英語教育 英語教育 - Tokyo Weekender

VOL.02 | NO.07 | FREE | APRIL 2005
SHOW ME
THE MONEY
TOKYO EVENS FOR LEGAL GAMBLING
By Laura Fumiko Keehn
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Hiking, Skiing, Sailing, Biking…
welcome to Hakuba
THE LITTLE PEOPLE
ASIJ kids and 6,000 bits of clay
英語教育
シェーン英会話学校で英会話を学ぶ
PLUS! BILL HERSEY’S PARTYLINE • MOVIES • BUSINESS • BEING A BROAD •
FINE DINING • FACES OF THE NEW JAPAN • WINE • COMMUNITY • FINANCE
A D V E R T O R I A L
Aoba-Japan International School’s Founder
Ms. Regina Doi Rogers
speaks to The Weekender
Ms. Regina Doi Rogers was born into an upper-middle class family in New York during
the Depression. While studying education at the New York State Teachers College
and classical singing at The Julliard School in New York, she worked in a variety of
jobs, including time spent at the New York Stock Exchange and Reuben H. Donnelly
Corporation, well known as the Yellow Pages. She developed a telephone network
system guiding customers on how to use the Yellow Pages more effectively. Her true
passions - classical singing and education - have remained with her throughout her
extraordinary life. Ms. Rogers came to Japan in 1964. She founded the Aoba-Japan
International School in September 1976.



— INTERVIEWED BY JAMES MULLIGAN

2 | The Weekender
What plans do you have for the future?
We’re aiming to advance to the 12th grade. I’d like to
increase our space in order for us to increase our pro­
gram. A bigger school. Ever since the school started in
1976, there has been a goal. And there is a responsibility
to meet that goal. So while I’m here, I’m going to try to
meet the goal and its responsibilities.

What are your schools’ strengths?
The school’s medium of instruction is English (except of
course during Japanese classes). The non-native speakers
of English learn to speak the language effectively in a year
or two. We do teach Kokugo for Japanese native speakers
and Japanese as a Second Language for foreign students.
Reading, Math, Science (hands-on) programs are excellent. Music and Sports are fantastic, and I am always
proud of our continued growth in all curriculum areas.
What is your advice to parents?
When a child is born, the first thing you have to ask
yourself is who is going to set the routine here, the par­
ent or the child. If you want to have a successful child,
and if you want an easy life for you and your child, dedicate yourself to his/her routine until that child is 12 years
old (or may be even older).

How important are teachers?
The teacher is the guiding instrument for every child in a
classroom. Every teacher must have the love of learning
in her/his heart as teaching philosophy. Teachers come
from different cultural background and with various
experience, and as long as the program is well set, transfer of learning should happen optimally.
What about plans to introduce more English
programs in Japanese schools?
Introducing English into the educational system is not a
bad idea at all, as long as it is there to be used as a tool for
communication. That is all we can hope for from English.
However, we must not delete from a public school system
what is very precious about one’s own culture - its own
language and customs and heritage.

What is the philosophy behind your teaching?
The philosophy behind teaching is the love for teaching
itself. Routine is extremely important. Guidance is also
very important. Learning is a responsibility. Good teachers will always convey that responsibility. And, you need
to teach the practicality of life in school.
What do you think of the Japanese education
system in general?
There really is nothing wrong with the Japanese System.
Look at the people that the system has produced - Mr.
Morita of Sony, Mr. Matsushita of National. I won’t
exactly call them failures in life. We should make more
analyses of what made those era or these people so successful. If there are perceived weaknesses in the system,
I don’t think it’s the school system’s faults. I think it is
society itself. There is a multitude of social changes taking place in this “small” country.
FOR THE EXPERIENCE.
Established since 1976, Aoba has a 29-year history of success in educating international students.
FOR THE HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION.
All teachers (numbering over 60 for both the Meguro and
Suginami campuses) are certified and highly qualified in
their field.
FOR THE ACCREDITATIONS.
Aoba is accredited by both the European Council of
International Schools and the New England Association
of Schools and Colleges, as well as being a member of the
Japan Council of International Schools.
FOR A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATIO
Students will not only receive an education in English,
but are also required to study Kokugo for Native Japanese
speakers and JSL for non-Japanese.
FOR THE SAFETY
Aoba campuses are equipped with state of the art video
monitoring with auto locked doors on all entrances. All
visitors must receive visitors’ passes, and entrances are
monitored at all times.
FOR THE PERSONAL ATTENTION
Aoba Meguro Campus has a maximum teacher student
ratio of 1 to 20. The Suginami Campus has a maximum
teacher student ration of 1 to 25 for junior high classes
and 1 to 20 for the primary, elementary and kindergarten.
FOR OPTIONS FOR NON-NATIVE ENGLISH
SPEAKING
There is a very strong Intensive English Program. Students
who enter the school with little or no English proficiency
have specific homerooms for primary, elementary, and
junior high levels.
FOR THE HOME-LIKE ENVIRONMENT
Originally located in a house where Shirley McClain’s
once lived, the school has maintained it’s cozy atmosphere.
FOR THE CLOSE SCHOOL COMMUNITY
RELATION
Parent teacher conferences are scheduled formally in
both campuses. Parents and teachers can schedule conferences anytime during the year. Activities such as programs, carnivals, etc, are participated in by the majority
of parents, students, teachers and staff.
FOR POST-GRADUATE PLACEMENT
Student counseling services are available to help students
make decisions for their future, be it to continue education in Japan, or to continue onto high schools overseas

Were you anxious about it?
If by anxious do you mean whether I was taking a gamble
by starting a school? I think that anything you do for the
first time may be considered a gamble. If I did not succeed, perhaps, I would be back in business in the U.S., or
teaching at a junior college.
Where do parents’ fees go?
I am sure that’s a question that many people would like
to know the answer. I am sure every school will tell you
that it’s very expensive to run a very good school. Fees
go in all areas of school operation. If there is excess fund,
this is used to develop better programs.
Why choose Aoba-Japan
International School?

What made you think of a school?
I thought, what was the one thing I could do really well
here. So I decided I would open up a four-year level academic kindergarten giving good training in both English
and Japanese languages. And when the child would
reach compulsory elementary level, then parents could
then make the decision whether or not to continue with
international education.
Why would Japanese parents send their child to
your schools?
The most common reason from parents during admission
interviews is the parents’ wish for their child to have an
opportunity for international education, with long-range
goals of sending their children to schools overseas as well
as other international schools. Our school programs are
geared toward these and effectively prepare the learners
for further challenges as they progress into the higher
educational fields.

WEEKENDER: How did it all begin?
MS. REGINA DOI ROGERS: When I first moved to Japan
it was a struggle. My first job was with a major Japanese
company, then I moved on to Nishimachi and Seisen
International Schools. I decided to establish my own
business, one where I could earn enough money to support myself and educate my son. But of course, it had to
be the field that I enjoyed.
I considered going back to the business world in
America. Business always paid well for me there. I had
even worked for a Japanese company in New York. I really couldn’t go back to singing as I had already reached
an age limit. I had highly considered coaching singing, as
this was my field, however, I would only enjoy that part
of my teaching given the opportunity to coach highly
motivated students, perhaps semi-professionals.
Information: www.a-jis.com
See Ms. Regina Doi Rogers online interview at
www.accesseonline.com/sij/
April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 3
VOL.02 | NO.07 | APRIL 2005
CONTENTS
FEATURES
06 Cover feature
FANCY A FLUTTER?
After years of hedged bets, it looks like
gambling is finally going to be legal in
Tokyo says Laura Fumiko Keehn.
05 Travel
HAKUBA ON EARTH
James Robb, an outdoor instructor and
guide in the area, tells us why it just
might be paradise.
08 Weekender 4 kids
FIELD OF DREAMS
Kit Nagamura meets little global-minded
clay sculptures created by international
children.
17 SHANE WEEEKENDER
Shane English Schools and
The Weekender tie-up for an
exciting new English-learning section.
this week at weekender
W
E ARE happy to announce the beginning of our special
Shane Weekender section. Shane English Schools are
sponsoring our Japanese section by providing English-learning material for our Japanese readers. We also hope that this
will provide additional material for our language-teacher
readers. From this issue onwards, Shane English Schools will
be providing content in alternate issues — don’t forget that
you can subscribe to ensure that you receive every copy of
The Weekender.
Continuing the education theme, we have an interesting
interview with Ms. Regina Doi Rogers on Page 2. Ms. Rogers
is the founder of Aoba-Japan International School, and you
can read about her experiences, goals, and philosophy of the
school in this issue.
T
HANKS TO Laura Fumiko Keehn for an excellent feature
on casino gambling in Tokyo. It looks as though it’s only a
matter of time before the first legal casinos start to open up in
the city. Whether the big hitters from Las Vegas, Steve Wynn
and Sheldon Adelson, and Macau’s casino magnate Stanley
Ho — three of the world’s richest men — try to get a slice of
a what promises to be a very lucrative pie remains to be seen.
Wynn and Adelson have already broken Ho’s monopoly on
Macau, and the three may now be looking further east for
future riches. With the yakuza stronghold on the illegal gambling scene, though (¥1 trillion changes hands each year at
one Shinjuku casino!), any foreign interest is sure to receive
a lukewarm response. Go to Page 6 for the feature.
Caroline Pover
James Mulligan
COMMUNITY
REGULARS
04
05
08
09
10
12
13
13
14
17
19
This Week at Weekender
Travel
Business
Weekender 4 kids
Being a Broad
Essentials
Movies
Fine Dining
Bill Hersey’s Partyline
Shane Weekender
Faces of the new Japan
CRAFT Golf Club Donates ¥1 million
through YMCA-FCSC Challenged
Children Project
Cover photo by Anne Y. Keehn
([email protected])
FOUNDED IN 1970 BY
MILLARD H. “CORKY” ALEXANDER
PUBLISHER
Caroline Pover
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS
Mike Alfant, Rajiv Trehan
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
James Mulligan
[email protected]
TRAVEL & SOCIETY EDITOR
Bill Hersey
BEING A BROAD EDITOR
Emily Downey
[email protected]
ENGLISH LEARNING EDITOR
Charlotte Warren
CONTRIBUTORS
Robert J. Collins, James Bailey, Henry Scott
Stokes, CJ Waggon, Owen Schaefer,
Ian Priestley, Kirk R. Patterson, Christine
Cunanan-Miki, Kit Nagamura, Laura Fumiko
Keehn, Suzy Small, James Robb, Jonathan
Walsh, Nicola Takizawa, Arina Kuznetsova, April
Moreno
DESIGN
Abinitio Design: Anne Bergasse, Mas Akiyama
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Suzanne Small, Laura Fumiko Keehn
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Arina Kuznetsova, Jin Kashikura, Natalie
Wiseman, April Moreno, Suzanne Parker,
Jean-Francois Rossignol, Sarah Watson
[email protected]
THE WEEKENDER
JAPAN’S QUALITY ENGLISH MAGAZINE
Serving the international community FREE
since 1970. Offices are at Caroline Pover, Inc.,
7th floor, Chuo Iikura Building,
3-4-11 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041
Tel. 03-5549-2038 Fax: 03-5549-2039
Office hours are from 8:30am to 7:30pm
THE WEEKENDER is a biweekly magazine
for the international community in Japan,
published by Caroline Pover. It is distributed
every first and third Friday in Tokyo and
surrounding areas. Opinions expressed by THE
WEEKENDER contributors are not necessarily
those of the publisher.
4 | The Weekender
www.weekenderjapan.com
(L to R) Brian Nelson, President and CEO of ValueCommerce, Marco A. Crivelli,
YMCA/FCSC Chairman and President Asia-Pacific Siegling (Japan) Ltd, Nick
Masee, Managing Director Asian Tigers Premier Worldwide Movers and Kazuki
Yamane, Director, Domestic & International YMCA Relations.
C
RAFT GOLF CLUB, a group of golf-loving business people
living and working in Tokyo, has donated ¥1 million to
support mentally and physically challenged children through
the YMCA/FCSC Challenged Children Project.
Run under the auspices of the National Council of YMCA
of Japan, the program supports over 5,500 children in more
than 110 programs each year throughout Japan. Proceeds will
benefit camps, music programs, research and other activities
enabling challenged children to gain greater self-confidence
and happiness.
The YMCA Foreign Community Supporting Committee
(FCSC) is a group of ambassadors and international business,
community and social leaders who desire to contribute to
Japanese society. It has been supporting and raising awareness of
YMCA activities since 1958.
All funds raised by the YMCA/FCSC stay in Japan. Proceeds
directly support these activities.
For further information about how you can help contact Greg
Hurnall on 03-5367-6640 or email [email protected].
Mozart’s Requiem with TIS
T
OKYO INTERNATIONAL SINGERS (TIS) will perform Mozart’s
Requiem for its 100th concert in 25 years. The performance
will take place on May 5 with the Tokyo New City Orchestra
under the direction of founder Marcel L’Esperance. Soloists will
be Nikikai Opera members Kaori Hirai, soprano Misato Iwamori,
mezzo-soprano and tenor Mitsuhiko Ohno. Baritone Tetsuro
Kitamura of the Tokyo Chamber Opera Company has also been
performing in Germany. Edvard Grieg’s Holberg Suite for strings
will also be included in the program.
This will be the 11th TIS collaboration with the The Tokyo
New City Orchestra, which has performed with both Nikikai and
Fujiwara opera companies. It has also given a number of performances with world famous opera singers Luciano Pavarotti,
Hermann Prey and Renata Scotto. The most recent joint performance was of Schubert’s Mass in A Flag, No. 5 on Feb. 5 at Curian
Large Hall.
The TIS chorus was founded in 1980 by Marcel L’Esperance
and Carol Melby, with a view to serving the international community of Tokyo. Notable past performances include the Israel
in Egypt oratorio by Handel, Sept Repons des Tenebres by Poulenc,
Die Sieven Worte by Haydn, Missa Criolla and Nuestra Navidad
by Argentine composer Ramirez. Chorus members come from
a variety or countries, including Switzerland, Zimbabwe and
Indonesia.
Mozart’s Requiem concert will be held on May 5, 2pm, in
Green Hall, Sagamiono, Odakyu Line. Tickets are priced at
¥4,000. For reservations call TIS at (044) 833-9258 or email
[email protected].
Temple University Japan Eligible to
Sponsor Student Visas
T
WO TEMPLE UNIVERSITY JAPAN STUDENTS became the
first to receive student visas sponsored by the university
earlier this month. Temple University Japan (TUJ) has operated
as a branch campus of Temple University in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania since 1982. However, the institution was previously not recognized under regulations governing Japanese
universities, and was therefore only able to sponsor short-term
cultural activity visas. On Feb. 14, Japan’s Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) recognized TUJ
as a Foreign University, Japan Campus.
This is the second benefit TUJ has received since then. Last
month, students were granted commuting-pass discounts by JR
East and other private east-Japan railway companies.
