You Should Know

The Complete Guide to Enjoying Fireworks in Japan

spinshell — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:38:53 +0000

Every summer, thousands of fireworks transform the night sky into a dazzling array of kaleidoscopic colors at one of the many Hanabi Taikais or fireworks displays that take place throughout Japan.

The word for fireworks in Japanese is hanabi, which translates as fire-flowers. Originating in the Edo period, fireworks were used as part of the celebrations at the summer festivals that honor different deities that are believed to protect the Japanese people. Since then, these fireworks displays have grown into a major spectator sport for the Japanese who will dress up in yukatas, or traditional lightweight Japanese kimonos, and camp out hours in advance just to secure a prime viewing spot for the pyrotechnic extravaganza.

In order to make the most out of the major fireworks festivals in and around the Tokyo area, here are some helpful tips that every fireworks aficionado should take note of.

1. Choosing the right venue:

There is at least one, if not more, major fireworks festival every weekend throughout the summer, making the decision to select which one to go to somewhat daunting. When choosing which fireworks display to attend be sure to research a bit in advance and find out how many fireworks will be displayed, which will help gauge the scale of the event. For the latest up-to-date information on the various fireworks show click here. Please remember that the festivals with the most number of fireworks, such as the Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Festival, are typically the biggest draw, which means they are also the most crowded.

2. Avoiding Crowds:

Though Japanese fireworks displays are renowned for being the most extravagant in the world, they are also equally as well known among the most crowded events around. As such, if you have a car, don’t take it. Instead, take public transportation. Not only is parking very difficult to find, but when you are trying to go home after the event, you will be stuck in traffic because of the massive crowds of people pouring out into the streets. After arriving via public transportation, in order to avoid being crushed in the throng of revelers pushing their way forward trying to get a better view, there are several things you can do. If you can, arrive several hours early and explore the neighborhood where the fireworks show is to take place. Try to book reservations well in advance at a nearby restaurant that has a view or, if the fireworks are being launched by a river or beach, check to see if you are able to get reservations on a boat. For instance, one opulent way to obtain a private bird’s eye view of the Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Festival is to watch it from a yakatabune, which is an old-fashioned Japanese houseboat (http://www.funasei.com/fsei_english.htm). This way, you will be able to observe the fireworks lighting up the night-time sky against the backdrop of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower while dining on tasty tempura.

3. Securing a good seat:

If, on the other hand, you would prefer to join the thousands of people watching from the streets to experience an authentic Japanese hanabai takai up close, there are several items you should bring to make sure you have a great night out.

Purchase entry tickets and arrive well in advance: Check if you have to pay an entrance fee to get into the nearby grounds. For instance, you can buy tickets for a reserved seat in the Meiji Jingu Gaien Sports ground for the Jingu Gaien Fireworks.
Bring a folding chair or a plastic sheet to sit down on.
Take along some drinks since it may be difficult to make your way to a refreshment stand or vending machine.
Insect spray is a must bring item since most of the firework displays take place near or on water.
Purchase your return train ticket beforehand to avoid having to stand in the long lines after the festival is finished.
Bring a hand fan to cool yourself if there happens to be no breeze
Ask the locals where the best place to observe the fireworks is since they are knowledgeable on where the best spots are. Also, it is better to avoid being in the direction of the wind since the smoke from the fireworks could cloud your view.
Try to avoid sitting by the stands and street lights since they can obscure your view.

4. Yukatas

The term yukata comes from the word “yu” or bath and “katabira” or underclothing. Originally donned thousands of years, by the Japanese nobility after bathing, currently yukatas are a popular piece of clothing worn by men, women and children attending the fireworks festivals. Unlike kimonos, which are made of silk, yukatas are made of lightweight cotton and can be found in an astounding array of colors and patterns that will suit even the most trendy and fashion forward fashionistas. It takes a little practice to wear the traditional garb properly as it is wrapped around the body and then intricately tied into place by a matching obi or belt, but with a bit of trial and error even a complete novice can master the technique. Yukatas range in price and can be found in high-end department stores and specialized boutiques as well as large retailers such as Uniqlo. Also, if you wish, wear geta, traditional wooden sandals, to go with your yukatas. Geta too can be purchased at the previously mentioned places.

