ks #164 jan 2014

KANSAI’S ENGLISH MAGAZINE

無料issue 164

January 2014

www.kansaiscene.com

Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

Listings: Where to go & what to do Events / Art / Film / Live / Club / Maps & Classifieds

New Year, Fresh Start

Plus+ yoga-licious: body after babyBest horse riding classes

Kansai’s natural growers, eating organic in Osaka, farm stays

the new year

issue

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2014 kansaiscene.com 3

DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. We take no responsibility for the quality or content of advertisements. Public and private parties appproached by those claiming to work for or on behalf of Kansai Scene should call this office to confirm the truth of any such claim, especially where money may be involved.

Features

Features

Kansai organic farmers p08

Yoga for mums p10

Horse riding in Kansai p16

Spirit Yoga, Osaka p23

St. Michael’s Int’l School, Kobe p05 Travel

Farm stay in Nagano p14Food & drink

Organic dining in Osaka p12

Felafel Garden, Kyoto p20Business Matters

Ramen school p07

Listings

Events p26

Film p24

Art p30

Live Music p32

Club p36

Business Finder p38

Classifieds p40

Maps p44

Publisher/Creative Director ..............Daniel LeeEditor ............................................. Carla AvolioSub-editor ...............................Donna SheffieldProduction Manager .............Akiko KuribayashiAccounts Manager ........................Michiko Lee

Art ...................................................Colin SmithEvent & Festival ........................... Yuki UchiboriFilm ................................................ Adam MillerLive music ................................ Phillip JacksonClub ................................................Terumi Tsuji

Interested in writing for Kansai Scene? Please contact [email protected] after reviewing our writers guidelines: kansaiscene.com/write-for-us

COVER ART: DAAS

The Year of the Horse, as depicted by DAAS, a local mural artist with a passion for painting on walls. Find out more on p.37.

Contact Kansai SceneGeneral [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]. 06-6539-1717 Fax. 06-7635-4791Address Osaka-shi, Nishi-ku, Shinmachi 3-5-7, Eiko Bldg. 2FWebsite kansaiscene.com

A BIT OF HISTORY Kansai Scene was founded by Peter Horvath and Nishikawa Keiko in 2000 and published by Jatin Banker between 2003 – 2011. Published monthly, KS provides English language articles, information and listings for visitors to and residents of the Kansai area.

Kansai Scene is published monthly by Mojoprint

Contents

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kansaiscene @kansaiscene

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2014 kansaiscene.com4

News & Openings

Five of the best... Hangover cures

Meet the pressOsaka, Kyoto — Current President of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, Lucy Birmingham, will speak on the state of the foreign media in Japan on Saturday, Jan 25 in Osaka and Kyoto.

FCCJ is one of the world’s leading press clubs, having hosted thousands of political, business, and cultural leaders, human rights groups, NGO activists, and others over its 68 year history. The Club’s 2,000 members include 300 foreign and Japanese correspondents.

Both events are open to the public but seating is limited so please register your attendance beforehand. For the Kyoto appearance, contact Eric Johnston [email protected].

For the Osaka event, register at kansaiscene.com/businessmatters.

• When: Saturday, Jan 25

• Osaka: 2pm–4pm, Knowledge

Salon, Grand Front, Osaka. ¥1,500

with refreshments.

• Kyoto: 6:30pm–8:30pm, Kyoto

International House, Kyoto. FREE entry.

Art should be sharedOsaka — Kameraoke is an annual photo exhibition held at Pinebrooklyn Gallery. This year the organisers want you to submit 4 to 24 photos cap-turing a day in the life of Kansai. Don’t just browse your computer looking for yesterday’s best—grab your camera, hit the streets and take pictures now!

Send high resolution photos (labeled with time of day) by Jan 19 to [email protected]. Everyone will have at least one photo exhibited at Pinebrooklyn on Sunday, Feb 23.

Need inspiration? Join a Kansai Photo Walk on Jan 12 in Osaka.

For more info, see kameraoke.com

facebook.com/kansaiscene @kansaisceneConnect with Kansai Scene… Facebook TwitterCatch up with KS on social media

Create Osaka’s official mascotOsaka — The city of Osaka is calling for entries from around the world to design the official mascot characters Mio & Tsukushi who will serve in promoting Osaka to the world. Anyone and everyone, from artists to children to amateurs, is encour-aged to submit their drawings or designs. The award winning characters will be inaugurated in March 2014 at the Osaka POP Festival, and will star in loads of official tourism campaigns.

An initiative of the Osaka POP Executive Committee and the Osaka Govern-ment Tourism Bureau, the competition forms part of the inaugural International Cool Japan Awards, created in recognition of the millions of Nippon Pop Culture fans (anime, manga, cosplay, vocaloid, games, and more) across the world.

Designs can be created using any medium but must be submitted as digital files through the website. Entry fee: Free • Submission deadline: until Jan 31, 2014 • Prize: ¥200,000

• How to apply: osaka-pop.com/en

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Eggs: contain large amounts of cysteine, which breaks down the hangover-causing toxin acetaldehyde.

Vegemite: replenishes the sodium that left your body as urine the night before. Coconut water or sports drinks also work.

Fruit juice: replenishes the glucose that left your body as urine the night before.

No Nomikata: a plum flavored morning-after drink filled with the goodness of 600 shijimi (cockles) worth of amino acid.

Mukae Zake: good old hair of the dog

Each month, KS brings you five of the hottest tips

Got some news? Email your suggestions to [email protected]

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2014 kansaiscene.com 5PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Saturday schooling for internationally-minded kidsKobe-based St. Michael’s International School is opening special Saturday classes for kids who need some extra time speaking English.Text: Kansai Scene • Images: St.Michael’s International School

Kansai Scene: St. Michael’s Interna-tional School has been around for a long time. Why have you decided to open a Saturday School for children at this point in time?Steven Moinester (English Language Section Coordinator): St. Michael’s International School was established in Kobe in 1946 and has been delivering a quality, primary education to the inter-national community ever since. We are opening the Saturday School because of high demand for this kind of service. Internationally-minded families can struggle with finding the most ap-propriate education for their children in Japan. Many families determine that attending an international school full time is in the best interest of their children. They choose St. Michael’s for the quality curriculum, highly qualified and experienced staff, high standards of behavior and academic success as well as the caring, family atmosphere.

Other families desperately want their children to maintain and further develop their English skills, but are concerned about maintaining their Japanese language as well as meeting the cost of a full time international program. For these families, we would like to offer an effective alternative.

KS: What are you trying to achieve with this alternative?SM: The Saturday School provides children with the opportunity to pro-

gressively develop advanced English skills at a reasonable cost, while also attending a Japanese elementary school during the week. The goal is for gradu-ates to attain English ability sufficient for admission to an English language-based junior high school. This may not be the desire of all families, but the aim is to have that option. We aspire to achieve this goal in an environ-ment that is academically challenging, caring, and enjoyable. This is achieved through the coordinated efforts of a highly qualified and experienced teaching staff, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes English, music, information technology, art, P.E., and library.

KS: Is the Saturday School available to all children?SM: We accept applications for pri-mary grades one through six accord-ing to the Japanese school year. This program is appropriate for internation-ally-minded families whose children currently possess, or have the potential to achieve, advanced English skills. Typically, this would include children with at least one native English-speak-ing parent, children who have attended international preschools, and returnees who have spent a significant time living in an English-speaking country. For grade one, there may be some flexibil-ity in how we assess the child’s English level and potential to develop advanced skills, but for all other grades, the child

must be able to function at that grade with minimal assistance.

KS: How can families apply or get more information?SM: The best place to begin would be to look through our website at smis-english.com and make a reservation for an Open House or a tour. Our next Open House will be Saturday, January 25.

St. Michael’s International School

• Address: 650-0004

Kobe-shi, Chuo-ku,

Nakayamate-dori 3-17-2

• Tel: 078-221-8028

• Website: smis-english.com

• Email: [email protected]

Networking opportunities

Seminars & presentations

Parties & eventsConnecting professionals in Kansai.

kansaiscene.com/businessmattersfacebook.com/groups/ksbusinessmatters

Presentation & networking eventCo-sponsored by Knowledge Capital

The State of the Foreign Media in JapanA talk by FCCJ president Lucy Birmingham

Jan 25, Sat, 2–4pm (doors 1:30pm)@ Knowledge Salon, Grand Front North Bldg. 7F, OsakaEntry: ¥1,500 w/drinks & pinchos

More details and event registration:


Business Matters

Thank God for noodles. R-amen!We all love ramen, but what’s it like to set up shop in the industry? KS caught up with Hiroshi Miyashima, a true master of the art and owner of Osaka’s own specialist ramen school, to find out the dos and don’ts. Text and images: Sam Evans

Kansai Scene: Just how important is it to use the best ingredients in ramen?Hiroshi Miyashima: Extremely. The building blocks of ramen are the noo-dles themselves so it is imperative that you do them right first and foremost. It’s a matter of using quality flour but also researching about the flour and treating it appropriately. Using quality meat and vegetables for the broth will also prove influential when it comes to satisfying your customers and lining your pockets, so never give in to the temptation to be stingy!

KS: What are the main obstacles when opening and maintaining a ramen shop?HM: Ninety-nine times out of a hun-dred, good ramen shops never become well known, but bad ramen shops become (in)famous very quickly. A common mistake among unsuccessful ramen chefs is that they concentrate too much on making ramen that they themselves like with the assumption that because they like it, so too will others. This is not necessarily the case in a country where there are so many different regional variations and prefer-ences. Wherever you plan to open your ramen business, I can’t stress enough how important it is to get to know your customer base ahead of time through

market research. Another big problem, in Japan anyway, is that there are so many ramen shops. The market is saturated in salty broth!

KS: So with there being so many dif-ferent types of ramen, which would you advise foreigners to make when opening a shop abroad?HM: I think tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen is the best bet for for-eigners trying to make it abroad. In my experience, non-Japanese typically take to this type very quickly. My advice in this case, however, would be that if you’re trying to introduce ramen in your home country, education is key. Explain to your customers what ramen is, where it came from and what it’s about in order to garner curiosity.

KS: How can one make one’s ramen establishment stand out from the crowd? HM: It’s not about the bowl of ramen, it’s about the ramen restaurant as a whole. Making your food delicious is unfortunately only 10% of the battle. The other 90% comes from the place itself. I always liken it to AKB48... there are so many girls in that group that, for the most part, it’s difficult to tell one from another. However, the ones that you do remember are the ones that have special charm and something slightly different about them. It’s the

same with ramen; customer service, ambience, even resorting to gimmicks, do anything and everything to make your place stand out.

KS: So what kind of person does it take to be successful in the ramen game? HM: Ramen is very rewarding but also very hard work, so one has to be industrious and passionate. Also you’ve got to be on the ball and constantly evolving to keep up with the ramen trends coming out of Tokyo.

KS: Any other advice for foreign-ers thinking of starting up a ramen business? HM: As I said before, the food is only a small part of the battle so be smart. Invest in technology to cut down the time you spend cooking so you can concentrate more on making your restaurant stand out. Also, however tempting it may be, don’t eat ramen every day or you will notice it when you try to put on that pair of pants that fitted you last month!

If you fancy learning more about making

ramen, a one day crash course or a

more intensive 2-3 week super ramen

course can be booked at:

www.ramenadventures.com/p/osaka-

ramen-school.html


Feature

Growing momentumWith muddy boots and trowel in hand, KS visits five Kansai farmers making a difference with alternative practices.Text and images: Joan Bailey

Organic farming is a small portion of the agricultural industry in Kansai with fewer than 200 registered organic farmers out of nearly 240,000 accord-ing to a 2010 government survey. Even more niche is the emerging group who practice natural farming, which includes heirloom and open-pollinated varieties of non-GMO crops, no-tilling and no use of manures or compost. Despite the subtle differences, both groups of alternative farmers are meeting a growing need for food that is produced sustainably and that con-nects the community with their land. Here in no particular order, are some of Kansai’s best.

Kazuto HammaHamma Farm in Nara Prefecture

Using natural farming methods, Kazuto and his younger sister Erina grow traditional Japanese crops like tea, rice, varieties of daizu (soybeans) and azuki beans, along with wheat and shiitake mushrooms.

It was while studying agriculture at university that Kazuto discovered shizen nohou (natural farm-ing). A visit to the home of Masanobu Fukuoka, the farmer-philosopher who first developed the practice, was unforgettable. “It was so green and alive,” he said. “There was such a good feeling there.” Natural farmers see their fields and agricultural practices as part of a whole system. As a result, they use no pesticides or fertilizers, including animal manure and compost. Twelve years ago when Kazuto started farming for himself, he put these techniques to

work. “I work in harmony with the microorganisms in the soil that co-exist with me,” he says.

Hamma Farm is located in the mountains near

Haibara, a small village in Nara Prefecture in the mountains. Their produce can be found at the Nara Organic Farmers Market, natural grocery stores in Osaka and Kyoto, and the twice yearly Osaka Organic

Farmers’ Market.

Erina HammaHamma Farm in Nara Prefecture

While Erina is certainly a farmer, she is also a baker. Making use of the ingredients grown on their natural farm, she creates scrumptious cakes and breads.

Erina is worthy of note not only because her baked goods are mouth-wateringly delicious and ideal companions for the tea she and Kazuto grow on their farm, but because her passion for carefully grown, high qual-ity ingredients ensures that each slice of roll cake, each little muffin, is the best it can be. She came to the farm five years ago after apprenticing at various bio-dynamic and organic restaurants around Japan and is now happily experimenting and crafting her own recipes (including vegan!) to create a unique set of flavors that represent not just her farm and Haibara, but local flavor at its best.

Erina grows her ingredi-ents and crafts her treats near Haibara. The Hamma Farm table at the Nara Organic Farmers Market is a good place to find them.

