Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD DECEMBER 06. 2024Red Leaf Hunting at Gotokuji by David Williams
Autumn breathes new life into tired bodies and weary minds weakened by the oppressive heat and numbing air conditioning of the summer months. And as autumn edges closer to winter, so begins the centuries-old tradition of momijigari or red leaf hunting.
By late-November, Tokyo’s clear blue skies contrast perfectly with a dazzling array of autumn hues, from golden ginkgos to fiery red maples. In Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen and Yoyogi Park are perennial favourites for viewing this autumn foliage. A quieter and lesser-known location is Gotokuji Temple. Situated in Setagaya Ward, Gotokuji is a short walk from Miyanasaka Station on the Setagaya Line, conveniently located a short train ride from Shibuya. Despite its proximity to the bustling hub of Shibuya, the temple has an atmosphere more akin to the tranquility of Kyoto.
Although most famous for its collection of hundreds of miniature maneki neko (beckoning cat) statues, Gotokuji is also a wonderful place to enjoy the autumn foliage. The spacious temple grounds are entered via a tree-lined avenue, and once inside the main gate, magnificent autumn foliage greets you at every turn. The architecture of Gotokuji is equally impressive. Curved temple roofs blend seamlessly into the surrounding natural landscape, and an elegant three-storied pagoda stands tall against the blue autumn sky, partially obscured by a veil of wine-red maple leaves.
You can easily spend an entire morning or afternoon enjoying the autumn leaves and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere at Gotokuji. History buffs can also explore the temple graveyard, where some notable historical figures are interred. The only downside to visiting the temple in autumn is that you will probably max out your smartphone’s memory by taking an endless number of stunning photos. Happy red leaf hunting!
夏の暑さと冷房で弱った体と心に、秋は新たな命を吹き込む。そして、秋が冬に近づくにつれ、何世紀にもわたる伝統行事、紅葉狩りが始まる。
11月下旬になると、東京の澄み切った青空は、黄金色に輝く銀杏や燃えるような赤い楓など、目もくらむような秋の色彩と完璧なコントラストを見せる。東京では、新宿御苑と代々木公園が紅葉狩りの定番スポットだ。もっと静かであまり知られていないのが豪徳寺だ。 世田谷区にある豪徳寺は、世田谷線の宮益坂駅から歩いてすぐのところにある。 渋谷の喧騒に近いにもかかわらず、この寺は京都の静けさに近い雰囲気がある。
豪徳寺は何百体もの招き猫のミニチュア像があることで有名だが、紅葉を楽しむのにも素晴らしい場所だ。広々とした境内には並木道があり、山門をくぐると見事な紅葉がいたるところで出迎えてくれる。豪徳寺の建築も同様に印象的だ。湾曲した寺院の屋根は周囲の自然景観にシームレスに溶け込み、優雅な三重塔はワインレッドのもみじの葉のベールに一部覆われながら、秋の青空を背に高くそびえ立っている。
豪徳寺の紅葉を楽しみながら、あっという間に午前や午後のひとときを静かな雰囲気に浸って過ごすことができる。歴史好きな人は、歴史上の著名人が埋葬されている寺の墓地を探索することもできる。秋に豪徳寺を訪れる唯一の欠点は、美しい写真を撮り続けてスマートフォンのメモリを使い果たしてしまうことだろう。楽しい紅葉狩りを！
Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback DECEMBER 09. 2016Christmas present: something immaterial by H.S.
I've recently started practicing Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf on the piano. Why? It's going to be a Christmas present for my husband's two nieces.
The first time I joined my in-laws' Christmas family get-together, I was stunned with the sheer volume of presents exchanged among them. I knew how it would be in advance, but still I was amazed at the sight. Books, food in baskets, clothing, knick-knacks, calendars with family photos and more changed hands.
However, more than anything, adults took so much pleasure showering the three little girls with gifts, especially the 6-year-old and 4-year-old because the youngest was still a baby. As far as I could keep track they received, among the two, a guitar, a bathrobe, a Barbie-like doll with her horse, a Hello Kitty t-shirt, a life-size plastic head model with hair to be brushed and braided, a large cushion with her name stitched on it. They should have received more. They were euphoric, I guess.
“How lucky these girls are,” I cannot help being reminded. Being loved so much and raised in a financially stable household, they will grow up trusting people, and they will learn the joy of giving. But I also wonder if giving them so much wouldn't ruin the joy of receiving.
