THE ANNUAL SCHOOLS' SPECIAL

WHICH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IS BEST

FOR YOUR CHILD?

KIDS’ PARTIES GET THE ROYAL TREATMENT

PLUS! NICOLE KIDMAN AND JOHNNY DEPP IN TOKYO

ESTABLISHED 1970 BY CORKY ALEXANDER VOL. 39 NO. 06 FREE MAR. 21–APR. 03 2008

ALSO ONLINE AT WWW.WEEKENDERJAPAN.COM

SCHOOL TRIPS—DO YOU REMEMBER YOURS?

PULLOUT AND KEEP SCHOOLS’ DIRECTORY

THE GYM THAT ONLY KIDS CAN JOIN

THE ANNUAL SCHOOLS’ SPECIAL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Creativity. Confidence. Friendship.It all starts at Gymboree.

www.gymboree.jp 03-5449-2311

Call Us For A Free Trial !Come see why we are the

global leader in classes for kids.

Call for free trial lesson!

Quality of Education is always our first priority: small size class • low ratio of teachers and students

careful individual attention • high quality program efficient teachers • solid method of language arts

PAL International

Preschool & Kindergarten is an early childhood education specialist

institution inthe Azabu area

3-8-18 Nishi AzabuMinato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031TEL 03-5770-8166FAX [email protected]

With 3 convenient locations in Mita, Meguro, and Setagaya, English Studio was founded in 1985 with the mission “to nurture confident, independent, global communicators.”

● ESL Classes (Pre-K to Adult)● Returnee Classes (K to 12)● Saturday 3 Hour Intensive● ESL Intensive courses● International Kinder Class

● English Daycare● International Student Support Classes

And much more!See our homepage for details

� | Weekender—Schools Issue�

2-13-9 Moto-AzabuMinato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046

Tel: 03-5419-8277E-mail: [email protected]

We support bilingual education.We are accepting applications for the Spring Term After School Program

and Summer Programs 2008English activities and Japanese immersion classes are available

For registration and information, please visitwww.globalkidsacademy.com

Bo

dyp

ain

tin

g c

op

yrig

ht

Dr.

Hei

nz

Lin

ke

Let us help create a BIRTHDAY PARTY your child and friends will never forget!

Party Themes• Nail Salon• Cooking • Dance• Hair and Makeup• Face Painting• Magic Show• Flower Arrangement• Clowns• and MUCH MORE!!

We offer party packages including decorations, cakes, mealsand English speaking staff! We can also create original parties

tailored to you and your special occasion, such as SweetSixteen or graduation parties. We’ll do all the planning!

Cell: 090-9148-4529 URL: http://partypalace.co.jp/ EMAIL: [email protected]

•••

•••

VOL. 39 NO. 06 FREE MAR. 21 – APR. 03 2008THINGS TO DO

WEEKENDER—JAPAN’S QUALITY ENGLISH MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER Caroline� Pover� ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Rajiv� Trehan EDITOR Marie� Teather� EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Danielle� Tate-Stratton� TRAVEL & SOCIETY EDITOR Bill� Hersey� DISTRIBUTION MANAGER� Stephen� Young�ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES� Amy� Dose,� Sheree� Hsu� CONTRIBUTORS� William�Casper,� Louise� Nakanishi-Lind,� Marie� Teather.� OFFICES� at� Caroline� Pover,�Inc.,�5th�floor,�Chuo�Iikura�Building,�3-4-11�Azabudai,�Minato-ku,�Tokyo�106-0041�Tel.�03-5549-2038�Fax:�03-5549-2039�Email:�[email protected].�Opinions�expressed�by�WEEKENDER�contributors�are�not�necessarily�those�of�the�Publisher.

FOUNDED IN 1970 BY MILLARD H. “CORKY” ALEXANDER

Mar. 21 – Apr. 03 2008 Vol. 39 No. 06 �

My�Major�is�Mangate

Summer Courses at TUJ—It’s Time to Sign Up! by Danielle Tate Stratton

It’s our annual international schools’ special issue of Weekender, and regular readers will notice that we have brought it forward to earlier in the year than previous issues, due to requests from our schools. Our theme this year is ‘School Trips’, and, even though I’m not fac-ing that difficult decision of where to send children to school, I have really enjoyed reading all about the trips our local international schools take their lucky children on!

In addition to our pull-out schools’ directory and five-page focus on schools, we have plenty of other help-ful information for parents. Tokyo English Life Line is introducing a vital support service for parents—see page six for more information. Our double-page Dining sec-tion features three great child-friendly restaurants, and page 18 covers a very special gym with an interesting philosophy for those who worry about their children being glued to a TV or computer screen. At the end of this issue, we’re also looking at Party Palace, a great party production company for adults and children alike!

Enjoy! Caroline Pover, Publisher

06 Intro to Schools’ Issue—Editor’s note and TELL support

07 Schools’ Special—Guide to the best schools for your kids

12 Schools’ Directory —A pull-out and keep contacts list

10 Movies & Movie Plus—Johnny Depp and Nicole Kidman

16 Dining—Restaurants for all the family

18 Sports—Kids get fit at the gym

19 Bill’s Partyline

22 Schools Out—Party celebrations to remember

L ooking for some summer enrichment this year? Why not enroll in one of Temple University

Japan (TUJ)’s summer courses? One course, for anyone interested in that oh-so-Japanese form of entertainment, manga, will be Studies in Japanese Popular Media: Manga and An-ime course. It’s a six-week, six-credit program that explores manga and anime and their relation to Jap-anese and global culture. In addition to lectures and class discussions, the program includes field trips to art and anime exhibitions, and to studios to see how anime and manga are made. Students also have the opportunity to participate in university-organized field trips and excursions that are of general interest to students of Japanese culture. TUJ is home to the Institute of Contemporary Japanese Studies (ICJS), which sponsors special pro-grams devoted to Japanese contemporary culture

and language, as well as a lecture series. Guest lecturers have included Ian Condry, Associate Professor at M.I.T specializing in media, popular culture, and globaliza-tion; and Frederik Schodt, author of Manga, Manga, Manga and Dreamland Japan. Other courses offered by TUJ this summer include the Tyler Summer Art Workshop, which includes printmaking; photography; painting; architecture and graphic design; Asian Studies; Japanese Visual Anthro-pology; and more. The deadline for applicants from Japan not requiring a student visa is March 28.

For more information about summer programs at TUJ, please contact: Geeta Mehta, Ph.D., AIA Director of TUJ Summer Institute at: [email protected] or see www.temple.edu/studyabroad/programs/summer/.

On the cover: students from Gregg International Schoolenjoy a tug of war on a school event.

Saturday, March 29Introduce your children to classical music with a concert for kids including Ave Maria, Edelweiss, and more at the Tokyo Tiara Koto Hall at 3pm, ¥2,500. Tel. 03-3261-9933.

Sunday, March 30View Mouton Rothschild, Paintings for the Labels, at the Mori Arts Center Gallery, celebrating 70 wine labels since 1945 by painters such as Picasso, through Apr. 3. www.roppongihills.com/jp/macg.

Monday, March 31Enjoy Turandot, based on Puccini’s opera, through Apr. 27, various times. ¥9,500–¥13,500, at the Akasaka ACT Theatre. Tel. 03-3234-9999.

Tuesday, April 1Like to travel and help people around the world? Meet fellow “Travelers With a Purpose” to talk and learn about upcoming Habitat for Humanity trips. 7pm, free, at The Pink Cow.

Wednesday, April 2Groove down to Club Quattro in Shibuya for the acoustic beats of the John Butler Trio. At 7pm, ¥6,500. Tel. 03-3444-6751.

Thursday, April 3Take in the best of Tokyo’s contemporary art scene at 101 Tokyo, through Apr. 6. For times and locations see www.101tokyo.com/en

Friday, March 4Head to Roy’s for a burger and while you’re there, pick up the newest issue of Weekender, due out today.

Answers�from�Crossword�#22�(Weekender�Mar�7)

Saturday, March 22Head to Eastside Story in Taito-ku for a free poetry reading by Jane Joritz-Nakagawa and Judy Halebsky from 6pm. www.eastsidetokyo.com

Sunday, March 23Take the kids to the ballgame as the Oakland Athletics play the Hanshin Tigers at noon in the Tokyo Dome. Tel. 03-5800-9999.

Monday, March 24View films from various Arabic-speaking countries at the Japan Foundation’s fourth annual film festival. At the OAG Hall in Akasaka through Mar. 25. www.jpf.go.jp

Tuesday, March 25Spend an afternoon with the kids at the INAX Gallery, where you can learn about Growing Up With Science For Kids through crafts and more. Until May 24. http://inax.co.jp/culture

Wednesday, March 26Travel to the Yokohama Museum of Art to learn about Goth: Reality of the Departed World, which closes today. http://jiu.ac.jp/yma/goth/index.html

Thursday, March 27Get your brainiest friends together for the Paddy Foley’s pub quiz, from 7:30pm. ¥500 each, and all are welcome; prizes for the top three teams. www.paddyfoleystokyo.com

Friday, March 28Start off the weekend by heading to What the Dickens in Ebisu for a pint, some pub grub, and the music of rock band Kinlay. www.whatthedickens.jp

Are you happy with the medical services available in Japan? To register your opinion on the medical services available to foreigners here, go to www.weekenderjapan.com and take part in our survey. The survey will be online for an extended period of time and the results of the 2008 Weekender Medical Services Survey will be published in depth later this year.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

M O T H E R B H U M I P O L

O H L O A H A

9 10

N E A R L Y B U D D H I S M

11

O I A T S E P E

12 13 14

P A L M S W E E T T H E N

15 16

O A T O S L I T

17

L A N D O F S M I L E S

18 19

Y D N T T M M I

20

S I L E N T M O V I E S

21 22

A S C P I N S O

23 24 25

B A H T U S I N G E T A L

26 27

A R X B G W A A

28 29

C H A I R M A N P H U K E T

U N A C O E E

30 31

S U K I Y A K I T A N N E D

6 | Weekender—Schools Issue�

SCHOOLS’ SPECIAL

School�Memories�That�Last�A�Lifetime

T okyo English Life Line (TELL)—a registered non-profit organization which has been providing

support and information to Tokyo’s international and Japanese communities for over 33 years—is now offering an important new service called TELL Edu-cational Support Services (TESS).

