Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD OCTOBER 10. 2025Japan Sumo Association turns 100! by Mardo
October 7th will see sumo fans and sumotori celebrating in Ryogoku this year, for the centenary of the JSA is going to be a party! All the good stuff. Including Comic Sumo and ancient ceremonies. I have seen this sort of thing before at a former high ranking wrestlers retirement 20 years ago ( Terao). And it is a lot of fun!
Unfortunately, unlike 20 years ago, I couldn't get tickets. The JSA has done so good a job of late that tickets to a tournament sell out within a day, and events such as this one are for registered fans only. Instead, I will head to a local sumo themed restaurant, eat my Chanko Nabe and watch retired wrestlers put on a show… not quite the same, but still available.
If you can get to watch the JSA Centenary, I suggest you do. The Spiritual side of sumo is often forgotten in the spectacular that is a sumo tournament. And the ancient roots of the sport, which go back ot the very foundation myth of Japan are too good to miss.
When I am at home, all my friends want to know about sumo. Japanese cars have been everywhere for decades. In Australia school children will say Sushi is their favourite food, while the sushi train restaurants bankrupt their parents.. But sumo is still special, magical and only in Japan.
I am glad that sumo is selling out again, and that the Japanese locals have rediscovered a love for it. Because if you want to be known for anything world wide. Why not Sumo?
10月7日、両国では相撲ファンと力士たちが祝宴を催す。日本相撲協会(ＪＳＡ)創立100周年を祝う盛大なパーティーだ！見どころ満載。コミカルな相撲から古式ゆかしい儀式まで。20年前の元大関・寺尾の引退試合でも同様の催しを目にしたが、実に楽しいものだった！
残念ながら、20年前とは違い、今回はチケットを入手できなかった。日本相撲協会は近年非常にうまく運営しているため、大会のチケットは1日で完売し、このようなイベントは登録ファン限定となっている。代わりに、地元にある相撲をテーマにしたレストランへ行き、ちゃんこ鍋でも食べながら、引退した力士たちのショーを観戦するつもりだ…本場とはちょっと違うが、それでも楽しめる。
ＪＳＡ創立100周年記念大会を観戦できるなら、ぜひ行くことをお勧めする。大相撲の大会という華やかな舞台では、しばしば相撲の精神的な面が忘れられがちだ。そして日本の創世神話にまで遡るこのスポーツの古代のルーツを見逃すにはあまりにも貴重だ。
我が家にいると、友人たちは皆相撲について知りたがる。何十年も前から日本車は世界中に普及している。オーストラリアでは小学生が「寿司が一番好き」と言い、回転寿司店が親を破産させるほどだが、それでも相撲は特別な存在で、魔法のようで、日本だけのものだ。
相撲が再び人気を集めて、地元である日本の人々がその愛を再発見していることを嬉しく思う。世界中で何かで知られるなら、相撲であってもいいじゃない？
Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback APRIL 08. 2022Folding Paper to Find Flow by Marina Yoshimura
In this ever-connected world, devices often outweigh paper, with the latter becoming a footnote in the digital age. But folding origamis can help us appreciate paper in its many forms; they can inspire us to celebrate traditions, but also embrace creativity and novelty. They can also encourage us to focus on the present and find our flow.
One can enjoy origamis both at home and in public places. Tokyo has a number of places that feature origamis. Established in 1858 as a hub for paper-dyeing―someshi―the Origami Kaikan displays an eclectic mix of paper crafts. Located in Yushima, the “birthplace of Modern Education in Japan,” the Kaikan demonstrates the evolution of origamis in Japan. It is, according to the Kaikan’s website, the first place in the world to sell origamis as a request from the school supplies section of Japan’s Education Ministry in the Meiji era to teach origamis to school children. It was also the first place in the Kanto region to organize memorial services for dolls―ningyokuyo. Today, the Kaikan’s origami selection is diverse, from storytelling to lectures. Admission is free; however, paid lectures, workshops, and internships are also available. A store on the third floor sells origamis and washi―traditional Japanese paper―and also introduces us to other kinds of paper: Somegami (dyed paper), origami (paper for folding) and chiyogami (patterned Japanese paper). Another place to visit for origamis and information about origami resources is the Tokyo Origami Museum, established by the Nippon Origami Association Co., Ltd, in Honjo, Sumida ward.
