English too.

Starting out as a sushi delivery service in Nagoya back in 2001, fineDine’s parent company, Ride On Express, expanded into other kinds of cuisine a decade ago. Now celebrating 10 years in the business, fineDine is more relevant than ever, with modern lifestyles making eating out a rarity, and eating well a priority. The company is continuously adding restaurants to its lineup, giving you plenty of options to choose from including Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, and Western menus.

And just because they specialize in top-end cuisine, doesn’t mean you won’t find burgers and pizzas on offer – it just means you’ll be

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NOW CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS, FINEDINE IS MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER able to enjoy the finer versions of these classic takeout foods.

When asked what makes fineDine stand out from other delivery services, the company’s Operations Manager told Weekender, “We strive to deliver dishes exactly as they would be served at the restaurant: hot dishes are hot, cold dishes are cold, noodles aren’t overcooked, pizzas are perfectly crispy. We also guarantee delivery within the estimated delivery time [provided when ordering], and if this is not possible due to traffic or adverse weather conditions, we’ll contact the customer to notify them of the delay.

If the customer is not satisfied with the food in any way, we always try our best to resolve the situation either by redelivery or a refund.”

FineDine also caters for parties and events, so should you require up to 50 meals, simply place your order in advance to ensure timely delivery.

¥1,590 from Burger Mania Craving Mexican and a burger?

FineDine’s got you covered here, too.

Known for being one of Tokyo’s best burger joints, Burger Mania offers a Mexican meal that packs a spicy punch: look forward to a juicy patty topped with chili beans, salsa, and Cheddar cheese.

DELI HAM & CHEESE SANDWICH ¥1,480 from Honey Baked Ham What’s gourmet about a sandwich? As the shop name says, this ham is glazed with honey, and it’s also smoked for over 20 hours with a secret blend of hardwood chips. Enjoy it layered with chunky cheese, served on a fresh roll, with a side of mashed potato.

For more information and to place your order, visit finedine.jp

Bespoke chair customized to fit your body shape by Yuragi-sya, from ¥98,000 (excl. tax), chair-one.com

S H OP TOK YO It's the season for new beginnings, and what better place to start than in your home?

We've selected 33 designer Japanese items – including the elegant custom-made chair featured on this page – to renew your living space, wardrobe, and even your beauty kit.

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FOR YOUR KITCHEN

Topping Dessert with natural fruits and star candy by P.K.C+ Phakchii Plus, ¥1,200 (excl. tax) per bottle, tinyurl.com/TW-PKC

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The Weekender Shop To celebrate our new online store, we’re showcasing a selection of the designer, made-in-Japan items you can now find on our website. Because everyone should have a touch of Japanese craftsmanship in their lives…

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his month, we’re excited to announce the launch of The Weekender Shop. Our new online store is a collaboration with Omotenashi Selection, a project that brings together fine goods from around Japan and shares them with international audiences. Each item in the selection is chosen by a panel of judges, ensuring the products on

offer all possess the high quality for which Japanese goods are renowned. They also all convey the unique beauty of Japan in their own way. Our new Weekender Shop showcases a curated collection of the items found in Omotenashi Selection, and over the next eight pages, we give you a taste of the shopping experience that awaits…

Kuromoji Youji wooden cake knives by Kikusui Sangyo, ¥1,500 (excl. tax) for a set of five, kikusuisangyo.co.jp

Maru-yubeshi preserved yuzu fruit by Yubeshi Souhonke Nakauraya, ¥2,500 (excl. tax), yubeshi.jp

Natoha Natural Black Carrot Tea by Lifet, ¥1,400 (excl. tax) per box of 10 teabags, tinyurl.com/TW-natoha

Photos by Chris Mollinson

O-ETSU's Jewel Box of assorted rice by O-ETSU Food Industry, ¥4,500 (300g x six packs), www.o-etsu.jp Mutenka Odashi Cocktail additive-free dashi powder mix by Mica Corporation, ¥3,000 (excl. tax) for a boxed set of six, tinyurl.com/TW-dashi

Tokyo Sashisuseso assorted seasonings by Food Relation, ¥4,000 (excl. tax), www.tokyosashisuseso.com

Spice Tower Series by Komorebi Garden, ¥1,400 (excl. tax) for a set of six spices, komorebigarden.ocnk.net

FOR YOUR KITCHEN

Hipparidako Meshi bento meal in ceramic bowl by Awajiya, ¥926 (excl. tax), www.awajiya.co.jp

FOR YOUR WARDROBE

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FOR YOUR KITCHEN

SWITCH TO COFFEE SAKURA FOR A DELICIOUS, FAIR TRADE BREW Love your afternoon coffee but tired of resorting to a quick fix from the supermarket or convenience store? Coffee SAKURA offers ground coffee in beautifully designed hand drip bags, giving you an on-the-go option that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor or quality. What’s more, they source only fresh “green” beans, and do the roasting themselves in Japan – this means they can control the process, and they also only roast small quantities at a time (enough for each day) so as to prevent the coffee from going stale. The beans are sourced from countries such as Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Brazil, and Coffee SAKURA strongly supports fair trade.

Coffee SAKURA hand drip coffee, ¥2,500, www.sakurasan.com/eng

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THE SAKURA SLING PROJECT LETS YOU TURN YOUR CAMERA INTO A STYLISH EVERYDAY ACCESSORY Even though cameras are becoming more compact, it’s still often a hassle to carry one around with you – and those traditional bulky, uncomfortable camera straps don’t help matters. Enter the Sakura Camera Sling, a new style of strap that’s made with a soft scarf-like fabric that’s cut wide so as to evenly distribute the camera’s weight. Inspired by the design of baby carriers, the strap significantly reduces the load on your neck and shoulders, and it also features two pockets – one with a zip to keep things like camera lenses safe. The fabric comes in all sorts of pretty patterns, so you can pick the style that suits your wardrobe best.

Done snapping? The sling doubles up as a cover, so you can wrap your camera up and protect it from getting scratches or dents.

Sakura Camera Sling, ¥15,984, sakurasling.com

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FOR YOUR BEAUTY KIT

1. Aroma Soap Iiyokan made with natural essential oil from iyokan citrus fruit by Sanyo Kousan, ¥880 (excl. tax), kagura-store.com 2. Osyare Tsubaki Oil

by Ibaraki Prefecture Development Public Corporation, ¥4,630 (excl. tax), available at Ibaraki Marche in Ginza, www.ibarakimarche.com 3. Sakurayukihada Natural 3D Face Mask by Shizendo Japan Beauty Institute, ¥1,800 (excl. tax) per box of four sheets, www.shizendo-japan.co.jp

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4. Tsubaki Uruoi organic facial soap by Maruha Yushi Chemicals, ¥2,500 (excl. tax, incl. wooden box), nanairosekken.com 5. Love Chrome flat-shaped combs by YC. Primarily, PG Nami Black (large comb) ¥5,000 (excl. tax), Tsuki Premium Black (small comb) ¥4,700 (excl. tax), www.lovechrome.jp

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USING RED RICE BRAN AS ITS BASE, COME SAVON SOAP IS A GENTLE YET POWERFUL CLEANSER After experiencing skin problems during pregnancy, the founder of Moko decided to come up with her own recipe for “a soap that can be used safely both for yourself and your baby in your tummy.”

Her husband works as an organic rice farmer, so she was naturally drawn to rice as an active ingredient; she began using rice bran oil as a cleanser and noticed the positive effects it was having on her skin. In creating Come Savon soap bar, she decided to use akamai, a red rice that contains plenty of minerals and vitamins, along with other natural ingredients such as avocado oil and honey. The result is a highly moisturizing soap that’s free from preservatives and chemical perfumes or dyes, and is environmentally friendly.

Wondering if it foams? Watch the video on Moko’s website and prepare to be amazed.

