Tf oct09

October 2009

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Shedding Weight

How to KeepLove Alive

A ShoppingNightmare!

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Tokyo Families magazine and Friends of Child Protection congratulate the lucky winners of the recent Friends of Child Protection 2009 essay contest. Below is part 2 of the winning entries.

9-12 YEARS CATEGORYSarah Bene - Age 12The American School in Japan

On November 21, 1996, I was born into a world of fortune, wealth, and luck. On that same day, I think another girl was also born. Instead of fortune and wealth, she probably had gotten unlucky, and was born into a world of starvation, poverty, and sadness. WAY opposite people, but she might be thinking how wonderful it would be to have a huge meal three times a day, a roof over her head, and nice, warm clothes on her body. This unlucky girl is imagining someone like me. I was lucky that I had been born into a world where I got to have all of these wonders without really even asking! Now other girls, and boys, were born into a world where there is famine and poverty and barely get anything, and I bet they even complain less than I do! I now think that it’s time where I have to make a difference. We have to make a difference (because real change will happen when we all move together). Picturing ourselves in these kids’ positions makes me cry. But that doesn’t change anything. I’m going to stop crying, and stop whining. I have everything and I have more than what I need. What do those other kids have? Almost nothing. Instead of whining that I still want something, I’m going to think about those other children out there in the world who sometimes only get to have one bowl of rice per day, and have to sit outside on the streets begging. Now, let’s all try working together to make a world full of even more smiles. This is why it is important to help a child in need.

13-15 YEARS CATEGORYLeo Nagamura - Age 13Nishimachi International School

I think helping a child in need can only be good. Helping others should be second nature, if not first. Why wouldn’t you help someone? When I was younger, I gave all of my allowance to homeless people on the street. Over the years, I stopped this, and instead spent the money on things I don’t really need. I now think homeless people would’ve used the money better than I did.I’m probably clueless about how lucky I really am, but I have food, family, education, a home, and opportunities that many other people don’t have. I don’t have tons of knowledge about how much people are suffering around the world, but I do have some experience. I’ve been to places where people are in need, both in Vietnam, and in Bali. In Vietnam, I saw people with missing limbs and body parts. These people lacked medication and health care. In Bali, children gathered around tourists, begging for pencils and paper so that they could study at school. I was saddened that they couldn’t afford study utensils so I gave them mine; it was the least I could do. Overall, it’s important to help children because they represent the future generation and often a person’s childhood affects the person’s personality later in life. For this reason, I volunteer to help out at children’s homes through an organization called “Hands On Tokyo” and collect money to cure AIDS in Africa and help kids in Cambodia.

Happy Halloween!

Report CardEssentialsCalendarOn the TubeOn the Screen

October BuzzA Shopping Nightmare!The Month AheadTV Guide What‘s Showing

How to Keep Love AliveCompany Health ChecksBullying Prevention Skills and Techniques for ChildrenYokohama with KidsSeeing is Creating (and Believing)Directory / Market Place

Halloween PandemicJapanese Schools & Fall in Sin DenDos & Don’ts for Leasing a Home in JapanGhostly GoodiesPaco Diez, Pottery, Timeless ArtBlast From The PastShedding Weight

A Capital Adventure in VietnamCastles in the Air

EVENT48101213

ESCAPE1416

LIFESTYLE18202324262829

COMMUNITY303133343536

Contributors: Mark AinleyDavid ArzoumanMandy BartokEdoardo CeraniHeather DayEnrique GarcésJustin GardinerKris ImaiBoone JohnsonTomoko KasuyaMark LakewoodMartin LerouxDr. Gabriel Symonds

Editor-in-chief: Carl Williams

Art director: Bérengère Crépon

Account managers:Natasha SisonMelinda Jones-Honda Susan Meyer

Director:Cesar Sison

Publisher:Joy Saison

CouplingAsk the ExpertSpotlightParentingKid's ArtFamily Resource

Cover StorySpecialHousingRecipesFocusHome BaseWellness

Adventures AbroadAround Japan

MariaAntoine

Paul

Advertisements: [email protected]

Letter to the editor: [email protected]

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EVENT Report Card

TOKYO families October 20094

EVENT Report Card

5

BuzzOctober

While All Hallow's Eve unleashes upon Tokyo its ghosts and goblins

for tricks, the city takes care of the treats by keeping the action going.

With hotels serving up exotic feasts, museums providing some

zen, and Shirahama offering one last shot at summer, the scariest

thing you can do this Halloween is just sit at home!

www.tokyofamilies.com

CHILEAN DELIGHTSLooking for something new to entice the kids at dinner time? The Hilton Tokyo, in conjunction with the Embassy of the Republic of Chile and PROCHILE, is holding a special week-long event to promote Chilean cuisine at the Checkers buffet restaurant. Discover unique Chilean culinary dishes, such as the popular Chilean

corn and meat pie “Pastel de Choclo,” along with mouth-watering desserts, such as “Cherimoya with Orange Juice.” Superb Chilean wines and dazzling performances by a Chilean dance group complete the attack of the senses.Lunch 11:30am – 3pm ¥3,500 per person (¥2,000 per child)Dinner 5:30pm – 10pm ¥6,000 per person (¥3,000 per child)For reservations, please call (03) 3344-5111www.hilton.comOct 1-7

TOTAL TIBET“Tibet: Treasures from the Roof of the World” is a comprehensive introduction to Tibetan culture with works from palaces registered as World Cultural Heritage sites, temples and museums. Buddhism in Tibet was influenced by a different form of teaching to that of Japan. This difference can be seen in the art of the region as the Tibetan Buddhas appear as revered deities taking distinctively Tibetan forms. No likenesses of Richard Gere, thankfully; just beautiful statues and paintings from this wonderful country.Tibet: Treasures from the Roof of the WorldUeno Royal MuseumAdults ¥1,400, university and high school students ¥1,200, junior high andelementary school students ¥800www.ueno-mori.org/special/2009_tibet/index.htmlUntil Jan 11

SURF’S UPThe guys and girls of the

Japanese surfing community will be waxing their boards in preparation for catching the big breaks at the All Japan Surfing Grand Championship. The stars of the domestic surfing circuit will descend on the glorious Shirahama beach for this annual spectacular. Here, the water is clear, the waves big and the surfing action awesome. It’s a great day out and, for all those new to the sport, the perfect introduction. Feel the spirit, take in the good vibes and the fresh air and before long, you’ll be taking to the water.All-Japan Surfing Grand Champion Games.Shirahama BeachShimoda, Shizuoka PrefectureOct 17-18

NO MORE KIDS...Just the opposite in fact! Kids No Mori is Omotesando Hills’ new children’s area. First Roppongi Hills turned family friendly, now Omotesando Hills follows suit in an attempt to draw a new younger, family-orientated crowd to the hills. Kids No Mori takes over the whole of the B2 basement with six designer stores appealing to both parents

and the little ones, combined with a play area. Kids No Mori features a wide range of merchandise, including clothing, prams and toys for newborns through to six years of age; and is kitted out with a swish baby changing room. Kids No Moriwww.omotesandohills.com

MONSTERS OF THE PITCHThe inaugural match of the Bledisloe cup to be played in Japan takes place on Halloween night. There is no bigger rivalry in the game of rugby than between these two giants who play against each other in the cup named after the former governor of New Zealand. The All Blacks are hungry for blood after their narrow defeat last year by the Qantas Wallabies. Be prepared for a match of monster proportions.Bledisloe CupAustralia vs New Zealand Tickets from ¥7,000-¥70,000National Stadium, Gaienmae. Tel: 0570-000777 or (03) 3545-8589Oct 31

THE SPIRIT OF BEAUTYThe exhibition encompasses 100 years of high-end jewellery from the Van Cleef & Arpels private and public collections. This is a world first for Tokyo, and the exhibition will begin a global tour following the launch at Mori Art Gallery, Roppongi Hills. It will unveil to visitors jewels, timepieces, fashion accessories and objets d’art, in all over 250 pieces selected from the Maison’s Private Collection and also from great private French and international collections.10am – 8pm dailyMori Arts Center Gallery (Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 52F)Asahi Shimbun, TBSAdmission: Adults ¥1,200, students ¥1,000, children 4 and up ¥500Oct 31– Jan 17

ART WITH A CAUSEThe College Women’s Association of Japan utilizes the arts as a means to support Japanese and international women, and the visually impaired. The CWAJ is a volunteer organization of women representing over thirty countries, supporting and promoting cross-cultural exchange and education. Their programs are funded, besides donations, by their annual Print Shows. This year, the group’s 54th shows 188 contemporary Japanese works at the HANGA exhibit for three days in October at the Tokyo American Club.CWAJ’s 54th Annual Print Show 2009: HANGAFree admissionTokyo American Clubwww.cwaj.orgOct 16-18

Spirit of Beauty clip (Dragonfly Fairy)

EVENT Report Card

TOKYO families October 20096 www.tokyofamilies.com 7

EVENT Report Card

FAST CARSFormula 1 is still in a disarray after Toyota’s and Redbull’s announcement that they won’t be lodging team entries for the 2010 season. Things are heating up on the grid

as this year’s Drivers’ Championship seems to be down to a straight shoot- out between Jenson Ross and Rubens Barrichello, both from the newly formed Brawn team. Only three races left and the 53 Laps of the Suzuka Circuit will have fans on the edge of their seats as the lads are out to prove themselves to their fans and Brawn’s new sponsors, Virgin.Japan Grand PrixSuzuka Circuit, Mie Prefecturewww.suzukacircuit.jpOct 4

MINI MOTOR SHOWThis year’s Tokyo Motor Show will be the smallest in living memory. Great news for parents, as the show promises to be far less crowded than usual and the organizers are bending over backwards to make the event more kid-friendly. Threatening to outnumber the real cars on display, Takara Tomy will be setting up a Tomica Choro-Q corner alongside a “Crafting Experience for Parents and Children” and Sony Computer Entertainment will install the latest version of the Gran Turismo virtual reality driving simulator. For enthusiasts of the real thing, Lexus are due to unveil their LF-A supercar at the show while Lotus will be showing the fantastic-looking Evora for the first time in Japan.Tokyo Motor ShowMakuhari Messe¥1,100 in advance; ¥1,300 at the gate, high school students ¥500 or ¥600,junior high and under freeOct 24 - Nov 4

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILESDucati, Maserati, Ferrari - Italy does everything in style, especially when it comes to getting from A to B. In this exhibition held as part of Italy in Japan 2009, zig zag through traditional and innovative designs and cutting edge technology. Let the family zoom through the exquisite machines to come off the drawing board and production lines in Italy. It won’t be long before your brood ask to change the family wagon for something red and racy. ZIGZAG Traditional and Innovative: Italy running toward the futureMiraikan: the Museum of Emerging ScienceAdmission free10am - 5pm1Fl Exhibition Spacewww.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/Until Oct 17

BOYS IN BLUEWith the World Cup less than a year away, the Japanese team and the Scottish team come together in this friendly Kirin Challenge Cup. Interest is high in Japan and loyaties divided not just because of fielding the same home colors but because of Shunsuke Nakamura, Japan’s best known soccer export. This cornerstone of the Japanese team was once a valuable player for Celtic, in the Scottish league, and is a favorite in both soccer loving countries.Kirin Challenge CupJapan vs ScotlandTickets ¥1,000-¥7,0007: 20pmNissan Stadium, Shin-YokohamaOct 10

NEW KID ON THE SQUAREThought Tokyo was going soft on luxury shopping? Think again. The latest addition to Tokyo’s international shopping scene is the glamorous Marunouchi Brick Square: 36 shops and restaurants oozing style over four floors. It houses goodies from around the world including the confectionery shop Cacao Sampaka from Barcelona, the famed Italian restaurant A16 from San Francisco and the latest venue for the legendary French Chef Joël Robuchon. The small but beautifully formed Ichigokan Square surrounds by the restored red brick Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum. Brick Square acts as a beautiful gateway to the new Marunouchi.www.marunouchi.com/brick

THE GREEN CARPETVying to be one of the top four movie festivals in the world, the Tokyo International Film Festival played its trump card last year. By rolling out the Green Carpet, TIFF became the caring green film festival. This year, the carpet is out again, and the 22nd festival carries the slogan “Films: The Power to change our world” and is greener than ever. The festival opens with the world premier of Jacques Perrin’s Oceans, a block-busting natural epic documentary with a tale of the mysterious ocean. Big names are expected to drop in to see award-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu, who heads the jury for the International Competition. It promises to be an exciting week at the Hills, so don’t forget your autograph book.22nd Tokyo International Film FestivalCheck website for details of events and screeningsRoppongi Hills www.tiff-jp.net/pre/2009/en/Oct 17-25

VEGGIE, STEADY, GO!It’s a big month for vegetables with the pumpkin taking centre stage, but if the kids won’t eat their veggies, then take them to Veggie Fest at Yoyogi Park for the biggest selection of veggies and veggie restaurants ever to be assembled. Now in its 7th year, the event is dubbed “grass roots for cultural fruits.” There is a special kid’s section for the younger members and an early morning Tibetan exercise and Sora Yoga session planned, weather permitting. Instead of vegging out in front of the TV, head for the park for this fully vegan festival.Veggie Fest10am - 5pmAdmission free Yoyogi Parkwww.tokyo-vegefest.comOct 17-18

TOKYO families October 20098 www.tokyofamilies.com 9

EVENT EssentialsEVENT Essentials

Tokyu Hands Shibuya

is the ultimate life store that supports

all your creative needs. They carry

a wide range of products and

goods.

Tokyu Hands is the essential

shopping experience for the

foreign community.

Tokyu Hands - Shibuya10:00 am to 8:30 pm

12-18 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.

