Wattention Singapore vol 24 by WAttention

Singapore Edition - Tokyo - Taiwan - L.A. - Malaysia - Thailand - Paris - Mumbai - Hong Kong - Indonesia

TA K E FREE Jan / Feb 2015 VOL.24 MCI(P)005/12/2014

居酒屋

IZAKAYA

Specials

FEEL JAPAN’S SOUL – YAMANASHI – KANAGAWA – SHIZUOKA – JAPANESE TRADITION: TEA CEREMONY

shunji matsuo hair salon

our JAPANESE

NGEE ANN CITY

new

Chikuma

Th is se as on ed Ha ra juk u sty lis t sp ec ial ize s in ev er yth ing fro m fus sfre e ‘Was h & Go ’ sty les to int ric ate cu ts tha t su it the se ns ibi liti es of an y ind ivi du al!

HairStylist e Anything from an easy-to-manag inous casual styles to a sexy, volum you perm, she has just the style for for any occasion!

Kiko

hi Junic

With his diverse experience from New York & Tokyo, he has a keen eye for choosing the best short styles for the perfect image-change!

Hiro

Mashi

A long-time veteran, having managed 3 salons and worked for various magazines, s. commercials and fashion show Vibrant layer bobs and natural s! perms are his recommendation

Chie

With his bright personality and valuable advice, leave it to this veteran to choose a style that looks great and is best suited for Singapore’s climate!

hi Ryuic

313

HOLLAND VILLAGE

Choosing ‘Nua nce colors’ that pe rfectly complement an d enhance one’s stylish ‘osyare’ factor is her specialty! Look cool and trendy in no time!

From 15 Dec onwards

Get a taste of dynamism with his Shibuyainspired styles! His specialty is giving easyto-do yet trendy and natural looks that complement any hairstyle.

CENTURY For a fuss-free style, try his dry-cuts for an eas y, cool look. Combine it with highlights or colors to enhance the appear ance!

Satoshi

ICON Dynamic & exciting, she has worked for various hair catalogue photo shoots. Try her bob & layered hairstyles with an added touch of color gradation!

Shuhei

Try his specialty of stylish short bob styles and expertly done digital perms at the hair tips for a naturally beautiful look!

Aya

Shunji Matsuo Hair Studio Flagship Tel: 6238-1522 #05-23 Ngee Ann City, Podium B I*CON by Shunji Matsuo Tel: 6836-6567 Isetan Wisma Atria Basement 1 I*CON 2 by Shunji Matsuo Tel: 6786-8896 #03-01 Century Square

I*CON Shunji Matsuo by Lily Xu Tel: 6737-5311 #01-35 Far East Plaza Shunji Matsuo Hair Atelier @ ION Tel: 6509-5833/6509-5883 #04-04 ION Orchard Shunji Matsuo Hair Salon@ Holland Village Tel: 6762-6088 245A Holland Avenue

Shunji Matsuo Hair Salon@313 Somerset Tel: 6238-0226 #03-26 313@Somerset Shunji Matsuo Hair Salon @JEM Tel: 6734-0802 #03-14 JEM Shunji Matsuo by Poise Tel: 6333-4185 20 Handy Road, Nomu #01-01 I*CON by Shunji Matsuo(franchise) Tel: 6604-7255 #04-01 100AM

In Ha r mony w it h t he Sea sons Zoni : Eaten on January 1, New Year’s Day

こ

text & coordination/ Rieko Ido, photo/ Hajime Watanabe, decoration/ Junko Kibe

よ

The pictured zoni dish is a soup of chicken dashi stock with simmered root vegetables, to which roasted mochi and fragrant mitsuba (cryptotaenia japonica) has been added.

みを楽

雑煮１月１日︵元旦︶

しむ

Zoni is the name of a soup containing mochi that is traditionally eaten in Japanese households on the fi rst day of the New Year. Depending on the region, the ingredients can vary, and the soup may be a clear soup, soy sauce-based, or made with miso or white miso. But whatever the style, zoni is a combination of a soup containing several vegetables. Preparations for a New Year’s feast traditionally begin on December 31. Considering that the fi rst day of the month had been called tsukitachi (rising

of the moon), a dark, moonless night was important for resetting everything, and eating zoni on the morning after that also meant that the body was being prepared to accept new things. Burying yourself in the diversity of a full year—despite being surrounded by an array of happenings, the people of ancient times must have focused their wisdom and consideration for their health into these tiny servings of zoni, praying that they could continue to live on.

Eating mochi, where the god of the New Year had been believed to dwell, fi rst thing in the New Year, is an act that represents receiving their energy. For the Japanese, this god had no been doubt a manifestation of their ancestors.

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 Singapore

NIIGATA KOSHIHKARI

Till End of Jan 2015

Year’s first Harvest Rice Fair at OOTOYA

NIIGATA

PREFECTURE Niigata is one of the largest rice producing prefectures in Japan. The vast Echigo Plain and the Shinano and Agano rivers that moisten the plain are located within the prefecture.

〇 Koshihikari ¦ Niigata こしひかり・新潟県

e are able to guarantee the quality and freshness of each dish because of this thorough preparation and our policy to only start cooking dishes after we receive the order. We are always dedicated to create more mouthwatering foods to our valued customers.

〇 Tokyo 東京

The mineral-rich snowmelt gives the ﬁne taste to the rice. The climate of this region— long Sun-light hours and light rainfall in the summerintensiﬁes the growth of rice and promotes the growth of a tasty rice.

KOSHIHIKARI

Koshihikari is the most cultivated rice in Japan. It is highly popular; Koshihikari has become a synonym for excellent rice. The name Koshihikari means that the developers hope to become the shining rice of the country of Koshi. And now, Koshihikari has become one of Japan’s leading agricultural crops known not only in Japan but around the world.

SIGNATURE MENU ・Charcoal grilled Saba Fish ・Deep Fried Chicken & Vegetable with Sweet and Sour Black Vinegar sauce ・Home-made Tofu ・And more nice dishes await you!!

PROMOTION Free gift to

First 1,000 customers (300 gram of new crop Niigata Koshihikari rice)

OOTOYA Japanese Restaurant Orchard Central Branch #08-012(Verandah) Tel. 6884-8901 11am-9:30pm

Clementi Mall Branch #03-53 The Clementi Mall Tel. 6659-2644 11am-9:30pm

Changing City Point Branch #01-30/31 Changi City Point Tel. 6636-1228 11am-9:30pm

VOL.24

PURSUE A NIGHT OF NEW CULINARY INTRIGUE!

IZAKAYA! 居酒屋の魅力を探る 03

In Harmony with the Seasons Publisher

0６

What s New? SPECIAL FEATURE

Izakaya – Pursue a night of new culinary intrigue!

Yasuko Suzuki Minook International (S) Pte Ltd 2B Craig Road Singapore 089662 Tel: (65) 6324-2127 E-mail: singapore@wattention.com

Singapore Edition Producer Teppei Nitobe

Editor in Chief Naoki Kiyota

Advertising Sales Ayako Miyazaki / Miyoko Takeuchi / Yuki Kawase / Kazuki Okubo SPECIAL FEATURE

Feel Japan s Soul – Yamanashi – Kanagawa – Shizuoka–

Writer Koh Yong Qiang / Sarah Wee / Sim Yi Zhen

Design Team Chew Yan Qiao / Shunjiro Miyaki / Hirokazu Tanaka

Editorial & Design Department in Japan Naoko Umagoe Ijuuin / Ayako Sogo

JPN47 - Vol. 4 - Ehime Prefecture SPECIAL FEATURE

Japanese Tradition: Tea Ceremony

Photographer Hajime Watanabe / Takao Hara

Partners WAttention Co., Ltd

Cover Photo Taishu Sakaba

Special Thanks 37

Mr. Samuel Yeong s Japanese Classroom Lesson 15

Rieko Ido

Rishiri Island Hokkaido s Hidden Treasure

本誌に関する日本国内でのお問い合わせ先和テンション株式会社 Tel: +81-3-6418-5701 Fax: +81-3-6862-6760 E-mail: info-tokyo@wattention.com

Event & Information

Japanese Brand Story 011

WAttention is so named with the hope that people in the world would pay more Attention to WA（和）; an important term in Japanese culture meaning harmony with nature, peace and even Japanese culture itself!

WATTENTION is a publication of Minook International (S) Pte Ltd. All articles published are in good faith and based on bonaﬁde information available to The Publisher at the time of press. The Publisher accepts no responsibility other than that stipulated by law. The Publisher also accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced in part or full without the previous written permission of The Publisher. Neither can any part be stored or recorded, by any means. The opinions expressed in The Publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher. This publication and the name are owned solely by Minook International (S) Pte Ltd, 2B Craig Rd, Singapore 089662. Email: singapore@ wattention.com. WATTENTION is published bimonthly and distributed throughout Singapore. Trademarks and copyrights for all other products, logos and depictions contained herein are the properties of their respective trademark and copyright owners.

世界中の人々に「和」（WA）に注目（Attention）してほしいという願いを込めてWA+Attention= WAttentionと名づけました。

All colour separation and printing by Times Printers Pte Ltd. Licence No. L027/08/2014, 16 Tuas Ave. 5, Singapore 639340 MCI (P) 005/12/2014

Why “WAttention”?

Distributor: DJ Express Services

WAttention Singapore

What's New?

Japanese latest happening, shops, innovations and more

新登場

Somerset Promotion

Devonshire

50% off

all menu courses *Limited to ﬁ rst 50 customers

A team of experienced Japanese stylists and eyelists are ready to serve you!

Menu ◦Haircut course

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$170 ◦Hair color course Female

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WAttention Singapore

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Tiong Bahru

Promenade

Abe s

Teppan-Ya

アベズ

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$28

An Exciting New ‘Hidden Treasure’ for Japanese Cuisine! Tel. 6222-1719 42 Eng Hoon Street Tiong Bahru Estate Tues 6pm-11pm Wed-Sat 12pm-2pm 6pm-11pm Sun 12pm-2pm 5pm-10pm Closed on Mon www.fb.com/AbesDiner

Located in a hot new food spot at Tiong Bahru is Abe’s! Packed with must-try Japanese cuisine, ingredients specially picked from owner's hometown- Chiba, Kashiwa ﬁsh market. Their variety of deliciously fatty Saba (Mackerel) BouSushi is highly recommended!

Excellent Teppanyaki and Contemporary Japanese Cuisine Visit Teppan-Ya for an unforgettable meal of expertly prepared teppanyaki, top quality sushi and sashimi, and Japanese cuisine by notable chefs. A coveted location for sightseeing and prime views of the F1 race.

