Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD SEP 04. 2026The Joy of the Button: Discovering Japan’s Vending Machine Craze by Jacqueline C. Sarmiento
When you think of vending machines, the usual image is a simple box dispensing hot or cold drinks, or some traditional snacks. But in Japan, vending machines go far beyond that. They are part of everyday life, offering an astonishing variety of items and reflecting the country’s creativity, convenience, and efficiency. With more than four million vending machines spread across the nation, Japan holds one of the highest vending machine densities in the world, making it a cultural phenomenon worth exploring.
While most countries use vending machines mainly for beverages, Japan’s machines sell almost everything you can imagine. From hot coffee, ramen, and ice cream to umbrellas, fresh flowers, and even neckties, the selection is endless. In some rural areas, vending machines even provide fresh farm produce, like eggs, rice, or vegetables, making them both convenient and practical for residents. Seasonal specialties are also common ― warm soup and oden (a traditional Japanese hot pot dish) in winter, or ice-cold sports drinks and frozen treats in the humid summer months.
One of the reasons vending machines are so widespread in Japan is the culture of convenience. Whether in bustling Tokyo streets, busy airports, crowded train stations, offices, factories, university campuses, apartment lobbies, laundry rooms, quiet countryside villages, or even temple grounds, vending machines are always nearby. They are available 24/7, allowing people to grab what they want, need, or crave anytime. For commuters, students, and late-night workers, these machines are lifesavers. Their presence also reduces the need for small shops to stay open late, particularly in rural areas with limited businesses.
Japanese vending machines are not just about variety ― they also showcase impressive technology. Many modern machines are equipped with touchscreens, cashless payment options like IC cards and mobile apps, and energy-efficient systems. Some machines even have artificial intelligence that recommends drinks based on your age and gender, or adjusts the stock depending on weather conditions. In disaster-prone Japan, certain vending machines can be switched to “emergency mode,” providing free water and food during natural disasters like earthquakes.
The vending machine culture also reflects Japan’s value of trust, safety, and cleanliness. In many countries, vandalism or theft might discourage such widespread use, but Japan’s low crime rate allows vending machines to operate in almost every corner without heavy security. Additionally, the machines are well-maintained and rarely broken, mirroring the Japanese commitment to quality and reliability.
For visitors, Japan’s vending machines are more than just convenient ― they are an experience. Tourists are often fascinated by the quirky and unusual items sold, such as canned bread, collectible toys, or hot corn soup. The sight of glowing vending machines lighting up quiet streets at night has even become an iconic part of Japan’s cityscape, adding charm to its urban and rural scenery alike.
Japan’s vending machine culture is much more than a way to buy drinks or snacks. It is a blend of innovation, practicality, and cultural values that makes everyday life easier while also surprising and delighting locals and visitors alike. In a society that embraces both tradition and modernity, vending machines have carved out a unique role ― one that continues to evolve and amaze the world.
自販機といえば、通常は温かい飲み物や冷たい飲み物、あるいは定番のお菓子を販売するシンプルな箱を思い浮かべる。しかし、日本では自販機はそれ以上の存在だ。自販機は日常生活の一部であり、驚くほど多様な商品を揃え、この国の創造性、利便性、そして効率性を体現している。全国に400万台以上の自販機が設置されており、その設置密度は世界でもトップクラスだ。まさに探求する価値のある文化現象と言えるだろう。