Until now, families in the international commu-nity had few resources and support available to them when their child had special learning needs. There was no localized database of developmental specialists, and few international academic institutions have for-malized programs for children with even the mildest of learning differences. Families and schools often felt overwhelmed when needs arise for their children. TESS however, will lead the way in formalizing services for these children and their families in the Tokyo area. For families who feel frustrated and concerned, TESS will make issues more manageable with expert identifica-tion of the delay, therapeutic support, and referrals to professionals who can help.

If a parent or teacher feels that their child may need extra support in their educational or develop-

mental needs, TESS can provide an educa-

tional, develop-mental and

psychosocial assessment. After which, they will point

TELL�Introduces�TESSTaking�the�Frustration�out�of�Developmental�Concerns

CHILD DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

The�Fourth�Annual�Weekender�Schools’�Special

WEEKENDER ANNUAL SCHOOLS’ SPECIAL

www.JapanHomeSearch.com

Your home search starts and finishes here!

www.JapanHomeSearch.com

Search for your dream home on our comprehensive online database

Hundreds of �oor plans and photos available online

Contact us for an accompanied tour today

Moving in Tokyo?

For home relocation or sayonara sale delivery, call Steve at 090-3801-8083 or 03-5932-7777.

We can provide safe delivery of your belongings for reasonable rates. Disposal service of unwanted furniture and appliances also available.

Email: [email protected] Website: www.Quoz.biz

QUOZ MOVERS

Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes?

QCIC Consulting K.K.Finance, Accounting & Tax / HR / Compliance & Legal

Administration / Back Office Administration.

Tel. 03-3505-5565 Email [email protected] URL www.qcic.jp

[email protected] Tel/Fax 03-3353-5626 Mobile 090-8450-1040

I t’s been said before that your school days are the best days of your lives. Whether strictly true or

not, one thing for certain is that the time spent during your developmental years can have a pro-found effect on your happiness, well-being and fu-ture successes as an adult.

Children living in the international commu-nity of Tokyo could be considered to be some of the most fortunate of children on the planet. Growing up in a city where even the youngest of students are often seen walking safety to and from school, is a privilege which most would not have experienced back in their home countries. In recent years, the number of international schools that have opened to serve the foreign community has almost doubled. New approaches to children’s development and educational needs are constantly being investigated and here in Tokyo among the multitude of schools, the latest curriculums and modern teaching methods are consistantly being updated, and used to teach your children every day.

Educators tend to agree that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ teaching nor learning methodology. What is great for helping one of your children to reach their full potential may not necessarily allow another to truly flourish in the classroom. Of course, for parents and, with so many schools

to choose from, this can create somewhat of a dilemma!

Here at the Weekender we have listened to our readers and understand that choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you will ever make on your child’s behalf. For our fourth annual schools’ issue we spoke to over 20 of Tokyo’s leading international schools and other organizations that play vital roles in your children’s all-round learning and developmental needs. You can read what each of these schools and learning facilitators have to say on pages 6–11, and on pages 12–13 we’ve created a pull-out and keep directory of schools in the Tokyo vicinity. Whether it’s a kin-dergarten, junior high school, high school or extra tutoring and care you are considering, the guide is sure to help.

Thinking of our school days, we also remembered the fun and lasting memories to be had on school trips, day-, or week-long excursions. Again, Tokyo is a wonderful location for children and schools with easily accessible nature resorts, countryside, zoos, museums and more, to really bring subjects learnt in the classroom to life. So, we also asked our schools what trips they have organized in recent years—some of these fantastic trips, including taiko drumming in Nagano and a day of mochi pounding, are also featured.

parents towards strategies available to help their chil-dren. A team of practicing, licensed psychologists and educational diagnosticians—all of who are experts in the field of child development—use the latest versions of intelligence, achievement, rating scales, observations, and play-based screenings to develop an understanding of the child’s abilities. Based on the findings of the assessments, assistance is provided to families, schools and adjunct service providers, to develop a comprehensive plan which addresses the identified strengths and needs.

TESS will provide a full written report with person-alized recommendations for home and school. If a par-ent gives permission, TESS staff can work with schools to offer consultations and guidance on how to tailor the child’s environments to their individual style of learning. TESS provides families with ongoing com-munication and consultations—including follow-up sessions—to discuss test results and answer questions.

As with TELL, every specialist in the referral sys-tem has been screened to verify experience, licenses and credentials. Eventually, TESS will develop a com-prehensive database of specialists that will be freely available to educators and therapists of children with developmental and learning differences in the Tokyo area.

Consultation, and resource referrals are available for both English- and Japanese- speaking children, on a sliding scale fee (fees are determined depending on parents income) meaning no child, is ever turned away. For TELL Educational Support Service enquiries, please contact 03-3498-0231.

Mar. 21 – Apr. 03 2008 Vol. 39 No. 06 �

I n 2006, Pacific Learning Center Inc. (PLC) formally opened its door to offer children with developmental delays individualized

support, allowing each child to reach their full potential. Although we are new here in Tokyo, our sister company, Pacific Autism Center in Honolulu, Hawaii (PAC) has provided children on the autism spec-trum with a variety of educational services for several years.

Laura Cook, the founder and president of PAC and PLC, has a son who was diagnosed with autism when he was three, and was told that her son would be institutionalized as an adult. However, by receiving intensive intervention, he has made dramatic progress and now recov-ered from autism. Laura’s goal is to offer hope and opportunities for other parents and families to access services that help their child to have a high quality of life for the future.

With support from families and other professionals in Tokyo, PLC has successfully set up a small center where they can provide individualized programs and learning experiences, based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). They specialize in educational services for children with autism spectrum disorders, but can also help children with other developmental disabilities. In fall of this year, they are going to start ABA classrooms in an effort to provide more accessible services.

Please call us at 03-5440-7441 or e-mail at [email protected]

Pacific�Learning�Center—Individualized Programs to Overcome Developmental Delays.

T he International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH), Tokyo, is a mul-ticultural English-speaking Catholic school that warmly welcomes

students and families from many faiths. This year we celebrate 100 years of providing students with the necessary skills to enable them to become critical thinkers and effective leaders.

ISSH offers a core curriculum—the basis of a sound liberal educa-tion—designed to develop the whole person. The curriculum is drawn from international curricula that is continually being broadened to include the best practices from around the world. Special programs such as the ‘Advanced Placement’ and ‘English as a Second Language’ (ESL), are crucial components of the school’s academic life.

Students are also encouraged to participate in activities and after-school clubs to expand their interests and develop their skills. This is an important aspect of development. Students have an abundance of

options available to them such as art clubs, choral festivals, speech competitions, and sporting activities.The Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes for three, four and five-year-olds are co-educational, while

grades 1-12 are girls only. ISSH is centrally located in Tokyo and accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

For more information call 03-3400-3951 or see www.issh.ac.jp

The�International�School�of�The�Sacred�Heart—Celebrating a Century 0f Learning.

A t K. International School Tokyo (KIST) we encourage our students and teachers to view the world outside of school—and the people

in it—as a valuable resource for learning. We believe that for students to make meaningful connections, their learning should have relevance beyond the classroom.

To explore the world outside of school, we provide our students with a range of off-campus learning experiences. These experiences are carefully planned to ensure students are able to use these trips to enhance their learning and develop skills, in a context.

Teachers at KIST seek opportunities for students to attend excur-sions that will support their learning. Excursions from our school have included trips to recycling centers, local disaster relief centers, aquari-ums, beaches, farms, businesses and museums.

At K. International, we also provide opportunities for students to travel away from school on camps, overnight excursions and overseas

trips. These excursions are aimed at assisting students to develop outdoor skills, independence, open-minded-ness and to take part in action/community service projects. These events have included Habitat for Humanity trips to Thailand, ski trips, trips to Nikko, as well as leadership and adventure camps at North Star, Nagano.

For more information call 03-3642-9993 or email [email protected]

K.�International�School—Learning Through Excursions.

B elgrave International Preschool was founded in 2004. At Belgrave preschool we focus on the development of each child as a student

and individual. Children are immersed into a safe, positive environment that affords them the ability not only to develop independence, but also to become a responsible citizen.

In the classroom we emphasize the importance of tolerance, adapt-ability, teamwork, and the use of effective communication skills. The Preschool curriculum teaches basic phonics and theme-based language acquisition on monthly subjects. We acknowledge different learning styles and expose each child to a variety of learning techniques on a daily basis. These include audio, visual, and tactile methods.

As an educational institution, Belgrave International School is com-mitted to developing each student to function successfully in primary schools and within their communities. Our hope is that with the com-

bined efforts of teachers and parents, students can grow, flourish, and fulfill their potentials in life as empow-ered citizens of our increasingly global society.

Our new kindergarten, which will open in April in Hikarigaoka, will focus not only on academic studies but also on developing the values of love, respect and self-importance.

For more information call 03-3712-8016 or see www.belgrave.co.jp

Belgrave�International�School—Developing Independence in the Global Community.

TELL�Introduces�TESS


Helping children withAUTISM reach their

full potentialone child at a time.

CALL NOW 03-5440-7441Because every child deserves the

opportunity to reach their full potential.

www.pacificlearningcenter.org


N ew International School (New I.S.) uses a thematic based approach with developmental guidelines supported by the Scottish Curricu-

lum, Dual-Language and Multiage practices. Teachers facilitate activi-ties in English or Japanese, so the children acquire the concepts in both languages.

Trips are especially important as they give basis for follow-up activi-ties in either or both languages. Recent trips have included, grape-pick-ing, visits to an Egyptian exhibit, seeing the film Earth, orienteering in the area of the school, the Ueno Science Museum, the Edo Architectural Museum, a Persian restaurant where the children experienced ancient Persian musical instruments, and JAICA in Yokohama.

Last fall, classes from New I.S. made overnight field trips to Nambo Discovery Camp in Chiba Prefecture. Each trip featured beach explora-tion, collecting shells and making necklaces, a scavenger hunt, habitat studies, a night-hike listening to the sounds of darkness and roasting marshmallows around a camp fire. Teams took turns preparing the meals for everyone.

Preschool trips have included apple picking followed by baking activities, and a trip to a park to return classroom frogs to their habitat for hibernation. Fun and knowledge for all, and in two or more languages!

For more information call 03-3980-1057 or see www.newinternationalschool.com

New�International�School—Learning Outside and Inside the Classroom in English and Japanese.

E vergreen Outdoors school trips are the ultimate get-away for kids who are keen to have some serious fun! From canoeing, kayaking,

hiking and rock climbing to nature games, mountain biking and camp-fires, there’s never a dull moment.

