ALSO ONLINE AT WWW.WEEKENDERJAPAN.COM

VOL. 04 NO. 18 FREE SEP. 21 – OCT. 04 2007コミュニティー 　ライフスタイル 　ビジネス 　エンターテイメント

ESTABLISHED 1970 BY CORKY ALEXANDER

THE EU AND JAPANUNITED IN COMMON IDEALS

INVESTING IN EUROPE

QUICK GUIDE TO EUROPE FOR KIDS

EUROPEAN MUSIC IN TOKYO

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Are you aware of the truth and myths regarding human resources in Japan?

Try your hand at TMT's Japan True or False Test.

For further details and how to order books, please visit: www.tmt-aba.comTMT Inc. Ichiban-cho K.K. Bldg., 13-8 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0082 Tel. 03-3261-6471 Fax: 03-3221-0601 Email: info@tmt-aba.com

True or False Questions on Union and Staff Relations(a continuing series as excerpted from the book)

Japan True or FalseBy Thomas J. Nevins, Founder/CEO, TMT Inc.

¥20,000, US$200, 180;2004, soft cover, 620ptargeted at businesses,key points in Japanese

Executive SearchPersonnel Policy Consulting

How did you do?

Rules of Employment — Set-ups and Adjustments/Staff Reduction and Cost Saving

Programs/Problem Employee Solutions/Compensation and Benefits Design

and Change/Union and Staff Relations

T F

T F

T F

46. Just 2 people (even 1 person!) can start a union in Japan, supposedly requiring you to recognize it, negotiate with it. Such a union can also get relief from the Labor Relations Commission.

Your reaction:

47. It is illegal and an Unfair Labor Practice to make it clear that you as an employer wants to manage in a union free environment.

Your reaction:

48. When a union demands to meet for collective bargaining by a certain date you have to meet them by that date.

Your reaction:

The first couple of lines of Nevins’ answer are below. Continuing explanation is in the book.

46. Nevins’ answer: True. In my earlier books, the prevalent legal view was, and is, that a union should at least have two members, but in reality there are several cases

where a Labor Relations Commission (LRC) is allowing even a single employee the procedural relief of the LRC. Because these people are loners, and

there may be a majority union at the same company not backing them up, they do not have a very strong position. Nonetheless a company must be

adroit in defending its interests.

47. Nevins’ answer: False. If you are OK about managing with a union, you could remain silent on how you feel on this issue. There is a whole body of information and

convincing positions companies and their employees who don’t want unions can take advantage of. Using the right tactics and delivering the right

messages at all-employee meetings can maintain a union-free environment.

48. Nevins’ answer: False. You don’t have to meet them on or by the dates they give you. If it is the start of a new union, inevitably the letter is full of legalistic language

and threats that you will get into big trouble, and break “X” law if you do not recognize the union, and bargain with it in good faith. One could

possibly argue that to meet the union right away would show that you are confident and that their presence and legalistic bombastic language does

not scare you.

T F

T F

T F

True or False – Installment #14 (May 18, 2007)

40. The Labor Standards Office can make employers hire back someone who is terminated.Your reaction: T F __

Nevinsʼ answer: T ___ F _X_ No. The LSO can only really make sure an employer follows guidelines set in the statutes or the companyʼs Rules of Employment (ROE).

Nevinsʼ answer: T ___ F _X_

41. If you fire an older person you could easily have a problem with an age discrimination suit in Japan.Your reaction: T F __

Nevinsʼ answer: T F XIt is basically false, and it is surprising that Japan is so far behind the global standard on this. They have gradually been doing more with sex discrimination and equality. They are beginning to give guidance against age discrimination at point of hire, however, they continue to overwhelm-ingly pay people, and carry out staff reductions based on age.

42. If someoneʼs contract says they are paid at a certain level, the employer must continue to pay at that level.Your reaction: T F __

Nevins answer: T F XUnfortunately we have to say false, and that is because it is so difficult to fire people in this coun-try. It might make more sense to be able to de-hire someone rather than reduce their pay, but if a person is fighting the termination, unfortunately you are better off thinking pay reduction com-bined with a safety net severance package. Of course, contracts are contracts, and they should be honored as much as possible.

Autumn has arrived The management and staff of

NATIONAL AZABU and NATIONAL Den-en Supermarkets would like to wish you all the best in one of the nicest times

of the year here in Japan.

Halloween is just around the corner.Supplies are limited, so shop early for the best selection.

Come and join our point card program*for many benefits including special prices.

Too tired or too busy to go shopping?Give us a call regarding our delivery service. Our international, multi-lingual staff can help you with your shopping needs.

* Please contact the store for more information regarding National Supermarkets point card and delivery area.

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKSTORE HOURS 9:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M.4-5-2, Minami-AzabuMinato-ku, Tokyo

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In this issue we celebrate the 50th anni-versary of the EU. We focus on the close

relations that have been created between the EU and Japan over the years and how we, as individuals, can benefit from the ef-forts of the EU Commission to Japan.

We profile three international musicians in Tokyo that bring a European flavor to the music scene with a little chanson, Italian ac-cordion and Spanish guitar. Staying European, Christine Cunanan-Miki dines at Beacon—Omotesando’s newest eatery, and Karin Ling introduces the French Wine Tasting Club.

St Maurs International School establishes a new French Section at the school and PAL In-ternational School explains the secrets of suc-cess, ten fruitful years after its inauguration.

Helen Bottomley, Managing Editor

04 Feature The EU and Japan—United in Common Ideals

06 Movie Plus Oceans 13 and The Good Shepherd

07 Music European Sounds in Tokyo

08 Fine Dining Beacon in Omotesando

09 Diversions Mario Brunello and New World of Drama

10 Investments / IT Investing in Europe and Tokyo Game Show

11 Business Ten Successful Years at PAL International School

12 Kids St. Maur’s French Section/Sponge Bob/Exploring Europe

14 Sports F1 and Highland Games

15 Partyline

18 Crossword

FOUNDED IN 1970 BY MILLARD H. “CORKY” ALEXANDER

PUBLISHERCaroline Pover

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERRajiv Trehan

MANAGING EDITORHelen Bottomley

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTSDanielle Tate-Stratton, Marie Teather

TRAVEL & SOCIETY EDITORBill Hersey

FINE DINING EDITORChristine Cunanan-Miki

DIVERSIONS EDITOROwen Schaefer

DESIGN and LAYOUT Karin Ling

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Stephen Young

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kieron Cashell, Julia Maeda

CONTRIBUTORS Emily Downey, Robert Estel, Phil Gibb, Gilles Gaury, Victoria Hall, M. Halliday, Karin Ling, Ulara Nakagawa,

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A T A G I N G T P

7 8

S C H O O L C A R E E R

T P M S O A

9 10 11

S D A B A S E P R

12 13 14

T U T O R I T C H I L D

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P G E O G R A P H Y Y

M H L A

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D A Y C A R E E D U C A T E

R A M C

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S G R A D U A T E S P

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S T O R Y E T R O G U E

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R A A D I E U N P

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M S S P O R T T S

Answers from Crossword #11 (Weekender Sep 3)

VOL.04 NO.18 FREE SEP. 21 – OCT. 04 2007THINGS TO DO

Sunday, Sep 23

Monday, Sep 24

Tuesday, Sep 25

Wednesday, Sep 26

Thursday, Sep 27

Friday, Sep 28

Sunday, Sep 30

Monday, Oct 1

Tuesday, Oct 2

Wednesday, Oct 3

Thursday, Oct 4

Friday, Oct 5

Saturday, Sep 22 Saturday, Sep 29Explore some of the lesser-known white wines of the world at Fujimama’s Saturday Wine School. 3pm–5pm. ¥2,500. Sign up at info@fujimamas.com

Swing your way over to Marunouchi for the last day of the Tokyo Jazz Fes-tival. From 4pm. Maru-nouchi Builidng 1F. Tel. 03-5218-5100 www.tokyo-jazz.com

Last chance to see the best illustrators in Ja-pan at the Super Japan Illustrator’s Festival. 11am–7pm. Makuhari Messe. Tel: 03-5297-6251. www.artjeuness.net

Make new friends at Tokyo American Club Women’s Group “Get Acquainted Coffee”. Tokyo American Club, Main Building 3F. 10am. Tel. 03-3224-3691.

Aloha! Hula over to Fujimamas’ Hawaiian End of Summer Blast for great food, entertainment and fun! Buffet and three drinks ¥3,500/per-son. Limited spaces; book yours at info@fujimamas.com

Attend the JMEC 14 program information ses-sion to learn how you can strengthen your business skills through a business plan compe-tition. Register at www.jmec.gr.jp/brochure 7:30–9pm. Temple University, Mita Hall, Room 503. www.jmec.gr.jp

Understand the grape vari-ety of wines at the French wine tasting club. ¥8,900. 7:30pm. Advanced reser-vations at www.wineandcooking.info. Also see page eight for more details.

Enjoy a parade, dance festival, jumbo fire-lighting tug of war contest, awaodori dance, and more at the Hadano Tobacco Festival. Hadano Station on the Odakyu line. Tel. 0463-82-5111 for more details. http://navi.city.hadano.kanagawa.jp/foreigners/english/gyouji.html

Join the 10th Skills Build Forum sponsored by People for Social Change. The day will feature two workshops and panel discussions. Find out what you can do to make a difference. For more information email skillsbuild@gmail.com. http://people-for-social-change.blogspot.com

Take advantage of cinema day (¥1,000 entry) at Toho cinemas Roppongi Hills and watch Warner Bros’ new release No Reservations. www.tohotheater.jp/theater/roppongi/index.html

Meet fellow “Travelers with A Purpose” at the Pink Cow. Discuss upcoming trips with Habitat for Hu-manity and learn more about the Global Village. Every first Tues. of the month, 7pm. The Pink Cow, Shibuya. www.habitatjp.org/index_e.php

K1 World Max 2007 kicks off at Nippon Bud-kan, Kudanshita from 6pm. Tel. 03-3498-999. www.k-1.co.jp/k-1gp/btop.htm

View the largest collection of paintings ever to be displayed in Japan by the beloved Zen priest Sengai at Idemitsu Museum of Arts in Marunouchi. Tue.–Sun., 10am–5pm. ¥1,000 for adults, ¥700 for students. www.idemitsu.co.jp/museum/english/index.html

Get ready for the Halloween season; head to National Azabu and pick up all your Hallow-een goods and the next issue of Weekender…out today.

harvest festival of Mu-nich, Germany. This, Yokohama’s autumnal event, was started in 2003 in order to add excitement to the 150th memorial year of the opening of the Yokohama Port (2009).