Whether, you are planning to attend a Japanese fireworks festival for the first time or are a regular visitor to the hanabi scene, by following these simple tips you will be able to increase your enjoyment of this traditional Japanese pastime. Have a happy fire-flower viewing summer!

Written by Erika Wiseberg

Jet Lag: Circadian Rhythms Are Not Dancing Locusts!

spinshell — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:21:09 +0000

That’s circadian, not cicadas. Circadian rhythms are basically the daily cycle everyone goes through. Wikipedia calls them; “a roughly-24-hour cycle in the biochemical, physiological or behavioural processes of living beings”.

These tend to get all out of whack when jet lag kicks in and makes you fall asleep on your keyboard at work, the day after returning from that trip of a life time. Anyone whose experienced jet lag knows what a drag it can be. Though variable between individuals, the general recovery period for jet lag is supposed to be one day for each time-zone crossed during the flight. Lots of home remedies are out there, but none are deemed truly effective. However, there are some things you can do to minimize the effects:

1. Go along with the local meal and bedtime schedules to get into a new daily routine.

2. Avoid over-eating, eat small meals more often and include lots of fruits and vegetables.

3. Get enough sleep before you leave.

4. Exercise as much as you can both while on vacation and when you get back.

5. If you do use, don’t overuse sleep medications. 2 days usage max.

6. Avoid excessive drinking (we realize that this last one may be tough…but try.)

These won’t stop jet lag, but they might help you recover a little quicker and prevent you from being face down, snoring at your desk upon your return.

Story by Agoda Company, http://www.agoda.com

Agoda (agoda.com) is an online hotel reservations service which specializes in securing the lowest discount hotel prices in Asia. Agoda is part of Priceline.com (Nasdaq:PCLN). Agoda’s network includes 8,290 hotels in Asia and more than 49,700 worldwide. The staff of over 300 professionals, located throughout Asia, provides a first-rate reservation service that uniquely combines local knowledge and local connections to provide the best hotel deals to both business and leisure travelers.

In addition, Agoda customers participate in the Agoda Rewards Program, earning further discounts and free stays. Unlike programs that limit travelers to a single chain, the Agoda Rewards Program allows customers to redeem Rewards Points at thousands of hotels around the globe, at any time. A member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Agoda’s aim is to promote travel by making it more affordable and more accessible to more people.

Travel Tips: Terminally Lost

spinshell — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:29:33 +0000

As the number of air travelers continue to grow, so do the size and complexity of the world’s airports. If you’re like us, you like visiting new airports, checking out the amenities and indulging in some duty free shopping…or a lot of duty free shopping. But if you’re also like us, you’ll get off the plane after a 13-hour flight, sleepy-eyed, disheveled and disoriented with about 30, panic-filled minutes to find the connecting flight at the other end of the airport. So here’s our tip and it’s brilliant in its simplicity…check out the airport before you land, relax and save yourself some time.

Some airlines will post advertisements/directions on the flight prior to landing so keep an eye open for them. Or better yet, check out the airport’s website, print off the map and keep it with your travel documents before you take your trip. Not sure of the website, check out http://www.airlinequality.com/Airports/AirportA-Z.htm. It lists the websites of most airports around the world.

