Kansai Scene #181 June 2015

Kansai’s Monthly Living Guide • Articles • Events • Classifieds • Maps + much more

Jun 2015 • issue 181

The Unexpected Priestess 未来を変える尼僧

Osaka Tram Hopping Kyoto Craft Beer How to Spot a ‘Blemished’ Apartment

www.kansaiscene.com

Plus+

3

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Inside this Issue 08

Kansai Scene provides monthly English articles, information and listings for visitors and residents of the Kansai area.

Born in Kyoto and raised in the U.S., Ariya Sasaki is an art, film, and fashion lover – and she’s a Buddhist priestess.

Feature

Publisher............................................Daniel Lee Managing Editor..............Celia Polkinghorne Editor............................................. Jason Haidar

12

Accounts Manager...................... Michiko Lee Art............................................... Deanna Wright

16

Classifieds..............................Michael Gribben

18

Advertising sales@kansaiscene.com 06-6539-1717

Fax.

06-7635-4791

Address

Osaka-shi, Nishi-ku, Shinmachi 3-5-7, Eiko Bldg. 2F Mojoworks KK

20

A BIT OF HISTORY Kansai Scene was founded by Peter Horvath and Nishikawa Keiko in 2000 and published by Jatin Banker between 2003 – 2011.

Text: Janelle McNeill

MoeJoe Join Joe and Moe at this new local favorite for a beer and a bite of Californian home-style cuisine.

Promotional Feature

38

If you would like to write for KS, please contact editor@kansaiscene.com after reviewing our writers guidelines: kansaiscene.com/write-for-us

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

Foodspotting

Food & Drink

Website kansaiscene.com

Write for Kansai Scene

Text: Jason Haidar

Kansai hambaagu hangouts boasting delicious Japanese hamburger steak.

Editorial editor@kansaiscene.com Tel.

Craft Beer Corner Food & Drink

Contact Kansai Scene mailbox@kansaiscene.com

Text: Janelle McNeill

Discover Kyoto’s craft beer gems just in time for summer.

Club................................................... Terumi Tsuji

General

Tram Hopping

Feature

Event & Festival..........................Yuki Uchibori Live Music................................. Phillip Jackson

Text: Celia Polkinghorne

Explore hidden corners of Osaka with this hop-on, hopoff guide to the Hankai tram lines.

Production Manager...................Misa Matsui

Film Reviews..................................Adam Miller

A Modern-day Priestess

Text: Kansai Scene

Blemished Apartments If your apartment was the scene of a crime, suicide, or even a murder, would you think twice about renting it?

Feature

Text: Matthew Coslett

What’s on Around Kansai Film & Cinema

p22

Events & Festivals

p25

Art

p30

Live Music

p32

Club

p36

Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

Classifieds p39 Maps p44

Connect with Kansai Scene…

Catch up with KS on social media

Facebook kansaiscene

Twitter

@kansaiscene

Photo: Jason Haidar

About Kansai Scene

ON THE COVER: This month’s cover shot of Buddhist priestess Ariya Sasaki was taken by Jason Haidar at the Sasaki family temple, Horenji, in Kyoto.

Instagram kansaiscene

Meetup Kansai-Scene

4

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Out & About

Got some news or need some advice about living in Kansai?

Email your suggestions to editor@kansaiscene.com

Photo by Sébastien Delbes: “This is ‘Komaneko Tarou,’ one of Sumiyoshi Taisha’s guardians, resting under a ‘komainu’ (lion-dog) statue. He doesn’t seem to be in the mood to protect anything... Well, he’s a cat...”

Send us your best seasonal shots to photo@kansaiscene.com and win a KS t-shirt if selected!

Battle of the Bands!

The first-ever Kansai Music Conference Battle of the Bands contest will pit Kansai pop, rock, and R&B groups against each other for the title of Kansai’s Best Band!

Entry opens June 1st and runs until June 15th, where bands will upload videos of their live performances. The top 12 entries will be chosen by judges from the KMC Board, and the four finalists will be chosen by online voting open to the public from July 1st to July 15th. The final four will be announced August 1st and will perform in a stage battle on September 19th at the KMC Final 4 Band Contest.

The winner will be crowned during the KMC Awards Ceremony on September 22nd.

Supported by Kansai Scene, the winning band will be featured in the magazine in a two-page write up. Other prizes include a ¥30,000 cash prize courtesy of Shalestone Music, a prize package from D’Addario Asia including tuners, strings and drumsticks, and 20 band t-shirts courtesy of MB Prints. The runner-up band will receive three hours of free rehearsal studio time at 246 Studio in Juso and a prize package from D’Addario Asia including strings and drumsticks.

2015 KMC Band Contest • Contact: Duane Levi (English/ Japanese) info@kansaimusicconference.com • kansaimusicconference.com/finalfour

Support Local Film!

KS’s June cover feature last year was on the legendary Aikido master Jacques Payet who studied under the great Gozo Shioda, a master of The spiritual journey of aikido who founded a style known as Aikido Yoshinkan Yoshinkan. Payet now runs his own ハイキング 天国へようこそ dojo in Kyoto and martial artists the world over come to Japan to meet him and learn under him.

Kenji Lee, a filmmaker living in Kyoto, is undertaking an ambitious independent film project about the life of Jacques Payet.

“I’ve watched as he’s inspired so many people...It’s about time to share this man’s story with the world,” Lee says. Created by his film company The Double Cut, the feature film, called JP, will be shot in Japan as well as in Payet’s homeland of Réunion Island.

Lee will be interviewing Payet’s current and past students as well as others in the Aikido and martial arts community.

Lee will launch a crowdfunding campaign this month.

Visit his website to watch a film trailer at jp-film.com and find out how you can show your support. www.kansaiscene.com

無料 issue 169

06

June 2014

Plus+

Cycling solo from Kyushu Traditional log rafting

Kansai Scene is proudly

published and printed

by Mojoprint

to Hokkaido in Wakayama

Listings: Where to go

Events / Art / Film / Live

To contact The Double Cut, email kenji@thedoublecut.com

& what to do

/ Club / Maps & Classifieds

15 th

Y T R A P Y VERSAR

ANNI

JUNE 20. SAT

@ Live&Bar 11 (Onzieme)

5:30–9:30pm • ¥1,500 w/1d COMEDY DJS PRIZES

The Pirates of the Dotombori Kansai Beatz Krew Win fantastic prizes in our Lucky Draw SPONSORS

facebook.com/kansaiscene • meetup.com/Kansai-Scene

Pirates!

Kansai’s longest-running bilingual comedy troupe the Pirates of the Dotombori will be lining up to tickle your funny bone and what a treat they are indeed. A diverse, improvisational comedy group, this gang of jokesters is almost 10 years old since being called together by Captain Mike Staffa in December of 2005.

Since then they have recruited members from all over the world to provide the best bilingual entertainment in English and Japanese.

What makes this flight of funnymen and women so great is that they completely make everything up on the spot using your ideas. Their Who’s Line?-style (or for the Aussies among us Thank God You’re Here-style) skits become a hilarious, mishmash narrative of audience requests and quick thinking. They’re so unpredictable that even they have no idea what’s coming next!

And it’s belly-laugh inducing.

Now led by Captain Bill Reilly, the Pirates of the Dotombori is the staple of the Kansai improvisational scene. Their high-energy, short-form shows are the result of years of training, performances, and a shared love for improvisational comedy.

Find out more about Bill, Kwame, Baz, Brooke, Simon, Tony, Dan, Zach, and Chaka – the Pirates of the Dotombori – and their monthly shows at piratesofthedotombori.com

DJs!

“Trying to make the world better, one party at time.”

That’s the mantra of Kansai Beatz Krew who have been holding down the Kansai party scene since 2013.

Founded by an international group of friends from an array of backgrounds, they all saw a common need for something fresh in the local club scene.

“We felt there was something lacking from the party scene in Kansai. It seemed all of the events and parties around Kansai were the same, they all had the same vibe.”

So they got together and formed the legendary Kansai Beatz Krew with members DJ Dawang, GTO, DJ AdoboMix, DJ Arom, DJ Flight, DJ Lef_T, and DJ Nedtek. Each brings their own unique style and flavor to the turntables in Hip Hop, RnB, Classic House, Old School, Funk, and even Alternative Rock styles.

The tracks they spin are as eclectic as the members’ backgrounds.

“We provide an international party atmosphere that is safe, fun, and fresh, as many partygoers can hear great music they may have never heard before, as well as some of the standard party tracks.”

You can find KBK every weekend at various hot spots around Kansai or catch their latest mixes on Blackan Radio. Kansai Beatz Krew DJs have several monthly and weekly events – search Kansai Beatz Krew on Facebook for more details.

SPONSORS

facebook.com/kansaiscene • meetup.com/Kansai-Scene

8

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Feature

Pure Land Priestess From Kyoto to California, Chicago and back, Ariya Sasaki is an art fanatic and a fashionista, and as fate would have it... a modern-day Buddhist priestess.

Text: Celia Polkinghorne • Images: Jason Haidar • Translation: Endo Tazlu

 “Death is not something that’s very scary,” says Ariya Sasaki. Profound words from anyone, but coming from a 28-year-old fashion designer, art and film enthusiast, and allaround cool girl next door – it’s strangely comforting.

“That’s something that I’ve learned, how death isn’t really the end but it’s the beginning of something because you live through the people you have interacted with, and in those memories,” she explains as she recounts some of what her nearly three years serving her temple community in Kyoto as a Buddhist priestess has taught her.

On meeting Ariya Sasaki, you are greeted with a longhaired, rosy-cheeked, kind, compassionate, capable, and stylish young lady, who is wise beyond her years. She has the noticeable quality of being completely in touch with, and confident in, her own spirituality. She is making it her life’s work, through Jodo Shinshu, part of the Pure Land sect of Buddhism, to help others be in tune with their spiritual side.

Born into a traditional family temple in Kyoto and raised in Berkeley, California from the age of three, Ariya and her three younger siblings grew up in the U.S. as their father had moved the family there while writing his PhD. Most summers, they would return home to Kyoto to visit relatives, and of course Horenji, the cherished temple that Ariya’s father would one day return to take over as the 23rd generation head priest – once her grandfather had passed away.

For 18 years, America was Ariya’s home away from home.

After completing her schooling in California, and university in Chicago, she was sold on the idea of heading to London to fashion school. But after graduating, something made her decide to return to Japan.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

“I just came back home as I feel like any kid does after graduating college and when they don’t have a job. It was right after 3/11 (the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami), and kind of reconnecting with my Japanese roots and realizing I was born in Kyoto but I don’t know anything about it, I’m not comfortable speaking the language – might as well give it a try and see if I like it,” she said.

After an initial “What am I going to do with my life?” sort of period, her work at the temple began. “The first year I kind of did what everyone does, I feel like, coming back to Japan – become an English teacher. And then my parents really wanted me to come and help at the temple...so I was like OK maybe I can just give it a try. And then I ended up really enjoying it,” she said.

All four of the Sasaki children are ordained priests or priestesses, and while her younger siblings are still at school or pursuing other work, Ariya

has gladly welcomed the duties of a Buddhist priestess into her daily life.

“I make house calls...Each family has their own shrine in their house and so, if someone’s grandmother passes away, then I go to their house every single month and, usually it’s a 20-minute service. Then the rest of the time, like 20 or 30 minutes, I’m usually just talking to them to see how they’re doing, see how their family’s doing,” she said.

What do others her age think of this priestess business? “People that I meet randomly I think are just surprised, like ‘Oh you have hair. Is that OK? Is that allowed?’” she laughs. “Simple things like I can drink, and I can eat meat...I can stay out late and go dancing, I can do all those things. I think people are very surprised that Jodo Shinshu doesn’t really have any rules in that way.”

A young, hip priestess who can seamlessly transition from conducting a solemn, graceful Buddhist chant at dawn, to working on film sets during the day, and calling the catwalk by night

may not fit the conventional image in some minds of what a Buddhist priestess is. But for the Sasakis, this is what is most important. Ariya and her whole family are acutely aware that this is exactly the kind of thing Kyoto needs going into the future.

“As a monk I think it’s important to be aware of what is popular in our time,” says Ariya’s father Kazuyoshi, the head priest of Horenji, in a recent documentary made by Al Jazeera on the Sasaki family. The documentary, Monk by Blood, is centered around the eldest son of the family, Ariya’s younger brother Scion, who is next in line to take over the temple as the 24th generation head priest.

Usually the priesthood is passed down through the first-born son, but Scion struggles at times with his fate as the successor of his family’s 800-yearold temple. Scion is still at university in Vancouver, and is a DJ as well as an aspiring chef. He has to decide in the next few years whether he will indeed

9

10

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

be the one to take over Horenji, or if he will hand the head position to Ariya.

Nowadays, it is not as unusual as it was a generation ago for a temple to have a female head priest.

“I think Scion could live in a time when it’s acceptable for the temple to become a DJ club. It can be a functioning community space,” said Kazuyoshi, keen for his kids to carry on temple tradition but to also incorporate their own interests into temple life, and share them with the community.

“Temples will last if people need them. If they don’t, there will be fewer and fewer,” he said. The population of Japan is decreasing, which means temple communities are also decreasing. In one year, a Japanese temple might lose six families – that’s 60 families in 10 years at that rate.

“I’m convinced that the Aeon malls are now like what the temples used to do for people,” said Ariya. It is quite apparent that she has inherited her father’s desire to serve the temple community she was born into, and to do everything to keep it together for the long term.

“I’ve done a couple of community art projects trying to bring the community together,” she said. “The first was this 36-meter quilt that we made, and it took us maybe a whole year but I think there were about 200 people involved.

“Something very simple like a quilt can really bring people together...and also, people who were starting to get Alzheimer’s, it was a way for them to kind of leave their house and feel comfortable in a place that’s not their own home.

Which I feel like is very rare in Japan.”

Ariya believes one of her main challenges will be continuing to be able to share the Buddhist teachings in a way that particularly younger people can understand and connect with. She wants to use her love of art and her role in community outreach to do it.

“One of my dreams is I want to start an artist’s residency in Kyoto, and I realize that’s become more popular, starting artist’s residencies, but something that has to do with Buddhism and art.

“I’m determined to mesh everything together...all the events that I organize, the gallery, and the artist’s residency, I just want everything to be there at the temple.”

Destined and determined. One thing is clear – Ariya Sasaki was meant to do this all along. And what a legacy she will leave behind. 