Savor German beer and sausages while listening to German musicians play inside a huge tent propped up at the plaza in front of the Red Brick Warehouse.

For details on the event see: www.nihon-oktoberfest.com/yokohama/index.html (Japanese only)

Dates: Sep. 28–Oct. 8• Sep. 28 5pm–9pm • Sep. 29–30 11am–9pm• Oct. 1–5 12pm–9pm • Oct. 6–8 11am–9pm

Entrance fee: ¥200Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

www.yokohama-akarenga.jp

Oktoberfest is a two-week festival held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany during late Sep-

tember and early October. It is one of the most fa-mous events in the city and the world’s largest fair, with some six million people attending every year.

Should enjoying great German beer and fare to Ger-man entertainment be your thing, yet a trip to Germany for the weekend be out of the question, then head to Yoko-hama for the Yokohama Oktoberfest which emulates the

Yokohama Oktoberfest 2007

Polish Designer Skrzypczak Szymon was the proud winner of the competition to create a birthday logo to be used as the official symbol for the 50th an-niversary of the Treaty of Rome. The competition stipulated that the logo had to refer to the anni-versary and reflect the EU’s achievements—such as peace and prosperity—and its future, i.e. what kind of EU they want for future generations.

Speaking of his design, Skrzypczak explains, the word ‘together’ expresses in a simple and immediate way what was originally bound to the idea of Europe: not only politics, or money, or geographic bounda-ries, but most of all co-operation and solidarity. The different letters, using different typefaces, express the diversity in European history and culture, and are kept “together” by the meaning of the word itself.

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FEATURE

United in Common IdealsThe EU and Japan forge close ties through the EU Commission to Japan. By Danielle Tate-Stratton

Japan and the European Union (EU) share a combined population of roughly 620 million, good enough for

less than 10 percent of the world’s population, yet be-tween them are responsible for more than 40 percent of its GDP. Recognizing this combined power, the EU and Japan have been building a strong relationship since 1974, with the establishment of the Delegation of the European Commission to Japan. Enjoying full status as a diplomatic mission and represented by the Head of Delegation, Hugh Richardson, who is accorded all of the rights of an Ambassador, the EU Commission to Japan works to further highlight and strengthen the ties between these two entities. According to the commission, “Both the EU and Japan share the values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, and are committed to an open international economic system based on market principles. These common interests make the EU and Japan natural allies in their efforts to develop a stable multilateral political and economic system.” It is these similarities that help further a part-nership, which was officially strengthened in 1991, with the signing of the Joint Declaration on relations between the European Commission and its Member States and Japan in The Hague.

Now, as the EU celebrates 50 years since its incep-tion, it continues to work with Japan to support com-mon international and inter-governmental goals. This pact of cooperation has a history spanning 16 years—since 1991 when the first Joint Declaration was signed with the idea of opening up communication in order to work towards common goals held by the EU and Japan. In 2001, those goals, including the desire to pro-mote freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and the principles of a market economy were renewed with the 2001 Action Plan. In order to work towards these goals, several regular political meetings take place, including annual summit meetings and bi-annual meetings between the EU Troika (President of the Council of the European Union, the new High Rep-resentative for the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and the EC Commissioner responsible for CFSP) and Japan. The EU and Japan both work together to develop each other’s interests; for instance, Japan has

been investing in developing European nations such as Bosnia, while the EU has taken a vested interest in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The EU Commission to Japan also works to sup-port and promote the interests of EU businesses in Ja-pan (as opposed to Japanese businesses in the EU). For instance, until last year, the EU Commission ran a very successful program entitled “Gateway to Japan”, which helped small and medium sized European companies break into the Japanese market.

Despite being the second largest economy in the world, because of the tradition-steeped business cul-ture here, it is considered to be harder for foreigners to break into the market, something that this pro-gram aimed to help through campaigns targeting the Construction Materials, Environmental Technologies, European Fashion Design, Healthcare, Information & Communication Technologies, and Interior Lifestyle sectors. Assistance went to companies in the form of technology and trade fairs in Japan, as well as prepara-tion in Europe, financial and logistical support while in Japan, and follow up support for companies once in Japan. For European companies, these sector-specific trade fairs were a valuable way to make connections.

In fact, the third and final campaign concluded having put 1,070 companies from 24 member states into contact with potential business partners in Japan over the course of 38 events. Plans are afoot to reinstate the campaign in 2008 and

also to match European businesses with opportunities in Korea.

On a more individual level, the Executive Train-ing Program is geared towards individual businessmen from the EU looking to succeed in the Japanese busi-ness environment. The program started in 1979, and since its inception, over 1,000 businessmen have taken part in this comprehensive program which sees par-ticipants spend three months learning about Japanese business culture in either London, Paris, or Milan, be-fore embarking on six months of intensive language learning and cross cultural training at Waseda Univer-sity, with the goal of attaining JLPT level two or three. The program concludes with a three-month internship in a Japanese company. This has led to the develop-ment of several extended relationships. For instance, in his post-trip report, British water engineer David de Hoxar said that, “I expect that my time in Japan work-ing with MKK and learning about Japanese business

with 27 delegations making up the EU...[it] offers unparalleled diversity to Japan.

Santa Fe 2007 9/6/07 2:42:44 PM

Sep. 21 – Oct. 0� | Vol. 0� No. 18 | �

FEATURE

will lead on to a long and profitable relationship be-tween Southern Water and MKK.”

All program participants must be sponsored by a company with EU-ties, which has five or more em-ployees. For further information on how your EU-based company can get involved, visit www.etp.org. In addition to these longer-term programs, the EU-Ja-pan Centre for Industrial Cooperation (www.eujapan.com) offers a series of shorter, five–six day training seminars for EU-based professionals, both in Japan and the EU as well as the Vulcanus in Japan program which sponsors young engineering or science students from the EU and gives them the chance to partake in four months of language training followed by eight months of Japanese work experience.

Although those programs are aimed squarely at en-trepreneurs, the EU and Japan also offers a weeklong series of more general events each year. Coming un-der the umbrella of ‘EU-Japan Friendship Week’, the series of events is scheduled around Europe Day each May 9 and have grown to far exceed the one-week time frame. This spring’s events included EU Quiz Days at Chuo University, Lectures on the euro given by Dr. Günther Grosche, EU Film Days at the National Film Center, Tokyo, school enrichment programs, and talks and symposiums about Europe held across Japan. For more information about past events that were part of EU-Japan Friendship Week and to get information for next year as it becomes available, visit http://tinyurl.com/289ss3.

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A Brief History of the EU in Japan

Now boasting 27 member-states, the EU is a global force to be reckoned with. However, in 1959, when the first bilateral diplomatic seeds were planted, only a few member states were officially recognized. The his-tory of both the EU and its diplomatic ties with Japan is a short but impressive one; read below for a short overview of this diplomatic partnership.

1959: Japan’s Ambassador in Belgium is accredited as Japan’s first Representative to the three European Communities.

1974: Establishment of the Delegation of the Euro-pean Communities in Tokyo.

The Joint Declaration on relations between the EC and its Member States and Japan is signed in The Hague. (1st EC-Japan Summit)

1979: The Executive Training Programme (ETP) is set up by the European Commission.

1984: 1st EC-Japan Ministerial Meeting.

1986: The Commission launches its fellowship scheme

to enable young research scientists to work in Japanese research bodies and universities.

1987: The EC-Japan Centre for Industrial Coopera-tion is established in Tokyo.

1996: The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Coopera-tion is established in Brussels, Vulcanus programme is started.

2001: 1st EU-Japan Friendship Week.

2007: 16th EU-Japan Summit in Berlin.

Information from http://tinyurl.com/2xrj4q.

Inspired by the success of Friendship Week, sev-eral Cultural Institutes, open year round, have formed across Japan. Seven countries including Germany, the UK and the Czech Republic are spreading their coun-tries’ culture throughout Japan. Recently, the Goethe-Institut (Germany), in Tokyo, hosted modern day explorer Michael Martin, who discussed his incred-ible, multi-year journey and ensuing book through the Deserts of the Earth while showing hundreds of slides to a packed audience of people enjoying German beer and sausages. For a listing of the cultural insti-tutes located throughout Japan, visit http://tinyurl.com/3d85yg.

With 27 delegations making up the EU, and more being constantly added as they begin to meet the EU’s standards, known as the Copenhagen Criteria, which, in part, require countries to have a solid democratic government and a respect for human rights and the rule of law, the EU offers unparalleled diversity to Ja-pan. With a central body—The European Union Com-mission to Japan—governing and implementing a variety of programs based around entrepreneurship, science, art, culture, people to people exchange, and political policy, its easy to get involved. Whether you are looking to penetrate the Japanese market with your EU-based company, learn Japanese in a business-culture setting, or simply check out some traditional foods or cultures, the EU Commission to Japan is sure to have a relevant program. For more information, visit: http://jpn.cec.eu.int/home_en.php.

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Robert DeNiro at Toho-Towa’s The Good Shepherd premiere.

Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Marketing Manager of Film Distribution Miki Okai, ANA Board

member and Executive Vice President Shin Nagase, and Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Sen-

ior Vice President of Film Distribution Dick Sano, at Sony’s beautiful new offices.

EAST/WEST DOUBLE BILL BY M.HALLIDAY

MOVIE PLUS WITH BILL HERSEY

Warner Brothers brought in producer Jerry Wein-traub and super star, super cool, George Cloon-

ey to promote Oceans 13.George had a tremendous sense of humor and

when he first took the mike and told the press “I’m Brad Pitt. I just look a little older in person,” adding “just joking. Brad’s with his kids, Matt Damon’s work-ing and I won’t answer your questions!”

Jerry said Oceans 13 was a fun story, and it was nice having Al Pacino in the film. George cut in and said “Al really learned a lot about acting by working with me.”

When asked what scene he likes best, he said, “I like the love scene between Brad and myself, but that was cut out,” once again adding, “just joking”.

Jerry’s been coming to Japan for many years and worked with a mutual friend, Udo Artist’s Internation-al boss Seijiro Udo in bringing in legendary entertain-ers that included Frank Sinatra and Bob Dylan.

