Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD February 27. 2026What's the Sauce? by Mardo
My wife and I have come to a conclusion regarding flavours of food… You are either from a Seasoning culture, or a Saucing culture. This has come up because Australia is very definitely a saucing culture. We will have hot chips, with Tomato or Barbecue Sauce. We will have Chicken Schnitzel ( think Katsu) but the flavour will come mostly from the Gravy, Mushroom, Dianne, pepper or Garlic sauce options. In fact, in a lot of Australian food, the food itself is largely a vehicle for the sauce, in much the same way a mediocre movie may exist only to give the main star an excuse to showcase their talent.
Jamaica, my wifes homeland, is very much a Seasoning culture. Meat will be marinated well, fried vegetables will be spiced, and I have even had soft drinks with the spices added. My wife has repeatedly told me that most food in Australia is flavourless. Now this seasoning culture in my opinion takes a lot more work than just adding a sauce post production. But I will admit, it does yield good results.
There are of course other options. I am sure some cultures do both. Some Season with sauces, a jerk marinade is essentially a sauce… the chicken is just covered in it before cooking so the flavour soaks in. Other countries, such as Italy, season their sauces. Who hasn’t had an Italian pasta or pizza sauce where the flavours of Oregano, basil or Garlic came through?
Japan is interesting. There is Tonkatsu sauce, Soy Sauce, chilli for the dumplings, so many sauces… but at the same time, a good soup base could be described as a seasoning. In the end which one is better comes down to preference, or how you were raised. For me though, I will take refuge in the old proverb, especially since it is a Homonym in English…
Hunger is the greatest Sauce/Source.
妻と僕は、料理の味付けに関してある結論に達した...あなたは調味料文化圏か、それともソース文化圏かいずれかの出身だ。オーストラリアは間違いなくソース文化圏だ。ホットチップスにはトマトソースやバーベキューソースが添えられる。チキン・シュニッツェル（カツっぽいものだ）も食べるが、その味は、主にグレイビーソース、マッシュルームソース、ダイアンソース、ペッパーソース、ガーリックソースに頼る。実際、多くのオーストラリア料理では、料理そのものがソースの媒体になっていることが多い。凡庸な映画が、主演俳優の竿脳を披露する口実を与えるためだけに存在するのと同じだ。
妻の故郷であるジャマイカは、調味料で味の濃い文化だ。肉はよくマリネされ、野菜炒めにはスパイスが効いており、僕はスパイス入りのソフトドリンクを飲んだことさえある。妻は、オーストラリアの食べ物はほとんど味がないと何度も言っている。僕が思うに、この味の濃い文化は、調理後にソースを加えるよりもずっと手間がかかる。しかし、良い結果が得られることは認めよう。
もちろん他の選択肢もある。両方やる文化もあるだろう。ソースで味付けする文化もあるし、ジャークマリネは基本的にはソースだ。他の国、例えばイタリアではソースに味付けをする。オレガノやバジル、ガーリックの風味が効いたイタリアのパスタやピザソースを食べたことがない人はいないだろう。
日本も面白い。トンカツソース、醤油、餃子の唐辛子......たくさんのソースがあるが、同時に良いスープのベースは調味料とも言える。結局のところ、どちらが良いかは好みか、あるいはどのように育てられたかによる。しかし、僕にとっては、特に英語の同音異義語であることから、古いことわざに帰依することにしている。
空腹は最大のソースである。
Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback MARCH 13. 2015Soy Sauce, From Bean to Bottle by Elizabeth Morris
When it comes to visiting tourist attractions in Japan, timing is everything. Just imagine your disappointment when you finally arrive at the garden or park of your dreams but there is nothing except green trees and shrubbery.
That is not the case if you decide to stop by Kyu Furukawa Garden in Kita-ku, Tokyo. All year round you can appreciate the beauty of roses, peonies, blooming apricot trees, weeping sakura, azalea, irises. The garden is not too big, but it is packed with possibilities to relax and embrace the calm atmosphere of the ancient Somei-mura Village. It exhibits an eclectic mix of Japanese and Western cultures. You can have a tea break at least in two different places within the garden. The first one is an old western-style building built by the famous British architect Josiah Conder. However, drinking a cup of tea or coffee with cake while looking at the rose garden will be possible only in autumn and spring. A guided tour inside the building is offered three times a day but you need to apply in advance, so it is almost impossible for non-Japanese speakers. The second place is a Japanese tea house.