Tel: (03) 5489 5111

Essentials

PUMPKIN CAPE

¥4,725

ORANGE SExY WITCH

PIRATE KID

RED NINjA

PUMPKIN SPICE

PURPLE TWINKLE WITCH

WHIMSICAL WITCH

PUMPKIN

QUEEN OF THE SEA

¥3,675

GOTHIC WITCH

¥1,890

¥3,045

¥5,575

A Shopping Nightmare!Don’t be a shopping zombie this

Halloween. Whether you are being daring or scaring, head for the haunted

hypermarket at Tokyu Hands for this year’s perfect costume. Shelves are

oozing with ghostly apparitions and fangs galore. There’s fresh blood to

bring last year’s costume back to life and the latest outlandish creations

guaranteed to fill your Trick or Treat bags to the brim. You've been warned!

¥4,410

¥6,090

¥3,360

¥262

¥525

¥367

¥1,050

¥3,360

PUMPKIN GARLANDAND BAT GARLAND

HALLOWEEN TATTOO

PUMPKIN BASKET

PUFFY STICKER GHOST TREE PUFFY STICKER PUMPKIN

10-BULB PUMPKIN AND BAT GARLAND LIGHTS

"HALLOWEEN FUN!" BANNER

¥399

¥1,995¥399

EVENT Calendar

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea ExhibitionGo behind the scenes and see all the artwork, models, and much more that were used to create Hayao Miyazaki’s latest Ghibli masterpiece. All month. 10am-6pm. Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. ¥100-¥1,000. Advance tickets only. 0570-055777. www.ghibli-museum.jp

Don QuixoteMiguel de Cervantes’ legendary novel is adapted into a ballet. 4pm, Oct 12; 7pm, Oct 13-14 & 16; 2pm, Oct 15, 17-18. Kids’ room available on some dates. New National Theater Tokyo. ¥1,500-¥10,500. (03) 5352-9999. www.nntt.jac.go.jp/season/updata/20000201_ballet.html

October 2009October 20094 (6&8:45pm)

5-9 (7&9:30pm)Ron CarterFormerly of the Miles Davis Quintet, this legendary bassist keeps jazz alive.

Blue Note Tokyo. Tel: (03) 5485-0088.

14-16 (7&9:30pm)

Miki Imai with Nobuo KurataThis J-pop songstress collaborates with noted Japanese pianist for an unforgettable set.

Billboard Live Tokyo. ¥7,000-¥9,000. Tel: (03) 3405-1133.

Ojima Komatsugawa Park Flea Market9am-3pm, Oct 11. Ojima Komatsugawa Park, 1 Komatsugawa, Edogawa-ku. Nearest station is Higashi Ojima (Toei Shinjuku line).

Disney’s HalloweenYou and yours’ favorite Disney characters suit up in spooky and fun costumes in celebration of Halloween! Sep 10-Nov 3. Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo Disney Sea.

9 (7&9:30pm)10 (6&9pm)

Eliane EliasBe soothed by this versatile and innovative Brazilian jazz pianist / vocalist.

Billboard Live Tokyo. Tel: (03) 3405-1133.

11-12 (6 & 9pm) 11 (2pm)21 (7pm)

21-22 (6:30pm)

Rita CoolidgeSpend an evening with this Grammy-winning country-jazz singer’s music.

Billboard Live Tokyo.¥6,400-¥8,400. Tel: (03) 3405-1133.

I MusiciA famous chamber ensemble from Italy performs some Vivaldi and movie scores.

Suntory Hall in Tameike Sanno.¥3,000-¥10,000. Tel: (0570) 000-407. http://l-tike.com/oc/classic/i_musici/

Ayumi HamasakiJapan’s own pop princess retains her crown by performing for fans.

Kokuritsu Kyogijo in Yoyogi. ¥7,800. Tel: (03) 3498-9999.

Carnival on Ice 2009How about keeping cool with a figure skating spectacle? 7pm, Oct 3. Saitama Super Arena. ¥6,000-¥20,000. www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/coi2009/

Franz Ferdinand7pm, Nov 9. Tokyo International Forum, Hall A. ¥7,000. (03) 5720-9999.

Green Day5pm, Jan 23; 4pm, Jan 24. Saitama Super Arena. ¥8,000. (03) 3462-6969

Tokyo CynicsThe Tokyo Comedy Store’s stand up comedians guarantee a night of split sides. 9pm, Oct 20. The Hobgoblin in Shibuya. Free admission; buying a drink or two is encouraged as courtesy. www.tokyocomedy.com

Rodrigo y Gabriela7pm, Jan 14. ZEPP Tokyo. 7pm, Jan 18. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. ¥6,000. (03) 3444-6751.

The Stylistics6 & 9pm, Dec 20, 23, 26; 7 & 9:30pm, Dec 21-22, 24-25. Billboard Live Tokyo. ¥7,500-¥14,500. (03) 3405-1133.

MM21 Nippon-Maru Flea Market10am-4pm, Oct 3. 2-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama. Nearest stations are Sakuragicho (JR Negishi line) and Minato Mirai (Minato Mirai line).

Design Festa Vol. 30Get into the world of design as innovative artists from all over gather to present their ideas. 11am-7pm, Oct 24-25. ¥1,000. Tokyo Big Sight, West 1-4. (03) 3479-1433.

ChicagoThe famous Broadway musical comes to Japan, featuring ex-Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson, Bianca Marroquin, and Terra C. MacLeod. 7pm, Oct 1-2, 6-7, 9, 14, 16, 23; 2pm, Oct 2, 8, 14-15, 16, 22-23; 6pm, Oct 3-4, 10-11, 17, 24; 1pm, Oct 3-4, 10-12, 17-18, 22, 24-25. Akasaka ACT Theater. ¥10,500-¥12,000. (03) 3498-6666. www.chicago2009.jp

The Crocodile ShowLaugh it up at Tokyo Comedy Store’s monthly comedy extravaganza. 8:30pm, Oct 23. The Crocodile in Shibuya. ¥2,000. For directions, call (03) 3499-5205. www.tokyocomedy.com

Shinagawa Intercity Flea Market10am-4pm, Oct 4, 11, 18 & 25. Shinagawa Intercity, 2-15-2 Konan, Minato-ku. Nearest station is Shinagawa (JR & Keikyu lines).

Irregular Veggies BBQMany vegetables are wasted daily in Japan, as stores dispose of countless irregularly-shaped produce in favor of more visually appealing, perfectly-shaped ones. MyFood, a group dedicated to selling these “odd” vegetables directly, holds a BBQ to bring light on the subject. Oct 9, Montessori Friends International School.

19-20 (7&9:30pm)17 (5:30pm)18 (4:30pm)

25 (6:30pm)

All 4 OneRelax to the smooth harmonies from this noted soul vocal group.


BeyoncéThe irreplaceable pop diva (and her alter-ego, Sasha Fierce) take Japan by storm.

Saitama Super Arena. ¥8,500-¥20,000. Tel: (03) 3462-6969.

Ne-YoThe chart-topping R&B prince comes closer to perform his hits.

Saitama Super Arena. ¥9,000. Tel: (03) 3462-6969.

Chrisette Michele7 & 9:30pm, Nov 18-19. Billboard Live Tokyo. ¥6,400-¥8,400. (03) 3405-1133.

Faith Evans6 & 9pm, Nov 7-8. Billboard Live Tokyo. ¥10,000-¥12,000. (03) 3405-1133.

Super Furry Animals7pm, Nov 26. Shibuya AX. ¥6,500. (03) 3444-6751.

Atlantic Starr7 & 9:30pm, Nov 2; 6 & 9pm, Nov 3. Billboard Live Tokyo. ¥6,500-¥8,500. (03) 3405-1133.

Chaka Khan7 & 9:30pm, Nov 9-10, 12-13; 6 & 9pm, Nov 14. Billboard Live Tokyo. ¥14,000-¥16,000. (03) 3405-1133.

Sports Science & Technology 2009Here’s one for the athletes! Check out new sports gear and equipment to enhance or aid your sporting experience. 10am-6pm, Oct 2-4. Tokyo Big Sight, West 3. ¥3,000. (03) 6459-0444.

OtelloGiuseppe Verdi’s operatic masterpiece about Otello’s reign as Venice’s governor is performed in Japan, conducted by Riccardo Frizza. Sung in Italian; Japanese supertitles. 2pm, Oct 3; 6:30pm, Oct 6. Opera House, New National Theatre, Tokyo. ¥1,500-¥26,250. (03) 5352-9999.

22-23 (7&9:30pm)24-25 (6&9pm)

Bobby CaldwellThe legendary soul crooner performs for his fans in Japan, and does it for love.


Lisa Ono5pm, Dec 27. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. ¥7,350. (03) 3498-9966.

Mario7 & 9:30pm, Nov 16-17. Billboard Live Tokyo. ¥10,000-¥12,000. (03) 3405-1133.

Rakuten Japan OpenThis year’s tennis championship features Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt, Andy Murray, and more. Various times, Oct 5-11. ¥1,000-¥15,000. Ariake Colosseum. http://rakutenopen.rakuten.co.jp/en/index.html

BioFach Japan 2009Health-conscious minds can check out various organic foods and products, ranging from baby foods and raw ingredients to cosmetics and remedies, and more. 10am-5pm, Oct 7-9. Tokyo Big Sight, West 4. ¥1,000. (03) 5369-6788.

2, 6-8 (7&9:30pm)3-4 (6&9pm)

JoeThe R&B superstar celebrates new starts with his Japanese fans.


Com

ing

soon

October 2009

11www.tokyofamilies.com

E-Pluseplus.jp

Ticket Pia0570-02-9966t.pia.co.jp

Billboard Live Tokyo(03) 3405-1133www.billboard-live.com

Lawson Ticket0570-084-003

Udo(03) 3402-5999www.udo.jp

Contact for tickets

10

22-24 (7&9:30pm)25 (5&8pm)

Cheryl BentyneThe renowned vocalist from the Manhattan Transfer brings the sass.

Cotton Club. ¥7,500. Tel: (03) 3215-1555.

26-27 (7 & 9:30pm)

Crown City RockersThis Boston hip-hop quintet take it back old school.


Wat

chin

g ou

t

Goi

ng o

ut

Sel

ling

out

Spor

ting

out

30 (7pm)31 (2pm)

John WilliamsWitness one of the world’s finest guitarists up close at his solo concert.

Sumida Triphony Hall in Kinshicho. ¥4,000-¥10,000. Tel: (03) 3233-1933.

John Williams

Beyoncé

October 2009EVENT Calendar

Kosho Ito WorksJapanese artist Ito Kosho projects his artistic life through large-scale work wit clay. 10am-6pm, Aug 1-Oct 4. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. ¥500-¥1,000. www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng/2009/itoThe first seven e-mails sent to [email protected] will receive two complementary tickets to the exhibit, thanks to MOT.


EVENT On the Tube


On the tubeOnthetubeOnthetubeOnthetubeOnthetu

On the screenOnthescreenOnthescrACTION

Bones - Season 4Booth and Brennan find themselves in jolly old England - Booth, to speak at Scotland Yard; and Brennan, to give a lecture at Oxford University. But the duo find themselves bone-digging once more when local cops ask for their help solving the murder of a British heiress. 11pm, Fridays from Oct 23; reruns 11am, Saturdays, and 9pm, Mondays. Halloween special at 2pm, Oct 25. FOX. (ch. 722 / 312)

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles - Season 2A nemesis’ attack induces damage to Cameron’s body. With her malfunctioning, John becomes the new target of her termination. The Connors have no choice but to pack up and run, although other pitfalls await them. Meanwhile, Agent Ellison attempts to solve a crime caused by Cromartie, who assumes another identity. 10pm, Wednesdays from Oct 21. Super! Drama TV. (ch. 360 / 310)

COMEDY

Alf the Alien - Season 3The Tanners are the typical family of the ‘80s: There’s Mom, Dad, the kids, the pet cat - oh, and a furry extra-terrestial named Alf, who they’ve taken in as part of the household. That’s not to say they sometimes wish they hadn’t! Chaos ensues when the teenaged daughter goes on a drive-in date as Alf hides in the back seat. 7pm, Mondays from Oct 5. NHK. (ch. 3)

Samantha Who? - Season 1A middle-aged career woman with a prestigious job falls victim to a hit and run, resulting in the loss of her memory. She learns when she wakes that the life she led was less than desirable; she was unlikeable to all, including her own parents. She thus tries to turn a new leaf by being a better person this time. 8am, weekdays from Oct 16; reruns at 2pm & 4am. AXN. (ch. 725)

DRAMA

9mm: São Paulo - Season 1Brazil is home to some of the largest cities in the world, and as such, some with the highest crime rates. A group of five São Paulo policemen in the city’s homicide department find themselves constantly examining brutal cases as their personal lives prove to be just as intense. In Portuguese. 8pm, Thursdays from Oct 15. FOXCrime. (ch. 723)

Boston Legal - Season 4The usually upbeat office is under close watch by a new pair of eyes belonging to Schmidt’s senior partner, Carl Sack. Denny doesn’t like this, though he has other things to worry about. The firm also welcomes attorney Katie Lloyd with a particularly tough murder case. 10pm, Tuesdays from Oct 20. FOX. (ch. 722 / 312)

Brothers & Sisters - Season 3In an upper class suburb of Los Angeles lives the Walker family, whose lives turn around when the passing of the children’s father causes various secrets to surface. This time around, the Walkers discover the truth about a supposed relative and track down someone who could possibly be one. 9pm, Sundays from Oct 18; reruns all week. AXN. (ch. 725)

Law & Order: SVU - Season 5The officers of the NYPD’s special victims unit is kept busy as the streets of the Big Apple continue proving to be dangerous. Their latest case involves a pregnant woman who is kidnapped as she approaches her due date; the detectives are baffled when they receive confessions from multiple suspects. 8pm, Wednesdays from Oct 14. FOXCrime. (ch. 723)

