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IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS
Wint e r Sol st ic e
During the winter solstice and at the end of a year, Japanese like to eat stirfried burdock root, carrot, lotus root and vegetables rich in fiber. People also prepare sticky rice steamed with adzuki beans, traditional daikon radish and cabbage stew and fresh winter fish to celebrate the coming of a new year. All of these dishes are considered to have excellent cleansing qualities. Just like the origin of Christmas, the winter solstice carries the meaning of resuscitation and resurrection. From the lowest point in sky, the sun grow stronger and moves higher until it reaches peak at the summer solstice.
“Winter solstice pumpkin” is a popular food ingredient at this time of the year. Pumpkin, as well as adzuki beans, can clean the body and give it energy. Meanwhile, burdock root, konjac jelly, lotus root and vegetables rich in fibers help clean the intestines and warms up the body. It is also a Japanese custom to drink water at midnight on New Year’s Eve for detox purposes.
Ito Eriko She is a graduate of Japan’s Kokugakuin University. Her field of research includes the application of Japanese tradition in modern society. She is a part time lecturer at Tama Art University.
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ing t s e er
gs t n i d n I Fin
ら 外国人か い 見た面白 ！ 日本語！！
Discover new interesting Japanese words and phrases from a Japanese learner’s point of view with the aid of a Japanese teacher. Let’s get started! ☺
今日の単語
W or d of th e d a y
T o d a y ’s Learner:
おもてなし Omotenashi めい し
Format 型
Meaning 意味
せっとうじ
し れんようけいどう
名詞 ＝接 頭辞 ＋連
用形 動詞
noun = + some a polite prefix forms of verb
s m that illustrate It is the polite ter ese an Jap t or eff d the extra care an entertaining or people put into guests. It can eir th ng welcomi service, way of d, foo be through the spirit they or entertainment to experience ts es gu e th nt wa e math. without doing th
Today’s の今言ど葉き Broken Japanese
カミッテル Ka
mi
ru
tte
Lam Ying Wai from Singapore
Created by youngsters a couple of years ago, this term was often used when people wanted to describe something that is “super amazing”. The term originates from the phrase “it is God-like (kami)” and was used to describe something possessed by the supernatural. Teenagers then shortened it to “God-like” and use in the present tense of the verb. Moreover, they write in katakana when communicating on Twitter and blogs despite it being grammatically incorrect as katakana is meant to be used for non-Japanese words. This transformation itself is kamitteru!
ミッテル 神がかってる → 神ってる → カ Ka mi tte ru
Kami ga ka
tte
ru
Conductor Aki Loves exploring how culture affects language differently around the world and works as copywriter & editor. Also has a postgraduate certificate in TJFL (teaching Japanese as a foreign language).
The concept of omotenashi is almost unheard of anywhere else other than in Japan. In fact, there is no English equivalent of the word, making it even harder to explain. Among the many aspects that define omotenashi, it is easy to highlight traits like selflessness and attention to detail. When I was in Japan, I noticed that even the smallest actions by hoteliers, retailers and service staff spoke volumes in terms of hospitality and service. In simple terms, omotenashi is all about offering the best service without expecting a reward or compensation. I think it would be awesome if Singapore starts recognising and incorporating omotenashi in our everyday lives too!
Pronounciation 発音
Japanese Language
in
Kami tte
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VOL.
Let’s experience
Omotenashi in Japan
Japanese service staff are often thinking about their guests and how they can make them feel more comfortable and at ease. Let’s see how many ways they can surprise you with the Japanese way of hospitality. At a restaurant 1. Your eyes are tired and you pinch your nose bridge, the waiter notices this and offers you a refreshing hot towel. 2. The waiter places a basket next to the table so that you do not have to place your bags on the floor. 3. In winter, some cafes have blankets to keep you warm and relaxed. At a friend’s house 1. Your friend may prepare special chopsticks for you to use and present it nicely at the dinner table. 2. Your friend makes an effort to make separate dishes that do not include the ingredients which you cannot eat although you did not mention it beforehand.
ru
Illustration credit: www.irasutoya.com
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Discover more about Tohoku’s nature, history, culture and cuisine.