Walking into the Origami Kaikan felt like a return to my childhood. I became nostalgic for the days when I folded origamis in school, trying to fold the creases so that they would overlap with precision. The intricacies and complexities of what is seemly as simple as paper were not lost on me. The colors, the stories, the life that origamis bring to the table remind me of all the possibilities paper has to offer.
Origamis can help us find our flow. The pandemic has prolonged time at home and online. By adding origamis to our repertoire, we can connect with traditions, seek novelty, and get creative. It starts with folding paper.
デジタル化された現代では、デバイスが紙を凌駕し、紙が脚光を浴びることが多くなっている。しかし、折り紙を折ることは、様々な形の紙を鑑賞するのに役立つ。折り紙は、伝統を敬うだけでなく、創造性や斬新さを受け入れるきっかけにもなる。また、今に集中し、自分の流れ（スタイル）を見出すことを促してくれる。
折り紙は、家庭でも、公共の場でも楽しむことができる。東京には、折り紙を楽しめる場所がたくさんある。1858年に紙染めの拠点として設立された「折紙会館」には、さまざまな種類の紙工芸品が展示されている。日本の近代教育発祥の地である湯島にあるこの会館は、日本の折り紙の変遷が展示されている。明治時代、文部省の学用品課から「学童に折り紙を教えよう」という要請があり、世界で初めて折り紙を販売したと、同会館のホームページには書かれている。また関東地方で初めて人形供養を行った場所でもある。現在、同会館では、紙芝居から講演会まで、多彩な折り紙を揃えている。入場は無料だが、有料の講演会、ワークショップ、インターンシップが開かれている。3階の売店では、折り紙や和紙を販売しており、他の種類の紙も紹介している。染め紙、折り紙、千代紙なども紹介されている。また、折り紙や折り紙に関する資料の入手先としては、墨田区本所にある株式会社日本折紙協会が設立した「東京おりがみ会館」がある。
おりがみ会館に足を踏み入れると、まるで子供の頃に戻ったような気分になる。学校で折り紙を折るとき、折り目が正確に重なるように折ろうとしたことが懐かしく思い出した。紙という単純に見えるものの複雑な仕組みが、私には理解できなかった。折り紙がもたらす色彩、物語、生命は、私に紙の持つあらゆる可能性を思い起こさせる。
折り紙は、私たちが自分の流れ（スタイル）を見つける手助けをしてくれる。パンデミックにより、家庭やネットでの時間が長くなっている。折り紙をレパートリーに加えることで、伝統とつながり、新しさを求め、クリエイティブになることができるのだ。それは、紙を折ることから始まる。
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!
~~~
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 OCTOBER 10, 2025
Furusato Tokyo Festival
The Furusato Tokyo Festival 2025 will be held from October 10 to 13 at Ueno Onshi Park, bringing together food lovers and culture enthusiasts for a unique culinary and cultural experience. This year, the festival highlights the Meat vs. Seafood Festival, where regional specialties from across Japan compete for your taste buds. Admission is free, making it an accessible outing for both locals and visitors.
At the festival, guests can sample a wide variety of dishes crafted from carefully selected local ingredients. From savory meats to fresh seafood, the event offers a chance to experience Japan’s diverse culinary traditions in one location. Visitors can explore flavors from Hokkaido to Okinawa, discovering regional delicacies that showcase the richness of Japanese cuisine.
Beyond the food, the festival features live music performances and entertainment, creating a lively, festive atmosphere. Family-friendly activities ensure that attendees of all ages can enjoy the event, making it ideal for travelers, local families, and cultural explorers alike.
Whether you’re a passionate foodie or simply seeking a vibrant outdoor festival, the Furusato Tokyo Festival 2025 offers an immersive celebration of Japan’s regional flavors, traditions, and cultural diversity―a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of Tokyo.
Date：10/10 (Fri) - 13, 2025 (Mon,Holiday) @ Ueno Park
https://www.furusatotokyofes.com/
Railway Festival
Japan’s one of the largest railway event, the Railway Festival, returns for its 32nd edition in October 2025, celebrating Railway Day (October 14) ― the anniversary of Japan’s first railway line, which opened between Shimbashi and Yokohama in 1872.Held annually in Tokyo, the festival brings together railway operators, manufacturers, and railway-related businesses from across Japan. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, view impressive displays of railway technology, shop for exclusive merchandise, and even meet industry professionals. It’s a family-friendly celebration where both casual visitors and devoted train enthusiasts can experience the wonder of Japan’s rail culture up close.Admission is free, making it a great outing for travelers and locals alike. Popular attractions include photo zones, railway memorabilia, and booths from major train companies offering souvenirs and rare collectibles.The festival may be cancelled in case of severe weather or typhoons, as postponement is not planned ― so visitors are encouraged to check the latest updates before heading out.For those fascinated by Japan’s trains ― from classic locomotives to futuristic shinkansen ― the Railway Festival 2025 offers an unforgettable, hands-on journey through Japan’s past, present, and future of rail innovation.