For this year's Christmas, I made a suggestion to my husband; why don't we give the girls something different? I meant something immaterial. They will receive more than enough again from others. Something intangible can be a gift too, if carefully prepared. We can practice music together and give it to them!
Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf is meant for young children to be exposed to quality music. It comes with text to be read out loud, so kids can imagine a story through music. Each part represents a character: Peter the boy, his animal friends, his grandfather, the wolf and the hunter. The wolf is captured and sent to the zoo at the end. Well, I'm not really for the story, but it's about the combination of music and story that important.
I'll be able to play it all right on the piano if I practice it for a month. I persuaded my husband to do the text part. Performing in front of people is the last thing he'd enjoy doing. But I stressed that it could be "educationa" for his nieces. Educational always have some weight on him. He agreed.
The family likes music, so I suppose it'll work nicely. The nieces may feel they are cheated, receiving live music that they cannot keep, unlike toys. But it's different for sure. We are also giving them our time practicing Peter and the Wolf. They may understand when they are older.
That said, maybe we'd better add some small material gift too, after all.
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 DECEMBER 06, 2024
Tokyo Chiristmas Market @ Meiji Jingu Gaien
The “Tokyo Christmas Market” was held for the first time in Hibiya Park in December 2015, featuring a 14-meter-high “Christmas Pyramid” from Seifen, Germany, the home of Christmas ornaments, as the symbol of the event. Stores offering glu¨hwein, Christmas sweets, European-style Christmas ornaments, and more. Although the “Christmas pyramid” might not be so familiar in Japan, its history is older than that of the Christmas tree.
Chiristmas Market @ Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
The Christmas Market at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse has a world view similar to that of the real Germany. This year's concept is “Memorial,” which commemorates the 15th anniversary of the market. A record number of 58 stores selling traditional German food and Christmas goods will be set up alongside the “Hu¨tte” wooden huts that are the symbol of the Christmas market. The Christmas tree made from a real fir tree is also a must-see.
https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/
Chiristmas Market 2024 @ ROPPONGI HILLS
Christmas market along with the Keyakizaka illumination. The home of Christmas, a market that recreates the atmosphere of Germany. This year marks the 18th year of this Christmas market. Ten shops will be lined up offering original German Christmas goods, mulled wine, sausages and other authentic German cuisine, bringing you a heartwarming Christmas by recreating a German Christmas market, “Ka¨the Wolfert,”
https://www.christmas.hills-site.com/illumination-event/roppongi/101/
Yebisu Garden Place @ Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Yebisu Garden Place, a special illumination will be held once every 30 minutes on the promenade of the slope leading to the 10-meter-long Christmas tree and chandelier. In addition, the Christmas Marche´, which was held only at Clock Square last year, will be held at Chateau Square this year, making it the largest ever. Enjoy Christmas goods along with the illumination in each area.
https://gardenplace.jp/event/detail/447
Have You Benn To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD DECEMBER 06, 2024
Shirogane Blue Pond [Shirogane, Hokkaido]
This is a mysterious and spectacular spot in Biei-cho, Hokkaido. As the name suggests, the pond's shining blue surface has become a hot topic on SNS and in the media. In some cases, the pond freezes over and the entire area is covered in a silvery white world. A variety of lights are used to tell a story in about 10 minutes, creating a fantasy space that is different from that of the daytime.
Avenue of Metasequoia trees [Takashima, Shiga]
This is a popular spot where you can enjoy photogenic scenery that looks like a scene from a TV drama. The sight of more than 500 metasequoia trees lining both sides of the 2.4-km path is breathtaking! Around December, when the entire area is covered in white snow, each branch is covered with snow, and the dignified appearance of the trees standing side by side is mysterious. The early morning of the day after the previous day's snowfall is especially beautiful.
Fukuroda Falls [Fukuroda, Ibaraki]
One of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. During the cold season in December, there is a chance to see the dynamic ice fall when the entire waterfall is frozen over. It is a mystical sight that seems as if time has stopped, fascinating all who see it. This special winter-only spectacle is worth seeing. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the temperature is cooler.
Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces [Shiroyonemachi, Ishikawa]
A spectacular power spot with more than 1,000 rice paddies on a steep slope facing the Sea of Japan. The geometric patterns created by nature are wonderful, and the contrast with the blue sea is breathtaking. Visitors can enjoy the various faces of the rice fields throughout the year, and the area has been designated as one of the 100 best terraced rice fields in Japan and an important cultural asset. The most popular event is the “Azeno Kirameki” illumination event.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: DECEMBER 08. 2017
Glow in the Dark: Winter Illumination by Jennifer Nakajima
After we had experienced the beauty of Autumn season every year and capturing its magnificent colours of fall leaves. Then, finally " Winter Season" here it comes. Woah! just to think of it, sooo cold and frozen..! I hope you dont feeling blue that way because even winter there are so much fun to do.
Illumination is one kind of event held every year warmly entertaining people during freezing winter holidays season. Every town and cities has decorating spectacular thousands and millions of LEDs to transform it to a magical fantasy land. Here are one of the best festive options for lighting up your day during Winter Holiday Season this year 2017:
1. Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas: (from Nov 9 to Dec 25)
Its two observation decks are lights illuminating both sides and also the Top of the Tower. You will be curious about its two lighting styles " Iki ", the spirit of edo, and " Miyabi " , its aesthetics.
2. Caretta Shiodome Illumination: ( from Nov 16 to Feb 14)
You could enjoy its theme Disney's Beauty and the Beast with Ballroom Dance Scene set which has covered Caretta Shiodome park with thousands of LEDs lit up like a fantasy world.
3. Roppongi hills Artelligent Christmas: (from Nov 25 to Dec 25)
The popular city of Tokyo will be lit up about 1,200,000 LEDs with a wonderful theme of " Snow and Blue " to " Candle and Red."
4. Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination: (from Nov 9 to Feb 18)
One of the Star of the Night and Top illumination event held from the rest in Tokyo. It has impressive illuminations beautifully decorated to experience and enjoy during Winter holidays that you can spend every night.
5. Omotesando Illumination: (from Nov 30 to Dec 25)
Tokyo's most popular street for illumination during the Christmas season.
Explore and admire the breathtaking illuminations of Tokyo by night. Towns and Cities are lit up emphasizing the magical atmosphere in the heart of Tokyo.
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD DECEMBER 06. 2024
Commemorative Reopening Exhibition: Absences ー
Toulouse-Lautrec & Sophie Calle
The Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo (MIMT) (Marunouchi, Tokyo) is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, November 23, 2024, after an extended closure for equipment replacement and building maintenance. The museum’s reopening will be celebrated with a special exhibition, Commemorative Reopening Exhibition: Absences - Sophie Calle & Toulouse-Lautrec, which will run until Sunday, January 26, 2025. This exhibition will showcase the colorfully expressive prints and posters of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864－1901), an artist who was highly active in late-19th century Paris. Most of the works on show will be from MIMT’s own collection of Toulouse-Lautrec, but there will also be some works by the artist from the Bibliothe`que nationale de France (BnF). The exhibition will also feature some works by leading contemporary French artist Sophie Calle (1953－), including one inspired by Odilon Redon’s Grand Bouquet, which is in the MIMT collection. It will be the first time that the new work by Calle, also donated to the MIMT collection, will be shown publicly anywhere in the world.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, “May Milton”
(1895), lithograph on paper,
collection of Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901), born in 1864 to a prestigious count family dating back to the Middle Ages, achieved success with his first poster “Moulin Rouge, La Goulue” in 1891. Although Lautrec left behind many prints and oil paintings using the lithographic techniques he learned through his posters, his reputation as a poster artist was predominant.
Period: - Sunday, January 26, 2025
Venue: The Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum Tokyo
Closed: Mondays
Hours: 10:00-18:00 / -20:00 on Fridays except national holidays, the second Wednesday of each month, and the last weekday of the Exhibition period (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: Adults: 2,300 yen / University & College Students: 1,300 yen / High school Students: 1,000 yen Elementary School Students & Younger - free
For more information, please visit
Ryuichi Sakamoto | seeing sound, hearing time
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo is pleased to present the exhibition Ryuichi Sakamoto | seeing sound, hearing time. A composer and an artist, Ryuichi Sakamoto (1952-2023) continuously paved the way for his era through his diverse and cutting-edge artistic activities. Since the 2000s, he devoted himself to creating three-dimensional sound installations in exhibition spaces, which he developed and realized in collaboration with various artists. Focusing entirely on large-scale installation works, this first comprehensive exhibition in Japan looks back on Sakamoto's pioneering, experimental creative artworks, including some of his most well-known previous pieces, and new works that he envisioned for this particular occasion before his passing, which will be dynamically constructed in and around the museum building.