Tohoku Special 2017 autumn & winter
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Blessed with picturesque autumn foliage and abundant nature, enjoy Tohoku’s autumn season with all five senses Tohoku’s autumn is short and, as autumn foliage comes to an end, the snow season follows immediately. During this short period of time, the drastic change of nature is stunningly beautiful. Golden rice ears hang their heads on the paddy fields and mountains are coloured in vibrant reds and yellows. Grounds look like carpets of yellow maple leaves and silvery shimmering salmon swim up the river to lay their eggs. Make your way to Tohoku during its most bountiful time, the harvest season!
Apple Kingdom
Hirosaki’s apple pies
Hirosaki 30-min ride from Shin-Aomori Station( JR Tohoku Shinkansen) by Tsugaru Limited Express
Mount Iwaki, also called “Tsugaru Fuji” (Tsugaru describes the western region of Aomori ken), is in Aomori, Honshu’s northernmost area. Autumn is the best season to enjoy a variety of colours at Oirase Mountain Stream and Lake Towada, as well as the lush red apples growing in abundance at the foot of the mountain; Japanese apples are famous for being quite large and flawless in taste and texture. The cultivation of apples in Aomori began at the start of the Meiji Restoration by unemployed samurai. In 1875, the region, which had not been used for apple cultivation before, received three apple saplings from the West. Samurai, who had lost their social status, exchanged their katana (single-edged swords) with pairs of shears and refined the technique of sentei (pruning). Hence, Aomori became Japan's best area for producing apples. These ripened fruits, which survive harsh climate conditions such as heavy snow and drastic temperature differences between day and night, offer a unique harmony between sweet and sour, giving them an especially rich flavour. Hirosaki, the pioneer cit y for apple production, features about 50 shops which produce apple pies. Growing popularity among the tourists are the “Apple Pie Map,” showing all the shops selling this delicacy, as well as the baking event where an apple pie with the diameter of three metres is made. Including the production of apple juice and cider, this fruit plays an essential part in Aomori’s culture. After enjoying the picturesque scenes of autumn colours at Oirase Mountain Stream, Lake Towada and from the Hakkoda Ropeway, set off to Hirosaki and get a taste of Aomori’s local speciality!
An apple orchard in front of Mount Iwaki
View of Hakkoda Mountain Range from Towada’s water-lily pond
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Best Autumn Fruits to Enjoy
Make your own parfait at Takahashi Fruit Land (Kaminoyama, Yamagata ken)
Sample some of Tohoku’s best autumn fruits by taking a train that travels through a forest of autumn colours! Get off at Furukawa Station on the Tôhoku Shinkansen and take the Rikû-East Line. This runs through Naruko, a hot spring village with more than 1,000 years of history. Naruko has a cluster of five hot springs—Naruko, East Naruko, Nakayamadaira, Kawatabi and Onikobe—and is home to Naruko Kyo(Gorge), the Tohoku region’s most scenic of gorges. From Naruko-Onsen Station, the train travels along the Araogawa River before climbing up a slow slope toward
Workshop for dried persimmons (Takahashi Fruit Land in Kaminoyama)
Naruko Gorge, where colourful foliage decorates rocky cliffs in autumn. This is absolutely one of the best scenic train trips in Japan! (Foliage viewing season is from late October to early November.) Shinjô is the last station on the Rikû-East Line. After foliage viewing, why not take the shinkansen to Yamagata Prefecture for a feast of seasonal fruits? Known as the Fruits Kingdom, Yamagata is the number one producer of cherries and pears in Japan. Apples, grapes and many other juicy fruits are also grown here. Tourists can visit orchards, hand pick grapes (early September to late October) and pears (October), and even have a try at making dried persimmons. Tourist orchards can be found in Yamagata’s Kaminoyama and Tendo cities.