多くの国では自販機といえば、主に飲料水が販売されているが、日本の自販機では人が想像しうるほぼすべてのものが売らている。ホットコーヒー、ラーメン、アイスクリームから、傘、生花、さらにはネクタイまで、その品揃えは無限大。一部の地方では、卵、米、野菜などの新鮮な農産物が販売されていて、住民にとって便利で実用的な存在だ。季節限定の商品も一般的だ。冬には温かいスープやおでん（日本の伝統的な鍋料理）、蒸し暑い夏には冷たいスポーツドリンクやアイスクリームなどが販売される。
日本で自販機がこれほど普及している理由の一つに、「便利さ」を重んじる文化にある。賑やかな東京の街角、忙しい空港、混雑した駅、オフィス、工場、大学のキャンパス、マンションのロビー、コインランドリー、静かな田舎の村、さらには寺院の境内に至るまで、どこに行っても自販機はすぐそばにある。24時間365日利用可能で、人々はいつでも欲しいもの、必要なもの、あるいは無性に食べたくなるものを手に入れることができる。
にぎやかな東京の街角であれ、混雑した空港や駅、オフィス、工場、大学のキャンパス、マンションのロビー、ランドリールーム、静かな田舎の村、あるいは寺院の境内であっても、自販機は常に身近にある。24時間365日利用可能で、人々はいつでも欲しいもの、必要なもの、あるいは無性に食べたくなるものを手に入れることができます。通勤者、学生、夜遅くまで働く人々にとって、これらの自販機はまさに命の恩人です。また、特に店舗数が限られている地方では、自販機の存在によって、小さな商店が深夜まで営業する必要性が減っています。
日本の自販機は、品揃えの豊富さだけでなく、その優れた技術も際立っている。多くの最新型自販機には、タッチスクリーンやICカード・モバイルアプリなどのキャッシュレス決済機能、省エネシステムが搭載されている。中には、年齢や性別に基づいて飲み物を推奨したり、天候に応じて在庫を調整したりする人工知能を搭載した機種もある。災害の多い日本では、地震などの自然災害発生時に「緊急モード」に切り替え、水や食料を無料で提供できる自販機もある。
この自販機文化は、信頼、安全、清潔さを重んじる日本の価値観も反映している。多くの国では、破壊行為や盗難がこのような広範な利用を妨げる要因となるかもしれないが、日本の低い犯罪率のおかげで、厳重な警備なしにほぼ至る所で自販機が稼働している。さらに自販機は手入れが行き届いており、故障することもほとんどない。これは、品質と信頼性を重視する日本人の姿勢を如実に表している。
観光客にとって、日本の自販機は単なる便利さ以上のもの――それは一種の体験そのもの。缶入りパンやコレクター向けのおもちゃ、ホットコーンスープなど、ユニークで珍しい商品が販売されていることに、観光客はしばしば魅了される。夜、静かな街並みを照らす自販機の明かりは、日本の街並みの象徴的な風景となり、都市部でも地方でも、その景観に魅力を添えている。
日本の自販機文化は、単に飲み物やスナックを買う手段にとどまらない。それは、革新性と実用性、そして文化的価値観が融合したものであり、日常生活を便利にするだけでなく、地元の人々や観光客を驚かせ、楽しませている。伝統と現代性を両立させる社会において、自販機は独自の役割を確立しており、その役割は進化を続け、世界中を驚かせ続けている。
Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback MAY 26. 2017FANTASYLAND by Alma Reyes
The longer a foreigner resides in Japan, the more senseless things gradually become sensible. That really is a warning that you may be entering the world of the otaku, because nothing makes more sense than being around all that doesn’t make sense “Otaku” (literally, polite form for “taku” − home) has raised so many criticisms, ideologies, and positive and negative impressions among all genres of society. Some associate it with a person who lives an almost functionless life, who stays at home all day playing video games, or jumps from one train to the other without a set destination. Others may visualize an otaku as an avid follower of fantasy.
There could not be any other country in this world that knows how to play with fantasy as craftily as the Japanese. Absolutely the No. 1 artistic and commercial leader of manga anime production, Japan seems to have all the space and reason to release repressed emotions, stress, confusion, shame, anger (that is normally hidden), and even genuine love.
Becoming a sought-after cafe´ in Tokyo for its kitsch and flashy interior and dose of dreamland, Kawai Monster Cafe´ in Harajuku may just be the haven to forget logic, symmetry and sensibility―a kind of over-washed Disney fantasy world where the brightest of pinks, red, greens, blues, yellows, purples and circles, lollipops, and psychedelic curves dawn on your sparkling eyes. Here, you would have to stop being a “normal, decent adult” for just a teeny hour (less if you cannot take it) and pretend that all childlikeness envelops you in strawberry syrup. Menus go from “fruitful and heavenly” to “colorful poison.” Attendants dress in uncoordinated attire mixed with human and animal fantasy. Dreamy drinks look dreamy but taste less than a dream.
Other fantasy hideouts in Tokyo take you to a Lock-up izakaya that is another overfed visual reconstruction of a prison cell, so dark and frightening are its intention, you would want to go there for a double tequila to pay for your sins. Attendants, dressed as wardens, escort you to private rooms decorated with jail bars and some “punishment” icons like skulls, daggers, and chains to do exactly what it’s called: lock you up.