Based in Nagano, on Lake Aokiko (15 minutes from Hakuba Station), school groups can stay in lakeside cabins or tents for a true natural camping experience. Children awake each day to the sounds of nature and are guided on daily discoveries in the local mountains by Evergreen’s ever-enthusiastic guides.

Our excursions for school groups can be customized to suit both your curriculum and budget. Parents and educators can feel at ease knowing their kids are in safe hands and having a wonderful experi-ence in the outdoors.

The Evergreen Outdoor Center has been operating guided tours in the Hakuba area since 2000. Evergreen has been instrumental in developing outdoor activities, ecological tours and mountain safety courses in the region. The mission of the Evergreen Outdoor Center is to allow for the growth and development of the human spirit through personal interaction with nature, physical challenges and teamwork—all with a strong emphasis on individual needs and safety. For more information please visit www.evergreen-outdoors.com or contact 0261-72-5150

Evergreen�Outdoor�Center—Serious Fun in Hakuba for School Trips.

I nternational Secondary School (ISS) values above all the individual. We believe that for each child to reach their potential they need to

feel supported in a positive environment where adult mentors con-tinually encourage.

ISS students and staff foster a community where acceptance is taught, practiced and valued. From the international food party to the interscholastic athletic competitions, where students from a host of countries work together in pursuit of a common goal, ISS fosters the ideal climate for understanding others. Our qualified and experienced staff represent diverse backgrounds and sees multi-culturalism as a profound asset to be nurtured and cherished. In addition, ISS operates diverse theatre, music and visual arts programs as well as a number of extracurricular activities.

One major highlight of our school year is the annual ski and snowboard trip. It is a wonderful opportunity for both students and staff to interact in a scenically stunning environment outside the school and the city. Some students have their first experience of snow with ISS, but by the last day of the trip everyone is skiing or snowboarding. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable, satisfying experience for everyone involved.

For more information call 03-5730-1331 or see www.isstokyo.com

International�Secondary�School—Cherishing Multi-Culturalism.

G regg International School holds many events to support our firm belief that education is far more than the lessons stud-

ied in the classroom. We like to provide opportunities for active par-ticipation and enjoyment in the richness of life and community. Every September, a family picnic is held at Kinuta Park to give Gregg students and their families an opportunity to develop understanding, communication, and trust. During the Christmas season a concert is held where students exhibit newly-found talents in music and theater. Other holidays are also celebrated and become memorable educational experiences. On our annual field trip to Zoorasia in Yokohama, students solidify knowledge gained in the classroom by experiencing it first hand, while having a wonderful day with teachers and friends. In April, Gregg holds a spring festival on its Jiyugaoka campus. The festival is an opportunity to offer thanks to the parents, students and community for their work and support throughout the year, by providing fun, games, music, and multi-cultural foods.

Gregg International School offers classes for students from age two to twelve, in core subjects as well as art, music, and Japanese.

For more information call 03-3725-8000 or see www.gis-j.com/opp.html

Gregg�International�School—Year Round Extra Curricular Learning.


INTERNATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL4-17-26 Mita Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073 Japan

Phone: 03-5730-1331 / Fax: 03-5730-1332 E-Mail: [email protected] / Website:www.isstokyo.com

Mar. 21 – Apr. 03 2008 Vol. 39 No. 06 9

H orizon Japan International School (HJIS) is one of the three inter-national schools that are accredited by the Kanagawa Government.

We provide a high quality, all-English education for students from three years of age through junior high school. We are also a member of the ECIS. (European Council of International School).

Horizon has three campuses in two major cities. Currently there is a PreK-9 campus in Yokohama, and a PreK-6 campus in Tokyo. Unique to Japan, the campus in Shibuya holds exchange activities with a Japanese elementary school using shared facilities.

Established in 2003, we already have students representing over 20 nationalities. HJIS is strongly committed to developing international and multi-cultural perspectives among our students. We work with other schools around the world in setting new standards of excellence to prepare our students to meet the challenges of the future. Learning is realized through school- or grade-wide themes. These are supported

by the possibilities of enrichment afforded by the cultural and technological setting of Japan via school trips. The students of Shibuya visited the Shinagawa Aquarium and Kawatsura Strawberry Farm, and the Yokohama students visited Meiji chocolate factory to see how chocolate is made.

For more information call 045-584-1945 or see www.horizon.ac.jp

Horizon�Japan�International�School—Learning and Enrichment in Kanagawa.

T he American School in Japan (ASIJ) was founded in 1902 to provide a high quality education to expatriate business, embassy, and mission-

ary families. Today, with diverse curricular and extra-curricular offerings, a highly qualified faculty of nearly 150, and over 1,600 students from more than 40 countries, ASIJ is one of the oldest and most respected in-ternational institutions in Japan.

ASIJ is a private, college preparatory school for students from three years of age through twelfth grade. Students at all grade levels—from the Early Learning Center in Roppongi to the high school on the Chofu campus—have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Japan through a wide variety of field trips. These range from our pre-school students visiting the local soba shop in Roppongi to seventh grade field trips to Hiroshima.

In high school, the JUMP program sees students travel nationwide to explore Japan and experience everything from Okinawan music and taiko

drumming in Nagano, making wagashi (traditional sweets) in Kyoto and home-staying on a farm in Niigata. For more information on ASIJ and all the programs on offer, call 0422-34-5300 or visit www.asij.ac.jp.

The�American�School—106 Years of Respected Education.

W ith the warmer weather approaching over the coming weeks, Happy Days children will soon be discarding their winter hats,

gloves and coats. In keeping with spring and cherry blossom viewing, we will take some fun-filled picnic lunches to the park. These excursions are always popular with our children and used as a way of educating the children about nature. Being located in beautiful Ebisu away from the noise and congestion that dominates Tokyo, we can explore many parks within our neighborhood on a daily basis.

Towards the end of May, we have a special trip planned for our ‘big kids’—our annual ‘Happy Days Sleepover’ which has become a yearly trip away. This night is filled with cooking, games and laughter before lights out. It really is an adventure for all of them.

Later in the year we will also make our annual trip to the zoo and aquarium for some more wonderful learning experiences outside of the

classroom. The chance to see so many animals provides our children with a wonderful insight into the animal kingdom and is a great opportunity for the children to ask questions and make observations. Then by visiting our local fire and police station we are also able to convey to the children, in their terms, the importance of safety and any potential dangers that they should be aware of.

For more information call 03-3446-1540 or see www.ebisupreschool.com

Happy�Days�International�Preschool�and�Kindergarten—A Calendar of Happy Trips Out.

T he mission of Seta International School is based on what all parents wish for their children: to foster a strong sense of balance between

their child’s physical, emotional, social and academic well-being. Our diverse curriculum addresses this by nurturing children through a well-equipped, home-away-from-home classroom environment emphasiz-ing strong academics and creativity.

In addition to this, we conduct several field trips throughout the year, providing students with a unique view of their world. We believe such activities are an essential vehicle for a well-rounded education. These field trips include a visit to the Tamagawa Fire Station, imohori (autumn sweet potato harvesting at a local farm), strolling beneath the cherry blossoms at nearby Kinuta Park, and a surprise end-of-year field trip to a popular children’s attraction in Tokyo.

Our school is conveniently located near both St. Mary’s and Seisen International Schools, and welcomes children ages eighteen months to six years old. Our curriculum is tailored to nurture children of all linguistic and educational backgrounds in order to help them meet the challenges of an increasingly globalized society.

For more information call 03-5717-6769 or see www.seta-inter.com

Seta�International�School—Academics and Creativity.


Preschool-Elementary-Junior High Schools

ECIS Member

ESL Support Service

Extra Curricular Activities

Great Facilities

School Bus Service

A Caring and Courageous

School

Yokohama Campus Shibuya Campus

HORIZON JAPAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Tokyo and Yokohama

www.horizon.ac.jp

1-38-27 Higashi Terao Tsurumi-ku 230-0077 Yokohama 045-584-1945 [email protected]

4-20-12 Jingumae Shibuya-ku 150-0001 Tokyo 03-5413-6090 [email protected]

Looking for a high-qualityinternational school in Tokyo?

Over 100 years of developing compassionate, inquisitivelearners prepared for global responsibility

Pre-K through grade 12. Accredited byWASC. For complete admissions

information please visit:<www.asij.ac.jp> or call 0422-34-5300

THE AMERICANSCHOOL IN JAPAN

Seta International SchoolBuilding Tomorrow’s World with Today’s Children

For information and enrollment, please contact us:

2-19-21 Seta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0095Tel/Fax: 03-5717-6769

E-mail: [email protected] Url: http://www.seta-inter.com

Come and visit our school located in a family-style house close toSt. Mary’s and Seisen International Schools

Balanced and complete Toddler,Preschool and Kindergarten curricula

Age: 18 months to 6 years oldSchool hours: 9:00am – 2:30pm

Afternoon class available: 2:30pm – 4:30pmQualified and experienced teachers

Latest materials from abroad


From its inception, Global Kids Academy has believed firmly in the value of field trips. For the past five years, our summer programs

have featured ‘Adventures in Tokyo’, a program where learning is en-hanced through hands-on experiences in the dynamic city of Tokyo.

Among the amazing experiences the children have had are; partici-pating in a tea ceremony in an authentic Urasenke tea house, learning how to make animation from the creator of Finding Nemo characters, recording a CD in a studio with singer Hayami Yu, experiencing African modern art and exploring a hands-on exhibition on global warming. Our field trips have also gone beyond Tokyo: to Cambodia to establish a pen-pal relationship, to New Hampshire to participate in a summer program.

Just as important as the actual experience is the process of docu-mentation by students. Booklets, videos, posters, interviews and pre-sentations by students in their target language, be it Japanese or English, show the deep understanding they achieved of the subject matter. At Global Kids Academy, the field trips are the beginning of the life-long journey our kids will take. It’s the journey described in our favorite Dr. Seuss book Oh! The Places You’ll Go!

For more information call 03-5419-8277 or see www.globalkidsacademy.com

Global�Kids�Academy—Dynamic Field Trips in Tokyo and Overseas.

Founded in 1985, English Studio consists of three unique schools in Mita, Meguro and Setagaya. The school’s mission is to nurture

confident, independent global communications. By offering a range of theme-based course for all levels, from beginner to returnee, English Studio places the focus on learning in English rather than rote learning of English.