Story by Agoda Company, http://www.agoda.com

Behind the Curtain: Getting Upgraded to First Class

spinshell — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:10:00 +0000

First, are you sure you want to get upgraded? Think about it carefully, because once you’ve tasted the good life, it’s nearly impossible to go back. But if you do want to try for that free upgrade, here are a few suggestions:

Dress nice and look good. Yeah, we know how nice it is to relax in sweatpants and a hoodie on those long flights, but it’s the truth. Airlines want first class to look first class, so dress the part and leave the jeans and Ozzy t-shirt packed away.
Ask. Obvious isn’t it? And generally you’re going to get a big fat “No”, but if they’re overbooked and the only available seats are in first class, you want to be on their radar when they look for people to move.
Take advantage of special days. If it’s your birthday, honeymoon, anniversary mention it to the service agents. You may catch them in a good mood (note: good moods tend to be rare).
Become a frequent flyer member. They’re generally free to sign up and airlines will reward return customers.
Be nice. It’s amazing how far a smile goes. Be nice to everyone you encounter and get to know them (don’t stalk or annoy them, just make polite conversation). If you make an impression, they’ll remember you when the time comes.

Story by Agoda Company,

http://www.agoda.com

Are You Single in the City?

spinshell — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:20:15 +0000

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In this week’s report we take a look at what the dating scene is like here in Tokyo and some places and ways to meet new people around town. We’ll also explore some Japanese dating traditions you may be interested in trying, and give advice for those serious about meeting the one.

Tokyo is a city that never sleeps and you’ll find there’s something on every night. If you want to meet new people head to places where you have to stand up and mingle. Some popular choices in Roppongi include Feria in the Grace building, 57, Geronimo Shot Bar, and Heartland.

Stacy Powell, Freelance Actress in Tokyo

For nightlife, here are few places I recommend. If you are a jazz fan, The New York Grill at the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku. It’s a little high-priced but worth it if you are looking for good music. The Roppongi Grand Hyatt is also nice, and is a little bit more mellow (compared to the Park Hyatt). We are at Roppongi Midtown’s A971, which has become a hot spot for meeting new people in the last year. I also recommend Fujimamas in Omotesando/Harajuku for something more low-key. They do every kind of event, from wine parties to beer tastings and Hawaiian Luaus. This is a great way to meet new people and network in Tokyo.

Speed dating is another option, if you’re after more than just a friend. The benefit of these mini dates is that each is only 5 minutes long. If the person is not your type you won’t have to worry about awkward lulls in conversation and can move on with your evening.

The Tokyo Speed Dating group run speed dating events on the first and third Saturday of the month at the Quest in Roppongi (at the time of writing, check website for up-to-date information). Over the course of the evening each person gets 15 or more 5-minute mini dates for the price of ¥3,500.

Every two months, the foreign social group Tokyo Gaijins runs a casual single event at Propaganda. Each event is capped off at 40 guys and 40 girls.

Ricky, Owner/Event Organizer, Tokyo Gaijins

We don’t want to have only Japanese (and no foreign) girls joining the Tokyo Gaijins singles party. I try to have at least 10 foreign women attending. We don’t want the typical Japanese-women-and-white-foreign-men-only singles party. We charge ¥3000, which includes 2 drinks, unlimited tequita shots and pizza.

If you prefer to specify your taste in a mate, try taking out a classified ad online or in your local magazine. The classified section of Metropolis, a free weekly English magazine, offers free ad space for singletons of all persuations.

If you want to try something different, take out a podcast personals. Call the Tokyo Metpod at 050-5532-5874 (in Japan), leave a message about yourself, what kind of person you’re looking for and your contact information, and when they on-air your ad, listeners who like what they hear can contact you.

Internet dating site Match.com is a way to find that special someone within the privacy of your own home. Late on love? Don’t fret–over half of the 840,000 Match.com Japan members are aged between 30-39 years old.

Japan also has its own methods of bringing potential couples together, for example through a gokon or an omiai kekkon (arranged marriage) party.

A gokon, which is a kind of group date, is a casual night out where an equal number of guys and girls get together to drink, eat and socialize in a relaxed environment. The organisers, who are often colleagues or friends, invite suitable people to join. The night often begins with casual dining and if things go well, things may proceed to round two – the nijikai – and involve a few tunes at karaoke or dancing. The idea is for the sparks to fly between at least some of the members of the small group.