KIDS

Egg BirdThe Egg Birds are colorful, egg-shaped fowls who most enjoy donning new clothes, dressing up as other animals or objects, and having each other guess what they are. Have the kids join in the fun! Between 10-10:30am, 11-11:30am, 2-2:30pm, and 3-3:30pm, daily. BabyTV. (ch. 343)

Flight 29 Down - Season 1A group of teenagers find themselves stranded in a deserted Micronesian island following a plane accident on a trip to Palau. All they have are their video camera to which they record their daily lives, and a solar battery charger to keep it alive, and ultimately, each other. 7pm, Thursdays. NHK. (ch. 3)

Lily & PepperA little girl named Lily loves going out to explore the world around her, and always along for the ride is Pepper, her fluffy bird friend. Have the children tag along to their trips to the beach, the zoo, the garden, and more. Between 9-9:30am, 11:30am-12pm, 2:30-3pm, 5:30-6pm, daily. BabyTV. (ch. 343)

ZoomVarious moving objects bounce around the screen, creating smaller fragments of a full image. Zooming out, the bigger picture is seen. Create stories with the kids about the items in motion, and expand their perspectives. Between 10:30-11am, 1:30-2pm, 4:30-5pm, daily. BabyTV. (ch. 343)

REALITY

American Idol - Season 8As the show prepares for its ninth season amid rumors judge Paula Abdul may not be returning, eager fans can reflect on the latest season that crowned Kris Allen its idol, and gave us many unforgettable characters, like Norman Gentle and Tatiana Del Toro. 11pm, Saturdays from Oct 24; reruns 2pm, Sundays. FOXLife. (ch. 283)

Bite Me with Dr. MikeMichael Leahy is a virologist with a fondness for travel. However, sightseeing is not in his agenda. Rather, he journeys to various locations in search for the most perilous creatures that reside there, and have them bite or feed on his body to learn the dangers they are capable of. 10pm, Fridays from Oct 2. National Geographic Channel. (ch. 741 / 343)

Britain’s Next Top ModelThe American version of Tyra Banks’ modeling contest has spread worldwide. The UK version finds British fashion model Lisa Butcher gathering twelve aspiring models from London to compete and gain, as in America, an entry into the world of fashion. 9pm, Saturdays from Oct 10; reruns 10am & 10pm, Sundays. FOXLife. (ch. 283)

The Human Family TreeDr. Spencer Wells, a noted geneticist, has found in his studies something in the human DNA that links every individual. As such, he has trekked the world in search of where exactly the human race began, and its evolution and dispersal throughout the millenniums. 10pm, Oct 19. National Geographic Channel. (ch. 741 / 343)

Return of the RhinoThe Rhinoceros has undergone two extinctions. The majority of the specie were wiped out in the 1980s; in the following decade, the remaining few fell victim to poaching. While poaching has greatly decreased since then, with nearly a thousand men making sure it stays that way, brave scientists enlist the help of the army to bring back the Rhino. 11pm, Oct 16. National Geographic Channel. (ch. 741 / 343)

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EVENT On the Screen

Astro BoyJapan’s famous robot boy gets upgraded! In the high-tech town of Metro City, an ingenious scientist constructs a powerful robot to resemble his departed son, hoping to get over his loss; however, the attempt proved futile. Seeking acceptance, Astro Boy ventures out into the world to put his powers to use. Stars the voices of Nicolas Cage, Charlize Theron, Samuel L. Jackson, and Freddie Highmore. Rated PG. Out Oct 10.


The Boat that RockedThe ‘60s birthed brilliant music that defined the generation. Here, said brilliant music couldn’t be heard, due to government-owned radio stations’ preference for jazz. Meanwhile, a boat floats somewhere along the North Sea, manned by rebellious DJs who risk it all to get good rock & roll heard. Stars Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branagh, and Philip Seymour-Hoffman. Rated R. Out Oct 24.

Fast & FuriousFollowing a brief visit to an incomprehensibly traffic-free Tokyo, the speedy-car franchise takes us back to Los Angeles, and to the quartet that started the saga. Now in the LAPD, Brian puts a feud with Dom behind him as they burn rubber to take down a shared nemesis. Stars Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Jordana Brewster, and Michelle Rodriguez. Rated PG-13. Out Oct 9.

The ProposalMargaret is a high-strung businesswoman in corporate America. Upon learning that she could face deportation to her native Canada, she coerces her Alaskan assistant Andrew to marry her, in exchange for his promotion. She finds herself a fish out of water upon meeting his off-beat family for show. Stars Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, and Betty White. Rated PG-13. Out Oct 16.

My Sister’s KeeperKate and Anna are siblings with a special bond. Kate suffers from leukemia, and her younger sister Anna is her only genetic match. As such, their parents rely on Anna to donate her kidney to keep Kate alive. Learning that doing so will prevent her body from functioning well, Anna seeks medical emancipation. Stars Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, and Sofia Vassilieva. Rated PG-13. Out Oct 9.

OrphanThe Colemans experience troubling times after the passing of their unborn child; Kate is recovering from alcoholism, and John is struggling to hold his family together. They adopt a girl from an orphanage, and the couple soon learn that what lurks behind her sweet face isn’t all that sweet. Stars Peter Sarsgaard, Vera Farmiga, and Isabelle Fuhrman. Rated R. Out Oct 10.

THE CABLE GUY 8:55pm, Oct 1Jim Carrey like you’ve never seen before!The king of psycho-thriller black comedy!WILD ACTION COMEDY! Steven Kovak moves into a new apartment after getting kicked out by his girlfriend. On a fateful day, he passes the cable guy $50 in order to enjoy the fruits of free illegal cable, and decides to slip Chip the cable guy (Chip) $50 for free cable.

However, takes this as a sign of friendship, and slowly invades all aspects of Steven’s life. When things get too much, Steven tries to break things off, but there’s no getting away from the cable guy as Chip systematically attempts to ruin his life…

Production Year: 1996 • Production Country: USA • English with Japanese subtitles • 100min • Director: Ben Stiller • Cast: Jim Carrey, Matthew Broderick, Jack Black

MONEY TRAIN 8:55pm, Oct 6Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson as brothers! Crazy action comedy coming your way! Two foster brothers - one black, one white - work as transit cops on opposite sides of the equation. John (Snipes) is a model worker, while Charlie (Harrelson) is less than. Charlie has enough after getting fired, rejected from his brother, and beaten up by his loan shark, then hatches a plan to steal the “money train,” a train carrying the New York Subway’s weekly revenue. But when things go awry, will his brother be able to save him in time?

Production Year: 1995 • Production Country: USA • English with Japanese subtitles • 120min • Director: Joseph Ruben • Cast: Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Jennifer Lopez

BOOKIES 1:30am, Oct 1Starring Hollywood’s hottest youngsters. Four college friends hatch a plan to hit it big and become small-time bookies, but after enjoying the high life, suddenly find their dream world crashing when their greed attracts the notice of the mafia…

Production Year: 2003 • Production Country: America/Germany • English with Japanese subtitles • 95min • Director: Mark Illsley • Cast: Nick Stahl, Lukas Haas, Rachel Leigh Cook

GLADIATOR 4:10pm, Oct 11Starring Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. A story of two teenagers trapped in the world of illegal underground boxing. One is fighting to save his father’s life and using the money pay off gambling debts accumulated by his father. The second is fighting for the money to get out of the ghettos. While being exploited by a boxing promoter the two teens become friends. An explosive ending puts the two friends in the ring against each other in a fight for survival. Production Year: 1991 • Production Country: USA • English with subtitles • 110min • Director: Rowdy Herrington • Cast: James Marshall, Cuba Gooding Jr.

by Kris Imai

14 TOKYO families October 2009 15www.tokyofamilies.com

ESCAPE Adventures AbroadESCAPE Adventures Abroad

Languages: Vietnamese is the official language, though most citizens involved in the tourist industry are comfortable using English. Access: Direct flights on Vietnam Airlines and JAL make the trip between Narita and Hanoi in five hours. Time difference: -2 hours Currency: The dong Climate: Hot and wet and sometimes both! Aim for the colder season. (March, April, September and October for northern Vietnam’s best weather) Transport: Hop a ride on a cyclo in Hanoi’s old town or brave the traffic and pile the whole family onto a motorbike for a cruise around the countryside. Just follow the example of the locals … up to six passengers is a “comfortable” fit! Best ice cream: Don’t miss out on Fanny’s creamy scoops on the west side of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Info

A few decades ago, the nation of Vietnam was synonymous with armed conflict and the horrific struggles of war. Yet the intervening years have banished the shadows of this sad chapter in Asian

history and Vietnam, poised to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of its capital Hanoi next year, is once again a vibrant stop on the tourist circuit.

Vietnam is a natural choice for a family escape, with a favorable exchange rate, fantastic food, a friendly population, and loads of activities for all ages. Focus your explorations on Hanoi, the north’s main metropolis, and you’ll be treated to an energetic city that blends modern commercialism with a laid-back elegance left over from its days under French colonial rule. Delay your trip until next October and you’ll find yourself in the middle of millennial festivities as the city kicks off its 1000th birthday celebration.

Crossing the chaotic streets here may at times feel like you’re taking your life in your hands so opt instead for a cyclo ride – ask the driver to pedal you through the atmospheric streets of Hanoi’s old town and you can shop for souvenirs and visit the food markets en route. Grab a quick bowl of pho, Vietnam’s tasty national dish, before joining the locals at Hoan Kiem Lake for a picnic under the shady trees or a round of t’ai chi. When you’ve had enough of the blazing sun, hustle the kids out of the heat and into the nearby water puppet theater. Water puppets are one of northern Vietnam’s cultural specialties, and the colorful performance – complete with traditional music – is guaranteed to entertain the whole family.

If you’re keen on two-wheeled transportation, explore the surrounding countryside by bike. Guided half-day excursions leave daily from cafes in the old town to explore the rice paddies and villages near the capital. For a tastier option, older kids may want to indulge their inner Iron Chef with a cooking course at a local eatery. Or, just order up an ice cream cone or fresh fruit shake from one of the ubiquitous open-air cafes and enjoy the action on the street.

When the frenetic pace of the city becomes a bit too much, head east to the coast to take in the marvel of Halong Bay. This stunning natural wonder, named a UNESCO World Heritage sight, is best seen from the deck of a boat so don’t miss out on the overnight cruises that leave from the docks at Halong City. Out on the bay, it’s easy to imagine you’re in another world, as you glide past mysterious rock formations and into

secluded coves. For adventurous explorers, most boats offer guided kayak trips in the surrounding waters and include a visit to a cave on one of the many islands. If seasickness is a problem, you can instead spend the night on Cat Ba Island, and hike through its tangled jungle interior.

If your vacation plans include cyclos, bay cruises, and the best cuisine around, head for Hanoi and get an early start on the 1000th birthday celebrations! u

A Capital Adventure in Vietnam by Mandy Bartok

16 TOKYO families October 2009

ESCAPE Around Japan


ESCAPE Around Japan

by Mandy Bartok

Shuri CastleThis crimson-colored UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooks the landscape of Japan’s remote Ryukyu Islands. Kids can collect stamps as they wander from room to room in the sprawling building, while parents will be intrigued by the unique blend of Asian architectural styles. On weekends, traditional Ryukyu dances are often showcased in the castle courtyard.http://oki-park.jp/shurijo-park/english/ u

in the

Nothing fuels a child’s imagination more than a castle. Whether it’s storming the keep as a fearless knight or samurai, or overseeing one’s domain from the battlements high above, castles play a

pivotal role in childhood play. Luckily, Japan boasts a number of castles guaranteed to intrigue any young lord or lady.

Himeji CastleOne of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Japan, the “White Heron Castle” towers above the city of Himeji. Kids will have a ball peeking out of the numerous arrow slits and attempting to track down the castle’s hidden entrance. In the spring, a thousand blooming cherry trees make the surrounding park a perfect picnic spot. www.himeji-castle.gr.jp/index/English/index.html

Matsumoto CastleOne of Japan’s few remaining black castles, the dark donjon of Matsumoto’s fortress makes a striking contrast against the azure sky. Learn the secret of Matsumoto Castle’s hidden fourth floor or spy on peasants and passersby from high up in the tower. In the autumn, the extensive castle grounds play host to a tasty soba festival – get in on the action and chow down on the region’s signature dish, available from over two dozen vendors.http://welcome.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp/contents03+index.id+3.htm

Osaka CastleThe imposing silhouette of Osaka Castle stands tall over Japan’s third-largest city. The only castle in Japan to sport an elevator (great for strollers!), there are informative exhibits on the castle’s role in the Tokugawa era and stellar views from the top floor observation deck.www.osakacastle.net/english/

Odawara CastleAccessible by local train from Tokyo, Odawara’s castle makes for an easy day trip from the city. Though the modernized interior of the castle doesn’t boast much, the surrounding grounds house a small zoo and a miniature train.www.city.odawara.kanagawa.jp/kanko/kanko_4/e_index.html

Tsuwano CastleNothing will make your kids feel more like medieval adventurers than a hike up to the ruins of Tsuwano Castle in western Honshu. It’s easy to imagine you’re a daimyo (feudal lord) surveying your land from the old stone ruins on the crest of the hill. Back down in the town, follow thousands of colorful koi as they swim in the waterways lining the city streets.www.jcastle.info/castle/profile/87-Tsuwano-Castle

Love it or loathe it, Tokyo comes alive for the Day of the Dead. Don’t resist; embrace

the feeling and dress up for the new age Halloween.

by Carl Williams

Anticipate! Mutate! Salivate!

