Tokyo Weekender - March 2016

MARCH 2016 

Japan’s number one English language magazine 

3/11 

Five Years of 

Recovering and 

Rebuilding 

OMOTENASHI 

SELECTION 

Products From Every 

Corner of the Country 

MAESTRO ON THE DECKS 

Techno Legend Jeff Mills Goes Orchestral 

ALSO: Celebrating Hanami with a Touch of Class, Yoshikazu Fujita Gets Ready for Rugby in Rio, Movies, Events, 

www.tokyoweekender.com 

and Much More 

MARCH 2016

MARCH 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com


CONTENTS 

24 

12 18 

22 

JEFF MILLS 

The grandfather of techno teams up with the 

Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra 

OMOTENASHI SELECTION 

Combing the length and breadth of Japan 

to find items of unique beauty and charm 

FURUSATO NOZEI 

Give, and ye shall receive—a surprising 

array of gifts from around the country 

ROAD TO RIO 

Rugby man Yoshikazu Fujita gets ready for 

the Olympic pitch 

6 The Guide 

A few suggestions for classy springtime 

looks—and a perfect hanami drink 

8 Gallery Guide 

Three exhibitions featuring a trio of Italian 

masters: Caravaggio, Botticelli, da Vinci 

10 Hanami Guide 

Bye-bye, blue tarp and plastic cups: here’s 

to hanami with a touch of class 

20 3/11 

Looking back at five years of recovering 

and rebuilding since the triple disaster 

23 Ayako Ichinose 

The lesbian actress speaks about coming 

out and the state of LGBT rights in Japan 

26 People, Parties, Places 

Yoko Ono comes to town and Bill drops in 

at parties for Italy and Qatar 

30 Movies 

Superman and Batman come to blows and 

Sherlock Holmes battles old age 

32 Agenda 

Cirque du Soleil comes to town, art takes 

over a Tokyo hotel, and plenty more 

34 Back in the Day 

The tale of an evening spent at a 

mysterious palace of pleasure 

www.tokyoweekender.com MARCH 2016

THIS MONTH IN THE WEEKENDER 

Cover Photo: Jacob Khrist©© 


Publisher 

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Lead Writer 

Editorial Associates 

Film 

IT Manager 

ENGAWA Co., Ltd. 

Asi Rinestine 

Alec Jordan 

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Mary Rudow 

Chris Zajko 

Yumi Idomoto 

Bill Hersey 

Matthew Hernon 

Natalie Jacobsen 

Vivian Morelli 

Luca Eandi 

Kyle Mullin 

Christopher O’Keeffe 

Nick Adams 

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 

3/11 

Five Years of 

Recovering and 

Rebuilding 

OMOTENASHI 

SELECTION 

Products From Every 

Corner of the Country 

MAESTRO ON THE DECKS 

Techno Legend Jeff Mills Goes Orchestral 


ALSO: Celebrating Hanami with a Touch of Class, Yoshikazu Fujita Gets Ready for Rugby in Rio, Movies, Events, 


and Much More 


hrugging off our overcoats 

S 

and taking in spring as it 

comes to blossom on the 

trees around us, we’re also 

reminded of the shock the country felt 

five years back, when the earthquake 

and tsunami of March 11 hit the Tohoku 

coastline. As our conversation with two 

people who have dedicated themselves to 

reconstruction efforts shows, much has 

been achieved, but much yet remains to 

be done, and needs have changed. 

At the same time, the slow turn 

of the seasons brings plenty with it to 

lighten our hearts. Towards the end of the 

month, we can expect the yearly show of 

the sakura’s bloom to briefly color the 

city’s streets, parks, and waterways with 

a range of pinks. To help you make the 

most of your hanami experience, we’ve 

put together a guide to taking in the cherry 

blossoms in a more elegant fashion than 

the standard blue tarps and plastic cups. 

This issue, we also have the chance 

to sample Japan through the crafts and 

products that spring from every prefecture. 

One way to experience these various items 

is through an unconventional way: tax 

deductions. The Furusato Nozei program, 

which has been rising in popularity over 

the eight years since it was launched, 

allows participants to make donations 

to cities and towns around the country, 

and in turn receive gifts in the form of 

products from those regions. 

Another way to enjoy the unique 

varieties of artisanal Japan is through the 

items assembled by the OMOTENASHI 

Selection, a project that was introduced 

last year with the aim of sharing the 

country’s unique products and services 

with an international audience. We’ve 

picked a few of our favorites, and you can 

check some of them out until March 8 at 

Takashimaya Nihonbashi. 

Finally we’d like to announce the 

launch of Tokyo Weekender’s new parent 

company, ENGAWA. Together, we’re 

looking forward to continuing to serve as 

a resource for the expat community, while 

also reaching people who are just getting 

to know the country. Stay tuned. 

Editor 

To subscribe to the Tokyo Weekender, please call 

(03) 6863-3096 or email: 

customer-support@tokyoweekender.com 

For ad sales inquiries, please call 

(03) 6863-3096 or email: 

sales@tokyoweekender.com 

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Opinions expressed by Weekender contributors 

are not necessarily those of the publisher 

WRITERS WANTED 

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please send us an email at 

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the guide 

ETRO SILK SCARF 

While spring officially kicks off in 

March, the temperatures are still 

a little chilly, but we’re also ready 

to get rid of our heavy winter 

coats and fleece-lined layers. A 

light scarf from Italian fashion 

house Etro is the ideal item to 

slowly transition your wardrobe 

from winter to spring. Crafted 

from silk-twill and designed with 

an intricate paisley motif, this 

accessory is incredibly versatile: 

tie it around your neck to liven up 

a monochrome outfit, or wear it 

as a headband for a chic and easy 

look that channels springtime. 

etro.com 

FENDI PRINTED LEGGINGS 

So, apparently “athleisure” is really happening—that 

is, clothes that are equally appropriate 

for athletic or leisure pursuits. In other words, 

wearing your gym clothes out to brunch is now 

deemed acceptable. Although not every style 

maven is a fan of this trend, the recent designs to 

make an appearance on runways are difficult to 

resist, and we’re giving in to designer leggings. 

This pair from Italian designer Fendi mixes colorful 

apples and lightbulbs (why not), printed on 

supportive stretch-jersey material. Pair it with the 

matching top for a flamboyant look at the gym, 

and add a black cashmere cardigan to go on with 

your day post-workout. fendi.com 

SAINT LAURENT ENVELOPE SHOULDER BAG 

A designer handbag is a long-term investment, so it’s always best to pick a classic that 

will age flawlessly with the years. This “Envelope” bag is the perfect example of timeless 

sophistication and practicality. Part of the iconic “Monogramme” family, this bag is made 

from soft and durable leather and is embellished with the signature YSL plaque. The 

interior is pocketed and features card slots and a separate compartment to keep all your 

essentials on hand for a night out. Wear it cross-body during daytime using the chaintrimmed 

strap. ysl.com 

FAUCHON CUBE HANAMI 

Celebrate cherry blossom season with a French touch! Fauchon, 

the purveyor of all things gourmet, has put together a delectable 

assortment of morsels that will add a little Continental flair 

to any hanami party. The “Fauchon Cube Hanami” features three 

varieties of their bread cubes—croissant, brioche, and olive—along 

with three flavored spreads: fines herbes, cream cheese and paprika, 

and whipped butter and mustard. Also included are four glass markers, 

a set of utensils, and what may be the kit’s pièce de résistance: a 

pink picnic mat. Say au revoir to that blue tarp... 

How much: On sale at Takashimaya stores in Nihonbashi, Shinjuku, 

and Yokohama. Eight lucky Insider Club members will receive a 

Fauchon Cube Hanami for free: see page 5 for more details. 


Something for the weekend...A 

cocktail guide for the most 

discerning of drinkers 

SMYTHSON TRAVEL SET 

For the globetrotter and business traveller, this chic travel set from British luxury 

leather brand Smythson will make those long hours spent at the airport a bit more 

bearable. Not only does it make it easy to stay organized while on the road, but it also 

lets you travel in style. The textured-leather set includes a wallet to stow all your tickets, 

complete with an easy-access boarding pass compartment on the side. The separate, 

matching passport holder will protect your most important document, and if you don’t 

buy it for yourself, it makes for a thoughtful gift for a jet-setting friend. smythson.com 

JUNYA WATANABE SOCKS 

A protégé of iconic designer Rei Kawakubo, 

Junya Watanabe has been at 

the head of his own men’s line since the 

early 2000s, while remaining part of the 

quintessential Japanese brand Comme 

des Garçons. Just like his mentor, Mr. 

Watanabe is renowned for his cutting-edge 

designs and deconstructive approach. 

While socks are not the ultimate 

fashion statement, these red cotton ones 

add a playful touch to any look. It’s woven 

with red, navy and yellow thread, and 

closely knitted for long-term wear, we 

think every man needs this essential item 

in their sock drawer. 

comme-des-garcons.com 

MACKINTOSH RAINCOAT 

Get an early start on the rainy season by 

sporting this hard-bonde cotton raincoat 

from Scottish brand Mackintosh. Aside 

from being waterproof, this jacket has a 

trim fit and a sleek appearance, so you 

might actually look forward to drizzly 

days. And since both the hood and the 

lining can be detached according to the 

weather forecast, you will be able to wear 

it throughout the seasons and for any 

occasion—it looks equally appropriate 

over office attire or covering weekend 

sportswear. mrporter.com 

There’s no denying it, a quick look out 

of the window will confirm that Spring 

is upon us once more. The weather 

is getting warmer, skirt lengths are 

getting shorter and winter layers are being shed 

all over in town in favour of altogether cooler 

attire. The first buds of sakura are sprouting and 

hanami season is officially under way. 

“So what is the most appropriate tipple 

for the season?” I hear you ask. It can be 

quite tiresome to bring a shaker, muddler and 

appropriate glassware to every picnic you go 

to. Neither is it desirable to be sitting on a blue 

tarp drinking lukewarm beer out of a can. This 

situation calls for a drink easy to make—and 

easier to serve—something you can whip up 

before you go out and pop into a hamper. 