Arranged marriage may be a bit too traditional for many, but it is still practiced in some circles in Japan. If you’re in the city and serious about getting hitched, there’s always the option of an omiai kekkon party – an arranged marriage party.

Similar to speed dating, an omiai party is for serious marriage contenders.

Japanese women can join a “celebrity omiai party,” where men from well-paid professions, such as doctors, lawyers, or pilots, attend. The Japanese Nakodo Association offers “high class” parties, where your income determines whether you can join or not. In addition, if you are a man, the older you are, the more you have to pay to join. Women don’t get off easy either and need a college education to take part.

People can shop around for which omiai party style suits them, whether by age, income or profession. Attendees are typically Japanese but some parties introduce foreigners, of both genders, to those looking for an international spouse. There are also a number of websites offering marriage introductions, such as Meet Japan Lady and Transpacific Marriage Agency both of which are focused on matching foreign men with Japanese women who are looking for long-term commitment.

Whether you are looking to have fun, make new friends or find a life-long partner, remember not get too caught up in common misconceptions about dating in Japan.

It’s been said that if you are a foreigner in Tokyo, it’s the best place to be a single male and one of the worst places to be a single female. All in all I think people who come here come back several times in their life because they fall in love with the city.

It’s been said that if you’re a foreigner here in Tokyo…probably the best place if you’re a guy…worst place for women…exceptions to the rule… come back because they fall in love with the city.”

To learn more about these events and more, check out our events page.

Quotes may have been slightly altered for print. For the accurate quotations, please refer to the video.

Story by Karryn Cartelle
All Rights Reserved, Spinshell Inc.
Spinshell Reports are three minute episodes of useful information about visiting and living in Japan.

AIDS in Japan

spinshell — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:34:29 +0000

In 2007 approximately 33.2 million people around the world were living with HIV or AIDS, with the largest percentage of cases being in Africa. Despite attempts to contain this global epidemic the numbers continue to grow, with Japan being no exception.

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In 2006, Japan reached an all time HIV and AIDS high with 952 cases of HIV being reported and 406 AIDS cases. Since 1996 cases have continued to rise here and the increase in newly reported AIDS cases is a phenomenon that is not seen in any other first world country. The general public has long thought of AIDS as an overseas problem, not a domestic one, but the statistics can no longer be ignored.

Medicine that slows the progression from HIV to AIDS has enabled other developed countries to decrease the AIDS number. But over the past few years in Japan about 30% of people with AIDS were discovered without prior diagnosis of HIV. This rise is thought to be the result of lacking early detection.

Most infections were through sexual contact. Although the rate of condom use in Japan is high, awareness of the risks when you don’t use one remains low, especially among youth.

Campus AIDS Interface is a group of volunteers who provide free take-home STD test kits for people under 25. They have a small orange van they often park around Tokyo at parks, at major markets – such as the Earth Day Markets – and at music festivals. Test kits can be picked up from the van and your results are anonymously sent in. A few weeks later you can check the outcome online through a number system.

In 2007, on the streets of Shibuya, a group trying to raise STD awareness “Stop! STD o Kangaeru Kai” conducted a revealing STD survey. Of the 466 Japanese high school students and teenage high school graduates surveyed one out of 17 had contracted an STD. 80% knew what an STD was, but only 20% knew correct information about them. Only half of the participants were aware that AIDS was spreading among young people.

To help the public grasp the situation, and deal with it once diagnosed, the government and local NPOs have undertaken a number of measures.

The Japanese Foundation for AIDS Prevention has a 24 hour pre-recorded support line, which provides general information about AIDS, counseling, and information about services such as testing and treatment. All information is available in Japanese, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Chinese, Korean, and Tagalog.

