Tokyo Weekender - April 2016

APRIL 2016 

Japan’s number one English language magazine 

ALSO: Natsumi Hoshi Swims for Rio Gold, Getaways for Golden Week, Tokyo Area Guide, The Evolution of Cirque du Soleil, and Much More 

www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2016

APRIL 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com


CONTENTS 

20 

NATSUMI HOSHI 

The swimming phenom is looking to make a 

golden splash at the Rio Olympics 

14 22 

26 

HIROTADA OTOTAKE 

The public figure mulls over a political run 

and faces a personal scandal 

GOLDEN WEEK GETAWAYS 

These vacation destinations are worth 

their weight in ... well, you know 

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL 

Performances that stretch the limits of 

human skill, strength, and imagination 

Photo: OSA Images Costumes: Kym Barrett © 2010 Cirque du Soleil 

6 The Guide 

A fresh taste of the Mediterranean comes 

to town and a few new looks to spring for 

8 Gallery Guide 

Exhibitions drawn together by animation, 

plus the fine art of haute couture 

10 Mariko Mori 

An artist inspired by the cosmos and the 

spirit of our million-year-old ancestors 

11 Area Guide 

Step away from Akihabara’s neon jungle 

and into Tokyo’s old downtown 

18 Breaking the Silence 

Voices from the battlefront of suicide 

prevention in Japan and overseas 

24 Apartment Gardening 

Don’t let your laundry hog all of the 

balcony—leave some room for green 

30 People, Parties, Places 

The Maruyamas throw their annual party 

and Oakwood opens a new residence 

34 Movies 

Leo’s Oscar-winning turn, a Marvel battle 

royale, and journalists in the “Spotlight” 

36 Agenda 

A pair of rock legends come to town and 

plenty of events for the warming weather 


THIS MONTH IN THE WEEKENDER 


Publisher 

President 

Executive Producer 

Editor 

Art Director 

Sales Director 

Sales Executive 

Media Relations Chief 

Producers 

Account Executives 

Media Consultant 

Society 

Lead Writer 

Editorial Associates 

Film 

ENGAWA Co., Ltd. 

Takanobu Ushiyama 

Asi Rinestine 

Alec Jordan 

Liam Ramshaw 

Hirofumi Ohuchi 

Kahori Terakawa 

Junko Shimaya 

Yumi Idomoto 

Claudia Sun 

Nobu (Nick) Nakazawa 

Mary Rudow 

Bill Hersey 

Matthew Hernon 

Natalie Jacobsen 

Vivian Morelli 

Luca Eandi 

Christopher O’Keeffe 

EST. Corky Alexander, 1970 

Published monthly at JPR Sendagaya Building 8F 

4-23-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051 

(03) 6863-3096 / (03) 5413-3050 (fax) 

editor@tokyoweekender.com 

Japan’s number one English language magazine 


ALSO: Natsumi Hoshi Swims for Rio Gold, Getaways for Golden Week, Tokyo Area Guide, The Evolution of Cirque du Soleil, and Much More 

www.tokyoweekender.com APRIL 2016 

irotada Ototake might not 

H 

be familiar to most of our 

non-Japanese readers, but 

his life story, and his first 

book (“No One’s Perfect” in English), 

are famous throughout the country. 

Despite being born without arms or 

legs due to a condition known as tetraamelia 

syndrome, Ototake has had a 

series of careers that anyone would 

envy: public speaker, sports journalist, 

school teacher, and member of Tokyo’s 

Board of Education, just to name a few. 

In the past weeks, it has been 

rumored that Ototake was planning 

to make a run for public office. Now, 

much more recent news threatens to 

put that nascent campaign to an end: 

Ototake has admitted to having affairs 

with five different mistresses over the 

past several years. 

The revelation brings up a question 

that has been raised countless times 

around the world when a political figure’s 

personal foibles come to light: should we 

judge a leader by what they do behind 

closed doors, or by their ability to get 

things done? In the case of Ototake, we 

hope that our profile of the man gives you 

a sense of his potential, and inspires you 

to think about what he could achieve if he 

were to make the decision to run. 

Moving beyond the cover story, 

there are plenty of pieces to keep the 

pages turning, from a look at suicide 

prevention efforts in Japan to a talk with 

one of the stars of the Japanese Olympic 

swimming team. And as Golden Week 

lies waiting for us at the end of the 

month, we’ve put together a collection of 

destinations that should be memorable— 

and hopefully, not overbooked! If you’re 

staying local, there are plenty of options 

to keep you occupied during the long 

holiday, whether it’s art on the walls or 

Cirque du Soleil magic on the ground 

and the air. Finally, we invite you to 

check out our area guide for a section 

of Tokyo’s old downtown that you may 

not have explored yet. We’re planning to 

feature different parts of the city in the 

months to come, so stay tuned. 

Editor 

To subscribe to the Tokyo Weekender, please call 

(03) 6863-3096 or email: 

customer-support@tokyoweekender.com 

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Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors 

are not necessarily those of the publisher 

WRITERS WANTED 

Tokyo Weekender is looking for a few good writers. If 

you’ve got a travel story you want to share, a gift for the 

written word, or have a unique take on life in Tokyo, we’d 

like to hear from you. To join our team of freelancers, 

please send us an email at 

editor@tokyoweekender.com 

Published by 

ENGAWA Co., Ltd. 


the guide 

BURBERRY CROCHETED TRENCH COAT 

FOOD FIT FOR THE GODS 

Greek cuisine is known for its simple yet delicious ingredients, 

unique flavor combinations, and healthy portions that can satisfy 

even the heartiest of eaters. Unfortunately, while it might not be 

too difficult to find olives and feta cheese at your local supermarket, 

if you’re looking for complete Grecian meals, you don’t have 

many choices around Tokyo. Lovers of this unique cuisine will 

be happy to hear that they’ve got a new option: The Apollo. The 

restaurant got its start in Sydney, Australia, helmed by Jonathan 

Barthelmess—who became a star chef on the Sydney scene thanks 

to his blend of traditional Mediterranean techniques and modern 

sense of culinary style. Opened at the end of March in the Tokyu 

Plaza Ginza Building by Barthelmess and fellow Sydney restauranteur 

Sam Christie, The Apollo Tokyo offers tastes that will satisfy 

long-time Greek food fans and neophytes alike. You can order 

plenty of dishes à la carte, but one of the best ways to experience 

the full range of flavors on offer is “The Full Greek” (lunch ¥4,800/ 

dinner ¥5,500). It starts off with a selection of olives to whet the appetite, 

and then moves on to the taramosalata (mullet roe, lemon 

juice, and olive oil) dip, served with warm pita bread. Next up is 

a Greek salad, which adds a mildly flavored cow’s milk feta to the 

olives and farm-fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. The restaurant’s 

celebrated saganaki (pan-fried cheese) follows, made with kefalograviera 

(a blend of goat and sheep milk) cheese and flavored with 

just the right amount of honey, lemon, and oregano. The main dish 

is lamb shoulder, slow-cooked for ten hours and baked for one. 

Delightfully smoky and juicy, and served with tzatziki (a Greek 

yoghurt sauce), it is simply unforgettable. But remember to leave 

room for the Avgolemono Pie, The Apollo’s take on the traditional 

lemon meringue. A complement of wines and mixed drinks round 

out a menu that’s as tempting as a siren’s song. 

The Apollo Tokyo 

104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza 5-2-1, Tokyu Plaza Ginza 11F 

Hours: 11:00–23:00 | Web: theapollo.jp 

If you love a classic Burberry trench coat but don’t want to blend in 

a sea of beige come springtime (when everyone in Tokyo sports their 

own version), this twist on the classic Kensington trench may be the 

perfect option for you. This crocheted cotton-blend in antique rose 

not only complements the cherry blossom flowers, but it also offers 

protection against those unexpected spring rainfalls. It looks especially 

dazzling when paired with a white ensemble, and yes, it may be a 

splurge, but you’ll wear it for the next decade or so. burberry.com 

COMME DES GARÇONS NEON WALLET 

Nothing screams springtime like a neon-color block wallet. Even for 

those who steer clear of bright hues, this slim pouch is the perfect 

accessory to snap you out of hibernation mode after a long winter. 

The eye-catching blue, orange and green pattern is too good to be kept 

hidden in a handbag, so use it as a clutch for after-work cocktails or 

weekend brunch. The soft leather will keep all your cards and notes intact 

and organized, with a thick gold zipper on top to add a bit of bling. 

comme-des-garcons.com 


Something for the weekend...A 

cocktail guide for the most 

discerning of drinkers 

RAF SIMONS ADIDAS SNEAKERS 

This may be one of the best collaborations this year: fashion genius Raf Simons (formerly 

creative head of Dior) putting his unique, minimalistic touch on the iconic Stan Smith 

Adidas Originals kicks. Look for the designer’s initial “R” replacing the usual perforated 

stripes on the sides, and for the mesh lining. The shoes are crafted from premium 

leather, and are the embodiment of Simon’s creative philosophy. 

mrporter.com 

WANT LES 

ESSENTIELS 

BACKPACK 

WANT LES ESSENTIELS is a Montrealbased 

accessories brand that harks 

back to a bygone era of elegant travel. 

The brand, which was started by twin 

brothers, has amassed a cult following 

over the past few years for its understated 

yet practical goods, and can now 

be found in stores from Manhattan to 

Tokyo. If you’re not sure where to start, 

their signature “Kastrup” backpack is 

both timeless and versatile. Made from 

cotton-canvas and lined with leather, 

this sleek bag is all you need for those 

daily commutes or weekend getaways. 

wantlesessentiels.com 

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN 

TROUSERS 

While you may or may not want to 

pair these dapper pants with the 

matching blazer, they are a fashion 

statement on their very own. Give 

the classic black suit a contemporary 

twist this season: the slim-fit trousers 

are emblazoned with a light grey 

flowery motif, which sets the item 

apart. You can wear the Italian-made 

item with a white or grey shirt, or 

go all out and match them with the 

jacket—just don’t forget the Oxford 

shoes. mcq.com 

April is upon us once more and gold 

is most definitely the colour of 

the month. April heralds the end 

of the financial year in Japan and 

the beginning of the Golden Week holiday. So 

whether you are toasting a successful year on the 

markets or drowning your sorrows after loosing 

the shirt off your back, make sure you do it in 

style, with an appropriately themed cocktail. 

In this edition of the guide we shall be 

taking a trip back to the 80s and knocking back 

a few 24 Carat Gold cocktails. It’s fair to say 

that the decade was a pretty low point on the 

cultural spectrum—think Milli Vanilli, permed 

hair, and shoulder pads—but a great decade for 

synth pop and extravagantly camp cocktails. 

Although not so popular these days, the 24 

Carat Gold was a fixture on the cocktail menus 

of chintzy wine bars, pretentious restaurants, 

and hotel lounges from New York to London 

back in the 80s. A favourite of moneyed-up city 

boys and permed-haired office girls, this was the 

cocktail to drink in the days when nobody had 

the slightest idea what a Tweet was and Michael 

Jackson was a popular family entertainer. 

The popularity of the 24 Carat Gold was 

mainly due to its extravagant appearance: a 

strong golden hue garnished with sparkling 

bits of real gold leaf. In actual fact it’s a very 

well balanced cocktail; the tartness of the sours 

blends well, offsetting the sweet fruitiness of 

the Cointreau and brandy. 

So this Golden Week, crank up the Spandau 

Ballet, break out the cocktail shaker and be 

thankful that we now live in a decade where 

neon shell suits and leg warmers are just a 

terrible distant memory. 

Method: 

Place some edible gold flakes on a small plate. 

Lightly wet the rim of a martini glass with a 

slice of lemon, and then dip the rim in the gold 

flakes to coat. Add the Cointreau, Remy Martin 

XO and sours mix to a shaker filled with ice, 

shake thoroughly and strain into the glass. 