Perhaps the most romantic time to visit it is Spring Rose Festival in May, especially when the light-up is on. A slightly intoxicating aroma of roses and irises is especially strong when the weather is sunny. At the festival you will be able to buy several kinds of rose-flavored treats. Last year’s most popular specialty was delicious Chou a` la cre`me with rose ice-cream. The Autumn Rose Festival is held in October and the visiting time is not extended.
Kyu-Furukawa Garden is also a must-see if you are into azaleas. If you choose the date wisely, you will be able to catch up both azaleas and roses (but not the light-up).
日本で観光名所に出かける際、重要なのはタイミングだ。念願叶って、庭園や公園に着いたがいいが、葉っぱだけの木や低木だけだったら、さぞかしがっかりするだろう。
東京都北区にある旧古川庭園のは、いつ行ってもがっかりさせられたことのない庭園だ。１年中花の美しさを鑑賞できる。ローズ、シャクヤク、アンズ、しだれ桜、ツツジ、アイリス。庭園は広くはないが、かっての染井村が持っていたゆったりした穏やかな雰囲気が伝わってくる。和洋折衷の文化に浸れる。庭園内にあるふたつある施設でお茶が飲める。ひとつは、イギリス出身の建築家、ジョサイア・コンドルにより設計監理された洋館にある。しかしケーキと一緒に紅茶やコーヒーを飲みながら、ローズガーデンを楽しみたいなら、秋と春に限定される。洋館のガイドツアーは一日に３回行われるが、予約が必要なため、日本語が話せないとむずかしい。ふたつめは、和風の茶屋だ。
５月のスプリング・ローズ・フェスティバルに行くと夢のような気分に浸れる。ローズとアイリスの香りがほのかに漂い、天候がいいとなおさらだ。フェスティバル開催時には、ローズ関連のグッズも購入できる。昨年好評だったスペシャリティはローズアイスクリームの入ったシュークリームだった。秋のローズフェスティバルは１０月で時間延長はない。
ツツジに目がないなら、旧古河庭園は絶対にお薦めだ。うまく訪問日を選んだなら、ツツジとローズを両方とも鑑賞できる。
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 FEBRUARY 27, 2026
Foodex Japan 2026
FOODEX JAPAN 2026 stands as one of the world’s most influential food and beverage exhibitions, uniting industry leaders, innovators, and professionals to explore emerging trends, products, and business opportunities on a grand scale. As one of Asia’s largest trade shows, it draws food producers, distributors, buyers, importers, and service providers from around the globe, all contributing to the evolution of the F&B sector.
The exhibition presents a diverse showcase of culinary innovations, featuring thousands of products from numerous countries. Visitors can explore everything from traditional ingredients and processed foods to beverages, snacks, health-focused items, and regional specialties. Specialized zones like FOODEX Wine, pairing curated wines with Japanese cuisine, and FOODEX Frozen, dedicated to frozen food solutions, highlight the variety and creativity shaping the global food market.
Beyond the displays, FOODEX JAPAN functions as a vibrant business and networking hub, offering opportunities for collaborations, trade deals, and knowledge sharing. Innovative areas such as FOOD × AI demonstrate how artificial intelligence is being applied to optimize production, logistics, and quality control, reflecting the industry’s forward-thinking approach.
Mar 10th (Tue) - 13 (Fri), 2026 @ Tokyo Big Sight
Odaiba Itasha Heaven 2026
Odaiba Itasha Heaven 2026 is a must-visit event for fans of anime, gaming, and car culture, bringing together some of Japan’s most eye-catching itasha ― cars adorned with vibrant decals of anime, game, and character designs. Held in the popular entertainment and shopping district of Odaiba, the festival showcases a unique fusion of automotive passion and pop culture creativity, making it a highlight of Japan’s fan event calendar.
At the heart of the event are spectacular displays of itasha vehicles, ranging from sleek sports cars to compact kei cars, all transformed into moving works of art. Each vehicle reflects the personality and interests of its owner, featuring characters from beloved anime series, video games, and manga. Alongside these rolling canvases, attendees can enjoy themed merchandise booths, photo zones, and fan meetups that bring the broader otaku community together.