Free anonymous testing has been made available at the public health center of each ward. You will need to call in advance as test dates and times are limited.

NPOs, like Oxfam Japan, Africa Japan Forum, and Share, have been drawing attention to the issue of AIDS in Japan and abroad. The G8 summit, held in July 2008, was the perfect opportunity to raise issues of global health with both members of the Japanese public and the World leaders who took part in the meeting.

NPOS, like the ones mentioned, hold a number of events throughout the year to increase knowledge of the situation and generate funds for their efforts.

One of the most well known is World AIDS Day, held on December 1st each year. Around the world, the theme of the day is leadership and the event aims to create global consciousness of the situation. Volunteers from the Japanese group, World AIDS Day Series (WADS), will be handing out leaflets about HIV/AIDS near busy stations and also giving lectures at High Schools about the epidemic. In 2008, they also plan to focus on letting more people know about the free HIV/AIDS testing available at public health centers. Check out their official website, closer to the day, to see what other events they have going on.

If you want information in English try popular blogs like that of Tokyo-based nonprofit NGO consultant, Sarajean for up-to-date English information about events like World AIDS Day.

Japan’s statistics clearly show the situation here is worsening and this dilemma is one that can no longer be dismissed as another country’s problem.

Story by Karryn Cartelle
All Rights Reserved, Spinshell Inc.
Spinshell Reports are three minute episodes of useful information about visiting and living in Japan.

Finding Funnies in Tokyo

spinshell — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:02:41 +0000

Tokyo’s comedy scene may not be as booming as that of other major cities, but don’t let that deter you from finding some English comic relief. Within Tokyo’s growing international community there are some devout English-speaking comedians plying their trade in the city’s pubs and passing on their knowledge to those who are looking for a foot in the door of Tokyo’s comedy world.

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The Tokyo Comedy Store is at the core of the foreign humor scene here. They have two different English shows each month and one show a month where they perform western style humor in Japanese.

The Comedy Store’s Tokyo Cynics group puts on an hour of stand-up comedy at The Baron in Nishi Azabu one Friday a month. Entrance is free and you get a good taste of different jokes from well-established comedians and budding newbies.

The Tokyo Cynics group is always open to new acts and if you’re interested at trying your luck at stand-up, contact comedian Dave Gutteridge:
(dave[at]tokyocomedy[dot]com)

“If you want to do stand up in Tokyo, get in touch with me, ask if you can do 5 minutes. I say “sure”. Come up here and do 5 minutes and see if you’ve got what it takes to make people laugh.”
Dave Gutteridge

If you’re interested in being a comedian or just want to try something new, try Chris Well’s weekly improv comedy workshops. Classes are held each Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at Realdear in Azabu Juban and each class costs 2,100 yen. The workshops attract a mix of everyone from professional actors to accountants and the class size averages at about 10 people. Unlike improv workshops abroad, Well’s fosters a non-competitive environment allowing people to give it a try and gain useful feedback in a low pressure situation.

As you gain experience you may be asked to perform with the official improv group at the Tokyo Comedy Store’s show often held at the live house, The Crocodile in Shibuya. Alternatively, you can get some more practice at the Improv-a-go-go night at The Pink Cow in Shibuya. The informal Pink Cow event is held every third Wednesday and is open to anyone who would like to try this comedy art form. And the show is free for those who just want to watch.

For those of us who like to leave it up to the professionals check out Tokyo Comedy Store’s monthly Crocodile show, also at The Crocodile in Shibuya. The show mixes improv performances from the group Spontaneous Confusion with some stand up comedy from regular comedians, including Dave Gutteridge, Kevin Cooney, Spring Day, Ken Suzuki, and more. At only 2,000 yen for two and a half hours of humor, the show makes for a great night out.