English Studio is a community school where students and parents feel a sense of ownership and get actively involved in events such as Sports Day, School Festivals, Halloween, Christmas Party, and summer school excursions.

Last year for the school festival, each school had various events such as flea markets, bake sales and mochi pounding. A great time was had by all and in the spirit of the schools motto—Your Community School, cultural events are held at the annual school festivals to share great times and experiences between the students and the local community.

For more information call 03-3712-3313 or see www.englishstudio.jp

English�Studio—The ‘Community’ School.

Shirogane�International�School—Embracing World Cultures in the International Community.

T he Aoba-Japan International School (A-JIS) Family Community wel-comes one and all to come and enjoy their 2008 Carnival, which

will be held on Sunday, April 13 at the A-JIS Suginami Campus. The event is open to the public and includes a raffle with many fantastic prizes including four round-trip tickets to Hawaii with accommodation! In addition, ethnic food booths from ten different countries, a flea mar-ket, entertainment with a variety of live performances, A-JIS Student Council game booths, and teachers getting ‘dunked’ with ice-cold water in the ever-popular dunk tank.

This event has become an annual tradition at the school, giving parents and children an opportunity to enjoy the community and get a sense of what A-JIS is all about.

Win a raffle prize, shop the flea market and mingle with Tokyo’s friendliest international parents, all the while enjoying foods from around the world at Aoba-Japan International School’s Spring Carnival 2008. Celebrate the season with 2,000 other participants including parents, children, and local community members at Aoba-Japan International School, Suginami Campus on Sunday, April 13th from 10am to 5pm.

For more information call 03-3335-6620, e-mail: [email protected] or see www.a-jis.com

Aoba-Japan�International�School—It’s Carnival Time and You’re Invited!

A t Shirogana International School, compassion, consideration and awareness of others are considered to be most important for social

and emotional growth. Our preschool program is designed to insure equality and excellence for all students. We warmly embrace the diverse backgrounds of our students and their communities. Realistic portrayals of children from all over the world are represented in our classrooms.

During our ‘People Around the World’ unit, students investigate the lifestyles and customs of an array of people. Opportunities to celebrate world cultures are also experienced through cultural events throughout the school year. Parents play a big part in helping us when we enjoy variations of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Epiphany, Chinese New Year, and Nobel Prize Day. Recently, we celebrated Hina Matsuri (girl’s day). Parents also joined us for the party. We talked about the hina dolls, read a story, sang the ohinasama song and then had a snack of norimaki (sushi rolls).

We enjoy having a close community, and a strong home-school connection with parents. It helps the stu-dents develop a positive sense of identity, self-awareness, and pride in their heritage. This inspires a respect and appreciation for the cultural and ethnic traditions of others.

For more information call 03-3442-1941 or see www.shiroganeis.jp


2-13-9 Moto-AzabuMinato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046

Tel: 03-5419-8277E-mail: [email protected]

We support bilingual education.

We are accepting applications for the Spring Term After School Program

and Summer Programs 2008English activities and Japanese immersion classes are available

For registration and information, please visitwww.globalkidsacademy.com

Tel: 03-3442-1941• www.shiroganeis.jp • [email protected]

An International Preschool for children aged 18 months to 5 years old.

A world of discovery where children explore their infinite imaginations, foster friendships that are never forgotten,

build strong healthy bodies, and develop cognitive skills for their precious futures.

We also have Rythmic & Gymnastics Specialists, and Afterschool Programs.

SHIROGANE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

“Learning in itself is a way of life.”

email: [email protected]

Suginami Campus2-10-7 Miyamae, Suginami-kuTokyo 168-0081Tel: 03-3335-6620Fax: 03-3332-6865

Meguro Campus2-10-34 Aobadai, Meguro-ku

Tokyo 153-0042Tel: 03-3461-1442

Fax: 03-3463-9873

The A-JIS Family Community welcomes everyone to 2008 Spring Carnival, on Sunday, April 13 at the Suginami Campus from 1000 to

1700. The event includes a raffle with many fantastic prizes, 10 ethnic food booths, a flea market, live performances, game booths, and

a Dunk Tank.

For more information, contact: 03-3335-6620e-mail: [email protected]: www.a-jis.com

Mar. 21 – Apr. 03 2008 Vol. 39 No. 06 11

T his year, PAL reached its 10th anniversary. Many changes have been seen over the past ten years but the one thing PAL has kept the

same is our core philosophy of individual care and low teacher–student ratio. PAL believes each and every child carries a special talent and it is in our hands to make the most of it.

PAL has always felt privileged for the opportunity to work with children from so many parts of the world. To take full advantage of our families from almost 20 countries, we have an International Week (March 10–14) where parents can present something from their coun-tries to the students.

Last summer at PAL, the children experienced three weeks of fairy tale adventures and this year again, we will further cultivate our imagi-nation and language skills through various stories. For three weeks PAL will introduce 15 famous fairy tales to our students.

Summer is for splish-splashing fun! We will have a week of water play with our hand-made water toys. And this is the year of the Olympics. PAL will hold its own Olympics too. Who will get the gold medal?

In the many changes to come in the next 10 years, PAL seeks to maintain our privileged educational envi-ronment for each and every student to come.

For more information call 03-5770-8166 or see www.pal-school.com

PAL�International�School—Ten Years of Fun Activities.

Saint Maur International School, Yokohama, Japan—established in 1872 to provide an education for children of all nationalities and

denominations—is the oldest international school in Japan. Here, a Saint Maur student, Eimi Sato, talks about her school trip

to Enoshima:“The two seventh grade classes, 7E and 7G, went on an excur-

sion to Enoshima Island and Enoshima Aquarium. We all met at Yamate Station at 8am on the 12th of October. The teachers who went with us were Mrs Engstrom, Mr Fletcher, Ms Gillam, Mr Yoshii, and Mrs Stucken-Haigh (she used to teach at Saint Maur). To get there it took about an hour, so we arrived there at 9am. Enoshima has a very nice view. The Iwaya caves we went to were dark, wet, huge, and when we spoke our voices echoed. I enjoyed exploring the caves, but it took quite a lot of time to get there and some of my

friends got tired of climbing the stairs!Another place we went to was the Enoshima aquarium. The aquarium in Enoshima is pretty new. It was

very big and nice. The aquarium had lots to explore. The most enjoyable things to do there were in the jellyfish fantasy hall and the touching pool. At the touching pool, my friend and I touched a shark!”

For more information call 045-641-5751 or email [email protected].

Saint�Maur�International�School—Eimi Sato and her 7th Grade Excursion to Enoshima.

W e believe that real life experiences make children’s hearts grow. That’s why we go on so many school trips. We select excursion

places according to our monthly activities. Children learn many things during field trips using all five of their senses—especially important for preschool aged children.

Doremi Garden children went to the zoo, the aquarium, the trans-portation museum, the National Science Museum, the circus, Kidzania, Tokyo Sesame Place, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Sea, Aoyama children’s castle, a fire station and more. They also went Easter egg hunting in the park, strawberry picking, and digging sweet potatoes.

At the fire station we tried the earthquake experience room. Children listened and followed instructions, going under the table with a cushion on their heads while the room was shaking. We often do emergency drills at school but the real experience helped the children

to realize what an earthquake is like. Children at Doremi Garden learn basic English skills (writing, reading and expressing themselves). Students

also experience fun theme activities, international annual events, and are introduced to Japanese events, man-ners, feelings, PE, music and movement, plus science experiments—all in a happy environment.

For more information call 03-3554-3664 or see www.doremigarden.com

Doremi�Garden�Preschool�International—Excursions to Let Children’s Hearts Grow.

O ur philosophy at Gymboree Play & Music is that structured play is an excellent way for a child to learn. Our trained bilingual teach-

ers, specially designed wooden and foam equipment, and a variety of props all create an environment that stimulates your child’s physical, cognitive and social development.

Gymboree offers a diverse selection of age-appropriate play, music and art classes for parents to experience with their children. During our themed events, parents and their children participate in unique play, music and craft activities. For example, at our recent Winter Wonderland Party, participants went on a ‘sleigh ride’, danced with Gymbo and learned about global traditions.

Whether you are attending one of our special events or unique classes, at Gymboree your child will learn social skills, practice sharing, explore new ideas and make new friends. As a parent, you can network

with other parents and learn new songs and activities to share with your child. With you by their side, the action, fun and learning never ends. Come experience how much fun learning with your child can be—sign up for a free trial today! Free trials are offered Monday through Saturday.

For more information call 03-5449-2311 or see www.gymboree.jp

Gymboree—Play, Music, and Art to Start Out Learning.



3-8-18 Nishi AzabuMinato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031

TEL 03-5770-8166

PAL InternationalPreschool & Kindergarten is an

Early Childhood Education specialist institutionin the Azabu area

· · · ·

FAX [email protected]

Quality of Education is always our first priority:small size class • low ratio of teachers and students

careful individual attention • high quality programefficient teachers • solid method of language arts

Saint Maur International School

Montessori

International Primary Curriculum (IPC)

International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Advanced Placement (AP)

SAT Reasoning Test

SAT Subject Tests

PSAT/NMSQT

Pre-K (Age 2 ) to Grade 12 - Coeducational/21

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

Ecole française de Saint MaurClasses à effectifs réduits et pédagogie différenciéepour une scolarisation de la maternelle au CM2

Programmes de l'Education nationale française

Professeurs des écoles qualifiés et expérimentés

●

●

From

Centr a l Tokyo

ONLY

Quality Education within a Caring Family Environment since 1872

83 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa-ken, 231-8654

Tel: 045 641 5751 / Fax: 045 641 6688

www.stmaur.ac.jp

[email protected] Phone: 03-3554-3664

www.doremigarden.com

Afternoon lessons & Extended care are available until 5pmLive web camera

Four classrooms, a school garden, a rooftop grass garden and a cycling area.

Contact us regarding 2008 enrollment!

Lots of hands-on opportunities for each child's individuality through our age appropriate academic English lessons, gym lessons, music lessons, ballet lessons, Karate lessons, a school bus, school lunches and more!

Ages: 18 months to 6 years old • Preschool classes – 10am – 2.15pm

www.gymboree.jp

Creativity. Confidence. Friendship. It all starts at Gymboree.