The festival also includes live entertainment, cosplay gatherings, and special presentations that celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship behind each decorated vehicle. Enthusiasts can mingle with other fans, admire the latest trends in character car culture, and discover new series and artwork.
Whether you’re a dedicated otaku, car enthusiast, or curious traveler, Odaiba Itasha Heaven 2026 offers a colorful, energetic experience that highlights the playful side of Japanese fan culture.
March 29th (Sun) @ Odaiba
https://itasha-tengoku.yaesu-net.co.jp/event/2026_odaiba/
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD FEBRUARY 27, 2026
Isumi Tetsudo [Otakimachi, Chiba]
Isumi Tetsudo is a charming local railway in Chiba Prefecture, offering scenic rides through rural landscapes, rice fields, and quaint towns. Famous for its nostalgic retro trains and seasonal events, the line provides a leisurely journey for tourists and rail enthusiasts alike, combining authentic Japanese countryside views with a relaxing, picturesque travel experience.
Inabe City Plum Grove Park [Inabe, Mie]
Inabe City Plum Grove Park is a serene destination famous for its vibrant plum blossoms each spring. The park features hundreds of plum trees in full bloom, creating a fragrant and colorful landscape. Visitors can stroll along scenic paths, enjoy seasonal festivals, and capture stunning photos of one of Japan’s most beloved early‐spring sights.
Shiudeyama [Mitoyo, Kagawa]
Shiudeyama is a scenic mountain known for its lush forests and panoramic views. Popular among hikers and nature lovers, the area offers well-marked trails, serene walking paths, and seasonal beauty, including vibrant autumn foliage. Shiudeyama provides a peaceful escape from city life, inviting visitors to connect with Japan’s natural landscapes.
Odawara Castle [Odawara, Kanagawa]
Odawara Castle is a historic Japanese fortress renowned for its impressive stone walls and reconstructed keep. Once the stronghold of the Hojo clan, the castle now houses a museum showcasing samurai history and local artifacts. Surrounded by scenic gardens and cherry blossoms, it offers visitors a blend of history, culture, and picturesque views.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: MARCH 24. 2017
Four seasons at Kyu Furukawa Garden by Olga Kaneda
Let's admit it ― romantic holidays can be a stressful time.
For me, it isn't just the ribbons and the wrappings and the obligation, it's the sense of one-upmanship; I feel a nagging urge to try and top whatever I did before. If it was a pearl bracelet last year, this year I have to start looking for diamonds. If it was a trip to DisneySea last year, this year I'd better look for tours to Bali. And behind it all, there's a nagging sense of worry:What if this is the year that I'm not able to meet expectations? What if she opens her gifts and I see disappointment pass over her face?There's only one word for how I'd feel: crushed.
I don't know if I've found the perfect solution, but this last Valentine's Day I came up with something that put a smile on my girlfriend's face. I made her a Valentine's Hat. It wasn't hard ― after a trip to the 100-yen store, and an hour or so of scorching my fingers with a hot glue gun, my masterpiece was complete. It was gloriously insane: a pink baseball cap, festooned with pink bows and a fluffy grinning rabbit's face. And should my girl ever find herself in a raving mood, it takes just a quick tickle under the rabbit's chin to set my entire creation a-twinkling with its shockingly bright LEDs.
Will she wear it in public? Well, the jury's still out. But the smile on her face was unforgettable. And the cheesecake she made for me...well, that was pretty unforgettable, too.
Take it from me ― if you ever find yourself in a holiday jam, take a look in the 100-yen shop, and inside your heart. You might just be surprised at what you find.
