JANUARY 2017
Japan’s number one English language magazine
PLUS: 7 Places in Japan You Must Visit in 2017, Change the Way You Work Out, and Kotatsu Dining
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THIS MONTH’S HEAD TURNERS
8 AREA GUIDE: ASAKUSA
Universally renowned for its sacred ground,
Tokyo's original pleasure district comes
alive when the sun goes down.
10 STYLE
January calls for keeping New Year's
resolutions, and staying warm while
staying chic.
12 BEAUTY
Get the year off to a fragrant beginning
with our roundup of Japanese and Japaninspired
scents.
14 TRENDS
Best way to warm up in winter: eat all your
meals with legs curled up cozily under a traditional
kotatsu – at home or a restaurant.
in-depth
COFFEE-BREAK READS
18 COVER FEATURE: Q&A WITH
JIMMY CARR
We chat with the popular British comedian
as he prepares for his first show in Tokyo
next month.
20 FINDING THE SILVER LINING
IN A POST-TRUTH WORLD
And other thoughts on how to get over
2016, and get through 2017.
21 MORE THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Extra silver linings in the form of film, literature,
sport, music, games and stage shows.
22 SEVEN PLACES IN JAPAN YOU
MUST VISIT IN 2017
First on our list? The exquisite and
fairytale-like Wisteria Flower Tunnel.
26 FITNESS SPECIAL: CHANGE
YOUR WORKOUT
From martial arts to the so-hot-right-now
Surfset Fitness trend, we've got 13 unique
workout ideas and accessories for you to try.
guide
CULTURE ROUNDUP
33 ART
Remembering the brilliance of David Bowie,
and a nostalgic look at Sony's past.
36 AGENDA
It's a musical month as the famed Harvard
Glee Club comes to Japan, as do PJ Harvey
and jazz legend Hermeto Pascoal.
38 PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES
Mingling with road racers, a princess, and
the president of Ceremony.
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017
Publisher
President
Executive Producers
Editor in Chief
Senior Editor
Creative Director
Features Writer
Contributors
Sales Director
Sales Executives
Media Strategist
Media Consultant
Media Relations
Media Producers
ENGAWA Co., Ltd.
Takanobu Ushiyama
Asi Rinestine
Naoya Takahashi
Annemarie Luck
Alec Jordan
Liam Ramshaw
Matthew Hernon
Vivian Morelli
Luca Eandi
Bill Hersey
Dorothee Erle
Bunny Bissoux
Takaaki Murai
Hirofumi Ohuchi
Kahori Terakawa
Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa
Yu Suzuki
Mandy Lynn
Mary Rudow
Junko Shimaya
Yumi Idomoto
Claudia Sun
EST. Corky Alexander, 1970
Published monthly at JPR Sendagaya Building 8F
4-23-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051
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Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors
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Published by ENGAWA Co., Ltd.
4 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
@mizrama: Liam, thanks for stepping in to the Eds’
Chat while Alec is away on holiday. As Weekender’s
creative director, what’s your favorite thing about
our January issue?
@liam_ramshaw: Thank you very much. I’m a little
nervous because I have some very big shoes to fill
(literally size 16), but I’ll try my best. Have to say I
really enjoyed this month’s Fitness Special [page 26].
It’s going to help with my New Year’s resolutions.
@mizrama: Are you going to try aerial yoga? I
can picture you hanging upside down from a silk
hammock.
@liam_ramshaw: I think jiu jitsu is more my style. I
don’t think a silk hammock would support my hefty
frame. How about you? Any fitness resolutions?
@mizrama: Well I did try the Surfset Fitness
workout in Ginza. It’s a new trend from California
that involves surfboards balanced on Bosu balls. It
helped a little with my craving for the beach and the
ocean. But mostly, I would like to laugh more in 2017
– so I’m looking forward to Jimmy Carr’s show next
month [page 18].
@liam_ramshaw: I would certainly agree with that.
After a tough year, I think we all need more laughter
in our lives. Anything else you’re particularly
looking forward to this year?
@mizrama: Actually, I just watched the trailer for
Martin Scorsese’s new film, Silence [page 35]. Can’t
wait for that. It’s got a great cast … speaking of
which, I hear you used to hang out with Andrew
Garfield?
@liam_ramshaw: Indeed, he was the childhood
friend of the guys I used to live with in London.
He would often pop round for house parties. I can
confirm he was handsome, talented, charming and
an all-round good egg – but an absolute nightmare to
have around if you wanted to hook up with any girls.
After all, who would you want to speak to if Spider-
Man was sitting in the lounge?
@mizrama: Pity you weren’t into jiu jitsu back then.
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TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 5
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6 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH...
We're mingling with the 24-hour party people of Asakusa, lusting after a Moncler
Grenoble après-ski jacket, and feeling toasty with a traditional kotatsu.
8 AREA GUIDE 10 STYLE 12 TRENDS
TOKYO WEEKENDER | DECEMBER | JANUARY 2017 2016 | 7
AREA GUIDE
FLOAT THROUGH
ASAKUSA
UNIVERSALLY RENOWNED FOR ITS SACRED GROUND, TOKYO’S ORIGINAL
PLEASURE DISTRICT COMES ALIVE WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN
Words and photographs by Luca Eandi
24 HOUR
PARTY PEOPLE
Even though Asakusa’s Rokku entertainment
district saw its heyday a century
ago, it still caters to nightlife with a host
of rakugo (storytelling) theaters, cinemas
showing classic films, and other adultoriented
recreation. There are still a
few dozen geisha offering their hosting
services, giving Kyoto’s hanamachi a run
for its money. Many bars are spread out
through Rokku. Kamiya offers an electric
concoction, Denkibran, which is a mix of
brandy, gin and wine, while Samboa is
the whiskey bar of choice. Post-drinks, you
may want to take a jinrikisha (rickshaw)
to Denbouin-dori for food at one of the
numerous izakayas lining the street. And if
you miss the last train, no worries, Bunka
Hostel offers a more communal alternative
to capsule hotels.
SERENITY NOW
The main draw in Asakusa is Senso-ji, a
Buddhist temple dedicated to the bodhisattva
Kannon. The first temple on this location
dates back to 645 AD, making it the oldest
in Tokyo. Following reconstruction after
being leveled in World War II, the temple
became a symbol of recovery and amity,
and remains one of Tokyo’s holiest sites,
hosting the popular Sanja Matsuri festival
in late spring. Commanding the entrance
to the temple, the imposing Kaminarimon
(Thunder Gate) is a popular meeting spot
and background to millions of tourist
selfies. On the rare occasion that it’s open
to the public, a visit to Demboin Garden,
on the grounds of Senso-ji’s head priest’s
residence, affords visitors a serene oasis
away from the hordes of tourists.
8 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
Positioned on the banks of the Sumida River, Asakusa has a great outlook on the water
and the several bridges that cross it. A prime location for enjoying the view is from
Kuritsu Sumida Park, right on the banks of the river. Every spring, the park’s cherry
trees blossom to the delight of hanami partakers, who take up every square inch of park
ground with tarps, or enjoy the sakura from traditional yakatabune houseboats on the
water. Looming in the background across the Azuma Bridge, the Asahi Beer Tower
can’t be mistaken – it’s the building that looks like a mug of golden
beer, complete with frothy head. Tokyo Skytree is also
omnipresent in the skyline to the East.
SNACKS APLENTY
There are many delights to sample as
you trek around Asakusa. Traditional
Japanese snack foods are found
throughout, such as daigaku-imo
(candied sweet potatoes) at Chibaya,
dorayaki (red-bean pancakes) at
Kamejyu, and kuzumochi (arrowroot
mochi) at Funawa. The sweet
bread melonpan is a specialty in the
neighborhood, and Kagetsudo has
been making them since 1945. You can
view the process of making intricately
shaped, filled pastries from start to
finish behind the window at Ganso
Kimuraya Ningyoyaki on Nakamisedori.
For more savory treats, soba
noodle shops are everywhere in
Asakusa, with Namikiya, Benten, and
Asada being some of the better spots,
but really, you can’t go wrong with
most of the neighborhood staples.
ARCADE CLASSICS
Over 90 souvenir shops and snack shacks
make up Nakamise-dori, the stretch between
Kaminarimon and Senso-ji’s Hozomon gate.
This is Asakusa’s most popular pedestrian-only
shopping lane, but it’s not the only one worth
strolling down. For a calmer neighborhood
atmosphere and a touch of nostalgia, head
west of the temple for Hisago-dori, a covered
shopping arcade made up of family-owned
shops with lots of charm. While there, you can
visit the Edo Shitamachi Traditional Crafts
Museum and learn about sashimono furniture-making,
antique tool design and copper
crafts. Also nearby, and not to miss on a nice
day, is Hanayashiki, the oldest amusement
park in Japan, in operation since 1853.
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 9
STYLE
VALENTINO GLOVES
Leopard print is a tricky one, and it should always be worn in
moderation to avoid looking garish. However, if you include just the
right amount of it to an outfit, it can add a touch of elegance. These
supple leather Valentino gloves are a good example of that right
amount; and we love the gold-studded and turquoise trim. Pair them
with a black or camel coat, and enjoy the extra warmth from the
sumptuous cashmere lining. valentino.com
JANUARY CALLS FOR KEEPING NEW YEAR’S
RESOLUTIONS, AND STAYING WARM WHILE STAYING CHIC
Compiled by Vivian Morelli
ADIDAS BY STELLA
MCCARTNEY BACKPACK
January means a new year, which means a
new you, and this part usually includes a vow
to exercise more regularly. While the chances
of keeping this resolution throughout the
year are generally rather slim, using beautiful
workout gear can be a motivating factor.