Autumn foliage at Yama-dera Temple 20-min ride from Yamagata Station ( JR Yamagata Shinkansen) until Yamadera Station ( JR Senzan Line)
Another must-visit spot is Risshaku-ji. The temple, also called Yama-dera, consists of 30 big and small halls. A moss-covered stone staircase starts from the foot of the mountain and goes all the way to the majestic halls and temples on rough, stony cliffs. The heavenly landscape, coupled with red leaves, looks just like a painting on a Japanese wooden screen. Kaminoyama Get off at Kaminoyama-Onsen Station ( JR Yamagata Shinkansen)
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In Yamagata, you can enjoy pear picking (mid-September until end of October)
View of Naruko Kyo
Ocean Flavours
Various salmon dishes (grilled with salt, pickled in sake lees or smoked)
Autumn is full of activities in Tohoku! It is the time of year when locals are busy preserving food for the long, harsh winter ahead, and visitors are welcome to have a taste during this culinary tradition. Tsuruoka city’s Yura, the biggest fishing port in Yamagata Prefecture, has developed many ways to preserve its great salmon catches, one of which is covering the fish in distillers’ grains and miso paste. Besides eating it raw and with sushi, you can also grill it with salt, marinate it in soy sauce or boil it in sweet Japanese sauce. Niigata’s Murakami city has enjoyed fame for its salmon cuisine since the
Salmon hanging from the eaves to expose them to the cold sea breeze (Murakami, Niigata ken)
Edo period (1603-1867). It is customary to hang salt-preserved salmon from the eaves of houses in early December. Gusts of cold winter wind dry off the moisture in the salted salmon, giving it a rich, sophisticated texture. The sight of thousands of salmon hanging from traditional Japanese houses in winter is as fascinating as it can get! Japanese sandfish is also a common winter treat. The fish, also referred to as “God fish” on the Oga Peninsula, swims to Akita Prefecture for spawning in December. Salt-preserved Japanese sandfish(Hatahata) is an important source of protein during winter. People in Akita grill it with salt, cook it in a hot pot and eat it with seaweed paper. Trying this treat is a must when you visit Tohoku! Murakami
1-hr ride from Niigata Station ( JR Jôetsu Shinkansen) until Murakami Station ( JR Uetsu Line)
An experienced cook busy salting (Murakami, Niigata ken)
Fish market in Sakata
View of the Sea of Japan during autumn from Oga Peninsula
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Japanese Craftsmanship and Cultural Heritage Japanese goods, characterized by high technology and exquisite craftsmanship, are highly appreciated around the world. As Japan’s capital, Tokyo is home to crafts that reflect the rich history and cultural treasures of the area. Learn more about Japan’s cultural heritage through the lenses of craft art.
Old Meets New: Preservation of Heritage through In the old days, folding screens were placed in rooms to block the wind from coming into the house. They also functioned as partitions and were seen as an essential for every household. Although Japanese folding screens originated from China, they have become an important part of Japanese culture over the years. Many historic paintings on folding screens are well-preserved because they can be folded and stored. In modern day Japan, folding screens are used as an decorative item in festive celebrations such as Doll’s Day and Children’s Day. According to Kyoichi Kataoka, owner of Kataoka Folding Screens Shop, when folding screens first spread to Japan, Japanese improved the assembly method by using mortise and tenon as joints and adopted washi paper to connect wooden frame panels so that the screens can be folded 180 degrees. These Japanese-style folding screens can be traced back to the Nara Period (710-794). Established in 1946, Kataoka Folding Screens Shop is Tokyo’s preeminent purveyor of folding screens. Kyoichi Kataoka is the store’s second- generation owner. He and his son Koto , who once studied in the United States, have been promoting the craft for years. “What should be preserved is the culture, rather than the looks or form,” Koto Kataoka told WAttention. Both the tradition and the craft of folding screens face challenges due to modernity. Folding screens underwent a transformation when they were first introduced to Japan. One thousand years later, the necessity of screens that were originally used to remedy interior design problems is now being questioned.
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Revolution
Kataoka Folding Screens Shop Folding screens have gained popularity in the west as ornamental pieces, and have been given a new life. The paintings on the screens are no longer restricted to Japanese paintings and ink-and-wash painting. Comic characters and print patterns are also featured on folding screens. “We get asked all the time. Questions like do we make comic themed folding screens. We think that the combination is great,” said Koto Kataoka. Although he acknowledges that not everyone appreciates this style of mix and match, it is a great
way to reach out to a new audience and potential clients. The shop takes orders from overseas. Since folding screens are often used as wall decorations in the west, the shop produces screen paintings with visual vibrancy. When introducing folding screens to overseas customers, the staff emphasizes words like “byoubu,” or folding screens in Japanese, to make known the unique culture. Third generation owner Koto Kataoka believes that folding screens are not just furniture pieces, but also provide important cultural heritage. It is not a bad thing to add a twist of creativity to gain the appeal of younger generation and foreign audience. Tradition and innovation are not two ends of a spectrum but two practices in dialogue with each other. Craftsmen know best how to preserve tradition without sacrificing modernity. That being said, Kataoka Folding Screens Shop is working hard to give a new life to folding screens by cooperating with professional designers. Kataoka Folding Screens Shop Hours: 10am–5pm (Mon–Sat) Address: 1-31-6 Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Access: 1-min walk from Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line)
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Spanning a Time Per iod of 300 Years The Challenges of Professional Craftsmen Tokyo’s Ota-ku is home to many small and medium-sized factories that have supported Japan’s manufacturing sector since long ago. Not only do these factories make parts for automobiles, home appliances and aviation applications, they are also indispensable partners of well-known enterprises. The factories are called “machikoba” in Japanese because of their location in the middle of the town. Although small in scale, they provide high quality processed products and promises speedy delivery. In 2011, a group of highly skilled craftsmen working in Ota-ku launched a project called “Shitamachi Bobsleigh,” hoping to develop a sled comparable in quality to those made by BMW for the German national team and Ferrari for the Italian team. As of April 2017, they have made nine bobsleighs that have appeared in races both in Japan and overseas.