Being able to sponsor student visas means students from
outside of Japan can now pursue full degree programs at TUJ.
American Jesse Moore is one of
the first two TUJ undergraduates to receive a TUJ-sponsored
student visa. “I am really lucky
to be able to switch to a student visa at this time, since
my current cultural activity
visa was to expire this month,”
Moore said.
TUJ Dean Kirk R. Patterson
notes that “we are very grateful (for) TUJ’s designation as
Japan’s first Foreign University,
Jesse Moore (left), American
Japan Campus, as the basis for
undergraduate, accompanied by
allowing TUJ to sponsor student
TUJ Dean Kirk Patterson, displays
visas. It will allow TUJ…to conhis passport stamped with the
tribute to the strengthening of
first student visa issued to a TUJ
ties between Japan and other
student.
countries.”
travel
Hakuba on Earth
Hakuba, in the Japan Alps
has something for outdoors
enthusiasts all year round.
James Robb, an outdoor instructor
and guide in the area, tells us why
it just might be Paradise
WHY GO NOW?
REVERED by locals and outdoor enthusiasts alike as the
gateway to the Japan Alps, Hakuba village in Nagano
Prefecture offers something for everyone, all-season
round. With an average snowfall for the winter reaching
the four meter mark and a ski season running to early
May, snow enthusiasts will have no trouble keeping busy
on Hakuba’s numerous ski areas. If it’s a fun filled day of
family skiing or a steep and deep backcountry adventure,
you’re looking for, the hills in and around the village
cater to all ages and abilities.
GETTING THERE
Located at the base of two of Japan's biggest ski resorts,
Hakuba lies to the north end of the Kita (North) Alps on
the island main island of Honshu. It is only 40 minutes
from the Sea of Japan to the west and one hour’s drive
north-east is Nagano city.
CHECK IN
The Mominoki Hotel is Hakuba’s most luxurious. It
can also boast its own shop, Le Sapin, which sells
European wines hand picked by the hotel’s owner, the
hotel’s own brand jam, and freshly baked bread. Most
famously it is home to one of the finest onsen in the
country, known as ‘’Bijin no yu’’ (Beautiful women hot
spring). The hot spring is recognized as having ‘’the
strongest alkalies in Japan.’’ For more information visit
www.mominokihotel.com/e_entrance.html
NICE VIEW
The North Alps look beautiful all year round. In the
winter visitors will also be able to catch some exciting
firsthand action of ski races on Olympic courses, worldclass ski jumping and boarders going into orbit in Big Air
competitions.
In summer, gondola access to the alpine areas makes
it possible for even the most novice hikers to explore the
natural beauty of the Alps.
ACTIVITIES
The1998 Winter Olympic Games focused international
attention on Hakuba for the alpine skiing, cross-country
and ski jumping events. Winter activities are numerous;
one can head out on slopes for world class Alpine skiing
and snowboarding, join a guided snowshoe tour in to the
snow covered forest, give Nordic skiing a try and then soak
in one of the many hot-springs that dot the landscape.
Come spring Hakuba changes from a winter
wonderland to a lush green alpine paradise ideal for
hiking and biking. Water running from the upper
snowfields makes for fantastic whitewater rafting and
kayaking. You can also explore Lake Aoki by canoe or
sail. For information on outdoor activities in Hakuba go
to www.evergreen-outdoors.com.
DINING
If you’re looking for something slightly more sophisticated than the curry rice and ramen you’ll find on the
slopes, the Mominoki Hotel offers two restaurants: Sara
Mansaku, which is Japanese, and Rinea, which is northern European in style. You can also eat in the hotel’s
beautiful garden. For more liquid après-ski refreshment,
try the Mominoki Hotel’s bar, called simply The Pub.
HIKING
In spring and summer trips range from short day hikes to
extended multi-day jaunts that can make use of the yamagoya’s (mountain huts) that allow for a first class experience. This area is also a Mecca for serious mountaineers
looking to climb some of Japan’s most difficult peaks.
ICING ON THE CAKE
Even in the busy ski season resorts are rarely packed
because skiers and boarders are distributed across the
15 resorts up and down the valley. This spring will also
definitely be a time not to be missed when Happo-One
hosts the Tri-Modal Challenge, Japan’s first combined
ski, snowboard, and telemark race.
April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 5
feature
FANCY A FLUTTER?
After years of hedged bets, it looks like gambling is finally going
to be legal in Tokyo says Laura Fumiko Keehn
W
HEN TOKYO GOVERNOR Shintaro Ishihara was
elected in 1999, one of his promises was to legalize
casino gambling. He argued that casinos would expand
the domestic tourist industry, create jobs and attract
foreign investment. For a city teetering on the edge
of a steady four-year tax revenue deficit, this should
have been good news. However not all locals were so
convinced — a significant part of Governor Ishihara’s
campaign towards legalization was to “win public understanding,” as he explained to the metropolitan assembly
in 2002.
It is now 2005. Major governmental organizations, including the Liberal Democratic Party and
the Democratic Party of Japan, as well the Organized
Municipal Government Casino Research Association
(Chihojichitai Casino Kenkyukai) have been working consistently towards legalization. Laws have been drafted
and submitted, taxation proposed. It is now not a question of if, but when these laws will take affect.
A first time visitor might be forgiven for assuming that casino gambling is legal in Japan. Pachinko
parlors and slot machines are everywhere, horse races
are highly publicized, and casinos themselves are not
hard to find. Of this list, however, the only fully legal
activity is the horse races. Pachinko and slot machines
are only ambiguously legal. The exploitation of a small
loophole is enough to satisfy the authorities — winners
must physically leave the venue (usually to a back alley
three feet away) to trade in a winning token for cash.
Though easily found in all the entertainment centers
of Tokyo, casinos are actually completely illegal and,
until recently, considered the sleaziest and dirtiest form
of gambling, mainly due to close ties with the Japanese
yakuza (Japanese mafia).
It is no secret that illegal casinos are a major source
of revenue for the yakuza. Ichiro Tanioka, president of
the Osaka University of Commerce and longtime advocate for the legalization of casino gambling, explained to
the Yomiuri Online that ¥1 trillion changes hands each
year at one illegal Shinjuku casino alone — and that
the yakuza are making an estimated ¥50 billion a year
through casino operations.
Masayoshi Oiwane, the president of the Japan Casino
School and a long time campaign leader towards casino
6 | The Weekender
legalization, remembers his first experience with an
illegal casino in Japan. “I didn’t know it was illegal,” he
says. “It scared me to death when I found out. It’s against
the law to even play in these places, and they’re violent.
There’s no security system, and people get hot under the
collar whenever money is involved.”
The Japanese aren’t just gambling at home, either.
Over 70 percent of the gamblers visiting the Walker-hill
Hotel and Casino in Seoul are Japanese citizens (see sidebar). It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that by legalizing casino gambling, the money flowing into the pockets
of illegal and foreign casinos would be redirected back to
the Japanese government. Many believe that legalization
would also attract foreign investment and tourism.The
Las Vegas Sands, for example, one of the biggest casinos
in Las Vegas, has unveiled plans to open a casino in
Macau — and invest $1.8 billion into the country.
However, detractors claim that raising the economy
through such methods will lead to a decline in public
morality. “I’m skeptical about seeking profit from games
of chance,” Toshizo Ido, governor of Hyogo told the
Yomiuri Online. “Especially now, when the work ethic has
never been more important.”
Others, such as Oiwane, disagree, arguing that a legal
casino industry would benefit morale and economy. “In
the past our country was built on the manufacturing
industry,” Oiwane points out. “But the future is the service industry. The level of service Japan can offer is possibly the highest in the world, and by legalizing casino
gaming we will have the chance to capitalize on this, and
to build on this industry on a world scale.”
Oiwane has put his money where his mouth is — he
opened the Japan Casino School last year, the country’s
first, and hopes to train over 1,000 dealers in time for the
opening of legal casinos in Japan.
Last year, five years after heading the campaign
towards legalization, Governor Ishihara announced
that he was handing over the reigns to the lawmakers.
Parliament is now in session, discussing the details of
the submitted legalization proposals. The country is
ready and waiting for the day casino gambling is legalized, opening the floodgates to international investment,
boosting the negligible domestic tourist industry — and
possibly revitalizing the future of a whole generation.
CONFESSIONS OF
AN ILLEGAL DEALER
A former illegal casino dealer tells all
WEEKENDER: How did you become an illegal
casino dealer?
DEALER: It started when I was in high school. One of my
senpai (mentor) was a dealer. I thought it sounded cool.
Why did you want to do it?
The pay. For a little high schooler like me, ¥1,800 an
hour sounded like a fortune.
Can you tell us some scary stories?
There are so many. The scariest place to deal is definitely
Shinjuku. The chabako (Chinese mafia-run casinos) were
usually tough gigs. At one place the yojimbo (security
man for the yakuza) was a real idiot. His job was to make
sure no one was cheating, but he’d just play on the tables
all day. He was scary, so the dealers had to cover up for
his losses to keep him from blowing up at us. But he must
have been stupid or something because I’ve never seen
anyone lose as much as he did. It’s hard to win, but it’s
even harder to lose like this guy did. One day he really
did blow up. He drew a knife on the dealer and screamed
about how he was being cheated. The dealer ran away
real fast and it was a big mess.
Weren’t you nervous? Aren’t they all yakuza
owned?
Yes, I was nervous and yes, they are all yakuza run. But
again, the pay was great. Well I thought it was great. But
when I finally got my first paycheck it was reduced to
¥800.
Were you scared?
I was but I got over it and went back to work. The first
time I dealt to a guy with no pinky (signal that someone
is yakuza) I was so nervous I was shaking. But you get
used to it.
So you weren’t happy.
No. So when my senpai asked me if I wanted to make real
money, I said of course. That’s how I worked for my first
ikasama (clip joint) casino.
So why did you get out of the game?
I quit because it stopped being fun and started to be
a job. It got to be a bit too much. Everyone is always
cheating everyone else. Fights were always breaking out,
knives were drawn, guns came out. I just felt like my life
was threatened too many times.
Was that the right decision?
Actually no. First of all they didn’t even pay me. Second,
my old boss was really mad. I literally thought I was a
dead man. But then the fall guy — he’s the one who puts
his name on the business and takes the fall in case of any
legal troubles — apologized for me and they let me go.
What do you think of casino legalization in
Japan?
I think it’s a great idea. Get all those profits back into the
city and out of the yakuza circuit. Maybe I’ll get back into
the game once it’s all legalized.
Selling Your Seoul
OVER THREE million Japanese are expected to visit South Korea this year, and not just for the BBQ and spa
treatments. Many come for the Paradise Walker-hill Casino in Seoul — the first, the biggest, and the most
popular. Upon arriving in Seoul, advertisements for the casino bombard you from all sides, mostly in Japanese.
“How about trying your luck at the casino to add a little spice to your trip?” asks one ad. One thing that is not
openly advertised is the fact that Korean citizens are not allowed to enter casinos.
The casino itself, which is connected to the Sheraton Hotel, is impressive. The staff greets me at the entrance,
but no one checks my ID, and there is no entrance fee. Once inside, besides the dealers, who are Korean, the
only non-Japanese are a few Caucasian/Middle-eastern looking loan shark types. I sit at the roulette table and
chat with the middle aged guy next to me, who visits Walker-hill twice a year. He always comes on a packaged
tour, but sleeps through the bus trips, sitting at his favorite roulette table all night. Will he continue to make
these trips when casino gambling is legalized in Japan? Probably not. www.walkerhill.co.kr
— L.K
GAMBLING BY NUMBERS
30 trillions of yen that the pachinko
industry makes each year — more than the
annual profit of Japan’s top five automakers
combined
50 estimated billion of yen profit the
Yakuza makes from illegal gambling annually
70 percentage of gamblers in the Walker-
35 number of horse race tracks in Japan
36.5 trillions of yen Japanese spend
Hill Casino in Seoul, Korea who are Japanese
50 percentage of all leisure spending
chain, profit increase percentage since 1998
annually on legal domestic gambling
activities. It is also South Korea’s GDP
which goes to pachinko
70 percentage of pachinko owners who
are ethnically Korean
300 Maruhan, Japan’s largest pachinko
4,000 number of customers that pass
through the Maruhan Pachinko Tower in
Shibuya everyday
April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 7
business
Staying
Alive
By Jonathan Walsh
How the Ikeuchi Towel Company put itself through the wringer.
C
HANGE OR die. This was the daunting challenge
But perhaps most fundamentally of all, Ikeuchi
faced by Ikeuchi Towel Co., Ltd in the early 1990s
Towels took a long, cold look at its product.
as depicted by the company’s Director Planning Manager
“White used to be the only choice of color for
Motoi Tsubouchi at the EA-Tokyo seminar on Mar. 1.
organic towels,” Tsubouchi says. “People have this idea
Mirroring the plight of many Japanese companies in
that organic towels should be white and boring, but
this recent era of rapid globalization, the Shikoku-based
Ikeuchi thinks they should be fun, colorful and beautitowel manufacturer was confronted with a shrinking
ful, so we now offer a range of 24 colors and make towels
market at home and increased competition from abroad.
from organic cotton, silk, or Kamiiru (fiber made from
The company needed tough decisions and firm manageJapanese paper).”
ment to stave off closure.
“We make available all the data about the chemicals
Ever since the towel industry was introduced to Japan
used so customers can see they are safe and can feel
from England some 150 years ago, the city of Imabari, the
secure that while having nice towels, they are also not
world’s largest towel manufacturing center, has been the
harming the environment,” he says. “In addition, we
“Towel Capital” of Japan. After President Keishi Ikeuchi’s
ensure the dyes are the safest available. Even a child can
father founded the business in 1953, Ikeuchi Towel
put these towels in its mouth and it will be safe. We use
enjoyed a wild ride of postwar industry growth that in
numbers and data to sell what we are doing, rather than
the early 1990s encompassed some 500 companies in
just impart fuzzy images.”
the region. However, halfway through that decade, the
In 2001, Ikeuchi became interested in taking on the
brakes started going on the industry as increasing numglobal market and began exhibiting at trade shows in
bers of Imabari companies
the U.S. and, in particular, a
began shifting their manufaclarge trade show called the
turing operations to China in
New York Home Textiles Show
Ikeuchi began direct marketing
an effort to slash costs.
in 2002.
and opened direct sales
Since then, more than
“At the show, we thought
channels to cut middlemen
300 firms have gone to the
maybe Americans might not
wall, while the remaining 160
like our towels and that our
— who had been taking up to
struggle to survive. It is worth
product may not be well
75 percent of the profit.
noting that during the indusreceived,” Tsubouchi recalls.
try’s peak period 65 percent
“When we visited America,
of towels used in Japan were manufactured in Imabari.