浄土の尼僧 京都で生まれ、 カリフォルニアで育ち、 シカゴを 経て再び京都へ。 アートとファッションを愛する 佐々木阿梨耶さんは、運命の導きで現代の尼 僧となった。 文：シーリア・ポーキンホーン ／ 写真：ジェイソン・ハイダー ／ 翻訳：遠藤建 「死は、恐るべきものではありません」

そんな深遠な言葉も、佐々木阿梨耶さんに言われると不思議に心が安らぐ。どんな町に もいそうな、ファッションと映画を愛するクールな28歳。この約3年間、尼僧として京都 の寺院コミュニティーに奉仕した経験を振り返りながら説明してくれる。 「そう思えるようになってきたんです。死は終わりではなくて、何かの始まりでもある。

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

私たちには、関わり合いのあった人たちによ って生かされ、彼らの記憶の中で生き続け るわけですから」 長い髪と血色の良い顔。親切で情け深く、 才能と気品にあふれている。初めて会った 佐々木阿梨耶さんは、実年齢よりも成熟を 感じさせる女性だ。自分自身の心に真正面 から向き合う信念が内面からにじみ出てい る。浄土真宗の教えを通じ、人々が実生活 で心の安らぎを得られるよう手助けするこ とをライフワークにしている。 京都で代々続いている寺に生まれ、3歳か らカリフォルニア州バークレーで育った。博 士論文を書くために渡米した父親と共に日 本を離れ、妹と2人の弟もアメリカで暮らす ことになった。夏になると家族全員で京都に 帰って親族を訪ね、もちろん寳蓮寺にも顔 を出した。阿梨耶さんの父親が、先代亡き後 には帰国して第23代の住職として継ぐこと になる寺である。 18年の間、阿梨耶さんは第二の祖国である アメリカに慣れ親しんだ。カリフォルニアの 高校を卒業後、シカゴで大学に通いながら、 ロンドンのファッションスクールで学びたい と熱望するようになる。だが大学を卒業する と、一転して日本への帰国を決心した。 「大学を出て就職をしていない若者の多く がそうであるように、自分のルーツを取り 戻そうという気持ちになったんです。ちょう ど、2011年3月11日の大震災の直後でし た。京都生まれなのに京都のことを何ひと つ知らず、日本語の能力も自分が納得でき るほどではない。そんな状況で、祖国の生 活が好きになれるか試してみようという気 持ちになりました」 日本では、人生の選択を思い悩む日々を 過ごした後で、寺の仕事を始めることにな った。 「帰国した1年目は、とりあえず英語の講師 をしていました。その後、両親に寺で働いて 欲しいと真剣に頼まれて、 じゃあちょっと試 してみようというくらいの軽い気持ちで始 めました。それが今では、寺の仕事が楽しく てしようがないんです」 佐々木家の4人の子供たちは、みな僧侶に なるべく育てられている。若い弟と妹がまだ 学業に専念しているなか、阿梨耶さんは尼 僧として日々の務めを果たしながら生活す ることをすすんで受け入れた。 「法事で檀家さんのお宅を訪問します。各 家には仏壇があり、どなたかが逝去されたと きには、毎月のようにお宅を訪問するので す。約20分のお勤めをおこなった後で、20 ～30分程度はご家族やご親戚の方々の近 況をうかがいます」 同じ年頃の女性は、そんな尼僧の仕事につ いてどう思うのだろう。阿梨耶さんは笑いな

がら答える。 って生まれた寺を中心とするコミュニティー 「あれ、髪の毛があるけど、剃らなくても許 に奉仕し、これからも長期的にコミュニティ されているの？ みたいな驚き方をされる ーを維持していきたいという父の願いを受 ことは多いですね。お酒を飲んでも、お肉 け継いでいるのだろう。 を食べても、夜中までクラブで踊っても構 「コミュニティーをつなぐために、アートプ わないんです。浄土真宗にはそのような戒 ロジェクトを何度か開催しました。最初にや 律がないと聞いて、びっくりする人は多いと ったのは、全長36メートルのキルト制作で 思います」 す。まる1年ほどかかりましたが、約200人 夜明けには厳かにお経を唱え、日中は映画 の人たちが関わってくれました。キルト作り の撮影の仕事をし、夜はファッションショー のようにシンプルな作業が、人々をひとつに に出没する若くて流行に敏感な尼僧。そん してくれるのです。認知症が始まった方々に な僧侶の姿は、人々が考える伝統的な仏教 とって、外出して自宅以外の場所でくつろげ のイメージにそぐわないかもしれない。 しか る方法が、このような寺での活動だったの し佐々木家にとっては、まさにそれが何より です。そんな場所は、日本ではとても珍しい も大切なこと。阿梨耶さんも、佐々木家の家 と思います」 族も、将来の京都は変化していかなければ 阿梨耶さんが自分の使命だと考えているこ ならないと強く自覚しているのだ。 とのひとつは、特に若い世代の人々が仏教 「時代の流れに敏感であることは、坊主に の教えを理解して、つながれるような方法を とって大事なことだと僕は信じている」 広めていくこと。コミュニティーに奉仕する 阿梨耶さんの父で、寳蓮寺の住職でもある 役割と、大好きなアートを組み合わせること 佐々木千佳さんは、アルジャジーラが佐々 で、目標を成し遂げたいと思っている。 木家を取材して制作したドキュメンタリービ 「私の夢のひとつは、京都でアーティスト・ デオ 『Monk by Blood』の中でそう語って イン・レジデンスを始めること。このような活 いる。このドキュメンタリーの主人公は阿梨 動は徐々に活発になってきましたが、私の 耶さんの弟で、佐々木家の長男として第24 場合は仏教とアートを関連づける必要があ 代目寳蓮寺住職を継ぐことになっている師 ります。あらゆる活動を一体化させていくこ 恩さんである。 とに決めました。運営するイベント、ギャラリ 通常、寺の住職は長男に受け継がれる。 しか ー、アーティスト・イン・レジデンスのすべて し師恩さんは、この800年の歴史を持つ寺 を、寺でおこなうのが理想です」 の跡継ぎであるという自分の運命に苦悩す 寺に生まれた縁を大切にし、自分の運命を るときもある。現在はまだバンクーバーの大 見出して歩き出す。明らかなのは、それが佐 学に通い、DJでもあり、料理人になりたい 々木阿梨耶さんの天命であるということだ。 という強い憧れもある。寳蓮寺の跡継ぎと ここから生まれる新しい伝統は、未来に向か なるか、住職の座を阿梨耶さんに譲るかは、 って受け継がれていくだろう。 師恩さんの決断に委ねられている。現代は、 寺の住職が女性であることも、ひと世代前 ほどは珍しくはない。 「本堂がDJクラブになるのも、許される 時代が来るかもしれないと思っています。 そのようなコミュニティーの場所を提供す るのは、私たちが本当に願っていることで すから」 千佳さんはそう語る。子供たちに寺の伝統 を受け継いでほしいが、同時に自分たちの 関心を寺の生活に取り入れて、コミュニティ ーと共有してほしいという願いもあるのだ。 寺は人々が必要とすれば残る。でも必要と されなかったら、どんどん減っていくという ことを、千佳さんは理解している。日本の人 口が減少するに従い、寺のコミュニティーも 衰退傾向だ。ある寺では、1年あたり6軒の 檀家を失っているのだという。10年で60軒 がなくなる計算だ。 「現代の人々にとって、かつての寺の役割 を果たしているのはイオンモールのような 場所だとわかっているんです」 阿梨耶さんはそう言う。彼女は自分が縁あ

11

12

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Tennoji-Ekimae

Himematsu

Sumiyoshi

Ebisucho

Myokokujimae

Shukuin

Ayanocho

Abikomichi

Goryomae

Terajicho

Hamadera

Feature

Osaka Tram Hopping The Hankai trams have been a part of Osaka life for more than 100 years, and there is much eating, shopping, exploring, and discovering to do along this retro railway.

Text & Images: Janelle McNeill

 There is something very nostalgic about riding the trams of Osaka.

Transporting you with their classic storybook ‘gatan goton’ rhythms, they can take you to places that allow for a glimpse of quaint, older neighborhoods and a slower way of life in this city. Nicknamed chinchin densha,

the Hankai trams have been a part of Osaka for over 100 years. There are new models and old, and the colourful exteriors of the older trams often depict current events, the season, or nearby attractions, like the Tennoji Zoo. You can even hire them out for parties! The 4.6km Uemachi Line runs from central Tennoji toward the splendid Sumiyoshi Shrine, and the 14.1km Hankai Line begins at the Ebisucho stop in Shinsekai and runs to the expansive Hamadera Park. Buy a day ticket for only ¥600 and your capacity to explore is endless.

Traveling only three stops from the Tennoji-ekimae stop to Higashi Tengachaya, and the frenetic city life quickly dilutes to a gentler pace.

Visit the lovely Otsuji family who have beautifully renovated and transformed an 80-year-old tobacco shop into the tranquil, low-key organic cafe Kome

Day No. 1. Grab one of their signature

bento (Japanese lunch box) for a picnic in the park, or have their luscious plate lunch for ¥1,240. “What we eat is deeply connected to our health, so we try to provide wonderful choices to make you feel happy,” Yukiko Otsuji says. Their cafe is close to two shrines and the homemade donut shop Atarikisharikidou (あたりきしゃりき堂) with delectable ¥70 treats. Take a soak in the retro Harima bathhouse near the Oji-cho arcade, and stop by the shop Animo Zakka for crafty handmade accessories. Cafe Nico is all about waffles if you need a pick-me-up after hours of backstreet meandering.

Further along the line, on the corner of the intersection at Himematsu is Dolce & Poire, a dazzling building, with a glitzy, glamorous interior, and a decadent sweets and cake history spanning more than 40 years from 1969.

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

They have a casual, eat-in gelateria, and the bread shop is next door with barista-made coffee from 7am. Continue on to snap some photographs at the ancient and photogenic Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, which is near the wonderful Sumiyoshi Park and the old Kohama shopping arcade, before arriving at the tram depot at Abikomichi.

Crossing over the Yamato River, you reach the historic area of Sakai, renowned for producing high-quality knives. The Sakai Knife Museum is near the Myokokujimae tram stop and has free entry. Proceed to Ayanocho for more knife browsing at the Sakai Yusuke Knife Shop, and then have a complimentary tea and rest at the old Hoshokan townhouse right by the Hankai line, that is run by helpful volunteers, but only open only on weekends.

Shukuin tram stop is the location of two well-known and long-running shops that embody the Sakai experience well. Chikuma soba shop was established over 300 years ago, and is a much-loved place for locals. Don't be fooled by the less-than-fancy exterior – the soba is top notch. Afterwards, try Tsuboichi teahouse for some authentic green-tea delights. Originally a fish market, the 300-year-old building has been beautifully recreated to promote a calm, peaceful atmosphere. “We repurposed the old stones to symbolize a 4.5 tatami-mat tea room,” the staff explain of their unique garden. For something more modern, visit the 868 Bldg (八六 八ビル) near the Terajicho stop for quality coffee, homemade cakes, and tram spotting Friday to Sunday.

Goryomae is the central city area of Sakai, with many appealing attractions.

For something spiritual, visit Nanshuji Temple, which is linked with legendary tea master Sen-no-Rikyu, and features a Zen-style sculpted rock garden; perfect with tea and quiet contemplation. Close by is the famous sweet shop Kanbukuro; another Sakai institution established in 1329. Their traditionally flavored walnut rice cakes covered with sweet bean paste, or shaved ice in summer are less than ¥400, and sell fast.

If you are interested in exploring Sakai more thoroughly, purchase the

¥700 Hankai tram and Nankai bus combination ticket that allows you to ride the city loop bus on weekends and holidays. You can then visit the historic 1877 Sakai Lighthouse in the port, the oldest western style lighthouse in Japan, and see the mythical keyholeshaped tombs of the Mozu Tumulus Cluster from the observation lobby on the 21st floor of the city office. Nearby is Daisen Park which has a lovely Japanese garden, uniquely designed to showcase Sakai history. Slow down in the tea room with views over the pond, and enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year. Drop in at Wingtip Pizzeria for a sizzling stone-oven pizza with Minoh beer, or their refreshing homemade gelato next door.

The final stop on the tramline does not disappoint. Hamadera-ekimae is adjacent to the classic 1907 Nankai train station, and opposite the oldest park in the prefecture. Hamadera Park dates back to 1873, and features outstandingly creative playground areas for children including a massive outdoor pool and slide (summer only), a mini railway and giant, majestic pine trees.

If you still have energy after your day of tramming, go and explore the grungy neon labyrinth of Shinsekai with cheap, delectable kushikatsu and beer as your reward, as well as dozens of touristy shops selling limited-edition Osaka goods. You can visit the classic Tsutenkaku Tower, or stop by the newest Abeno Harukas Tower in Tennoji. Many sparkly, new shops and restaurants are abound there. 

Useful Websites • Hankai Tramway website for details of routes, fees and party rentals hankai.co.jp • Organic Cafe Kome Day No.1 komeday.com • Public bathhouses near Matsumushi and Higashi Tengachaya Stns iiofuro.com/osk16 • Knife shopping information (English) yayasyumyums.blogspot.jp/ search?q=yusuke (BLOG) • Sakai Tourism Guide (English sakai-tcb.or.jp/english/feature • Daisen Park Japanese Garden Guide (English) www.daisenteien.jp/index_e. html • Wingtip Street Italian Pizza and Gelato wingtip.jp • Tsuboichi Teahouse tsuboichi.co.jp • Hamadera Park osaka-park.or.jp/rinkai/ hamadera/main.html

13

14

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Food & Drink

Craft Beer Corner Temples, shrines, and craft beer? Why not.

Beat the heat this summer in these cool, Kyoto craft-beer bars.

Text & Images: Jason Haidar

Bungalow

Located in the heart of Kyoto city, Bungalow serves as a relaxing ji-biru oasis from the busy streets full of sightseers. Opened in September of 2012 by owner and operator Kazuo Yata, the two-story bar has a comfortable openair, pub-style downstairs, and a more intimate cafe environment above. Both are perfect for enjoying a cold beer in these summer months from one of their 10 taps boasting exceptional craft brews from throughout Japan. While there, make sure to try something from their European-Japanese fusioninspired menu, like the house favorite; homemade sausage with mash. There are plenty of vegetarian side dishes to feast on as well. Despite being a topnotch local craft-beer haunt, this hasn’t stopped them boasting an excellent selection of wine.

Beer Komachi

New on the Kyoto craft beer scene, Beer Komachi opened last September in the historic Higashiyama district.

Cozy and atmospheric, owner Masae Tanaka describes it as “a place for locals and travelers to come together to enjoy great beer and food.” Beer Komachi definitely delivers on this promise, with a nice selection of Japanese craft beers on each of their seven taps, and a good array of around 20 foreign and domestic bottled beers on hand at any given time. Pair one of these with anything from their impressive menu with standouts like the roast lamb chops with IPA beer sauce and local Kyoto veggies. Look out for their seafood specials like steamed crab, firefly squid tempura, or the smoked sweetfish.

Open: Weekdays 5pm–11pm, Weekends

Gastro Pub Tadg’s

The reinvention of the popular Kyoto Tadg’s Irish Bar and Restaurant from this Irish-Japanese, husband-wife team, Gastro Pub Tadg’s has moved just a few minutes from its previous location on the Kamo river in central Kyoto.

While the location changed in April of last year, their great service, excellent food and of course, delicious Japanese craft beer hasn’t. A large, open space somewhere between an Irish pub and a fine-dining restaurant, incorporating classic Kyoto charm, you are sure to find something satisfying after a day of old-city exploring. With eight taps of select ji-biru, a dedicated tap for Syuzan Kaido Amber and Weizen respectively, there’s plenty to try alongside the very inviting food menu, which includes a tasty serving of house fish and chips.

3pm–11pm • Closed: Tues • Price Range: Open: Tue–Sun 3pm–2:00am • Closed:

¥650 (284ml UKHP) or ¥1030 (473ml USP)

Open: Everyday 11:30am–11:00pm •

Mon • Price Range: ¥600 (10oz) ¥900

draft beers; bottles ¥750–¥1130 • Food

Sizes: ¥700 (290ml), ¥900 (350ml), ¥1200

(15oz) • Food Price Range: ¥300–¥2000 •

Price Range: ¥500–¥1800 • facebook.

(470ml) • Food Price Range: ¥400–¥5400 •

facebook.com/bungalowkyoto • Access:

com/beerkomachi • Access: Sanjo Kyoto

facebook.com/pages/Gastro-Pub-Tadgs/6

Omiya Kyoto Stn, 5-min walk

Stn, Main Exit, 9-min walk

64182573665988?sk=timeline • Access: Sanjo Kyoto Stn, 6-min walk

16

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Language

大阪

Tram Talk Tram, trolley, streetcar – whatever your preference in English, the technical word in Japanese is romen densha, but in Osaka, the Hankai trams are endearingly nicknamed chin-chin densha.