*
Ryuichi Sakamoto was born in Tokyo in 1952. Making his debut in 1978 with the album Thousand Knives, Sakamoto's diverse re´sume´ includes pioneering electronic works in the legendary techno group Yellow Magic Orchestra, producing pop albums and numerous classical compositions, two operas, and nearly 45 original film/TV scores. His film soundtracks have won prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, a Grammy, and many more. As an activist for many decades, Sakamoto's efforts focused on environmental conservation and world peace, including founding the forest preservation organization “more trees”, and the "Tohoku Youth Orchestra" to support the victims of the Tohoku Earthquake through music.
Period: 12/21 (Sat) 2024 - 3/30 (Sun) 2025
Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Closed: Mondays (except 1/13 & 2/24), New Year's Holidays (12/28 - 1/1 2025), 1/14 & 2/25
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: [Weekdays]: Adults - 2,400 yen / University & College Students, Over 65 - 1,700 yen / High school & Junior High School Students - 960 yen Elementary School Students & Younger - free
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD DECEMBER 06. 2024
The World's Most Expensive Christmas Jumper
If you're in the market for a new Christmas jumper, the world's most expensive festive garment could be yours - for just a mere ￡30,000. Artist, Aidan Liban, 33, invested his entire life savings into creating the luxury piece in order to raise money for the NHS. The jumper, which has cost Aidan a total of ￡7,000 to make, includes a bejewelled reindeer, diamond-encrusted silver stars, 24-carat gold threading and the finest Italian silk for the lining, all surrounded by thousands of Swarovski crystals. Now following a total of 3,000 hours working on the project by hand, he is hopeful he can raise five figures from the sale of the jumper and donate a portion of cash to the NHS. The jumper is available at: www.mostexpensivejumper.co.uk and you can find more of Aidan's work at @aidannft
Kids' Theories on Santa
The survey of 1,500 parents and children, conducted by kids learning company showed many youngsters are convinced Father Christmas has a shrink-ray to make billions of gifts minuscule so they can be transported down chimneys. Teleporting, shape-shifting and time-freezing are among British children’s physics-defying theories on how Santa secretly delivers presents. They also weren’t stumped when it came to explaining how his reindeer fly, as 84 percent of kids polled said they knew how the reindeer completed their gravity-defying feat. Some weren’t convinced he could work alone, and said an international team of Santas existed. The researcher said: “The research really does show how our thinking can stretch when we’re young - from kids believing in time freeze to magic, the creativity of little ones never fails to amaze
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 DECEMBER 06, 2024Tokyo Chiristmas Market @ Meiji Jingu Gaien
The “Tokyo Christmas Market” was held for the first time in Hibiya Park in December 2015, featuring a 14-meter-high “Christmas Pyramid” from Seifen, Germany, the home of Christmas ornaments, as the symbol of the event. Stores offering glu¨hwein, Christmas sweets, European-style Christmas ornaments, and more. Although the “Christmas pyramid” might not be so familiar in Japan, its history is older than that of the Christmas tree.
Chiristmas Market @ Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
The Christmas Market at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse has a world view similar to that of the real Germany. This year's concept is “Memorial,” which commemorates the 15th anniversary of the market. A record number of 58 stores selling traditional German food and Christmas goods will be set up alongside the “Hu¨tte” wooden huts that are the symbol of the Christmas market. The Christmas tree made from a real fir tree is also a must-see.
https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/
Chiristmas Market 2024 @ ROPPONGI HILLS
Christmas market along with the Keyakizaka illumination. The home of Christmas, a market that recreates the atmosphere of Germany. This year marks the 18th year of this Christmas market. Ten shops will be lined up offering original German Christmas goods, mulled wine, sausages and other authentic German cuisine, bringing you a heartwarming Christmas by recreating a German Christmas market, “Ka¨the Wolfert,”
https://www.christmas.hills-site.com/illumination-event/roppongi/101/
Yebisu Garden Place @ Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Yebisu Garden Place, a special illumination will be held once every 30 minutes on the promenade of the slope leading to the 10-meter-long Christmas tree and chandelier. In addition, the Christmas Marche´, which was held only at Clock Square last year, will be held at Chateau Square this year, making it the largest ever. Enjoy Christmas goods along with the illumination in each area.