This Adidas by Stella McCartney backpack is
designed for runners, with a reflective shell
that ensures visibility during evening jogs.
Use this lightweight bag to store a water
bottle and some essentials, and head to
Tokyo's Imperial Palace for a reinvigorating
loop around the moat. adidas.com
BURBERRY HOODIE
January is probably the coldest month in
Japan, and thanks to the lack of insulation
in homes, it's essential to layer as many
clothes as possible in order to survive
the freezing season. Stay toasty with this
fleece-back cotton hoodie from Burberry,
with a hood lined with the label's
signature checked pattern. The polished
gold zippers stand out against the rich
burgundy hue. Wear yours around the
house or layer it under your winter
jacket. While it belongs to the loungewear
category, we think it's also appropriate
for the office. burberry.com
SMYTHSON
2017 DIARY
These days, thanks to widely available
technologies, people don't use paper
agendas nearly as much. However,
there is a certain old-school, traditional
charm associated with jotting down
notes on crisp paper that just doesn't
exist with tablets and smartphones. For
the new year, treat yourself to the best
version possible of a diary, from UK
brand Smythson. Virtually unchanged
from its 1908 design, it boasts leather
binding, gilded featherweight paper,
and an internal silk pocket to stow
important documents and business
cards. smythson.com
MONCLER
GRENOBLE JACKET
Moncler's Grenoble line is all about
high-performance alpine gear and
après-ski looks. Whether you're
planning on hitting the slopes or
staying in the city this winter, a warm
and practical jacket is a must-have.
While most sports jackets usually
lack in the style department, this
number from the French-Italian brand
manages to combine both comfort
and chic. Filled with insulating down
and feathers, this quilted jacket has a
flattering cinched waist and convenient
zipped pockets to safely store
essentials. moncler.com
NIKE WAIST PACK
Head out for an outdoor run or to the gym without worrying about where to put your
phone and keys, or having them accidentally slip out of your pocket. This waist pack is
a sleek and modern version of the infamous fanny pack. You can simply tie the bucklefastening,
elasticized band around your waist and discreetly hide it under your workout
clothes. This mini bag comes with two pouches, one of which is removable to provide
flexible storage on the move. nike.com
TRENDS
KOTATSU COMFORTS
BEST WAY TO WARM UP IN WINTER: EAT ALL YOUR MEALS WITH LEGS CURLED UP
Compiled by Annemarie Luck
COZILY UNDER ONE OF THESE TRADITIONAL JAPANESE HEATER-AND-FUTON TABLES
AT HOME
THE STORY Although the kotatsu has
been around for centuries in Japan, the modern
form is somewhat different to the original
sunken hearth and charcoal burner. Today,
it consists of a low table that has an electric
heater fixed underneath. The contraption is
covered by a futon or quilt, which extends
over your legs as you seat yourself on the
ground around the table. It’s so cozy that pets
are bound to join in, and no-one will judge
if you fall asleep and stay put all night long.
WHAT TO EAT Nabe (hotpot) on a portable
stove. Also, if you arrive at a friend’s
kotatsu dinner party with a bag of mikan
(mandarin oranges), you’ll receive a round
of applause. We’re not entirely sure why,
but mandarins and kotatsu go together like
popcorn and movies.
WHERE TO BUY ONE We like the
brand Nakamura (nakamura-jpn.co.jp). Their
kotatsu kits are available from Rakuten for
around ¥40,000, and you can even buy the
quilts separately should you want to switch
them up every now and then. To purchase
the kit pictured above, visit tinyurl.com/
TWkotatsu-rakuten
12 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
RYOGOKU TERRACE
THE STORY With a strong focus on health, this tucked-away terrace restaurant offers
nutritious, balanced dishes. It also encourages you to exercise by offering rental gear,
and shower and locker facilities in the pleasant Runcube space just next door. Wondering
where to run? The restaurant is situated alongside Sumida River, with a jogging or walking
path easily accessible.
WHAT TO EAT Go for the lunch set, which includes soup, rice, and your choice of three
main dishes. They offer millet in place of white rice if you prefer, and you can look forward
to plenty of healthy Japanese ingredients such as seaweed and daikon. For dinner,
it’s nabe, naturally.
THE KOTATSU During winter, the terrace is transformed into a comfy scene of blankets
draped over heater tables, dotted around the raised wooden floor. Best of all, your view is
of Kyu Yasuda Garden, where you can also take a stroll after lunch.
1-12-21 Yokozuma, Sumida-ku. www.ryogokuterrace.jp
YOYOGI CURRY
SANRIKU
KOTATSU TRAIN
THE STORY How to revive the tradition of
kotatsu and boost railway profits at the same
time? Create a kotatsu train! For the past decade
or so, Sanriku Railway has been offering
a special two-car train boasting 12 kotatsu,
giving travelers the chance to experience the
ultimate winter wonder expedition.
WHAT TO EAT Reserve a bento one day
before boarding the train – your lunch box
options include Sea Urchin and Abalone
(¥1,600), Sea Urchin (¥1,700), and Scallop
(¥1,200). To reserve the coffee and sweets set
(¥700), make sure you ask for it when buying
your ticket.
WHEN TO GO Until March 26, on weekends
and national holidays only, the train
will run between Kuji and Miyako, with the
roundtrip starting at 12.13pm and finishing
at 4.46pm. A one-day pass costs ¥2,500 and
reservations can be made between 9am and
6pm by calling 0193 62 8900. For more info
(in Japanese only), visit www.sanrikutetsudou.com
THE STORY Opened in 2013, this
terraced restaurant has a prime spot
just near the entrance of Yoyogi Village,
which is a trendy little space near
Yoyogi Station featuring eateries,
coffee shops, and plenty of greenery.
WHAT TO EAT Curry, of course.
They have a few different kinds to
choose from – we’ve tried the Asian
Chicken, and the Butter Lemon with
Shrimp, and both were delicious, not
very spicy, and reasonably priced at
¥980. If you’re there for dinner and
want to expand on the selection, they
also offer a variety of starters (try the
Stewed Octopus and Olive with Tomato),
and meat dishes, along with a complete
menu of drinks which are served
from their cute bar at the back of the
restaurant.
HOW TO ORDER Until April, they
have closed in their terrace, and added
blankets and heaters to all the tables,
making this the best curry experience
we’ve yet to have.
1-28-9 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku.
yoyogi-curry.com
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 13
BEAUTY
NIGHTINGALE
BY ZOOLOGIST
A couple of years ago, Toomo
Inaba left Tokyo for a quieter life
in Kyushu’s countryside, where he
continues his work as a fragrance
reviewer, producer, and self-taught
perfumer. Although Nightingale is his
own official debut scent (launched
in October), he has in fact created
50-odd private blends over the past
several years, and his company
Zoologist features a range of deluxe
fragrances by different perfumers.
He describes his inspiration for the
pink floral chypre as coming from
an ancient Japanese poem, picking
out one line in particular: “Soon you
will be wearing a black robe and
enter nunhood. You will not know
each rosary bead has my tears on
it.” The notes include plum blossom,
agarwood, patchouli and moss.
Nightingale Eau de Parfum ¥14,200,
www.zoologistperfumes.com
SCENTSATIONS
GET THE YEAR OFF TO A FRAGRANT BEGINNING WITH OUR
ROUNDUP OF JAPANESE AND JAPAN-INSPIRED SCENTS
Compiled by Annemarie Luck and Mandy Lynn
SCENT THREE: SUGI
BY MONOCLE
The third of a series of fragrance
collaborations between Monocle
and Comme des Garcons, Sugi
(Japanese cedar) is described as
a “delicate, clean and energising”
fragrance. It’s a unisex scent with
top notes of Meditarranean cypress
and pepper from Madagascar,
followed by iris from Florence
and cedar from Virginia, and
finished with pine and Haitian
vetiver.
Scent Three: Sugi Eau de Toilette
¥10,800, available from The Monocle
Shop in Tokyo or from monocle.com
14 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
SAKURA
BY MIYA SHINMA
Born in Shizuoka, Miya Shinma now
divides her time between France
and Japan, but her perfume range
is devoted to her country of birth.
Inspired by the cherry blossom,
Sakura has robust notes that meld into
soft floral nuances. Its characteristic
scent starts off strong (like a woman
who knows exactly what she wants),
wrapping one in its musky embrace,
before fashioning into a scent of
freshly cut peonies amid hints of
blackcurrant. It ends with tones of
citrus and rose. We've got one bottle
to give away; follow us on Instagram
(@tokyoweekender) for details.
Sakura Eau de Parfum, ¥21,400,
miyashinma.fr
Le Labo
GAIAC 10 TOKYO
BY LE LABO
Known for its niche perfumes,
Le Labo created Gaiac 10
exclusively for Tokyo. This means
that its soft scent is tailored to suit
Japanese tastes (or in this case,
noses), and it’s only available
from the store in Daikanyama.
We popped by to take a whiff, and
the salesperson led us outside into
the fresh air for optimal smelling
conditions (because that’s how
gentle the scent is). It’s a beautiful
woody and musky blend that
develops into a powdery,
romantic fragrance.
