Kansai Scene #192 May 2016

Free monthly guide covering Osaka • Kyoto • Hyogo • Nara • Wakayama • Shiga

MAY 2016 / ISSUE 192

Ideas for a Magnificent May

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INSIDE THE STUDIO OF A JAPANESE DOLL MAKER

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ESCAPE TO ENCHANTING WAKANOURA

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CHECKING OUT OSAKA’S CHINESE FOOD

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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

Publisher.......................................................Daniel Lee Managing Editor..........................Celia Polkinghorne Editor.........................................................Jason Haidar Production Manager............................... Misa Matsui Production Assistant......................... Miyoko Morita Accounts Manager..................................Michiko Lee Art................................................................. Yuko Hirai Cinema.................................................Deanna Wright Event & Festival....................................Yuki Uchibori Live Music.............................................Phillip Jackson Club............................................................Terumi Tsuji

Contact Kansai Scene General ...........................mailbox@kansaiscene.com Editorial...............................editor@kansaiscene.com Advertising .......................... sales@kansaiscene.com Tel. ............................................................06-6539-1717 Fax. ...........................................................06-7635-4791 Address........................................Osaka-shi, Nishi-ku, ............................................................ Shinmachi 3-5-7, ................................................................... Eiko Bldg. 2F ................................................................ Mojoworks KK Website............................................. kansaiscene.com

What’s on Around Kansai Events & Festivals......................................................04 Art ...........................................................................................10

Photo: Matt Evans

About Kansai Scene

Live Music ..........................................................................13 Club ........................................................................................ 18 Cinema................................................................................ 20 Classifieds........................................................................ 30

ON THE COVER: This month’s cover photo was taken at Tadahiko Ando’s doll studio by Matt Evans.

Getting Around / Maps............................................34

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Children’s Day Dolls Behind the scenes in the studio of Japanese doll maker Tadahiko Ando.

FEATURE Text: Matt Evans

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Foodspotting Craving Chinese food? We know just where to go.

FOOD & DRINK Text: Adam Koch

Write for Kansai Scene If you would like to write for KS, please contact editor@kansaiscene.com after reviewing our writers guidelines:

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kansaiscene.com/write-for-us

Where’s Wakanoura?

Looking for somewhere to escape the masses this Golden Week?

Wakanoura, in the heart of Wakayama, could be just the spot.

TRAVEL Text: Alon Adika

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.

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Learn the Lingo How was your Golden Week? How to answer the question you ll be asked most this month!

LANGUAGE Text: KS

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

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Interview Arch Enemy s Michael Amott tells KS about the band s upcoming Black Earth tour.

LIVE Text: Philip Jackson

 Kansai Scene Classifieds

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Kansai Scene is proudly published and printed by Mojoprint

Looking for a job, an old sofa or new friends? » kansaiscene.com/classifieds

Connect with Kansai Scene…

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Events

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

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Ancient Horse Race 賀茂祭 足伏走馬

Kamo Shrine, Shiga • May 7

Provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

Witness both rider and horse colorfully dressed in medieval Japanese kimono (Heian period kimono) race on a straight 400m course through the shrine grounds in this unquie event.This exciting ancient horse race will take place at the annual Kamo Festival held at Kamo-jinja, which is known as the guardian deity of horses. Standing on the land that used be the first national pasture on which to train horses in the 7th century, this shrine performs the horse-race ceremony called ashifusesome as an offering to the deity at the festival every year. The shrine also provides a hands-on experience of horseback riding during the event.

TIME: 1pm–5pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Omihachiman Stn, bus to Kamohigashi • kamo-jinjya.or.jp

Aoi Festival 葵祭

2016 Western Confectionary Festa

Kyoto Imperial Palace and Surroundings, Kyoto • May 15

洋菓子フェスタ in Kobe

One of the oldest festivals in Japan, Aoi Matsuri even appears in the Tale of Genji that was written in the 11th century. The captivating parade walks to Kamigamo-jinja from the Imperial palace via Shimogamojinja

Daimaru Kobe, Hyogo • May 3–9

TIME: 10:30am (leave Imperial Palace) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Subway Marutamachi Stn • kyokanko. or.jp/aoi

Indulge your sweet tooth with luscious cake and mouthwatering petit fours at this baked goods and desserts show. Under this year s theme of Fashion City Kobe, local professional confectioners compete to be named the king or queen of confectionary, showing off their exquisite and ornate cakes. Behold the edible art works of sugar and follow your nose as the tempting aroma of fresh cream, butter and chocolate waft towards you from the café venue.

Popular dessert shops will open their stalls for you to purchase their specialities to take home during the event. There will also be lectures on baking cakes given by famous patissiers.

TIME: 10am–8pm (10am–3:30pm May 9) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR/Hanshin Motomachi Stn, 3-min walk • daimaru.co.jp/kobe

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI / KANSAI TEMPLE MARKETS Explore Kansai s wonderful monthly temple markets and grab a bargain. You ll find a lot of antiques, including old kimono, ceramics and lacquerware, but you may also unearth some more contemporary curiosities. Perfect as souvenirs or gifts for friends and relatives back home.

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Wakanagi Concert

Mifune Festival

和奏伎 演奏会−和に親しむひとときを

三船祭 » Shitennoji Temple Flea

Market:

May 21 & 22 • Shitennoji Temple Grounds, Osaka • Access: 5min walk from Shitennojimae Stn, Tanimachi Line » Toji Market Kyoto:

May 21 • Toji Temple • Access: 15min walk from JR Kyoto Stn » Kitano Tenmangu

Market:

May 25 • Kitano Tenmangu Shrine • Access: Tenman-gu-mae bus stop

Kurumazaki Shrine and Surroundings, Kyoto • May 15 Come and see a beautiful re-enactment of courtly boating first performed about 1,100 years ago. After a solemn ritual held to commemorate the deity of Kusumazaki-jinja, performers dressed in colorful period costumes walk in procession to the Togetsu-kyo bridge. Witness elegant courtiers amusing themselves at the dazzling water pageant. Enjoy watching the 25 richly decorated boats sail up and down the river Oi carrying artists perfroming Noh, court dances, poetry readings, tea ceremonies, and many other traditional arts.

TIME: 1pm–3pm (boating) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Keifuku Line, Arashiyama Stn • kurumazakijinja.or.jp

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Events

Creo Osaka East, Osaka • May 29 This is a golden opportunity to learn about traditional Japanese performing arts. Japanese music troupe, the Wakanagi, will hold its annual concert at the magnificent concert hall, Creo Osaka East. The free show will include shamisen performances, a comedy show, rakugo comic storytelling, folk dances, and singing. One of highlights is classical Japanese juggling called daikagura. You won t be able to take your eyes off of the talented performer, Tamanosuke Horaiya, spinning objects on umbrellas and balancing teapots and knives, with many more tricks up his sleeve! There will be English subtitles at each show.

TIME: 2pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Kyobashi Stn, south exit, 7-min walk • wakanagi.com/activity/ concert/plan.html

Sanada Festival 真田まつり

Michinoeki Kudoyama and Surroundings, Wakayama • May 7 & 8 Join the Sanada Festival commemorating the famed Sanada samurai clan, who was made familiar to everyone with the popular TV series Sanadamaru. Every year, the town of Kudoyama, in which the family spent 14 years in confinement, comes alive as the locals proudly celebrate the heroes of the Warring States period. This year, the festival is bigger than ever before. With a powerful matchlock-gun demonstration, games, live music, perfromances for kids, and even special guest appereance from the leading actors in the TV show! There will be a parade of samurai in their full regalia on the 8th.

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Nankai Line, Kudoyama Stn, 20min walk • kudoyama-kanko.jp

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Events

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI MAY

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Japan Brickfest 2016 Canadian Academy, Rokko Island, Kobe • June 4–5 Kansai Lego User Group and Canadian Academy are hosting Japan s largest fan built LEGO® festival! There will be over 100 builders from 8 countries displaying 100s of amazing original LEGO® models including robots, trains, castles, space ships, buildings and much more, as well as activities for children, competitions, cosplay, a mascot character, fleamarket and food/drink stalls.

TIME: 10am–5pm • ADMISSION:

500yen adults / 300yen children (under 3’s free) • ACCESS: Rokko Liner Marine Park Stn, 5-min walk • Contact Kansai LEGO® User Group directly with inquiries: klug@ outlook.jp

Thai Festival 2016 タイフェスティバル2016大阪

Taiyo No Hiroba, Osaka Castle Park • May 21 & 22

Featuring Thai dance, delicious Thai food, Thai pop, Muay Thai boxing, Sepak Takraw (a kind of volleyball played with the feet!) and the chance to win prizes in a lucky draw – it s the celebration of everything Thai at the annual Thai Festival in Osaka Castle Park.

TIME: 10am–8pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Osakajokoen Stn 5-min walk • thaifes.com/

Osaka LOHAS Festa 2016 Spring ロハスフェスタ万博公園2016 SPRING

Expo’70 Commemorative Park, Osaka • May 13–15 Have a great family outing at this three-day fun fair encouraging a lifestyle of health and sustainability. Enjoy over 400 booths selling environmentally friendly products and healthy food, with craft workshops for children as well.

May 13–15 Lohas Festa 2016 in Banpaku Koen Expo Park

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TIME: 9:30am–4:30pm • ADMISSION: ¥350 adults, concessions • ACCESS: Osaka Monorail, Bampaku-kinen-koen Stn • osakaspring.lohasfesta.jp

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Oasis 2016 第21回オアシス2016

OBP Twin21, Osaka • May 20–22 A great international art exhibition that anybody can just pop into and communicate with the exhibitors. About a dozen artists from around the world will show their finest works.

TIME: 10am–6pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Loop Line, Kyobashi Stn, 5-min walk • reijinsha.com/event/oasis. html

Events

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI Subway Nijojo-mae Stn • kyoto-beer. com

English Garden – The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew 世界遺産キュー王立植物園所蔵イングリ ッシュガーデン

The Museum of Kyoto • Until Jun 26

May 28 & 29 Craft Beer Live 2016, Osaka

Craft Beer Live 2016 Minatomachi Riverside Place, Namba • May 28 & 29 Craft Beer Live brings craft beer breweries from around Kansai together for a 2-day event held in Osaka. Held at the end of May at the Minatomachi River Place (next to Namba Hatch), the event features 23 Kansai-based breweries and other local craft beer bars serving up roughly 100 beers and great food too, plus a range of live performances for you to enjoy.