Ingredients: 

–25ml Cointreau 

–50ml Remy Martin XO 

–25ml sours mix 

- Edible gold leaf 


GALLERY GUIDE 

TOKYO GALLERY GUIDE 

OUR PICKS FROM THE EXHIBITIONS AROUND TOWN 

PIXAR: 30 YEARS OF ANIMATION 

by Luca Eandi 

ust in time for the Japanese 

premiere of “The Good Dinosaur” 

in mid-March (a full 

16 weeks after its release in 

the rest of the world), “PIX- 

AR: 30 YEARS OF ANIMATION” 

debuts at MOT. A version of this 

exhibition has been traveling the 

globe since 2005, when it began 

as a special display at the Museum 

of Modern Art in New York. 

It features hand-drawn sketches, 

paintings, storyboards, color 

scripts, and character models 

created by the studio’s artists. 

Although Pixar is best known 

for its slick computer graphics 

and advanced image rendering, 

most of its character and story development 

is done through traditional 

media. The studio employs 

a large number of accomplished 

artists who create the hand drawings, 

paintings, pastels and sculp- 

tures used as reference in the 

early stages of production. Lee 

Unkrich, director of the massive 

hit sequel, “Toy Story 3,” said 

the following about Pixar’s 

commitment to conventional 

design methods: “our films are 

very high-tech, but at their core 

the story and characters spring 

from imagination and pencil 

and paper.” 

Pixar’s entire 30-year history 

of memorable characters and 

compelling stories are represented 

at MOT, starting with 

their first short film, “Luxo Jr.” 

(featuring the desk lamp from 

their logo), and going all the 

way up to their latest feature 

length, “The Good Dinosaur.” 

Some 500 pieces make up the 

collection, including two large 

installations exclusive to the 

traveling exhibit. 

Bob Pauley, Woody and Buzz, Toy Story, 1995, Reproduction of marker and pencil on paper 

©Disney/Pixar 

Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo 

Dates: March 5–May 29, 2016 

Open: 10:00–18:00, last admission 30 minutes before closing, closed 

Mondays (except May 2, 23) 

Web: http://pxr30.jp/ 

TONKO HOUSE EXHIBITION: “The Dam Keeper’s Journey” 

PIG AFTER CLASS, Tonko House 

Creation Gallery G8 

Dates: March 25–April 28, 2016 | Open: 11:00–19:00, closed Sundays 

Web: rcc.recruit.co.jp/g8/en 

Fitting nicely with the 

Pixar retrospective at 

MOT, Creation Gallery 

G8 in Ginza is holding 

a similar exhibition titled “The 

Dam Keeper’s Journey.” After 

collaborating on “Toy Story 3” 

and “Monsters University,” a 

couple of former Pixar Animation 

Studios art directors, Tokyo 

native Daisuke Tsutsumi and 

Southern California’s Robert 

Kondo, decided to strike out on 

their own, founding animation 

studio Tonko House in 2014. 

Their first animated short film, 

“The Dam Keeper,” which tells 

the tale of a pig who keeps 

pollution at bay with his windmill, 

blew critics away with its 

moody, muted visual style and 

poignant story, earning an Academy 

Award nomination in 2014. 

This exhibition, Tonko 

House’s first public display, 

features artwork that evokes 

the worldview expressed 

in the film, in addition to 

character designs, maquettes 

(models), as well as visual 

narrative elements tracing the 

film’s story. Also on display 

will be new works, including 

collaborations created 

especially for the show—one 

with Japanese stop-motion 

animation studio, Dwarf, and 

another with miniature diorama 

artist Satoshi Araki. Additionally, 

Tonko House projects 

currently in the pipeline, 

including a feature-length 

sequel to “The Dam Keeper,” 

will be introduced in a space 

recreating the interior of their 

California studio. 


GALLERY GUIDE | WEEKENDER | 9 

MIYAKE ISSEY EXHIBITION: The Work of Miyake Issey 

Fashion icon Issey Miyake designed the black mock 

turtlenecks that Steve Jobs famously wore as his 

uniform. As the story goes, the Apple/Pixar founder 

toured a Sony facility in Japan in the 1980s and 

admired the uniforms worn by the workers. He found out they 

were designed by Miyake, so he sought him out and struck up a 

friendship with the designer. He initially wanted him to create 

uniforms for Apple employees—an idea that never took off with 

his Cupertino staff. Nonetheless, Jobs received hundreds of 

Miyake turtlenecks for himself, and along with a pair of Levi’s 

501 jeans, they became part of his defining look. 

It’s easy to see the kinship between Jobs and Miyake, as 

both were obsessed with innovation and good design. Miyake’s 

45-year career to present has been a study of the relationship 

between body and fabric. He’s never stopped searching, 

constantly examining new manufacturing methods, trying to 

achieve perfection through innovation, often by using only 

one piece of cloth. Most recently, his focus has shifted to using 

recycled materials and shapes inspired by algorithms and 

geometric shapes. 

This exhibition, the first to span his entire career, is a largescale 

appraisal of his overall creative development. Production 

processes and the evolution of his style are given thoughtful 

consideration as visitors move through the three rooms that 

make up the exhibit. 

The National Art Center, Tokyo 

Dates: March 16–June 13, 2016 

Open: 10:00–18:00, 10:00–20:00 on Fridays, last admission 30 

minutes before closing, closed Tuesdays (except May 3) 

Web: http://2016.miyakeissey.org 

Daniel Kelly, Bold Is Better, 180 x 130 cm, acrylic and wood 

Daniel Kelly’s Golden Touch 

Over the past decades, American-born, Kyoto-based 

artist Daniel Kelly has been building a name for himself 

as a gifted painter and printmaker who also isn’t 

afraid to think, paint, and print outside the box. Kelly 

has moved from “traditional” printmaking techniques to printing 

on roughly textured paper and massive sheets that can stretch 

as long as 190 cm to a side. His paintings, on the other hand, 

challenge the notion of the medium being a two-dimensional 

one. Rather than painting on standard canvases, Kelly often uses 

a collection of found objects—frames from traditional Japanese 

doors and old tatami mats, for example—and incorporates them 

into the canvas, creating pieces that are as much sculpture as 

they are painting. In both print and painting, he uses familiar 

imagery but presents it in a way that forces viewers to reflect on 

their own perceptions. 

For 10 days, the Tolman Collection will be presenting an exhibition 

at the Conrad Hotel that features dozens of Kelly’s larger 

pieces. (This is not the first time that an artist that Tolman represents 

has shown at the upscale hotel: centenarian Toko Shinoda 

held a retrospective there last year, and one of her pieces can be 

found in the Conrad’s lobby.) In addition to many of the artist’s 

prints and paintings at the show, keep an eye out for the visually 

arresting “Bold Is Better,” shown above. 

ISSEY MIYAKE, Horsehair, Autumn/ Winter 1990, 1990 Photo: Hiroshi Iwasaki 

Conrad Tokyo 

Location: 105-7377 Minato-ku, Higashi-Shinbashi 1-9-1 

Dates: April 27–May 8, 2016 

Open: 11:00–19:00 

Web: www.tolmantokyo.com 


THE SHAPE OF 

THINGS TO COME 

Returning to SCAI The Bathhouse for her first solo exhibition in more than 10 years, Mariko 

Mori is presenting a series of work that is both very new—and very old—at the same time 

© David Sims 

Mariko Mori rocketed to international 

fame in contemporary art during 

the mid 1990s with her alien “live 

art” pieces in New York, Tokyo, 

and London. Her photography captured 

herself dressed in futuristic, out-of-this 

world costumes that she had designed, doing 

domestic chores or everyday errands in the 

city, challenging ideas of what it meant to be 

a “normal” person. 

Mori’s most recent works are stripped 

down to the bare necessities, focusing no 

longer on aliens or elaborate sets, but on 

what makes us human, as she explained during 

a visit to SCAI the Bathhouse, where she 

is holding her first solo show in more than a 

decade. “There are 7 million years of history 

in human evolution, and I am looking for 

evidence of when we first became spiritual; 

Above: Ekpyrotic String II, 2014, Fiberglass, corian, paint and 

lacquer, 101 x 200 x 46.2 cm Right: “Cycloid IV”, 2015, Alminium, 

pigment, lacquer, 220 x 139 x 127cm 

when humans developed a [modern] sense 

of feelings and minds.” She cites the 2015 

discovery of 15 complete sets of 3-millionyear-old 

hominid skeletons in South Africa, 

explaining that “they were found deep in 

a cave, meaning there had been great care 

about their burial and in trying to protect 

them.” Mori considers this one of the earliest 

“[finds] of something that is fundamentally 

human.” 

Although her latest research delves into 

the ancient origins of humankind, Mori’s 

most recent exhibition, “Cycloid,” features 

cutting-edge creation techniques based on 

complex geometric forms, and takes inspiration 

from theories that describe the creation 

of the universe. To bring these abstract 

shapes to life, Mori used a series of equations 

that generated the three-dimensional 

shapes, initially using values produced by 

a computer program, and leaving some 

elements up to chance. Prototype versions of 

My pieces are simply 

reintroducing ideas we 

humans already possess 

inside us, and I’m 

sharing them again with 

new generations 

the pieces are created using a 3D modeling 

program, and Mori will go through dozens 

of iterations before she arrives at “golden 

egg.” As she explains, there is no right or 

wrong design, but relentless work at a 

design until it “feels right,” and expresses 

a sense of flow that is a constant hallmark 

of her recent work. These final shapes are 

cast in aluminum that is then coated with 

a pearlescent sheen; simply put, they are 

pieces that must be seen in person. 

Mori would be the first to admit that 

the sources that fire her imagination are 

hardly run-of-the-mill: “In finding ideas 

and inspiration, my antenna is a little bit 

different.” She also credits a nurturing environment 

and the input of people around 

in her creative development over the years: 

“[While] it’s important to believe in yourself 

... nobody can do it alone.” Although she has 

recently moved to London, she says that the 

attitude that surrounded her in New York 

was crucial to her confidence as an artist: 

“In America, nobody says ‘you can’t do that,’ 

they say, ‘you can do it!’” Mori believes those 

in the West are pushing horizons in art, 

and she thinks that there is fertile ground 

for the same kind of development in Tokyo, 

where, as she puts it, “there is a rich culture 

of tradition. [Thanks to] the presence of that 

foundation, there is so much potential.” 

Finally, despite the complexity of the 

concepts that inform her work—which range 

from the dance of subatomic particles to the 

ebb and flow of the cosmos itself—Mori is 

quick to remind us that her creations are 

bringing concepts that even our millions-yearold 

ancestors would resonate with: life and 

death, a dense net of cycles that shape our 

world, and the creative power of daily life: 

“My pieces are simply reintroducing ideas we 

humans already possess inside us, and I’m 

sharing them again with new generations.” 

Mariko Mori’s “Cycloid” will be on display at 

SCAI the Bathhouse until April 23. The gallery 

is open Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 to 

18:00. www.scaithebathhouse.com

Photos by Luca Eandi 

TOKYO’S OLD DOWNTOWN 

Not far from the electric glitter and crowded streets of Akihabara lie a new space 

for artisanal handiwork and a neighborhood that has been a center of shitamachi 

bohemian culture for several generations

12 | WEEKENDER | AREA GUIDE 

THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRACKS 

Built a few years back as a way to revitalize a section of 

the neighborhood between Akihabara and Okachimachi 

Stations on the Yamanote Line, the 2k540 Aki-Oka 

Artisan retail space features a few dozen shops, carrying 

everything from pottery and hand-crafted leather to 

clothing and food products from around the country. 

But what’s with the funny name, you might ask? The 

“Aki” and the “Oka” are clear enough, but the “2k540” 

refers to the area’s distance—2,540 meters—from Tokyo 

Station. Got it? Good: now get shopping! 

2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan 

Taito-ku, 5-9 Ueno 

www.jrtk.jp/2k540 

THE WEEKENDER 

AREA GUIDE 

Strolling, shopping, and cat photography, downtown style 

ALL THE COOL CATS 

One of the first things you’ll notice 

about Yanaka is the abundance of 

stray cats hanging around the winding 

alleys, staircases and the cherry 

tree–filled cemetery. In fact, several 

Yanaka shops honor the feline on 

their storefront signs, as it’s really a 

theme in the neighborhood. If you’re 

peckish, you can nosh on a variety of 

cat-shaped sweets, and even get up 

close and personal with kitties at several 

cafes in the area, where owners 

let them roam free. Make sure to stop 

by cat-themed boutique Necoaction 

to stock up on catty memorabilia, 

and shop alongside live furry friends 

in the boutique. Recommended: the 

trinkets, from keychains and socks to 

picture frames and notebooks. Most 

Yanaka cats are very photogenic, and 

they’ll happily pose (or rather, lounge 

around) for the camera—snap away! 