なるほど、ロマンティック・ホリディはストレスを感じる。
僕の場合、リボンとかラッピングとか義理とかじゃなくて、一歩先んじるというのが苦手だ。以前した事以上の何かをしなくちゃならない気がして、しつこく責め立てられる。去年パールブレスレットだったなら、今年はダイヤモンドを探し始めなくちゃならない。去年ディズニーシーに行ったなら、今年はバリツアー探しだろう。その上、不安がつきまとう。期待通りにうまくいくだろうか。彼女がプレゼントを開けて、がっかりした顔をしないだろうか。一言でいうと、僕は精神的に傷つかないだろうか。
最高の解決方法が見つかったかどうかわかないが、今年のバレンタインディに、ガールフレンドを笑顔にさせることができた。僕は彼女のためにバレンタインの帽子を作ったんだ。簡単だった。１００円ショップに行って、熱々のグルーガンで指を焦がすこと１時間あまりで、帽子は完成した。正気と思えないようなピンクの野球帽にピンクのちょう結びの花網とにやっと笑ったうさぎの顔をつけた。彼女は大喜びだった。ふさふさしたうさぎのあごの下をくすぐって、明るいLEDライトを点滅させた。
彼女がそれをかぶるかって？まだ結論は出ていないが、彼女の笑顔は忘れられないものだった。僕のために作ってくれた彼女のチーズケーキも、それこそ、忘れられないものだった。
僕の経験から、休日で窮地に陥いったなら、１００円ショップに出かけ、自分の心に聞いてみるといい。すてきなものが見つかり、それにびっくりするかもしれない。
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD FEBRUARY 13. 2026
"YBA & BEYOND: British Art in the 90s from the Tate Collection"
YBA & BEYOND ― British Art in the 90s from the Tate Collection is a landmark exhibition exploring the bold creativity of British art from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. The show highlights how a generation of artists challenged traditional boundaries, reshaping the global art scene with daring ideas and innovative approaches.
At the heart of the exhibition are works associated with the Young British Artists (YBA) movement, a group known for provocative themes, experimental materials, and a willingness to confront contemporary culture. The exhibition also includes works by contemporaries and affiliates who expanded on the movement’s ethos, spanning painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation art.
Visitors can experience around 100 works by approximately 60 artists, showcasing the diversity, experimentation, and global impact of British art during this transformative period. Iconic figures such as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Julian Opie, Lubaina Himid, Steve McQueen, and Wolfgang Tillmans are featured, offering a comprehensive look at how these creators explored identity, society, and popular culture.
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The exhibition goes beyond traditional displays, incorporating multimedia and interactive elements that contextualize the works and illuminate the cultural environment of 1990s Britain. Through immersive presentations, visitors can appreciate both the historical significance and contemporary resonance of these artworks.
Accompanying programs such as guided tours, talks, and interpretive sessions further enrich the experience, making the exhibition accessible to both longtime art enthusiasts and newcomers. YBA & BEYOND is a rare opportunity to engage with one of the most influential art movements of the late 20th century, celebrating creativity, experimentation, and cultural dialogue.
Period: － May 11 (Mon), 2026
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo
Closed: Tuesdays (Except May 5 / public holiday)
Hours: 10:00-18:00 / -20:00 on Friday and Saturday (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults － 2,300yen / College Students － 1,500yen / High School Students － 900yen / Junior High School & Under － free
For more information, please visit
Katarium
Katarium is a captivating exhibition that transforms the way visitors experience art, presenting each piece not merely as an object but as a storyteller. The name combines katari, meaning “to speak or narrate,” with ‐arium, evoking a place where stories come alive. The exhibition invites audiences to engage with artworks across centuries, exploring the conversations between artists, their intentions, and the responses of viewers.
The collection features around 56 works, spanning Japanese and international art, including two National Treasures, seven Important Cultural Properties, and five Important Art Objects. It highlights the interconnectedness of art across time, showcasing Edo-period folding screens, Meiji and Taisho-era paintings, and modern works such as lithographs by American artist Ben Shahn. Rarely displayed scrolls, including sections from The Deeds of the Zen Masters and Caricatures of Animals, are presented side by side, allowing visitors to imagine their original narrative continuity. By arranging these works thematically, Katarium emphasizes storytelling, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Visitors are encouraged to interpret the connections between pieces, uncovering historical, emotional, and aesthetic threads that bind them together.
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The exhibition underscores art as a living conversation ― each painting, screen, or print becomes a voice communicating across generations. For audiences, it offers a profound experience, blending visual beauty with narrative depth, and highlighting the power of art to convey stories, memory, and human creativity. Katarium is an immersive journey into the language of art, inviting reflection and discovery at every turn.