Left: Erina Hamma uses ingredients grown on her own farm in her baked goods like this yomugi (mugwort) and azuki bean roll cake


Where to find the farmers• Nara Organic Farmers’ Market in front of the JR Nara Sta.

organic710.exblog.jp/14369916

• Osaka’s Organic Market sponsored by Mori no Tsudoi

morinotsudoi.org

• Gofushinokusa organic shop in Nara

itufushi.exblog.jp

• Sakanotochu organic shop and NPO in Kyoto

on-the-slope.com/english

• True Grace organic grocery in Kumatori, Osaka

true-grace.sakura.ne.jp/blog

Kunihiro Kitamura Kitamura Nouen in Nara Prefecture

Tomatoes, okra, eggplant, rice, and murasaki togarashi (purple Japanese pepper), a traditional Nara variety, fill Kitamura’s fields in summer, while daikon, cabbage, hakusai (Chi-nese cabbage), and a variety of greens carpet them in winter.

Kitamura discovered the distinct flavors and textures of heirloom vegetables while living in France. Upon returning home to Japan, he decided to try growing his own. Ten years later, Kitamura still loves his job. “It’s hard work,” he says as we walk between fields, “but I like delicious food.” Ducks weed his rice in summer while goats and sheep graze fields in preparation for planting. They work the soil and help fertilize it, too. The farm, though, is more than just fields, crops, seeds and harvest. In an old rented farmhouse, he and his wife host regular events that bring people together to learn, laugh, and build community spirit. As a producer, Kitamura says working with people is just as important as working the land. “The relationship with my customers is pivotal.”

Find him at the monthly Nara Organic Farmers’ Market or join his home delivery program.

Yasutaka Hosotani Hosotani Farms in Kizu, Nara Prefecture

Hosotani grows rice and a wide variety of vegetables throughout the year. It’s also not too far-fetched to say that he grows new farmers, too.

Hosotani comes from a long line of farmers, but a first attempt at organic farming stumped him. “The bugs ate everything,” he said. But a visit to a nearby natural farm helped restore his confidence. “It felt very natural, very peaceful, and I thought, ‘Ok, I can do this’,” he recalls. From the look of his fields and the taste of his vegetables, it’s working very well. Tougan (winter melon) vines climb a trellis, heavy with fruit. Winter greens and daikon sprout in a living mulch of ‘weeds’ that pro-vide erosion and temperature control, as well as a home for beneficial insects. Hosotani also opens up his farm as a classroom, helping students experi-ment with natural farming practices in small gardens. “By teaching I also grow,” he says.

Hosotani wanders both the experimental fields of his students, as well as his own. Customers can also find him at the Nara Organic Farmers’ Market.

Zenryu Owatari and Ava RichardsonHello Organics Farm in Kyoto

Zenryu and Ava grow Japanese and western vegetables using the Ontario Crop Producers and Pro-cessors organic regulations, which is a recognized standard in Japan.

Ava and Zenryu believe good food starts with good soil. “Caring for your body means caring for the earth,” said Ava. Concerned about the safety of their produce and fields in Ibaraki after the March 2011 disaster, they decided to move. Aided by Sakanotochu’s program that matches landless farmers to farmerless land, they soon started growing salad greens, daikon, beets, garlic, kale, fresh herbs, and more than twenty varieties of heirloom tomatoes. “If there are holes in your komatsuna, it’s proof we’re organic,” says Ava. Tohoku, though, is always on their minds. Last year they sent $1,000 worth of produce to help survivors. “It’s a highlight of our work,” she says.

Located in the mountains near Kyoto, Hello Organics can be found at Sakanotochu, an organic gro-cer and non-profit, in Kyoto. A weekly food box is available only from June to November. (Hard winters mean a limited growing season, but there is a waiting list.)

Left: Kazuto Hamma at the Nara Organic Farmers Market

Above: Zenryu and Ava of Hello Organics Farm (photo courtesy of Ayako Hancock)

Left: Kunihiro Kitamura


Feature

Yoga for the broad with a babeHow to stay fit, and not lose your mind as a mother in Kansai.Text: Helen Hayashi • Illustration: Nicole LaRue

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Pregnancy is a time when a woman reassesses her values on every level. At this time, many opt for a more holistic approach to taking care of yourself - body, mind, heart and spirit. It can be a magical transformation.

For many expatriate women in Japan, one of the first things they encounter is a stern lecture at their clinic about how they should only gain a ridiculously minuscule amount of weight. This causes of a lot of stress for women worldwide, especially now in the era of the media-hyped celebrity pregnancy. Check out FitPregnancy.com where amongst other tidbits of advice, you can get tips from a ballerina about prenatal workouts. I studied yoga and ballet for years, but I groaned at the cover photo of her doing a perfect arabesque while 9 months pregnant!

Putting aside a woman’s general desire to be healthy while she creates new life, sometimes there can be physi-cal complications hindering the ability to exercise. It’s vital to get the ‘ok’ from your doctor before undertaking any physical activity, and many teachers will not allow pregnant women to at-tend class without a doctor’s note.

Once you do get that note though, hop to it! Exercise while pregnant is essential both for your physical and mental states, and farther down the road, your future health. A recent WSJ article, titled, “Bigger Postpartum Challenges Than Just Baby Weight”, delved deeper into the types of physical challenges that might creep up on a woman years after she’s given birth. Because many women are choosing to give birth later, spacing their children much closer together, and having twins more frequently (common for older

mothers and in vitro pregnancies), it’s vital to take care of those interior ab-dominal muscles and pelvic floor. Or, as my prenatal Pilates teacher Hitomi called them, the “elevator muscles”.

After a woman gives birth, there are multiple issues—mental, physi-cal (not to mention, oh, the baby to care for) that are compounded by the difficulty of finding time or energy to be active. It’s also very important to be

careful to wait to do anything physical, especially if you have had a C-section or a split diastasis recti. It takes four to eight weeks after giving birth for this gap to close. Please check with your doctor first!

For more information, or to find an

exercise buddy, visit Kansai Kids Network

kansaikidsnetwork.com


Yoga in KansaiKOBE• Studio Sundari: yoga-sundari.com

• Super Kids Yoga: facebook.com/

yogavitakobe

• LIVYOG: livyog.wordpress.com

KYOTO• Tamisa Yoga: tamisa-yoga.com

OSAKA• Manhattan Yoga Studio, Yuki

Ganapaty: geocities.jp/micha_meu

• Certified Stott Pilates Trained

Instructor, Hitomi Matono - Custom

Private Pilates Sessions.

Email: [email protected]

• Gold Medal Bodies & The Jungle

Gym, Ryan Hurst - Physical

therapist, worldwide yoga teacher

trainer: realcreativehealth.com

• Spirit Yoga Studio:

spirityogastudio.com

A Pectoral and Thorasic Extension Stretch from Hitomi:This exercise can be done seated on

a chair, cross-legged, on an exercise

ball, or standing but not lying on

the back.

Prepare with hands on the back of

your neck, looking down.

• Inhale: lift your head and elbows

toward ceiling,

• Exhale: open elbows to sides,

• Inhale: close elbows,

• Exhale: back to the starting

position.

I asked a panel of local experts to share their expertise about how they work with women during and after pregnancy.

How can practicing yoga, Pi-lates or mindful movement help during pregnancy?

Yoga teacher Yuki Ganapaty, Man-hattan Yoga Studio: During the first trimester, a pregnant woman’s body changes, primarily internally, and there is exhaustion and morning sickness. But when this finally passes, women can get back into doing light exercise for the remainder of their pregnancy. Practicing yoga is a very safe way to energize the body, and lighten the mental load. A major benefit of yoga is the emphasis on breathing exercises, which improve circulation of blood to organs such as the uterus. This helps deliver nutrients to your growing baby, not to mention the relaxation benefits that come with deeper breathing.

Pilates teacher Hitomi Matono: Pregnancy hormones loosen the joints, so it’s not time to work on flexibility nor intensify a workout. Pilates and yoga exercises help pregnant women strengthen their pelvic floor, which continues to weaken as baby and water weight increase, and helps stabilize loose joints in a gentle way.

Trainer Ryan Hurst, Gold Medal Bodies: During pregnancy hormones erupt, and practicing conscious move-ment through breathing, and mindful movements can help in both calming, and resetting some of those hormones. We were born to move, and continuing to focus on breath work, strength and stamina work through these move-ments during pregnancy, can help during childbirth and thereafter.

How can physical practice help after childbirth?

Yuki: Strengthening your pelvic floor and staying active during pregnancy helps women heal faster after the birth. I’m living proof that this works. After having twins, my doctor was shocked to see that my uterus was back to normal in one week! A more physically healthy mom, means a much quicker postpartum recovery, better breast-feeding, and a quicker connection with baby.

Hitomi: Since exercising produces endorphins, physical practice keeps the baby blues at bay.

Ryan: When you focus on creating a good habit of moving your body in a mindful way when you’re pregnant, it will allow you have a bit more energy for when Junior comes along. It can be difficult after childbirth to try and return to a particular state of health and body composition.

We all know that when your little bundle of joy comes into your world, things often aren’t so joyful. Breast-feedings at all times of the day and night, and endless crying (from both your baby, and husband) don’t allow for proper sleep and abundant energy. Believe it or not, mindful movement can help reduce stress during those first couple of months, which will have flow on benefits for baby.

The experts

Yuki Ganapaty Hitomi Matono Ryan Hurst


Food & drink

Turn over an organic leafClean eating is about more than just counting calories or carbs. It’s also about considering how food has been grown. KS dishes up the latest on organic food and where to find the best eats in Osaka.Text & Images: Natalie Emmons


It’s that time of year again: turkey stuffing and leftover Christmas cake get dumped in the trash and uncon-ventional dieting trends promise a beach-worthy bod by early summer. Out with Santa and in with Jenny Craig. It’s like spring-cleaning for your stomach. Whether you select the vegetarian, Paleolithic, macrobiotic, or highly tricky raw food diet, you’ll soon be heading to your nearest market in search of produce to fill your recently-emptied cabinets.

Before you get carried away with the bean sprouts, edible algae, and tofurkey, it is important to remember that the majority of products in your neighborhood grocery store have been sprayed with harmful pesticides. Unless you buy organic products, eve-rything—from the waxy apples stacked in uniform towers to the zesty sauces you drizzle over your bok choy—con-tains chemicals that may hamper your health as well as your new diet.

The organic market in Japan has been on a slow, yet steady rise since the inception of JAS (Japanese Agri-cultural Standard) Organic in 2000. To qualify as JAS Organic, the soil needs to be chemical free for at least two years and the crops need to be grown and harvested without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. In other words, products labeled as “natural” or “green” are healthier than average, but may still contain traces

of harmful chemicals. However, if the product has the JAS Organic seal, then it has met all of the qualifications and is officially organic.

Eating out can be tricky, but thanks to the growing popularity of clean eating, a number of organic restau-rants are beginning to sprout. You’ll be hard-pressed to find an establishment that is 100 percent organic, especially in crowded city areas, but the majority of them use organic vegetables, rice, sauces, and detergent.

Despite the development of the organic market in recent years, or-ganic produce still only makes up 0.24 percent of the domestic agriculture in Japan. Going organic is costly and risky for farmers and for restaurant owners. If we want to continue to see the organic market succeed and ex-pand, we have to support their efforts. By looking for the JAS Organic seal and dining where the quality of the ingredients matters, you nurture this budding market and you can bet your body will thank you.

Osaka’s top organic eatsLe CoccoleThe owner of this charming hidden

restaurant serves homemade

macrobiotic and vegan creations using

organic produce from her brother’s

local farm.

le-coccole.jp

Satoyama CafeLocated in a historic brick building,

this cafe uses vegetables from Solviva

Organic Farm and is a great place for

lunch with friends.

organicosaka.com/satoyama-cafe

Komeday Number 1If you are looking for organic bento

lunches or catering, this organic kitchen

delivers to Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Nara,

and Wakayama.

komeday.com

Mill PourIn addition to offering organic and fair

trade coffee, this coffee bar also serves

the best lattes in Osaka.

organicosaka.com/mill-pour

For more information visit

organicosaka.com

For restaurants outside of Osaka visit

happycow.net

Top & main: Le Coccole Right: Satoyama Cafe


Travel

Bringing in the harvestRice is the staple dish of Japanese cuisine, but how exactly does it get from the field to your bowl? KS gets down in the dirt to harvest rice in Nagano Prefecture.Text: Joan Bailey • Images: Kevin Cameron (One Life Japan)

The sound of running water perme-ates my dreams. I assume it is the rain Kevin predicted the night before, but when I slide open the shoji-covered window the ground is dry. The sound comes instead from the narrow canals lining the village roads. A never-end-ing stream of water pours down from the nearby mountains, tumbling to the river carving its way along the valley floor. The sky is overcast, but so far no rain. We can work today after all. I am so excited I practically jump out of my pajamas into my farm clothes.

My husband and I arrived the even-ing before, traveling by shinkansen to Echigo-yazawa. There we boarded

a small local bus that carried us past ski resorts preparing for winter, up into mountains where leaves hinted at autumn color. We are headed to a tiny village where Kevin will add us and our luggage to the supplies he’s picked up. Then we’ll head to Sakae-mura, an even smaller village deeper in the mountains where we will help harvest his rice.

Four years ago on our first trip with One Life Japan, the outdoor adven-ture company run by Kevin Cameron and Tomoe Kawafuchi, we helped rethatch a traditional farmhouse and prepared their rice fields for planting. We’d stayed in touch, following Kevin

and Tomoe’s rural adventures online. His fantastic photos and their delicious rice (available via the website) made this trip a mouth-watering prospect.

Kevin and Tomoe started One Life Japan when they moved to Sakae-mura six years ago from Tokyo. They wanted out of the city, to farm and live a more sustainable life. One Life is a way to share their discoveries and help visitors explore another side of Japan. Tours center around hiking, biking and farming with plenty of good food at every turn. Tomoe’s goal is to learn as much as she can about the traditional practices—from field to table—in the region. “There’s such a beautiful food


culture here,” she says while telling me about a new recipe.

Based on the simple, seasonal food we eat it’s clear Tomoe is an excellent student. Her artisanal breads enjoy increasing popularity at local shops and the Nagano farmers market. The bread is a centerpiece of our breakfasts, its rice flour base and whole grains mak-ing it chewy and flavorful. We decline butter and jam, and eat it plain. It’s that good.