If you find yourself with a day off wondering what to do, take a look at our tram-hopping guide on page 14, head to the south of the city, and explore some of Osaka’s hidden corners and old backstreets. No need to plan your day too far in advance – just keep these useful phrases close by and you can play it by ear, and take the opportunity to get tips from the locals. Happy adventuring!

Osaka

Chin-Chin!

Useful Expressions What’s the next stop?

つぎは なにえき ですか？

Tsugi wa nani eki desuka?

What station is this?

ここは なにえき ですか？

Koko wa nani eki desuka?

How long til _____ station?

_____ えき まで どの ぐらい ですか？

_____ eki made dono gurai desuka?

Does this tram go to _____?

この でんしゃは _____ に いきますか？

Kono densha wa _____ ni ikimasuka?

Which tram line is this?

この でんしゃは なにせん ですか？

Kono densha wa nani sen desuka?

How much does it cost to get to _____?

_____ まで いくら かかりますか？

_____ made ikura kakarimasuka?

Do I need to buy a ticket?

きっぷが いりますか？

Kippu ga irimasuka?

Where/when do I pay?

どこで・いつ はらいますか？

Doko de / itsu haraimasuka?

What’s around _____ station?

_____ えきの まわりに なにが ありますか？

_____ eki no mawari ni nani ga arimasuka?

Where’s a good local restaurant I could try near _____ station?

_____ えき ちかくで どこか いい じもとの レストランを しっていますか？

_____ eki chikaku de dokoka ii jimoto no resutoran o shitteimasuka?

How long does it take to get there?

そこまで どのぐらい かかりますか。

Soko made dono gurai kakarimasuka?

Where’s the last stop on this line?

この ろせんの しゅうてんは どこ ですか？

Konoro sen no shuuten wa doko desuka?

Is it walking distance from _____ station?

_____ えき から あるいて いけますか？

_____ eki kara aruite ikemasuka?

When is the last train?

しゅうでんは なんじ ですか？

Shuuden wa nanji desuka?

Thanks for the tip!

おしえて くれて ありがとう！

Oshiete kurete arigatou!

18

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Food & Drink

Foodspotting Got a hankering for juicy, Japanese hamburger steak? Find all the meaty goodness you need at these Kansai hambaagu havens.

Text & Images: Janelle McNeill

Higobashi

Motomachi

Tenma

Nakata

Suehiro

Open: Lunch (weekdays) 11:30am–1pm;

Open: 11:00am–10:30pm • Price Range:

Dinner 5pm–11pm • Closed: Every 2nd

¥1,000–¥2,000 • Access: JR Tenma Stn;

Open: Lunch 11:30am–2pm; Dinner

Monday • Price Range: ¥1,700–¥6,500

Ogimachi Subway Stn • tabelog.com/

5:30pm–8:30pm • Closed: Weds • Price

• Access: Fukashima Stn, 6-min walk;

osaka/A2701/A270103/27007840

Range: ¥1,100–¥6,000 • Access: JR or

After making your way through the noren curtain of Nakata restaurant, you are led into an old minka-style house with private rooms and various pockets of intimate seating. The counter-seating alternative allows a glimpse into the open kitchen where 100 percent Wagyu Beef is sliced and simmered. A local favorite, Nakata was opened in 2008, and is the fifth restaurant of this group. The ¥1,000 hambaagu lunch set is decadently meaty, layered with a rich demi-glace sauce and a gooey egg – a best seller. Combined with the lovely, traditional interior of calligraphy art, bare floorboards and a calm atmosphere, this is a highly satisfying eating experience. The salty tongue (¥1,000) and yakiniku lunch sets (¥1500) also come highly recommended.

There’s something down-to-earth about eating at Suehiro. The staff, who have all donned white chef hats, show the pride they take in their work. A great culinary team that runs like clockwork, perfectly seasoning your beef, and producing dependably delicious hambaagu sets. Served with potato salad, spaghetti, and greens (or fried shrimp), this happy harmony of flavors and textures is yours for ¥1,100. The juicy beef and signature sauce, runny egg and rice combination is a Suehiro winner – perfect with a beer. Other great choices at this Western-styled restaurant are sirloin steak (¥2,100), hirekatsu (tenderloin pork), hayashi rice, and tonkatsu (pork cutlet). Try for a late lunch to avoid crowds as it is a popular place.

Assiette

In the middle of bustling Kobe Chinatown is the calm and cosy Assiette restaurant; a sister store to the legendary 1923 Ito Grill upstairs. There is a casual, relaxed mood here, and the staff are unobtrusive yet attentive. With only eight tables, there is a lovely intimacy and a welcoming feel.

The 100 percent Japanese black wagyu beef hambaagu set is ¥1,100 and so delicious it demands a slowing down and savoring of the culinary moment.

If you’re extra hungry, try the Assiette hambaagu set for ¥1,500 with fried shrimp, scallops, soup, and rice. The menu also boasts staple winners like beef stew, curry rice, and hayashi rice.

There are also a range of meal options for children. People are always lining up outside, so allow for some extra waiting time.

Higobashi Stn, 8-min walk • fsa2001.com/

Hanshin Line, Motomachi Stn, 3-min walk

bettei/index.html

• itogrill.com

20

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

MoeJoe: Finger-licking Soul Food Only two months old, and MoeJoe is already turning heads with its Californian home-style cuisine. Join Joe and Moe for a beer and a bite at this local favourite-to-be.

Text & images: Kansai Scene

 After 30 years living and working in Southern California, brothers Moses and Joseph Hyun (Moe + Joe) decided to head back to their native Osaka and open a restaurant offering locals a taste of the casual hangouts they had grown accustomed to stateside.

The first thing you notice after descending the stairs into MoeJoe’s basement location, is its inviting, slightly industrial contemporary interior, where wood paneling and iron work complement simple, white walls and a high, exposed ceiling. An American flag and a few judicious cacti give the space a bit of a wild-west feel, but a glance at the menu reveals no tumbleweed here, just genuinely delicious soul food.

Joe is the chef, and was trained in California where he worked for more than 17 years in various Italian, French, and fusion restaurants.

For MoeJoe’s menu however, he has focused on the casual delicacies that are a feature of the Californian dining scene. He hand-smokes their devilishly good barbecue pork belly and sausages on site, prepares their signa-

ture MoeJoe burgers from 100 percent Japanese beef, and creates his own unique sauces, including a delicious salsa to accompany their authentic Mexican nachos.

Everything is prepared as faithfully as possible to the recipes he enjoyed back home with an emphasis on organic and natural ingredients. The burger buns and bread used for the BLT smoked pork belly sandwiches are baked to order using natural yeast fermented from raisins by a local bakery in Neyagawa. This gives the bread a delicious firmness that really complements the barbecued meats.

To quench your thirst, MoeJoe offers a selection of imported US bottled beers, including Samuel Adams and Anchor Steam Beer as well as generous cocktails and other fruity concoctions. And the best part? You can enjoy your food and drink without leaving smelling like an ashtray.

Just as in California, they have a nosmoking policy.

Moe is in charge of the business end of things. He owned and operated a designer t-shirt brand for more than

10 years back in the US, but shifting from apparel to the food and drink industry was a long-time dream for him.

With Joe in charge of the kitchen, Moe has been responsible for getting the place set up, hiring staff, marketing and the day-to-day running of the business. It’s early days yet, but he’s confident their unique blend of friendly English-speaking staff, tasty treats, and relaxing atmosphere will definitely hit the spot. 

MoeJoe • Address: Osaka, Chuo-ku, MinamiSenba 4-10-29 B1F • Tel: 06-6224-0442 • Access: Shinsaibashi Stn. • Open: 12pm–11pm, Tue-Sun • Closed: Mondays • Lunch: 11:30am–2:30pm / Weekends 12–3:30pm • Dinner: 5–11pm • Facebook: moejoe.osaka

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Kansai Scene International Party Recently opened MoeJoe (see opposite) was host to our May party. Thanks to everyone that joined us to sample their delicious smoked pork belly and nachos, and share in the fun.

Party Report ď„ł May 23

21

22

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Film Previews  Jun 20

KS

Pick

TM & © 2015 LIONS GATE FILMS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1

©2015 VILLAGE ROADSHOW FILMS (BVI) LIMITED

Francis Lawrence, Adventure, Jun 5 Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson

Another adventure franchise cash cow has been milked dry, but at least it goes out with a bang. The last movie wasn’t much but a cliff-hanger, whereas this one tips you over the edge for an exciting ride.

Mad Max: Fury Road © 2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

George Miller, Action, 120 mins, Jun 20 Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Hugh Keays-Byrne

The odds were heavily stacked against Mad Max: Fury Road becoming a halfdecent movie; for one thing, re-launching a franchise after a long wait rarely brings about much aside from disappointment (Star Wars prequels) or indifference (Terminator Salvation). Secondly, the returning visionary director has spent the past two decades making children’s movies. Lastly, the project has been floating around the Hollywood ether for ages now, with Mel Gibson set to reprise his role in the early 2000s, then talks of an animated movie snuck into the conversation, before the original trailer burst on to the scene and blew everybody’s mind.

But for all the apprehensions one may have, Fury Road is awesome. Whereas the Fast and Furious franchise has become wacky (they still have respites full of sentimentality and bottles of Corona), Mad Max is wall-to-wall insanity. Apart from mechanical arms and sandstorms worthy of a post-apocalyptic wasteland, all of the stunts are “real” and the lack of CGI really puts some weight behind everything.

You can almost smell the exhaust fumes as the cars grind into gear, every punch lands with a satisfyingly painful thud, flames lick the screen and you can all but feel their heat. No matter how convincing or sophisticated CGI becomes, it will never have the power to immerse an audience like Fury Road does.

Stunts aside, the story is silly but engaging thanks to an amazing cast. Tom Hardy’s Max is more stoic than mad, but a believable badass whose vulnerability makes him a character worth investing in, even if his Australian accent is a little shaky. Hugh Keays-Byrne is almost absurdly terrifying, and the female cast are outstanding; especially Charlize Theron’s Furiosa, who absolutely steals the show and not only stands equal with Max, but shows him a thing or two along the way.

There is no real lull in the action, and the movie is as taxing as it is enjoyable, so if action isn’t your thing, this will be a chore, but for many, this could well be the favorite blockbuster of the summer.

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

Tomorrowland Brad Bird, Adventure, 130 mins, Jun 6 Starring: Britt Robertson, George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, Raffey Cassidy

Some see this as a return to form for Gilliam, but for my money it just reminds you of how good Brazil and 12 Monkeys really are. Interesting but not memorable, the movie is an unfortunate missed opportunity.

©2014 DYING OF THE LIGHT, LLC All rights reserved

Dying of the Light Paul Schrader, Thriller, 94 mins, Jun 6 Starring: Nicolas Cage, Anton Yelchin, Alexander Karim, Irene Jacob

Paul Schrader has (co)written some of the most iconic movies in history, from Taxi Driver to Raging Bull, so how could he go so wrong with this flat crime thriller? Three words people... middle-aged Cage!

Selma Ava DuVernay, Biopic, 128 mins, Jun 19 Starring: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tim Roth, Lorraine Toussaint, Oprah Winfrey

Depicting some of the most important few months in American history, David Oyelowo does a great job of portraying the charismatic, unshaken, and brave Dr. Martin Luther King. Roth is fittingly hateful and everyone else is pitch perfect.

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Cinema Listings (selected theaters) Osaka Toho Cinemas Umeda Tel: 06-6316-1312 • tohotheater. jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Chappie, The

Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, Pitch Perfect, Blackhat, The Maze Runner, Cinderella, Furious 7, Whiplash, Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Innocence) • From Jun 5: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 • From Jun 6: Tomorrowland • From Jun 20: Mad Max: Fury Road • From Jun 29: Pitch Perfect

Umeda Burg7 Tel: 06-4795-7602 • burg7.com • Discounts: Weds (women) 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Focus, Cinderella, Furious 7, A Walk Among the Tombstones • From Jun 6: Tomorrowland • From Jun 13: Kidnapping Mr. Heineken, Hector and the Search for Happiness • From Jun 20: Mad Max: Fury Road • From Jun 27: Left Behind, The Salvation

Cine Libre Umeda Tel: 06-6440-5930 • ttcg.jp/ cinelibre_umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,000

Now Showing: Une femme douce

(FR), Vice, The Zero Theorem, Ode to My Father (KOR), Imagine, Dying of the Light, Horns, GMO OMG, Mommy (FR), The Last 5 Years, Pride, Inherent Vice • From Jun 6: Marie Huertin (FR), Lost River • From Jun 13: Loin des Hommes (FR), Elephant Song, Bella Vita • From Jun 27: Still Alice, The Congress, Sword of Vengeance

Theatre Umeda Tel: 06-6359-1080 • ttcg.jp/ theatre_umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st of the month: ¥1,000

Now showing: Get On Up, Deux jours une nuit (FR), Revenge of the Green Dragons, The Trip to Italy, Die Alpen: Unsere Berge von oben (GER), Stuck in Love, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake 3D, Jauja • From Jun 6: Lilting • From Jun 13: Berth Morisot (FR) • From Jun 20: Mr. Turner • From Jun 30: Get On Up

Osaka Station City Cinema Tel: 06-6346-3215 • osakastationcitycinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Chappie, The Maze

Runner, Run All Night, The Signal, Focus, A Second Chance (DAN, SWE) Cinderella • From Jun 5: The Cobbler • From Jun 6: Tomorrowland • From Jun 19: Selma

Toho Cinemas Namba Tel: 06-6633-1040 • tohotheater. jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: The Signal, The

Maze Runner, Chappie, The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, Cinderella, Furious 7, Whiplash • From Jun 5: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 • From Jun 6: Tomorrowland • From Jun 19: Selma • From Jun 20: Mad Max: Fury Road

Namba Parks Cinema Tel: 06-6643-3215 • parkscinema. com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Chappie, Run

All Night, A Walk Among the Tombstones, The Maze Runner, Focus, Cinderella, Furious 7 • From Jun 5: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 • From Jun 6: Tomorrowland • From Jun 13: Kidnapping Mr. Heineken • From Jun 20: Mad Max: Fury Road • From Jun 27: Still Alice

Cinem@rt Tel: 0662820815 • cinemart.co.jp/ theater/shinsaibashi • Discounts: Mon (men), Weds (women), 1st and 25th of the month: ¥1,000

Now Showing: Mommy (FR), Sly

Stone, Get On Up, Ode to My Father (KOR) • From Jun 13: Hector and the Search for Happiness • From Jun 27: The Salvation

Kyoto Movix Kyoto Tel: 07-5254-3215 • smt-cinema. com • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st and 20th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Chappie, The Maze Runner, Run All Night, Focus, The Last Five Years, Cinderella, Furious 7, • From Jun 5: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 • From Jun 6: Tomorrowland • From Jun 20: Mad Max: Fury Road • From Jun 27: Still Alice

Kyoto Cinema Tel: 07-5353-4723 • kyotocinema.jp • Discounts: Weds (women & men), 1st of the month: ¥1,100

Now showing: The Trip to Italy, Mommy (FR), Deux jours une nuit (FR), Advanced Style, Pride • From Jun 13: The Tribe (UKR), Foxcatcher • From Jun 20: Mamma Mia!, Mr. Turner • From Jun 27: Hector and the Search for Happiness

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku Tel: 07-8230-3580 • smt-cinema. com • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Chappie, Run All

Night, Focus

• From Jun 20: Mad Max: Fury

Road

• From Jun 27: Still Alice

OS Cinema Kobe Harborland Tel: 07-8360-3788 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st and 16th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: The Maze Runner, Chappie, Run All Night, Focus, Cinderella, Furious 7 • From Jun 5: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 • From Jun 6: Tomorrowland • From Jun 20: Mad Max: Fury Road

