ISSN 1348-7906
Accessing the Global Community in Japan
8 August 2005 No. 226
i demor i id GEN H i
N P O Founde Founderr i s Fr i end of Weak Weak and D owntr odde dden n
E nte nter ring a Fantas Fantasy y Wo World Whe her re C lay Ani Animals R oam
Discover Japan!!
Jalpak offers a variety of excursion tours!!
Ex Tokyo
Ex Tokyo
E xplore xplorerr Me Metropo lita tan n Mettropoli Metropolitan ropolitan
Spectacular Spectacular Summer Summer vi view ew
Trad Tr aditional aditi itional itiona onall J ap apane anesse Culture
Tokyo Morning Tour
Mt. Fuji & Hakone 1 day with lunch
Kyoto Afternoon Tour
from A$56~
Ex Kyoto from A$167~
from A$64~
y t a r
P rnat i i l e o a t n I n
Every Friday at Shinjuku except on National Holidays
Tokyo Business Hotel
Admission fee
Marui
Japanese : 60%
Exit 1
Marui
Odakyu
Shinjuku Gyoen Mae Sta.
Shinjuku St.
Mitsukoshi East Exit
Exit 2
Koushu Kaido
Shinjuku Gyoen
South Exit
Inquiries TEL: 03-334 03-3341-8989 1-8989 E-mail E-mail:: info@h info@hiragan iraganatimes atimes.com .com
080-5091-8989
At the Hyatt Regency Osaka
If you lose your way, help is available from 10 mins before the party starts
Fire Station
Non-Japanese : 40%
Shinjuku 3 chome Sta.
JR Shinjuku Sta.
and wine are ¥300. Soft drinks are ¥200. Dinner set ¥580~¥850. (No (No obligation to order anything.) anything.)
Kousei Nenkin Kaikan
Wendy's
Isetan
ALTA
Exit
Approximately 60 participants
Genkai
Yasukuni St.
O Y K T O
Tokyo Denryoku
◆Beer
Yachiyo Bank
Party staff
NTT
Seibu Shinjuku Sta.
No reservation is needed.
Hanazono Shrine
At the Tokyo Business Hotel 2F Restaurant, “Noel”
Tokyo Medical School Hosp.
700
7:30p.m. 10:00p.m.
Meiji Dori
K A O S SA A
Call after August for details.
[Date and Admission fee ]
July 29, Friday 7 29 19:00 21:00
Reservation (with one drink)1 ¥1,000
No reservation ¥1,000 [Drinks ] be beer er and and win wine e ¥500
soft drinks ¥300
[Inquires ]
FAX: 06-649 06-6499-2789 9-2789 E-mail E-mail:: tikureikk@d
[email protected] ream.com om
You may use the hotel bus service from the central north exit of JR Osaka sta. Party participants can use the hotel restaurants at 10% discount on the day.
JR
10
They call it “A park-like art museum which welcomes anybody,” but the truth is it is difficult to express the features of this museum in one phrase. Instead, it may be described this way: “A museum you can drop in anytime” or perhaps even a new concept museum that you can easily visit as part of your daily lifestyle. The museum is popular among local citizens and the number of visitors to the museum is getting close to that of Kenroku Park, the famous sightseeing spot in Kanazawa. A variety of facilities are offered including exhibition rooms, a cafe restaurant, art library and theater. Both children and Erlich, Leandro
adults can enjoy.
“The Swimming Pool”
Kapoor’s Room
21st Century Museum
of Co C onte ntem mpo por rar ary y Art, Ar t,
Kanazawa
Michael Lin “People’s Gallery 09.10.04-21.03.05” Resting place for visitors.
2004.10.09 2005.3.21
4
Sze, Sara “The Art of Lousing” Sze’s art hangs from the ceiling on the first floor connecting steps to the basement.
Turrell, James “Blue Planet Sky” You can sit on a bench and enjoy the beauty of the sky.
Closed: Every Monday, December 29 ~ January 3 *When Monday is a national holiday, the following day will be closed.
12/29 1/3
Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. ~ 6:00 p.m. *Fridays and Saturdays are open till 8:00 p.m.
10 6
8 Admission Fee (Collection exhibit): Adult ¥350, College students and over 65 ¥280; under high school student free * Additional fee is charged for special exhibitions.
350 65
280
Inquiries
Tel: Tel: 076 076-22 -220-28 0-2800 00 www.ka www.kanaz nazawa awa21. 21.jp jp
Eliasson, Olafur “The Antispective Situation” The interior of the room is surrounded by kaleidoscope.
1-2-1, Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8509
920-8509 1-2-1
Burden, Chris “Metropolis” A work in which mini cars run at high speed. Especially popular among boys.
Take a bus at Kanazawa station east exit bus terminal 7 ~ 11
and get off at “Korinbo-atorio-mae” bus stop (10 minute ride).
7 11
10
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa Daiwa
Kanazawa Castle Park
Kenrokuen Park
Korinbou109 Hirosaka 2 chome Intersection
Hirosaka Intersection
Saikawa Oohashi (bridge) Kanazawa City Hall Kankou Kaikan mae Intersection
National Highway 157
Kanazawa Kankou Kaikan Hall
5
Topics & E ve vents nts
Aomori Nebuta Festival
August 2 ~ 7 8 2 7
“Aomori Nebuta,” which was exhibited at the British museum in 2001, is
a significant, intangible folk cultural asset of Japan. A type of float created
from scenes of
and Japanese history/mythology, “ Nebuta ” stands
approximately five meters high and is affixed with 600 ~ 800 electric lamps
and fluorescent lights. Each year more than 3,500,000 tourists from around
kabuki
the world come to marvel at it.
For inquiries Aomori Aomori Tourism and Convention Association
TEL: 017-723-7211 017-723-7211 http:/ http://www.c /www.city.ne ity.nebuta.o buta.or.jp/ r.jp/
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Aomori city, Aomori
July 30
Gifu city, Gifu
7 30
The most well-known fireworks festival in Japan.
Tokushima city, Tokushima
About 20,000 rockets will be shot up. Since it is held in
Taito-ku, Sumida-ku, Toky Tokyo o
Tokyo many people visit, and the event is broadcast on TV.
For inquiries Sumida River Fireworks Festival Committee Sumida Tel: 03-5246-1111 03-5246-1111 www.taitocit www.taitocity.com/ y.com/kanko/ kanko/asakus asakusa_ueno a_ueno/j-gui /j-guide/ de/ 6
Topics & E ve vents nts
Awa-Odori Festival
August 12 ~ 15
8 12 15
Tokushima’s summer festival boasts a 400 year history and is world renowned. The musical phrase, “Odoru aho ni miru aho, onagi aho nara odoranya son son” (Here are dancing fools and watching fools. We are the same fools, so why don’t we dance?) is famous in Japan. During the festival the sounds of the musical phrase echo throughout town and dancers and spectators can be seen happy and cheerful. Beginners can also enjoy dancing with a little practice.
For inquiries Tokushima Tourist Information Center
TEL: 088-622-4010 http://www.awaodori-kaikan.jp/kankou/
Cormorant fishing is one of the traditional
Nagaragawa River Cormorant Fishing
Japanese fishing methods. Each fisherman can expertly handle 10 ~ 12 cormorants, which are
used to catch ayu or sweetfish one after another. This is a summer scene in Gifu City.
~ October 15
Chaplin once admired the harmony between
10 15
fishermen and cormorants. It has 1,300 year history.
