暦 Koyomi End March to
こよみを楽しむ
IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS
Early-April
Che r r y Blossom Vie wing お花見
text & coordination/ Rieko Ido, photo/ Hajime Watanabe 文とスタイリング:井戸理恵子、写真:渡辺肇
In Japan, there are not only four seasons, but 24 solar terms within the seasons. Just around the Seimei solar term, or when the sakura starts to bloom, is when the whole of Japanese societ y seems to spring forth to a new start. As both the new school term and new work year starts from April, ceremonies that mark the end of one chapter and the start of the next such as graduation and matriculation are held in March and April respectively.
It is said that cherr y blossom viewing used to be a sign of respect and prayer for ancestors. Through this prayer for ancestors, a line is drawn between past and present, and one can stride forth into the future. This is a way of parting with one’s past and taking a first step into a new future.
best hopes for these employees of f to a new start in their lives. While the form is dif ferent, the spirit remains the same as times past.
Up till today, many Japanese corporations welcome their new employees at cherr y blossom viewing parties, as a ceremony conveying their
Rieko Ido A graduate of Kokugakuin University, researcher of ancient Japanese customs and knowledge, conducting technical analysis on findings to apply them to modern lifestyles. Currently teaches at Tama Art University.
WAttention Malaysia |
3
Bringing the best of Japan to around the world
Los Angeles
Tokyo
2011.05 launched
2012.03 launched
Malaysia 2011.03 launched
Paris
2013.07 launched
2014.01 launched
Indonesia Singapore 2014.08 launched
What is WAttention?
Mumbai
2010.03 launched
Thailand Hong Kong
2013.02 launched
2014.06 launched
Taiwan
WAttention is a name created by combining “ 和 ” (WA) - meaning all things Japanese - with “attention”, referring to our mission to bring attention to the best of Japan. “Wa” also bears the connotation of “linking”, which is what WAttention aims to do as a bridge linking Japan and the world. We are the largest-circulating free magazine to introduce Japan’s unique culture as it is and tourism sights as they are to readers all over the world, in either English or the local language.
2012.10 launched
Check out our new website at
www.wattention.com
Culture & Entertainment
Like us on Singapore
Tokyo
Thailand
Los Angeles
WAttention Singapore
Food
Shopping
Travel
WAttention WAttention Thailand WAttention Los Angeles
Feature
Campaign
Aomori Approx. 3 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo
東北 秘湯とグルメの旅
Secluded
Sukayu Onsen Aoni Onsen Yamagata Approx. 2 hours 30 min by Shinkansen from Tokyo
Morioka Approx. 2 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo
Matsukawa Onsen
Zao Onsen Tokyo
Hot Springs & Authentic Cuisine A Taste of Rustic Japan in Tohoku If you are looking for a rural retreat to refresh your body and soul, look no further than the Tohoku region in north-eastern Japan. Consisting of six prefectures, this area boasts some of the milkiest and smoothest hot springs in Japan, a variety of fresh seafood from both the Pacific Ocean and Japan Sea, organic meats from free-range farms as well as abundant fruits made sweet from the distinct change in seasons.
Aomori 青森
Located at the tip of Japan’s main island, Aomori is famous for apple produce, seafood and Nebuta lantern floats.