After breakfast we head to the field where Kevin demonstrates how to use the small kuma (scythe) to cut the rice stalks. Two mothers and their sons ar-rived from Tokyo that morning, and we all watch Kevin crouch low among the yellowed stems heavy with grains. Each clump of plants is cut with a single mo-tion, gathered into bundles and laid in pairs behind him, their bases crossed in preparation for tying.

We work along on our knees or crouched next to the plants. Even though the tanbo (rice field) was drained weeks ago, the ground re-mains damp, leaving wet spots on our trousers. The leaves of the rice plants, gold and green, brush on sleeves and hats. Thick weeds along the aze (ridges between fields) lean in, making the harvest more difficult at times. Small frogs leap before us, one venturing up a sleeve resulting in a ruckus followed by gales of laughter. Our chatter gradually fades into birdsong and the rhythm of the harvest. At some point Tomoe

arrives with a thermos of tea and a pan of just-out-of-the-oven apple bread. We sit on the edge of the field eating and soaking up the country quiet.

When the cutting finishes we learn to tie the paired bundles together and hang them. Three or four strands of last year’s wara (rice straw) get wrapped a few inches below the cut stems and then twisted together. “Make sure it wraps tightly in that first go-round be-fore you begin twisting,” Kevin advises. “Otherwise, the bundle is too loose and will fall apart while it hangs.” Brows furrowed in concentration we carefully twist and maneuver the bundles in a field now covered with stubble and scattered pairs of rice plants.

When the twisted wara curls in on itself, it is ready to be tucked under the band made by the first wrapping. The two bundles are splayed and hung on the rack, a multi-level structure of poles and cross-bars set up at the end of the field. They will stay here for about a week to dry.

Dusty, dirty and already a little sore we head to the local onsen, a small affair in a simple one-story building. Local residents take advantage of the piping hot mineral water for their daily bath and as a place to chat and gossip. We emerge fresh and clean, and pile into the van for Keiko Sugihara’s 120-year-old farmhouse where we will spend the night. Snug against the mountains with a small stream just outside her door and surrounded by

her rice and vegetable fields, her home is a cozy resting spot. The smell of fresh cooked rice greets our group as we enter the first floor room. Tempura-coated seasonal vegetables, homemade pickles like zuicki (pickled tarot stem), mazegohan (cooked rice mixed with carrot, bamboo, and mushroom), miso soup, and an assortment of other little tidbits are arrayed before us. We feast and talk until our cups of tea are empty and the plate of fresh fruit - kaki (persimmon) and apples - is gone. One by one we drift off to bed, to dream of golden rice hanging in the sun and steaming in our bowls.

How to get out on the farmOne Life JapanRoam the mountains and countryside

of Nagano for extraordinary views,

good food, and great fun.

onelifejapan.com

Satoyama ExperienceExplore the rural areas of Gifu’s Hida

region by bicycle or on foot for a taste

of Japan’s beautiful countryside.

satoyama-aexperience.com

WWOOF Japan

Connect with organic growers and

producers all over Japan for an

unforgettable hands-on experience.

wwoofjapan.com


Kids & family

Horsing AroundIt’s the year of the horse, so there’s no better time to hop in the saddle and discover Kansai on four legs. Now giddy-up!Text: Helen Marvell • Images: Omar Harran

Winston Churchill once said “There is nothing better for the inside of a human than the outside of a horse,” and I agree!

From 11 years old, I started clock-ing up hours at the stables - mucking out, sweeping the yard and taking long rides in the woods. Sometimes I still crave the smell of manure and fresh woodchips, and the warmth of a furry neck, so I take a break from city life to interact with this intelligent, majestic creature.

Luckily in Kansai there are quite a few horse riding options, and there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s a one-off lesson you’re looking for or a new weekly hobby, from beginner level to competition stage.

Here are some of the best places to horse-ride in Kansai:

Harmony Farm (Awaji-Shi) Awaji Island is a beautiful haven away from the bustling cities of Kobe and Osaka. The school here is for the more experienced rider as trekking is the most tempting highlight. You can choose from an array of breathtaking scenes for your trek, including flower fields, rolling hills, forests and the open ocean. There are also some exhila-rating one-off adventures like a ‘sea swim’ or a ‘moonlit ride’, depending on the season.

Prices start at around ¥4,200 for non-members for a 30-minute les-son on a weekday, but expect to pay upwards of ¥10,000 for the more adventurous rides. The school can also provide transport from the highway bus stop, so what’s stopping you? hf-awaji.com

La Grace Golf Club and Horse Riding Club (Wakayama)

Stuck for ideas for your next big bash? Why not mix things up with a riding-themed party? The club offers a BBQ and riding experience from around

¥3,500 per person. The focus here is definitely more on the party side of

things, so horse-averse guests won’t be left in the cold. It’s a great option for children, who can be

lead around the arena in view, while the grown-ups relax with a cold beer and a burger looking out over the luscious scenery.

It’s a little difficult to get to if you don’t have a car, but well worth the trip if you do!la-grace.jp

Crane Riding School (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hyogo and Shiga)A large, professional horse riding organisation with riding schools all over Kansai, Crane offers numerous options for both adults and children, as well as ‘couple’ and ‘first lesson’ deals. Lessons start from around ¥3,500 for 30 minutes, and gift certificates are also available for that perfect present.uma-crane.com

Ora Horse (Hanahakukinen-koen tsurumiryokuchi, Kyoto) This riding school is über child-friendly. Not only does it offer beginner courses for children, there’s also an interaction opportunity for smaller children aged 4 and above. The school has an indoor and an outdoor ménage, plus shower and changing room facilities for riders to use. Prices start at around ¥700 for the interactive experience.orahorse.jp

Top tip!

The majority of instructor staff

at these schools speak very little

English, so attending with a Japa-

nese speaker will help you get the

most out of your horse riding

experience.


Language

Recipe for healthy living

Every year around this time, we start making promises to ourselves that we’ll put in place some good habits: drink less, call home more, join the gym. Getting into a regular fitness regime is something we all know is important. In Japan, this is pretty easy to do given there is no shortage of gyms (ジム jimu) in which to workout (トレーニングする toreiningu suru). You can run (走る hashiru), cycle (バイクで走る baiku de hashiru), do strength training (筋トレ kin tore), or take classes (クラスを

受ける kurasu o ukeru), which run the gamut from yoga to pi-lates to aqua aerobics. Once you feel fit, it’s also easier to pay more attention to what you are eating. Besides cutting out junk food (ジャンクフード janku fuudo), you can also choose foods that have been mindfully prepared, starting from how they are grown. In Kansai, there’s a groundswell of organic and natural farmers (see page 8 for our feature) plus cafes and restaurants putting their produce to delicious use (see page 12 for our feature). Fitness and healthy eating? A darn fine way of starting the year on a good note.

Vocab and phrases

Is this organic? この料理はオーガニックですか?

kono ryori wa ooganikku desu ka?

I’d like to order a vegetarian meal.

ベジタリアンの食事はありますか?

bejitarian no shokuji wa arimasu ka?

I’d like to join the gym.

ジムに入会したいです jimu ni nyukai shitai desu

Would you like to go running together?

一緒に走りますか? issho ni hashiri-masu ka?

Let’s go for a walk.

散歩に出かけましょう sanpo ni dekakemasho

海外生活日記

What’s it like living in… Costa Rica?

Yoko Yamada relocated to

her husband’s homeland of Costa

Rica and discovered a market

for her home baked breads and

sweets. KS asked all about it.

コスタリカで何をしていますか。日本でコスタリカ人の夫と出会い結婚後、子どもを連れてサンホセ市に移りました。日本ではイラストレーターをしていましたが、今は子育てとパン作りをしています。

パン作りのきっかけ。もともとパンが大好きでしたが、現地のパンにショックを受けたんです。指で刺すとサクッと突き抜けるくらいパサパサで、味も塩辛いかすごく甘いか…。そこで移住前にパン教室に通いました。総菜パンやメロンパン、シナモンパンなどを焼き、予約販売もしています。一番人気はサンドイッチにするとおいしいプレーンベーグル。現地のカフェはケーキがメインでパンを食べられるところは少ないので、パンを食べられるカフェを開きたいなあと思っています。

現地の食事情。現地では米、パスタ、パンが同時に食卓に並ぶこともしばしば…。スーパーでは日本食材が手に入るので、コスタリカの日本人友達と食材情報を交換したり、家で作ったものを分けたりして家で和食を作ります。市内にある韓国料理屋さん「NODALLI」は日本人の間で美味しいと評判です。

イチオシのローカル料理！「カネロネス」です。15cmほどの大きなマカロニの中に調理したミンチ肉などを詰め込ん焼いた料理で、マヨネーズがよく合います。コスタリカ版餃子みたいな感じです。

普段、何語を話しますか、また学習方法は。家族とは日本語です。夫は日本に９年間住んでいたので日本語がペラペラ。スペイン語は、移住して３年目にやっと学校に通い、基礎が身に付いたと感じます。なかなか机に向かって勉強する時間がないため、夫とはできるだけスペイン語で話すよう心がけています。夫の実家で大勢と話している時は、スピードが早くてついていけませんが、1対1ではわかるまで質問しながら話すようにしています。

コスタリカの大晦日と新年の迎え方。日本の大晦日は厳かに過ごす感じがありますが、コスタリカの大晦日は、お祭り騒ぎ。花火と爆竹の音が続きます。子どもが小さいので、夜は寝かせてゆっくりしたいのですが、音がすごいので起きないかヒヤヒヤします。お正月には家族でご飯を食べます。クリスマスも基本的には家族で過ごしますね、コスタリカは家族を大事にする国だと感じます。

Interview by Sarasa Kitano

Follow Yoko

プラビダ!ライフ http://blog.livedoor.jp/rabbihouse/


Food & drink

Garden of EdenTasty, veg-friendly dishes starring locally-sourced ingredients equals heavenly food you can feel good about.Text & images: JJ O’ Donoghue

Falafel Garden

• Address: 3-16 Shimoyanagi-cyo,

Tanaka, Sakyo-ku, KYOTO

• Access: Take the Keihan line to

Demachiyanagi. Falafel Garden is a

short walk east of the main gates.

• Open: 11am–9:30pm Monday to

Sunday

• Web: falafelgarden.com

One of the things I miss about living in London is the food of the Middle East: hummus, falafels, baba ghanoush, kebabs, lahmacun. I lived nearby a predominantly Turkish neighbour-hood and if you threw a stone it would land in a kebab. You could eat hummus for breakfast, dinner and tea. Cut to the present and Japan, for all its foreign food worship (I am thinking especially of French and Italian), has yet to fully engage with the delights of the Middle East. And more is the pity because cuisine from this region is overflowing with some of the most healthy and delicious food the other side of washoku.

In a cheerful space in Kyoto’s Demachiyanagi, flanked by the Kamo river and Daimonji, Amir Trojbicz has been introducing and converting happy diners to the food of his native Israel for the past 10 years. Felafel Garden is located in a two-storey renovated machiya on the doorstep of Kyoto University. Inside, it has that college vibe: relaxed, friendly, unhurried and even a little curious. Like the artwork on the wall the music too is eclectic. There is even a cozy garden out back with additional seating, which is delightful on warm spring days.

Trojbicz’s food philosophy, without putting too grandiose a point on it, is to only serve what he would eat. That means he’s just as good at knowing his way around the veggie patch as the kitchen. In the age of globaliza-tion there has been push back through localization; while this sometimes comes off as marketing or branding (think “100 percent organic”) Falafel Garden tries where and when pos-sible to source ingredients, especially vegetables, locally and to operate to organic principles. Much of the menu is a mix between vegan and vegetarian, but not all: chicken kebabs and schnit-zel, a German staple, both feature. But then again, one doesn’t go to Napoli for a hamburger.

For me, the falafels here are the winner. Trojbicz makes bite-sized balls out of a mix of ground chickpeas, aka garbanzo beans, spices and parsley, deep-fries them and serves the bur-nished morsels with pita, salad and a

sauce, such as tahini or chili. The result is a simple and delicious sandwich offered in three different sizes and prices, with the largest size advisable for falafel lovers or those with big appetites. There is also the option of adding a side of hummus or baba gha-noush, made from aubergines, olive oil and seasonings, for an additional ¥250. However, these portions are a little on the small side.

With a well-priced menu and an owner/chef who is knowledgeable and passionate about his food and its origins, Falafel Garden is well worth the visit. It’s a great introduction to Middle Eastern cuisine and especially worth considering if you are vegetar-ian or if you have vegetarian visitors. Also worth noting is that Falafel Garden opened a sister-shop located near to Imadegawa subway station and Doshisha University.

23KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2014 kansaiscene.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Fitness that’s right OmIn a fitness funk? Try swapping dumbbells for downward dogs to freshen up your workout.Text: Sam Evans • Images: Spirit Yoga

In Kansai, the gym is still king when it comes to fitness. Just glance up to the fifth floor of any building near a train station. And when you do, if the sight of those wannabe hamsters padding on treadmills makes you want to head for the nearest couch with a tub of Ben and Jerry’s, then you might want to consider an alternative way of staying in shape. You might consider yoga.

Kansai has a decent collection of yoga schools, a fine example of which is Spirit Yoga in Osaka’s Tenjinbashi. Opened in 2007 by Osaka resident and yoga extraordinair Haidar Ali, Spirit Yoga offers an average of 24 classes per week, taught by a mixture of Japanese and international instructors from throughout Asia and North America as well as through frequent cameos from renowned names in the yoga universe.

“Yoga has long been my passion and the idea behind Spirit Yoga has always been to create an international com-munity where people from all over can come to be taught by the best instruc-tors and have their individual needs taken care of,” says Ali.

Sessions are held in the tantalisingly aromatic studios that, as is quite novel in Japan, have huge windows to let in natural light. As well as catering to those wanting to practice yoga at ses-sion level, Spirit Yoga also focuses on developing yoga teachers through the adjoining yoga school that Ali opened in 2010 and since then has become the only Yoga Alliance certified RYS-200/RYS-500 school in Western Japan.