Step forward Pimms No. 1, the official 

summer drink of the English middle classes. 

For those not familiar, Pimms is a mixed fruit 

liqueur that’s been around since the 1860s. 

Usually served over fresh chopped fruit 

and topped up with a mixer of your choice. 

Ginger ale or lemonade if you’re traditional, 

Champagne or Prosecco if you mean business. 

So pack up your hamper and throw away 

that blue tarp. Invest in a decent picnic rug, 

gather a group of like-minded souls and enjoy 

the fruits of Spring. Bottoms up chaps! 

Method: 

Chop up a handful of strawberries, a couple of 

cucumbers, one lemon and one decent-sized orange. 

Mix all the fruit in a bowl and a few sprigs 

of chopped mint. When ready to serve, add a 

spoonful of the mixed fruit into a tall glass, a 

few ice cubes, a generous splash of Pimms, and 

the mixer of your choice. 

Ingredients: 

–Spoonful of “Pimms Fruit” (strawberries, 

cucumber, orange, lemon and mint) 

–50ml Pimms No. 1 

–100ml mixer (lemonade, ginger ale, 

Champagne) 


GALLERY GUIDE 

TOKYO GALLERY GUIDE 

OUR PICKS FROM THE EXHIBITIONS AROUND TOWN 

CARAVAGGIO AND HIS TIME: Friends, Rivals and Enemies 

by Luca Eandi 

Like Leonardo and Botticelli, 

Caravaggio was 

a brilliantly talented 

Italian painter renowned 

today as one of the great 

masters in Western art history. 

Caravaggio’s dramatic use of 

light and shadow puts his figures 

in sharp relief, and his plain 

realism exemplifies the Baroque. 

His painting style was carried on 

by painters not only in Italy, but 

throughout Europe, influencing 

major figures like Rembrandt 

and Rubens. 

This exhibition features 

roughly 50 paintings by Caravaggio, 

along with works by 

important painters that bear 

his influence. Original archival 

documents that characterize the 

artist’s strife-torn biography will 

also be on display, highlighting 

Caravaggio’s markedly turbulent 

personal life. His tumultuous 

run culminates with him 

killing a man during a quarrel 

and possibly being murdered 

himself a short time later while 

traveling from Naples to Rome. 

Notably, a long-lost Caravaggio 

painting is scheduled to make 

its world debut at the exhibition. 

“Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy” 

was discovered in 2014 

after its whereabouts were 

unknown for more than 400 

years. Historical documents indicate 

the painting was created 

in 1606 by Caravaggio, who at 

the time was on the run—after 

committing said murder! The 

exhibition’s opening coincides 

with the owner’s permission to 

publicly exhibit the painting, 

so Japan has the honor to be 

the first place in the world to 

display the work. 

Simon Vouet, The Pickpocket, 1618–20, oil on canvas, 97.5 x 134.5 cm, Firenze Pitti Palace 

Valentina Museum, Gabinetto Fotografico del Polo Museale Regionale della Toscana 

The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo 

Dates: March 1–June 12, 2016 

Open: 9:30 am–5:30 pm, 9:30 am–8:00 pm on Fridays, last admission 30 

minutes before closing, closed Mondays (except March 21, 28 and May 2) 

and March 22 | Web: caravaggio.jp/english.html 

BOTTICELLI E IL SUO TEMPO 

Calumny of Apelles, Sandro Botticelli, Firenze Uffizi Museum, Gabinetto Fotografico del Polo 

Museale Regionale della Toscana 

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum 

Dates: January 16–April 3, 2016 | Open: 9:30 am–5:30 pm, 9:30 am–8:00 

pm on Fridays, last admission 30 minutes before closing, closed Mondays 

(except March 21, 28) and March 22 

Web: botticelli.jp/english 

Early Renaissance painter 

Sandro Botticelli is the 

subject of this large-scale 

exhibition featuring 

more than twenty works tracing 

his artistic lineage through the 

15th century. Botticelli’s art is 

well-appreciated in Japan, largely 

due to scholar Yukio Yashiro’s 

published critique of Botticelli’s 

work that served as Japan’s introduction 

to the painter in 1925. 

Although contemporaries 

turned to naturalistic expression 

employing command of perspectival 

space and chiaroscuro, 

Botticelli never deviated from 

decorative symbolism reminiscent 

of medieval art and created 

his own timeless style. He was 

one of the most authentic interpreters 

of the culture of his time 

and masterfully reflected onto his 

art the societal changes through 

which he lived. 

While the iconic “Virgin 

and Child (Madonna of the 

Book)” is the jewel of the 

exhibition, visitors should take 

note of “La Bella Simonetta,” a 

portrait of Simonetta Vespucci, 

noted beauty of her time, 

which is on loan from a private 

collection and therefore rarely 

seen by the public. Botticelli 

masterpieces “The Birth Of 

Venus” and “Allegory of Spring” 

are noticeably missing, but 

“Calumny of Apelles” is present 

from the Uffizi Gallery, as is 

Palazzo Cini’s “Judgement of 

Paris.” Paintings by both Botticelli’s 

master, Filippo Lippi, and 

pupil, Filippino Lippi, bookend 

the exhibition, providing some 

context of the artist’s legacy. 


GALLERY GUIDE | WEEKENDER | 9 

LEONARDO DA VINCI - Beyond The Visible 

In conjunction with Botticelli at the Metropolitan Art Museum 

and part of the commemoration of 150 years of diplomatic 

relations between Italy and Japan, the Edo-Tokyo 

Museum is holding a special presentation of works never 

before seen in Japan by Leonardo da Vinci in an exhibition 

titled “Beyond The Visible.” The highlight of the show, “Madonna 

of the Yarnwinder”—an oil painting from Leonardo’s golden 

age in 1501—is one of only 15 paintings attributed to the quintessential 

Renaissance man, who was also a noted inventor, 

architect, sculptor and scientist, among several other fields. 

Alessandro Vezzosi, director of the Museo Ideale Leonardo 

da Vinci, is supervising the exhibition. He explains that since 

the “Madonna of the Yarnwinder” is privately-owned by Scotland’s 

Duke of Buccleuch, the painting is not as widely known 

as the “Mona Lisa,” although it is a comparable masterpiece 

exhibiting great skill and beauty. 

Leonardo’s original “Codex on the Flight of Birds,” comprised 

of 18 folios exploring the flight behavior of birds and 

presenting mechanisms for flight, will also be shown. These 

works will join seven original drawings, along with 70 prints 

depicting the life of Leonardo, offering the audience a chance 

to examine the challenges of this universal genius through 

models faithfully reproduced from his original plans. 

Edo-Tokyo Museum 

Dates: January 16–April 10, 2016 

Open: 9:30 am–5:30 pm, 9:30am–7:30pm on Saturdays, closed Mondays 

(except March 21, 28) and Tuesday, March 22 

Web: www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/s-exhibition/ 

「untitled」2016 acrylic, watercolor pencils, dermatograph, brief 85×35cm 

Ryosuke Kawahira 

Midnight Boy 

Saturday 12th March - Sunday 27th March 

Opening Hours: 12:00 - 19:00 | Closed: Mondays 

Opening Reception: Friday March 11th from 18:00 onwards 

Leonardo da Vinci, Madonna of the Yarnwinder, circa 1501, ©The Buccleuch Living 

Heritage Trust 


Cherry Blossom 

Dining 

While most tend to think of hanami 

as a do-it-yourself, BYOB affair, there 

are plenty of places where you can 

dine and drink with a view of the pink 

petals. These are three of our favorites: 

Drop by the Palace Hotel Tokyo, and spend 

an elegant afternoon sipping on tea and 

feasting on a selection of sweets and bitesized 

creations, just steps away from the 

gorgeous sea of pink surrounding the 

Imperial Palace. The afternoon tea menu at 

the recently revamped Palace Hotel features 

a Japanese twist on the usual “scones 

and sandwiches” concept, with wagashi 

(traditional Japanese sweets) and matcha 

(green tea made from powdered leaves). 

palacehoteltokyo.com 

From March 18 to April 17, take a stroll 

around the gardens surrounding the popular 

complex. A total of 150 cherry trees await 

you, and they look especially magical while 

illuminated at nighttime. Have a glass of 

bubbly or another sakura-themed cocktail 

at the Martini Blossom open-air lounge, 

along with a selection of seasonal food. 

tokyo-midtown.com 

by Vivian Morelli 

Ditch the blue tarp mats and 

plastic cups and celebrate 

the fleeting flowers in style 

Nirvana New York, located in Tokyo Midtown, 

offers some of the best seats in the city to 

view the blooming buds. Not only is the 

modern fusion Indian food delectable and 

affordable, but the outdoor terrace is one of 

the highlights of the eatery, with plush sofas 

and a spectacular view of Hinoki Machi Park. 

nirvana-newyork-tokyo.com 

Making your own 

Hanami Bento 

A 

hanami session isn’t complete without a 

bento box, and while it’s easy to just pick 

up one at the nearby convenience store, 

you can add a touch of elegance by whipping 

up your own creation. For a true hanami 

taste, we suggest sticking to a classic version: 

chirashi sushi (rice topped with seafood), inari 

rolls (tofu pockets filled with rice), Japanese 

fried chicken, spinach and sesame salad, and 

fresh fruit and sweet red bean filled mochi. 

Have a browse on cookpad.com to find a selection 

of recipes, and arrange it all meticulously 

in a traditional lacquered box. Check out one 

of our favorite recipes above. 

cookpad.com

Recipe: 

Vegetable 

Maki 

Easy to make, easy 

to pack and pretty to 

look at: 

Cook some rice, then 

add a dash of vinegar, a 

pinch of salt and sugar 

and mix well. Simmer some 

carrots and cucumbers (or any 

vegetables you like) in a skillet 

with a bit of mirin (sweet rice 

wine) and soy sauce. Place 

one seaweed sheet on a bamboo 

rolling mat or wax paper. 