Cine Libre Kobe

The Maze Runner

Toho Cinemas Nijo Tel: 07-5813-2410 • tohotheater. jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: The Maze Runner, Chappie, Pitch Perfect, The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, The Signal, A Second Chance (DAN, SWE), Blackhat, Cinderella, Whiplash, Furious 7 • From Jun 5: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, The Cobbler • From Jun 6: Tomorrowland • From Jun 19: Selma • From Jun 20: Mad Max: Fury Road

Hyogo OS Cinema Mint Kobe Tel: 07-8291-5330 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women), 1st and 16th of the month: ¥1,100; every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Chappie, The Maze Runner, Blackhat, Cinderella, Furious 7 • From Jun 5: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Ode to My Father (KOR) • From Jun 6: Tomorrowland • From Jun 20: Mad Max: Fury Road

Tel: 07-8334-2126 • ttcg.jp/ cinelibre_kobe • Discounts: Weds (women, men), 1st and 15th of the month: ¥1,100

Now showing: Deux jours une nuit (FR), Get On Up, Horns, The Zero Theorem, Pride, All Is By My Side, Die Alpen: Unsere Berge von oben (GER), Mommy (FR), Whiplash, Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) • From Jun 6: The Trip to Italy • From Jun 13: Advanced Style, Marie Heurtin (FR) • From Jun 19: Selma • From Jun 27: Hector and the Search for Happiness

Toho Cinemas Nishinomiya OS Tel: 050-6868-5051 • tohotheater. jp • Discounts: Weds (women), 1st & 14th of the month: ¥1,100, every day after 8pm: ¥1,300

Now showing: Chappie, Pitch Perfect, The Maze Runner, The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, A Second Chance (DAN, SWE), The Signal, Cinderella, Furious 7 • From Jun 5: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, The Cobbler • From Jun 6: Tomorrowland • From Jun 19: Selma • From Jun 20: Mad Max: Fury Road

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

23

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Events  Jun 3 & 10

 Jun 6

Candle Night at Osaka City

Antique Matchlock Gun Demonstration

1,000,000人のキャンドルナイト ＠ Osaka City Chayamachi, Osaka

 Jun 3

長浜出世まつり「火縄銃大会」

Nishi Umeda, Osaka  Jun 10

Turn off the lights, ignite your candles, and watch as 20,000 flickering flames burn to life in Chayamachi on the 3rd, and Nishi-Umeda on the 10th in this busy commercial district of Osaka. The two-hour, lights-out period in and around Umeda, will be an excellent opportunity to see a very different Osaka. There will also be installation artwork exhibitions using candle light, such as “Candle Corridors” and “Message Candles.” There will be live music performances and various other events. The Candle Night is a peaceful event that encourages the general public to perform their own personal Candle Night by turning off the lights in their homes for two hours to save power and enjoy summer evenings by candlelight.

Nagahama Castle Historical Museum, Shiga  Jun 6

Come and experience the spirit of samurai marksmanship in this exhilarating matchlock musket firing demonstration. After missionaries introduced muskets to Japan, Nagahama city was a key place of production, manufacturing these firearms during the Warring States period (1467–1568). Today, the city hosts a spectacular demonstration of classical Japanese matchlock guns performed by the Kunitomo and Tanegashima teams. Watch samurai warriors dressed in full armour fire these classical guns in this picturesque part of Kansai.

Time: 11am • Admission: Free • Access: JR Nagahama Stn, 7-min walk • city.nagahama.shiga.jp/section/rekihaku

Time: 6pm–10pm (postponed to next day in case of rain) • Admission: Free • Access: JR Osaka Stn; Subway, Hanshin or Hankyu Umeda Stn • candle-night-osaka.jp

 Jun 30

Summer Passing Purification 夏越の大祓式 Kifune Shrine, Kyoto  Jun 30

Summer Passing Purification, also known as June Purification, is performed by many shrines across Japan. This summer ritual often features the use of a large ring made of thatch plants; people cleanse their sins by passing through the holy ring. Situated on a quiet hillside, Kifune-jinja carries out the ancient ritual according to the old protocol. Following the holy ring ceremony, they perform another old rite; float paper dolls, which have received impurities from people, down the stream running through tranquil valleys. Enjoy these ancient traditional events performed in this picturesque mountain area.

Time: 3pm • Admission: Free to observe, ¥200 to take part • Access: Eizan Line, Kibuneguchi Stn, bus to Kibune • kifunejinja.jp/index.html

25

26

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai  Jun 7

Event Listings June Whale Watching ホエールウォッチング Nanki Marin Leisure Service, Wakayama  Every day until September

Ritual Jamaki – Straw Snake Parade 鍵の蛇巻き、今里の蛇巻き Yasaka Shrine, Kizuki Shrine and Surroundings, Nara  Jun 7

Centuries-old, traditional rituals take place annually at the two old villages of Kagi and Imazato on the first Sunday of June. Designated as some of Japan’s intangible cultural assets, these religious events feature young men and straw snakes made by the locals. Watch a 15-meter straw snake with a 200kg head parade through Kagi village, teasing and chasing spectators in the streets. At the conclusion of each event, Kagi’s snake is coiled around the sacred tree with its heard up at Yasaka-jinja whereas Imazato’s snake spirals downwards toward the grounds of Kizuki-jinja.

Time: 8am Yasaka-jinja; 1pm Kizuki-jinja • Admission: Free • Access: Kintetsu Iwami Stn, 20-min walk to Yasaka-jinja; Kintetsu Tawaramoto Stn, 30-min walk to Kizuki-jinja • yamatoji.narakankou.or.jp/contents/event

Take part in a whale-watching tour with a veteran captain in the sea of Nachi Katsuura.

Time: 7am weekdays; 6am weekends • Admission: ¥6,500 adults, concessions • Access: JR Ukui Stn; 10-min walk • nanki-marin. net

Hydrangea Garden at Fujinomori Shrine あじさい苑公開 Fujinomori Shrine, Kyoto  Early June to early July

Enjoy strolling among 3,500 Hydrangea plants in full bloom at this large Japanese garden. Tea ceremonies, kagura sacred Shinto dancing, and many other forms of Japanese traditional entertainment will be held at weekends during this event.

Nara Oktoberfest 2015 奈良オクトーバーフェスト 2015 Nara Park  Jun 19–28

Oktoberfest in June! German beer lovers, this 10-day beer event is for you. Held at Noborioji Enchi, overlooking the five-story pagoda near by Nara National Museum, guests will be enjoying authentic German beer and sausages in the greenery of Nara park. Professional musicians all the way from Germany will provide live music performances throughout the event, and remind you to give your best “Ein Prosit!” as you toast with your beer-drinking buddies. Guests will pay a returnable deposit of ¥1,000 to rent a beer glass for the day.

Time: 4pm–10pm weekdays; 11am–10pm weekends • Admission: Free • Access: Kintetsu Nara Stn, 5-min walk • oktober-fest.jp/ nara

第9回丹波篠山大田動会 Ajima in Sasayama City, Hyogo  Jun 7

Muddy games will be held in this rice farming region; teams compete with each other in an irrigated paddy for great prizes!

Time: Noon–4pm • Admission: Free • Access: JR Takarazuka Line, Sasayama-guchi Stn, free shuttle bus to venue • sasayama-jc.or.jp

Kansai Balinese Dance Festival 関西バリ舞踊祭 Kishiki Shrine, Osaka  Jun 6

See this Japanese Shinto shrine transform into tropical Bali Island. This is a showcase of enchanting Balinese dance and live music performed by Japanese dance troupes.

Time: 5pm–8pm • Admission: Free • Access: Nankai Line, Takojizo Stn, 5-min walk • kishikijinjya.com

Time: 9am–4pm • Admission: ¥300 • Access: JR Fujinomori Stn, 5-min walk • fujinomorijinjya.or.jp/index. html

Otaue Sai – Rice Planting Festival

Belgian Beer Weekend Osaka 2015

Taga-Taisha, Shiga  Jun 7

ベルギービールウィークエンド大 阪2015

 Jun 19-28

The 9th Tanba Sasayama Athletics in The Mud

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka  Jun 3–7

An open-air beer festival where visitors can indulge in over 50 varieties of Belgian beer, food, and live music.

Time: 2pm–10pm weekdays; 11am–10pm Saturday; 11am–10pm Sunday • Admission: ¥3,000 including a glass & 11 tokens (¥3,100 at door) • Access: JR Osaka Stn; Subway or Hankyu Umeda Stn, 9-min walk • belgianbeerweekend. jp/ja

Shinen Garden Special Open 神苑無料公開 Heian Shrine, Kyoto  Jun 5

A beautiful, Japanese garden designed in ancient court style will have free admission. Two thousand sweet flag plants in 200 varieties are in full bloom around this time.

Time: 8:30am–4:30pm • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Higashiyama Stn, 10-min walk • heianjingu.or.jp/ index.html

御田植祭 An important religious ceremony celebrating farming. Seventy saotome (young maidens) in colourful costumes walk into a field to plant rice seedlings. Traditional farming songs and dance will be enjoyed next to the field.

Time: 1pm • Admission: ¥500 • Access: Omi Line, Tagataisha-mae Stn, 10-min walk • tagataisya.or.jp/ info/otaue/index.html#top

Ceremony Releasing Living Things 祗園放生会 Gion Shirakawa Tatsumi Bridge, Kyoto  Jun 7

It is a golden opportunity to catch a glimpse of maiko – apprentice geisha. To give thanks for the blessings of nature, baby carp will be released into the River Shirakawa by maiko and mountain monks.

Time: 11am • Admission: Free • Access: Keihan Line, Gion-Shijo Stn, 5-min walk • kanko.city.kyoto.lg.jp

Fireflies and Tea Ceremony 蛍火の茶会 Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto  Jun 13

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai A large tea ceremony with many attractions – a Japanese court dance, a demonstration of how to put on junihitoe (a suit of twelve kimono worn by ladies of Imperial court), the release of hundreds of fireflies, and stalls of Kyoto cuisine.

Time: 5pm • Admission: Free • Access: Keihan Line, Demachiyanagi Stn, 10-min walk • shimogamojinja.or.jp

Okoshiya Festival 御輿屋祭 Nishinomiya Shrine, Hyogo  Jun 14

Join this bustling parade as it moves through the town to the holy place called Okoshiya, where there will be a ceremony followed by a religious dance. Girls in summer kimono will hand out quinces to onlookers.

Time: 2pm • Admission: Free • Access: Hanshin Line, Nishinomiya Stn, 5-min walk• nishinomiya-ebisu. com/index.html

2015 Freestyle National Championship Round 1 フリースタイル全日本選手権 シリーズ第1戦 和歌山カップ Wakayama Marina City, Wakayama  Jun 13 & 14

Come and watch spectacular performances by jet boat riders.

The increasingly popular Flyboard and Hoverboard will also be on display.

Time: 10:30am • Admission: Free • Access: JR Wakayama Stn; Nankai Wakayamashi Stn, bus to Marina City • jjsfweb.net

Muziku Festa Nara 2015 ムジークフェストなら2015 Nara Prefecture  Jun 13–28

A wide variety of orchestras and bands will be on stage at over 100 venues across the prefecture. Many of these performances are free and some charge a fee. See the website for details naraken.com/musik

Ninja Koga Certificate Exam 第８回甲賀流忍者検定 Shinobi no Sato Purara, Shiga  Jun 14

More than 100 people go to undertake the examination wearing their own ninja costumes. A starthrowing test will be held following a written examination. Applications and enquiries to info@koka-kanko. org Time: 9am (reception opens) • Admission: ¥2,000 including a ninja lunch • Access: JR Konan Stn, 15-min walk • koka-kanko.org/ res/?evid=318

Yuri Matsuri – Lily Festival

 Jun 20

ゆりまつり The Former Foreign Settlement and Surroundings, Hyogo  Jun 17

This festival originated in the early 8th century when Princess Isuzu dedicated lilies to the gods. After traditional rituals are carried out, a colorful procession of ancient princesses will parade through the neighbourhood.

Time: 10:30am • Admission: Free • Access: Kintetsu Line, Nara Stn; 5-min walk • isagawa-jinja.jp

Kyoto Antique Fair 京都大アンティークフェア Pulse Plaza, Kyoto  Jun 19–21

With 330 dealers and 150,000 items from Japan and abroad, this is the largest antique market in Western Japan.

Time: 10am–5pm (10am–4pm on the 21st) • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Takeda Stn, free shuttle bus to venue • gomoku-do. com/index.html

Bamboo Pole-cutting Ritual 竹伐り会式 Kurama Temple, Kyoto  Jun 20

The annual bamboo-cutting ritual, the takekiri-e is a fast-paced and exciting ritual to behold. After a memorial service held inside that expresses gratitude for nature, grains, and water the teams of local men dressed as warrior monks compete to see which can cut the thick bamboo poles (representing serpents) in to six pieces the fastest, utilizing great strength and skill with their blades.

Time: 2pm • Admission: ¥300 • Access: Eizan Line Kurama Stn • kanko.city.kyoto.lg.jp

Music Day 2015 in Minpaku 音楽の祭日2015 in みんぱく The National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka  Jun 21

Featuring musical instruments from all over the world, the National Museum of Ethnology hosts an international concert to celebrate Music Day – Fête de la Musique.

Time: 10:30am–4:30pm • Admission: Free • Access: Osaka Monorail Koen-higashiguchi stn; 15min walk • minpaku.ac.jp/museum/ event/fetedelamusique/2015/ index

Pirates of the Dotombori

Celebrating 15 Years of Kansai Scene! 関西シーン15周年記念パーティー Live&Bar 11 (Onzieme), Shinsaibashi, Osaka

The bar is being stocked, the DJs are lining up a stellar play list, and the pirates have set sail! Come and party with us this month at the Kansai Scene 15th anniversary party at Club Onzieme in Osaka. There’ll be drinks, entertainment, and great prizes!

Guests can stay at Onzieme free of charge from 9:30 onwards and enjoy their regular club night. See you there!  Jun 20 (Sat) • Time: 5:30–9:30pm • Admission: ¥1,500 (incl. 1 drink and lucky draw ticket) • Access: Shinsaibashi Sta • meetup.com/Kansai-Scene • facebook.com/ kansaiscene

Gagaku – Japanese Imperial Court Music Concert 雅楽演奏会 大阪楽所 The National Bunraku Theatre, Osaka  Jun 27

Japanese classical music developed in the Heian period will be performed. Enjoy the grace and elegance of this old-time music performed by the skilful orchestra, Osaka Gakuso.

Time: 2pm & 6pm • Admission: ¥3,000 • Access: Subway or Kintetsu Line, Nipponbashi Stn • osakagakuso.com/frame-mokuji. htm

Shirahama Beach Rugby ビーチラグビー白浜大会 Shirahama Beach, Wakayama  Jun 27 & 28

This action-packed rugby competition takes place at the beautiful Shirahama beach. Over 100 teams from all over the country will wage heated battles on the pristine white sand.

Time: 9:30am • Admission: Free • Access: JR Shirahama Stn, bus to Shirahama • beachrugby-shirahama. com/top.html

Aizen Festival 愛染祭り Aizendo Shomanin, Osaka  Jun 30–Jul 2

Aizen Festival is one of the three major summer festivals in Osaka.

It marks the time when people don their {yukata} (summer {kimono}) for the first time in the season in Kansai area. It has a long history, said to be the oldest summer festival in Japan. The temple’s hidden Buddha statue AizenMyoo is open to the public during this festival.