I thought that doing business there would be very difNow, 70 percent of the nation’s towels are imported; 30
ficult. The issues of pricing, money and receiving checks
percent are made domestically, and of that only 20 perand other issues made it all seem very formidable. So we
cent manufactured in Imabari.
were amazed when we won the Grand Prize Best in Show
And yet, Ikeuchi Towel has survived. In 1993, while
among all the other products — it was like winning the
his competitors were cutting costs to stay competilottery! This was the first time a Japanese company had
tive, Ikeuchi embarked on a high-risk undertaking and
ever won this award.”
invested ¥30 million to build one of the world’s most
The publicity paid off and within two years Ikeuchi
advanced towel factories. The company then began protowels were on sale in 50 specialty stores in the U.S., 20
ducing towels that met strict environmental standards,
in Paris and London, and they even had a mention in
and acquired ISO certifications. Ikeuchi scrutinized every
the New York Times.
aspect of towel production to minimize environmental
Now, Ikeuchi Towel’s improving business prospects
impact and improve quality, and switched the factory
and financial results demonstrate that the future for
over to wind energy saving 20 percent in power costs.
the turnaround towel company is no doubt far brighter
In addition IT systems were introduced which slashed
— and comes in more colors — than it was a decade ago,
the manufacturing cycle from 45 days to 28, and saved
thanks in no small part to Ikeuchi’s gutsy entrepreneurial
on inventory costs. The company began direct marketflair and environmental edge.
ing and opened direct sales channels to cut middlemen
— who had been taking up to 75 per cent of the profit.
www.ikeuchitowel.com
THIS IS A SUMMARY OF A RECENT ENTREPRENEURS ASSOCIATION OF TOKYO MEETING
SEE THE BUSINESS EVENTS DIRECTORY FOR DETAILS OF THE NEXT EA-TOKYO MEETING
8 | The Weekender
BUSINESS EVENTS
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
THE CLUBS
Promote an event. Email [email protected]. Cross
reference with professional directory for certain event contact details.
Update our directory: Email [email protected]. Check business
events for upcoming seminars, talks, meetings, expos.
Apr. 15
Friday Club Forum: Richard Roa, speaking on “My Life and Times in Japan”
Rick Roa, author of An American Maverick in Japan will speak on My Life and Times in
Japan at the Mita offices of World Without Borders, 2-7-1 Mita, 7:30-9:45pm. ¥4,000
(non-members), ¥3,000 (members), includes food, drinks and networking opportunities. For registration email [email protected] with name and contact details.
Association of Women in Finance
The AWF is a support group for women working in financial industries, organizing
events that give foreign and Japanese women a chance to meet to network, socialize
and exchange information on opportunities. The Association has a meeting on the
third Thursday of every month. www.awftokyo.com
City Club of Tokyo
Provides elegant and sophisticated surroundings for execs and business leaders. The
club is used for receptions, meetings, conferences and exhibitions. Place Canada B1F,
7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel. 03-3401-1121. www.cityclub.co.jp/php
Apr. 19
FCC Dinner: Opportunity for Sports License Business
IMG is the world’s largest company dedicated to the marketing and management of
sport, leisure and lifestyle. Join guest speaker Miki Yamamoto for what promises to be
a fascinating presentation about how IMG turns prodigies into stars, licensed goods
into gold and keeps some of our favorite athletes “top of mind” long after they’ve
retired. 6:30-10pm, City Club of Tokyo. Members ¥5,500, Non-members ¥7,500.
www.fcctokyo.com
Apr. 21
Roppongi Bar Association Meeting
A discussion on the “Blue LED Case”: Treatment of Employees and Employee
Inventions in Japan Before and After the Historic Court Decisions. WDI’s Private Club,
Century Court, Roi Building, 10th Floor, Roppongi. 7.30-9.30pm, members ¥3,500,
non-members ¥4,000 (Buffet dinner included, cash bar). www.rbalaw.org. RSVP by
Friday, April 15 to [email protected]
Apr. 25
ANZCCJ Business Luncheon: “Economic Prospects Between Japan-Australia &
Japan-New Zealand”
Yasushi Misawa, director, Oceania Division, Asia and Pacific Affairs Bureau, Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, will share some of his insight and MOFA experiences, covering
real-time topics including the Free Trade Agreement. Noon-2pm, ¥3,500 (members)
¥4,500 yen (guests). See www.anzccj.jp for venue details and map.
Apr. 25
CCCJ Guest Speaker Luncheon (in co-operation with the Japan Society of
Toronto)
Presentation by John Paul Harris, managing director, Asia Pacific, Ballard Power
Systems. Noon-1:30pm. City Club of Tokyo, Maple Room, ¥6,000 members, ¥6,500
non-members. www.cccj.or.jp
Apr. 26
BCCJ: Team Building and Creative Thinking Seminar
This seminar, in Japanese, will help participants to work more effectively with colleagues, as well as encouraging the creative thinking process. Participants will gain
practical skills to help them think, act and respond in different ways when facing
daily challenges. The focus is on building high performance teams that produce business results and on developing creative solutions. Members ¥46,200, non-members
¥57,750. www.bccjapan.com
May 10
EA Tokyo: “The Past, Present and Future of Google”
A seminar by Norio Murakami, president of Google Japan, with opportunities for
networking afterwards. 6.30pm, City Club of Tokyo, ¥6,000 in advance, or ¥7,000 at
the door. www.ea-tokyo.com
May 12
Foreign Executive Women Monthly Meeting
Presentation “How to get arrested in Japan,” by John Merrifield, chief creative officer,
TBWA\JAPAN. An evening of sheer entertainment from an award-winning creative
director and, in his own words, you be the judge. No advance reservation required,
but please note that this is a women only event. 6:30-9:30pm, FEW Members ¥2,000,
Guests ¥5,000 (supper and drinks included), Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan
(FCCJ), Yurakucho Denki Building, 20th Floor www.fewjapan.com
May 12-14
Japan Hobby Show
Join more than 9,000 people from the hobby industry at Japan’s biggest craft and
hobby show. Tokyo Big Sight East Halls 1 & 2. ¥1,000 (free for high school students
and younger). www.hobby-or.jp
May 14-15
Design Festa
An opportunity for artists and creators of all descriptions to exhibit and sell their work
at this popular twice yearly event. A range of booths and exhibitions spaces are available. Tokyo Big Sight, 11am-7pm. www.designfesta.com
May 17
BCCJ: Effective Team Building
This programme is appropriate for any level in an organisation. It will help participants to work more effectively with colleagues, as well as encouraging the creative
thinking process. Participants will gain practical skills to help them think, act and
respond in different ways when facing daily challenges. The focus is on building high
performance teams that produce business results and on developing creative solutions. Members ¥46,200, non-members ¥57,750. www.bccjapan.com
May 17
BCCJ: Luncheon Seminar
“Don’t Just Downsize it! Rightsize it!” with Thomas J Nevins, president TMT Inc and
author. The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, Yurakucho Denki North Bldg 20F.
Noon -2pm. Members ¥5,000, non-members ¥6,000. www.bccjapan.com
May 18-20
Business Show Tokyo 2005
The Business Show focuses on solving future business problems, especially for Mobile
and Networks, Digital Documents, IT Business and Office Management. Tokyo Big
Sight, West Hall, 10am-5pm, free, http://bs.noma.or.jp
June 7
EA-Tokyo 2nd Anniversary Seminar
Panel discussion, led by Hitoshi Suga, Vice Chairman and Board Member of Food
XGlobe Co. Ltd (Tully’s Coffee Japan Co. Ltd) and Mike Alfant, President of Building2
and Founder & Former President of Fusion Software. 6:30pm, City Club of Tokyo,
¥6,000 in advance, or ¥7,000 at the door. www.ea-tokyo.com
June 17-2
AMA’s 5-Day “MBA” Workshop
This workshop provides a “fast track” for refreshing your knowledge base, making more informed decisions, developing successful strategies and achieving your
personal and organizational goals. The accelerated, five-day presentation surveys
the core curriculum covered in most university level graduate business programs.
¥609,000 (including meals, accommodation & tax), Keidanren Guest House,
Gotemba. www.amajapan.co.jp/english/
June 23
AMA Japan Globalization Workshop: How to make global teams work
Speaker: Cliff Chalon, at Keidanren Kaikan, 2-5pm, ¥10,000. See www.amajapan.co.jp
for more information.
The Canadian Alumni Association in Japan
CAAJ is a non-profit organization devoted to raising the profile of Canada and
Canadian education in Japan. It holds monthly events designed for networking
between people who have studied in Canada and who are thinking of doing so. Tel.
03-3224-0944, email [email protected]. www.caaj.jp
The College Womens’ Association of Japan
CWAJ is a Tokyo based volunteer organization for women of all nationalities interested
in education, cross-cultural opportunities and friendship. They organize meetings,
evening programs and an annual Print Show. Tel. 03-3491-2091. www.cwaj.org
Digital Eve
Part of a worldwide organization that encourages women to become involved in new
technologies. The society has a mailing list that provides support and information on
technical problems and skill sharing. www.digitalevejapan.org
Entrepreneur Association of Tokyo
Promotes and supports entrepreneurs in Japan. Regular events and presentations are
held to allow members to learn more about developing their own businesses and to
hear the experiences of others. Monthly seminars are held at the City Club of Tokyo.
[email protected]. www.ea-tokyo.com
Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan
Provides special services for professional journalists. Members can enjoy access to
three restaurants, meeting and banquet facilities, an extensive library collection,
and invitations to press conferences with headline makers from around the world.
Yurakucho Denki Bldg. 20F (North Wing), 1-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel. 033211-3161. www.fccj.or.jp
Roppongi Hills Club
At the top of Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills, this private members club houses ten
restaurants and bars. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. Tel. 03-6406-6001, fax: 03-64066002. www.roppongihillsclub.com/english.
Tokyo American Club
Private, social and business networking club. Meeting and seminar facilities provided as well as a business center. 2-1-2 Azabudai, Minato-ku. Tel. 03-3224-3870.
www.tokyoamericanclub.org
Tokyo Capital Club
Quality Athletic Club and Spa for top executives and people in business, academic and
diplomatic fields. 2-8-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel. 03-3401-3691, fax: 03-3401-3695
Foreign Executive Women
FEW is a networking organization for foreign women in Japan. Despite the name,
membership is not limited to executives, but is open to women from all professional
backgrounds. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month to give members the opportunity to exchange information and to make new friends and contacts.
FEW also organizes an annual Career Strategies Seminar. www.fewjapan.com
Foreign Women Lawyers Association
The FWLA organizes monthly meetings with a range of guest speakers and seminars,
usually on a legal topic. Social events are also held several times each year. Membership
is open to both foreign and Japanese lawyers. www2.gol.com/users/fwla
Forum of Corporate Communications
The FCC is a Tokyo based organization for anyone interested in the English language communications industry. The Forum holds regular dinner meetings with
guest speakers and occasional symposiums on marketing and communications.
www.fcctokyo.com
Friday Club: Presentations, Discussion and Networking Forum
World Without Border’s Friday Club Forum provides opportunities to exchange views
in a unique and stimulating setting. Speakers change from week to week, and there
is always a lively and fun nijikai, providing networking opportunities. For further
information and registration, please contact [email protected]
The Harvard Club of Japan
The Club is open to Harvard students, alumni, faculty, and parents. See
the website for details and events. www.harvardclubofjapan.org
International Mental Health Professionals Japan — Kanto Branch. IMHPJ is a
Japan-wide, multidisciplinary professional association for those who provide mental
health services to the international communities in Japan. Monthly breakfast meetings on the second Friday of the month in Shibuya, Clinical Workshops and Annual
Conference . All mental health professionals and students welcome. www.imhpj.org,
[email protected]
International Women in Communications
IWC is a networking organization for women working in both old and new media.
Events are held to discuss relevant issues and share information, and there is an
internet mailing list that provides news updates. [email protected]. www2.gol.com/
users/iwic
Roppongi Bar Association
Organization for foreign legal professionals working in Japan. The RBA holds a range
of guest lectures, meetings and social events for its members, focusing on current
legal topics. Membership is open to all legal professionals. www.rbalaw.org
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
SCBWI is an international body representing the interests of writers and illustrators
for children. The Tokyo branch organizes occasional events for both English and
Japanese speaking professionals and non-professionals in the field of children’s literature. www.tokyoscbwi.org
Society of Writers, Editors and Translators
SWET is a society for anyone involved with English writing and publishing in Japan.
Monthly meetings and events are held to share expertise and learn about topics of
interest. Members receive a newsletter four times each year. www.swet.jp
Tokyo International Singers
TIS is a choral society, founded in 1980, for men and women who
enjoy singing classical music and pop. Membership is open to amateur
and professionally trained singers. Rehearsals are held near Shibuya.
(044) 833-9258, www.tokyo-singers.org
Tokyo PC Users Group
English-speaking personal computer club, that meets on the first Thursday of every
month at the Tokyo Union Church in Omotesando. The group organizes visits from
guest speakers, workshops and a chance to exchange information on PCs and get
advice on any problems. [email protected]. www.tokyopc.org
Tokyo Professionals Association
The TPA is a networking organization for the Tokyo business community. It organizes
social nights, a marketing partner program and Business Japanese lessons for members. www.tpahome.com
THE CHAMBERS
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan
Established in 1948, the ACCJ is now an influential organization representing the
interests of international businesses in Japan. The ACCJ runs a range of events during
the year, both social and educational. It also advocates to improve the environment
for international business in Japan, and publishes a guide for foreigners, Living in
Japan, which is now in its 14th edition. www.accj.or.jp
The Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan
The primary objective of the ANZCCJ is to promote business and strengthen cultural
ties between Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The ANZCCJ holds social events
and seminars, provides the opportunity to meet with visiting trade ministers from
Australia and New Zealand and arranges regular briefings on Japanese politics, trade
and economic developments. www.anzccj.jp
The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan
The BCCJ is a private organization that exists to promote British business interests in
Japan. The BCCJ organizes local and regional networking events, a seminar series and
a lunch program. www.bccjapan.com
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan
The CCCJ is a not-for-profit membership organization made up of companies and
individuals with an interest in the Canada-Japan relationship. The CCCJ promotes
the development of commerce between Canada and Japan and provides a forum
for members to develop business contacts and learn about the Japanese market at
seminars, lunches and networking events. www.cccj.or.jp
April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 9
being a broad
Health
Tweaks
Infinity Nutrition
Lomi Lomi Massage
ECOQUEST INTERNATIONAL is a maker of fine quality
patented air purifiers, top of the line nutritional supplements and skin care products used by many professional
athletes, major sports teams and thousands of health
professionals in the U.S. and other countries. It has
recently chosen to launch itself into the Japanese market. Local fitness guru Jeff Libengood, trainer to many
professional athletes and celebrities in Japan, has already
put his stamp of approval on the products.
The nutrition line offered is quite unique in that it targets health at the cellular level. The products are holistic,
obeying the laws of nature, and are the only supplements
with a patented “cellular delivery system” that allows the
body to absorb as much nutrition as it needs.