Gaiac 10 Eau de Parfum ¥51,840,
www.lelabofragrances.jp
KYARA AND KAZEHIKARU
BY DI SER
We’ve chosen two different perfumes
by this Japanese brand that’s based
in Hokkaido and also sells herbs and
medicines, organic cosmetics, and organic
health foods. Their fragrances are made
without any synthetic materials, and they
favor high quality over mass production.
Kyara is named after the fragrant wood
that’s used in kodo (incense burning), and
contains agarwood, cedarwood, rose otto,
patchouli, and sandalwood. Kazehikaru
represents “the wind that dances about
the land,” and includes yuzu, neroli, shiso,
Japanese rose, and vetiver.
Kyara Parfum ¥120,000, Kazehikaru Eau de
Parfum ¥10,000, www.diser-parfum.com
HANA HIRAKU
BY PARFUM SATORI
Independent perfumer Satori Osawa mixes her
pretty potions in a small Yoyogi studio, which
has walls lined with tiny bottles of ingredients.
When we visited, she showed us a collection of
her perfumes, which are inspired by Japanese
culture – her signature scent, Satori, even comes
packaged in a porcelain bottle that’s shaped
like a chatsubo (traditional tea jar). Her latest
creation, Hana Hiraku, launched in October
and is inspired by Japan’s blooming magnolia
flowers. It’s a dry Oriental with top notes of
creamy melon and bergamot; middle notes of
magnolia, jasmine, and rose; and a unique finish
of miso, bees wax, and wood.
Hana Hiraku Eau de Parfum ¥16,000 (before tax),
www.parfum-satori.com
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 15
「masai balloon」2016 acrylic on canvas 53×53cm
Hokkaien
Gaien West St.
Aoyama Cemetary
Nogisaka Station
The National
Art Center, Tokyo
National Graduate
Institute for Policy Studies
Gaien East St.
Kensuke Miyazaki / Super happy !
Saturday 14th January - Sunday 29th January, 2017
Opening Hours: 12:00 - 19:00 | Closed: Mondays
Opening Reception: Friday January 13th from 18:00 onwards
To Shibuya
Gonpachi
Roppongi Dori
Roppongi Station
Hiroo Station
Nishi-Azabu Intersection
Roppongi Hills
Mori Art Museum
NANATASU GALLERY
〒 106-0031 Tokyo, Minato-ku, Nishi-Azabu 2-12-4 Ogura building 3F
Te l : 03-6419-7229 | Web: www.na n a t a s u . j p
Door to Door Pickup Service
24 Hour Staff Supervision
One daycare visit available
Open 365 Days
No Cages
Athletic Dog Club co., Ltd.
1F 1-8-18 Akatsutsumi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-0044
Tel: 03-3327-1003 I Fax: 03-3327-7407 | E: athletic.dog.club@gmail.com
www.pethoteltokyo.com (Japanese) | http://adc.pipi.cc (English)
16 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
ON THE EDGE OF A CLIFF?
It's not always easy facing a brand-new year. But we've got plenty in store to keep you
inspired: a good laugh with Jimmy Carr, 13 unique fitness trends and tips, and seven
extraordinary Japan destinations – literal cliffs included.
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 17
Interview by Matthew Hernon
As Jimmy Carr prepares for his first show
in Tokyo next month, we called him up
and chatted about his brutal humor, losing
religion, and why laughing at an old lady
falling over doesn’t make you a bad person
Japan will be welcoming one of the
biggest names in British comedy
this February with Jimmy Carr set
to perform his stand-up routine
for one night only at Yamano Hall in Yoyogi,
Tokyo. Anyone who's seen the 8 Out of 10 Cats
host perform live will know this is not a show
for those easily offended. Expect a barrage of
witty one-liners covering every taboo topic
imaginable, all delivered with a deadpan
expression.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO INCLUDE
JAPAN ON YOUR TOUR?
It's not a place on British or American
comedians’ radar, but I think it should be.
I’ve played all over the world and a close
friend kept telling me I had to go. It’ll be
my first time to visit and I imagine it’ll be
as close as I’m going to get to actually being
in Blade Runner.
WILL YOU HAVE MUCH FREE TIME TO
EXPLORE THE CITY?
I’ve got five days with a long list of stuff to do.
Everything from the cat petting cafés to the
horror theme parks. I’m fairly obsessed by
Japanese food and a huge sake drinker so I’m
planning to go on a bit of a culinary tour as
well as have a few nights out. Oh, and the Harajuku
girls that I’ve seen in documentaries;
I want to spend a day exploring that whole
scene. I'm looking forward to all of those
things as much as the show.
SPEAKING OF THE SHOW, WHAT KIND
OF CROWD ARE YOU EXPECTING?
I guess it’ll mostly be British expats, but
wherever you go there’s also the Anglophile
thing with people who love comedy from the
UK, so I hope there are Japanese people there
who speak amazing English. The highest
calling for linguistic ability is being able
to understand a joke in a foreign language.
18 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
Alberto E. Rodriguez/ Getty Images
FOR THOSE WHO’VE NEVER SEEN
YOU LIVE, HOW WOULD YOU
DESCRIBE YOUR STAND-UP?
It can be pretty brutal. My sense of humor
is quite dark. There are certain jokes you’ll
tell friends that you think maybe can’t be
said in public, but I never want to have that
barrier with the audience. I try to view
them as friends, knowing that if I say something
crude they’ll get that it’s just a joke.
IS IT HARD TO KNOW WHERE TO
DRAW THE LINE?
The lovely thing is that I feel I don’t have
to draw the line because the audience does
that for me. Anyone can get a reaction by
saying something controversial; the trick is
to make people laugh before they gasp. It’s
a kind of cognitive dissonance that I love.
You don’t get to choose when you laugh; it’s
a reflex that chooses you. When you see an
old lady falling over in the street you laugh
straight away, but that doesn’t make you a
bad person. You call for help a second later.
I did a program for the BBC about
laughter and it really is a fascinating form
of communication that predates language
by more than a million years. It’s a social
noise that people don’t really make when
they’re on their own, even if they’ve seen
something funny on YouTube. Apes used
to try and make each other laugh by tickling,
but for humans there’s a limit to the
number of people you can do that to, so
we try to elicit the same response through
humor. You could say jokes are a remote
form of tickling. That’s effectively what
I’m doing when I’m on stage. It’s fun.
DO YOU PREFER DOING STAND-UP
TO TELEVISION WORK?
I wouldn't say that. TV shows are a joy. For
a program like QI, I turn up as a guest and
have a laugh with friends. It’s a dream job.
There’s more responsibility when presenting,
but you’ve got 20 people behind the
scenes working to make you look good. At
the same time, I get to mess around with
my favorite comedians. It feels like I’m
standing on the shoulders of giants. With
stand-up, whilst there’s more freedom,
you feel extra pressure because you have
to make it great by yourself.
SO, YOU STILL GET NERVOUS?
Yes. In Japan, I’ll be on my toes and nervy
for the first couple of jokes. Then at some
point you stand back on your heels and
think, “I’ve got this.”
WAS IT ALWAYS
YOUR DREAM TO
BE A COMEDIAN?
Not at all. I was a
marketing executive
at an oil company
until 26 and just got
bored so I decided to
do something more
interesting. At that
point in my life I’d
stopped believing in
God and subsequently
felt freer. If you
think there’s a life
beyond this one, you
tend to compromise
more and not take
risks. After reading
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins, and
God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens,
I realized all we have is right here, so it
was time to start living.
YOU ALSO LOST YOUR VIRGINITY
THEN. DO YOU GET TIRED OF
PEOPLE ASKING YOU ABOUT THAT?
No I don’t because I think it’s nice for
someone in the public eye to say, “You
know what, I didn’t have anything worked
out when I was 25, but things still turned
out all right.” When you’re a teenager you
see life as a kind of race, and social media
exacerbates the burden on youngsters
to conform, and to outdo each other. On
Instagram, there are constantly pictures of
people having the best days of their lives
or skinny girls posing with pancakes. The
reality is skinny girls are hungry and many
of us are just sat bored at home eating cornflakes.
Life isn’t as wonderful as it appears
on these sites, and during our youth we all
have to go through embarrassing experiences;
but when we get older we can look
back and laugh.
DO YOU DRAW ON THOSE
EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR SHOWS?
I get material from small things like conversations
or watching the news. I guess
I see the world through rose-tinted glasses
that are always looking for jokes. It’s like
a puzzle. You have a phrase or an idea that
might be funny, then you work back to try
and figure out why it’s a gag.
BEST COMEDIANS EVER?
Peter Cook or Spike Milligan. They are the
Lennon and McCartney of comedy. Nobody
in the industry has done anything
they haven’t. Neither of them were
stand-ups; they were just funny guys
doing their thing.
WHO’S THE MOST FAMOUS
PERSON IN YOUR PHONEBOOK?
That’d probably be … Stephen Hawking.
He’s a huge fan of going out drinking and
eating spicy food. Also, for a cosmologist
he’s a bloody good laugh.
YOU CAN INVITE THREE GUESTS,
LIVING OR DEAD, FOR DINNER –
WHO DO YOU CHOOSE?
I’m going to go for three living because
the smell from the corpses would be
off-putting. Heston Blumenthal, Gordon
Ramsay and Jamie Oliver. I mean, we’re
having dinner, you just want the food to be
good, right? If you’re talking about company,
it’d have to be comedians, but I’d feel
bad leaving people out. Who am I loving at
the moment? Maybe three female comics:
Michelle Wolf, Tina Fey and Sarah Millican.