Spread rice evenly, leaving 

a few centimeters at the top 

edge. Arrange vegetables 

and add some daikon radish 

sprouts. Dampen the top edge 

of the seaweed with water and 

roll up from the bottom. Seal 

with the top edge, and then cut 

evenly into rolls. Enjoy! 

Rent a Kimono 

Gazing at the cherry blossoms while elegantly 

dressed in traditional wear: it doesn’t get more 

Japanese than this. Although the art of putting 

on a kimono requires a lot of time, several layers, 

about twenty different ties in total for it to stay put, 

and a professional to help you out, for a small fee 

you can get the full experience. You can even add 

hair, makeup, and a photo shoot, and strut around 

Meiji Shrine and the sakura trees of Yoyogi Park for 

a few hours. 

kimono-sakaeya.com 

Along Meguro River 

With approximately 800 cherry trees lining this river, it’s no surprise 

Meguro River attracts hordes of visitors during hanami season. Get 

ready to brave the crowds while you promenade along the threekilometer 

stretch and delight in the sights. Daytime features endless waves of 

pale pink, but night time is equally beautiful with the lanterns and illuminations. 

Local vendors sell sakura-themed cocktails, glasses of wine and street food you 

can enjoy along the way, in addition to all the trendy boutiques on your path. 

Nearest station: Nakameguro 

Tea Ceremony at Imperial 

Hotel Tokyo 

T 

he 

Japanese tea ceremony involves a few more 

steps that go beyond the usual boiling, steeping 

and sipping. Every movement and gesture has 

a meaning, down to the placement of tea utensils and 

pairing of the bitter matcha with a sweet to achieve 

the perfect balance. The Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, 

which offers a gorgeous view of the Imperial Palace 

grounds and an assortment of cherry trees, regularly 

holds a tea ceremony experience for visitors. Make 

yourself comfortable, carefully watch every step, and 

enjoy this peaceful ritual with a gorgeous backdrop. 

imperialhotel.co.jp

The Japanese term omotenashi is often defined as a kind of hospitality 

that seeks to anticipate another’s needs, even before they are 

expressed. And while most of us would find it strange to think of a 

product as being “hospitable,” many of the items that we use on a daily 

basis are connected to the thought and consideration of the product 

designers, farmers, or artisans who helped to bring them into being. 

It could an item of clothing made with extraordinary 

attention to the materials involved, a food product made in a 

traditional, time-honored method, or just a small household 

piece that brings a smile to your face when you see it. 

These are the kinds of products that have been curated by the 

OMOTENASHI Selection, a project that brings together fine goods from 

around Japan and shares them with international audiences. Ninety 

items, drawn from thirty of the country’s prefectures, have been chosen 

and grouped under five categories, each representing a different facet 

of omotenashi, and each marked with a different icon: high-quality 

craftsmanship, local tradition and culture, exquisite materials, products 

made with a sense of humor, and items that show the unique beauty 

of Japan. From this group, twenty-three items were recognized for 

their excellence with a Gold Award. Here are a few of our favorites. 

Cha cha cha 

Uogashi-Meicha Co., Ltd. 

Prepared using a traditional method known as 

kaori mushi, these tea leaves yield a delightfully 

bitter brew that is yellow-gold in color, not green. 

Each one of these colorful triangle packages 

contains five little bags: three bags of “green” 

leaf tea, a bag of roasted tea, and a special 

leaf known as “Kama Iri Cha,” which has a 

uniquely smoky flavor. 

Kiseki no Ringo Karinto 

Hirosaki Cuisine Ltd. 

Karinto are crunchy snacks made with flour and 

tofu products, and have been beloved in Japan 

for centuries. Hirosaki Cuisine is putting a flavorful 

twist on the traditional treat, using the famous 

“Kisekino Ringo” from Aomori Prefecture. 

These apples are grown without any artificial 

chemicals, and impart a unique taste to 

these tempting morsels 

Wagashi Artisan’s Juice 

(The Fruits of Shikoku) 

Akanean 

These artisanal juices are made from three 

of Shikoku Island’s best known fruits: yuzu 

from Kochi Prefecture, and from Tokushima 

Prefecture, sudachi and yamamomo. The 

concentrated formula makes them an ideal 

base for hot or cold drinks, a mixer for 

alcoholic beverages, or as a subtle 

flavor for your favorite 

recipes. 


TRART Mizuhiki 

Accessories 

knot standard Co., Ltd. 

Just because these unique accessories are 

made from paper, don’t think that they 

won’t hold up to daily wear and tear. These 

seemingly delicate pieces have been treated 

with a hypoallergenic coating made 

from stones that makes them water 

resistant, as well as an ideal accent 

for work days or nights out. 

Kouji Hada Cream 

ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 

As it turns out, kouji, one of the primary 

ingredients of sake, has remarkable benefits for 

the skin. ROHTO Pharmaceutical and Furumachi 

Kouji Manufacturing have collaborated to 

create a kouji-based, moisturizing skin cream, 

which is light to the touch and has just the 

slightest smell of its spirited origins. 

a wa glass 

Sugahara Glassworks Inc. 

Although they’re designed for champagne, 

even plain water is given an unforgettable 

appearance in these exquisite glasses. They 

have been specially created by Sugahara 

Glassworks’ expert glass blowers to 

contain a scattering of bubbles, using a 

technique that brings out the beauty 

of the material, and anything 

the vessels contain. 

Vermicular Oven Pot 

Aichi Dobby LTD. 

A carefully handmade enameled cast-iron pot 

that cooks just as well as it looks. Thanks to the 

steam convection generated by its extremely 

air-tight design, it brings out the original flavors 

of your food. Included with each purchase is a 

recipe book and Japanese-style, courteous 

aftercare service. 

OMOTENASHI’S 

Local Charm 

OMOTENASHI and the 

Unique Beauty of Japan 

OMOTENASHI Made 

From the Very Finest 

Light Hearted 

OMOTENASHI 

The OMOTENASHI of 

Japanese Craftsmanship 


1 

2 

3 

5 

4 

1 KAGO-Square 

NOUSAKU Corporation 

Tin is a highly malleable metal, and the KAGO tin basket makes 

ideal use of this quality, with a product that can be transformed into 

as many shapes as you can imagine. This flexible piece is made in 

Toyama Prefecture’s Takaoka city, a region where metalworking has 

been practiced for centuries. 

3 T-5 

goromaruya Co., Ltd. 

Frequently served alongside green tea, usugoori has an appealing 

balance of sweetness and a soft consistency. T-Go is a colorful and 

stylishly designed take on this tea house favorite. Each hand-made 

piece in the set of five—sakura, green tea, yuzu, wasanbon (refined 

sugar), and sesame—has its own flavorful appeal. 

2 VEGETARE Tomato Crystal 

Suggescom, Inc. 

Forget what you know about old-fashioned tomato juice. VEGETARE 

Tomato Crystal offers a distilled version of the beverage, made 

using a method from the world of traditional sake. It takes about 10 

organically grown Echizen tomatoes to make one bottle of the clear, 

light juice, which has no additives or preservatives. 

4 Paperglass 

Nishimura Precision Co., Ltd. 

More than 100 steps go into the manufacture of these incredibly 

slim spectacles. Thanks to a patent-pending design approach that 

mounts the temples 20 degrees lower than normal, these reading 

glasses can fit perfectly on the curve of the face and fold closed to a 

width of 2 millimeters. 

5 Hito-Nomi Sake (Single-Portion Sake) 

TAKARAYAMA Brewing Co., Ltd. 

These small bottles of single-serving sake are studies in petite elegance. 

An award-winning sake tradition goes into each one of the 200ml 

vessels, but the design of the bottles have a modern appeal that make 

for perfect gifts or for taking out on your next hanami session. 

To find out more about any of the featured products please visit the official OMOTENASHI Selection website: omotenashinippon.jp/ 

MARCH prize. 2016 In www.tokyoweekender.com 

addition, some of the items will be on sale at Takashimaya Nihonbashi’s 1st and 8th floors, from March 2 to March 8.

A GENTLE 

TOUCH 

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND MARMAILLE’S LINE OF 100% ORGANIC COTTON BABY 

CLOTHES? IT’S ONLY NATURAL FOR PARENTS TO WANT THE BEST FOR THEIR KIDS 

1 

1. Long-sleeve pullover 

(two sizes: 60–70 cm, 80–90 cm) 

2 

2. Short sleeve romper 

(two sizes: 60–70 cm, 80–90 cm) 

Baby underwear shop MARMAILLE / Bisen Co., ltd 

For children with extremely sensitive skin, 

clothes made with synthetic fabrics or dyed 

with harsh chemicals can be uncomfortable, 

or even painful to wear. Keeping their 

littlest customers in mind, Marmaille makes 

undergarments for infants, toddlers, and children, with 

natural comfort sewn into the smallest stitch. 

It begins with the thread, which is made from special 

100% organic extra fine cotton that has been imported 

from Switzerland and woven according to strict 

standards in the company’s factory in Nagasaki. 

Not satisfied with just making the main part of their 

garments from organic material, Marmaille ensures that 

even the labels and strings used for their clothes are 

100% organic. Finally, the garments are stitched flat, 

which further reduces the potential for skin irritation. 

Marmaille’s clothes have been chosen by the Japanese 

Atopic Dermatitis Association, Nippon Select, and 

the Nagasaki Design Award Grand Prix. They have 

also been recognized with a Kids Design Award. But 

most important for the firm is the peace of mind that 

families have when buying Marmaille’s 100% Organic 

Baby and Kids Underwear for their children. 


AN ORGANIC 

TWIST 

THE NATURAL CONTOURS OF WOOD WERE JUST A PART OF THE INSPIRATION 

BEHIND THE SHAPE OF THIS CAREFULLY FASHIONED COMB 

Art Forme Co., Ltd. 

According to Hiroyuki Hashino, owner 

and founder of Akita Artforme, 

products that are made with careful 

consideration for their material, 

shape, and function produce a more 

beautiful and timeless result. 