Then, there is also an elementary school-like izakaya, 6nen gumi (6th Grade) where rooms are set in a nostalgic old elementary school theme: blackboards, schoolbags, and notebooks. Attendants roam around in school uniforms, one or two as teachers, ready to give you a spanking if you don’t order their school canteen lunch boxes.
In Japan, one forgets everything. We can laugh at their fantasies…but see who’s laughing at us.
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 SEPTEMBER 04, 2026
Cosmos Festival at Showa Kinen Park
As autumn settles over Tokyo, one of the capital's largest and most beloved parks bursts into color. The Cosmos Festival at Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa fills sweeping hillside fields with more than four million delicate cosmos flowers, creating a swaying sea of pink, white, and vivid yellow that stretches as far as the eye can see.
The festival unfolds across several distinct gardens. The standout is the "Lemon Bright" field, blanketed in cheerful yellow sulphur cosmos, while the Autumn Bouquet Garden mixes some twenty varieties, and the Cosmos Sensation area glows in soft pinks and lilacs. As different fields peak at different times through the season, there is almost always something in bloom to admire.
Showa Kinen Park is a wonderful destination in its own right, with bike trails, wide lawns, a boating pond, cafes, and dedicated play areas for children, so it is easy to spend a full, relaxed day here. Look out for the charming soap-bubble photo events, when countless shimmering bubbles drift over the flower fields on select dates.
Cool autumn air, blue skies, and endless blooms make this a gentle, photogenic escape from the city bustle. It is the perfect low-key outing for families, couples, and photographers alike as summer finally gives way to fall.
Early September - Late October (9:30am - 5:00pm; until 6:00pm weekends & holidays in Sep)
https://www.showakinen-koen.jp/
Yokohama Oktoberfest 2026
Prost! Autumn in the Tokyo area means it is time for Yokohama Oktoberfest, the region's biggest and most boisterous celebration of German beer culture. Held at the historic Red Brick Warehouse on Yokohama's picturesque waterfront, this hugely popular event recreates the lively spirit of Munich's original Oktoberfest, right down to the oompah bands.
The star of the show is, of course, the beer. Over a hundred varieties are on offer, including authentic German imports and special Oktoberfest brews, poured into commemorative steins. Five of the six breweries permitted to pour at the real Munich festival make the trip here, so your stein is filled with the genuine article. There are also fruit beers and non-alcoholic options for anyone who would rather not drink.
No German beer festival is complete without hearty food to match, and the stalls deliver, with sizzling sausages, giant pretzels, schnitzel, and more. Live German bands keep the atmosphere buzzing throughout each day, encouraging plenty of singing, toasting, and the occasional dance.
There is even a lawn area that welcomes families and dogs, making it more than just a drinking event. With the harbor as a backdrop and autumn breezes rolling in, it is a genuinely festive, sociable way to spend a cool September or October afternoon.
Sep 18th (Fri) - Oct 4th (Sun) @ Red Brick Warehouse (Bashamichi Sta.)
https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD SEPTEMBER 04, 2026
Kameiwa Cave [Kimitsu, Chiba]
Tucked away in Chiba Prefecture, Kameiwa Cave is famous for its magical heart-shaped reflection, created when morning sunlight shines through the cave. Surrounded by peaceful woodland, it attracts photographers, hikers and nature lovers alike. Visit at dawn for the best views and enjoy one of Japan's most enchanting hidden natural wonders, perfect for peaceful walks, stunning scenery, unforgettable moments, and quiet reflection.
Oya History Museum [Utsunomiya, Tochigi]
Hidden beneath Utsunomiya, Oya History Museum is an enormous underground stone quarry that feels like an ancient cathedral. Dramatic lighting, vast chambers and cool temperatures create an unforgettable atmosphere. Once a source of Oya stone used throughout Japan, today it offers visitors a fascinating blend of history, architecture and adventure unlike anywhere else in Japan today you'll never forget it.
