Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD AUGUST 08. 2025Eighty Years After World War II: Are We In Danger Of Repeating History? by Patrick Hattman
August 15 this year marks eighty years since the end of World War II, with the Japanese surrender several days after the unfathomable death and destruction wrought by the American atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The hundreds of thousands of Japanese who perished on August 6 and 9 of 1945 were among the final casualties in a raging global conflict that took tens of millions of lives starting in the 1930s.
Most Americans believe that the US fought a just war following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The generally accepted narrative states in part that it was a conflict foisted on Americans by the dastardly Japanese that resulted in them taking up arms to establish a new and lasting peace in the world. Victory derailed the Japanese Empire and preserved our nation's sovereignty and that of our allies. Also, it established unhindered access to advantageous commerce and trade around the world for the US and friendly nations.
Many Japanese, however, believe they were fighting for self-preservation against the United States of America. The US, and other Western imperial powers for that matter, had worked maliciously for decades to prevent Japan from taking its rightful place as a fully accepted world power. And with American efforts to thwart Japan's expansionist aims in Asia through overt economic measures and more covert military ones, Japan had no choice but to initiate the attack on Pearl Harbor to eventually force a beneficial peace treaty.
In essence, both sides generally believe they were right in the actions their military and political leaders took so long ago to propel us into war. Therefore, there can never be any simple answer as to who was right and who was wrong about World War II between the Americans and the Japanese. Luckily for both nations in the intervening decades, peace and prosperity have reigned due to mutually beneficial economic, military and political agreements that have made the US and Japan dependable allies.
Hopefully we will continue to heed the lessons learned from World War II. And even though the US and Japan have a relationship that has its ups and downs, we need to remain friends. Because if the world makes the mistake of having a global conflict in the 21st century, probably with China and Russia as our adversaries, it will prove the truth of the old adage: "those who do not know history are condemned to repeat it."
アメリカの広島と長崎への原爆投下による計り知れない死と破壊の数日後、日本は降伏した。1945年8月6日と9日に亡くなった数十万人の日本人は、1930年代から数千万人の命を奪った怒濤の世界紛争における最後の犠牲者の一人であった。
大半のアメリカ人は、日本の真珠湾攻撃後、アメリカは正義の戦争をしたと信じている。一般に受け入れられているシナリオの一部では、卑劣な日本人によってアメリカ人に押し付けられた紛争であり、その結果、世界に新しく永続的な平和を確立するために武器を取ることになった、とされている。勝利は日本帝国を挫き、わが国と同盟国の主権を守った。また、米国と友好国にとって、世界各地での有利な通商貿易への妨げのないアクセスを確立した。
しかし、多くの日本人は、アメリカに対する自衛のために戦ったのだと信じている。アメリカや他の欧米列強は、日本が世界の大国として認められる正当な地位を得るのを阻止しようと、何十年にもわたって悪意を持って取り組んできた。そして、アメリカは日本のアジアにおける拡張主義的な目的を、あからさまな経済的措置と、より秘密裏の軍事的措置によって阻止しようと努力していたため、日本は最終的に有益な講和条約を結ばせるために、真珠湾攻撃を開始するしかなかったのである。
要するに、両陣営とも、軍事的・政治的指導者たちが大昔にとった戦争に突き進むための行動は正しかったと、一般的には信じているのだ。従って、日米間の第二次世界大戦について、誰が正しくて誰が間違っていたのかについて、単純な答えが出ることはない。幸運なことに、その間の数十年間、日米両国は互恵的な経済的、軍事的、政治的協定により、平和と繁栄が支配してきた。
願わくば、私たちが第二次世界大戦から学んだ教訓に引き続き耳を傾けてくれることを。そして、日米関係が浮き沈みのあるものであっても、私たちは友人であり続ける必要がある。というのも、21世紀に世界が世界的な紛争を起こすという過ちを犯せば、おそらく中国とロシアが敵対することになるだろう。「歴史を知らない者は、歴史を繰り返す運命にある 」という古い格言の真実が証明されることになるからだ。
Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback JANUARY 27. 2017World War II and the Internment of Japanese Americans by Patrick Hattman
On December 7, 2016, the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on the U.S. military at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was solemnly remembered by many Americans. More than 2,400 people died that day in 1941 and it precipitated American entry into World War II.
While most Americans justifiably believe the eventual defeat of Japan deserves a proud place in our annals, the early days of the conflict also saw the beginning of a disgraceful chapter in U.S. history: the internment of Japanese Americans.
On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt signed an executive order permitting the forcible relocation of Japanese Americans, mainly on the West Coast, to internment camps. Ultimately, more than 110,000 people of Japanese ancestry, the majority of whom were U.S. citizens, were ordered to dispose of their homes and businesses at a moment's notice, before being herded to their place of incarceration.
While in the camps, they often had to endure inadequate food, housing and medical care. They were treated as prisoners, but had committed no crimes. Some young men escaped their confinement by joining the U.S. Army, with thousands serving their country in the famed 442nd Infantry Regiment. Twenty-one Japanese Americans in that unit received the Medal of Honor, America's highest military award.
A U.S. government investigation in the 1980s found that the main reasons for the internment were racism and war hysteria, followed by failed political leadership. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan issued a formal apology to the internment camp survivors and compensation was gradually paid to over 82,000 people.
As various 75th anniversaries from World War II occur through 2020, Americans should remember the sacrifices made by millions of their countrymen to secure victory. However, we also need to keep in mind our shameful treatment of Japanese Americans during those years, and vow to never let anything like it happen again.