Date： 10/11(Sat) & 12 (Sun), 2025 @ Odaiba
https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/tetsudo01_hh_000238.html
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD OCTOBER 10, 2025
Maple Corridor [Kawaguchi, Yamanashi]
Experience the vibrant beauty of autumn at Lake Kawaguchi’s Maple Corridor, where fiery red and golden leaves line a scenic walking path. Located near Mount Fuji, this picturesque spot offers stunning reflections on the lake’s calm waters, perfect for photography and leisurely strolls. Ideal for nature lovers and travelers seeking seasonal charm in Japan.
Yabakei [Nakatsu, Oita]
Yabakei, in Nakatsu, Oita, is a stunning gorge celebrated for its dramatic cliffs, scenic river views, and vibrant autumn foliage. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, historic temples, and picturesque bridges that showcase the area’s natural beauty. A perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers seeking Japan’s serene landscapes.
Momijidani Maple Valley [Yokkaichi, Mie]
Momijidani in Suizawa is a picturesque valley famous for its brilliant autumn colors. Lined with countless maple trees, the area transforms into a fiery landscape of red, orange, and gold each fall. Visitors can stroll along tranquil paths, enjoy riverside views, and capture the stunning seasonal scenery―a must-visit spot for autumn lovers in Japan.
Kobe Municipal Arboretum [Kobe, Hyogo]
Nestled in the Rokko Mountains, Kobe Municipal Arboretum showcases over 1,200 plant species across beautifully maintained gardens and forested trails. Visitors can enjoy seasonal blooms, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn foliage. With serene walking paths and panoramic views of Kobe, it’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers seeking a peaceful retreat.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: DECEMBER 23. 2016
La Luna by Kathleen Nguyen
After coming across a particularly cute short produced by Pixar/Disney called La Luna, it started me thinking about the moon and all her (or is it his?) legends. For La Luna, it seems to be an English legend, as it mentions being learned from Sir George Darwin, an astronomer and mathematician. The short pulls bits of inspiration from the story, with rowboats far in the middle of the ocean, ladders being used to stretch towards the moon, and the world suddenly being flipped right side up. It however strays as it tries to impart the existence of timeworn tradition in the grandfather and father, and the joy and wonder the young boy sees in their work and finding his own heritage-inspired style. In Sir Darwin's legend, the village would go to the moon in order to collect cheese, a common enough legend as the craters usually appear cheese-like to the gazing eye.
For my own childhood, as part of the Vietnamese heritage, we borrow a legend from the Chinese, but it's not usually passed down; our tradition instead is to have two moon festivals, steeped in the history of a farming economical structure. The moon is at its fullest, symbolizing health and wellness and also the end of harvest, a time of rest and celebration to rejoin with children that would have been working in the fields. Moon cakes are also passed out, named for the mung bean filling, looking yellow and golden in the night.
In U.S. school, I was regaled with tales of the Man in the Moon. There's multiple legends on how a man got there, including a Christian reference that it is Cain, the Wanderer, forced to forever circle the earth. We had a nursery rhyme, called Hey Diddle Diddle, and the most popular illustration involved a smiling moon, laughing, and encouraging the cow to jump over it. (A fork and spoon were eloping lovers). The same shadows and markings that the Americans used to draw the face of the man in the moon is used for the moon rabbit, the common legend in East Asia. In Japan and Korea, the rabbit is pounding rice cakes, and in China, the rabbit is making elixir of life.
So should you get the chance to enjoy a clear sky and a bright moon, allow your creativity to take over and wonder what might be happening on its surface.