The skin care line is created from high-quality
natural products created with extraordinary botanicals
and essential nutrients that gently nourish the skin
and create visible differences in the appearance and
health of the skin. Its revolutionary patent-pending
system Platoderm™, ensures optimum delivery of vital
skin renewing nutrients and powerful anti-aging benefits directly to the skin cells resulting in truly vibrant,
healthy looking and beautiful skin.
The patented air purifiers eliminate many odors,
purify the air and assist with the debilitating hay fever
problem in Japan. With air purifiers from the “Fresh
Air” line such as “Fresh Air To Go™” and the “Fresh Air
Buddy™”, users can now feel a lot better being in their
homes or outside.
ON AN early morning in March, when all of Tokyo was
gorgeously covered with snow, I visited Ms. Yoko Iyogi`s
Beagle House, only five minutes from Yukigaya-Otsuka
station on the Ikegami line, for my first trial session of
Lomi Lomi massage.
Being a certified massage therapist Ms. Iyogi practices a very beautiful and spiritual temple style of Lomi
Lomi Nui Hawaiian massage that works like a dream and
incorporates ancient healing techniques to cleanse and
purify the inner and outer body on a spiritual level. The
goal of the massage is not only to loosen up taut muscles,
stretch the body and ease joint pain, but also to release
tension and heal from stress, anger, anxiety, depression
and related aches of the shoulders, neck and back. It is
believed to give the recipient spiritual fulfillment and
help patients achieve their hopes and dreams.
The session starts with the Piko Piko breathing
method, and moves onto a holistic body treatment with
oil massaged into both the back and front of the body,
and closes with blessings of love, freedom, peace, inner
strength and harmony.
Yoko also practices Hopi Ear Candles and lymphatic
drainage massage that can be beneficial for throat, nose
and ear complaints, as well as for the immune system. A
wide variety of aromatherapy products and healing stone
amulets can also be purchased at her house. She also has
a large variety of Scottish honey & herb tea available.
I left my session feeling much warmer, relaxed and in
tune with myself. Call 03-3728-1027 to make an appointment. www.geocities.jp/candle7witch
— ARINA KUZNETSOVA
Korean Alternatives, Hanjyumaku and
other Muck Treatments
OUR NEIGHBORS across the Sea of Japan are specialists on alternative health, although for them it’s more
a way of life. Koreans are known for their beauty, and
you can’t turn on the TV these days without seeing a
gorgeous Korean celebrity flashing a million dollar smile
and some perfect glowing skin. Despite being run down
with a cold, I recently took a trip to Seoul to get in on
some of the action.
A typical Korean-style spa includes a 90-minute
course for approximately ¥8,000. This gets you time in
the Hanjyunmaku style traditional sauna, where you get
cooked literally from the inside out, really clearing out
those clogged pores. Hanjyumaku is followed by the
famous Korean Akasuri, which can be loosely translated
to skin-grime cleaning. Akasuri involves a little old lady
scrubbing your body down with all her strength, using a
course sponge. Grime literally came off me in chunks.
After soaking in the Yomogi (sagebrush) bath, I was
led to the massage area, where I received my final treatment: cupping, in which heated glass suction cups were
attached to my back, sucking up all the bad blood to the
surface. My aforementioned cold meant that I had a lot
of bad blood, and I have to admit that this treatment was
a little painful, but in a good, this-is-helping-me kind of
way. Afterwards I had about 20 circular bruises on my
back, but I have to admit that I did feel better. In fact, my
cold was cured, Korean-style.
The good news is you don’t have to fly all the way to
Seoul for a Korean spa treatment. The Ruby Palace in Shin
Okubo (better known as Korea Town, call 03-5272-0080)
and the Acura Acupuncture Clinic (www.acuraline.com)
in Shibuya both offer Korean-style treatments.
— LAURA FUMIKO KEEHN
10 | The Weekender
ODILE CANO
Run down
Weekender staff
try out alternative
health remedies
Neal’s Yard Remedies
NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES, originally based in the UK,
runs a line of homeopathic, herbal and aromatherapy
products in several shops around Japan, with its main
shop in Omotesando. Neal’s Yard Remedies is a company focused on the sustainability of the environment
in combination with the health and harmony of people
and nature.
Its Omotesando shop, called the Green Building, was
designed by Neal’s Yard with the environment in mind.
It is made of recycled materials and regenerates some of
its own electrical power from reserving water supplies
from the rain. The Green Building houses Neal’s Yards
full range of products and its Natural Therapy Centre,
where a variety of massage and facial treatments are
offered. Several classes are also held throughout the year
on natural healing and nutrition. In the same building
behind the shop is the Brown Rice Café, a delicious
natural and whole foods café. Tel. 03-5778-3418, fax:
03-5778-3489.
— APRIL MORENO
Zen Massage Center
CONVENIENTLY located on a small street near the
Grand Hyatt hotel in Roppongi Hills, this small shop is
a restful haven in the middle of the city. Massage therapies such as the Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Hawaiian
Lomi Lomi Massage and Aromatic Healing Therapy
services are available. In addition, other beauty services
such as nail care and facials can be added to your massage treatment. Tel. 03-3401-7611 (reservations required)
www.geocities.jp/zen34017611
— APRIL MORENO
These pages are provided by Being A Broad — the support and information network for foreign women in Japan, started in 1997. For information about our ev
GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
Skyy Blue vodka proudly supports Being A Broad’s monthly Girls’ Night Out in conjunction with Paddy Foleys Irish Pub,
Roppongi. Women of all nationalities are welcome to come along and everyone will receive a complimentary bottle of Skyy Blue
vodka. For more information on this event contact [email protected]
Every month we ask participants a question...
WHAT ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
PRACTICE HAVE YOU TRIED?
I have tried a lot of different
things. One that stands out is
acupuncture that I did once
while in India. I did it because
I wanted to try something new.
After the session, I felt like electricity was flowing through my
body and I felt more vibrant in
general. I would definitely recommend it.
Maud Gabrielle Vincent,
Canadian
I love aromatherapy, such as lavender for my headaches. When
I had my first son, all the nurses
were taking a sniff of the oil I
had! I have also tried acupuncture to treat lower back pain. It
hurt! I also visit the chiropractor
regularly and love having a good
firm massage.
Paula Hansen,
New Zealander, mother
I fast about once a year for a
week or so. During that time I
take a lot of supplements and
drink water and certain juices.
The reason I fast is to detoxify
my body and for an overall feeling of relaxation.
Nina Norling,
Swedish, marketing
I tried stone massage once in
Siberia! It was very pleasant. It
is a popular treatment in Siberia
but is relatively expensive at
around $30.
Victoria Hudugueva,
Russian, consultant
I have never tried any alternative treatments or medicine. I
like going to the sauna once in a
while and taking herb baths.
Ciska von Doesum-Wolters,
Dutch, researcher
Q & A
Name: Leza Lowitz
Job title: Yoga teacher and writer
Nationality: American
Time in Japan: one and a half years this
time, previously four years in early 1990s.
makes it possible to observe our limiting mental and physical habits and
finally, to become free of them. It is
a deeply rejuvenating, inspiring and
calming practice.
WEEKENDER: Describe what
exactly is yoga?
LOWITZ: Yoga literally means “divine
union”, and is derived from the
Sanskrit verb yuj, which means “yoke,”
or “unite.” Yoga is an ancient discipline
that seeks union with the divine. It is
the science of spiritual, mental, and
physical self-transformation. It balances
the body’s energy centers, awakening
our innate potential, releasing physical, mental, energetic and psychological blocks that limit potential, leading
to a sense of calm, balance and joy.
There are over 840,000 yoga postures,
or asanas. They represent the shapes of
animals such as monkeys, dogs, fish,
cobras, turtles and nature, such as mountains, trees, the
moon and the sun. These days, most people practice
about 50 postures. A good yoga class should consist of
yoga breathing (pranayama), yoga postures (asana), and
meditation (dhyana).
What kind of students do you
teach?
We have students from all over
the world including Asia, Europe,
America, Canada, Africa, the Middle
East, Pacific Rim, New Zealand,
Australia.
Basically everywhere from Sudan
to Siberia, young and old, flexible
and, in one student’s words, “stiff as
a board.” The gender balance is 65
percent women, 35 percent men.
What are the physical and psychological benefits of doing yoga?
Physically, it strengthens the muscles, increases flexibility, releases stress and fatigue, calms the nervous system,
massages the internal organs and leads to greater vitality
and youthfulness. That’s why many yoga practitioners
live well into their 90s! Yoga promotes inner stability
and equanimity and allows us to quiet our minds. This
What advice would you give to
a beginner wanting to take up
yoga?
Remember when we were children
and did all sorts of wonderful movements with our bodies? Why did we stop playing in that way? Yoga helps us
rekindle that sense of wonder and awe.
Just come and explore your body and breathing.
Don’t worry if you are stiff or if you can’t bend your
body into fancy positions because yoga isn’t about that.
It’s about moving into your deepest self and exploring
your potential. And if you practice yoga, you will become
more supple. Guaranteed! All yoga asks is that you focus
on breathing and be aware of the sensations in your
body. To breathe is to live. To focus on the breath is to
fully embrace life in the present moment.
www.lezalowitz.com/sunandmoonyoga.html
vents and services and to access our highly active discussion board see www.being-a-broad.com. Contact BAB Manager Emily Downey at [email protected].
April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 11
essentials
GALLERY
Dean Sameshima
Young Men At Play
D
EAN SAMESHIMA’S Young Men At Play is almost
precisely what it sounds like — photographic images of young men playing American football, or doing
archery. Naked.
The Los Angeles native has long been an outspoken
critic of what he considers mainstream appropriation of
gay culture and voices. As a result, much of his work
focuses on the plurality of voices, images and language
of “gay cultures.” He typically incorporates layered meanings and subject matter by photographing the seemingly
MUSIC
Microsoft Japan Symphony
Orchestra Family Concert
innocuous, and pointing out appropriation of images, or
their hidden meanings.
As a conceptual photographer, the images in Young
Men At Play have been re-photographed from the pages
of illegally distributed magazines from the 1960s. The
13 monochrome photographs therefore document the
gay male gaze and its history of censorship, while at the
same time challenging Japan’s own laws by distributing
a free exhibition catalogue of the images, which will be
published by the Taka Ishii Gallery.
Young Men at Play Dean Sameshima (to Apr. 23)
Taka Ishii Gallery. Kayabacho Metro Station. 11
a.m.-7 a.m. Closed Sun. & Mon. Tel. 03-3552-3363.
www.takaishiigallery.com
L
OOKING FOR something to help you drag the kids
away from the Playstation and introduce them to
something more cultured than the latest Final Fantasy?
The Microsoft Japan Symphony Orchestra Family
Concert might be what you’ve been waiting for.
While it may not beat the latest software for youth
appeal, the show will present a more accessible program
than your average symphony, including a performance
of selections from John Williams’ score for Star Wars
Episode 1, and music from Tonari no Totoro by contemporary composer Joe Hisiashi, who has written most of the
scores for famous anime director Hayao Miyazaki. And
just to sneak in a little more robust content, there will be
a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite Op.71a,
to hook the more… classical, classical fans.
No matter how you feel about Microsoft, you can at
least be sure that the only crashes will be coming from
the percussion section.
STAGE
Communications
T
HE NEW NATIONAL THEATRE TOKYO continues to
work as a strong hub between independent drama
and large stage productions. This week, in cooperation with the Japan Playwrights Association, the venue
presents Communications, the second show in their
thematic series Laughter.
Communications is an unusual collection of short
comic plays, from a variety of playwrights and dramatists. The works are contemporary and all new, assembled
from a variety of points of view, and written by young,
award-winning playwrights, as well as drama students
studying with the Japan Playwrights Association.
The production will involve a cast of nine, and feature
plays by Seiko Ito, Chong Wishing, Keralino Sandrovich
and several others. Stage director, playwright and actress
Eriko Watanabe, will weave together the threads of comedy spun by the production’s various writers, drawing
together the themes of communication and laughter. All
performances are, of course, in Japanese, and it will be
a good opportunity to see some of Tokyo’s best up-andcoming dramatists at work.
Communications (to Apr. 24) Performed in Japanese.
New National Theatre. Hatsudai Station (Keio Line).
¥1,500-¥5,250. Various times. Tel. 03-5352-9999.
www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english/
Microsoft Japan Symphony Orchestra Family Concert
(Apr. 29) Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai
Station (Keio Line). Admission free. 3:30pm. Tel. 035353-9999. www.operacity.jp
— OWEN SCHAEFER
SOHO NIGHTS
Special Events at Roy’s Aoyama
T
HIS YEAR marks the 10th anniversary of one of
Tokyo’s most popular dining spots, Roy’s Aoyama
Bar & Grill, and lots of special events and promotions
have been organized to mark the occasion. To kick off,
on Mondays and Tuesdays, every bottle of wine on the
menu will be half price at dinner. Reflecting the PacificRim style of the food, there will be a Hawaiian band playing at 7:30 and 9pm on the first Friday of every month.
FINANCE
Are You Financially Fit?
W
HEN IT COMES to health, you go for a medical
check up to see if you’re physically fit. But when it
comes to wealth, it’s as important that you do a regular
check up, too.
You can use financial statements to determine your
financial fitness. They are income statements and balance sheets. The process is at first tedious as you need
to dig out bank statements, bank books, investment
certificates as well as details of any debts such as credit
cards, loans or mortgage papers and get them organized
in a proper format.
But once you’ve done this check up, you’ll have a
clear picture where you stand financially and you can
take the necessary measures to achieve fiscal freedom.
Besides that you’ll be more in control of your money
and know how to spend your money wisely.
First, you can prepare an income statement. An
income statement is also called a profit and loss statement. An income statement consists of two sections:
12 | The Weekender
Continuing the Hawaiian theme, Jacqueline Lau I, the
corporate executive chef for Roy’s Restaurants Hawaii,
will be coming to Aoyama in April and, during her visit,
ex-sumo wrestler Konishiki will perform live during dinner on Apr. 21 and 22, and a Hawaiian Band will play on
Apr. 23. If you haven’t made it to Roy’s already, 2005 is
the perfect time to check it out. Call the restaurant for
more details.
New York Nights at Roppongi
Hills
Roy’s Aoyama Bar & Grill, 1F Riviera Minami-Aoyama
Bldg., 3-3-3 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Tel.
03-5474-8181
5:30pm-4am, Bamboo Bar, 5F West Walk in Roppongi
Hills, 6-10-1, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Tel. 035413-9577
monthly income and expenses. Your income would
probably comprise salary, possibly rent from property,
dividends from stocks and bonds, interests from savings accounts. Your expenses would be food, clothing,
utilities, car loan payments, credit card payments, home
mortgage payments, medical expenses, entertainment,
insurance payments, charity, taxes, and education. List
your income and expenses into each section accordingly.