Period: - May 24 [Sun], 2026
Venue: Artizon Museum
Closed: February 16 [Mon], March 16 [Mon], April 13 [Mon], May 11 [Mon]
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 / - 20:00 on Fridays and May 2, 9, 16, 23 [except March 20] ) (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults 2,500 yen / Under university and high school students Free Entry with Advance booking
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD FEBRUARY 27. 2026
Fish as Money?
A bizarre moment at a gas station in Florida recently left customers and staff stunned when a woman attempted to pay for fuel using a frozen fish instead of money. According to witnesses, the woman calmly placed the fish on the counter and insisted it should be accepted as payment, reportedly arguing that it had “value” and was “just as good as cash.” Gas station employees, unsure whether it was a prank or a serious misunderstanding, politely refused the unusual form of payment and asked her to leave. The incident quickly drew attention from onlookers, with some capturing photos and videos that later circulated online, fueling amused reactions and jokes across social media. Local authorities were eventually called, though no charges were filed. The woman left without purchasing gas, but her unexpected attempt has since become another memorable entry in Florida’s long list of strange and unforgettable headlines.
No "E" in the Library
In a quirky literary twist, a small town library in Italy recently made headlines when it “ran out” of books containing the letter ‘E’. As part of a playful literacy challenge designed to encourage readers to explore language in creative ways, the library temporarily removed or highlighted books that lacked the vowel, sparking both curiosity and amusement among patrons. Library staff explained that the unusual initiative was intended to challenge readers’ habits, prompting them to discover titles they might otherwise overlook. Regular visitors were surprised to find shelves dominated by books avoiding one of the most common letters in the alphabet, turning the experience into a whimsical puzzle. The event drew media attention and social media buzz, with participants sharing photos and playful commentary about navigating a library suddenly “missing” a letter. While temporary, the alphabet experiment highlighted the fun and inventive ways communities can engage people with reading.
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 FEBRUARY 27, 2026Foodex Japan 2026
FOODEX JAPAN 2026 stands as one of the world’s most influential food and beverage exhibitions, uniting industry leaders, innovators, and professionals to explore emerging trends, products, and business opportunities on a grand scale. As one of Asia’s largest trade shows, it draws food producers, distributors, buyers, importers, and service providers from around the globe, all contributing to the evolution of the F&B sector.
The exhibition presents a diverse showcase of culinary innovations, featuring thousands of products from numerous countries. Visitors can explore everything from traditional ingredients and processed foods to beverages, snacks, health-focused items, and regional specialties. Specialized zones like FOODEX Wine, pairing curated wines with Japanese cuisine, and FOODEX Frozen, dedicated to frozen food solutions, highlight the variety and creativity shaping the global food market.
Beyond the displays, FOODEX JAPAN functions as a vibrant business and networking hub, offering opportunities for collaborations, trade deals, and knowledge sharing. Innovative areas such as FOOD × AI demonstrate how artificial intelligence is being applied to optimize production, logistics, and quality control, reflecting the industry’s forward-thinking approach.
Mar 10th (Tue) - 13 (Fri), 2026 @ Tokyo Big Sight
Odaiba Itasha Heaven 2026
Odaiba Itasha Heaven 2026 is a must-visit event for fans of anime, gaming, and car culture, bringing together some of Japan’s most eye-catching itasha ― cars adorned with vibrant decals of anime, game, and character designs. Held in the popular entertainment and shopping district of Odaiba, the festival showcases a unique fusion of automotive passion and pop culture creativity, making it a highlight of Japan’s fan event calendar.
At the heart of the event are spectacular displays of itasha vehicles, ranging from sleek sports cars to compact kei cars, all transformed into moving works of art. Each vehicle reflects the personality and interests of its owner, featuring characters from beloved anime series, video games, and manga. Alongside these rolling canvases, attendees can enjoy themed merchandise booths, photo zones, and fan meetups that bring the broader otaku community together.
The festival also includes live entertainment, cosplay gatherings, and special presentations that celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship behind each decorated vehicle. Enthusiasts can mingle with other fans, admire the latest trends in character car culture, and discover new series and artwork.