ピクサー／ディズニーの短編映画、「La Luna」をたまたま見つけた。観賞後、月と月の伝説について思いをはせた。「La Luna」は天文学者であり、数学者であるサー・ジョージ・ダーウィンが唱えた月の起源の分裂説を示唆しており、イギリスの月伝説のようだ。「La Luna」は、大海原に浮かぶ小さなボートと月へとまっすぐ架けられた梯子、そして突然、場面は月の表面に変わる。ストーリーは祖父と父の信じる古いしきたりの違いや、祖父や父が受け継いできた仕事を知った少年の喜びや感動をはさみながら、自分のやり方を見つける少年を描く。
子供の頃、ベトナム系の私は、中国の中秋節を祝ったが、次世代へは伝えられていない。ベトナムでは月にふたつの祝い事をする伝統があり、経済基盤を形づくる歴史を物語る。満月は健康と健康維持の象徴であり、収穫の季節でもある。農作業で働く親がかまってあげられなかった子供たちと一緒に集い祝う時だ。夜空に黄色く輝く月のような月餅を食べる。
アメリカの学校では、月の男の話でおおいに盛り上がった。ケインが月に住み、地球の周りを永久にさまよっているとするキリスト教伝説を含め、月の男については、さまざまな説がある。ヘイ・ディドル・ディドルという童謡からは、微笑む月、笑い、牛が月を飛び越える光景が頭に浮かぶ。月の影は、アメリカでは月の男の顔だが、東アジアでは月のうさぎとなる。日本や韓国ではうさぎが餅をついているし、中国では不老不死の薬をつくっている。
さあ、夜空を見上げてまばゆい月を凝視し、想像力を働かせて何が月の表面で起こっているか考えてみては？
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD OCTOBER 10. 2025
Prism of the Real: Making Art in Japan 1989-2010
Prism of the Real presents the work of over 50 artists from Japan and around the world, examining how Japanese art evolved between 1989―the end of the Sh?wa era―and 2010, while also highlighting the ways Japanese culture influenced global artistic practice. This twenty-year period, spanning the early Heisei era, witnessed the end of the Cold War and the rise of contemporary globalization, which enabled the freer exchange of people, ideas, and information. Artists responded to these social and cultural shifts, creating works that refracted the currents of their time and raised complex questions about identity, history, and society.
*
Co-curated by The National Art Center, Tokyo and M+, Hong Kong, the exhibition reflects on this transitional era from both national and international perspectives, positioning Japan as a hub of artistic innovation.
The exhibition opens with a prologue exploring the early stirrings of international engagement in the 1980s, before moving into a critical period beginning in 1989, characterized by a surge in creative activity amid dynamic social and political transformations. The works are organized into three thematic sections: The Past Is a Phantom, which addresses war and its lingering social, cultural, and personal effects; Self and Others, exploring identity, gender, and hierarchical structures through art; and A Promise of Community, highlighting projects that foster new forms of connection within existing communities or through newly created social networks.
By juxtaposing multiple histories and contexts, Prism of the Real offers a multifaceted view of Japanese contemporary art as a lens to understand broader global currents.
Period: − December 8 (Mon), 2025
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo
Closed: Tuesdays
Hours: 10:00-18:00 / -20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays (admission 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: Adults 2,000 yen / College Students 1,000 yen / High school students 500yen.
For more information, please visit
https://www.nact.jp/english/exhibition_special/2025/JCAW/
TOP 30th Anniversary Thoughts of a Distant Window:
Contemporary Japanese Photography vol. 22
Since 2002, the Contemporary Japanese Photography series at the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum has been a platform to nurture creativity, explore the potential of photography and moving images, and introduce new artistic practices while highlighting emerging talent. The 22nd edition of this series presents the works of five promising artists who focus on the small, often overlooked stories that arise from our connections with people, places, customs, and the passage of time.
In today’s world, where embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive society are increasingly important, imagination plays a key role in how we relate to others with different values and experiences. The artists in this exhibition invite viewers to engage with these narratives, reflecting on the subtleties of everyday life.
*
The concept is akin to glimpsing a life through a street-side window. While walking, you might be unexpectedly drawn to a window, sensing something of the life within and imagining a story beyond your immediate view. Similarly, the photographs and moving images in this exhibition act as portals, offering perspectives into unfamiliar landscapes and narratives.
By engaging with the works of these five artists, visitors are encouraged to contemplate distant lives and experiences, cultivating empathy, curiosity, and imagination. The exhibition transforms ordinary moments into windows to broader worlds, allowing viewers to explore new ways of seeing, understanding, and connecting with the world around them.