Artforme has long been striving to create 

exquisitely handcrafted wooden products that 

reflect the long tradition of craftsmanship in 

Akita, yet they are always searching for new 

design inspiration to create truly innovative 

forms. One of the company’s most popular 

items is the Twist Hair Brush, which is both 

organic in form and unique in conception. 

MARCH 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com 

Twist Hair Brush 

This artfully shaped wooden comb won a 

Good Design Award in 2013 and a Tohoku 

Invention Award. It’s easy to see why, 

with its user-friendly shape and striking, 

unconventional appeal. The comb’s shape 

is known as hineri kamisuki and features a 

unique, three-dimensional curve—a world 

first, and one that produces an invigorating 

massage effect on the user’s scalp. It is made 

from a special Japanese wood called ono-orekanbo. 

According to legend, the wood from 

this 600-year-old tree is so hard that an axe 

would break if taken to its trunk. Of course, 

the Twist Hair Brush will be much gentler on 

your head.

EXPAT LIFE | WEEKENDER | 17 

Carbon Steel— 

Set of 2 

This pair of expertly crafted 

carbon steel blades provides 

you with the perfect kitchen 

combination: an all-purpose knife 

for meat and fish, and a small 

vegetable knife. (¥23,300) 

Hammered Damascus 

Steel—Set of 2 or 3 

Damascus steel knives have a unique 

appearance that is immediately recognizable. 

Available in a set of two or three, 

these knives come with a hard case for 

easy storage or transportation. 

(set of 2: ¥17,400, set of 3: ¥27,800) 

Carbon Steel 

wa-santoku 

With edges sharp and delicate enough to 

shave wafer-thin slices from a piece of 

meat or fish, Kamata Hakensha’s carbon 

steel knives are a perfect example of Japanese 

style and craftsmanship. (¥8,800) 

Damascus Steel with 

Flower Pattern 

The stainless, cobalt-alloy Damascus 

steel blade is easy to maintain and 

keep sharp, while the floral motif 

etched onto the side and the wooden, 

Japanese-style handle transform this 

practical meat and fish knife into a 

work of art. (¥26,800–35,800) 


TAX BREAKS 

WITH BENEFITS 

by Louise George Kittaka 

Getting a tax deduction is nice, but getting an entire 

tuna to go with that deduction is even better 

If someone told you that you could get 

two steaks to go with a tax break, you’d 

probably be a bit suspicious. But that’s 

one of the possible benefits to be garnered 

from Japan’s Furusato Nozei program. 

Literally translated, furusato 

nozei means “hometown 

tax,” so you wouldn’t be 

blamed for assuming that 

the program didn’t apply to 

foreign nationals. But in fact, 

the program behind Furasato 

Nozei has little to do with a 

person’s hometown and isn’t a 

type of tax at all. What’s more, 

foreign residents of Japan who 

work and pay taxes here are 

just as entitled to participate as 

the Japanese. 

The program was launched 

in 2008 as a way for a person to make a charitable 

donation to a municipality or prefecture of their 

choice—whether or not it was their hometown. 

Donors can even specify the purpose for 

which they want the money to be 

used: educational projects and helping the elderly 

are two examples. Beyond the feel-good aspect, 

though, there are two benefits that make donating 

all the sweeter. 

A WIN-WIN SITUATION 

The first of these is that donations 

are tax deductible: depending on 

how much you donate and your 

household’s income, you can claim 

back almost the entire donation. In 

general, the more tax you pay, the 

more you can claim back under 

donations to the Furusato Nozei 

program. 

The other benefit wasn’t 

originally intended to be the main 

incentive for donations, but over the 

years it may have eclipsed the tax 

deduction aspect in the eye of the 

public: The municipalities and prefectures often 

send back “thank you” gifts to donors, typically in 

the form of local products and specialties. A tax 

break and return goodies into the bargain—what’s 

not to like? 


Critics of the system say that the 

thank you gifts mean that many people 

are donating for the wrong reasons, thus 

taking away from the original spirit of 

the program. In fact, some municipalities 

make a point of refusing to send out return 

goods, and simply thank donors with a 

letter. 

Regardless of what the critics say, 

the Furusato Nozei program continues to 

grow. Total donations in 2012 reached ¥13 

billion—more than double the amount in 

2008, when the program began. Another 

thing to note is that the system helps, to 

some extent, to distribute wealth from the 

populous larger cities to more rural areas. 

So how can you participate? For 

starters, you are going to need to be 

fairly comfortable reading Japanese, or 

have a friend or family member who can 

help you navigate your way around the 

website devoted to the program, “Furusato 

Choice”: www.furusato-tax.jp. 

From here you can choose how to 

donate your money, based on the area, the 

kind of project you want to support or the 

type of return gift you want. There is also 

a special section for donations to areas hit 

by natural disasters and in urgent need of 

support. (At the time of writing, there was 

a call for donations to places in Ibaraki 

Prefecture recently hit by heavy flooding.) 

THE FINE PRINT 

Making the donations is only part of the 

process. In order to get a portion of your 

donation refunded, you will need to follow 

the appropriate steps. From this year, one 

of these includes giving information on 

My Number and other ID, so be prepared. 

There are two ways to file for your 

refund. For people whose taxes are filed 

for them by their companies, or those who 

Carnivores rejoice: Two kilos of sirloin steak from 

Mogami, Yamagata Prefecture, are yours to sink 

your teeth into for ¥10,000 

don’t need to submit paperwork to claim 

back money for large medical payments 

or house loans, the newly established 

“One Stop Tokurei Shinsei” option allows 

for donations to be credited against 

future residential tax payments for the 

following year. There are a few catches, 

including the fact that you can only 

donate to up to five different places in 

one calendar year, but you can give as 

much as you like—and as many times as 

you like—to each of those five locations. 

For the rest of us, the process of 

A tax break and return goodies into 

the bargain—what’s not to like? 

claiming back donations via the annual 

tax return is relatively simple. Donations 

can be noted as deductions on your 

return, and claimed against tax paid. 

One change from April last year is 

that the percentage of residential tax 

that can be claimed back was raised 

from 10% to 20%. According to an 

official at the Ministry of Internal Affairs 

and Communications, simply put, this 

means if you pay ¥100,000 annually 

in residential tax, you can claim back 

up to ¥20,000 via donations. However, 

he noted that the amount that can be 

claimed will vary according to income, 

your spouse’s income and the number 

of people in your household. (There are 

examples on the website of how much 

you can donate and how much you can 

expect back based on various income 

and household scenarios.) 

In order to claim any deductions, 

your total annual donations must total 

at least ¥2,000. But considering the 

variety of return gifts on offer, we don’t 

think that it will be difficult to go over 

that amount ... So, here’s to your new 

“hometowns,” and happy deducting! 

A GIFT THAT 

KEEPS ON GIVING 

From food to unique experiences, there 

are plenty of gifts on offer through the 

Furusato Nozei program. Here are 

some of the ones that caught our fancy: 

Mogami, Yamagata (¥10,000) 

2 kg sirloin steak 

Kitakami, Iwate (¥5,000 or more) 

Snow (!) from the ski fields 

Yaotsu, Gifu (¥500,000) 

Guided matsutake (gourmet 

mushroom) picking trip 

Tsubame, Niigata (¥100,000) 

Pair of gold tumblers 

Bizen, Okayama (¥30,000) 

Nescafé Gold Blend Barista 

Ogaki, Gifu (¥40,000) 

Paraglider excursion for one 

Numata, Hokkaido (¥50,000) 

A night for two at Horoshin 

Onsen Ryokan 

Yaizu, Shizuoka (¥500,000) 

An entire tuna 

Iga, Mie (¥50,000) 

Ninja outfit 

Fukuyama, Hiroshima (¥10,000) 

Bouquet of roses 

Suzaka, Nagano (¥20,000) 

Three-bottle wine set 

Ogimi, Okinawa (¥30,000) 

Hand-made shisa 

(lion dog) statue 

www.furusato-tax.jp 

In Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, a ¥10,000 

donation will net you a bouquet of roses 


y Matthew Hernon 

It’s hard to believe that almost five years have passed since the Tohoku region was hit with 

the largest earthquake in Japan’s recorded history. The tsunami that it triggered reached 

heights of over 40 meters, destroying northeastern coastal communities and killing nearly 

16,000, with more than 2,500 still unaccounted for. Following the disaster, humanitarian aid 

and assistance came from all corners of the globe. Today there are still many organizations 

and individuals doing their best to help areas that were affected, yet much still needs to be 

done. Weekender recently spoke to Amya Miller, the global public relations director for the 

town of Rikuzentakata in Iwate Prefecture, and The Nippon Foundation Senior Program 

Director Mitsuaki Aoyagi to hear about what they have been doing since 2011 and what they 

feel needs to be done in the future. 

Amya Miller grew up 

and went to school in 

Japan, living here until 

1985. She returned 

just over a quarter of a century 

later to work as an interpreter 

for volunteer organizations 

in Southern 

Iwate 

following the 

earthquake. Noticing the good work 

the American was doing and the impact 

she could have internationally, 

Rikuzentakata mayor Futoshi Toba 

appointed her as the global public 

relations director for the town which 

had been devastated by the tsunami. 

In addition to Miller’s volunteer 

work, she speaks at global forums, 

helps to promote tourism in the 

area, and has recently coauthored 

the book “Kamome: The Boat of Hope,” which tells the 

story of a small vessel that made its way from Tohoku 

to Northern California. 

“At the time of the earthquake I was in Boston, Massachusetts 

and was sound asleep. I woke up to that sense of 

being stared at. A friend was staying with us, and I slowly 

Foreigners are 

still a rarity in 

Tohoku so for many 

locals seeing an 

outsider gives them 

that feeling that they 

are not forgotten 

realized there was someone at the foot of my bed. She held 

out her cell phone sobbing, saying, ‘read this.’ I couldn’t 

focus, [and] was groggy and cranky, so I pushed her and 

the phone away. 