TIME: Sat 28 (12–8pm), Sun 29 (11am–

6pm) • ADMISSION: Free (Food/drink TICKETS: ¥2,800 for 7 tickets) • ACCESS: Namba Sta • craftbeerlive.com

Leaps in Evolution 生命大躍進―脊髄動物のたどった道

Osaka Museum of Natural History, Osaka • Until Jun 19 Tracing the path of vertebrate evolution, extraordinary collections of invaluable fossils from institutions all over the world will be on display, alongside precise, reconstructed models of animals and 4K video images.

TIME: 9:30am–5pm • ADMISSION: ¥1,300 adults, concessions • ACCESS: Subway Nagai Stn, exit 3, 10-min walk • mus-nh.city.osaka.jp

Tour of Japan – Sakai Stage ツアー•オブ•ジャパン堺ステージ

Daisenryo Kofun (Emperor Nintoku’s Tomb) and Surroundings, Osaka • May 29

Give top-class riders a round of applause at one of the largest international cycling road races! With many other exciting events, it will be fun for the whole family all day long!

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: Free to

spectate • ACCESS: JR Mozu Stn; 10 min walk • toj-sakai.com

Kyoto Antiquarian Book Sale 春の古書大即売会

Miyako Messe, Kyoto • May 1–5 Various books and comics will be on sale at the huge exhibition site. Find your favorite in a wide selection of over 500,000 books.

Though the majority of the books available are Japanese, many of them manga, there are foreign books available, as well as art books, ukiyo-e prints, and so on.

TIME: 10am–4:45pm (10am–4pm May 5) • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Higashiyama Subway Stn, 8-min walk • miyakomesse.jp

Craft Beer Festa Kyoto 2016 地ビール祭京都2016

Kyoto Sanjo-Kai Shotengai Shopping Street, Kyoto • May 14 Enjoy regionally brewed beer, local cuisine, and live music at this shopping street near Nijo Castle. More than 35 breweries from all over the country will serve their special craft beer.

TIME: 12:30pm–8pm • ADMISSION: Free

In a showcase for flowers and plants of the world, this great exhibition of 150 botanical art works from the Kew Gardens collection boasts valuable paintings and fine art dating from the 17th to the 19th century. The event also traces the achievements of Charles Darwin, Joseph Banks, and other renowned botanists.

TIME: 10am–6pm (Closed Mon) • ADMISSION: ¥1,300 adults, concessions

• ACCESS: Karasumaoike Subway Stn, Exit 5, 3-min walk • bunpaku.or.jp

Nara Outing to Imai-cho 今井町並み散歩

Imai-cho, Nara • May 7–15 (Main event is on the 15th) Come and see the beauty of old Japan at Imai-cho, which has preserved houses and streets from the 18th century.

Interesting events include: guided walking tours, open houses, art exhibitions, a fancy-dress parade, handson workshops of traditional Japanese crafts, and more.

TIME: 9am–4pm • ADMISSION: most

events free • ACCESS: Kintetsu Line, Yaginishiguchi Stn, 5-min walk • 3.kcn. ne.jp/~imaicho/index.html

Paper Fan Throwing うちわまき

Toshodaiji Temple, Nara • May 19

Pottery Fair やきものの里 春ものがたり

Tanba Tachikuti Sue no Sato, Hyogo • Until May 8 Exhibitions and markets featuring Tanba earthenware as well as stalls selling local delicacies and hands-on crockery making experiences are planned for this event. Open-house pottery visits will be held May 3 to 5.

TIME: 10am • ADMISSION: Depends on venue • ACCESS: JR Aino Stn, bus to Sue no Sato-mae • tanbayaki. com/event/harumonogatari2016/ harumonogatari2016.html#open

Shinkaichi Music Street Show 2016 第16回神戸新開地音楽祭

Minatogawa Park and Surroundings, Hyogo • May 7&8 Every year, this free music show electrifies the neighborhood of Shinkaichi with an amazing program of rock, jazz, pop, and classical music. An arts and crafts market, a children s square, and food stalls will be open during the event.

TIME: 12pm–8pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Hankyu/Hanshin Shinkaichi Stn • shinkaichi.or.jp/ongakusai/about

The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum Open Day 竹中大工道具館入館無料日

Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, Hyogo • May 18 Admission will be free of charge on this day to celebrate International Museum Day. Come and observe numerous exhibits including full-scale models of a tea hut s foundation and a pillar from the Toshodaiji temple at the only museum of carpentry tools in Japan.

Join an amusing Buddhist ritual and catch a paper fan believed to be a lucky charm. Around 3pm, hundreds of paper fans shaped like hearts are thrown from one of the temple buildings.

TIME: 9:30am–4:30pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Shin-Kobe Subway Stn, 3-min walk • dougukan.jp/?lang=en

TIME: 1pm • ADMISSION: ¥600 adults, concessions • ACCESS: Kintetsu Line, Nishinokyo Stn, 5-min walk • toshodaiji. jp/about.html

三田まちなみガーデンショー

(buy tickets for beer and food) • ACCESS:

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Hyogo

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Horticultural & Gardening Show Sanda Chuo Park, Hyogo • May 21 & 22

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

Events

May 15 Waka Festival, Wakayama

Visit this vibrant celebration of all things gardening! It is set in the beautiful, big city park where you can shop for plants and learn gardening tips and tricks from the experts. Join the tour to view open gardens in the neighborhood (paid event).

Wakayama Waka Festival 和歌祭

Kishu Toshogu Shrine and Surroundings, Wakayama • May 15

TIME: 10am–5pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Kobe Dentetsu Line, Minami Woody Town Stn, 15-min walk • city. sanda.lg.jp

Shiga Exhibition of Antique Dolls {Musha Ningyo} 商家につたわる武者人形めぐり

Gokasho Omi Shonin Yashiki, Shiga • Until May 31

Wakayama boasts this spectacular religious event, the Waka Matsuri. Come and watch the mikoshi (portable shrines) being carried up flights of steps. Enjoy the lively parade showcasing the traditional performing arts of Wakayama.

TIME: 11:30am–4pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: JR Wakayama Stn, bus to Gongen-mae • wakamatsuri.com

Lobster Festival えび祭り

Beautiful antique figurines representing the heroes of Japanese legends will be on display in historic houses in the picturesque, old town of Gokasho.

TIME: 9:30am–4:30pm ADMISSION: ¥600 adults, concessions • ACCESS: JR Notogawa Stn, bus to Plaza Sanpoyoshi • higashiomi.net/notogawa/7464.html

Hocho Matsuri – Kitchenknife Festival 包丁まつり

Hiyoshi Shrine, Shiga • Jun 1 A performer in a ceremonial kimono handles kitchen knives in a ritualized display in front of the deity. Visitors can come and pray to improve their cooking at this annual ceremony!

TIME: 10:30am • ADMISSION: ¥300

adults, concessions • ACCESS: Keihan Line, Sakamoto Stn, 10-min walk • hiyoshitaisha.jp

Kada Kasuga Shrine, Wakayama • May 21 Previously abandoned due to a shortage of float bearers, this traditional religious festival will be held again this year.

There will be lion dances, sword play, juggling, folk dances, and a grand parade through the village. But what s this, no lobsters? The festival is sadly lacking in crustacean action, despite its name. The local area was traditionally blessed with a bountiful haul of highly prized ise-ebi (Japanese spiny lobster) and this was the day on which they would thank the shinto gods, earning the festival its fishy nickname.

TIME: 9:20am–4pm • ADMISSION: Free • ACCESS: Nankai Line, Kada Stn, 10-min walk • hir.ne.jp/e3/omiya

Wondering what to do this weekend?

Check Kansaiscene.com for the latest what s on information

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Art

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI Special Exhibition: KAKUTEI

Yasumasa Morimura, Self-Portraits through Art History (Magritte / Triple Personality) , 2016, Collection of the artist

The Self-Portraits of YASUMASA MORIMURA: My Art, My Story, My Art History THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART, OSAKA

Yasumasa Morimura is one of the most wellknown modern artists in Japan. This is his first large-scale solo exhibition ever to be held at an art museum in his hometown of Osaka, where he was born in 1951 and is still based.

In this exhibition of 132 works, there will be 50 new works including Morimura s first fulllength video piece, which runs for more than 60 minutes. Since his work Portrait (Van Gogh) was widely acclaimed at a 1985 group show in Kyoto called Smile with Radical Will, Morimura has devoted himself to creating self-portraits in which he dresses up as protagonists from famous masterpieces, film actors, and notable 20th-century historical figures. In addition to approximately 110 self-portraits, the exhibition includes portraits of the artist as a child.

Until Jun 19 • Yasumasa Morimura Exhibition • OPEN: 10am–5pm; Open til 7pm Fridays (Last entry 30 mins before closing) • CLOSED: Mon (except May 2) • ADMISSION: ¥1,300 • ACCESS: Subway Higobashi Stn • nmao.go.jp

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The elaborate bird and flower paintings of Nagasaki-born monk and artist, Kakutei (1722–1785), brought a wave of fresh air to Kyoto and Osaka during a time when the Tokugawa shogunate had enforced an isolation policy, and Nagasaki was the only place open to other countries. Because he was based in Nagasaki at this time, he had the chance to learn beautiful Chinesestyle, ink-wash paintings, while also developing his own unique style. He was also influenced by Jakuchu Ito (1716–1800) and Taiga Ike (1723–1776), other renowned painters of the time.

This year is the 230th anniversary of the monk s death. The exhibition will show approximately 120 works including 45 unpublished paintings.

It will be divided into two parts, with pieces on display changing half way through.

Until May 29 • Kakutei exhibition • OPEN: 10am–5pm *Please enter 30 minutes prior to closing • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥1,100 • ACCESS: JR Motomachi Stn • city.kobe.lg.jp

Renoir Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art This is an exhibition bringing together Renoir s attractive female images from around the world.

Renoir was a celebrator of beauty, and especially feminine sensuality. He was especially known for painting women and children. The paintings are notable for their vibrant light and saturated color, most often focusing on people in intimate and candid compositions.

ピエール＝オーギュスト • ルノワール《うちわを持つ女》1879年頃 油彩 • カンヴァス、65.5×54.0cm クラーク美術館 1955.595.

Photo © Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA. Bridgeman Images

Until Jun 5 • OPEN: 9am–5pm (last entry 4:30pm) • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥1,500 • ACCESS: Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan Heian Jingumae bus stop from JR Kyoto Stn • www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

鶴亭「竹鶴図」 ［後期 , （5/3∼29）］, 宝暦5年（1755）, 個人蔵

Kobe City Museum

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

From Ogishi to Kukai Osaka Municipal Museum of Art •  Until May 22 To celebrate the Osaka Municipal Museum of Art s 80th anniversary, this exhibition is showing exceptionalworks of calligraphy, with the influences of the great ancient Chinese calligrapher, Ogishi (Wang Xi Zhi), in both China and Japan as a focus.