Period: − Jan. 7 (Wed), 2026
Venue: TOKYO PHOTOGRAPHIC ART MUSEUM
Closed: Mondays (except Monday National Holidays)
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 / − 20:00 on Thursdays and Fridays (admission 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: Adults ￥700 / College Students ￥560 / High School Students ￥350
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD OCTOBER 10. 2025
A Truly Lucky Streak
In an extraordinary stroke of luck, a man in [Country/City] became an overnight sensation after winning two separate lottery jackpots in a single day. The first win occurred in the morning with a regional draw, earning him a modest, yet life-changing, sum. Later that same day, he struck again, hitting the national lottery and doubling his winnings. Lottery officials described the event as “statistically improbable,” with odds so slim that even seasoned gamblers could hardly imagine it. The man, whose identity remains private, shared that he had simply chosen his favorite numbers and never expected the double fortune. Friends, family, and local news outlets quickly celebrated his incredible luck, calling him “the luckiest person alive.” While such a feat is extremely rare, it sparked excitement and chatter online, with people jokingly speculating on what he might do next. Whether he invests, travels, or simply enjoys the moment, his story is a reminder of life’s unpredictable surprises.
Quack-tastrophe on the Water
In a hilarious turn of events, a massive inflatable rubber duck became an unexpected traffic stopper in [City/Country]. The oversized yellow duck, part of an art installation and floating exhibition, drifted into a busy canal, creating chaos as boats and small ferries struggled to navigate around it. Spectators lined the banks, snapping photos and recording videos as the giant duck loomed over the waterway. Local authorities scrambled to redirect boat traffic, while event organizers assured the public that the duck was fully secured and no one was in danger. The whimsical spectacle quickly went viral online, with social media users dubbing it a “quack-tastrophe” and joking that the duck had taken over the city. Children, tourists, and residents alike enjoyed the sight, turning a potential nuisance into a playful, community-centered event. By the end of the day, the duck was safely guided to its display zone, leaving behind laughter, photos, and a memorable story of public art causing delightful chaos.
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 OCTOBER 10, 2025Furusato Tokyo Festival
The Furusato Tokyo Festival 2025 will be held from October 10 to 13 at Ueno Onshi Park, bringing together food lovers and culture enthusiasts for a unique culinary and cultural experience. This year, the festival highlights the Meat vs. Seafood Festival, where regional specialties from across Japan compete for your taste buds. Admission is free, making it an accessible outing for both locals and visitors.
At the festival, guests can sample a wide variety of dishes crafted from carefully selected local ingredients. From savory meats to fresh seafood, the event offers a chance to experience Japan’s diverse culinary traditions in one location. Visitors can explore flavors from Hokkaido to Okinawa, discovering regional delicacies that showcase the richness of Japanese cuisine.
Beyond the food, the festival features live music performances and entertainment, creating a lively, festive atmosphere. Family-friendly activities ensure that attendees of all ages can enjoy the event, making it ideal for travelers, local families, and cultural explorers alike.
Whether you’re a passionate foodie or simply seeking a vibrant outdoor festival, the Furusato Tokyo Festival 2025 offers an immersive celebration of Japan’s regional flavors, traditions, and cultural diversity―a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of Tokyo.
Date：10/10 (Fri) - 13, 2025 (Mon,Holiday) @ Ueno Park
https://www.furusatotokyofes.com/
Railway Festival
Japan’s one of the largest railway event, the Railway Festival, returns for its 32nd edition in October 2025, celebrating Railway Day (October 14) ― the anniversary of Japan’s first railway line, which opened between Shimbashi and Yokohama in 1872.Held annually in Tokyo, the festival brings together railway operators, manufacturers, and railway-related businesses from across Japan. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, view impressive displays of railway technology, shop for exclusive merchandise, and even meet industry professionals. It’s a family-friendly celebration where both casual visitors and devoted train enthusiasts can experience the wonder of Japan’s rail culture up close.Admission is free, making it a great outing for travelers and locals alike. Popular attractions include photo zones, railway memorabilia, and booths from major train companies offering souvenirs and rare collectibles.The festival may be cancelled in case of severe weather or typhoons, as postponement is not planned ― so visitors are encouraged to check the latest updates before heading out.For those fascinated by Japan’s trains ― from classic locomotives to futuristic shinkansen ― the Railway Festival 2025 offers an unforgettable, hands-on journey through Japan’s past, present, and future of rail innovation.