That’d be an entertaining evening.
ANY JAPANESE PERSON YOU’D
LOVE TO MEET?
I’m a big fan of Beat Takeshi. He was a
big comic back in the day, and then made
these incredible films like Sonatine and
Hanabi, which I thought were phenomenal.
You need a lot of talent to be able to
produce that kind of work while also acting
brilliantly as a clown. Another person
I’d love to meet is Sonny Chiba. Watching
his martial arts movies, you get the feeling
he’s just basically very cool.
HOW ABOUT A GAG FOR THE ROAD?
Hmm, it’s difficult because jokes are
never as good on paper. Maybe one about
dwarves as they usually get overlooked. I'll
tell you what I know about dwarves: very
little. I can say that as they look up to me.
Thanks very much.
Catch Jimmy Carr on February 27 at Yamano
Hall. More info at tokyoweekender.com
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 19
Finding the Silver
Lining in a Post-
Truth World
And other thoughts on getting over 2016 – and making it
through 2017 – by Brian Christian
Well, that’s a relief! We’ve made
it to January and that tinseltangled,
sparkle-and-spangles
Christmas thing is over for
another year. It’s not so much the excess and
over-indulgence that grates, nor the inescapable
loop of syrupy festive pop (if I hear
“Walking in a Winter Wonderland” one more
time…). It’s not even the kawaii cuteness of it
that I find irritating: all those woolly Rudolph
hats with cartoon red noses and floppy antlers,
or the strangely menacing green elves lined
up to welcome you at department store doors.
These I can cope with. It’s the peace and goodwill
I can’t stand.
Does anyone really buy into that stuff
anymore? If the experience of 2016 has
taught us anything at all, surely it has to be
that the naïve notion of “goodwill to all men”
is an old idea that has had its day. As every
Twitter troll instinctively grasps, we now live
in a not-so-brave new world where blinkered
intolerance has found its voice and it’s the
loudest in the room. And it’s not going to shut
up any time soon.
It came as no surprise when it was
announced that the 2016 word of the year in
both the USA and Great Britain, according to
I THINK OF A
PESSIMIST AS
SOMEONE WHO IS
WAITING FOR IT TO
RAIN. AND I FEEL
SOAKED TO THE SKIN
– LEONARD COHEN
the Oxford Dictionary, was “post-truth”. There
were times when it felt like expertise and
knowledge just didn’t count: Global warming
is a China-inspired fiction, Brexit means Brexit,
and Santa Claus is coming to town. Why stick to
the truth when there are better stories to tell?
When the twin refrains of a successful US
presidential campaign are “lock her up” and
“build that wall”, when a desperate clamour
for shelter is drowned out by the hostile
thunder of slamming of doors across Europe,
when gunmen and bomb-makers target the
ordinary and the innocent in the name of
some one-eyed warped crusade then it’s hard
to share in any rose-tinted concept of love and
brotherhood, comfort and joy. In the words of
the late and much lamented Leonard Cohen:
“I don't consider myself a pessimist. I think
of a pessimist as someone who is waiting for
it to rain. And I feel soaked to the skin.”
Or at least that’s the way I might feel if
I didn’t spend most of my days working with
children, the young men and women who will
in time be the generation that will have to pick
up the pieces of our fractured and far-fromperfect
world and set about the task of bringing
it together again. They may just be starting
out on their adventures but I know they do
so with an understanding that diversity is
something to be celebrated; that the opinions
of others, though they may be different from
their own, are far from worthless; that listening
quietly can often achieve as much and
more than shouting out loud.
Late in the old year, a new study from the
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
found that having an optimistic outlook on
life – a general expectation that good things
will happen – may help people live longer. The
study went as far as to suggest that healthy
behaviours only partially explain the link
between optimism and reduced mortality risk:
it is apparently a distinct possibility that optimism
might even have a direct positive impact
on our biological systems. No more Mr Scrooge
for me. From now on my glass is going to be
half full and every cloud will have a silver tinsel
lining. My New Year’s resolution for 2017
is to put my faith in the potential of the next
generation. Theirs is the authentic voice of
the future.
Who knows? By next December I might
even feel able to hum along to “Winter Wonderland”
again. “Sleigh bells ring, are you
listening…”
Brian Christian is the Principal of the British
School in Tokyo.
20 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
Words by Matthew Hernon
NEED A FEW EXTRA SILVER LININGS TO TRULY EMBRACE THE NEW
YEAR SPIRIT? BESIDES HAVING A LAUGH WITH JIMMY CARR, HERE'S
OUR PICK OF UPCOMING EVENTS AND SHOWS TO MARK IN YOUR DIARY
FILM
Japan's best hope of an Academy Award
this year unsurprisingly comes in the Best
Animated Feature Film section, with Makoto
Shinkai's Your Name (Kimi No Na Wa)
expected to be nominated. In the Best Picture
category, Martin Scorsese's religious epic
Silence should be one of the favorites. Based
on Shusaku Endo's novel of the same name,
it comes out here on January 21. Other Japanrelated
Hollywood films being released this
year include Ghost in the Shell (above) and
The Outsider. (See more on page 35.)
MUSIC
Guns N' Roses' (right) popular tour "Not in
this Lifetime" is set to arrive in Japan this
month. The reunited line-up will be performing
in Osaka, Kobe and Yokohama, before
finishing things off with two shows at Saitama
Super Arena. It should be a great way to start
the year, however, April could arguably be the
best month for live music here with concerts
from the likes of Coldplay, Norah Jones and
The Stone Roses.
SPORT
The World Baseball Classic
begins in March with all the
games from Pool B – involving
Japan, Cuba, China and
Australia – taking place at
Tokyo Dome. The player who
will no doubt create the biggest
buzz amongst home fans
is all-rounder Shohei Otani.
The 22-year-old is considered
one of the most exciting
baseball prospects this country
has ever produced. In
football, Samurai Blue are
aiming to reach their sixth
consecutive World Cup.
They’re currently second in their qualifying
group with just one point separating the top
four teams.
LITERATURE
So far all we know about Haruki Murakami's
next novel is that it is due out in February, it's
going to be "a very strange story," and it'll be
quite long. Regardless of whether it's
well-received or not, the 67-yearold
will undoubtedly be one of the
favorites for the Nobel Literature
prize come November. Is 2017 finally
going to be his year?
STAGE
Two of Britain's best-known comedians
will be doing their stand-up
routines in Tokyo this February.
Jimmy Carr is performing in Yoyogi
on the 17th, while Eddie Izzard will
be delivering his self-deferential
pantomime style to guests at the
Tamagawa Kumin Kaikan a week
later. If a musical is more your
thing, then a visit to one of Tokyo's five Shiki
theaters (www.shiki.jp/en) is recommended.
“The Hunchback of Notre-Dame”, “The Lion
King” and “The Little Mermaid” are just some of
the shows you can see in the first half of 2017.
TRANSPORT
A luxurious hotel within a train, Twilight Express
Mizukaze will begin operating on June
17 with prices ranging from ¥270,000 to ¥1.25
million. The service offers five courses: One
way trips lasting one night and two days (Sanyo
Outbound/Inbound and Sanin Outbound/Inbound),
and a circular tour around the Sanyo
and Sanin areas lasting two nights and three
days. twilightexpress-mizukaze.jp
GAMES
Following the disaster that was Wii U, Nintendo
bosses are hoping their latest console will bring
fans flocking back. March sees the launch of
Nintendo Switch: A portable tablet with detachable
controllers that you can dock with your TV.
The one title that's got most people talking? "The
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild."
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 21
Words by Bunny Bissoux
7 PLACES IN
JAPAN YOU
MUST VISIT
IN 2017
HOW TO AVOID THE POST-FESTIVE-SEASON
ANTICLIMAX? START PLANNING YOUR
NEXT HOLIDAY NOW WITH OUR ROUNDUP
OF EXTRAORDINARY DESTINATIONS
WISTERIA FLOWER TUNNEL AT KAWACHI
FUJIEN, KITAKYUSHU
Established in 1977, this private garden is only open to the public
for a few weeks between late April and mid-May, and during maple
leaf season in autumn. Located deep in the mountains of Kitakyushu,
visitors can enjoy two beautiful wisteria tunnels and various other
structures featuring more than 20 varieties of the flower including
some blossoming trees which are over 100 years old. The admission
price varies depending on the bloom of the flowers, but it's well
worth the cost and the effort to reach the remote location in order
to experience the spectacular violet canopies overhead.
HOW TO GET THERE The most convenient way to visit is to rent a
car from Fukuoka, with the drive from there taking just over an hour.
However, considering traffic jams and parking problems, it might be
a better idea to take public transport. Head to Yahata Station, then
catch a bus to Kamishigeta, and walk for approximately 50 minutes to
the garden. Make sure to thoroughly plan your route and check the
opening times in advance, and if you want to avoid the crowds, then
try to avoid a weekend trip. During peak season, tickets (¥500-¥1,500)
must be bought in advance too. kawachi-fujien.com
22 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
JIGOKUDANI
“HELL VALLEY”
IN NOBORIBETSU,
HOKKAIDO
The appropriately named Hell Valley is
just a 20-minute walk from the Noboribetsu
Onsen town, providing magnificent
landscapes clouded in bursts of ominous
steam. There are several walking
trails around the hills and valley incorporating
the various local sights and natural
attractions. Nearby volcanic activity
is the source of the area’s hot steam
vents, spring waters, and Oyunuma, a
sulfurous pond (with a temperature of
around 50 degrees Celcius) that creates
natural hot streams flowing through the
forest – perfect for a mid-hike footbath to
revive tired feet. The most popular time
to visit is around mid-October when the
autumn colors reach their peak, and just
before the first snow fall arrives. Whilst
the hot springs are open all year round,
take into account that some of the higher
trails might not be accessible during the
winter months.