George said, “No there won’t be an Oceans 14. A sequel would just be too expensive to make, and oh by the way, I really wanted to look like Queen’s singer Freddie Mercury, and it was scary how close

I got!” The fun continued at the premiere at Rop-pongi Hills arena where a huge casino set created a very cool mood. Jerry and George both had noth-ing but raves for Warner Brothers Japan’s know-how and professionalism.

The two US sailors (see photos) who Warner Broth-ers invited for the red carpet premiere of Oceans 13, with Dan Smith and his ACTV crew agreed, it was a once in a lifetime great experience. Super star George Clooney took time out of his very busy schedule on the red carpet to talk to and shake hands with the sailors. Our world needs more of this.

Bobby De Niro was back in Japan, and this time he and his lovely wife brought three of their chil-dren and took time off to visit Hakone, Nara and Kyoto. Workwise Bobby did a press conference to promote the film The Good Shepherd for Toho-Towa. Bobby directed and co-stars in the film with one of Hollywood’s hottest young actors Matt Damon. The Good Shepherd will be released October 10.

Toho-Towa will also be releasing the universal film The Bourne Ultimatum in which Matt stars on Nov. 10.

Toshiro Mifune in the Macbeth role and Isuzu Yama-da as his wife, it is everything you would expect of Asia’s greatest filmmaker tackling the Western world’s greatest dramatist.

Although Sweden didn’t join the European Union until 1995 it was a Swede, in 1957, who was to complete that years greatest cinematic achievement (and easily the most iconic—check out Monty Python’s Meaning of Life or the second Bill and Ted film for two, of many, examples homage). Ingmar Bergman’s magnificent The Seventh Seal (or Det Sjunde inseglet as its known in Swe-den) is an existential tale of a wise knights attempt to outwit Death by beating him at chess. Set in the 14th Century during the time of the black death (plague) and starring the great Max Von Sydow; The Seventh Seal tackles all the big questions of human existence head on; cinematically superb and not without a sly humor, Bergman’s masterpiece is a reminder that films don’t have to be packed with computer generated im-ages to be stunning.

Humphrey Bogart died and Spike Lee was born but what films were people watching in 1957,

the year the European Union was formed? All-star blockbusters such as Around the World in 80 days, the James Dean epic Giant, and that ode to the stiff up-per lip of those perennial Euro-sceptics (the British) Bridge over the River Kwai were all massive in 1957.

Hidden amongst these technicolored spectaculars was the superb Sweet Smell of Success starring Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis—both outstanding, Curtis especially—they also acted as producers. One of the sharpest and most cynical screenplays ever to come out of America; the story of an all powerful newspaper columnist (Lancaster), based on Walter Wincell, and his acolyte (Curtis) still packs a punch today and, despite its poor box office showing, must have been a revelation in its year of release.

Meanwhile in Japan, Akira Kurasawa released his magnificent Kumonosu jo (US Throne of Blood) a reworking of Shakespeare’s Macbeth (just as 28 years later he would reinterpret King Lear as Ran). Starring

Oceans 13 star George Clooney with Warner Entertainment Japan President Bill Ireton

and his wife Charo.

ACTV’s producer Dan Smith, with superstar George Clooney and Staff

Sergeant Abifarin Scott at the Warner Bros’ Oceans 13 premiere.

Sep. 21 – Oct. 0� | Vol. 0� No. 18 | �

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Visit our Englishspeaking Dealers.

Sampling the Sounds of Europe in TokyoBy Ulara Nakagawa

French, Italian and Spanish are just some of the Eu-ropean flavors readily available for enjoyment in Ja-

pan. In this case, these varieties have more to do with pleasing the ears than the palate. Whether it is the Italian accordion, flamenco guitar, or jazzed up French lyrics that one might be craving, there are master mu-sic chefs right here in Tokyo, consistently serving up melodies to gratify.

Chanson, s’il vous plaitBruno Dimino is honored. The guitarist and vocal-ist continues to meet and collaborate with some of the “greatest jazz musicians” in the world, including those from America, Canada, Italy and Japan. His professional career has been prolific. In France and Europe alone he has played over 300 shows. Upon arriving in Tokyo in 2002, Bruno began immediately to perform in a French “Chanson pop” trio that has taken him all over the country and led to appearances on NHK.

Chanson is essentially any song sung with French lyrics, and Dimino’s unique form is the fusion of jazz and Latin music with French vocals. He describes the sound as “a feeling very close to smooth jazz and bossa nova…relaxing and fun”.

To further augment the international music scene in Tokyo, Dimino started up an event planning compa-ny with his wife two years ago. Rainbow Office books musicians to perform for various events and occasions around the country.

Bruno Dimino’s collaborative jazz performances can be experienced at the French Kitchen Bar in the Grand Hyatt Tokyo in Roppongi, Monday through Thursday from 7pm–9pm. www.tokyo.grand.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/lounges/index.jsp A detailed listing of Dimino’s various upcoming performances can be found at Rainbow Office’s website in English and Japanese: www.rainbowoffice.com

A side of accordion?It’s no surprise that Moreno Bussoletti was born near Castelfidardo, Italy. The region is considered to be the world capital of accordion making. Accordion player and pianist, Bussoletti boasts a degree in pianoforte from the Gioacchino Rossini Conservatory of Music, a diploma in accordion from the Edio Marchetti School, and training in jazz piano at the Testaccio School in Rome. But putting formal music training aside, Bussoletti explains that truly great musicians “play the music of their experiences”, and hopes that his music reflects the unique and varied per-sonal and musical journeys that he has chosen thus far. When performing, he feels that “it is the inside of me that is playing…my life is playing the music.”

Bussoletti’s music is jazz inspired, uplifting with a hint of melodrama; at any given performance, you might catch renditions of theme songs from The Godfa-ther or Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Bussoletti has just returned from Italy, where he has recorded a new accordion al-bum. Without missing a beat, he has booked solo and collaborative performances at various venues through-out the Kanto region this month.

Moreno Bussoletti can be seen performing as half of the accordion/violin duo “GLISSANDO” in the German Fair October Festival at the Restaurant Ocean Terrace in Yokohama Sep. 22–24. www.interconti.co.jp/yokoha-ma/restaurants/restaurants/ocean_terrace/index.html

For details on his many other upcoming events his official website can be visited at www.moreno bussoletti.eu

Sizzling Spanish-Japanese fusionJorge Diaz Rodriguez and Jun Kajitsuka are musical kin-dred spirits. The guitar/vocalists clicked upon meeting

at a Spanish live show in Tokyo over a decade ago and have been playing together as Tempo Vivo since. Their combined repertoire of ex-perience is practically intimidating. Rodriguez has appeared on Spanish television and per-formed for the Queen and King of Spain. Ka-jitsuka has made musical waves on the famous Japanese radio program Wakai Kodama and is recognized as one of the most prominent Lat-in-style musicians in Japan. Although Tempo Vivo draws from mainstream Spanish styles of music such as Salsa, Flamenco and Mariachi, it has its own unique sound whisch Kajitsuka terms “Spanish pop”. He adds, “listeners can interpret it as salsa or even rock and roll, but what’s important is that they have a good time

and that the music itself is embedded with strong feel-ing”. Hence Tempo Vivo’s philosophy is to combine the Spanish concepts of “alegria” and “emocion”, or joy and emotion to their music. There was certainly

an element of joy and emotion when Tempo Vivo per-formed at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo last month, to raise money for YMCA Japan. Their efforts helped to raise over one million yen to be put towards assisting physically challenged Japanese children.

The duo plans to perform at another charity concert on the 23rd of this month, to benefit the victims of the Peru earthquake. For additional information on this and other upcoming Tempo Vivo performances, the band’s website can be viewed at www.tempovivo.com or Mr. Rodriguez can be contacted directly for informa-tion in English or Spanish at: 090-5779-3133.

MUSIC

...there are master music chefs right here in Tokyo, consistently serving up melodies to gratify.

Bruno Dimino sings Chanson live in Tokyo.

Tempo Vivo combine joy and emotion in their music.

8 | Weekender

Tokyo MidtownPlaza B1F, E-B101-1, 9-7-3, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052

Tel: 03-5413-3065 E-mail: info@mpc-hotdog.com

www.mpc-hotdog.com

From 6pm to 10pmA

PPETIZERS

EVENING

Appetizers menu featuring: Shoestring Fries with Truffle Oil & Parmesan Cheese, Mix Cheese Plate, Marinated Mixed Olives, Sliced Italian Coppa, and more from ¥350 to ¥900

appetites. I had 200 grams of a very nice grade 1 An-gus sirloin, which was rubbed with cumin and cayenne pepper (an original rub) and then grilled to near perfec-tion. My husband ordered a filet, which I usually don’t touch, as it’s not fatty enough for me. But, Beacon’s version had that meaty taste that Japanese beef lacks; while being so tender that I actually offered to swap midway. Then, just to check out the seafood, we also had a hefty Tasmanian salmon, nicely salted and well grilled so that it was neither too dry nor too raw.

The assorted side dishes also left me happily full until Tuesday, since we ordered everything that caught our eye and ended up going home with several dog-gie bags as well. We especially loved the “garlic toast steak fries,” another Beacon original, and the grilled asparagus with goat cheese and walnuts. Meanwhile, their mashed potatoes were whipped with garlic for added depth and flavor. Everything raw was fresh and crunchy, whatever was fried arrived crisp, and any-thing boiled or simmered was not overdone.

Finally, one of the best reasons to visit Beacon is probably for a taste of their Tennoz Ale, which is brewed at the very popular T.Y. Harbor Brewery, a sister company. T.Y. Harbor is casual and fun, with outdoor dining and freshly brewed ale as its biggest attractions. At Beacon, however, you have the luxury of fine din-ing and the usual assortment of New World wines, plus incredibly drinkable ale on tap.

I had just finished writing this when my friend Beth called to discuss restaurant options for our Saturday night out. Coincidentally, her husband Bertrand had suggested Beacon—and after writing about their clam chowder and steaks, there was nothing better I could think of. We had the same ¥7,800 menu again, and everything was just as good as the first time. Even with a round of drinks and a nice bottle of New World red, our share of the bill came up to just under ¥25,000—which is a decent enough price for a good dinner in Omotesando.

FINE DINING BY CHRISTINE CUNANAN-MIKI

We’d heard about Beacon from our neighbors Bruce and Jane, who said it served good food at

fairly reasonable prices for a fancy restaurant in Omote-sando. Always on the lookout for a nice dinner option close to home, my husband and I booked a Sunday night table. “You’ll have a nice, quiet time,” the staff at Beacon told me. “It’s usually very lively all week. But Sunday evening is quite relaxing.”