Tel. 6885-3595 5 Rafﬂ es Ave. Mandarin Oriental, Singapore 12pm-2:30pm 6pm-10pm www.mandarinoriental. com/singapore/ﬁ nedining/teppan-ya/

Menu ◦Chef’s Special Courses (7 dishes) ◦Lunch ◦Saba Bou-Sushi

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Somerset

Tomi Sushi Echigotei 富寿し越後亭

Quality sushi and Japanese alcohols now at Cuppage Terrace! Renowned for their top-quality sushi, a new concept restaurant has now opened at Cuppage Terrace – Echigotei! Premium sushi made with fresh ingredients from Japan and served with specialized sauces is joined

by new gourmet delights from Niigata in an exciting ala carte menu! Fusing in elements of an izakaya, complement your meal with a drink from the finest selection of Japanese alcohols ranging from sake, shochu and more.

Menu ◦Hiyashi Noppe $8 ◦Tochioage $18 ◦Today’s Osusume Nigiri (5pcs)

$28

◦Tokusen Sashimi (8 types, for 3pax) ◦Tokujyo Nigiri

$140 $59

Tel. 6333-4633 35 Cuppage Road Cuppage Terrace 5pm-Midnight (L.O. 11:30pm) www.tomisushi.asia WAttention Singapore

Bugis

Island - Wide

Ora2 STAIN CLEAR PREMIUM

Tako Rice at Yamagawa Japanese Restaurant

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山川

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With this new line, using the latest technology to effectively get rid of stains while not harming your teeth’s enamel, look conﬁdent with a brighter smile than ever before!

Get a taste of safe & delicious Tako Rice only at Yamagawa! Grown in Tako Town, Tako rice is fluffy yet firm with a delicious flavor that can be eaten on its own! Winner of the World Championship, taste the Official Rice for the World Sushi Cup Japan today!

Tel. 6299-1175 7500A Beach Road #01-305 The Plaza http://yamagawa.com.sg/ For more about Tako Rice www.town.tako.chiba.jp

#03-64

Plaza Singapura New Extension

✂Female Cut & Style $28 ✂Male Cut & Style

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✂Student's Cut 12 years and above

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✂Children's Cut from 6 to 11 years $20 ✂Fringe Cut

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Menu Af ter Cut - $12 Private Booth - $20

1 HarbourFront Walk, VivoCity #02-96 10:30am-9:30pm (End Recpt. 9:20pm)

WAttention Singapore

$12 nett price

B e fo re Before

Mon-Thu 11am-9pm Fri-Sun & PH 11am-9:30pm (Recpt ends 20min before close)

‘Buono’ Where

Japanese Pure-Bred Kagoshima Wagyu Beef (A4) with Porcini Mushroom

meets

‘Oishii’!

www.garibaldi.com.sg Tel: Address: Hours:

6837-1468 36 Purvis Street #01-02 12pm-2:30pm 6:30pm-10:30pm

Tagliatelle with Challans Duck Ragout

Molten Lava Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Gelato

Raffles Hotel Br as Ba sa h Raffles City Tower

Sta mf or City Hall

dR d

Mi d Pu dle Rd rv is Rd Se ah St

Pan-Seared Hokkaido Scallops with Trufﬂed Emulsion

With his years of overseas experience, Chef Roberto aims to make Garibaldi the perfect place for great, creative food – for any occasion!

Be ac h

Fresh Italian Burrata Cheese with Steamed Spanner Crab Meat & Carelian Caviar

Roberto Galetti

Vic No to rth ria Br St idg eR d

Established in Singapore since 2003, Garibaldi has established itself as one of Singapore’s most popular and loved Italian restaurants. Garibaldi is steadfast in its unwavering commitment to serving delicious and memorable dishes that strongly uphold their Italian identity and heritage. Led by Executive Chef Roberto Galetti and his team of passionate staff, Garibaldi fuses both creative energy brought by years of inspiration from travels, together with the principle of adhering strictly to traditional recipes to produce mind-blowing creations that both satisfy and inspire! Always on the search to improve their craft, Garibaldi is introducing an exciting new seasonal menu featuring ingredients from Japan! Believing in using nothing but the best possible choice of ingredients for every dish, an exciting array of creations fully utilizing Japan’s famous foods like wagyu beef, crab, scallops and more. All dishes are served in a series of dishes in a light ‘omakase’ style to ensure perfect balance of variety, ﬂavor and satisfaction! Round off your meal with a drink from the extensive wine selection consisting of the ﬁnest concoctions available. Garibaldi strives to make every diner’s experience comfortable, personal and unforgettable!

居酒屋

Izakaya 居酒屋

Pursue a night of new culinary intrigue! 居酒屋の魅力を探る You might have seen them before while walking outside. The popularity of Japanese restaurants in Singapore has brought about an increase in Izakaya here over the years. With their fascinating appearances, it is hard not to be curious! So what exactly is an Izakaya? Simply put, it is a place for relaxation & refreshment. Whether to unwind after a long day’s work with colleagues with a good drink, or to enjoy a good time with a large group of friends, an izakaya’s warm & familiar atmosphere with a menu featuring tons of great dishes, desserts and drinks, make it a pub, restaurant, and so much more! Much like Japanese restaurants, Izakaya also come in many different styles, varying from their designs to their menus. Bar-hopping enthusiasts should definitely try them all out! As much as they differ however, all Izakaya share the same general purpose – to be a haven for people to enjoy great food, drink and company at great value without pretense or stress. Let us find out more about Izakaya!

Teppei Nitobe Producer, WAttention Singapore – A ‘Tokyo-ite’ who has been based in Singapore since 2010. An avid ‘Hashigo-er’, going to at least 3 izakaya in a night when back in Japan for the holidays. No delicious morsel or drink escapes his sight!

WAttention Singapore

Izakaya Pointers The word Izakaya, is a combination of ‘i’ ( 居 ) to stay, and ‘sakaya’ ( 酒屋 ), sake shop. The name thus, describes a place where one can ‘stay’ at for a drink, which fits an Izakaya perfectly! However, there are many cultural and physical differences between an Izakaya and a normal pub or bar. Let us take a look at some of them!

お通し

行きつけの店

Otoshi

Ikitsuke

Also called a Tsuki-dashi, this is an appetizer that is always served when you are seated in an Izakaya. Usually a light dish to help whet your appetite, an otoshi also serves as a good way to judge the kind of cuisine an Izakaya will serve.

A term used to describe one’s preferred, favorite Izakaya or restaurant. Customers with an ikitsuke tend to have strong friendships with the Izakaya. Does the izakaya understand you when you ask for “the usual”? Find yourself going back to the same izakaya every time? Believe it or not – that is your ikitsuke!

とりあえず生！

飲みニケーション

Beer First

Nomi-nication

Unlike regular bars and pubs, it is normal to start your session at an Izakaya with a drink before ordering anything else. Simply say「とりあえず生！」(Toriaezu nama!) which means “I will start with a beer!” to get the ball rolling!

A slang-word combining ‘nomu’(飲む), to drink, and communication. In Japan, where people tend to be more shy & reserved, nomi-nication serves as a way to ‘break the ice’. People can gain more confidence to more openly discuss problems, settle deals, or to get to know one another better – and what better way to do so than with good food and drinks!

締めの一品

はしごする

A ‘final’ dish that is ordered near the end of an Izakaya outing. Usually a staple dish such as rice or ramen, the Shime is intended to help fill you up. My personal favorite? The Sake Ochazuke; a dish made of rice, salmon flakes and seaweed in seasoned green tea broth. Try it – you might like it too!

The Izakaya equivalent of ‘bar-hopping’, it is common for large parties to travel to few Izakaya in a single evening. Regular izakaya hashigo-ers do this for many reasons from wanting to try out another izakaya to a change of atmosphere to continue a conversation. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember where they have been!

Shime

Hashigo

WAttention Singapore

Izakaya

Private Areas Private seating areas are also available upon request. These areas provide a more intimate and quiet atmosphere, making them ideal for spending time with family or close friends. Great for catching up with one another over a long relaxing meal!

Experience

From the interior to the exterior, every aspect plays a part in giving the izakaya its lively atmosphere. With great food & drinks at reasonable pricing, it is the ideal place for people to kick back and relax!

Sake, Shochu & More!

For Parties! Looking for a way to have a great time? Then these tables are perfect for loud & lively parties with large groups of friends or colleagues. Capture the moment and feel the energetic atmosphere!

Enjoy an extensive range of sake, Shochu and other drinks that are brought in directly from Japan. Enjoy sampling every one with your friends during drinking sessions and try out various combinations with different dishes for new flavor experiences!

大衆酒場

TAISHU SAKABA

Dynamic, Definitive & Delicious – The Ultimate Authentic Izakaya Experience! With 2 branches located conveniently at the bustling Tanjong Pagar area, this is the definitive haven for any lover of Japanese cuisine, drinks, and authentic atmosphere – Taishu Sakaba, The Public Izakaya by Hachi. A sister-establishment to the famed Hachi Restaurant, Taishu Sakaba takes pride in maintaining the true spirit of a Japanese izakaya dining experience with its deliberate & meticulous attention to quality. The passionate team of chefs make regular trips all over Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu, bringing back souvenirs and stories from their travels as well 12

WAttention Singapore

as culinary inspiration! With this, you are guaranteed an exciting new culinary adventure and creative ﬂair with the seasonally changing menu with every visit! From the finest Japanese wines & beers, to an impressive spread of favorite dishes, you are always spoilt for choice. Whether for a small get-together, an after-office party or a huge gathering, let the friendly staff give you a warm welcome and immerse you in the full izakaya atmosphere today at Taishu Sakaba!

Omotenashi (Hospitality) WELCOM

いっらし

ゃい！

Friendly & passionate staff are ever-ready to give the best service! Regular customers may even get ‘special’ treats!

Izakaya Night out 居酒屋、遊べ

Counter-top Treats! Sit at the counter for a solo, intimate experience. Perfect for some personal-time for yourself, you can also enjoy conversing with the friendly counter-staff. Dishes can also be ordered directly here.

Grilled Goodies! For hearty yakitori treats, this is the place to be! You can order the items you want directly from the chef here, sit back and watch the expert chefs grill delicious yakitori before your very eyes!

K UP DRIN んで∼ S ’ T LE ∼ 飲で

飲ん

Dining Delights! With a huge smorgasbord of regular & seasonal dishes available, there is something for everyone in this diverse menu! Order all your favorites, try out new dishes, and share them amongst your friends – with a good drink of course!

❶

❶ Buta Menchi Katsu $10 & Tori Kara-age $10 ❷ Mentaiko Tamagoyaki $6 & Maguro Yukke $12 ❸ Aburi Shimesaba $12 & Ika Ichiyaboshi $18 ❹ Yakimono $5~

❷ ❸

Look out for :

❹

Promotion

!!! ERE H Y で ONLこだける !!