Then calculate your total income and expenses.
Once you’ve done that, it’s time to calculate your net
income. Net income is the difference between your gross
income and expenses:
accounts, stocks and bonds, mutual funds, retirement
plans, and businesses. Liabilities include mortgages,
credit card loans, car loans, personal loans, education
loans, and taxes. Prepare your own balance sheet by listing down your assets and liabilities. Calculate your total
assets and total liabilities.
The following step is to calculate your net worth.
Net worth is the difference between total assets and total
liabilities:
net income = gross income – expenses
If you have a negative net income, it tells you that
you spend more money than you have. In that case you
need to make plans to reduce your spending or increase
your income.
Next step is to prepare a balance sheet. Like income
statements, balance sheets also have two sections: assets
and liabilities. Assets are your cash, property, car, bank
W
ITH THE weather warming up, you might be in the
mood for a cocktail after work. Luckily Tuesdays
and Fridays are now “New York Style Nights” at Bamboo
Bar, featuring live DJ music and vibrant atmosphere
under the illuminated bamboo.
net worth = assets – liabilities
Net worth is usually used to determine whether a
person is wealthy. This simple exercise keeps you one
step ahead of many people and prepares your financial
planning future.
So, are you financially fit?
Provided by MAGELLAN JAPAN: THE
FINANCIAL PLANNING COMPANY
Email [email protected]
Tel. 03-3769-5511
essentials
FINE DINING
Restaurant Joel Robuchon
— Paris in Ebisu
F
OR SERIOUS FOODIES, there is a place called heaven
on earth and it’s in Ebisu. The Chateau Restaurant
Joel Robuchon opened with a whisper in December in
the same grand chateau-style building that used to house
the legendary Taillevent Robuchon, and with a lot of
the old faces from the Taillevent days — including Chef
Alain Verzeroli and Go Matsuzawa, the maitre d’hotel.
However, the new Joel Robuchon has done away with
the ornate Louis XVI furniture and opened with a fresher
and more contemporary style that blends better with the
hustle and bustle of Tokyo. The chairs are simple but
extremely comfortable, the bar now has a modern, edgy
feel and the walls have been painted gold and given a
jazzy treatment with Swarovski crystals for effect — and
the results are marvelous.
The food has undergone a facelift of sorts as well,
with the addition of more exotic ingredients and less
traditional presentation. However, devotees of Joel
Robuchon will still recognize the disciplined, forceful
and yet simple cooking style that has become his trademark. Joel Robuchon oversees almost every aspect of the
menus at this new restaurant (he was in Tokyo during
the week we visited, and reportedly in his kitchen early
every morning), and Alain Verzeroli, who worked for
him at the Paris Taillevent before heading to Asia, is a
talented and faithful follower of his culinary philosophy.
The result of this teamwork is a set of wonderful and
adventurous tasting menus that are sublime and yet
stimulating — an almost perfect merging of Western and
Asian sensations that still manages to retain its unmistakable French-ness.
Clearly, with such a formidable pedigree, this is not
a restaurant for the faint-hearted, whether of stomach or
of budget. However, the ¥7,500 six-course lunch menu
is a good way to get a first glimpse of the world of Joel
Robuchon. It’s expensive but satisfying, and I think few
people will complain about the price after they’ve been
wowed by an appetizer, three courses, and two desserts.
We particularly enjoyed the bean soup flavored with
truffles, onions and chunks of bacon; the perfectly
cooked beef brushed lightly with wasabi, and the langoustine breaded with sesame seeds and served with a
mint-flavored couscous. In fact, lunch was so good that
I was back at Joel Robuchon within a week to have the
same menu all over again.
In the evenings, the restaurant offers only one option:
a ¥35,000 17-course tasting menu that has a little bit of
every Western culinary delight possible in kaiseki portions.
Its daunting list of dishes is a gourmet dream: Oscietra
caviar, Breton lobsters, scallops St. Jacques, meuniere-style
turbot, foie gras with truffles, lamb roasted in herbs, and
quail with caramelized apples, among other delights. The
enjoyable part about this dining extravaganza (if even
more gourmet bliss is still possible at this point) is that
Takehiro Nobukuni, the chief sommelier, can pair each
of your 17 food courses with an appropriate wine by the
glass or even half-glass so that you will have 17 wine tastings as well. That alone is enough incentive for a special
night out at Joel Robuchon.
— CHRISTINE CUNANAN-MIKI
Christine Cunanan-Miki is the author of Tokyo Stories
(www.tokyostories.net), a humorous novel on expatriate life in Japan available in English-language bookstores
nationwide.
GO
delight possible — from caviar and foie gras to
SIT
days — a meal in this Tokyo temple of dining is
Chateau Restaurant Joel Robuchon
lobster, pigeon and lamb.
Anywhere in this beautiful room is fine! All tables
no longer that expensive compared to eating at a
are placed beside a wall to allow a nice view of
Parisian fine dining establishment.
Yebisu Garden Place
1-13-1 Mita, Meguro-ku Tokyo
Tel. 03-5424-1347
DRINK
Apart from its extensive wine list, the restaurant
the interiors.
ASK FOR
also has a good selection by the glass. The Cotes
PAY
Go Matsuzawa, the maitre d’hotel, will take care
EAT
du Castillon Chateau Luccas Selection Joel
Plan on spending at least ¥90,000 for a proper
of you with comforting professionalism, while
At lunch, the six-course set menu (¥7,500)
Robuchon (¥1,800) is a smooth red that will
dinner for two.
Takehiro Nobokuni, the premier sommelier,
offers the best value and includes both a fish
complement rather than overpower the meal.
and a meat dish. In the evenings, a tasting
Meanwhile, the slightly acidic V.D.P. Des Cotes
extravaganza of 17 small portions (¥35,000)
Catalanes Domaine Gauby (¥2,500), a white wine
is the only meal available, and it is highly
from Rousillion that does not usually find its
recommended. Come dressed to the nines and
way to Tokyo, is a great starter to the evening —
with an empty stomach for a memorable culinary
especially for those who want something different
evening featuring a little bit of every Western
from the usual Chardonnay.
WINE
New tastes for
summer from
NewZee
A
S A big fan of fine wines
and Saturday afternoon
drinking, I was delighted
when asked to help review
a selection of wines from
the New Zealand producer
NewZee. A group of us met to taste three white and two
red wines.
NewZee 2002 Sauvignon Blanc, ¥6,300
We began tasting with the Sauvignon Blanc, followed
will be happy to plan your wines according to
SEE
People celebrating special occasions, rich
housewives, well-paid professionals working in
Ebisu Garden Place and serious gourmets who
delight in the fact that — with the strong euro
budget, taste and even imbibing capacity. For the
evening set menu, Nobokuni-san can even serve
17 different wines by the glass to accompany
each course.
and the atrocious restaurant prices in Paris these
by the Chardonnay and Riesling. There was no doubt
that all three wines proved popular across the board. I
had to ask the group to slow down and start spitting the
wine in order that we made it to the red wine with our
senses intact! The Sauvignon was crisp and dry, perfect
for drinking cold with fish or seafood.
NewZee 2002 Unoaked Chardonnay, ¥6,300
This was also popular, a nice medium bodied wine with
a good balance of oak. It was a bit spicy, which would
make it a good choice to complement creamy pastas or
chicken dishes.
NewZee 2002 Riesling, ¥6,300
Of the whites, the Riesling really stood out for us, which
shows just how well New Zealand has developed this
particular grape variety. Refreshing and fruity, this wine
is great for a Saturday afternoon in the sunshine.
NewZee 2002 Merlot, ¥6,300
The reds also proved very popular, and I in particular
found the Merlot to be very lush and velvety. It spent by
far the shortest time in the bottle!
NewZee 2002 Pinot Noir, ¥6,300
We also tried the Pinot Noir, and found this to have
a smoky finish with good balance. It would go really
well with red meats, or mushroom dishes, as it would
enhance the flavors without overwhelming them.
All these wines are available through the NewZee
website, www.newzeewine.jp, should you wish to order,
and discounts are available for six bottle cartons. Bottles
can also be sent as a gift, which would make a nice surprise for customers, colleagues or friends.
— RICHARD FOULKES
April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 13
essentials
BILL HERSEY’S MOVIE PLUS
T
OHO TOWA and the media were disappointed that
Spain’s top actor Javier Badem couldn’t be here (“for
personal reasons”) to promote the Oscar-winning film
The Sea Inside. The director, Alejandro Amenabar, did
come to Japan and gave a very interesting press conference.
He told the media. “I never thought about doing a
film about euthanasia, but I really wanted it to be realistic, and really learned a lot about how we deal with
dying.” He said Bardem hesitated on taking the role,
then decided it was really something he wanted to do.
Alejandro talked with the girlfriend of Ramon
Sampedro, the man who’s life the story is based on, and
she said Ramon never cried in front of people. The story
is very timely with the controversy of Terri Schiavo’s
recent death in the U.S.
On the lighter side, the director said he carries his
Oscar with him everywhere he goes (his bedroom, kitchen bathroom, etc.) in his home. “I just love to touch it,”
he added.
I’m not a big fan of Jennifer Lopez, so passed on
her press conference to go over to 20th Century Fox’s
Kingdom of Heaven conference with super-director Ridley
Scott. They were scheduled at the same time and since
Lopez was at the Seiyu, and Scott at the Park Hyatt, there
was just no way to cover both. J-Lo is just too much of a
prima donna for me. I really got turned off when I read
that when she checks into a hotel she’s not satisfied with
just clean linen, she has to have a bed “no one’s slept in.”
That’s a bit over the edge for someone who grew up in a
poor family in a seedy part of NYC. Count your blessings
girl and chill out.
I heard the Lopez conference was sort of a fiasco. It
lasted 15 minutes and the m.c. was the only one allowed
to ask questions.
This is not the fault of Shall We Dance distributor
GAGA. They do great promos such as Richard Gere’s visit
here for Shall We Dance, but Sony Music pretty much
controlled Lopez’s schedule.
Personally I thought she looked bad in a photo I saw
on ACTV. Those huge gem-covered sunglasses don’t do
much for anybody and a journalist friend, who knows
fashion, said hers were not good.
Toshiba Entertainment told me they may bring
actress Olivia Hussey here in July to promote the film
Mother Teresa.
I’ve known Olivia since her Romeo and Juliet days, and
took care of her son Alex (by Dean Martin’s son Dino) for
a couple of months. He was ten then, and she was very
busy chasing after Japanese singer Akira Fuse. She did
marry Akira and they divorced a year or so later.
MOVIES
Wimbledon
14 | The Weekender
I really think the TV ad Jean Reno has running on
CNN is fun. He’s talking to a baby in a crib telling him
about what to expect in the future regarding work, challenges, school, friends. As he’s leaving he turns around
and says, “Sorry about the big nose.” He, as most of you
know, really has one.
I didn’t mind getting up at 7pm recently to join Brad
Pitt’s business partner and one of the Sopranos producers,
now chairman of Paramount Pictures Brad Gray and his
family at a sumo stable. Thanks to big buddy Konishiki I
was able to arrange for the Grays to watch young sumo
wrestlers training.
I love international films and hope many in the
Arab Film Festival 2005 will have English, as well as
Japanese, subtitles. The festival, sponsored by the Japan
Foundation at their forum, runs till Apr. 24. The forum
is in the Akasaka Twin Tower Bldg. 1st Floor, 2-17-33
Akasaka (next to Lawry’s restaurant). Tickets are ¥1,200.
For info call 03-5562-4096 or 03-3265-1040 during the
festival.
1
4
3
5
6
personality Akiko Wada, at Johnny 4 Warner Entertainment
Kitagawa’s musical Shock.
Chairman Japan Bill Ireton, Toei
3 At Showest in Las Vegas:
President Yusuke Okada, Jay
Shochiku President Jay Sakamoto, Sakamoto and Humax Pictures
who was presented an award as President Zuiho Hayashi.
best international distributor of
5 Buena Vista Vice President
the year, with GAGA Chairman Tom Dick Sano with Sayuri producers
2 Jackie Chan, here for TohoTowa, gets together with showbiz Yoda and Board Member Tetsu
Douglas Wick and Gary Barber, at
Fujimura.
Warner Entertainment
Chairman Japan Bill Ireton
accepting the Nippon Academy
Prize for the outstanding foreign
language film for The Last
Samurai.
1
F
ILM CRITICS commenting on the athletic bona fides
of a sports film are a bit like boxers doing fashion
commentary at the Oscar ceremonies. Which is to say,
what the %#*! do they know?
After all, your average film critic began his long
fascination with the cinema when he despondently
dragged himself to the neighborhood bijou after being
told by his grade school-age chums: “Honestly, Timmy,
we’d like to choose you, but there really are only
eight guys on a baseball team.” Slate film critic David
Edelstein, as Timmy apparently now prefers to be called,
last September described the climactic tennis scenes in
Wimbledon as “galvanically convincing, with some long,
never-racking rallies.” Well, that’s one way of putting
it. Another way is to say that those scenes are no more
believable than translucently pale actor Paul Bettany as a
world-class tennis star.
Bettany plays Peter Colt, once ranked 11th in the
world, but now flailing around outside the top 100. This
year at Wimbledon is to be his last. Then he falls in love
with up-and-coming tennis pro Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten
Dunst) and begins stroking his balls as never before.
2
the Sayuri (Memoirs of a Geisha)
press conference.
6 Sumo champ-entertainer
Konishiki with Paramount Pictures
new Chairman Brad Gray and his
family. Konishiki had arranged for
the Grays to visit a sumo stable to
watch early morning training.
As the father of two nationally ranked junior tennis
players, this otherwise typical critic feels qualified to
comment on what the film under review gets right about
this particular sport. Which, to be fair, is a great deal.
As parents of all junior players can tell you, Lizzie’s
control freak father, wonderfully played by Sam Neill, is a
type without which no officially sanctioned tournament
in America is complete. The almost psychic bond that
exists between Peter and Lizzie, between two committed
athletes, is not without its real-world counterpart, either.
And the suggestion that Peter’s failure to catch fire as
a player has something to do with his too-comfortable
socioeconomic background is, appropriately enough, on
the money. Tennis is an expensive sport and it unfortunately attracts a lot of indolent young men and women
who are nonplussed when daddy can’t buy them a killer
backhand as easily as he did a bagful of Babolats.
Timmy, which is to say David Edelstein, concluded
his review of Wimbledon with the assurance that Bettany’s
performance as Colt will “make him a star.” That seems
as likely as the prospect that Bettany’s next vehicle will
be titled Roland Garros. — JAMES BAILEY
weekender 4 kids
Field of Dreams
(if they build it, will you come?)
Kit Nagamura meets little global-minded
clay sculptures created by international children
W
ERE YOU TO PEER into the American School
in Japan’s Early Learning Center, you might be
startled to see row after row of little terracotta people, all
about six inches tall. Clay Lilliputians crowd the shelves,
line the floors, fill blue bucket containers, and stand drying here and there in the classrooms. If you went out to
ASIJ’s main campus at Chofu, you’d find nearly 6,000
of these sculptures, and you would of course begin to
wonder.