BELGRAVE INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN & PRESCHOOL

Welcome to Free Trial Lesson!toll free: 0120-8849-99

URL: http://www.belgrave.co.jp E-mail: [email protected]

TELL EducationalSupport Services (TESS)

Educational, developmental and psychosocial assessment services,consultation, and resource referrals for English and Japanese speakingchildren on a sliding scale fee.For enquiries please phone:03-3498-0231 offered by Tokyo English

Life Line

Ebisu Garden East Building, 2F3-9-20 Ebisu, Shibuya-kuTokyo 150-0013, Japan

Tel: [email protected]

Seta International SchoolBuilding Tomorrow’s World with Today’s Children

Come and visit our school located in a family-style house close toSt. Mary’s and Seisen International Schools

For information and enrollment, please contact us.2-19-21 Seta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0095

Tel/Fax: 03-5717-6769E-mail: [email protected] Url: http://www.seta-inter.com

CALL NOW 03-5440-7441www.pacificlearningcenter.org

Helping children with AUTISM reach theirfull potential one child at a time.

Preschool-Elementary-Junior High Schools ECIS Member ESL Support Service

Extra Curricular Activities Great Facilities School Bus Service

A Caring and Courageous School

Yokohama Campus Shibuya Campus

HORIZON JAPAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Tokyo and Yokohama

www.horizon.ac.jp

1-38-27 Higashi Terao Tsurumi-ku 230-0077 Yokohama 045-584-1945 [email protected]

4-20-12 Jingumae Shibuya-ku 150-0001 Tokyo 03-5413-6090 [email protected]

www.kist.ed.jp

Contact us for more information:Tel: 03-3642-9993 (English) 03-3642-9992 (Japanese)Fax: 03-3642-9994E-mail: [email protected] hours: 8:00 to 18:00

K. International School Tokyo“Learning for Life”

* KIST is an IB World School offering the PYP, MYP and DP!* Located one minute from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station!

www.gymboree.jpContact Us for a Free Trial Today!03-5449-2311

TELL CommunityCounseling Service

Face-to-face counseling in English, Japanese and other languages byprofessional, qualified therapists on a flexible-fee basis.

03-3498-0231

Free, anonymous telephone counseling 9 a.m.–11 p.m. 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year

03-5774-0992

Tokyo EnglishLife Line

Pre-school, Kindergarten and/or After School Facilities

ABC International School (Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku)Tel/Fax: 03-5442-8009www.abcinternationalschool.comAcorn International School (Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-5798-3907 Fax: 03-5798-3908www.acorn-school.comAi International Pre-school (Mita, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-3769-3372 Fax: 03-3456-0488www.aiinternationalschool.comAmerican World International Pre-school and Kindergarten (Kaminoge, Setagaya-ku)Tel. 03-5758-3858 www.americanworld.jpAmici International Preschool (Komaba, Meguro-ku)Tel. 03-5454-9066 Fax: 03-5454-9067www.amicischool.comApple House International Preschool (Noge, Setagaya-ku)Tel. 03-3701-2511www.applehousej.comAyla International School (Shirokane, Minato-ku)Tel/Fax: 03-3488-2585http://aylais.comAzabu International School (Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-3451-8477 Fax: 03-3451-8476www.azabuis.jpBelgrave International School (Meguro-Ku, Nerima-Ku)Tel. 03-3712-8016www.belgrave.co.jpChildren’s Garden International Preschool (Kichijoji, Musashino-shi)Tel. 042-220-5055http://childrens-garden.jpChild’s Play (Motoyoyogi, Shibuya-ku)Tel. 03-3460-8841 Fax: 03-5709-0552www.childs-play.orgDoremi Garden Preschool, International (Takamatsu, Toshima-ku)Tel. 03-3554-3664 Fax: 03-3958-5444www.doremigarden.comEvergreen Home International Preschool (Nagayama, Tama-shi)Tel. 042-373-8166 Fax: 042-373-8339Email: [email protected] Studio Mita Meguro-ku, Tel. 03-3798-5829 Meguro Honcho, Tel. 03-3712-3313 Okusawa, Setagaya-ku Tel. 03-5758-2491www.englishstudio.jpEnglish Terakoya (Minato-Ku)Tel.03-3440-3361www.e-terakoya.infoEWA Children’s Garden Preschool (American Embassy Preschool) (Roppongi, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-3224-6796 Fax: 03-3224-64487www.ewatokyo.org/EWAPreschoolhome.htmlFirst Steps International School (Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku)Tel. 03-5911-6657www.firststeps-net.comGlobal Kids Academy (Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-5419-8277 Fax: 03-5419-8278www.globalkidsacademy.comGregg International School (two locations; Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku; Nishi-ku, Yokohama)Tel. 03-3725-8000 (Jiyugaoka) 045-312-0037 (Yokohama)www.gis-j.comGymboree Play & Music (Moto-Azabu)Tel: 03-5449-2311www.gymboree.jpHappy Days International Pre-school (Ebisu, Shibuya-ku)Tel. 03-3446-1540www.ebisupreschool.comImagine Child Development Center (Nishi-ku, Yokohama)Tel. 045-224-2121 Fax: 045-224-2122www.toyaku.biz/html/imagine_e/index_e.htmlInternational House of Waldorf-Steiner (Takanawa, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-5791-1435 Fax: 03-5423-7410www.waldorf-steiner.org

International Secondary School (Mita, Meguro-ku)Tel. 03-5730-1331www.isstokyo.comJoy to the World Preschool (Koshikawa, Bunkyo-ku)Tel/Fax: 03-5684-0247www.joytotheworld.infoJulia International School (Shinozaki, Edogawa-ku)Tel. 03-3670-8545www.juliainter.comK. International School Tokyo (Shirakawa, Koto-ku)Tel. 03-3642-9993 Fax: 03-3642-9994www.kist.ed.jpKeiki Intercultural Preschool (Nakamachi, Setagaya-ku)Tel/Fax: 03-3703-8778www.keikipreschool.comKids’ Gallery (Moto-machi, Naka-ku, Yokohama)Tel. 045-680-0506www.kidsgallery.comKincarn International School (Kawasaki-shi, Kawasaki-ku)Tel/Fax: 044-233-3970 www.kincarn.com/index_e.htmlKomazawa Park International Preschool and Kindergarten (Fukusawa, Setagaya-ku)Tel. 03-5707-0979 Fax: 03-5707-3970http://kpipk.comKspace (Shiroganedai, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-5421-4186www.kspace.toKunitachi Kids International School (Fujimidai, Kunitachi-shi)Tel. 042-577-7781www.kkids.jpThe Learning Tree (Toyo, Koto-ku)Tel. 03-5690-8690 Fax: 020-4664-9962www.growing-trees.com/learningMaria’s Babies’ Society (Jingumae, Shibuya-ku)Tel. 03-3404-3468 Fax: 03-3404-3625www.mariasbabies.co.jpMontessori Friends International School (Midorigaoka, Meguro-ku)Tel. 03-3726-9386www.montessorifriends.comNew Hope International Preschool and Kindergarten (Narimasu, Itabashi-ku)Tel/Fax: 03-5383-0421www.newhopeclc.jpOak English Academy (Kashiwa, Chiba)Tel. 047-167-5521 Fax: 047-167-2066www.oak-english.com PAL International School (Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-5770-8166 Fax: 03-5770-8167www.pal-school.comPTC Pacific International School (Shimouma, Setagaya-ku)Tel/Fax: 03-5481-9425www.ptc-school.comRainbow International Montessori School (Denenchofu, Ota-ku) Tel. 03-3722-0312(Yoyogiuehara, Shibuya-ku) Tel. 03-5452-2326www.montessori-rainbow.comRivendale Montessori School/Tokyo Gifted Academy (Motoazabu, Minato-ku)Tel/Fax: 03-5772-0079www.tokyomontessori.comwww.tokyogiftedacademy.comSakura International School (Tsurumaki, Setagaya-ku)Tel. 03-6324-5208www.sakuraschool.comSesame International Preschool (Hiroo, Shibuya-ku)Tel. 03-5485-1197 Tel/Fax: 03-5485-1219http://sesame.jap.co.jpSeta International Preschool (Seta, Setagaya-ku)Tel/Fax: 03-5717-6769www.seta-inter.comShikihama English Adventures (Shikihama, Adachi-ku)Tel. 03-3897-3828 Fax: 03-5837-2105www.sea-japan.comShirogane International School (Shiroganedai, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-3442-1941 Fax: 03-3442-1942www.shiroganeis.jpSt. Alban’s Nursery Program (Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-3431-8534 Fax: 03-5472-4766

“Learning in itself is a way of life.”

email: [email protected]

Suginami Campus2-10-7 Miyamae, Suginami-kuTokyo 168-0081Tel: 03-3335-6620Fax: 03-3332-6865

Meguro Campus2-10-34 Aobadai, Meguro-ku

Tokyo 153-0042Tel: 03-3461-1442

Fax: 03-3463-9873

Accredited by :European Council of International Schools

New England Association of Schools & Colleges

Website (English or Japanese) www.a-jis.com


PAL InternationalPreschool & Kindergarten

TEL 03-5770-8166FAX 03-5770-8167

[email protected]

Quality of Education is always our first priority: small size class • low ratio of teachers and students

careful individual attention • high quality program • efficient teachers • solid method of language arts

Saint Maur International SchoolQuality Education within a Caring Family Environment since 1872

Ecole française de Saint Maurwww.stmaur.ac.jp

Seisen International

www.seisen.com

KG-12 Catholic school with the longest runningcoed Montessori Kindergarten in the Kanto Plains area. Seisen offers the PYP Programme and IB Diploma. Grades 1-12 are for girls only.

Hands-on opportunities for each child’s individuality through our age appropriate academic English lessons, gym lessons, music lessons, ballet

lessons, Karate lessons, a school bus, school lunches and more!Spring School in Hawaii. For more information please call us on

03-3554-3664.

18 months to 6 years oldPreschool classes – 10am – 2.15pm

www.doremigarden.com

4-17-26 Mita Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073 JapanTel: 03-5730-1331/Fax: 03-5730-1332E-Mail: [email protected] /Website: www.isstokyo.com

2-13-9 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046Tel: 03-5419-8277 E-mail: [email protected]

We support bilingual education.