For inquiries
Cormorant fishing sightseeing boat office, Gifu City Tel: 058-262-0104 058-262-0104 http:/ http://www.c /www.city.gi ity.gifu.gif fu.gifu.jp/k u.jp/kankou/ ankou/
7
vents nts Topics & E ve
Mi d --S Sum m er F Fll a me n c o
The 35th “Mid-Summer Flamenco” open-air festival will be held at the Hibiya Great Outdoor Music Hall, Tokyo, on July 28 and 29. This year, in addition to the Ballet de Yoko Komatsubara, Spain’s renowned Maribel GALLARDO, the top dancer on the Spanish national ballet team, is joining the festival.
When it comes time to play “Sevillanas ,” fun dancing music
which is always sung at Spanish fiestas, the audience and artists
come together to dance on the stage and the ground.
For inquiries Sol Sol de Espana
Tel: 03-3314-2568
T h e 2 0 t h “D “ D is is n e y o n Ic Ic e ”
This is an ice show performed by popular Disney characters, and this year “Monsters Inc.” will be performed at last. Pandemonium breaks loose when a little girl, Boo, creeps into the monster world with warm-hearted monsters Sally and Mike. The entire production is first class, including stage, music and lighting. Tokyo: July 16 ~ 20 at Yoyogi National Stadium First Gymnasium; Yokohama: August 18 ~ 22 at Yokohama Arena.
www.di www .disne sney.c y.co.j o.jp/o p/onic nice e © Disney/Pixar
8
For inquir inquiries ies 03-3498-9999 03-3498-9999
T opics & Event E vents s
Mus ic al “CHI “CHICA CAGO GO” ” T ok yo Pe r f or man c e
I n O n ly 60 Min u t e s , E n t e r t h e S a mu r a i Swo rds m an ’s World!
Tate ,
which
mainly in Japanese samurai
numbers and sexy and powerful dance. It garnered Tony
movies, is the art of samurai fighting and is a tradi-
awards in six categories and
tional form of Japanese
has enjoyed a long run world-
entertainment. Now tate is
wide. In 2003 the movie
systemized and reborn as
version was released and
tate-do, which is similar to
received six Academy Awards
the grade system seen in
including Best Picture.
judo and kendo.
appears
piece, with superb musical
This is a musical master-
In accordance with this movement, Toho Entertainment School, Tokyo and Osaka, has launched lessons of tate. At the Tokyo school,
The setting is Chicago in the 1920s, when gangsters had wide
KIKUCHI Ryuji will instruct students. He has taught more than
influence. Two dancers achieve stardom. Behind this there lays a
10,000 lessons for over 40 years, instructing such famous figures as
murder case. A lawyer manipulates their destiny. This is a world of
BEAT Takeshi, MATSUDAIRA Ken and KATORI Shingo. Students
evil and desire unfolded by the three characters. Performed at Tokyo
have the possibility to become leaders and actors / actresses in future.
International Forum. August 11 ~ September 4.
One-day trial lectures are available.
Inquiries: Kyodo Tokyo Inc.
g oo d s B r i n g i n g J ap a n e s e ! Wo rl d ! t h e Wo o th to t
Souvenir Shop
A wide variety of Japanese goods, kimono and gift items are available. This is a ‘must-see’ shop for Japanese and foreigners who are planning to travel overseas.
MARU-ARA-WATANABE www.maruara.com
Quality souvenirs & beautiful Kimono Specializing in Geta (wooden clogs), Furoshiki (wrapping cloth), Samue (separate kimono), and Noren (tapestry)
EST. 1925
SHIBUYA Head Office
HIRO-O Branch
TEL: 03-3461-0064
TEL/FAX: 03-3449-3931
FAX: 03-3461-0084 16-8 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku,Tokyo
5-1-29 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Open: 11:00 - 19:00 (Mon. - Fri.), 13:00 - 19:00 (Sat., Sun., Holidays), Closed Tue.
9
Topics & Event E vents s
International Camp for Primary and J u n i o r Hi Hi g h S c h o o l S t u d e n t s
One-Coin Taxi Has Appeared in Tok T ok y o
This is an international
In Japan, the
exchange for children held
term
at the Yamanaka-ko camping site at the foot of
lunch” is often used. It means a
Mt. Fuji. Children will
lunch you can buy
promote friendship over
with one coin. The
differences of language
highest coin in
and custom, learn rules
Japan is ¥500.
and know the importance and joy in cooperating with fellow partici-
“One-Coin Taxi”
pants. Many activities are planned, including setting up a tent, out-
means a taxi you can ride for ¥500 yen for a distance. In Tokyo there
door cooking, games, sleeping under the stars and climbing Mt. Fuji.
are two companies currently running this service and it is now very
“one-coin
popular.
The camp is operated by the International Youth Association of
Japan K.S.K.K., an organization approved by the Ministry of
“The car body is small, but users are surprised by the unexpectedly
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. They have
wide space. The way non-Japanese distinguish vacant taxis is to see
operated the camp for 26 years. 180 participants are expected.
the sign plate next to the taxi driver. When you can see the “ ”
Handicapped people can also join. Period is from August 3 ~ 7. The
sign or the lamp on the roof is on, it means empty,” says taxi driver
fee is ¥42,000~. Possible to join from any part of Japan. Closed on
OGAWA Hiroyasu of One-Coin Mitaka (0422-30-7818).
July 15.
Write the present name, your name, address, sex, age, nationality and the top five articles you enjoyed in this issue, as well as your suggestion(s) for future articles and send by postcard or e-mail. Competition closes August 5. Winners will be selected by lottery and receive presents directly. 10
T opics & Event E vents s
Ap p li licc at ion s f or Jap an e s e Lan gu age P ro ro f iicc i e n c y Te s t n o w A Acc c e p t e d
English Version of “MINNA NO TABO’S SAI KON TAN” is on Sale NOW
The 2005 Japanese Language Proficiency
From Sanrio an English version of
Test is scheduled to be held on December 4
“MINNA NO TABO’S SAI KON TAN”
at the following locations. Sapporo, Sendai, Oyama, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Yokohama,
(100 All-time Precious Proverbs) is now on sale. The Japanese version is included
Toyama, Matsumoto, Shizuoka, Nagoya,
at the end. It will be helpful for your
Gifu, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima,
Japanese study. This is a popular book
Takamatsu, Fukuoka, Kurume, Beppu and
series which Sanrio edited in a newly
Naha. Applications will be accepted
organized style, acknowledging that “SAI
between July 4 and September 5. Application fee is ¥5,500.
KON TAN” has sold over 300,000 copies.
Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, the testing organization in Japan, will provide scholarships to those foreign students studying
“SAI KON TAN” is a classic book written about 400 years ago. At
at their expense who specialize in Japanese language, Japanese litera-
that time politicians were absorbed in factional strife and people were
ture and Japanese culture, and obtain a high score in the upcoming
forced to live under harsh conditions. “Sai Kon” is the root of a
Level 1 Japanese Language Proficiency Test. ¥50,000 per month will
vegetable. It implies poor nutrition and suggests that those who could
be provided for approximately 5 students for two years starting from
tolerate the circumstances could achieve success. It tells people how
April, 2006. Details will be given on the JEES website from March 1,
they should live their lives.
2006.
Inquiries: Sanrio Co., Ltd.