◌

こえ味わ

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◌

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The unique atmosphere of a Japanese village is authentically recreated in the Izakaya, creating a ‘mini-Japan’ for you to enjoy!

The Public Izakaya 1 Tel. 6604-9622

100 Tras Street #01-09, 100 am shopping mall

*Beer, Sake & Shochu

Suntory Premium Malt’s Beer

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◌

Japanese Sake (Bottle)

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The Public Izakaya 2 Tel. 6333-9622

16 Enggor Street #01-14/15/16, altez WAttention Singapore

❶

❷ ❶ Clark Quay Branch ❷ Kushi Mori 7 sticks ❸ Surumeika ❹ Sashimimori for 2 pax $60 ❺ Buta Soki Nitsuke ❻ Sushi Moriawase 1 pax

朋友居酒屋

Tomo Izakaya

Indulge in stunning food and engaging ambience for an inspired Izakaya experience! Having been inspired by his first-hand experience from visiting izakayas during his trips to Japan, F&B consultant and entrepreneur Andrew Tan was blown away by the combination of inviting ambience and excellent food and alcohols. Wanting to bring this same experience to Singapore, Tomo Izakaya was started in 2008 with the sole intention of sharing the same feelings of euphoria he experienced to diners all across the island! Tomo Izakaya’s charming interiors and lively alfresco-styled dining with scenic views of the river provide the perfect ambience to a wonderful evening.

❸

Whether for parties, birthdays or corporate meetings, Tomo is your best venue, even providing Horigotatsu style, a more comfortable sitting position compared to the tatami. Prepare to be further blown away by an amazing spread of authentically created dishes such as pork belly, grilled cod ﬁsh, and other nostalgic favorites. An amazing array of shochu, sake and beers from Japan, celebrate friendship in an all-new way here at Tomo!

❹

Promotion/Menu

Look out for :

Gindara Saikyou Yaki $19 Belly) $15 ◌ Buta Kakuni (Stewed Pork $16 ◌ Grilled Japanese Squid $10.50Glass/$37Jug ◌ Sapporo Draf t Beer

◌

Charming & nostalgic ambience! ❺

Clarke Quay Branch Tel. 6333-0100 3A River Valley Road #01-04 Clarke Quay Sun-Thu 12pm-2:30pm 6pm-1am Fri/Sat /Eve of PH 6pm-3am ❻

Tomo’s interior overﬂows with Japanese charm, giving anyone who visits it a great sense of peace and nostalgia! Clarke Quay Branch

WAttention Singapore

Delicious sushi and Great Sakes are the perfect way to enjoy!

Esplanade Branch

Tel. 6333-0012

8 Raffles Avenue #01-09 Esplanade Mall Sun-Thu 12pm-2:30pm 5pm-11pm Fri/Sat/Eve of PH 6pm-1am www.tomoizakaya.com/home.php

Izakaya 居酒屋

Look out for :

Aromatic Eel at great value!

Delicious yakitori starting from just $1.80/stick !

The Charcoal Grilled Eel set – now at a special price!

Promotion/Menu

◌

All Alcoholic drinks

◌

岩やきとり

◌

20% off every day! Sapporo Draft Beer $6.40 Charcoal Grilled Eel set $19.50 ⇒

Gan Yakitori

Happy Hour ◌

The perfect combination of delicious yakitori and a vast selection of Japanese alcohols!

Selected bottle of the month Mon - Wed, 6pm-8 pm

For diners looking for the perfect place to unwind, Gan Yakitori is your haven. Using Japanese bincho-tan charcoal, premium ingredients such as Japanese-rice and no artificial flavorings, Gan’s yakitori fare uses meats such as fresh chicken brought in daily! Complement your meal with a drink from Gan’s fi ne selection of Japanese alcohols. The fi nest sake, wines, shochus and more are available with Happy Hour promotions to help create the perfect izakaya dining atmosphere.

$13.60 30% off

Tel. 6694-0660

1 Vista Exchange Green #02-20 The Star Vista Sun-Thu 11am-3pm 6pm-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-3pm 6pm-11pm www.fb.com/GanYakitori

Yakitori set (5pcs) $13 – delicious & affordable!

ヨリミチヤキトリ

Yorimichi Yakitori

Relax with great food and good company in a cool retro setting! Let the delicious scent of freshly grilled yakitori fill your nose as you relax in Yorimichi’s comfortable retro interior. A range of value-added set meals are ready to make your evening. Tuck into treats such as a variety of side dishes, as well as chicken grilled to juicy-onthe-inside, yet crispy-on-the-outside perfection! Be sure to try out their special baby crab karaage!

Promotion

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Tel.6299-5812 6001 Beach Road #01-02 Golden Mile Tower Mon-Thu 6pm-Midnight Fri/ Sat 6pm-1:00am Closed on Sun

やきとり家すみれ

Sumire Yakitori House

Enjoy balanced and delicious yakitori with warm & friendly service! With 28 locations in Japan, Sumire Yakitori House has opened a new healthy-dining experience in Singapore! Enjoy a variety of grilled yakitori delights as well as a free first-serving of healthy shio-cabbage. Finish your dining off with quality Japanese beers as the friendly staff welcome you and make you feel like you are in Japan itself!

Promotion

Nomi Hodai (All you can drin

$39.90

Happy Hour Promotion Get a mug of Draft Beer for only $5.9 0 everyday!

(Bugis: till 7pm, Tanjong Paga

r: till 9pm)

Bugis branch Tel. 6338-9963 80 Middle Road #01-88/89 Bugis Junction Tanjong Pagar branch Tel. 6634-3236 16 Enggor Street #01-02/04 Icon Village 2 (Altez) WAttention Singapore

❶ Watami is the best place for a fun time with friends and family!

わたみ

Promotion/Menu

WATAMI

◌

get Present this issue of WAttention and )! ($30 fee a VIP card with no registration

A Refined, Sophisticated, yet Relaxing Izakaya dining experience with unmatched variety! Providing Singapore with an enjoyable, casual, yet refined and definitive Japanese dining experience has always been the objective of Watami since its inception. Following the mantra of delivering an experience that “mirrors rich & enjoyable home dining”, Watami provides not only quality dining, but also casual and relaxing Izakaya-fare! Sit back and indulge in Watami’s exhaustive range of up to 86 different alcohols from Japan including shochu, sake and beer. Tuck into exotically authentic treats like

VIP Card Campaign

*Valid from 1st Jan 2015 – End Feb 2015 ◌

the famous hand made I ka-Meshi f rom Hakodate and Unagi Dashi-Maki Tamago. Look forward to exciting promotions as well, such as the Kansai Food Fair! Featuring delicious Kansai foods including modanyaki and a range of seasonal offerings. Be sure not to miss Watami’s original Japanese sake and shochu that complement any meal! There is always something exciting to look forward to right here at Watami!

Delicious handmade treats galore!

VIP Card Perks 10% off total bill 20% off during birthday month on Get 2x $30 vouchers upon registrati

Osaka’s famous Modanya ki $11.80 Handmade Unagi Dashi-Maki Tam ago $10.80 Hakodate famous Ika-M eshi $13.80

❺

Look out for : Dynamic menu with seasonal ingredients, regional cuisines and popular dishes

❸

❷

❹ ❷ Osaka Famous Modanyaki ❸ Unagi Dashi-Maki Tamago ❹ Hakodate Famous Handmade Ikameshi ❺ Easy to drink and perfectly complementing food ‒ Watami s original shochu and sake!

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ION Orchard Branch Central Branch Raffles City Branch Junction 8 Branch J Cube Branch Star Vista Branch Causeway Point Branch City Square Branch www.watami.com.sg

Tel. 6509-9366 Tel. 6323-3398 Tel. 6336-2425 Tel. 6258-3577 Tel. 6684-5300 Tel. 6694-3643 Tel. 6893-0855 Tel. 6634-7954

Izakaya 居酒屋

Look out for :

Exclusive Sake from Niigata! Top 3 Japanese Sake at special prices!

Asahiyama Jyunmaishu Kubota

Promotion/Menu

富寿し & 富寿し越後亭

Tomi Sushi & Tomi Sushi Echigotei

Witness the Exquisite combination of premium sushi and top-quality Japanese alcohols! Combining a classic sushi bar together with a bustling Izakaya, Tomi Sushi has created an exciting new dining experience! Order from an array of the highest-quality sushi that uses the freshest ingredients, along with delicious new delicacies from Niigata. Enjoy Izakaya-like intimacy as you directly interact with their expert chefs who are ever-keen to serve you a delicious meal or a satisfying Japanese alcoholic drink!

$48 $58 $68

$28~

◌

Assorted Sushi

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Wakatori Karaage $15

◌

Tochioage (Natto)

Novena Branch Katong Branch Cuppage Branch www.tomisushi.asia

$18

Tel. 6255-2355 Tel. 6348-7897 Tel. 6333-4633

Gosso Tama – Gosso’s most popular dish! Delicious chicken liver wrapped in pork lard grilled to perfection!

ひまわり

Himawari

Eat and drink to your heart’s content with high-quality tabehoudai! Tuck into a never-ending feast of delicious Japanese dishes and alcohols when you step into the doors of Himawari! Headed by a team of passionate Japanese chefs who serve you your food before your very eyes, be spoiled with over 100 kinds of dishes at this unique tabehoudai (all you can eat) izakaya! Finish off your session with a choice of various alcohols!

Promotion/Menu

Lunch Dinner

$41.80 / $45.80 $44.80 / $48.80

Alexandra Road Branch Tel. 6272-1110 991B Alexandra Road #01-08/09 Orchid Golf Club Branch Tel. 6834-3313 #02-02 Orchid Golf Club Driving Range www.himawari.com.sg

ごっそ

Omotenashi Dining Gosso

Rousing ambience and delicious treats for a true ‘Mini-Japan’ atmosphere! Delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a generous helping of warm & friendly service are always on the menu here at Gosso! Whether for a small gathering or a huge celebration, let Gosso be your ticket to a great time. Mouth-watering treats like yakitori grilled by Gosso’s intensely-trained expert chefs and delicious sake round off a perfectly ‘Japanese-y’ experience!

Promotion/Menu

Juu Juu Ishiyaki Gosso Tama Chicken Namban

$10 $3.50/stick $9.80

Tel. 6533-5152 64 Boat Quay Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm 5:30pm-12am Sat & PH 5:30pm-12am WAttention Singapore

Look out for :

Fresh ‘Edomae-Style’ Sushi Koji serves large slices of sushi with a choice of white or mixedgrain rice.