Come Savon soap by Moko, ¥1,296, moko-sekken.com

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NATURAL SKINCARE DOESN’T GET BETTER THAN THE SILKY TOKOWAKASUI RANGE The word tokowaka refers to the concept of maintaining a sense of youthfulness, while the word sui symbolizes purity. Put them together and you have the name of this extraordinary range by Sorayui Inc. The two main ingredients that make these products so powerful are Tokowaka Seisen, the pure spring water from Ise; and silk fibroin, a moisturizing protein amino acid produced by the Japanese silk moth, or tensan. Add to that a variety of botanical ingredients and you get a range of products that cleanses, moisturizes, protects, and helps to create luminous, soft skin – without any harmful effects.

Tokowakasui Moisture Foam facial wash (120g) ¥3,800, Essence Lotion (150ml) ¥4,800, Milk Cream (40g) ¥5,800, Mini Gift Set ¥2,800 (all prices excl. tax), sorayui.jimdo.com

SHINSHIN AROMA OIL AND SPRAY SERIES WILL TRANSPORT YOU FAR, FAR AWAY Evoking a sense of the deep forest surrounding the sacred Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture, Shinshin aroma oils and sprays help you instantly unwind from the stresses of modern life. The three types of Japanese fragrances in the range are based on hinoki (Japanese cypress), and are blended according to the daily rhythms of life: Morning Glow (includes orange, yuzu, and Yoshino hinoki); Sunny Afternoon (includes rosemary and kabosu); and Moon Light (includes Yoshino hinoki and lavender).

Retreat from the bustling city and indulge in the Ise Shrine forest atmosphere throughout the day with these three relaxing aromas.

Shinshin Aroma Oil Series, ¥2,500 each or ¥6,750 for a set of three (excl. tax), Shinshin Aroma Spray Series, ¥2,800 each or ¥7,560 for a set of three (excl. tax), sorayui.jimdo.com T OKYO WE E KE N DE R | A P RI L 2 0 1 7 | 2 5

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1. Frying Pan Story made-to-order frying pans by Fujita Metal MFG, ¥3,000-¥8,800 (excl. tax), frying-pan.jp 2. Urushi Nunomise Plate Series by Wajima Kirimoto, from ¥18,000 (excl. tax), www.kirimoto.net/eng 3. Nishijin no Utsuwa resin and glass plates by Emura Shouten, from ¥4,950 (excl. tax), www.emura-shouten.com 4

4. 旬Shun Classic handcrafted knife series by Kai, ¥15,000 (excl. tax) for 175mm knife, www.kai-group.com/global/en 5. Kutani-yaki porcelain jar caps by Big Santa, ¥2,500-¥3,000 (excl. tax), 100banya.shop-pro.jp

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These unique brushes by Artforme are as beautiful as they are practical

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ho says housework needn’t be glamorous? Certainly not the folks at Artforme. Based in Akita, the company envisioned a new kind of broom, one that could be considered an artistic masterpiece but that would also make sweeping and cleaning an easier affair. Their vision was brought to life through a collaboration between two craftsmen: one who specializes in nambu houki (traditional Japanese brooms), and the other an experienced woodworker.

Each brush is made by hand from Japanese broomcorn, which is naturally curled by Akita’s cold mountain winds, and features a unique curved tip that makes it both soft and resilient. It’s ideal for sweep-

ing not only hard floors but also dirt and pet hair from within carpets. This soft, natural material boasts a superb cleaning ability, but is gentle enough to wipe dust from fabric as delicate as cashmere. The handle, which plays an important role in controlling the strength of the brushing, is made of wood that has been carefully shaved to fit comfortably in your hand.

Best of all, the brushes are so beautiful that they could easily double up as a work of art on display in your home.

Artforme brush with handle made from Japanese onoorekanba birch, ¥30,000 (natural color handle, excl. tax), ¥50,000 (black handle, excl. tax), store.artform.jp

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FOR YOUR HOME

Is it a Broom... or is it an Art Piece?

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THE GREAT INDOORS

Words by Lisa Wallin

Want to update your home décor without much fuss? LIVING DESIGN CENTER OZONE offers layers of design in one location.

To get you started, we’ve chosen five superb brands to look out for when you visit

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or the house proud, Tokyo can be a nightmare to navigate when looking to either build a house from scratch or simply redecorate. Traversing the city once to find furniture, then again to look at paint strips is neither practical nor desirable. A visit to OZONE eliminates that waste of time: it has six floors with a total of 35 showrooms displaying everything from wall tiles to whole kitchen units. The hours will fly by as you find yourself drawn in by the countless customization options and staff expertise.

2. GLAS LUCE x SMART HOME: THE LATEST IN INTERIOR TECHNOLOGY

THE FUTURE IS NOW – AND IT LOOKS FANTASTIC

1.STYLE GLASS: WHEN GLASS MEETS DESIGN While glass may not be the first thing you think of when decorating your home, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a dramatic finish, Style Glass can transform your home with the simple change of a glass door, window, or addition of a wall decoration. Bring light into your home while shielding it from peering eyes by adding a gradated frosted coating to a window facing the street. Or, if you need a touch of design and color, consider the washi glass – where Japanese handmade paper is inserted in between two sheets of clear or tinted glass. It softens light that passes through it, while adding the appearance of traditional-style texture.

This is just one of the countless options, as customers can customize glass design, tints, frosting, gradation and size to their specific needs. You can even ask them to print your own design for a truly original addition to your home.

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Welcome to the future, where LCD glass and modern technology make your home more stylish, more convenient – and more fun. Glas Luce’s elegant flat screen systems take up almost no space and can be customized in size, function and design to suit your needs. Change what looks like a glass mirror into a media center at the touch of a button – and then back again. Depending on how connected you'd like your home to be, you can do anything from watch your favorite YouTube videos to get a health check by the "mirror concierge" (launching soon) or simply adjust the lighting. What are you waiting for? The future is now – and it looks fantastic.

Photos by Chris Mollinson

4. ATELIER MOKUBA: FROM TREE TO TABLE If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind statement piece to add to your home, look no further than Atelier Mokuba, located on the 5th floor. This showroom displays about 180 wooden tables, countertops and desks in a variety of 35 types of wood. The amazing thing is each tabletop is made from a single slab of wood. The spirit and skill of the artisans who make them live on in these unique masterpieces, which are kept in their natural shape, instead of being sawn apart and then pieced together again. These natural works of art – which grew for centuries in the forest – will live in your home for generations to come.

5. FEEL TEXTILE: TACTILE MATTERS

3. NORDIC FORM: TIMELESS MASTERPIECES Nordic Form is home to a stunning range of contemporary items, as well as a specially selected collection of vintage 50s and 60s furniture in pristine condition. The latter is handpicked on location in Scandinavia by shop staff and shipped to Japan specifically for this showroom. You’ll find pieces by Bruno Mathsson, Alvar Aalto, and other iconic designers – but since these are rare, limited items, they may be gone if you don't get there soon.

Whether you’re looking for a cushion cover or wanting to redecorate your whole interior, Feel Textile will be there every step of your journey. Rely on the staff’s expertise for choosing the appropriate fabric for a certain type of surface, or coordinating different fabrics. They can help you choose designs, take measurements, organize production – and even arrange for installation.

Their dedication to your needs, combined with a broad range of stunning European designs, will ensure you make the right choice for you and your home.

COMING UP NEXT MONTH...

For an exceptional insight into modern Japanese design, look no further than the Nippon Form showroom, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary ideas. Discover functional, minimalistic furniture that won’t take up space; or pop-inspired stainless steel tetsubin teapots in magenta and aquamarine.

Find yourself inspired by the miniature living space gallery, and picture how these stunning features would look in your own home.

Keep an eye out for our full roundup of Nippon Form items in next month's issue of Weekender.