After viewing renowned sculptor Antony Gormley’s
Asian Field, an art installation featuring 156,000 little clay
people, students of the international school thought to
themselves. “We could do that.” Their teacher, Courtney
Singer, herself a dynamo of enthusiasm and resourcefulness, said “sure.” Once she secured artist Gormley’s
blessing, the Children’s Field project was born. Goal? A
modest 10,000.
Antony Gormley has planted field exhibitions the
world over, and his only guidelines — which must be
followed by the kids making this field as well — are that
the clay figures (1) be no taller than the maker’s hand,
(2) be able to stand, and (3) have two eyes (for Children’s
Field, the eyes are poked in with a pencil eraser). Despite
these easy rules, the project was quite challenging.
First, nearly four tons of clay had to be brought
in from Gifu Prefecture, sterilized, and distributed.
Contributions to cover initial costs and support have
come from co-producer Johnny Walker at A.R.T. (Art
Residency Tokyo) Gallery, as well as from ASIJ, the British
Council, the Grand Hyatt, Mori Art Museum, and Mori
Building. Storage is another issue; the clay people cur-
rently ride the bus out to the ASIJ Chofu campus, where
there’s space for them. Finally, there’s the outstanding
financial matter of kiln costs for firing the figures. “That,”
Singer says, “is something we are still working on.”
Gormley had the help of hundreds of farmers and
locals to assemble Asian Field. Singer and her fellow project coordinators, Mayuka Suzuki, Tammy Woolley, and
Chikako Sassa, have an entirely different segment of the
community to engage. Compared to the Made in China
people, the clay figures in the Children’s Field are wildly
eclectic, willfully original — an indicator of the fresh
angle from which children see people. One sculpture, for
example, has a Medusa hairdo, another a fish-face, and
one looks suspiciously like Paul Newman. The combined
effect is thrilling.
To match the spirit of the artist’s original “field” conception, the organizers have arranged to distribute clay
to neighboring schools and the immediate community.
In some cases, parents have had the chance to work
knee-to-knee with their children to achieve Gormley’s
goal: “a global project in which the earth of a particular
region is given form by a group of local people of all ages.
It is made of clay, energized by fire, sensitized by touch
and made conscious by being given eyes.”
A public showing of the project is scheduled for
September this year at A.R.T. in Ebisu. In the meantime
donations are always welcome. But what will happen to
the little people after their debut? If they’re anything like
Gormley’s other fields, they will probably enjoy a bit of
travel before retirement. According to Singer, “the little
people live very full lives.”
SCHOOL NEWS
International School Of The Sacred
Heart Raises ¥2 Million For EarthquakeTsunami Disaster Relief
ROBIN SOWDEN
W
HEN CLASSES RESUMED at the International
School of the Sacred Heart on Thursday, Jan. 6,
the corridors buzzed with students shocked by the recent
tsunami in South-east Asia. Students, parents, teachers
and the wider school community reacted immediately by
putting their organizational skills, contacts and money
to work for the victims of these disasters.
The door collection for a prayer service held at the
Sacred Heart campus chapel on Jan. 12 raised a total of
¥1,015,105. These proceeds were then given to personal
contacts in four of the worst hit countries:
• ¥250,000 was sent to the Catholic Crisis Centre in
Jakarta, Indonesia.
• ¥250,000 was taken to Chennai, India, to buy basic
food and cooking equipment, as well as restocking a
badly damaged primary school.
• ¥250,000 was taken to Northern Sri Lanka to obtain
urgent medical supplies for a hospital there.
• ¥250,000 was used to rebuild the home of a local family in Phuket, Thailand, as well as helping to rebuild a
primary school attached to a monastery there.
Fund-raising continued through to March.
Collections were staged at the annual February Show
and the Middle School Dance. The High School Student
Council, the Academic Council and the Girls Scouts also
helped to raise money. Over ¥700,000 was collected at
a benefit concert held on Mar. 6 featuring ISSH alumna
and violinist Samika Honda.
Room to Read (www.roomtoread.org) is a related
organization the ISSH Parents’ Board has raised money
for. Room to Read supports the rebuilding of schools in
the worst hit areas of Sri Lanka. Parents’ Board sponsored events were successful, with a performance of The
Nutcracker by the Austrian Ballet Company of Tokyo raising ¥256,000 and the annual Family Bingo night raising
¥40,000.
The Christmas holidays are a fading memory for
most. However, the events of Dec. 26, 2004, remain
a reality for tens of thousands of people across Asia.
Victims of the earthquake and tsunami disasters are still
in dire need of financial aid. Fund-raising efforts for this
worthy cause will continue at ISSH with more events currently in the planning stages.
— NICOLA TAKIZAWA
German School flea market
O
N SATURDAY, APR. 23, at 11am a flea market will
be held at the German School Tokyo Yokohama.
Nearest station is Nakamachidai on the Yokohama
subway. Info: Tel. 045-941-4841. Deutsche Schule
Tokyo Yokohama, 2-4-1 Chigasaki Minami, Tsuzuki-ku,
Yokohama. www.dsty.jp
April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 15
partyline
BILL HERSEY
Estonia celebrates 87th
Independence Day
Kuwait National Day grand reception
1
2
1
3
2
3
4
6
5
4
7
1 Zahra Al-Nowais, wife
of the U.A.E. Ambassador,
Samira Al-Zadjali, wife of
the Omani Ambassador,
U.A.E. Ambassador Saeed
Ali Al-Nowais, Oman
Ambassador Mohammed
Al-Zarafi and Malaysian
Ambassador Dato Mohd
Noor Marzuki.
8
2 Dean of the Corps,
Nicaraguan Ambassador
Harry Bodán Shields, Saudi
Ambassador Faisal H. Trad
and Oman Ambassador
Mohammed Al-Zarafi.
9
Croatian Ambassador Drago Qatari Ambassador Reyad Ambassador Muftah
Buvač.
Al-Ansari and Keiko Okada. M.H. Faitouri and U.A.E.
Ambassador Saeed Ali Al4 Philippine Ambassador 6 The crowd kept the
Domingo L. Siazon Jr. and chefs very busy that night. Nowais.
9 Lilo Maruyama,
Petra News Agency
Mexican
Minister Mercedes
Bureau Chief Khaldon
Ruiz
Zapata
and Lebanese
5 Chief of Protocol
Azhari and his wife Claudia.
3 Lebanese Ambassador
Ambassador
Jaafar Moawi.
Ambassador
Masaki
Okada,
Jaafar Moawi, the host,
8 Yemen Ambassador
Kuwaiti Ambassador Azzam Diet Member Eisuke Mori, Ali Al-Sakkaf, Libyan
Al-Sabaa, Kazuo Uoi and
I
Czech Ambassador Karel
Zebrakovsky.
T’S SPRING AGAIN, and hopefully we’re in for a lot of
nice sunny days before Tsuyu (the rainy season). With
the big change in weather patterns, one never knows.
It’s a busy time of the year. Lots of fun get togethers
earlier this month for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).
The International Ladies’ Benevolent Society will
hold, or did hold, depending on when you read this,
their annual cherry blossom ball at the Okura Hotel on
Friday, Apr. 15. With ladies such as Turkish Ambassador
Solmaz Unaydin and Mary Katayama at the helm, it’s
sure to be something special.
Golden Week starts Friday, Apr. 29, with Greenery
Day. May 1 is Labor Day, May 3 Constitution Day, May 4
People’s Holiday and May 5 Children’s Day. This means
travel time for many Japanese, airlines to and hotels in
favorite tourist destinations are heavily booked. It’s not a
bad time to be in Tokyo. It’s more relaxed and there are
all kinds of cultural and sports events around the country. Whatever, wherever, hope you all have an enjoyable
laid back break.
On Feb. 24, Estonian Charge d’Affaires Argo Kangro
hosted a midday reception at the New Otani Hotel.
The occasion was to celebrate the 87th anniversary of
Estonia’s Independence Day. There was a good turnout
of interesting people who included Japanese government officials, diplomats, business leaders and even an
Estonian sumo wrestler, Makushita Baruto, alias Kaido
Hoovelson. Argo made a short welcome speech and
conferred Japan’s former ambassador to Estonia Kensei
Hasegawa with the Estonian decoration, the cross of
Terra Mariana.
Our congratulations to our Estonian friends on the
occasion, as well as Hasegawa-san on his well-earned recognition. I later learned Netherlands Ambassador Egbert
16 | The Weekender
7
F. Jacobs received the same award in 1999 for his work as
Dutch ambassador to Estonia from 1991 to 1993.
I really appreciated the invitation from John and
Lynn Lai to a very special dinner at their popular and
prestigious Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant.
Special guests that evening included Professor of
Oriental philosophy Lin Yun. He’s a founder and chairman of the Yun Lin Temple in Berkeley, California.
His affiliations and projects are much to many to
list here, but his name card leaves no doubt how active
and important the man is. Taipei Economic and Cultural
Representative Office Senior Advisor Wang Wei-Hsien
also was there and I enjoyed talking with him about the
many changes in Taiwan the last few years.
John, who graduated from St. Mary’s High School
and The Illinois Institute of Technology, is a very active
businessman with a great sense of humor. Lynn is a
master of her craft in Chinese cooking and directing the
restaurant staff in preparing a large variety of Chinese
favorites at their best — what a great evening. The Parri
Estate Wines from Australia, from what I heard, were
really great. I, as you may know, don’t drink.
It was a glittering evening at the beautiful new
Spanish chancery. The occasion was a reception cohosted by Spanish Ambassador Javier Conde-Saro and
the commissioner of the Spanish Pavilion at Aichi Expo
2005, Pablo Bravo. There was an interesting mix of
people there — many who I hadn’t seen for a long time.
These included fashion designer Yamamoto Kansai and
actress-m.c. Mako Hattori.
Several exhibits had been set up and there were photos of Spain’s colorful artistic pavilion. The buffet, which
featured many special foods, was complemented by the
best of Spanish wines. The table settings were fantastic.
1 Serbia and Montenegro
Ambassador Dr. Predrag Filipov,
Estonian Chargé d’Affaires Argo
Kangro and Finland Ambassador
Eero Salovaara.
Portuguese Ambassador
Manuel Martins de Almeida
Leite, Estonian Charge d’Affaires
Argo Kangro and Luxembourg
Ambassador Michèle PranchereTomassini.
2
3 Chief of Protocol,
Ambassador Masaki Okada,
outgoing Archbishop Ambrose
B. de Paoli (Holy See), Bulgarian
Ambassador Acad. Blagovest
Sendov, Lithuanian Ambassador
Algirdas Kudzys and Netherlands
Ambassador Egbert F. Jacobs.
4 Estonian Charge d’Affaires
Argo Kangro, former Japanese
Ambassador to Finland, now
Upper House Member Kensei
Hasegawa, former Senior Vice
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Shigeo Uetake and Estonian sumo
wrestler Makushita Baruto alias
Kaido Hoovelson.
It was a busy evening with a presentation by
Commissioner General Pablo Bravo, as well as a few
awesome performances by Spanish entertainers. Hope to
check out the pavilion at Aichi Expo soon. Meanwhile,
bravo to all concerned.
I really appreciated South African Ambassador Dr.
Baldwin Noubane’s invitation to the opening of his
country’s pavilion at the Expo Mar. 25. That same evening he hosted a reception at Nagoya Castle Hotel. Really
sorry I couldn’t be there. I heard the entertainers were, as
they always are, really dynamic.
Kazutomi Tamura from the South African Tourist
Office gave me a DVD on S.A. at the recent Kudos Travel
Fair. It has to be one of the most exciting tourism promo
films I’ve ever seen. I want to go!
The names of Shintoyo Enterprises President
Shohachi Katayama and his wife Mary have become
synonymous with some of the world’s most prestigious
projects. In addition to their chic showrooms for Jaguar
and Aston Martin they recently announced the partnership between Aston Martin and Jaeger-Le Coultre, one of
the world’s finest watchmakers.
To celebrate the occasion they hosted a reception at
their Akasaka showroom which showcased the exciting
new AMVOX 1 watch line. The stunning designs are
very special.
Champagne served that evening was from another of
the Katayamas’ prestigious partners, Jacquesson et Fils.
Guests left that evening with a box of the famous Belgian
Pralines-Leonidas.
On Feb. 25, Kuwaiti Ambassador Azzam Al-Sabah
hosted a reception at the Imperial Hotel to celebrate his
country’s National Day. It was wall-to-wall people in the
hotel’s huge Peacock Room.
In & around Tokyo town
1
Spanish expo party
2
1
3
4
3
2
5
1 One of Tokyo’s finest families,
Frank and Sonia Streigl and their
sons Frank Jr., visiting here from
McAlester College in Minnesota,
and Mark, who goes to St. Mary’s
International School.
4 World Champion surfer
(1988) Barton Lynch, his buddy
and Bill Hersey, at the Lex.
MGM Grand Las Vegas
Executive Director Food and
Beverage Tony Angotti, Herve
2 U.S. Airforce Pilot, Capt. Mike Guillaume, formerly chef of
Yates and his wife Sonia. She’s a the French Embassy here, now
model from Prague. They met at with MGM in Vegas, the hotel’s
the Lex.
Executive Chef Steve Peterson
and City Club of Tokyo Director of
3 REM members Mike Mills
Restaurants Rene Cavallo, at the
and Michael Stipe relax at the
Grand Hyatt Tokyo.
Lex.
4
5
The host, and members of the embassy staff, looked
regal in national costume as they greeted the long long
line of well-wishers.
Large portraits of the Al-Sabah ruling family made a
dynamic and impressive background for the reception
line. The bountiful buffet had a huge variety of Japanese,
Western and Arabic foods. The corner where they were
making the traditional Shwarma sandwiches was really
popular.
A traditional Arab room, Dewaniya, had been set up
in one corner where one could find Arabic coffee, mint
tea and sesame-seed covered dates. There also were several large models of the historic and still very much in
use Dhows. I’ve really enjoyed some travel and leisure
time on these big-wooden exotic boats that handle much
of the trade in the gulf area.
Superb food, a variety of interesting people, a relaxed
mood and legendary Kuwaiti hospitality added up to a
super celebration, perfect for the occasion.
I had two great dinners with some of our city’s — as
well as Hawaii’s — finest families. The first was at Hilton
Tokyo’s Checkers Café with Frank and Sonia Streigl and
their sons Frank Jr. and Mark. Frank Jr. had flown in
from St. Paul Minnesota where he goes to college. Frank
and Sonia both teach at St. Mary’s. Frank Jr.’s younger
brother Mark is following in his brother’s footsteps. Both
have been right at the top in high-school wrestling. It
was a great evening. The buffet, I might add, was excellent.