Despite the range, passion and pres-tige present at Spirit Yoga, prices are reasonable; with three initial trial les-sons just ¥3,500 and the Gold Member offer, whereby one can attend as many sessions as one desires for just ¥9,991 a month. That’s a lot of yoga consid-ering Spirit offers around 20 classes including Yin, Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Ayurveda, Power Yoga, even pre-natal and kids classes. With all this on offer, your path to yogic nirvana is only a short train ride away!

spirityogastudio.com

Spirit Yoga Studio

• Address: Tenjinbashi Matsumura

Bld. 5/6F, 3-10-17, Tenjinbashi,

Kita-Ku, Osaka, 530-0041

• Tel: 06-6881-3317

• Website: spirityogastudio.com

• Email: [email protected]

Haidar Ali gives us the skinny on some

varieties of yoga offered by his school

and how they work differently to

benefit your body.

Ashtanga Mysore is a style derived

from the teachings of the influential

Yogacharaya Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. It’s

unusual because unlike many other

styles, where the class is “led” by

a teacher, Ashtanga is taught one-

on-one within a group setting. This

means that all levels practice together

and individuals can develop at their

own pace to master sequences of

therapeutic postures or asanas.

Yoga Nidra is sanskrit for “sleep”

and as the name suggests, involves

deep meditation and asanas held for

extended periods to relieve stress and

leave tired yogis feeling invigorated

and energised. Recommended for

worn-out souls.

Sivananda comes from the teachings

of Swami Sivananda and focuses

more on breathing and detailed

explanations of asanas. It also

utilises positive thinking (vedenta)

and meditation (dhyana) to promote

physical and mental wellbeing. Very

stress-relieving, this style allows

individuals to find their own rhythm.

With 90 minutes said to have the

benefits of 3 hours’ sleep, Restorative

yoga is low-intensity and uses props

like cushions and bolsters to support

the body. This style focuses on deep

breathing and asanas intended to

gently stretch, relax and heal. It’s great

for those with injuries or a strained

body or mind.

24 Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Film previews

Ender’s GameGavin Hood, Sci-Fi, 114 mins, January 18

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, Hailee Steinfeld

It seems that Sci-Fi is truly back in vogue. With Abrams not only reinvigorating the Star Trek brand for a new audience, but reigniting the flames under the slum-bering Star Wars series, it is inevitable that the studios will look to tried and tested stories to try and find a franchise worth clinging to (the Twilight, Harry Potter and Hunger Games franchises all lined the pockets of many a movie mogul).

So Ender’s Game was truly a sleeping giant that could potentially be hiding for-tunes untold; having won the Nebula and Hugo Awards for best novel in 1985 and 1986 respectively, the book’s popularity shot up after the film was announced, as it became a best-seller once again. But is this adaptation worth a watch, or is it yet another project filed securely in the “the book was much better” category?

Director Gavin Hood has made this a labour of love, having penned the screen-play as well as straddling the director’s chair. He has a stellar cast to play with, with Ford playing the stern Colonel Graff, his trademark grumblings interspersed with fragments of harsh discipline and “this hurts me more than it hurts you” moments. Kingsley is given yet another role that he nails, and of which you wish you could see more. Butterfield is also perfect as Ender, a boy who has to have his potential dragged out of him through intimidation, threats, trials and trickery. The idea that these young recruits, with their inherent gaming skills, have the ability to save the universe will no doubt please many a teenage-geek hunkered over their Xbox, but the harsh boot camp and awesome zero gravity games make this fantastic narrative that much more believable.

Some omissions from the book have been made; the bad guys are no longer known as “buggers” but “Formics,” and the futuristic technology has been updated to fit our modern sensibilities. But these are just minor alterations that shouldn’t take away from the fact that this is a fun, absorbing and oftentimes thought-pro-voking family flick. Is it better than the book? It’s no Godfather, but I’d say it was the best attempt in recent memory.

Dec 27

© 2013 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Escape PlanJan 10 • Mikael Hafstrom, 115 mins, Action, Slyvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger You can’t teach an old dog new tricks…so just rehash the old tricks! Sly is a professional prison-breaker (no seriously) but gets stuck for real with Arnie in a super-high-security joint. Mayhem ensues.

ⓒ 2012 : Space Rocket Nation, Gaumont & Wild Bunch

Only God ForgivesJan 25 • Nicolas Winding, 90 mins, Crime Thriller, • Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott ThomasFor all its verve and colour, this Asian-set drug story doesn’t hold up to the simplistic beauty of Drive. That being said, this is a nice twist on the family revenge story and worth a watch.

ⓒ 2013 CTMG

American HustleJan 31 • David O. Russell, 138 mins, Crime Drama • Christine Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley CooperThis kind of love and respect for a mafia movie is rarely seen in modern movies, but this “based on real events” con-movie is well paced, even with the inevitable slow moments that come with a plus-2 hour movie.

Trick: The Last StageJan 11 • Yukihiko Tsutsumi, Crime Thriller • Hiroshi Abe, Yukie Nakama The long-running and much loved TV/movie series is finally coming to an end. Expect the storyline to be as twisted and weird as always… but how will they finally finish off the franchise?

©20

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.

KSPick

Don’t forget you can find a list of local cinemas (and what’s playing) online at:

www.kansaiscene.com/cinemas/

25Kansai Scene Listings: Where to go & what to do

Cinema listings (selected theaters)

Osaka

Osaka Toho Cinemas Umeda• Tel: 06-6316-1312 • www.tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,000, every day after 8pm: ¥1,200Now showing: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Hunter x Hunter - The Last MissionFrom Jan 4: MayerlingFrom Jan 10: Escape Plan, Wake Up Girls!From Jan 11: Trick: The Last StageFrom Jan 17: The Story of CN Blue - Never StopFrom Jan 18: Ender’s Game, BilocationFrom Jan 31: American Hustle

Umeda Burg7• Tel: 06-4795-7602 • http://burg7.com • Discounts: Weds (women) 1st of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200Now showing: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, Majokko Shimai no Yoyo to NeneFrom Jan 10: Odd ThomasFrom Jan 11: Killing Game, Penthouse NorthFrom Jan 18: KuroshitsujiFrom Jan 25: The Idolm@ster Movie, The Dust of Time, Only God Forgives, Nuigurumer Z,Chiisai OuchiFrom Jan 31: The Wolf of Wall Street

Umeda Garden Cinema• Tel: 06-6440-5977 • www.gardencinema.jp/umeda/• Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200Now showing: Blancanieves, Good ol’ FredaFrom Jan 4: Piazza Fontana The SessionsFrom Jan 11: Quelques heures de printempsFrom Jan 18: Lore

Cine Libre Umeda• Tel: 06-6440-5930 • www.ttcg.jp/cinelibre_umeda/• Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,000Now showing: Fire by Christian Louboutin, Cutie & BoxerFrom Jan 4: Wadjda, Can’t Stand Losing You/Surviving The PoliceFrom Jan 11: The SapphiresFrom Jan 18: Before MidnightFrom Jan 25: Chichi ha Iemoto

Theatre Umeda• Tel: 06-6359-1080 • www.ttcg.jp/theatre_umeda • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,000Now showing: Almanya -Welcome to Germany, Chai KoiFrom Jan 4: Mitten+From Jan 11: Linhas de Wellington, Love and BruisesFrom Jan 24: V/H/S/2From Jan 25: Los amantes pasajeros

Osaka Station City Cinema• Tel: 06-6346-3215 • www.osakastationcitycinema.com• Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,000Now showing: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2From Jan 10: Escape Plan, Insidious, Dangerous LiaisonsFrom Jan11: Trick the movie last stage, JudgeFrom Jan 18: Ender’s Game, KuroshitsujiFrom Jan 24: Genome HazardFrom Jan 25: Chiisai OuchiFrom Jan 31: The Wolf of Wall Street, What Maisie Knew

Toho Cinemas Namba• Tel: 06-6633-1040 • www.tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 14th of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200Now showing: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Hunter x Hunter - The Last MissionFrom Jan10: Escape Plan, Wake Up Girls!From Jan11: Trick: The Last StageFrom Jan 17: The Story of CN Blue - Never StopFrom Jan 18: Enders Game, BilocationFrom Jan 24: Genome HazardFrom Jan 25: The Idolm@ster MovieFrom Jan 31: American Hustle

Namba Parks Cinema• Tel: 06-6643-3215 • www.parkscinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200Now showing: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, Majokko Shimai no Yoyo to NeneFrom Jan 10: Escape PlanFrom Jan 11: Judge, Killing Season, Falstaff - VerdiFrom Jan 18: Ender’s Game, KuroshitsujiFrom Jan 25: Chiisai Ouchi, Los amantes pasajeros, Nuigurumer ZFrom Jan 31: The Wolf of Wall Street

Cinem@rt• Tel: 06-6282-0815 • www.cinemart.co.jp/theater/shinsaibashi• Discounts: Mon (men) Weds (women), 1st and 25th of the month: ¥1,000Now showing: Switch, Blind DetectiveFrom Jan 4: Saving General Yang, JunanFrom Jan 11: Full CircleFrom Jan 18: Burnt By The Sun 3 - The CitadelFrom Jan 25: Drug War, We’re the Millers

Kyoto

Movix Kyoto• Tel: 075-254-3215 • www.movix.co.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 20th of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200Now showing: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2From Jan 10: Escape Plan, Insidious 2From Jan11: Trick: The Last Stage, JudgeFrom Jan 18: Kuroshitsuji, Enders GameFrom Jan 25: Chiisai Ouchi, I’m so excited!

Kyoto Cinema• Tel: 075-353-4723 • www.kyotocinema.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,000Now showing: Fire by Christian Louboutin, God Save My Shoes, Naboer, Babycall,From Jan 4: Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf ’s, Cutie & Boxer, Love Marilyn, Sous le sable, Farewell My ConcubineFrom Jan 11: Wadjda, Buddha MountainFrom Jan 18: Quelques heures de printemps, Before MidnightFrom Jan 25: Burnt By The Sun 3/The Citadel

Toho Cinemas Nijo• Tel: 075-813-2410 • www.tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 14th of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200Now showing: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2From Jan 10: Escape Plan, Wake Up Girls!From Jan 11: Trick: The Last StageFrom Jan 17: The Story of Cnblue Never StopFrom Jan 18: Kuroshitsuji, Ender’s Game, BilocationFrom Jan 24: Genome HazardFrom Jan 31: American Hustle

Kobe

Os Cinema Mint Kobe• Tel: 078-291-5330 • www.jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st and 16th of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200Now showing: Hunter x Hunter The Last MissionFrom Jan 10: Escape PlanFrom Jan 11: Trick: The Last Stage, Killing SeasonFrom Jan 18: KuroshitsujiFrom Jan 24: Genome HazardFrom Jan 31: The Wolf of Wall Street, What Maisie Knew

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku• Tel: 078-230-3580 • www.shochiku-eigakan.com• Discounts: Tues (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200Now showing: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2From Jan 11: JudgeFrom Jan 18: Kuroshitsuji, Ender’s Game

Os Cinema Kobe Harborland• Tel: 078-360-3788 • www.jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st and 16th of the month: ¥1,000; every day after 8pm: ¥1,200Now showing: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2From Jan 10: Escape PlanFrom Jan 11: Trick: The Last Stage, JudgeFrom Jan 18: BilocationFrom Jan 25: Chiisai OuchiFrom Jan 31: The Wolf of Wall Street

Cine Libre Kobe• Tel: 078-334-2126 • www.ttcg.jp/cinelibre_kobe• Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,000Now showing: Moratorium TamakoFrom Jan 4: Cutie and The Boxer, Wadjda, BlancanievesFrom Jan 11: Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, The Sapphires, Before MidnightFrom Jan 25: The Idolm@ster Movie, I’m so excited

Nara

Movix Kashihara• Tel: 0744-21-1700 • www.movix.co.jp

Note: for show times and ticket information, please contact the cinemas directly


Osaka castle reimagined大阪城3DマッピングNishinomaru Gardens, Osaka Castle Park, Osaka

3D projection mapping is all the rage these days and Osaka City Tourism Bureau has teamed up with the illumination wizards at Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki to bring the show to Kansai. Wrap up warm and take an evening trip to the Nishinomaru Gardens in Osaka Castle Park this win-ter and you’ll be rewarded with a truly impressive display of this cutting edge technology. The castle comes alive as video graphics are projected onto its facade in time to bone crunching audio, belting out of enormous speakers either side of the viewing area. The castle is seemingly over-run with demons, dragons and even a tiger, as its foundations appear to twist and turn in their wake. It’s not all action however, as the show also includes club-like geometric visuals and a beautiful garden complete with butterflies and a waterfall. The show runs for approx 10 minutes and is well-worth the entry fee, considering you can also enjoy the other illuminations installed around the garden - including a sea of blue LEDs and an amazing illumination ‘cube’ that you can walk underneath. If you get peckish, there are food stalls behind the viewing gallery too.