♨ 酸ヶ湯温泉
Sukayu Onsen Historic and healing soak This milky bath found high up in Aomori City's Hakkoda Mountains has been frequented for centuries by locals for its healing properties. It is a popular stopover for many skiers in search of powder snow at Hakkoda Ski Resort. The wooden building, known as senninburo or “1000-person bath”, is famous for its two mixed-gender baths made from hiba arborvitae, a kind of cypress tree found in Aomori. Access: 1 hour by JR Bus Tohoku Towada-hoku line from JR Aomori Station URL: www.sukayu.jp/Tops/index ( Japanese)
♨ ランプの宿 青荷温泉
Lamp no Yado Aoni Onsen Away from modern life This mountain retreat takes you away from your everyday life and offers an authentic Japanese experience you will not easily find elsewhere. The ryokan is lit only with oil lamps, and rooms come without power sockets or Wi-Fi. This may at first feel inconvenient, but a soak in one of the four divine hot springs will help you forget the stress and worries that come with modern life. Access: 30 minutes by bus (Nurukawa Line) from Kuroishi City. Get off at Nijinoko and transfer to pickup bus URL: www.yo.rim.or.jp/~aoni/en/index.html
6
| WAttention Malaysia
Gourmet spots within Aomori City
一八寿司
Ippachizushi
津軽じょっぱり漁屋酒場
Tsugaru Joppari Isariya Sakaba
Top-notch sushi at conveyor belt prices You will have a hard time finding sushi of this quality for the same price. The secret behind Ippachizushi’s gorgeous toppings is not only the quality of Aomori’s local seafood, but also the skill of the sushi chef with over 30 years of experience. Do not forget to try the scallop sushi, an Aomori specialty.
Cuisine and live music from Aomori The three Nebuta lantern floats hanging on this izakaya's exterior promise an authentic experience and makes it both easy and fun to find! Savour local sake and specialties such as kaiyakimiso (貝焼き味噌, scallops grilled together with miso and egg), and fried shamorokku (シャム ロック, an Aomori chicken breed) while listening to a live tsugaru-shamisen performance. This type of shamisen – a traditional Japanese stringed instrument – has its origin in Aomori Prefecture.
Access: 10 minute walk from JR Aomori Station Address: Shinmachi 1-10-11 Aomori
Access: 20 minute walk from JR Aomori Station URL: marutomisuisan.jpn.com/isariya-tugaru/ ( Japanese)
Tohoku limited popular snacks
Scallop Butter-Soy Sauce Jagarico 860 yen
Try out these Aomori editions of famous snacks made using local produce! (All prices are tax inclusive)
Aomori recommended sakura spot Country Ma’am (Aomori Apple flavor) 700 yen
Must see!
Aomori Hello Kitty Apple Caramels 378 yen
立佞武多の館
Tachineputa no Yakata (Tachineputa Museum) Observe actual Nebuta floats throughout the year Nebuta are huge lantern floats that traditionally represent Japanese warriors. While Nebuta parade festivals are held only during the summer, at Goshogawara City’s Tachineputa Museum, floats used in former festivals are on display throughout the year and can be viewed from a closer distance than at the actual festivals! Access: 5 minute walk from JR Goshogawara Station URL: www.tachineputa.jp ( Japanese)
弘前城
Hirosaki Castle Park This 400-year-old castle is surrounded by over 2,000 sakura trees of more than 50 varieties. The “sakura tunnel” at the western moat is especially stunning, and crossing the traditional Japanese crimson bridge is like a fairytale come true. Access: 20 minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station URL: hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/en/edit.html?id=edit12
WAttention Malaysia |
7
Iwate 岩手
The largest prefecture of Japan’s main island, Iwate is abundant with untouched nature. Be sure to savour local noodle dishes and organic meat from the famous farms found here.