Application procedure
http://www.jees.or.jp/foundation
a present for five people 5
5 e-mail 8 5 11
ccording to the OECD, the Japanese government offered
US$8,859,000,000 in 2004 to developing countries. This is
A
the second largest amount of aid after the U.S.A, which offered US$18,999,000,000 followed by France (US$8,475,000,000),
ODA stands for the “Official Development Assistance” that
In recent years, major countries except Japan have increased their
Britain (US$7,836,000,000) and Germany (US$7,497,000,000).
amount of aid in response to requests from the United Nations, while Japan’s ODA budget has decreased since its peak in 1997 when the amount provided was 1,168,700,000,000 yen, although Japan used to be world’s largest aid donor between 1989 and 2000, and provided more than 20% of the total worldwide aid.
advanced countries offer to developing countries in economic develop-
ment and welfare promotion aid. There are three different kinds of aid.
1. Low interest loans for development investment
2. Free-in-kind cooperative grants 3. Technological cooperation in areas such as engineer training and
reduce social security payments, but the main reason is that Japan’s aid is mainly in the form of loans, the amount of which is much higher strings attached. n recent years, however, the repayment of loans
when compared to the aid of Western countries which is basically no
One reason is that Japan’s recession was forced the Government to
the dispatch of experts.
There are two kinds of assistance. One is direct aid to the country, and the other is multinational aid via donations made through the
from Asian countries has rapidly increased. ODA results are calculated according to the balance obtained after subtracting returns from expenditures. So even if the annual budget increases, it is possible that the resulting figure is less than the previous year.
United Nations and the World Bank. Direct aid has two patterns. One
is grant monies in which no return payments are required, and the
other is low and long-term interest loans cooperation.
12
2004 Aid to Developing Countries
Japan is still aiding China
2004
U . S .A .
China’s economic growth is outstanding, but Japan is still providing aid to China. Japan began providing ODA to China in 1979 when then Prime Minister OHIRA Masayoshi promised to aid China as much as possible to promote their modernization efforts. In the last
20 years, Japan has provided about six trillion yen. This has become the largest portion of aid received by China. Nevertheless, because of Japan’s differing view of history, China does not welcome Japan as a
permanent member of the UN Security Council. Recently, violent
B r i t a i n
anti-Japan rallies took place all over China. Ch ina.
F r a n c e
J a p a n
G e r m a n y
Many Japanese people wish that the Chinese government would
not only emphasize anti-Japan education, but also inform Chinese people that Japan has contributed to the post-war world by having a peaceful constitution, and has been the world’s second largest donor
According to an Asahi Shimbun survey carried out in March of
of UN and ODA funds. On the other hand, voices demanding a halt
this year, 66% of Chinese in China replied “NO” to the question “Are
of Japanese ODA to China, which is undergoing rapid economic
you aware that Japan has been offering aid to developing countries?”
growth yet continues its anti-Japan education policy, have become
While 63% of Japanese support the idea of reducing aid to China,
louder.
67% of Chinese are against it.
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13
Should Prime Minister Koizumi Visit Yasukuni Shrine?
ince his inauguration, Prime Minister Koizumi has paid a visit
buried at the same shrine. Therefore, the
to Yasukuni shrine each August, and his deed has been
families of ordinary soldiers, who have
strongly criticized by China and Korea, victims of Japanese
suffered, are not opposed to their enshrin-
militarism.
ing at Yasukuni.
S
Yasukuni shrine commemorates Japanese soldiers who died for their nation. It resembles Arlington Cemetery in the United States, but here, Class-A war criminals from World War II are also enshrined. This is why China and Korea Korea are opposed. From Mr. Koizumi’s way of thinking, he is justified as Prime Minister to console those soldiers who sacrificed themselves for Japan’s current peace and prosperity. For this reason he continues to visit Yasukuni
shrine.
Not only a few Japanese think that China and Korea’s opposition
to the visits of Japanese ministers is interference in Japan’s domestic
affairs. On the other hand, many Japanese say that it is against
Japan’s national interest that Mr. Koizumi, who is eagerly seeking Japan’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council, pay a
At the base of the Yasukuni problem there lays a large difference of religious opinion between the nations. In a Chinese history book
visit to Yasukuni, ignoring protests from the Chinese and Korean governments.
called “Shiki,” written in ancient times, there is a description of a man who dug out the grave of a king for revenge and whipped the body many times. From the Japanese religious perspective, the dead are not prosecuted for their crimes any longer after they are buried.
For this reason it is not unusual that even Class-A war criminals were
14
For Fitness Guru American Dream is “Made in Japan”
Jeff LIBENGOOD
Text: Bill STEELE
hough he charges a steep fee for his services, fitness trainer
Jeff LIBENGOOD doesn’t need to advertise. He lets his
T
clients do that for him. Bob SAPP, K-1 kick-boxing’s
biggest superstar, has called him “the best in the business.” Marty KUENHERT, the U.S.-born sports commentator, says that Libengood has an “uncanny ability to look at a person and figure out exactly what they need.” And for Japanese pop singer hitomi, who has trained under Libengood for seven years, her body says it all. She was recently voted as having Japan’s “number one” body by Tarzan magazine.
of Japan’s most highly paid and sought-after fitness trainers. Over the last 10 years, he has appeared on numerous Japanese television programs, written a book called The Celebrity Beautiful Diet, and made a video on how to treat lower back pain using the Swiss Ball. His company, Jeff’s Fitness, has a staff of 14 and operates out of various Tokyo health clubs, serving mostly women, businessmen, and other VIPs.
Such well-known clients have helped Libengood, 39, become one
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Note 1
Jeff’s fitness Dos & Don’ts: D on ’ t sm oke . D o e at as m an y fruits an d veg et etab ab les as you y ou ca n. D on ’ t ea t p roc esse d , hig h sug s ug ar foo d s.
15
Hi-tech fitness center to marry East and West philosophies
lumberjack, working alongside his grandfather. “That’s when I got
school, in 1983, Libengood joined the U.S. Air Force and came to
my base strength and power,” he says. After graduating from high
Japan. While living at the Yokota base, he got into in bodybuilding, Launched in 2000, the company has grown alongside Japan’s fitness boom. In the last five years, the population over age 60 joining a fitness club has quadrupled. Last year Jeff’s Fitness merged with Kingrun, a large Japanese medical supply firm, bringing Libengood
competed in tournaments throughout Asia, and eventually left the Air Force to start fitness training. With only 600 yen in his pocket, he rapidly built up his client base in the early 1990s, training such highprofile clients as singer KUBOTA Toshinobu and sumo wrestler
one step closer to his ambition of creating a multidisciplinary, holistic fitness empire. “It was perfect marriage,” he says. With the merger,
AKEBONO. Today he lives in a posh apartment in Roppongi, and calls the SMAP gang “good friends.”
Libengood is on schedule to open a new, 7,000-sq. ft. state-of-the-art health facility in Tokyo’s Nagato-cho, the center of Japan’s government, in September. Called East West, the club will combine the best training disciplines from the East and the West under one roof. “Japan has never seen anything like it,” Libengood says. He adds, “I’ve been able to make things happen here that I couldn’t have done in the U.S.”