Unfinished business
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 17. 2019Farewell to a Japan Jazz Icon by David Gregory
The messages from all over Japan read aloud during the service helped us realize how widely Koyama-san touched lives and how many like us were feeling something newly missing from our worlds. But, although wonderful and sometimes saddening us, they did not trigger crying. That happened next.
Those first few notes of the "'Round About Midnight" Miles Davis version, the cut Koyama-san always used to open Jazz Tonight, performed by a live piano and trumpet duo up front near the coffin, did it: Instant recognition, recollections, sighs around the room, eyes closed, arms crossed, heads dropped back or down, and tears, at least for me. How many times had we heard, after Miles breathed his somber opening, Koyama-san's low, raspy voice welcoming us into the studio with, "Minna-san, gokigen ikaga desho-ka everybody, how are you feeling?"?and never thought that someday we would hear him ask about us no more?
Koyama-san's widow, whom, like him, had never known me, stood alone at the coffin head and bowed in silence to everyone in turn after they placed flowers around his body as the duo continued with another slow number, the trumpet sounding so strong and crisp and unusual in a memorial service hall. After we placed our flowers, she responded to my hand on her shoulder, a touch just meant to console her, by immediately turning and reaching for me?a total stranger?burying her head in my chest, and breaking down. She needed that hug that everybody sometimes needs. She let go after her respite when she was ready to face the coffin and everyone else again, and returned to her position. Going to Kashiwa in a snowstorm was worth it just for those few moments when I could do something for her.
So our Kashiwa day was both sad and good. But, why did I even want to go a funeral for a man whom I only knew by voice, and who, although linked to jazz, was not even a musician?
Koyama-san and his Jazz Tonight program I listened to since at least the early 2000s. For more than sixteen years, while my life in Japan has been filled with huge uncertainties, he has been here Saturday nights on the radio, reliable, keeping me connected to the world's music and opening my ears to music from Japan I would not know without him. Listening to him always made me feel good, no matter what had happened in my life during the week or what was coming up in the weeks ahead. Koyama-san and Jazz Tonight were my respite. How well can I replace that comfort?
Koyama-san, thank you for helping this foreigner feel good in Japan. Please rest well in jazz heaven.
NHK Radio, thank you for giving Koyama-san a way to connect with us. Please encourage other DJs to continue doing what he did so well.
To Koyama-san's surviving family members: Please care well for yourselves now, and thank you for supporting and sharing Kiyoshi with us.
The Smallest Box by David Gregory
She came over to my table and asked if I remembered her.
“That’s my boyfriend over there.”
Their table hugged a pillar blocking the sunny Tokyo Bay view enjoyed by the other customers that afternoon in Chiba’s AquaRink ice skating facility café.
“Maybe we will marry next year.”
On my way out, I stopped to congratulate the potential groom to be. What I later heard happened with Hiromi and Hiroshi that night at another place also close to the bay sounded so too good to be true that I visited that place to confirm it really happened. It did.
Hiroshi had reserved for the course menu that night at OCEAN TABLE, next to Chiba Port, on the second floor, where tables sat by the huge windows facing Chiba Port Tower and Tokyo Bay. No view-blocking pillars there. And they had a wait, even with their reservation, because it was Christmas Eve, which in Japan matters much more than the following day; the Eve is the year’s couples’ night out, and single women without dates that night can feel their whole year was wasted.
Hiroshi had changed into a suit after skating, and had urged Hiromi, against her protests about overdressing, into a plaid one-piece, raising expectations. They had never come to a place this nice, one requiring reservations. Saizeriya was more their speed: fast faux-Italian, cheap, and everywhere.
The unexpected wait made Hiroshi antsy. He relaxed and all was perfect after they were seated.
They talked. They ate the Christmas Dinner courses. They ignored the soft Christmas background music. They admired the gleaming, golden Christmas Tree rising from the first-floor buffet area through the open center space across from their table. They could see outside the sparkling flashes and half the tree in Port Tower’s Christmas Illumination, and beyond, the lights from the ships on and facilities around Tokyo Bay, appearing almost twinkling. Perfect—but not for Hiromi.
She went to the toilet. Still he had not asked. The day was done. The reservation system only allowed them two hours there. They had been together all day. He had remembered her birthday-just by coincidence, also that day-with a necklace at AquaRink. Nice, but was that all? He had pestered her since early December about what Christmas present she wanted until she had finally exploded with, “Nothing! Don’t you know I just want a proposal?!” And had added she wanted it to be a surprise. Here he had the perfect chance, and he was wasting it.
She could try enjoying what was left of the evening. Dessert was next. At least here was better than Saizeriya….She was still stuck when she returned to the table, and had no chance to do or say anything, anyway. It was his toilet turn.
Their desserts came. Hiromi sat and waited and pondered the future. Outside, the tower stood alone against the dark sky and Tokyo Bay’s inky darkness.
Their desserts waited. Maybe his tooth was bothering him again. Maybe he was just tolerating it to make the night go well. Maybe for her. Maybe she should go to check on him. Wait-maybe she just heard his voice across the room.
No, only Santa Claus, posing for photographs with diners at the far table. He then started circling the room, giving a small present from his big sack at each table. She could check after he was done.
Hiroshi still had not returned to his seat when Santa reached their table. He handed Hiromi a big, red stocking, by far the room’s largest gift, accompanied by a squeaky, “Atari! You’re a lucky one!” Yeah. She set it aside and Santa moved on. What was he still doing in the toilet?