OPEN: 9:30am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon (Open on a national-holiday Mon, closed following day) • ADMISSION: ¥1300 • ACCESS: JR / Subway, Tennoji Stn, 10-min walk; Kintetsu line, Abenobashi Stn, 10-min walk • TEL: 06-6771-4874 • osakaart-museum.jp

The Posters of Ikko Tanaka The National Museum of Art, Osaka •  Until Jun 19 The postwar visual culture in Japan was influenced hugely by Nara-born graphic designer, Ikko Tanaka (1930–2002). This exhibition showcases Tanaka s unique designs through a select group of his posters.

OPEN: 10am–5pm (open til 7pm Fri) • CLOSED: Mon (except May 2) • ADMISSION: ¥430 • ACCESS: Higobashi Subway Stn, 10-min walk • nmao.go.jp/en

KYOTO Domoto Mototsugu “Retrospective – Reflections on His Mind” Insho Domoto Museum of Fine Arts •  Until Jun 12 This exhibition is the first retrospective of Nihonga artist, Mototsugu Domoto, with nearly 80 paintings (including his representative work after the war), drawings, sketches, and works produced while he was still a student. An impressive variety of styles are on show including his contemporary genre paintings and abstract art.

OPEN: 9:30am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon (Open on a national-holiday Mon, closed following day) • ADMISSION: ¥500 • ACCESS: JR Kyoto Stn, bus to Ritsumeikan Daigaku-mae, 5-min walk • TEL: 075-4630007 • insho-domoto.com/plan/new/ current/index-e.html

HYOGO Otani Memorial Art Museum, Nishinomiya City

Large incense burner created in the shape of a winter melon

by Murakami Moriyuki; around 1906; held in the collection of Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum

OSAKA

Art

Swiss Design Exhibition •  Until May 29 Known around th world for being a country that has chosen its own path by declaring permanent neutrality, Switzerland also garners much attention for its high-quality and unique designs.

Known for its practicality, and merging tradition with the latest technology, the Swiss brand is popular for its warmth, beauty, and functionality. This exhibition introduces Swiss designs from early pioneering works to the various developments seen throughout the 20th Century.

OPEN: 10am–5pm • CLOSED: Wed (Open on a national-holiday Wed, closed following day) • ADMISSION: ¥800 • ACCESS: Hanshin line, Koroen Stn, 8-min walk • TEL: 07-9833-0164 • otanimuseum. jp/home

SHIGA Kazari: Decoration in Faith and Festival Miho Museum •  Until May 15 Nobuo Tsuji, the director of Miho Museum, invites the vivid and ornate decoration, elegant dance, and meditative music that characterizes the Buddhist culture for an exhibition that celebrates the joy of festival and faith.

OPEN: 10am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon (Open on a national-holiday Mon, closed following day) • ADMISSION: ¥1,100 • ACCESS: JR Ishiyama Stn, take Teisan bus to Miho Museum, 2-min walk • TEL: 07-4882-3411 • miho.or.jp/english

Special Exhibition “Directory of Artisans in Modern Osaka: Listening to the Stories of Creators” Osaka Museum of History The art of craft making underwent its own unique development in Osaka, far away from the developments taking place in Tokyo after the 1868 Meiji Restoration. 2016 is the 15-year anniversary of the opening of the Osaka Museum of History, and in those years, so many great Osaka artisans were discovered as part of the museum s activities. At this exhibition, the works of approximately 170 Osaka artisans are gathered, representing Osaka s industrial arts history. This exhibition will showcase the world of Osaka s modern craftsmanship by highlighting the sophisticated techniques and applied skills of Osaka-based artisans, and will feature a number of forgotten creators and their works, some of which are being shown to the public for the first time.

Until Jun 20 • Artisans exhibition • OPEN: 9:30am–5pm (Fridays during the exhibition period 9:30am–8pm) *Please enter 30 minutes prior to closing • CLOSED: Tue (Open May 3), The Special Exhibition Hall is closed on May 6 • ADMISSION: ¥1,000 • ACCESS: Tanimachi 4-chome Stn • mus-his.city.osaka.jp

WAKAYAMA Koshiro Onchi “Lyricism and Modernism” The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama •  Until Jun 12 A comprehensive retrospective of the work of Koshiro Onchi (1891–1955), a celebrated modern printmaker and pioneer of abstract prints. In addition to his renowned prints, oil paintings, sketches, photographs, and book

designs are also on show, making up around 400 works.

2-min walk • TEL: 07-3436-8690 • momaw. jp/language/english

OPEN: 9:30am–5pm • CLOSED: Mon • ADMISSION: ¥340 • ACCESS: JR Wakayama Stn, bus to Kencho-mae,

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

Live Music

Deep Purple

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May 16

It may not be the Mark II lineup, but the current Deep Purple members have been together now for 14 years since founding member Jon Lord retired in 2002. Mark II members Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, and Roger Glover are joined by guitarist Steve Morse and keyboardist Don Airey making what many fans would agree is a classic Purple lineup.

Deep Purple was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an award long overdue for the musical contribution the members have delivered since their debut in 1968. Purple s latest studio album is the 2013 Now What?! with the Japanese standard and deluxe editions featuring extra live tracks.

Rock and Pop Brent & Johnny May 13 Osaka-Based Canadian guitarist/ vocal duo Hard Rock Café, Osaka • Rock-pop • 7:30pm/9pm • Free • TEL: 06-6120-5711

Koda Kumi May 13 & 14

British classic-rock legends • Osaka Festival Hall, Osaka • May 16 • Rock • 7pm • ¥11,000/¥12,000 • TEL: 06-6341-4506

Osaka festival Hall, Osaka • Rock • 7pm • ¥11,000/¥12,000 • TEL: 06-6341-4506

Camel May 18 English progressive-rock band formed 1971 Namba Hatch, Osaka • Prog Rock • 7pm • ¥12,000/¥12,500 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

Michael Monroe May 19

Michael Monroe

Japanese pop singer Osaka Festival Hall, Osaka • Pop • 5/13 at 7pm; 5/14 at 5pm • ¥8,400 • TEL: 066341-3525

Piggy Banks

Finnish ex-Hanoe Rocks vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Club Quattro, Osaka May 19 • Rock • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

May 15

Scandal

Japanese female rock trio

May 19–20

Taku Taku, Kyoto • Rock • 5pm • ¥2,000/¥2,500 • TEL: 07-5351-1321

Deep Purple May 16 British classic-rock legends

Club Quattro, Osaka

May 22

May 23 • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

Acoustic-piano-duo tour

Japanese female rock four-piece Namba Hatch, Osaka May 19–20 • Rock • 7pm • ¥4,860 • TEL: 06-6357-4400

Chick Corea and Makoto Ozone

Hyogo Performing Arts Center, Nishinomiya • Piano instrumentals • 3pm • ¥2,000/¥8,000 • TEL: 07-9868-0255

Steve Hackett

Black Earth

English progressive-rock singersongwriter-guitarist (ex-Genesis)

May 23

Namba Hatch, Osaka • Prog Rock • 7pm • ¥10,800/¥11,300 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

May 23

New project of current and past members of Arch Enemy

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Live Music

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

MAY

13

Brent & Johnny May 13

Popular Osaka-based Canadian duo, Brent & Johnny, has been playing around the city for a few years now. Chances are you ve seen the pair play or have seen their side projects if you ve gone out to one of Osaka s many foreign pubs and bars that put on live music (they also play solo and are two parts of the trio Speakeasy).

Combining rock, blues, and pop classic hits that everyone knows and loves, Brent and Johnny knock out songs by Ray Charles, Sublime, and Oasis to name but a few, plus they also have a repertoire of originals that are sure to get feet tapping and calls for more.

The Hard Rock Café is an intimate venue that has an excellent sound system so this really is the gig of the month if you want to support local live music.

Osaka based Canadian guitarist/vocal duo • Hard Rock Café, Osaka • May 13 • Rock-pop • 7:30pm/9pm • Free • TEL: 06-6120-5711

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Mogwai

Mocky

May 31

May 31

Formed a little over 20 years ago in Glasgow, Scotland, postrock band Mogwai released their ninth studio album Atomic just last month. Reception to the release has been positive with one critic stating that it is undoubtedly one of the most consistent albums front-to-back from Mogwai s two-decade-long career. The album is an original soundtrack for director Mark Cousin s 2015 documentary,

Mixing various styles and genres, Mocky, born Dominic Salole in Saskatchewan, Canada, is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multiinstrumentalist now based in Los Angeles. His latest album, Key Change, was released last year and is his fifth to date since In Mesopotamia in 2002. Despite playing most of the instruments himself on the album, there were some guests: Feist (Canadian indie-rock singer), Gonzales (Canadian singer and musician Chilly Gonzales) and Kelela (American singer). Mocky says of finding collaborators, I have a habit of sniffing out musical family wherever I go.

On the album, he says it s a modern day instrumental jazz composer s record. That said, it s not your typical jazz music; it s Mocky jazz with many other elements thrown in for good measure.

Atomic: Living in Dread and Promise, which is part of a series

marking the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Long-time Mogwai fans will be disappointed that John Cummings, an original member since 1995, left the band last year to pursue other musical projects. Though the band will be joined by two other guitarists on tour, they have no current plans to replace Cummings in the studio.

Scottish post-rock band • Big Cat, Osaka • May 31 • Post-rock • 7:30pm • ¥6,800 • TEL: 06-65355569

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Canadian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist • ShangriLa, Osaka • May 31 • Pop-jazzelectronic • 8pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • TEL: 06-6343-8601

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI /

Live Music

Jun 9 Primal Fear @ Club Quattro

the pillows May 25 Japanese alternative-rock trio Big Cat, Osaka • Alt rock • 7pm • ¥4,320 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Hip-hop/jazz • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥7,500/¥8,500 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Primal Fear Jun 9

Kamelot

German power metal band formed 1997

May 26

Club Quattro, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

American power-metal band Club Quattro, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

Patti Smith Jun 9

Priscilla Ahn May 27 U.S. acoustic singer-songwriter Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Singer-songwriter • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥6,900/¥7,900 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Mogwai May 31 Scottish post-rock band Big Cat, Osaka • Post rock • 7:30pm • ¥6,800 • TEL: 06-6535-5569

Mocky May 31 Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shangri-La, Osaka • Electro pop • 8pm • ¥4,500/¥5,000 • TEL: 06-6343-8601

Terrace Martin Jun 1 U.S. hip-hop producer and multi-instrumentalist

U.S. singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • Punk • 2pm/8:30pm • ¥15,500/¥16,500 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Rina Katahira Jun 10 Japanese pop-rock singersongwriter and guitarist Taku Taku, Kyoto • Pop-rock • 7pm • ¥4,000 • TEL: 07-5351-1321

THE ALFEE Jun 11 & 12 Popular Japanese pop-rock trio Osaka Festival Hall • Pop-rock • 11/6 at 6pm; 12/6 at 5pm • ¥7,560 • TEL: 06-6341-3525

The Muggles Every Fri & Sat Mellow ballads, classic rock and dynamic rock and roll from Osaka-based jamming band

Wondering what to do this weekend?