I enjoyed Easter dinner with Warner Entertainment
Chairman Japan Bill Ireton, his wife Charo and four of
their five kids: William, who goes to Mid Pacific High
School in Hawaii, Roberta, a Seisen student, Thomas,
a St. Mary’s student, and Edward, at a Japanese Public
1 Lilo Maruyama,
Aichi Expo P.R.
Producer Mari
Christine, Spanish
Ambassador Javier
Conde de Saro,
Fumiko Tottori and
Mitsuo Maruyama.
2 Spanish
Pavilion Aichi Expo
Commisioner General
Pablo Bravo and
Spanish Ambassador
Javier Conde de Saro.
4 Fumiko Tottori,
Ana Martinez Conde,
wife of the Spanish
Ambassador, and Aichi
Expo Vice Chairperson
Harumi Sakamoto
3 Fashion Designer and Aichi Expo
P.R. Producer Mari
Yamamoto Kansai.
Christine.
School. Baseball legend Wally Yonamine was there with
his son Paul, Paul’s wife Lydna and their three children,
Bryan, John and Andre. Paul and his family live in
Hawaii where he’s BearingPoint Asia-Pacific chairman.
New York was well represented as well by visiting
Peter Wolff, who’s executive advisor to Time-Warner
CEO Richard D. Parsons.
I’ll have photos of the Easter celebration at the Hama
Steakhouse in Roppongi next column. Not cutting in on
our restaurant columnists, but have to suggest you try
the food at Chickenman in Roppongi. I had a super salad
and the best garlic chicken ever…all for just ¥1,400.
Nigerian owner Echee N. Dike’s small restaurant
is on the 6th floor of the Ishiwata Building, between
Roppongi Crossing and TGIF. U.S. Ambassador Howard
H. Baker Jr. and Nancy loved the place. Me too. Call
03-3475-4123.
There were music promotions and events all over our
city. Unfortunately I had to miss all too many of them.
First there was the piano recital by eminent Turkish
pianist Mehmet Okonsar at the Turkish Embassy. The
program, which included many Gershwin favorites
(heard it was really excellent) was hosted by Ambassador
Solmaz Unaydin and the president of the TurkishJapanese Foundation, Prof. Cafer Tayyar Sadiklar.
Our friends from the Austrian National Tourist
Office, Austrian Airlines, the City of Vienna and the
“Stage of the World,” Salzburg, continue their promotion
for the many, and I do mean many, events to be held in
Austria in 2006 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of
Mozart’s birth.
Austria is marvelous all the time and with all the
Mozart happenings it’s sure to be even more special
— and very busy.
April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 17
partyline
Katayamas introduce new
Jaeger Le Coultre watch
Lais’ special dinner at their
Jade Garden restaurant
1
1
1
3
2
4
2
Shinsei Bank Chairman Thierry Porté and Shohachi and Mary Katayama.
2 Shintoyo Enterprises President Shohachi Katayama, Aston Martin Japan Manager Henning Rosted
and Jaeger Le Coultre Brand CEO Francis Belini.
Canadian Maple Leaf Ball
J.P. Morgan’s John Vail and
his wife Hiroko
1
5
Chairman Peter Phillips and his
wife Alice.
Black Sect Tantric Buddhism, Prof.
Lin Yun and his secretary Crystal
Chin.
J.P. Morgan’s Jeremy Kloiser- 4 Mai Mai Ho, Charo Ireton,
5 The hosting couple, Jade
Taipei Economic Cultural
Jones and his wife Kumi.
Representative Japan Henry Wong, Garden’s John and Lynn Lai.
3 Parri Estate Wines (Australia)
Jade Garden’s Lynn Lai, master of
2
Weekender staff party at Roppongi’s Amanis
1
1
3
2
2
Ranolf Domett Innes-Taylor
with Air Canada General Manager
Asia-Pacific Chris Garton and his
wife Tomoko.
1
2
CCCJ Executive Director
Neil Moody, Shimizukobundo
Publishing Company’s Anne
McDonald and Tokyo American
Club Assistant General Manager
Greg Hartigan.
JUST TALK
L
ATE March news around Roppongi was all about the
big government crackdown on Roppongi’s streets.
If what I heard is true they’ve already started stopping
harassment by the flyer pushers, as well as the aggressive
behavior of the hustling massage girls. I’ve heard all this
before and, to be truthful, not a whole lot ever happens.
Even when they do crackdown it’s usually just a few
months before things pretty much go back to the way
they were before the clean up.
Mar. 31 — I just walked Roppongi main street and
happy to see they put TV cameras on the light poles in
that area. London, Dublin and even Shinjuku did this
quite some time ago.
TRAVEL
I
’LL hop on a plane and take off for exotic places at
the drop of a hat, but if you’re a person who needs a
push, check out the commercials on CNN or BBC. Qatar,
as well as Qatar Air have great campaigns both for the
2006 Asian Games in Doha, and their new direct flights
from Narita to Doha. Emirate Airlines commercials also
are very well done, and Dubai has fast become a favorite destination for seasonal travelers. “Incredible India”
really highlights the color, beauty and diversity of that
incedible country, and the Maldives TV spots hopefully
will attract tourist dollars to help those beautiful islands
recover.
I dropped by the highly publicized Across Travel
recently and was recently impressed with the space and
décor, as well as the professional and helpful manner of
the staff. Across Travel is one of the many discount travel
18 | The Weekender
3 Princess Takamado and
Hitoshi Terazaki, personal chef
to the Canadian Ambassador and
chef of the six-course dinner
served at the Maple Leaf Ball.
3
1 The Weekender Account
2 Green Penguin’s George
Executive April Moreno, Women’s Taylor (Green Penguin hosts
Editor Emily Downey and Account Weekender’s website) and
Executive Suzanne Parker.
Weekender distributor Stephen
Young.
agencies belonging to H.I.S. Chairman Hideo Sawada. It’s
conveniently located behind the French Embassy — a
five-minute walk on the main street from the New Sanno
Hotel (tel. 03-5795-4711).
CONGRATULATIONS TO
• Top security man Nestor Takamiyagi on his recent
marriage to Miki Otoi. Nestor keeps busy. He worked
security for Bill Clinton both here and in China. I’m
a big fan of the Clintons and was happy when Nestor
told me Bill “really has a wonderful way of making
everyone he comes in contact with feel important.”
Nestor also was working with Richard Gere when
he danced with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Gere was here to promote Shall We Dance? for GAGA.
Not so long ago Koizumi sang a duet in his office with
Tom Cruise. If he gets tired of politics perhaps he can
go into showbiz.
• To Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali,
Tunisian Ambassador Sala Hannachi and the
Tunisian people on their National Day Mar. 20. If you
follow my column, you know Tunisia is one of my alltime favorite getaways. I’ve been to the international
Sahara Festival in the southern town of Douz three
times and spent six New Year’s Eves in the Sahara. It’s
a safe stable country and a great place to visit.
• To big buddy Konishiki on the big hug the sumo-wrestling champion received from U.S. Secretary of State
Condoleeza Rice when she was Tokyo a few weeks
ago. The photo, which really made the media rounds,
showed Condoleeza with a big smile that you don’t
often see.
3 The Weekender Publisher
Caroline Pover, Account Executive
Arina Kuznetsova and Travel &
Society Editor Bill Hersey.
• Qatar Ambassador Reyad Al-Ansari’s and his wife
Muna’s son Ali, who won a gold award for a humorous speech in a contest at St. Mary’s recently. Ali, who’s
also on the school’s wrestling team, will graduate this
year. You couldn’t meet a nicer young man.
• Bolivian Ambassador Joaquin Rafael Dabdoub
and his wife Lillibeth, who was featured in “The
Ambassador’s Table” article in the last issue of fashion designer Jun Ashida’s magazine. The glamorous
couple (she’s drop-dead gorgeous) talked about the
history, culture, current situation and food of their
country.
• Lilo Maruyama, who celebrated her birthday on Mar.
8. It, I might add, was a monumental celebration with
many friends and a huge cake, all on board a luxury
cruise ship on Tokyo Bay. Photos later.
TO DO
• Twentieth Century Fox just released the 10-DVD disc
set (plus a bonus disc) of one of the U.S.’s most popular
and exciting shows, 24. Once you watch it I guarantee
you’ll be hooked on the series. It’s available in Tower
Records Shibuya.
• Don’t forget the always exciting, always fun and
very popular Asian Pacific Ladies Friendship Society’s
Annual Bazaar on Apr. 26 from 11am to 3pm at the
ANA Hotel. See you there.

COME JOIN US
シ ェーンイングリッ シ ュスクールは イギリス に本部を置き 、 世界中で総合的な英語教育事業を展開していま
す。本 号（エディ シ ョン）より、英語と海外に関心が高い読者の皆さまのためのコラボレート・スペ シ ャル
ページをスタートします。
日本で活躍するさまざまなジャンルの方々とのインタビューをはじめ、海外文化の紹介、トレンド情報、
すぐに使える英語表現など、英語学習をより楽しくするコラム満載の『 S H A N E
W E E K E N D E R 』をどうぞ
お楽しみください。
Shane L. P. Lipscombe
Saxoncourt Group Chief Executive
INTERVIEW FOR MY DREAM
あこがれの職業で活躍するプロフェッ シ ョナルに、 シ ェーンの生徒が
インタビューします！
all I need to be very good at managing time and people in
order to be able to put the magazine together.
4) How do I impress if I have an interview with a publisher in England? Do you have any advice for the interview?
Be sure you know the magazine or newspaper you are applying to inside out. At the interview, you should be very specific when telling them what you can do — I don’t think it is a
good approach to say to an editor that you will do anything
for them. Tell them exactly what you will do for them.
あずささんのコメント
とても緊張しましたが「こんな機会はめったにないから、できるだけたくさ
んお話ししよう」と心に決め、張り切って乗り込みました！
J a m e s さんが日本に来たきっかけはワールドカップだったそうです。ま
ずは、海外に飛び出す勇気、パワーが大切だなぁ … と思いました。そして、
校正記号を習っています。おもしろい！
編集からマネジメントまで、 E
あずさ さんは、 シ ェーンに通い始めて今年で 5 年になります。高校生のころか
ら国際的な仕事に就きたいと英語の勉強を続けてきたそうです。本や雑誌が
大 好き で、 外資系の企業でエディターに なるのが 夢。そんな あずさ さんが、
Weekender編集長のJamesさんにインタビューを試みました。
1) What brings you to Japan?
I came to Japan in February 2002 to watch the World Cup.
While staying in Japan, I realized I really liked the country
and found that through meeting lots of people, job opportunities became available. I knew that I wanted to work in
publishing so I thought, “why not in Japan?” I soon found
myself working for The Weekender as an assistant editor.
2) Are you satisfied with the job?
I really enjoy my job. The hours are very long and it is
sometimes very stressful near to deadlines, but running
a magazine such as The Weekender is very exciting. I am
never, ever bored.
3) What is important to be an editor?
You need lots of different skills to be an editor — for copyediting you obviously need a good eye for detail and good
research skills. But this is a very small part of the job – all in
BUSINESS ENGLISH
d i t o r - i n - c h i e f として積極的に取り組んでい
る J a m e s さんの話を聞いて、何にでも興味を持つことが、エディターとして
大切な要素だと感じました。その他にも専門用語や面接に挑むコツなど、た
めになるお話をたくさん聞かせていただきました。
何より嬉しかったのは、英語できちんとお話できたこと。これまで
シ ェーンで教えてもらったことをフルに活用して、発音に気をつけて話した
ら、 J a m e s さんはほとんど一回で分かってくれたんです！そして「日本人だ
ってイギリスでエディターになれるよ！」と励まされた、夢が現実的な目標
となって見えてきました。そ
れにはまず英語をマスターし
なく ちゃ！ J a m e s さんも、イ
ギリスと日本のビジネススタ
イルの違いに初めはとまどわ
れたそうですが、日本の文化
や習慣、スタイルを理解する
よう日々努力を続けていると
のこと。私も今後は言葉だけ
でなく、海外の文化や習慣な
どの知識も深めていきたいで
す。 今回のインタビューで自信
もつきましたし、今後ますます
英語の勉強に熱が入ります。貴
重な体験ができました。 ありが
とうございました。
Editor-in-Chief, James Mulliganさんと
Effective Participation in Meetings Vol. 1
外国人との会議を苦手とする日本のビジネスマンは多いようです。母国語で
はない英語を使って意見を述べたり、議論をしたり確かに大変ですね。英語
での会議を乗り切るための具体的なヒントを いくつか ご紹介していきましょ
う。今回のトピックは「意見を述べる」です。
ヒント： T e n t a t i v e （弱め）な言い方は、話者がそのトピックのスペ シ ャリ
ストで無い場合には使い勝手の良い表現です。発言の後で、思い直して取り
消すことも容易です。日本の会議では良く使われているので日本人にはなじ
みやすいのではないでしょうか？　例文をつけてみました。わかりやすいよ
うに、直訳してあります。
シ ェーンランゲージサービス ( S L S ) は企業・幼稚園・学校・ご家庭へ講師派遣
を専門に行っている シ ェーンイングリッ シ ュスクールの講師派遣部門です。
また、ビジネスエグゼクティブのためのスペ シ ャルスクール、 シ ェーンアカ
デミー六本木校もグランドオープンしました。一般英会話からプレゼンテー
シ ョン、ネゴ シ エー シ ョンまであらゆるビジネス シ ーンに対応できるカリキ
ュラムをご用意しています。
例文：I
am not a specialist in marketing, however, from my
understanding, I think we should focus on improving our
brand image.