Entry: Standard days: Adults ¥1,600, Children (4-years old – Elementary school)

¥950 • Special days (Fri, Sat, the day before holidays and other designated

days): Adults ¥2,000, Children (4-year old - Elementary school student) ¥1,200

• Access: Tanimachi 4-chome station, 5 mins walk

• See website for tickets: www.tenka1hikari.jp/ticket/

Event pickups

January

Toy Train Fair プラレール博 in OsakaATC (Asia and Pacific Trade Center) Hall Osaka • Jan 1–5, 11&12A must-see for train fans young and old, this massive purarail (plastic toy railway) event features a giant diorama, ride-on trains and even Chuggington and Thomas & Friends sections. • Admission: ¥900 adults, kids: ¥700 (on the door) • mbs.jp/event/plarail

Forty-seven Ronin Exhibition of Ornamental Hairpins And Combs 櫛と簪とおしゃれ―粋に華やかに、麗しく―Hosomi Museum, KyotoJan 3–Feb 23

A beautiful display of Japanese art pieces from the 17th to 20th century. • Closed: on Monday • Admission: ¥1,000 adults (¥800 at the door), concessions • www.emuseum.or.jp/eng

Traditional New Year’s Amusements for Children 今昔館に初もうで―お正月のむかし遊び―The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living • Jan 3–6Traditional Japanese games will be showcased in a reproduced town from the olden days. On the 3rd, the first 200 visitors can enjoy hot amazake. • Admission: ¥600 adults, concessions • konjyakukan.com

Railway Fair 2014 鉄道博2014Osaka Business Park Enkei Hall, Osaka • Jan 4–7

A large exhibition featuring railway-related items, including a display of N & HO gauge models, an auction of collectables and many other events. • Admission: ¥600 adults (¥500 at the door), concessions • tv-osaka.co.jp/tetsudou2014

The Osaka Fire Brigade’s New Year Ceremony 大阪市消防出初式FREE O’s Park in Asia and Pacific Trade Center, OsakaJan 5Firefighters from the Osaka Fire Brigade will celebrate New Year with a parade of fire engines, boats and helicopters, a colourful hosing show, rescue drills and more.Time: 10am • Admission: free • www.city.osaka.lg.jp/shobo/page/0000242322.html

Bonsai Fair 雅風展Miyako Messe, KyotoJan 9–12Over 1,200 bonsai artworks; a bonsai market, a bonsai-making demonstration, workshops, seminars and more. • Admission: ¥800 (free for children under 18 years old) • www.miyakomesse.jp/event/2014/01/39-5.php

Festival on the 10th 十日戎FREE Imamiya Ebisu-jinja, OsakaJan 9–11

Until Feb 16

Event Listings


Rice Field & Ogre Ritual田遊び　鬼会FREE Tokoji Temple, Hyogo

As a general rule, being bludgeoned by an ogre is something one should avoid, except that is, if you find yourself at a 14th century rice harvesting ritual in Hyogo’s Tokoji Temple. In this Buddhist ceremony, held to pray for a rich harvest, performers act out a farming scene (ta-asobi) while wearing antique masks carved in 1842. It all gets exciting when the farmer and his wife get jiggy, and red- and blue-skinned ogres start terrorising audience members. But don’t be too quick to take cover: it’s said that those who are hit by the blue ogre will be blessed with happiness in the new year. As well as being a great spectacle, this ceremony is a unique opportunity to experience an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.Time: 6pm • Admission: free • Access: JR Kakogawa line, Takino

stn; 40 min by taxi • www.city.kasai.hyogo.jp/04sise/11osir/

osir1212/osir121227c.htm

Jan 8

Over a million visitors come to buy holy bamboo branches and pray for prosperity in their business. Also held in most shrines around Kansai.Admission: free • imamiya-ebisu.jp/toukaebisu

Hoe-Kago Parade 宝恵籠行列FREE Soemon-Cho and Surroundings, Osaka • Jan 10Colourful palanquins called hoe-kago parade around Minami area carrying geisha, famous people and even puppets from bunraku theatre; there will be a morning and evening

session. • Admission: free • soemon-cho.com

Falconry Demonstration 放鷹術の実演Nijo Castle, Kyoto • Jan 11A demonstration of traditional Japanese falconry will take place at Green Garden in Nijo Castle.Time: 11am and 2pm • Admission: ¥600 adults, concessions • www.city.kyoto.jp/bunshi/nijojo

New Year Archery Contest 通し矢FREE Sanjusangendo Temple, Kyoto • Jan 12See 2,000 young ladies in festive kimonos shoot arrows at a target.Admission: free • sanjusangendo.jp

Provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

Traditional Card Game かるた祭りFREE Omijingu Shrine, ShigaJan 12Shrine maids in ceremonial kimonos perform karuta, a traditional Japanese game between two or more people who fight over cards, to please the god of Omijingu. • Admission: free • oumijingu.org/publics/index/127/#page127

Japan’s Best Food Stalls とんど祭とたぶん（自称）日本一の屋台達FREE Kozugu Shrine, OsakaJan 13 (the date is subject to change.)A rare chance to sample food from Osaka’s most renowned restaurants at affordable prices. Enjoy food stalls, exhilarating attractions and live performances. • Admission: free • Access: Subway Tanimachi / Sennichi-mae line Tanimachi9-chome; 5 min walk • Tel: 06-6762-1122

Uzue Ritual For Good Harvest 卯杖祭りFREE Itakiso-jinja, WakayamaJan 15Enjoy free porridge made from azuki beans as part of a solemn ritual to pray for good harvest.Time:10am–4pm • Admission: free • official.itakiso-jinja.net

Event Listings

Penguin ParadeペンギンパレードFREE Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Osaka

Grab your camera, put on your tuxedo and head over to Osaka Kaiyukan for the annual Penguin Parade. This charm-ing show, which attracts hordes of spectators to Osaka’s world-famous aquatic attraction, features a procession of King Penguins walking through Event Square right next to the aquarium. The show happens three times a day so there’s ample opportunity to see the adorable birds, which are the second largest species of penguin on Earth, in their dapper black-and-white suits ambling down an 80-meter-long path. And when evening comes and the penguins head home to roost, the square will transform into a fabulous illumination show.Admission: free • Access: Subway Chuo line Osaka-ko stn; 5 min

walk • kaiyukan.com

Until Jan 7 and 11–13


Wild Boar Festivalいのしし祭りFREE Sasayama Castle Ruins, Hyogo

If you’ve ever been curious about sampling wild boar, then the Wild Boar Festival in Hyogo is the time and place to do it. Held in Sasayama, a city in east Hyogo renowned for producing high-quality boar meat, the annual festival is a celebration of all things porcine. As for culinary delights, there’ll be boar steaks, a traditional hotpot called botan-nabe, even boar hamburgers! Plus the hilarious uribo, baby boar races, are held exclusively at this event making it a perfect day out for the whole family.Time: 10am–3:30pm • Admission: free • Access: JR Fukuchiyama

line Sasayamaguchi stn bus to Nikaimachi; 5 min walk • inoshishi.

tanba-sasayama.com

Chinese New Year 20142014春節祭FREE Kobe Nankin-Machi, Hyogo

Celebrate the new year with a “Gong Xi Fa Cai” at Kobe’s Chinatown (Nankin-machi) where a glittering array of fes-tivities and gourmet bites await. Over three days, this vibrant part of Kobe, one of only three designated Chinatowns in Japan, will come alive with parades of dancing lions and the golden dragon named “ron ron”. See more than 50 spectacu-lar performances, including red and gold lantern displays, Chinese traditional martial arts, dancers in colourful theatri-cal costumes and a fancy dress parade.Admission: free • Access: JR Kobe line / Hanshin Railway

Motomachi stn; 5 min walk • nankinmachi.or.jp

Paintings Found in the Kitora Kofun Tomb キトラ古墳壁画特別公開Asuka Historical Museum, NaraJan 17–26Two paintings found inside the Kitora kofun tomb (in the 600s) will be on display; the paintings “the Black Tortoise of the North” and “the White Tiger of the West” have been restored by this museum.Admission: ¥500 adults, concessions • www.nabunken.go.jp/asuka/kikaku/20131122-01.html

Ritual Tug of War 綱引神事FREE Namba Yasaka-jinja, OsakaJan 19Namba Yasaka-jinja hosts a tug of war using rope woven by locals that same morning. • Time: 8am (11am tug-of-war) • Admission: free • Access: Subway Yotsubashi line Namba stn; 5 min walk.

Field Burning on Mt. Wakakusa 若草山焼きFREE Mt. Wakakusa, NaraJan 25A 300-year-old ritual in which a field on Mt. Wakakusa is set on fire.Admission: free • www.kasugano.com/wakakusayama

Makino Winter Festival たかしまマキノウィンターフェスティバル2014FREE Makino Highland Ski Slope, Shiga • Jan 25Special activities especially for children, including music shows,

TV characters’ performances, a snowman contest and much more.Admission: free • makinokougen.co.jp

Field Burning at Boro Point 望楼の芝焼きFREE Shionomisaki Boro no Shibafu in Kushimoto-cho, Wakayama • Jan 25A spectacular field-burning event where flaming arrows are shot to ignite the grassland.Admission: free • Tel: 0735-62-3171 • www.kankou-kushimoto.jp/txt002.html

The Osaka Int’l Women’s Marathon 第33回大阪国際女子マラソンFREE Nagai Stadium, OsakaJan 26Runners will leave Nagai stadium at 12:10pm, pass through Osaka Castle Park, past Osaka Municipal

Hall and Mido-suji Street, and then back through the park to finish at the stadium. • Admission: free • osaka-marathon.jp

Carpet ShowKobe Club, Kobe • Feb 8Community & Information Center in Kobe presents a Carpet auction and buffet dinner at the Kobe Club.Admission: ¥3,500 • Time: 6p–10pm • www.chickobe.com

Sennin-Buro Hot Spring仙人風呂FREE Kawayu Onsen, WakayamaUntil Feb 28Enjoy a hot bath in a giant hole dug into the river bed in the tiny town of Kawayu. • Admission: free • tb-kumano.jp/en/onsen/kawayu

Event listings cont.

Jan 25

Find more listings online at: www.kansaiscene.com/listings

Jan 31–Feb 2


Art

Fruits de la Passion: La Collection du Centre PompidouHyogo Prefectural Museum of Art

The Centre Georges Pompidou provides the ideal counter-balance to the antiquities and classical masterpieces of Paris’s other great museums, the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. Its iconoclastic techno-utilitarian exterior, designed in the 1970s by a team including Renzo Piano (the man behind Kansai International Airport), still looks cutting-edge and remains controversial today. The Centre houses the Musée National d'Art Moderne, one of Europe’s greatest collections of mod-ern and contemporary art. New pieces are being added to its 50,000 works of art all the time, and the ones traveling to the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art in January are contempo-rary works acquired in the last decade.

The 31 pieces are highlights of the Centre Pompidou’s con-temporary collection, representing a wide variety of genres. The 25 artists represented are currently in the international limelight and many have represented their home countries at the Venice Biennale. It isn’t often that Kansai sees an op-portunity of this scale to catch up with the latest in global contemporary art.

Jan 18–Mar 23 • Works of modern art added in the last decade

to the collection of the Musée National d'Art Moderne (MNAM),

Centre Pompidou in Paris, one of the world’s top venues for

modern and contemporary art. • Open: 10am–6pm (10am–8pm

Fri and Sat during special exhibitions) • closed Mon • Admission:

¥1,200 • Access: Hanshin Iwaya Stn • www.artm.pref.hyogo.jp

Materials and Substance[s]The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama

“Virtually all works of art consist of materials given form. From a physical standpoint, the question ‘What is a work of art?’ can be answered easily: sculpture is wood, stone, or metal, painting is a mixture of pigment and vehicle on canvas. All works of art consist of substances that human beings have modified in some way…” Food for thought from the museum’s website (translation by KS). When we view traditional art, we look for the ideas and emotions expressed by the artist. We are drawn in by the artist’s techniques and powers of imagination, and and tend to forget that the work is in fact a material object. In the 20th century, however, more artists started to focus on the physical presence of the materials.

Among them were the post-war Japanese artists of the Gutai (“concrete”) group and the Mono-ha (“material”) movement, both of which had their genesis in Kansai, and the internationally acclaimed Korean-born, Japan-based sculptor and painter Lee Ufan. This exhibition presents mod-ern and contemporary Japanese work that embraces rather than transcends its materials, at a museum designed by Kisho Kurokawa, one of Japan’s greatest modern architects.

Until Feb 11

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Dec 21, 2013–Feb 11, 2014 • Exhibition focusing on materials,

organized around the notion that materials are not merely

means of creating art, but in fact provide works of art with a

fundamental reason for being. • Open: 9:30am–5pm • closed:

Mon. • Admission: ¥500 • Access: From JR Wakayama Station to

“Kencho mae” bus stop • momaw.jp


GRAPHIC WEST 6: The Osaka City Museum of Modern Art Design CollectionFREE ddd Gallery

The Osaka City Museum of Modern Art is still on the drawing board, as it has been for some years now, but it continues to collect works of modern and contemporary art in preparation for its eventual opening. Among these is a great collection of avant-garde graphic works from between the world wars and from the postwar golden age of modern design.

This exhibition, presented by ddd in cooperation with the Osaka City Mu-seum of Modern Art, draws on this collection to present posters and graphics by some of the 20th century avant-garde designers who shaped our world. Many decades on, the work of the Russian avant-garde, the Bauhaus school, de Stijl, the Swiss school, and the Czech avant-garde still looks like our hopes and fears for the future: Utopian and dystopian, by turns frenzied and rational, but always bold and new.

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The Craft Works of Bruno Taut: Taut’s Design Legacy in JapanFREE LIXIL Gallery OsakaDec 6, 2013–Feb 18, 2014Crafts by German architect Bruno Taut, who spent over three years in here in the 1930s, taking a break from designing expressionistic modern buildings, and steeping himself in Japan’s craft traditions.Open: 10am–5pm • Closed Wed • Admission: Free • Access: JR Osaka Stn • www1.lixil.co.jp/gallery/english

Motonori Inagaki + Thomas Neumann: Water and PlantFREE Gallery NomartDec 7, 2013–Jun 18, 2014 Photos on the themes of water and vegetation by Motonori Inagaki and

German artist Thomas Neumann, both of whom also work in diverse media including video, drawing and installation.Open: 1pm–7pm • Closed Sun, hols and Dec 28, 2013–Jan 5, 2014 • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Fukaebashi Stn • nomart.co.jp

©Kiyoharu Yamada(Kyoto), Souseki Haiku Cat in heat become emaciated only his eyes goggle.