Mar. 21 – Apr. 03 2008 Vol. 39 No. 06 13


SHIROGANE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Tel: 03-3442-1941 • www.shiroganeis.jp • [email protected]

An International Preschool for children aged 18 months to 5 years old.

www.saintalbans.gol.comSt. Bell Kindergarten International (Namikicho, Hachioji)Tel. 042-661-2619 Fax: 042-664-8669http://stbell-int.comSummerhill International School (Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-3453-0811 Fax: 03-3453-0820www.summerhill.jpTokyo Dalton Preschool (Uehara, Shibuya-ku)Tel. 03-3465-4301, 0120-30-4301 (toll free in Japan)www.kawai-juku.ac.jp/dalton-tokyo/index.htmlTumble Tots Tsunashima Center (Tsunashima-Higashi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama)Tel. 045-547-5140 Fax: 045-547-5247www.tumbletotsjapan.comTwinkle Star International Preschool & Learning Center (two schools in Nerima, Nerima-ku)Tel. 03-3994-1947, 03-5999-9184www.twinkle-star.infoVictoria International School (Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku)Tel/Fax: 03-5979-5721http://victoria-interkids.comWest Tokyo Preschool (Tama-cho, Fuchu)Tel/Fax: 042-363-8419www.geocities.com/westtokyopreschoolWillowbrook International School (Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-3449-9030 Fax: 03-3449-9064www.willowbrookschool.comYoyogi International School(Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku)Tel. 03-5478-6714 Fax: 03-5478-6713www.yoyogiinternationalschool.com

Elementary, Junior High and High Schools combinedwith Preschool/Kindergarten/After School Facilities

American School in Japan (Nomizu, Chofu-shi)Tel. 042-234-5300 ext. 721 or 042-234-5310 Fax: 042-234-5303www.asij.ac.jpAoba-Japan International School (Aobadai, Meguro-ku) Tel. 03-3460-1442 Fax: 03-3463-9873(Miyamae, Suginami-ku) Tel. 03-3335-6620 Fax: 03-3332-6928www.a-jis.comAxis Kichijoji International (Kichijoji Hon-cho, Musashino-shi)Tel/Fax: 042-220-3626www.axisk.comBritish School in Tokyo (Shibuya, Shibuya-ku)Tel. 03-5467-4321 Fax: 03-5467-4322www.bst.ac.jpCanadian International School (Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku)Tel. 03-5793-1392 Fax: 03-5793-3559www.cisjapan.net/jp/index.aspChristian Academy in Japan (Shinkawa-cho, Higashi Kurume-shi)Tel. 042-471-0022 Fax: 042-476-2200http://caj.or.jpColumbia International School (Tokorozawa, Saitama)Tel. 042-946-1911 Fax: 042-946-1955www.columbia-ca.co.jpHorizon Japan International School (Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama) Tel. 045-584-1945 Fax: 045-584-1946(Jingumae, Shibuya-ku) Tel. 03-5413-6090 Fax: 03-5413-2020www.horizon.ac.jpInter Pacific High School Japan (Nishikubo, Musashino-shi)Tel. 042-252-7415 Fax: 042-252-7416www.iphj.comInternational School of the Sacred Heart (Hiroo, Shibuya-ku)Tel. 03-3400-3951 Fax: 03-3400-3496www.issh.ac.jpInternational Secondary School (Mita, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-5730-1331 Fax: 03-5730-1332www.isstokyo.comK. International School (Kiyosumi Shirakawa, Koto-ku)Tel. 03-3642-9993 Fax: 03-3642-9994www.kist.ed.jpKikokushijo Academy (Ohara, Setagaya-ku)Tel. 03-3324-9903www.kaischool.com

Montessori School of Tokyo (Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-5449-7067 Fax: 03-5449-0087http://montessorijapan.comNew International School (Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku)Tel. 03-3980-1057 Fax: 03-3980-1154http://newinternationalschool.comNishimachi International School (Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-3451-5520 Fax: 03-3456-0197www.nishimachi.ac.jpOokayama International School (Minami, Meguro-ku)Tel/Fax: 03-3723-9399www.tlctokyo.comSaint Maur International School (Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokoha-ma)Tel. 045-641-5751 Fax: 045-641-6688www.stmaur.ac.jpSeisen International School (Yoga, Setagaya-ku)Tel. 03-3704-2661 Fax: 03-3701-1033www.seisen.comShonan International School (Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa)Tel. 046-652-0241www.shonan-is.orgSt. Mary’s International School (Seta, Setagaya-ku)Tel. 03-3709-3411 Fax: 03-3707-1950www.smis.ac.jpTokyo International School (TIS) (Mita, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-5484-1160 Fax: 03-5484-1139www.tokyois.comYMCA International Open-Minded School (Toyo, Koto-ku)Tel. 03-3615-5632 Fax: 03-5635-1023http://tokyo.ymca.or.jp/tyis Yokohama International School (Naka-ku, Yokohama)Tel. 045-622-0084 Fax: 045-621-0379www.yis.ac.jp

Tutoring/Education for Children with Learning Differences

Harvey and MacLaurin’s School (Takanawa, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-3473-6896 Fax: 03-5423-7410www.harvey.co.jp/maclaurinInternational Secondary School (Mita, Minato-ku)Tel. 03-5730-1331 Fax: 03-5730-1332www.isstokyo.comPacific Learning Center (Motoazabu, Minato-ku)Tel: 03-5440-7441www.pacificlearningcenter.comTokyo International Learning Community (Tama-cho, Fuchu-shi)Tel. 042-401-0585 Fax: 042-401-0588www.tilcjapan.comYokohama Overseas Chinese School (Naka-ku, Yokohama)Tel. 045-681-3608 Fax:045-671-1070www.yocs.jp

Other Services

Tokyo Association of International PreschoolsA non-profit organization supporting international preschools in the Tokyo area. www.tokyopreschools.orgTELL Educational Support Services (TESS)Non-profit organization TELL, offers support to children’s educational and developmental needs.Tel. 03-3498-0231Evergreen Outdoor CenterOutdoor Adventures and explorationTel: 0261-72-5150www.evergreen-hakuba.comDiscover JapanEducation and discovery in the Chiba PeninsulaTel: 0470-44-0639www.discoverjapan.co.jpMy GymChildren’s fitness centerTel: 03-3700-7500www.mygym.jpSwimfriendsSwimming classes in Yoyogi and Daikanyamawww.swimfriends.org

1� | Weekender—Schools Issue�

MOVIE REVIEWS BY WILLIAM CASPER

SHINJUKU: Shinjuku Milano Za, Kabuki-cho 1-29-1, Tokyu Milano Bldg. 03-3202-1189. JR Shinjuku station East Exit, number B13. Walk towards Nishi-Shinjuku station; the theater faces this station. Showing: The Golden Compass, Vantage Point.

SHIBUYA: Shibuto Cine Tower, Dogenzaka 2-6-1�, Shibuya. 03- ��89-�210. From JR Shibuya station, take the Hachiko exit to the large intersection (to Dogenzaka). Go up the road, and it will be on your left (across from Shibuya 109). Showing: Jumper, Enchancted, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, No Country For Old Men. http://gmap.jp/shop-1533.html.

ROPPONGI: Roppongi Hills Cinema. Roppongi 6-10-2, Minato-ku. 03-��-6090. In the Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Complex, facing the Mori Tower, a few minutes’ walk from Hibiya Line Roppongi Station. Showing: Jumper, Vanatge Point, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, American Gangster, The Golden Compass. www.tohotheater.jp.

ODAIBA: Cinema Mediage. Daiba 1-�-1, Minato-ku. 03-��31-�8�8. Across the street from Tokyo Teleport Station, just behind the Fuji TV building. From the Yurikamome line’s Daiba station, cross the street. The cinema is next to Aqua City Odaiba. Showing: The Golden Com-pass, American Gangster, Jumper, No Country For Old Men, Vantage Point. www.cinema-mediage.com.

WEEKENDER’S�FAVORITE�MOVIE�THEATERS

SLEUTH

THE�JANE�AUSTEN�BOOK�CLUB

NEXT

��For�more�reviews�please�visit�our�website�at�www.weekenderjapan.com

A nthony Shaffer’s play Sleuth was first filmed in 1972, starring Lawrence Oliver as novelist Andrew

Wyke, and Michael Caine as working class Milo Tin-dle. One of those quirky late sixties/early seventies ex-periments just about distracting and original enough to be worth watching but very much of its time.

In this latest version, Caine takes the Olivier role with Jude Law as Tindle. But was it worth remaking? Pluses include an adapted screenplay by Harold (long pause) Pinter and a shorter running time. Minuses? Audience expectations have changed since 1972 and 90 minutes of verbal jousting taking place in essen-tially the same location, even with Michael Caine, is tough going.

Further minuses include some new, ill-fitting, plot developments and Jude Law proving, as viewers of the Alfie remake already know, he’s no Michael Caine. No disgrace in that and Law isn’t bad in the right film, but here he doesn’t convince as the penniless actor, seduc-er of the novelist’s wife, and now demanding that

Milo divorce her. The youthful, over-cockiness that Shaffer wrote into the script was supposed to be a mask hiding his insecurities, but yet Law as Milo appears the least insecure human being on the planet.

For Kenneth Branagh, who always seems to have greatness in his grasp but never quite the right vehicle, directing Sleuth presumably represented a challenge. Choosing to film in a sprawling, converted castle packed with hi-tec surveillance junk and boasting an open plan design that had me worrying about Wyke’s heating bills, loses some of the earlier film’s intimacy but overall he does a decent job.

It’s understandable why Michael Caine wanted to do this film. There’s a nice symmetry in Caine playing both roles and despite Olivier’s reputation, Caine is the better film actor. He does his usual fine job. Stage acting, of course, is something else altogether, had this director and cast attempted this on Broadway, where it belongs, that really could have been something special.

I cannot say that I was looking forward to The Jane Austen Book Club (TJABC). The prospect of 106

minutes in the company of a group of contempo-rary American women sitting around talking about Jane Austen’s books did not make my heart swoon or soar (or any other Austenesque verb). I was wrong. While still a little short of the swoon factor, TJABC is a charming film, well written and well acted; funny and moving; and I feel were she alive today, Jane (as one character refers to her), would approve.

Set in California, TJABC starts at a funeral held (thrown?) by uptight singleton dog breeder, Jocelyn (Maria Bello), for one of her favourite dogs. Also in attendance is her closest friend Sylvia (Amy Brenneman) with husband Daniel (Jimmy Smits) and six times mar-ried and divorced (not sure Jane would have approved) group matriarch Bernadette (Kathy Baker).

Soon after the funeral Daniel announces he’s leav-

ing Sylvia, Bernadette meets distraught Prudie (Emily Blunt)—a rather pretentious French teacher married to Dean (Marc Blucas), a totally unpretentious sports fan, and Jocelyn meets computer geek Grigg (Hugh Dancy—never better) thinking he’ll be perfect for now single Sylvia. These five are joined by Allegra, Sylvia’s daughter and decide to form a Jane Austen reading group. They meet once a month, each member respon-sible for one novel.