CONTACT LIVING DESIGN CENTER OZONE - Address: 3F-8F Shinjuku Park Tower, 3-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Tel: 03-5322-6500 | Web: www.ozone.co.jp/eng

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Words and illustrations by Bunny Bissoux

KE ISU KEYO S H I DA Born in 1991, Keisuke Yoshida is one of Fashion Week’s youngest designers. This season, he continued to demonstrate his youthful energy with retro pop colors like fire truck red and flamingo pink – but he kept them modern rather than kitsch with slouchy cuts and fragmented uniforms broken up with belts and fastenings. Displaced zippers and pockets adorned the uniquely tailored pieces, including oversized jackets, tunic dresses and split leg flares. Tartan and houndstooth pieces clashed with utilitarian pleats, all topped off with playful hints of leisurewear. keisukeyoshida.com

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HARE The popular mid-range brand emphasized its reputation for functional, desirable fashion in an impressive 80s city slicker power trip. Wine hues, neutral tones, striking checkerboard and hot red pieces were shown in layers of co-ordinates that could be easily woven in new combinations for both men and women. Fashion staples like bomber jackets and roll necks were presented in the season’s must-have mauve. Flapping coat tails on three-quarter length coats and jackets, fur and wool stoles cinched with leather belts, and an array of casual formalwear will make stylish additions to any wardrobe. www.dot-st.com/hare

H IROKO KOSH IN O The fashion legend who made a name for herself in Paris in the 80s is known around the world for her penchant for contrast and bold use of shapes and colors. This collection was no exception with gorgeous patterned knit dresses conveying a simultaneous sophistication and sense of fun. Busy black and white patterns made a striking impact amongst the relaxed silhouettes and softer curves. The gray and black garments were draped with overlaid textures, giving warmth with an edge, refined style, and mysterious charm – the perfect spell for glam winter witches. www.hirokokoshino.com

A M A ZO N TO K YO FAS H I O N WEEK AW1 7 KI CKED O F F I N LAT E M A RC H , D E LI VERI NG A F RES H S LI C E O F H O M EG ROWN TA LE N T . H ERE’S O U R I LLU S TRATED RO U ND U P OF KEY LO O KS AND TREND S S POTTED O N TH E CATWA LKS

G ROWI N G PA I N S A singer and DJ turned designer might face tough critics, but an established fashion icon like Yulia had a strong vision when launching her brand last year. Inspired by underground culture, Growing Pains bridges a gap between streetwear and high fashion, opening the door in both directions. The AW17 collection saw urban military chic clash with feminine elegance and bondage punk. Ruffles, seatbelt fastenings, bows, and straps were all used to embellish khaki green garments and nurse’s uniforms – as if Florence Nightingale had parachuted right into a fetish party. www.growingpains.tokyo

5 - K NOT Design duo Ena Kizawa and Taketo Nishino presented an autumnal dream in rich muted tones. The easily wearable array of garments mixed up a multitude of tactile fabrics, from delicate lace and silks to velvet and heavy wools. Tulle skirts were worn over low slung pants, paired with modestly embellished knits.

Vintage elements appeared in the chintzy floral motifs as well as the 70s full skirts and blouson sleeves. Tiered cuffs, frills, bows and swinging tassels all added a final touch of softness to an alluringly comfortable collection. 5-knot.jp

AU LA Yukimi Kawashima’s 20 years of experience in the industry is apparent in her exquisite tailoring. She presented variations on the trouser suit, from cropped Teddy Boy rocker jackets with drainpipe slacks to billowing zoot suits. Masculine elements were tweaked to flatter the female form, referencing 80s power dressing statements rather than venturing into recent androgynous trends. Delicate velvet gowns and secretary ensembles were spattered with ruffles and jagged lace, completed with harnesses and buckles in a juxtaposition of contrasting stereotypes of femininity for the modern woman. aula.tokyo.jp

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HOW TO UNWIND

BY GETTING TIED UP And other interesting ways to calm your mind in Tokyo Words by Annemarie Luck

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MORE WAYS TO RELAX IN TOKYO BEING ON THE INSIDE OF THE BUNDLE IS AKIN TO BEING UNDERWATER IN THE SENSE THAT THE OUTSIDE WORLD IS CLOSE YET FAR

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ow it looks and how it feels are completely different,” says physiotherapist Orie Matsuo. I’m at her treatment room in Ikebukuro, about to try a session of otonamaki (“adult wrapping”), and she’s talking about the shock factor behind Japan’s unusual new form of therapy. People find the image of a body tied up in the cotton mesh fabric disturbing or uncomfortable to look at – which has ironically (or predictably?) made the topic a hit on the Net. “But in fact it’s based on the very soothing practice of ohinamaki – wrapping newborn babies up to mimic the feeling of being in the womb, and help them sleep better,” she says.

Matsuo is a member of the company Kyoko Proportion, and has been practicing physio and massage therapy for three decades. She introduced otonamaki to her repertoire after it was launched in 2015 by midwife Nobuko Watanabe, under whom Matsuo trained. The physical benefits of a 20- to 30-minute session include helping the body become more flexible, relieving shoulder and neck stiffness, and broadening joint movements. But perhaps the more interesting effect is how, when you’re rolled up inside that stretchy white fabric, your mind “feels free.”

Keen to see just how free I’d feel once wrapped up, I settle into a cross-legged position on the floor mat, seating myself

GONG THERAPY Sometimes called a gong bath, this meditative therapy is like a sound massage for body and mind, using vibrational frequencies to help healing and relaxation on a deep, cellular level. It’s great for easing insomnia, anxiety, and stress. To try it out, we went along to a session held in Shibuya by Anne Fong Braillard, who is also a yoga teacher and reiki master.

While we lay on comfy futons with eyes closed, Anne played two large gongs as well as different-sized Tibetan bowls, washing us in an epic symphony of sound that seemed to penetrate right to our core. It was beautiful, effortless, and probably the most relaxing thing we’ve done in years. ¥2,000 for 75 minutes (couples’ session ¥2,500, private session ¥3,800), 080-7848-3357, annefongbraillard@ yahoo.com, tinyurl.com/TW-gongtherapy

DOWNLOAD AN APP: For on-the-go healing, get the Natura Sound Therapy app via tinyurl.com/TW-soundtherapy

KADAMPA MEDITATION The paradox of being stressed is that often the hardest thing to do is sit down and clear your mind. The solution? Join a class so that all you need to do is show up while someone else leads you to lightness. The best thing about the Kadampa Buddhist meditation class we joined in Hiroo is that you’re not actually expected to clear your mind. Instead, our teacher, Janet Yeh, led us through a guided meditation that included visualization as well as practical tools for navigating everyday stresses. English classes are ¥1,500 at Be Yoga studio on Wednesdays (three times a month) from 7:30pm-8:30pm. April’s theme is “A Peaceful Mind in a Busy World.”

For more info, visit www.kadampa.jp

DOWNLOAD AN APP: For modern mindfulness, get the Buddhify app via tinyurl.com/TW-buddhify

directly in the middle of the cotton piece of fabric. Matsuo wraps a kind of protective belt around both my neck and waist – although the waist one is optional and next time I’d leave it off as I found it uncomfortable to lie on. She then gently folds the ends up over my head, asking if I’d prefer my face to not be covered. But since I don't suffer from claustrophobia (and I want to experience maximum freeness), I choose full coverage. Matsuo talks to me every step of the way, asking if I’m okay, and which position I’d prefer my hands, arms, legs, and feet to be in.

(Because communication during the session is important, you’ll need to be able to understand basic Japanese, or take along a Japanese-speaking friend.)

Slowly, she begins to tie different edges of the cloth together until there are multiple knots holding my cotton cocoon in place. She then guides me into a horizontal position, my legs and arms folded up to my chest. For the final tie, she asks me which position I’d like to have my head in – flat against the floor or tilted forwards at an angle. I choose the tilt, but if you’re worried about aggravating any neck pains then I’d recommend keeping it flat.

Being on the inside of the bundle is akin to being underwater in the sense that the outside world is close yet far. However, breathing is easy since the fabric is mesh, and at no point do I feel trapped or anxious to get out. Matsuo gently rocks me back and forth, turning me on my side, and even lifting the bottom half of my body off the floor. I may not feel one hundred percent free, but I am weightless for a long moment – and if you’re someone who carries the weight of the world on your shoulders, you’ll understand how freeing that can be.

ESSENTIAL INFO A first 45-minute otonamaki appointment with Orie Matsuo costs ¥4,860 (extra 10 minutes is ¥1,080, and subsequent visits are ¥3,780). To make an appointment, call 03-5879-8120. For more information, visit the Kyoko Proportion website at kyokopro.net (Japanese only).