Promotion/Menu ◌

Get

2 free pieces of sushi

with every order of Donburi

◌

Sapporo Beer $5

◌

Sake 1

for 1

Choose any 2 sake and get the lower-p

糀鮨バー

Koji Sushi Bar

Witness the Exquisite combination of premium sushi and top-quality Japanese alcohols! For a trendy and casual dining experience with zero compromise to both the quality of food and drink, Koji Sushi Bar is the place to be! With a stylish light setting to create a unique ambience, enjoy either quick sushi servings in the afternoon, or elaborate omakase sets at the evening as you are served directly by the friendly chefs at the counter. Generously-sized premium ﬁsh, value sets, and great Japanese alcohols all await you!

riced one for free!

◌ Hokkaido Rice Chirashi Don $17 (4 pieces) $9~ ◌ Hokkaido Rice Sushi

◌

Nigiri Sushi set

(5 pieces, includes soup &

$9 - $23

salad)

Donburi (includes soup & salad) $17 Omakase set (9-10 courses) $68/$8

◌

*All prices are subjected to 10%

service charge and 7%GS T

Tel. 6225-6125

#01-42 Pickering Street Mon-Sat 11:30am-3pm(L.O. 2:30pm), 5pm-10pm (L.O. 9pm) Closed on Sun/PH

Look out for :

Okinawa-lize your taste buds

Treat yourself to an amazing array of Okinawan cuisine and seafood imported directly from Tsukiji market at En Japanese Dining Bar!

Promotion ◌

Sushi & Sashimi

50% off

6pm – 8pm daily

エンジャパニーズダイニングバー

En Japanese Dining Bar

The ultimate Izakaya setting with premium Japanese alcohols and Okinawan Cuisine! En now provides the deﬁ nitive izakaya experience with En Japanese Dining Bar. Tailored speciﬁcally to be the perfect “beer after work” place to be after a long day, an exhaustive range of Japanese alcohols are available at great prices. Featuring Authentic Okinawan cuisine, try out a great range of meats and seafood. Whether for a relaxing drink or a hearty meal, En is the place to be! 18

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◌

Bottled alcohol

30% off

UE Square Branch Tel. 6735-2212

207 River Valley Road #01-57 UE Square Sun-Thu 6pm-12am Fri/Sat/Eve of PH 6pm-3am

Alocassia Branch Tel. 6235-0080

383 Bukit Timah Road Alocassia Apts #01-01 Mon-Fri 6pm-11:30pm Sat/Eve of PH 12pm-3pm 6pm-11:30pm www.endiningbars.com

Izakaya 居酒屋

Look out for :

Unique Sake Collection with Otsumami Otsumami (food that goes along with alcoholic beverages) that goes well with a good line of sake. A stunning array of favorite dishes, including nabe and sushi plates!

Promotion/Menu

◌

$108

Tokujyo Sashimi (7 Deluxe Selections of Sashimi)

寿

Kotobuki

Relax and unwind with a ‘Zen’ setting and a definitive Japanese menu! Step inside to Kotobuki and feel at ease with their soothing Japanese ‘Zen’ styled interior. Relax at the counters, or the Japanese Zashiki styled private rooms as you enjoy Kotobuki’s comprehensive Kanto cuisine-ﬁlled menu. Grilled yakitori, satisfying nabe, steaks, and various sushi & sashimi plates make for a comprehensive menu along with various Japanese sake and shochu. Whether alone or with friends, Kotobuki suits any diner!

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Shishamo Yaki (BBQ Pregnant Fish) $5

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Agedashi Tofu (Deep Fried Bean Curd) $6

◌

Dashimaki Tamago (BBQ Egg Roll) $8

Shenton Way Branch Tel. 6883-0525 8 Shenton Way #01-17/20 Yuan Ching Branch Tel. 6261-2272 No. 3 Yuan Ching Road #01-02A ZhongShan Mall@Balestier Branch Tel. 6734-8850 20 Ah Hood Road #01-16 One Raffles Place Branch Tel. 6536-9488 One Raffles Place #04-48

Look out for :

Tantalizing Chicken Namban!

The Chicken Namban is Mikoto’s delicious signature dish!

Promotion/Menu

三代目尊

Mikoto

Irresistibly delicious hand-made dishes and hearty drinks for the ultimate indulgence! For a great moment of rest & relaxation around the corner, slip away and get a taste of Mikoto! Mikoto takes pride in serving an array of delicious original hand-made dishes. Highly recommended is their Chicken Namban with an original sauce that will leave you wanting more! Together with a wide array of Japanese alcohols, see for yourself why many keep returning to Mikoto!

◌

All Sake (10 brands, 720ml)

$85

◌

Otsukaresama Course

$69

*Order before 6:30pm at only

$59!

(7 courses & 2 hour all-you-can-drink) *Promotion ends till 15 Jan 2015

Tel. 6235-5277

60 Robertson Quay #01-12 The Quayside Mon-Thu 5pm-11:30pm Fri-Sun 5pm-3am WAttention Singapore

Flexible Convenient Delicious! A one-of-a-kind experience for meat-lovers everywhere has hit the Singapore culinary scene – Smokehouse! Catered specifically for meat connoisseurs, Smokehouse is the ﬁrst ever combination of a retail meat outlet as well as a fullﬂedged Japanese BBQ restaurant! Headed by Master Chef Naoki Tsuzuki of Kuriya Dining restaurant, Smokehouse offers the rarest, specially imported meats including premium Japanese Wagyu Meats not available in regular markets. Indulge in the ultimate DIY experience as you freely pick your favorite cuts and varieties of meat from the stunning array of attractive displays. Enjoy your selections at the restaurant or bring them home to cook in your kitchen – the choice is yours!

4 STEPS TO FOLLOW

1 ◤

2 ◤

Make your selection

Begin by picking your favorite cuts of meat from the dozens of choices available. Wagyu, Pork, Chicken, Seafood – and more!

Weigh what you want!

Weigh your selections so you can choose the exact amount you need with no wastage!

From the careful selection of the meats to their preparation, Smokehouse has an array of rooms dedicated to the proper aging and storage of meats.

❷ Unique Products from Japan Enjoy products unavailable anywhere else, from rare Wagyu Chateaubriand cuts to original sauces all specially selected by the Master Chef! 20

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Cook directly at the restaurant!

Enjoy your meats instantly by grilling them at the restaurant. Japanese charcoal pots, grills, and other facilities are conveniently provided!

4 ◤

Indulge your meat with free-flow sides

Complete your DIY dining experience with Smoke House’s free-flow of side dishes, as well as desserts and drinks to go with your delicious meat!

JAPANESE WAGYU BEEF

We take pride in our... ❶ Specialized preparation rooms

3 ◤

LUNCH SET

Mon - Fri

(Main Dish with All-you-can-eat Buffer Spread)

from

$21.80 nett

Tel. 6235 2185

Great World City #01-37, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994 www.smokehouse.com.sg

DINNER SET

(For BBQ or Hot Pot, a $10 cover charge is applicable, for dine-in with All-you-can-eat Buffet Spread)

from

$48.00 nett

Lunch: 12pm - 3pm (L.O. 2:30pm) Dinner: 6pm - 10:30pm (L.O. 9:45pm) smokehouse.sg

沖 OKINAWA 縄 food meets Singapore Singapore

About Okinawa

Geography & History

Okinawa Food Session Event Report @ ToTT (5th Dec 2014)

Situated at the southernmost tip of the Japanese archipelago, Okinawa stands out as a unique subtropical island within Japan. With its deep historical background or trade with China and many other Asian countries, Okinawan cuisine likewise, has many external influences which give it a distinctive and unmistakable flavor!

Average temperature 22°C Average humidity 77% High-temperature and humidity

FOOD LIFE Okinawa is known for having people with extremely long life expectancies, with many living over 100 years of age! One of the secrets to their long lives is in their food. Here in Okinawa, the philosophy is “A Balanced Diet Leads to a Healthy Body”. With its rich environments and using traditional methods, Okinawa produces a vast amount of vegetables, fruits, meat and fish that are fresh and high in proteins, anti-oxidants, and low in calories.

Sweet & Salty Goya (bitter gourd) Mochi

“Kusuimun” – Food that acts like medicine Okinawan food is described as “kusuimun” - food that has medicinal properties. This is a treasured part of their cuisine!

Luﬀa

Healthy Beniimo (purple sweet potato) Cheese Cake

Interview with Mr. Yamashiro Director General, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Okinawa Prefectural Government

Okinawan Carrot

Mr Yamashiro & Ms Tokumoto

Goya (Bitter Gourd)

Common Bean (French Bean)

Other amazing facts of Okinawan Vegetables ● Grown from soil made of Sango Limestone, which is rich in calcium ● Abundant in “cuccia”, a rare fertile land ● Soil PH levels optimal for crops ● Bathed in sunlight and sea breeze from the Pacific Ocean ● Ultraviolet rays 2-3 times stronger than most places ● High anti-oxidants from harsh weather conditions ● Mineral-rich water is used

Ban Choon Marketing Pte Lted Satellite Creatives Pte Ltd 21 Toh Guan Road East#08-25 Toh Guan Centre, Singapore 608609 satellitecreatives.com.sg

CLIENT:

Ban Choon

PROJECT: logo Design

Held at ToTT in the Sime Darby Centre, we got to check out a very special Okinawa Food Session! The session was conducted by Ms. Tokumoto, a Senior Vegetable Sommelier who was invited by Okinawa Prefectural Government to give a seminar for veteran chefs in Singapore. Delicious vegetables from Okinawa such as carrots, bitter gourd and more were expertly prepared for everyone to try. When compared to regular vegetables available in Singaporean stores, we could really taste the difference! Fresh, natural and full of flavor – be sure to taste the uniqueness of Okinawa for yourself!

“I am very excited to be able to bring our delicious Okinawa food to Singapore and very happy to see so many Singaporeans showing a great interest in our food and vegetables. It is especially interesting to hear their opinions after comparing tastes. We aim to make Singapore an important location where the very best of Okinawa food can be tasted. Please look forward to more food such as Okinawa pumpkins, Shiikwaasaa AGU Pork and more!”

Okinawa Fair 9th ~ 18th Jan 2015

Isetan Scotts Supermarket Basement

Approve by : Set :

Option 01

________________________________ Date : ___________________________

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INFO

Download Media Switch

Launching in Singapore for the first time ever, Media Switch is a brand new app that makes sharing information simpler and clearer than ever before.

It’s fun and easy to use! Step 1

Download & Install the Application into your smartphone

Step 2

For iPhone

For Android

Scan the special icon to gain access to more great features! Live dancing and singing were extremely cute and healing even you cannot understand Japanese lyrics. The live concert drove the atmosphere to a very high point of amusement.

Live Concert

The Maid Cafe is no longer exclusive to Otaku. We met many couples, girls, families, and visitors from overseas gathering in this cheerful place.

Access the App Store/Google Play

Media Switch

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Watch movies quickly & seamlessly with a single scan & jump!