We liked what we saw as soon as we entered. Styled as a modern American chophouse, the restaurant was dimly-lit, cozy and intimate—but not stiflingly so—with cascading gold lame curtains and window-side tables offering great views of the room but also enough pri-vacy. It’s really a toned down combination of Grand Hyatt’s Oak Door and the New York Grill of the Park Hyatt Tokyo, with the same Western-style servings and straightforward tastes. Chef David Chiddo has a string of successful ventures to his name and he has applied the same basic formula to each one: decent portions of good quality fusion food plus steaks and seafood, value for money, and a relaxing atmosphere that can take you from Sunday brunch to a noisy Saturday din-ner with friends. My husband, who prefers more subtle flavors, was prepared to pick at his food and watch me eat virtually all of the five-course meal we had ordered. However, he quickly turned enthusiastic after finish-ing most of the crab cakes we were supposed to share.

It’s not easy to find proper crab cakes in Tokyo. Many we’ve tasted are either too salty or oily, or else full of ex-tenders because crab is so expensive here. Beacon’s ver-sion was crunchy on the outside and filled with enough chunky strips of soft crab meat inside to make us check the menu prices again (¥2,200). Meanwhile, the Spanish tuna and avocado tartar with a dressing of sesame, chili, soy sauce, and ginger, was spicy, chewy and deliciously original. However, it reminded me more of Korean food, than of anything close to Southern Europe.

Another winner was the clam and bacon chowder, with herbs, potato cubes, celery stalks and chewy clams peeking out from under a thin blanket of cream drizzled with olive oil. It had just the right consistency so it was neither too thick nor too watery. Beacon serves this with homemade warm brown bread and butter whipped with honey—and just remembering this sweet and salty com-fort food pairing as I write is now making me hungry.

Beacon is also famous for its grilled meats, which come from Australia and are properly sized for Western

Beacon—Fine Food with Fine Ale

20 students attend each tasting, with regular participants from Japan, America, Britain, Australia, China, and Ko-rea. Though the talks are in English, handouts in French and Japanese translations are available on request.

To find out more about the club and to reserve, visit www.wineandcooking.info. Advance reserva-tion is crucial because Philippe, the organizer, usually buys his wines directly from French importers for the scheduled tasting.

The next lesson on Sep. 28 (7:30pm) features the region of Pro-vence in the South of France. Cost is ¥8,900 (with a discount for advance reservation). And as this next lesson just so happens to fall on Philippe’s birthday, students will be treated to champagne as the pre-dinner drink.

Do you enjoy an evening of fine dining but shift around in your seat when the wine list arrives? Do

you wish your wine knowledge extended beyond reds for meat and whites for fish? Deepening your under-standing of wine in a relaxed social setting is the mis-sion of the Tokyo-based French Wine Tasting Club.

For the past five years, the club has conducted month-ly tastings, each focusing on a different wine production region. Participants learn from a sommelier, who speaks on the qualities of the region and the factors that contrib-ute to the taste of its wines. Afterwards, participants sam-ple four wines, guided by a questionnaire that encourages them to form their own impressions.

The most valuable skill you will take away from these monthly gatherings is an understanding of ce-page, or grape variety, and how it defines the character of the wine. You will learn which grapes and tastes ap-peal to you and how to explore them further to deepen your personal enjoyment of wine.

Most of the attendees have little or no background in wines but simply a thirst for knowledge. An average of

The French Wine Tasting Club. By Karin Ling

Sep. 21 – Oct. 0� | Vol. 0� No. 18 | �

DIVERSIONS BY OWEN SCHAEFERBrunello’s Back

You may have missed Mario Brunello’s last concert in Japan. It took place at nine o’clock in the morn-

ing in the middle of June—at an altitude of 3,776 meters. At the top of Mount Fuji, the 47-year-old cel-list played a solo “concert” to greet the new day, for an audience of backpack-toting classical and con-temporary cello fans who braved un-seasonal snow and sore legs to follow him to the summit.

Born in Castelfranco, Veneto, Brunello was the first Italian to win at the prestigious Interna-tional Tchaikovsky Competition at age 26, and he’s been reaching new peaks in his career ever since. He has joined some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras and played under conductors such as Carlo Maria Giulini, Valeri Gergiev, Seiji Ozawa and Salvatore Accardo. Then in 1994, Brunello founded the Orchestra d’Archi Italiana, a group with a repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary.

But Brunello is no stranger to Japan, and regarded the experience on Fuji as something he has wanted to

do for many years. He visits Japan annually, makes regular appear-ances at the Tokyo Summer Fes-tival, has been named Principal Guest Conductor of the Tokyo Kioi Symphony, and has a devoted fan-base here.

The air may be less rarified in the Sumida Triphony Hall, the scenery less expansive, but the music will no doubt be doubly full. In this solo recital, Brunello plans to perform J.S. Bach’s Suite in D-minor for Cello and Cello Suite No.5 in C-minor, along with Giovanni Sollima’s Lamentato, and Zimmermann’s Four Short Studies for Cello.

Oct. 9. Sumida Triphony Hall. Kinshicho JR Station. ¥3,500–¥6,500. 7pm. Tel. 03-5465-0755. www.arion-edo.org

by absurdist playwright Eugene Ionesco, which fol-lows the senseless arguments of a couple trapped in their house as an undefined war rages outside. Then My Picture of You by Tokyo-based director and writer Claudia Hamann follows what happens when the image we build for ourselves of someone close to us is altered, and two women are forced to make a deci-sion about the man they thought they knew.

Finally, Alec Harris brings on three short pieces: The TV, about a Gen X father attempting to explain the fact of life to a young daughter while watching TV together; Life TM, about a man given the opportunity to choose the kind of life he will be born into in the future; and For Art’s Sake, a pure comedy piece which the writer self-depreciatingly calls “something to put on before the applause and the stampede to the bar.”

More than a dozen actors and writers have come together to put these productions on, and this is a group to keep watching in the future. New Worlds Theatre: Laugh (Sep. 23–24) What The Dickens. Ebisu Station (JR, Metro). ¥2,800. Various times. (Sep. 29–30) YCAC Yokohama, Yamate JR Station. ¥3,000. Vari-ous times. E-mail: tickets@newworldstheatre.com

When English-language theater does make its way to Tokyo, it is most often comes via the

usual suspects—traveling Shakespearian produc-tions from Oxford or Stratford, Broadway musicals, etc. This is all well and good, but what is often con-spicuously absent is theater from the fringe. There are very few smaller productions put on with tick-ets at reasonable prices, and even fewer written by local playwrights.

Enter New Worlds Theatre. The group started in 2006 by playwright Alec Harris, for exactly the above reasons, although Harris doesn’t limit the future of the theatre to English productions alone. He looks at the Tokyo of today as a place where other nationali-ties are not only visiting, but choosing to live, and explains on the website (www.newworldstheatre.com) that “art should be as diverse as the people it reflects.”

The group’s upcoming offering is entitled ‘Laugh,’ a set of five plays for one price billed as a fundraising event. Each performance is a comedy piece and four of the five are written by Tokyo residents.

The exception to the rule here is Frenzy for Two

New Worlds of Drama

Listings:• Barry McGee (to Sep. 30) Graffiti and sculptural works by

San Francisco artist also known as “Twist.” Watarium Mu-

seum. Gaienmae Metro Station. ¥1,000. 11am–7pm. (Tue. to

9pm.) Closed Mon. Tel. 03-3402-3001. www.watarium.co.jp

• Cubism in Asia: Unbounded Dialogues (to Oct. 2) Exhibi-

tion of 120 Asian works influenced by cubism, traveling through

Paris, Singapore, Seoul and Tokyo. National Museum of Modern

Art Tokyo. Takebashi Metro Station. ¥650. 10am–5pm. (Fri. to

8pm.) Closed Mon. Tel. 03-5777-8600. www.momat.go.jp

• Melting Point (to Oct. 14) Installations from three artists,

Jim Lambie, Ernest Neto and Kiyomichi Shibuya. Tokyo Opera

City Art Gallery. Hatsudai Station (Keio Line). ¥900. 11am–

7pm. (to 8pm. Fri. and Sat.) Closed Mon. Tel. 09-5353-0756.

www.operacity.jp

• Ikuo Hirayama: A Retrospective Pilgrimage for Peace (to

Oct. 21) Retrospective of works by the celebrated painter and

activist. National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo. Takebashi

Metro Station. ¥1,300. 10am–5pm. (Fri. to 8pm.) Closed Mon.

Tel. 03-5777-8600. www.momat.go.jp

• Zen Treasures from the Kyoto Gozan Temples (to Nov. 9)

Some of the most important Zen works collected under one

roof. Tokyo National Museum. Ueno Station (JR, Metro). ¥1,500.

9:30am–5pm. (Fri. to 8pm. Closed Mon.) Tel. 03-3822-1111.

www.tnm.jp

• A World of Stage: Russian designs for theater, opera and

dance (to Nov. 17) Paintings, costumes and photographs from

the glory period of the Ballets Russes. Tokyo Metropolitan Te-

ien Art Museum. Meguro Station. ¥1,000. 10am–6pm. Closed

Wed. Tel. 03-3443-8500. www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp

• Gifts from the World of Dreams : Georges Rouault,

Odilon Redon, Kiyoshi Hasegawa, Tetsuro Komai (to Dec.

2) Paintings of the strange and dreamlike, from four masters

of the mood. Setagaya Art Museum. Yoga Station (Tokyu De-

nentoshi Line). 10am–6pm. Closed Mon. Tel. 03-3415-6011.

www.setagayaartmuseum.or.jp

• MOT-Bloomberg: Public ‘Space’ Project (to Jan. 20)

Single large-scale installment by Kengo Kito outside of the

museum. Museum of Contemporary Art. Kiba Metro Sta-

tion. Free. 10am–6pm. Closed Monday Tel. 03-5245-4111.

www.mot-art-museum.jp

• Uzbekistan Film Festival 2007 (Sep. 27–Oct. 7) Ten films

from the surprisingly vibrant Uzbek film industry. National

Film Center. Kyobashi Metro Station. ¥500 per film. Various

times. Tel. 03-3561-0823. www.momat.go.jp

• The Marriage of Figaro (Oct. 18–27) Mozart’s comic master-

piece of opera. New National Theatre. Hatsudai Station (Keio

Line). ¥3,150–¥21,000. Various times. Tel. 03-5352-9999.

www.nntt.jac.go.jp

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10 | Weekender

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Country or region? So how best to invest? Single company shares, invest-ment trusts, ETF’s (Exchange Traded Funds) or collec-tive investment. Single-country funds carry more risk, since they’re subject to changes affecting that partic-ular country, and they can sometimes be heavily in-fluenced by changes to only a handful of stocks. One Spanish fund, for example, has about half of its assets invested in only three companies. And the bull was running in Spain last year, with an increase of nearly 50 percent, showing that concentration sometimes provides excellent returns.