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THE D E B AT E Words by Matthew Hernon

AS THE FILM IS RELEASED THIS MONTH IN JAPAN, WE DELVE INTO THE ONGOING QUESTION OF WHETHER THE BLOCKBUSTER IS A MAJOR CASE OF CULTURAL APPROPRIATION OR SIMPLY SAVVY CASTING. FIRST, WE ASK JAPANESE ACTORS LIVING IN L.A. TO WEIGH IN ON THE GREATER DEBATE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD WHITEWASHING. THEN, OVER THE PAGE, WE TURN TO THE MOVIE’S KEY PLAYERS, INCLUDING SCARLETT JOHANSSON, DIRECTOR RUPERT SANDERS, AND SCREEN LEGEND KITANO “BEAT” TAKESHI, TO HEAR THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE CONTROVERSY

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nother example of racism in Hollywood or just a case of selecting the most marketable star to make a profit? The live-action film adaptation of Masamune Shirow's manga comic Ghost in the Shell is finally set to open in Japan this month and has already caused quite a stir. It's a story that inspired movies such as The Matrix, Avatar and Minority Report, yet all anyone's been talking about over the past 12 months is the casting of Scarlett Johansson as the lead character Major Motoko Kusanagi.

Many see it as a kick in the teeth, not only for Japanese actors, but Asian actors in general. If they’re not going to be considered for a character named Motoko, you wonder if it’s ever going to happen. At the same time, The Major is a cyborg whose ethnicity and sex is never clearly defined.

From the producers’ perspective, rather than focusing on the race of the actor, it was about targeting a megastar to attract worldwide audiences.

In that sense, Johansson fit the bill perfectly.

Of course, not everyone’s willing to accept that point of view. Speaking during a panel luncheon last year, Fresh Off the Boat star Constance Wu said the situation was "particularly heinous because they ran CGI tests to make [Johansson] more Asian." She was also disappointed with the decision to cast Matt Damon as the hero in The Great Wall, writing on her Twitter page, "We have to stop perpetuating the racist myth that only a white man can save the world."

George Takei is another Asian-American celebrity who regularly speaks out about whitewashing in Hollywood. He took to Facebook after screenwriter Robert Cargill suggested that Tilda Swinton had been chosen as The Ancient One –

© Paramount Pictures

TORU UCHIKADO The 27-year-old’s breakthrough role came as Ren Shimosawa in Tim Kring’s supernatural drama Heroes Reborn. He’s currently starring as a serial killer in a web series titled The Mask of Sanity.

traditionally a Tibetan character – in Doctor Strange to appease Chinese audiences. "So, let me get this straight. You cast a white actress so you wouldn’t hurt sales … in Asia?

This backpedaling is nearly as cringeworthy as the casting. Marvel must think we’re all idiots," wrote the Star Trek actor.

From Katharine Hepburn as Jade Tan in the 1944 film Dragon Seed to Mickey Rooney's infamous role as Mr Yunioshi in Breakfast at Tiffany's, Caucasian actors have been portraying Asian characters for decades, and the trend appears to be continuing. The casting of Nat Wolff as Light Yagami in the upcoming Netflix production of Death Note adds further fuel to the fire.

American-born actor Edward Zo claims he was indirectly told not to bother auditioning for the role as they weren't looking for someone Asian.

So how deflating is it for Japanese actors in Hollywood to hear news like this? Weekender spoke with Toru Uchikado, Ami Haruno and Nina Fujii to hear their thoughts on the subject of whitewashing.

“I chuckled when I saw the trailer for The Great Wall with Matt Damon. It seemed so typical of Hollywood. At the same time, I don't know the storyline and would hate to criticize a movie without watching it. You could say it gives Asian actors an opportunity to showcase their talents globally as they're in a film with a huge star. Also, studios need to make money and probably feel they have a better chance of doing that with big names.

Whilst that makes sense, it's disappointing that Asian actors aren't considered as you never know what could happen. The film might do just as well or possibly better [with an Asian lead]. We don't know because the people in power aren't prepared to take that risk.

We [Asian actors] can’t just sit around and wait for things to change. You’ve got to be proactive. Go out and do independent films, work on your English so you don’t have to rely on stereotypical roles, create your own material to pitch to casting directors. I keep telling myself these things. It’s tough, but it was even harder in the past. I can’t imagine how difficult it would have been if I'd moved here [to L.A.] a decade or two ago. It's thanks to people like [Japanese-American actor] Masi Oka. Without his iconic performance as Hiro Nakamura in Heroes, Kiki [Sukezane] and I probably wouldn’t have got our roles in the Reborn series. I believe things will continue to improve as there are many creative Asian minds in the industry.”

AMI HARUNA Granddaughter of Akutagawa-prize winning author Komao Furuyama, Haruna has featured in many big-budget Hollywood films, including Seeking a Friend for the End of the World and Crazy, Stupid, Love.

“Whitewashing is a problem in Hollywood, but I'm not referring to myself when I say that. I realize most people born outside of English-speaking countries won't be getting any major roles because pronunciation is so important. I wouldn't expect a foreign person who didn't speak Japanese perfectly to get a lead part in an NHK or TBS show, and it is the same with me in America. Conversing with friends is one thing; sounding clear enough for a movie or drama is something else completely. I remember filming for Crazy, Stupid, Love and I couldn't say ‘Beverly Hills’ without an accent. Fortunately, Steve Carell helped me.

That was only a small part, which is fine. What I find frustrating is the typecasting of Asian, African-American, and Hispanic actors. Asian guys, for example, always seem to either be nerds or businessmen. Why can’t they be the heroes? I think there is a race problem in Hollywood and I’m not just talking about the film industry. A male friend told me that when he goes to restaurants with Caucasian friends they tend to get the best table; but things are different when he goes with Asian people. It’s a big issue, but I still love L.A. and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. Playing a ballerina, kissing Keira Knightley, washing a penguin in a bikini … there have been a lot of fun roles.”

NINA FUJII Born to an American mother and Japanese father, Fujii moved to L.A. two years ago.

She’s set to feature in the film Bond of Justice: Kizuna, due out later this year.

“The topic of whitewashing is brought up a lot in Los Angeles. Hollywood’s a tough place to go to and succeed, and I think it can be particularly hard on Asian actors. Some of my Japanese friends will be lucky to get two or three auditions a month, whereas I get them almost every day as I look Caucasian.

Of course, that's a big advantage, but it also means there's more competition. It feels like I'm somewhere in the middle. I've tried for Japanese parts and casting directors have basically looked at me and said, "What are you doing here?" Having been born and bred in Tokyo, it feels strange to be told you should be going for European or American roles.

I think there's still this misconception in Hollywood that Japanese actors make for good samurai or geisha characters, but can't do much else. I would love to be able to show people around the world that we have much more to offer. Contrarily, to do that I believe it's important to adopt more of an American mind-set. Recently my acting coach asked me if I thought I was pretty. I said no, which is a typical Japanese response, and from his reaction I realized how important confidence is in order to grow in this industry. I was always taught to be modest back home, but to do well in the States you need to change your mentality and adapt to the surroundings.”

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Director Rupert Sanderss

Words by Alec Jordan

STRAIGHT TALKING

WITH GHOST IN THE SHELL’S KEY PLAYERS Those connected to the film, including the director of the original anime, Mamoru Oshii, have responded to the whitewashing criticism with everything from praise for Johansson’s performance to the argument that The Major wasn’t meant to be Japanese in the first place.

With the film’s world premiere having taken place on March 16, and the Japan release scheduled for April 7, and with tensions on the rise, here’s what some of the most prominent voices* regarding the film have to say about the controversy, as well as the making of the movie in general.