Instruction grounded in basic kinesiology
Libengood lives in such luxury because he understands how the
human body works. Most people think getting in shape means going
What Libengood has been able to achieve in Japan could hardly
to the gym and spending an hour or so pumping iron or sitting on a
have been predicted from his upbringing in rural Pennsylvania,
fitness machine. That’s what they have been told to do, from high
U.S.A. There he grew up dirt poor, he proudly admits, forced to
school gym teachers to club fitness trainers to exercise gurus on TV
“hunt for food for supper.” At age nine he started his first job as a
infomercials. But when people listen to Libengood talk, they get a
AP A RT M EN T IN FO RM A TIO N
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Note 2
IOGI NERIMA
U&I
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Z
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t«
D o take take sup p lem en ts suc h a s a m ultivitam in. D on ’ t d om ina te yo ur w or orkou kou ts w ith m ac hine s. D o e xercise a t lea st 2 d ays a w ee k.
16
GUAM SAIPAN PALAU POHNPEI SAMOA TONGA FIJI HAWAII
different gospel. The secret to staying fit, he says, isn’t found sweating out a routine on the latest Nautilus, Cybex or similar line of fitness equipment. Rather, it’s as simple as picking up a glass of water, sweeping the floor, or perhaps moving a piece of furniture.
Such unconventional thinking has won Libengood a devoted fol-
lowing among his clients, but his success has also spawned enemies,
jealous of his success. He has been kicked out of fitness clubs, black-
listed in others, accused of peddling steroids, and bad-mouthed by
some in the business. He has had to overcome language and cultural
“Many people approach exercise the wrong way, thinking only of the prime mover muscles,” says Libengood. “But your body is not meant to isolate a form. The human body works in a kinetic chain to
barriers. But nothing has deterred him from his goal, he says.
create movement.” With this basic philosophy, Libengood has his clients perform exercises that
mimic their every-day lives. Instead of bench
“I’ve got a goal to help one million people in my life,” Libengood
presses, he will have them do pushups or push a
says. With East West that just may happen. The club’s doors will be
cable forward with one arm while standing on one leg. In his gym, he
open to top athletes, busy salarymen, people in wheelchairs, and
uses a lot of Swiss Balls, medicine balls, JumpStretch bands and
others with severe injuries. “I’m a problem-solver. I want to help
other simple training tools. One of his exercise routines involves
everybody and I want everyone to have access to me. Helping people,
dragging a sled around to build strength, speed and endurance.
that’s what my love is.”
Libengood stays away from fitness machines, which he says are a
waste of time for most people. “Get off the machines and find things
that are functional for you,” he advises.
Jeff’s Fitnes: 03-5786-1068
www.bestpartnerusa.com
Note 3
AOI International/Culture Club Tel: +1-714-730-1666 +1-714-730-1666 Fax: +1-714-730 +1-714-730-1620 -1620 17401 Irvine Blvd SuiteA, Tustin, CA 92780
[email protected]
D on ’ t forge t to alw ay ays s sit up an d stan d up straig ht ht. . D o try to to d o m os ost t of your you r ex exerci ercise ses s w hile stan d ing up . D o tak ake e the tim e to g et
c o m p le te ly eva ev a lua ted b efor efore e you y ou sta rt train in g .
17
NP O F o u n d e r i s F ri r i e n d o f We a k and Downtrodden
GEN Hidemori
The Relief Center entrance
Kabukicho
n Shinjuku’s Kabukicho, Japan’s number one entertainment
I
parasites, just laying around at home playing games. Their parents,
district, the lights never go off at the Shinjuku Relief Center,
mindful of the community’s shame, cannot do anything about it.”
“Kakekomidera*,” the shelter provides relief and a hiding place for
women chased by violent husbands or people who owe money to
yakuza (gangsters), and offers immediate aid and consultation to
runaways, lost kids and others at the bottom of society’s heap.
NPO Japan Social Minority Association headquarters. Called
Hidemori advises his clients to be courageous and face up to their
GEN Hidemori runs the center and discusses in his Kansai dialect
problems. “I help only once. It’s up to them whether they do it or not.
some aspects of Japanese contemporary society. “Those coming here
My job is to lead them to make a decision.” When Hidemori deems it
for help are scared and suffer spiritually,” he says. “Recently, domes-
necessary, he hides victims and confronts the perpetrators. From vio-
tic violence has been increasing. Mostly it occurs in middle class
lent husbands to yakuza, Hidemori doesn’t flinch from their t heir pressure.
families. Children become so violent, punching and kicking their
“They are basically weak people. That’s why they target other weak-
parents, but no one can stop them. Because it is considered a domes-
er people. I have no one to be afraid of since I meet them at the risk
tic matter, the police can do nothing unless parents report it. Knowing this situation, the children remain out of control. I say these are
of my own life. They wonder why I would risk my own life to help thirdparties I have no relation to.”
children, but they are already adults in their 20’s and 30’s. They are
Note
*Th e w or ord d K akeko m id er era a or ori ig inat nated ed from Toke iji, K am akur akura, a, w he re m en w er ere e for orb b id d en to ent enter er during the E d o p er eri iod . W om en fled th ere an a n d w e re o ffe re d relie f fro m viole n t hu sb an d s. It th en b e c a m e kn k n o w n a s K a ke keko kom m id era (lite rally, “ ru n nin g in te te m p le .” )
18
Left: When he ran
some companies.
During childhood, passed around between four fathers and four mothers
RIght: When he went out for drinking
Behind his founding of the relief center, Hidemori has an extraor-
almost every day.
dinary and eventful past. He was born of a stowaway Korean father
and a Japanese mother. In other words, he is a Korean living in Japan.
He was raised in complicated surroundings: his father had four women and his mother also had four men. “I was passed around among my four fathers and four mothers like a piece of luggage. Wherever I went I was treated as if I were a nuisance. I always flattered them, otherwise I couldn’t have meals. I couldn’t think of tomorrow. Everyday I had to think of how I was going to live each
ences, Hidemori trusted nobody. Making money was everything. He had been looked upon by people suspiciously and not few people had
day,” Hidemori says. Every time he moved he had to change schools
a grudge against him. Some of them were even trying to kill him.
and was bullied by students. But through this experience he found out
how to win the fights. He planted fear in his opponents by crushing
them completely.
took care of his family, who live and remain in Kobe. He went out drinking almost every day and lived a carefree life. During this period
Hidemori married and had three children, but he says he never
out of a strong curiosity, Hidemori met SAKAI Dai-ajari (a so-called
“living Buddha”) and became a lay priest. He often went to the
temple for training, but after he left he often went on to collect
Hidemori grew up in the Kansai area and after he reached adult-
outstanding money. Hidemori went on pilgrimages for training, but
hood he took up various jobs. Then he became successful in the con-
ultimately all he gained from it was odd bits of mercy. His was the
struction business and gradually expanded his business. He admits
face of a flimsy hypocrite.
that his business was something dirty and he made money by cheat-
ing people. So he had conflicts with yakuza constantly, but as he was
trained in fighting since childhood, he was never defeated. He made a
lot of money and became a member of the Rotary Club, a gathering
for successful businessmen. However, from his childhood experi-
Note
19
time for revenge. He had five persons he could not forgive and he planned to kill each one of them. He knew he would be arrested by the police and executed if he did but it did not concern him: He might die tomorrow anyway.
A few days later, without thinking, he read again the letter from
the Japan Red Cross hospital. When he looked it carefully he noticed
Left: SAKAI Dai-ajari and his displines
Right: When he went to the temple for training
it said not “HIV,” but “HTLV-1.” He searched the Internet and found out that it was a rare virus which carries the possibility of acute
leukemia developing. The disease appears in one out of 1,000 HTLV 1 carriers and most die within one year. In most cases the infection
route comes from mothers during the lactation period. The virus
A life-changing disease
appears approximately 40 years later after an incubation period and
the second infection typically goes unrecognized. Hidemori was
When a letter arrived from the Japan Red Cross hospital,
relieved, but his fear did not dissipate. A cure or treatment has not been found yet.