HOW TO GET THERE If you’re arriving
at New Chitose Airport you can take
an Airport Limousine Bus directly to the
Noboribetsu Onsen, or drive from Sapporo
City in approximately 90 minutes.
www.noboribetsu-spa.jp
EDO TOWNS MAGOME AND
TSUMAGO IN THE KISO VALLEY,
NAGANO
Magome and Tsumago are old post towns along
Nakasendou, an ancient road connecting Tokyo and
Kyoto during the Edo period. Both towns have preserved
their historical charms, with electrical wires
and modern conveniences mostly hidden from view,
creating an almost authentic Edo atmosphere (don’t
worry, the ryokan inns are up to speed with all mod
cons). The high end of Magome offers panoramic
views over the mountains, but while picturesque, it
has a more touristy feel in comparison to Tsumago,
which boasts a shrine, temple and castle amongst
its assets. If trekking in the outdoors is your thing,
then you can follow an eight-kilometer walking trail
connecting the two towns, with a handy luggage
forwarding service offered at each of the local
tourist offices. Download an English hiking map
at tinyurl.com/TWnakasendou-hike
HOW TO GET THERE Despite the rural setting,
there are multiple ways to access the area. Highway
buses to Magome run from Nagoya (90 minutes)
and Tokyo (around 4.5 hours), or you can take the
shinkansen followed by local trains to Nagiso via Nakatsugawa.
Local bus services and taxis also operate
between the towns and nearby stations.
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 23
HACHIJOJIMA, IZU ISLANDS
Palm trees, a warm climate all year round, and a jungle habitat – and all
just an hour’s flight from Tokyo. If you’re looking for an alternative to an
Okinawan getaway, then Hachijojima, the southernmost of the Izu islands,
can offer you a slice of paradise surprisingly close to Tokyo. This unique
subtropical island has cinematic ocean views, lush green mountains,
and volcanic terrain with incredible scenery surrounding you in every
direction. You can enjoy a wide variety of activities from diving and
snorkeling with tropical fish amongst the coral to relaxing in one of the
many natural onsen baths. Cultural attractions include the Native History
and Traditional Crafts Museum, and the Osato district, which preserves
some of the island’s darker history as an exile for criminals. If you’re
still wanting more, how about a botanical park exhibiting rare glowing
bioluminescent mushrooms?
HOW TO GET THERE The island has its own airport with three flights a
day from Haneda Airport, but if you have time to spare and fancy relaxing
on the water then you can take the 10.5-hour overnight Tokai Kisen ferry
from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Terminal. www.tokaikisen.co.jp/english/
PALM TREES,
A WARM CLIMATE
ALL YEAR ROUND,
AND A JUNGLE
HABITAT
SEIGANTOJI PAGODA AND
NACHI FALLS, WAKAYAMA
A UNESCO World Heritage location incorporating
Japan’s tallest waterfall (133m) and a
series of religious sites including Kumano Nachi
Taisha Shrine and the majestic three-story
Seigantoji Pagoda. The close proximity of the
structures is a rare example of the harmonious
amalgamation of Buddhism and Shinto
(known as shinbutsu shugo), which was
commonplace before the two religions were
forcefully separated in 1868. The site’s earliest
incarnation was most likely as a place for nature
worship, and for most of their history the
buildings have functioned as one combined
religious institution. The temple is the first
stop of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, which
covers 33 Buddhist temples, and is undoubtedly
a rewarding location for any visitor who
cares to make the trip.
HOW TO GET THERE The main shrine
is a 30-minute bus ride from Kii-Katsuura
Station, which is a 90-minute train journey
from Shirahama Airport (direct flights from
Haneda Airport), or about three to four hours
if you’re traveling from Nagoya, Osaka or
Kyoto. For a slightly more arduous pilgrimage,
you could opt for a 10-hour bus ride from
Shinjuku, straight to the Katsuura Onsen area.
kumanonachitaisha.or.jp
24 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
TOJINBO CLIFFS, FUKUI
The rugged cliffs at Tojinbo are one
of only three similar kinds of rock
formations existing in the world.
The columnar rocks were originally
formed around 13 million years ago
from volcanic activity, further shaped
by coastal erosion, making this a
unique and dynamic part of the Fukui
coastline stretching over one kilometer.
Various local legends tell some
macabre tales about ghosts haunting
the area, but thankfully these days a
retired police officer and volunteers
are working together to prevent
possible suicides and keep it a happier
tourist destination. The awe-inspiring
spot provides impressive views from
the top of the cliffs, or if you want to
get a closer look you can take a short
pleasure boat trip around the rocks.
HOW TO GET THERE Traveling by
train takes around four hours from
Tokyo to Fukui Station, followed by
another 45-minute journey to Mikuni
Minato Station. From there, take a local
bus arriving near the cliffs in about
10 minutes, or walk there in just over
half an hour. Alternatively, you could
make a 6.5-hour road trip from Tokyo.
www.toujinbou-yuransen.jp
TOTTORI SAND DUNES, TOTTORI
Spanning over 30 km², these spectacular sand dunes are
the only example of this type of landscape in the country.
Ash and sediment from the mountains were brought
into the sea from the Sendai River where sea currents
and winds bring it up the shore, forming the constantly
reshaping and rippling dunes. Hills of sand can reach
heights of up to 50m offering remarkable views of the
surrounding sea and land. Ten years ago a Sand Museum
(www.sand-museum.jp/en) was opened, heralding itself
as Japan’s only open-air museum exhibiting “sand sculptures,”
which due to their medium are always temporary.
While the dunes have existed for over 100,000 years,
recently their scale has noticeably decreased due to a
various causes thought to include natural disasters as
well as the high frequency of visitors to the area, so tread
with caution.
HOW TO GET THERE Fly from Haneda Airport to Tottori
Airport (75 minutes), then take a bus from the airport
to Tottori Station (20 minutes). From the station, take a
local bus bound for Tottori Sakyu and get off at the last
stop (20 minutes). To get around the sand dunes you can
enjoy camel riding or a tour in a horse-drawn carriage,
and you can even try paragliding and sandboarding.
www.tottori-tour.jp/en
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 25
Change Your
Workout
Need to burn some calories, but bored of your standard training sessions? Over the
next five pages, we round up five Japanese martial arts to try, along with some new
fitness trends, gadgets, and workshops to keep you fit and inspired
Compiled by Dorothee Erle & Annemarie Luck
MARTIAL ARTS
Last year’s fitness trend was all about less
is more, with many choosing to do weight
training from home, or to count the number
of steps taken each day in lieu of taking time
out for a jog around the block. But there’s something
to be said for turning your workout into
a sociable occasion and joining a group class,
especially if you’re new to the city, or simply feel
like meeting new people. And since we’re in Japan,
it makes sense to try something traditional. To that
end, we’re recommending five martial arts to try,
including a couple of classics as well as some more
modern ones. Then, over the next few pages, we’ve
collected a few fitness treats for those who love a
good trend – or a good gadget.
JIU JITSU
If you prefer more action to meditation, Japanese jiu jitsu might be a
good option for you. Developed by samurai warriors as a weaponless
fighting technique to be used in times when they had no sword on
hand, it’s considered to be one of the oldest Japanese martial arts. The
jiu jitsu-ka learns to react quickly to an opponent’s attack, using their
energy against them, and incapacitating them with techniques such
as pins, joint locks and throws. In this sense, it’s a little like wrestling
as it requires full body effort and contact, which also makes it ideal
for strength and cardio training. The sport also focuses on breathing
techniques, increases flexibility, and endurance.
WHERE TO TRY IT Axis Jiu Jitsu Academy, www.axisjj.com
26 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
AIKIDO
Derived at least partly from jiu jitsu, aikido is among the youngest of the traditional
Japanese sports. As the “ai” in “aikido” indicates, it focuses on peaceful
resolution of a conflict. Another big aspect is self-development. While aikido
is always practiced with a partner, there are generally no competitions, and
the movements are almost like a choreography. Aikido is great for a full body
workout – although beware there is a bit of throwing and falling involved,
so you might end up with a few bruises. It is much more predictable than
jiu jiutsu, though, so it allows the practitioner to reach a state of relaxation.
In aikido, the opponent’s power is used against him or her, which makes
it a good option for all ages and levels as superior strength is not required.
WHERE TO TRY IT Aikikai Foundation, www.aikikai.or.jp/eng/index.html
KENDO
Although this modern Japanese martial art,
which got its start in the 1800s but was only officially
named kendo in 1920, is mostly associated
with samurai-style sword fighting, kendoka
(kendo practitioners) use wooden swords
called bokken rather than sharp blades. As
etiquette plays an important role, every fight
begins and ends with an exchange of formal
bows. A kendo bout is only five minutes
long, and ends when one kendoka twice
strikes the other on a designated strike
zone (head, trunk, forearm, and the part
of the throat just beneath the chin).
A short yell, called kiai, is uttered each
time a strike is made. Besides improved
strength, endurance and overall
fitness, kendo sharpens the mind
and reactive abilities.