Santa finished his round, returned to Hiromi, and pointed at her unopened stocking with squeaky, “Un! Un!” grunts. The other diners had opened their presents. She forced a smile and said she was waiting for her boyfriend to return. “Un! Un!”
When Hiromi still resisted, Santa took the stocking in his white-gloved hands and opened it himself. Out first came a big, pink box, heart shaped. He opened that and pulled out another heart-shaped box, and then, from inside that, another heart-shaped box. Another smaller, heart-shaped box followed. He removed from that an even smaller heart-shaped box, and thrust it to Hiromi with one more squeaky, “Un!”
Still gone. Well, he’d miss it. Hiromi obeyed Santa this time and opened it, the smallest box in the room …and her mind and face went blank.
After that frozen moment passed, Hiromi looked at Santa. The second shock hit, and more followed. Santa Claus had ripped off his gloves, furry hat, sunglasses, and huge, flowing beard. He took the box from her?she was still speechless?dropped onto one knee, held the open box out and up to her in both stretching hands, and said in a voice loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, “Hiromi-san, boku-to kekkon shite kudasai! Hiromi, please marry me!”
Outside, to anybody looking, Port Tower’s Christmas Illumination still flashed, and the lights on and around Tokyo Bay still appeared almost twinkling. Inside OCEAN TABLE, on the second floor, everything was happening so fast that Hiromi just did not know which was more difficult to believe: Hiroshi and the ring he first tried slipping onto the finger on her right hand, the one he had taken in his before she held out her left hand, or the following PAN! and PAN! PAN! PAN! PAN! PAN! and PAN! PAN! and PAN! explosions ripping and ribbons shooting around the room as diners at the floor’s other tables popped the party crackers they had found with the notes in their presents from Santa Claus.
Copyright © 2018 David L. Gregory All rights reserved.
I Did It! by David Gregory
She had been here before. But, those were tour-guided or hand-held visits. After living most of her life in white-bread suburban USA, driving everywhere, shopping in giant malls and supermarkets, and needing only one currency and one language, my mother ventured out on her own, within and beyond Chiba, during one trip to Japan. From her notes, here are Dorothy's...
ADVENTURES IN JAPAN
Grocery Shopping in Neighborhood―Walk five blocks...buy only one bag...walk five blocks back. Survived it!
Shopping in City Center―Walk six blocks to bus stop. Ride bus fifteen minutes. Arrive at stores. Walk around. Look. Decide: cookies.
Buying: “Ikura desu-ka how much?” Hmm. “Kakimasu kudasai write please.”
Paying options: give large bill, let clerk figure change, or open change purse, let clerk take out correct amount. Decide to just give some cash.
Clerk shakes her head (“NO! MORE!”), then counts out correct amount needed from register and shows me. I mimic her action from my change purse. Smiles! Deep bows with many, “Arigato gozaimasu thank you very much!”-es.
(My error: thought there was decimal point in Yen price....)
Open cookies, expecting pirouettes with chocolate centers. Instead, peanut butter waffle rolls, no chocolate. No wonder, now I see peanut sketch on package. “Shoganai can’t be changed,” I did it to myself. It could have been worse!
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Travelling to Visit Friend’s Family on Other Side of Chiba―Walk ten blocks to train. Purchase ticket. Electronic lady on ticket machine screen says, “Arigato gozaimasu” and bows. Ride train twenty minutes, watching for correct stop, get off, walk seven blocks to house. I did it myself!
Visiting Hisae Overnight―My Japanese study partner in USA returned to Japan, now lives on other side of Tokyo Bay.
Take large purse and large tote bag with jacket, nightie, toothbrush, cosmetics. Walk six blocks to bus stop. Ride bus to train station. Ride train eighty minutes to Yokohama. Find correct exit from station. EASY. Did not even look at note in pocket explaining route and Japanese signs. And, look! Hisae and three-year old Kei are waiting! “Hello!” they say! Many hugs!
I did it!
Then, still more travel: train together fifteen minutes, short taxi uphill to lovely apartment, sunny and bright.
Returning to Chiba, just reverse process. Next time, we can meet at a station halfway in between. I can do it.
I can do it!