お問合せ先：03-3403-6902
メールアドレス：[email protected]
www.shanelanguageservices.com
「マーケティングの分野は専門ではないのですが、私が理解しているこ
とは、われわれのブランドイメージを高める必要があるということです。」
意見を述べる
Tentative（弱め）
Neutral（通常）
Strong（断言する）
It seems to me…
From my understanding…
I think…
I believe…
In my opinion…
I’m (absolutely) convinced…
I strongly believe…
自分の主張の強さに応じて、 T
e n t a t i v e （弱め）、 N e u t r a l （通常）、
Strong（断言する）から表現を選んで発言しましょう。
Jason Dominici
Director, Shane Language Services
April
April 2005
2005 || Vol.02
Vol.02 No.07
No.07 || 19
19
BUSINESS
環境に優しいタオルが会社を救う ~Environmental
現在 、 日本企業はグローバルな取引を必要とされ、 多く の企業が海外進出を目
指しています。しかし、グローバル化とは日本から海外に進出するだけではな
く、海外から日本に乗り込んでくる企業も受け入れるということ。当然、 その
あおりを受ける業界があるのです。主に中国からやって来る安価な製品が、
日本のタオル製造業界を危機に追いやったのです。そんな中、斬新なアイデ
アで苦境を脱したのが池内タオル株式会社です。
タオル産業は 1 5 0 年前に英国から日本へ持ち込まれました。以来、愛媛
県今治市はタオル製造の拠点として発展。ピーク時には国内で使われるタオ
6 5 ％が今治産だったのです。しかし現在では その 7 0 ％が輸入物、残り
3 0 ％のうち 、わずか 2 0 ％のみ に まで落ち込 み ました。 そんな中、 池内タオル
ルの
の 生き残りをかけ た取り組みが始まります。 思い切った経営方針の変換、そ
の実践 、 安価なタオルの需要が高い中、高品質のものを作る工場への投資、
そして 直売の店をオープンさせ、卸業者を通さない配達ルートを確立し 、大
幅なコスト削減を実現しました 。こうして下地を整えれば、次は製品です。
彼らは環境に優しいオーガニックコットンに目をつけます。それまで、オー
ガニックコットンの製品は白くて シ ンプルなものしかありませんでしたが、 池
内タオルは 2 4 色のオーガニックコットン仕様のタオルを発売。その染料も赤
ん坊が口に入れても害のない 、 環境に優しいものであることを徹底的にアピー
ルするべく、証明書まで獲得します。この、人にも環境にも優しいタオルは
時代の波に乗って話題を呼びました。そしていよいよ世界の舞台へ … … 続
きは下記の英文で！
Going Global
In 2001, Ikeuchi became interested in taking on the global
market and began exhibiting at trade shows in the U.S. and
in particular, a large trade show called the “New York Home
Textiles Show” in 2002.
Edge Powering Towel Company Turnaround~
池内タオル株式会社
“At the show, we thought maybe Americans might
not like our towels and that our product may not be well
received,” Tsubouchi recalls. “When we visited America, I
thought that doing business there would be very difficult.
The issues of pricing, money and receiving checks and other
issues made it all seem very formidable. So we were amazed
when we won the Grand Prize Best in Show among all the
other products - it was like winning the lottery! This was the
first time a Japanese company has ever won this award.”
The publicity paid off and within only 24 months,
Ikeuchi towels were on sale in 50 specialty stores in the U.S.,
20 in Paris and London, and they even had a mention in the
New York Times.
“Our image of the American market is that it is a very
mature market containing many high-end stores serving specialized niches and high-end needs and within that market
we are happy to have found a niche for ourselves in that
space,” Tsubouchi says.
Now, Ikeuchi Towels’ improving business prospects
and financial results demonstrate that the future for the
turnaround towel company is no doubt far brighter — and
comes in more colors — than it was a decade ago, thanks
in no small part to Ikeuchi’s gutsy entrepreneurial flair and
environmental edge.
page 08
formidable 手に負えない
pay off　よい結果を生む
niche　市場の隙間、適所
no doubt far brighter than　gutsy　ガッツのある
entrepreneurial　事業家の
flair　鋭い眼識、センス
～よりも一段と明るいのに間違いはない
今週のフレーズ
“Our image of the American market is that it is a very mature market
containing many high-end stores serving specialized niches and highend needs and within that market we are happy to have found a niche
for ourselves in that space.”
「米国の市場には、とても成熟したイメージがあります。高級品を取り扱
うにふさわしい売り場を提供してくれる店がたくさんあり、また、その需
要も高いのです。幸いその市場で、我々の商品は適切に受け入れられてい
ます。」
日本では「ニッチ市場」「ニッチ戦略」など、「ニッチ＝隙間」という概
念が広くいきわたっています。もちろん英語でもniche market、niche
market strategyと使われますので間違いではありません。しかし、前述の
例文のとおり、英語では「適所」「適した地位」などの意味でもよく使われ
るので注意してください。carve out a niche for oneself ＝自分の適所を開
拓する、carve a niche in the organization ＝組織内に適切な地位を築く、
discover someone’s niche ＝適性を見いだす、occupational niche ＝適
職、など覚えておくと便利でしょう。
www.ikeuchitowel.com
HOT NEWS FROM
•SHANE STUDY ABROAD•
From Cape Town -Streetkids in Wonderland-
S t r e e t - k i d s と呼ばれる子どもたちをご存知ですか？　両親を亡くしたり、
貧困により家族から離れ、余裕なくされた子どもたちのことです。現在、南
アフリカ共和国のケープタウンには数千人のストリートキッズがいると言わ
れています。日本では小学生にあたる年齢の子どもたちが、毎日の食事や寝
床を探して路上をさまよい、働き口を探しているのです。こんな子どもたち
のための取り組みをシェーン・ケープタウン校が始めました。
土曜日のフリータイム、 シ ェーンの留学生とストリートキッズたちがふ
れあう時間です。留学生たちは子どもたちにコンピュータを教え、自国の文
化を紹介します。お返しに、子どもたちも南アフリカの文化や、自分たちの
路上生活について話します。その後は、みんなでエキサイティングなゲーム
タイムへ突入。イス取りゲームやバレーボール。子どもたちも留学生も、み
んな同じ大きな声で笑いながら楽しみます。そして、 シ ェーンスクールから
帰る時の子どもたちは空腹ではありません。ハンバーガーやドリンクを前に
した彼らの顔に浮かぶうれしそうな笑顔。そんな笑顔を前にしたら、留学生
も講師も心からハッピーになれるのです。
この活動は シ ェーンの講師のひとりが、留学生の中からボランティアを
募ったことから始まりました。幸いにも、留学生のほとんどが手を挙げて、
積極的に参加の意思を示してくれたのです。これを受けて シ ェーン・ケープ
タウン校もチャリティ活動を全力でサポートし、子どもたちへの食料援助を
開始。英語を学ぶだけでなく、社会貢献を目指す シ ェーンの留学生たちの活
動レポートです。
In the garden under the tree a game of musical chairs is
in progress. Every one is laughing and jumping onto each
other’s laps and no one notices the absence of music.
Three metres away is a lively game of Volleyball. The normally serious and silent computer room is a hive of activity.
“Dragonballz,” typing tutors and new e-mail accounts are on
the screens and, strangest of all, the teachers and students
are all unreasonably happy.
Inside there’s more happy chaos complete with guitars,
a recorder, strange Swiss card games and yummy Swiss
chocolate. It all began with a feast of uncompromisingly
frivolous foods – greasy fried chicken, bright orange chips,
three big bottles of 100% artificial soft drink and something
that looked suspiciously like Parma ham. It ended with the
eagerly anticipated announcement that our Rainbow Nation
will host the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. After that the kids
were taken to a safe place and the adult kids moved their
celebrations to the pub.
This happy chaotic morning was the launch of the
“Window of Opportunity” adventure in learning project.
It’s part of Shane English School – Cape Town’s Community
Outreach program. It’s a brilliantly simple idea. We share the
skills and energy of young people from around the world
with needy local people. Some kind local people and companies make donations of small change to make sure the hungry get fed at the same time. Future projects include work
with Aids survivors, adult homeless people and the elderly.
We put the fun back into saving the world.
SHANE GLOBAL LANGUAGE CENTRES
www.shaneglobal.com
20
20 || The
The Weekender
Weekender
ワンポイント英語表現
My pleasure vs　どういたしまして
アメリカで女性に道を尋ねた日本人の男性が、ありがとうとお礼を言っ
たところ You
are
welcome と言われて、「え？招待してくれるの？」
are
wel -
と勘違いしたという古典的な笑い話があります。確かに、 You
c o m e を直訳したら「あなたを歓迎します」ですが、これはお礼に対し
て「どういたしまして」と答える慣用句であることはご存知ですね。もと
もとアメリカでよく使われていた表現ですが、最近ではイギリスでもよく
耳にするようになりました。それでも、Not
at
all.
Don’t
mention
it.
の方がイギリスでは使われる回数は多いかもしれません。 Yo u
are
welcome
――
何かしてあげた時に、「あなたを歓迎しているから＝あ
なたのためにしてあげる」というのはいかにもアメリカ的なポジティブな
musical chairs 椅子とりゲーム
in progress 進む
hive 人ごみ（みつばちの巣が原義）
tutor 講師
chaos 混乱
yummy チョーおいしい
uncompromisingly 徹底して
frivolous ジャンクな
suspiciously 怪しげに
anticipated 予想された
launch 開始
needy 貧窮の
donation 寄付
言い方ですね。一方の
Not
at
all
は文字通り「ぜんぜんない」というこ
とです。あなたに感謝してもらうほどの苦労はしていませんよという言外
の意味があります。この辺の心遣いは、一生懸命心を込めて選んだ贈り物
を「つまらないものですが」と言いつつ渡す、日本人の「奥ゆかしさ」に
通じるところかもしれません。こういった奥ゆかしさも美しいとは思いま
すが、謙遜しがちな日本人としては、意識的にポジティブな気持ちになる
訓練としても、使っていただきたいフレーズがあります。それが I t ’ s
my
p l e a s u r e です。「あなたのお役に立てたなら、あなたを助けることがで
きたならそれは私の喜びです」という意味のこの短いフレーズはネイティ
ブスピーカーの耳にはとてもSWEETに響くことでしょう。
faces of the new Japan
SETSUO MIYAZAWA —
Reforming the Japanese legal system
S
ETSUO MIYAZAWA, 57, a native of Hokkaido,
received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in law from
Hokkaido University and a Ph.D. in sociology from Yale
University. His research interests have ranged from the
Japanese police system to the development of in-house
legal departments in Japanese companies. Today, he is a
leading proponent of Japanese legal reform. Previously
on the faculties of various Japanese and American law
schools, he is currently vice president of Omiya Law
School. He talked with Kirk R. Patterson.
WEEKENDER: What led you to become involved
in efforts to reform the Japanese legal system?
MIYAZAWA: In the mid-1980s, I wondered why the
environmental movement was unable to establish the
concept of environmental rights. In most Western
countries, citizens can seek injunctions against polluters
before they damage the environment. In Japan, however,
they can only do so after the environment has been damaged. There were efforts to adopt the Western model, but
those efforts were unsuccessful, and it now seems highly
unlikely that Japanese courts will ever recognize the concept of environmental rights.
I tried to find a sociological explanation for this, but
I concluded that the main problem was the Japanese
judicial system. Specifically, the process of recruiting,
training and supervising judges has resulted in a very
conservative judicial system that makes it difficult for
citizens to challenge the government and corporations.
How do you think the Japanese legal system
should be reformed?
Japanese legal reform should focus on five different
but interconnected areas. First, the Legal Training and
Research Institute (LTRI), operated by the Supreme
Court, should be abolished. In Japan, law has been
offered as an undergraduate major, with the focus being
LEARNING TO PLAY
Suzy Small spoke to Yuko Muir, director
of Yoyogi International School, about
the school’s philosophy, facilities and
programs
on mastering legal theory and concepts, not on
training professional lawyers. Those who pass
the bar exam must study at the LTRI. However,
its limited enrollment capacity and a curriculum
that is aimed primarily at training judges, not
attorneys, means that it inhibits the development of a large group of professional lawyers
Second, in order to abolish the LTRI, we need
graduate schools of law to provide professional
legal education. This would open the profession
to individuals from a variety of academic and social
backgrounds and would provide training from a broader
range of perspectives.
Third, the legal profession should not have sole
responsibility for administering the bar examination. By
using the physical capacity of the LTRI as justification,
the profession has maintained a bar examination pass
rate of only three percent, thereby severely restricting
the number of new lawyers and so limiting the public’s
access to legal services. People who represent users of
legal services should also participate in the administration of the bar examination.
Fourth, judges should be selected from those who
already have significant experience as practicing attorneys. Currently, LTRI graduates directly become assistant
judges and then, eventually, full judges. This results in a
very conservative and uniform judiciary that mitigates
against innovation.
Fifth, we need to greatly increase the number of
lawyers. At present, there are simply too few lawyers for
such a complex economy and society. Japan ranks at the
bottom among all developed countries in terms of the
number of lawyers per capita.
What progress has been made in these areas?
There has been progress in the establishment of graduate
law schools. Based on recommendations of the Judicial
WEEKENDER: How long has Yoyogi International
School been established?
YUKO MUIR: The school was founded in 1999. We started out with the aim of creating an environment where
children can really enjoy learning.
How many children attend the school?
The age of the children ranges from 18 months to six
years old. Currently we have 120 students.
What is the balance of nationalities like?
Fifty percent of the children at the school are native
English speakers, about 20 percent are children from
European or Asian countries who speak English as a
second language, and 30 percent are Japanese. The
majority of children go on to International elementary schools.
What subjects do the children study?
It varies depending on the age of the child, but
the curriculum includes language, art, mathematics, science, creative arts, social studies and
physical science. We also incorporate Japanese
studies into the daily schedule — children are
introduced to Japanese culture, songs, words
and expressions. Last week, for example, the
children were learning how to use chopsticks
and how to order food in a restaurant. To conclude the lessons, we went to Japanese Soba restaurant and had lunch. Of course, the children ordered
by themselves in Japanese!
What facilities does the school have?
The school is in a modern building in front of Yoyogi
Reform Committee, which was charged with creating a
judicial system that is more responsive to the needs of
the public, law schools came into being in 2004. There
are now 68 law schools with a total of 5,700 students.
However, even this positive development is not without
its problems. The creation of the law schools was supposed to result in many more qualified lawyers, but the
Ministry of Justice seems to be trying to limit the number
of law school graduates who will pass the bar exam. We
will continue to fight against any attempt to maintain an
artificially low bar-exam passage rate In most other areas,
we see little or no progress, except that the LTRI may play
a more limited role in the future.
So what grade would you give the government
on judicial reform?
Unfortunately, just a C+. We must continually seek new
ways to build a legal system that is better able to help
ordinary people address issues that affect their lives.
Kirk R. Patterson, the Dean of Temple University, can be contacted at [email protected]
Park. The classrooms overlook the park and are very
bright and spacious. We have a library, with over 1,000
books, computer terminals, an outdoor play area, a large
indoor gym with basketball hoops, balancing beams and
lots of other equipment. The children are also able to
play in the park. So rain or shine the children have ample
opportunity to enjoy many physical activities.
What makes Yoyogi International School different?
As I mentioned earlier, it is vital that the children’s introduction to school life be very positive one, so first and
foremost we have an excellent teaching staff all of whom
have first class teaching credentials. Coupled with our
comprehensive facilities we have a range of extra programs for the children including ballet, karate and music
classes. This year, we offer a summer school thoughout
summer and for children aged between 18 months and
nine years old (elementary 3rd graders). The program is
very flexible — parents can choose which weeks they
wish their children to attend, and how many days per
week, so it fits well around plans for family holidays and
other commitments. The summer school has the same
balance of education and playtime as our regular classes,
providing a really enjoyable experience for the children
who attend.
What does the future hold for the school?
In only five years Yoyogi International School has
grown into one of the largest international PreschoolKindergartens in Tokyo. We will continue to focus on
the best interests of the children and parents.
Info: www.yoyogiinternationalschool.com.
April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 21
22 | The Weekender
April 2005 | Vol.02 No.07 | 23