SHITAMACHI SHRINES AND TEMPLES 

Hop on the Yamanote Line at Okachimachi and head counterclockwise to either Nippori 

or Nishi Nippori Station. If you’re not too superstitious (or it’s not too late in the evening), 

the Yanaka Cemetery, closest to Nippori, makes for a picturesque stroll throughout the 

year. The final resting place of historical figures, such as Yoshinobu, the final Tokugawa 

shogun, it also features broad walkways and rows of cherry trees, so make it a cherry 

blossom viewing destination if the time is right for the short-lived blooms. Heading west, 

Nezu Shrine boasts a miniature version of the famous rows of red torii gates at Fushimi 

Inari in Kyoto. One of Japan’s oldest shrines, it really comes alive from early April to 

early May, when the Bunkyo Azalea Festival is held on its grounds. The shrine’s sizeable 

garden is home to around 100 species of azalea which burst into bloom around this time. 

Yushima Tenshin Shrine is another picturesque location, perhaps best known as a 

location where students pray for good luck on exams, and for its large bronze nade-ushi 

(“stroking cow”) statue, which is said to cure diseases just by being rubbed. 


AREA GUIDE | WEEKENDER | 13 

THESE STREETS WERE MADE FOR WALKING 

Yanaka is one of the rare areas of Tokyo that 

kept its old shitamachi (“downtown”) character, 

populated with merchants, artisans and cats. The 

district also known as Yanesen (named after the 

first syllables of the three neighboring districts 

of Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi) offers a charming 

glimpse of the Edo times. It was luckily spared 

from the WWII bombings, and managed to retain 

a quaint atmosphere. 

Reserve an afternoon to explore this historical 

part of Tokyo, often overlooked by the hordes 

of tourists. Start your promenade from Nippori 

station, and you’ll quickly find yourself in the narrow 

shopping street of Yanakaginza. Don’t worry 

about getting lost—just let yourself stumble upon 

countless food stalls, meat and vegetable markets, 

textile shops, secondhand and vintage clothing 

havens, pottery stores, and the many tiny shops 

carrying traditional crafts such as washi (Japanese 

paper) and handwoven bamboo baskets. 

If you keep walking up the hill towards Ueno, 

you’ll suddenly snap back to the present: welcome 

to 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan, a sleek name for an 

equally sleek and trendy little area dedicated to 

jewelry, ornaments and other artifacts. Located 

right underneath the elevated JR train tracks near 

Okachimachi station, Aki-Oka Artisan houses 

groups of craftsmen who display their creations in 

boutiques, galleries, cafes and studios. While the 

area will please fashionistas who want to revamp 

their accessories collection, it offers a lot more 

than a mere shopping experience. Visitors can 

participate in various workshops and design their 

own pieces. 

End your stroll with a pit stop at SCAI the 

Bathhouse, a former bathhouse turned into a 

sophisticated art space. And don’t leave Yanaka 

without a taste of old Tokyo, which comes in 

the form of senbei rice crackers. Take your pick 

between soy sauce, nori (seaweed), kombu (kelp), 

or sesame seeds, a nice little snack before hopping 

back on the train. 

DOWNTOWN 

GROUNDS 

Bohemian culture and a 

good cuppa go hand in hand, 

so it should come as no 

surprise that the area around 

Yanaka has a long tradition 

of excellent coffee. Kayaba 

Coffee (6-1-29 Yanaka) has a 

history that dates back nearly 

80 years, and while you can 

find plenty of Yanaka Coffee 

(3-8-6 Yanaka, other shops 

nearby at 2-31-3 Sendagi and 

1-5-11 Nezu) shops around 

town, the location where it all 

got started is, naturally, right 

here too. The Hagi Cafe (3- 

10-25 Yanaka) is just one part 

of a two-story complex that 

includes a gallery, an event 

space, and a design studio. 

The institution is only three 

years in the running, but it has 

charm to spare. Finally, the 

artfully designed Minori Cafe 

(1-22-10 Nezu) offers a laidback 

environment for whiling 

away an hour or two over 

lunch or a lazy afternoon. 



HIROTADA OTOTAKE | FEATURE | 15 

A Life 

Without 

BarriersBy Alec Jordan 

With a possible political run in mind and a personal 

scandal in the press, what is next for Hirotada Ototake? 

At first thought, tetra-amelia syndrome would 

seem like a prison sentence. Those born with 

the congenital condition have neither arms 

nor legs, and many of them die at an early 

age. Survivors who make it to adulthood often 

suffer from a host of painful complications to go along 

with their immobility. In previous generations, tetra-amelia 

survivors might have led cloistered lives or joined traveling 

circuses in order to get by, and while the prognosis for those 

living with the syndrome might be better than before, it 

would be hard to expect them to lead lives like the rest of us. 

Someone forgot to tell this to Hirotada Ototake. 

As the journalist, author, and educator explains, though, he 

wouldn’t have listened even if someone had told him what 

his limitations were supposed to be: “I have never been good 

at doing the same thing that everyone else did.” Just shy of 

his 40th birthday, Ototake has spent his life challenging expectations 

of what the disabled can achieve, and at the time 

of this writing, there are rumors that he is considering a run 

for political office—as well as a brewing scandal that could 

put an end to that run before it even begins. 

Weekender met with Ototake at his office in Shinjuku 

last month to talk about the lessons he’s learned in his many 

careers, provoking controversy on social media to bring attention 

to ignored minorities, and some of the ways that Japanese 

politicians could reach out to a younger generation. 

One of the first things that impresses you on meeting the 

Tokyo native is a powerful sense of his poise and self-assurance. 

Although his first book, “Gotai fumanzoku” (translated 

in English as “No One’s Perfect”) recounts stories of how 

Ototake overcame his physical limitations in order to run, 

jump rope, swim, and play basketball on his junior high club 

team, it also depicts a young man with a natural talent for 

leadership. From his elementary student days to his time at 

Waseda University, he was never interested in just being accepted: 

he wanted to make a difference in any community 

that he was a part of. 

One of the wellsprings of this strength lay close at home. 

“When I think about the love and support from my parents, I 

know that is what made the difference for me,” Ototake, who 

is a father of three, muses. “If I hadn’t had that, and had been 

born in this same body, I know that I wouldn’t have the same 

life that I do now.” It all began, Ototake writes in “No One’s 

Perfect,” when his mother saw him for the first time. His father 

knew about his son’s disability but had persuaded his 

wife that the baby boy had severe jaundice and she couldn’t 

see him until he recovered. It was only after a few weeks that 

his mother was able to lay eyes on her son for the first time: 

“The words that burst from my mother’s lips were ‘He’s adorable.’ 

I think the success of this first encounter was especially 

meaningful. First impressions tend to stick. Sometimes you’re 

still carrying them as baggage years later. And when it’s a 

parent and child—that meeting is a profoundly important one. 

The first emotion my mother felt toward me was not shock or 

sadness, it was joy.” 

(“No One’s Perfect,” Prologue) 

“SUMO IS MY SOUL” 

Ototake quickly got involved in the barrier-free movement 

at Waseda, and following his pivotal role in a student campaign 

to improve handicapped accessibility on campus, his 

career as a public speaker began. It wasn’t long before he 

was giving multiple speeches around the country while still 

an undergraduate. He also wrote “No One’s Perfect,” which 

went on to be a smash hit: it has sold nearly 5 million copies 

to date and is the second best-selling book in Japan since 

World War II. 

Rather than staying on the speaking circuit after 

university, he followed a lifelong love of athletics and 

moved into a career in sports journalism. True to form, 

it wasn’t long before he had established a name for himself 

as a writer who excelled at getting athletes to open 

up and reveal themselves. From hundreds of interviewees, 

though, he recalls one that stands out: the famed 

yokozuna Takanohana. The wrestler came from a family 

with deep roots in sumo, and he was legendary for continuing 

to compete despite a series of painful knee injuries. 

Interviewing Takanohana shortly before he retired, Ototake 

asked, “‘Why were you willing to put your heart and 

soul into sumo the way that you have?’ He responded to 

me by saying, ’Ototake-san, that’s where you’re wrong. 

I wasn’t putting my soul into sumo: sumo is my soul.’ For 

him, it wasn’t a feeling of dedicating his soul to this thing 


Ototake visits with the residents of a Tokyo neighborhood 

called sumo that was outside of him; rather, it 

was something he was born to do, and he wanted 

to put all of himself into it to show that culture 

to the next generation.” 

BATTLES IN THE CLASSROOM 

After several years as a sports writer, Ototake 

returned to the classroom, this time as a teacher. 

Countless examples from his first book demonstrate 

that his primary school teachers—who 

refused to coddle him, instead challenging him 

and coming up with creative solutions that allowed 

him to take an active role in everything 

that his classmates did—had as large an influence 

on him as his own parents. 

But as Ototake found when he entered the 

world of elementary school teaching, his decision 

to work with his students in an innovative 

manner was met with resistance from the old 

guard. Whether it was holding class meetings 

outside during cherry blossom season or giving 

his pupils more freedom in their schoolwork, 

Ototake explains, “I’ve always wanted to do what 

I thought was best for the kids ... My teaching 

style was definitely a hit with the students, and 

the parents trusted me, but there were always 

complaints about me in the staff room.” 

It was a resistance to change that prevented 

other teachers from trying new approaches as 

well. “I was in my early thirties, and there were 

teachers who were younger than I was who 

liked my thinking and the way that I taught. But 

if those younger teachers were to speak up and 

say that they agreed with me, that would mean 

that the powerful veteran teachers would be as 

hard on them as they were on me. 

“[Japan’s] educational system requires that 

everyone does things in exactly the same way, 

in the way that was decided. But that’s a system 

where innovation can be very difficult, and one 

in which people who are different—even though 

they might not have asked to be different—can 

find it very hard to live in.” 

His experience as an elementary school 

It is mostly older people 

voting, so politicians are 

focused mostly on policies that 

support the elderly ... How 

much we can change that 

dynamic is one of the biggest 

problems that we have 

teacher led to his first film role, playing himself 

in the movie “Daijoubu 3 Kumi” (“Nobody’s Perfect”), 

but it also gave him a direct experience of 

the kinds of resistance that reformers can face 

in any field. The same year he stopped teaching 

school, he found a new medium for expression 

that allowed him a freedom he never had before. 

PROVOKING FOR A CAUSE 

“Being presented as perfect is really something 

painful for me,” Ototake says about the media’s 

tendency—until recently—to focus only on his 

positive message. “It’s not just in print; even when 

I’ve done interviews on 

TV, and express how 

many weak points I 

may have, those all get 

cut out when the interview 

is broadcast.” 

Twitter has its 

strict constraints on 

the number of characters 

that can be used 

in a single Tweet, but 

Ototake still felt completely 

free in that 

social space—his own 

editor. “Nobody can 

cut my words and it’s 

entirely up to me to 

decide how I want to 

express my message.” 

And plenty of people 

are paying attention: 

he launched his account 

in 2010 and now 

has nearly 810,000 

followers. The format 

has been a remarkably 

powerful tool for Ototake 

to achieve one of 

his main goals: drawing 

more attention to 

the situation that minorities 

of all kinds in 

Japan face. “Because 

people in the majority 

don’t have much interest 

in the situations 

that minorities confront, 

the way I use 

Twitter is to deliberately 

use controversial 

language that draws 

attention to the issues.” 

He’s been known to 

tackle everything from 

handicapped accessibility to LGBT rights, and 

his provocative comments often get picked up 

by the national news. “I think that many people 

might get tired of hearing what I have to say— 

many of them are probably saying, ‘Damn, it’s 

this Ototake guy again!’ But if my online critics 

take the time to think about what I have to say, it 

can lead them to look at the issues differently.” 

A LEGACY OF DIVERSITY 

The former sports journalist sees the Tokyo 

Games as a rich opportunity, but argues that 

the city, and the nation, still need to decide what 

kind of a message Tokyo 2020 will present to the 

world. “The first time the Olympics were held in 

Tokyo, it was extremely meaningful for the country. 

