THIS MONTH IN THE WEEKENDER APRIL <strong>2016</strong> Publisher President Executive Producer Editor Art Director Sales Director Sales Executive Media Relations Chief Producers Account Executives Media Consultant Society Lead Writer Editorial Associates Film ENGAWA Co., Ltd. Takanobu Ushiyama Asi Rinestine Alec Jordan Liam Ramshaw Hirofumi Ohuchi Kahori Terakawa Junko Shimaya Yumi Idomoto Claudia Sun Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa Mary Rudow Bill Hersey Matthew Hernon Natalie Jacobsen Vivian Morelli Luca Eandi Christopher O’Keeffe EST. Corky Alexander, 1970 Published monthly at JPR Sendagaya Building 8F 4-23-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, <strong>Tokyo</strong> 151-0051 (03) 6863-3096 / (03) 5413-3050 (fax) editor@tokyoweekender.com Japan’s number one English language magazine APRIL <strong>2016</strong> ALSO: Natsumi Hoshi Swims for Rio Gold, Getaways for Golden Week, <strong>Tokyo</strong> Area Guide, The Evolution of Cirque du Soleil, and Much More www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL <strong>2016</strong> irotada Ototake might not H be familiar to most of our non-Japanese readers, but his life story, and his first book (“No One’s Perfect” in English), are famous throughout the country. Despite being born without arms or legs due to a condition known as tetraamelia syndrome, Ototake has had a series of careers that anyone would envy: public speaker, sports journalist, school teacher, and member of <strong>Tokyo</strong>’s Board of Education, just to name a few. In the past weeks, it has been rumored that Ototake was planning to make a run for public office. Now, much more recent news threatens to put that nascent campaign to an end: Ototake has admitted to having affairs with five different mistresses over the past several years. The revelation brings up a question that has been raised countless times around the world when a political figure’s personal foibles come to light: should we judge a leader by what they do behind closed doors, or by their ability to get things done? In the case of Ototake, we hope that our profile of the man gives you a sense of his potential, and inspires you to think about what he could achieve if he were to make the decision to run. Moving beyond the cover story, there are plenty of pieces to keep the pages turning, from a look at suicide prevention efforts in Japan to a talk with one of the stars of the Japanese Olympic swimming team. And as Golden Week lies waiting for us at the end of the month, we’ve put together a collection of destinations that should be memorable— and hopefully, not overbooked! If you’re staying local, there are plenty of options to keep you occupied during the long holiday, whether it’s art on the walls or Cirque du Soleil magic on the ground and the air. Finally, we invite you to check out our area guide for a section of <strong>Tokyo</strong>’s old downtown that you may not have explored yet. We’re planning to feature different parts of the city in the months to come, so stay tuned. Editor To subscribe to the <strong>Tokyo</strong> <strong>Weekender</strong>, please call (03) 6863-3096 or email: customer-support@tokyoweekender.com For ad sales inquiries, please call (03) 6863-3096 or email: sales@tokyoweekender.com 広 告 に 関 するお 問 い 合 わせ 先 電 話 :(03)6863-3096 メール:sales@tokyoweekender.com www.tokyoweekender.com Opinions expressed by <strong>Weekender</strong> contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher WRITERS WANTED <strong>Tokyo</strong> <strong>Weekender</strong> is looking for a few good writers. If you’ve got a travel story you want to share, a gift for the written word, or have a unique take on life in <strong>Tokyo</strong>, we’d like to hear from you. To join our team of freelancers, please send us an email at editor@tokyoweekender.com Published by ENGAWA Co., Ltd. APRIL <strong>2016</strong> www.tokyoweekender.com