Soni Highlands [Uda, Nara]
Discover the natural beauty of Soni Highlands, where rolling hills stretch across the landscape. In autumn, silver pampas grass transforms the highlands into a shimmering sea beneath the blue sky. Popular with hikers and photographers, this peaceful destination offers spectacular seasonal scenery and a refreshing escape from nearby city life throughout every season, inviting visitors to slow down and unwind.
Inujima [Seto, Okayama]
Small in size but rich in creativity, Inujima combines contemporary art with industrial heritage. Wander through restored buildings, discover thought-provoking installations and visit the unique Seirensho Art Museum. With its tranquil island atmosphere and innovative exhibitions, Inujima offers a memorable cultural escape, inviting visitors to experience art in new ways.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: NOV 13. 2018
The Art of Noise in Tokyo by Jeremy Moorhead
When The Art of Noise finally took the stage in Roppongi, early September, it was the culmination of a dream come true for this correspondent. I’d waited over 30 years to see them, not having the chance to enjoy their pioneering synth pop live before now. Incidentally, it was the band’s first date in Japan since 1986. They seemed happy to be back and one could hardly blame them, given the opulent surroundings of Billboard Live Tokyo.
The venue is celebrating10 years of bringing Tokyoites the best in music, including such greats as Steely Dan, Chaka Khan and Erykah Badu. It’s a far cry from London’s Shepherds Bush Empire or Dublin’s SFX Hall. No mosh pits here or plastic pint glasses. For the audience, used to Japanese comfort that doesn’t appear to be a problem. They’re all here to experience the show, which is a greatest hits package mostly culled from their first 2 albums Who’s Afraid of The Art of Noise and In Visible Silence, the latter of which has been re-released in a new deluxe format. Some new samples pepper the pieces; Donald Trump appears on Instruments of Darkness, the track originally written about apartheid era South Africa.
JJ Jeczalik, Gary Langan and Anne Dudley are enjoying the moment. All 3 have been involved in classic pop over the years; Queen, ABC, Yes, Frankie Goes to Hollywood included. Dudley, who is a composer in her own right, was recently awarded the Ivor Novello award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music.
There’s something glorious about revisiting your favourite artists from yesteryear and The Art of Noise do not disappoint. It’s reassuring to know that no matter how far away from home you find yourself; there’s a great tradition of live music in Japan and you’re usually spoilt for choice. Not just the outdoor festivals and bigger bands but just a great night out, be it a jazz session hidden away in a basement in Aoyama or an up and coming rock band raising the roof in Ebisu. Here’s to many more.
９月初旬に六本木でアート・オブ・ノイズのコンサートが開かれ、やっと僕の念願の夢がかなった。シンセサイザー・ポップの先駆者のライブを３０年以上も待ち望んでいた。ちなみに、そのステージは１９８６年以来の日本公演の初日だった。メンパーは再来日を喜んでいたから、華やかなビルボードライブ東京でのステージを誰も責められない。
ビルボードライブ東京は、スティーリーダン、チャカカーン、エリカ・バドゥ等の大御所の最高の演奏を東京のファンに提供し続けて１０年になる。ロンドンのシェパーズ・ブッシュ・エンパイアやダブリンのＳＦＸホールとは比べ物にならない。ここでは、モッシュピッツ（押しくらまんじゅう）しないし、プラステック製パイント・グラスを持っている人もいない。日本的な居心地の良さでステージ鑑賞するのはなんら問題ない。デビューアルバム「「Who's Afraid Of The Art of Noise」とニューデラックス版としてリブートされたセカンドアルバム「In Visible Silence」から抜粋された名だたるヒット曲をつめこんだ演奏を楽しむためにみんな、ここにいるんだ。南アフリカのアパルト政策について書かれた曲、「Instruments of Darkness」にはドナルト・トランプ氏も現れ、新しいサンプリング曲も披露してくれた。
J.J.ジェクザリック、ゲーリー・ランガン、アン・ダドリーの３人はとても楽しんでいた。３人は、クイーン、ABC、イエス、フランキーゴーズトゥハリウッド等とクラシックとポップを融合した曲作りに関わってきた。アン・ダドリーは、ブリティッシュ・ミュージックへの貢献度においてアイヴァー・ノヴェロ賞を受賞した。
昔大好きだったアーティストの曲を再び聞いてみるのはいい。アート・オブ・ノイズは今でも新鮮だ。故郷から遠く離れていても自分を思い出し安心した気持ちになれる。日本にはライブを楽しむ所がたくさんある。探してみてはいかが？
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD SEPTEMBER 04. 2026
Learning from "Hojoki": Tiny Architecture Reweaves Life
What does it truly mean to live well, and how little space do we really need to do it? That deceptively simple question lies at the heart of Learning from "Hojoki": Tiny Architecture Reweaves Life, a thought-provoking exhibition at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, the striking Tadao Ando-designed gallery in Tokyo Midtown.