Copyright (C) 2015 David Gregory. All rights reserved. Chiba, Japan
Book Review
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 11 2018Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami
by Rey Ventura Reviewed by Randy Swank video maker and scriptwriter Rey Ventura won the 2015 National Book Award for his third collection of essays, Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami, but for some strange twist of fate you will find very little information on this book. You can’t even buy it on Amazon. This is a shame because Cherry Blossoms... is a beautiful, insightful and thought-provoking book. |
Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami |
In "Miniskirts and Stilettos" we meet Ginto, a young lady who comes to Japan dreaming of making it big as a singer and entertainer but has to deal instead with a much darker reality; while "Mr. Suzuki Tries Again" and "Into the Snow Country" are tragicomic tales of arranged marriages where the dreams and expectations of bride-starved farmers from Japan's Deep North clash with those of young Filipino women who want to escape their poverty and go into marriage "as a girl goes into a convent." Ventura tells these stories with a great eye for detail and manages to find a ray of light even in the darkest corners, or poetry in the midst of a nuclear disaster. The book's first essay is called "The Slow Boat to Manila" and indeed, slowness is the first word that comes to mind when considering Ventura's approach to writing. Everything Ventura does is slow. He is no magazine reporter after all, and will spend days or even months getting to know a person he wants to write about. That's the kind of personal commitment and deep connection with his subject that one feels when reading his essays. |
Tokyo Fab
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD AUGUST 08, 2025
Summer Sonic 2025
Summer Sonic 2025 returns for its 24th edition as one of Japan’s biggest summer music festivals, held across Tokyo (Makuhari Messe & ZOZO Marine Stadium) and Osaka (Expo ’70 Commemorative Park) on August 16−17, 2025. Following a massive 2024 edition that drew over 258,000 attendees, the 2025 lineup brings even more star power.Headlining this year are Fall Out Boy, icons of 2000s rock, and the globally acclaimed Alicia Keys, returning to Japan for the first time in 12 years. They’re joined by genre-bending Japanese superstars Official Hige Dandism, along with a surprise addition―fan favorite Mrs. GREEN APPLE in Tokyo.The lineup spans pop, rock, EDM, hip-hop, and jazz, featuring acts like THE PRODIGY, aespa, SixTONES, BABYMETAL, MAN WITH A MISSION, LiSA, HYDE, RIP SLYME, and many more.Tokyo's venue will also host Midnight Sonic on August 16―a late-night party curated by m-flo, who will perform live alongside TERIYAKI BOYZ, tofubeats, and more. Admission is limited to those aged 20+ with festival tickets or separate passes.With a genre-spanning lineup and electrifying energy, Summer Sonic 2025 is set to be the ultimate soundtrack to your Japan summer.
Date：Tokyo 8/16 (Sat) & 17 (Sun) @ ZOZO Marine Stadium & Makuhari Messe
CANNONBALL 2025
Get ready for the explosive debut of CANNONBALL 2025, a brand-new large-scale music festival taking place August 10−11, 2025, at the iconic Saitama Super Arena―just a short ride from central Tokyo.
Designed to be a bold new fixture in Japan’s summer music scene, CANNONBALL promises high-energy performances, cutting-edge stage production, and a genre-spanning lineup that blends Japanese talent with international flavor. The first wave of artists includes rock powerhouse WANIMA, with more acts to be announced soon.
Held indoors, Saitama Super Arena offers an ideal setting for non-stop music, rain or shine, and easy access from major train lines―making it perfect for travelers. Expect immersive visuals, huge sound, and a festival atmosphere built for discovery and celebration.
Tickets are available now via the official website, with one-day, two-day, and VIP options for fans who want the full experience. Whether you’re a festival regular or a curious first-timer, CANNONBALL 2025 is shaping up to be a standout summer event in Japan.
If you're planning a music-fueled Japan trip, don’t miss this fresh and fiery addition to the festival calendar.
Date： 8/10 (Sun) & 11 (Mon, Holiday) @ Saitama Super Arena
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD AUGUST 08, 2025
Taisho Ike Pond [Azumi, Nagano]
Taisho Pond, located in Kamik?chi, Nagano, was formed by Mt. Yakedake’s 1915 eruption. Its mirror-like surface beautifully reflects the surrounding peaks and withered trees. A popular starting point for scenic walks, it’s especially stunning at sunrise. Easily accessible by bus, Taisho Pond offers a peaceful retreat into the Japanese Alps’ natural beauty―ideal for hikers and photographers.
Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge [Kobe, Hyogo]
The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, or Pearl Bridge, connects Kobe and Awaji Island as the world’s longest suspension bridge. Spanning 3,911 meters, it features earthquake-resistant design and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Visitors can walk the Maiko Marine Promenade for thrilling sea views through glass floors. Illuminated nightly, it's a must-see feat of Japanese engineering and beauty.
Nijigen no Mori [Awajishima, Hyogo]
Nijigen no Mori is an anime-themed park on Awaji Island featuring attractions from Naruto, Godzilla, Crayon Shin-chan, and more. Visitors can enjoy ziplining into a giant Godzilla, ninja training missions, and immersive sets. Surrounded by nature, it blends outdoor adventure with anime fun, making it a must-visit for fans and families near Kobe or Osaka.
Nokonoshima Island [Nokonoshima, Fukuoka]
Nokonoshima Island, just a 10-minute ferry from Fukuoka, is famous for its stunning seasonal flower fields and outdoor fun. Visit Nokonoshima Island Park for activities like pottery painting, mini-zoo, and scenic views from the observation deck. Enjoy local treats like Noko Udon and relax in ocean-view cottages. It’s a perfect nature escape near the city.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: JULY 24. 2015
The War behind Ueno Zoo Tokyo Japan by Jennifer Nakajima
I have once been to Ueno zoo together with my family. We are excited to see a panda like other animal species. If you’ll take a look, it’s just a simple zoological park like any other zoo, except that the difference is its history behind those animals living there.
Back to its sad history after the March 1945 bombings of Tokyo, the Japanese Army ordered that all wild and dangerous animals at the zoo be killed; claiming that bombs could hit the zoo and escaping wild animals could wreak havoc in the streets of Tokyo. Because aside from atomic bombings on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki which killed at least 200,000 people and most of the dead were civilians, the rest suffered by radiation sickness, compounded by illness and malnutrition. It’s not only people who are victims of war, but also the animals who are taken cared of in Ueno Zoo,Tokyo Japan.
The animals were executed by poisoning, strangulation or by simply placing the animals on starvation diets. And during that time, Japan, overlaid with sorrow and the flood of tears of the Japanese people and their children. Now a permanent memorial can be found in the Ueno zoo.
War reminds us that his victim is not our true enemies, but the innocent people and living things on this planet. There is no victory in war, we can’t get satisfaction with a violent way either by taking the lives of many people; it never has a happy ending.