Gain instant access to detailed information with a direct website link!

Give your audience the latest promotions, gifts and offers!

Be instantly redirected to Facebook and share your comments!

Search for ‘Media Switch’

Select "WAttention" collection and SCAN!

Begin installation

Flagship

2nd Outlet

6536-4875 66 Circular Rd. #01-01 Mon-Thu Fri Sat Sun & P.H.

(Inside The Public Izakaya 2)

6333-9622 16 Enggor St. #01-14/15/16 Altez

11:30am - 3pm / 5:30pm - 10:30pm 11:30am - 3pm / 5:30pm - Midnight 5:30pm - Midnight 11:30am - 3pm

Mon-Fri 11am - 2pm / 5pm - 1am Sat & Sun 5pm - 11pm (Takumen closed on Sundays) * One ﬂavor is chosen weekly. Please check Facebook. * Mini-Ramen $9 available only at 2nd outlet.

* While stocks last.

Takumen.sg

Six Original Recipes, Six Exciting New Ramen

One Innovative new ‘Gallery’! Bringing the Latest Ramen Trend from Japan! The hottest ramen sensat ion t hat has taken over Japan by storm has arrived in Singapore – Takumen! Aiming to make delicious ramen easily accessible to fans everywhere, 6 new ramen brands will be bringing their signature dishes to Singapore for the first time. Every recipe is painstakingly recreated to ensure that ramen-lovers will get a

chance to taste these new specialties for themselves! Prepare yourself for a n array of new creations never before seen on the ramen scene! Made with bold & innovative new techniques guaranteed to blow you away! Eac h dish is offered i n t he aut hent ic Japanese version and less salty tastes! The new ramen experience starts now!

Japanese Innovator, Takuma Inoue, challenges the world of Ramen! Originally created as an online ‘gallery’ showcasing the latest creations, Takuma aims to bring never-before-seen varieties of ramen to Singapore. The brands will be rotated periodically, assuring diners here will have amazing new flavors to look forward to!

Kurume Tonkotsu Ramen Honda Shoten「本田商店」$15.90

Spicy Tantanmen Bingiri「ビンギリ」$19.90

Do Miso「ど・みそ」

Pork-free Chicken Ramen Hajime「元（はじめ）」 $14.90

Yokohama-style Iekei Ramen Sakutaya「作田家」 $16.90

Jiro-inspired Ramen Chibakara「ちばから」$18.90

An authentically rich and savory tonkotsu ramen. The Ramen Kurume is their specialty that is made by fusing traditional broth with modern techniques.

The creamy Tori Paitan Ramen features simmering chunks of whole chicken and vegetables boiled for 8 hours, creating a rich & light dish.

Famous for their Katsuura-style spicy Tantanmen, Bingiri oﬀers a ramen that has a broth made from homemade chilli oil and 3 kinds of peppers!

Their Yokohama Iekei Ramen is a rich but simple combination of pork bones, marrows and a secret sauce!

Tokyo-style Miso Ramen $17.90 Well-known in Japan for their unique take on the Miso Ramen. Made with 5 kinds of red miso and a rich broth ﬂavored with konbu, shiitake and more.

A jiro-inspired style Ramen, this dish features an original thick meat broth, along with generous helpings of vegetables and char-siew!

Supported by: Kanto District Transport Bureau Fuji-Hakone-Izu International Tourism Association

F EEL JA PA N ’S SOU L With their elegant blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Mt. Fuji and the ancient capital Kamakura were recommended as candidates of the World Heritage sites. Though only the former was listed, both Mt. Fuji and Kamakura represent a legacy of Japanese culture and guarantee an enriching experience.

©JNTO

Mt. Fuji, a symbol of Japan, a source of artistic inspiration, and an object of worship, resides deep within every Japanese people. That’s why the sacred mountain is deserved to be designated a World Cultural Heritage site. Since ancient times, Japanese people have regarded Mt. Fuji as a symbol of national spirit and a source for inspiration. The breathtakingly beautiful mountain was featured prominently in literature and artwork such as wood blocks painting that has inﬂuenced many European artists. Mt. Fuji has also been an object of religious worship as Japanese people traditionally regarded that divinity resides in all aspects of nature. In particular, the majestic form of Mt. Fuji sits in the minds of Japanese people, believing that gods reside within the sacred mountain. In awe of the repeatedly erupting Mt. Fuji, many Sengen shrines honoring the guardian deity of Mt. Fuji were built across the nation to quell eruptions. Around the 12th century, Mt.

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Fuji’s volcanic activity subsided and it became a center for Shugen-do, a highly ascetic Buddhist sect focuses on austere mountain-dwelling practices. In the 15th or 16th century, accompanied by Shugendo practitioners, ordinary people began to make worship-ascents of Mt. Fuji. The practice had since evolved to become Fuji-ko sect of worship that was extremely popular in the Kanto region in the 18th century. Fuji-ko is a group of pilgrims climbing Mt. Fuji for religious beliefs. The popularity of the pilgrimage reached its peak in the latter half of Edo period. Pilgrims would stay in a house of Oshi, who takes care of pilgrims by offering them food and lodging. Today only few of those houses remain; nevertheless, you can still experience part of the practice by taking a stroll along the pilgrimage route. To see Mt. Fuji and feel its soul first hand, our trip covered the three neighboring prefectures, Yamanashi, Kanagawa, and Shizuoka. All of them boast great views of Mt. Fuji and also

have their own characteristics. A side trip to the ancient city Kamakura further added a cultural and historical appeal to our trip. Kamakura was the seat of a samurai government and functioned as the political and cultural center from the late 12th to 14th centuries. This was an age of religious blossoming, marked by the arrival of Zen Buddhism from China. Kamakura is home to several historic Zen temples. Five of them are collectively called Kamakura-Gozan, or the ﬁve Zen temples of the highest rank. The architecture style, stone stairways, and dry landscape garden blend harmoniously with each other and the natural surroundings. Definitely worth a visit either for their landscape beauty or historical importance. Mt. Fuji, Kamakura, and the neighboring three prefectures are all conveniently accessible from Tokyo. Focusing on their breathtaking scenery, ancient history, and natural wonders, we recommend the following destinations and explain what makes them so special.

YA M A NA SH I Endowed with rich nature, Yamanashi is known as the land of Mt. Fuji as well as the kingdom of fruits. Come and enjoy the beauty of the four seasons and Fuji Five Lakes. Our trip begins in Yamanashi prefecture, where Mt. Fuji is located on its southern border with Shizuoka prefecture. To experience part of the Mt. Fuji pilgrimage, we ﬁrst headed to Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen shrine. The shrine is one of the starting points for the Mt. Fuji pilgrimage, as well as one of the many Sengen shrines circling the mountain. You can take a stroll through the three gates leading to the shrine. The first gate is near Fujiyoshida station and it marks a border between Mt. Fuji’s sacred area and the secular world. A 20-min walk from there brings you to the second

gate which stands at the entrance of the approach to the shrine. Go further up and you’ll see the third one, also the largest wooden Torii gate in Japan. Apart from the shrine, there are many more to discover. Firstly, in Oshino Hakkai you can ﬁnd eight ponds whose water comes from the melted snow of Mt. Fuji. Secondly, Narusawa ice cave and the neighboring Aokigahara Sea of Trees are nature’s wonders you don’t want to miss. Last but not least, Kaba Bus is a local version of Duck Tours featuring an amphibious bus that shows you the beauty of Mt. Fuji around Lake Yamanaka.

3 5

4 1 The local gourmet: Yoshida Udon. The handmade noodles are chew y, thick, and surprisingly filling. 2 Yamanashi is the No.1 producer of peaches in Japan. Be here in the summer for the freshest peaches. 3 In the mystical Narusawa ice cave, you can see real ice even in summer. 4 Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine stands at the entrance of the Yoshidaguchi ascending route. 5

A winter view of Mt. Fuji from Sagami River.

©T. Satoh / ©JNTO

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1 The small basin is called tsukubai. Before attending the tea ceremony, the custom is to purify yourself by cleansing your hands and mouth with the water and scoop. 2 The bamboo garden in Hokokuji temple brings you peace of mind. 3

The Zen meditation hall in Enkakuji temple.

Standing by the shores of Lake Ashi, Odakyu Hotel de Yama boasts great views and a huge garden. 4

5 Embark on a sightseeing cruise of Lake Ashi. The ship is modeled on medieval sailing vessels and offers good views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. 6 A Shojin Ryori course offered by Hachinoki restaurant.

Our main destination in Kanagawa prefecture was Kamakura. Rather than visiting historical sites of samurai, the focus today was Buddhist temples, especially those belong to the Zen sect. Let’s start with Hokokuji temple and Jomyoji temple. The highlight in the former is the bamboo garden featuring more than 2,000 bamboo trees, and the purpose for the latter is to experience a Macha tea ceremony. Seated in the reception hall, we tasted Macha green tea and sweets following traditional procedures, while having the serene sight of a rock garden in front of us. How refreshing! En route to the next Buddhist temple, we stopped at Hachinoki restaurant for another Buddhism experience - Shojin Ryori. The word Shojin refers to a devotion to pursue a perfect state of mind, and Ryori means cooking. It’s a vegetarian diet brought into Japan with the introduction of Buddhism. The taste and ingredients are very different from western cooking. Nevertheless, it is recognized as one of the ideal cooking styles for a healthy and balanced meal. After the meal, it may not be the best time to experience Zen meditation, but life happened as it went and here we were at Engakuji temple. The whole point is to try to anchor your mind, and don’t let it drift here and there. Sit down and try to empty your mind, then you’ll know how difﬁcult it is.

K A NAGAWA Kamakura the ancient capital, Hakone the lake retreat, and multiple locations for viewing Mt. Fuji define the special character of Kanagawa, a perfect destination for a short trip from Tokyo.

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SH I ZUOK A Mountain and sea. Culture and history. Tea and cuisines. Shizuoka boasts many Mt. Fuji viewing points and is full of the charm and pleasure of Japan. We started our trip in Shizuoka from Fujinomiya city. Among the many Sengen shrines built throughout the nation to honor the guardian deity of Mt. Fuji, Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha shrine in Fujinomiya is the headquarters. Since ancient times, the shrine has been highly esteemed by the Imperial court, and was ranked as one of the most eminent shrines in Japan. Next, we headed to Murayama Sengen shrine, an exemplar of the syncretism of Buddhism and Shintoism. In the precinct, a shrine stands next to a Buddhist temple, which used to be the center of the Shugen-do sect of worship. Shugendo practitioners conducted ascetic train-

ing on the mountain and managed the ascending route. Though the importance of Murayama shrine and the ascending route had diminished since Shintoism and Buddhism were separated during Meiji restoration, several historical sites remain, telling the stories of the past to the future generations. From here we turn southeastward and head for our ﬁnal destination - Numazu, a lively port city facing Suruga Bay. In the fish market you can find a variety of fresh seafood, sushi, and interesting souvenirs. Before leaving, don’t forget to try to capture the captivating vista of Mt. Fuji one more time from the harbor. “Sayonara! I will be back!”