LIFESTYLE Cover Story

TOKYO families October 200918 19www.tokyofamilies.com

LIFESTYLE Cover Story

Disney‘s celebrations started frighteningly early in mid-September with its playful, fun mix of shows and parades, cheerful ghosts and Mickey and Minnie who seem to enjoy the haunting of their kingdom. Disney Sea got in on the act this year with their very own Venetian masked extravaganza and high spirits. Sanrio Land, home to Hello Kitty, started their proceedings at the beginning of September with their own brand of the Halloween razzle dazzle. Sea Paradise plays home to a scary feeding frenzy in their aquarium, genuinely scary for anyone

who has experienced the Dr. Fish therapy ordeal. A giant pumpkin welcomes you, and various park

characters have been given the Halloween treatment.

Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown do things in style, whilst further a field, Tama Centre and Puto’s Halloween at the Twinring racetrack at Montegi continue their Halloween legacy with various events over the bewitching period.

It wouldn’t be Halloween in Japan without the two big festivals in Harajuku and Kawasaki. All the phantoms and fairies come out to play, decked out with lanterns and latex. Thousands annually participate, from the very young to those with one foot in the grave, and beyond. Registration is required for these monster events, so check the websites first. Harajuku has the young bloods taking the lead whilst Kawasaki includes the Cosplay crowd, who really don‘t need an excuse to dress up.

As businesses everywhere pin their hopes (luckily not voodoo style) on the orange fever to boost flagging sales, why not go it alone and try a bit of good old fashioned DIY costume making? You can do wonders with an old sheet a n d some carefully placed holes. The ever popular Daiso stores

can always provide a cheap alternative, and Don Quixote runs a close second. If time is of the essence and money is something for mere mortals to mull over, try Claire’s own brand of cute gear, or head for the spiritual home of the new Halloween - Tokyu Hands - for the biggest collection of costumes and paraphernalia to suit traditionalists and new-agers alike. But be warned fiends and friends: It can cost you an arm and a leg.

This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, which means it’s going to be a humungous, spook-tacular weekend. Whatever your allegiances, Halloween has a place in everyone’s hearts. It’s a great time of the year for the whole family to come together and let their hair down, shave it, or dye it pink! Halloween might have mutated into a giant fancy dress event, but what the heck, the spirit of Halloween lives on. uA t this time of year, an eerie

orange glow appears over Tokyo. Its power is undeniable,

as tens of thousands fall under its mysterious spell. What is this terrifying curse that haunts us

every year? A new strain of flu? No, nothing of the sort; Halloween fever is upon us! Not even Tamiflu

can contain its spread as it permeates deep into our wallet and psyche.

Many moons ago, Halloween in Japan was little more than a strange western tradition carried out by homesick souls, lost in the

twilight zone known as Roppongi. Now, Halloween is a full-blown cultural event encompassing this nation’s love of dressing up. Those few early pioneers dressed in bln liners who valiantly braved the first Halloween parades in Omotesando over 25 years ago now strut the streets flanked by an army of thousands. Intricate costumes worthy of an Oscar, from Dragon Ball and Cinderella to the Care Bears and the darker side, receive the appreciation of onlookers. This is the Halloween of 21st century Tokyo. Less of the occult and more of the cult of the cute - a fancy dress spectacular that would have the druids turning in their graves.

Disneyland/DisneySea Special Halloween events are held all month.

Dress up in Disney character costumes and enter the parks

www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/index_e.html

Oct 28 - Nov 3

Harajuku Halloween ParadeParade is held in Omotesando and Harajuku.

Registration required before check website for details

www.harajuku-halloween.com/

Oct 25

Kawasaki HalloweenParade is held around East Exit area at JR Kawasaki Station

Parade is at 2:30pm - 4pm and Kids show 4:15pm - 5:00pm on Oct 31.

Registration required same day 10:30am ~ 12:30pm, check website

for details.

www.lacittadella.co.jp/halloween/

Oct 24 - Nov 1

Roppongi Happy HalloweenMini Parades for the young.

Check website for details.

www.roppongihills.com

Sanrio LandSpecial Halloween Parties on Oct 10-12, 17-18, 24-25, and 31

¥1,000 yen Reservations are necessary.

Free Admission from 3pm on Oct 24 and 25 for guests dressed in

Sanrio character Halloween costumes.

www.puroland.co.jp

Oct 9 - 31

Sea Paradise

Lots of Halloween decorations and special entertainment at the

Dolphin Fantasy.

www.seaparadise.co.jp

Oct 1 - 31

Tama PlazaEvents include trick-or-treating, Halloween parade, Jack O‘Lantern

night.

www.tamap.net

Oct 23 - 25

Twinring MotegiPuto‘s Halloween party hosts numerous events.

www.twinring.jp/halloween_m/-

Oct 17 - Nov 4

Monster Events


LIFESTYLE Japanese Schools SpecialLIFESTYLE Japanese Schools Special

Yokohama Design College

Yokohama Design College (YDC) is located in the center of Yokohama, the 2nd largest city in Japan. YDC is categorized in professional training colleges and is one of the institutions classified under higher educational institutions. The Japanese language section in YDC offers you Japanese lessons from beginners’ level to advanced learners’ level.Our students enjoy Japanese lessons in the atmosphere of Japanese modern life. Students can learn Japanese hard through friendly competition to pursue a more fulfilling life. Higher education, such as graduate schools, undergraduates, and professional training colleges, will be their next steps. YDC also provides you various courses including Fashion Design, Visual Design and Advanced Japanese language. YDC students in Japanese section are entitled to go on to specialized courses in YDC without paying admission fees. YDC also presents you with short term intensive courses and private lessons in response to learners’ needs: Japanese in business, Japanese in daily life, academic Japanese, etc.In addition to Japanese lessons, a variety of cultural and creative lessons supported by division of the technical college also improve the students Japanese skills. You will enjoy Japanese tea ceremony, Karate, and cartoon drawing and so forth. For more information, please see our website. Let’s start your study of Japanese at YDC to make your dreams come true!

1-33-6 Chuo, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0051Tel: 0120-001-097Email: [email protected]

1-21 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku Tel: (03) 3359-9600 Email: [email protected]

niChibei kaiwa gakuinJapanese language institute (Jli)

Founded in 1967 by the non-profit International Education Center (IEC), the Tokyo-based Japanese Language Institute (JLI) offers a wide variety of programs and courses to meet the needs of all learners. Students can choose from intensive daytime programs that focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing; early morning, afternoon, night and Saturday courses; and private lessons that cater to specific goals. Among the subjects and skills taught are daily/business conversation, TV news, reading newspaper, thesis preparation and Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) preparation.Since its foundation, JLI has accepted some 7,000 Japanese learners from 90 countries. Classes are taught in Japanese using JLI-published textbooks that target a range of learners, from beginner to advanced. Lessons proceed through a four-step process of introduction, practice, development and reinforcement. Advanced learners use TV programs, magazines and other media to practice presenting their own opinions in discussion and debates.In addition to Japanese lessons, IEC also provides a variety of English-language education programs and engages in international exchange activities, including the International Speech Contest in Japanese broadcast on NHK, The Japan-America Student Conference initiated in 1934, and a variety of cultural forums and other activities.JLI is located in its new state-of-the-art school building, a three-minute walk from JR Yotsuya Station.

Nearest stn: JR Yotsuya (3min walk) www.nichibei.ac.jp/jli

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NIC offers Japanese language lessons at various levels from elementary to advanced at very affordable rates. As learning ability and goal vary according to the individual, NIC has customised lessons suited to everyone. Japanese language instructors at NIC go a mile for its students by conducting lessons anywhere convenient - be it at an office or NIC’s Azabu Juban classroom. All instructors are certified, well experienced, knowledgeable and devoted to student’s needs and goals. Not only are their fees reasonable, their lessons are also top quality. Check them out. The school is located in Azabu Juban, accessible by Toei Oedo or Namboku lines.

Tel: (03) 3454-5002Email: [email protected]



LIFESTYLE Housing

DOS & DON’TS

The writer is Tomoko Kasuya, Residential Leasing Manager, Platinum Ltd. since 2006

[email protected]. Tomoko is a 2005 graduate of University of Arkansas,

Little Rock.

Do your homework: Websites will give you a good idea of what may be on the market and sharing your findings

with your agent will give him or her a good idea of what your requirements might be. True, research is a large part of your agent’s job; however, you will want to maintain a healthy knowledge of the market yourself. Moreover, your agent’s real task is much less FINDING it than it is GETTING it for you. Work closely with your agent and let them know your requirements as specifically as possible. Independent agents can often work with most properties on the market and specialize in tenant negotiations. List your requirements clearly and prioritize them in order of preference before sharing this information thoroughly with your agent. A well-informed agent who clearly understands your priorities can work for you much more efficiently, putting you closer to your new home more quickly. Check the water pressure in the kitchen and the shower simply by turning it on for five to ten seconds. Sometimes this may not be applicable if the water service has not been turned on. Check your neighborhood for future developments. Nearby abandoned buildings, empty lots and ongoing construction sites are a good place to start. Your agent should be of help you here. View the property two or more times at different times (specifically, daytime and nighttime) to check for sunlight, privacy and noises from around the neighborhood, etc.

Working with multiple agents rarely produces the results expected and often leads to confusion and a lack of efficiency. Reduce your selection of agents to one or two at most, and work closely with those you feel will produce the results you seek. The magical formula includes common-sense judgments like how you feel about the agent, or how well you think they might represent your best interests in a negotiation. Key Money is not always a necessity when requested, and in many cases can be negotiated around or out of your lease entirely. Key Money is an entrenched custom and a majority of landlords still request it. Explore your various options with your agent. Comparing Japan with markets in other countries may lead to false expectations regarding pricing and your ability to negotiate. Your agent will have an idea of how much leeway you have regarding negotiations. Despite macro-market trends, each property is different and each landlord employs his or her own policies in managing various properties. u

A wise old real estate sage once advised that,

“Real estate is less about the property than it is

about relationships of the personalities involved.”

a Home in Japanfor Leasing

LIFESTYLE Special

DOs

DOn'tsBy Tomoko Kasuya

[email protected]: (03) 3405 4409Fax: (03) 3405 44083-9-3 JingumaeShibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001

1. what hair care advice would you give people with damaged hair due to too much sun ?Fabio: People should not reach the point of having damaged hair from too much sun if they listen to their hairdresser’s advice. But those who need to recover their hair should consult an expert hair salon, and in most cases, need to start a weekly salon hair treatment for at least four weeks and follow the treatment at home with a good shampoo, mask, and leave-in treatment to get back the hair’s moisture.

2. what is the hair trend this coming autumn season? Colors in vogue?Fabio: For me, the hair trend this millennium is individualism. Of course, every season has reference on hair cuts, colors, and trends. This coming season works on graduations, as we can see graduated hair cuts on straight, wavy, and curly hair above the shoulders, and very smooth graduated highlighted blonds and browns.

3. Any quick fix tips for someone having a bad hair day?Fabio: Everybody should have the option to style their hair the natural way. That means if someone who needs to fix their hair quickly, they should shampoo it and allow it to dry, using the right products and tools recommended by your hair stylist.

4. what sets sin Den apart from all other hair salons in tokyo?Fabio: The clientele. Every day you meet clients from all over the world, including the Japanese, who create an interesting communication and a great atmosphere in SinDen. Of course, we always make them look and feel beautiful.

Photographer Masaki HiroyasuMake-up Naomi Saito Sin Den, Make-up artistHair Stylist Fabio Alfano Sin Den, DirectorHair Assistant Kanako Yamazaki, Junior Stylist


LIFESTYLE Recipes


LIFESTYLE Recipes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves • 2 large eggs • 450 grams cooked and mashed pumpkin • 1 can (12 fl. oz.) fresh milk • 1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell• Whipped cream (optional)

Ingredients

• 12 tbsp sugar, separated • 2/3 cup raspberry juice (see note) • 2/3 cup orange juice • 8 tbsp corn syrup, separated • 8 tbsp unflavored gelatin, separated • Food coloring, optional

Preparation

1. Combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in fresh milk.

2. Pour mixture into pie shell.

3. Bake in preheated 220° C oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 180° C; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. If desired, top with whipped cream before serving.

Preparation

1. Prepare an 8x8 inch pan by wetting it lightly with water.

2. Place 4 tbsp gelatin in ¼ cup cold water to soften for about 5 minutes.

3. Place the raspberry juice, 6 tbsp sugar and 4 tbsp corn syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.

4. Stir in the gelatin and continue stirring until gelatin dissolves.

5. At this point add food coloring if desired.

6. Pour into prepared pan and leave until completely set, 4-6 hours at room temperature or 1 hour in the refrigerator.

7. Repeat procedure with orange juice: place 4 tbsp gelatin in ¼ cup cold water to soften for about 5 minutes.

8. Place the orange juice, 6 tbsp sugar and 4 tbsp corn syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.

9. Stir in the gelatin and continue stirring until gelatin dissolves.

10. At this point add food coloring if desired. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes in pan.

11. Pour over raspberry layer and leave until completely set, 4-6 hours at room temperature or 1 hour in the refrigerator.

12. When set, turn out of pan and shape it the way you like it.

Note: Raspberry juice can be obtained from boiling fresh or frozen raspberries over medium heat. Place 1.5 cups of berries in a small saucepan and heat, stirring occasionally, until they are very liquidy. Pour through a strainer, reserving juice, and press fruit against the strainer to squeeze out all the juice.

budget

COST:

it's ok

KIDS CHOICE:

in a jiffy

PREPARATION:

healthy

SWEET TOOTH

naughty but nice

every day

like it

under an hour

over the top

special occasion

love it!

over an hour

Info

The time of year has come when mystical creatures roam the Earth, and the kids are bound to build up an appetite from all that running! (Parents are likely to as well, from chasing after them!) Rewarding mini-masqueraders? Brewing up a party? Simply hungry? These fun Halloween snacks should do the trick (or treat)!