Time: 9am–10pm • Admission: Free • Access: Subway Shitennojimae Yuhigaoka Stn; 3-min walk • aizendo.com/festival.htm

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

27

28

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Community Events Submit your event to Kansai Scene Having an exhibition? Staging a gig? Organizing a business seminar? Think KS should know about it? Well, you can now submit your own event listings to Kansai Scene. Absolutely free. All listings will be posted online, and the best selection listed here. Priority will be given to free, or not-for-profit events.

kansaiscene.com/submit-event-kansai-scene Kamihikouki: Next Issue Submissions Works of visual art, creative writing, non-fiction and poetry in English and/or Japanese on the theme “Yorimichi” will be considered. Submissions are due June 5th.

What does "Yorimichi" mean? A detour: dropping in on the way; breaking one’s journey; stopping on the way; going out of one’s way; taking the scenic route.

Maximum word count is 1500 words. Images must be .jpg file format.

Submissions to kamihikouki.mag@ gmail.com

Craft Beer Base 3rd Anniversary  Jun 6th & 7th

Craft Beer Base will celebrate its 3rd anniversary! Come celebrate three years of great craft beer with ¥1,000 USP and ¥700 UKHP where the usual four taps are being expanded to seven!

11:00am–11:00pm • Free • Venue: Craft Beer Base • facebook.com/ CraftBeerBase

Belgian Beer Weekend Bud  Jun 6th & 7th

In honor of the Belgian Beer Weekend in Umeda, Craft Beer Base Bud will be featuring Belgian beer that has been made right here in Japan! Come discover and enjoy

great Japanese-Belgian beer with delicious, complementary food.

11:30am–10:30pm • Free • Venue: Craft Beer Base Bud • facebook. com/CraftBeerBaseBud

BIG STEP 3F, Amemura • Access: Midosuji or Nagahori Subway Line, Shinsaibashi Stn, Exit 7 (3-min walk); Yotsubashi Stn, Exit 5 (3-min walk) • big-step.co.jp

Canada Day BBQ

TEDXKyotoUniversity

 Jun 28

 Jun 7

Join Canadians and friends of Canada for a BBQ on the beach to celebrate Canada Day. The BBQ will be held at Okura Kaigan on Sunday, June 28th from 12 noon to 3pm. The fee includes the BBQ, a Canadian dessert, and a chance to win a raffle prize. Drinks will be available for purchase including Canadian Beer and Wine.

Reservations with payment are needed in advance. Please see the website for payment details and a reservation form.

12pm–3pm • Non-members ¥3,800; Members ¥3,200; Kids ¥1,500 • Venue: Okura Kaigan • kansaicanada.com

Silver Ball Planet Pinball Tournament

TEDxKyotoUniversity will gather internationally-acclaimed innovators, groundbreakers, and visionaries to host the first TEDxKyotoUniversity event at Shirankaikan, Yamauchi hall in the medical campus of Kyoto University.

Eleven ground-breaking thinkers and leaders in fields as diverse as art, science and technology, education, religion, and more, will give talks within the theme of “From the community, to the community – and beyond!”

Visit the TEDxKyotoUniversity website to apply for a chance to be an audience member! tedxkyotouniversity.com

Japan Brickfest  Jun 6–7

 Jun 27

Everyone is welcome to take part in this monthly pinball tournament at Big Step's fantastic pinball arcade Silver Ball Planet. All ages and levels welcome. Go head to head in teams and battle for pinball glory. Machines used for each tournament change each month.

See Facebook for details.

Time: 4pm • Admission: Just pay to play (¥100 per game) • Where:

Japans largest fan built Lego event at Canadian Academy is in Rokko Island on the 6th and 7th of June.

10 - 5pm 100's of amazing creations including: Godzilla, trains, Technic, Castle, cities and much more, face painting, nail art, flea market competitions and much more. Kids ¥300, adults ¥500.

Contact: klug@outlook.jp. Website: klug-jp.com

5th Belgian Beer Weekend Osaka!  Jun 3–7

The Belgian Beer Weekend is Japan’s finest beer event, returning to Osaka for the 5th time with 50 different Belgian beers. The event is not only about beer, but also about great cuisine, amazing live music and a superb atmosphere. For the beer connoisseur, a selection of unique beers will be available at ‘BBW Boutique.’

Venue: Shin Umeda City (Wonder Square) • ¥3,100 • Open: until 10pm (9pm on the 7th); opening times vary - see website • belgianbeerweekend.jp/ en/city/osaka/view

Kameraoke Exhibition This year’s Kameraoke photo exhibition at Pinebrooklyn Gallery will showcase photos from all over Kansai under the theme “Local Eyes”. Images from professional photographers and novices alike will be on show in this ninth edition of Kameraoke. By comparing ‘local’ ideas from all over the region we gain a deeper appreciation for what is part of the everyday, wherever we are in Kansai.  Jun 21 • 1pm–9pm • ¥1,000 • Venue: Pinebrooklyn Gallery • Info: kameraoke.com or

the Kameraoke Facebook page • kameraoke@gmail.com

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai Kobe Fashion Museum

Transcendent Artful Embroidery II

Pick

Yorozuya machi Kasa hoko dare, octopuses / Kumakichi Shioya / restoration 1848 / Yorosuyadori-chokai

 Until Jun 28

KS

exquisitely embroidered fabrics were used to indicate royalty, then later diffused to high fashion. In Japan, such works are reserved for special occasions or matsuri, festivals to celebrate the gods. Just like those before, today’s craftspeople spend decades learning the art, and only a few are chosen to be shown at the most famous of Japan’s cultural festivals – Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Nagasaki’s Nagasaki Kunchi. This special exhibition highlights select embroidered masterpieces, from the textiles shown at the two major Japanese festivals today, to the 18th-century European royal wardrobe, and early 20thcentury haute couture dresses from Paris.

Other activities for visitors include a chance to learn about the art’s preservation and history at gallery talks and seminars held throughout the month.

Until Jun 28 • Exhibition of 18th-21st century Japanese and European masterpieces of

With the birth of needle and thread for clothes making, came the art of embroidery. Embroidered pictures and patterns are filled with the imaginations of the artist, capturing the air of the time with each stitch. In the West,

embroidery • Open: 10am–6pm • Closed: Wed • Admission: ¥500 • Access: Rokko Island Line to Island Center Stn • fashionmuseum.or.jp

 Until Jun 14 Sagawa Art Museum

Kiyoshi Yamashita, The Wandering Genius Painter

《長岡の花火》貼絵 1950年 / Fireworks, NAGAOKA © 清美社

30

Esteemed for his realism and intricate 3D artworks, the artist now known as “the Japanese van Gogh” led a troubled life before his death at the age of 49. A childhood injury left him with a speech impediment and brain damage, which schoolyard bullies used to torment him for in his youth. He was sent to a mental institution where he began to create his first pieces of art, called hari-e, or art made by cutting and sticking together torn colored papers. As his talent developed, he gained fame and left the institution to wander about Japan, creating mesmerizing hari-e, watercolor, oil landscapes, and still-lifes from his photographic memory. This special commemorative exhibition is divided chronologically into three phases of his life and features a range of Yamashita’s works, from the lesser-known first pieces to his later masterpieces.

Until Jun 14 • Extensive collection of watercolors, oil paintings, and hari-e by early 20th century artist Kiyoshi Yamashita, “the Japanese van Gough” • Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥1000 • Access: JR Biwako Line, Moriyama Stn, bus to Sagawa Bijutsukanmae • sagawa-artmuseum.or.jp

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Art Listings Osaka Treasures of Konpira Shrine Abeno Harukas Art Museum  Until Jul 12

Comprehensive exhibition of the greatest art treasures from Konpira Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture, known for its towering 1,368 steps that lead to the main shrine where sailors and boat travelers of the past prayed for safe travels. Today, it is a nationally ranked, culturally important shrine and one of the most famous in Japan. Treasures include handpainted wall murals and Japanese sliding doors from both contemporary and traditional artists. What’s more, the museum is also hosting events like a rakugo collaboration and a talk show hosted by NHK actor Arata Iura.

Special pricing for children on June 1st, International Children’s Day. Open: 10am–8pm; 10am–6pm on weekends and holidays • Closed: Mon (except 6/1) • Admission: ¥1300 • Access: JR Tennoji Stn • aham.jp

Shiga An Encounter with Treasured Collections of the Museum The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga  Until July 20

Over the years, the museum has collected art that, despite its high quality, has not had a chance to be on regular display because of the sheer volume of works. At last, finally pulled from the vaults, eight specially selected artists and their works, 200 in total, are available for viewing. The artists represent an array of contemporary and modern styles that you can peruse in their “mini-exhibition” layout, where each artist’s works are displayed in their own separate rooms.

Open: 9:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥800 • Access: JR Seta Stn, bus to Bunka Zone-mae • shiga-kinbi.jp

A Bird’s Eye View of the World Borderless Art Museum NO-MA  Until Aug 2

Group exhibition of six contemporary artists’ unique perspectives of what the world looks like from above. No Google Maps here – works vary in scale and detail from a city-wide sweep-style like you’d see in a Where's Waldo?

 Until Jul 20 book, to others that pop with art brut surrealism. The museum is also holding a special slideshow viewing on the 13th and gallery talks on multiple dates to limited audiences for free.

Open: 11am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥300 • Access: JR Ohmi Hachiman Stn, bus to Osugicho • no-ma.jp

Mie Rediscovering Ryusei Kishida – Oil Paintings and Beyond Paramita Museum  Until Jul 11

Collection of works by youga style (European/Western) and nihonga artist of the early 20th century. His European-style oil paintings of his daughter Reiko are well-known for their realist, surrealist, and post-impressionist styles, but his lesser-known nihonga (Japanese style), watercolors, and block prints are just as impressive. More than 130 of his works across the genres are on display.

Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art

Cut & Paste For Yokoo Tadanori, the art of making collages isn’t as much about skill as it is an ideology about life. “Life,” he mused, “is essentially a collage.” With that in mind, he cut together source materials and colors and scenes from different pictures and blended them to create a single, complete piece. His earliest collage works are distinctive for their kaleidoscopic effect, made from pictures that he cut into strips that were then layered on top of one another in the fashion of a woven basket.

This layering technique allowed him to add texture and multidimensional color create unique scenes. In the 90s he experimented with another layering technique inspired by the computer boom – the literal “cut and paste” – through which we can also see the roots of his later graphic designs. While all of Tadanori’s collage works will be on display, the exhibition highlights his most radical 80s and 90s pieces.

Until Jul 20 • Exhibition of early collage paintings by graphic

Open: 9:30am–5:30pm • Admission: ¥1000 • Access: Kintetsu Yunoyama line, Obane-en Stn • paramitamuseum.com

designer and illustrator Yokoo Tadanori • Open: 10am–6pm; 10am–8pm on Fri and Sat • Closed:

Kyoto

Mon • Admission: ¥700 • Access: Hankyu Line to

Louvre Museum: Genre Painting – Scenes from Daily Life Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art  Until Jun 16

Eighty works from the Louvre Museum in Paris that represent the development of genre painting – paintings depicting the lives of everyday people doing everyday things – starting from Egyptian and Grecian images to the genre’s passage to and growth in Europe from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Dutch painter Vermeer’s famous work The Astronomer, painted in 1668, will be on display for the first time in Japan.

Open: 9am–5pm • Closed: Mon • Admission: ¥1600 • Access: Subway Tozai Line to Higashiyama Stn • city. kyoto.jp/bunshi/kmma/en

Manga & War Kyoto International Manga Museum  Until Jun 6

Exhibition of the Japanese wartime experience and the post-war effects as depicted through manga. In addition to originals by new “war manga” artists, 24 manga have been

Oji Koen Stn • ytmoca.jp Disguise 2006 Collection of Takizawa Naoki

selected to illustrate the exhibition’s six themes: 'Atomic Bomb', 'Special Attack', 'Manchuria', 'Okinawa', 'Voice of the War Generation', and 'The Role of Manga.' A special collector’s volume of “war manga” curated by the museum will also be on sale.

Open: 10am–8pm • Closed: Wed • Admission: ¥800 • Access: Tozai Subway Line, to Karasuma Oike Stn • kyotomm.jp/english

Erosion/Transfiguration – Beyond Their Relativity Zuiun-an  Until Jun 14

Group exhibition of dynamic 3D installations, sculpture, and more made from numerous mixedmedia sources. The 12 ambitious artists converged on the theme of “transfiguration,” which is described as the process in which the artist’s creation takes on a real-life form of its own.

Open: 11am–5pm only weekends & national holidays • Admission: Free • Access: Karasuma Subway Line, Kitayama Stn • zcap2015.red

The Machikaneyama Kids The Museum of Osaka University  Until Jul 11

Installation and photography exhibition centered on the theme of connecting the university and surrounding region by sharing interactions and experiences with each other through art. The event, led by Osaka University faculty, is the continuance of a project that honors the memories of the people who grew up in and lived in the now uninhabited Machikaneyama neighborhood.

Open: 10:30am–5pm • Closed: Mon, holidays • Admission: Free • Access:

Find more listings online: kansaiscene.com/listings

31

32

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai KS

Live Music

Pick

 July 6

Roger McGuinn

If you haven’t heard the name Roger McGuinn (or Jim McGuinn as he was previously known), perhaps you’re more familiar with the sixties’ band The Byrds and the song Mr. Tambourine Man. Born in July 1942, James Roger (formerly James Joseph) McGuinn fronted and played guitar for The Byrds as well as going on to perform and collaborate with Bob Dylan, Bo Diddley, and Tom Petty.

Finding his first influence in Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel single, McGuinn convinced his parents to buy him a guitar when he was a youngster, and went on to develop quite a unique style in that it’s based on banjo finger-picking and a sort of droning free play that would go on to have a heavy influence on the psychedelic rock genre.