1 1 The local cuisine Fujinomiya Yakisoba (fried noodles) has won twice in the B-rank Gourmet Championship. 2 Pure spring water from Mt. Fuji is used to brew Japanese Sake. 3 Ryokan (Japanese style inn) is the place to experie nce the O mote nashi (Japane se hospitality) culture and heal your body and soul.

4 The inner shrine of Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha shrine is a two-story building with unique design. 5

Cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji

2 3

5 ©JNTO

WHERE TO STAY Hakone, Kanagawa prefecture Odakyu Hotel de Yama - historical and prestigious, especially ideal for a summer hideaway http://www.odakyu-hotel.co.jp/yama-hotel/english/

Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi prefecture Hotel Mifujien - a cozy hotel with stunning views of Mt. Fuji http://www.mifujien.co.jp/ (Japanese only)

Fujinomiya, Shizuoka prefecture Ryokan Tachibana - every guest room boasts a great view of Mt. Fuji http://www.tachibana-fuji.co.jp/ (Japanese only)

HOW TO GO JR Kanto Area Pass (8,000 yen, valid for 3 days): covers part of Yamanashi and Kanagawa, including Kamakura and Lake Kawaguchi by the north foot of Mt. Fuji. Fuji Hakone Pass (7,200 yen, valid for 3 days): a good selection if you want to see Hakone and Mt. Fuji in one go. It includes discount for several facilities.

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Writer’s profi le: Anne Mouri – I moved to Ehime 6 years ago with my family. Enjoy travelling to different parts of Ehime with my friends.My favorite place is Mount Ishizuchi which has a breathtaking scenery and a beautiful river.

JPN 47 - Ehime From Tokyo to Ehime Airplane – 1hrs 20mins From Osaka to Ehime Airplane – 50mins From Fukuoka to Ehime Airplane – 40mins

Three Thousand Years of History Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring

Mt Ishizuchi, The Highest Mountain in Western Japan

Ehime 愛媛

Tokyo 東京 Osaka 大阪 Red Sea Bream (Madai) , less odor and low in fat

Yellowtail (Buri) has a rich, sweet taste

Tai Meshi has fresh sea bream served with rice!

vol.

Jakoten( Deep fried fish cake), made with fresh baby sardines

EHIME - NATURE’S GIFTS FOR ALL TO BEHOLD Ehime prefect ure is located in "Shikoku", Sout h West of Japan. In its North is Seto Inland Sea, and South is Mt.Ishizuchi(1,982 m, 6501 ft at the top), the highest mountain in Western Japan. Seto Inland Sea has about 200 islands both small and big. Blessed with beautiful nature, Ehime is blessed with countless gifts from both sea and mountains. Along with its natural beauty, there are a lot of historical and scenic sites in Ehime prefecture. The capital city, Matsuyama, attracts a lot of tourists from home and abroad, abundant with places of historic and scenic interest such as Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Hot Spring, the oldest hot spring in Japan. Dogo Hot Spring (main building), especially, is famous thanks to Hayao Miyazaki, the prominent film director in Japan, who featured it in his animated movie "Spirited Away". 28

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M i c h e l i n's g u i d e b o o k s h a v e a l s o awarded Dogo Hot Spring 3 stars. Eastern a rea of Ehime encompasses Besshi Copper Mine, noted as Machu Picchu of East, and "Shimanami Kaido" (Nishiseto Expressway) which links beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual br idges. Ma ny tou r i s t v i sit t her e for s i g ht s e e i n g o r a d r i v e . " S h i m a n a m i K a i d o" (N i s h i s e t o E x p r e s s w a y) i s particularly popular among cycling lovers. It s br idges u ncom mon ly con si s t of a pedestrian walkway which enables them to enjoy beautiful scenes with sea breeze while cycling. Western area of Ehime has many historical places such as Uchiko and Ohzu. You can feel and enjoy traditional Japanese culture and history. Matsuyamajo Castle Mt. Ishizuchi Uchiko Dogo Hot Spring.

Uchiko, a taste of the past, in the present!

Come find me at tan Scotts Ehime Fair @Ise tan Jurong Ise & 13-24 Feb '15 '15. b Fe 4 -2 17 st ea

Mican

TS EHIME’S CITRUS FRUI

NSHINE! FULL OF FLAVOR & SU

Ehime faces Seto Inland Sea which is compared to Mediterranean Sea of East so that its climate is mild with relatively fair weather throughout a year, making for a rich environment for cultivating citrus. There are three types of sunshine in Ehime. One is the sunshine pouring down from the sky. The second is the sunshine reflected from the surface of the sea. The third is the sunshine casted from the surface of steep slope land. These three kinds of sunshine nurture citrus fruits of Ehime. That is why citrus fruits of Ehime are so full of good taste.

Be Charmed by

Ehime

im Eh

e Osaka Fukuoka

Shikoku

Tokyo

愛媛 Located by the beautiful Seto Inland Sea is Ehime Prefecture! Blessed with year-long warm weather, Ehime cultivates an abundance of the best citrus fruits. Ehime is often referred to as the “Kingdom of Citrus Fruits” amongst the people of Japan! With its proximity to the coast, Ehime also has a thriving aquaculture, producing some of Japan’s best breeds of ﬁsh such as Sea bream, Yellowtail and the ever-popular Tuna. Raised with dedication and love, they are highly valued in the world. We are proud to be able to bring some of Ehime’s best produce to Singapore! Come and experience the ﬂavors of Ehime for yourself – we look forward to seeing you!

Learn more about Ehime here!

Let Anne Mouri introduce you to her second hometown, Ehime!

Channel News Asia

Hello JAPAN!

Wonderful Discovery! -Ehime, Japan

Ehime Food Festival in Singapore

25th Jan 2015, 9:30pm 1st Feb 2015, 9:30pm / 8th Feb 2015, 9:30pm 15th Feb 2015, 9:30pm / 22nd Feb 2015, 9:30pm

Ehime Restaurant Fair in Singapore

Try Ehime cuisine for yourself at Sushi Tei!

7th 14th 28th 7th

Feb 2015, 9pm-9:30pm Feb 2015, 9pm-9:30pm Feb 2015, 9pm-9:30pm Mar 2015, 9pm-9:30pm

* Repeat telecast

Ehime Citrus Fruits Fair 2015 WAttention Plaza Isetan Scotts Isetan Westgate

10th – 14th Jan 13th – 24th Feb 17th – 24th Feb

Bedok Point, Big Splash, China Square Central, Holland V Shopping Mall, nex@serangoon, Ngee Ann City, Paragon, Rafﬂes City, S.C Serangoon Gardens, Tampines 1, Thomson Plaza, West Coast Plaza, VivoCity, 112Katong, Jem

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Japanese Tradition: WASHOKU

Tea Ceremony To gain an overall grasp of Japanese culture, why not try “tea ceremony?” The tea house or tea room is a miniature museum of wa–all things Japanese. Tea ceremony includes various highlights that symbolize Japan, like the simple tea house made of bamboo, wood, and washi paper, and food dishes to match called kaiseki. Each item is an expression of the essence of traditional Japanese life.

What is the culture of tea ceremony? Tea is said to have been brought to Japan from China during the Nara period. It was gradually accepted after the Zen master Eisai wrote the book “Kissa Yojo-ki”, or “tea drinking cure”, during the Kamakura era, stressing the effectiveness of tea as medicine. The act of drinking tea became a special experience during the Muromachi period, during which time equipment was introduced and the shoin was developed, which evolved as the tea houses that we see today. Procedures for making tea called Temae for tea 30

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ceremony were established, with deep ties to the philosophy of zen, and it was during the Azuchi-Momoyama era in the 1500s that Sen Rikyu refined the philosophy and perfected wabi-cha, an extremely austere and Japanese style, to an art form. What sort of person was Sen Rikyu? Rikyu was a tea master, a professional who served two generals, Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi during a time when tea ceremony had been popular among warriors as a symbol of refined culture. A tea master needs to be able to

properly determine the utensils for tea ceremony. With his discerning eye, Rikyu not only stood out among the tea masters, he also had the ability to create new forms of beauty. Rikyu surprised those around him by introducing innovative ideas for tea ceremony such as the koma, or dark, tiny tea rooms where the ceilings were too low to stand upright, and the use of jet black rakuchawan tea bowls he had made by Japanese craftsmen to use in the place of Chinese imports, which generated a sense of austerity that was similar to a religious aestheticism of sorts, which eventually spread as wabi-cha.

What is wabi-sabi?

it may never happen again.

Wabi-sabi refers to a quiet, serene world, or a subdued state. In its root form, the meaning of the word wabi includes “the pain of not having things proceed as desired”, and sabi means “the state of the power of life deteriorating”, both expressions of negative conditions. Inversely, it is possible to see a uniquely Japanese sense of beauty and culture from the use of these terms that began after the Edo period as “positive terms for expressing the beauty of Japan”.

Ichigo-ichie is a term that was mentioned by Yamanoue Soji, an apprentice of Rikyu, and Ii Naosuke, a high-ranking government official of the Edo period, and today remains a symbol of the spirit of tea ceremony: “This tea ceremony, held on this day of this year, is an irreplaceable moment that will never again be repeated. Tea ceremony can only be a success when the minds of both the person serving and those being served come together as one”. This is an eternal truth that applies not only to tea ceremony but other situations as well, whenever we may experience an encounter in our lives.

Ichigo-ichie: One opportunity, one encounter, meaning that every encounter should be cherished as

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Experiencing Traditional Hospitality in Japanese Tea Ceremony Urasenke “YOUWAKAI” in Tokyo’s Omotesando area offers an experience in Japanese tea ceremony. It includes a lecture on how to view a tea room and the utensils that are used in tea ceremony, and the right way to sample the tea and the sweets. Participants sit in a tea room and watch the host go through the temae procedures for making tea, after which they can sample thin tea and sweets. With services available in both Japanese and English, foreign visitors can relax and enjoy traditional tea ceremony (reservations required).continues to evolve with time.

A smiling welcome from the staﬀ at YOUWAKAI

Recommended reading “Chanoyu English” (English conversation for Chanoyu) offers a basic introduction to tea ceremony in English. It contains illustrations and is reputed to be easy to understand. “Chanoyu Rokkakokugo Kaiwa” (Chanoyu conversation in six languages) offers an introduction to tea ceremony equipment in six languages: Chinese, English, French, Germany, Spanish, and Russian (both books published by TANKOSHA PUBLISHING).