Check Kansaiscene.com for the latest what s on information

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Live Music

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI Woodstock Café, Ashiya, Osaka • Rock and Group Sounds • Free entrance (¥2,000 for 2 drinks + snack) • TEL: 07-9734-1044

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz • 7:30pm/9:15pm • ¥4,000/¥4,300 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Minami Kayoko

R&B and Soul Chaka Khan May 16 & 17 U.S. funk and R&B singer since the 70s Billboard Live OSAKA, Osaka • R&B/Funk • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥17,500/¥18,500 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

INTERVIEW

Black Earth Last year KS spoke with Arch Enemy s Michael Amott. Twenty years ago, Arch Enemy released the album Black Earth. Now, in a tour that is exclusive to Japan, Michael Amott has put together a project, named after that album, of past Arch Enemy members. We spoke to Michael again to find out more about this project and also the future of Arch Enemy.

2016 is the 20-year anniversary of Black Earth – the first Arch Enemy album. Did this anniversary play a significant factor in bringing this project together?

Yes. That is exactly the reason why we are doing this tour. We thought it was a great idea to celebrate this anniversary and the early years of Arch Enemy this way. Judging by the reactions we are getting from the Japanese fans, I think we have made the right decision to book these seven concerts across Japan!

We know the band is comprised of past and present Arch Enemy members – can you tell us who’s in?

The Black Earth lineup for the Japan tour is the last Arch Enemy lineup we had in the 90s, so it s myself and my brother Chris on guitars, Daniel Erlandsson on drums, Sharlee D Angelo on bass, and of course the original Arch Enemy vocalist Johan Liiva. We will be playing the debut Arch Enemy album Black Earth in its entirety of course, as well as a cross-section of songs from the second and third albums, Stigmata and Burning Bridges...and dare I say some pretty cool surprises too!

May 22 New album release party gig Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Latin Jazz • 7:30pm/9:15pm • ¥3,500/¥3,800 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Woong San May 24 South Korean jazz vocalist

Zukana Sisters Jun 12 Japanese soul trio Taku Taku, Kyoto • Soul • 7pm • ¥2,400/¥2,800 • TEL: 07-5351-1321

Mister Kelly’s, Osaka • Jazz • 7:30pm/9:00pm • ¥5,500/¥5,800 • TEL: 06-6342-5821

Charles Aznavour Jun 13

Brian McKnight

French Armenian pop-jazz singer and actor

Jun 15

Osaka Festival Hall • Classical • Popjazz • 7pm • ¥13,500/¥24,000 • TEL: 05-7020-0888

U.S. R&B singer and multiinstrumentalist Billboard live OSAKA, Osaka • R&B • 6:30pm/9:30pm • ¥16,500/¥17,500 • TEL: 06-6342-7722

Hilary Hahn and Cory Smythe Jun 11

Jazz and Blues Sheena Kinohara Trio with Konstantin Kostov

American violin and piano duo Hyogo Performing Arts Center, Nishinomiya • Classical • 2pm • ¥2,000/¥6,000 • TEL: 07-9868-0255

May 16 Japanese jazz violinist and Bulgarian pianist

Is Black Earth a short-term or long term-project? Will it have any effect on the future of Arch Enemy?

Black Earth has no impact on the Arch Enemy schedule. Arch

Enemy will return with a new studio album and world tour when the time is right. For now, Black Earth is only existing for the Japan tour in May! I doubt that we will pursue this project any further after the tour. We are however all extremely excited to perform these special concert in Japan for the fans – it s going to be a unique and cool experience for both us and the audience.

New project of current and past members of Arch Enemy • Club Quattro, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • ¥7,500 • TEL: 06-6311-8111

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Jun 13 Charles Aznavour @ Osaka Festival Hall

Club

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

Stihl no Mori, Kyoto

MAY

MAY

21 22 >

May 21 (Sat) & 22 (Sun)

One of the most popular outdoor festivals in Kansai, The Star Festival, will take place on May 21st.

The headliners include Underwater / Detone label boss and techno innovator, Darren Emerson, super unique French electronic band, dOP, house duo from Amsterdam, Detroit Swindle, German house DJ, Move D, UK bass/grime/garage DJ, Mumdance, dubstep rising star from Bristol, Pinch, Japanese turntable maestro, DJ Krush, and many more. The festival starts very early this year (from 9am!) and goes until 5pm on Sunday, so bring your camping gear and soak in the beautiful nature and awesome sounds. A regular shuttle bus service will be running between the festival site and JR Sonobe Station throughout the festival so don t worry if you don t have a car. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended as tickets won t be sold onsite once advance tickets are sold out. For more information and the full lineup, check out the festival website.

Darren Emerson

dOP

The Star Festival 2016 (Dance Music) • ACTS: Darren Emerson, Detroit Swindle, Krush, Move D, Mumdance, Avalon Emerson, Aoki Takamasa, Fumiya Tanaka, Nobu + more • OPEN: 9am • ADVANCE TICKETS: ¥7,500 (Group tickets for 4 people: ¥28,000; Group tickets for 10 people: ¥65,000) • WHERE: Hiyoshi (Kyoto) • thestarfestival.com

May 1 (Sun) Namura Zosen Atochi One Nation presents Andrew Weatherall “Convenza” Japan Tour (Electronic/House/Techno) • Acts: Andrew Weatherall, Maya Jane Coles, Karizma, Ageishi, Yoshihiro Okino, Aluca, Fumi + more • Open: 2pm–10pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500) • Where: Kitakagaya • namura.cc

Circus Somethinn feat. DJ Funk “One Nation After Party” (House/Disco) • DJs: Funk, Fulltono, Kuroki Kouichi, Keita Kawakami, Hiroki Yamamura + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka. com

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2 (Mon) Circus Circus presents Andy C (Drum’n’Bass) • DJs: Andy C, Toyo, Bigted, Keshigomu, Mountain • Open: 11pm • Admission: TBA (ADV: ¥3,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

ex.Joule Yoji (Hard Techno) • DJs: Yoji Biomehanika, Master Azia, M.Minami, Tiji + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066214-1223 • club-joule.jp

3 (Tue) Circus Stussy presents Stone Throw 20th Anniversary Showcase supported by Uprise Market (Hip Hop) • Acts: Peanut Butter Wolf, Egyptian Lover, Knxwledge, Kazikiyo, Tsugu, Questa, Ikkei, Nissie, Showty • Open: 10pm •

Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Rooftop Bar OO & Gastro Garden Pool Party – Day1 (Techno/ House) • DJs: Nora En Pure, Alex Kenji, Akemiso, Eiji, Sisen, Hmen, Iori, Joey + more • Open: 2pm • Admission: ¥2,800 (ADV: ¥1,800) • Shinsaibashi • oo-u.jp

4 (Wed) Circus Danny Krivit Japan Tour 2016 in Osaka (House) • DJs: Danny Krivit, K-Katsu & Masaaki • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

ex.Joule A-Trak Japan Tour in Osaka (EDM/House/Bass) • DJs: A-Trak, B=Ball, Taku-Hero, Jun, Bounce Catz, Ghost Town + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥4,000 (ADV: ¥3,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Metro Angle 10th Anniversary (Techno) • DJs: Iori, Rawfila, Jal, Biyon, Umemazu, Tamai-i • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,800/1D (ADV: ¥2,00/1D) • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Rooftop Bar OO & Gastro Garden Pool Party – Day2 (Techno/ House) • DJs: Manuel De La Mare, Sekitova, Amiga, Tetsuya Tamura, Ashikaga, Shine, Takekiyo Ishimoto + more • Open: 2pm • Admission: ¥2,800 (ADV: ¥1,800) • Shinsaibashi • oo-u.jp

Triangle Happy Nutty (Drum’n’Bass/Hardcore/Techno) • DJs: Shimamura feat. Numb n ndub, M-Project, Thunder, C-Type, Tommy, Kashiwagi + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel:066212-2264 • triangleosaka.net

Troopcafe Sarcastic Tour & Extro 11th Anniversary (Techno/House) • DJs: Paul T, Norio, DB_G, OG, Jibb, ZE,

WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI / Hikaru • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000/1D (Mail Reservation: ¥2,000/1D; Foreigners: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

World Fearless (Electro/Techno) • DJs: Sinichi Osawa, Masatoshi Uemura, Golden, Tem, Taka • Open: 8om • Admission: Gentlemen: ¥3,000/1D, Ladies: ¥2,000/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 07-5213-4119 • world-kyoto.com

5 (Thu) Circus Windows95man Japan Tour 2016 Osaka (Dance) • Acts: Windows95man, Mura-T, Tusuke, Yukarasu + more • Open: 8pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Rooftop Bar OO & Gastro Garden Pool Party – Day3 (Bass/Dubstep/ Drum’n’Bass) • DJs: Seiho, Habanero Posse, Jaxx Da Fishworks, Yasuca, Kazuhide, Yanmah + more • Open: 2pm • Admission: ¥2,800 (ADV: ¥1,800) • Shinsaibashi • oo-u.jp

6 (Fri) Circus Digital Vision feat. James Monro (Techno/Trance) • DJs: James Monro, Shu, PTBK • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

ex.Joule Psychedelic Trance Bomb - G.M.S Tour Japan 2016 (Trance) • Acts: G.M.S, Dithforth, Alkaloid, Shunya, Poo-chii, Anny, Hiroaki + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Harbor Studio Zoological Gardens (Techno/ House/Electronica) • Acts: EP-4 Unitp, Halptribe, Kota Taki, Sax Keitaro, Pinta + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,300 (ADV: ¥2,800) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 0705666-9708 • harbor-studio.net

Grand Cafe Grand Cafe Final Party Vol.1 “All Night” (House) • DJs: Daishi Dance, Keita Imayuki, Nao Nomura, Osakaman, Yuuna • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥3,500/1D •

Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066213-8637 • grandcafeosaka.com

Metro Homesick29 (Electro/House) • DJs: Towa Tei, Tofubeats, Halfby, Okadada, Raijin + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

Union Trunk (House) • DJs: Kensuke Fukushima, Taiki, Yoda Haruka, Miki Shinichi, Masanao Shibata • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥1,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6251-2242 • club-union. jp