https://gardenplace.jp/event/detail/447
Have You Benn To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD DECEMBER 06, 2024Shirogane Blue Pond [Shirogane, Hokkaido]
This is a mysterious and spectacular spot in Biei-cho, Hokkaido. As the name suggests, the pond's shining blue surface has become a hot topic on SNS and in the media. In some cases, the pond freezes over and the entire area is covered in a silvery white world. A variety of lights are used to tell a story in about 10 minutes, creating a fantasy space that is different from that of the daytime.
Avenue of Metasequoia trees [Takashima, Shiga]
This is a popular spot where you can enjoy photogenic scenery that looks like a scene from a TV drama. The sight of more than 500 metasequoia trees lining both sides of the 2.4-km path is breathtaking! Around December, when the entire area is covered in white snow, each branch is covered with snow, and the dignified appearance of the trees standing side by side is mysterious. The early morning of the day after the previous day's snowfall is especially beautiful.
Fukuroda Falls [Fukuroda, Ibaraki]
One of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. During the cold season in December, there is a chance to see the dynamic ice fall when the entire waterfall is frozen over. It is a mystical sight that seems as if time has stopped, fascinating all who see it. This special winter-only spectacle is worth seeing. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the temperature is cooler.
Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces [Shiroyonemachi, Ishikawa]
A spectacular power spot with more than 1,000 rice paddies on a steep slope facing the Sea of Japan. The geometric patterns created by nature are wonderful, and the contrast with the blue sea is breathtaking. Visitors can enjoy the various faces of the rice fields throughout the year, and the area has been designated as one of the 100 best terraced rice fields in Japan and an important cultural asset. The most popular event is the “Azeno Kirameki” illumination event.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: DECEMBER 08. 2017Glow in the Dark: Winter Illumination by Jennifer Nakajima
After we had experienced the beauty of Autumn season every year and capturing its magnificent colours of fall leaves. Then, finally " Winter Season" here it comes. Woah! just to think of it, sooo cold and frozen..! I hope you dont feeling blue that way because even winter there are so much fun to do.
Illumination is one kind of event held every year warmly entertaining people during freezing winter holidays season. Every town and cities has decorating spectacular thousands and millions of LEDs to transform it to a magical fantasy land. Here are one of the best festive options for lighting up your day during Winter Holiday Season this year 2017:
1. Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas: (from Nov 9 to Dec 25)
Its two observation decks are lights illuminating both sides and also the Top of the Tower. You will be curious about its two lighting styles " Iki ", the spirit of edo, and " Miyabi " , its aesthetics.
2. Caretta Shiodome Illumination: ( from Nov 16 to Feb 14)
You could enjoy its theme Disney's Beauty and the Beast with Ballroom Dance Scene set which has covered Caretta Shiodome park with thousands of LEDs lit up like a fantasy world.
3. Roppongi hills Artelligent Christmas: (from Nov 25 to Dec 25)
The popular city of Tokyo will be lit up about 1,200,000 LEDs with a wonderful theme of " Snow and Blue " to " Candle and Red."
4. Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination: (from Nov 9 to Feb 18)
One of the Star of the Night and Top illumination event held from the rest in Tokyo. It has impressive illuminations beautifully decorated to experience and enjoy during Winter holidays that you can spend every night.
5. Omotesando Illumination: (from Nov 30 to Dec 25)
Tokyo's most popular street for illumination during the Christmas season.
Explore and admire the breathtaking illuminations of Tokyo by night. Towns and Cities are lit up emphasizing the magical atmosphere in the heart of Tokyo.