Entering a tea house As the tea house is a special venue that is not a part of everyday life, it contains no furniture. Guests must first wash their hands and rinse their mouths at a basin called tsukubai before continuing on to the tea house or tea room, symbolizing that it is a sacred place. When stepping into a tea house, visitors should try to relax their minds and walk in with a sense of tranquility. It is customary to take a glance inside before entering, and noting the decorations that may be adorned. Once inside, visitors should sit in front of the tokonoma alcove while resting their hands on the tatami mat in front of them, their legs folded underneath their thighs in the proper seiza style of sitting as they proceed to observe the scroll hanging before them. They can also ask about the meaning behind the item at this time.

A guest is seated as she touches her hands to the mat, indicating respect.

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Once inside the tea house or tea room, a visitor should sit in front of the tokohoma alcove and inspect the flowers and incense container decorations. Take note of the elaborate designs of the containers, which are often works of pottery or made of wood.

1 2

4 5 7 8

A tea house is decorated with Japanese wildďŹ&#x201A;owers from the four seasons. A tea whisk made from bamboo used for making matcha. Japanese sweets created based on the concepts of the four seasons. Matcha is about to be spooned into a tea cup. Matcha is made by pounding new tea leaves in a mortar into a ďŹ ne powder. An important messages is written on a scroll hanging in a tokonoma, or alcove. A tea kettle and ladle, the latter also made from bamboo. Matcha is served after the sweet confections are served.

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Tips for Seiza, or Sitting Property 2

It is only the tips of the toes that should overlap. Common etiquette is to refrain from bringing impurities from the outside world into a tea room, and a new pair of socks is recommended to be worn when entering a tea room. It is also recommended to remove jewelry such as rings, watches, and necklaces before entering a tea room so as to avoid damaging the equipment. YOUWAKAI lends out cushions for sitting in the seiza style, as well as stools.

The traditional style of sitting in a tea house or tea room is seiza, sitting up straight with the legs folded beneath the thighs. But even among the Japanese, who have adopted western lifestyles, there is a decreasing number of people who can sit in the correct seiza style. For this reason, a popular style of tea ceremony is ryurei, where temae procedures take place using a table and chairs. While YOUWAKAI has foreign guests experience the traditional seiza way of sitting, it is no problem for such guests to relax their feet or if they sit cross-legged if seiza is difficult. A tip for sitting in the seiza position for a long time is to change the positions of the left and right toes that overlap one another before they start to feel numb. Give it a try, but be sure not to overdo it.

Trying the Sweets

1 2 3 4

Hold up the bowl containing the sweets in a show of appreciation. Pick up the chopsticks. Take one of the sweets and move it onto the kaishi paper. Use a corner of the kaishi to wipe the chopsticks, return the chopsticks to their original position, then place the bowl in front of the person seated next to you.

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The temae procedures begin when guests have taken their seats on the tatami mat. The actions for serving tea follow specific protocol, which have become sophisticated over a long period of time spanning more than several centuries. Watching these movements is also an important part of tea ceremony, and guests should refrain from chatting at this time. Sweets are served during this process, and they are to be finished before the tea is served. The Japanese confections for tea ceremony are healthy sweets made of ingredients such as red beans, crafted to enhance the flavor of matcha. Kaishi paper is lent out to guests, which are used for accepting and eating the sweets.

How to Drink Tea When the tea bowl containing tea is brought in front of you, you should place the bowl on the mat between yourself and the person next to you and say, Osaki ni (excuse me for going before you). This is in consideration of others, for prompting smooth relations among the people who are taking part in the tea ceremony. Next, lift the tea bowl and place it on the palm of your hand. Thank the host, turn the tea bowl slightly to the left, then drink all of the tea. The tea bowl will be placed in front of you with the most striking design turned toward you. Turning the bowl to the left means that you are reserved about drinking directly from the front. The tranquil sense of tension is to be savored until the tea is ready, but once you have drunk it you can relax and ask questions.

A host is always concerned about whether their guests have enjoyed the tastes and experiences of a tea ceremony as much eﬀort has been put into considering the equipment and tea room decorations for the occasion. So after drinking your tea, don’t be shy about stating your impressions. Your host will be delighted to hear your comments.

Your hands should touch the tatami mat when greeting the person next to you. When lifting your tea bowl, it should come up to about the height of your navel. Tea bowls should not be raised high, since some of these items may be priceless. When drinking tea, the bowl should be held in the left hand, with the right hand supporting it from the side.

Tea Ceremony Experience at Urasenke YOUWAKAI

■Fee: JPY 4000 (excl. tax) per person Duration: approx. 1.5-2 hours Req. per booking : 1 - 10 guests Provides: English speaking attendant

■Location: The Urasenke Chado Tradition YOUWAKAI 2F Kitamura Building 5-1-25 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 107-0062 (1F:Drug store)

■To make a reservation: Please contact us via email (info.youwakai@ gmail.com) at least 1 week in advance and

■Contact: info.youwakai@gmail.com

・Police Box OMOTESANDO Station

exit B4・

・exit A4

let us know the following items. “name/contact information/number of participants/ prefered dates and times” We will then send you an e-mail to conﬁrm your reservation.

■Details: ―English DVD performance Title “Tea gathering” ―Demonstration of tea ceremony including hands-on lesson

・exit B3

■Phone: +81 3 3400 4491

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Okura Art China’s Chinaware Synonymous with History, Elegance and Refinement Tableware for the Imperial Family and the State Guesthouse of Japan Under the Morimura Group, along with other ceramic-related companies such as Noritake, TOTO, NGK and NTK, Okura Art China has created the fi nest chinaware since 1919. Enjoying a reputation as Japan’s best chinaware maker with its purely white colored, thin but strong and smooth surfaced porcelains, their products are appointed by the Imperial Household Agency and used at the State Guesthouse for VIPs from abroad as well as five-star hotels and high-end restaurants.

Continuing the tradition of beautiful handcrafted works of art Creating masterpieces using extremely delicate and complex techniques, which are developed for nearly one century, nowadays Okura Art China’s products are known in Japan simply as “Okura China”, and are made by skilled artisans with respect for the unique heritage. For example, their cups and plates are hand-painted based on the exquisite techniques of traditional Japanese-style painting, which allows artists to draw designs in various tones and colors, and you could almost smell the sweet scent of fresh-looking flowers in bloom.

“Sakura and Fuji” porcelain panel A serene scenery of cherry blossoms and snow-covered Mt. Fuji, depicted with a silky gradation of blue color on white porcelain, and framed with Wajima lacquer ware.

Noritake GINZA

Iwaizara Hinodematsu “Sunrise and Pines” plate gift set An auspicious combination of sunrise and evergreen pine trees, both are symbols of happiness and celebration.

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•Hours: 11am – 7:30pm closed during New Year holidays •Address: Ginza 3-4-12 Bunshodo Building 2F, Chuo •URL: http://www.noritake.co.jp/eng/

楽しい日本語

Lesson

ng's

el Yeo Mr. Samu

Let’s talk in

Japanese! Japanese

Profile

Classroom

an for After living in Jap t seven years, ﬂuen muel Japanese speaker Sa ng Yeong is now teachi g un yo to se ane Jap passion. students with great

Direction 101

In the event that you do

hear; just listen out for the keywords below,

lose your way, don’t panic!

and with a map and some gesturing, you

Navigating around a Japanese city can be

There are two sources of aid. The

should soon be right on track again!

tricky business! For one, there is a tendency

easiest would be to approach any

for only large thoroughfares to have names,

passerby. Though a language barrier

usually in the form of –dori (通り “road”;

is almost certain, most Japanese will

e.g.言問通りKototoi-dori, 本郷通りHongo-

try their very best to assist, and it would not

dori) or –kaido (街道 “highway”; e.g. 青

be surprising if some even offer to walk you

Here is how a conversation asking for directions might be like:

梅街道 O m e - k a i d o, 府中街道 F u c h u -

to your destination! But a more reliable way

kaido), while most roads are “anonymous”.

would be to go to a police box (交番 koban),

Sumimasen. Hibiya-eki wa doko desu ka? (“Excuse me. Where is

Even knowing the name of a road does not

ubiquitous in major cities, and ask the ofﬁcer

Hibiya station?”)

really help, because that road may stretch

on duty for help. Because the ofﬁcers make

Tour guide:

for long distances but bear the same name

regular patrols around the neighbourhood,

throughout! Hence, unlike in Singapore, road

they know more about the area than what

names are of little use in locating a place.

a map can tell you. It is common practice

Instead, it is more practical to take your cue

for even locals to ask for directions from

from prominent landmarks. If you are taking

a koban, so don’t hesitate to try to do

a train, it would also be a good idea to ﬁnd

likewise yourself! Although again, you

out beforehand which station exit is

will encounter language difﬁculties,

nearest your destination, since each

you may be pleasantly surprised to

station usually has multiple exits, some

ﬁnd out just how obliging Japanese

of which are pretty far from one another!

policemen can be!

Another tip is to use a bilingual map. As

It is easy to ask for directions in

almost all signs and building names are in

Japanese. Simply say “sumimasen”

Japanese, being able to match the Japanese

(“Excuse me”) followed by “[place] wa doko

characters that you see at your location with

desu ka?” (“Where is …?”). The tricky part

those on your map can be very useful in

is understanding the reply! But don’t worry

getting your bearings.

about trying to ﬁgure out everything you

Tourist:

Massugu itte, futatsume no kado wo migi ni magatte kudasai. Hibiya-eki wa doro no hidarigawa ni arimasu. (“Walk straight, then turn right

at the second corner. Hibiya station is on the left side of the road.”) Tourist:

Domo arigato gozaimasu.

(“Thank

you very much.”)

michi/ doro road

migi(gawa)

right (side)

shingo

trafﬁc lights

hidari(gawa)

left (side)

kosaten

junction

masugu

straight

kado

corner

magaru

to turn

biru/ tatemono

building

kita minami

north south

hitotsume/ futatsume/ mittsume

ﬁrst/ second/ third (e.g. futatsume no kado-“second corner”)

higashi nishi

east west

Looking for a

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in a Japanese Multi-National Company?

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Good Job Creations (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

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RISHIRI ISLAND:

HOKKAIDO's HiddenTreasure

Wakkanai City 稚内市

RISHIRI ISLAND 利尻島

A small island located off the northwest coast of Hokkaido, Rishiri Island (known as Rishiri-to to the locals) features a spectacular array of wildflowers, landscapes and hiking paths. Also home to the mountain, Mt. Rishiri, it is responsible for providing rich soil and fresh water.