Ghostly Goodies

Pumpkin Pie

Witches’ Wicked Treat

For 4servings

For 4servings

LIFESTYLE Focus LIFESTYLE Focus

www.tokyofamilies.com 27

With Tokyo home to both Shibuya’s famous Spain-zaka and the largest flamenco scene outside of the dance’s homeland, it’s easy to see which country has Japan enthralled. One of the newest Spanish

spots in central Tokyo lies in the streets of Azabu Juban: Paco Diez, a restaurant that offers a taste of Spain in more ways than one.

Paco Diez is a bar, restaurant, and mesón that recreates a dining experience on the streets of any Spanish city. The authenticity is visible from the start, where an open-spaced entrance displays the several jamón serranos that hang from the ceiling, a large chalkboard in the dining area listing the recommendations, and the interior adorning a chic, appetite-building red-and-brown scheme typical of Spanish mesones.

But, naturally, the food is the heart of it all. The menu is filled with traditional Spanish tapas and other favorites (which, oddly enough, are hard to find in Japan, despite its culinary diversity). Scanning through it almost feels like reading through a Spanish grandmother’s list of family recipes: There’s the beloved Callos (a stewed ox tripe with chorizo sausage slices); the Mejillones (mussels); Sopa de Ajo (a garlic soup); and Gambas (sautéed shrimp in garlic and olive oil).

And of course, there is the legendary paella. There are two kinds of paella served at Paco Diez: One is the Valenciana, which consists of chicken and vegetables; the other is the Arroz Seco con Frutos de Mar, which is the quintessential seafood paella. There is also the Arroz Melozo, a risotto-esque rice stew with both veggies and chicken. Keep in mind, however, that the paella requires a thirty-minute wait!

For the curious gourmet, (or simply one with a big appetite), Paco Diez offers full-course meals that feature tapas and entrées alike. Fine wines from European vineyards are also on hand for casual-to-romantic evenings. Meanwhile, the delectable Spanish desserts – from Espuma Caramel (caramel mousse) to Tiramisu con Platano (banana tiramisu) — are sure to keep the kids happy.

Fancy a quick getaway to Spain? Forget Narita. Head to Azabu Juban, where Paco Diez awaits. u

PACO DIEZ5:30pm-2am, weekdays. Closes later on weekends.1-4-3 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku. Tel: (03) 3560-6797

[email protected]/pacodiez/

by Martin Leroux

Paco Diez

Pottery, a hobby for the whole family

Pottery is an old form of art made even more popular by Demi Moore and the late Patrick Swayze in the classic film, Ghost. If you are mulling over taking up a hobby that can be enjoyed by all the

members of the family, pottery-making promises not to disappoint. It allows every individual, young or old, to develop and express their own creative streak in what could one day be a very memorable souvenir of Japan especially for families who are here on a temporary basis. If your knowledge of Japanese is little or none at all, no need to fret. That’s what makes Tokyo-living exciting for all of us foreigners. Look up Eriko's pottery class. (www.pottery-tokyo.jp)

Eriko's pottery class offers selected courses suitable to each and every member of the family. Check out their group, twosome or private lessons making objets d'art at your request. Or learn how to make Japanese bowls, cups and other dish ware. What better way to learn it than under the direction of a once expat herself, Eriko, who can teach the courses in English.

There are two locations in Tokyo serving the foreign community, Shinagawa and Daikanyama, although the latter seems to be a more spacious option.

Fun, interesting, accessible and course fees are very reasonable. u

POTTERY TOKYO3-26-13-1F Ooi, Shinagwa,Tokyo 140-0014tel: 070-5424-1466 Fax: 03-5743-0069

10 min. from Oimachi station (JR Line, Rinkai Line)12 min. from Oimachi station (Tokyu-Oimachi Line)13 min. from Nishi-Oi station (JR Shonan-Shinjyuku Line, Yokosuka-Line)12 min. from Tachiaigawa station(Keikyu Line)

TERRA DaikanyamaDaikanyama Hillside Terrace Building CF29-10 Sarugakucho, ShibuyaTokyo 150-0033Tel: 070-5424-1466

3 min. from Daikanyama (Tokyu-Toyoko line)7 min. from Nakameguro (Hibiya Line)0 min. from Hillside Terrace Bus Stop (Tokyu entrance)


One lazy Sunday afternoon, I took my kids to a birthday party which my friend threw for her 5-year-old daughter. As I entered the door of their posh apartment in Omotesando, I was awe-struck by the artistic

beauty of the neatly framed family photos that adorned its immaculately clean white walls. “Oh my, how lovely are these objets d’art! Who took them?” I curiously asked. “Letchford & Letchford,” my friend quickly replied.

Geoff Letchford is a highly sought after name in private photographic commissions. He lives by a simply philosophy: Do what you love.Judging from every piece of art they produced which is unique to the subject in many ways, the Letchford philosophy of passion for excellence works. “People come to us because they love what we do and then let us do what we love,” says Geoff.

Fusing together the right amount of skilled composition, personality, emotion and art in creating photographs that make each one amazing is pretty much Letchford’s brand of art. Their common subject? Families.

Families come and go, people move, children grow up, so whatever scenario you’d like to keep in constant memory in timeless style, call the Letchfords. u

The Letchfords will be coming in November to do limited photographic sessions so if you want to get a spot in their unusually hectic schedule, try to book early through their agent in Japan. [email protected] www.geoffletchford.com

TIMELESS ART...by Enrique Garcés


LIFESTYLE WellnessLIFESTYLE Home Base

As in everything else, the hardest part of losing weight is getting started. It can get confusing with all these gadgets, programs, supplements, and various diet products on the market, telling you that they’re all guaranteed to make you shed the pounds.

Many try all or a combination of the aforementioned diet plans to no avail. Perhaps there’s something being overlooked?

I once caught a segment on an American skit show: It was a parody of those weight loss plan infomercials, wherein the product sold was a card that simply read, “Eat less, move more.” The prospective customer claimed it to be too hard, then proceeded to nibble on cookies. The truth is, simply eating right and getting some exercise can be highly effective while making no changes to your bank account, either. I managed to shed over fifteen pounds this way in a few months’ time.

Tokyo is a great place to walk. On a slow day, it’s easy to slip into a pair of your most comfy sneakers and head out the door for a long day of walking, knowing there are train stations everywhere that can take you home should you tire yourself en route. Walking is my preference, and I’ve spent multiple hours roaming the city; I enjoy the trek from my Shinjuku neighborhood to Roppongi Hills. Cycling, however, is just as great. More than anything, sticking to activities you prefer and enjoy keeps you into your exercise plans.

The most challenging part about proper weight loss is the meal plan. I made the decision to go vegetarian two years back, and contrary to popular belief, simply giving up meat does not mean your body will, too. In fact, I was once bluntly asked how I was still fat if all I ate were vegetables - ouch!

The truth is, I only started losing weight once I made changes to my diet. Mind you, I didn’t take supplements nor did I shop for organic stuff. (In fact, some of them can do more harm than good.) What I did was give up my habit of eating three moderately-proportioned meals a day in favor of several small meals, and stop eating once I was contented, but not full. I primarily drink water and few sodas; the body stores the liquid in your body if it feels thirsty, so it helps to always keep hydrated. It also helps that I mostly eat non-fried stuff now, though I occasionally indulge. As for snack foods? Every person’s body is different, but mine responded well to having stayed away from

sugary dairy treats - ice cream, and the like.

And as many doctors and dietitians suggest, getting a proper night’s sleep daily is

vital.

If that all sounds complicated, remember: Getting started is the hardest part. The next steps are fairly easier - eating less, and moving more. u

by Mark Ainley

by Enrique Garcés

One of the joys of life is collecting things we love, things that reflect important aspects of who we are as individuals. As we go through life, we can accumulate quite a collection of memorabilia, and

sometimes the space these items can take up can be overwhelming. If there is a stronger presence of items that reflect our past history than those that speak to our current life and future aspirations, it can be easy to get sucked into past behaviours, communication dynamics, and belief systems. As we acquire new objects, it is important to release the old in order to avoid living in cramped quarters (physically and spiritually).

While it is important to appreciate your own and your family’s past, it is also vital to distinguish between the energy the object gives us and the object itself. We all have special items that remind us of past moments and people who are no longer with us. However, your grandmother’s armoire is not your grandmother, and keeping it does not bring her more into your life than does thinking about her. Part of what makes the difference is practicality and functionality. Is the object one you can use? Do you have space for it? And do you use it regularly enough to warrant keeping it? And do you really like it? I’m not suggesting you throw out every heirloom, but do examine each one’s real meaning and value.

Family photos are among the main culprits: I often have clients with large elementary school photos of their children who are now living out-of-town as university students, or wedding photos from thirty years ago that overwhelm any recent photos (if there are any). If you divide cost of the photos by the number of years you’ve had them, you will find that

the investment all those years back has easily paid for itself. If you want to keep such photos, at least put them in an album so that they will not keep the emotional framework of your home (and your life) set decades in the past.

A wonderful test for how valuable your older possessions really are to you is to box up some of the less frequently enjoyed items and put them in storage. If you have not gone back for them in the past year, and if you cannot name exactly what is in the box without opening it, you can effectively throw the box out without even opening it. If you haven’t missed the contents so far, are they really that important?

May you truly have your possessions – that is, enjoy them, appreciate them, value them – rather than letting them own you. u

Mark Ainley is a contemporary Feng Shui consultant based in Vancouver. A former resident of Tokyo, he consults internationally for home and business owners. To contact him, write to this email [email protected] or visit www.markainley.com

Blast From The Past

Weight

Shedding


COMMUNITY Coupling

If you are a salaried employee in Japan, you will find that once a year you are required to take time off from your job to attend a local clinic to have a kenkoo shindan, or ‘health check’. This appears to

be mandatory and is paid for by the company. Good idea – if you’ve got a problem surely it’s better to find it out before it causes trouble. But does it really work like that?

First of all, people of working age are probably the healthiest sector of the community, so is it worthwhile? Certainly, such health checks involve a lot of medical activity – millions of people every year undergo blood tests, chest and even stomach X-rays, echograms, etc. Surely, all those X-rays can’t be good for you. Then, the tests themselves are usually done on conveyor-belt lines, with little regard paid to personal and family history and to important lifestyle matters such as smoking and drinking. Further, the results are presented in the form of a computer print-out in a rather patronising way which can cause needless anxiety: An ‘A’ means everything is hunky-dory; ‘B’ means it’s not quite normal but there’s nothing to worry about (so you do) and better have it checked again next year; ‘C’ means you need further investigation; and ‘D’ means go and see the headmaster immediately! By the way, what happens to the results? Are they sent just to the person concerned or is a copy sent to the employer so anyone can see one’s personal medical details in the PR department?

It seems to me these kinds of check-ups, where the significance of the results is not explained to the people undergoing the tests, are of very limited value.

Perhaps it is all unnecessary. After all, the rules for healthy living are simple: Don’t smoke, don’t drink excessively, take regular exercise, avoid being overweight, and eat a healthy diet – one containing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and cereal grains, and little or no meat. u

Send your comments to: [email protected]

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he founded Love Letters, the very first

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If you are experiencing true love in your life, then you are a lucky person.

However, that love you share with your partner is not guaranteed to remain forever without any further action.

Love has its own life, and must be kept healthy to last. Imagine love as a child born between you and your partner; as a third entity we will now call Love.

Like a child, Love needs to be fed, protected, and educated daily to grow, strengthen, and stay healthy. Love needs constant attention, energy, and time. It must never be taken for granted.

In other words, Love needs to be fed with love from the components of the couple.

Here are things you should avoid:

Taking love for granted Lying to your partner Purposely hurting his/her feelings Shallow communication Not really listening to him/her Being indifferent to his/her problems Postpone the solutions of problems Concealing your real thoughts and feelings Not being understanding and forgiving

Remember: the present creates the past, and, at the same time, the foundation for the future.

A negative action or behavior will unfortunately be more memorable and deeply affecting to your partner than a positive one.

As such, fill the present with positive actions and behaviors to create a positive past to remember. Your partner would also desire a future with you as a result. Words are important as well (if sincere), but make sure to follow them with actions that are consistent.

Always remember what made the both of you fall in love in the beginning. Unless your partner was that good an actor / actress in projecting a false persona, his / her qualities are still very much present. Do not allow life’s practicalities and problems to blur the image you had of your partner and your own traits. Stay focused on what really matters for a happy relationship.

Next month, we discuss trust and jealousy, and how to manage it. u

by Edoardo Cerani


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Bullying Prevention Skills

and Techniquesfor Children

Mark Lakewood, CEO, is a distinguished bullying prevention expert, author, and

speaker with over 20 years of clinical experience as a family therapist. He provided

clinical and consultation services to school personnel and students on issues of

bullying and behavior management. He facilitates the “Standing Up To Bullying”

Conference. www.standinguptobullyingconference.com

their body language are so significant and detrimental to the outcome of bullying. Recent school shootings suggest that the shooters were bullied by their classmates. The bullying subsequently provoked the school violence.

Parents should be cautious when teaching their children to ignore bullies. The problem with ignoring is that the bully knows that his/her behavior is irritating, annoying, and controlling his/her victim. Therefore, the bullying will continue.

Parents should be cautious when teaching their children to report bullying to an adult without first attempting to resolve the conflict on their own. Parents should encourage their children to first attempt to resolve the bullying on their own with the skills taught above. If their children are unsuccessful resolving these issues on their own, they should be encouraged to report the bullying. If their children automatically report the bullying without attempting to defuse the situation on their own, they will be perceived and labeled as a tattle-tale which will encourage the bullying to continue.