Nearly 20 years beforehand, the country had 

lost World War II and was basically a burnt-out 

field. But from there [along with preparing for 

the 1964 Games] ... you had the development of 

the Shinkansen, a national highway system, and 

a general improvement in the development of 

the nation’s infrastructure. 

“But for the coming Olympics in 2020, what 

do we want to do for the international community, 

and what do we want to leave behind for the 

“Japan’s educational system requires that everyone does things in exactly the same way … But that’s 

a system where innovation can be very difficult.” 


HIROTADA OTOTAKE | FEATURE | 17 

rest of the country after the Games are finished? 

I don’t think we know yet. I think that one of the 

greatest legacies to this society we can leave behind 

with the 2020 Games is a sense of diversity.” 

In the long run Ototake hopes to see a joint 

Olympic and Paralympic games. He recognizes 

that this is an ambitious goal that isn’t likely to 

be met within four years. “But maybe decades 

from now we can look back at Tokyo 2020 as 

the beginning of that movement. We could 

have one event that is held for [Olympic and 

Paralympic] athletes on the same day. Take the 

Tokyo Marathon: each time it’s held, the runners 

and the wheelchair marathoners compete 

on the same day ... We could do the same thing 

for the Olympic Marathon and have the wheelchair 

athletes competing on the same day as the 

general marathon runners. If we could do that, 

I think we can find one kind of meaning in hosting 

these Olympics in Tokyo.” 

GOVERNMENT FOR ALL 

Through his recent work on the Tokyo Board 

of Education, his leadership of the anti-littering 

NPO Greenbird, and his studies at the National 

Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, one thing 

has become clear to Ototake: the country’s political 

climate is in desperate need of change. He 

takes the World Happiness Report—a study that 

ranks nations on a variety of factors, including 

economic stability and trust in government— 

as a sobering illustration. In the 2016 edition 

of the report, Japan ranked 53rd. “For a developed 

nation, that is very low,” he warns. “One 

of the main reasons is that people don’t clearly 

see how their tax money is being used, or they 

don’t feel that their taxes are being used for 

their good. So they don’t have faith in their political 

leaders, and they don’t go to the polls. This 

brings the sense of happiness down further, and 

it’s a terrible spiral.” 

He adds that younger people are even less 

likely to take an active role in politics, much less 

go to the polls, which only worsens the situation: 

“It is mostly older people voting, so politicians 

are focused mostly on policies that support the 

elderly. No money goes towards helping the 

young. How much we can change that dynamic 

is one of the biggest problems that we have.” 

A recently enacted policy that allows 18 year 

olds to go to the polls for the first time is a step 

in the right direction; however, Ototake believes 

But if my online critics take the time to think 

about what I have to say, it can lead them to look at 

the issues differently 

that the people on the ballots need to be younger 

as well: “Now, to run for the Lower House [of the 

National Diet], a candidate must be at least 25. To 

run for the Upper House, a candidate must be at 

least 30. Those Upper 

House members, even 

in their 30s, are going 

to have a hard time 

reaching younger people. 

I think that’s a real 

problem. We should 

change the system to 

be more receptive to 

the opinions of the 

younger generation.” 

A NEW CHOICE 

Shortly after our interview, 

news broke 

that may radically affect 

the public figure’s 

career. In a story that 

ran in the March 24 issue of the Shukan Shincho 

tabloid, it was revealed that Ototake had love affairs 

with five different mistresses over the past 

several years. In a statement made after the story 

was published, he called his own actions “a 

betrayal against my devoted wife and my supporters 

... a sin so serious I can never fully atone 

for it while alive.” As he explained in his interview 

with us, he had long wanted the public to 

understand that he wasn’t perfect, and now the 

court of public opinion in Japan will weigh the 

writer and educator’s many positive achievements 

against this scandal in his personal life. 

In Europe—less so in America—politics 

and private affairs are usually kept separate. If 

a leader is competent, his or her romantic activities 

may be fair game for the press, but they 

don’t affect his or her capacity to hold or run for 

office. In almost all cases, it doesn’t work that 

way in Japan: being “clean” takes priority over 

being a strong, capable leader. In fact, this could 

be one reason that many voters, young or old, 

have a feeling of apathy when it comes to their 

politicians, and their political system. 

By showing that it was possible to succeed 

in so many different fields, Ototake has made 

people reconsider what “possible” means when 

it comes to people with disabilities—and even 

in the wake of the scandal, continues to do so. 

During our interview, perhaps with a sense of 

the storm that might be coming, he spoke of his 

dedication to his mission as well as his understanding 

of the risks and difficulties involved: 

“For me now, the most important thing is to be 

able to put my efforts towards a society in which 

anyone, regardless of what minority they belong 

to or what circumstances they might have 

been born into, will have the same chance as 

anyone else. But in Japan, there are many risks 

involved in running for office. You have to face 

a huge amount of criticism, it’s expensive, and 

it puts a burden on your family. It seems to be a 

position with absolutely no positives to it at all! 

If I could achieve my goals without taking the 

political route, I think I would ... But if I do decide 

to enter as a candidate, I would do it with 

complete conviction and throw myself into the 

race with everything that I have.” 

Considering what he has already achieved 

in 40 years, it seems like a great loss for Japan to 

be prevented from seeing what Ototake could 

do in politics were he given the chance. 

Ototake at an informal discussion on diversity issues held last month 


By Matthew Hernon 

In Japan, tens of thousands still succumb 

to the voices of loneliness and 

depression every year. But there 

are people and organizations that 

have made it their mission to reach 

out with open arms and open ears 

Sitting at the back of a bus bawling his eyes out, Kevin 

Hines was desperate for someone to turn around and 

ask him what was wrong. Just 19 at the time, he was on 

his way to the Golden Gate Bridge: the destination he’d 

chosen to end his own life. 

“I didn’t want to die that day, but I suffered from chronic 

suicidal ideation,” he told Weekender during his recent visit 

to Japan. “I’d been diagnosed with bipolar disorder two years 

earlier and the voices in my head telling me to die were overpowering. 

If anyone on the bus had spoken to me it could have 

made the difference. The only thing I heard was ‘what’s wrong 

with that guy?’” 

He was still crying when he arrived at the bridge. “A lady 

came towards me and I thought this is what I’ve been waiting 

for: someone to hear my story. She then handed me her camera 

and asked if I’d take her picture.” 

Moments later Hines jumped. It’s a 245-foot fall that fewer 

than 2 percent survive. According to the now 35 year old, it 

was a sea lion pushing him above the water, a lady phoning the 

Coast Guard, and some amazing doctors that saved him that 

day. The American says the moment he leapt, the only thought 

going through his head was one of regret—“Why am I doing 

this? I want to live.” He believes most people who take their 

own lives feel something similar when they are at the closest 

point to dying. Hines was given a second chance and is now in 

a much better place. Countless others around the globe aren’t 

so fortunate. 


While accurate statistics can be difficult 

to collate, the WHO estimates that around 

800,000 people die due to suicide annually. 

That’s roughly one every forty seconds. Here 

in Japan the National Police Agency recently 

announced that 23,971 people took their lives 

in 2015—an average of over 65 a day. The 

country has one of the highest suicide rates in 

the developed world; however, numbers have 

steadily been decreasing since 2003, when a 

record 34,427 reported suicides were tallied. 

“The rates in Japan are still well above 

average and double that of America, but it 

is encouraging to see the drop in numbers,” 

says Hines. “Coming here talking to different 

people I can sense a change in attitude. Rather 

than just simply saying it is part of the samurai 

culture, people are now looking at things from 

a multi-dimensional viewpoint. Previously 

taboo topics like mental health and depression 

are being discussed more openly than before. 

You also have amazing groups like Inochi no 

Denwa (Lifeline) and TELL helping individuals 

stabilize and letting them know they deserve 

to live.” 

Inochi no Denwa was formed in 1971 by 

a German missionary named Ruth Hetcamp. 

She’d previously been helping “women of the 

streets” before Japan’s anti-prostitution law 

came into effect and believed a telephone 

counseling service—similar to the one in her 

native homeland—would be a good way to 

reach out to those ladies. From the outset, 

though, it was about more than just targeting 

specific groups. Inochi no Denwa supported all 

kinds of people with problems ranging from 

loneliness to marriage difficulties. In 1973 

a sister service for the foreign community, 

TELL, was launched. Reverend Yukio Saito—a 

prominent figure in both organizations for 

more than four decades—recently spoke to 

Weekender about his experiences with the 

organizations. 

“One of the earliest incidents I had to 

deal with was a young girl who’d swallowed a 

number of pills,” he says. “Our volunteer who 

had spoken to her on the phone realized it was 

serious so she got in contact with me. I drove 

out in the middle of the night and found the 

lady lying on a bench barely alive. Fortunately 

there was a 24-hour clinic nearby which we 

took her to so she could have her stomach 

pumped. She managed to turn her life around 

after staying at one of our dormitories for two 

months. Not every story is so positive though. 

I remember when the line was cut on one 

of the calls. We managed to trace it and got 

hold of the police but by the time they’d 

arrived the man had died. Sometimes you’re 

just too late.” 

Reflecting on the past 45 years, there’s a 

mixture of pride and sadness in Saito’s voice. 

Suicidal calls, he informs me, accounted for 

around 0.5 percent of the total calls received 

in the early 70s. Now it’s roughly 10 percent 

nationwide and 15 percent in Tokyo. “Of 

course Japan’s economic decline is one of the 

reasons for that, but I also think demographic 

and societal changes have played a big 

part,” he says. “Everyone seems much busier 

now, so there’s less time for humans to 

develop. Additionally the growth of nuclear 

families means there are fewer people for 

the younger generation to speak with when 

they have problems. Our services give them 

a chance to talk on the phone, face-to-face 

or in group sessions. The volunteers aren’t 

there to tell them what to do, but to listen to 

what they have to say.” 

These conversations can save lives, yet 

sometimes it can take more than 20 attempts 

before a caller gets through. In the UK you 

have an organization like the Samaritans, 

which has over 20,000 volunteers receiving 

The volunteers 

aren’t there to tell 

them what to do, but 

to listen to what 

they have to say 

roughly 5 million calls a year; compare that 

to Inochi no Denwa, a group with fewer than 

300 volunteers taking in around 22,000 calls 

annually. Another issue is a lack of funds. 

While raising capital for charitable organizations 

is tricky anywhere in the world, 

Saito believes it’s even harder here. Constant 

rejection won’t stop him though; the pastor 

continues visiting companies asking for aid 

despite being in his 80s. For decades he lobbied 

the government for financial support 

and in 2001 they finally relented. 

There’s no doubt progress has been 

made in suicide prevention since the turn of 

SUICIDE PREVENTION | FEATURE | 19 

the century. The amount of money being invested 

has increased and as Hines mentioned 

it’s a topic that is now being discussed more 

candidly here. In 2007 “a counter-suicide 

white paper” was introduced. Initiatives included 

age-specific programs and improved 

treatment for people who had attempted to 

kill themselves. With suicide rates down, the 

charter does appear to be having an effect, 

but there’s a long way to go. 

People with mental illnesses continue to 

be plagued by stigma and discrimination in 

this country, so many choose to keep their 

suffering to themselves. Those who do seek 

help are faced with a mental healthcare 

system that’s lagging behind most developed 

nations. Patients are afforded just a 

few minutes of consultation because there 

is an acute shortage of psychiatrists here. 

Institutionalization for sufferers is more 

common in Japan than in other Western 

countries and at psychiatric wards there is 

an emphasis on high doses of anti-psychotic 

medication rather than therapy. On top 

of all that individuals who’ve attempted to 

take their own lives are often discharged 

from hospitals without being examined by 

a mental health professional. 

These are some of the issues raised by 

Dr. Rene Duignan in his award-winning 

documentary “Saving 10,000: Winning a 

War on Suicide.” The Irish economist decided 

to make the film after a lonely neighbor 

had killed herself. She used to pop into his 

apartment for a chat but as visits became 

more regular he pretended not to be home. 

At the end of the documentary he talks 

about the guilt he’s felt since her death, 

finishing with the poignant words—“It’s not 

up to the government to save us, blaming 

this or that. Sometimes all you need to save 

somebody’s live is to take the time to listen. 