The Universe of Natsume Soseki in PrintsFREE Y.Art-GalleryJan 21–Feb 2The unique world of Natsume Soseki, often considered the greatest modern Japanese novelist, as portrayed by 10 printmakers.Open: Tue–Sat 11am–7:30pm, Sun & hols 11am–5pm • Closed Mon • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Nakazaki-cho Stn • yart-gallery.co.jp

Power of Manga: Tezuka Osamu and Shotaro IshinomoriOsaka City Museum of HistoryJan 15–Mar 10

Focusing on these two legendary manga artists, exhibition traces the medium’s history from the post-war birth of full-length “story-manga” through the advent of anime, international recognition, and acceptance as a full-fledged art form.Open: 9:30am–5pm (until 8pm on Fri) • Closed Tue (if Tue is a national holiday, open Tue and closed Wed) • Admission: Varies • Access: Subway Tanimachi 4-chome Stn • www.mus-his.city.osaka.jp

Kyoto

Maruyama OkyoJotenkaku Museum at Shokoku-ji TempleDec 21, 2013–Mar 23, 2014Later work from the collections of Shokoku-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji by great painter of the 18th century whose realistic style had a cathartic effect on Japanese painting, paving the way for modernism.Open: 10am–5pm every day during exhibition • Admission: ¥800 • Access: Subway Karasuma line Imadegawa Stn • shokoku-ji.jp

Hyogo

Turner from the Tate: The Making of a MasterKobe City MuseumJan 11–Apr 6Large show of works from Britain’s Tate Gallery by late-18th to early-19th century master J.M.W. Turner, whose boldly composed landscape paintings elevated the status of the genre and prefigured Abstract

Expressionism with their dynamic application of paint.Open: 9:30am–5:30pm • Closed Mon (if Mon is a national holiday, open Mon and closed Tue) • Admission: ¥1,500 • Access: JR / Hankyu / Hanshin Sannomiya Stn • www.city.kobe.lg.jp/culture/culture/institution/museum/main

Golden Age of Ukiyo-e: Utamaro and His ContemporariesAkashi City Museum of CultureJan 4–Feb 9One hundred and thirty works from the halcyon days of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, including hand-drawn originals, by Utamaro and his school as well as other masters such as Sharaku and the artists of the Utagawa school.Open: 9:30am–6:30pm every day during the exhibition • Admission: ¥1,000 • Access: JR Akashi Stn • akashibunpaku.com

Art Listings

Find gallery access details and more listings online at: www.kansaiscene.com/listings

Until Mar 5

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Jan 17–Mar 5 • Avant-garde graphics from the

early- and mid-20th century including iconic

works of the Russian avant-garde, Bauhaus and

de Stijl. • Open: 11am–7pm (until 6pm on Sat) •

closed: Sun, Mon and hols • Admission: Free •

Access: Subway Namba Stn


AldiousA relatively new band on the Kansai rock scene that has gained rapid success. Formed just five years ago in Osaka by guitarist Yoshii and vocalist Rumi (who unfortunately had to leave the band in 2012 due to health issues) Aldious released their debut four-track EP Dear Slave in November 2009.Known for their provocatively glam image, the band have decided to tone down their looks to concentrate as they say on being recognized for their musicianship over being seen as just an all-girl metal band.Aldious released the double A-side single “Dominator/I Don’t Like Me” in October last year and it became the band’s highest charter to date. The track “I Don’t Like Me” is a melodic piano-backed piece, whereas “Dominator” is speed metal at its best, fast and furious!

Nov/Dec

Rock & Pop

The Autumn DefenseIndie side project of John Stirratt (Wilco).Jan 16 • Club Quattro, OsakaIndie • 7pm • ¥5,500 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

CeroJapanese indie-pop trioClub Quattro, OsakaJan 18 • Indie • 7pm • ¥3,300 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Scoobie Do @ Shangri-La

Scoobie DoJapanese funk rock bandShangri-La, OsakaFeb 19 • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,000 • Tel: 06-6357-3666

JackmanJapanese visual kei rock bandClub Quattro, OsakaJan 24 • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

Amazarashi @ Zepp

AmazarashiJapanese pop rock singer songwriterZepp, OsakaJan 25 • Pop rock • 6pm • ¥4,500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Little MixBritish four-piece girl vocal groupClub Quattro, OsakaJan 27 • Pop •¥4,500/¥5,000 • Tel: 03-5575-5170

Sakanaction SakanaquariumJapanese five-piece fusion rock outfitZepp, OsakaJan 29-30 • Rock fusion • 7:30pm •¥6,000 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

Crazy Ken BandPopular pop funk Japanese bandBillboard Live Osaka, OsakaJan 30 • Pop-funk • 6:30pm/9:30pm •¥8,300/¥9,800 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Yamazen & Z-RidersJapanese rock bandTaku Taku, Kyoto

Feb 1 • Rock • 6:30pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 075-351-1321

Singing on the Sofa Acoustic Sessions ft. Takayama Maki, Sakai Chifumi, Yammy, Kakidani Yuko with Thomas Posner & Shunji TakenakaAcoustic vocal sessions back by bass and guitarRag Live Spot, KyotoFeb 1 • Female vocal • 7:30pm • ¥2,240/¥2,800 •Tel: 075-255-7273

Los Lonely Boys @ Shangri-La

Los Lonely BoysAmerican chicano rock power trioShangri-La, OsakaFeb 2 • Rock • 6:30pm •¥6,500 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Kan (Kimura Kan)Japanese soft rock singer songwriterZepp, OsakaFeb 6-7 • Rock • 7pm •¥7,000 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

Mo’some TonebenderJapanese rock trioTaku Taku, KyotoFeb 7 • Rock • 5pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 075-351-1321

The LumineersFolk rock band from Denver, ColoradoClub Quattro, OsakaFeb 7 • Rock • 7pm • ¥6,000 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

ALvino @ Varit

ALvinoJapanese rock trioVarit, KobeFeb 7 • Rock • 7pm •¥4,500 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

CharPopular Japanese rock guitaristChicken George, KobeFeb 2 • Rock • 7:30pm • ¥5,500/¥6,000 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

Glen MatlockEx-Sex Pistols guitaristVarit, Kobe

Live MusicFeb 11

Live Music Listings

KSPick

All-girl Japanese heavy metal band from Osaka

• Club Quattro, Osaka

Metal • 6pm • ¥3,800/¥4,300 • Tel: 06-6311-8111


The Autumn DefenceAn indie side project put together by Wilco bassist John Stirratt in collabora-tion with his friend and fellow musician Pat Sansome.

Their first release was way back in 2001, with the album The Green Hour, which was followed two years later by Circles and their latest offering is this month’s upcoming Fifth.

On the new album John Stirratt says “Songs touch on difficulties of living in big, cold cities and the challenges… the first song, is related to the challenge of urban life and seasonal depres-sion.” Sansome is more upbeat luckily. “August Song, which has more of an optimistic tone…is more of a summer song,” he says. So thankfully it’s not all doom and gloom.

The Autumn Defence come to Japan for three dates (Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka) and as this is a part-time project get along while you can.

Indie side project of John Stirratt (Wilco) •

Club Quattro, Osaka • Indie • 7pm • ¥5,500

• Tel: 06-6535-5569

Magnus HjorthOriginally from the Swedish west coast town of Laholin, and now based in Co-penhagen, Denmark, Magnus Hjorth attended the renowned jazz college Fridhems Folkhogokoh in Sweden be-fore moving on to the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Denmark.

The Magnus Hjorth Trio came into existence in 2006 releasing Loco Motif, 2007 Old Borrowed Blue 2009 and Gershwin With Strings in 2011.

Hjorth has also collaborated with Japanese drummer Kazumi Ikenaga in the past. A sought-after side-man pianist, he has recorded with a number of prominent bands and musicians after being voted best soloist at the interna-tional jazz contest Getxs Jazz in 2007. On this current tour of Japan, Magnus Hjorth plays dates in Osaka, Kobe and Tokyo with Keisuke Torigae on bass and Kazumi Ikenaga on drums.

Swedish jazz pianist • Mister Kellys, Osaka

• Jazz • 7:30pm/9:15pm • ¥4,200/¥4,500

• Tel: 06-6342-5821

Hiroki KuritaThirty-five-year-old Osaka blues singer-guitarist Hiroki Kurita released his debut eight-track album Brand New Life through the Osaka-based label and venue Raw Tracks last April.

Putting his first band together while still at high school, Kurita covered hard rock tracks but was later introduced to black music during a visit to New York where he also experienced gospel sounds in a Harlem church. This then progressively led him to the blues.

The Osaka Raw Tracks venue is an intimate affair with a capacity for about 100 people and in fact the stage area is almost as big as the audience section though it is a nice venue.

Osaka blues singer guitarist • Raw tracks,

Osaka • Blues • Time:TBA • ¥1,500

• Tel: 06-6358-0005

Jan 15

Feb 9 • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 078-392-6655

Dragon Ash @ Namba Hatch

Dragon AshJapanese rap rock groupNamba Hatch, OsakaFeb 10 • Rock • 7pm •¥5,900/¥6,400 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

Phantom ExcaliverJapanese four-piece rock bandNeverland, NaraFeb 10 • Rock • Time:TBA •¥1,500/¥1,800 • Tel: 09-1142-1996

Analog FishJapanese alternative rock trio known for anime Naruto title trackTaku Taku, KyotoFeb 11 • Rock • 4pm • ¥3,500/¥3,800 • Tel: 07-351-1321

AldiousAll-girl Japanese heavy metal band from OsakaClub Quattro, OsakaFeb 11 • Metal • 6pm •¥3,800/¥4,300 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

Mongol800Japanese punk rock trio from OkinawaOsaka Jo Hall, OsakaFeb 13 • Rock • 7pm • ¥5,800 • Tel: 06-6357-3666

FinchAmerican post hardcore band from CaliforniaClub Quattro, OsakaFeb 13 • Hardcore • 7pm • ¥6,300 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Tiina KariinaJapanese pop singer-songwriter from OsakaBillboard Live Osaka, Osaka

Feb 15 • Pop • 4:30pm/8pm • ¥4,500/¥6,000 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Jazz & Blues

Larry RansomeJohn Coltrane tribute by Kyoto resident drummerBlue Note, KyotoJan 10 • Jazz • 8pm •¥2,500 • Tel: 075-223-0398

Magnus HjorthSwedish jazz pianistMister Kellys, OsakaJan 15 • Jazz • 7:30pm/9:15pm • ¥4,200/¥4,500 • Tel: 06-6342-5821

Jan 16Jan 5


Mongol800In 2001 Mongol800 sold over 2 million records and they did it the hard way, with very little commercial backing, which tells you that this punk rock trio from Okinawa are doing something right and producing music that people want to hear (the album in question was their second and aptly named Message).

This concert kicks off a tour that marks the band’s 15th anniversary and the threesome of Takazato Satoshi, Uezo Kyosaku and Guna Takashi have over that period released six albums all of which have been commercially successful sales-wise. Their latest was last year’s Good Morning Okinawa.

The band mix elements of both punk and ska in to their style of rock music and are also known by fans as Monpachi.

Japanese punk rock trio from Okinawa • Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

Rock • 7pm • ¥5,800 • Tel: 06-6357-3666

Gilad AtzmonGilad Atzmon is much more than a jazz saxophonist. Born and raised in Israel, and now living in the UK, Atzmon is also well known for his thought-provoking political and cultural writings regarding his homeland and the Middle East (Atzmon recently appeared on the David Icke online TV channel The Peoples Voice speaking about a number of subjects including his criticism of Zionism). I would recom-mend the musician’s book The Wandering Who?

Not to sidetrack from Gilad Atzmon’s music too much with politics, his 2003 album Exile was the BBC jazz album of the year and he has been called “the hardest gigging man in jazz”. During his career he has recorded twelve albums and as well as saxophone he is also an accomplished player of the clarinet and ethnic woodwind instruments.

This is the gig of the month for venue, value and artist.

Israeli born British based jazz saxophonist and writer • Blue Note,

Kyoto • Jazz • 8pm • ¥2,500 • Tel: 075-223-0398

Feb 13Jan 16

Gilad AtzmonIsraeli born British based jazz saxophonist and writerBlue Note, KyotoJan 16 • Jazz • 8pm • ¥2,500 • Tel: 075-223-0398

Kyoko Inazuma TrioJapanese piano fronted jazz trioBlue Note, KyotoJan 19 • Jazz • 8pm • ¥1,500 • Tel: 075-223-0398

Naoto AshizuJapanese solo pianistBlue Note, KyotoJan 26 • Jazz • 8pm • ¥1,000 • Tel: 075-223-0398

NaohJapanese jazz saxophonistMister Kellys, OsakaJan 31 • Jazz • 7:30pm/9:15pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 06-6342-5821

Jamie Cullum @ Namba Hatch

Jamie CullumBritish jazz-pop-blues pianist singer songwriterNamba Hatch, OsakaJan 31 • Jazz pop • 7pm •¥6,500 • Tel: 06-6535-5569

Fried PrideJapanese jazz blues guitar and female vocal duoRag Live Spot, KyotoFeb 8 • Jazz blues • 7:30pm • ¥4,400/¥5,500 • Tel: 075-255-7273

PE’zJapanese upbeat jazz instrumental groupBillboard Live Osaka, OsakaFeb 9 • Jazz • 4:30pm/7:30pm • ¥5,400/¥6,900 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Jose James @ Billboard Live

Jose JamesAmerican club jazz hip-hop vocalistBillboard Live Osaka, OsakaFeb 11-12 • Jazz hip-hop • 11th-4:30pm/7:30pm ~ 12th-6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥6,300/¥7,800 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Sadao WatanabeJapanese jazz and other genre saxophonist

Rag Live Spot, KyotoFeb 14 • Jazz • 7:30pm • ¥6,720/¥8,400 • Tel: 075-255-7273

Classical & World

Gruppo Ocarinistico BudrieseScandanavian world musicRitto Sakira Hall Arts & culture Centre, Ritto Feb 1 • Ocarina • 2pm • ¥3,150/¥3,500 • Tel: 077-551-1455

Kawai IkukoClassically trained violinist and composerRitto Sakira Hall Arts & Culture Centre, Ritto Feb 15 • Classical • 1:30pm • ¥2,000/¥2,500 • Tel: 077-551-1455



Club

CircusSvreca Japan Tour

Circus welcomes the Madrid-born techno DJ/producer Svreca aka Enrique Mena. He owns the very underground techno label Semantica, which has been putting out experi-mental yet sophisticated techno like Silent Servant, Surgeon, Mike Parker, Oscar Mulero and his own tracks for a few years. Last September, he was supposed to play the closing set on the final day of the Labyrinth, widely considered one of the best outdoor techno festivals. It was unfortunately canceled due to a typhoon. For those that were at the festival and felt frustrated, and those that are into deep techno, this is the party not to miss.