SCARLETT JOHANSSON ON… …her first reaction to Ghost in the Shell I didn't know the material, and when the script came to me, it also came with a copy of the anime, and when I first saw it, it seemed quite daunting … but it was alluring. …what drew her to The Major I started to imagine that this was a character who was living a unique experience of somebody who has an idea of who she thought she was, and then who she isn't now – the life she's living now. And then the person she feels she is, this sort of gnawing and clawing feeling she has in her ghost. And being able to play these three sides – we called them the ego and the superego and the id – that was pretty enticing for me. …her physical preparation for the film Of course I did a lot of training because I wanted to be able to have the physical presence of somebody who's very capable, and then of course I had to be quite capable. Luckily I'd had a lot of fight training and weapons training for all those little Marvel movies. [laughs] So it comes in quite handy because there's a kind of shared vocabulary. …what she hopes the fans take away It’s a story about the loss of innocence, and kind of rebirth that you can have from that. And I hope that the fans can connect with The Major in the way that I connected with her.

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© Jasin Boland

SCREEN LEGEND KITANO “BEAT” TAKESHI, WHO PLAYS THE CHARACTER OF ARAMAKI IN THE FILM, ON… …speaking Japanese in a mostly English language film, and the lengths that the cast and crew would go to cater to his needs I said I hated speaking English, so they told me that Japanese was fine; I said I was terrible at remembering lines and made all kinds of other complaints. Finally, they had Scarlett Johansson holding my cue cards for me! [laughs] …how right Johansson was for the role Scarlett as an actress has 20 years of experience, and she has the perfect look for a character who is fitting into the cyberpunk world. Even if you look at her toughness and her figure, she’s impressive, and she’s right on with her ability to represent the kind of nuances of an android with human thoughts. She has truly embodied those central questions of her character: “Who am I?” “Am I good or evil?” …what it took to bring him on board I initially thought that it would be impossible for me to play the character of Aramaki. But [director Rupert Sanders] pursued me around the world, and finally explained to me that we would be presenting this work that had its origins on the island of Japan, and how our whole team would be fighting together like comrades in arms to do this project justice.

I STAND BY MY DECISION: SHE'S THE BEST ACTRESS OF HER GENERATION

DIRECTOR RUPERT SANDERS ON…

© Paramount Pictures

IT FEELS WILDLY INAPPROPRIATE FOR AN AMERICAN STUDIO AND THE BRITISH DIRECTOR OF SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN TO PICK IT UP AND SELL IT BACK TO US

EMILY YOSHIDA, FILM AND ANIME CRITIC, ON… …her initial reaction to seeing a movie still of Johansson as The Major The image of a famous white actress in Kusanagi's signature black bob seemed like another depressing example of Asian actors being removed from Asian narratives.

Japanese audiences, unlike American audiences, don't understand Motoko to be a Japanese character, just because she speaks Japanese and has a Japanese name.

This speaks to the racial mystery zone that so much anime exists in, allowing viewers to ignore such unpleasant dynamics as oppression and discrimination even as they enjoy stories that are often direct responses to those dynamics. …her doubts about letting Hollywood have a go at a very complicated set of cross-cultural touchstones Ghost in the Shell is the product of and response to decades of physical erasure and technological alienation. It's pop cultural fallout, a delicately layered croissant of appropriation upon appropriation. It's as timely as ever, but it feels wildly inappropriate for an American studio and the British director of Snow White and the Huntsman to pick it up and sell it back to us.

…why Johansson was The One, and the difference between actors and movie stars You know, you want to take Ghost in the Shell to the world, and I think she is such an incredible actor that she's grown to such a global appeal, and I think to me, that's really what is so impressive about her as an actor. She's transcended so many of those levels, she's been doing it for 20 years and along those 20 years she's made incredibly intelligent choices and made some really seminal films, especially around this topic, from Her to Lucy to Under the Skin. I mean, you work with actors and then you work with movie stars. Actors are incredible, but there's something that movie stars have – and there's very few of them. For me, I stand by my decision: she's the best actress of her generation, and I was flattered and honored that she would be in this film. …why the criticism doesn’t bother him, and why he thinks the proof will be in the viewing I think any criticism hasn't really come from Japan. I think [original anime director Mamoru] Oshii very categorically came out and enforced her as The Major, but to me, that's not going to silence the critics, because nothing really silences critics … I hope the conversation changes into what the film does do and how different it is from what people were expecting. She really can speak for herself ultimately in the film, and I think people will judge her and say, "Yeah, she was totally the right decision."

…the ambiguous ethnicity of advanced androids I don't think it's an accident that the cyborgs of Ghost in the Shell, including Motoko, are more “anime-looking” than the characters who are mere Japanese or American humans. This is not to say that they are supposed to be white, but they are not explicitly Japanese, either. They're a supposed sign of progress in a blindly technologized future, where not only can an individual's race be augmented away; one's entire physical being can be. …why Japanese viewers may have an entirely different take on the subject of whitewashing

© Paramount Pictures * We heard from Johansson, Sanders, and Kitano at a press event in Tokyo, and Emily Yoshida’s remarks come from her 2016 article on Verge.com: bit.ly/TWEmilyYoshida

[ PROMOTION ]

FIVE WORDS AND WAYS TO WOW YOUR NEW BOSS Ready to meet your new Japanese colleagues? Even if you’re feeling a little unprepared, these words and phrases will be sure to help you through your first days and weeks on the job 1

BRUSH UP THAT JIKOSHOUKAI (SELF-INTRODUCTION)

YOU’VE ALWAYS GOT MY BACK

Every new hire will be expected to stand up in front of the company and tell a little bit about themselves – ideally in Japanese. You’ll want to be able to tell people your name, where you come from, and an interesting fact about yourself, so practice a bit before Day One!

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The direct translation of “osewa ni natte orimasu” is “you always take care of me,” but it’s a basic greeting for people outside of your company. It’s what you say first, before your name, when you make a phone call, or take a phone call. It's also what you write first in an email.

WE’RE ALL TIRED “Otsukare sama desu” literally means “you must be tired,” but in the office, it’s basically a formal way of saying “hi,” and it’s a common greeting you’ll be exchanging more times than you can count. On your way home, use the past tense form: “otsukare sama deshita.”

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DIAL UP THE POLITENESS If Japanese grammar weren’t tricky enough, there’s also a different set of words and phrases that you use in formal business situations. This honorific language is known as keigo, and while you’re not expected to know how to use it perfectly, knowing that it exists is a good start.

I DON’T MEAN TO INTRUDE You’ll find yourself apologizing a great deal in business situations, even though you may not always be sorry. “Shitsurei shimasu” is a way to say excuse me, but can be used to enter the room, or when you talk to your boss or colleague.

WANT TO LEARN JAPANESE? Would you like to finally be able to speak Japanese?

Are cross cultural misunderstandings holding you back in business and your personal life in Japan? If so, find out how Japan Management & Communication (JM&C) can help you achieve your personal, business and language goals through our personalized training programs. For more information on our courses please visit jmctokyo.com/japanese/

Contact

Tel: 03 5423 0531 | Email: jmc@jconcept.co.jp

Address: Hasebe No.2 Bldg, 2F, 5-21-2 Hiroo, Shibuya Ku 3 8 | A PR IL 2 0 1 7 | TOKYO W E E K E ND E R

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JOB cigarette paper advertisement by Alfons Mucha, 1898

D I D YOU K NOW ?

Alfons Mucha's art was so influential that it was originally named "The Mucha Style" before becoming synonomous with the Art Nouveau genre. Go check it out this month...

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"Sight of Photojournalism” Adam Pretty (Getty Images)

ART & MUSIC

AT H L ET E E X H I B I TI ON With the start of the Tokyo 2020 games just a short 1,200 days away, the city is quickly easing into an all-out Olympic fever. This 21_21 Design Sight-helmed exhibition is taking advantage of the epidemic with its exploration into the world of sport design. Training, measuring and supporting athletes requires advanced tech and design in the 21st century, and often, this enterprising field attains proficiency at the same height as the athletes themselves. Stretch your muscles and mind and make your way out to this exhibit this spring.

21_21 Design Sight Until June 4 www.2121designsight.jp

THE ART WORLD

OU R PIC K O F T H E C I T Y’S B ES T EXHI B I T I ONS Compiled by Luca Eandi

T H E ART OF D ISN E Y – T H E M AG IC OF AN IM AT ION

© Disney Enterprises, Inc.