Ex-The Byrds frontman and guitarist • Muse, Osaka • July 6 • Folk Rock • 7:30pm • ¥9,400 • Tel: 06-6245-5389 © Photograph by John Chiasson

Live Music Listings June/July Rock & Pop

 June 18 • Funk • 7pm • ¥6,500/¥6,900 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

Da-iCE Japanese five-member, male pop group Neverland, Nara

 June 18 • Pop • 7pm • ¥4,500 • Tel: 09-1142-1996

Michael Schenker

Michael Schenker Classic-rock guitarist with special guest Graham Bonnet Band Zepp, Osaka

 June 14 • Rock • 5pm • ¥9,000 • Tel: 05-7020-0888

Osaka Festival Hall, Osaka

 July 6 • Classical-pop • 7pm • ¥7,000/¥8,000 • Tel: 06-6341-4506

Blind Guardian

go!go!vanillas

80’s German power metal band Big Cat, Osaka

go!go!vanillas

 June 19 • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,900 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

Kreva Japanese rapper and producer Takashi Hatakeyama Osaka Festival Hall, Osaka

 June 20 • Rap • 6:30pm • ¥6,800 • Tel: 05-7020-0888

 June 21 • Rock • 6:30pm • ¥3,800/¥4,300 • Tel: 06-6311-8111

The Birthday CRAZY KEN BAND

 June 22 • Classical-pop • 7pm • ¥7,000/¥8,000 • Tel: 06-6341-4506

Japanese rock four-piece from Yokohama Zepp, Osaka

Japanese rock band fronted by exAldious vocalist Club Quattro, Osaka

Japanese pop-funk band fronted by Ken Yokoyama Namba Hatch, Osaka

Croatian classical-pop cello duo Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hatakeyama Amashin Archaic Hall, Hyogo

9mm Parabellum Bullet

Raglaia

CRAZY KEN BAND

2Cellos

Rock four-piece of ex-Three Michelle Gun Elephant & Rosso members Club Quattro, Osaka

 June 22 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,860 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

 June 23 • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500/¥8,000 • Tel: 06-6258-5008

Bonobos Japanese dub-reggae beat band from Osaka Shangri-La, Osaka  June 24 • Dub • 7pm • ¥4,300 • Tel: 06-6357-3666

a flood of circle Japanese rock experimental trio Club Quattro, Osaka

 June 25 • Rock • 7pm • ¥3,240 • Tel: 06-6357-3666

Royz Japanese visual kei rock band from Osaka Neverland, Nara

 June 26 • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • Tel: 09-1142-1996

Japanese rock-pop band since 2010 Club Quattro, Osaka  June 26 • Rock-pop • 7pm • ¥3,000 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

Mannish Boys Japanese rock-pop band Taku Taku, Kyoto

 June 26 • Rock-pop • 7pm • ¥4,860 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

Pushim Paku Pushin Korean reggae singer from Osaka Zepp, Osaka

 June 26 • Reggae • 6pm • ¥5,940 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

Mo’some Tonebender Japanese noise-rock trio formed 1997 Shangri-La, Osaka

 June 28 • Rock • 6pm • ¥3,500 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

 Jun 21

 Jun 19

 Jul 13-15

Raglaia

9mm Parabellum Bullet

Japanese rock band fronted by ex-Aldious

Japanese rock four-piece from Yokohama

vocalist • Club Quattro, Osaka • June 21

• Zepp, Osaka • June 19 • Rock • 7pm •

Italian-American jazz trumpeter • Billboard

• Rock • 6:30pm • ¥3,800/¥4,300 • Tel:

¥3,900 • Tel: 06-6341-3525

Live OSAKA, Osaka • July 13–15 • Jazz •

Breaking Dawn is the new four-track maxi single (featuring bonus DVD) released in April by the Japanese melodic speed metal outfit Raglaia. Fronted by ex-Aldious vocalist, Rami, the band name is taken from the Greek goddess of splendor and joy, Aglaia, and then adding the ‘R’ from Rami’s name to make Raglaia.

The band was actually put together in January of this year by guitarist producer K-A-Z who also plays with Kaiki Gesshoku and SADS. The four piece is completed by female bassist ERY and drummer YOUTH-K!!!.

Signed to Across Music, a new label that specializes in female fronted groups, this gig is part of the band’s Breaking Dawn tour and Raglaia are also working on material for the followup release.

Japanese post-hardcore, alternativerock four piece, 9mm Parabellum Bullet, first came together just over 10 years ago in 2004. Signing to a major label, they released their debut album Termination at the end of 2007 (though there had been two mini albums prior on independent labels).

The band, originally from Yokohama, released their latest studio album Dawning two years ago, but with the release of the single Seimei no Waltz at the end of last year there may well be new material on the horizon.

Loud and raucous, the band have been called “not as pompous as real metal, but more epic than most altrock.” With a busy schedule ahead, 9mm Parabellum Bullet have just posted more tour dates and will also be doing the festivals during the summer.

06-6311-8111

Chris Botti

Grammy-award-winning, ItalianAmerican trumpeter Chris Botti first came to prominence with the release of the 2001 album Night Sessions. Botti has earned himself a reputation as a versatile musician mixing jazz and pop, and four of his albums to date have reached the number one spot on the Billboard jazz charts.

Born in Portland, Oregon and spending two of his early years living in Italy, Botti first took up the trumpet when he was just nine years old. Three years later, when he heard Miles Davis’ My Funny Valentine, his path was set.

Over the years, Botti has worked with the likes of Sting, Paul Simon, Burt Bacharach, Roger Daltrey, Aretha Franklin, and Joni Mitchell to name a few. He comes to Japan after shows in Australia before heading back to the States and then on to Europe.

6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥12,800/¥14,300 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

 Jun 30–Jul 1 • Singer-songwriter • 6:30pm • ¥8,500 • Tel: 05-70200888

 July 4 • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500 • Tel: 06-7897-2454

Bergljot, Cancer Cures and more

B’z Popular Japanese rock duo Kyocera Dome, Osaka

 July 2, 4 & 5 • Rock • 2nd-7pm/4th&5th-5pm • ¥5,000/¥13,000 • Tel: 06-63574400

MISIA

MISIA Japanese singer-songwriter and producer Osaka Festival Hall, Osaka

Ariyama Junji & Guitar Panda Japanese acoustic guitar and singer plus ‘the Panda’ Taku Taku, Kyoto

 July 3 • Rock-pop • 7pm • ¥3,500/¥4,000 • Tel: 07-5351-1321

Galneryus

Galneryus Japanese metal band from Osaka Big Cat, Osaka

 July 3 • Metal • 7pm • ¥5,000/¥5,500 • Tel: 05-7020-0888

Machinehead US Metal band formed in 1991 Umeda Akaso, Osaka

Czech-Norwegian trio based in Oslo, and Kyoto-based, noise-rock Cancer Cures Socrates, Kyoto  June 7 • Experimental/Rock • 6:30pm • ¥1,500 • Tel: 07-52546208

Roger McGuinn Ex-The Byrds frontman and guitarist Muse, Osaka

 July 6 • Folk Rock • 7:30pm • ¥9,400 • Tel: 06-6245-5389

33

34

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai  Jul 4-5

Listings (Cont.) androp Japanese rock four-piece since 2008 Neverland, Nara

 July 8 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,000 • Tel: 090-1142-1196

Linder Brothers Erik & Henrik Linder from Sweden Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka

Wouter Hamel (Guest Sukima Switch Japanese jazz-fusion duo formed 1999 Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

 July 6 • Jazz-fusion • 6:30pm • ¥7,500/¥8,000 • Tel: 06-6882-1224

 July 8 • Fusion • 6:30pm/9:30pm •¥5,900/¥7,400 • Tel: 06-63427722 10-FEET

Kyoto Daisakusen Outdoor Music Event Over the weekend of July 4th and 5th, the Kyoto Daisakusen will be held at Yamashiro Sogo Undo Koen (also known as Taiyougaoka Park) in the Uji district of Kyoto. The festival is quite well known and draws some top acts, with busloads of festival-goers coached in from all over Japan.

The lineup on July 4th includes 10-FEET (event organisers who will also play on the 5th), ACIDMAN, Kishidan, Sambomaster, Dragon Ash and more. On the 5th, acts include Ken Yokoyama, UNICORN, and ROTTENGRAFFTY plus others (check the festival website for full band line-up).

From Kyoto, getting to the gig is not too difficult. Take a Kintetsu express train from Kyoto to Kintetsu Okubo on the Kintetsu Kyoto line. It only takes 17 minutes, but check the timetable in advance as the service is irregular. From there you can take a special festival shuttle bus (ticket required) to the festival area (about 15mins).

A great chance to see some top quality home-grown acts in the Kyoto sunshine. Don’t miss it!

Sadie Japanese visual kei rock band Muse, Kyoto

 July 8 • Rock • 7pm• ¥5,400/¥5,940 • Tel: 07-5223-0389

aiko Japanese female pop singer Zepp, Osaka

 July 11-12 • Pop • 6pm • ¥5,800 • Tel: 05-7020-0888

KRA Japanese four-piece visual kei rock band Muse, Osaka

 July 14 • Rock • 6pm • ¥4,800/¥5,300 • Tel: 06-6245-5389

Plastic Japanese four-piece rock band Muse, Osaka

 July 15 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,000/¥4,500 • Tel: 06-6245-5389

Jazz & Blues

New York Standards Quartet

New York Standards Quartet Jazz quartet featuring Tim Armacost Rag, Kyoto

 July • Jazz • 7pm • ¥2,500/¥4,700 • Tel: 07-5255-7273

Chris Botti Italian-American jazz trumpeter Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka

 July 13–15 • Jazz • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥12,800/¥14,300 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

R&B and Soul Vanessa Williams American singer and actress Sankei Hall Breeze, Osaka

 June 17 • R&B • 7pm • ¥6,000/¥8,500 • Tel: 06-6341-8888

World

Japanese rock music festival • Yamashiro Sogo Undo Koen, Uji, Kyoto • July 4-5 • Rock • ¥5,980-1 day/¥11,500-2 days • sound-c. co.jp/kyotodai/15/

JuJu

JuJu 10th anniversary jazz singers’ special tour Osaka Jo Hall, Osaka

 June 20-21 • Jazz • 20th5pm/21st-4pm • ¥7,900 • Tel: 06-7732-8888

Kaori Kobayashi Japanese jazz saxophonist Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka

 July 1 • Jazz • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥5,000/¥6,500 • Tel: 06-6342-7722

Wild Marmalade

Wild Marmalade Australian trio mixing didgeridoo with dance Club Metro, Kyoto

 July 7 • World • 8pm • ¥3,500/¥4,200 • Tel: 07-5752-2787

Shangri-La, Osaka

 July 8 • World • 7pm • ¥4,700 • Tel: 03-5453-8899

Find more listings online: kansaiscene.com/listings

36

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai

Club

 Jun 13

Troop Cafe Detroit dance prodigy, Kyle Hall finally makes his Kansai debut on Saturday, June 13th at Troop Cafe in Kobe. Kyle grew up in a musical family; his mother and aunt were both jazz vocalists, DJ Raybone was his uncle, and his father owned a nightclub, so it was not surprising that young Kyle started DJing and producing electronic music from an early stage of his life. Supported by legends in Detroit such as Theo Parrish, Omar-S, Carl Craig and Rick Wilhite, it wasn’t long before he started playing at world-famous clubs and international festivals. Following his first release in 2007 on Omar-S7s label FXHE, he launched his own label Wild Oats to introduce the sound of Detroit to the world. He has also released several EPs from reputable labels including Warp Records, Hyperdub, and Moods & Grooves to name a few. His debut album The Boat Party was ranked 10th on Resident Advisor’s Top 20 Albums in 2013. If you like deep Detroit sound, don’t miss this one.

June 13 (Sat) • Deep Sessions – Kyle Hall Japan Tour 2015 in Kobe (House) • DJs: Kyle Hall, Telly, Mitsuki • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (Mail reservation & WF: ¥2,500/1D, Foreigners: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 078-321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

Club Listings June

¥4,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

(ADV: ¥2,500/1D) • Tel: 07-57522787 • metro.ne.jp

Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

3 (Wed)

5 (Fri)

Onzieme

Gypsy

Eleven Lights (EDM) • DJs: Kento,

Treks (Techno/House) • DJs:

Circus

Cheval

Nosaj Thing “Fated” Japan Tour in Osaka (Dance) • Live: Nosaj

Red: Vip Party (EDM/Tech Dance)

Thing, Metome, Noah • DJs: Tell + more • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥2,800 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

• DJs: Yoji Biomehanika, Groovy Workshop, Hibiki, Ban-Chan, Ken-Bow • Open: 9pm • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-6288 • cheval-osaka.com

Onzieme

Circus

Escape (Hip hop) • DJs: Martin,

Friction Japan Tour (Drum’n’Bass) • DJs: Friction,

Sound Naka-g, Jacky, Merit • Open: 9pm • Admission: Gentlemen: ¥2,000/1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Toyo, Masashi, Mountain • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Troop Cafe

Metro

Cibo Matto Japan Tour in Kobe (Dance) • Acts: Chibo Matto,

Do it Jazz! (Nu Jazz/Crossover)

Kanikoosen, Wessun + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥5,000/1D (Mail Reservation:

• Acts: Tatsuo Sunaga, Yoshijiro Sakurai, Blu-Swing, Masaki Tamura, Kazuhiro Inoue + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D

Taku-Hero, Alphashot, Ziel, Nick, Kenzoom + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Rooftop Bar OO Riviera Poolside Party with Kartell (Electro/House/Techno) •

DJs: Kartell, A_Ponz, Callmerodney, Reload Reload, Soleil Solei, Takekiyo Ishimoto + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Shinsaibashi • facebook.com/rivieranight

6 (Sat) Circus Quarter feat Atom TM Japan Tour (Techno) • Live: Atom TM

• DJs: Sou + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Where:

Pedro Aguiar, Chapaty, Masato.m, Dsk • Open: 9:30pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 075212-3223 • gypsy-kyoto.com

Onzieme Block.Party (Electro/House) • DJs: Taku Takahashi, Yamato, Jaxx Da Fishworks, Kenzoom + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Socore Factory Socore Factory 1st Anniversary NR Lark x Note Records (Techno/ Electronic) • Live: Kaitaro • DJs:

Aoki Takamasa, Yosuke, Spot • Open: 11:59pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (WF: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Horie • Tel: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

 Kansai Scene Listings: What’s on around Kansai Troop Cafe Diatonik (Techo/House) • Acts:

2Nyan, Tatsuo.Y, Mariko, Ebo, Ina + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D (Mail Reservation: ¥1,500/1D, Foreigners: ¥1,000/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

7 (Sun) Circus I&ME 2015 / AW Exhibition in Osaka Closing Party (Hip Hop)

• Live: Chinza Dopeness, Clock Hazard • DJs: Judo, Mighty Mars + more • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥1,500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

8 (Mon)

Jonny Dub, Anode, Night Bird Crew • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Metro Moonrise (Crossover) • DJs: Nick

The Record, Bing, Kaze, BoogieDan + more • Open: 10:30pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥2,000/1D) • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Onzieme Bikini Night 2015 Summer (EDM/ House) • Acts: Mitomi Tokoto &

Cyberjapan Bikini Girls, Akihiro, D&Y, Ke1go, Ha-to • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

13 (Sat)

Circus Monday Cosmic (Techno/ House) • DJs: Yokoyamauchuu,

Dejirumasara • Open: 8pm • Admission: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

10 (Wed) Circus Circus presents 2many djs (Electro) • DJs: 2many djs +

more • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥4,500 (ADV: ¥3,800) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Escape (Hip hop) • DJs: Martin,

Sound Naka-g, Jacky, Merit • Open: 9pm • Admission: Gentlemen: ¥2,000/1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Metro Nebula (House/Downtempo)

• DJs: Daichi, Kazuma, Podd, Tok • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥1,500/1D • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

11 (Thu) Circus Nick The Record Japan Tour (Techno/House) • DJs: Nick

The Record + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

12 (Fri) Circus Samurai Music Japan Tour (Drum’n’Bass) • DJs: Presha, Ena,

Circus Club Snoozer (Rock/Dance) •

DJs: Soichiro Tanaka, Hisashi the Kid • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Night Bass (Breaks/ Drum‘n’Bass/Dance) • DJs:

Kentaro, Toyo, Ypy, Hmen • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62430089 • onzi-eme.com

Rooftop Bar OO Rooftop Bar OO 2nd Anniversary (Electro/House/Techno) • DJs:

Aki, Code-K, Dan Elliot, Dmitri, Genki, Kei, Monashee, Toru Ikemoto, Takekiyo Ishimoto + more • Open: 7pm • Admission: Free • Shinsaibashi • facebook.com/ rivieranight

Troop Cafe Deep Sessions – Kyle Hall Japan Tour 2015 in Kobe (House) • Acts:

Kyle Hall + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (Mail Reservation: ¥2,500/1D, Foreigners: ¥2,000/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

17 (Wed) Circus Harmonic History (Drum’n’Bass)

• DJs: Tak, Toyo, Mountain • Open: 6pm • Admission: ¥500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

9pm • Admission: Gentlemen: ¥2,000/1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

9pm • Admission: Gentlemen: ¥2,000/1D, Ladies: Free • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

18 (Thu)

25 (Thu)

Onzieme

Onzieme

Room (House/Jazz/Funk) • DJs:

Shinya, Onochan, Crew, Young + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Antenna (Techno/House) • DJs: Cazbow, Sak, Shinjyu + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

19 (Fri)

26 (Fri)