What could have been trite and twee turns out to be an inventive piece of grown-up entertainment as themes and situations in the novels are reflected in the lives of the group members. The lack of star names (and therefore baggage) gives the characters a chance to develop nicely. You don’t have to be familiar with Austen’s novels or even the film adaptations to enjoy TJABC though if you haven’t read them this may per-suade you to give them a go.

N icolas Cage’s latest mediocre movie, Next, has a decent enough premise—a man can see two

minutes into the future—but gets wasted by an awful screenplay and some staggeringly inept storytelling.

Based very loosely (about as loose as a thing can be without becoming detached) on the Phillip K. Dick story The Golden Man, Next tells of Frank Cadillac (Cage) hiding in Vegas and working as a magician to disguise his ‘gift’ (the two minute thing). European terrorists steal a nuclear bomb and threaten to blow up L.A. Their motives are never explained. Could it be they want to save the world from movies like Next? How very post-modern. Sadly, it seems their lack of

motive is more about a plot containing more holes than Blackburn, Lancashire than anything quite so avant-garde.

A clearly deluded FBI agent (Julianne Moore—barely breaking sweat) is convinced Frank Cadillac is the man to save the day. Quite why she jumps to this conclu-sion is anyone’s guess. Somewhere along the way Frank gets a love interest, Jessica Biel, chiefly it seems to have someone the terrorists can strap a bomb to.

The whole project reeks of complacency and unfortunately, unlike Showgirls for example, its ‘tak-ing-itself-so-seriously’ tone keeps it from the ‘so bad it’s good’ category.

Paddy Foley’sTokyo’s First and Best Irish Pub!

come to

Paddy

Foley's.

Hamburger Inn

Hard RockCafe

McDonald’s

T.G.I F

riday’

s

PADDY FOLEY’SPADDY FOLEY’S

and the

largest range

of Irish whiskies

in Tokyo.

Try our delicious new

menu...

For the true

Irish pub

atmosphere,

Great Guinness

Great Food

Great Customers

Friendly Staff

Tel: 03-3423-2250

www.paddyfoleystokyo.com

Happy Hour: Weekdays until 7pm

Weekends until 6pm

Smoked Salmon

Steak Sandwich

Aussie Sirloin

Calamari

~ May 31Live! Super 14s Rugby – All Games

Every WednesdayLadies’ Nite

Paddy Foley’s.Buffet Service from ¥3,500 - ¥6,000 per person.

Mar. 21 – Apr. 03 2008 Vol. 39 No. 06 1�

NB. Schedules are subject to change so please make sure to check the website to avoid disappointment.

For the fantasy film The Golden Compass, Gaga Communications brought in the di-

rector Chris Weitz, actress Nicole Kidman and 13-year-old actress Dakota Blue Richards. Talk about a small world. I used to do PR for Chris’ fashion designer father John Weitz who was married to actress Susan Kohner (Imitation of Life). Not only that, Dakota, who was cho-sen from 10,000, young girls to play the lead role in the film, has an uncle who’s a friend of mine, neuro-linguistic programmer Alistair Prentice, living here in Tokyo.

The press conference was held in the grand ballroom of the Peninsula Hotel. Nicole, who’s five months pregnant, looked absolutely gorgeous in a black Prada dress. She is a fashion icon—and gor-geous. All three of the special guests share a passion for the film. Nicole said you have to have passion for what you do. This really is the driving force in acting. For the director, the tense emotional scene between Nicole and Dakota was his favourite. “There were no special effects—just good acting in that one” he said.

The Golden Compass is a trilogy and I heard that the making of the sequels pretty much depends on the success of the first film here.

MOVIE PLUS WITH BILL HERSEY

Out�on�DVD!By�William�Casper

SHINAGAWA: Shinagawa Prince Cinema. Takanawa �-10-30, Mi-nato-ku. 03-��21-1113. Across the street from Shinagawa station, in the Shinagawa Prince Hotel. Showing: The Golden Compass, Jumper, American Gangster, Enchanted, Earth, Vantage Point. www.prince-hotels.co.jp/shinagawa/cinema/index.html.

YOKOHAMA: Toho Cinemas Lalaport. �03�-1 Ikebe-cho, Ysuzuki-ku, Yokohama. 0��-929-10�0. JR Yokohama Line, Kamoii station. Take the North Exit; the theater is on the first floor of the Lalaport Complex. Show-ing: Vantage Point, Jumper, The Golden Compass, Elizabeth: The Golden Age. http://yokohama.lalaport.jp.

THE ROGUE ASSASSIN—Jet li and Jason Statham star in this nas-ty, over violent, tale of warring Asian gangs. Could barely under-stand a word Statham whispered.

BUTTERFLY EFFECT 2—Makes the original look like Citizen Kane and Ashton Kutcher look like a young Marlon Brando. Awful.

STARDUST—Enjoyable adult fairy tale. Great cast including Rob-ert De Niro who is absolutely fabulous.

KING OF CALIFORNIA—Unpretentious modern day fable. Crazy, rebel Dad hunts for gold; sensible daughter just wants to be with him. Starring Michael Douglas on good form.

Bill�meets�all�the�stars�at�Tokyo’s�latest�press�conferences.�

��For�more�reviews�please�visit�our�website�at�www.weekenderjapan.com

T op producer, Hong-Kong based Bill Kong,

was in town to promote ‘one of the most expen-sive Chinese films ever made’, Curse of the Golden Flower for Warner Brothers.

I was happy to see one of China’s top directors Yimou Zhang (Hero and Lovers) again and enjoyed meeting young actor Jay Chou. The only downer was one of my favourite actresses Gong Li just started shooting another film in Hong Kong (she does keep busy) and had to cancel her promo visit here. Warner Brothers will release the historical epic film April 12.

20th Century Fox brought

in actor Hayden Christensen (Star Wars) to promote the sci-fi film

Jumper. There wasn’t a press conference, but from what I saw in the trailers the

film, which was released March 7, looks fun.

Charo and Bill Ireton, President of Warner Entertainment Japan, with

Johnny Depp at the premiere of ‘Sweeney Todd’ in Tokyo.

Actor Jay Chuo, Leah Dizon and Director Yimou Zhang


Tokyo�Treats�for�Family�Feasts

T here are literally thousands of restaurants in Tokyo and eating out has always been somewhat of a fa-vourite pastime for those living in this fast-paced city. With authentic cuisines accessible from every

part of the world, budgets that range from the very cheap to the astronomical, differing eating atmospheres in the various neighbourhoods, even seasonal differences on the menu; options for dining out seem unlim-ited. That is of course unless you have children.

Eating out with children requires a little more forward planning but luckily in Tokyo options are still aplenty. Here Weekender reviews three restaurants that kids are not only welcome, but are also catered for in the menu and in the all-round dining experience.

Suji’sA�Restaurant�That’s�Like�Going�Home

I t’s not very often that the welcome extended to kids is actually a part of the furniture but at Suji’s, ¥where placemats double as colouring sheets

and cutlery is accompanied with a set of crayons where you may have ex-pected the napkins to be; the door is quite literally open to kids and all. Feeling welcome is something that Suji, the Korean-born proprietor of the restaurant, and her close-knit team make a priority of. With their motto promis-ing ‘the next best thing to mom’s home cooking,’ eating at Suji’s feels like an all-together ‘going home’ sort of affair. The first time you enter expect big smiles. The ‘Suji family’ as the website refers to the staff, always stop to say hello and then you’re free to sit wherever suits you. This includes an open-air veranda with six tables that during the warmer months are always full. The second time you enter Suji will remember your name, and from then, you’ll feel like an old friend.

The interior is designed to reflect the kind of stylish New York eatery that sunlight pours into and reflects or creates shadows off the dark, all-wooden floors and tables. Space is abundant unlike the often small restaurants that Tokyo tends to permit and once seated, despite the busy street outside and a hectic city that never rests, time spent at Suji’s seems to just slow down.

The menu too gets its inspiration from lazy, Sunday, American brunches. Im-agine reading a newspaper over a plate of large (very large) pancakes, complete with maple syrup, and sipping coffee that seem always to be topped up. Suji’s may have a branch in Seoul and Tokyo but make no mistake, there is nothing Asian-inspired about neither the restaurant nor the food—you could quite easily be sitting in the Big Apple or any other cosmopolitan European city.

Lunchtimes, and Suji’s has become the place to have a business meeting. Expect to see recruiters or bankers tucking into favorites such as the Jason’s Burger Deluxe, a burger with bacon and Swiss cheese, fried onions, let-tuce and tomatoes (note this is not for light eaters); the Hot Pastrami Sandwich; a large bread roll filled with grilled pastrami meat, onions and chunky fries on the side; and then there is the Fish and Chips which have said to finally

rival those found on the shores of England. The restaurant has also become a regular spot for women taking extended lunches to catch up with friends, and for anyone who would like to watch what they eat, the selection of salads and ome-lettes have proved popular. Meals from the lunch menu are ¥1,500 included coffee refills.

Kids are well catered for with the choice of Mini-Burger, Mini-Pancakes or Chicken Tenders (all ¥700 plus ¥200 for fries) and the fantastic menu of milkshakes which really should be tried no matter what age you are. Surprisingly it’s common to see groups of children as much during the week as at the weekend brunch and another plus point for Suji’s is that tables are always readily moved around to accommo-

date larger groups of diners. At any time of the day, Suji’s has the remarkable ability to cater for all clientele be it a business lunch, ‘ladies-who-lunch’, families with children or even the diner alone wanting a little down time. And that really is a welcome extended to all.

For more information see http://sujis.net

ww

w.is

tock

pho

to.c

om/J

D F

iend

ww

w.is

tock

pho

to.c

om/D

NY�

9

Placemats that double as colouring sheets

Roti�Lazy�Sunday�Brunches�for�Family�and�Friends

O n Sunday’s at Roti you can expect to see groups of friends kicking back and taking advantage of long leisurely brunches. At this time of year, sitting on the veranda

at the Roppongi branch with friends and loved ones in the fresh air (yes it is fresh at this time of year) is a pleasant reminder that spring is just around the corner.

Roti, a modern American Brasserie has two branches; one in Roppongi and the other at Midtown. The clean white interior of the Roppongi branch is reminiscent of a classic French brasserie but with a menu that could have come straight from a modern and very cool Californian eatery, gives Roti a certain character. In this part of town it’s all about quality; quality ingredients and a quality time.