The show takes its inspiration from Hojoki, a beloved 13th-century essay by Kamo no Chomei, known in English as The Ten-Foot Square Hut. Written from the tiny hermitage to which Chomei retreated, it reflects thoughtfully on impermanence and on the freedom of a simple, pared-down life. Eight centuries later, that meditation feels remarkably timely.
*
Under the direction of acclaimed architect Yoshiharu Tsukamoto, a roster of architects, designers, and artists have each created their own interpretation of Chomei's hut. Every structure shares the same minimal nine-square-meter footprint, yet the responses are wildly varied, built from different materials and driven by different ideas about how we might choose to live. Visitors wander among these full-scale huts along connecting pathways, encountering thoughtful research and reflections on dwelling and daily life along the way.
The result is playful, contemplative, and quietly radical, gently challenging our everyday assumptions about space, ownership, and comfort in an age of clutter and excess. Set within Ando's cool concrete architecture, it is a show that lingers in the mind long after you leave.
Thoughtful and beautifully staged, it is a must for anyone interested in design, architecture, or simply rethinking what home really means in the modern world today.
Period: August 28th (Fri), 2026 - January 11th (Mon), 2027
Venue: 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
Hours: 10:00 - 19:00 (admission 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: Tuesdays (Except 9/22 and 11/3), 11/21-23, 12/27-1/3, 2026
Admission: General ￥1,700 / University students ￥800 / High school students ￥500 / Junior high school students and under may enter for freeTickst prices vary depending on the day of the week.
For more information, please visit
https://dsnl-ticket.com/kan-uchukyodai-ten
A Ceramic Travelogue: China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula
Tucked into the leafy calm of Minami-Aoyama, the Nezu Museum is one of Tokyo's most serene cultural retreats, and this autumn it turns its attention to one of East Asia's great art forms. A Ceramic Travelogue: China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula draws around 110 masterpieces from the museum's celebrated collection of some 2,300 ceramic works, inviting visitors on a journey across three neighboring yet distinct traditions.
The exhibition is arranged by region, allowing fascinating comparisons to emerge. Chinese ceramics dazzle with technical brilliance and imperial refinement, from ancient earthenware to lustrous porcelain. Japanese pieces reveal a love of natural, understated beauty, closely tied to the tea ceremony and its quiet aesthetics. Korean works, meanwhile, are prized for their gentle forms, subtle glazes, and understated grace. Seen side by side, the three traditions illuminate one another, revealing shared influences alongside proudly individual sensibilities.
*
Part of the pleasure here is the setting itself. The museum building, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, is a masterclass in modern Japanese design: all bamboo, stone, and soft natural light. Beyond the galleries lies a magnificent landscaped garden, a rare 17,000-square-meter oasis of ponds, paths, and tucked-away teahouses, perfect for an unhurried stroll after viewing.
For anyone drawn to craftsmanship, history, or simply a tranquil afternoon away from the city's rush, this is a rewarding, beautifully presented show. Whether you are a serious enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the artistry on display and the calm in which to enjoy it make for a truly memorable visit.
Period: August 15th (Sat) - October 12th (Mon), 2026
Venue: Nezu Museum
Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Closed Days: Mondays (except 9/21, 10/12) and September 24
Admission: Timed-entry ticket (online) Adult : 1400 yen / Student* : 600 yen (Same-day tickets: plus 200 yen on the above prices)
For more information, please visit
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD SEPTEMBER 04. 2026
Mysterious "Potato-Shaped" UFO
The latest batch of U.S. military UFO reports has sparked fresh curiosity after one witness described an unidentified flying object as looking like a shimmering potato. While the unusual description quickly grabbed headlines, officials emphasise that "unidentified" does not necessarily mean extraterrestrial. Many unexplained sightings eventually turn out to be weather phenomena, experimental aircraft or optical illusions. However, some remain unresolved simply because there is not enough evidence to identify them with certainty. Interest in UFOs has surged in recent years, leading governments to investigate sightings more seriously than ever before. Whether the mysterious object has an ordinary explanation or remains an unsolved puzzle, it reminds us that there are still plenty of mysteries in the skies―and people are always eager to discover what they might be.
