Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 24. 2020Share a Universal Connection with Japan through Theater at Meijiza by Lorne Fetzek
Tokyo is consistently rated as one of the world’s great cities. Still, those rankings often discount the performing arts scene. That may be because much of Japan’s theatrical world is “hiding in plain sight” so to speak. The theaters and performers abound, with talent, but perhaps the language barrier discourages many. Whether you are a resident, or a visitor here, it pays to be intrepid. One great example of a hidden gem is Meijiza/明治座 in Chou-Ku/中央区.
Meijiza https://www.meijiza.co.jp/english/ showcases popular entertainment. In one month, you’ll likely see Rakugo/落語 performed one week and a live reenactment of an Anime/アニメ the next. Many shows run for only a week or two, so if whatever’s playing isn’t of interest, wait, and it’s likely that something completely different will be onstage soon. Marking its 147th year, this remarkable theater has burned to the ground or otherwise been destroyed 5 times in its history and yet, it remains a landmark venue (the current theater was constructed in 1993).
Some of the most familiar faces in the Japanese entertainment world (people you see in commercials or frequently on local TV shows) reveal their thespian skills here. I recently attended a play based on a popular, long-running television series which featured a star-studded cast of Japanese Geinojin/芸能人.
One more tip, Meijiza offers Bento/弁当 meals that you can eat at your seat during performances. So, so GOOD! Make sure you place your order before taking your seat.
We’re all yearning to make connections with the community again in these difficult times. What better way than to share an afternoon or evening with your fellow Tokyoites at this “people’s theater”, Meijiza!
東京は。世界有数の大都市として常に評価されている。それでも、こうした評価には、演劇･音楽･舞踊といった舞台芸術は考慮されていない。というのも、日本の演芸が、言わば、『ありふれた風景の中に潜んでいる』からかもしれない。劇場がたくさんあり、役者や演奏者も大勢いて、才能あるが、おそらく言葉の障害が多くを妨げる。あなたが東京在住でも、訪問中だろうと構わないが、大胆な行動に出ても損はない。中央区にある明治座は隠れた宝石のひとつだ。
明治座は、人気の高い演芸を数々披露する劇場だ。１ヶ月の間に、おそらく１週間公演される落語を鑑賞し、翌週、アニメを再現したミュージカルファンタジーを鑑賞する事ができる。たいていの演芸が１週間か２週間続く。興味のないものでも、次にまったくちがった演芸がすぐに公演されるのでそれを待てばいい。創業１４７周年を迎えた明治座は、過去に火災で消失したり、その他にも５回も建物が破壊された。しかしその都度再建され、今でも東京のランドマークとして位置づけされている。（現在の建物は１９９３年に建てられた。）
日本の芸能界で馴染みの人々（ＣＭやＴＶ番組でよく登場する人々）はここで自分の芸を披露する。僕は、先日、スター芸能人が出演するテレビの人気シリーズを基にした劇を鑑賞した。
もうひとつ役立つ情報を付け加えておこう。明治座では、演芸を鑑賞しながら弁当が食べられる。すごくすばらしい！着席する前に忘れずに注文しておこう
この困難な時期、みんな誰もが社会生活を送る事を強く望んでいる。東京の友人と午後、あるいは夜を一緒に過ごすなら、「大衆劇場」、明治座に出かけてみてはいかがだろう。
Tokyo Fab
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 24. 2020
Olafur Eliasson: Sometimes the river is the bridge
Influenced by our complex relationship to nature, Eliasson’s installations often use natural phenomena − such as light, water and mist − to heighten our understanding of the way we perceive and co-produce the world around us. At MOT, visitors are invited to view the artist’s earliest work in the exhibition, “Beauty” (1993), where a rainbow emerges in a darkened space. A major installations created specifically for the exhibition will utilize the cavernous space of MOT’s atrium. The activities of Studio Olafur Eliasson (SOE) are not limited to the production of artworks. Ideas and projects are developed through daily experimentation, collaboration and research. Sometimes the river is the bridge will integrate some of this process into the exhibition through a display of the studio’s recent research into new sustainable and biodegradable materials as well as recycling techniques.