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD DECEMBER 06. 2024Commemorative Reopening Exhibition: Absences ー The Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo (MIMT) (Marunouchi, Tokyo) is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, November 23, 2024, after an extended closure for equipment replacement and building maintenance. The museum’s reopening will be celebrated with a special exhibition, Commemorative Reopening Exhibition: Absences - Sophie Calle & Toulouse-Lautrec, which will run until Sunday, January 26, 2025. This exhibition will showcase the colorfully expressive prints and posters of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864－1901), an artist who was highly active in late-19th century Paris. Most of the works on show will be from MIMT’s own collection of Toulouse-Lautrec, but there will also be some works by the artist from the Bibliothe`que nationale de France (BnF). The exhibition will also feature some works by leading contemporary French artist Sophie Calle (1953－), including one inspired by Odilon Redon’s Grand Bouquet, which is in the MIMT collection. It will be the first time that the new work by Calle, also donated to the MIMT collection, will be shown publicly anywhere in the world. |
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, “May Milton” |
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901), born in 1864 to a prestigious count family dating back to the Middle Ages, achieved success with his first poster “Moulin Rouge, La Goulue” in 1891. Although Lautrec left behind many prints and oil paintings using the lithographic techniques he learned through his posters, his reputation as a poster artist was predominant. |
Period: - Sunday, January 26, 2025
Venue: The Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum Tokyo
Closed: Mondays
Hours: 10:00-18:00 / -20:00 on Fridays except national holidays, the second Wednesday of each month, and the last weekday of the Exhibition period (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: Adults: 2,300 yen / University & College Students: 1,300 yen / High school Students: 1,000 yen Elementary School Students & Younger - free
For more information, please visit
Ryuichi Sakamoto | seeing sound, hearing time Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo is pleased to present the exhibition Ryuichi Sakamoto | seeing sound, hearing time. A composer and an artist, Ryuichi Sakamoto (1952-2023) continuously paved the way for his era through his diverse and cutting-edge artistic activities. Since the 2000s, he devoted himself to creating three-dimensional sound installations in exhibition spaces, which he developed and realized in collaboration with various artists. Focusing entirely on large-scale installation works, this first comprehensive exhibition in Japan looks back on Sakamoto's pioneering, experimental creative artworks, including some of his most well-known previous pieces, and new works that he envisioned for this particular occasion before his passing, which will be dynamically constructed in and around the museum building. |
* |
Ryuichi Sakamoto was born in Tokyo in 1952. Making his debut in 1978 with the album Thousand Knives, Sakamoto's diverse re´sume´ includes pioneering electronic works in the legendary techno group Yellow Magic Orchestra, producing pop albums and numerous classical compositions, two operas, and nearly 45 original film/TV scores. His film soundtracks have won prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, a Grammy, and many more. As an activist for many decades, Sakamoto's efforts focused on environmental conservation and world peace, including founding the forest preservation organization “more trees”, and the "Tohoku Youth Orchestra" to support the victims of the Tohoku Earthquake through music. |
Period: 12/21 (Sat) 2024 - 3/30 (Sun) 2025
Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Closed: Mondays (except 1/13 & 2/24), New Year's Holidays (12/28 - 1/1 2025), 1/14 & 2/25
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: [Weekdays]: Adults - 2,400 yen / University & College Students, Over 65 - 1,700 yen / High school & Junior High School Students - 960 yen Elementary School Students & Younger - free
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD DECEMBER 06. 2024The World's Most Expensive Christmas Jumper
If you're in the market for a new Christmas jumper, the world's most expensive festive garment could be yours - for just a mere ￡30,000. Artist, Aidan Liban, 33, invested his entire life savings into creating the luxury piece in order to raise money for the NHS. The jumper, which has cost Aidan a total of ￡7,000 to make, includes a bejewelled reindeer, diamond-encrusted silver stars, 24-carat gold threading and the finest Italian silk for the lining, all surrounded by thousands of Swarovski crystals. Now following a total of 3,000 hours working on the project by hand, he is hopeful he can raise five figures from the sale of the jumper and donate a portion of cash to the NHS. The jumper is available at: www.mostexpensivejumper.co.uk and you can find more of Aidan's work at @aidannft
Kids' Theories on Santa
The survey of 1,500 parents and children, conducted by kids learning company showed many youngsters are convinced Father Christmas has a shrink-ray to make billions of gifts minuscule so they can be transported down chimneys. Teleporting, shape-shifting and time-freezing are among British children’s physics-defying theories on how Santa secretly delivers presents. They also weren’t stumped when it came to explaining how his reindeer fly, as 84 percent of kids polled said they knew how the reindeer completed their gravity-defying feat. Some weren’t convinced he could work alone, and said an international team of Santas existed. The researcher said: “The research really does show how our thinking can stretch when we’re young - from kids believing in time freeze to magic, the creativity of little ones never fails to amaze
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