♨ 松川温泉 松川荘
Matsukawa Onsen Matsukawaso Kanpai while bathing This nearly 300 year old hot spring town is located 850m above ground level on Iwate’s Mt. Hachimantai. Matsukawaso is one of the most renowned hot spring ryokans here, and offers not only a spectacular outdoor bath, but also cuisine with healthy vegetables and freshwater fish from the mountains. The landlady’s smile is worth a fortune, and her warm hospitality will soothe your soul despite any language barriers. End your stay with a last dip in the outdoor bath and a cup of sake! Access: 1 hour and 50 minutes by bus from JR Morioka Station East Exit Bus Terminal. URL: matsukawasou.com ( Japanese)
Eats & Bites いちごの森 サラダファーム
Ichigo no Mori Salad Farm Strawberry picking near Matsukawa Onsen Pick and eat as many strawberries as you can and frolic with the alpacas and ponies at this fun farm. Be sure to try the strawberry cream puff, which was 2014’s winning sweet at the Iwate S-1 Sweets Fair. (Strawberry picking is available yearly from late Dec to mid-Jun. Reservation is required.) Access: Approx. 40 minutes by car from Matsukawa Onsen or 1 hour by car from JR Morioka Station. URL: http://salad-farm.jp/ichigo/ ichigo.html ( Japanese)
小岩井農場まきば園
Koiwai Farm Makiba-en Juicy meat fresh from the farm Koiwai Farm – one of Japan’s most renowned dairy farms – is a popular tourist spot in Iwate Prefecture. At the farm’s open-air restaurant Sumibiyaki Barbeque Shokudo, you can enjoy juicy grilled beef or lamb meat straight from the farm. How about a nutritious barbeque lunch in a picturesque greenery? Access: 10 minutes by taxi from JR Koiwai Station URL: www.koiwai.co.jp/ ( Japanese)
8
| WAttention Malaysia
そば処 東家
Sobadokoro Azumaya All-you-can-slurp soba Wanko soba refers to small portions of soba noodles served in lacquerware bowls. As soon as you slurp up the noodles, a new portion will be served together with a cheerful pep talk from your waiter who will keep refilling your bowl until you cover it with its lid, indicating that you have “given up”. Finish more than 100 bowls and receive a commemorative souvenir! Access: 3 minute walk from Morioka Bus Center. URL: www.wankosoba-azumaya.co.jp/foreigner/english/ index.html
Iwate recommended sakura spot 小岩井農場の一本桜 Standing in the middle of Koiwai Farm’s grass field with Mt. Iwate in the backdrop, this grand sakura tree is said to have been planted approximately 100 years ago. The contrast with its surroundings makes this unique sakura an ideal spot to visit on this farm!
Koiwai Farm’s Ipponzakura
This mountainous prefecture in west Tohoku is also known as “Oishii Yamagata” for its bounty of delicious fruits, rice, water and famous beef.
Yamagata 山形
♨ 蔵王温泉と樹氷
Zao Onsen & Ice Monsters Princess Water hot spring Located at the foot of Mt. Zao, this hot spring town has a history of over 1,900 years and boasts the second highest acidity of all hot springs in Japan. A soak in this sulfurous bath softens and whitens one’s skin, which is why its milky water is known as “Princess Water”. Mt. Zao is also one of Japan’s most frequently visited ski resorts, and is well known for its juhyo (樹氷 , Ice Monsters). These natural snow sculptures appear only on this mountain due to its unique weather conditions. Access: 40 minutes by bus from JR Yamagata Station Address: www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/index.html
Savor local cuisine
深山荘 高見屋
Miyamaso Takamiya Ryokan dining At a luxury ryokan like Miyamaso Takamiya, Japanese kaiseki-style dining will be a highlight of your stay. Fresh local seafood, meat and vegetables are generally prepared according to traditional Japanese methods. However, for some dishes, ideas from foreign cuisines that complement the ingredients are also incorporated. The result is a harmonious course meal that is a feast for both the eyes and tummy. Access: 5 minute walk from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal Address: www.zao.co.jp/takamiya/ ( Japanese)
Yamagata recommended sakura spot
日和山公園、酒田市
Hiyoriyama Park, Sakata City The sakura trees at Hiyoriyama Park’s promenade make the Port of Sakata's sunset even more romantic. Viewing the sakura together with the park’s traditional Japanese trade ship – a symbol of the city’s coastal trade with Japan’s ancient capital Kyoto during the Edo era (1603-1868) – will make you feel like you are wandering through Sakata’s glorious past. Access: 5 minutes by Shonai Kotsu Bus from JR Sakata Station URL: www.city.sakata.lg.jp/ou/shoko/kankoshinko/ kankokoryu/7203.html ( Japanese)
出羽三山の精進料理
Dewa Sanzan’s shojin ryori Food of Japanese mountain hermits The three shrines of Mt. Dewa, known as Dewa Sanzan, are each located on a different peak of the mountain and are said to date back more than 1,300 years. Monks here have developed a unique kind of shojin ryori ( 精進料理 , traditional Japanese vegan food) that relies on wild mountain vegetables. Try it for yourself at the lodging at Haguro-san shrine! (Reservation required) Access: 50 minutes by Shonai Kotsu Bus from Tsuruoka City Address: www.dewasanzan.jp/publics/index/48/0/
Yamabushi (mountain priest) in traditional attire
WAttention Malaysia |
9
WAttention Malaysia |
11
Spectacular nature and culture just 2 hours away from Tokyo!