Date： 10/11(Sat) & 12 (Sun), 2025 @ Odaiba
https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/tetsudo01_hh_000238.html
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD OCTOBER 10, 2025Maple Corridor [Kawaguchi, Yamanashi]
Experience the vibrant beauty of autumn at Lake Kawaguchi’s Maple Corridor, where fiery red and golden leaves line a scenic walking path. Located near Mount Fuji, this picturesque spot offers stunning reflections on the lake’s calm waters, perfect for photography and leisurely strolls. Ideal for nature lovers and travelers seeking seasonal charm in Japan.
Yabakei [Nakatsu, Oita]
Yabakei, in Nakatsu, Oita, is a stunning gorge celebrated for its dramatic cliffs, scenic river views, and vibrant autumn foliage. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, historic temples, and picturesque bridges that showcase the area’s natural beauty. A perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers seeking Japan’s serene landscapes.
Momijidani Maple Valley [Yokkaichi, Mie]
Momijidani in Suizawa is a picturesque valley famous for its brilliant autumn colors. Lined with countless maple trees, the area transforms into a fiery landscape of red, orange, and gold each fall. Visitors can stroll along tranquil paths, enjoy riverside views, and capture the stunning seasonal scenery―a must-visit spot for autumn lovers in Japan.
Kobe Municipal Arboretum [Kobe, Hyogo]
Nestled in the Rokko Mountains, Kobe Municipal Arboretum showcases over 1,200 plant species across beautifully maintained gardens and forested trails. Visitors can enjoy seasonal blooms, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn foliage. With serene walking paths and panoramic views of Kobe, it’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers seeking a peaceful retreat.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: DECEMBER 23. 2016La Luna by Kathleen Nguyen
After coming across a particularly cute short produced by Pixar/Disney called La Luna, it started me thinking about the moon and all her (or is it his?) legends. For La Luna, it seems to be an English legend, as it mentions being learned from Sir George Darwin, an astronomer and mathematician. The short pulls bits of inspiration from the story, with rowboats far in the middle of the ocean, ladders being used to stretch towards the moon, and the world suddenly being flipped right side up. It however strays as it tries to impart the existence of timeworn tradition in the grandfather and father, and the joy and wonder the young boy sees in their work and finding his own heritage-inspired style. In Sir Darwin's legend, the village would go to the moon in order to collect cheese, a common enough legend as the craters usually appear cheese-like to the gazing eye.
For my own childhood, as part of the Vietnamese heritage, we borrow a legend from the Chinese, but it's not usually passed down; our tradition instead is to have two moon festivals, steeped in the history of a farming economical structure. The moon is at its fullest, symbolizing health and wellness and also the end of harvest, a time of rest and celebration to rejoin with children that would have been working in the fields. Moon cakes are also passed out, named for the mung bean filling, looking yellow and golden in the night.
In U.S. school, I was regaled with tales of the Man in the Moon. There's multiple legends on how a man got there, including a Christian reference that it is Cain, the Wanderer, forced to forever circle the earth. We had a nursery rhyme, called Hey Diddle Diddle, and the most popular illustration involved a smiling moon, laughing, and encouraging the cow to jump over it. (A fork and spoon were eloping lovers). The same shadows and markings that the Americans used to draw the face of the man in the moon is used for the moon rabbit, the common legend in East Asia. In Japan and Korea, the rabbit is pounding rice cakes, and in China, the rabbit is making elixir of life.
So should you get the chance to enjoy a clear sky and a bright moon, allow your creativity to take over and wonder what might be happening on its surface.