Circus

Circus

Adam X Japan Tour (Techno) •

DJs: Adam X, Kosuke Yukimatsu, Aida • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Fred P Japan Tour (House) • DJs: Fred P, Yukke, Makoto Murakami • Open: TBA • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme

Onzieme

Loooopy (House/Hip Hop) • DJs:

Juicy (R&B/Hip Hop) • DJs:

4Rest, Juzzy, Acko, K4, Sara, Alex + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

20 (Sat) Circus Digital Vision (Progressive/ Tecno) • DJs: Shu + more • Open:

11pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Kansai Scene 15th Anniversary Party (Mix) • DJs: Kansai Beatz

Krew • Open: 5:30pm • Admission ¥1,500/1D• KS party guests can stay in the club for DJ Emma (see below) for no extra charge DJ Emma Acid City 2 Release Party (House) • DJs: Emma,

Yashima, Marvy, Soery, Hmen, Shin5, Joji&Iori • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

21 (Sun) Circus Somethin (House) • DJs: Fulltono, Keita Kawakami + more • Open: 9:30pm • Admission: ¥1,000 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-62413822 • circus-osaka.com

24 (Wed)

Onzieme

Onzieme

Escape (Hip hop) • DJs: Martin,

Escape (Hip hop) • DJs: Martin, Sound Naka-g, Jacky, Merit • Open:

Sound Naka-g, Jacky, Merit • Open:

A-z, Hisakid, Ka-z, Marina, Yuji, Maurice + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

27 (Sat) Circus Apostrophy (Dance) • Acts: Seiho, Aspara, Keita Kawakami, Paperkraft, Nishimuraa, Analski, Kiyoshi Matsumae • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Onzieme Sushi feat. His Majesty Andre & Elisa Bee (Electro/House) • DJs:

His Majesty Andre, Elisa Bee, Jaxx Da Fishworks, Yusuke Nakamura, Monna Lisa + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6243-0089 • onzi-eme.com

Socore Factory Socore Factory 1st Anniversary Next Level (Techno) • DJs: Yone-

ko, Ko-jax, Kohei, Ono, Aluca, Yoshiki • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (ADV: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Horie • Tel: 06-6567-9852 • socorefactory.com

Troop Cafe Black Market (Techo/House) •

Acts: Ave, Ikebe + more • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

37

38

KANSAI SCENE MAGAZINE | ISSUE #181 JUNE 2015 | kansaiscene.com

Feature

Kansai’s Not-so-perfect Apartments You’ve come across the perfect apartment; good location, great setup, and even a reasonable price – the catch? It could be a ‘psychologically blemished’ apartment.

Text: Matthew Coslett • Image: KS

 How far would you be willing to go to live in a convenient, spacious apartment? Most of us would be willing to put up with a lot. Noisy, gloomy, dank apartments are all quickly snapped up as long as they are close to subway stations and are reasonably spacious.

But what if your apartment was the scene of a violent crime, arson, or even a murder? Would that make you think twice?

For a lot of Japanese people, the answer is unsurprisingly ‘yes’. As a result, the legal word shinriteki kashi bukken (心理的瑕疵物件), ‘psychologically blemished’ property, was created as a euphemism for places with a shaded history. Such is the stigma of being designated ‘shinriteki kashi bukken’ that one real estate owner requested a bereaved family pay him 1.5 million USD after their relative committed suicide in his building. The reason?

The owner believed that the incident had tainted the whole complex and he was considering rebuilding the entire place from scratch.

“Say, for example, someone commits suicide in an apartment, it would become a shinriteki kashi bukken. This apartment then becomes significantly cheaper than the general market,” Nobuyuki Okuda from the internet site start-owner.com explains. As a representative of a company which specializes in helping people get on the property ladder, he has noticed that the buyers’ attitude towards these apartments can be surprising, “If people

don’t care about such flaws, this pricing can actually be seen as an advantage to these properties.

“If the owner refuses to budge on price or you can’t get the property cheaper,” Okuda advises, “It’s only then that these properties can become something of a problem.”

Despite this warning, he usually finds that most landowners are willing to negotiate on price simply to fill the space. Properties with particularly bloody histories have even been offered at half or less than half their usual price. Of course, not all shinriteki kashi bukken are created equal, and discounts vary as a result.

The term includes a range of problems from murder, to being close to questionable religious groups, or being used as a gangster hangout.

As a result, even the non-superstitious may want to avoid these apartments altogether. The first thing to do is to ask your real estate agent directly if anything suspicious has happened at a property you are looking at, as that creates a legal obligation for the company to tell you the truth. Of course, if you suspect the owners may have lied to the real estate company, you should talk to the neighbors or search the address on sites like oshimaland.com which contain lists of apartments with dubious histories.

If after discovering the truth you are still undecided, a compromise can be to check whether an exorcism was performed. Even in these modern times,

many property owners arrange for priests to perform blessings after major incidents. 

To check whether you are about to move into a shinriteki kashi bukken apartment, visit oshimaland.com More on Mr. Okuda: http://startowner.com To rent one of these apartments: http://suumo.jp (type in 心理的瑕疵物件)

Classifieds  Have a job to advertise, an apartment to rent or stuff to sell?

 Place a classified ad.

Kansai Scene classified ads are free for community ads or just ¥3,000 a month for commercial listings.

Place your ad online at:

kansaiscene.com/classifieds

Ads posted online before 20th of each month will be published in the following month’s issue.

40

 Kansai Scene Classifieds > kansaiscene.com/classifieds Accommodation For Rent KADOMA CITY, OWADA AREA. 1R

Apartment 40000 semi. Right by Owada Keihan train line, 2minute walk. 1R apartments available on 2nd and 5th floors. (No elevator building) 17 square meters, semi furnished (washing machine, curtains, lights, refrigerator, futon) 40000yen/month. 1month refund. deposit, utilities additional.

Supermarket close by. Alex 09037030314 Contact: alexb <alex@ abhousingosaka.com> Website: www.abhousingosaka.com [2643-902015-06-13]

KOBE - HANKYU MIKAGE / OKAMOTO. 61 sqm, semi-

furnished, no key money, no agency fee, 2 months refundable deposit, Y98,000/month. This is a sunny, spacious flat in a natural location near stream and mountain trail, 20 mins walk from Hankyu Mikage, bit more to JR Sumiyoshi. Regular buses too. ffeilden@yahoo.co.jp 090-9286-1216 Website: www. ffeilden.com/ [2567-436-2015-06-29] APARTMENTS IN KOBE WITH NO KEY MONEY. 1 room apartments

from 40,000 yen per month. 2 and 3 bedroom apartments also available from throughout Kobe.

Email kevin@elliottventures.com, call 090 6777 9864 for a viewing or visit www.elliottventures.com or find us on Facebook. Contact: kevin elliott <kevin@elliottventures.com> Website: www.elliottventures.com [2748-335-2016-06-25]

CLOSE TO TENNOJI AREA, SAWANOCHO 1K 55000 SEMI. Small 5 story building,

1K apartment for 55000yen/ month semi furnished 4th floor.

1K apartment 5th floor semi furnished 50000yen/month. No elevator building. 4minute walk to Sawanocho Nankai Koya train line. 10minute walk to JR Hanwa Abiko station. No Key money, No Guarantor needed. 6month min. contract Contact: alexb <alex@ abhousingosaka.com> Website: www.abhousingosaka.com [2720-902015-06-13]

Jobs Education TEACHERS WANTED. School in

Ashiya/Okamoto is looking for FT/ PT English, French &amp; Korean teachers ASAP. University diploma preferable. Must be native speaker with valid visa. Payment: \2700\3000 per hour + transportation.

Please email resume & photo, visa type & date valid till to: Contact: Ashiya Plus <ashiyaplus@ hotmail.co.jp> Website: www. comlanguageschool.com [2711-252-

2015-06-12]

PRESCHOOL ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR WANTED IN AWAZA. Happious International

Preschool is seeking a native English teacher to join its new school near Honmachi station in Osaka. You must be motivated, organised and responsible and love kids! F/T MonFri. Competitive salary. Starting mid-June. Send your resume incl. a photo and your availability for interview. Contact: Yosuke Uchida <happious.int@gmail.com> [2738-

1-2015-06-20]

KANSAI CORPORATE CLASSES.

CES seeks English/other languages corporate instructors/interpreters for (2-7 teaching hours a day) Hyogo, Shiga, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama and Wakayama areas for 1-12mth courses starting immediately. 3,500-4,000 yen per hour. For more info, please forward C/V with availability to Manager <mark@cesjapan.co.jp> [2193-772015-07-31]

SEEKING A NATIVE P/T ENGLISH TEACHER. We're looking for a

cheerful and professional teacher, who can teach kids and an adult on Tuesday ASAP. Place: 13mins walk from Sonoda ( 4 stops from Umeda) on Hankyu line. Pay: 2800-3300/ hr+trans(up to ¥600) University degree + proper visa required.

Email CV with your recent photo.

Contact: hiroko active-english <active-english@zeus.eonet. ne.jp> Website: www.google.com/ profiles/115288638893881219776

[2688-1091-2015-05-30]

OSAKA SCHOOL LOOKING FOR KIDS' TEACHER!. We are currently

looking for native English speaking teachers to work 9:30 - 14:30 in our nursery. And also teachers for adult evening classes. Prior teaching experience is necessary. If you are interested please email a copy of your resume to: info@vacation-es. co.jp Contact: Lauren <info@ vacation-es.co.jp> Website: www. vacation-es.jp/ [2714-446-2015-06-12] FULL-TIME NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS WANTED FOR KIDS.

Kids Duo is located in Sumiyoshi in Kobe. We have preschool and after school care for children from age 3 to 12. We are looking for Native English teachers who are cheerful, friendly and have experience teaching children. *Mon~Fri (8hours) ¥250,000yen/month + transportation fee (Training term for 3months) Contact: Kids Duo <kdhigashinada@yahoo. co.jp> Website: navi.kidsduo.com/ tabid/61/pdid/4017/Default.aspx

[2747-4126-2015-06-24]

STUDENTS CENTRED SCHOOL REQUIRES RELIABLE NATIVE.

Students centred L.school requires P/T reliable, excellent native E. teacher for senior group 14:20-15:30 on Wed.Okamoto.

70min./4,000yen+trans. More

than 5 yrs.teaching experience &amp;basic Japanese speaking ability preferable. Send C/V to hello@gentimeless.com Contact: Kazuko Hill Ito <hello@gentimeless. com> [2684-213-2015-05-28] PART TIME ENGLISH TEACHERS WANTED. We need several English

teachers in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe area. Our English Academy offers many courses to kids and adults at their home. If you have any spare time to teach English and more, please contact. You must have proper visa to apply. 1H 3000 yen 〜 , plus transportation Contact: motoko <info@mtk-ea.com> [26895682-2015-06-01]

NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER FOR KIDS NEEDED IN SAKAI.

We are looking for a PT native English speaker to teach 1-4yrs kids from 9-12am. Payment: 2000~5000yen/1hr (depend on your ability and 1st month 2000yen) and transportation up to 1000yen.

Love small children, play with kids friendly, reliable rather than experienced. Please email selfintroduction and photo. Contact: playfultime <office@playful-time. com> Website: www.playful-time. com [2729-2763-2015-06-16] PART-TIME PRIVATE TEACHING JOBS IN ALL KANSAI AREA.

Looking for language students?

Have you already registered at hello-sensei ? Pick your lesson fee, schedule and location then students will directly contact you!

Available for : English, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Burmese and Arabic Contact: hell-sensei <contact@hello-sensei.com> Website: hello-sensei.com/en/sensei

Entertainment PERFORM IN ENGLISH! 演劇・舞 台芸術の為のノウハウを英語で学びま しょう！. For Business~Kids *司会進 行では、人前で自信を持って英語を話 す為の練習を行い日本人の持つ英語 への苦手意識をなくします!*発音では、 ネイティヴから本物の発音を学びます。 演劇スキルアップに限らず通訳等を目 指す方にもオススメです。Learn from

former USJ & Disney performers!

クラスは、ユニバーサルスタジオジャパ ンでのパフォーマー経験者・現在プロの パフォーマーとして活動中の者・ネイテ ィヴ講師により行われます! Contact:

Stage Academy of Performing Arts (Osaka) <stageacademy.osaka@ gmail.com> [2740-5251-201506-21]

Hospitality PART-TIME STAFF WANTED FOR NEW TEX-MEX TAKEAWAY.

Part-time staff wanted for new Tex-Mex takeaway opening in June in Kita-Horie, Osaka. Choose your working hours. Texans and cowgirls welcome! Proper visa required.

Japanese ability preferred. ¥1,000/hr.

Please send resume (with photo) to Hiday. Contact: Hiday <tex_hiday@ yahoo.co.jp> Website: hidays-bbq. com [2687-5680-2015-05-30]

Classes & events

[2646-1905-2015-06-13]

TEACHER NEEDED FOR SATURDAY PROGRAM IN KYOTANABE. A dynamic and

successful Saturday program for returnee elementary school students requires an enthusiastic and creative teacher from May 30th onward. ¥22,000 per day. Native speaker preferred. If interested in joining the team, email a resume to the address below for more info. craigatdive@ gmail.com. Contact: Craig Russell <cwrussell11@gmail.com> [2707-

1931-2015-06-11]

NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER WANTED!. After school for kids(age

7-9) near Minami-morimachi station. Work hrs: M-F 4pm6pm. Starting:ASAP or early July. JPY2500-3500/hr + Trans.

Requirements:Valid visa,teaching experience in Japan. Please send us your recent pic and resume to: info@manabiokids.com Contact: Manabiokids <info@manabiokids. com> Website: www.manabiokids. com [2721-948-2015-06-14]]

NEW OSAKA CIRCUS SCHOOL!.

Want to learn a new skill in Japan?

Come to ikura Circus in Bentencho, Osaka! We offer many classes like aerial hoop, tissue, trapeze, juggling, aerial yoga and even ninja class! You can also rent the studio at an adorable price for your own training. All ages and all levels are welcome! :) Contact: ikura Circus <ikko33@hotmail.com> Website: www.ikuracircus.com [2725-57232015-06-15]

FREE ENGLISH CONVERSATION & TOEIC IN KITA HORIE. I am

an American lawyer, teacher and owner of the new cafe-bar Westside American Bistro in Kita Horie.

To help introduce my place to the community, I'm offering free English conversation and TOEIC

42

 Kansai Scene Classifieds > kansaiscene.com/classifieds lessons now and throughout the summer. Reservations OK. Walk-ins Ok. Email: westsidevp@gmail.com.

Website: sites.google.com/site/ osakawestsidebistro/ [2732-92-201506-17]

Health & Beauty

Community Announcements WANNA SING AT BARS AND CLUBS?. Osaka/Kobe popular

entertaining band is looking for female vocals. If you could dance &amp; sing(in English), join us ! Lots of fun &amp; paid gigs guaranteed. Covered artists: Katy Perry, Lady GaGa, Contact: Soulkiss Ng <soulkiss07@hotmail. co.jp> Website: www.facebook. com/soulkissbandjapan [1300-227-

2015-06-19]

KANSAI INTERNATIONAL OUTDOOR CLUB. For fun in the

Events

outdoors, join IOC Kansai! Nonprofit international group enjoys hiking, cycling, running, camping, winter sports, water sports etc. See our website, join an event, attend our get-together on 9th May or outdoor get-together on 14th June.