Whether you’re a dedicated otaku, car enthusiast, or curious traveler, Odaiba Itasha Heaven 2026 offers a colorful, energetic experience that highlights the playful side of Japanese fan culture.
March 29th (Sun) @ Odaiba
https://itasha-tengoku.yaesu-net.co.jp/event/2026_odaiba/
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD FEBRUARY 27, 2026Isumi Tetsudo [Otakimachi, Chiba]
Isumi Tetsudo is a charming local railway in Chiba Prefecture, offering scenic rides through rural landscapes, rice fields, and quaint towns. Famous for its nostalgic retro trains and seasonal events, the line provides a leisurely journey for tourists and rail enthusiasts alike, combining authentic Japanese countryside views with a relaxing, picturesque travel experience.
Inabe City Plum Grove Park [Inabe, Mie]
Inabe City Plum Grove Park is a serene destination famous for its vibrant plum blossoms each spring. The park features hundreds of plum trees in full bloom, creating a fragrant and colorful landscape. Visitors can stroll along scenic paths, enjoy seasonal festivals, and capture stunning photos of one of Japan’s most beloved early‐spring sights.
Shiudeyama [Mitoyo, Kagawa]
Shiudeyama is a scenic mountain known for its lush forests and panoramic views. Popular among hikers and nature lovers, the area offers well-marked trails, serene walking paths, and seasonal beauty, including vibrant autumn foliage. Shiudeyama provides a peaceful escape from city life, inviting visitors to connect with Japan’s natural landscapes.
Odawara Castle [Odawara, Kanagawa]
Odawara Castle is a historic Japanese fortress renowned for its impressive stone walls and reconstructed keep. Once the stronghold of the Hojo clan, the castle now houses a museum showcasing samurai history and local artifacts. Surrounded by scenic gardens and cherry blossoms, it offers visitors a blend of history, culture, and picturesque views.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: MARCH 24. 2017Four seasons at Kyu Furukawa Garden by Olga Kaneda
Let's admit it ― romantic holidays can be a stressful time.
For me, it isn't just the ribbons and the wrappings and the obligation, it's the sense of one-upmanship; I feel a nagging urge to try and top whatever I did before. If it was a pearl bracelet last year, this year I have to start looking for diamonds. If it was a trip to DisneySea last year, this year I'd better look for tours to Bali. And behind it all, there's a nagging sense of worry:What if this is the year that I'm not able to meet expectations? What if she opens her gifts and I see disappointment pass over her face?There's only one word for how I'd feel: crushed.
I don't know if I've found the perfect solution, but this last Valentine's Day I came up with something that put a smile on my girlfriend's face. I made her a Valentine's Hat. It wasn't hard ― after a trip to the 100-yen store, and an hour or so of scorching my fingers with a hot glue gun, my masterpiece was complete. It was gloriously insane: a pink baseball cap, festooned with pink bows and a fluffy grinning rabbit's face. And should my girl ever find herself in a raving mood, it takes just a quick tickle under the rabbit's chin to set my entire creation a-twinkling with its shockingly bright LEDs.
Will she wear it in public? Well, the jury's still out. But the smile on her face was unforgettable. And the cheesecake she made for me...well, that was pretty unforgettable, too.
Take it from me ― if you ever find yourself in a holiday jam, take a look in the 100-yen shop, and inside your heart. You might just be surprised at what you find.