ピクサー／ディズニーの短編映画、「La Luna」をたまたま見つけた。観賞後、月と月の伝説について思いをはせた。「La Luna」は天文学者であり、数学者であるサー・ジョージ・ダーウィンが唱えた月の起源の分裂説を示唆しており、イギリスの月伝説のようだ。「La Luna」は、大海原に浮かぶ小さなボートと月へとまっすぐ架けられた梯子、そして突然、場面は月の表面に変わる。ストーリーは祖父と父の信じる古いしきたりの違いや、祖父や父が受け継いできた仕事を知った少年の喜びや感動をはさみながら、自分のやり方を見つける少年を描く。
子供の頃、ベトナム系の私は、中国の中秋節を祝ったが、次世代へは伝えられていない。ベトナムでは月にふたつの祝い事をする伝統があり、経済基盤を形づくる歴史を物語る。満月は健康と健康維持の象徴であり、収穫の季節でもある。農作業で働く親がかまってあげられなかった子供たちと一緒に集い祝う時だ。夜空に黄色く輝く月のような月餅を食べる。
アメリカの学校では、月の男の話でおおいに盛り上がった。ケインが月に住み、地球の周りを永久にさまよっているとするキリスト教伝説を含め、月の男については、さまざまな説がある。ヘイ・ディドル・ディドルという童謡からは、微笑む月、笑い、牛が月を飛び越える光景が頭に浮かぶ。月の影は、アメリカでは月の男の顔だが、東アジアでは月のうさぎとなる。日本や韓国ではうさぎが餅をついているし、中国では不老不死の薬をつくっている。
さあ、夜空を見上げてまばゆい月を凝視し、想像力を働かせて何が月の表面で起こっているか考えてみては？
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD OCTOBER 10. 2025Prism of the Real: Making Art in Japan 1989-2010 Prism of the Real presents the work of over 50 artists from Japan and around the world, examining how Japanese art evolved between 1989―the end of the Sh?wa era―and 2010, while also highlighting the ways Japanese culture influenced global artistic practice. This twenty-year period, spanning the early Heisei era, witnessed the end of the Cold War and the rise of contemporary globalization, which enabled the freer exchange of people, ideas, and information. Artists responded to these social and cultural shifts, creating works that refracted the currents of their time and raised complex questions about identity, history, and society. |
* |
Co-curated by The National Art Center, Tokyo and M+, Hong Kong, the exhibition reflects on this transitional era from both national and international perspectives, positioning Japan as a hub of artistic innovation. |
Period: − December 8 (Mon), 2025
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo
Closed: Tuesdays
Hours: 10:00-18:00 / -20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays (admission 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: Adults 2,000 yen / College Students 1,000 yen / High school students 500yen.
For more information, please visit
https://www.nact.jp/english/exhibition_special/2025/JCAW/
TOP 30th Anniversary Thoughts of a Distant Window: Since 2002, the Contemporary Japanese Photography series at the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum has been a platform to nurture creativity, explore the potential of photography and moving images, and introduce new artistic practices while highlighting emerging talent. The 22nd edition of this series presents the works of five promising artists who focus on the small, often overlooked stories that arise from our connections with people, places, customs, and the passage of time. |
* |
The concept is akin to glimpsing a life through a street-side window. While walking, you might be unexpectedly drawn to a window, sensing something of the life within and imagining a story beyond your immediate view. Similarly, the photographs and moving images in this exhibition act as portals, offering perspectives into unfamiliar landscapes and narratives. |
Period: − Jan. 7 (Wed), 2026
Venue: TOKYO PHOTOGRAPHIC ART MUSEUM
Closed: Mondays (except Monday National Holidays)
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 / − 20:00 on Thursdays and Fridays (admission 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: Adults ￥700 / College Students ￥560 / High School Students ￥350
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD OCTOBER 10. 2025A Truly Lucky Streak
In an extraordinary stroke of luck, a man in [Country/City] became an overnight sensation after winning two separate lottery jackpots in a single day. The first win occurred in the morning with a regional draw, earning him a modest, yet life-changing, sum. Later that same day, he struck again, hitting the national lottery and doubling his winnings. Lottery officials described the event as “statistically improbable,” with odds so slim that even seasoned gamblers could hardly imagine it. The man, whose identity remains private, shared that he had simply chosen his favorite numbers and never expected the double fortune. Friends, family, and local news outlets quickly celebrated his incredible luck, calling him “the luckiest person alive.” While such a feat is extremely rare, it sparked excitement and chatter online, with people jokingly speculating on what he might do next. Whether he invests, travels, or simply enjoys the moment, his story is a reminder of life’s unpredictable surprises.
Quack-tastrophe on the Water
In a hilarious turn of events, a massive inflatable rubber duck became an unexpected traffic stopper in [City/Country]. The oversized yellow duck, part of an art installation and floating exhibition, drifted into a busy canal, creating chaos as boats and small ferries struggled to navigate around it. Spectators lined the banks, snapping photos and recording videos as the giant duck loomed over the waterway. Local authorities scrambled to redirect boat traffic, while event organizers assured the public that the duck was fully secured and no one was in danger. The whimsical spectacle quickly went viral online, with social media users dubbing it a “quack-tastrophe” and joking that the duck had taken over the city. Children, tourists, and residents alike enjoyed the sight, turning a potential nuisance into a playful, community-centered event. By the end of the day, the duck was safely guided to its display zone, leaving behind laughter, photos, and a memorable story of public art causing delightful chaos.
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