Hokuto Yamanashi Prefecture
Shinjuku
Shinjuku – Hokutoshi 2 hours by Chuo Main Line from Shinjuku (Get off at Kobuchizawa Station)
12
| WAttention Malaysia
雄 大 な 自 然 に 出 会 う
東 京 か ら わ ず か ２ 時 間 ！
東沢大橋 HIGASHIZAWA OHASHI
Nature blessed by location
High mountains, deep culture
As one of the world’s biggest cities, Tokyo has everything one could wish from an ultimate urban experience. However, it lacks the mountains, forests, crystal clear rivers, fresh air and local ingredients one could expect from a nature paradise like Hokkaido.
Hokuto has been a popular weekend retreat for Tokyoites since the eighties, but enclosed by the Yatsugatake mountain range in the north and Mt. Fuji in the south, Hokuto is still waiting to be discovered by foreign tourists. WAttention spent the weekend and discovered that Hokuto is not only rich in nature, but also in traditional and modern culture.
A trip to Hokkaido is a big undertaking if you are living in Tokyo, not to mention for visitors with only a limited amount of time. Visiting Hokuto – a city in Yamanashi prefecture with natural assets second to none – is much more convenient as it can be reached from Shinjuku by train in only 2 hours!
WAttention Malaysia |
13
Hokuto Nature
From a panoramic mountain range view to a valley hidden in the sacred woods
サンメドウズ清里
SUN MEADOWS KIYOSATO Summer Season Take a 10-minute “air stroll” with the Panorama Lift and enjoy a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji from Kiyosato Terrace. Where you can enjoy a view while relaxing on a comfortable sofa at 1,900m altitude. While you are at it, how about a Sky Soft, a yummy local dessert that consists of a stick loaf and soft ice-cream.
14 | WAttention Malaysia
Winter Season Has skiing with Mt. Fuji in the backdrop always been your dream? With a total of 10 different courses, Sun Meadows is a great destination for first timers yet offers enough challenge to be interesting for the more seasoned skier. Children can have a blast by sliding down the hill on sleds! Hours: 9am – 5pm (summer) 8am – 5pm (winter) Access: 5 minutes by Kiyosato Picnic bus or taxi from Kiyosato Station. URL: http://snow.gnavi.co.jp/guide/htm/r0018ens.htm
尾白川渓谷
OJIRAGAWA VALLEY A mystic hike Ojiragawa river’s clear water originates from Mt. Koma, a sacred mountain where, according to legends, a god with the appearance of a white horse used to reside. Literally translated as "white tail river", the Ojiragawa river takes its name from this myth, the stream symbolizing the horse’s tail. With the 270 years old mystic Komagatake shrine at the start-point, a hiking course of 4 hours with gorgeous waterfalls and cliffs along the way can be enjoyed. Jinja waterfall that falls in three layers is a noteworthy spot that becomes all the more photogenic when covered in golden foliage during autumn. Access: 30 minutes by taxi from Nagasaka Station. URL: www.city.hokuto.yamanashi.jp/ genre/detail/1835/ ( Japanese)
WAttention Malaysia |
15
Hokuto Culture
Traditional
北杜市の伝統文化
Cultivated by the stream of Ojiragawa river With Ojiragawa river’s water - a natural resource that has been treasured for centuries – as the main reason for its cultivation, the Hakushu area boasts a long history and rich culture to indulge in. Explore Hakushu’s street of latticed houses with slated roof tiles and enjoy Hokuto’s more traditional side.