Shitamachi Craftsmanship Challenging the World Over the years, more than 100 factories have worked voluntarily with design companies and aerodynamic specialists to develop the world-class sled from scratch. After years of trial and error, their model has finally won the heart of the Jamaican Bobsleigh Federation, which will use the sled to compete in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea.
Why is Tokyo’s Shitamachi the Home of Craftsmen? Traditional craft shops and factories are often seen in the streets of Tokyo’s shitamachi, or the Japanese word for downtown. The place is also referred to as the home of craftsmen.
Shitamachi’s history dates back to the beginning of the Edo period. The Tokugawa Bakufu created a feudal system and introduced the art of craftsmanship from Kyoto to Edo. A couple of years later, well-known craftsmen from Kyoto were dispatched to Edo to make a craftsmen town. The town happened to be situated in the lower part of Edo, which equals to the present Ota-ku (Nihonbashi, Kanda, Asakusa and Fukagawa) and Sumida-ku. This area is the Shitamachi. Paying a visit here will give you a unique insight into Edo’s 300 years of history. In the Edo period, the release of an order to ban luxury goods by the Bakufu unexpectedly promoted the popularity of folk culture. Thus, commoners replaced samurais as the main consumers. They loved to spend money on understated things and this has become one of the features of Edo, a period when the crafts industry thrived.
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Exper ience the Beauty of Craftwork Edo Komon Patter n @Tokyo Some Monogatar i Museum In the Edo period, textile dyeing owners moved their factories to the Shinjuku area so that they could use the water from the Kanda River. Although hundreds of shops existed during Edo’s peak period, only about ten shops remain today. Fujita Somekouge (established in 1875) is one of the century-old shops that is trying hard to preserve the heritage passed down from the Edo period. Fujita Somekouge specializes in making Edo Komon and Edo Sarasa. To make known the beauty of Edo Komon, the shop owner Fujita Atsushi decided to open his studio to visitors who wants to learn more about dyeing. Visitors can sign up for a DIY dyeing course and be charmed by this 300year old technique. Edo Komon, characterized by fine Apply dye-resisting patterns that can only be appreciated paste with the help of an experienced craftsman when viewed up close, was originally a dyeing style used for kamishimo, the formal cloth of samurais. Elegant and low-keyed fashion reflects the style of samurais in the Edo period. During the mid-Edo period, Edo Komon started to gain popularity among commoners. Edo Komon is an umbrella term for Same Komon, and Share Komon, all of which originated in the Edo period. The dyeing process: 1) Pick out a stencil (the base pattern for dyeing) 2) Make the dye 3) Place the stencil on a piece of white cloth and apply dye-resisting paste 4) Color the white cloth 5) Steam the cloth for 15 to 30 minutes at 90 to 100 degrees Celsius to settle the dye 6) Wash off extra color compound with water 7) Dry the cloth and straighten it With reservation, you can experience the fun of applying dye-resisting paste to a stencil. Leave the rest to the craftsmen and wait for your material to be delivered to your door in a couple of days. If you want to take your materail home with you, sign up for a more comprehensive pattern-dyeing course. Don’t miss out on the chance to tour the dyeing factory, which has about 120,000 kinds of hand-carved stencils made by Mino washi, a type of Japanese paper created in Gifu Prefecture, on file. Visit the dye room and listen to experienced craftsmen explain how water from Kanda River is used to wash off the dye. Before the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, dyefactories washed their textile and cloths along the riverside. However, due to environmental concerns, water from Kanda River had to be induced to the factories. Today, water from A machine that colors textile automatically Bore water is used to wash off extra dye underground bores is used to wash off the dye. Tokyo Some Monogatari Museum (Fujita Somekouge)
Hours: 10:00-12:00/ 13:00-16:00 Monday to Friday Fees required for participatory courses. Reserve one week in advance (weekday only, five people and above) Address: 3-6-14 Nishi Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Access: A 2-minute walk from Omokagebashi Station on the Toden Arakawa Line
Shop owner Fujita said that his shop has more than 120,000 base patterns for dyeing
Write down your name and wait for the dye to dry