7 (Sat) Circus Circus presents Joris Voorn (Techno) • DJs: Joris Voorn, Toru Ikemoto, Sekitova • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

ex.Joule Kireek One in Two Japan Tour Final (Bass) • Acts: Kereek & PRVJ, Olive Oil & Popy Oil, Keizo Machine! & GRVJ, New Kid n Play + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6214-1223 • club-joule.jp

Grand Cafe Grand Cafe Final Party Vol.2 “Last Dance” (House) • Live: Crystal Waters • DJs: Joaquin Joe Claussell, Yoku, Ageishi • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥5,000/1D • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6213-8637 • grandcafeosaka.com

Sobra Sanso Konnekt feat. Rural (Techno/ House) • Live: Goo • DJs: Ryo Arase, Ataka, Devun, Juji, Ryota Ishimoto, Tsuyoshi + more • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥1,500 • Where: Kaizuka • facebook.com/ sobrarecordings

Triangle Caoarecac x Trippin Factory “Suncaq” (Breakcore/Electronic/ Bass) • Live: TechDiff, Ennnn, Laxenanchaos, Numb n dub • DJs: KA4U, Shakaitchi, Yanmah + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel:06-6212-2264 • triangleosaka. net

Troopcafe Syncopation (Techno/House) • Acts: Naoki Murata, Daichi Hara, Toshiharu Katou, Kohey Kawa-

mura • Open: 11pm • Admission: TBA • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-83213130 • troopcafe.jp

World Asobinite!! (EDM/House) • DJs: Nakata Yasutaka + more • Open: 8om • Admission: Gentlemen ¥3,000/1D; Ladies ¥2,500/1D • Where: Kyoto • Tel: 07-5213-4119 • world-kyoto.com

8 (Sun)

Club

Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6212-6707 • grcafeterrace.com

Troopcafe Beep (Techno/House) • DJs: Andy Vaz, Shunji Nakamura, 847, Tusuke • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (Mail Reservation: ¥2,000/1D; Foreigners: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

15 (Sun)

Circus

Circus

Zone Unknown – Imaginary Forces Japan Tour in Osaka (Techno/Electronic) • Acts: Imaginary Forces, YPY, Zodiak, Yosuke Yukimatsu • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000 • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Drawing feat. Kidsuke (Bass) • Acts:Kidsuke (Kidkanevil + Daisuke Tanabe), Metome, Kafuka, Ally Mobbs, Mightwhales, Keita Kawakami • Open: 7pm • Admission: ¥2,500 (ADV: ¥2,000) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Tarui Southern Beach Blue by Music Circus (EDM) • DJs: Steve Aoki, Blasterjaxx, Ummet Ozcan, MAKJ, Matthew Koma, Nakata Yasutaka, Mitomi Tokoto, Daishi Dance + more • Open: 11am • Admission: ¥10,000 (ADV: ¥8,000) • Where: Sennan • blue. music-circus.jp

13 (Fri) Metro Andy Vaz Japan Tour (Techno) • Live • Roland Garros • DJs: Andy Vaz, Horigen aka Quadruped, Koichi, Wataru, Ouch! • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D • Tel: 07-5752-2787 • metro.ne.jp

14 (Sat) Circus Nightbirds presents Chimpo & Jonny Dub (Drum’n’Bass) • DJs: Chimpo & Jonny Dub, Fulltono, Bigted, Rasty, Boaklick, Chise • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥3,000 (ADV: ¥2,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 06-6241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

De Sign De Nostress (Techno/House) • DJs: Aoki Takamasa, Fumi, Kohei • Open: 2pm–8pm • Admission: ¥1,500/1D • Where: Nakanoshima • designde.jp

G.R Cafe Terrace Heavyweight meets Dj Calculon (Drum’n’Bass/Dubstep) • Djs: Calculon, Yutaka, Pacone, Tomishi, Sohey + more • Open: 9pm • Admission: ¥2,000/1D • Where:

20 (Fri) Triangle Satol “Shadows” Release Tour in Osaka (Techno) • Acts: Satol, KA4U, Anode, Naga, Saki Analog4 + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: ¥2,000 (WF: ¥1,500) • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel:066212-2264 • triangleosaka.net

21 (Sat) Troopcafe Lovers Jak (Techno/House) • DJs: Willie Burns, Takeshi Kouzuki, Hankyovain, Yuko Nishida • Open: 11pm • Admission: ¥2,500/1D (Mail Reservation: ¥2,000/1D; Foreigners: ¥1,500/1D) • Where: Kobe • Tel: 07-8321-3130 • troopcafe.jp

27 (Fri) Circus Circus presents Move D (House/ Techno) • DJs: Move D + more • Open: 10pm • Admission: TBA • Where: Shinsaibashi • Tel: 066241-3822 • circus-osaka.com

Singh’s Kitchen Unknown Free Party (Techno/ House) • DJs: Beyond, Juri, Psysosh Adugasdievl, Unknown DJ Team • Open: 10pm • Admission: Free • Where: Nipponbashi • Tel: 06-6632-4433 • singh-kitchen.com

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

19

Cinema

/ WHAT’S ON AROUND KANSAI

Osaka Toho Cinemas Umeda Now showing: The Sea of Trees, The 5th Wave, Zootopia, Spotlight, Room, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Danish Girl • From May 13: Hail Caesar!

• From May 20: Garm Wars: The Last Druid • From May 27: Le tout nouveau testament (FR), Where to Invade Next Tel: 06-6316-1312 • tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st & 14th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Umeda Burg7 Now showing: Captain America: Civil War, Zootopia, The Revenant, Youth, Absolutely Anything, Love 3D (FR), Banksy Does New York, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Good Dinosaur • From May 27: The Huntsman: Winter s War • From May 28: London Has Fallen Tel: 06-4795-7602 • burg7.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Cine Libre Umeda Now Showing: Iris, Babette s Feast (DEN), Her er Harold (NOR), Matterhorn (DUT), Love 3D (FR), Cop Car, Shane, When Animals Dream (DAN), Thomas and Friends: Sodor s Legend of the Lost Treasure, Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au Bon Dieu? (FR), Magical Girl (SP), Carol, Ricki and the Flash • From May 7: Mountains May Depart, Victoria (GER), L albero degli zoccoli (ITA) • From May 14: Cartel Land, Backtrack • From May 21: Tour De Force (Hin und weg) (GER), Torneranno i prati (ITA) • From May 28: Armi Alive! (FIN), Risen Tel: 06-6440-5930 • ttcg.jp/cinelibre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st and 15th of the month – ¥1,000

Theatre Umeda Now showing: 45 Years, The Eichmann Show, Noma: My Perfect Storm, Rak ti Khon Kaen (Cemetery of Splendor) (THA), Mia Madre (ITA), Love Is Strange, The Lobster

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• From May 7: Omar (ARA) Tel: 06-6359-1080 • ttcg.jp/theatre_ umeda • Discounts: Weds (women, men); 1st of the month – ¥1,000

Osaka Station City Cinema Now showing: The Sea of Trees, Zootopia, The 5th Wave, Captain America: Civil War, The Revenant, Sicario, The Whole Truth, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Mr. Holmes, The Good Dinosaur, The Big Short • From May 13: Macbeth • From May 27: The Huntsman: Winter s War • From May 28: De Surprise (DUT) Tel: 06-6346-3215 • osakastationcitycinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Toho Cinemas Namba Now showing: The Sea of Trees, Zootopia, The 5th Wave, The Revenant, Spotlight, Room, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Danish Girl, The Good Dinosaur, The Whole Truth • From May 13: Hail Caesar!, Macbeth • From May 20: Garm Wars: The Last Druid • From May 27: Where to Invade Next, The Huntsman: Winter s War • From May 28: London Has Fallen Tel: 06-6633-1040 • tohotheater.jp • Weds (women); 1st & 14th of the month – ¥1,100, every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Namba Parks Cinema Now showing: The Sea of Trees, Captain America: Civil War, Zootopia, The 5th Wave, The Revenant, Youth, Absolutely Anything, Sicario, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice • From May 27: The Huntsman: Winter s War Tel: 06-6643-3215 • parkscinema.com • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Cinem@rt Now showing: 45 Years, Banksy Does New York • From May 4: Cartel Land • From May 21: Sunset Strip, Beyond the Reach Tel: 0662820815 • cinemart.co.jp/ theater/shinsaibashi • Discounts: Mon

The Revenant

(men); Weds (women); 1st and 25th of the month – ¥1,000

Kyoto

of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Hyogo

Movix Kyoto

OS Cinema Mint Kobe

Now showing: The Sea of Trees, Captain America: Civil War, Zootopia, The 5th Wave, The Revenant, Spotlight, Sicario, Room, The Whole Truth, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice • From May 27: The Huntsman: Winter s War

Now showing: Captain America: Civil War, Zootopia, The Revenant, Spotlight, Meet Miss Anxiety (KOR), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Danish Girl, The Good Dinosaur, The Big Short • From May 13: Hail Caesar!

• From May 27: The Huntsman: Winter s War • From May 28: London Has Fallen

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

Kyoto Cinema Now showing: The Eichmann Show, Ulyana Lopatkina: A Russian Star, Mad Max, Liza the Fox-Fairy (HUN), Le Japon l'Empereur et l'Armee (FR), Kingsman: The Secret Service • From May 7: 45 Years, Inequality For All • From May 14: Matterhorn • From May 21: Rams (ICE), What s Eating Gilbert Grape • From May 28: Boychoir Tel: 07-5353-4723 • kyotocinema.jp • Discounts: Weds (women & men); 1st of the month – ¥1,100

Toho Cinemas Nijo Now showing: The Sea of Trees, Zootopia, The 5th Wave, The Revenant, Spotlight, Room, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice • From May 13: Hail Caesar!, Macbeth • From May 20: Garm Wars: The Last Druid • From May 27: The Huntsman: Winter s War Tel: 07-5813-2410 • tohotheater.jp • Discounts: Weds (women); 1st & 14th

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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

Kobe Kokusai Shochiku Now showing: The Sea of Trees, The 5th Wave, Sicario, The Whole Truth, Mr. Holmes, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice • From May 14: Absolutely Anything Tel: 07-8230-3580 • smt-cinema.com • Discounts: Tues (women); 1st of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

OS Cinema Kobe Harborland Now showing: Captain America: Civil War, The Sea of Trees, Zootopia, The Revenant, Thomas and Friends: Sodor s Legend of the Lost Treasure, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice • From May 27: The Huntsman: Winter s War, Le tout nouveau testament (FR) Tel: 07-8360-3788 • jollios.net • Discounts: Tues (women); 1st and 16th of the month – ¥1,100; every day after 8pm – ¥1,300

Language

/ JAPANESE LESSON

How was your Golden Week?