WHERE TO TRY IT
Tokyo Kyumeikan Kendo Dojo,
kyumeikan.info
KYUDO
With origins dating back to the Yayoi period (300 BCE
to 300 CE), Japanese archery was developed into the art
form kyudo during the Edo period. For many, a sign of
a good kyudoka is an aura of serenity, hence mental
training comes first, followed later by attempting
to hit the target, which stands 28m away from you,
and is only 36cm in diameter. If you hit the target,
everyone shouts “sha,” which means “arrow” or
“shot.” Interestingly, in Japanese archery, the
kyudoka always shoots two arrows in succession.
They rotate in opposite directions and can be
seen as a “female” and a “male” arrow. With its
focus on mindset, kyudo can be viewed as a
kind of moving meditation, and so is especially
recommended for those seeking a spiritual
way of training body and mind.
WHERE TO TRY IT Koto-ku Kyudo
Renmei, kokyuren.com/english.html,
or Shinjuku-ku Archery Association,
shinjuku-archery.com/index.html
IAIDO
This martial art got its start in the 1500s,
and is performed with a Japanese long
sword called katana. However, the focus
is not on combat but rather on being
present, aware, and being able to swiftly
draw one’s sword in order to respond to
a surprise attack. The iaidoka learns how
to react to an endless set of situations,
ending their motion with the re-sheathing
of the sword. In a way, iaido is more
about choreography and defense than
attack, with the focus being on the development
of a focused and clear mind,
calm nerves, and balance of the body.
WHERE TO TRY IT Isokai,
www.mugairyu.jp/english/index.html
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 27
TRENDS
SURFSET FITNESS
If you love surfing, this “so hot right
now” workout might pale in comparison
to the real thing. But for Tokyoites,
who don’t have the luxury of living
ten minutes from the beach, Surfset
Fitness is the closest you’re going
to get to feeling the freedom – and
getting the kind of toned body – that
comes with the water sport. Founded
by Californian Mike Hartwick, this
unique form of exercise has made,
erm, waves around the world, and
arrived in Tokyo just a few months
ago in the form of a neat little studio
in Ginza, complete with boards for
decoration, a sun-filled workout space
packed with elevated surfboards, and
a temperature of 33 degrees Celsius.
Climb onto the RipSurfer X – which is
strapped to a metal frame and balances
on Bosu balls to simulate the feeling
of being on water – and prepare to
squat, “paddle”, wobble, and jump
into the surfing position. We tried the
45-minute beginner class, which is
enough to make your muscles feel stiff
the next morning, but there are more
advanced classes for those who really
want to challenge their core stability.
WHERE TO TRY IT
Book a trial class at Surf Fit Japan
(sorry guys, but the classes are for
women only), surffit.jp
TRX SUSPENSION
TRAINING
This bodyweight system has already
been around for a while, but it’s hit
the spotlight lately thanks to the
industry’s recent focus on “functional
training.” TRX was developed by an
American Navy Seal, Randy Hetrick,
who created stretchy straps inspired
by those used on parachutes. The key
difference between TRX and your
average gym machine is that you’re
effectively using your own body as
a machine. Your movements are not
limited to one plane, and you can
adjust the straps to make the moves
more challenging. Best of all, if you
buy your own set of straps, you can
take them with you wherever you go.
WHERE TO TRY IT
Maga Gym, www.magagym.com,
and Club 360, www.club360.jp/fit-360
AERIAL AND ACRO YOGA
Take your yoga skills to the next level
with two unique forms of the practice:
aerial and acro. While the latter combines
acrobatic elements with yoga and
often requires a partner, aerial yoga
is performed with a soft hammock
and sees you holding asana poses in
the air – hence it’s often referred to as
anti-gravity yoga. We think acro yoga is
ideal for couples’ bonding, but if you’ve
ever dreamt of being a circus acrobat,
it’s aerial yoga all the way.
WHERE TO TRY IT
Acro Yoga Japan, acroyogajapan.tokyo,
and Anti Gravity Fitness,
antigravityfitness.jp
28 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
ULTIMATE
PILATES
Although we don’t look quite as impressive
as famed pilates instructor
Kathi Ross-Nash on a Reformer
(below), we went along to Maki
Okazaki’s Pilates Aoyama studio to take
a bash at mastering the mechanics of pilates
apparatus. While we’ve tried a mat
class in the past, taking a private lesson
with Okazaki gave us exclusive access
to the impressive equipment, orginally
developed by Joseph H. Pilates himself.
Our favorite machine? Definitely the
Cadillac, a six-foot tall structure that has
all sorts of bells and whistles. It can be
used for anything from rehab work to
acrobatic tricks. With gentle but precise
guidance, Okazaki (right) took us through
a series of controlled stretches, making
sure we pinched our core muscles and
properly rolled the spine with breathing
techniques. Although we didn’t manage
to try the “inverted hanging pike” (one
day!), the session was enough to make
us feel lengthened and strengthened.
Besides the Cadillac, Okazaki’s studio
boasts other equipment too, including
the Reformer and the Ladder Barrel.
Okazaki, who speaks English and is
passionate about the work she does, will
be sure to ask you about any injuries you
may have, before tailoring the exercises
to suit your needs and skill level. The
machines provide a total body workout
to help you stay flexible, improve your
balance, and maintain a powerful core.
They are also excellent for rehabilitation.
Okazaki – who is a second-generation
pilates master, and studied in New
York with students of Joseph H. Pilates
including Romana Kryzanowska, Kathy
Grant, and Lolita San Miguel – founded
Pilates Aoyama in 2005 and works with
dancers, athletes, and businessmen.
"Most of my clients are non-Japanese,
and half of them are men," she tells us.
"Pilates helps them with recovery after
injuries, enhances sports performance,
and strengthens the entire body, while
also helping to correct alignment." The
ultimate goal, however, is balancing
body, mind, and spirit, and Okazaki's
method goes beyond just putting your
body in motion: "We offer a holistic
experience, because it's not just your
fitness; it's about your life."
JOIN A WORKSHOP WITH
LOLITA SAN MIGUEL
In February, Okazaki will host a threeday
workshop featuring Lolita San
Miguel – who studied under Joseph H.
Pilates. It will include lectures as well as
mat and equipment exercises, and will
run for six hours per day from February
3-5 (one-day participation is possible).
40 spots, ¥32,000 per day, apply by emailing
info@pilatesaoyama.com. More info
at pilatesaoyama.com
A 60-minute private session at Pilates
Aoyama costs ¥10,000 (no membership fee
required). Book a slot between 6.30am and
8pm by emailing info@pilatesaoyama.com
or calling 03 5411 1147. The studio is five
minutes from Omotesando Station; more
information at pilatesaoyama.com
Kathi Ross-Nash
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 29
TRENDS
TECH
HYPERICE VYPER
As warm-up and recovery are just as important as training, the
Vyper by HyperIce focuses on just that. The vibrating foam roller
relaxes muscles through a deep tissue massage. The device gets
the circulation going pre-workout, but its main purpose is the
release of knots, muscle pain and aches. hyperice.com/vyper.html
CLUB 360 IS GENUINELY THE FIRST
GYM THAT HAS LISTENED TO MY NEEDS
AND TAKEN A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO
MY BODY AND LIFESTYLE. I CAME IN
WITH CHRONIC BACK AND HIP PAIN
FROM YEARS OF SITTING IN OFFICES,
BUT I AM NOW PAIN FREE
– PAUL
THE 360-DEGREE
APPROACH
When you log onto Club 360’s website, one of the
first things you’ll notice is their focus not just on
fitness classes but also on physiotherapy, sports
massage, and healthy living. Their expert team is
made up of personal trainers and therapists who are all
dedicated to the 360 approach: ensuring you develop both a
healthy body and mind. Whether you choose to join a group
boxing class, an outdoor bootcamp session (begins at the
picturesque Arisugawa Park in Hiroo), or you’d prefer more
individualized, one-on-one training, you are guaranteed to
leave feeling like a better version of yourself. We also love
the fact that there are qualified physiotherapists on hand,
so should you be recovering from an injury, your workout,
treatment and rehabilitation can all happen in one spot.
They even offer a 360 Wellness for Life Program, which
helps cancer patients manage chemotherapy side effects
through prescribed exercise and oncology massage.
Cma3 Building B1, 3-1-35 Motoazabu, Minato-ku.
www.club360.jp
ZEPP 2 3D SWING ANALYZER
For those who want to improve their
golfing skills, the Zepp 2 3D Swing
Analyzer is the way to go. The device is
worn on a golf glove and analyzes your
swings, giving an instant evaluation.
It also helps you improve your future
swings with the help of its Smart Coach
training system. www.zepp.com
MOOV NOW
This gadget is more than just
your ordinary fitness tracker.
The water and dust proof
device, which can be worn
around your wrist or ankle,
can be connected to your
smartphone, where it not
only measures your fitness
level and counts your
reps, it also acts as a real
time personal coach.
welcome.moov.cc
30 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
You’re Going to Love Our New App
The ultimate guide to Tokyo’s daily events, news, restaurants, personalities
and opinions – by the people who know it best.
Download the Tokyo Weekender app for free from iTunes or Google Play.
More information at www.tokyoweekender.com
BE INSPIRED
If you haven't yet met Sony's robot dog, Aibo, head to the Sony Building for
an exhibition that looks back at the electronic giant's history. Plus, a David
Bowie retrospective, and a Naked 3D projection mapping extravaganza.