Hidemori’s life changed significantly. It was the result of a blood test
from blood he had donated without a thought in 2000. The letter said,
“It has been confirmed that you have tested positive on an HIV anti-
body test.” He dropped the letter. “I am a carrier of the Aids virus! He had many reasons to be the carrier, he admits. Shocked, Hidemori
and his future appeared totally bleak. He was in his middle 40’s and
supposed to live for another 50 years.
By now Hidemori has been through veritable hell many times, but it was the first time he was conscious of death. He cursed his mother, who had been nothing like a mother, but left him this virus. After
that, Hidemori reviewed his past. He had become attached to money
and worked hard for it. He realized he gained nothing from it and felt miserable, thinking of revenge rather than his family when he faced
He decided to die
to death.
accomplishing what he
Note
should
have
done, as he was
fated to die anyway.
He thought neither
about his family nor
his company. It was
Th e R elief C en ter is p lan ning to op en a 24 -ho ur “ C om m un ity C af afe” e”in S hinjuku an d is se eking a sp ac e p rovid er.
20
Because of me I can show you how to escape
He realized that all human beings someday die and his life changed
greatly. The company management that he had run risking his life
suddenly paled in significance. After struggling to find a solution, he
set up a relief center in Kabukicho to protect the abused in May,
2002. Leaving his companies to somebody else, he offered 24-hour
offer them concrete advice,” Hidemori thought.
Recently Hidemori got
aid, 365 days a year. “I know all the tricks of the wicked guys. So I can advise clients how to escape. As I have dealt with trouble, I can
some good news. He had left his family for a long time, but his children read his book “Shinjuku Kabukicho Kakekomidera” Kakekomider a” (published by the Kadokawa Haruki Corporation) and came to Tokyo to see him. In the book, human karma, including Hidemori’s own unfairness and selfishness from his childhood to present, is
described faithfully. It is impossible for anyone However, people who knew him took it as “Hidemori is planning
to not sympathize with his direct honesty.
something bad again” and he had a difficult time getting the funding
Knowing the past of their father, the grown-up children began to
to set it up. Every month money is required for the office rent and
understand Hidemori more and more.
staff salaries. The companies that he left to someone else have
already gone bankrupt. As the principal guarantor, Hidemori was left
with a debt of 180,000,000 yen. In addition, every month expenses
for the relief center pile up, and he continues to refinance.
Many people come to the Center for help even today. In three
Despite this, phone calls and consultation requests for help to the
years, the number of those consulted has climbed to about 6,000. The volunteer staff is coming back and the office has become more active.
Center marked 2,469 cases in the first half of this year. With the help
“This is my vocation. I believe I was born to do this job,” says
of volunteer workers, he rescued many people. The relief activities
Hidemori. “All my previous past experience was necessary for it. I
appeared to be expanding smoothly. However, due to money short-
am very thankful for the past.” His philosophy is not money making,
ages, the sympathetic staff people who had gathered to volunteer
but ‘human making.’ Like that of the Budda, Hidemori’s face is now
there had to leave one after another. Finally, Hidemori was the only
filled with mercy.
one left and he went into personal bankruptcy. Nevertheless he never
gave up. He survived working part time at a Japanese restaurant at
night while offering consultation to victims using his cell phone.
Contact Tel Tel.. 03-52 03-529191-5335 5335 htt http:/ p://ww /www.j w.jsma sma.jp .jp http:/ http://ww /www.g w.genen-sty style. le.com com 21
Willl the Wil the Co Corru rrupti ption on of Pu Publi blicc Offi Office ce Eve Everr End? End?
by Hiragana Times CIA
It has been disclosed that local governments, including the Osaka City Hall, have been paying unlawful benefits to their personnel. In addition to their receiving higher on-average salaries than private company company staff, City Hall staff had been offered various benefits such as uniform allowances for their suits, an allowance for unpleasant work — ie. dealing with citizens — , a singles allowance paid to singles over a certain age, and a transportation allowance for walking commuters. This means they have intentionally embezzled public money. Hiragana Times CIA spoke in depth about this issue with Dr. Raymond HAWK, director of the American Organization Science Institute, who recently wrote a book “Human Nature and Office Workers.”
CIA: What is written in your book “Human Nature and Office
If you pay a huge bonus to a mayor who reduces taxes for citizens,
Workers”?
the mayor will seriously try to cut unnecessary costs.
Dr.: In short, it is a book which proves that, fundamentally, human
beings have an ugly nature and it becomes particularly visible in peo-
ple in public office where there is no competition. Look at socialist
countries — officials do as they like because they have power. The
nature of public offices in capitalist countries is the same. Injustice is
spread around the world as a matter of course when no competition
or inspections are practiced.
CIA: What kind of cost cutting can he do? Dr.: Many local governments are in financial difficulty which has
resulted from their wasteful spending practices. Among these, the expensive payments to personnel including various allowances are the worst. Their salaries are paid from citizens’ taxes. In other words,
CIA: Well then, is it impossible to stop such crimes?
citizens are paying the living costs of City Hall staff. In English, pub-
Dr.: It is easily possible if you adopt the theory of American capital-
lic office employees are called “civil servants,” who should basically
ism. In America, companies are for the stockholders and the CEOs
be volunteer-minded. Many will be happy to have the opportunity to
main job is to benefit stockholders. In the U.S., even CEOs who cut
work in these kinds of positions even if the salary is half of what it is
salaries and slash the number of employees are highly reputed. The
at present. If retired people are employed, it will also ease the pen-
more profit that is made, the more CEOs are rewarded. Let’s take a
sion issue in Japan.
city as an example. Stockholders are citizens and the CEO is mayor.
22
CIA Cynically Cynically Insulting Agency
CIA: What size bonus should be paid to the mayor? Dr.: Well, for those who produce excellent results, at least one bil-
lion yen should be paid.
CIA: Why pay such big money?
CIA: What is the next step? Dr.: As most private companies in the red sell their head office or
factories, City Halls should sell their offices, many of which are plushly designed and built in very expensive areas. They will be able to fetch a high price. Fancy buildings are not necessary for their work. In addition, City Hall staff are hired to provide services to
Dr.: They will become a political star. So, one billion yen is inexpen-
sive. If not, they will go for bribery someday anyway.
citizens, but in fact these same offices are closed in the evenings and
on weekends and national holidays, times that citizens find are the most convenient to visit. On the contrary, working in fancy buildings
Comment from CIA CIA
in the best locations has misled staff into believing that they are elite
You are probably upset about the injustices of local governments, but
and stand over citizens. They take it as a matter of course that they should receive high salaries and special treatment. Selling these
what would you do if a member of your family had an opportunity to work at a local government office? You would not oppose it, as a high
offices won’t affect citizens at all. Schools which are currently not
salary and a steady future are guaranteed, right? Then you wouldn’t
being used due to Japan’s shrinking birthrate should be used instead
expect any change, would you? People’s sense of justice quickly
for their offices.
disappears when they have a chance to receive benefits. In this way,
human society will continue harboring injustice, unless we leave it to
¥12,810
P ublic bat h & toilet facilities ava ilable in hotel.