If we’re looking for the enemy on the war 

on suicide all we have to do is look in the 

mirror.” 

These are sentiments that are understandably 

echoed by Kevin Hines. “People 

don’t really want to die or hurt others 

when they attempt to take their own lives,” 

he says. “Their brains aren’t functioning 

rationally. They’re going through hell and 

need someone to unleash that pain on. Just 

being there, lending an ear; that could be 

the difference between life and death. Suicide 

prevention is everybody’s business.” 


By Matthew Hernon 

Champion Natsumi Hoshi has already beaten back a disease that 

could have ruined her career. Now she’s preparing to swim for gold 

Swimmer Natsumi Hoshi was just 16 when she 

was diagnosed with Graves’ disease. An autoimmune 

disorder affecting the thyroid gland, it’s 

a debilitating illness that sapped her energy, 

weakened her muscles and turned a simple task like 

climbing the stairs into an arduous one. 

For a young athlete with great potential it was 

a devastating blow, but rather than letting it get her 

down Hoshi fought back and within a year of the 

diagnosis had remarkably made the Japan team for 

the Beijing Olympics. Almost a decade later she is now 

a world champion in the 200 meter butterfly and goes 

to Rio this summer as one of her country’s top medal 

prospects. 

Continuing our build up to the Games, Weekender 

recently met up with the 25 year old at the Japan Institute 

of Sports Science in Tokyo. 

“My first interest in swimming came from watching 

my brother in the pool when I was two maybe,” she 

says with a smile. “At elementary school I didn’t win 

any big races or display real promise so my parents 

thought I’d eventually quit. I carried on, not because of 

an obvious talent, but because I loved the sport. That 

feeling grew even stronger after watching Ian Thorpe 

at the 2000 Sydney Olympics on TV and live at the 2002 

Pan Pacific Championships in Yokohama.” 

Inspired by the Australian, Hoshi’s times improved. 

She won two inter-prefectural high school 

championships, but something wasn’t right. Increasingly 

fatigued, she found training was becoming more 

difficult. “I went to see the doctor and he informed 

me that I had Graves’ disease,” she tells us. “I thought 

I’d have to quit swimming. I was often out of breath 

and couldn’t do any intense training. The medication 

I was on wasn’t making much of a difference and I 

could only do light exercise like walking in the pool.” 

After two months she was given different medicine. 

Despite side effects such as cramping and weight 

gain, it seemed to do the trick. She grew stronger and 

was soon back to her best. She finished second in the 

200 meter butterfly at the 2008 National Championships, 

which earned her a place at the Beijing Games. 

Considering she was still at high school and too 

exhausted to train a few months earlier, it was an incredible 

achievement just to be part of the Olympics, 

but Hoshi left China with regret. 

“I underachieved,” she says. “I felt I could challenge, 

but I went out in the semis, which was bitterly 

disappointing. Although it was tough watching the 

final after that, it showed me the level I needed to be 

at, which gave me an extra desire to push on. I was 

determined not to be watching from the sidelines 


Hoshi with her coach Norimasa Hirai at the 2015 World 

Championships in Kazan 

again in four years’ time.” 

She wasn’t. Hoshi powered through the 

qualifying rounds at the London Games 

and was seen as a potential dark horse in 

the final. After a slow start, though, her 

prospects didn’t look good. The Waseda 

University student was well off the pace at 

the 100 meter stage. She recovered some 

ground over the next 50 meters and then 

in the home straight surged past pre-race 

favorite Kathleen Hersey. China’s Jiao 

Liuyang and Spain’s Mireia Belmonte 

were just out of reach, but Hoshi had done 

enough to claim a bronze. 

“It was a bittersweet feeling afterwards,” 

she says. “I know how hard it is 

to win a medal at the Olympics so I was 

obviously pleased, yet at the same time my 

goal in London was to bring back the gold. 

I gave myself too much to do in the latter 

stages and that ultimately cost me.” 

Hoshi once again left it late at last 

year’s World Championships in Kazan, 

Russia. Back in sixth place after the first 

lap, she slowly made up the ground before 

going in for the kill towards the end. “I felt 

in control throughout, but I was fortunate 

to win with a time of 2:05.56,” she says. 

“Belmonte and the two Chinese girls (Jiao 

Liuyang and Liu Zige) were missing and 

they’ll be back for Rio so I know I need to 

go much faster.” 

Confident, yet at the 

same time cautious about 

her chances in Brazil, 

Hoshi believes a new 

Olympic record may be 

required to take home 

the gold. She tells me 

preparations are going 

well and the lethargy 

that has troubled her at 

meets down the years is 

now less of a problem 

since she had an 

operation to remove her 

thyroid gland towards 

the end of 2014. It’s 

Last time we 

didn’t manage any 

golds and that is 

something we must 

rectify this summer. 

Hopefully I can 

contribute to that 

helped to reduce stress levels, allowing 

her to focus more on swimming. 

Around the time of the surgery she 

also began working with renowned coach 

Norimasa Hirai. He famously guided 

Kosuke Kitajima to double gold medals at 

the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Prior to the 

Athens Games Brendan Hansen smashed 

the Japanese swimmer’s world record in 

the 100 meter breaststroke by 0.48 seconds 

and was seen as the favorite for the 

race. Hirai, however, felt the American 

had peaked too early and pushed his own 

pupil hard in the final weeks building up 

to the event—a time when most athletes 

are slowing down. The strategy paid off. 

“It feels like there is some kind of 

magic in his words,” says Hoshi. “He’s really 

pinpoint in his advice and when you 

have a problem he seems to fix it. The way 

he helped me prepare for the Championships 

in Kazan was perfect.” 

The coach isn’t the only influential 

person in Hoshi’s training sessions. She 

also gets inspiration from working with 

Kitajima and 2014 World Swimmer of the 

Year Kosuke Hagino. The three of them all 

contributed to Japan’s medal haul in London, 

which stood at 11. The question now 

is: can they improve on that in Rio? “I’m 

not sure,” says Hoshi. “To be honest while 

it’s great winning lots of medals, I think 

the type of medal is just as important. Last 

time we didn’t manage any golds and that 

is something we must rectify this summer. 

Hopefully I can contribute to that.” 

under the 

surface 

Japan has won a total of 73 Olympic medals 

in swimming including 20 golds. Eleven of 

those victories have come in either the 100m 

or 200m breaststroke. Kosuke Kitajima is the 

country’s most decorated Olympic swimmer with 

four titles to his name, followed by Yoshiyuki 

Tsuruta who won two in the 200m breaststroke. 

One of the country’s greatest successes was at 

the 1932 Games in Los Angeles, where they took 

home five golds in total. The last female to stand 

on top of the podium was Ai Shibata who won the 

800m freestyle in 2004. 

Looking ahead to Rio, Japan has a number of 

swimmers capable of adding to that golden list 

of 20. As well as Natsumi Hoshi, there are two 

other world champions on the squad: Kanako 

Watanabe won gold in the 200m breaststroke and 

Daiya Seto did the same in the 400m individual 

medley. The latter could face tougher opposition 

in Brazil: There’s a chance of both Ryan Lochte 

and Michael Phelps making a return, as well as 

Kosuke Hagino who missed last year’s championships 

due to a broken elbow. Hagino is arguably 

Japan’s most exciting swimmer and is expected to 

compete in multiple events this summer. Rikako 

Ikee is another name to look out for. Still only 15, 

she’s already broken three national records in the 

50m and 100m freestyle and the 100m butterfly. 

Before thinking about Olympic glory, though, 

both she and Hagino will first have to get through 

the qualifying stages at this month’s National 

Championships. Hoshi, Watanabe and Seto have 

already booked their places in Rio following their 

victories in Kazan last spring. 

GRAVES’ DISEASE 

Named after Irish doctor Robert J. Graves, it is an 

autoimmune illness in which the over activity of 

the thyroid gland causes the overproduction of 

thyroid hormones. Common symptoms include 

shortness of breath, chest pain and muscle weakness. 

The most famous Olympian to contract the 

disease was sprinter and hurdler Gail Devers who 

lost clumps of her hair, had skin falling off her 

face, and at times had to crawl between rooms at 

home during a two-year hiatus from the sport. 

She made a glorious comeback winning gold in 

the 100m at the Barcelona Olympics. 


Golden Week 

Getaways 

The weather is warming up and with Golden Week just around the corner, it’s the 

perfect time to plan a trip. Although it seems that almost every Japanese citizen—and 

their dog—is on the move over Golden Week, there are plenty of wonderful places 

around the archipelago where the crowds won’t be too much of a problem 

by Louise George Kittaka 

Mine, Yamaguchi: Akiyoshido 

Limestone Cave 

Yamaguchi Prefecture in the Chugoku region is off the 

average foreign tourist’s radar, but is home to the 

spectacular Akiyoshido Limestone Cave in Mine. The caves 

are around ten kilometers in length, one kilometer of 

which is open to the public. The route is equipped with elevators 

and isn’t difficult to traverse, making it suitable for all ages and 

levels of fitness. (Very small children, however, might find the 

underground experience unnerving.) You can view a range of 

curious and awe-inspiring vistas sculpted by Mother Nature 

herself along the way, and you may see some of the six types of 

bats that call the caves “home.” Other attractions in the Mine area 

include the Akiyoshidai Karst Observatory, located in a popular 

area for hiking and wonderful views, and Akiyoshidai Safariland, 

where you can get close up and personal with various animals. 

Yoichi, Hokkaido: A Land of 

Wine & Whiskey 

Known for its lovely beaches, Yoichi is popular with surfers 

in the warmer months of the year. However, it is also a 

good choice for those who want to enjoy a touch of the 

gourmet life. It goes without saying that the area boasts 

fresh, delicious seafood, but it is also beginning to develop 

a reputation for wines, too. One winery and restaurant that 

comes recommended is The Occi Gabi (www.occigabi.net). They 

welcome visitors from elementary school age and up, and the 

owner speaks both English and German. Yoichi is also home to 

the Nikka Whiskey Distillery, famous as the origin of Japanese 

whiskey and, more recently, as the inspiration for the popular 

NHK “Massan” morning drama. Nikka founders Masataka 

Taketsuru and his Scottish wife Rita were the models for the 

characters in the series. 


Takachiho, Miyazaki: Spectacular Scenery and Shinto Mythology 

The dramatic geographical features of Takachiho in northwest Miyazaki Prefecture can make for an unforgettable Golden Week 

excursion. The Gokase River flows through the Takachiho Gorge, with steep cliffs on either side. Probably the best way to 

experience the natural beauty of the gorge is by renting a boat, with the 17-meter high Manai Falls being just one of the cascades to 

take in along the route. There are also walking trails, and Golden Week is prime time to view various species of flowers. Takachiho 

is also known as a cradle of Shinto, Japan’s native religion. There are a number of shrines to visit, and Takachiho Shrine hosts evening 

performances of Kagura—sacred dancing and music offered to the Shinto gods. Minpaku (homestays) can be arranged through the town 

office. Particularly welcoming to foreign overnight guests is Shonenji Temple, where British woman Victoria Yoshimura and her Japanese 

husband are the priests. 

Tono and Kitakami, Iwate: 

Folklore in the North 

Most visitors to Iwate make a beeline for Hiraizumi, a World 

Heritage spot renowned for its historic monuments and gardens. 

However, for something a little different, head over to the small 

town of Tono with its rich folkloric heritage. Chief within this 

tradition are legends about the kappa, mischievous Japanese “water 

sprites” that resemble something akin to a turtle, frog and bird all rolled 

into one. A few kilometers out of town is the picturesque Kappabuchi 

Pool, where you can try fishing for kappa with a cucumber (their favorite 

food), and chat to Kappa Ojisan, the local kappa expert. Don’t miss 

the Tono Folklore Village (Furusato no Mura), which has a wonderful 

collection of traditional buildings set up like a farming village. The first 

part of Golden Week is generally cherry blossom time in Iwate, and 

Tenshochi Park in the city of Kitakami is a top viewing spot. Located 

about 70 minutes from Tono, the park hosts parades and festival booths 

during the season, and is adjacent to the Michinoku Folklore Museum. 