七賢
Shichiken Shichiken is a Japanese sake brewery with over 300 years of history. In 1880, Emperor Meiji stayed at the brewery during his journey through Yamanashi, Mie and Kyoto. The rooms designed especially for his visit have been left completely intact and are open to the public. The brewery itself also welcomes visitors that wish to observe the process of sake making and, of course, sake tasting can be enjoyed at the brewery’s shop. Hours: 9am – 5pm Access: 15 minutes by taxi from Nagasaka Stationor Hinoharu Station. URL: www.sake-shichiken.co.jp/eng_chn_kor.html
くらかふぇ糀’s
臺眠（ダイミン）
Koji’z
Daimin
Koji’z, a small cafe located inside Shichiken’s main building, uses koji to create malt smoothies, a new type of smoothie. They come in flavors of local fruits such as peach and blueberry, resulting in a healthy yet sweet (alcohol-free) drink dessert.
Daimin is a Japanese restaurant run by Shichiken. Many of the fresh fish, meat and vegetables from the region are prepared with sake. The salmon pictured below, for example, is coated in a sauce made of koji, which is malt left over from the sake.
Hours: 9am – 5pm Access: 15 minutes by taxi from Nagasaka Station or Hinoharu Station. URL: www.sake-shichiken.co.jp/eng_chn_kor.html
金精軒
Kinseiken Shingenmochi (信玄餅) is a sweet ricecake that has been a staple product of confectionery manufacturer Kinseiken for over a hundred years. However, it was not until 2013 that the people at Kinseiken had a stroke of genius and developed the big hit product “Mizu-shingenmochi”, a water drop shaped dessert only possible with water as clear as that of Ojiragawa river. (Plain shingenmochi can be purchased throughout the year, but the Mizushingenmochi is only available during the weekends from June to September and can only by eaten directly at the shop.) Hours: 9am – 6pm (Closed on Wednesdays) Access: 15 minutes by taxi from Nagasaka Station or Hinoharu Station. URL: http://kinseiken.co.jp/okashi/wagashi/629 ( Japanese)
16
| WAttention Malaysia
Hours: 11:30am – 3pm (lunch) 5pm – 8:30pm (dinner) Closed on Tuesdays. Access: 15 minutes by taxi from Nagasaka Station or Hinoharu Station. URL: www.sake-shichiken. co.jp/gourmet.html ( Japanese)
Modern
北杜市のモダンな文化
A blend of pop culture and stunning nature
Kobuchizawa Art Village Resort & Spa The presence of Kobuchizawa Art Village Resort & Spa makes Hokuto city feel trendy and young, which few other Japanese provincial cities can claim. Having avant-garde modern architecture and a museum dedicated to works of New York pop artist Keith Haring not in Tokyo but here surrounded by a stunning mountain range and a starlit sky is a piece of art itself.
Luxury Hotel Hotel Keyforest
ホテルキーフォレスト
This brand new boutique hotel is gorgeous both inside out. The luxurious rooms are all unique, each of them representing a natural element: sky, wind, sunlight, boscage, earth and water. Listen to the symphony of the birds from your terrace in the morning and be mesmerized by a view of the mountains from the rooftop where you can also enjoy the sparkling stars at night.