Genkai
Tokyo Denryoku
Kouseinenkin Kaikan
Yasukuni Dori Subway ubway Marunouchi Line Gyoenmae Gyoenmae Exit- Shinjuku 2 Shinjuku Dori Exit 1
S ing le w i t h o ut ut b a t h ¥5,460 S ing le w i t h b a t h ¥7,980
Tokyo Business Hotel
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the greedy mayor who can fire their personnel for his money.
Special Discount applies for foreign na t io na ls.
Tel: 03-3341-8989
23
Kamikaze Suicide Squad
his year marks 60 years since the end of World War II. Among the many stories about the war, the one that still
T
moves people to tears even today is about the tragedy of the
approximately 4,600 soldiers of the Kamikaze Suicide Squad.
The honorable duty was assigned to young soldiers of around 20 years of age. What thoughts did these men have when they obeyed their orders and accepted these suicidal missions? Pilots of the “Kamikaze Suicide Squad” flew from Chiran airport in Kagoshima prefecture. The Chiran Peace Museum has been built on the site of
In October 1944, American troops landed in the Philippines. At the
the airport and inside pictures and articles left by the 1,036 Kamikaze
time, Japanese troops were seriously short of fighting equipment and
pilots are displayed together with their wills, letters and diaries,
defeat was looming. In that situation, a human bombing strategy was
which were written just before they departed on their one-way flights.
created. After loading bombs onto a plane, the pilot would then ram
Some of them are shown below:
his aircraft into enemy ships. This squad of men was called the
“Kamikaze Suicide Squad.” They would become the prototype of
modern day terrorists’ suicide attacks.
Will: Dear Mother
I have been happy. Until now I have not called you “Mom.”
Dear Mother, how are you?
I dare tried to call you “Mom,” but I couldn’t.
I sincerely thank you for taking care of me for such a long time.
How I had a weak will.
You have raised me since I was a 6-year-old boy.
Mother, forgive me.
Though you are my stepmother, different from a woman of this kind
You must have been lonely.
You have never made trouble
Now let me call you in a loud voice.
And raised me with love.
“Mom,” “Mom,” “Mom.”
You are a great mother. You are a respectable mother.
24
AIHANA Nobuo, 18 years old. Died on May 4, 1945
Will: Addressed to Mother on April 11, 1945
1945 4 11 Mom, finally I have to write you a sad letter. A poem keenly reminds me, “More than children think of their parents, how deeply your parents think of you. How do they hear this news?” I have been really happy. I have been selfish, but forgive me as it was also an expression of my sweet love for you;
Kamikaze pilots were being drafted to fight at the
time and, absurdly, had to give up their young lives for
their motherland, Most of them were shot by antiaircraft
guns and crashed to death before fulfilling their duties.
It is my honor to be selected as an attacker and depart, but I cry when I think of Mom. It is painful to die when I think of the fact that my life gave you life and you depended on my future, and I haven’t done anything that pleased you nor have I given you peace of mind ...
Their souls have been enshrined in Tokyo’s Yasukuni shrine. Prime Minister KOIZUMI visited Chiran and was very moved by those who sacrificed themselves to defend their country. Since then, the Prime Minister started to visit and pay his respects at Yasukuni shrine to console their souls.
I am writing this letter as I depart tomorrow. By chance I may fly over
Hakata. It is my pleasure. I want to say goodbye from a distance ... I feel I
can see you any time. It is really sad when I think I cannot see you any-
more.
“Kamikaze Suicide Squad soldiers who sacrificed themselves believing Japanese military authorities will live forever as a warning of the foolishness of militarism.”
HAYASHI Ichizo, 23 years old. Died at Okinawa in April 12, 1945*
Note
*S om e ka njiand p un ctua tion have b een cha ng ed for easier rea d ing .
25
The International Couple Scene
Paul and Manami BUTLER
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“You “Y ou better be tter be careful ca reful with this guy g uy..” oth admit that when they first encountered each other at a
then Paul had to leave for Tokyo to participate in a business competi-
meeting of the Australia-Japan Society in Melbourne in
tion. Suddenly, the couple realized they missed each other after being
June, 1998, sparks didn’t exactly fly. Back then Paul was
apart, and emailed and called each other frequently. “That sort of
B
finishing up his MBA degree and came to the meeting to practice his
strengthened our relationship,” says Paul.
Japanese. He remembers that Manami was “interesting” and had a
cheerful smile, but that was about it. Manami, for her part, was work-
ing as a waitress at a Japanese restaurant and trying to save money
for a travel stint. She thought Paul was good-looking, but sensed that
he had come to the meeting with more than just “conversational
exchange” on his mind.
After Manami returned to her nursing job in Kyoto, her hometown, the two continued their long-distance relationship. When Paul’s work-study visa started to run out, the couple realized it was crunch time and decided to tie the knot. No formal marriage proposal was necessary. “It was a gradual thing I guess,” explains Paul, who now works as a financial manager in Shibuya. “It just happened.” Parental acceptance came easily for both sides. Manami says that after her parents met Paul and were able to see he could speak
Despite her concerns, she gave him her phone number and email address afterwards, and he contacted her the next day to ask her out
Japanese and use chopsticks and was a gentle person, they were “immediately relieved” she says.
to a movie. Before they met Manami recalls being very nervous. She had never gone out with a foreigner before. Her Japanese friend
warned her, “You better be careful with this guy.”
To her surprise, however, Paul turned
out to be a sincere gentleman, treating her to ladies-first service. On their sec-
Since they’ve been married, however,
ond date he even cooked her a pasta din-
Paul’s gentle nature has come to be some-
ner. This went on for a few weeks, and
thing of a blessing and a curse for Manami.
26
Although she says Paul is very helpful around the house and does
the neighborhood and seem to know
well to take care of their two young sons, Sean and Kane, she has to
everything that happens with the
tell him what to do all the time. “If I didn’t say anything, Paul would
couple, good or bad.
probably spend the whole time lying down in front of the TV or
checking email on the computer,” she says. Paul says that Manami
likes to be in charge around the house and insists that things be done
her way. For example, she has told him many times that when he
washes the next set of dishes, the ones that are dry should be put
away first because otherwise they’ll get wet. Yet he always forgets to do that. “She’ll say, ‘I’ve told you this so many times!’ ” Paul says
with a laugh.
Both say they have gotten used to these kinds of things. But their
to international marriage is not that complex,” says Paul. “Like any marriage, communication is the key ingredient to make it successful.
toughest challenge, they admit, is simply communication. “The key
I think we’ve been luckier than most international couples since I was fairly competent in Japanese and had lived in Japan for a few years before we met, so we could communicate in Japanese. But it still requires patience and a willingness to listen for both of us.”
Could this be a case of (international) marriage bliss? Not really.
Paul and Manami both say that international marriage can be difficult
at times. Manami recalls that she went to the hospital one day, filled
and when the
doctor called her in he asked, “Are you Japanese? Do you understand
Japanese?” At the bank, when her name “Butler-sama” is called out,
everyone turns their heads. And then there are the neighbors, most of
them older residents, who all know that there is a foreigner living in
out the forms with her new last name in
katakana,
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27
HIRA-TAI HIRA-T AI FORUM FO RUM
INTERNATIONAL GLASS-ROOTS
made redundant tomorrow. Unemployment would skyrocket, thousands more families
Are “Surplus” Jobs necessary?
would suddenly face serious financial problems and there would likely be an increase in homeless people living in parks.