TOKYO WEEKENDER | | | DECEMBER JANUARY 2017 2016 | | 33
Courtesy the David Bowie Archive © Victoria & Albert Museum, London
ART & FILM
DAVID BOWIE IS
Finally making its way to Tokyo after a very successful world tour, this retrospective on the career of David Bowie is a treasure trove of
memorabilia for fans of the iconic artist. More than 300 objects, from handwritten lyrics, costumes, photographs, set designs, artwork
and rare performance material make up the exhibit. Fifty years of work is collected here, eulogizing Bowie’s creative breadth and influence,
one style at a time. Warehouse Terrada Until April 9 davidbowieis.jp
THE ART WORLD
OUR PICK OF THE CITY’S BEST EXHIBITIONS
Compiled by Luca Eandi
IT’S A SONY
The Sony Building has been
a familiar sight in Ginza for
50 years, and before it is torn
down to make way for Sony
Park in 2018, the electronics
giant is looking back at its
own prolific history with “It’s
a Sony.” The exhibit features
hundreds of products, gadgets
and marketing materials from
Sony’s 70 years in operation,
including the first color TV, the
iconic Walkman, the robot dog
Aibo, and many others.
Sony Building Until March 31
www.sonybuilding.jp/e/ginzasonypark/event
34 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
“Amusement park made from robot arms” from “Robot City” © Tatsuya Tanaka
FILM
Three top Japan-related Hollywood
movies set for release in 2017
ROBOTIC ART IN GINZA
Mitsubishi Electric shows off its latest creation at the Metoa exhibition space, and it’s
sure to make you wonder what our future robot overlords will be like. Witness a robot
dance performance, a robot mimicking a giraffe, and a live digital light painting crafted
in real time, all courtesy of Mitsubishi’s manufacturing robot arms. If that’s not enough,
enjoy the works of miniature master Tatsuya Tanaka, whose intricate dioramas are also
on display. Metoa Ginza Until January 15, www.metoa.jp/event/roboticart-in-ginza
SILENCE
A film Martin Scorsese’s been trying to make for almost
three decades. The renowned director was on
the shinkansen heading towards Kyoto back in 1989
when he first read Shusaku Endo’s novel Silence.
The story follows two Jesuit priests sent to Nagasaki
during the Edo period to investigate claims that
their mentor has committed apostasy. Stars Andrew
Garfield, Adam Driver and Liam Neeson.
GHOST IN THE SHELL
A tale about a cyborg counter-cyberterrorist unit
based on Masamune Shirow’s manga of the same
name. An international task force unit known as
Public Security Section 9 must thwart a new enemy
trying to sabotage Hanka Robotics’ artificial intelligence
technology. Stars Scarlett Johansson, Michael
Pitt and Beat Takeshi.
TOKYO ART CITY BY NAKED
Specializing in 3D projection mapping art, Naked is best known for light-up
displays at Tokyo Station and Omotesando Hills. For this new show, the art
group headed by Ryotaro Muramatsu will reprise its city-themed collage
style and philosophy that “the city is art” with snapshots of projected Tokyo
landmark buildings. Additionally, the artists’ “Tokyo Hikari Vision” work will
be reproduced at a smaller scale on a model of Tokyo Station.
Shibuya Hikarie Until January 21 tokyoartcity.tokyo
THE OUTSIDER
An action thriller set in post WWII Japan that
tells the story of a former American GI who gets
sucked into the criminal underworld after a cellmate
from the yakuza helps with his release from
prison. Stars Tadanobu Asano, Shiori Kutsuna
and Jared Leto
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 35
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3
2
4
6
7
8
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AGENDA: THE WEEKENDER ROUNDUP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JANUARY
1
JAN 31
2
JAN 4-31
3
JAN 1-21
4
JAN 1-26
PJ HARVEY
Two-time Mercury Prize
winner Polly Jean Harvey
returns to Tokyo for her first,
long-awaited performance in the
metropolis since 1995.
Where: Orchard Hall
How much: ¥12,500
More info: www.creativeman.co.jp
and tokyoweekender.com
THE PEOPLE BY
KISHIN
Renowned photographer
Kishin Shinoyama exhibits stunning
portraits of celebrities and common
folk from his illustrious five-decade
career.
Where: Yokohama Museum of Art
How much: ¥1,500
More info: kishin-yokohama.com
JB BLUNK
EXHIBITION
A rare chance to see
more than 30 ceramics produced
with natural materials by legendary
Northern California artist, J.B. Blunk
– his first show in Japan since 1954.
Where: Blum & Poe
How much: Free
More info: www.blumandpoe.com
KENJI MIZOGUCHI &
YASUZO MASUMURA
FILM FESTIVAL
Classic films with women as
protagonists are the focus of this
festival featuring the work of two
masterful Japanese directors.
Where: Kadokawa Cinema Shinjuku
How much: ¥1,600
More info: cinemakadokawa.jp
JAN 7-15
FURUSATO
MATSURI TOKYO
Taste specialties
from Japan’s many prefectures
all in one spot, with special
consideration given to donburi,
ramen, sake, and beer.
Where: Tokyo Dome
How much: ¥1,600
More info: www.tokyo-dome.co.jp
6 JAN 1-15
THE RETURN OF
HOKUSAI
This museum’s opening
collection celebrates the life and
works of legendary Japanese
woodblock printing artist
Katsushika Hokusai.
Where: Sumida Hokusai Museum
How much: ¥1,200
More info: hokusai-museum.jp
5 7
JAN 1-31
JOMONESQUE
JAPAN 2016
5,000-year-old Jomon-era
pottery is on display in this exhibition
featuring flame-style pots, clay
figures and stone rods.
Where: Kokugakuin University
Museum
How much: Free
More info: museum.kokugakuin.ac.jp
8
JAN 7-8
HERMETO
PASCOAL
80-year-old Brazilian
jazz music legend Hermeto Pascoal
brings his wildly creative and
transgressive compositions to Tokyo.
Two sets per night.
Where: WWW X, Shibuya
How much: ¥8,500
More info: frue.jp
36 | AUGUST JANUARY 2016 2017 | | TOKYO WEEKENDER
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9
10
12
9
JAN 15-16 10 JAN 12-15
SETAGAYA
BOROICHI
An intangible folk cultural
asset, this flea market’s been going
strong for over 400 years and
features around 700 stalls hawking
everything imaginable.
Where: Boroichi-dori
How much: Free
More info: tokyoweekender.com
WIDE EYED THEATRE
COMPANY: A FAERIE
TALE
Enjoy a tale of magic, deceit and
betrayal with this interactive,
promenade-style play performed
in English.
Where: Nakano F
How much: ¥3,000
More info: www.wideeyedtc.com
JAN 1-14
AMANA PLATINUM
PRINTS EXHIBITION
The various benefits of
durable platinum photographic
prints are exulted in this exhibition
by Amanasalto, Japan’s top
practitioner of platinotypes.
Where: Ima Concept Store
How much: Free
More info: imaonline.jp
11 12 JAN 16
HARVARD GLEE
CLUB
For the first time in 24
years and only the third time ever,
America’s oldest collegiate men’s
chorus club is set to make its longawaited
return to Japan.
Where: Kioi Hall
How much: ¥3,500-¥5,000
More info: tokyoweekender.com
TOKYO WEEKENDER | | JANUARY 2017 | 37
People,
Parties, Places
TOKYO’S LONGEST RUNNING SOCIETY PAGE WITH BILL HERSEY
Takako Vosman, Steve Haynes, & Reme Bosman
It’s Sunday, December 3, and thanks to the holidays, we’re
working ahead – way ahead this time – to make our January
issue deadline. Where does the time go? Tokyo’s gone all out
to look its best over the holidays. I do hope you were able to
get together with family and friends and check out some of
the beautiful decorations at churches, shopping malls, restaurants,
parks, hotels, and more. Many were truly amazing.
Looking ahead, it’s going to be a busy January with a full schedule
of interesting things to see and do. These include good movies, plus a
variety of music from pop to classic, several good stage plays, lots of
art exhibitions, sports events, Japanese festivals, fashion shows, and
I’m sure as always after the holidays, some great bargain sales.
Many of my friends travel over the holidays and hopefully enjoyed
wherever they went and whatever they did. I enjoy Christmas
and New Year’s here, but will also try and head out for Guam, the
Philippines, Thailand and/or Sri Lanka, and take advantage of the
warm weather in a few of those places while it’s cold here.
Some of the highlights of my end-of-year activities included
working with the Weekender, Hilton Tokyo, Coca Cola, Mercedes
Benz, Sony, Walt Disney, Toho-Towa, Lufthansa, Tohoku Shinsha,
and 20th Century Fox, as well as all the wonderful warm, caring and
giving friends who helped with setting up the 19th annual Christmas
party for less fortunate kids from six different schools. This event
took place at the Hilton Tokyo. Mike Williamson, GM at the Hilton,
and the Hilton staff have all been super generous with food, gifts,
services and attitude. The kids this year (six to 12) were fantastic.
A big thanks as well to Steve Haynes (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer),
Rene Boseman (Santa Claus), and Hiroshi Watabe (Michael
Jackson).
Talking about talent, the party closed with the ambassadors’
wives and the cream of Tokyo society joining the entertainers and
children in singing and dancing to the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.”
A big and very sincere thanks to all who helped make the holiday
season a very happy one for so many. God bless you all.