Parents need to teach their children the correct definition of the word ‘tattling’. Some children think that reporting child misbehavior to adults is considered tattling. Parents need to teach their children that reporting on others just to see them get into trouble is considered tattling. A child that reports to his/her parents that his/her brother is picking his nose is considered tattling. Children always need to report to an adult if they were physically, sexually, or verbally harmed by others or if they witnessed others engaging in destructive or illegal behaviors.

It is very easy to feel sympathetic toward victims of child bullying. However, it would be more helpful to the victim if we are more empathic to their needs by empowering them to diffuse bullying on their own. As a result, their ability to defuse the bullying would ultimately raise their level of self-esteem and self-worth. u

Child bullying is a big problem in our schools today. The main difference between child bullying today from the past is the nature of the bullying and the violence that occurs

in the aftermath. Cyberbullying is becoming a popular and more destructive form of bullying than traditional bullying. More children today are bringing guns to school to seek revenge on others. Child bullying has been around and will probably remain for years to come. Unfortunately, we do not have the power to rid the world of bullying. The answer to the issue of child bullying rests within us, especially the victims of bullying. Victims of bullying are never responsible for being bullied. On the contrary, victims of child bullying have the power in themselves to think, behave, and react in ways that limits or eradicates bullying. As a society, we spend much of our energy identifying and punishing the bully that we fail to spend adequate time empowering the victims of child bullying. We should spend more of our energy on the things that we can control rather than the things that we have limited or no control over. We need to teach children about the power that they already possess. Let me elaborate on a few issues that parents should teach their children regarding bullying prevention.

Let’s first talk about the characteristics of child bullying. Typically, bullies and their victims share the same characteristic: Low self-esteem. It just depends on whether they internalize or externalize their feelings that will determine if they will become a bully or a victim of bullying. Typically, negative situations and events in the child’s life can trigger low self-esteem. Externalizing feelings can cause some children to become bullies as they attempt to control their environment to compensate for their lack of control in their family. For instance, if the parents of a child are divorcing and the child is very upset about the divorce, he/she might feel powerless in his/her ability to keep his/her parents together. As a result, the child might take out his/her rage on others for purposes of seeking control to compensate for his/her lack of control over their parents’ impending divorce.

Given the same scenario (parental divorce), some children internalize their feelings by not talking or acting out how they feel. Instead, they become depressed and withdrawn feeling like a failure. Oftentimes, they develop a negative image of themselves and their physical appearance. They look at others and the world around them with shaded lens. When a bully validates this child’s feelings about him/herself, this child often reacts negatively to the validation because he/she feels the bully is correct in their interpretation.

Oftentimes, children with high self-esteem do not respond negatively to bullies because they already know that negative personal statements made by the bully are untrue and therefore are unworthy of attention.

As human beings, our behavior, thoughts, and feelings are never dictated or controlled by others, situations, and events unless we allow this to occur. Simply said, others, situations, and events can trigger a reaction based on what we think. For example, if I do not want to go to work today and my car has a flat tire, I might experience happiness because I do not want to go to work. On the other hand given the same event (flat tire), I might want to go to work today to take care of some unfinished business. Because the flat tire might delay or eliminate my chances of getting to work, this situation might cause me anger. How could the same event in

both situations cause two different feelings? It was not the event at all that triggered the feelings. It was what I thought about the event that triggered my feelings. Therefore, manipulating the way we think can alter how we feel. We have the power to take ownership and control over our thoughts. We however have limited or no control over specific events, situations, and the behavior of others. Sometimes, we attempt to control events, situations, and others but become frustrated when our attempts fail.

Now, how does the paragraph above apply to the issue of bullying prevention? The main goal of bullies is to get their victims to experience fear, anger, or sadness. Once their victim demonstrates signs of these emotions via the words he/she says, body language, or actions, the bully has complete and total control over him/her. The bullying will continue until the victim no longer verbally and/or physically displays fear, anger, or sadness in response to the bullying. The bullying will end once the victim responds the opposite of what the bully expects.

How do we get children to react the opposite of what the bully expects? This is where role-playing comes in handy. Parents should regularly sit down with their children helping them learn to react the opposite of what bullies expect. Oftentimes, this task is much easier when the parent knows what hurtful words or phrases bullies say that makes their children feel fearful, angry, or sad. Using these hurtful words and/or phrases in role-plays will emotionally prepare children when they are approached by bullies.

It is also important to teach children that they have the power to change or affect the agenda of bullies by the words they use. For instance, if a bully calls a child “stupid,” the child could defuse the bullying by stating to the bully, “That’s nice,” “How about that,” “Oh, well,” and so forth. The worst thing that the child could do is respond by telling the bully that he/she is stupid or make other negative statements. A negative response will only inflame the situation, encouraging further bullying.

In addition, parents should teach and role-play with their children specific forms of body language that differentiates a child with high self-esteem from a child with low self-esteem. Body language communicates feelings more so than spoken words. If a child yells at a bully stating that he/she is not bothered by the bully’s behavior, the bully knows that the child is bothered because of the yelling. Lack of eye contact, looking down, slouched posture, lack of hygiene, and low tone of voice can be viewed as symptoms of low self-esteem.

Parents need to teach their children that bullies rarely get angry at them. Bullies are typically angry at themselves and/or events that occurred or are occurring in their own life for which they have limited or no control. Bullies indirectly take out their anger on the ones they could easily control.

Parents should never teach their children to physically fight back when approached by a bully. The problem with fighting back is that children can get themselves into trouble for engaging in physically assaultive behavior. Think of it this way: Bullies rarely throw the first punch. They always entice their victim into throwing the first punch. This way when they are asked who started the fight, the bully could easily and truthfully state that their victim started it. In addition, there are significant legal ramifications that can arise as a result of physically assaultive behavior.

It is important to remember that physical violence typically occurs after a negative verbal interaction. Violence typically is provoked and rarely unprovoked. Therefore to avoid violence, the conflict can and should be defused during the verbal exchange. This is why the words victims say and

by Mark Lakewood


COMMUNITY Kid’s ArtCOMMUNITY Parenting

David Arzouman is an artist, writer, and educator. He developed the program for

ArtLOFT Ebisu School of Art.

with KidsYokohama

by Justin Gardiner

On September 27th, Yokohama wound down its events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the port’s opening, which is a pity for those who’ve missed the

opportunity to see the giant mechanical spider and displays of the city’s past and future, but the good news is that Yokohama has now stopped charging for access to the best bits of the waterfront and the crowds should by now have abated.

What many Tokyoites, both Japanese and foreign, forget is how close Japan’s most populous city is to the capital (yes, since Tokyo was split up into 23 “city wards,” Yokohama inherited the crown of Japan’s biggest city). Public transportation will have you at Yokohama station in less than 30 minutes from Tokyo, Shinjuku or Shibuya, and the lead footed can equal that time by car when the shuto is free of traffic.

Those coming on many wheels rather than four should exit the station on the east side and walk through the Porta underground mall to Sogo. A bit of scouting around will turn up signs to the Sea Bass (sounds like “sea bus” in Japanese, geddit?); a small ferry that shuttles between the crowded station area and the wide open spaces of Minato Mirai and Yamashita. It’s cheaper than a cruise ship and you won’t have to suffer the inane babble of an amplified tour guide. There is no better way to begin a day out in Yokohama.

Disembark at Minato Mirai 21’s floating pier to access the waterfront Rinkai Park, which is dog friendly and has plenty of space for Frisbee, a kick about or a picnic. No need to worry about supplies as the vast shopping malls of Queens Square and Landmark Tower are just over the road. From the latter, you can ride the world’s second fastest elevator (darn Taipei 101!) to the 69th floor of Japan’s tallest building which is particularly worth doing if a typhoon has just blown the smog off the Kanto plain, revealing fantastic views of Mt Fuji and the Japanese Alps.

Cross the old dockyard housing the Nippon Maru tall ship to the kiddy centric Cosmo World theme park. Rides are suitable for toddlers to teenagers and boat buffs can check out the adjacent maritime museum. From here follow the century old (disused) rail tracks to the Red Brick Warehouses where you can hop on the Sea Bass again or, if the wee ones’ legs are up to it, continue walking along the sea front, past Osanbashi Pier, to Yamashita Park.

The beer garden aboard the old steamer Hikawa Maru will probably be closed by the time you read this, but at the north end of the park lies one of Yokohama’s hidden secrets: A convenience store (that happens to sell beer) replete with indoor children’s play area and picnic tables outside. Now that’s convenience for you.

On the other side of the bay, those coming by car should exit Shuto at Daikoku Futo and follow signs to the Sky Walk: A passageway

suspended below Bay Bridge that leads to an observation deck which affords views rivaling Landmark Tower, with the bonus that boys (who love this kind of thing) can watch ginormous cranes loading containers on to freighters and teams of precision drivers driving tens of thousands of new and used cars, trucks and excavators off and on (but mostly on) to car-carrying ships. From Daikoku, it is now possible to drive across to Honmoku and Yamashita on the Bay Bridge’s second deck without paying a toll – follow signs for Route 357 – where you can placate the girls with a trip to the Yokohama Doll Museum.

Finally, a trip to central Yokohama wouldn’t be complete without visiting China Town, but forget the overpriced restaurants and tourist traps: Your kids will appreciate the Yoshimoto Aquarium of Fun far more. u

Seeing is Creating (and Believing)by David Arzouman

Imagine how difficult life would be if you saw everything upside-down and flipped around; if right were left and

up were down, and we walked on the ceiling instead of the ground.

Fortunately, that’s not the way we see things. We can trust our eyes to show things as they are…

Well, not so fast—our eyes actually do see things upside down! The inside back of the eyeball is an area

called the retina. Think of it like a small movie screen. And like a movie screen, light carrying pictures is projected onto the retina. But unlike movie projection, when that light comes in through the lens of the eye, it crosses-over and projects the picture on our little movie screens upside-down and backwards. That’s something they won’t do in movie theaters. With the price of tickets these days, it would probably upset movie goers.

So, if you’re looking at a tree, there is actually a little reversed, upside-down light-image of that tree on the inside backs of your eyeballs.Then, you ask, why don’t we see things upside down?

Okay, wait—let me finish the story…Now the really interesting thing is that that little upside-down image is the final visible light-picture occurring in vision. The retina is made up of millions of tiny light-sensitive cells (called “rods” and “cones,” yet having nothing to do with fishing or ice cream). I suppose they’re like the little pixel units that make up your TV or computer screen. When light hits one of these cells, it starts a chemical reaction.

So, light triggers chemistry… then what?Well, each one of those “pixel-cells” is attached to nerves that connect all the way to the back of the brain. Those nerves connecting the eye’s little “movie screen” to the brain are like bundles of electrical wires. That chemical reaction to light starts an electrical signal darting to the brain.

So, we’ve gone from light—an upside-down picture of what we’re looking at—to chemistry, to electricity. It seems as though we’re moving further away from a simple, accurate picture of a tree. It’s becoming something else, somewhere else…

If the brain and eye were connected with a series of mirrors or lenses, like in a telescope, then we might expect to see an actual light-image of the tree inside someone’s brain (assuming they would let us peek in there).What does the brain do with those electrical signals? It creates a right-side-up mental image of the tree. Notice we said “creates.” And notice that we said “mental” image. There is no tiny little light-image, like we might see on a movie screen, in the brain. What we really see is actually a mental or psychic creation. Just where exactly is that picture? If you find it, please let me know.

Now consider that that mind-creation is constantly being updated. You can prove to yourself that the eye’s area of focus is surprisingly narrow. That means that to see something, our eyes need to move, to scan all over the things we look at. Each viewpoint is its own picture, starting the light/chemistry/electricity cycle all over again to continually add to the mental picture we’re creating, which is surprisingly whole and singular, considering all the fragments and snippets of vision that comprise it.

Then consider that the mental picture we create of the thing before us is filtered through previous memories of the same or similar objects, and the concepts built upon them—in other words, vision is critically dependent upon past memories and learned ideas, personal experiences which always have their limits.

What does all of this have to do with art?Well, if art has anything to do with vision, then we might be well-served to know, as the writer Anais Nin once put it, that “we don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.” If you think about these ideas, you will possibly arrive at many surprising insights, and understand “seeing is believing” in a whole new light.

Next time maybe we’ll consider the age-old question: If that tree we’ve been talking about falls in the forest and nobody is there to hear it, does it make a sound?