And if all that wasn’t bad
enough, the already heavily bankrupt Japanese government
would be faced with an even larger bill for unemployment Many foreigners who come to Japan are bemused to see the many
benefits.
‘surplus’ jobs being performed almost every day in cities like Tokyo.
These include such seemingly redundant jobs as elevator ladies, car
park attendants in suits, the typical 10 construction workers standing
around while one man digs a hole, bank staff who push buttons and
hand out queuing tickets to bank visitors, etc.
Additionally, questions should perhaps be asked as to whether
Japan’s unemployment rate is actually as low as stated. With thousands, possibly millions of people working in what appear to be almost totally unnecessary jobs (in particular in the construction industry), shouldn’t Japan’s ‘real’ unemployment rate be far higher?
profits, there are major advantages when the bigger picture is considered.
Just imagine if all the people doing these ‘redundant’ jobs were
Faced with this scary scenario, or the polite but arguably unnecessary greeting from an elevator lady, which would you choose?
28
almost completely pointless and negatively affect the employer’s
While on the surface these jobs appear mind-numbingly boring,
Small Towns Also Should Provide Information in Foreign Languages?
extremely beautiful areas that many foreigners would love to see. Are foreigners not visiting these places in great numbers because there is little information in their language?
Or is there not much information in other languages because few
foreigners are visiting? Which comes first — the chicken (tourists) or
the egg (foreign language information)?
After traveling to a town in northwestern Japan recently with my
Japanese wife something very interesting struck me — there were no
increase the number of such places. Otherwise the government’s plan
eign tourists to Japan could fall flat on its
face.
ly to foreigners,” but perhaps more consideration should be made to
come to this town. But how could they get around and enjoy a comfortable stay if everything is in unrecognizable Japanese?
The Japanese Tourist industry has cities and towns that are “friend-
to attract 10 million for-
My wife commented that this is probably because few foreigners
other foreigners in sight. There was also very little signage or information in foreign languages.
Famous tourist cities and regions such as Kyoto, Hakone and Nara are touted at foreign tourists and information is provided in foreign languages to attract them. Subsequently, these places are at the top of many foreigners’ travel itineraries.
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But what about the smaller towns — some of which are located in
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P hone: 0303-33413341-8989 8989 Fa x: 0303-33413341-8987 8987 E-mail: info@hiraga info@hiraga nat imes.c imes.com om
29
Women-Only Coaches Offering Shelter from “Chikan” are Flourishing
ost Japanese in big cities commute to office by trains so crowded that bodies stick together during rush hours. Exploiting these occasions are
M
male passengers called “chikan” who grope women’s bodies. Many women hesitate to shout out from embarrassment and shyness. Recently, chikan have increased.
The molestation of
chikan
is, of course, a crime. When discovered
there is no one standing firmly, old or women hesitating to get on the
the criminals are in many cases subjected to mass media reports and
coach (as they think no
dismissed by their employers. On the other hand there are more than
being mistaken for easily tolerating
a few cases of men being mistaken for
which is getting to be
people say that coaches for the handicapped and elderly should have
an issue. Under these circumstances, women-only coaches have
been provided instead of women coaches. Currently, only one coach
recently become available during rush hours (mostly the first or last
is provided as women-only, but it is not very crowded.
chikan,
chikan
touch them), as well as young women chikan
on regular coaches. Some
coach).
Many women are quite pleased, but there are complaints as well about unpleasant perfume odors, women easily falling down because
TOKYO EXPRESS
Tel: 03-5246-5391 Mobile: 090-1207-0080
E-mail:
[email protected] www.tyoexp.com
30
Public notary since 1981 Former Counselor at the Information Center of the Tokyo Immigration Bureau Office: 2-3-107 Nobori-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
What is the foreign language instructor for international culture and exchange?
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FAX F082-223-5705
I am British. I’ve heard that foreign students can become foreign language instructors during the summer holidays.
Could you provide some details?
The International Culture Exchange
neration from the host organization as part of the Special
article has been added to the Special Activity
Activity Visa. The remaining two are either a short stay of less
Visa as of Feb. 17, 2005. It is limited to for-
than 90 days with no remuneration or a stay over 90 days with
eign students of overseas universities (students
no remuneration (Culture Activity Visa). During holidays at
who study an educational course and will be
universities in foreign counties, summer jobs have been admitted
granted a degree when graduated or finished) who
as a special activity in the case of stays less than three months,
participate in an event purposed for international
and it is possible to work with pay regardless of whether the job
Ans w e
r
culture and exchange carried out by local governments of Japan.
is related to your educational courses or not.
Students will make a contract with their local government and are permitted to work with remuneration at primary schools and
juni or high hig h sch schools ools in a peri od not to exce ed three thr ee mont hs
during long-term university holidays.
International culture exchange includes, for example, foreign language instruction, and lectures about the industry, art and traditional culture of your home country.
Currently, internships and summer jobs have been admitted. Internships consist of three different types. One receives remu-
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31
Hir@gana Ti Times [A [Aug ugu ust]
How far goes the truth?
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From the Editor sfDesk ^ W
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HOT SPOT
“Parody Talk” is written with the intent to make fun of ugly
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
aspects of society and human beings. Sometimes we have inquiries
about the “Parody Talk” articles from readers such as “When will the
dream glasses with which any woman looks beautiful go on sale?”
CLOSE UP JAPAN
and “Where is the Dictator’s Museum in Tokyo?”
JAPANESE TOPICS OF CONVERSATION INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
SPECIAL INTERVIEW PARODY TALK
JAPANESE HISTORY MAKERS
Kamikaze Suicide Squad
Fredrick FORSYTH wrote many best selling books including “The
INTERNATIONAL COUPLE SCENE
HIRA-TAI FORUM
Day of the Jackal,” about the assassination plan of President De
GAULLE of France. His novels are so realistic with descriptions of
TIPS FOR LIVING IN JAPAN
international affairs information that readers often cannot see the bor-
VISA Q&A
der of fiction. That makes the book very interesting.
What is the Foreign Language Instructor for International Culture and Exchange?
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
It is told that Aesop used animals to hide his resistance to contem-
Get Lost in Rural Japan, No Translation Necessary
Entering a Fantasy World Where Clay Animals Roam
YOKOSO! JAPAN
COVER STORY
porary rulers. Those who have hinted about the dangers of rulers and
Pu blishing C om pa ny: Yac P lanni anning ng Inc. Tel: 03-334103-3341-8989 8989 inf nfo@ o@ hirag ana tim es. es.com com
poked fun of the dirty side of human nature have existed all the time. “Parody Talk” would like to be included among them. (Please note
Fax: 03-334103-3341-8987 8987
that this text is not a parody).
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32
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Ent e rin g a Fan t as y Worl orld d Wh e re Clay An An im als Roam
Clay Doll Creator, MINAGAWA Ryoichi
I
n Japan, images of cute animal characters including Mickey
Mouse, Snoopy and Hello Kitty are used on everything from
stationery to T-shirts and contribute greatly to the sales of these
products. Many characters are usually born from cartoons and anima-
tion, but now many new and totally unique characters are being
created from clay dolls in the image of animals.