January

2 (Thu)

CircusCircus New Year Party (Techno) • DJs:Daniel Bell, Shingo • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

3 (Fri)

CircusRoska Japan Tour in Osaka (Bass Music) • DJs: Roska, Tell, Eyez, Sou, Keiburger, Kin-Pon • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Troop CafeVisitors - New Year Special Edition (House) • DJs: Daniele Baldelli + more • Open: 10:30pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (WF: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.tumblr.com

4 (Sat)

CircusCircus Show Case 2014 feat. Fumiya Tanaka (Techno) • DJs: Fumiya Tanaka, Jimmer + more •

Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

OnziemeCyber Japan presents Bikini Night 2014 (House) • DJs: Mitomi Tokoto, Mitsuda Daisuke, Marvy, Soery, Skire • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

10 (Fri)

JouleShinichi Osawa DJ Set (Electro/House) • DJs: Shinichi Osawa, Masatoshi Uemura + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500(ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

11 (Sat)

CircusAgile (Techno) • DJs: Hito, Monashee • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

EzeKitahama Entrada (Techno/House) • Live: Sick • DJs: Yogurt, Kazuma, Maiko, Logo, Hide • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Where: Kitahama • Tel: 06-6233-7788

OnziemeEleven Lights (EDM) • DJs: Benkay & Bold, Ko-Matsushima, Erich Logan, YPY, MJ-Michi, Unbalance + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

UnionExtende Mix (House) • DJs: peechboy Liqued Brothers, Yusuke, Afr • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6251-2242 • club-union.jp

17 (Fri)

CircusWolf + Lamb Japan Tour 2014 (House/Techno) • DJs: Wolf + Lamb + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

18 (Sat)

OnziemeYasutaka Nakata (House/Electro) • DJs: Yasutaka Nakata + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

24 (Fri)

CircusLark (Techno) • Live: Kaitaro • DJs: Yoshiki, Yusuke, Spot • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

25 (Sat)

CircusCircus Show Case 2014 feat. Ken Ishii (Techno) • DJs: Ken Ishii + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

ExodusTrancist (Trance) • DJs: Zen Oikawa, Masa, Show-Hey, Kota + more • 10pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • exodus728.com

OnziemeLime feat. Darren Emerson (House/Techno) • DJs: Darren Emerson, Yashima, Freak Menu, Dimitri, Masataka • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Club Listings

Jan 26


Svreca Japan Tour 13 (Techno) • DJs: Svreca + more• Open: 8pm

• Admission: ¥3,000/1D (ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi •

Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com


Artist profile

If these walls could talkYou may just see it as a thing that keeps the cold out in winter, but to this month’s cover artist DAAS, that wall is a canvas.Text: KS • Images: DAAS

There can’t be many Umeda-ites who haven’t enjoyed a taste of the craic in The Blarney Stone. You can easily recall the drinks, food or events, but how about the walls? Can you remember the colour? The creamy yellow dappled stone probably never really drew your attention before, because it’s been created deliberately not to; it blends smoothly into the background of a typical modern Irish pub.

Giving pubs and other public spaces authentic-feeling ‘faux’ walls is just one of DAAS’ specialities. While this kind of work is subtly blended into the background of your big night out, you definitely wouldn’t miss his other work: giant colourful murals created with acrylic, wood and canvas.

DAAS first came to Japan from Florida as a contracted artist/perform-er for Universal Studios Japan in 2007. He continued to work for USJ until January 2013, after which he became a full-time artist.

He explains: “I’ve been fortunate enough to work solely as an artist for nearly 15 years, by doing a variety of things such as large-scale murals for Harley Davidson Motorcycles and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, live painting performances, scenic work for

Universal Studios Orlando, Busch Gar-dens and custom interior wall finishes and aging.”

It takes DAAS about two weeks to complete an artwork. He works mainly in acrylics, but recently he’s been experimenting with more mixed media, such as plasters to add extra texture and physical depth to his wall paintings.

“My style of art has developed into a sort of push and pull between unity and fragmentation,” he says. “It relies heavily on geometrics shapes, expres-sive colors and organic textures com-bined into a recognizable form like an animal or human face. I’ve never really felt locked into one style or another, so this current method of creating is bound to change sooner or later. It’s the process and evolution of the work that I enjoy the most.”

DAAS lives in Nishinomiya, very close to Shukugawa river, which means he hasn’t got far to stumble to enjoy some stunning spring hanamis. The proximity to nature is a big plus.

“The natural way things age in nature, I believe, is the biggest influ-ence for me. I find myself continually attracted to old stone walls with layers of color, moss and lichens. One of

my favorite places to recharge myself creatively is in Nara near Tōdai-ji, I can spend hours walking around and star-ing at all the old structures and walls.”

As well as being inspired by nature, recently DAAS has been digging the grafitti-esque work of José Parlá and Gerhard Richter’s Abstracts.

While he may spend a lot of time gazing at walls, and working hard to either blend them in or liven them up, DAAS’ unique portfolio also includes some colourful depictions of people. His most memorable commission was a portrait of a friend’s mother who passed away. “It was a representational piece painted in oil on canvas. The main thing I enjoyed about it was the chance to paint something outside of my current style and comfort zone. It presented some enjoyable challenges, such as capturing the essence of some-one’s personality whom you have never met, working in oils and laying out a completely different color palette.”

Website: daas-art.com

Twitter: @Daas_Art

From left:

• Ishmael • What if 6 turned out to be 9? • Something important is about to happen.


Kansai Business Finder

Education

Kobe YWCAGlobal Network of WomenChuo-ku, Ninomiya-cho 1-12-10 Kobe Tel: 078-231-6201 Url: www.kobe.ywca.or.jp

Osaka YWCAGlobal Network of WomenKita-ku, Kamiyama-cho 11-12 Osaka Tel: 06-6361-0838 Url: www.osaka.ywca.or.jp

Arthur Murray Dance SchoolDance StudioChuo-ku, Minami-senba 3-5-28 Osaka Tel: 06-6245-1731 Url: www.arthurmurray.co.jp

Marga Language ServiceJapanese Language School

Chuo-ku, Onoe-dori 5-1-27-8F KobeTel: 078-271-6446 Url: www.marga.jp

Osaka Abacus AssociationLet’s learn Abacus!Minatoku, Yunagi 2-13-7 OsakaTel: 06-6572-6877 Url: https://sites.google.com/site/osakasoroban/

Espeto SportsAcrobatics and Capoeira schoolOsaka, Minato-ku, Namiyoke 5-4-20Tel: 06-6582-7177 Url: www.espeto-sports.com

Shops & Services

MojoprintFull Color PrintingNishi-ku, Shinmachi 3-5-7, Eiko Bldg. 2F Osaka Tel: 06-6539-1717 Url: www.mojoprint.jp

Brastel RemitSend money overseasSumida-ku, Yokoami 2-6-2 Tokyo Tel: 0120-983-891 / 03-6869-4851 Url: www.brastelremit.jp

TNT-PCEnglish PC SupportNishinomiya-shi, Maruhashi-cho 6-8-1F Nishinomiya Tel: 0798-65-7555 Url: www.tnt-pc.com

Yuko Tamaki Accounting OfficeAccounting & Tax ServicesChuo-ku, Tanimachi 1-7-3-8F, OsakaTel: 06-6809-1955Url: www12.plala.or.jp/ytaccounting/indexeng.html

Miyabi Int’l Gyoseishoshi Law FirmVISA Lawyers in OsakaKita-ku, Nishitenma 1-8-9 Viequ tower #2406 OsakaTel: 06-4981-7439

Creamy KidsInternational Modeling AgencyKita-ku, Umeda 1-2-2 Osaka Eki-mae, Dai-2 Bldg. 2F Osaka Tel: 06-6347-7705Url: www.pre21.com/creamy

Pakmail AmagasakiWe Ship Anything, Anywhere!Tsugiya 2-2-28 Amagasaki Tel: 06-6492-8950 Url: www.pakmail-ama.com

Pakmail EsakaWe Ship Anything, Anywhere!Suita, Esaka-cho 1-23-17 Osaka Tel: 06-6330-8988 Url: www.pakmail-osaka.com

Sweatshop UnionT-Shirt Print ShopNaniwa-ku, Sakuragawa 4-5-19 Osaka Tel: 06-4394-8850 Url: www.sweatshopunion.jp/eng

Shinmei Law OfficeBusiness Lawyer

> for more listings and maps see kansaiscene.com/business-finder


Kita-ku, Nishi-tenma 4-11-22, Hanshin-shinmei Bldg. 501 Osaka Tel: 06-6362-8013 Url: www.shinmei-law.com/e

Exeo InternationalInternational Dating PartiesKita-ku, Umeda 1-1-3-3F Sky Lounge Mariage Osaka Tel: 050-5810-3977 Url: www.exeo-international.com

Travel

GS TravelBest Fares in OsakaChuo-ku, Higashi-Shinsaibashi 1-13-21, Wadayoshi Bldg 302 Osaka Tel: 06-6281-1230 Url: www.gs-travel.com/en

World ExpressKobe’s Popular Travel AgencyChuo-ku, Kotonoo-cho 5-3-5, Green Chapeau Bldg. 104 Kobe Tel: 078-222-5050 Url: www.wexp.co.jp

Real Estate & Accommodation

Takani Co. Ltd.Total solution for house-huntingYodogawa-ku, Nishimiyahara 2-3-35 Osaka Tel: 06-6396-6770

Mayflower HouseOsaka guesthouseChuo-ku, Izumi-machi 2-1-15 Osaka Tel: 0120-881-456 Url: www.osaka-mayflower-guesthouse.com/en

Entrance JapanShared houses across OsakaKita-ku, Shibata 1-14-8-9F Osaka Tel: 06-6136-3330 Url: www.entrance-japan.com

DreamersFurnished / Non-Furnished lofts for rentNishiyodogawa-ku, Tsukuda 1-1-36 Osaka Tel: 06-6471-8136 Url: http://passage.sunnyday.jp

Tomson Real EstateEnglish speaking real estate specialist in KobeKobe, Chuo-ku, Kotono-cho 2-2-7, Ueda Bldg. 202 Tel: 078-200-6369

Health & Beauty

Ishida Women’s ClinicWomen’s Health Care in OsakaAsashi-ku, Shinmori 2-1-26 Osaka Tel: 06-6951-9701 Url: www.ishida-clinic.jp/en

Hair Art & Make up BOYHair and Make UpChuo-ku, Higashi-Shinsaibashi 1-2-23-5F Osaka Tel: 06-6252-7630 Url: www6.ocn.ne.jp/~boy

Oriental Dental ClinicEnglish Speaking Dentist Chuo-ku, Nakayamate-dori 3-4-7, Oriental Medical Dental Bldg. 4F Osaka Tel: 078-321-2717 Url: www.oriental-shika.com

K Studio New YorkEnglish Speaking Beauty Salon Kita-ku, Toyosaki 5-2-22-2F OsakaTel: 06-6371-9033 Url: www.ksny.jp

Wining & Dining

AbsintheMediterranean Restaurant Cafe/BarNishi-ku, Kita-horie 1-2-27 South Yotsubashi Bldg. 1F OsakaTel: 06-6534-6635 Url: www.absinthe-jp.com

Asbinthe SolaarRoof Top Restaurant Cafe Bar & Beer GardenChuo-ku, Namba 5-1-18 Namba Dining Maison 8F OsakaTel: 06-6633-1445 Url: www.absinthe-jp.com/absinthe-solaar

Outback SteakhouseAustralian Themed SteakhouseKita-ku, Umeda 2-1-24 Shinsakurabashi Bldg. 1F Osaka Tel: 06-6457-7121 Url: www.outbacksteakhouse.co.jp


Classi�eds

Place your ad online at:

kansaiscene.com/classifieds

AccommodationFor RentTANIMACHI 3 ROOMS TOWNHOUSE, NO AGENCY FEE. 3 room townhouse, walking distance to Shinsaibashi, 4mins walk to Tanimachi 9 station. Shopping street nearby. 65,000yen/month+1 month dep. No guarantor required. 1K apt, 39,000yen/month in Abeno, 30,000yen/month in Kadoma, 1DK apt, 42,000yen/month in Sekime also available. Contact: Kenji 08033547200 <[email protected]>

KOBE: NO KEY MONEY NO AGENCY FEE. Furnished with washer, fridge etc. 2LDK Hankyu Ojikoen, near shops, 51m² ¥98,000 Good for sharing Very convenient Eng or Jpn. 090-9286-1216 <[email protected]> http://www.ffeilden.com/

Room / Flat shareSHARED ACCOMMODATION FOR RENT IN OSAKA. Wagokoro: Rent ¥39,000~, 9.72m2~, 8min walk from JRSenrioka st. / Marche Awaza: Rent ¥46,000~, 7.29m2~, 7min walk from Awaza st. No key money, deposit/ guarantor. Furnished. Initial cost: 1st month’s rent+handling fee(15,750). Mention Classified ad = handling fee is FREE

<[email protected]> http://www.entrance-japan.com

Shared HouseNEW! GREEN APARTMENT RETRO-MODERN SHAREHOUSE OSAKA NEWLY OPEN JANUARY. retro-modern shared house with cool renovated building at OSAKA Bentencho st. rent ¥36,000~46,000 and expenses ¥10,000 per month. at contract, admin fee ¥30,000 and deposit one month rent. reference required. Contact: Jiro Kumakiri <[email protected]> or www.facebook.com/GreenApartmentOsaka

SHARE HOUSE SUPPORTER. Share-college KOBE. JR Nada station Room charge 43000(included utilities) about 17000en lower than the normal charge!! 2 person, English speaker or teacher. Task is petit support 2 hour per week. Contact: DREAMERS INC<[email protected]> Website: dreamers-jp.com

JobsEducationNATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER FOR CHILDREN IN OSAKA. We are looking for a native English teacher for afternoon classes.English conversation classes 15:00-18:30. 2,500-3,000 yen / hours + Transportation. Requirements : Teaching Certificate, Experience and Bachelor's Degree, Accept short term. Contact: Masaaki Matsumoto <[email protected]> http://www.hummingbirds.cc

P/T TEACHERS NEEDED. PLC Language Center seeks P/T teachers for our school near Tsuruhashi station. Monday through Friday available. Please send resume to [email protected]. Training will start from Jan. and the job will start from April. Proper visa needed. Contact: Uehonmachi Pros <[email protected]>

FT ENGLISH TEACHER AT FRIENDS EIKAIWA.Starting at 1500/hr. Proper Visa needed. Must be native speaker. Prep time and travel expenses paid. Located near JR Suminodo in Daito city, Osaka. Contact: Eri Aoki <[email protected]> http://friendseikaiwa.sp.land.to

SEEKING A NATIVE ENGLISHSPEAKER IN SAKAI CTIY, OSAKA. We are seeking an English teacher for a once or twice a week position. Previous teaching experience is appreciated. One private adult lesson pays 2000 Yen plus covered travel expenses.Applicants who are interested, please send your resume via email to the address listed below<[email protected]> http://www.vacation-es.co.jp/

FT NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER. (beginning April 1, 2014) To teach kids and adults, we require a genki team player for Tue through Sat afternoons and evenings. In Korien on Keihan line. K or ES certified Exp essential. Salary starts from ¥220,000 per month. Full details on application. Bonus trans visa – see website. Please apply now by email or fax. Contact: Modern English <[email protected]> http://www.modernenglish.net/index-en.php

ENGLISH TEACHERS REQUIRED. Osaka and Kyoto. English Teachers Required for various teaching times at two of our Kansai based schools. Immediate start available. Teaching experience preferred but not required. Training provided. Students are adults. Class size maximum 4 students. Please email resume to <[email protected]>

TEACHERS WANTED. School in Ashiya/Okamoto is looking for FT/PT English,French and Korean teachers ASAP. University diploma is preferable. Must be native speaker with valid visa Payment: 2700-3000yen per hour and transportation. Contact us by email.