“When she finally got me awake, my response was, 

‘It’s not like there’s anything I can do’ and rolled over and 

went back to sleep. When I finally woke up, the guilt over 

those words was overwhelming. I’m 

fully bilingual, was raised here, am as 

bi-cultural as they come and knew I 

could be of help, and to have said that 

left me with an awful feeling. Oddly 

enough, it fueled me to act. I knew I 

could do something. I just had to figure 

out what it was. Although I’m American, 

I was born in Japan. In many ways 

Japan is my home. At least an adopted 

home. I’m emotionally connected to 

this place. My childhood memories are 

here. I knew I could be of assistance. 

“Initially, it was about goods and 

funds. There was such a huge need for people to be able to 

simply survive and the needs were overwhelming. Over 

time, it became less about goods and funds and more about 

mental health, policy, listening, and simply being present. 

Foreigners are still a rarity in Tohoku, so for many locals 

seeing an outsider—someone who clearly looks different— 

gives them that feeling that they are not forgotten. The fact 


3/11 | FEATURE | 21 

Building: Rikuzentakata’s City Hall, shortly after 3/11 (Courtesy Amya Miller) 

that people have come from afar to help (or in 

my case to stay) shows locals that they really 

do matter. 

“Rikuzentakata has initiated a real push 

towards having foreigners visit. The city’s 

tourism division is serious about attracting 

people from abroad to the city, both as a place 

of learning—what to do, not to do in a disaster, 

how to recover—but also a place where there 

can be meaningful volunteer opportunities. 

To connect with locals through work as well 

as play is also an important message we’re 

putting out as a city. Yes, of course the money 

spent in the city is vital, but so are the connections 

made. The tourism department is pushing 

hard to make the city’s restaurants and 

lodging facilities as welcoming and receptive 

as possible. Foreign language signage is going 

up all over the city. 

“Visits to the region really matter to the 

locals. A new face, especially a foreign one, 

shows that someone took the time and spent 

the money because they wanted to see and 

meet locals and learn about the place. If your 

company has large sums of money that’s always 

welcome, but it’s now less about needing 

funds and more about needing people. Finding 

ways to make meaningful connections via 

travel is significant in the message conveyed 

as well as the memories it leaves behind.” 

(Interviewed by Alec Jordan) 

Established 

by Ryoichi 

Sasakawa 

in 1962, 

The Nippon Foundation 

is a wellknown 

non-profit 

grant-making organization 

that uses revenue 

gained from boat 

racing to pursue global maritime development 

and to fund philanthropic activities 

both domestically and globally. Since 2011 

they have provided much financial aid to 

victims of the earthquake and tsunami, 

as well as taking the lead in a number of 

projects aimed at improving living conditions 

in affected areas. Senior Program 

Director of the organization, Mitsuaki 

Aoyagi was one of the leaders of the relief 

team after the Great Hanshin Earthquake 

in 1995 and is now the chief manager for 

the relief effort in Tohoku. 

“On the day of the disaster I was off work 

because of a health check. After picking 

up my eldest child from elementary school 

and checking my family were all OK, I 

watched the horrifying images on TV thinking 

about what our organization could do. 

Simply providing 

money isn’t enough and I 

think more and more 

companies are beginning 

to realize this. 

Following the Great Hanshin Earthquake 

The Nippon Foundation provided a lot of 

support from a logistical perspective, but 

that wouldn’t be nearly enough this time. 

The next day we had a meeting to discuss 

our plan of action.” 

The Nippon Foundation’s early initiatives 

included giving cash (¥50,000) to 

anyone who lost a family member. Experts 

were sent to evacuation shelters to analyze 

what kind of aid was required. In some cases 

there was a lack of toilets, so prefabricated 

ones were sent from Tokyo. Pregnant 

ladies weren’t being sufficiently provided 

for, so 2,000 of them were driven to the 

capital where they could give birth in a 

safe environment. Camps were also built 

for families with special needs children as 

they were concerned about what others 

might think if their child became agitated 

during the night. 

“In the first two years after the 

tragedy, our main focus was to support 

organizations and individuals helping 

the revival in affected areas. Since 2013, 

however, we have worked more closely 

with the victims themselves, assisting 

them directly as they try to rebuild their 

lives. The fishing industry, for instance, 

has suffered greatly since the disaster. We 

convey our know how and knowledge to 

fishermen, not just in terms of production, 

but also processing, circulation and 

sales. It’s about developing leaders who 

can stand on their own two feet and make 

a profit. 

“We have also collaborated with a 

number of companies such as Kirin, Johnson 

& Johnson and Daimler. These corporations 

have made huge contributions to 

the affected areas, helping to revive both 

industries in the area and communities as 

a whole. Johnson & Johnson, for example, 

trained mental health care workers who 

had been hired by local administrations, 

despite, in most cases, having little or 

no experience. They created a structure 

where the workers could visualize the 

psychological damage that living in temporary 

accommodation for a long period 

can have on individuals. 

“While great progress has been made 

over the past five years, many tough 

challenges lie ahead. Rural depopulation, 

already an issue before 2011, has been 

greatly exacerbated since the earthquake 

and tsunami. With other districts in Japan 

expected to face similar troubles over the 

next few decades, the Tohoku region can 

lead the way in showing how best to deal 

with this kind of problem. In order for 

that to happen it needs the effort of NGOs, 

big corporations, regional offices, and the 

spirit of local people all pulling together 

in the same direction. Simply providing 

money isn’t enough and I think more and 

more companies are beginning to realize 

this. The direction has changed over 

time. In year one it was all about relief, in 

year two reconstruction—now it is about 

rebuilding communities.” 

Rikuzentakata’s “Miracle Pine” (Wikimedia) 


22 | SPORT | ROAD TO RIO 

FUJITA 

EXPRESS 

by Sam De Roeck 

The youngest member of the Japanese Olympic rugby 

side looks ahead to a strong showing in Rio 

Participating in the Olympics is a 

dream for many, but for Yoshikazu 

Fujita it is soon to be a reality. 

His sport is rugby sevens, which is 

returning to the Olympics after a ninety-two 

year absence. 

The Waseda University flier is the 

youngest person to be chosen for Japan’s 

fifteen-a-side and sevens teams. He was told 

of his inclusion in a typically understated 

manner, through a note written by his club 

coach and handed to him during a meeting. 

He laughs when asked who he told first, “I 

told my family through LINE and called my 

mom; I spoke to her first. My dad found 

out through Facebook.” Both his mother 

and father are respected athletes in their 

own right. His mother played basketball in 

high school and his father currently runs 

a rugby academy, having played for a top 

eight team in high school. His inclusion 

to the Brave Blossoms is as important to 

his family as it is to him, explaining that 

“mom always wanted to raise an Olympian, 

regardless of the sport.” 

With such high expectations it was a 

relief when sevens was reintroduced, but 

Rugby requires team 

effort and communication; 

it represents the true 

spirit of sportsmanship. 

There is camaraderie 

from both sides. 

rugby was not his first sport. “I actually 

tried out for baseball when a friend invited 

me to go try out in exchange for a hamburger, 

but I decided to switch to rugby 

since my dad played rugby in high 

school.” Luckily for Japan he prizes 

winning over fast food, something 

that motivates him even now as 

he has lost four kilograms to slim 

down for the faster format. 

It is this dedication to speed 

and fitness that Japanese players 

are often praised for, but Fujita 

recognizes there is more to the 

sport than fast feet and quick 

hands. Defense has been of particular 

interest for coaches Wataru 

Murata and Kensuke Iwabuchi 

since February 15, when the 

extended squad begin training together. 

But their exacting preparation also 

comes with a sense of uncertainty. The rugby 

venue has been moved several times, from 

Estádio São Januário to the Olympic Stadium 

and now to the Deodoro Zone, a park that 

will host other events including the modern 

pentathlon. With a new venue and an untested 

ground, Fujita is minding the details. 

“[The ground] might be muddy and slippy 

compared to fields in Japan where it tends to 

be firm. It will be harder to get a good grip.” 

In the meantime he is working hard to get 

the best out of his body, waking up early for 

fitness and weight training—a tough threehour 

workout—before moving on to the rest 

of his day. 

Expectations for the Olympics will be 

high after the recent success in rugby’s biggest 

tournament. It is pressure he is acutely 

aware of. “We need to build up momentum 

toward the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 

Olympics,” he says. 

Both are being held in Japan and with 

the increasing profile of the World Sevens 

Series it is a great time for Japanese kids to 

start playing the sport, which he is keen to 

encourage. “Rugby requires team effort and 

communication; it represents the true spirit 

of sportsmanship. There is camaraderie from 

both sides.” 

It is this teamwork that secured Japan 

a memorable first win over South Africa 

during their World Cup campaign. It was 

an important victory, one that continues to 

motivate them, and when asked about the 

possibility of medals he is optimistic. “No 

one expected Japan to be able to beat South 

Africa but we did. Japan can overcome the 

obstacles and achieve the unthinkable.” It 

remains to be seen whether the sevens team 

can replicate the success of their peers, but 

with some luck Fujita can help his team to a 

historic medal and inspire those looking to 

compete for Japan in four years’ time. 

MARCH 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com 

Photos courtesy of Waseda University Rugby Football Club

A LOVE 

AYAKA ICHINOSE | INTERVIEW | 23 

OF EQUALITY 

Tuning into the state of same-sex rights with model turned LGBT commentator Ayaka Ichinose 

A 

year ago this month Tokyo’s 

Shibuya Ward became the 

first municipality to recognize 

same-sex marriage 

in Japan. Setagaya District 

soon followed suit and in the near future, 

the cities of Iga in Mie and Takarazuka 

in Hyogo will also be issuing partnership 

certificates for gay couples. 

It’s a step in the right direction as far 

as the LGBT community is concerned, but 

how much of an impact will these measures 

actually make? Weekender recently 

spoke to social commentator and former 

gravure idol Ayaka Ichinose to hear her 

opinion. Last April she unofficially married 

actress Akane Sugimori in Shinjuku. 

“People often ask us why we don’t we 

move to Shibuya or Setagaya, but the fact 

is last year’s ruling holds little weight,” 

she says. “Certificate or not, gay couples 

still have no rights when it comes to key 

issues like adoption or a partner’s inheritance. 