Ryoichi’s works have been so highly regarded worldwide that 11 of his works, including “Peter Nyan” and “Gullinya Travels” have been awarded the bronze prize at the USA 3D Illustrators Awards in the four consecutive years between 1997 to 2000. In his hometown of
The creative power behind these characters/dolls is doll creator
Niigata, he is preoccupied with television projects and instructing at
MINAGAWA Ryoichi. More than 100 personified animal characters
classes, and has many fans. Currently, he is extremely busy receiving
appear in his clay fantasy. Some of Minagawa’s works that parody
large orders from the well-known mail order catalogues and art
famous children’s books have names such as “Peter Nyan” (from
galleries in Ginza and Niigata.
Peter Pan), “Hanyaka “Hanyaka no OOsama” (from “Hadaka “Hadaka no OOsama,” the
Japanese title for “The Emperor’s New Clothes”), “Gullinya Travels”
(from Gulliver’s Travels), etc. “Nya” is regarded as the sound of a cat
in Japan. These characters are loved by children as well as adults.
Each of them is somewhat mischievous and looks as if it is claiming something.
“Clay Characters”
33
Last month the British funk group, Jamiroquai, came to Japan to promote their new album
school supported me greatly and I’ve had job orders since that time.”
Dynamite (released June 15 on the Sony Music
label). Ryoichi is such a big fan of Jamiroquai that
he has all their albums from the beginning and
received an order from an acquaintance to create a
doll of Jay Kay, the vocalist. The cover photo of
this month’s magazine is one he created with some
excitement. Jay Kay was delighted to receive it, Ryoichi says.
What is the appeal to Ryoichi in creating clay
dolls? “I can feel the handmade warmness in the finished dolls,” he says. “I can put them on my palms and look at them from different angles. By combining clay work characters and backgrounds made from different materials and shooting them,
Working together with his wife and creative partner
they become more than just clay works. I place
emphasis on making them more attractive by
What made Ryoichi become a clay doll creator? “I think I was very influenced by my father, a Japanese cake craftsman,” he recalls. “My father has created some Japanese cakes which were exhibited at cake contests. When as a kindergarten pupil, I showed my interest, and my father showed me how to make flowers, etc. with oil clay.”
order to express this graphically, photography takes on an important function. Fortunately, I have a cameraman friend, WATABE Yoshinori, a free lancer who works in Niigata.”
selling my clay works at a booth at the school festival. My teacher,
“When I was a student at a vocational school, I was displaying and
adding flavors to the characters expressing their view of the world. In
who was also running an art gallery, gave me a chance to hold my own private exhibition. This is the beginning of my career.” Ryoichi’s talent has been recognized since he was young. “The teachers of the
Today Ryoichi lives in Niigata with his family and is busily involved in doll creation. While he teaches clay creation to students ata vocational school a few days a week, he is busy preparing for his private exhibitions held twice a year, creating works for publishing and advertisement, and creating new ideas almost daily. “Niigata is abundant with nature including the sea, rivers and mountains. When I go out, I take my bicycle and come up with new ideas while riding it. In the evenings, I often go for a walk with my loving dog.”
“Walking in the sea” “Robin Hood”
my first commission, when my first book was published and when I
received the bronze medal at a competition in the USA. Among these
including when my first private exhibition was held, when I received
career highlights this way: “There have been many happy moments,
moments, my proudest moment occurred when my work was used in
an advertisement and printed.”
Ryoichi’s wife Shizuko, who is also his work partner, has provided a lot of support to him in his creative activities. They have worked together by separating their roles since their student days. “I make clay characters, while my wife makes the backgrounds using various materials to show up the characters. We sometimes argue with each other about our different opinions,” Ryoichi says with an embarrassed smile.
To make his characters loved by people the world over
The characters that appear in Minagawa’s world and seem to express human emotions, can be loved by people all over the world. Ryoichi plans to offer licenses to corporations to allow them to use his clay doll
characters in stationery, toys, miscellaneous goods, clothing and other products. It may not be long before his characters become known and loved by people worldwide as Japan’s newest characters.
Where does Ryoichi’s creative energy come from? “It is difficult to
continue creating works for a long time while maintaining joy and
passion,” he says. “I try to
place the most importance on enjoying myself while I
create.” Ryoichi explains his
“Gullinya Travels” “The Moonlight City” I
Studio dio GAB GABURI URI Tel Tel:: 03-59 03-595151-802 8020 0 Productive Cooperation Stu
35
Shiraishi
Ushimado
Get Lost in Rural Japan, No Translation Necessary
Shiraishi
W
hen foreign tourists think about Japan, an image that
The villas are not hotels, but houses
often springs to mind is that of the Bill MURRAY char-
shared in a manner familiar to any
acter in the movie “Lost in Translation” wearily float-
backpacker who has stayed in a
ing through Tokyo, bewildered by Japan and Japanese people. This is
youth hostel. The management
how many outsiders perceive Japan.
supplies linens, kitchen equipment,
a washer-dryer and other basics.
Guests do the rest, in cooperation with other fellow guests. The rates,
too, are very hostel-like: about 2,500
yen per person per night for foreign The non-profit Okayama International Villa Group, located in the center of West Japan, is working hard to change that perception. Billed as “Japan’s only country-style inns for international exchange,” the Okayama International Villas are reserved for the exclusive use of non-Japanese (and their Japanese guests). Clustered
guests, or 3,000 yen for Japanese who are
KAMEYAMA Kaori
accompanied by a foreign guest. The price is subsidized below actual cost to “make the opportunity available to as many individuals as possible,” says KAMEYAMA Kaori, a Villa Group coordinator.
throughout Okayama’s scenic prefecture, the “villas” were built in
the late 1980s and are available for rent, on a nightly basis, in coun-
try and coastal locations.
Entries will be accepted between now and August 15, 2005.
For details, visit the group’s Web site, http://www.harenet.ne.jp/villa, or contact the Okayama International Villa Group. Tel: 086-256-2535 Fax: 086-256-2576 36
Fukiya
Takebe
Hattoji
Hattoji
“The main purpose is international exchange between foreign persons and Japanese,” Kameyama says, “and also for foreigners to
from the living room, the covered patio, or from the deck outside is spectacular,” says Kameyama.
percent of guests are non-Japanese, she says.
experience the traditional way of life in Japan.” Currently, about 80
Visitors have five villa options to choose from, each with its own
For those travelers who would rather savor Japan’s rural charms
unique characteristics. Hattoji, tucked deep in the mountains, features
and make friends than get lost in the big cities, the Okayama
traditional kayabuki thatched-roof farmhouses. Fukiya is a historical village nestled up against a hillside of pine. At Takebe, guests have
International Villas might be just the ticket.
free use of nearby onsen. Ushimando is close to the beach and popu-
lar during the summer, and Shiraishi Island is typically booked
months in advance, Kameyama says.
The Okayama International Villa Group is currently running a “Win a free stay at an International Villa!” campaign. Ten vouchers for groups of up to four guests to stay for free for one night at one of the five Villas will be given away. Other discounts also will be offered.
The ultimate getaway, guests arrive to Shiraishi island by ferry,
and drop their bags in a modern wood and concrete beach house
overlooking the shore and sea beyond. There is no television, no tele-
phones, and no Internet access. “The view of the Seto Inland Sea,
2005 8 15
http:/ http://ww /www.h w.hare arenet net.ne .ne.jp .jp/vi /villa lla Tel Tel:: 086-256-2 086-256-2535 535 Fax: Fax: 086-25 086-256-2 6-2576 576
Text: Bill STEELE 37
Keiko Igata
1
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