We can obtain victory and happiness by unity and peace whatever your religion, race, culture, and nationality is.
Although, it is hard to accept what the war brought to us, we need to move on and live peacefully in the present. Pray and hope that it would never be happen again.
家族と上野動物園に行った。うちの家族はパンダを含め動物を見るのが大好きだ。上野動物園は、普通の動物園と変わりないが、そこで暮らす動物達のたどった歴史を振り返ると大きな違いがある。
悲しい歴史とは１９４５年３月、東京大空襲以後、日本軍の命令によって動物園の猛獣は殺されたことだ。空爆で動物園が破壊され、猛獣が東京の街に逃げ出し大惨事を起こすかもしれないという理由からだった。広島や長崎では２０万人の人が命を落とした。その大多数が一般人で、生き残った人達も放射線症やその他の病気や栄養失調を煩っていた。戦争の被害者は人間だけでなく、東京の上野動物園で飼育されていた動物も同様だった。
動物たちは毒殺、絞殺.あるいは餌をあたえられずに死んでいった。殺処分が行われた期間、日本は、子供を含め日本人の深い悲しみと涙で覆われた。現在の上野動物園には永久の記念碑がある。
戦争とは、戦争の被害者は本当の敵ではなく、罪のない人々やこの地球上で生を営んでいたものだった事がわかる。戦争で勝利はない。多くの人の命を奪うという野蛮な方法で勝ち誇ることはできない。つまり戦争にはハッピーエンディングは決してない。
地域、人種、文化、国籍にちがいがあろうと平和に共存する事で勝利と幸福を得ることはできる。
先の大戦がどんな結果をもたらしたかを受け入れるのはむずかしいかもしれなが、前進し現在を平和に生きる必要がある。二度とこんな悲惨な戦争が起こらない事を願ってやまない。
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD AUGUST 08. 2025
Takahata Isao Exhibition
Isao Takahata (1935-2018) was a pioneering animation director whose career began in the 1960s and spanned over half a century, helping to shape the world of Japanese animation. Born in Mie Prefecture and raised in Okayama Prefecture, Takahata joined Toei Doga (now Toei Animation) in 1959 after graduating from the University of Tokyo with a degree in French literature.
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At Toei, Takahata directed The Great Adventure of Horus, Prince of the Sun (1968), expressing a grand and ambitious worldview. This marked the beginning of a creative journey that continued into the 1970s, during which he released numerous works including Panda! Go Panda! (1972), Heidi, Girl of the Alps (1974), and Anne of Green Gables (1979), and pioneered new forms of expression in animation. In 1985, Takahata co-founded Studio Ghibli. From the 1980s onward, he focused on depicting the everyday lives of ordinary people and the natural landscapes of Japan. His major works from this period include Jarinko Chie (1981), The Story of Yanagawa’s Canals (1987), Grave of the Fireflies (1988), and Pom Poko (1994). In the 1990s, he released My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999). Takahata refined a technique that was unprecedented at the time ―digitally coloring hand-drawn sketches instead of using traditional cels. In the 2000s, this innovation culminated in The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013).
Period: - September 15 (Mon)
Venue: Azabudai Hills Gallery
Closed: Tuesdays
Hours: 10:00-20:00 (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: General ￥2,000 / College, University and High School Students ￥1,700 / 4 to Junior High School Students ￥1,400.
For more information, please visit
https://www.azabudai-hills.com/azabudaihillsgallery/sp/isaotakahata-ex/en/
"The Galaxy Express 999” 50th Anniversary Project Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition -Journey of Creation
From June 20 to September 7, 2025, Tokyo City View, located on the 52nd floor of Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills, will host the “Galaxy Express 999” 50th Anniversary Project: Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition − Journey of Creation. This marks the first large-scale posthumous exhibition dedicated to the legendary manga and anime creator Leiji Matsumoto.
Matsumoto, celebrated for iconic works like Galaxy Express 999 and Space Pirate Captain Harlock, left a lasting impact on Japanese pop culture. The exhibition showcases over 300 original drawings, including early sketches and rare materials never before displayed. Visitors will also see precious memorabilia that offer a deep dive into Matsumoto’s artistic journey.
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Set against the stunning panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation deck, the exhibition explores Matsumoto’s unique artistic style and his influential role in both manga and anime over a career spanning more than 70 years. It highlights his visionary storytelling and the timeless messages embedded in his work, inviting fans and newcomers alike to appreciate the creative legacy he entrusted to future generations.
This exhibition is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese art, manga history, and the visionary worlds crafted by Leiji Matsumoto.
Period: - 9.7 [Sun] 2025
Venue: Tokyo City View
Closed: Mondays (except 8/11, 9/15, 10/13, 11/3 &24), 8/12, 9/16, 10/14, 11/4
Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Last admission: 20:00)
Admission: Adults ￥2,300 / Students (University/Highschool) ￥1,400 / Children (Jr. High Students and under) Free
https://tcv.roppongihills.com/en/exhibitions/leiji-m-exh/index.html
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD AUGUST 08. 2025
Shortest Day on Earth
On July 9, 2025, Earth experienced its shortest day ever, completing a full rotation 1.3 milliseconds faster than the usual 24 hours. Similar brief days occurred again on July 22 and August 5, each shaving off over a millisecond. Scientists believe the speeding rotation is mainly influenced by the Moon's gravitational pull, especially when the Moon drifts farther from Earth's equator. Other theories point to internal geophysical changes deep within the planet. While the time difference is unnoticeable in daily life, it's significant for technologies like GPS, atomic clocks, and data systems, which rely on extreme time precision. If this rotational speed-up continues, timekeepers may have to consider a “negative leap second”―a historic first―to keep global time in sync with Earth’s rotation. The trend raises fascinating questions about Earth’s complex inner workings.