Therefore, from a legal perspective 

nothing has really changed. 

“That’s not to say there aren’t positives. 

It’s a form of recognition and couples with 

these certificates—we are led to believe— 

will not be discriminated against when it 

comes to property rentals or hospital visits. 

In my opinion, though, the best thing about 

it is that it’s got people talking. You’re hearing 

more about it on the news, TV shows 

and even in parliament. Hopefully it’ll lead 

to further reforms and eventually same-sex 

marriages being legalized here.” 

It could be a long process. While Article 

14 of the constitution states that “All of the 

people are equal under the law,” Article 

24 stipulates that “Marriage shall be based 

only on the mutual consent of both sexes.” 

Last year Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who’s 

made no secret of his desire to revise the 

Certificate or not gay 

couples still have no rights 

when it comes to key 

issues. Therefore, from a 

legal perspective nothing 

has really changed. 

pacifist constitution, said altering the 

charter to allow same-sex marriages would 

require extremely cautious consideration 

because it “concerns the foundations of 

how families in our country should be.” 

Compared to many European nations, 

public support in Japan remains low, but 

appears to be growing. A poll taken by research 

agency IPSOS in 2013 revealed that 

out of over 1,000 respondents 24% were in 

favor of same-sex marriages with a further 

27% favoring some form of legal recognition. 

Two years later those numbers rose to 

30% and 28% respectively. Not a huge rise, 

but an increase nonetheless. 

A similar survey taken last year by the 

National Institute of Population and Social 

Security revealed that 51.1% supported gay 

marriage. However, more than half of the 

respondents also said they wouldn’t be supportive 

of a friend if they found out that 

he or she were homosexual. Ichinose’s 

not surprised by the results. “Japan is 

a very safe and polite country on the 

surface, but behind that there’s a darker 

side,” she says. “There are prejudices 

here and that’s one of the reasons why 

the suicide rate is high.” 

The 35-year-old entertainer, who last 

year interviewed lesbian actress Ellen 

Page, told us she’s received a mixture of 

positive and discriminatory comments 

since coming out publicly in 2009, but has 

no regrets whatsoever about the decision. 

“I was a gravure idol so my agent thought 

I’d lose work. While that has turned out to 

be true it wasn’t going to stop me. It was 

such a relief when I came out. I’ve met 

many people in (Shinjuku’s famed gay 

district) Ni-chōme, including celebrities, 

who’ve hidden their sexuality and you can 

see the frustration it causes.” 

It was in Ni-chōme where Ichinose met 

musical star Akane Suginori. Following a 

whirlwind romance the couple decided 

to tie the knot in a lavish ceremony in 

the spring of 2015 and are hoping that 

someday their marriage will be legally 

recognized. “The law changed in America 

last year and we’re usually 20-30 years 

behind them on issues like this so it might 

take that long,” Ichinose says. “It’s a tough 

battle, but we’ll keep on fighting.” 

Ichonose’s book, “ビアン婚 Bian Kon, (Lesbian 

Wedding),” just came out last month. 

by Matthew Hernon 


T 

by Kyle Mullin 

After decades of pioneering work at the 

forefront of electronic music, the legendary 

Jeff Mills comes to Tokyo to perform 

alongside a symphonic orchestra 

he conductor’s baton bobs back and forth, while 

the cellists draw their bows across their strings, 

playing in perfect rhythm with the underlying … 

techno beat? 

That’s right: pioneering DJ Jeff Mills has masterfully 

teamed the seemingly disparate worlds of electronic and classical 

music, performing his 2013 album “Where Light Ends” 

with various orchestras around the world, the next being 

Tokyo’s Philharmonic. It’s the latest feat in an already storied 

career. Techno fans consider him a grandfather of the genre, 

thanks to his cofounding of the steadfastly antiestablishment 

Underground Resistance DJ tribe in the late 80s, the unvarnished 

industrial-esque sound that he and his peers perfected, 

scoring and starring in French filmmaker Jacqueline Caux’s 

experimental film “Man From Tomorrow,” and more. And 

while some might assume that his ongoing orchestral project 

might be his greatest challenge yet, the Detroit turntable 

virtuoso insists that it’s actually quite easy to perform. 

“You literally have a stage full of masterful musicians, 

along with you and a conductor and an arranger. So making 

it work structurally isn’t a problem,” Mills tells Weekender 

ahead of his March 21 performance with the Tokyo Philharmonic 

Orchestra at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, which marks 

his debut orchestral collaboration in Japan. Mills says his 

true struggle during these performances is “the acoustics between 

electronic music, which fully fills the stereo field from 

left to right, and an orchestra of 80 musicians that are using 

that air to create sound. We are very careful to not have the 

electronic music drown out the orchestra, but finding that 

balance is quite difficult.” 

Below, Mills tells us about the potential solution to that issue, 

the common misconceptions about his early DJing days in 

Detroit, and how even dance floor masters like himself have a 

deep respect for their Japanese audiences. 

Jacob.Khrist© 

SO HOW DO YOU FIX THESE ACOUSTIC ISSUES? 

We’re very careful to work on the acoustics of the venue, 

and we have found quite a bit of success with keeping the 

balance. But it’s still difficult. I’m working on other solutions. 

One might be to not mic the orchestra, and make my setup 

self-contained. That means the sound from my machines 


People are giving up 

on this idea that music 

should be a particular 

way, and they have 

patience to hear 

something new 

would come from speakers that are near me, 

but not near the harp or the piano or things 

like that. We still have some work to do to 

make this process easier. 

IS THAT THE BIGGEST ADJUSTMENT 

TO MAKE? 

Well, another things stems from the fact 

that I wrote the music. So when you hear 

the cello play a line, it’s what I wrote. And 

that’s so different from playing as a DJ for 

an audience. When I’m up there with the 

orchestra, I’m really inside the music, surrounded 

by musicians, and I can hear the 

double bass play his part right next to me; 

the cello too. 

And being up on the stage is very 

different from being in the audience. The 

audience hears the orchestra as a whole. 

But I can’t hear the violins on the other side 

as well as you can. There are other instruments 

that I don’t hear at all, and every 

orchestral player is in the same situation. 

We’re really like a machine working together, 

so that the audience gets what it should. 

STILL, IT WOULDN’T OCCUR TO MOST 

ARTISTS TO MIX CLASSICAL AND TECH- 

NO. WHAT GAVE YOU THE IDEA? 

It was an idea a lot of us had, that went back 

to the mid-80s. I remember talking with lots 

of other DJs about how some electronic compositions 

would be perfect for an orchestra. 

And I remember [Derrick May’s] “Strings 

of Life” was always one that people would 

refer to as an obvious good fit. I didn’t see 

João Messias© 

any real possibility to do 

it until much later. 

In my circle, we were 

always on the lookout 

for signs of where this 

genre could be going. 

In the earlier days of 

techno and rave, the 

late 80s to mid 90s, 

anything beyond large 

gatherings and music 

was rarely discussed. 

But I know Mike Banks 

[a fellow techno producer 

with whom Mills founded the 

Underground Resistance music 

label] and we always discussed 

new sounds and new directions. We’d 

always experiment. 

ONE OF YOUR MOST INTERESTING EX- 

PERIMENTS OCCURRED DURING YOUR 

FAMOUS RESIDENCY AT THE NECTO, 

WHEN YOU PERFORMED IN THE CROWD 

INSTEAD OF UP ON A STAGE. 

That’s a bit of a misconception. It was 

actually more for practical reasons. The 

venue felt like it was three stories high, 

and they had put the DJ booth almost two 

stories above the audience. So I suggested 

that we try to make something to help me 

be downstairs, with the people. After that 

I could reinforce the music, depending on 

what I wore or what setup I had. 

It was a quite an interesting time. I 

was very young, and I played 3-4 days a 

week, and had to think of new things to do 

all the time. The labels didn’t have a sense 

of what DJs would need, because they 

were still making music for radio, so it was 

really rare to find extended mixes, and 

even rarer to find straight beats and percussion. 

You had to make it up yourself, 

and that made each DJ very different from 

one another. 

ARE YOU NOSTALGIC FOR 

THOSE DAYS? 

No, but I can sense there are a lot of 

similarities between now and then. Like 

then, there is a certain amount of the 

public that is quite willing to accept new 

things. I and many other DJs can feel that 

too. It could be that after so many years 

of hearing so much music, people are 

giving up on this idea that music 

should be a particular way, 

and they have patience to 

hear something new. 

ARE THERE OTHER 

ADVANTAGES TO 

THIS ERA? HAVE 

EQUIPMENT 

AND GEAR 

EVOLVED 

ENOUGH TO 

MAKE IT 

EASIER FOR 

YOU TO EX- 

PERIMENT? 

Not really. 

JEFF MILLS | FEATURE | 25 

I use two Roland TR-909s during these 

orchestral performances, and that’s basically 

it. One is for playing manually, and the other 

has patterns that need to be tied to the tempo 

and the BPM. So I have two separate ways 

to play two different sounds from the same 

machines. That lets me give the impression 

that the drum pattern fractured and came 

apart, then I can play it manually and have it 

come back together again. You can’t program 

that on a single machine. 

But I have yet to find a machine that 

would allow me to play, other than a 909. 

So about two years ago, I decided to make a 

machine especially to play and not program, 

not with buttons and knobs but something 

that I could hit or play. I worked with an 

industrialist named Yuri Suzuki. He’s a very 

well known Japanese instrument maker who 

lives in London. He and I have only tested 

the machine once, but we’re hoping to use it 

for some projects this year. 

ASIDE FROM SUZUKI, WHO DO YOU 

ADMIRE IN JAPAN’S MUSIC COMMU- 

NITY? DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE 

TOKYO DJS? 

I won’t name any names. But the Japanese 

scene, in general, is actually one that many 

Western DJs have always watched. It was 

always one that we understood as being 

uncompromising, and closer to the truth 

than anywhere else. If a Japanese audience 

asked you to come, it’s probably because 

they have studied and listened closely to 

what you do, and they think you can 

do something special. A lot of us 

still see that as a very special 

measurement. 