Another favorite among expats is The Punchline Comedy Club. Less frequent than Tokyo Comedy Store, the comedy trio only visits Japan about four times a year. Their shows fill up fast so if you’re after a bit of British and American comedy, with both cultures battling it out, join their mailing list to stay up-to-date with the tour schedule. Tickets are 6,500 yen for just the show and 8,500 yen for a pizza and pasta buffet dinner, two drinks, and the performance at Pizza Express in Harajuku.

If you want to learn more about Tokyo’s comedy scene take a look at Brian Anderson’s documentary Tokyo Comedy Store. Anderson takes a look at Western comedy in Japan as viewed by the foreign comedians who perform here. The film provides insight into the industry and gives a little taster of what you can expect at one of Tokyo’s English comedy shows. You can view a trailer for the documentary on YouTube.

If you’re looking for things to do, take a peek at our events page to stay updated with what’s happening in and around Tokyo.

Story by Karryn Cartelle
All Rights Reserved, Spinshell Inc.
Spinshell Reports are three minute episodes of useful information about visiting and living in Japan.

English Bookstores in Japan

spinshell — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:54:07 +0000

Finding English books keeps getting easier. Of course there’s Amazon which, with their “buy over ￥1,500, get it shipped free” policy, is perfect for ordering a specific title or late-night Internet shopping. But what if you want to browse the shelves a bit? Adjacent to Shinjuku Takashimaya, Kinokuniya carries a large selection of language, fiction and non-fiction books. Aoyama Book Center on Aoyama Dori offers eclectic art and design books. The same store operates ABC Outlet Roppongi with an impressive (for Japan) collection of discount English fiction, cook books, coffee-table books and children’s books. Another place to check out is Tokyo Random Walk in Akasaka, where bins of discounted coffee table books and calendars often line the sidewalk.

Other larger bookstores with an English books section are Logos Shibuya, Junkudo in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro and Maruzen.

Second-hand bookstores have increased in number in recent years, among them Good Day Books in Ebisu and Blue Parrot in Takadanobaba. A great place to pick up foreign magazines isTower Records Shibuya–their seventh floor bookstore offers them at the lowest prices we’ve seen in town.

Amazon Japan
URL: www.amazon.co.jp

Aoyama Book Center (Aoyama)
URL: www.aoyamabc.co.jp
Tel: 03-5485-5511
Station: Omotesando (metro exit B2)
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00
Closed: Sun, holidays

ABC Outlet Roppongi (2nd floor of Aoyama Book Center Roppongi)
URL: www.aoyamabc.co.jp
Tel: 03-3479-0479
Station: Roppongi (metro)
Hours: Mon-Sat, holidays 10:00-5:00/Sun 10:00-22:00

The Blue Parrot Bookshop
URL: www.blueparrottokyo.com
Tel: 03-3202-3671
Station: Takadanobaba (JR, metro exit 6)
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00-21:30

Good Day Books
URL: www.gooddaybooks.com
Tel: 03-5421-0957
Station: Ebisu (JR, metro exit 1)
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-20:00/Sun, holidays 11:00-18:00

Junkudo (Ikebukuro)
URL: www.junkudo.co.jp
Tel: 03-5956-6111
Station: Ikebukuro (JR)
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-22:00

Junkudo (Shinjuku)
URL: www.junkudo.co.jp
Tel: 03-5363-1300
Station: Shinjuku (JR east exit)
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00-21:00

Kinokuniya (Main Store)
URL: www.kinokuniya.co.jp
Tel: 03-3354-0131
Station: Shinjuku (JR, metro), Shinjuku-Sanchome (metro)
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-21:00

Kinokuniya (Takashimaya Times Square Building)
URL: www.kinokuniya.co.jp
Tel: 03-5361-3301
Station: Shinjuku (JR, metro)
Hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 10:00-20:00/Thurs 10:00-20:30

Logos Shibuya
URL: www.libro.jp/web/logos
Tel: 03-3496-7362
Station: Shibuya (JR, metro)
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-21:00