Doomsday?!
In July 2025, Japanese manga artist Ryo Tatsuki’s doomsday prediction caused widespread panic in Japan. Tatsuki’s 1999 manga, The Future I Saw, predicted a major disaster on July 5, 2025. While nothing occurred on that exact date, a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, triggering a tsunami that affected Japan’s northern coast. This reignited fears that the prophecy was coming true. The prediction sparked public anxiety, leading to a sharp drop in tourist bookings―some areas saw declines of up to 83%. Social media buzzed with discussions about the prophecy and possible disasters. However, Japanese authorities and scientists emphasized that earthquake predictions lack scientific basis. The Japan Meteorological Agency labeled the prophecy a “hoax” and urged reliance on official data and disaster preparedness.
Links
Guesthouse Tokyo
10 minutes to Ikebukuro.
Interhouse
safe and accessible solution for your accommodation needs in Tokyo.
Sakura House
1830 monthly furnished rooms at 204 locations in Tokyo.
TOKYO ROOM FINDER
Contact our international team that will assist you in finding housing
and overcoming any communication barriers in Japan!
J&F Plaza
Furnished & unfurnished guesthouses and apartments in Tokyo.
May Flower House
Tokyo furnished apartments. Ginza, Roppongi, Yotsuya and more.
TenTen Guesthouse
33,000yen/30 days for working holiday students.
GOOD ROOM TOKYO
Share room, Private room, under 50,000yen
MOVE JAPAN
Private furnished rooms in Tokyo with free internet. Call us first or call us last!
Tokyomove.com
Hassle free moving starts from 6000yen.
Tokyo Helping Hands
Very flexible working hours to effectly help you with moving, deliveries, disposal, storage and more!
AirNet Travel
We'll cut you the best air ticket deals anywhere.
Fun Travel
Discount air travel & package tours 2min from Roppongi Stn.
No.1 Travel
We go the extra mile for you. International air tickets and hotels.
JR Tokai Tours
Top-value travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya from Tokyo by Shinkansen.
Matsuda Legal Office
All kinds of Visa, Immigration & Naturalization, International Marriage etc.
Futaba Visa Office
Licensed immigration lawyer & certified public tax consultant.
American Pharmacy
English speaking pharmacy since 1950.
Tokyo Skin Clinic
EU-licensed multi lingual doctors.
Tax-free AKKY
Japanese Appliance, Watch, Souvenirs
Tokyo Speed Dating
1st Sat. & 3rd Sun. at Bari n Roppongi ETC.
Tokyo Spontaneous
Picnic, Parties, Language exchange
TMA
Japanese women & Western men.
Tokyo Fab
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD AUGUST 08, 2025Summer Sonic 2025
Summer Sonic 2025 returns for its 24th edition as one of Japan’s biggest summer music festivals, held across Tokyo (Makuhari Messe & ZOZO Marine Stadium) and Osaka (Expo ’70 Commemorative Park) on August 16−17, 2025. Following a massive 2024 edition that drew over 258,000 attendees, the 2025 lineup brings even more star power.Headlining this year are Fall Out Boy, icons of 2000s rock, and the globally acclaimed Alicia Keys, returning to Japan for the first time in 12 years. They’re joined by genre-bending Japanese superstars Official Hige Dandism, along with a surprise addition―fan favorite Mrs. GREEN APPLE in Tokyo.The lineup spans pop, rock, EDM, hip-hop, and jazz, featuring acts like THE PRODIGY, aespa, SixTONES, BABYMETAL, MAN WITH A MISSION, LiSA, HYDE, RIP SLYME, and many more.Tokyo's venue will also host Midnight Sonic on August 16―a late-night party curated by m-flo, who will perform live alongside TERIYAKI BOYZ, tofubeats, and more. Admission is limited to those aged 20+ with festival tickets or separate passes.With a genre-spanning lineup and electrifying energy, Summer Sonic 2025 is set to be the ultimate soundtrack to your Japan summer.
Date：Tokyo 8/16 (Sat) & 17 (Sun) @ ZOZO Marine Stadium & Makuhari Messe
CANNONBALL 2025
Get ready for the explosive debut of CANNONBALL 2025, a brand-new large-scale music festival taking place August 10−11, 2025, at the iconic Saitama Super Arena―just a short ride from central Tokyo.
Designed to be a bold new fixture in Japan’s summer music scene, CANNONBALL promises high-energy performances, cutting-edge stage production, and a genre-spanning lineup that blends Japanese talent with international flavor. The first wave of artists includes rock powerhouse WANIMA, with more acts to be announced soon.
Held indoors, Saitama Super Arena offers an ideal setting for non-stop music, rain or shine, and easy access from major train lines―making it perfect for travelers. Expect immersive visuals, huge sound, and a festival atmosphere built for discovery and celebration.
Tickets are available now via the official website, with one-day, two-day, and VIP options for fans who want the full experience. Whether you’re a festival regular or a curious first-timer, CANNONBALL 2025 is shaping up to be a standout summer event in Japan.
If you're planning a music-fueled Japan trip, don’t miss this fresh and fiery addition to the festival calendar.