The Japanese Golden Week falls around the end of April and beginning of May every year where there is cluster of national holidays during this time. The week starts on April 29, a national holiday celebrated as the birthday of Emperor Showa, who passed away in 1989.

Golden Week is golden because it s the longest holiday period of the year! Japanese employees aren t usually granted a lot of vacation time. In combination with well-placed weekends, Golden Week becomes one of the country s three busiest holiday seasons, besides New Year and Obon.

You ll notice it s Golden Week when you see all the koinobori (carp streamers) hanging everywhere. At home, families also display samurai dolls that represent strength and success to to pray for a healthy and successful life for their children (see our doll feature on page 26).

Golden week is also golden because it typically has some of the best weather in Japan out of the whole year!

If you re willing to negotiate crowds and queues, and pay the inflated prices, GW is a fabulous opportunity to bask in the sunny spring weather and explore some more of Japan. If you d rather avoid the masses and just stay inside, though, well that s understandable too!

However you end up spending the time, there s no escaping discussing what you did during GW in Japanese. Even if you do nothing at all, at least you ll get a chance to practice your nihongo!

Useful Expressions English

Japanese

How was your Golden Week?

ゴールデンウィークはどうでしたか？ Goruden weeku wa dou deshita ka?

I went to Guam with my family.

家族とグアムへ行きました。

Kazoku to guamu e ikimashita.

I went to Okinawa with my boyfriend.

彼氏と一緒に沖縄に行きました。

Kareshi to issho ni okinawa ni ikimashita.

I went camping in the countryside with friends.

田舎で友達とキャンプをしました。

Inaka de tomodachi to kyampu wo shimashita.

I didn t do anything much.

別に何もしなかった。

Betsu ni nanimo shinakatta.

I couldn t afford to do anything so I stayed at home.

お金がないから家にいました。

Okane ga nai kara ie ni imashita.

Hotels were all booked out.

ホテルは全部満室でした。

Hoteru wa zenbu manshitsu deshita.

Everywhere is always very crowded during GW.

ゴールデンウィークはいつもどこへ 行っても人がいっぱい。

Goruden weeku wa itsumo doko e ittemo hito ga ippai.

22

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Romaji

News from the international school community in Japan

• Read the latest School News • Find a School in our Directory • Look for a teaching job

 japanschoolnews.com

GREAT PLACES TO EAT /

Food & Drink

FOODSPOTTING

In Osaka with a Chinese-food craving? Try one of these three tantalizing options.

Text & Images: Adam Koch

Lei Can Ting

Taiseikaku

Souryuukou

The interior of Lei Can Ting is rather bare.

Whoever the interior designer was surely was going for modern while remaining in line with the tenets of minimalism. This is fitting due to the approach to the cuisine.

This is a health-food restaurant that serves dim sum and other Chinese fare (a separate vegetarian menu is available).

Those diners looking for showmanship may be disappointed, but I can assure you that the flavor of each serving will more than make up for that fact. Each dish balances the other wonderfully.

Even with a normally oily entree like mapo doufu, I was left feeling full but not sluggish, thanks to the accompanying salad and dumplings. The service is fast and attentive without the invasiveness that can easily come with the latter.

Next time, I ll be sure to go back on an extremely empty stomach because their viking meal plan at ¥2,500 per person is a deal that should not be passed up.

Situated in bustling Shinsaibashi, this restaurant boasts a large storefront. Upon first glance, it looks like a hotel. That is, however, not the case now. On their website, they mention that Taiseikaku opened its doors in 1957 concurrently with a sportsman s hotel and later bought out their co-tenant. They now use the upper floors for receptions and large events. At its core, Taiseikaku is a family-style restaurant with enormous tables outfitted with lazy Susans and four seats at each. That being said, this restaurant s best dishes are its plates.

The set meals are good, but they fall short of the splendor that can be that can be experienced from a multi-plate meal. When you go, be sure to go at night with a large group so that you can take advantage of all they have to offer. If you have the foresight to make a reservation, do yourself a favor and order the Peking Duck. You will not be disappointed.

OPEN: 11am–11pm (L.O. 10pm) • Price RANGE: Lunch ¥1,000–¥2,000; DINNER: ¥1,000– ¥3,000 • ACCESS: Hankyu/Subway Umeda Stn or JR Osaka Stn, 7-min walk to Lucua Bldg 10F • tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2701/ A270101/27057211/#anchor-rd-detail

OPEN: 11am–11pm; Lunch 11am–3pm (L.O. 2:30pm) • Price RANGE: Lunch ¥800–¥1,500; DINNER: ¥2,500–¥6,000, Course Meal ¥4,000–¥20,000 • ACCESS: Shinsaibashi Subway Stn, Exit 6, 3-min walk • taiseikaku. jp/index.html

Souryuukou is a spacious, 130-seat restaurant, spread over four floors, located in the bustling restaurant area of Tenma. As forewarning, if you show up on a weekend without a reservation you will be turned away – it s that popular. To the management s credit, though, they do a great job of letting you down easy.

This restaurant is a family-run, family-style restaurant. Order at least three dishes – each one is bound to blow your socks off. Souryuukou s Peking Duck is hard to go past, but also highly recommended is their Pon Pon Chicken (known as Bang-Bang Chicken due to the tenderizing method), and also their Eggs and Tomatoes stir-fried and simmered. If you re more inclined toward vegetables, try their Szechuan Vegetables (ざーさ い). Every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail. Flowers made of carrot slices adorn plates and even the dim sum are crafted in the most appealing way possible. If you only choose one Chinese restaurant in Osaka, make it this one.

OPEN: Lunch time 11am–2pm; “Dim sum time” 2pm–5pm; Dinner time 5pm–11pm (L.O. 10:30pm) • Price RANGE: Lunch ¥800– ¥1,800; Dinner ¥3,000–¥5,000 • ACCESS: JR Temma Stn, 5-min walk • tabelog.com/en/ osaka/A2701/A270103/27063993

Need more dining options?

Check Kansaiscene.com to search all of our foodspotting reviews

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

25

MORE INFO Tadahiko Ando’s doll studio » Address: 273-2, Aburanokoji dori,

Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8034 京都府京都市上京区油小路通丸太町 上る273-2 » Tel: 075-231-7466 » Website: ando-doll.com

Hokyoji – “Temple of Dolls”

(Usually closed to the public but holds special exhibitions throughout spring and autumn) Spring: Mar 01 – Apr 03 • Fall: Nov 01–30 » Address: 547 Dodocho, Kamigyo-

ku, Kyoto 602-0072 » Access: City bus to Horikawa-

Teranauchi » Website: hokyoji.net

FEATURE

The Master Doll Maker A peek into the world of Tadahiko Ando and kyo-ningyo – Kyoto doll craft.

Text & Images: Matt Evans

O

n the last day of Golden Week, many Japanese families celebrate a national holiday called Kodomo no Hi, or Children s Day, decorating their houses with colorful carp streamers, eating sticky rice wrapped in oak leaves, and displaying miniature helmets or suits of armor inside their homes. Known as Tango no Sekku until recently, it is a festival drawing on centuries of warrior culture in which parents of young sons pray for them to grow up to be brave and strong. Along with Hina Matsuri, or Girls Day, it is the second of two important calendar events in which dolls represent hope for the next generation.

In Japan, the use of dolls as talismans or goodluck charms has roots as far back as the Jomon

26

period – doll making in its current form began in the Edo period and continues today as a highly sophisticated art practiced in its true form only by a select few master craftsmen known as shokunin.

Among these, perhaps the most highly regarded is Ando Tadahiko – the third-generation master doll maker in his family.

We ve been in this business for over 100 years, he said. My grandfather made dolls, and my father sold them. For all of that time, we ve continued to make the very best dolls in Japan.

Mr. Ando s devotion to his craft has brought him acclaim both at home and abroad, and life as a Japanese doll maker is no ordinary life.

From the time I was born, my life as a dollmaker was already decided. I don t know

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Feature anything else because it s all I ve ever done. When I was growing up, I never played any sports or had a part time job.

At that time, the economy was very good, and when I made a doll it would sell straight away. Together with his wife, Keiko, he now serves as a kind of ambassador of his craft, most recently in Belgium where a set of his hina dolls were officially presented as a gift to the royal family.

The imagery of the hina dolls, Keiko tells me, can be traced to five annual ceremonies of the Heian era imperial court known as the gosekku, traditions drawn from ancient Chinese mysticism. Female energy is called in, and male energy yo.

In gosekku, the energies are drawn together and something occurs in the confluence, having an effect on the people.

For Keiko at least, this deeper aspect remains present today.

When the gods come to the door, they protect us and guard our happiness.

In the Muromachi era, the private symbolism of gosekku evolved into the public practice of presenting dolls to new daughters-in-law. By the Edo period, it had become widespread and cemented into tradition, now with mothers providing them to their own daughters as they married and joined the husband s household.

The connection with warding off bad luck can be seen in the way dolls were put on little straw rafts and left to float away downriver in a ceremony called hina-nagashi (doll floating). To this day, families who leave their hina dolls on display

after March 4th are said to risk a delayed marriage for their children, or worse.

Also believed to be imbued with the power to protect the next generation, the helmets and armor of the boys festival are much more straightforward in their symbolism.

Put simply, a kabuto is something that protects us from harm. Long ago, high-ranking samurai wore gorgeous helmets to war to show off their strength and power. It was a fashion that became a kind of good luck charm, Ando said.

With the rise of the samurai class as a political power in the Kamakura period, the festival and its warlike imagery were encouraged to foster a martial spirit in young boys. In the period following World War II, the American occupying force viewed the miniature armor as propaganda and banned its production, forcing many like Keiko s father to turn to making hina dolls instead.

Many hands go into the production of even a single doll or suit of armor, with each person responsible for just one small part. The value of a highly experienced craftsman is in understanding each of the various stages, and in being able to assemble and shape the final product according to a precise set of geometric rules, not unlike the principles of ikebana (flower arrangement). Shaping the arms into the correct pose is particularly difficult. If the piping doesn t bend correctly at the elbows, the whole thing can be ruined, Ando explained.

With even the more modest individual pieces running into

the hundreds of thousands of yen, some may be eager to learn the finer points that set aside a truly superior work.

This, according to Ando, is largely a matter of the materials and coloring that go into the textiles, with his own workshop using only the best silk from Kyoto s famous Nishijin district.

A true connoisseur, he explains, would recognize his work from the quality of the silk, and from the layering of different patterns known as eri-maki. KS

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

27

MORE INFO Wakanoura is about 90 minutes south of Osaka.

From JR Tennoji Station, take the JR Hanwa Line to JR Wakayama Station.