Date: - Sun. 27 September, 2020
@ Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Closest Sta.: Kiyosumi-shirakawa Sta.
https://www.mot-art-museum.jp/en/exhibitions/olafur-eliasson/
Peter Doig
Painter of romantic, but uncanny landscapes, Peter Doig (b. 1959) has been named one of the most important artists in the world today. Doig produces paintings that combine diverse imagery from the compositions and motifs of works by modern painters such as Gaugin, Van Gogh, Matisse and Munch, to scenes from films, advertising graphics, and the landscapes of places he has lived, such as Canada and Trinidad.
Our mystical fascination with Doig’s paintings may be attributed to the artist’s use of images seemingly seen somewhere, to present worlds we have most certainly never seen. Inviting viewers on a journey of the imagination through painting, Peter Doig this long-awaited first solo exhibition by Peter Doig in Japan, covers the artist’s career from early work to latest offerings.
Date: - October 11, 2020
@ National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
Closest Sta.: Takebashi Sta.
https://topmuseum.jp/e/contents/exhibition/index-3452.html
What’s App With You?
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 24. 2020
BillGuard:
Take control of your finances with BillGuard for the iPhone. Money can be tough to earn and even tougher to save. With BillGuard, you can keep a close and tight grip on your expenses, tracking all your important financial information right from your iPhone. From the app, you can view all of your financial accounts in a single place, with several financial tools that will help you manage your money. BillGuard allows you to view your spending over time with attractive analytics, charts and diagrams with custom spending categories. See your spending each month and compete with how much you saved every time, so that you can lower your spending.
Chime:
Take your bank online with Chime - Mobile Banking for iPhone. Banking has gone the mobile way and thus is no reason for you to use the services of one for your financial security. Bank with Chime - Mobile Banking for iPhone. This is a mobile and online bank that has no hidden fees, no monthly fees, no minimum balance and no overdraft. You can also get your paycheck 2 days early when possible with direct deposit. Your saving will grow automatically when you use the app as your bank. Applying is hassle free as it takes just a couple of minutes of your time, free and that it would not affect your credit score. The app also features real time notifications, Apple Pay/Google Pay support, deposit checks, daily balance alerts and more. As a member, aside from the privilege of using the app, you will also get a Visa Debit Card, Spending account and an optional Savings Account. There is also access to 38,000 fee free ATMs with Visa Plus Alliance and Moneypass and that you cam block the card in app as well.
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 24. 2020
Don’t want to leave your shed?
As far as face coverings go, a man wearing a shed on his head is one of the more bizarre looks you're likely to come across when you pop to the shops. But for this man, the miniature garden structure is not a response to the coronavirus pandemic but "a way of life". He made headlines at the start of lockdown after shoppers at Aldi in Bristol photographed and filmed him queuing to get in, doing his shopping and paying at the checkout, as reported by Bristol Live. The glare of the cameras is nothing new for the local celebrity, who previously drew attention when he strolled through the city with a shed on his head playing loud techno music, flashing disco lights and spouting flames from the chimney. He says "I don’t walk around Bristol with a shed on my head, I walk around Bristol, and that’s it. These people just can’t look past the shed sometimes.” Might be a bit hard for people to look past the shed when your head is literary inside it…
Always Ask for ID!
On TikTok, one 18-year-old said she used baby powder in her hair and tucked some into a scarf to make her look 'matronly'. Complete with sunglasses and face covering, she managed to buy a bottle of wine without being challenged. She added that if she had been challenged to provide ID, she would have "said I had forgotten it in the car and left the store." Another viral hit shows a girl of unknown age apply her costume in her bedroom before driving to a shop. Accompanied by pals, she puts on an OAP mask from a costume shop, with fake hair that covers her face. Her mates film her secretively as she walks through the shop, mimicking the frail gait of an elderly lady. She emerges victorious with a shopping bag packed with tins of booze, as her friends laugh excitedly. In a time where most people are wearing masks, staffs always need to ask for ID when selling alcoholic beverages!
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.
BAUHOUSE
Private furnished rooms in Roppongi, Akasaka, Azabu-Juban etc.
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 JULY 24. 2020Olafur Eliasson: Sometimes the river is the bridge
Influenced by our complex relationship to nature, Eliasson’s installations often use natural phenomena − such as light, water and mist − to heighten our understanding of the way we perceive and co-produce the world around us. At MOT, visitors are invited to view the artist’s earliest work in the exhibition, “Beauty” (1993), where a rainbow emerges in a darkened space. A major installations created specifically for the exhibition will utilize the cavernous space of MOT’s atrium. The activities of Studio Olafur Eliasson (SOE) are not limited to the production of artworks. Ideas and projects are developed through daily experimentation, collaboration and research. Sometimes the river is the bridge will integrate some of this process into the exhibition through a display of the studio’s recent research into new sustainable and biodegradable materials as well as recycling techniques.