<[email protected]> http://www.comlanguageschool.com

KANSAI CORPORATE CLASSES. CES is seeking professional, English/Chinese/Korean/Indonesian corporate instructors for p/t corporate classes (2-7 Hours a day) in Himeji, Akashi, Osaka, Shiga, Nara and Kyoto. P/t hourly rates 3,500-4,500 yen per hour. For more info, please forward C/V with availability to <[email protected]>

ENERGETIC NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER WANTED. Energetic native English speaker wanted. International School in Nishinomiya and Amagasaki area. F/T M-F. Visa s/ship avail. Email: <[email protected]>

GeneralENGLISH SPEAKING BAR STAFF WANTED FOR NEWLY OPENED. bar in Umeda. Beer & Pizza Gosuke. Conversational level Japanese required. All nationalities welcome. 3hrs a night, 6pm-5am. ¥900/hr (first month ¥850/hr). Please contact the manager, Mr. Asada at 06-6312-3387 (4pm - midnight). Contact: Mr. Asada<[email protected]>

EntertainmentDANCE INSTRUCTORS WANTED. Looking for international dance instructors (any dance form) to teach at a new studio opening April 2014 in Nishinomiya, Hyogo. http://www.daas-art.com For more information, please send email to: [email protected]

PART-TIME: HOSTESS. WANTED スタッフ募集 Foreign, female hostess wanted for Fri-Sat,20:30-01:00 Located in Fuse [kintetsu line] ¥1500/hr~ Conversational Japanese and proper visa required. will provide transportation after shift, please call 080-6188-3645 or e-mail [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/SWING.Fuse Contact: Higuch

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE JANUARY 2014 kansaiscene.com4242Media / IT

LEAPFORCE AT HOME INDEPENDENT AGENT - JAPANESE. This is an opportunity to evaluate and improve the results for one of the world's largest internet search engine companies. Candidates must: currently reside in Japan, proficient in Japanese and English, Possess a high speed internet connection & pass exam. Please Note: One position per IP. Contact: aleapforce13 <[email protected]> https://www.leapforceathome.com/qrp/public/job/33

ENGLISH SPEAKING NETWORK FIELD ENGINEER - FULLTIME. Looking for a service oriented engineer living in Kansai. Linux server knowledge, network management, Hardware and software support experience. Entry level Japanese prefered, but not required. Jp drivers lic. Near Hankyu Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi. 9:30am to 7:30pm 5 days a wk. Y200,000 starting salary. Contact: <[email protected]> http://www.tnt-pc.com

Health & BeautyENGLISH SPEAKING DENTIST IN KOBE. Kitano Dental Clinic is located near Hankyu Sannomiya

Station West Exit. Easy access from JR Sannomiya Station. Drop-in consultations welcome. English spoken. NHI accepted. Appts required. Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-7:00pm (Th&Sat 9:30am-1pm) All your general needs, cleaning, etc. Call 078-331-3512 Contact: Kitano<[email protected]> Website: www.kitanoshika.com

Courses & ClassesPOLE-DANCE, JAZZ-DANCE LESSONS POLE-DANCE AND JAZZ-DANCE LESSONS IN OSAKA. all levels are welcome!

more info: <[email protected]>

FREE ABACUS CLASS FOR FOREIGNERS. FREE ABACUS CLASS for FOREIGNERS offered by O.C.C.I. and Osaka Abacus Assoc. to promote int'l goodwill. Individualized lessons taught in Japanese or English. Saturdays 10-12 am. Course material provided for free. Near Sakaisuji-Hommachi and Kitahama. Call: Moritomo Ken 06-6572-6877 <[email protected]> Website: sites.google.com/site/osakasoroban/

AnnouncementsOSAKA BOOK GROUP'S JANUARY MEETING. We'll talk about "July's People" by Nadine Gordimer on January 26, starting at 12.30. The venue is Cafe Foodelica, which is located one-minute walk from Eiden's Shugakuin station. Contact: Massa < [email protected]> http://www.facebook.com/masanaka

OtherBILINGUAL ARTS PUBLICATION: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS. Visual ; written works on the theme "Last Train/First Train" are being

considered for Kamihikouki&'s March issue. Please submit by 2/2/14 to <[email protected]> https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kamihikouki-Magazine/260614457424490

For Sale (used)XPERIA Z FOR SALE. Factory unlocked. Six months old. Great condition. 16gb micro SD included. Box and charger included. Decided to change to iPhone. 35,000yen. Contact: Tony Romani < [email protected]>

KLX250E KAWASAKI D-TRACKER 250CC. I am selling a 2007 KLX 250cc bike. Rode for 2 years and has 13600km only. Very good condition. Includes helmets, navi and gear. 250,000 obo. Serious inquiries only. Call Tony 090-6503-1517 < [email protected]>

Sorry…Due to space restrictions we are unable to print all classified ads.See kansaiscene.com for more classifieds online.

5F

KitahamaEdobori

Dojima Nishi TenmaHanshin Expressway(Loop Route)

Naniwabashi

Nakanoshima

Watanabebashi

Oebashi

Keihan Honsenline

Keihan-

Nakanoshima Line

Kita Shinchi

3F

4F 35F

Hanshin Main Line

Route No.2

Fukushima Sta.

Jr Tozai Line

Dojima River

Higobashi

HankyuUmedaSta.

JR OsakaSta.

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Kita Shinchi

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Yotsubashi Line

4F

Tosabori River

Midosuji Line

Miyako

jima-d

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Hankyu Higashidori Arcade

Shin Midosuji

Higashi Umeda

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BlarneyStone

Tanimachi Line

Ogimachi Dori

6F

Naniw

abashi/kitahama

Nakanoshima Dori

Yodoyabashi

Ogi-machi Park

Loft

ARC

Kinokuniya

Umeda Piccadilly

USConsulate

Hotel Kansai

HanshinDept.

SonezakiPolice H.Q.

Beer & PizzaGO_SUKE

EntranceJapan

Shinmei Law Office

Craft BeerBase

AsahiyaBookstore

Navio Toho Plex

TohoAnnex

TheaterUmeda

HankyuDept.

NationalMuseum of Art

Cine LibreUmeda

YodobashiCamera

MitsukoshiIsetan

Lucua

HotelGranvia

HiltonPlaza West

OutbackSteakhouse

New Hankyu Hotel Osaka YWCA

Maruzen & Junkudo

Junkudo

City Hall

Lagunaveil Premier

Umeda GardenCinema

Club Noon

Ings

Exeo

Westin Hotel

Hep Navio

Hep5

E-ma

Creamy

1FMister Kelly’s

Herbis Osaka

Rihga RoyalHotel

Tower Records

Breeze BreezeRitz

Carlton

MaruBldg.

UmedaBurg7

HiltonHotel

HerbisEnt

NTT Data

NTT

YMCA

Hotel Kinki

Visitors’InformationCenter

Ostec ExhibitionHall

DaimaruFloat Court

Umeda SkyBuilding

German Consulate

Utsubo Park

Bank of Japan

Ana CrownPlaza

Mitsui SumitomoBank

The TagFree Space Studio

Dojima Avanza

Capt. Kangaroo

24F

Miyabi Int’lLaw Firm

GrandFrontOsaka

InterContinental Osaka Hotel

5

6

Um

eda

Movie TheatreTempleShrineChurchHotelHospitalPolice StationBankPost Office

0 200m

N


Shinmachi

Shinsaibashi

Soemon-Cho

Dotonbori

Namba

Kita-Horie

Nippon-Bashi

Higashi-Shinsaibashi

Minami-Horie

Inari

Moto-machi

Minami-senba

Nishiohashi

1F

Yotsubashi

Dotonbori river

Nan

iwa-

suji

Namba

JR N

amba

Sta

.

Namba Sta.Namba

Kintetsu Nara lineSennichimae line

Hanshin expressway (loop route)

Namba walkNipponbashi

Nipponbashi sta.

Saka

isuj

i

1F

B1

B1Suomachi-dori (Europe street)

6F

3F

2F

Shin

saib

ashi

-suj

i (sh

oppi

ng a

rcad

e)

Nagahoribashi

5F8F

Nagahori tsurumi-ryokuchi line

Nagahori doriShinsaibashi

B1

Mid

osuj

i

1F

4F

11F

Yots

ubas

hi li

ne

1F

2F

Tokyu Hands

HotelT’point

DaimaruDept.North

The BlarneyStone

HotelMetrothe 21

Murphy’s

GS Travel

Dublin Bay /Dublin Garden

Coolabah

Clapper

Cinem@rt

NikkoHotel

Big step

DDD

Azul

DropTriangle

Onzieme

Ali’s KitchenEl Pancho

Arthur Murray

Uniqlo

Boy

OPA

CrossHotel

Fubar

Zerro

B1 Pure Osaka

Cine Pop

Tower Records

Junkudo

JunkudoOCAT

Nan-nan Town

LunarClub

AppleStore

DaimaruDept.

DaimaruDept.South

Family Mart

HoriePark

GrandCafe

Fanjtwice

SankakuKoen

KitahorieHospital

Kansai SceneMojoprintOffice

CafeAbsinthe

Balabushka

Little Long Beach

TezukayamaGallery

HotelMonterey

TominagaHospital

NambaHatch

SwissotelNankai Osaka

Toho CinemasNamba

Crysta Nagahori (underground shopping)

Namba Walk (underground)

Spotaka

23 mm

MizuhoBank

CoventGarden

5

6

Shinsaib

ashi/Nam

ba

0 200m

N

Yamamoto-dori

Kitano-cho

Nankin-machi

Sannomiya

Sannomiya

Sannomiya

SannomiyaJR Sannomiya

JR Motomachi sta.

Motomachi

Tor Road

Pearl StreetKobe Mosque

Yamate kansen

1F

4F

Hun

terz

aka

Kita

noza

ka

Fudozaka

Shiei

Yam

ate

subw

ay lin

e

1F

8F

SOGODept.5F

Port liner

Kobe kosokutetsudo

Hanshin line

Subway Kainan line

Route 2

Flower road

Sanchika und.

7F

1F

7F

3F5F

OS CinemasMint Kobe

4F

MitsuiSumitomoBank

Kobe CityHall

AoyamaMinatoBank

SannomiyaCine Phoenix

Marui

DaimaruDept.

Kobe IkutaJunior HighSchool

Hyogo-kenPrefectural Hall

Oriental Dental Clinic

St. Michael’s International School

Ikuta PoliceStation

KobeWomensJuniorCollege

Bistrot Cafe De Paris

KIC

Ikuta jinja

Hotel Monterey

Hotel Tor Road

Kobe Grocers

Tokyu Hands

Kobe Sauna

Trinity Midnight

SorakuPark

SanPlaza

CenterPlaza EastCenter

PlazaWest Junkudo

Tower Records

SannomiyaHanadokeimae st.

KyukyoryuchiDaimarumae

Sansei Hosp.

Junkudo

KinokuniyaKobe KokusaiKaikan

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku

HSBC

World Express

Marga

Sun City

Hobgoblin

Kobe YWCA

Iznt

TomsonReal Estate

Hotel Tokyu Inn

4FKowka

2FGuild

KawaraMachi

TeramachiArea

GionSanjo

Wakamatsu-dori

Shijo-dori

Kyoto Museum ofContemporaryArt

Joko-in

KirakuInn

HotelOkura

Starbucks

KyotoRoyal Hotel

Kyoto Royal BLDG.

Junkudo

Kyoto City Hall

GionKaikan

Yasaka Jinja

GionHotelMinamiza

Theatre

JomoGas

Daimaru

FujiDaimaru Takashimaya

Marui

Yam

atoj

i-dor

i

Kei

han

Line

Pont

ocho

Han

amik

oji-d

ori

Shirakawa-dori

Shirakawa river

Kiy

amac

hi-d

ori

Sanjo-dori

Kaw

aram

achi

-dor

i

Shin

kyog

oku

Shot

enga

iTe

ram

achi

Sho

teng

ai

Gok

omac

hi-d

ori

Fuya

cho-

dori

Tom

inok

oji-d

ori

Yana

gino

banb

a-do

ri

Saka

imac

hi-d

ori

Tozai Subway Line

Hankyu Line

Bal

Mina

OPAWorld

MovixKyoto

Shin KyogokuCine Lalibe

Oike-doriShiyakushomae

Kawaramachi

Sanjo

Sanj

oG

ion

shijo

7F

Butterfly


San

nom

iya

Kyo

to

0 200m

N

0 200m

N


ks #164 jan 2014

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