Transfer to the JR Kinokuni Line to Kimiidera Station.

Buses also go from Wakayama Station to Kimiidera, or directly to Wakanoura.

Wakayama City Tourist Association wakayamakanko.com/eng

Wakayama is famous for chuuka soba (中華そば ramen). There are a couple of options in the Wakanoura area, but there are more options near JR Wakayama Station.

TRAVEL

Escape to Enchanting Wakanoura

Download a ramen shop map at wakayamakanko.com/eng/map/img/ ramenmap.pdf This year the Waka Matsuri will be held on May 15. For more info, visit wakamatsuri.com.

Celebrated by emperors and poets since ancient times for its scenic beauty, Wakanoura, in Wakayama City, is an excellent choice for escaping to a lesser-known part of Kansai.

Text & Images: Alon Adika

I

n 724, Emperor Shomu made a trip to Wakanoura and was delighted. Back then, he would have seen six small islands sitting in the bay known collectively by the old name Tamatsushima, which conjures up the image of a string of jewels floating on the surface of the water. Though the landscape has changed since olden times, you can still experience its history and charms and, with a little imagination, catch a glimpse of its past splendor.

Kimiidera Temple, sitting on the slopes of Mount Nagusa, is a good place to start. Number two on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, it was founded over 1,200 years ago by the monk, Iko, who made the arduous journey from China. The temple is famous for its early-blooming cherry

28

blossoms and for its sparkling new image of Kannon, the Buddha of mercy, which at nearly 12 meters tall, is the largest standing wooden Kannon statue in Japan. If you wish to see the temple s principal Kannon image, a wooden statue said to date back to the founder, you will have to wait until 2020 as it is a hibitsu – a hidden Buddha – displayed only once every 50 years.

The temple also affords a sweeping view of Wakanoura Bay. If you look carefully, by the town s edge near where it meets the water, you will be able to see a small pagoda on a tiny island. This is Imose Yama, the only remaining island of the original six. The wooded hills stretching beyond it were once the other islands of the group.

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Feature Imose Yama looks much like it did when the famed artist Hiroshige made a woodblock print of it more than 150 years ago. The approach to the island is still made by the Sandankyo, a low, stone bridge modeled after a famous bridge at China s West Lake, which was commissioned by Tokugawa Yorinobu (1602–1671), the 10th son of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and founder of one of the three cadet branches of the Tokugawa family, who ruled the Kishu Domain from nearby Wakayama Castle.

Yorinobu s legacy can be strongly felt on the island. On the far side is the Kankaikaku, a pavilion used for viewing Mount Nagusa and Kimiidera. The current structure is a concrete copy of the original wooden one attributed to Yorinobu.

Behind it stands the weathered Kaizenin Pagoda, which Yorinobu erected in memory of his mother.

The iconic Furobashi, an arched, stone bridge built by Tokugawa Harutomi in the mid-19th century is nearby, and across from it is the modest Shiogama Shrine. A little further along, lying between two hills, is the Tamatsushima Shrine. Long a pilgrimage site for poets, it enshrines several deities including one of the three gods of poetry. On the grounds of the shrine are a few monuments inscribed with famous poems praising the beauty of Wakanoura.

The hill behind the shrine was once home to a curious attraction: one of the earliest steel elevators in Japan, which novelist Soseki Natsume

immortalized in his novel, The Wayfarer, and which took visitors up to the rocky hilltop.

The canal by the road leads to the Mitarai Pond and behind it, partway up Mount Tenjin, stands the grand gate of the Wakaura Tenmangu Shrine with a wall of crude stairs leading up to it. Hanging in front of the elaborate shrine are numerous votive plaques communicating the prayers of students for success on their exams as the shrine is dedicated to Tenjin, the god of learning. According to the shrine s history, Sugawara Michizane (845–903), the Heian statesman who was deified as Tenjin after his death, was forced to stop here on his way into exile due to unfavorable weather conditions and was moved by the scenery to compose a couple of poems.

On the neighboring hill is the Kishu Toshogu Shrine established in 1621 and dedicated to the spirits of both Tokugawa Ieyasu and Yorinobu.

One-hundred-and-eight steep stone stairs, representing the 108 earthly desires of Buddhist doctrine, lead up to the vermillion gate. When you reach the top, you will be greeted by a small, richlypainted shrine with an earthcolored, thatched roof blending in with the green leaves of the trees behind it. It is easy to see why it is known as the Nikko of Kansai (in reference to its similarities to the main Toshogu Shrine at Nikko in Tochigi prefecture).

If you understand Japanese, it is worth paying the small fee to have a shrine attendant give you a short tour pointing out

the exquisite carvings attributed to the legendary sculptor Hidari Jingoro, such as the pair of tigers. The forward-facing tiger symbolizes the human need to look towards the future; the rear-facing tiger reminds us to look back and reflect on the past. The shrine is also adorned with paintings by artists of the illustrious Kano and Tosa Schools.

Every year the Waka Festival, once known as one of the three great festivals of Japan, takes place in Wakanoura in mid-May. The festival originated from the Toshogu Shrine festival, which started in 1622. The main attraction is the Mikoshi Oroshi during which a group of men clad in white carry the portable shrine containing the spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu down the steep stairs. Shouting energetically, they raise, twist and tilt the shrine as they make their way down accompanied by gongs and bells.

During the festival, the past comes alive as a large procession of nearly 1000 men, women and children, in unique period costumes, parade through the streets of Wakanoura and perform for the spectators. Among them are sumo wrestlers, court ladies, samurai warriors, musicians, and dancers.

When it is time for you to leave Wakanoura, you may find that you feel like the ancient Fujiwara poet, Manyoshu, who wrote, Never tired of gazing at Tamatsushima, I ponder how to wrap it up and take it back with me, for those who have not seen it. (Manyoshu 7.1222) KS

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

29

Classifieds COMMERCIAL Accommodation For Rent APARTMENTS IN KOBE WITH NO KEY MONEY. 1room apartments from 40,000 yen per month. 2 and 3 bedroom apartments also available from throughout Kobe.

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Jobs Education P/T ENGLISH TEACHER NEEDED IN IBARAKISHI & SUITA. PT English Teacher & person to pass fliers req'd for Ibaraki & Suita for Fri & Sat. group and private lessons for kids and adult, with existing curriculum. Please email CV to royalenglish725@gmail.com and I will email you the details. RES is a casual English School focused on teaching conver Contact : Royal English School <royalenglish725@ gmail.com> [3467-1446-2016-05-12] PART-TIME NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER WANTED IN KYOTO. A small friendly Kyoto based English school is looking for an experienced part-time nativeEnglish teacher with TEFL. JPY3,000 per hour.CV&outline to info@giantsteps.jp Contact : GSE <info@giantsteps.jp> Website : giantsteps.jp [3453-5935-2016-05-05] ENGLISH TEACHING POSITION FOR KIDS AT SAKAISHI JR!.

We are looking for a Native English-speaking teacher for our International school for kids' class on Weekdays and Saturdays with help from a Japanese teacher. Lessons for adults are an option, too. If you enjoy playing with kids in English, we'd love to work with you! Please contact us if interested! Contact : Lauren <info@vacation-es.co.jp> Website : www.vacation-es.jp/ [3460-4462016-05-08]

TEACHERS WANTED. Ashiya/ Okamoto school is looking for PT English, French, Korean teachers.

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/ JOBS • ACCOMMODATION • FRIENDSHIP hotmail.co.jp Contact : Ashiya Plus <ashiyaplus@hotmail.co.jp> [3475-252-2016-05-21]

General CES IS SEEKING ENGLISH/OTHER LANGUAGES CORPORATE. CES is seeking English/Other languages corporate instructors/interpreters in Hyogo, Shiga, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama and Wakayama for 3-12mth regular courses and 3-5 Day Intensives (Spring) starting immediately. Please email CV and Availability - mark@ cesjapan.co.jp Contact : Manager <mark@cesjapan.co.jp> [3302-772016-07-19]

FULFILL YOUR DREAM TO OWN A BAR/RESTAURANT!. A small and fully equipped bar/restaurant will be on sale in Central Osaka.

Perfect location and size to be operated by 1-2 persons. Start up consultation can be provided.

For more details please contact Naoko (naokotoda@hotmail. com) Contact : naokoL <naoko. loreley@gmail.com> Website : www.loreleyjpn.com [3474-62552016-05-21]

Entertainment EMPLOYMENT. Looking for P/T female staff at kitashinchi bar any nationality welcome call us for interview 7~10pm weekdays TEL 0663465059 Contact : venus <razaniya_venus@yahoo.co.jp> [3443-6207-2016-04-30]

Hospitality PART-TIME HOSPITALITY HELP WANTED. Hotel Nikko Osaka is looking for those interested in the part time jobs in Restaurant Service and Front Service.

Interested applicants should have Japanese capability and full visa requirement to work in Japan.

English or Chinese ability is also a plus. Contact to morita.sh@hno. co.jp for more details. Contact : Hotel Nikko Osaka <morita.sh@ hno.co.jp> [3219-2098-2016-05-20]

Classes & events FREE ABACUS CLASS FOR FOREIGNERS. FREE ABACUS CLASS FOR FOREIGNERS OFFERED

BY O.C.C.I. and Osaka Abacus Assoc. to promote int'l goodwill.

Individualized lessons taught in Japanese or English. Saturdays 1012 am. Course material provided for free. Near Sakaisuji-Hommachi and Kitahama. Call: Moritomo Ken 06-6572-6877 https://sites. google.com/site/osakasoroban/

COMMUNITY Language Ex. HISTORY OF EUROPE-TALKS IN JPANESE OR ENGLISH. If you interested in historiy, please bring your favorite topics to me. I know especially about Medieval Europe, the others. Please speak and teach, and I am going to tell you things which I studied. Contact : Shinya Hada <sinya-hada@ hotmail.co.jp> [2351-2007-201605-13]

LANGUAGE EXCHANGE GROUP IN OSAKA ON MONDAY NIGHT!. Let's do language exchange with us. My friends are looking for partners.

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Announcements UMEKITA FESTIVAL. Knowledge Capital will be hosting a large scale festival, to mark the 3rd year anniversary of the opening of Grand Front Osaka, multi-purpose complex connected directly from JR Osaka Station. A wide range of events and activities will be held in the theme of International Exchange. Do check it out!

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

SPRING BRICK FESTIVAL. Kansai Lego User Group is holding Spring Brick festival Lego(R) event at Settsu Community Plaza 20-21March 10am - 6pm Free to enter , many exciting fan built models , activities for kids to try. We are an official social group of Lego fans in the Kansai region. Next event June 4-5 in Kobe Contact : Aeturnus <klug@ outlook.jp> Website : klug-jp.com [3426-1721-2016-05-22]WHY NOT SERBIAN COOKING CLASSES?. Serbian Cooking Classes June 27 (Saturday) p.m.