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Delicate Edo Craftsmanship—Edo Kir iko @ Sumida Edo Kir iko Museum Edo kiriko refers to a type of glassware made in Tokyo. Its history dates back to the Edo period, when people started to cut imported glass from overseas to create delicate patterns. Colorless glass was first used, followed by light blue and light pink. Traditional Edo style kiriko mostly consists of designs such as birds, flowers, natural scenery and colorful patterns. There are 12 representative designs in total. Why not make your own Edo kiriko at Sumida Edo Kiriko Museum? Sumida Edo Kiriko Museum
Hours: 10:00-18:00 Closed on Sundays, Holiday, Summer Vacation and New Year Holiday Kiriko Workshop Hours: Three time slots every day (10:30-12:00, 13:00-14:30 and 15:00-16:30) except Sundays and Holiday. Reservation required. Workshop Fee: Glass paperweight 1,000 yen (tax excluded) for elementary and middle school students. Glass cup 4,000 yen (tax excluded) for high school students and adults Address: 2-10-9 Taihei, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Access: 7-minute walk from Kinshicho Station on Tokyo Metro Hanzonmon Line
Wind Chime Blowing in the Wind—Edo Fur in @Shinohara Fur in Honpo “Furin,” or wind chimes, are one of the earliest imported goods from China. The Japanese started to make glass furin during the Kyoho era of the Edo period. People in Osaka, Kyoto and Edo very much enjoyed furin and would use them as decorative items. The furin’s popularity peaked in 1800, when one furin was said to be worth two to three million yen. It was not until 1887 that furin became cheaper and popular among the general populace. The name Edo Furin was first used by craftsman Yoshiharu Shinohara around 1965 to describe the style of furin passed down from the Edo period. There are two places in Tokyo that offer a hands-on furin making experience, one of which is Shinohara Furin Honpo. Besides touring the studio for free, there is also a workshop where you can blow and paint glass. If time is not on your side, sign up for the painting workshop and design your own furin.
Shinohara Furin Honpo
Hours: 9:00-18:00 Closed on Sundays and Holiday Workshop Fee: Glass painting 1,500 yen / Make a furin from scratch 2,000 yen *During the busy season, the studio tour and workshop are closed from July to early September. Address: 4-22-5 Minamishinozaki, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo Access: A 12-minute walk from Mizue Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line
Intr iguing and Realistic Craftsmanship —Edo Kimekomi Ningyo Dolls @Mataro Dolls Originating from Kyoto’s Kamo Ningyo in the Genbun era of the Edo period (173641), Kimekomi Ningyo Dolls are dolls with clothes specially inserted into their wooden torso. Compared to the round faces of Kyoto dolls, dolls made in Tokyo have longer faces and distinctly outlined facial features. Established in 1919, Mataro Dolls inherited fine doll-making craftsmanship from the Edo period and is dedicated to make intriguing, lifelike dolls. Visitors can help make a Matoro doll and learn about the Japanese traditional craft here. Mataro Dolls
Hours: 10:00-12:00/13:00-15:30 Closed on Mondays, Fridays, Weekends and Holiday Workshop Hours: Three time slots every day 10:00/13:00/15:00 (Reservation is required three days in advance) Workshop Fee: 6,000 yen per 90 minutes / 9,000 yen per 120 minutes (bring the fabric of your choice) Address: 5-15-13 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Access: In front of the Naka-Okachimachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
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Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
TOKYO Teshigoto’s Creative Collaboration Items @ Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store Main building 5F TOKYO Teshigoto is a project led by the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center to pair craftsmen of more than 40 traditional crafts with designers to develop original products. The project also aims to promote the popularity of selected traditional craftwork within Japan and overseas. TOKYO Teshigoto seeks to convey the message that traditional crafts are still very much alive and valued in Tokyo. The project introduces magnificent crafts which are remade into products matching today’s lifestyles and which have practical use worldwide. Among these unique items, you can find a wooden-block-assembled smartphone speaker created by a designer and craftsmen specializing in the production of Buddhist altars. Other innovations include edokiriko (faceted
glass), featuring the typical design of make-up worn by kabuki (traditional Japanese theatre) actors, as well as cute animal-shaped brushes made from actual animal hair. These innovations have captured the hearts of consumers both in Japan and overseas. TOKYO Teshigoto has a permanent exhibition corner on the fifth floor of Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. Come by and learn more about Tokyo’s traditional handicrafts and get your hands on your favorite product once discovering its unique charm immediately!