It’s all led up to this, Disney fans – a lifetime spent watching films, dozens of trips out to Tokyo Disneyland and roomfuls of branded merchandise – all culminating to coming face to face with the barebone sketches from where it all began. This exhibition features nearly 500 drawings, storyboards and animation cels from the entertainment giant – from 1928’s Steamboat Willie all the way to last year’s Moana. This show is sure to arouse the interest of hordes of Tokyo-area Disney fans, so prepare for lines.

Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation Until September 24 da2017.jp

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“Urban Tapestry No. 009” Wing Chan, 2014

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M US I C Three new exciting music releases for the month of April THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS: WHITEOUT CONDITIONS Following the 2014 album Brill Bruisers, this supergroup led by accomplished songwriters AC Newman, Neko Case and Dan Bejar return with their new effort, Whiteout Conditions. If the first single, “High Ticket Attractions,” is any indication, we should be in for another set of supremely invigorating and mature power pop.

W IN G CH A N : U RBA N TA P E S TRY Hong Kong-born photographer, designer and montage artist Wing Chan creates unique images out of his visions of urban clutter. Growing up within the confines of Kowloon Walled City, a truly wonderful mess of concrete and humanity, surely had an immense influence on his particular aesthetic. His photomontages are artfully crafted to create surreal scenes out of the geometrical patterns we're all accustomed to in our urban everyday lives. Crosswalks, shipping containers and prosaic street views evoke this artist’s unique perspective.

Gallery Kanon Until May 1 www.gallerykanon.com

THE ELEGANT OTHER: CROSS-CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS IN FASHION AND ART As Yokohama’s port grew in size and traffic in the mid-19th century, a cultural exchange started taking place between Japan and the West. This exhibition focuses on the melding of the fashions of the time, as the divergent cultures discovered beauty in each other and began incorporating elements into their respective clothing to reach new aesthetic heights. More than one hundred dresses as well as hundreds of accessories, handicrafts, paintings and photographs make up this stunning exhibit.

Yokohama Museum of Art Until June 25 yokohama.art.museum

GUIDED BY VOICES: AUGUST BY CAKE Robert Pollard’s 100th album since Guided By Voices’ 1986 debut is also his first-ever double LP. One more entry cementing him as rock’s most prolific songwriter, a title well-earned with decades' worth of catalog in his back pocket.

The current lineup of the band features a couple of GBV veterans and a few new faces, but Pollard’s signature sound is a constant.

AIMEE MANN: MENTAL ILLNESS According to the singer herself, Aimee Mann’s ninth album is her "saddest, slowest, most acoustic, if-they're-all-waltzes-so-be-it-record" to date. This should make long-time fans of her music excited since her penchant for melancholia and tragic humor is in large part why they’ve been on board since her stint with ‘Til Tuesday in the mid-80s.

Turner, Dress, 1870s, Collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute (KCI), Photo by Richard Haughton

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SU PE R U K IYO-E – T H E E D O CODE

ART E S S E N TI A L I NF O "Super Ukiyo-e" and "Tabegamisama" (below) are being held at the same venue until May 21, and visitors can purchase combined tickets to see both exhibitions at a reduced price.

Address: Kayabacho Ichome Heiwa Bldg,1-8-1 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku Web: superukiyoe.com, tabegamisama.com

TABE GA M I SA M A – TH E M YST ERI O U S RES TAU RA NT O F TH E F O O D G O D Held in the same building as “Super Ukiyo-e” (above), this is a digital, interactive art exhibition that aims to express the beauty and main elements found within Japanese washoku. Although at the very end you do get to sample some typical – and delicious – Japanese food, the main part of this exhibition consists of four spaces that make use of projection mapping, video technology, body mapping, and special effects to represent all that makes local cuisine so unique. Produced by Moment Factory, a Canada-based digital art group, it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before.

For a quick preview watch our video at tinyurl.com/TW-tabegamisama

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Hidden in an abandoned building on the backstreets of Nihonbashi lies an animated world of Japanese Ukiyo-e. Serving as a beginner’s guide to the traditional art of woodblock printing, this exhibition aims to “digitally decode the many secrets hidden within Ukiyo-e.” The art form was popular during the Edo period, and it would often express popular culture through its images – for example, prints might feature Kabuki stars or Oiran (courtesans) with hidden (and often witty) cultural references embedded within the artwork. Since this was a time of censorship, the artists needed to cleverly disguise their hidden secrets, gossip, or satire – in this way, it could loosely be viewed as the tabloids of the times.

Rather than simply displaying framed pieces of art on a wall, “Super Ukiyo-e – The Edo Code” showcases 3D pieces that have been enlarged and animated using new video technologies. You’ll get a feel for the old city of Edo, the fashion trends, and the lively atmosphere inside a Kabuki theater. The journey begins with a mini bridge (representing the historic Nihonbashi bridge) with a backdrop of moving scenes depicting everyday life in the Edo era.

Walk over the bridge to enter a room with a wall-to-wall screen serving as a kind of catwalk – take a seat and admire different fashions as “models” (who are life-sized versions of famous Ukiyo-e characters) float across the screen.

Perhaps the most impressive moment comes when you enter a large room with huge screens that show off a massive, moving representation of Hokusai’s “The Great Wave Off Kanagawa.”

Don’t leave the room too soon, as there’s a mighty sea creature waiting to leap from the ocean depths. And towards the end of the exhibition, be sure to walk up close to the lit-up images of courtesans who stare out from behind bars – we don’t want to give away too much, but let’s just say, they’ll be happy to see you.

MORE SHARED CREATIVE SPACES IN TOKYO

Words by Paul McInnes

A new shared art space provides a hub for artists looking for innovative ways to live, create, and showcase their work Photo by Stephan Jarvis

I

n the late 90s and early Noughties, something magical started to happen in a certain part of eastern Tokyo. Once a gritty garment district, it began to metamorphose into an unofficial arts hub and stylish (and cheaper) alternative to Aoyama, Daikanyama and the usual suspects. The press even gave this area and scene (Bakurocho, Kodenmacho and Monzen-Nakacho) a catchy name: CET or Central East Tokyo.

Like most 21st century mega cities, Tokyo is protean and trends come and go. CET’s time has been over for a while, and other locations have taken up its mantle. One such area is Sengoku, a hop, skip and jump from Sugamo on the Yamanote line. While Sugamo revels in its “Harajuku for geriatrics” tagline, Sengoku is more youthful, sophisticated, and calmer. It has cute backstreets littered with artisanal toy shops and French bakeries, and it’s the location of the hip Tokyo Fashion Art College.

The latest addition to the area is the Sengoku Art Space, owned and run by charismatic Canadian Lloyd Cunningham. The Toronto native and long-term Tokyoite is CEO of media, marketing and tech firm Robotag. He is also a passionate advocate of art and monozukuri (craftsmanship).

A skilled carpenter and artist himself, Cunningham, who studied fine arts and architecture, sees his new space as “essentially a pilot project. It’s part artist live-and-work space, part showroom, part event space, and part studio for design/build projects. But at the core is a drive towards being a creative space or hub. That said, part of what

we are doing here is an exploration and a process of discovery.”

The Sengoku space has already played host to emerging English photographer Stephan Jarvis’s first solo exhibition, and Cunningham plans to build on this by establishing closer bonds with the local community by running arts and crafts classes as well as calligraphy, drawing and painting lessons for kids and adults.

Cunningham, who basically renovated the space singlehandedly from found and recycled materials, wants the project to exemplify the rejection of the ready-made and prefab aesthetic of modern times. “We seek to create a truly authentic experience – one that’s not purchased or commercialized.

Instead we create it for ourselves.”

There are numerous communal spaces popping up in the Japanese capital but most focus on servicing the needs of a new generation of “global nomads” – people who can work anywhere as long as they have a laptop and desk.