Maruzen (Marunouchi)
URL: http://mis.maruzen.co.jp/home/tenpo/maruhon.html
Tel: 03-5288-8881
Station: Tokyo (JR, metro)
Hours: Mon-Sun 9:00-21:00

Maruzen (Nihonbashi)
URL: www.maruzen.co.jp/home/tenpo/nihonbashi.html　
Tel: 03-6214-2001
Station: Nihonbashi (metro)
Hours: Mon-Sun 9:30-20:30

Shibuya Tower Records
URL: www.towerrecords.jp
Tel: 03-3496-3661
Station: Shibuya (JR, metro)
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-23:00
Closed: 4 days of the year, call to confirm

Tokyo Random Walk
URL: www.bookshop.co.jp
Tel: 03-5545-4593
Station: Akasaka-Mitsuke (metro Sanno exit)
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-22:00/Sat, Sun, holidays 11:00-20:00

(Bookstore information was accurate at the time of this article’s first publishing date. Confirm with each shop for the most up-to-date informatiotn.)

Live Music Venues

spinshell — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:49:55 +0000

By Emily Devan

Whether it’s the bouncy beat of a pop song, the grinding guitars of rock or the sweetly, sad vocals of a ballad, nothing releases the stress of life in the big city like a little live music. And, like all big cities, Tokyo has plenty to offer. The real problem is where to start. Here are five good bets.

Shibuya O
Buried in the backstreets of Shibuya, finding O can be a bit of a chore, but once there, finding something worth listening to is easy. The reason: O is not one hall but a complex of four. From tiny, bar-like O-Nest, to O-East, whose wide stage and tiered floor make even 1,100-person events intimate, O has all it’s bases covered. The acts are equally diverse. On same night, one might see a punk act ravaging O-Crest, whose low stage and 200-person capacity make it perfect for such mayhem, while a young songbird sings her heart out in O-West. Although most of the acts are Japanese, foreign musicians have been known to make appearances as well. To further sweeten the deal, the entire complex was redone in 2003 so the sound, lighting and amenities are all modern. The O is definitely worth the search.

Shinjuku LOFT
Most of Japan’s biggest and most admired rock acts have played a gig or two (or 20!) at Tokyo’s answer to Manhattan’s CGBG. Sprawling beneath the heart of the infamous Kabuki-cho, the 800-person LOFT boasts two bars, several lounges and, in one corner, the small, low main stage. Acts that have graced the stage include garage rock heroes Thee Michelle Gun Elephant, pop-punk superstars Ellegarden, alternative rock chart-toppers the pillows and, many, many others. Any night of the week you are guaranteed a no frills, no filler rock experience, while you absorb the club’s history in the battered walls, low ceilings and lingering scent of cigarettes. “LOFT is Rock!” declared the joint’s 30th anniversary campaign, and it’s hard to disagree.

Shibuya Club Quattro
While Japan’s music scene is one of the most-varied in the world, sometimes you want a little taste of home. One popular venue for foreign artists touring Japan is Club Quattro. Quattro’s location on the top floor a department store is not exactly inspiring, but once you enter its dark, neo-industrial confines, visions of sale rack after sale rack of sportswear are banished. The beauty of the wooden floor, extensive lighting and easily visible stage belie the venue’s nearly twenty years existence. On top of that, the venue’s 500-person capacity means you could be seeing a legendary act like Dinosaur Jr. in a much smaller venue than you could ever dream of back home.

Yoyogi Park
Of course listening to music cooped up in a black box is not to everyone’s taste, so on nice weekends, a stroll around the edge of Yoyogi Park might be just what the doctor ordered. While street musicians don’t come with guarantees in experience and charisma, the ones around Yoyogi Park tend to be a grade above what your brother and his friends sounded like in high school. This is perhaps due to the proximity of the Tokyo School of Music. To increase your listening pleasure there are always plenty of stalls selling food and a constant festival atmosphere in the area. So whether you prefer the bands that gather on the outskirts of the park or the pop groups that line the avenue across the street, Yoyogi Park is a great way to experience the raw zeal of Tokyo’s street scene and up-and-coming artists.