Can Fake Pills Really Make You Feel Better?
Imagine taking a pill that you know contains no medicine―and still feeling better. Recent research suggests that so-called "open-label placebos" can improve symptoms even when people are fully aware they are taking a fake treatment.
Scientists believe the brain's expectations, daily routines and natural chemistry all play a role. Although placebo pills cannot cure serious illnesses, they may help reduce pain, stress or fatigue in some cases.
The findings highlight the remarkable connection between mind and body. Researchers hope this growing understanding could complement conventional medicine in the future. It is another reminder that our brains can influence our wellbeing in ways we are only beginning to understand.
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 SEPTEMBER 04, 2026Cosmos Festival at Showa Kinen Park
As autumn settles over Tokyo, one of the capital's largest and most beloved parks bursts into color. The Cosmos Festival at Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa fills sweeping hillside fields with more than four million delicate cosmos flowers, creating a swaying sea of pink, white, and vivid yellow that stretches as far as the eye can see.
The festival unfolds across several distinct gardens. The standout is the "Lemon Bright" field, blanketed in cheerful yellow sulphur cosmos, while the Autumn Bouquet Garden mixes some twenty varieties, and the Cosmos Sensation area glows in soft pinks and lilacs. As different fields peak at different times through the season, there is almost always something in bloom to admire.
Showa Kinen Park is a wonderful destination in its own right, with bike trails, wide lawns, a boating pond, cafes, and dedicated play areas for children, so it is easy to spend a full, relaxed day here. Look out for the charming soap-bubble photo events, when countless shimmering bubbles drift over the flower fields on select dates.
Cool autumn air, blue skies, and endless blooms make this a gentle, photogenic escape from the city bustle. It is the perfect low-key outing for families, couples, and photographers alike as summer finally gives way to fall.
Early September - Late October (9:30am - 5:00pm; until 6:00pm weekends & holidays in Sep)
https://www.showakinen-koen.jp/
Yokohama Oktoberfest 2026
Prost! Autumn in the Tokyo area means it is time for Yokohama Oktoberfest, the region's biggest and most boisterous celebration of German beer culture. Held at the historic Red Brick Warehouse on Yokohama's picturesque waterfront, this hugely popular event recreates the lively spirit of Munich's original Oktoberfest, right down to the oompah bands.
The star of the show is, of course, the beer. Over a hundred varieties are on offer, including authentic German imports and special Oktoberfest brews, poured into commemorative steins. Five of the six breweries permitted to pour at the real Munich festival make the trip here, so your stein is filled with the genuine article. There are also fruit beers and non-alcoholic options for anyone who would rather not drink.
No German beer festival is complete without hearty food to match, and the stalls deliver, with sizzling sausages, giant pretzels, schnitzel, and more. Live German bands keep the atmosphere buzzing throughout each day, encouraging plenty of singing, toasting, and the occasional dance.
There is even a lawn area that welcomes families and dogs, making it more than just a drinking event. With the harbor as a backdrop and autumn breezes rolling in, it is a genuinely festive, sociable way to spend a cool September or October afternoon.
Sep 18th (Fri) - Oct 4th (Sun) @ Red Brick Warehouse (Bashamichi Sta.)
https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD SEPTEMBER 04, 2026Kameiwa Cave [Kimitsu, Chiba]
Tucked away in Chiba Prefecture, Kameiwa Cave is famous for its magical heart-shaped reflection, created when morning sunlight shines through the cave. Surrounded by peaceful woodland, it attracts photographers, hikers and nature lovers alike. Visit at dawn for the best views and enjoy one of Japan's most enchanting hidden natural wonders, perfect for peaceful walks, stunning scenery, unforgettable moments, and quiet reflection.