Hint: No. u


TOKYO CHILD AND ADOLESCENT GUIDANCE SERVICE

Doug Berger, M.D., Ph.D., bilingual American Board-Certified Psychiatrist and staff provide psychiatric evaluation and counseling for children and adolescents in the Shibuya-Ebisu area of Tokyo.www.tokyochildtherapy.comTel: (03) 3716-6624

DENTAL CLINICS

Arisugawa Parkside Dental Officewww.tokyodentist.comDr. Akio KojimaAesthetic and reconstructive dentistry.Tel: (Japanese) (03) 5475-3311Tel: (English) (03) 5475-3312Arisugawa Residence, Suite B-104,5-14-1 Minami-Azabu,Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047US trained and licensed

Key Dental Clinicwww.key-dental.jpTel: (03) 5114-0118

Ryo Dental Clinicwww.ryodental.comTel: (03) 3444-4200

Dr. Kaku’s Officewww.drskaku.comHiroo Office - Tel: (03) 5449-33085-9-23 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0012Yoyogi-Uehara Office - Tel: (03) 5452-0118 46-17 Ooyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0065

Expat Nisieifuku Dental Clinic (call for appointment)www.iihani.comTel: (03) 5378-2228 Fax: (03) 6909-6168Uniion Trois Building 2F, 4-19-10 Eifuku, Suginami-ku Tokyo 168-0064Dr. Naoko Freeman (Tsurumi Univ. School of Dentistry)Dr. Aiko Nakasone [Orthodontics](Hokkaido Health Sciences Univ. School of Dentistry)

Fujimi Dental Clinicwww.fdclinic.com or www.fdclinic.com/english/index.htmlTel: (03) 3563-4022 Fax: (03) 3535-38491-8-21 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061

Izumi Dental OfficeTel: (03) 3624-8148 Fax: (03) 3624-8149Izumi Bldg. 2F, 4-10-6 Narihira, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0002

Mikasa Dental CareTel/Fax: (03) 3705-65207-18-8 Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0082Dr. KATHlEEN MIKASA (Univ. of California, Tokyo Dental College, Japanese National Dental Board, American National Dental Board)

Nakashima Dental Officewww.dentist-nakashima.jpTel: (03) 3479-2726 Fax: (03) 3479-7947Roppongi U Bldg. 4F, 4-5-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032

Okuda Dental OfficeTel: (03) 3587-0280 Fax: (03) 3587-0280Imai Bldg. 2F, 1-3-11 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045

Osaki ThinkPark Dentistrywww.thinkpark-shika.comTel: (03) 5745-3001 (for English) Tel: (03) 5745-3005Fax: (03) 5745-3006

Shibaura Dental ClinicTel: (03) 5442-8525 Fax: (03) 5442-8526Sophix Building, 2F, 3-12-6 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Shimizuzaka Dental Clinichomepage2.nifty.com/shimizuzakaTel: (03) 3783-2200 Fax: (03) 3783-75802-1-20 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-0041

Sophia Orthodontic Clinicwww.sophia-ortho.comTel: (03) 3403-3795 Fax: (03) 5474-5935Roppongi Shimada Bldg. 2nd Floor, 4-8-7 Roppongi, Mianto-ku, Tokyo 106-0032

Tokyo Clinic Dental Office (call for appointment)www2.gol.com/users/tward/clinic.htmlTel: (03) 3431-4225 Fax: (03) 3431-4224No. 32 Shibakoen Bldg., 3-4-30 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011Dr. Thomas R. Ward (West Virginia Univ. Dental School, American Dental Association)

Tokyo Midtown Dental Clinic (call for appointment)www.tokyomidtown-mc.jp/en/dental/index.htmlTel: (03) 5413-7912Midtown Tower 6F, Akasaka 9-7-1 Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6206

Tsurubuchi Dental OfficeTel: (03) 5475-1231Azabu Sun Palace #303, 4-2-49 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047

United Dental Officewww.uniteddentaloffice.comTel: (03) 5570-4334 Fax: (03) 3585-41802-3-8-1F Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041

INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALSTOKYO

International Medical Center of Japanwww.imcj.go.jp/imcjhome.htmTel: (03) 3202-7181, Fax: (03) 3207-10381-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655

Keio University Hospitalwww.hosp.med.keio.ac.jp/Tel: (03) 3353-121135 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582

Nihon University Itabashi Hospitalwww.nihon-u.ac.jpTel: (03) 3972-8111

Medical Mall “DOKTORS”www.doktors.jpTel: (03) 5745-3001 (English available)Fax: (03) 5745-3002ThinkPark Tower 3F 2-1-1,Osaki, Shinagawa-ku,Tokyo 141-6003

National Medical Clinicwww.nmclinic.net/index.htmTel: (03) 3473-2057#202, 5-16-11 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047

St. luke’s International Hospitalwww.luke.or.jpTel: (03) 3541-5151 Fax: (03) 3544-06499-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8560

Sanno Hospitalwww.sannoclc.or.jpTel: (03) 3402-2187(Operators speak English) Fax: (03) 3404-36528-10-16 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052

Seibo International Catholic Hospitalwww.seibokai.or.jpTel: (03) 3951-1111 Fax: (03) 3954-70912-5-1 Nakaochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 161-8521

Tokai University Tokyo Hospitalwww.tokai.ac.jp/tokyohospTel: (03) 3370-2321 Fax: (03) 3370-23761-2-5 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053

Tokyo Adventist Hospital (Tokyo Eisei Byoin)www.tokyoeisei.comTel: (03) 3392-6151(Operators speak English. Call for appointment) Fax: (03) 3392-14633-17-3 Amanuma, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-8507

Tokyo British Clinicwww.tokyobritishclinic.comTel: (03) 5458-6099 Fax: (03) 5458-6095Daikanyama Y Bldg. 2F 2-13-7 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0021

Tokyo Medical & Surgical Clinicwww.tmsc.jpTel: (03) 3436-3028 Fax: (03) 3436-5024No. 32 Shibakoen Bldg. 2F3-4-30 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011

Tokyo Midtown Medical Centerwww.tokyomidtown-mc.jp/index_e.htmlTel: (03) 5413-7911 Fax: (03) 5413-7915Midtown Tower 6F, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6206

Tokyo Women’s Medical University Hospitalwww.twmu.ac.jp/info-twmu/index.htmlTel: (03) 3353-81118-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666

Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Daini Hospitalwww.twmu.ac.jp/DNH/index.htmlTel: (03) 3810-1111 Fax: (03) 3894-02822-1-10 Nishiogu, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-8567

YOKOHAMA

The Bluff Medical and Dental Clinicwww.bluffclinic.comTel: (045) 641-6961, (045) 651-5147 (dental direct) Fax: (045) 651-513082 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0862

Isogo Central and Neurosurgical Hospitalwww.isogo.or.jpTel: (045) 752-12121-16-26 Mori, Isogo-ku, Yokohama 235-0023

Kitasato University Hospitalwww.khp.kitasato-u.ac.jpTel: (042) 778-8111 Fax: (042) 778-93711-15-1 Kitasato, Sagamihara-shi 228-8555

Kobayashi International ClinicTel: (046) 263-1380 (English-speaking operator available 9:00-12:00), Fax: (046) 263-09193-5-6-110 Nishitsuruma, Yamato-shi 242-0005

Mitsui Eye ClinicTel and Fax: (046) 643-7886 (call for an appointment)2-27-15 Shonadai, Fujisawa-shi 252-0804

National Hospital Organization Yokohama Medical Centerwww.yokohama-mc.comTel: (045) 851-26213-60-2 Harajuku-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 245-8575

Saiseikai Yokohama Nambu Hospitalwww.nanbu.saiseikai.or.jpTel: (045) 832-11113-2-10 Konandai, Konan-ku, Yokohama 234-8503

Shonan Kamakura General Hospitalwww.shonankamakura.or.jpTel: (0467) 46-17171202-1 Yamazaki, Kamakura-shi 247-8533

St. Marianna University Hospitalwww.marianna-u.ac.jp/hospitalTel: (044) 977-8111, Fax: (044) 977-94862-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki-shi 216-8511

Tojo Women’s Clinic (OB/GYN & Pediatrics)Tel: (045) 843-11212-34-7 Maruyamadai, Konan-ku, Yokohama 233-0013

Washinsaka HospitalTel: (045) 623-7688169 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0862

Yokohama City University Hospitalwww.fukuhp.yokohama-cu.ac.jp/Tel: (045) 787-28003-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004

Yokohama City University Medical centerwww.urahp.yokohama-cu.ac.jp/index.htmlTel: (045) 261-56564-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama 232-0024

Yokohama Municipal Citizen’s HospitalTel: (045) 331-196156 Okazawa-cho, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8555

Yokohama City Minato Red Cross Hospitalwww.yokohama.jrc.or.jpTel: (045) 628-61003-12-1 Shinyamashita, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-8682

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Aiiku Hospitalwww.aiiku.netTel: (03) 3473-8321 Fax: (03) 3473-84065-6-8 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047

International Medical Crossing OfficeTel: (03) 3443-4823 Fax: (03) 3443-59715-12-14-201 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047

Nagahashi ladies Clinicwww.e-ladys-clinic.comTel: (03) 3959-0351 Fax: (03) 3959-03542-5-7 Nagasaki Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0051

Osaki Clinic for Womenwww.osaki-cw.comTel: (03) 5745-3001 (for English) Tel: (03) 5745-3077Fax: (03) 5745-3078located inside Medical Mall DOKTORS www.doktors.jp in Osaki

Parkside Hiroo ladies Clinicwww.ladies-clinic.or.jpTel: (03) 5798-3470 Fax: (03) 5798-34805-16-13 Minamiazabu Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047

Shohei lady Clinicwww.shohei-lady.comTel: (03) 3393-5171 Fax: (03) 3392-70993-14-8 Amanuma, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-0032

Tokyo Medical & Surgical Clinicwww.tmsc.jpTel: (03) 3436-3028 Fax: (03) 3436-5024No. 32 Shibakoen Bldg. 3-4-30 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011

PEDIATRICS

Aiiku Hospitalwww.aiiku.netTel: (03) 3473-8321Fax: (03) 3473-84065-6-8 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047

Endo ClinicTel: (03) 3492-64222-24-13-305 Kamioosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0021

Karl Che OfficeTel: (03) 5420-5866 Fax: (03) 3473-18695-16-11-202 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047

ThinkPark Tower International Medical Clinicwww.thinkparkclinic.comTel: (03) 5745-3088 Fax: (03) 5745-3089located inside Medical Mall DOKTORS www.doktors.jp in Osaki

DERMATOLOGISTS

Expat Irako Clinicirako-clinic.comTel: (03) 3426-02205-3-29 Kyodo, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-0052

Tokyo Skin Clinicwww.tokyo-skin-clinic.comTel: (03) 3585-0282 (English line)3-1-24-2F, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032

OB/GYNECOLOGISTS

Dr. AdachiAiiku Hospital5-6-8 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, TokyoTel: (03) 3473-8321

Dr. Claudine BliahTokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic3-4-30 Shibakoen, 2nd Floor, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3436-3028

Dr. Hideki Sakamoto3-4-30 Shibakoen, 2nd Floor, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3436-3028

Dr. MiyazakiMaeda Hospital1-1-5 Akasaka-Mitsuke, 8th Floor, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3478-6443

Dr. Yoko Oshiba8-10-16 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Tel: (03) 3402-3151

PEDIATRICIANS

Dr. Endo#305 Meguro Nishiguchi Mansion, 2-24-13 Kami Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. Tel: (03) 3492-6422

Dr. Karl CheNational Medical Clinic#202 5-16-11 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 5420-5866

Dr. Michiko Suwa#103, 5-16-4 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3444-7070

DAYCARE & SITTERS

AI-Port Child Care2-25-1 Minami Aoyama, Tokyo Tel: (03) 5786-3250

BREASTFEEDING

lactation [email protected]: (03) 3425-2534Pre-natal breast-feeding workshops, counseling and breast-feeding management, hospital and home visits, phone and e-mail consultations, new parents' groups, play-groups, Maya Wrap baby slings. la leche leaguewww.llli.org/[email protected] is a volunteer organization offering breast-feeding information and mother-to-mother support for breast-feeding, through monthly informal discussion meetings, phone and e-mail help, and an extensive lending library. English, French, and Japanese speaking groups.

CULTURAL SIGHTS

Jindaiji5-15-1 Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu-shi, Tokyo Tel: (042) 486-5511 Odawara Catle6-Ban, 1-Go, Jonai, Odawara-shi, 250-0014

Otori Jinja3-18-7, Senzoku, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Yasukuni Jinja3-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. Tel: (03) 3261-8326

MUSEUMS

Chikatetsu Hakubutsukan (Subway Museum) 6-3-1 Higashi Kasai, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3878-5011

Edo-Tokyo Museum1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, TokyoTel: (03) 3626-9974

Edo-Tokyo Tatemono-en (Open Air Architectural Museum)3-7-1 Sakura-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo. Tel: (0423) 88-311

Fune no Kagakukan (Museum of Maritime Science)3-1 Higashi-Yashio, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 5500-1111

Ghibli Museum1-1-83 Shimotenjaku, Mitaka-shi Tel: (03) 5800-1978 Kotsu Hakubutsukan (Transportation Museum)1-25 Kanda-Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3251-8481

Nihon Minka-en (Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum)7-1-1 Masugata, Tama-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Tel: (044) 922 2181

Oji Paper Museum1-1-3, Oji, Kita-ku, TokyoTel: (03) 3916-2329

Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of PhotographyYebisu Garden Place, 1-13-3 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3280-0099

The Toy Museum2-12-10 Arai, Nakano-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3387-5461

Yokohama Anpaman Children’s MuseumMinato Mirai 4-3-1, Nishi-ku, YokohamaTel: (045) 227-8855

Yotsuya Fire MuseumYotsuya 3-10, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004Tel: (03) 3353-9119

PARKS

Asakusa culture and Tourism Center2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, 111-0034Tel: (03) 3842-5566

Kodomo no Kuni (Children’s land)700 Naramichi, Aoba-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-kenTel: (045) 961-2111

Musashino Sports Park5-11-20 Kitamachi, Kichijoji, Musashino-shiTel: (0422) 56-2200

Setagaya Park1-5-27 Ikejiri 1-Chome Tel: (03) 412-7841

Shiba Koen4-10-17 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku, TokyoTel: (03) 3435-0470

ZOOS & AQUARIUMS

Nekobukuro (Cat Petting Zoo)1-28-10, Higashi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3980- 611

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan552-0022 1-1-10 Kaigan-dori, Minato-ku, Osaka City, JapanTel: (06) 6576-5501

Sea ParadiseHakkeijima, Kanzawa-ku, Yokohama Tel: (045) 788-8888

Shinagawa Epson Aqua Stadium10-30 Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 5421-1111

Shinagawa SuizokukanKatsushima 3-2-1, Shinagawa-kuTel: (03) 3762-3431

Sunshine City International AquariumHigashi Ikebukuro 3-1-3, Toshima-ku Tel: (03) 3989-3466