Wakayama: Koyasan and 

Stationmaster Cat 

The Koyasan (Mount Koya) area is a World Heritage 

site and has been a sacred spot for Japanese 

Buddhism since the monk Kukai set up residence 

there in 816. The centerpiece is Okunoin Cemetery, 

comprised of some 200,000 stone monuments set among 

a cedar forest. It is hard to sum up the atmosphere 

at Okunoin, but a combination of “spiritual, tranquil, 

ethereal and eerie” might cover it. Scores of other 

temples can be found in the vicinity, some of which offer 

lodgings to tourists and the chance to experience shojin 

ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) and meditation. 

Less than an hour from this quintessential Japanese 

experience is another “only-in-Japan” attraction: Nitama, 

the Stationmaster Cat. Presiding over Kishi Station on the 

Kishikawa train line in Kinokawa, Nitama follows in the 

footsteps of her late predecessor, the “legendary” Tama. 

The cat is credited for bringing the station back from the 

brink of financial ruin and tourists now flock to the area, 

which now celebrates all things feline. 


By Greg Afman 

Don’t be put off by the pint-sized space you’ve got on your 

apartment balcony: there’s still room to grow 

If you are anything like me, once the sakura 

buds begin to swell, it’s official: I have spring 

fever. During this period I feel compelled to 

reconnect and reintroduce nature into my 

balcony and apartment. 

In my spring cleaning I come across a plethora 

of empty pots and half used bags of soil, all remnants 

of last spring’s overzealous buying sprees. I 

figure I can’t be the only one with this problem, seeing 

that most of us want more green in our lives and 

are restricted by the limited space of our balcony. 

For most of us, the dream of having a lushly planted 

oasis for a balcony is soon blocked out by drying 

garments, but with a little planning you should be 

able to do both. Try these three ideas on for size: 

OPTION 1: AN EDIBLE GARDEN 

Who doesn’t like fresh veggies? I know, I can hear 

you saying it already: “I don’t have enough room 

to grow anything.” This is understandable, for the 

majority of us might be thinking back to the way 

that we or our parents grew vegetables back home. 

Plants were laid out in long rows with space to walk 

between, in turn using a lot of real estate. Over 

the last five years or so Square Foot Gardening, or 

SFG, has gained popularity as one possible solution 

to address the difficulties of growing in an urban 

landscape. It’s a growing method that increases 

production and uses less space at the same time. 

(See sidebar for details.) 


OPTION 2: A GREEN CURTAIN. 

This is a great option for those who want to improve 

their view and also keep cool in summer. 

A lot of gardens in Japan use shakkei (borrowed 

scenery), a technique of incorporating a background 

into the garden itself, but let’s face it, 

most of us don’t want to bring the views we can 

see from our balconies into our apartments. 

I’m trying hard enough to keep the guy who’s 

smoking on the balcony across from me from 

watching TV with me! Green curtains work 

double duty, providing a creative way to screen 

out unsightly views and also bring the refreshing 

sights and benefits of nature into your 

apartment. Many plants lend themselves to this 

type of growing arrangement, but two foolproof 

plants to start with are goya and morning 

glory. Morning glory comes in a wide range of 

varieties, and they were a very popular plant 

during the Edo period in Tokyo, and continue 

to be sold at flower festivals throughout the 

city to this day. No matter what you choose to 

grow as a green curtain, you will be blocking 

out the strong summer sunlight, helping to 

reduce the need for air conditioning—if not in 

reality, then at least psychologically. The items 

needed and actual setup for a green curtain are 

pretty straightforward and simple. Purchase a 

few windowsill type rectangular 

containers, fill them with potting 

mix and plant your seeds, or just 

plug your plants in them. Next you 

will need to have a structure or 

string for the plants to climb up. 

I tend to buy a big ball of string 

and fashion my own tressal for 

the plants to climb up. All these 

supplies can be found at any DIY 

store. Tokyo is a great city to see 

some pretty impressive green 

curtains, so head out and get 

some inspiration. 

OPTION 3: KOKEDAMA 

As much time as I’d like to be outdoors, 

I unfortunately spend a lot 

of my time indoors. The final suggestion 

in our trio of suggestions is 

kokedama (moss ball), which provides 

a great way to incorporate 

nature into our apartments in a 

way that feels very modern. If you 

are not familiar with kokedama 

it is a plant, of almost any variety, 

that is growing out from a sphere 

of peat and soil covered in moss. 

The great thing about them 

is the fact that you can grow 

dozens on a balcony and rotate 

them in and out of your apartment depending 

upon your mood, whether the plant is in bloom, 

in its autumn glory, or whether you are having 

people over. 

Kokedama have become very popular both 

inside and outside of Japan in the past few years 

and can be purchased anywhere from department 

stores to local “home centers” all across 

Tokyo. But we recommend making your own, 

as half the fun is in creating them. One excellent 

online resource for making kokedama is 

art-kokedama.com. 

You can use almost any plant or tree you 

Allow your balcony to be an 

extension of nature 

fancy. Aloe, Japanese maple, succulents, English 

ivy—the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. 

Also, you can really give your inner designer 

free rein with regards to showing off these 

moss spheres; you get to decide how they will be 

displayed because they don’t have pots. Anything 

from a small antique plate to a silver dish can be 

used. The possibilities are endless. 

So as the days slowly get warmer and nature 

starts to give us signs of its rebirth, use this time 

to rethink your balcony’s role. Elevate it from 

its lowly status as strictly a place to dry your 

clothes! Allow your balcony to be an extension 

of nature. Go ahead, get your hands dirty and 

let’s blur the line between inside and out. 

T 

he basic principle is to divide your 

planting bed or containers into 

1 x 1 foot (30 x 30 cm) squares and 

grow different plants in each of 

these squares. The “secret” that makes for the 

increased productivity has to do with the fact 

that you are planting using the “space after 

thinning” that is recommended on the back of 

the seed package, ignoring the “seed spacing” 

advice. What does this look like? Imagine you 

have a 2 x 2 foot (61 x 61 cm) container or 

4 square feet (0.35 sq m) to play with. In 1 

square you could plant 16 carrots or radishes, 

in another square 9 bunches of spinach, in 

another 4 lettuce or basil plants, and in the 

final square, 1 tomato plant. 

The spacing the plant needs to grow will 

obviously dictate how many you can put in a 

square. If the plant requires 3 inches (7.6 cm) 

of spacing then you can have 16 plants, and 

4 inches (10.1 cm) of spacing then 9 plants, 

and so on. Once you have your containers 

prepared, you can use string to mark out your 

squares, but anything will work. Then you 

are off and growing! The rest is easy; once a 

square is done producing, you pull the plant(s) 

out, mix in a little fresh compost and plant 

something new in its place. Just be warned: 

your friends may soon catch wind of your 

green thumb and come knocking on your door 

for your fresh salsa. 

(For more information on SFG, 

squarefootgardening.org is a great resource) 

Greg Afman is the former lead horticulturist 

for one of the most prominent Japanese gardens 

in the US. He is now living and working 

as a gardener in the Nagoya area. 


By Natalie Jacobsen 

“Totem,” the third Cirque du Soleil show to come to 

Japan, is the company’s most ambitious production yet 

It all starts with The Crystal Man. Glittering 

and curled up, he drops slowly from the 

ceiling. The 4,000 mirror pieces that make 

up his costume sparkle in the spotlight as 

he dips towards the stage. His commanding 

presence, hovering over the giant turtle carapace 

stage set, summons the “frog people” to 

rise from their slumber, bringing a spark into 

the show. With a beat of the drums, the fire 

catches, and life begins. 

Cirque du Soleil’s “Totem” has been on 

tour for the last 6 years, traipsing around the 

planet to 30 cities in 12 countries, entertaining 

nearly 4 million. Much of the core cast has 

remained intact, with just a few performers in 

rotation. “Totem” is the third Cirque du Soleil 

show to appear in Japan (“Michael Jackson: 

The Immortal World Tour” and “Zed” were its 

predecessors). 

This is the second Cirque du Soleil show 

for creator Robert Lepage. Although it follows 

his prior “Ka” with its exploration of love and 

humanity, “Totem” is a “stand-alone performance.” 

Each time the show takes up residence 

in a new city, it is slightly reconstructed with 

local audiences in mind. “The music is adapted 

to please the [country’s] audience culturally,” 

Lepage explained in an earlier interview. 

Though there is no set script in the show, one 

clown character, Valentino, defies the “body 

language only” rule—and while he babbles 

away in Italian for the most part, many zingers 

are in Japanese, inciting giggles from children. 

One of the fundamental components of the 

Cirque du Soleil experience is their hallmark 

usage of the “Big Top” tents, harking back 

to days of rustic circuses on the outskirts of 

French cities. Their trademark yellow and blue 

tent is taken down and rebuilt in each place 

it travels to, with stadium seating and earthquake-proof 

framing. As if by magic, it looks 

far too small from the outside to hold all that 

the show entails, including an audience several 

hundred strong. The audience sits around the 

stage, atypical of stage performances. Said 

artistic director Neelanthi Vadivel of the theater 

layout: “It’s very intimate. The audience is close 

to the action, so it’s a beautiful experience.” 

“Totem” follows the evolution of life, 

from the amphibian stage to a distant future. 

“[Lepage] really wanted it to jump back and 

forth through different time periods, different 

locations on the globe,” explains Vadivel. 

“We’re trying to tell everybody’s story.” 

Each of the dozen acts embodies a particular 

time and place, and highlights a different 

Left: OSA Images Costumes: Kym 

Barrett © 2010 Cirque du Soleil © 

2015 Fuji Television 

Below: Matt Beard Costumes: Kym 

Barrett © 2014 Cirque du Soleil 



CIRQUE DU SOLEIL | ART & CULTURE | 27 

kind of performance skill. As the show 

progresses, each act seems to top the one 

before, continuing to expand the boundary 

of human ability, right up to the climax 

of the two-hour journey through the 

history of humankind. The breathtaking 

performances by the cast, including musicians, 

are all “disciplines you’ve never 

seen on a Cirque stage before,” proclaims 

publicist Francis Jalbert. 

Technology plays a pivotal role in the 

production of “Totem.” The stage itself 

acts as a screen for an overhead video 

projection for Argentinean volcanoes, 

Icelandic waterfalls, and American 

marshes; synchronized performers 

“dive” into the screen, just as characters 

“swim” through the screen before 

crawling out of the stage, a stage that 

transforms from a turtle shell into a rocket 

halfway through. The music, lights, 

and in-air acts all harness high-tech, in 

what seems to be a nod towards how 

far we have come, and how much we 

have evolved, highlighted by the show’s 

final “cosmonaut” act that launches us 

towards the future. 

The family-friendly show engages 

audiences even before the lights dim. 

Clowns and a modern version of a 

“ringmaster” walk among the audience, 

throwing popcorn, teasing children with 

time-honored pocket gimmicks, and 

snapping photos. Drummers and “apes” 


make their way into 

the crowd during 

the show, keeping 

the audience on the 

edge of their seat 

and getting everyone 

involved. At times, 

it’s hard to stay 

focused on just one 

character, for fear of 

missing out on what 

another is doing. 

While unmistakably 

original 

in approach, much 

of the show pays 

homage to ancient 

myths and legends 

of Amerindians and 

tribes from all corners of the globe. The 

turtle-shaped centerpiece is acknowledgement 

of several civilizations’ symbol of 

origin. Each costume, too, embodies not 

any single group, but rather, incorporates 

motifs from several peoples and cultures, 

from Bollywood to South America. The 

inclusion plays to the theme that we all 

come from the same place, and have 

the same ambition: “to escape Earth’s 

gravity.” All of the music is inspired by, 

and includes sound bites from, Native 

American tribal music, Indian tunes, and 

Spanish flamenco melodies. 

Considered to be the most ambitious 

Cirque du Soleil showcases to date, “Totem” 

journeys not just through time and 

lands, but talent. The 40-strong troupe is 

very much a family—literally. A younger 

performer, Nikita Moiseev (seen “flying” 

on the Russian Bars), is the son of Russian 

Bars coach Alexander Moiseev. Nikita was 

born while his parents were on tour with 

Cirque du Soleil’s “Alegria” twenty years 

ago, and has been in the circus since. “I’ve 

been performing for 13 years, and I was 

traveling for most of my 

life,” says Nikita. Fifty 

other family members 

join their partners, 

parents, and children 

around the world on 

tour, keeping in line with 

the tradition of old-fashioned 

images of traveling 

circuses. 