Kabuki Kiriko Kabuki themed Edo Kiriko 18,000 yen Animal Brush Animal style brushes Body brushes made out of horse hair 4,500 yen / Face brushes made out of goat hair 3,800 yen / Nail brushes made out of pig hair 2,800 yen
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
Hours: 10:30am -7:30pm/ irregular closing hours Address: Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store Main building 5F, 1-4-1, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Access: 1-min walk from Mitsukoshimae Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line)
Shopping Guide
Bottle Armour Edo armor wine bottle bag 90,000 yen (large) /65,000 yen (small)
Kimono Bento Tokyo Bento box with Edo Sarasa chintz pattern 4,000 yen Chopstick box with Edo Sarasa chintz pattern 2,000 yen
Tokyo Onkei Wooden blockassembled speaker for smart phones 57,000 yen
After learning about the traditional crafts of Tokyo, why not use such crafts to decorate your home and show your support for the preservation of Japanese heritage? Edo Kiriko 15,000 yen (tax excluded)/ Horiguchi Kiriko The design of the cut glass looks a rotating kaleidoscope from different angles
Nippon Hyakkaten Okachimachi Collection of Arts and Crafts @Nippon Hyakkaten Okachimachi
Nippon Hyakkaten sells exquisite Japanese arts and crafts. It has a store in 2k540, an artisan district located beneath the elevated rail line between Akihabara Station and Okachimachi Station. You can get your hands on interesting, fun and seasonal crafts here. Edo kiriko is a recommended gift product.
Nippon Hyakkaten Okachimachi
Japanese Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
Hours: 11:00-20:00 Closed: Wednesdays and New Year Holiday Address: 2k540 AKIOKA ARTISAN A-1, 5-9-3 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo Access: 7-minute walk from Okachimachi Station
Refined Japanese Crafts @Japanese Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square Handmade crafts are different from massproduced ones because they carry the energy of their creators and add a touch of whimsy to life. Japanese Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square displays a wide array of crafts from different corners Edo wood engraving of Japan. It is an ideal destination for shoppers Tokyo glassware looking for unique souvenirs to bring home. Aoyama Square is financially supported by Traditional Craft Products Industry Promotion Tokyo Association. The shop displays all kinds of craft silverware works for purchase.
Japanese Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
Hours: 11:00-19:00 Opens all year round Address: 1F 8-1-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Access: 4-minute walk from Exit 4 of Aoyama Ichome Station on the Tokyo Metro
cotogoto
Happiness in Small Things@cotogoto Cotogoto has a collection of sundry goods that are made with Japanese materials and designed to reflect the seasons of Japan. Other creative art and craft items are designed to satisfy the souls of those who love a modern twist on tradition. Aluminum bento box Oval/ Square
cotogoto
Hours: 11:00-20:00 Opens all year round Address: 2F 4-27-17 Koenji, Suginami-ku, Tokyo Access: 1 minute from JR Koenji Station South Exit
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What is
o Trip t aido Hokk
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Ninja?
You may already know Ninja from comic books and animations, right? But you might not know that Ninja were originally informants, whose primary job was to collect intelligence for Samurai. WAttention is now recruiting foreign reporters who want to collect and spread information about Japan as WAttention Ninja.
Eat local speciality
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The perks of becoming a WAttention Ninja are endless! Go on interview trips around Japan for FREE Meet with people you don’t normally see and try unique experiences Participate in numerous events and conduct backstage interviews Visit up-and-coming cafes and go to preopening restaurant receptions
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prize!? a in w to e c n a h C A Depending on the number and quality of articles you publish, there are numerous awards waiting for you. Those who excel at being Ninja have the chance to work for WAttention as a professional contributor.
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