Broader-based funds are usually the easiest to choose from, since you get exposure to a wide geo-graphical area with one investment. Of course, if you want to tailor your portfolio, a collection of country funds might suit you best, so you can pick and choose the countries right for you.

Strong brand names such as Nokia—a company that is based in Finland, makes and sells its products all over the world, as does Unilever where one-third of its shareholders are American, and a quarter of its sales are generated in the US. Rolls Royce once famed for luxury cars now concentrates on aircraft engines, turbines and ship’s engines earning the bulk of their profits globally.

Europe should certainly feature in any investor’s bal-anced portfolio, have you got a bit of Europe in yours?

With all of the hype and attention that Asia gets these days, it’s easy to forget about the other con-

tinents—in particular, Europe. But the European region can be a profitable area for investors to diversify hold-ings, and there are many options to select from. Whether your investment is a single company or a single-country fund or a broadly diversified regional fund, look closely to make sure the investment meets your specific needs, since each can vary significantly from its peers.

The last 50 years have seen massive change within Europe and this is likely to continue with the expan-sion of the EEC (European Economic Community).

Economic growthSeveral factors have helped to propel European econo-mies and markets even at a time when US markets are moving at a slower pace. A wave of political reform across several European countries, such as in France, and newly elected, centre-right-leaning leaders have helped to support bull markets across Europe in an-ticipation of economic reforms. The euro continues to reach new highs against the dollar, and that strength raises the value of foreign sales and returns. Consumer sentiment is also strong, and the resulting spending is an important foundation for European economies. In addition, growing economies in Eastern Europe, like the energy-fed Russian economy, have helped fuel the Western European economies. Finally, expanding trade with Asia has also benefited Europe.

The European Commission forecasted economic growth in the Eurozone countries to be around 2.6 percent this year. The IMF had a more moderate 2.3 percent forecast for Europe, but that estimate also po-sitioned this region to outpace expected US economic growth of around 2.2 percent.

INVESTMENT

Investing In Europe—will the next 50 years be so good?

IT

and video game industry is focusing on online play and community involvement, and this is not limited to next generation consoles such as the Playstation 3 or the X-box 360, but includes mobile phone technology as well. Exhibitors will be showcasing games and software that follow this year’s theme: Link up, Reach out, To the world, as well as current new games. Notable exhibitors include Microsoft with their X-360 and latest software, and Sony’s Playstation and Playstation Portable line and software. Software makers include Capcom, Bandai-Namco, Square Enix, Sega, Konami, and more. Mobile carriers NTT DoCoMo, Softbank, and au will also be on hand showing off the latest mobile games.

For those keen to see the newest games and tech-nology, hands on, then don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity. Public days: Sep. 22–23, 10am–5pm. Admis-sion is ¥1,000 for an advance ticket and ¥1,200 for tickets at the door. Elementary-aged children and younger en-joy free admission. Makuhari Messe, Chiba. A 10-minute walk from Kaihin-Makuhari Station. You can reach Kai-hin-Makuhari in 30 minutes by express train on the JR Keiyo line from Tokyo station.

For those looking for a truly worldwide event, be sure to stop by the annual Tokyo Game Show at Makuhari

Messe this weekend. Tokyo Game Show was established in 1996 by CESA, the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association, with the aim of showcasing new and upcom-ing game technology and software. Eleven years later, TGS, as it is now fondly called, is known as the world’s biggest video game and computer entertainment expo. The four-day event, which takes place Sep. 20–23, is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors and while the venue is open mainly to press and people in the industry over the two “business days” (Sep 20–21) the general public can get their game fill over the weekend (Sep 22–23).

This year CESA is focusing on three specific areas to improve the show. Firstly, building on last year’s suc-cess, an additional “business day” has been added to the expo calendar and a new business solutions area has been established alongside the existing business consul-tation areas. Secondly, due to an increasing amount of foreign exhibitors and visitors, CESA is striving to make the venue more accessible with multi-language signs as well as an English program. Finally, a new kid’s area will be provided for both parents and children with a Video Game Music and Game Science Museum.

As many people are aware, the current computer

Tokyo Game Showby Robert Estel

Sep. 21 – Oct. 0� | Vol. 0� No. 18 | 11

BUSINESS

keeps PAL a unique choice for kids starting out in academia even now.

Advertising for enrollments was, for a long time, to-tally reliant on word-of-mouth recommendations. The transient nature of the foreign community and good reputation has kept a surplus of parents wishing to enroll their children at the school and even now, with waiting list is so full that students are being turned away, Chia refuses to give in to demands for a bigger premises. “This is a small school and we want to keep it this way.”

Understanding that each child has unique approach to learning and a unique cultural heritage, Chia and her team have “always wanted to focus on the individual needs of each student. Most students come from Europe-an parents where English is not their first language and with many students of mixed race, it is important not to have more than ten students in each class.” Safety also remains an important factor and Chia confesses that the school did have to move to a bigger building two years ago; a three storey house that allows two classes for

each grade—eight classes in total. The house which has been refurnished with a cozy ground floor for younger babies, a second floor “fun floor” and the more serious study rooms on the third and final level which compliments PAL’s continuing dedication to putting the student needs above that of generating revenue.

So, has ten years at PAL really been an uninterrupt-ed happy story of success?

“Yes, but business is different to ten years ago” says Chia. She explains that PAL was the first school in the area to have a website and now with pages that require monthly updates there is a need to hire someone to deal specifical-ly with this issue alone. Chia adds, “these days there are more teachers around but fewer are qualified and they are more expensive. The happiness and creativity of our teachers is important but a lot of our revenue goes to pay-ing for their services, which is a big problem.”

Still, after admitting that being around children everyday keeps her feeling younger than the “grand-mother-figure” role she fills, and that she is still learn-ing from students as equally as she teaches them, Chia and PAL International School, will no doubt continue to overcome the battle of economics and education.

PAL International School near Arisugawa Park in Hiroo is always open for a free trial lesson. Please contact the school directly at www.pal-school.com or on 03-5770-8166 for more details.

Chia and her two colleagues were laid on the floor. It was 1997 in the midst of a sweltering summer

and their new international pre-school and kindergar-ten had been open since March. In the summer heat they lay, trying to stay cool whilst waiting for the stu-dents to arrive that day. Since the grand opening two months prior however, not one student had entered the school. The night before, Chia’s business partner had dreamt that someone would walk through the school gates, and sure enough, on that hot day, their first and long-awaited knock on the door was heard.

Their first student enrolled and in the following week came another. The week after another student enrolled and by the time the Christmas party came around there were over 20 students to enjoy the festivities. That was ten years ago and so continues the success of the PAL In-ternational Pre-School and Kindergarten under the guid-ance of Chia Ura, the school’s owner. “When I first start-ed, I only took care of the business but now I understand my vocation in life is to be in an educational environ-ment.” It is this successful agglomeration of typically clashing economics and ed-ucational policies that Chia attributes to PAL’s lasting duration—often conflicting policies can attribute to a number of schools opening their doors and soon having to close them.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, PAL Interna-tional School is one of the oldest and longest run-ning English-speaking pre-schools in Tokyo. Admit-tedly these days, another international school set in the most international of locations, Minato-ku, may not, at first, seem like such a novel idea. However, ten years ago things were very different. Today there are up to 15 schools to compete with; in 1997 only two other schools were open.

Chia and her two partner teachers had recognized that foreign parents did indeed want their kids to learn about Japan’s culture and traditions—without having to compromise on vital English based curriculums. Chil-dren who learn at PAL become so familiar with songs, greetings and phrases important to Japanese society that after graduation they are able to adapt to a either wholly Japanese elementary school or that of an international setting. Remarkably, students often become translators for parents carrying out daily chores. One little boy was even able to answer a policeman’s questions after losing his way home. PAL’s founders radically answered this need for an international education without ignoring the Japanese backdrop a decade ago, and this is what

Ten Years Young at PAL InternationalBy Marie Teather

12 | Weekender

KIDS

The Future Looks French at St. MaursThe Yokohama-based International School introduces a French Section. By Gilles Gaury

Established in 1872, Saint Maur International School is the oldest international school in Japan. The

school continues in its pioneering spirit and commit-ment to providing students of all nationalities, genders and beliefs with quality education within a caring family environment.

Noted as a leader in educational excellence and innovation, the school was the first international school to introduce to Japan such programs as the International Montessori Program, the International Primary Curriculum, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, the Lions Quest values program, and Trinity College of Music examinations. The school also offers the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs. A unique “Adult Enrichment Program,” open to parents and community mem-bers, which functions during the school day, at no cost other than when mate-rials apply, demonstrates the school’s commitment to life-long learning as something to be enjoyed and valued.

Situated in the residential and his-torical area of Yokohama, within well-maintained air-conditioned buildings, the school commu-nity is assured a safe and pleasant environment conducive to good learning, relaxation and recreation. The range of excellent facilities, combined with careful scheduling, enables students, of all ages, to participate in a variety of clubs, extracurricular activities and support programs that enhance the development of each student’s mental, physical, spiritual, creative and social wellbeing. Apart from the pastoral care the school is noted for providing, it is also recognized for its excellent academic program, with between 95–100 percent of graduates being accepted to good universities and colleges throughout the world.

In order to meet the educational needs of the French speaking community, the school founded a French Sec-tion in August of 2007. Pre-school Montessori aged chil-dren, are eligible to enter at age two and a half, and those

who are pre-first grade age have daily French classes to prepare them for en-try into the French Section first grade at the appropriate age.

Elementary children in the French Section are accommodated in a classroom set-up especially to cater to children from grades one through five, where they follow the French curriculum under the direc-tion of a well-qualified and experi-enced teacher. Joining in with the students in the English speaking international section in such sub-jects as music and physical educa-tion, and in after school activities, ensures that those in the French Section will gain sufficient skills in English to enable them to fit into the international community of Yokohama/Tokyo where English is the main language of communica-tion. Depending upon numbers and

room availability, the school may consider expanding the French section over a period of time to accommo-date student through to high school.