The large-ensemble 

acts, involving monkeys, 

the Scientist, and 

“present day” man, are 

mesmerizing in their 

“busy-ness” and colors and enormous set 

pieces. Unicyclists have carefully choreographed 

their balancing act, tossing soup 

bowls stacked on their heads onto their feet, 

one by one, before kicking them onto each 

others’ heads. Russian Bars performers leap 

high into the air, flipping multiple times 

before landing smoothly on 10-cm-wide 

beams. Yet, perhaps the most mesmerizing 

acts are the solos or duets: Trapeze artists 

who flip and spin high in the air, climbing 

over each other effortlessly, fearlessly. An 

exhilarating performance by two roller skaters 

upon a two-meter–wide drum, who act 

out a “wedding” in a captivating whirlwind. 

The “Crystal Lady,” who can juggle four 

spinning rugs on her feet while lying down, 

the “Strong Man” who can balance on a 

single hand, without so much as a tremor, 

or the “Love Birds” who can dangle fifty 

feet in the air, the woman’s head cradled in 

the hand of the man who is hanging just by 

his knees—all acts are remarkable in the 

feats they achieve, each talent leaving the 

audience breathless and in suspension. 

“Totem’s” music takes us through the 

past, the costumes dazzle us with cultural 

We’re trying to tell everybody’s story. 

traditions and colors, each act pushes the 

limits of human flexibility and strength, 

and the technology flies us into the future: 

evidence of evolution carries us through 

the show, right up to the final bow. The 

narrative and the backbone of “Totem” are 

the transcendence and importance of love, 

supporting one another, and continuing to 

grow—together, as humankind. 

“Totem” will be on at Odaiba Big Top until 

June 26. See totem-jp.com for more details. 

Photo: Matt Beard Costumes: Kym Barrett © 2014 Cirque du Soleil 


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Martin Fluck, Kyoko Spector, Entertainment group “Lucky white 

person” at the opening party of Oakwood Premier Tokyo 

Tokyo’s Longest Running 

Society Page with Bill Hersey 

It’s been five years since the Great East Japan Earthquake 

and Tsunami and found it depressing reading that there are 

still 180,000 victims of that great tragedy living as refugees 

and unable to resume a normal life. Thank God the Catholic 

Church and charity organizations like Caritas Japan continue to 

help so many people who have suffered so much. 

I had the chance to visit the Tohoku region with Bill Ireton and 

his older son, Matthew a short time after it all happened. We drove 

up in a van full of baseball uniforms and equipment for several 

schools that had pretty much been destroyed. I took time to walk 

along the beach that was now miles of flattened homes and miles 

of mud. Still have vivid images of things like family photos, books, 

a tennis racket, clothing and many other personal things that belonged 

to those who lived there buried in the mud. 

Caritas Japan, which is supported by the Catholic Church in 

Japan, has cooperated in reconstruction activities and continues to 

work closely with the local people. They are especially good with 

the children and elderly, who still face so many problems. If you 

have time and really want to help others, contact Caritas Japan at 

03-5632-4439 or 03-5632-4411 

Still on helping others, I heard a dear friend, Guy Laliberté sold 

his big and beautiful business the world famous Cirque du Soleil. 

He’s done a lot of interesting and good things since he and another 

street performer made their dream come true by creating the fabulous 

circus. Guy’s a dynamic guy who does things like flying into orbit 

and here on Earth, gets involved in so many worthwhile charity projects. 

Just got an e-mail from him about the “One Night for One Drop” 

charity auction in Las Vegas. Guy founded the One Drop foundation in 

2007 to provide access to safe water to the most disadvantaged regions 

of world. This is the 4th year they’ve done this, and the prizes include 

meeting and greeting celebrities, luxury travel and many other 

unique and interesting things, including Victoria Secret Fashion Show 

packages, and walk-on roles in movies. For information, contact info@ 

charitybuzz.com to help Guy keep up the good work. 

One of Japan’s top restaurateurs Kozo Hasegawa, owns many 

restaurants here in Tokyo. These include Gonpachi, where visiting US 

Presidents always eat; Monsoon; La Boheme; Legato; and many other 

very busy chains. For quite some time now he’s been commuting from 

Japan to California on his latest project, which he describes as “an 

amazing mega restaurant.” He’ll soon open at the Third Street Promenade 

in Santa Monica—construction was just finished and it will open 

in May. I’m sure that’s going to be very special, as well as very busy. 

Our congratulations to Kozo and his staff. 

Seems like there’s so many crazy things happening in this old 

world of ours. When I say this to friends, most of them say it’s always 

been that way, but now with TV, mobile phones, and everything else, 


PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 31 

Diana Hudoyarova, Anna Shiga’s mom, Tatiana 

Anna Danielsson, Birthday Girl Anna Shiga, Oksana Shimoda 

Akihiro Nozaki, Super formula racer J.P. Yoon Eui Chun, 

Pirelli Tires Pres. Japan, Giovanni Ponzoni 

Anna Shiga’s 

Birthday Party 

Elizaveta and Tamerlan Abdikeev with their daughter Adelia 

Tsukasa Shiga, his wife Anna, their daughter Anastasia 

Maruyumas’ 

Chinese Dinner— 

Hilton’s Dynasty 

Luxembourg Amb. Beatrice Kirsch, Kuwaiti Amb. Abdul 

Al-Otaibi, Moroccan Amb. Samir Arrour, Iman Younes 

(Lebanon), Marlise Vahekeni, Lilo Maruyama 

Waleed and Maali Siam, Mitsuo Maruyama, Angola Amb. 

Joào Vahekeni, his wife Marlise 

Algerian Amb. Mohamed Bencheif, Moroccan Amb. Samir 

Arrour, Iman Younes, Kuwait Amb. Al-Otaibi 

Birthday girl Sadako Nagano, Hisa Uemura, Lilo, 

Yasumine Araita (Djibouti) 

Toshiko Yanai, Lilo, former Amb. to US Shunji Yanai, 

Shima-san 

Samir Arrour, Khalid Al-Muslahi, Lina Chikada, Waleed 

Siam, Tania Tupou (Tonga) and Helge Maruyama 

Lilo, Tsugahara-san, Yanai-san, Mutsuko Kato, Toni 

Matsubara, Akio Matsuzaki (father-in-law, PM Abe), 

Prime minister Abe’s mother Yoko, Mitsuo Maruyama 

Emiko Matsuzaki, Hisa Uemura 


32 | SOCIETY | PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES 

Stanley Nakagawa, his wife Jane Yamano who runs Yamano 

Beauty, Oakwood’s Amy Kanashiro and Martin Fluck 

Oakwood’s Eric Ishimaru, Makiko Mori, Tetsuo Isono, 

Oakwood’s Miyako and Mika 

Tekko Bldg. COO Soichiro Masuoka, Tekko GM Tetsuo 

Isono, Tokyo Midtown’s Yasuhiro Nakamura, Martin 

Fluck, Makiko Mori, Tekko Pres./CEO Yoshifumi Masuoka, 

Mitsui Fudosan’s Yasuhiro Tanaka 

Asian Tigers Nick Masse 

Konishiki, fashion designer Shizuka Miura, Chie 

(Konishiki’s wife), textile designer Masumi Kawahara 

Oakwood Premier 

Tokyo Opening 

Martin, Oakwood Asia Pacific’s Dean Schreiber, Michael 

Mrolzek (Okuno & Partners) 

Nick Coyle (MSX Intl.), Mika Kume, Keren Meirs 

In and Around 

Dancers at last year’s Super Yosakoi 

One of the entertainers at the Oakwood Premier opening 

Producer Raymond Johnson and his daughter Liili 

Super pop star Yoshiki of the band X-Japan after his recent concert and Bill 

Koichiro and Daniele Yoshikoshi and friends Eduardo and 

Senora Cardena visiting from Colombia at Nat’l Azabu 


PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 33 

we just see and hear about so much more than we used to. I’ve 

never been all that interested in politics but have really gotten 

hooked on CNN’s coverage of what’s happening on the American 

political scene now. Like so-o-o many, I’m not happy about Trump 

and find it difficult to understand how anyone could vote for 

him after all the things he says, his behavior, and his attitude in 

general. Many people I know from just about everywhere feel the 

same way. The German magazine Der Speigel has labeled him “The 

Most Dangerous Man in the World.” Former US Secretary of State 

Madeline Albright said the same thing when she was interviewed 

by Christiane Amanpour on CNN. We all have heard “What we’ll do 

if he wins—we’ll put up a wall,” “Don’t let Muslims in,” and more. 

A short time later, it’s “I love the Mexicans” “I love Texas.” “I love 

women and a real long list of other things” he loves. With his hair, 

his tons of makeup, and his attitude he does look a bit mental. In 

many of his appearances he reminds me of North Korea’s Kim Jong 

Un, and looks like an ageing, pouting 10 year-old spoiled kid. 

I haven’t lived in the US for a long time, but have many great 

memories of growing up there and do love my country. I really 

hope and pray that things get better and my country finds solutions 

for the many problems many Americans are facing, and of course, 

I also really wish people of the world could learn to live with each 

other peacefully. 

PEOPLE 

Had a long telephone conversation with former Tokyoite Maria 

Anderson who with her husband Ron, lives in New York now. Really 

happy to hear they’re making their annual trip here for the cherry 

blossoms and the Cherry Blossom Ball. They’ll arrive April 1 and 

stay until April 10, and are looking forward to seeing old friends. 

Happy to see Mick Jagger’s ex-wife, Texas model Jerry Hall just married 

Rupert Murdock. I spent considerable time with Jerry when 

she was in Tokyo for modeling. One of my favorite photos is a black 

and white one I took of Jerry in a tight black dress, her long blonde 

hair flying when she was doing some lesbian looking dancing at the 

popular Lez club. She’s a fun and sharp lady. Hope she’s happy with 

her new man. 

MARUYAMA CHINESE DINNER – HILTON’S DYNASTY 

Mitsuo Maruyama, his wife Lilo and their son Helge always go all 

out to make anything they do really special. It seems they’re always 

traveling, and have been named the most traveled family in the 

world by several travel organizations. When they’re in Japan their 

annual garden party at their beautiful home in Tochigi is one of the 

most legendary parties on the Tokyo social scene. In addition to that 

Lilo often hosts luncheons for her many int’l and Japanese 

friends. 

This year their annual Chinese dinner at Hilton 

Tokyo’s Dynasty restaurant was bigger and better than 

ever. Special guests included Prime Minister Abe’s 

mother, Yoko Abe as well as his in-laws, Akio and Emiko Matsuzaki 

(He’s with Morinaga Chocolate). Other members of the Tokyo 

glitterati included Hisako Uemura, whose husband Banjiro is the 

founder of the huge Tohokushinsha Company on Aoyama Dori and 

also owner of the popular National Azabu Supermarkets. These 

are well worth checking out. The variety of health foods that store 

manager Dale Toriumi has brought in from all over the world is 

really impressive. 

As always, the Maruyamas’ get together was laid-back and fun. 

Good friends at my table included Moroccan Ambassador Samir 

Arrour and Kuwaiti Ambassador Rahman Al-Otaibi. I was sitting 

between two really outgoing interesting ladies, Marlise Vahekeni, 

wife of Angola Ambassador Vahekeni and Luxembourg Ambassador 

Beatrice Kirsch. I knew Marlise through her help at my annual 

Children’s Christmas party, which we’ve been doing at the Hilton 

for 18 years. This was my first time to meet Beatrice and really 

enjoyed getting to know her. The ten-course dinner was excellent 

and it was, as always, a great, laid-back evening with a full house 

of good friends and good people. 

CEREMONY BIRTHDAY FOR ANNA 

Ceremony President Tsukasa Shiga (who many of you know) 

hosted a birthday party in Roppongi Hills Club for his super Russian 

wife Anna recently. Guests were mostly former Russian and 

Ukrainian models and their very international Japanese husbands 

and many of their beautiful, energetic kids. The food at Roppongi 

Hills was excellent and it was a relaxing and interesting evening 

with a really nice guest list. Happy birthday Anna—and many 

more to come. 