TREK-SEGAFREDO EVENT – HIROO
To celebrate the success of Trek-Segafredo in Japan, Segafredo
Zanetti Japan paid homage to the cycling team and to the Rio gold
medal winner, Fabian Cancellara, as he bid farewell to professional
cycling. The event was a marvelous get together for cycling lovers
at the newly decorated Trek-Segafredo Café in Hiroo. Guests included
Fabian Cancellara, the new Swiss ambassador with his wife and
daughter, Japanese professional road racer Fumiyuki Beppu, all the
Trek-Segafredo members, members of the press, and fans of the racers.
It was a colorful, exciting event with the sports superstars – a
really special event.
ILBS’S CHARITY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Happy to report that the International Ladies Benevolent Society’s
annual Christmas Bazaar at the Tokyo American Club was, as
38 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
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HILTON, WEEKENDER,
HERSEY CHARITY PARTY
1. Hilton Tokyo’s G.M. Mike Williamson
2. Santa (Rene Boseman) his wife Takako and
daughter Nana, and great kids
3. Maali Siam (Palestine) 4. Itsumi Sano
5. Lynn Lai 6. Katerina Karatsolis (Greece),
Kyoko Fujisawa (Yodobashi Camera), Beatrice
Correa du Lago (Brazil), Kumiko Meric
(Turkey), Kyoko Spector 7. Guardian Angels
Keiji Oda, Lilo Maruyama 8. (Yodobashi)
Kyoko Fujisawa, Bill & Beatrice. 9. The Ireton
family, Michael (Hiroshi Watabe) 10. Anna
Shiga 11. Wahida Fatime (Afghanisan) 12.
Rachadawan Lathapip, Yupadee Bunnag
(Thailand) 13. Cristina Escala (Peru) 14.
Steve Haynes
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 39
ILBS CHRISTMAS
BAZAAR
1. Hisako Inayama, Mary Katayama
2. Clara Nakasato, Fumiko Tottori,
Candy Sato 3. Ana Maria Diaz
(Colombia), Lolita, Irina Spassky,
Barbara Allen 4. ILBS President
Daniele Yoshikoshi, Kumiko Oshima,
Beverly Nakamura 5. Princesses
Noriko & Ayako 6. Tomoko Takada,
Alifah Rahman Yamasaki
1
2
SAUDI NATIONAL DAY
7. Ceremony’s Tsukasa Shiga.
UAE Amb. Khalid Al Ameri, Qatar
Amb. Yousef Bilal, Bahrain Amb.
Dr. Khalil Hassan, Ros Roman Ji
8. Sara Matasie, Ms. Qari, Foreign
Correspondents’ Club President
Khaldon Azhari, Saudi Cultural
Office Hakima Bathawi, Dr. Amani Al
Hibshi (NEC) 9. Al Ain Restaurants’
Ziad D. Karam 10. Pakistan Defense
Atache Shirez Khan, the host Saudi
Amb. Ahmad Younos S. Al Barrak Dr.
Muhammad Abdur Rahman Siddiqil
(Int’l Muslim Center)
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AT THE MERICS’ TURKISH
RECEPTION
11. Irish Amb. Anne Barrington with Japan
Maritime Self-Defense Force Petty Officer Yuko
Naito and Rear Admiral Takehisa Nakao 12. The
hosting couple Turkish Amb. A. Bulent Meric, his
wife Kumiko and Akie Abe 13. Gonzato Gonzales
(Venezuela), Bosnia Herzegovina Amb. Anesa
Kundurović, Karen Muradell (Honduras) and David
Villagomez (Ecuador) 14. Pakistan Amb. Farukh
Amil, Kyoko Spector, Afrah and Hassan Sarwar
17
14
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GOLD MEDAL
CYCLISTS EVENT –
SEGAFREDO
15. Yulia Gusynina Paroz, Lydie-
Line, their daughter Lydie-Line,
Swiss Amb. Jean-Francois Paroz
16. Segafredo CEO, Pascal Heritier
and the company’s rep. Director
and head of Asian Region Brian
Mori 17. Olympic (Rio) gold
medal winner Fabian Cancellara
with Jean-Francois Paroz
16
40 | JANUARY 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER
always, a super success. The many charitable, hard-working ILBS
ladies working at the busy bazaar got into the holiday fashion mood
(lots of red!), and raised a considerable amount of money that, together
with their many projects, goes to a variety of worthwhile
causes. My dear friend Daniele Yoshikoshi, who is president of ILBS,
was at the helm this year, and I was sure that she and the others who
put so much time and effort into the project would make it one of the
biggest and best bazaars ever.
I appreciated Princess Takamado’s mother, Fumiko Tottori, introducing
two of her three granddaughters, Princess Noriko and
Princess Ayako. Like their late and great father, Prince and Princess
Takamado are really cool, and very internationally minded. A big
congratulations to them and the ILBS ladies for yet another charity
project well done.
THE MERICS’ TURKISH NATIONAL DAY
Going back a bit, it was wall-to-wall people at Turkish Ambassador
Ahmet Bulent Meric’s National Day party. Bulent and his wife Kumiko
are a popular couple and guests included Akie Abe, the wife
of Prime Minister Abe, who was super chic for the event. In addition
to the bountiful buffet of Turkish food in the dining room, tents
had been set up in the garden where they were serving the popular
traditional Turkish kebab. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening in
every way.
SAUDI NATIONAL DAY – PALACE HOTEL
Our Saudi friends celebrated their national day at a noon-time reception
at the luxurious Palace Hotel. In addition to relaxing and
chatting with long-time friends, I met several VIPs for the first time.
These included UAE Ambassador Khalid Omran Al Ameri. Thanks
to former Ambassador Al Mokarrab, I’ve had the privilege of visiting
his country seven times – once for the UAE’s 20th anniversary,
another time for their 25th anniversary, and the rest just to visit
friends living there. On one trip, we drove to all seven of the Emirates.
Thanks to another very capable diplomat and good friend, Saudi
Ambassador Al-Shobokshi, and the Saudi national guard, I was a
guest in their country for the annual Jenadriyah culture festival. I
visited Riyadh and Jeddah, and a young officer of the National Guard
took me to visit his “uncle’s” camp in the desert. After dinner under
a big tent, half a dozen of his nephews sang and danced. They also
surprised me by giving me some beautiful Arab clothes to wear. After
joining in an unrehearsed dance, I went over to the “uncle” and
said, “I feel like Lawrence of Arabia.” He laughed and said, “You look
like Saddam Hussein.” The next night, my guide took me to meet
two young singers whom he introduced as the Michael Jacksons of
Saudi Arabia.
The national day at the palace was very special. Our congratulations
to Ambassador Al Barrak, his staff, and the Saudi
people. It was also great getting to know Dr. Muhammad Abdur
Rahman Siddiqi, the chairman of the International Muslim Center
in Japan, and I appreciated his invitation to the 9th International
Peace Seminar on Prophet Muhammad. The seminar was titled “Islamic
Perspective on Terrorism” and featured guest speaker Rayyan
Fawzi Arab.
CEREMONY’S BIRTHDAY DINNER FOR SHIGA
I hadn’t heard of Jisaku Tsukiji restaurant, but when I received an
invitation to celebrate there with Ceremony’s president Tsukasa
Shiga, I knew it would be something special. Tsukasa and his family
always choose the best. It was his birthday, and the restaurant –
which is on the river and has about 19 tatami rooms, interesting
rock formations, goldfish-filled ponds, and many statues – is Japan
at its best. The multicourse Japanese meal included their speciality
chicken. I would definitely recommend you try it out while you’re
in Tokyo: Jisaku Tsukiji, 14-19 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, 03-3541-2391.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Tokyo does slow down a bit for Japanese New Year (Shogatsu), but if
you live here, you know how busy it is the rest of the time. With all
the happenings before the 2020 Olympics, we’re seeing all kinds of
overnight changes. The “Roppongi clean up” campaign is working
on the north side, with Midtown, museums, shops and restaurants
all getting a facelift, and big new buildings going up everywhere.
A perfect place to see what’s happening is around the popular
Franciscan Chapel Center Catholic Church. Directly across from
the chapel, a big new apartment building is being built, and a few
minutes’ walk from there, a huge new building that will house a
much-needed modern police station is under construction. I recently
talked with one foreigner and one Japanese local who were each
wearing fashionable uniforms with armbands that read “Minato-ku
Safety and Security.” They told me their main job is helping tourists
with directions, or helping people with any problems they might
have in Roppongi. (Both, I might add, were big enough to handle
any kind of trouble they might come up against.)
On the south side of Roppongi (Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills),
change seems to be a bit slower. However, thanks to the late great
land developer Minoru Mori, they do have the Roppongi Hills mall
with its theaters, shops, restaurants and super art museum. Morisan
also bought the land down the hill behind dear Dr. Eugene Aksenoff’s
famous clinic, and they seem to be working on plenty of
new buildings in that area. I’m sure they’ll soon clear out or at least
clean up the big old Roi Building across the street from Don Quixote.
Just for your information, my club-going friends tell me that
they don’t go to Roppongi that much any more; these days they prefer
Shibuya for food, nightlife and fun. I plan to get out and check
things out in the new year, and will keep you posted on many of
the changes in our ever-evolving city.
Team Trek, Olympic cyclists Gregory Rast,
Jasper Stuyven, Bauke Mollema
Segafredo CEO (center) Pascal Heritier with super
Hiroo Segafredo staff
Bill with team member Fumuyuki Beppu
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 41
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