Hope to see you there! Contact: iockansai <edeanjapan@gmail.com> Website: Http://www.iockansai.com

[2173-1879-2015-06-12]

OSAKA BOOK GROUP'S JUNE MEETING. Margaret Atwood's

&quot;The Handmaid's Tale&quot; will be discussed on June 14th at Takamura Wine &amp; Coffee Roasters, starting at 2pm. Contact: Massa <bookisbetter2012@yahoo. co.jp> Website: www.facebook.com/ groups/OsakaBookGroup/ [2709-

337-2015-06-12]

LEARNING TO CODE? JOIN US!.

FREE INFORMATION & ADVICE FOR FOREIGN RESIDENTS.

Free information and counseling services will be offered to foreign residents at Osaka International House on Sunday, June 28th (11:00 - 17:00). Specialists will offer advice regarding Japanese Law, immigration, taxes, human rights, labor and more. Free and confidential, with interpretation in 10 languages. Contact: Osaka International House <ihjohokikaku@ih-osaka.or.jp> Website: www.ih-osaka.or.jp/english [2741-5744-2015-06-21]

CANADA DAY CELEBRATION. Join

Canadians and friends of Canada for a BBQ on the beach to celebrate Canada Day. The BBQ will be held at Okura Kaigan on Sunday, June 28th from 12 noon to 3pm. Fee includes BBQ, a Canadian dessert, and a chance to win a raffle prize.

Please see our website for payment details and reservation form.

Contact: Mark Robinson <mgr@gol. com> Website: www.kansaicanada. com [2597-1283-2015-06-26]

Whether you're an expert, beginner or just curious, join people on the same journey. Share a project or course you're working on or just socialize with ppl who love to code. We don't mind what language you speak or code in.

Join the G+ community or the Meetup http://is.gd/coffeeandcod Contact: BadCodeKansai <kevin. bradley0928@gmail.com> Website: is.gd/badcode [2464-2630-2015-06-10] LET'S OPEN A LANGUAGE SCHOOL. I'm looking for a partner,

or partners to help me open a language school in Osaka. You would help me find a location for the school, run the school, get students for the school and teach at it if you wanted to. For details contact: hkwhkwhkw19722015@ gmail.com Contact: HKW2015 <hkwhkwhkw19722015@gmail. com> [2637-5633-2015-06-09]

Kids JAPAN BRICKFEST. Japans largest

fan built Lego event at Canadian Academy is in Rokko Island on the 6th and 7th of June. 10–5pm. 100's of amazing creations including: Godzilla, trains, Technic, Castle , cities and much more, face painting, nail art, flea market, competitions and much more. Kids ¥350 / Adults ¥500. Contact: Aeturnus <klug@

outlook.jp> Website: klug-jp.com [2717-1721-2015-06-14]

Other OSAKA BASKETBALL CLUB. Do

you want to shoot some hoops, but find can't find anyone to play with?

Are you stuck in a rut fitness wise and find routine exercises boring ? Or are you learning to play and need some pointers? If you said yes to any of these questions then this is the group for you! Contact: Alicia Marie Sparnon <aliciasparnon@ hotmail.com> Website: www. facebook.com/groups/osakaballers/

[2742-2202-2015-06-24]

Language Exchange ENGLISH SPEAKING BAR. I am a native English teacher from Canada who also owns an English speaking bar in Umeda. I thought you might enjoy an easy and casual English speaking environment for language exchange. Visit my website and let me know if you would like to come.

We are open Wednesday - Saturday from 19:30 - 23:30 Contact: Alexander Pinto <alexander. pinto12@gmail.com> Website: www.speakeasyumeda.com/ [27345647-2015-06-19]

I WOULD LIKE MEET SOMEONE WHO SPEAK FRENCH. hello I

am a French living in Osaka for several years and I do not often have the opportunity to meet people who speak French or who want to improve their french if you want to speak french I am available during my days off during the week and occasionally on weekends or after work is ver 4:00 p.m Contact: bruno rousselet <mermazj@yahoo.com>

[2454-356-2015-06-06]

Community Services 日英翻訳者 (Japanese-English Translator). 東アジア文学専 門 (日本語特)、色々翻訳経験ある。 もっと言語・翻訳経験求めてる。BA

in East Asian studies (Japanese lang. emphasis) with translation experience in multiple fields looking for more language experience.

Contact: Scytale <dontgotnologin@ gmail.com> [2441-2177-201506-04]

SCHEDULE A FREE RELAXATION SEMINAR. FREE Stress-Free

Seminars at your location. Learn powerful techniques that help companies and individuals cope with daily demands. Gain new insight into handling stress, from superunconscious. com. Contact: Professor Jay Tee <superunconscious@gmail.com> Website: www.superunconscious. com [2357-2045-2015-05-25]

For Sale Second-Hand Toyota Will VS 4wd 2003.

Toyota Will VS 1800cc 4WD 2003 78500km now. Fuel consumption 10-14km. Anyone interested, negotiation can be applied. please leave a note. Price is not fixed and can be a near offer. Registration Shaken is valid till December 2016. \160000 ONO. feel free to ask me please. Contact: subwoofermate0825 <timbertop2004@yahoo.co.jp> [2691-5684-2015-06-01]

Home and Kitchen SCUBA DIVING GEAR FOR SALE.

Full set of MARES dive gear. Fully serviced, used on less than 50 dives. Includes Mares Vector BCD, Proton/Abyss regulators, gauges, Suunto dive computer, 5mm wet suit, knife, tables. Best offer!

Contact: MikeG <mc_gringo@ yahoo.com> [2329-2029-2015-06-06] WANTED: SINGLE OR SEMIDOUBLE BED. Looking for a used

bed in decent condition. Long Single or Semi-double would be best. Just a frame might be OK, but a frame w/ mattress in good shape would be prefered. Can pick up if you are in Kobe, Akashi, Kakogawa.

Contact: Tony <tigerx25@hotmail. com> [2743-5741-2015-06-23]

MOVING OUT SALE. For

sale:Sharp SJ-WA35K fridge ¥18000,Ikea corner table ¥3000,Rice chest ¥2500,Rinnai gas heater ¥3000,stand-up mirror ¥2000,2 storage boxes(L) ¥1000,Sharp washing machine(4.2kg) ¥2000,small lounge table ¥2000,various ceiling ligths ¥1000-¥2000,blinds ¥1500.Pick up only ,Myodani station(Kobe).

Contact: Jose san <negrurasan@ hotmail.com> [2694-5692-2015-06-04]

USED FURNITURE FOR SALE,DELIVERY INCLUDED.

Dining table, Sofa, Coffee Table, Closet, Desk w/ chair, bookshelf, china cabinet, and more. Check https://picasaweb.google. com/101688004226131128255/ FurnituresForSale# for pictures and prices. Delivery included in Osaka City areas. Alex 09037030314 Contact: alexb <alex@ abhousingosaka.com> [2475-90-

2015-06-14]

Sorry…

Due to space restrictions we are unable to print all classified ads.

See kansaiscene.com for more classifieds online.

Theater Umeda

Umeda

InterContinental Osaka Hotel Umeda Sky Building German Consulate 35F

Yodobashi Camera

JR Osaka Sta.

da

Mitsukoshi Isetan

Hankyu Grand Bldg

Ume

Lucua

Toho Annex Hep 5 Hep Navio

Shin Midosuji

ne

Nishi Umeda

Ana Crowne Plaza

ji Li

Hotel Elsereine Osaka

6F Untitled

osu

Dojima Avanza 4F Junkudo

e

ana Lin Keih noshim Naka

Nishi Tenma

akanoshi ma Dori City Hall

Na

niw

Church

Ke

iha

Kitahama

Ostec Exhibition Hall Shrine

Temple

nM

ab

ain

5

as

hi

Lin

e

Boston Clam Shack

Kitahama

Hotel

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Yodoyabashi

Hospital

US Consulate

e

Edobori

ashi Lin Yotsub hi s Higoba

National Museum of Art

Police Station

Shinmei Law Office

Tosabori River

Utsubo Park Bank

e

ACCJ Kansai

Oebashi Bank of Japan

i bebash Watana

Post Office

Tanimachi Lin

Hanshin Expresswa y(Loop R ou te) N

Dojima Hotel

YMCA

5F

Mid

NTT Data

a

Kita Shinchi

Dojima

Toz

iv aR a jim him NTT s Do o n a k Na Rihga Royal Hotel

Ogimachi Dori

med

shi U

Kita Shinchi 1F

Capt. Kangaroo

Mister Kelly’s

ine in L Ma Sta. n i a nsh Ha ushim ine ai L Fuk

er

sh

u Higa

Hanky

Higa

Herbis Ritz Osaka .2 Carlton No ute Ro

Ogimachi Park

rcade idori A

Lagunaveil Sonezaki Float Premier Visitors’ Police H.Q. Daimaru Court Club Information . a Quattro t S Center a d Hotel me Hanshin Asahiya U Dept.

Granvia Bookstore hin ns Hilton Ha 6F Plaza West Umeda Hilton Hotel E-ma Hotel Burg7 Kansai The Blarney Maru Herbis Stone Bldg #4 1F Bldg.

Ent Tower Records 3/4F TGI Fridays Osaka Dental Clinic Beer & Pizza Bldg #3 Outback Bldg #1 Bldg #2 GO_SUKE Steakhouse 33F Creamy 2F B1 Exeo

Drop Inn Osaka

Jr

Osaka YWCA

Hotel Kinki

Navio Toho Plex

Hankyu Dept.

o

ak

iy

M

ri

do

a-

jim

ho

i-c

k za

a

ak

N

Hankyu Umeda Kinokuniya Sta. ABC Mart

Umekita Ship Craft Beer Base

Maruzen & Junkudo Club Noon

New Hankyu Osaka Hotel

Grand Front Osaka / Knowledge Capital

Westin Hotel

Loft

0 Movie Theatre

200m

6

N

1

Moe Joe

e Yotsubashi lin

MinamiHorie

Tezukayama Gallery 2F

Daimaru Dept.

North

OPA

Daimaru Dept.

Onzieme 11F Cinem Triangle Apple @rt Park Triangle Store Drop Clapper Fanj twice Grand Cafe Ghost Ultralounge

Naniw

Orange Stree t (shopping street)

Dotonbori

Nikko Hotel

The Silver Ball Planet Big Step

Horie Park

Lunar Club

Kansai Tourist Information Center Cross Hotel

Dublin Bay / Dublin Garden

Namba Hatch

a St

amb

JR N

Junkudo

ba

OCAT

Nam

Hotel Monterey

AEON MaxValu

Murphy’s 6F

3

The Blarney Stone

Suomachi-dori (Europe street)

B1

HigashiShinsaibashi 1F Zerro

Soemon-Cho

Shooters 5F Hotel Metro the 21

B1 Burlesque

Pure Osaka B1

Dotonbori Hozenji Temple

Namba Walk (underground)

4

5

Sennichimae line Nipponbashi sta.

Nipponbashi Namba walk

BIC Camera Kintetsu Nara line

Namba Toho Cinemas Namba

Visitors Information Center

Absinthe Solaar 8F

Motomachi

Best Western Hotel fino

Hanshin expressway (loop route)

Little Long Beach

Inari

Hotel T’point

Fubar 2F

Osaka Shochikuza

Namba Namba Sta.

Hotel Ichiei

Nest Hotel

Shinsaibashi

Namba Hips Beer House 86 Karaoke 86

a.

Tominaga Hospital

Spotaka

L&L

River

Hearton Hotel

3F GS Travel

Daimaru Dept.

South

Balabushka 4F

Coolabah 1F

Uniqlo 5F Boy

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

Cafe 1F Absinthe

Family Mart

Tokyu Hands

Arthur Murray

Crysta Nagahori (underground shopping) Nagahoribashi Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line

Ali’s Kitchen El Pancho 8F

Yotsubashi

Kitahorie Hospital

Louis Vuitton

Nagahori dori Shinsaibashi

Nishiohashi

KitaHorie

a-suji

Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

Blue Wave Inn

Mizuho Bank

Midosuji

Kansai Scene Mojoprint Office

Covent Garden

Minami-senba

Big Beans Supermarket

Life Supermarket

7-ELEVEN

Hearton Hotel

Sakaisuji

Shinmachi

Takashimaya Dept. Store

Swissôtel Nankai Osaka

Cine Pop Namba Oriental Hotel Junkudo MUJI/LOFT Tower Records

Nankai Namba Station

Fraser Residence

Misono Building Namba Plaza

6

NipponBashi

McDonalds Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

Namba PARKS

Pub Bar 30 2F

Namba -naka

7

Naniwa Sports Center Naniwa Post Office

Toys”R”Us Jack and Queen Naniwa Ward Office

Yamada Denki LABI1 Namba

N 0

Post Office

Bank

Police Station

Hospital

Hotel

Church

Shrine

Temple

100m Movie Theatre

8

Shinsaibashi/Namba

Namba Shrine

Orix Theater

Kobe Sauna

Kobe Ikuta Junior High School

tetsudo Kobe kosoku

JR Motomachi sta.

Minato Bank

Police Station

ine wa yl ub Movie Theatre

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku

Oike-dori

Sanjo

Wakamatsu-dori

Butterfly

World

Kawaramachi

Marui

Takashimaya

Yamatoji-dori

Keihan Line

Kawaramachi-

Kiyamachi-dori

dori

Kyoto Royal BLDG.

Kiraku Inn

ori awa-d Shirakkawa river Shira

Gion s hijo

Junkudo 7F Bal

Sanjo

The Gael Irish Pub

Shijo-dori Minamiza Theatre

Church

Shrine

Temple

Movie Theatre

Gion Gion Kaikan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art Gion Hotel

Joko-in

0 Hotel

200m

Hotel Okura

Mina

Fuji Daimaru

N 0

Movix Kyoto

Teramachi Shotengai Shinkyogoku Shotengai

Hospital

Temple

Sannomiya Hanadokeimae st.

Sanjo-dori

Hankyu Line

Bank

Shrine

Hanamikoji-dori

Gokomachi-dori

Fuyacho-dori

Tominokoji-dori

Yanaginobanba-dori

Sakaimachi-dori

Kyoto Post Office

Church

Kobe City Hall

OPA

Teramachi Area

Hotel

Kyoto Royal Hotel Kyoto Asahi Kaikan Starbucks

Jomo Gas

Daimaru

no

San

Hospital

Aoyama

Shiyakushomae

Kawara Machi

Police Station

Mitsui Sumitomo Bank

Kyoto City Hall

Tozai Subway Line

Bank

miya anno JR S Sun City OS Cinemas 7F Junkudo iya Mint Kobe m no San Tower Hotel Tokyu Inn SannomiyaRecords SOGO Dept.

Marga 5F Kinokuniya 8F Kobe Kokusai Kaikan 1F HSBC Port liner

e

Post Office

miya

Flower road

Daimaru Dept.

Kainan lin

Ali’s Kitchen 3F

Sannomiy

d.

Subway

Iznt 4F

Route 2 San Plaza Sannomiya Cine Marui Center Phoenix Center Plaza East Plaza West Junkudo Kowka 4F

Guild 2F

Kyukyoryuchi Daimarumae

Nankin-machi

Tokyu Hands

Sansei Hosp.

Midnight 5F Hobgoblin 7F a

Sanchika un

Hanshin line

Ikuta jinja

Mickey’s Club 5F Hotel Monterey

Motomachi

Kitanozaka

Ikuta Police Station

Pontocho

Hyogo-ken Prefectural Hall

ka

za

do

Fu

Sh iei Ya ma te s

Oriental Dental Clinic 4F Hotel Tor Road

Kobe Grocers

Sanjo

Soraku Park

Hunterzak

Pearl Street

Kobe Mosque Kobe Womens St. Michael’s Junior International College School Yamate kansen

Kobe YWCA

1F Bistrot Cafe De Paris

a

Kitano-cho Tor Road

Sannomiya

Yamamoto-dori

200m

N Yasaka Jinja