For information on St. Maur’s programs please see: www.stmaur.ac.jp. Prospective parents are welcome to contact the school to arrange for a tour of the cam-pus. Entering the 135th year of providing an education to the children from the international community, the school would like to take this opportunity to thank the many individuals and companies who have supported them, and for their dedication and commitment to education and to the next generation.

www.kist.ed.jp

K. International School Tokyo1-5-15 Shirakawa, Koto-ku. Tokyo 135-0021Tel: 03-3642-9993 (English) / 03-3642-9992 (Japanese)Fax: 03-3642-9994 / E-mail: info@kist.ed.jpOffice hours: 8:00 to 18:00

K. International School Tokyo“Learning for Life”

* Co-ed school from Pre-K to G12! * Authorized as an IB World School! * IB PYP, MYP and DP curriculum!

* 500 students from 50 nationalities! * ESL support program available!

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the number one ranked animation series for the past five years, this is one show that you really don’t want to miss.

Nickelodeon can be viewed on Sky Perfect TV (Channel 751), on cable and broadband.

The worldwide popular series about the square yellow sponge that lives in the city of Bikini Bot-

tom, on the base of the Pacific Ocean, is back for a new series on Nickelodeon. The animated adven-tures of Sponge Bob will be back on our screens on Sunday Oct. 7 from 4:30pm and will run every Sun-day henceforth.

For those who missed out on the first series or, dare I say, are new to this loveable character, don’t despair!—Nickleodeon will be broadcasting episodes 1–60 from Mon.–Fri. from 5:35pm and on Saturdays from 4:30pm so that you and the kids can catch up with the characters adventures.

Coinciding with the launch of the new series, Nickelodeon’s Japanese website www.nickjapan.com/play/game/ features games and coloring-in pic-tures, as well as screensaver downloads to keep the kids entertained when they aren’t watching the color-ful character on television. Should the kids prefer to play in English, the American website www.nick.com/shows/spongebob_squarepants/index.jhtml has a similar array of entertainment.

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Sep. 21 – Oct. 0� | Vol. 0� No. 18 | 13

Quick facts:Highest mountain—Mount Elbrus is situated on the border between Rus-sia and Georgia and is 5,642 meters above sea level.Largest lake—Lake Vanern in Sweden covers more than 5,500 km2.Longest river—The Danube is 2,850km long and flows through ten coun-tries before it forms a delta on the Black Sea coast.

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Quick guide to the continent.

Saying Hello in a few European languages

English.......................................HelloDanish/Swedish..................HejFinnish............................HeiDutch/German............HalloFrench............SalutItalian...............CiaoPortuguese.............OlaSpanish...................HolaSerbian-Croatian.........ZdravoSlovenian.....................ZivjoEstonain.......................TereGreek........................Geia souHungarian....................SziaIrish......................Dia dhuitLatvian....................SveikiLithuanian..............Labas

Inventions from EuropeIn 1825 George Stephenson invented the first pas-senger train which could reach a speed of 25km/hour. Today’s high-speed electric trains can travel through Europe at speeds of up to 330km/hour.

Quick fact: The Channel Tunnel, which carries trains from London to Paris under the English Channel, is the longest railway tunnel in Europe. It is more than 50km long.

Concorde was designed by a team of French and British engineers. It was the fastest ever passenger plane that could fly at twice the speed of sound.

The world’s larg-est passenger liner, Queen Mary 2, was built in Europe. She made her first transatlantic voy-age in 2004.

A few famous people from Europe• Charlie Chaplin was an English comedy actor in the early 1900s. He is considered to be one of the finest mimes and clowns on film.• Albert Einstein a German scientist who is best known for his theory of relativity—how matter, time and energy are all related to one another.• Sigmund Freud was an Austrian Psychiatrist who developed psychoanalysis—a way to explain how our mind works.• Claude Monet was the founder of French impres-sionist painting and is most famously known for his Water Lillies paintings.• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was an Austrian com-poser of classical music.• Isaac Newton was a British scientist who discovered how gravity works in the 1600s.• Marco Polo was a Croatian/Venetian explorer who, over 700 years ago, traveled to Asia.

Geography

Europe is the second smallest of the world’s conti-nents. Asia is the largest and Australia is the small-

est. It is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and to the south the Mediterranean Sea. To the east, Europe is generally di-vided from Asia by the water divide of the Ural Moun-tains, the Ural River, and by the Caspian Sea. Europe stretches over 10,180,000 square kilometers or 2 per-cent of the Earth’s surface. It is the third most populous continent with a population of approximately 710 mil-lion people, or 11 percent of the world’s population. Of Europe’s 48 countries, Russia is its largest by area and population, while the Vatican is the smallest.

ClimateIn the north of Europe, and high in the mountains of Europe the temperature can drop to -40 degrees centigrade, whereas in the far south and south east, temperatures can reach over 40 degrees centigrade. This creates a habitat for a diverse range of animals. During the winter, animals in the colder regions hi-bernate to save energy, and many species of birds migrate south.

Fun fact: Reindeers live in the north of Europe. They have a dark color summer coat, which turns into a lighter colored thick coat in the winter and regardless of sex or age, reindeers grow a new set of antlers every year.

Exploring Europe

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general entry tickets for the three days of the race, you can wander around the circuit and find a good viewing place to enjoy the action. Insiders tip, take a plastic picnic mat, arrive early at the track and stake your claim on a prime position—no one will move your mat and you are free to wander around while there is no racing to be seen.

Reserved ticket holders in-clude general entry and your own pre-designated seat in a stand. Don’t feel bad if you didn’t manage to get a pit straight seat, stands on any of the corners are better as you will see the cars approach, slow down and speed up again, much more interest-ing than the pricey straights

where the cars just whiz by. There are no train sta-

tions within walking dis-tance of the track, however, several stations will have free shuttle buses ferrying fans to the track. For the Saturday and Sunday action JR East

will be running special express trains which will offer convenient access from Shinjuku to Fujikyu High-Land station, where designated shuttle buses will be available.

Ticket holders are able to get to the track by their own private car. There are eleven car parks avail-able, many with thousands of spaces available and free shuttles to take you to the track. There are no car parks in or near the track that are available to the public, so don’t expect to be able to drive right up to the track and be able to park and walk. For full details on where these parks are located and the cost, see Fuji Speedways official website in English: www.fujispeedway.jp/english/index.html

Even as a die-hard fan of Formula One, it wasn’t un-til the third season of my passion for the sport that

I experienced my first live race. Access to the track, pro-hibitive costs, and exceptional television coverage kept me away from the circuit and front seat action. Finally I made the effort to get to a race and I will never forget the first time I heard the roar of a Formula One car.

The goose bumps I felt then resurface now as I recall that day eight years ago. The sound was as it had been on television, but magnified a hundred times over, not only in decibels, but in soul penetrating intensity. I was hooked. Over a dozen live races later, I am now gearing up for my first ever Japan Grand Prix at the nearby Fuji Speed-way circuit, which boasts the longest home straight of any track in the world that hosts F1 racing.

The race runs over 67 laps on Sunday September 30, starting at 1:30pm. Unlike previous years where the Japanese Grand Prix was held at the poorly located Suzu-ka circuit—a good six-hour door-to-door commute from Tokyo, the new circuit’s close proximity to Tokyo—think two-hour drive, gives those F1 fans who have yet to visit a live race the perfect chance to enjoy an exhilarating day.

This year’s race is at full capacity, so unfortunately there is no way to buy tickets at the circuit, and most of the official outlets are also sold out. Unofficial chan-nels, like the internet and ticket shops still have tickets available for those of you willing to pay more than the original sale price.

For those of you are lucky enough to have bought

Formula One Fever Hits JapanA racegoer’s guide. By Emily Downey

The Games have long been popular with ex-pat and local families alike and one reason is that the spa-cious grounds of Kanda University provide a safe place

for children to do what they do best; run wild. With all that’s going on; dis-plays, competitions, stalls and other attractions, this is one of the best val-ue-for-money days out in Tokyo’s au-tumn calendar. Entrance to the Games is ¥1,500 for adults and ¥600 for stu-dents. Children (elementary school and younger) admitted free.

The Japan-Scottish Highland Games are organised by the Highland Games Committee, a non-profit body with ties to the Japan-Scotland Society, The To-kyo Scottish Blue Bell Club, The Tokyo Piping Society and the St Andrew’s Soci-ety of Yokohama and Tokyo. Any profits arising from the Games are distributed to

charity. For further information please contact Phil Gibb, Scottish Highland Games Convenor on 03-3769-5511 or visit www.japanhighlandgames.com

For one day in the year, a small corner of Tokyo is transformed into a pageant of Scottish tradition

and color, fun and games and good old Highland hospitality. This year, the 25th An-nual Japan-Scottish Highland Games will be held on Sunday, Oct. 7th, from 10:30am until 4:30pm on the grounds of Kanda University at Makuhari.

All the familiar things associated with the Games will be featured in-cluding bagpipes and drums, kilts and sporrans, Glengarry caps and tartan shawls, pipers, dancers, 5-a-side football, caber tossing, ham-mer throwing, children’s running races, soft drinks, tea and coffee, hot dogs, scones and cakes, haggis and of course whisky.

Football is another proud Scottish heritage and the five-a-side football tournament for the Magellan Cup will feature amateur teams of many nationalities competing vigorously for victory in two competitions.

25th Japan Scottish Highland GamesEnjoy Highland Hospitality in Tokyo. By Phil Gibb

Sep. 21 – Oct. 0� | Vol. 0� No. 18 | 1�

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Sri Lankan Ambassador B.G. Ranjith Uyangoda with popular politician Yasuo Fukuda

and Buddhist priest Umalay Jinarathana.

Sri Lankan Counsellor Manisha Gunasekera, Bangladesh Ambassador Ashraf-ud-Dou-

la, Cambodian Ambassador Sothirak Pov and young politician Tatsuo Fukuda.

PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEYSri Lankan Festival Super Success

Akie Abe, wife of the Prime Minister with Sri Lankan Ambassador B.G. Ranjith Uyan-

goda and his wife Reka.

Bangladesh Ambassador Ashraf-ud-Doula, his wife Jasmine, Reka, and

Akie Abe.