HOKKAIDO 北海道

SAPPORO

RISHIRI ISLAND・利尻島北海道

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Find more information at: Rishiri Island Tourist Information: http://kankou.rishiri.jp/eng/

ACCESS By Sea: Rishiri Island can be reached by taking a ferry from Wakkanai City. The ferry runs about 5 ser vices a day, depending on weather conditions.

Bring color back to your h a i r w i t h R i s h i r i ’s e f f e c t i v e Coloring-Treatment! Safe & Effective treatment with the natural power of Konbu!

Rishiri Hair Colour Treatment <For Grey Hair>

Having problems with graying hair? Concerned with products that use harsh chemical ingredients that leave your hair dry & damaged and scalp irritated? Then Rishiri Hair Colour Treatment is your natural solution! Using the natural properties of Japanese konbu (kelp) as well as several other plant extracts, Rishiri Hair Colour Treatment effectively covers gray hairs without drying or damaging hair. Look great with younger and healthier hair in no time!

Step 1: Apply directly to dry hair before bathing Ensure that hair is not sticky by thoroughly washing it with shampoo before applying Rishiri Colour Treatment.

Step 2: Apply dye generously & evenly Use a generous amount of dye to cover grey hair areas, checking and monitoring results periodically.

RISHIRI HAIR COLORING TREATMENT Q&A

Step 3: Ensure ample amount of time Use a hair cap or wrap for effective results. Leave for 30 mins to an hour. Leave on longer for a more elegant ﬁnish.

Q. How often? A. 1 time/a week ∼ 2 weeks Q. Recommended usage for colouring to take effect? A. Colouring usually takes effect from the ﬁrst usage. For best results, leave for 30-60 mins after application.

Step 4: After Rinsing thoroughly, apply Shampoo & Conditioner

*Please wash your hair with shampoo and dry for effective results.

Q. How many times or days can be used per bottle? A. About 15 times Q. Can I apply the treatment with bare hands? A. Yes you can. Please wash your hands before usage. Wash hands with soap after application for easy cleaning.

Shampoo comes in 3 colours Dyeing is complete after approximately 10 minutes!

Natural revitalizing power from Rishiri Konbu Extract! Laminara ochitensis extract

Panax ginseng root extract

Rosemary Leaf extract

Hedera helix (IVY) extract

Anthemis nobilis ﬂower extract

Uses authentic Rishiri Konbu extract

Amica montana ﬂower extract

From the left, <For grey hair> Rishiri hair colour treatmentBlack, Light Brown & Dark Brown

No chemicals and additives Catch our events at

Covers up gray hairs Using 22 kinds of vegetable extracts with no additives or chemicals, Rishiri Color Care helps cover up gray hairs, as well as give a revitalizing boost in volume and strength effectively and naturally!

★ Takashimaya Square, B2, Takashimaya Department Store (Sun) 28th Dec 2014 – (Sun) 18th Jan 2015

Available at

Always Happy! Always Fun! Always Convenient!

■ ISETAN Jurong East B2 ■ BHG Tampines L1 ■ BHG CCK L1 ■ BHG Bishan L1 ■ BHG Bugis L1 ■ BHG Clementi L1 ■ MEIDI-YA Supermarket B1 ■ Tokyu Hands West Gate L1 ■ NEW Tokyu Hands Orchard Central B1 ■ NEW BHG aLT Seletar Mall WAttention Singapore

event & information

IN SINGAPORE

WATTENTION PLAZA ACTIVITIES!

12th - 13th Jan 2015 SHINOHARU RAKUGO: 5th Singapore Solo Tour 2015 Shinoharu Tatekawa, one of the up-andcoming Rakugo performers in Japan, is back in Singapore again for the 5th time to stage his traditional Japanese sit-down comedy performance to start your new year with lots of laughter! YMCA Auditorium @ One Orchard (One Orchard Road Singapore 238824) Door opens at 7pm (Performance starts at 7:30pm) SHOW DURATION: Approximately 1.5 hours TICKET PRICING: Standard: $25* At-the-door: $30*

15th Jan 2015 Parasyte :Part 1 First of the 2 part movie sequels adapted from the manga series "Kiseiju" by Hitoshi Iwaaki. It talks about Mysterious worm-like aliens fall from the sky, penetrate through the ears or nose into human beings and live off their brain while dominating the body. Now with human appearance, the parasites live among humans and start a head-on war with the humans. Showing in all Golden Village Cinemas www.encorefilms.com/parasyte

14th Feb 2015 ASEAN Career Fair with Japan The ASEAN CAREER FAIR with Japan is a Campus Asia and ASEAN-Japan friendship event where Japanese companies will be recruiting students graduating from universities all over Southeast Asia. Singapore Expo Sat 11am - 5pm http://asean-career.com/

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IN JAPAN 8th Nov 2014 - 12th Jan 2015 Amusement park under the stars 2014

10th - 14th Jan 2015 Ehime Fair Tuna cutting ceremony on 10th Jan at Jurong Point event stage. Products featured Mikan(Mandarin Orange), Sushi (Ehimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Yellowtail, Seabream and Tuna with the scent of Citrus. Deep Fried Fish Cake, Made With Fresh Baby Sardines And more! 1 Jurong West Central 2, Jurong Point Shopping Centre #B1-75 11am-9:30pm www.fb.com/WAttentionPlaza

For the ninth time, this annual marathon sport event with bring in about 30,000 runners from all over the world. This event will also serves as the Selection Race of Japan Men's Marathon Representatives for The 15th IAAF World Championships in Athletics. 5:30pm-9pm * except 31th Dec 2014 & 1st Jan 2015 [nighter ticket (4pm~)] 600yen(Adult), 400yen(kids) / [nighter ticket and free pass] 1,500yen www.miroku-hoshizora.jp

13th Dec 2014 - 1st Mar 2015 Osaka Castle 3D mapping Super Illumination 2014 Utilizing Japan's best night-view illumination engineering, Osaka Castle will be transformed into a stage of beautiful and dynamic visual light show that you should be watching. Recreating its 400 year old brilliance once more under the winter sky. Nishinomaru Garden (at Osaka Castle) 5:30pm-10:30pm (Dec 20-25, 5:30pm 11pm / from Jan 3, 6pm-10:30pm *Last admission 10pm Adult 1,700yen Child(4 years to elementary school) 1,000yen / Special day: Adult 2,100yen Child 1,300yen www.osakacastle.net/english/

9th - 18th Jan 2015 Furusato Matsuri (Festival) Tokyo 2015 A large scale event that features Festivals from all around Japan. From Aomori Nebuta Festival, to Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival, to Sendai Suzume Odor and many more. Not to mention, food from all over Japan will be gathered too.

Satisfying your J - cravings

TOKYO DOME 11am-9pm (First day) / 10am-8pm (Sat, Sun, Mon) / 10am-7pm (Tue, Thu) / 10am9pm (Wed, Fri) / 10am-6pm (Last day) At door 1,600 yen (Advance 1,400 yen) / Evening ticket 1,100 yen / At door in weekday 1,300 yen (Advance 1,000 yen) www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/furusato/

13th - 15th Feb 2015 Namahage Sedo Festival 2015 One of the 5 biggest winter festivals in the Michinoku area. Young men wearing ogre masks and straw cloaks descends down from the mountains wielding torches, and dance wildly about the grounds of the Shinzan Shrine before the sedo, a sacred fire that wards away evil spirits. Shinzan Shrine, Namahage Museum, Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum 13th-15th Feb 2015 6:30pm-8:30pm

www.oganavi.com/sedo/

19th - 22th Feb 2015 Tokyo Marathon 2015 For the ninth time, this annual marathon sport event with bring in about 30,000 runners from all over the world. This event will also serves as the Selection Race of Japan Men's Marathon Representatives for The 15th IAAF World Championships in Athletics. www.tokyo42195.org/2015en/

21st - 22nd Feb 2015 The 1st Kagoshima Ramen Championship 2015

Who shall be Kagoshima's No.1 ramen? Water Front Park, Kagoshima www.kts-tv.co.jp/event/ramen2014/index.php

22th Feb 2015 WHISKY Festival 2015 in KYOTO Discover and drink whisky in Kyoto with events such as special seminars, free cocktail booths and etc. 11am - 5pm Scotch Whisky Research Centre Members advance ticket: 3,000yen / General advance ticket: 3,500yen / Same-day ticket: 4,500yen http://whiskyfestival.jp/kyoto2015/

On 5th December, the top 30 ramen store voted by 10,000 Kagoshima residence will be announced and the top 15 will be competing for the championship in February.

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J a p a n e s e

About the Company

Always at “The Heart of the Image”, Nikon is one of the world’s leading brands in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology. From the casual holiday-goer to the professional photographer, Nikon’s diverse and versatile array of photographic equipment covers every possible need.

Brand Story 0 1 1

WAttention picks up uniquely Japanese brands and products that are on the rise in the Singapore market.

From consumer & professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; to the Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras and Nikon sports optics; Nikon constantly delivers results with its award-winning designs and commitment to quality. Web:

www.nikon.com.sg

Nikon D750

Versatility, Usability and Performance with the Nikon D750! Always striving to be at the cutting edge of technology and innovation, Nikon introduces the new D750 – the smallest and lightest Nikon FX-format camera to deliver even more amazing image quality in an ideal package of enriched features than ever before. With a powerful CMOS sensor, EXPEED 4 image-processing engine, the D750 challenges the perceived notion of a powerful but bulky camera with its light-weight yet durable body.

Intuitive features like a fast, enhanced autofocus, a wide angle viewing monitor, and uploading via Wi-Fi, provide even more usability. Accessories like a flexible flash system, wireless remote and lenses give you endless options to take a good shot. Superior maneuverability, flexibility and power in a compact user-friendly package, the D750 provides photographers all they need to capture stunning images!

Nikon S6900

The best way to ‘Selfie’! ‘Selﬁe’ lovers rejoice, self-portraits are now easier than ever with the Nikon COOLPIX S6900; its powerful lens, multi-viewing angle screen and Wi-Fi uploading! Comes in black, silver and pink.

Your BRAND. with WAttention

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WAttention Singapore

Bringing the best of Japan to around the world via WAttention Magazines, Website, and Facebook

What is “WAttention（和テンション）” ? WAttention is a coined term containing “和 (wa)”, which, in Japanese, means “peace” , “calm” and “uniquely Japanese” , and the word “attention”. Since “wa” also has the connotation of ” link” , we gave our magazine

THAILAND

PARIS

2013.07 launched

the name in hopes of bringing more attention to “wa” and making a link between

2013.02 launched

Japan and the world.

TOKYO

2011.05 launched

MUMBAI

2014.01 launched

TAIWAN

2012.10 launched

LOS ANGELES 2012.03 launched

MALAYSIA

2011.03 launched

SINGAPORE 2010.03 launched

INDONESIA 2014.08 launched

HONG KONG 2014.06 launched

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