The Nippon Budokan
The 800-pound gorilla of Tokyo’s live venues, the Budokan is in fact primarily host to 300-pound wrestlers. But starting with the Beatles in 1966 this traditionally designed martial arts arena opened its doors to rockers and has been the stuff of musicians’ dreams ever since. Have you ever seen a “Live at the Budokan” recording? Yes, that was here. With a capacity around 14,000, the Budokan can hardly be called intimate, and newer venues might have more to offer in terms of faculties and sound. However, you are guaranteed a spectacle as artists, domestic and foreign alike, aim to inscribe their name into the legend of the Budokan.

No matter which of these venues you choose, make it a point this summer to experience Tokyo’s live music scene for yourself.

About The Writer:
Emily is a freelance writer and translator living in Japan and always heading to wherever the best music is.

Settling in to the City

spinshell — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:38:22 +0000

Moving country is not an easy task, especially when you’re downsizing from a western-sized place to a smaller Japanese apartment. With language barriers and the pressure of relocating countries to contend with, things can be a little stressful.

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International-moving companies, like Crown Relocations and Allied Pickfords, can take the hassle out of a move when shipping your belongings from abroad.

If you’re already here and are planning a local move, try Sekine or XPS Tokyo. Expect to pay around 10,000-20,000 yen per half or full day for a move. And if you want to further reduce the trouble, both companies can pack your place up… for an extra fee.

Once you’ve settled in to your new place there’s a bit of paperwork you must remember to do. First of all you need to register your move with the foreign registration section of your local city office. This should be done within 90 days if you’re new to Japan or within 14 days if you are new to the area.

When moving places within Japan the post office will forward all your mail addressed to your old address to your new address for up to one year after the move. All you need to do is visit your nearest post office and complete the relevant paperwork.

If you’re looking for some items to furnish your home Tokyo has a selection of markets and private leaving sales to help you out. People selling or giving away goods list them in free magazines like Tokyo Noticeboard and Metropolis and online at sites like GaijinPot.

Looking for a Japanese touch to your place? Then visit the Oedo Antique Fair at the Tokyo International Forum. The fair is on every first and third Sunday of the month and runs from 9am to 4pm. Here you’ll find a selection of antiques including Japanese artwork, Japanese and European ceramics, and kimono and obi.

Now, with a roof over your head and goods to decorate it with it’s time to get your feet wet in the big sea of Tokyo.

Learning Japanese will help make life easier and more enjoyable. Japanese lessons typically cost between 4,000 and 6,000 yen for a private class and 1,000 to 2,000 yen for a group lesson. Among the schools in Tokyo, The Kai Japanese language school in Shin-Okubo is one well-priced option and has a very international, young vibe. UNITAS language school, in the same area, also has competitive fees.

If you’re after something closer to home there are a number of online databases listing language schools in Japan. Try the AIK group’s webpage to browse over 145 schools based in Tokyo.

Japanese apartments may be small but as your schedule starts to fill up you may want some help to keep things clean and organized. Whether you need a housekeeper, cook, babysitter, helper, or even a handyman, Chez Vous, a Tokyo-based domestic services company has all these services.

“One of the aims of our company is to make domestic services and staff accessible and available to the foreign community”

Lyndsey Hughes
Chez Vous Foreign Clients Coordinator

Another helpful service you may wish to call upon is The Tokyo English Life Line, known as TELL. They offer free anonymous phone counseling from 9am to 11pm every day as well as providing face-to-face counseling, and hosting workshops to help people settle in and feel at ease in the big city.

Making Tokyo feel like home may take a while. But taking advantage of the services mentioned above as well as trying to source all you need locally, rather than getting things sent from or done overseas, will help you settle into the city faster.