Kasumi Ohta, Thai Ambassador Suvidhya Si-

maskul, Hiroko Inagawa.

Outgoing Dean of the Corps Nicaraguan

Ambassador Harry Bodan Shields, his wife

Raquel and German Minister Bernd Fischer.

Miriam Arai, Hiroko Fujita, wife of Thai Ambassador Boontipa

Simaskul, and Chikako Aso.

Thailand Celebrates 120 years of Diplomatic Relations with Japan

Vietnamese Ambassador Tuan Cap Chu, Shigejiro

Tottori and Thi Phuong Dung Nguyen.

Thai Ambassador Suvidhya Simaskul, Madame Pacharin Pibul-

songgram, H.E. Mr. Taro Aso, H.E. Mr. Nitya Pibulsonggram,

Madame Chikako Aso, and Mr. Shosaku Yasui. Musa Kagawa and Lilo Maruyama.

Sunday August 26th. It’s not quite as hot as it has been, and old Edo is really happening. Over in

Azabu Juban it’s a butt-bumping mass of people from just about everywhere enjoying the annual and very popular Azabu Juban festival. Had to take a detour this afternoon as Omotesando was blocked off for a very lively and colorful parade of Japanese dancers and drummers. Nearby Yoyogi park was also super busy with all kinds of special events going on. Koenji was a blaze of activity amd color as well with their huge Awa Odori traditional summer festival. There’s a big antique festival at Yasukuni shrine and last night and tonight, fabulous fireworks all over the city (actually country). Other things coming up, and pretty much over by the time you read this include fashion week with shows and events around-the-clock. This also means a lot of models coming in just for a week or so most are OK, but there’s always a few that like to tell you they are the “top model in New York, Europe, etc” and they can be pretty obnoxious. Oh well, here today, gone tomorrow. The streets of Asakusa were full of Brazilians and Brazil-loving Japanese in colorful carnival costumes shaking their booties to salsa music in the annual, popular, and very energetic version of the big carnival in Brazil.

Our Brazilian friends by the way, have really been busy. Enjoyed the Brazilian fashion show at Omote-sando Hills. More on that later, but for now I want to let you know they were serving the healthy Acia berry energy drink, and I learned this is available at Natural Lawson. On Sep. 7 Brazilian Ambassador and Senora

Andre Amado hosted a reception at their home to cel-ebrate their countries National Day and there was a two-day people packed Brazilian festival in Yoyogi Park on Sep. 8 and 9.

There were a lot more nice South Americans here during the Chilean Officers training ship, Esmereldas, one week visit. As always we really enjoyed having the young officers and crew party at the New Lex.

Had to miss a few of the opening events at the awe-some New Peninsula Hotel in Hibiya. My thanks to General Manager Malcolm Thompson for taking time out of his truly busy schedule to show me his beauti-ful hotel before it opened. Will talk a lot more about the lobby, rooms, restaurants, event venues etc later. Believe me they’re all very special.

Forget what musical the song came from but sang Everything is beautiful at the ballet in the Hilton Tokyo lobby when I photographed the dancers from Lynne Charles’ Dancing 4 Aids Orphans America, and during their rehearsals, at Francoise Morechand and Johnny Walkers party to promote the charity at Dice restaurant on the 57th floor of the Dentsu building in Shiodome, and of course during intermission and backstage after the super show in Yokohama. Once again, more on this later. I would however like to extend a personal thanks to a good friend, and real philanthropist, Hilton Tokyo’s General Manger Christian Baudat. I introduced him to Lynne and he provided rooms for the top ballet danc-ers from all over the world who came to perform in the concert. He really helped make it all happen. As I so

16 | Weekender

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Chihiro Kimura, Kuniko Shimane, Tamiko Asai, Designer Yumi Kat, Farida Rahman,

Kiyoshi Yamamoto, Jewelry designer Kazuo Ogawa and HIH Princess Takamado.

PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY

often say here in old Edo, the beat goes on. Now let’s move back a bit—quite a bit.

The Sri Lanka festival 2007—Experience nature’s best which was held in Yoyogi Park was, I am happy to re-port, bigger and better than ever. Special guests at the opening ceremony included popular politician Yasuo Fukuda, his wife, their son Tatsuo, Akie Abe and high ranking Shibuya-ku officials. The festival featured the many natural attractions of Sri Lanka and included Sri Lankan food, spices, Ceylon tea, Ayurveda prod-ucts etc. There were also spectacular performances by Sri Lanka’s most famous dance-percussion ensemble, Channa Upuli. The grand raffle draw offered holiday packages to the beautiful Sri Lanka with return flights on Sri Lankan Airlines. It was two colorful and cultural days of fun and all good things Sri Lankan. Our con-gratulations to Ambassador and Mrs Ranjith Uyan-goda, the Embassy staff, the Sri Lankan Tourist Board, Sri Lankan Airways, Sri Lankan Tea Board, Sri Lankan Business Council of Japan, Sri Lanka Association in Ja-pan, National Gem and Jewelry Authority and many others who put so much time and effort into the truly marvelous Sri Lanka Festival 2007.

This was the fifth anniversary of the Wings of Love Charity Gala dinner, and HIH Princess Takamado, Noritaka Ichida, Director of Birdlife International, TAJ Enterprise Director Atul Parekh, jewelry designer, Ka-zuo Ogawa and Hilton Tokyo’s General Manager Chris-tian Baudat and his super staff went all out to make it a very special evening in every way. The program opened with a speech by Atul Parekh. This was followed by a very meaningful speech by HIH Princess Takamado —Honorary President of Birdlife International. There was a toast by HE Hemant K Singh, the Ambassador of India. Guests really enjoyed the dinner—a variety of excellent Indian food prepared by Hilton and visiting Indian top chefs.

Ichida san made an interesting presentation on Birdlife activities and Kazuo Ogawa presented his color-ful, cultural and dynamic Romance of India show. In ad-dition to performances by top Indian artists and musi-cians that included Dr. Neena Prasad, Dr Sardreshmukh

and Asman Pandit, violin virtuoso Sheena Kinohara who studied in India played the original composition for Wings of Love. Many of the elegant sophisticated costumes were designed by celebrated couture designer Kiyoshi Yamamoto. The grand door prize was two return tickets to India on Air India and the raffle special prize was two return tickets to London on British Airways. It was a beautiful evening in every way, perfect fot the oc-casion. A big kudos to all concerned.

Former Tokyoites, Ron and Maria Anderson, who now live in NYC, do really get around. The last time I talked to Maria they were heading to Canada for a few weeks with their family. Now (end of August) Ron’s on a business trip to Seoul and Shanghai and Marie is visiting her family in Lebanon. During their last visit to Tokyo, where they have so many friends, their busy schedule included a laid back lunch hosted by Mitsuo and Lilo Maruyama in their honor at Trader Vics. Guests, for the most part, were very active and important Japanese ladies Maria got to know and work with in the Ladies Benevolent Society. Maria was a very hardworking and popular president of ILBS during her 10 year stay here. A friend just sent me a photo of Ron shaking hands with Vietnam President Nguyen Minh Triet at a lunch in Washington that appeared in a major US newspaper. Those Andersons really are a dynamic couple.

Even when there isn’t some big special occasion Thai Ambassador Suvidhya Simaskul and his wonder-ful wife Boontipa just never slow down. With all their interests, enthusiasm and friends this year’s events have really kept them busy. On Sept. 26 1887 Japan and Thailand (then known as Siam) signed a “Decla-ration of Amity and Commerce”. This year celebrates the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Over the years a powerful economic partnership as well as strong education, entertainment arts, and cultural exchanges has developed. Special events for the occasion hosted by Suvidhya and Boon-tipa have included a celebration of their highly re-spected and beloved King Bhumibol’s birthday, a Song-kran (traditional Thai New Year) festival art exhibits. A huge (over 300,000 people) Thai festival in Yoyogi

Princess Takamado/ TAJ/ Hilton Wings of Love

Indian Ambassador Hemant Singh and his wife Mrinalini with HIH Princess Takamado, Hema Parekh,

her husband TAJ Enterprise Director Atul Parekh, and noted jewelry designer Kazuo Ogawa.

Top executive Raj K. Malhotra, TAJ Enterprise Director Atul Parekh,

Kyoko Corporation President Jean A. Gokita and Patricia O’Keefe,

Director of the University of Southern California’s Tokyo Office.

Indian Second Secretary Abbagani Ramu, Yol

Kapoor and Pushpa Ramu.Hema Parekh and Chef Rajiv Chopra.

Air India Manager Japan Sandeep Roy Choudhury with Samrat

restaurant chain owner Yol Kapoor and Sandeep’s wife Chitra.

Shigejiro and Fumiko Tottori, Lilo Maruyama, Kyoko Spector and Hilton General

Manager Christian Baudat.

Sep. 21 – Oct. 0� | Vol. 0� No. 18 | 1�

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In and Around

Blast cast Joey Oakley and Jeff Lynn with actor

Taro Yamamoto at the New Lex.

Min and Vangie Leow, Frank and Sonia Striegl, with

Beth and Alex Cruz in Bangkok.

Staff Sergeant Abifarin Scott, Technical Sergeant

Alan Doxey with Jenny Aya, Stars and Stripes’ Dar-

ren Wilson and ACTV’s Executive producer Daniel

Smith at the Warner Bros.’ Ocean’s 13 Premiere.

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Win (Myanmar) his wife Nilar and their daughter

Hpu Pwint. Busy young lawyers James Sugrue and Gareth Ryan.

PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY

Thomas Schroder (German Embassy) and Ryoko

Hamada.

Park, classic concerts, pop concerts, cultural shows, and business seminars (over half foreign investment in Thailand originated in Japan).

It was wall-to-wall people for the grand reception the Simaskuls hosted at the Imperial Hotel to celebrate the occasion. People there included top government officials from both Japan and Thailand. Guests entered through a huge arch of flowers and checked out the interesting ex-hibition of photos covering Japan and Thailand’s history of relations after a few congratulatory speeches people there enjoyed the bountiful buffet and a dynamic tradi-tional Thai music and dance show by one of Thailand’s best cultural groups flown in by Thai Airways for the oc-casion. Needless to say it was a beautiful evening in every way—perfect for the occasion. I would, by the way, like to congratulate Boontipa on the appointment as President of Ikebana International here in Japan. I’d also like to congratulate Pakistan Ambassador and Mrs Kamran Niaz and the Pakistani people on their 60th Independence day. Unfortunately I was out of Tokyo when Imtiaz Ahmad Gondal, President of the Pakistani Association Japan in-vited me to the reception at the Nippon Press center.