Jeff Mills X Tokyo Philharmonic 

Orchestra will be 

performing at Bunkamura 

Orchard Hall on 

Monday, March 21, at 

4:30 pm. 

João Messias© 


Yoko Ono and the State Minister 

of Foreign Affairs, Yuji Muto 

Tokyo’s Longest Running 

My sincerest thanks to a very kind and giving friend, 

Lilo Maruyama. She’s often traveling, and one of the 

busiest ladies I know. Even so, she didn’t forget our talk 

about visiting another very special lady, Grace Saito. 

Grace, who’s 83 now, is in a retirement home here in Tokyo and 

unfortunately isn’t able to get out and about very much. I’ve had the 

privilege of knowing her for many years, and have helped whenever 

I could on her many charity projects. She’s also helped me with 

many of my charity projects, including several that I work with in the 

Philippines. Many of you know Grace through her years of sponsoring 

classical music concerts in beautiful venues in many of our top 

hotels as well as other prestigious venues. Grace’s love of classical 

music and charming personality helped her get many of Japan’s most 

famous musicians and opera singers to volunteer to participate in the 

concerts. The venues were always full of music lovers, who included 

royalty, diplomats and their wives, and the cream of both Japanese 

and international society. 

Grace has two light and bright rooms on the sixth floor of the ultra 

modern Orix retirement home in Shibaura. Her apartment, which 

has a view of Tokyo Bay, was full of flowers, stuffed animals and other 

gifts her many friends had sent or brought when they visited. Her 

residence is located on Shibaura Island and the telephone number is 

03-3798-4401. 

I had another unexpected reunion with two friends I hadn’t seen 

for a long time. That same day, Lilo had been to a ladies’ lunch that 

day, and met Okuda-san, the widow of my doctor for my first ten 

years in Japan. Dr. Okuda ran the clinic in the Imperial Hotel. He had 

a very international mindset and had a great personality. 

This was the ladies’ first meeting and Lilo had invited her to have 

coffee at the Grand Hyatt. We had the table near the entrance to the 

Society Page with Bill Hersey 

hotel’s popular Fiorentina restaurant/café, and in came Japan’s 

legendary fashion designer, Hanae Mori. I hadn’t seen her since the 

Bastille Day reception at the French Embassy last year. Our table with 

three of Tokyo’s chicest women really attracted a lot of attention and 

most of us like that once in a while. 

YOKO ONO AT THE LOPEZ HOME 

Philippines Ambassador Manuel Lopez and his wife Maria Teresa just 

never slow down, and always come up with new interesting happenings. 

The most recent took place one evening at their beautiful official residence, 

the Kudan, an art-filled home near Yasukuni Shrine. 

The house—originally designed by an eccentric architect—is one of 

the few remaining examples of early 20th century Iberian architecture 

in its original forms. It was originally owned by the Yasuda family and 

was the official accommodation for many ambassadors during their 

posting in Japan. The reception at the house was to celebrate the launching 

of the beautiful book, “History and Heritage of the Kudan.” The book 

was designed and produced by Artpostasia, and is cover-to-cover full of 

history and great photos. 

As always Manuel and Maria Teresa’s timing was perfect. Yoko Ono, 

who spent much of her childhood with members of the Yasuda family in 

the Kudan, was in Japan for an exhibition of her work titled “From My 

Window” at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. Yoko made a short 

and very meaningful speech, emphasizing that it is important that we 

pursue what makes us happy and that we show kindness to others. She 

also talked a lot about world peace and the problems of the world today. 

I’ve known Yoko for years and always liked her. I actually met her 

many years ago in London when some fashion biz friends there took me 

to her exhibition of “toilet seat art” and have spent some time with her 

over the years. The most memorable was many years ago when I spotted 


PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 27 

Qatar Amb. Yousef Mohamed Bilal, his staff, and some of 

the many international children there that evening 

Dewi Sukarno, guest, actress/dancer Hattori Mako, and her mother Takeko 

Jamilah Khamis (Yemen), Jamila Bilal (Qatar), Shafik 

Haddad (Jordan) 

Qatar National 

Day Reception 

Dominican Republic Amb. Hector Paulino Dominguez, 

his wife Andrea 

Dewi Sukarno and Japanese pop singer Youki Shimaji 

Yoko Ono 

at the Philippines 

Embassy 

Kuwaiti Amb. Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi, his wife Jamilah, 

Maria Teresa Lopez, Lilo Maruyama, her son Helge 

Maria Teresa Lopez, Yoko Ono 

Katsunobu Kato, Yoko Ono, Amb. Lopez, Mme. Lopez, and 

Yoji Muto 

Jan Mariano, Tourism attaché Gwendolyn Garcif, 

Philippines Chief of Mission Gilberto Asugue 

Jamaican Amb. Clement Allicock, staff members of the Philippines Embassy, Yoko Ono 


28 | SOCIETY | PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES 

Top Japanese chef Yuki Hattori, Maki Yamamoto 

Walter Scott, Duke of Dalkeith; his wife; Scottish Duke of Buccleuch Richard Walter John Douglas Scott 

Italian Amb. Domenico Giorgi with special advisor to the 

Imperial family, Nobutake Odano and his wife Tamayo 

Institute of Culture and Diplomacy president Seiichi and 

Mrs. Kondo 

Richardo Riccioni (San Marino), Instituto di Cultura Italia’s Giorgio 

Armitrano, Kyoko Spector, San Marino Amb. Manilio Cadeto 

The Giorgis’ 

Cultural Evening 

Former Japanese Amb. to Italy Masaharu and Mrs. 

Kohno 

In & Around 

Brazil Amb. Andre Aranha and Mrs. Corres do Lago with 

Rita Giorgi (Italy) 

Dewi and Ela Bielecki 

Former South African Amb. Mohau N. Pheko at Nat’l Azabu 

Get your free hugs at Shibuya Crossing 


PEOPLE, PARTIES, PLACES | SOCIETY | 29 

her at a table in the lobby coffee shop of what was then the Tokyo 

Hilton (now Capitol Tokyo). I went over and said, “Hi—and what are 

you doing here?” She remembered me from London, and said “John’s 

over at reception, trying to get us a room, but they don’t seem to want 

us here.” Next thing I know John Lennon came to our table, shook 

hands with me and told Yoko, “They don’t want us.” He was really cool 

and when I offered to try and help, he thanked me and said, “Thanks 

so much but no thanks. If they don’t want us we can stay at the Okura,” 

and that’s what they did for several weeks. 

She’s always been cool—and a truly interesting woman. If you 

have the chance, pick up the Pirelli Calendar and check her out. Annie 

Leibovitz did the photos and Yoko’s wearing a lot of sequins and 

really short shorts. She’s in her early 80s and has legs like a Broadway 

dancer in her prime. I also recommend you pick up a copy of “History 

and Heritage of the Kudan.” It really is a very special book. Congratulations 

to all our friends from the Philippines on the 60th anniversary 

of diplomatic relations between their country and Japan. 

THE GIORGIS’ SUPER CULTURAL RECEPTION 

It was really a very special evening in every way at Italian Ambassador 

Domenico Giorgi and his wife Rita’s beautiful and beautifully 

decorated home. The design of the residence, the luxurious and 

so comfortable Italian furniture, and the two great wood burning 

fireplaces, along with one of our city’s most beautiful gardens add up 

to one of Tokyo’s finest. Rita, the epitome of chic fashion looked great 

in a classy Italian-Japanese ensemble (Issey Miyake), and Domenico 

was, as always, an uomo classico. 

This year Italy and Japan celebrate 150 years of diplomatic relations. 

The party that evening was to celebrate one of the most prestigious 

and popular events for the celebration—the opening of two exhibitions—one 

of paintings by Botticelli at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, and 

the other by Leonardo da Vinci at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum in 

Ueno. The guests that evening were an interesting mix of government 

officials, diplomats and cultural leaders, especially those who really 

know Italian art. I really enjoyed meeting and chatting with former 

Japanese Ambassador to Italy Masaharu and Mrs. Kohno, who I discovered 

are my neighbors. The Scottish Duke, who’s the owner of the 

Leonardo painting, was fun and easy to talk to. I told him how much 

I enjoyed the AXN historical Scottish TV series “Outlanders,” and he 

told me they were going to be shooting at one of his properties—The 

Pink Castle—in a few weeks. The world gets smaller. 

The buffet of Italian favorites was excellent, and the ambiance was 

warm and relaxed. Many of the guests, including me, stayed well past 

the time it was scheduled to end. It was a great evening in every way. 

QATAR NATIONAL DAY PARTY—THE IMPERIAL HOTEL 

On the occasion of the national day for the accession of Sheikh 

Jassim Bin Mohamed Bin Thani, the founder of the state of Qatar, to 

the rule of the country, Qatar Ambassador Yousef M. Bilal 

and his wife Jamila hosted a glittering reception at the 

Imperial Hotel. 

The huge venue was wall-to-wall people with long 

tables everywhere groaning under trays of a variety of 

Arab, Japanese and Western dishes. The crowd was many nationalities, 

and all ages. They included a large group of beautiful kids from 

many countries. 

The program included a welcome speech by the Ambassador, 

and a congratulatory speech by a Japanese dignitary. The entertainment 

during the party was an excellent program of Japanese 

and international music. I was happy to see long-time friend, the 

actress/dancer Hattori Mako, whom I first got to know when she 

was shooting a film called “Ghost in Kyoto.” Mako also studied traditional 

Japanese dance and performed that evening. In talking with 

her after her show, I heard that her daughter, Emma, who’s a real 

beauty and went to hotel school in Vegas, had married a football 

player from Arizona State University and they were now living in 

Toronto where he was coaching. Emma used to hang out at a disco I 

ran in Roppongi for 30 years. She always livened things up. 