VS
Access: 5 minutes by Yatsugatake Kogen Resort bus or taxi from Kobuchizawa Station. URL: www.artkeith.com/keyforest-jp/
Classical Lodge
ロッヂアトリエ北杜
Lodge Atelier Hokuto
With the facade of a European chalet and some tatamimat rooms inside, this 40-year old lodge is an interesting encounter between European and Japanese style. It feels like home away from home. Its best asset is the private hot spring, where you can enjoy as a couple or with the whole family! Access: 5 minutes by Yatsugatake Kogen Resort bus or taxi from Kobuchizawa Station. URL: www.artkeith.com/stay/
Indoor
中村キース・へリング美術館
Nakamura Keith Haring Collection
VS
This private museum is dedicated to the works of eighties New York pop artist Keith Haring. There is something extremely genuine and universal that can be felt through his works that feature humans that are not of a certain race yet colorful and diverse. Even today, Haring’s works manage to catch people’s hearts regardless of their ethnic background. Hours: 9am – 5pm Access: 5 minutes by Yatsugatake Kogen Resort bus or taxi from Kobuchizawa Station URL: www.nakamura-haring.com/english/index.html
Outdoor
カナディアンキャンプ乗馬クラブ
Canadian Camp Riding Club
After learning some basic skills of horseback riding at the practice area, head out to Hokuto’s forest paths for a mesmerizing ride on top of your new best buddy. Centuries back, samurai galloped on their horses just like you on these very same trails. Hours: 9am – 6pm (From April to October) Access: 5 minutes by Yatsugatake Kogen Resort bus or taxi from Kobuchizawa Station URL: www.artkeith.com/riding
WAttention Malaysia |
17
18
| WAttention Malaysia
WAttention Malaysia |
19
WAttention FIELDS Research Institute］ ［
Let’s Talk Subculture Explore the fascinating world of Japan s subcultures with insights from the inside.
What You Oughta’ Know About Otome Road
and was a term slapped on women who drew or read manga portraying two male leads in a romantic relationship, which comes under the genre of “Boys’ Love”, or BL.
Mecca of the FUJOSHI 腐女子
Now, why would any heterosexual woman be interested in two men in love or making love? Understandably the idea would make the general public somewhat squirmish.
In a nutshell: Otome Road is to the Fujoshi what Akihabara is to the Otaku. It’s the Yin to the Yang of Otaku culture (though some may argue that Otaku also includes those of the fairer sex).
But you’ll find that most of the Fujoshi paying pilgrimage at “Otome Road” – a nickname for a 200 meter-odd stretch of road in East Ikebukuro – are just regular romantics who love manga.
First things first, fujo…what?
Why girls love Boys’ Love
If that didn’t make any sense to you, fret not. The term Fujoshi isn’t as wellknown as Otaku, which has elbowed its way into the Oxford dictionary to refer to a person obsessed with a certain (sub) culture, often to the detriment of their social skills.
One unique feature about BL is that it is written and drawn by women, for women. This BL circle is often referred to as “dojinshi” and BL started off as fan fiction of shonen manga, or young boys’ comics, which quite simply either focuses on a sport, or students who are also warriors in a fantasy world.
So why should you care about this breed of beings, the Fujoshi? Because this is a global trend that taps into and reflects the psyche of nearly half of the world’s population. What is Fujoshi?
Female characters hardly appear and the boys are always portrayed as either training, competing or fighting their nemesis.
This literally means “rotten female(s)”
BL explores the fantasy that the male
Fujoshi!
The BL genre, with its endless spinoffs of mainstream titles playing out alternative scenarios - from the male characters going on an onsen trip to just showing them on a regular day out – fulfils the fantasy of female fans. Men adopting a submissive position There’s also a deeper sociological driver for the existence of BL which gives it a global appeal. BL gives women the chance to see men in a submissive state, being the one to say ‘no!’ or be pleasured, instead of the normal manga when men are the one taking the lead and proving their manhood – even if in real life, they may not do so. And in a male-dominated world – and society like Japan – this twist will give most ladies some pleasure. Nothing rotten about that, is there?
［
Fujoshi speak up
We are
protagonist’s hatred actually stems from a forbidden love for his nemesis – which is quite a deep hypothesis, psychologically speaking!