Date: - Sun. 27 September, 2020
@ Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Closest Sta.: Kiyosumi-shirakawa Sta.
https://www.mot-art-museum.jp/en/exhibitions/olafur-eliasson/
Peter Doig
Painter of romantic, but uncanny landscapes, Peter Doig (b. 1959) has been named one of the most important artists in the world today. Doig produces paintings that combine diverse imagery from the compositions and motifs of works by modern painters such as Gaugin, Van Gogh, Matisse and Munch, to scenes from films, advertising graphics, and the landscapes of places he has lived, such as Canada and Trinidad.
Our mystical fascination with Doig’s paintings may be attributed to the artist’s use of images seemingly seen somewhere, to present worlds we have most certainly never seen. Inviting viewers on a journey of the imagination through painting, Peter Doig this long-awaited first solo exhibition by Peter Doig in Japan, covers the artist’s career from early work to latest offerings.
Date: - October 11, 2020
@ National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
Closest Sta.: Takebashi Sta.
https://topmuseum.jp/e/contents/exhibition/index-3452.html
What’s App With You?
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 24. 2020BillGuard:
Take control of your finances with BillGuard for the iPhone. Money can be tough to earn and even tougher to save. With BillGuard, you can keep a close and tight grip on your expenses, tracking all your important financial information right from your iPhone. From the app, you can view all of your financial accounts in a single place, with several financial tools that will help you manage your money. BillGuard allows you to view your spending over time with attractive analytics, charts and diagrams with custom spending categories. See your spending each month and compete with how much you saved every time, so that you can lower your spending.
Chime:
Take your bank online with Chime - Mobile Banking for iPhone. Banking has gone the mobile way and thus is no reason for you to use the services of one for your financial security. Bank with Chime - Mobile Banking for iPhone. This is a mobile and online bank that has no hidden fees, no monthly fees, no minimum balance and no overdraft. You can also get your paycheck 2 days early when possible with direct deposit. Your saving will grow automatically when you use the app as your bank. Applying is hassle free as it takes just a couple of minutes of your time, free and that it would not affect your credit score. The app also features real time notifications, Apple Pay/Google Pay support, deposit checks, daily balance alerts and more. As a member, aside from the privilege of using the app, you will also get a Visa Debit Card, Spending account and an optional Savings Account. There is also access to 38,000 fee free ATMs with Visa Plus Alliance and Moneypass and that you cam block the card in app as well.
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD JULY 24. 2020Don’t want to leave your shed?
As far as face coverings go, a man wearing a shed on his head is one of the more bizarre looks you're likely to come across when you pop to the shops. But for this man, the miniature garden structure is not a response to the coronavirus pandemic but "a way of life". He made headlines at the start of lockdown after shoppers at Aldi in Bristol photographed and filmed him queuing to get in, doing his shopping and paying at the checkout, as reported by Bristol Live. The glare of the cameras is nothing new for the local celebrity, who previously drew attention when he strolled through the city with a shed on his head playing loud techno music, flashing disco lights and spouting flames from the chimney. He says "I don’t walk around Bristol with a shed on my head, I walk around Bristol, and that’s it. These people just can’t look past the shed sometimes.” Might be a bit hard for people to look past the shed when your head is literary inside it…
Always Ask for ID!
On TikTok, one 18-year-old said she used baby powder in her hair and tucked some into a scarf to make her look 'matronly'. Complete with sunglasses and face covering, she managed to buy a bottle of wine without being challenged. She added that if she had been challenged to provide ID, she would have "said I had forgotten it in the car and left the store." Another viral hit shows a girl of unknown age apply her costume in her bedroom before driving to a shop. Accompanied by pals, she puts on an OAP mask from a costume shop, with fake hair that covers her face. Her mates film her secretively as she walks through the shop, mimicking the frail gait of an elderly lady. She emerges victorious with a shopping bag packed with tins of booze, as her friends laugh excitedly. In a time where most people are wearing masks, staffs always need to ask for ID when selling alcoholic beverages!
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. BAUHOUSEPrivate furnished rooms in Roppongi, Akasaka, Azabu-Juban etc. |
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