13 :00 to 17 :00 Kyoto. The main dish, salad, dessert.You stomach will be very full with delicious food. As soon as possible, is a 20persons maximum. Contact : KaoKakao <kao_kakao@hotmail. com> Website : www.kcif.or.jp/ mb/eng/index.php#Newmessa_ box [2018-1402-2016-04-28] 京都でのセルビア料理教室. 6月27日 （ 土）午後 13時から17時 美味しい初夏 のセルビア料理を習いませんか？料理 経験がなくても気軽にできます。ぜひチ ャレンジを！ ！ ！ Contact : KaoKakao

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Kids "MC" KID'S ADVENTURE PLAY WORLD. In our center provide "International Play Care" which All children join many different

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Other INTERNATIONAL OUTDOOR CLUB (IOC) KANSAI. For fun in the outdoors, join IOC Kansai! Nonprofit international group enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, BBQ, cycling, kayaking, climbing & winter sports. See our website, join an event or come along to our social get-together in May. Hope to see you there! Contact : iockansai <edeanjapan@gmail. com> Website : www.iockansai. com [3367-1879-2016-05-12] FUN THINGS MEETING. Want to play badminton ,table tennis, picnic, reading, cooking, walking,visiting museums, shrines, etc? You want to spend time for small fun things, but you can't find anyone ? Join us monthly truly friendship meetings based in Sakai area. Contact : les amis <tomokatsu555_0331@yahoo. co.jp> [3447-6224-2016-05-01] MODELING. we like to help you to get into modelling or being an extra for photo+TV+fashion+events... call : 06-6532-7117 or 090-6666-9415 or mail to : info@fum-intl.com Contact : FUM <info@fum-intl. com> [2205-1911-2016-04-24] CAR AUCTION. Need to go Kobe car auction to buy a car. Will pay after purchase a car. Thank you brucenz1@live.com Contact : bruce bruce <brucenz1@live. com> [3432-226-2016-05-22] STREET HOCKEY IN SANNOMIYA, KOBE. Friendly pick-up street hockey in Sannomiya (Kobe) We average about 8 or 10 guys each week. Nice outdoor hockey court at Minato no mori park south of Sannomiya station. It's free to play! Come join us and bring your friends! We have extra sticks to share. Visit our website/facebook Contact : drykod <drynk@ hotmail.com> Website : www. kansaihockey.x10.mx [3118-60022016-05-03]

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32

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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!

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Sell cigars + 2 humidors. Contact : milker <brettgross13@gmail. com> [3445-1275-2016-05-01] SAYONARA SALE FRIDGE FREEZER - CAN DELIVER..

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MUJI SHELVE (NEW), IKEA BEDSPREAD, BEANBAG. Muji Shelves Pulp Board Box : 37.5*17.5*109cm new, assembled : 2000 Yen Ikea bedspread (Tusenskoena) black : 150*250 cm, hardly ever used, 1500 Yen Beanbag brown : 500 Yen Items have to be picked up near Hanku Ooji Koen, JR Maya Station Contact : ladybug81<scherersarah@yahoo. com> [3451-6232-2016-05-04]

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Contact : racer162 <racer162@ mac.com> [3419-1262-2016-05-14]

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LOOKING FOR AN ART MODEL. Hi, I'm a male around40 sometimes drawing croquis .Looking for a lady to be a live model for my drawing. Both Japanese and foreigners are welcome. It is easy in a relaxing atomosphere, No experience needed. If you interested, pls feel free to mail. brownrabbits@ hotmail.com Contact : brabbits <brownrabbits@hotmail.com> [2975-5897-2016-05-08]

I'LL BE IN OSAKA IN APRIL AND I'M LOOKING FOR LOVE. Hi, I am an italian man 42 yearso old. I'll be in Osaka again next April and I'd like to know someone to go out together and maybe to start a serious relationship. I'm not interested…

READ MORE ONLINE >

Looking for something else?

Check Kansaiscene.com for the latest ads, or to place your own

Getting Around

/ MAPS & INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

The Kansai area covers the prefectures of Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Wakayama, Nara, Mie, and Shiga.

There is so much to explore, so you ll need to prioritize your time wisely. Its main travel hubs are Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, all of which are well connected by high-speed rail networks, including the shinkansen (bullet train).

On regular trains, you can travel between Osaka and Kyoto in about 45 mins, and between Kobe and Osaka in about 30 mins. If you are here on holiday, pick up a convenient travel pass, such as the Kansai Thu Pass (surutto.com) or new Kansai One Pass (kansaionepass.com – available from April 8), to avoid having to negotiate the ticket machines. Use a website such as HyperDia (hyperdia.com) to check train times and platforms from your smartphone.

Get Kansai Scene Kansai Scene is available from the following major outlets in the Kansai region:

OSAKA Hotels and Guesthouses

Kyoto

Hyogo

Shiga

Hyatt Regency, Nikko Hotel, St. Regis, Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, Ritz Carlton, Hilton Osaka, Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka, InterContinental Hotel Osaka Tourist Information Centers

Osaka

Nara

Mie

Wakayama

Osaka Visitors Information Center (JR Osaka), Hankyu Tourist Center Umeda, Osaka Visitors Information Center (JR Namba), Kansai Tourist Information Center (KIX), Kansai Tourist Information Center (Shinsaibashi), Nankai Information Center (Namba) Shops

Trains and Subways

Airport Transfers

There is an excellent rail network connecting all corners of Kansai. As well as JR (Japan Rail), there are numerous private railway companies servicing the area, including Keihan (Osaka/Kyoto), Hankyu (Osaka/Kyoto), Nankai (Osaka, Wakayama, Koya), Hanshin (Osaka/Kobe), and Kintetsu (Osaka/Nara/Mie/Nagoya). Each line operates several types of train. For the fastest trains, look for the Limited Express service trains. Be aware that Local trains stop at every station on the line, so only take them if no other type of train stops at your station. Subways operate in Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto and are an extremely efficient way to get around the cities.

To/from downtown Osaka, the most convenient option is the Nankai Rapi:t Express service (KIX <> Namba 42mins) or a Limousine Bus. To/from Kyoto, take the JR Airport Express HARUKA service (75 mins).

» Tip: Pick up a Railway Network

map from a major station or Tourist Information Center.

Buses For out-of-the-way locations, or in certain cities such as Kyoto, you may need to take a bus. A travel pass usually includes travel on municipal bus services.

Taxis Fares start from ¥500. The drivers wearing white gloves and official hats tend to be the most courteous, but don t expect English to be widely understood. Have your destination name and address on hand in Japanese.

34

Kinokuniya Bookstore Umeda, Kinokuniya Honmachi, Tower Records Umeda, Junkudo Namba, Hard Rock Cafe

KYOTO Hotels and Guesthouses

ATMs and Credit Cards If you re using Visa, you will be able to withdraw cash at most bank or convenience-store ATMs. If you re using Mastercard, your best bet for withdrawing money is at 7-Eleven ATMs. Most other ATMs in Kansai do not accept Mastercard. It is not common to make in-store payments using credit or visa-debit cards in Japan, even for expensive purchases. Many shops and restaurants do not offer this service, so be sure to carry plenty of cash with you.

Wi-Fi Getting connected in Kansai can be tricky.

Renting a smartphone or SIM card at the airport is the safest option, to connect to the internet over a 3G network. In Osaka, you can access the Osaka Free Wi-Fi service at train and subway stations, stores and facilities throughout the prefecture.

Accidents and Emergencies » Ambulance/Fire service: Tel: 119 » Police: Tel: 110

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

Royal Hotel, Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto, Kyoto Nikko Hotel Tourist Information Centers

Kyoto Tourist Information Center, Kansai Tourist Information Center Kyoto, Kyoto International Community House Shops

Junkudo Kyoto, Maruzen & Junkudo Kyoto Main Store, GEAR

KOBE Hotels and Guesthouses

Kobe Bay Sheraton, Kobe Portopia Hotel Tourist Information Centers

Kobe International Community Center, Hyogo International Plaza Shops

Junkudo Nishinomiya, Junkudo Sannomiya, Kinokuniya Kobe

MAPS & INFORMATION / A Post Office

InterContinental Osaka Hotel

Cine Libre Umeda Sky Umeda Building German Consulate Westin 35F Hotel

1

Maruzen & C Junkudo

Theater Umeda

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Boston Clam Shack

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Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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Osaka MINAMI

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Shinmachi Life

MoeJoe

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Big Beans Supermarket

Kansai Scene Mojoprint Office

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Joule Sun Hall Ghost Ultralounge

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Nest Hotel

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North

Nikko Hotel

EXODUS

Covent Garden

Tokyu Hands

1

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Nagahori Tsurumi-Ryokuchi line

Ali’s Kitchen El Pancho 8F

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

Kitahorie Hospital

Hiday's Texas BBQ

Minami-semba

Arthur Murray

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Louis Vuitton

Shinsaibashi

2

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Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

Toyoko Inn

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Minami Police Station

HigashiShinsaibashi

Bar Jaai

Vanity

Sakaisuji line

Shinmachi Kita Park

Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping arcade)

A

/ MAPS & INFORMATION

Fujiya Hotel

Zerro

3

Soemon-Cho

Burlesque B1 Pure Osaka Don Quijote B1

Kaneyoshi Ryokan

Mexico Osaka Shochikuza

Dotonbori Hotel

Kokopelli

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Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

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Misono Building Singh’s Kitchen Namba Plaza Hotel

MUJI/LOFT Tower Records

NipponBashi

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Nankai Namba Station

McDonalds Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

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Namba PARKS

Pub Bar 30 2F

NAMBA PARKS CINEMA

Naniwa Sports Center Naniwa Post Office

Animate Nihonbashi Shop

Toys”R”Us Yamada Denki LABI1 Namba

Jack & Queen

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Kuromon Market

Sakaisuji

Namba Hatch

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Naniwa Ward Office

Kansai Scene Magazine / ISSUE #192 MAY 2016 / kansaiscene.com

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MAPS & INFORMATION / A

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Club Metro

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Aeon Shopping Mall

The Ritz Carlton

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Nijo-dori

Higashi Oji - dori

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Tozai Subway Line Kyotoshiyakusho-mae

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Kyoto Asahi Kaikan

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Hanamikoji-dori

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Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa

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Miyako Messe

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Tatsumi Bridge

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Yasaka Jinja

Maruyama Park

Apa Hotel

Minami-za Theatre

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The world's smallest Ukiyoe museum

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/ MAPS & INFORMATION A

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