Date： 8/10 (Sun) & 11 (Mon, Holiday) @ Saitama Super Arena
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD AUGUST 08, 2025Taisho Ike Pond [Azumi, Nagano]
Taisho Pond, located in Kamik?chi, Nagano, was formed by Mt. Yakedake’s 1915 eruption. Its mirror-like surface beautifully reflects the surrounding peaks and withered trees. A popular starting point for scenic walks, it’s especially stunning at sunrise. Easily accessible by bus, Taisho Pond offers a peaceful retreat into the Japanese Alps’ natural beauty―ideal for hikers and photographers.
Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge [Kobe, Hyogo]
The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, or Pearl Bridge, connects Kobe and Awaji Island as the world’s longest suspension bridge. Spanning 3,911 meters, it features earthquake-resistant design and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Visitors can walk the Maiko Marine Promenade for thrilling sea views through glass floors. Illuminated nightly, it's a must-see feat of Japanese engineering and beauty.
Nijigen no Mori [Awajishima, Hyogo]
Nijigen no Mori is an anime-themed park on Awaji Island featuring attractions from Naruto, Godzilla, Crayon Shin-chan, and more. Visitors can enjoy ziplining into a giant Godzilla, ninja training missions, and immersive sets. Surrounded by nature, it blends outdoor adventure with anime fun, making it a must-visit for fans and families near Kobe or Osaka.
Nokonoshima Island [Nokonoshima, Fukuoka]
Nokonoshima Island, just a 10-minute ferry from Fukuoka, is famous for its stunning seasonal flower fields and outdoor fun. Visit Nokonoshima Island Park for activities like pottery painting, mini-zoo, and scenic views from the observation deck. Enjoy local treats like Noko Udon and relax in ocean-view cottages. It’s a perfect nature escape near the city.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: JULY 24. 2015The War behind Ueno Zoo Tokyo Japan by Jennifer Nakajima
I have once been to Ueno zoo together with my family. We are excited to see a panda like other animal species. If you’ll take a look, it’s just a simple zoological park like any other zoo, except that the difference is its history behind those animals living there.
Back to its sad history after the March 1945 bombings of Tokyo, the Japanese Army ordered that all wild and dangerous animals at the zoo be killed; claiming that bombs could hit the zoo and escaping wild animals could wreak havoc in the streets of Tokyo. Because aside from atomic bombings on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki which killed at least 200,000 people and most of the dead were civilians, the rest suffered by radiation sickness, compounded by illness and malnutrition. It’s not only people who are victims of war, but also the animals who are taken cared of in Ueno Zoo,Tokyo Japan.
The animals were executed by poisoning, strangulation or by simply placing the animals on starvation diets. And during that time, Japan, overlaid with sorrow and the flood of tears of the Japanese people and their children. Now a permanent memorial can be found in the Ueno zoo.
War reminds us that his victim is not our true enemies, but the innocent people and living things on this planet. There is no victory in war, we can’t get satisfaction with a violent way either by taking the lives of many people; it never has a happy ending.
We can obtain victory and happiness by unity and peace whatever your religion, race, culture, and nationality is.
Although, it is hard to accept what the war brought to us, we need to move on and live peacefully in the present. Pray and hope that it would never be happen again.
家族と上野動物園に行った。うちの家族はパンダを含め動物を見るのが大好きだ。上野動物園は、普通の動物園と変わりないが、そこで暮らす動物達のたどった歴史を振り返ると大きな違いがある。
悲しい歴史とは１９４５年３月、東京大空襲以後、日本軍の命令によって動物園の猛獣は殺されたことだ。空爆で動物園が破壊され、猛獣が東京の街に逃げ出し大惨事を起こすかもしれないという理由からだった。広島や長崎では２０万人の人が命を落とした。その大多数が一般人で、生き残った人達も放射線症やその他の病気や栄養失調を煩っていた。戦争の被害者は人間だけでなく、東京の上野動物園で飼育されていた動物も同様だった。
動物たちは毒殺、絞殺.あるいは餌をあたえられずに死んでいった。殺処分が行われた期間、日本は、子供を含め日本人の深い悲しみと涙で覆われた。現在の上野動物園には永久の記念碑がある。
戦争とは、戦争の被害者は本当の敵ではなく、罪のない人々やこの地球上で生を営んでいたものだった事がわかる。戦争で勝利はない。多くの人の命を奪うという野蛮な方法で勝ち誇ることはできない。つまり戦争にはハッピーエンディングは決してない。
地域、人種、文化、国籍にちがいがあろうと平和に共存する事で勝利と幸福を得ることはできる。
先の大戦がどんな結果をもたらしたかを受け入れるのはむずかしいかもしれなが、前進し現在を平和に生きる必要がある。二度とこんな悲惨な戦争が起こらない事を願ってやまない。
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD AUGUST 08. 2025Takahata Isao Exhibition Isao Takahata (1935-2018) was a pioneering animation director whose career began in the 1960s and spanned over half a century, helping to shape the world of Japanese animation. Born in Mie Prefecture and raised in Okayama Prefecture, Takahata joined Toei Doga (now Toei Animation) in 1959 after graduating from the University of Tokyo with a degree in French literature. |
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At Toei, Takahata directed The Great Adventure of Horus, Prince of the Sun (1968), expressing a grand and ambitious worldview. This marked the beginning of a creative journey that continued into the 1970s, during which he released numerous works including Panda! Go Panda! (1972), Heidi, Girl of the Alps (1974), and Anne of Green Gables (1979), and pioneered new forms of expression in animation. In 1985, Takahata co-founded Studio Ghibli. From the 1980s onward, he focused on depicting the everyday lives of ordinary people and the natural landscapes of Japan. His major works from this period include Jarinko Chie (1981), The Story of Yanagawa’s Canals (1987), Grave of the Fireflies (1988), and Pom Poko (1994). In the 1990s, he released My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999). Takahata refined a technique that was unprecedented at the time ―digitally coloring hand-drawn sketches instead of using traditional cels. In the 2000s, this innovation culminated in The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013). |
Period: - September 15 (Mon)
Venue: Azabudai Hills Gallery
Closed: Tuesdays
Hours: 10:00-20:00 (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: General ￥2,000 / College, University and High School Students ￥1,700 / 4 to Junior High School Students ￥1,400.