To voice actresses, Kokoro Kanae and Yui Taya who are both in their twenties, BL is just another genre of manga to be enjoyed, with nothing to feel ashamed of. I have male friends who read it too and they aren t gay, said Kanae. As for
］
Find out other fascinating aspects of subculture in this special Let s Talk Subculture series online at www.wattention.com.
Taya, she says, It offers a world of fantasy and escapism for me. Kanae adds that the all-male cast is a treat for the eyes , with two men in the spotlight instead of just one. In fact, the world of BL is keeping them so busy that they have no time for romance in real life!
No Manga, No Life! Isn't BL great?
20
| WAttention Malaysia
yes, double the eye candy!
Otome Road Map Why is Ikebukuro the mecca for Fujoshi? On weekends and even on weekdays, young girls carrying bags covered with anime character badges or even grown women in kawaii costumes can be seen flocking excitedly to a 200m stretch of shops to the west of Sunshine City in East Ikebukuro. This is Otome Road, the mecca for Fujoshi. Here, many Fujoshi come hunting for the latest Boys’ Love manga and paraphernalia, spend the day curled up with their favourite comics at a girls’-only manga café or indulge in a fantasy world at a butler cafe. This evolution can be traced to 2000 when Animate reopened after renovations with an emphasis on catering to the Fujoshi fan base, prompting K-Books to do the same. Toshima-ku, which is the ward in which Ikebukuro belongs to, actively promotes the existence of Otome Road and has even produced a walking map of it.
❶ K-Books
❷ Swallowtail Butler Café
K-Books dominates Otome Road with various shops specializing in offers a BL manga, anime, cosplay goods and CDs produced by male voice artistes.
Here you can indulge in a fantasy world where you are a lady or lord (apparently men frequent here too) with butlers at your beck and call at the ring of a bell. Impeccably groomed butlers will serve you afternoon tea and sophisticated sweets. Reservations are needed and this café was fully booked when WAttention visited on a weekday! Address: 3-12-12 Seiwa Building, B1F, Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo www.butlers.cafe.jp
Lumine Ikebukuro Meiji Dori
Ikebukuro Station
❸ Otome Road ❷
Police
Seibu department store Ikebukuro
e
hin
ns
Sa
y Cit
ri
Do
60
Sanrio Gift Gate Green Odori
MinamiIkebukuro Park
❶
❹ Sunshine City Police
HigashiIkebukuro Station
For more details refer to their website: www.k-books.co.jp ❶ is K-Books Anime Shop
❸ CAFE 801
❹ acosta! cosplay event Hacosta Inc, which operates a cosplay studio along Otome Road, started organizing regular cosplay parades around Ikebukuro since a year ago, gathering throngs of cosplay fanatics each time. This event allows cosplayers to walk into participating cinemas, restaurant and shops in their costumes, freeing them from their unspoken rule of not walking in their costumes in public. The next acosta! event will be held over 5 days from May 2-6. http://acosta.jp
This is a girls -only manga café which prides itself on offering the widest range of BL literature in Japan at over 10,000 titles, and is a sanctuary for Fujoshi who can book private cubicles to curl up in and indulge in escapism. BL talks are also occasionally held for Fujoshi to get together and talk about their favourite fantasies. Hours: 11am – 11pm Address: 3-10-6 Kato No.6 Bldg, 2F, Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshimaku, Tokyo Tel: +81（0）3-5944-9417 http://cafe801.org
This article was written with the assistance of Fields Research Institute, which conducts research in entertainment. ©2015 Fields Corporation / WAttention
WAttention Malaysia |
21
with
Travel Canon 八坂神社｜京都
Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto Once called Gion Shrine, this Shinto shrine was founded over 1,350 years ago and is home to the famous Gion Matsuri which is celebrated every summer with floats and hundreds of participants.
Photographer: Triston Yeo (Singapore) Country: Kyoto, Japan Camera Model: EOS-1D X Settings: f4, 1/800sec, ISO 2000