GRAND OPENING OF OAKWOOD PREMIERE TOKYO 

As a longtime fan of and frequent guest of many of their special 

events, I was sure that the opening of Oakwood Premier’s luxurious 

new serviced apartments, the 123-room Oakwood Premier 

Tokyo in Marunouchi would be very special. Located on the 6th 

to the 19th floor of the ultra modern Tekko Building, the serviced 

apartments offer all the amenities, services and facilities we have 

come to expect from Oakwood. As their brochure reads, it’s a 

sanctuary in a pulsating city. Guests at the cocktail reception were 

an interesting mix of Japanese and foreign VIPs. 

After a short welcome speech by Oakwood Asia Pacific Ltd’s 

managing director Dean Schreiber, people there enjoyed the 

gourmet buffet, mixing with old friends, making new friends and 

enjoying the fun entertainment. 

The New Oakwood Premier is just steps away from Tokyo 

Station. You should drop by and check it out. The panoramic 

view of Ginza from the reception area is really awesome. 

The invitation was unique and cool—a gold 

silhouette on a black card of Tokyo’s ever growing 

skyline. It’s one you want to keep or copy. 

Male models Jeoren Teerlinch (Amsterdam) and Jack Mather 

(England) at Hiroo Segafredo 

Segafredo Hiroo’s always helpful staffers Alessio Bonelli, Hiroyuki 

Watanabe, and Marco Anacleria 


COMING TO A CINEMA NEAR YOU IN APRIL 

APR 22 

THE REVENANT 

Picking up an Academy Award 

for Best Director is quite an 

achievement: taking away the 

prize in two consecutive years puts 

the winner in a most exclusive circle. 

Alejandro González Iñárritu is only the 

third man to hold such an honor and 

the first to do so in 65 years, thanks to 

“Birdman” followup “The Revenant.” The 

film also earned Leonardo DiCaprio his 

first Best Actor Oscar after many years 

of trying. DiCaprio stars as Hugh Glass, 

a fur trapper in the wild Northern Plains 

of 1820s America. After being viciously 

attacked by a grizzly bear, the dying man 

is then abandoned and betrayed by the 

men left behind to see that his body was 

properly taken care of. What follows 

is an extraordinary (and true) story of 

survival as the seriously wounded Glass 

nurses himself back to health before 

setting out on a mission of vengeance 

against those men that callously left 

him to rot in a shallow grave. A film of 

staggering technical brilliance from a 

master of his craft, “The Revenant” offers 

brutal action set amidst a stunningly 

beautiful yet bitterly harsh environment. 

ROOM 

APR 8 

Indie drama “Room” took the world 

by storm, racking up multiple film 

prizes and making it all the way to the 

Academy Awards thanks to its deeply moving 

narrative. Young newcomer Jacob Tremblay 

wows as five-year-old Jack, a little boy who 

has lived his entire life inside a tiny room. 

Jack’s mother Joy, an equally impressive Brie 

Larson, was captured seven years earlier and 

has been held captive ever since. Joy tries to 

create a happy life for her son but struggles to 

cope with her situation and the routine rapes 

from a man they call “Old Nick.” With living 

conditions growing worse, Joy decides it’s time 

to make a break for the outside, introducing 

her son to a world he didn’t believe existed. 

Director Lenny Abrahamson infuses a film 

that could have been unbearably dark with 

the power of hope. 

LOWLIFE LOVE 

Tetsuo is a lowlife, a scummy film 

director with one minor hit to his 

name who lures in women with 

promises of acting roles only to use them 

for sex. Unfortunately, at the lowest levels 

of the indie filmmaking scene he’s not 

the only scumbag around. Eiji Uchida, 

director of outstanding 2013 black-comedy 

“Greatful Dead,” populates his latest work 

with a lineup of sleazy producers, actors, 

agents and managers who’ll do anything 

to make it to the top. Now, with the help 

of a naïve young screenwriter and an 

innocent actress, Tetsuo might just be able 

to get his career back on track, if he can get 

his act together and rise above the sleazy 

world he inhabits. 

APR 2 

YOUTH 

APR 15 

Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino 

provides the more thoughtful 

cinemagoer with a trip to the Swiss 

Alps in his latest work, “Youth.” Aging 

best friends Michael Caine and Harvey 

Keitel are guests at a luxurious hotel who 

spend their days lounging by the pool 

and reflecting on their lives and fading 

memories. One a successful film director 

and the other a renowned composer, their 

respective desire or apathy towards work 

drives the plot but it’s the traded words 

of these two acting heavyweights that 

provides the content. Encounters with the 

likes of Rachel Weisz, Jane Fonda and Paul 

Dano add further color to this beautifully 

shot film. “Youth” is Sorrentino’s second 

English language film and the follow up to 

his 2013 Academy Award winning effort 

“The Great Beauty.” 


PREVIEWS | MOVIES | 35 

APR 23 

> BEST OF THE REST This Month’s Releases 

THE MOHICAN COMES HOME 

APRIL 8 

Punk rocker Ryuhei Matsuda 

returns to his island hometown 

to find his estranged father on 

his last legs. The wayward son 

decides to hang around and 

reconnect with the dying man in 

this life-affirming comedy-drama. 

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR 

After last month’s clash between DC Comic titans Batman 

and Superman, Marvel’s own big screen heavyweights are 

getting in on the hero vs. hero action. Robert Downey Jr.’s 

wisecracking Iron Man often came into conflict with Chris Evans’ 

stoic man-out-of-time Captain America but they formed a friendship 

built on mutual respect and shared adventures. When yet another 

international incident occurs involving The Avengers, Cap must 

take a stand to protect his friend The Winter Soldier (Sebastian 

Stan) from the fallout, and the Earth’s mightiest superheroes 

become split down the middle. The Falcon (Antony Mackie), Scarlet 

Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) line up 

behind Cap while Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Vision (Paul 

Bettany), War Machine (Don Cheadle) and newcomer The Black 

Panther (Chadwick Boseman) stand with Iron Man. And is that a 

certain web-slinging wall-crawler I see swinging into action…? 

COP CAR 

APRIL 8 

This throwback action-thriller 

sees Kevin Bacon as a county 

sheriff on the trail of two 

young boys who have taken an 

abandoned cop car for a joyride 

into a world of trouble. 

AYASHII KANOJO 

APRIL 1 

Japanese remake of Korean 

smash hit “Miss Granny,” 

in which a cantankerous 

grandmother magically regains 

the body of her twentysomething 

self for a second 

shot at life, love, and happiness in this joyous comedy-drama. 

APR 15 

SICARIO 

APRIL 8 

Intense thriller as Emily Blunt, 

Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro 

set out on a clandestine mission 

in the dangerous US/Mexico 

border area to tackle the war on 

drugs. 

SPOTLIGHT 

Spotlight” was this month’s other big Oscar winner, sneaking 

in and taking away the coveted Best Picture Award from 

under the nose of its rivals. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast, 

the film tells the story of The Boston Globe newspaper’s “Spotlight” 

investigative journalism team as they tackle allegations of child sex 

abuse within the Catholic Church. Going up against Boston’s legal, 

religious and political leaders, the team risks everything to expose 

a decades old cover-up. Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel 

McAdams, John Slattery, Brian d’Arcy James and Liev Schreiber are 

the team members in a film quite rightly hailed as one of the best of 

the year. While the “Spotlight” film team took away a Best Picture 

Award, the real group of journalists earned themselves a Pulitzer 

Prize for their groundbreaking work. 

LOVE 

APRIL 1 

Provocateur Gasper Noé follows 

up Tokyo-set “Enter the Void” 

with another kaleidoscopic, sexfueled 

drama. 

ZOOTOPIA 

APRIL 23 

A cast of some of Hollywood’s 

finest provides the voices for 

this Disney animation caper 

that tells the story of hijinks 

in a city populated entirely by 

nonhuman mammals. 

This month’s movie previews were written by Christopher 

O’Keeffe. For more movie news and reviews visit 

www.tokyoweekender.com 


AGENDA 

1 

2 

3 

4 

6 

7 

8 

5 

AGENDA: THE WEEKENDER ROUNDUP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN APRIL 

1 APR 13-19 

Eric Clapton 

His anticipated retirement 

from a decades-long music 

career is just around the corner, and 

Old Slowhand will be gracing the stage 

at Budokan for a whole week before 

he takes his final bow. 

Where: Budokan How much: ¥12,000-13,500 

More info: tokyoweekender.com 

2 

APR 15-24 3 APR 28 

4 

Tokyo Beer Week 

Tokyo bars are participating 

in the annual beer 

festival: expect to find a variety of 

rare flavors from microbreweries 

around the country at this weeklong 

festival. 

Where: Various bars in Tokyo How much: 

Depends More info: www.beerweek.jp 

We Love 80’s Disco 

Grand Hyatt Tokyo will 

host its second annual 

80s-themed disco event, “We Love 

80’s Disco,” transforming the hotel’s 

Roppongi location into an international 

dance scene. 

Where: Grand Hyatt, Minato-ku How much: 

¥13,000 More info: tokyoweekender.com 

APR 17 

Sadistic Circus Spring 

The bizarre, kinky, fetish show 

will showcase local and international 

talent, performing musically, and 

more. This show has been running for 14 

years—time to see what it’s all about. 

Where: Beer Lion Hall, Ginza 

How much: ¥13,000 


5 APR 23-24 6 APR 28-30 7 APR 1-24 

Earth Day Tokyo 

Groups of NPOs will 

be poised in Shibuya 

Ward’s largest park over the weekend, 

celebrating all things eco. The 

space will be brimming with booths, 

concerts, contests, and more! 

Where: Yoyogi Park, Shibuya How much: 

Free More info: www.earthday-tokyo.org 

40th Japan Hobby 

Show Stroll through 

a maze of booths and 

displays featuring hobbyists’ creations, 

from painting and sewing to confectioneries, 

and maybe discover a new 

hobby for yourself… 

Where: Tokyo Big Sight, East Hall How 

much: ¥1,000~ More info: www.hobby.or.jp 

Saikyo Ramen Festival 

Forty Japanese ramen shops 

will be collaborating for the 

month of April, assembling at Shibahiro 

Park to tempt taste buds with their 

specialty ramen. Shops will rotate 

every few days. 

Where: Nakamachi, Machida How much: 

Free More info: tokyoweekender.com 

8 APR 2 - MAY 14 

Graciela Iturbide 

The famed Mexican photographer 

and filmmaker 

is bringing her traveling exhibition 

to Tokyo. Take a photographic and 

cinematic journey into the psychology of 

crossing the border. 

Where: Taka Ishii Gallery How much: Free 



APRIL | AGENDA | 37 

APRIL 

9 

10 

11 

12 

9 APR 4-6 10 APR 8-10 

Bob Dylan 

Asakusa Festivals 

The great American 

Asakusa will celebrate 

bard is in Tokyo for a 

spring with a floral festival, 

a procession of women dressed 

multi-night set of performances. Get 

your hands on a ticket while you as Edo period courtesans, and a white 

have the chance! 

heron dance festival. 

Where: Bunkamura Orchard Hall, 

Where: Sensoji Temple, Asakusa 

Dogenzaka How much: ¥13,000–25,000 How much: Free 



11 APR 16 12 APR 16-17 

Yabusame (Horseback 

Motor Sport Japan Festival 

Archery Festival) 

One of the largest shows of its 

Cheer on Asakusa School 

kind in Japan. You can expect 

of Yabusame students as they aim to a big turnout to see race tuned and 

hit three simultaneous targets while tricked out cars on display. Meet and 

racing on horseback, a tradition that greet racers, get photos, and check out 

dates back to the Edo period. 

some hardcore drifting. 

Where: Sumida Park, Taito-ku How much: Where: Odaiba How much: Free 

Free More info: tokyoweekender.com 



BACK IN THE DAY: APRIL 1974 

Check out the scene in Tokyo from 1974! You can read the rest of this issue (No.16 

1974) and view Weekender’s 45-year archive online. www.tokyoweekender.com/ 

weekender-archives/

Tokyo Weekender - April 2016

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