Tama Zoo7-1-1, Hodokubo, Hino-shi, Tokyo Tel: (042) 591-1161

Tokyo Sealife ParkRinkai-chi 6-2-3, Edogawa-ku Tel: (03) 3989-3466

Tokyo Tower Suizokukan (Tokyo Tower Aquarium)Nippon Television City Corporation 4-2-8 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Tel: (03) 3433-5111

Ueno Zoo9-83, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo. Tel: (03) 3828-5171

AMUSEMENT & THEME PARKS

Huis Ten Bosch1-1 Huis Ten Bosch-cho, Sasebo-shi, Nagasaki 859-3243Tel: (0956) 27-0011

Kid-o-Kid BornelundMinato Mirai leaf Bldg., Minato-Mirai 4-6-5, Nishi-ku, YokohamaTel: (045) 650-1231

Kodomo no Shiro (Children’s Castle)5-53-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3797-5666

Korakuen Amusement Park1-3-6 Korakuen, Bunkyo-ku, TokyoTel: (03) 3817-6098 Fax: (03) 3817-6185

Minato Mirai 212-3-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama Tel: (045) 682-0109

Muscle Park5F Decks Bldg., Island Mall, Odaiba Tel: (03) 5500-1801

Nandemo (Children & Teens Hall)6-6-14 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 5561-7830

Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Hall1-18-24 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, TokyoTel: (03) 3409-6361Fax: (03) 3407-8364

HOBBIES

Edogawa Pool Garden (Swimming)8-17-1 Nishi Kasai, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3687-1721

Jewish Community Center (Swimming)4-8-8 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, TokyoTel: (03) 3400-2559

Komazawa Olympic Park (Swimming)Komazawa Koen 1-1, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3421-6121

Yomiuri land (Swimming)3294 Yanoguchi, Inagi-shi, TokyoTel: (044) 966-1111

TOYS

Kiddy land (Toys)6-1-9 Jingumae, Omotesando Dori, Harajuku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3409-3431

PETS

Pet City OdaibaPalette Town Odaiba, Aoumi Itchome, Koto-ku, OdaibaTel: (03) 3599-2160 Fax: (03) 3599-2161

Akasaka Animal Hospital2F Akabishi Bldg., 1-29, Akasaka 4-chome, Minato-ku, TokyoTel: (03) 3583-5852 Fax: (03) 3583-5857

Dorasena Veterinary HospitalTakenozuka 5-6-16, Adachi-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3860-4981

TUTORING

Kaybee TutoringMath, Reading, Success...www.kaybeetutoring.comhttp://twitter.com/kaybeetutoringE-mail: [email protected]: (080) 5053-4679Kaybee Tutoring offers customized tutoring support for preschool and elementary school students that attend international or Japanese schools in Japan. We also provide educational consulting services. The Kaybee approach is an individualized, hands on, multi-sensory teaching method. Our tutors come to your house, or your child's school. Ask us about trial lessons.

COMMUNITY Directory

INTL. OPERATOR: 0051

POLICE: 110

POLICE (Eng.): 8:30~5:15pm: (03) 3501-0110

FIRE DEPT. / AMBULANCE (Jap.): 119

EMERGENCY MEDICAL (Eng./Spa./Chi./Kor./

Thai) Mon-Fri 5~10pm and Sat-Sun & Hol.

9am~10pm: (03) 5285-8185

TOKYO METROPOLITAN HEALTH & MEDICAL

INFO CENTRE (Eng/Spa/Chi/Kor/Thai):

(03) 5285-8181

POISON CONTROL: 0990-50-2499

NATIONAL CENTRE for CHILD HEALTH and

DEVELOPMENT (Children’s hospital, 24h ER):

(03) 3416-0181

TOKYO ENGLISH LIFE LINE: (03) 5774-0992

WEATHER: 177

TIME: 117

Emergency Num

bers

Directory

COMMUNITY Directory

MuseumsMIRAIKAN (National Museum of Emerging science). A modern and up-to-date kid-friendly science museum (with hands-on activities for kids). It deals mostly with space science, ecology and robots. Located in Odaiba (Yurikamome line, Telecom Center station).www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/

IZU TEDDY BEAR MUSEUMEntrance ticket adults ¥1,000Middle school students ¥800Elementary school students ¥600Open Mon-Sat 9:30am - 5pmNo entry allowed from 4:30 pm.Tel: (0557) 54-5001www.teddynet.co.jp

Theme Parks

Vatican, Empire State Building, the Great Wall of China, Tokyo Station (with, of course, working trains) and much, much more! www.tobuws.co.jp/en/service/guide.htmlIt’s great! There’s even a discount ticket that you can print out!Tobu World Square English [email protected]

TOSHIMAENOne of the oldest and biggest of the water parks accessible by Oedo line. Fun rides and kid-friendly restaurants available. Offers the biggest selection of pools and slides around. Adults ¥3,800 Children ¥2,300www.toshimaen.co.jp/index.html (in Japanese)

FUJI SAFARI PARKThe Safari Zone, where many animals live freely, can be observed either from your own car or from the park bus. The “Jungle Bus” with wire netting on the window is popular because visitors can feed fierce animals from a close distance. Visitors can also enjoy coming in contact with small animals in the “Animal Village” or the “Fureai Farm.” Depending on the season, a “Night Safari” is available, which allows visitors to observe wild animals at night. This is a natural zoo with various experiential events. *Guides available with guided tours only (fees apply). Tel: (055)998-1311http://www.kandou10.jp/en/spot/spot328_c10_0.html

SUMMERLANDOpen all yearFacilities include an indoor wave pool and pirate ship while outdoor areas have amazing obstacle courses over the water guaranteed to give you rope burns.Adults ¥3,500 Children ¥2,500www.summerland.co.jp

RAINBOW POOLLocated in Showa Kinen Koen Memorial Park. It has a huge shallow play area, chutes and a big wave pool. Try renting a boat and having a barbecue.Adults ¥2,200Children ¥1,200www.showakinenpark.go.jp/english

MUSEUM OF MARITIME SCIENCELarge flowing pool great for a summer edition.www.funenokagakukan.or.jp

SANRIO PUROLAND7 attractions featuring Kitty’s House, boat ride, theater and lots more. Adults (18 years and over) ¥3,000

Youths (12-17) ¥2,700Juniors (4-11 years) ¥2,000Children age 3 or less are free.www.puroland.co.jp/english/welcome.html

FUJI Q Highland10 attractions including coaster, racing, etc.Entrance fee Adults ¥1,200 - Kids ¥600 Free Pass Adults ¥4,500 - Kids ¥3,300Free Pass 2 days also available.www.fuji-q.com/fuji-q-en/main/attraction.htm

SEIBU-EN YUENCHIOaza Yamaguchi, 2964, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama-ken Tel: (042) 922-137

TOKYO DOME CITY1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-kuTel: (03) 5800-9999

YOKOHAMA HAKKEIJIMA SEA PARADISEHakkeijima, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0006Tel: (045) 788-9632Fax: (0120) 17-4848

YOMIURI LANDTokyo-to, Inagi-shi, Yanoguchi Tel: (044) 966-1111

Parties

PARTY MAGICMr. D’s party comedy & magic shows are perfect for any age group from the age of four. He has entertained at over 2,000 children’s parties and so each party has that special touch that comes with experience. Children love Mr. D’s funny magic and animal balloons! Tel: (03) [email protected]/users/davidlet

Babysitting Services

ElasticareNeed a babysitter today? Call (03) 3726-6627 (c/o Jeanne Shimazaki)

PART-TIME BABYSITTER, 25 years old, speaks English and basic Japanese. 2-year experience in childcare. Kind, loving and energetic. Contact [email protected]

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available on an hourly basis. Contact Josie: (090) 9955-7992

Baby/Children’s Wear and GoodsAbi lovesImported baby clothes/wear, eco-friendly www.abiloves.com

Babies R UsYour one-stop shop for baby supplies. www.toysrus.co.jp/b/010.html

Akachan Honpo Specialist in baby goods, maternity wear and other preschool-related items at the lowest price. Many stores in Tokyo but Gotanda is the most accessible to foreigners.5F T.O.C. Bldg, 7-22-17 Nishi Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku. Nearest stn: Osaki-hirokoji, Ikegami line, or Gotanda, on Sakurada street. Tel: (03) 3779-0365. Also Kinshicho, Itabashi, Odaiba. www.akachan.jp

YuzawayaTen multi-story outlets where you can find art, needlework, hobby supplies, stationery and knickknacks. Credit cards are not accepted.Open 10am-7pm daily. 8-23-5 Nishi-Kamata, Ota-ku. Tel: (03738) 4141or (03734) 0010

DadwayOnline store for famous baby brands like Sassy, Nuby, Lamaze, Dapipa, Ergo baby etc. Wide selection of baby essentials. You earn points as you shop. 2 shops in Shin Yokohama and Daikanyama, Tokyo www.dadway.com Diesel KidsDiesel brand kids wear. www.dieselkids.com

T-RexOnline store for babies. Sells anything from toilet trainer, strollers, buggy boards, etc.www.t-smartstart.com

Creative StoreTokyu Hands Shibuya Store is the ultimate life store that supports all the family's needs.Open 10 am-8:30 pm12-18 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 35489-5111

HelpTokyo Families is looking for interns who would like to gain some experience in the magazine [email protected]

Looking for experienced proofreaders. Onsite work once a month. Send your CV to [email protected]

Looking for a job in the kitchen.I have been working as cook for more than 8 years in Japan and Malaysia. Interested? Please email me at [email protected]

Tokyo Families is looking for a part-time assistant. Proficiency in business Japanese (spoken and written) and English a must. Good telephone manners with a cheerful disposition highly appreciated. Must live in central Tokyo area. Age between 21-27. Only those with a winning attitude need apply. Please forward your application and CV to [email protected] telephone inquiries please.

Kids’ English ClassesCrown English is a family-run school in Osaki, Tokyo that offers English language education to children and adults from all over the world. Our professional teachers and staff currently teach students from Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan and Russia. We believe in teaching students in a cooperative, vibrant and friendly environment to achieve the best results. At Crown English, we also import and sell educational material from America and Britain to help parents and teachers educate young learners. Visit us today to find out more: www.crown-teachingmaterials.com

Moving Sale

DVDs regions 1 and 2 for sale. About 3,000 titles for family homeviewing. Send an email to receive info. [email protected]

My family is moving to another apartment and will be selling some items, lithograph painting (¥7,000), night table (sturdy varnished wood) ¥5,000 but bought for ¥35,000, designer's bureau ¥12,000 bought for ¥50,000, tall artificial palm tree ¥5,000, cherry wood center table (rectangle) with matching side table (square), both neatly varnished and will complement a white or beige living room set ¥25,000 for the 2, 2 room airconditioners/heaters at ¥50,000 for both. Email us and we will send you a photo to appreciate [email protected] Must go by October 15.

FoodLove curry? Great Bliss Takeaway offers healthy and tasty London-style vegetarian curry takeaway. Run by a musician and an artist from London who spent over a decade in India, Great Bliss' food offers positive energy for everyone. Delivery and catering available. Open 12-3pm, weekdays. #301 Soshiaru Dogenzaka, 1-14-9 Dogenzaka, Shibuya. Call 090-1439-1968 or email [email protected].

Family Fun Activities

OutdoorEvergreen Outdoor operates guided tours in the Hakuba area. They organize summer camps, water wizards, kayak, canoe tours,

COMMUNITY Market PlaceCOMMUNITY Market Place


mountain bike, rafting, Japan hiking, rock climbing, canyoning, etc.www.evergreen-hakuba.com

BoulderingA multi-coloured mosaic of strange wall hangings in a crazy old building with a bouncy floor, music blaring. It’s an unusual fun environment, as you climb and fall.www.pump-climbing.com

OutdoorEvergreen Outdoor operates guided tours in the Hakuba area. They organize summer camps, water wizards, kayak, canoe tours, mountain bike, rafting, Japan hiking, rock climbing, canyoning, etc.www.evergreen-hakuba.com

ZoosUeno Zoo (Ueno Park)First opened in 1882, it is the oldest zoo in Japan. 470 different mixed species of animals. Adults ¥600 Students ¥200 Kids under 12 Free.www.tokyo-zoo.net Tel: (03) 3828-5171

Oshima Koen ZooLocated in Oshima, south of Tokyo. Endangered animals are on display. Rare animals to find are wallabies, camels and deer. Free entrance.Tel: (049) 922-9111www.tokyo-zoo.net

BowlingEst. Amusement Center1-14-14 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3409-4721

Shinagawa Prince Hotel Bowling Center1F & 2F Executive Tower, 10-30, Takanawa 4-chome, Minato-ku, TokyoTel: (03) 3440-1116

Tokyo Dome Bowling1-3-61 Koraku, Bumkyo, TokyoTel: (03) 3817-6115

CyclingImperial Palace (Cycling)1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, TokyoTel: (03) 3213-1111

GolfComo Golf & Tennis5-6-22, Kami-Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Tel: (03) 3713-2805

Rock ClimbingJ&S Vertical Climbing ZoneK1 Bldg., B1F, 3-20-2 Higashi, Shibuya, Tokyo. Tel: (03) 3406-8778

TAMA ZOOLots of trees, interesting walking paths and some nice picnic areas. There’s a safari (bus tour inside the lions’ den). Meet the orangutans and their babies. Tel: (042) 591-1611www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/tama/main.html

TOBU WORLD SQUAREImagine yourself as Gulliver navigating the world in half a day. No passport needed! A tour guide will explain as you visit miniature historical landmarks. See the

Have something to sell or an announcement to make? Tokyo Families accepts classifieds for a wide range of products and services within the 50-70 word count.

Tf oct09

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