The evening had a dynamic ending when a group of Arab students 

all in national costume got on stage and did their traditional 

dances. It was a great evening. I, by the way, thanks to a little girl in 

a kimono, pulled my name card out of a box we were asked to put 

our cards in at the entrance. Dewi Sukarno had told me to do that, 

and what a great surprise it was when I won a roundtrip Narita– 

Osaka–Doha flight on Qatar Airlines. Talk about being lucky! 

ANOTHER GREAT EVENING AT OAKWOOD 

Dropped by Oakwood Premier in Midtown on one of their recent 

Thursday “Wine Nights.” I don’t drink, but I was sure there would 

be friends there, and something interesting would be going on. I 

was right as Konishiki, his gorgeous wife Chie, and other interesting 

people were there. On the cultural side, a group of costumed 

Japanese men wandered around the lounge and performed the 

traditional Shinshimai which is sometimes called the Lion Dance. It 

was, as always, a colorful fun event at Oakwood. 

Our congratulations to Oakwood on the opening of their beautiful 

new Oakwood Premier Tokyo near Tokyo Station. We’ll have 

photos of their super-chic opening next column. 

THINGS TO DO 

If you or any of your friends (girls only) have thought about being 

in a beauty contest, this may be your chance. My good friend Steven 

Haynes just became the National Director for the Miss Supranational 

Japan Contest which will be held in Sonic City in Omiya here in 

Japan on May 5. In addition to being what many consider the most 

talented (and nicest) gaijin here in Japan, Steve is also one of the 

busiest—and he really knows what he’s doing. If you feel you’re 

ready for your chance at fame, or at least an interesting experience, 

call Steven at 03-3410-6615 or 090-1730-7212. 

I’ve always been a fan of the band Coldplay, and even partied 

with them here in Tokyo a few times, good guys all—and good 

sounds as well. I love their latest music video “Adventures 

of a Lifetime” (Warner Bros. Music) where they’re all 

dressed up in “Planet of the Apes” drag and really 

enjoying themselves. Check it out and you’ll see what 

I mean. 

Hiro, Daisuke and Mari at Shibuya 

Segafredo 

Konishiki, his wife Chie and Father Grimm 

at Oakwood Premier Midtown 

Italian Friends Nicole Griecco and 

Maurizio Zumrano at Hiroo Segafredo 


COMING TO A CINEMA NEAR YOU IN MARCH 

MAR 25 

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: 

DAWN OF JUSTICE 

Not even Spider-Man can trump the 

Man of Steel and the Dark Knight 

in terms of enduring popularity 

and global impact. Now these two iconic 

figures are going head-to-head on our 

cinema screens for the first time ever, 

whilst also setting the groundwork for a 

sprawling new DC film universe to rival 

that of the all-conquering Marvel. Ben 

Affleck dons Batman’s dark cowl for the 

first time and he’s got serious questions 

about the intentions of the seemingly 

benign yet staggeringly powerful alien 

interloper who’s appeared among us. 

Henry Cavill returns to his Man of Steel 

role as Clark Kent/Superman, along with 

Amy Adams as Lois Lane. Jesse Eisenberg 

will be pulling our heroes’ strings as archnemesis 

Lex Luther. Even Wonder Woman, 

in the form of Israeli actress and model 

Gal Gadot, makes her first big-screen 

appearance. Zack Snyder, a director known 

more for flashy visuals than substance and 

storytelling, takes the reins of a film that 

puts the fate of the entire world, and a new 

film franchise, at stake. 

THE DANISH GIRL 

MAR 18 

Eddie Redmayne won a Best Actor 

Oscar last year and he’s in with a good 

shout at this year’s ceremony for a 

similarly transformative role. In “The Theory 

of Everything” the actor was outstanding as 

internationally renowned theoretical physicist 

Stephen Hawking. In “The Danish Girl” 

Redmayne once again provides a strikingly 

physical performance to tell the story of Lili 

Elbe, one of the first people to undergo sex 

reassignment surgery. Einar Wagnar and his 

wife Gerda are painters. When Gerda has her 

husband step in for an absent female model, 

a lifelong identification with that gender—and 

the Lili Elbe persona—is revealed. Redmayne’s 

costar Alicia Vikander (“Ex Machina,” “The 

Man From U.N.C.L.E.”) puts in an equally 

sensitive performance in a film from “Les 

Miserables’” director Tom Hooper. 

MR. HOLMES 

London’s most notorious supersleuth 

Sherlock Holmes has enjoyed 

something of a revival in recent 

years, epitomized by the BBC series 

“Sherlock,” which catapulted Benedict 

Cumberbatch to stardom. While Sherlock 

and many other recent works place 

the character in a modern setting, “Mr. 

Holmes” treads a different path. By 1947, 

the world-famous detective is reaching 

the end of his storied years. Retired and 

living a life of relative seclusion, the old 

investigator is bitter at the sensationalized 

take on his exploits and tormented by the 

memory of the one case that he couldn’t 

solve. Much admired thesp Ian McKellen 

heads the cast in an exceptional turn as the 

tortured old genius. 

MAR 18 

THE BIG SHORT 

MAR 4 

The housing and credit collapse that 

lead to the financial crisis at the end 

of the last decade may not seem like 

a laughing matter but that’s exactly how 

director Adam McKay has approached it. 

Focusing on the Wall Street moneymen who 

saw the bubble’s impending burst, “The 

Big Short” zips along at a frenetic pace as 

Ryan Gosling narrates much of the financial 

wheeling and dealing going down. Hollywood 

big shots Brad Pitt, Steve Carell and Christian 

Bale play some unquestionably smart men of 

extremely questionable moral character who 

saw the system’s weakness and exploited it. 

Picking up five Academy Award nominations 

including Best Picture and Best Director, the 

film deals with a complex subject matter but 

it’s delivered in such a way as to make it both 

palatable and blackly comic. 


EXPAT LIFE | WEEKENDER | 31 

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AGENDA 

1 

ARTIST in HOTEL project: Ryosuke Yasumoto’s artist room 

2 

3 

4 

6 

7 

8 

5 

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

1 MAR 21 

Jeff Mills X Tokyo Philharmonic 

Orchestra 

Iconic Detroit DJ Jeff Mills 

combines his electronic talents with 

the esteemed Tokyo Philharmonic 

Orchestra in a unique musical event. 

Where: Bunkamura Orchard Hall 

How Much: ¥5,800 - ¥6,800 

More info: www.tokyoweekender.com 

2 

MAR 12-13 3 MAR 23 

4 

ART in PARK HOTEL 

TOKYO 2016 

This art-themed hotel will 

be transforming its rooms into walkin 

galleries featuring pieces from 

around Japan, for one weekend only. 

Where: Park Hotel Tokyo, Higashi Shinbashi 

How Much: ¥1,500 (one-day pass) 

More info: parkhoteltokyo.com 

Buckcherry Tour 

The renowned punk rock 

band will have fists pumping 

all night long at their concert. Catch 

one of the loudest and most rebellious 

bands of the 21st century! 

Where: Tsutaya O-East, Shibuya 

How Much: ¥12,500 


MAR 20-30 

Cherry Blossom Viewing 

Parks, streets, and canals all 

over Tokyo will be bursting 

in pink shades at the end of the month. 

Look for hanami parties and enjoy the 

warm weather! 

Where: All over Tokyo parks 

How Much: Various prices 


5 MAR 6 6 MAR 19-20 7 MAR 18 

Hina Dolls Exhibition 

Avoid if you have a 

fear of dolls...10,000 

Hina figurines will be on display to 

celebrate Girls’ Day and hark back to 

the traditions of yore. 

Where: Yokohama Doll Museum 

How Much: ¥400 | More info: www. 

yokohama-doll-museum.com/english 

Tokyo International Whiskey 

Festival 

A whiskey aficionado’s 

dream come true! The first inaugural 

expo is kicking off with food, cigars, 

and world-famous whiskeys. 

Where: Tokyo American Club 

How Much: ¥9,870 


Asakusa Kannon Jigen-e 

In the year 628, two brothers 

were fishing when they 

found a statue of Buddha. It is said a 

golden dragon descended and blessed 

them; today, Asakusa celebrates with a 

dragon parade, dancing, and cheering. 

Where: Sensoji Temple, Asakusa 


8 MAR 17-30 

Rikugien Cherry Blossom 

Illumination 

View cherry blossoms in a 

completely new light, even at night. Rikugien 

never disappoints when it comes to 

illuminating their garden. 

Where: Rikugien Garden, Bunkyo-ku 

How Much: Free 



MARCH | AGENDA | 33 

MARCH 

9 

10 

11 

12 

9 MAR 5-6 10 MAR 26-27 

Aoyama Sake Flea 

Anime Japan 2016 

Vol. 4 – Keep the drinks 

Alright, fans of anime— 

flowing! The fourth installment 

of the Sake Flea is here—try The expo will feature fashion, art, 

we’ve got one for you. 

flavors from all corners of Japan, and rare collectibles, lectures, guest stars, 

pick up organic crafts and snacks too. exhibits, theater, and much more. 

Where: United Nations University 

Where: Tokyo Big Site, Ariake 

How Much: Free 

How much: ¥2,000 

More info: www.tokyoweekender.com More info: www.anime-japan.jp 

11 MAR 13 12 MAR 1-30 

Tequila Festa 2016 

Totem: Cirque du Soleil 

In an attempt to convert 

Japan 

more people into fans of 

The mind-blowing troupe 

Mexican cuisine, the Japan Tequila Association 

is hosting a day of cocktails, spectacular gymnastics to Tokyo. Not 

is bringing their wild costumes and 

smooth tunes, and culture. 

one to be missed. 

Where: Tabloid, Kaigan, Minato-ku 

Where: Odaiba Big Top 

How Much: ¥5,500 

How Much: ¥6,500 - ¥7,500 

More info: www.tequilafesta.jp/_tokyo/ More info: www.tokyoweekender.com 


BACK IN THE DAY: MARCH 1974 

Check out the scene in Tokyo from 1974! You can read the rest of this issue (No.12 

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

weekender-archives/

Tokyo Weekender - March 2016

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