What makes Sengoku Art Space different is the focus on art, collaboration and the sharing of ideas in addition to mentoring ability. Cunningham has even established his own carpentry and woodwork business, Roidoworks (a play on the katakana pronunciation of Lloyd Works), and plans to carve out a future inspired by Japanese shokunin (artisans).

The Canadian Renaissance man has plans for Sengoku and the future of creative communal spaces. “We’re basically nonprofit,” Cunningham says. “We have no foreseeable revenue model, and are just hoping for the space to generate enough cashflow to sustain itself. When we first started renovating the space, I wouldn’t have believed we could come this far. If we can build a community of creatives here, and make it work, then I would like to seek out other spaces to refurbish into artists’ live-and-work spaces too.”

Sengoku Art Space: 4-38-10 Sengoku, Bunkyo-ku

NAGATACHO GRID Opened this February, Nagatacho Grid is a mammoth, stylish space for freelancers, startup entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations and major businesses, artists, researchers and students. The Grid is comprised of office spaces, conference rooms, parking lots, a café and rooftop space – and everything is shared and free to use for members. 3-53 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, 03-5759-0377, grid.tokyo.jp

RYOZAN PARK Launched five years ago as one family’s attempt to rejuvenate their local area, Ryozan Park has since become a vibrant community based on diversity, collaboration and worklife balance. Following the success of the first building in Sugamo, a second co-working space was developed in Otsuka in 2014, broadening its reach to support working parents by providing care for preschool-age children.

Facilities include a rooftop terrace, gym, kitchen, library, and even bedrooms. It’s basically a top-end home/ workspace for urban professionals.

1-9-1 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, and 3-36-7 Minami Otsuka, Toshima-ku, 03-6912-0304, info@ryozanpark.jp

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AGENDA: THE WEEKENDER ROUNDUP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN APRIL 1 APR 1-30 ALFONS MUCHA In celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Czech Republic and Japan, this exhibit highlights the lauded Art Nouveau artist.

Where: The National Art Center, Tokyo How much: ¥1,600 More info: www.nact.jp

5 APR 1-30

2 APR 7-30 MARVEL: “AGE OF HEROES” EXHIBITION This show pulls together nearly 80 years of Marvel Comics history along with costumes and assorted memorabilia from the popular films.

Where: Tokyo City View How much: ¥1,800 More info: tokyoweekender.com

6 APR 1-30

3 APR 15-16 PAPER EXPO 2017

CHOCOLAT DE EASTER

See papery things from all over the globe, all in Asakusa, at this expo that will prove hard to resist for Tokyo-area pulp nerds.

Where: Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Taito How much: ¥500 More info: tegamisha.com

Well-known French chocolatier Valrhona is celebrating the Easter holiday with this fun family event that includes all sorts of chocolate-related activities.

Where: Hillside Forum How much: Free More info: www.cdeaster.com

7 APR 8

THÉODORE CHASSÉRIAU: PARFUM EXOTIQUE

THE JOURNEY TO EUROPA

BY KLOKA

SENSOJI FLOWER FESTIVAL

With 110 oil paintings, watercolors, sketches and prints, this is the largest exhibition of the French painter’s works to be displayed in Japan.

Where: The National Museum of Western Art How much: ¥1,600 More info: tokyoweekender.com

Take a journey into outer space and visit one of the moons orbiting Jupiter in this exhibition exploring what lies beneath the icy shell of Europa.

Where: Space Museum TeNQ How much: ¥1,800 More info: tokyoweekender.com

A special service celebrates the Buddha’s birthday as an altar with a statue of the child Buddha inside is decorated with flowers.

Where: Senso-ji Temple How much: Free More info: www.senso-ji.jp

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8 APR 22-23 EARTH DAY TOKYO 2017 This market has an eco-friendly focus and gathers more than 100,000 visitors each year.

Come and get locally sourced vegetables and other delicious foods.

Where: Yoyogi Park How much: Free More info: www.earthday-tokyo.org

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People, Parties, Places TOKYO’S LONGEST RUNNING SOCIETY PAGE WITH BILL HERSEY

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ore than happy the weather’s been nice for this time of the year, so I am getting out more to go check things out.

First, you’re too late to take advantage of the popular ice-skating rink at Tokyo Midtown. Spring’s around the corner and the cherry blossoms should be here (or been and gone) by now. The rink has been replaced by an attractive miniature Mt. Fuji.

Time goes on.

In closing this part of my column, I have to mention this: my carelessness and stupidity cost me a considerable amount of yen. I was in a coffee shop with a friend and left my coat and bag with him Bill with Miss Japan when I went to the restroom.

Priyanka Yoshikawa Unfortunately, the mall manand Miss ireland agement had moved the men’s Niamh Kennedy room from the third floor to the second floor, so it was a bit of a walk. On the way back to the café, I ran into another friend and we spent some time catching up. As I finally got back to my seat, two guys who looked suspicious got up from their table and left. When I was about to leave, I discovered that my bag, which I had put under my coat, was gone. Needless to say, I wasn’t happy about this. I’ve forgotten things in coffee shops before, but I've always gotten them back with everything – including my cash. I still feel that Japan is basically an honest country. Even so, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Be careful, my friends. It only takes one bad person – and as most of us know, there are some out there.

THANKS FOR SO MUCH More wonderful memories – this time for the late Filipino Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador, Domingo L. Siazon Jr., who passed away May 3, 2016. To honor Domingo, his wife Kazuko donated seven intricately executed pointillist paintings by distinguished Filipino painter Jack Salud to be on permanent display in Siazon Hall at the Philippine embassy here in Tokyo. Kazuko, the Filipino deputy chief of mission Eduardo Menez and his wife Marissa hosted the special evening to honor Domingo and open the exhibition. I got there a bit late, but was able to hear Kazuko’s inspirational speech about Domingo’s many accomplishments over the years. I was lucky to know and have him as a good friend. It was wall-to-wall peo-

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ple at the exhibition, with many Japanese government VIPs and close friends of the Siazons. There was a nice memorial with many distinguished guests. The buffet, catered by Dean & Deluca, was excellent.

We already wrote about the loss of the late and great Jane Yonamine but will run a few photos of guests at the celebration of life memorial service that the Yonamine family held at the Tokyo American Club for this “mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and inspiration to many.” The program included a welcome, an opening prayer, words of remembrance, a video of the W. Yonamine Pearl Co., a family video, shared memories and a heartfelt thank you.

It closed beautifully with one of my favorite songs – “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

TAC’s bountiful Japanese buffet was perfect for the occasion.

More recently, the Ireton family – Bill, his sister Asia, and wife Charo – held both a wake and funeral for Bill and Asia’s mother Kikuko at the Franciscan Chapel Center in Roppongi.

Bill had contracted our mutual friend Tsukasa Shiga, who is president of Ceremony, one of Japan’s top funeral and wedding companies. As time was of the essence, Shiga sent his most professional people and they did a beautiful job of working with the Ireton family and the Chapel Center. The flowers, the music, the program, and the Japanese food for both the wake and funeral were all perfect. We here at the Weekender extend our condolences to the friends and families of all these very special people.

MIN-ON’S SUPER TANGO SHOW I’ve seen great Tango shows on Broadway, London’s West End, and of course, here in Tokyo. I enjoyed them all, but I felt the show that Min-On Concert Association recently brought to Tokyo was the best ever. The title of the musical production was Dramatic Tango 2017 / Horacio Romo Sexteto. It featured the most popular tango music, played at its very best by the six piece orchestra.

The dancers were all stunning and super talented, and have all been hailed as the best back in Buenos Aires as well as at competitions worldwide. The costumes were glitzy, glamorous, and sexy, and the choreography for the stage sets was perfect.

SALUD IN MEMORY OF DOMINGO SIAZON 1. Kimiko Yamamoto, Kazuko Siazon, Musa Kagawa, Yukiko Mabuchi 2. Philippine Deputy Chief of Mission Eduardo Menez and wife Marissa 3. Anna Bertels Ishikawa, Kazuko Siazon, her daughter-in-law Meg, Atsuko Kume 4. Philippine embassy staff Eleanor Fukuda, Fumiko Fujie, Kanami Namiki, Mary Joy Doran Mortel 5. Reiko Ryuzoji, Emi Anzai, Lilo Maruyama, Kazuko Siazon, Mariko Kosaka

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MIN-ON’S FANTASTIC TANGO SHOW

MUSICAL NIGHT AT MIDTOWN OAKWOOD

6. Argentine tango singer and three dancers with model and actor Hide Kusakari 7. Yemeni Ambassador Samir Khamis, his wife Jamila 8. Bill with two members of the tango troupe 9.