Oya History Museum [Utsunomiya, Tochigi]
Hidden beneath Utsunomiya, Oya History Museum is an enormous underground stone quarry that feels like an ancient cathedral. Dramatic lighting, vast chambers and cool temperatures create an unforgettable atmosphere. Once a source of Oya stone used throughout Japan, today it offers visitors a fascinating blend of history, architecture and adventure unlike anywhere else in Japan today you'll never forget it.
Soni Highlands [Uda, Nara]
Discover the natural beauty of Soni Highlands, where rolling hills stretch across the landscape. In autumn, silver pampas grass transforms the highlands into a shimmering sea beneath the blue sky. Popular with hikers and photographers, this peaceful destination offers spectacular seasonal scenery and a refreshing escape from nearby city life throughout every season, inviting visitors to slow down and unwind.
Inujima [Seto, Okayama]
Small in size but rich in creativity, Inujima combines contemporary art with industrial heritage. Wander through restored buildings, discover thought-provoking installations and visit the unique Seirensho Art Museum. With its tranquil island atmosphere and innovative exhibitions, Inujima offers a memorable cultural escape, inviting visitors to experience art in new ways.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: NOV 13. 2018The Art of Noise in Tokyo by Jeremy Moorhead
When The Art of Noise finally took the stage in Roppongi, early September, it was the culmination of a dream come true for this correspondent. I’d waited over 30 years to see them, not having the chance to enjoy their pioneering synth pop live before now. Incidentally, it was the band’s first date in Japan since 1986. They seemed happy to be back and one could hardly blame them, given the opulent surroundings of Billboard Live Tokyo.
The venue is celebrating10 years of bringing Tokyoites the best in music, including such greats as Steely Dan, Chaka Khan and Erykah Badu. It’s a far cry from London’s Shepherds Bush Empire or Dublin’s SFX Hall. No mosh pits here or plastic pint glasses. For the audience, used to Japanese comfort that doesn’t appear to be a problem. They’re all here to experience the show, which is a greatest hits package mostly culled from their first 2 albums Who’s Afraid of The Art of Noise and In Visible Silence, the latter of which has been re-released in a new deluxe format. Some new samples pepper the pieces; Donald Trump appears on Instruments of Darkness, the track originally written about apartheid era South Africa.
JJ Jeczalik, Gary Langan and Anne Dudley are enjoying the moment. All 3 have been involved in classic pop over the years; Queen, ABC, Yes, Frankie Goes to Hollywood included. Dudley, who is a composer in her own right, was recently awarded the Ivor Novello award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music.
There’s something glorious about revisiting your favourite artists from yesteryear and The Art of Noise do not disappoint. It’s reassuring to know that no matter how far away from home you find yourself; there’s a great tradition of live music in Japan and you’re usually spoilt for choice. Not just the outdoor festivals and bigger bands but just a great night out, be it a jazz session hidden away in a basement in Aoyama or an up and coming rock band raising the roof in Ebisu. Here’s to many more.
９月初旬に六本木でアート・オブ・ノイズのコンサートが開かれ、やっと僕の念願の夢がかなった。シンセサイザー・ポップの先駆者のライブを３０年以上も待ち望んでいた。ちなみに、そのステージは１９８６年以来の日本公演の初日だった。メンパーは再来日を喜んでいたから、華やかなビルボードライブ東京でのステージを誰も責められない。
ビルボードライブ東京は、スティーリーダン、チャカカーン、エリカ・バドゥ等の大御所の最高の演奏を東京のファンに提供し続けて１０年になる。ロンドンのシェパーズ・ブッシュ・エンパイアやダブリンのＳＦＸホールとは比べ物にならない。ここでは、モッシュピッツ（押しくらまんじゅう）しないし、プラステック製パイント・グラスを持っている人もいない。日本的な居心地の良さでステージ鑑賞するのはなんら問題ない。デビューアルバム「「Who's Afraid Of The Art of Noise」とニューデラックス版としてリブートされたセカンドアルバム「In Visible Silence」から抜粋された名だたるヒット曲をつめこんだ演奏を楽しむためにみんな、ここにいるんだ。南アフリカのアパルト政策について書かれた曲、「Instruments of Darkness」にはドナルト・トランプ氏も現れ、新しいサンプリング曲も披露してくれた。
J.J.ジェクザリック、ゲーリー・ランガン、アン・ダドリーの３人はとても楽しんでいた。３人は、クイーン、ABC、イエス、フランキーゴーズトゥハリウッド等とクラシックとポップを融合した曲作りに関わってきた。アン・ダドリーは、ブリティッシュ・ミュージックへの貢献度においてアイヴァー・ノヴェロ賞を受賞した。
昔大好きだったアーティストの曲を再び聞いてみるのはいい。アート・オブ・ノイズは今でも新鮮だ。故郷から遠く離れていても自分を思い出し安心した気持ちになれる。日本にはライブを楽しむ所がたくさんある。探してみてはいかが？