For more information, please visit
https://www.azabudai-hills.com/azabudaihillsgallery/sp/isaotakahata-ex/en/
"The Galaxy Express 999” 50th Anniversary Project Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition -Journey of Creation From June 20 to September 7, 2025, Tokyo City View, located on the 52nd floor of Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills, will host the “Galaxy Express 999” 50th Anniversary Project: Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition − Journey of Creation. This marks the first large-scale posthumous exhibition dedicated to the legendary manga and anime creator Leiji Matsumoto. |
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Set against the stunning panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation deck, the exhibition explores Matsumoto’s unique artistic style and his influential role in both manga and anime over a career spanning more than 70 years. It highlights his visionary storytelling and the timeless messages embedded in his work, inviting fans and newcomers alike to appreciate the creative legacy he entrusted to future generations. |
Period: - 9.7 [Sun] 2025
Venue: Tokyo City View
Closed: Mondays (except 8/11, 9/15, 10/13, 11/3 &24), 8/12, 9/16, 10/14, 11/4
Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Last admission: 20:00)
Admission: Adults ￥2,300 / Students (University/Highschool) ￥1,400 / Children (Jr. High Students and under) Free
https://tcv.roppongihills.com/en/exhibitions/leiji-m-exh/index.html
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD AUGUST 08. 2025Shortest Day on Earth
On July 9, 2025, Earth experienced its shortest day ever, completing a full rotation 1.3 milliseconds faster than the usual 24 hours. Similar brief days occurred again on July 22 and August 5, each shaving off over a millisecond. Scientists believe the speeding rotation is mainly influenced by the Moon's gravitational pull, especially when the Moon drifts farther from Earth's equator. Other theories point to internal geophysical changes deep within the planet. While the time difference is unnoticeable in daily life, it's significant for technologies like GPS, atomic clocks, and data systems, which rely on extreme time precision. If this rotational speed-up continues, timekeepers may have to consider a “negative leap second”―a historic first―to keep global time in sync with Earth’s rotation. The trend raises fascinating questions about Earth’s complex inner workings.
Doomsday?!
In July 2025, Japanese manga artist Ryo Tatsuki’s doomsday prediction caused widespread panic in Japan. Tatsuki’s 1999 manga, The Future I Saw, predicted a major disaster on July 5, 2025. While nothing occurred on that exact date, a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, triggering a tsunami that affected Japan’s northern coast. This reignited fears that the prophecy was coming true. The prediction sparked public anxiety, leading to a sharp drop in tourist bookings―some areas saw declines of up to 83%. Social media buzzed with discussions about the prophecy and possible disasters. However, Japanese authorities and scientists emphasized that earthquake predictions lack scientific basis. The Japan Meteorological Agency labeled the prophecy a “hoax” and urged reliance on official data and disaster preparedness.
Links
Guesthouse Tokyo10 minutes to Ikebukuro. Interhousesafe and accessible solution for your accommodation needs in Tokyo. Sakura House1830 monthly furnished rooms at 204 locations in Tokyo. TOKYO ROOM FINDERContact our international team that will assist you in finding housing and overcoming any communication barriers in Japan! |
J&F PlazaFurnished & unfurnished guesthouses and apartments in Tokyo. May Flower HouseTokyo furnished apartments. Ginza, Roppongi, Yotsuya and more. TenTen Guesthouse33,000yen/30 days for working holiday students. GOOD ROOM TOKYOShare room, Private room, under 50,000yen |
MOVE JAPANPrivate furnished rooms in Tokyo with free internet. Call us first or call us last! Tokyomove.comHassle free moving starts from 6000yen. |
Tokyo Helping HandsVery flexible working hours to effectly help you with moving, deliveries, disposal, storage and more! |
AirNet TravelWe'll cut you the best air ticket deals anywhere. Fun TravelDiscount air travel & package tours 2min from Roppongi Stn. |
No.1 TravelWe go the extra mile for you. International air tickets and hotels. JR Tokai ToursTop-value travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya from Tokyo by Shinkansen. |
Matsuda Legal OfficeAll kinds of Visa, Immigration & Naturalization, International Marriage etc. |
Futaba Visa OfficeLicensed immigration lawyer & certified public tax consultant. |
|
American PharmacyEnglish speaking pharmacy since 1950. |
Tokyo Skin ClinicEU-licensed multi lingual doctors. |
|
Tax-free AKKYJapanese Appliance, Watch, Souvenirs |
Tokyo Speed Dating1st Sat. & 3rd Sun. at Bari n Roppongi ETC. Tokyo SpontaneousPicnic, Parties, Language exchange |
|
TMAJapanese women & Western men. |
|
50 Shades of Yikess