Argentine Minister Felipe Gardella, dancer, MinOn Mg. director Kazuto Ito 10. Min-On President Hiroyasu Kobayashi (top left), the band leader Horacio Romo (1st row, second from left) and Argentine Ambassador Alan Beraud with the troupe

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11. The multi-talented Michiyo with Oakwood GM (all Asia) Martin Fluck (left) and music promoter Michael J. Distasio (right) 12. Swiss Chamber of Commerce president Michael Mroczek, Lueng Hotel’s CEO Tao Zhou, Martin 13. Ela-El Japeth (Israel), Phil Stilwell, Attorney, Claire Suni, Polina Grabaruick (Israel) 14. Christian Schmitz, Konica Minolta’s Kiyotaka Fujii, Emi Skin Clinic director Emi Nakazaki T OKYO WE E KE N DE R | A P RI L 2 0 1 7 | 4 7

RIP, JANE YONAMINE AND KIKUTO IRETON 1. Kumi Sato, Paul Yonamine, Ernie Higa, Meric Okawara 2. Marty Kuehnert, Machiko Kondo, Robert Whiting 3. Tony, Karl Che, Alex Jampel, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Mojumdar 4. The Ireton family, Matthew, Edward, Thomas, their parents Bill, and Charo, and Lynda Yonamine 5. Thomas Ireton and Masako Koyama 6. Matthew Ireton and Lisa Leon 7. Yasuko Kikuchi, Asia Ireton

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KUWAIT RECEPTION – TOWER HOTEL

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8. The talented hostess, her son Khalid 9. Lilo Maruyama with Jamila (Yemen) 10. Businessman Nambusan and friend, with Gaimucho’s Katsuhiko Takahashi and his wife Mami 11. UAE Ambassador Khalid Omran Al Ameri, Japanese actress/ dancer Mako Hattori, and her mother, a former geisha 12. The hosting couple, Kuwaiti Ambassador Abdul Rahman Humood Al-Otaibi and his wife Jamilah, Lilo, pianist Reiko Awazu 13. Thai Ambassador Bansarn Bunnag, Kyoko Spector, Mina Tachimura, Thai Airways assistant mgr. of marketing

After the two-hour show, I had the opportunity to mix and mingle with the cast, as well as with some local VIPs who enjoyed the show as much as I did. It was special in every way. Kudos to Min-On, who do so much in bringing great international entertainers to Japan and putting on Japanese cultural events all around the world.

Some years ago, I spent a few hours in Argentina, where I partied with Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida. We both took a day off after the Brazil Carnival to visit the spectacular Iguaçu Falls which are shared by Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Looking back, I could kick myself in the butt for not visiting Buenos Aires when I was so close. Everyone I talk to who’s been there says it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

KUWAIT NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION Kuwaiti Ambassador Abdul-Rahman Humood Al-Otaibi and his wife Jamilah hosted a glittering reception at the Palace Hotel. The occasion was to celebrate the 56th National Day and 26th anniversary of the liberation of the state of Kuwait, and it was held in the hotel’s spacious and beautiful Aoi Room.

The Al-Otaibis are a very popular family, and there was a full house at the midday event. Jamilah is a very fashionable lady who also possesses artistic talent. She and her crew worked with hotel staff on the spectacular decorations and food for the party. Highlights included a tall ice carving of the Kuwait Towers, and a variety of sweets including plenty of chocolate and dates. I really liked the big model of a dhow (a traditional Arabian ship) that decorated one part of the room. I spent a night on one of these the last time I visited Kuwait. It was an exciting experience.

I enjoyed talking with the relatively new UAE Ambassador, Khalid Omran Al Ameri: he’s quite young and very international. I had the privilege of visiting his country six times and drove to all seven of the Emirates on one visit there. I also enjoyed talking with Thai Ambassador Bansarn Bunnag, who took over the ambassadorship last year. It was also nice to see the popular and super businessman Nambu-san, looking genki as usual.

MUSICIAN MICHIYO AT OAKWOOD MIDTOWN The many Oakwoods in Japan – and, I’m sure, around the world – are not only a home away from home for seasoned travelers who want the best, but also, their staff really get into the community spirit. They generously assisted Konishiki as he for years provided help at Christmastime for the victims of the Tohoku disaster, and they support many other worthwhile causes as well.

My favorite Oakwood location in Midtown has a regular wine night every Thursday. They often have live entertainment, wine tasting sessions and other interesting events. It was packed recently when musical prodigy Michiyo showed off her talent, playing a variety of musical instruments.

Other interesting guests there that night included Claire Hansen Suni, an accomplished lawyer who studied at Harvard

Hilton vocalist Glynis, Miss Universe Japan Hiroko Mina, and entertainer Steven Haynes

Law School. Oakwood has just opened yet another branch here in Tokyo – watch this space for details.

PEOPLE, ETC. The multi-talented – and super nice – Steven Hayes will release his latest CD, titled High Hells, on May 24. The music’s fun and Steve, who’s a real winner, helps so many people in need – it’d be great if you could show him some support. We celebrated with him and a bunch of friends of Indonesian business tycoon Kayapan Satya Dharshan.

I drop by Junko Koshino’s boutique on Koto dori quite often.

I’m a long-time fan of the lady whom I consider Japan’s busiest and most active fashion designer. The always-full-of-new-ideas designer is just back from Paris, and as always, has lots of new projects on the go. Her kimono line is always so original and colorful. She’s also doing more men’s fashion now, along with dynamic costumes for the fabulous Drum Tao dance group. When I saw her recently, I left the boutique with two very trendy 2017 calendars which she had designed. On another occasion, I stopped by the shop and she was out front doing a photo shoot. She was dressed in upscale Hell’s Angels fashion and posing on a huge motorcycle. She just never stops.

Happy 16th birthday to Iman, the daughter of the Oman Ambassador Mr Khalid bin Hashil bin Mohammed Al-Muslahi and his wife Abeer. Abeer is a wonderful mother and always holds fantastic parties with lots of decorations, good food and entertainment.

Panama Ambassador Ritter Diaz has been super busy with several promotional events focusing on the colorful textile art, molas, a handicraft of his country. I’m sorry I couldn’t get to any of the happenings but do have a couple of molas, which former Ambassador Alberto Calvo gave me, along with some imported Italian furniture, when he left Japan some time ago. A big muchas gracias to Ritter and his lovely wife Ayana. I just received a package of Panama’s much awarded “coffee of the year.” Talk about special!

I was in the lobby of the Grand Hyatt waiting for a friend when I saw about a dozen Saudis who were among the 1,000 who accompanied their king to Japan for his official visit. They were all dressed in Saudi national clothing and one came over to me and said,

“Hi – we like your style. Where are you from?”

“I’m American,” I told him. "I visited your country as a guest of the national guard for the great Janadriya Culture Festival when I was invited by Ambassador Fawzi Shobokshi.”

“We know the Shobokshi family!” he said, and called four of his friends who all came over to where I was sitting.

We talked for several minutes before they had to get in a limousine and head out for a party. It was really a nice impromptu get together. Thanks to the Weekender, years running a club in Roppongi, embassies, airlines, and so many other gigs, I’ve traveled all over this old world of ours. Even so I sometimes get surprised when something happens that makes me realize that it really is true – the world can be very small.

Rumi, Dermozone's Atsushi Suda, Emily, Bill, Hiroko Mina, Dermozone CEO Kayapan Satya Dharshan, Miss Supranational Japan 2016 Risa Nagashima

Dunhill Pres. Jörg Auernhammer, Ex German Snack Bar owner Horst, Hiroshi, Kozo Tashima

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