なるほど、ロマンティック・ホリディはストレスを感じる。
僕の場合、リボンとかラッピングとか義理とかじゃなくて、一歩先んじるというのが苦手だ。以前した事以上の何かをしなくちゃならない気がして、しつこく責め立てられる。去年パールブレスレットだったなら、今年はダイヤモンドを探し始めなくちゃならない。去年ディズニーシーに行ったなら、今年はバリツアー探しだろう。その上、不安がつきまとう。期待通りにうまくいくだろうか。彼女がプレゼントを開けて、がっかりした顔をしないだろうか。一言でいうと、僕は精神的に傷つかないだろうか。
最高の解決方法が見つかったかどうかわかないが、今年のバレンタインディに、ガールフレンドを笑顔にさせることができた。僕は彼女のためにバレンタインの帽子を作ったんだ。簡単だった。１００円ショップに行って、熱々のグルーガンで指を焦がすこと１時間あまりで、帽子は完成した。正気と思えないようなピンクの野球帽にピンクのちょう結びの花網とにやっと笑ったうさぎの顔をつけた。彼女は大喜びだった。ふさふさしたうさぎのあごの下をくすぐって、明るいLEDライトを点滅させた。
彼女がそれをかぶるかって？まだ結論は出ていないが、彼女の笑顔は忘れられないものだった。僕のために作ってくれた彼女のチーズケーキも、それこそ、忘れられないものだった。
僕の経験から、休日で窮地に陥いったなら、１００円ショップに出かけ、自分の心に聞いてみるといい。すてきなものが見つかり、それにびっくりするかもしれない。
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD FEBRUARY 13. 2026"YBA & BEYOND: British Art in the 90s from the Tate Collection" YBA & BEYOND ― British Art in the 90s from the Tate Collection is a landmark exhibition exploring the bold creativity of British art from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. The show highlights how a generation of artists challenged traditional boundaries, reshaping the global art scene with daring ideas and innovative approaches. |
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The exhibition goes beyond traditional displays, incorporating multimedia and interactive elements that contextualize the works and illuminate the cultural environment of 1990s Britain. Through immersive presentations, visitors can appreciate both the historical significance and contemporary resonance of these artworks. |
Period: － May 11 (Mon), 2026
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo
Closed: Tuesdays (Except May 5 / public holiday)
Hours: 10:00-18:00 / -20:00 on Friday and Saturday (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults － 2,300yen / College Students － 1,500yen / High School Students － 900yen / Junior High School & Under － free
For more information, please visit
Katarium Katarium is a captivating exhibition that transforms the way visitors experience art, presenting each piece not merely as an object but as a storyteller. The name combines katari, meaning “to speak or narrate,” with ‐arium, evoking a place where stories come alive. The exhibition invites audiences to engage with artworks across centuries, exploring the conversations between artists, their intentions, and the responses of viewers. |
* |
The exhibition underscores art as a living conversation ― each painting, screen, or print becomes a voice communicating across generations. For audiences, it offers a profound experience, blending visual beauty with narrative depth, and highlighting the power of art to convey stories, memory, and human creativity. Katarium is an immersive journey into the language of art, inviting reflection and discovery at every turn. |
Period: - May 24 [Sun], 2026
Venue: Artizon Museum
Closed: February 16 [Mon], March 16 [Mon], April 13 [Mon], May 11 [Mon]
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 / - 20:00 on Fridays and May 2, 9, 16, 23 [except March 20] ) (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults 2,500 yen / Under university and high school students Free Entry with Advance booking
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD FEBRUARY 27. 2026Fish as Money?
A bizarre moment at a gas station in Florida recently left customers and staff stunned when a woman attempted to pay for fuel using a frozen fish instead of money. According to witnesses, the woman calmly placed the fish on the counter and insisted it should be accepted as payment, reportedly arguing that it had “value” and was “just as good as cash.” Gas station employees, unsure whether it was a prank or a serious misunderstanding, politely refused the unusual form of payment and asked her to leave. The incident quickly drew attention from onlookers, with some capturing photos and videos that later circulated online, fueling amused reactions and jokes across social media. Local authorities were eventually called, though no charges were filed. The woman left without purchasing gas, but her unexpected attempt has since become another memorable entry in Florida’s long list of strange and unforgettable headlines.
No "E" in the Library
In a quirky literary twist, a small town library in Italy recently made headlines when it “ran out” of books containing the letter ‘E’. As part of a playful literacy challenge designed to encourage readers to explore language in creative ways, the library temporarily removed or highlighted books that lacked the vowel, sparking both curiosity and amusement among patrons. Library staff explained that the unusual initiative was intended to challenge readers’ habits, prompting them to discover titles they might otherwise overlook. Regular visitors were surprised to find shelves dominated by books avoiding one of the most common letters in the alphabet, turning the experience into a whimsical puzzle. The event drew media attention and social media buzz, with participants sharing photos and playful commentary about navigating a library suddenly “missing” a letter. While temporary, the alphabet experiment highlighted the fun and inventive ways communities can engage people with reading.
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