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD SEPTEMBER 04. 2026Learning from "Hojoki": Tiny Architecture Reweaves Life What does it truly mean to live well, and how little space do we really need to do it? That deceptively simple question lies at the heart of Learning from "Hojoki": Tiny Architecture Reweaves Life, a thought-provoking exhibition at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, the striking Tadao Ando-designed gallery in Tokyo Midtown. |
* |
Under the direction of acclaimed architect Yoshiharu Tsukamoto, a roster of architects, designers, and artists have each created their own interpretation of Chomei's hut. Every structure shares the same minimal nine-square-meter footprint, yet the responses are wildly varied, built from different materials and driven by different ideas about how we might choose to live. Visitors wander among these full-scale huts along connecting pathways, encountering thoughtful research and reflections on dwelling and daily life along the way. |
Period: August 28th (Fri), 2026 - January 11th (Mon), 2027
Venue: 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
Hours: 10:00 - 19:00 (admission 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: Tuesdays (Except 9/22 and 11/3), 11/21-23, 12/27-1/3, 2026
Admission: General ￥1,700 / University students ￥800 / High school students ￥500 / Junior high school students and under may enter for freeTickst prices vary depending on the day of the week.
For more information, please visit
https://dsnl-ticket.com/kan-uchukyodai-ten
A Ceramic Travelogue: China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula Tucked into the leafy calm of Minami-Aoyama, the Nezu Museum is one of Tokyo's most serene cultural retreats, and this autumn it turns its attention to one of East Asia's great art forms. A Ceramic Travelogue: China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula draws around 110 masterpieces from the museum's celebrated collection of some 2,300 ceramic works, inviting visitors on a journey across three neighboring yet distinct traditions. |
* |
Part of the pleasure here is the setting itself. The museum building, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, is a masterclass in modern Japanese design: all bamboo, stone, and soft natural light. Beyond the galleries lies a magnificent landscaped garden, a rare 17,000-square-meter oasis of ponds, paths, and tucked-away teahouses, perfect for an unhurried stroll after viewing. |
Period: August 15th (Sat) - October 12th (Mon), 2026
Venue: Nezu Museum
Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Closed Days: Mondays (except 9/21, 10/12) and September 24
Admission: Timed-entry ticket (online) Adult : 1400 yen / Student* : 600 yen (Same-day tickets: plus 200 yen on the above prices)
For more information, please visit
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD SEPTEMBER 04. 2026Mysterious "Potato-Shaped" UFO
The latest batch of U.S. military UFO reports has sparked fresh curiosity after one witness described an unidentified flying object as looking like a shimmering potato. While the unusual description quickly grabbed headlines, officials emphasise that "unidentified" does not necessarily mean extraterrestrial. Many unexplained sightings eventually turn out to be weather phenomena, experimental aircraft or optical illusions. However, some remain unresolved simply because there is not enough evidence to identify them with certainty. Interest in UFOs has surged in recent years, leading governments to investigate sightings more seriously than ever before. Whether the mysterious object has an ordinary explanation or remains an unsolved puzzle, it reminds us that there are still plenty of mysteries in the skies―and people are always eager to discover what they might be.
Can Fake Pills Really Make You Feel Better?
Imagine taking a pill that you know contains no medicine―and still feeling better. Recent research suggests that so-called "open-label placebos" can improve symptoms even when people are fully aware they are taking a fake treatment.
Scientists believe the brain's expectations, daily routines and natural chemistry all play a role. Although placebo pills cannot cure serious illnesses, they may help reduce pain, stress or fatigue in some cases.
The findings highlight the remarkable connection between mind and body. Researchers hope this growing understanding could complement conventional medicine in the future. It is another reminder that our brains can influence our wellbeing in ways we are only beginning to understand.
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