Sayonaras After thirty-some years of knocking out Partyline, you’d think I’d be used to saying sayonara to good friends. That ain’t necessarily so, the last few months have been back-to-back sayonaras for good people who’s friendship I really cherish.

After four years in Japan, Egyptian Ambassador Hisham Badr and his beautiful wife Dahlia have returned to Egypt. After 10 years here, popular Nicaraguan Ambas-sador Harry Bodan Shields who was Dean of the Corps and his super lady Raquel have returned home. I watched their two sons, who live in Miami, grow up. A fine family in every way. After Harry left, popular Tunisian Ambassador Salah Hannachi, who was in Japan for almost 10 years, became Dean, a position he held for just 10 days before he returned to Tunisia. Hope to see him there soon.

Our Jamaican friends Ambassador Paul and Mrs Robotham are back in their lovely island and Kuwaiti Ambassador Ghassan Al-Zawawi and his family re-

turned to Kuwait a few months ago.On Friday August 31st there was a transtition of

the rectorate of the United Nations University. After the handover ceremony, a reception followed that gave guests the opportunity to say sayonara to outgoing Rec-tor Dr. J.A. Van Ginkel and his wife Anna Maria, and meet his successor Professor Dr. Osterwalder.

Another good friend in education, Dr. Joseph Arden, who headed the University of Maryland college and many activities in Asia recently retired. I ran into Joe and his author-artist wife Mong-Lan, (she is Vietnamese) in the executive lounge of the awesome Hilton Millennium in Bangkok recently. They were staying in Thailand for six months with a side trip to Vietnam before heading for Buenos Aires where they’ll mostly tango for six months, I expect. Mong-Lan actually published a monthly paper on the tango while they were living in Japan.

Just heard two more of my favorite Diplomats, Oma-nian Ambassador Mohammed bin Yousef Al-Zarafi, and South African Ambassador Dr. Baldwin Sipho Ngubane and their beautiful families will be leaving Japan soon. I’ll have photos and a rundown on some of the many Sayonara parties later.

Just TalkI’m well aware I broke the laws when I had to pay one ¥7,000 fine for not buckling my seatbelt and another for using my mobile phone while I was driving. I’m aware these laws are for safety, so how about a law against the young Japanese girls who put on their makeup while they are driving. I was on busy Omotesando recently and stopped at a red light. In the car next to me there was a girl with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth, and one of those ratty-looking dogs jumping all over in the seat next to her. She already had on as much makeup as a Kabuki actor, and was very busy plaster-ing on layers of mascara. This, of course meant she was looking in the sun visor mirror and ignoring the world around her. The light changed, and it took considerable horn tooting from the cars behind her, and a last swipe at her lashes to make her move. Now, if that’s not selfish and accident-prone behavior, what is?

Maruyama’s Trader Vic’s lunch with the Andersons.

Lilo Maruyama, Ron Anderson, Mitsuo Maru-

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Ron Anderson, Tobi Matsubara, Hisako Uemura, Maria

Anderson and Emiko Matsuzaki. Toshiko Yanai, Maria, and Jane Scolinos.

18 | Weekender

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For Maps and Live Music Info; please visit

www.whatthedickens.jp or Call 03-3780-2099

WEEKENDER JAPAN’S QUALITY ENGLISH MAGAZINE: Serving the international community free since 1��0. Offices are at Caroline Pover, Inc., �th floor, Chuo Iikura Building, 3-�-11 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-00�1 Tel. 03-����-2038 Fax: 03-����-203� Email: editor@weekenderjapan.com. Opinions expressed by WEEKENDER contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher.

AkasakaAkasaka Excel Hotel, Akasaka International Clinic, Akasaka Prince Hotel, Akasaka Tameike Towers Residence, Aoyama Dai-ichi Mansions, Aux Bacchanales, BBC World Distribution Japan Limited, Canadian Embassy Library, Capitol Tokyu Hotel, City Club of Tokyo, Hotel New Otani, Tempstaff Universal, US EmbassyAoyamaKinokuniyaAzabu JubanMagellan Japan, Nissin

World Delicatessen, Paris Miki, Temple UniversityDenenchofuAmerican School in JapanEbisuCabana Ebisu, Eigotown, The Footnik, My Lebanon, The Westin, What the DickensGinzaRoti Grill, Seiyo Hotel IkebukuroAcross Travel, New International School, No 1 TravelHarajukuCafé Studio, Design FestaHanzomon

British EmbassyHibiyaTown CryerHiroo1�8, Across Travel, National Azabu Supermarket, Segafredo Tokyo Lawn Tennis ClubJingumaeBoudoir, Copa Tokyo, The King Clinic, Mominoki House, SindenJiyugaokaGregg International SchoolKamiyachoAmerican Chamber of Commerce in Japan, Asian Tigers, Atago Green Hills Residence,

Hotel Okura, Tokyo Orientations, Town CryerKashiwaKashiwa Information CenterMeguroThe TavernMinami AoyamaHayato NY, Hotel President Aoyama, TELLMinami KoenjiILCMitaAustralian Embassy, Crown, Tokyo International SchoolMitoWindsor Park Golf & Country ClubMoto Azabu

Nishimachi International SchoolMusashino Inter Pacific High SchoolNishi AzabuEros Bros, Oriental CaféOmotesandoFujimama’s, HMV, Las Chicas, The Pink Cow, VirginRoppongiAzabu Dai-ichi Mansions, The B Roppongi, Bernd’s Bar, Bourbon Street, Café Daisy, Charleston & Son Roppongi, Fiesta, The Grand Hyatt, Paddy Foley’s Irish Bar, The Pantry, Randomwalk, RELOJAPAN, Ricky

Sarani, Roppongi Hills, Roppongi Prince Hotel, Swedish Embassy, TGI Fridays, Tipness, Tokyo American Club, Tony Roma’s, Zest CantinaSetagayaApple House Preschool, Setagaya Ward OfficeShibakoenTokyo Surgical and Medical ClinicShibuyaAcross Tower, British School Tokyo, Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Craightons Café, HMV, Kudos, No 1 Travel, The Ruby Room, TGI Fridays, Tower Records

ShinagawaDubliners, New Otani InnShinjukuClubhouse, Hilton, No 1 Travel, Park Hyatt, Tower RecordsYokohamaDeutsche School Tokyo, St. Maur International School, Yokohama Country and Athletic ClubYurakuchoAmerican Pharmacy, Foreign Correspondent’s Club of Japan

WEEKENDER PICK-UP POINTS

CROSSWORD #121 2 3 4 5 6

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Across 3. Sticky and hot (weather). (5) 7. Japan PM ___ Abe. (6) 8. Messy. (6) 9. Take pleasure in. (5)12. Filled corn tortillas. (5)14. Takes off the scum. (5)15. Inhabitants. (9)16. Mexican liquor. (7)17. Tales. (7)19. Bought. (9)22. Takes to the water. (5)23. 80’s dance music. (5)24. Out of kilter. (5)26. Sparse. (6)27. Four score and ten. (6)28. Group of eight. (5)

Down 1. Aussie full-bodied red wine. (6)

2. In the house. (6) 3. Sharpen. (4) 4. Responsibility. (4) 5. Follows. (6) 6. Expressions. (6)10. Pains in the neck. (9)11. Exaggerate. (9)13. No joke. (7)14. Caressed. (7)18. Tales. (6)19. Promise. (6)20. Looking for pearls? (6)21. Chief Engineer of Kirk’s Enterprise. (6)24. 80’s fuzzy hairstyle. (4)25. Left. (4)

* Please look for crossword answers in our next issue of Weekender.

and nonprofit agencies, helping the agencies determine the best use of volunteers, and assisting individuals in discovering their own potential to contribute to society.

Each Hands On Tokyo project is “pre-tested” prior to sending volunteers to help ensure there are fewer sur-prises for either the volunteer or the agency to which the volunteers have been sent. In addition, each project has a bilingual project coordinator on site, enabling

those with limited Japanese speaking skills to also contribute.

Founded in January 2007, Hands On Tokyo is part of the international Hands On Network based in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. The Hands On Network serves as an um-brella organization for more than 70

affiliates throughout the world, thereby helping to de-velop a worldwide service movement. In October 2007 Hands On Network will merge with the Points of Light Foundation to form the world’s largest volunteer or-ganization with 370 branches.

Hands On Tokyo is actively looking for corporate and individual sponsors for the Day of Service. To be-come involved with Hands On Tokyo as a volunteer or an individual or corporate sponsor, please contact Yuko Takahashi at handsontokyo@hotmail.com or call 03-5404-3563.

Hands On Tokyo, Tokyo’s only bilingual, non-profit, volunteer clearinghouse, is holding

a “Day of Service” on Sep. 29. The purpose of the day is four-fold: To draw increased attention to the growing volunteer movement in Japan, to give back to the Tokyo community, to provide a meaningful experience for those who wish to volunteer, and to raise awareness and funds for Hands On Tokyo.

The Day will engage approximately 200 foreign and Japanese volunteers to serve at three different service projects throughout the city. Projects have been designed in partnership with the participating nonprofit organizations and Hands On Tokyo leader-ship. Such projects include partnerships with Second Harvest Food Bank, Sakuragawa Senior Home, and Saiseikai Hospital.

In addition to the Day of Service, Hands On Tokyo operates three weekly projects for volunteers. Hands On Tokyo serves as the “middle man” between volunteers

Hands On TokyoAssisting individuals in discovering their own potential to contribute to society

Hands On Tokyo serves as the “middle man” between volunteers and nonprofit agencies, helping ... determine the best use of volunteers

Sep. 21 – Oct. 0� | Vol. 0� No. 18 | 1�

Moving can conjure up all manner of expectations. But it’s the

best of Asian service that we admire. The politeness, the

manner in which people tend to your every need, the caring

attitude and accompanying comfort. Combine this with a

decisive action-orientated team that allows you the freedom

to make decisions and plan your move as you wish. All so

that you can have a better experience wherever in the world

you choose to go. It’s just another of our Asian specialties.

Asian Tigers Premier Worldwide Movers

Tel: 03-6402-2371 Email: info@asiantigers-japan.com

www.asiantigers-japan.com

Offices throughout Asia

Nick Masee, Managing Director