The weekend brunch dishes (¥2,500) are rich and tasty, the kind of breakfast you just couldn’t make in the home, yet all are healthier alternatives to a full-blown Sun-

DINING

Eating-out�For�Kids�of�All�Ages.�By�Marie�Teather

Internationally inspired sushi

Modern American BrasserieSpecializing in Rotisserie Chicken, Great Burgers,

Steaks, Fresh Seafood, Salads, Homemade Desserts and over 130 New and Old Wines

Tokyo Midtown, Garden Terrace 1F 9-7-4 Akasaka Minato-kuTokyo 107-0052 Tel: 03-5413-3655

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone - 03-3505-4490 URL - http://www.sujis.net

Suji’s Restaurant & BarOffering All Your

Favorites from Home

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MON–FRI 11AM TO 11PMSAT & SUN 9AM TO 11PM HOLIDAYS 10AM TO 10PM

Available for private parties of up to 150 people. Please inquire. Happy Hour Special - All drinks half price!

Monday thru Friday, 5 PM to 7 PMDaily Drink Specials - half price all night!

Monday - Cocktails/ChampagneTuesday - Weihenstephan, German Wheat Beer

Wednesday - GuinnessTea Time Special - ¥1000, Dessert & Coffee/Tea

Monday thru Friday, 4 PM to 6 PM

Mar. 21 – Apr. 03 2008 Vol. 39 No. 06 1�

Ninjas come to life in Akasaka

Ninja

Upmarket�Themed�Fun

W alking away from Akasaka station it’s almost easy to miss the small black door that blends into this unusually all black exterior. With no indication you are about to enter a restaurant, the little black

door leads into a small cave-like room where you are greeted by a ‘retired ninja’ (a ninja who has gradu-ated from the world of the ninja to the wonderful world of table hosting.) With one clap of her magic hands, from out of the wall it seems, jumps another (still practising) ninja whose job it is to take you safely through various dangers to your table.

Eating at Ninja is no ordinary experience. Getting to your table is an adventure you’ll be glad to have a guiding ninja there for. Challenges await you

including a broken bridge that without crossing, you’d surely never make your table on time, but thanks again to ninja magic; a new one is conjured up in no time.

Ninja’s interior is designed to look like an underground cavern and each table is in it’s own private cave. (You can choose to have a western style or the Japanese style.) All you can see of other diners are the occasional glimpses through slotted windows or through the barred cave doors as you move around the restaurant. Still, of those we did see, a very international clientele was revealed and this was

also reflected in the English-speaking floor staff and English menus.The menu (a rolled-up script which is pulled from a secret pocket of the ninja)

is very much of upmarket and internationally adapted Japanese izakaya fare. Sushi rolls—much larger than your average sushi from Japan—come highly recommend-ed. Inparticularly, The New York Sushi Roll (¥1,200)—a sushi roll with tuna, salm-on, avocado, and wrapped with lettuce, in rice and seaweed—plus an additional outer layer of daikon—was just wonderful and a reminder that Japanese food can be nicely adapted abroad. Other sushi with ‘rice on the outside’ was delicious and each roll suitable to share around a family of four. Families will also love the Hot and Spicy Chicken Wings (¥1,800) that are delivered to the table in an easy to share basket. Despite the order-taking ninja that these are ‘dangerous and very spicy’, the wings were cooked well and not too hot at all.

Nothing at Ninja is predictable and every dish brought to the table has it’s own signature, a twist on the ordinary. For the Rice in Bamboo Shoots Served with a Flare (¥1,200), a cone-shaped bamboo wrapped parcel was lit with a ninja torch to `cook` the contents at your table. Only when cut open could the rice inside be seen and then enjoyed. Sweet and Sour Pork Delicacies with Asparagus (¥2,500) appear as black as night and yet the pork was succulent and a sure-fire hit.Although we ordered from the a la carte menu, it may have been better to order from one of the many set meals, which includes the Surprise Menu (¥7,777), the Shabu Shabu Menu (¥13,000) or the extravagant Mikado Menu (¥30,000) which

includes courses of lobster, caviar, Turtle and Truffle Consommé Soup, Sautéed Shark’s Fin and Tofu, plus other delicacies.

After the meal, diners are then visited by a ninja magician who performs various tricks at the table with coins and cards. From the onset, staff seem to reveal in ‘character’ and the fun they are having while working, creates for a fun and unique eating experience. It is worth noting that reservations with children have to be made for 5pm and children should always be accompanied when moving around the restaurant for them to avoid get-ting lost (or scared) in the dimly lit pathways. Although Ninja doesn’t have a specific children’s menu, food is to be shared and the selection is vast enough so that even picky eaters will find something they can enjoy. As a cautionary word, I would also advise to make the reservation a few days in advance. This is a very popular restaurant and leaving the booking to the last minute could result in getting a poorer table and make quite a difference to the whole experience.

For families, couples, groups of friends or colleagues, an evening at Ninja is a memorable and fun eating expe-

rience. Food is well presented and of a quality that diners of a higher calibre will appreci-ate, whilst the playful, show-like atmosphere reminds us that eating out doesn’t have to always be an serious affair.

For more information see www.ninjaakasaka.com

Getting�to�your�table�is�an�adventure�you’ll�be�glad�to�have�a�guiding�ninja�there�for.

DINING DINING

day roast. Served 11am–3pm choose from an Eggs Benedict made with English muffins and grilled Canadian bacon, the Roti Big Breakfast (to please the British) and Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes with maple syrup (for the North Americans). For anyone in need of something a little more substantial, try the Steak and Eggs made with 150 grams of Australian rib-eye steak. Not that each course would leave you hungry, but remember to take advantage of the fantastic breakfast bar which includes cereals, yoghurts, a great selection of breads and fruits, and with bottomless cups of tea or coffee.

Kids are also well taken care of. For under 12-year-olds, there is the Mini Big Breakfast, Pancakes, or Pasta dish, all of which come with an ice cream afterwards.

Testament to the food and atmosphere, brunches at Roti often run well into the afternoon. In a hectic city like Tokyo, opportunities for families to sit back, and talk, without rushing off to the next appointment, are few and far between, yet these are the meals that relationships and memories are built on. A treat for your family or closest friends; Roti comes highly recommended.

For more information call 03-5785-3671 see www.rotico.com

ww

w.is

tock

pho

to.c

om/s

hym

an

International Tennis School

TEL. 03-3325-0924 FAX: 03-3325-0924EMAIL: [email protected] URL: http://www.krissmantennis.com

Winter SessionKITS offers professional tennis instruction for all levels,

taught in English by certified United StatesProfessional Tennis Association coaches

* Saturday morning classes (beginner and intermediate)* Night classes in Roppongi

SALSA Lessons in EnglishRoppongi StudioSUN 15:30-16:45 SUN 17:00-18:15Kiyosumi Shirakawa StudioSAT 14:00-15:15 SAT 15:30-16:45BELLY DANCING in EnglishRoppongi StudioTUE 18:00-19:15 SUN 12:00-13:15BALLROOM DANCING in EnglishRoppongi StudioWED 19:30-20:45BELLY DANCING Free TrialRoppongi StudioSAT 11:45 -12:15 (Every week) SUN 11:15-11:45 (2nd & 4th week)

SALSA Free TrialRoppongi Studio

THU 20:45 - 21:45FRI 18:45 - 19:15SAT 15:15 - 15:45SUN 13:15 - 13:45

Kiyosumi Shirakawa StudioSAT 13:15-13:45

@ Dance Studio [email protected]

TELL CommunityCounseling Service

Face-to-face counseling in English, Japanese and other languages byprofessional, qualified therapists on a flexible-fee basis.

03-3498-0231

Free, anonymous telephone counseling 9 a.m.–11 p.m. 7 Days a Week 365 Days a Year

03-5774-0992

Tokyo EnglishLife Line

DRAUGHT, GUINNESS, YONA YONA ALE,

SPITFIRE, HEINEKEN, BLACKTHORN CIDER.

HOMEMADE PIES SERVED AT LUNCH.

TOWN CRYER BRITISH PUB

INFORMATION AT WWW.TOWNCRYER.JP OR CALL 5401-9995


W e often hear about diminishing health standards and increased incidences of diseases such as obes-

ity, heart disease and diabetes. These were once consid-ered adult problems but more often they are occurring in childhood. Children are more overweight now than thirty years ago and most authorities put it down to an increasingly sedentary life style, pointing the finger at television, video games and computers. According to Australia’s Physical Activity Recommendations for Chil-dren and Young People, “Children should be active for at least one hour every day and spend no more than two hours in front of electronic screens for recreation.” (The number of Australian houses with VCR’s and comput-ers in 1970 was almost zero but by 2001 it had risen to around 80 percent.)

Worries over children’s health issues have risen over the same period. In Japan, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) reports a 7.5% increase in obese 12 year-old boys from 1970 to 2000 and a general increase in childhood obesity. The United States Department of Health and Human Services points out, “Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.”

Luckily for children living in Tokyo there is a new gym in town—and this one is just for kids. My Gym started in 1983 in California as a way to help children lose weight, get fit, learn to socialize with their peers and build self-esteem. It now boasts establishments in 23 countries and the Tokyo branch opened recently in March 2008.

My Gym’s Chief Operating Officer, Takahiro Suzuki (Taka), thinks Tokyo needs this kind of facility as there “are not so many parks” and open spaces for children to play. Taka notes that these days parents also worry a lot about their children’s safety. They want a secure environ-ment that is also fun for the children. My Gym’s philoso-phy of constant change, new layout plans and programs are sent from America on a weekly basis, and their unique equipment serves to keep children stimulated, says Taka before adding, “They never have the same class, and this keeps them interested”. Parents are encouraged to par-ticipate closely with the smallest children, and to remain in visual contact with kids over four, witnessing and ap-plauding their children’s milestones.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services notes, “The most immediate consequence of overweight…children…is poor self-esteem and depres-sion.” Nurturing the mind as well as the body by aim-ing for and accomplishing goals, helps children develop a good self-image. At My Gym the ‘Players’ (instructors) use positive reinforcement to motivate the children, en-couraging and cheering them on as they progress.

All classes are given in English, which is, as Taka puts it, a bonus, and many parents, both Japanese and expa-

triate, will find that attractive. Children are divided into groups according to their age and corresponding to their level of development. The six-weeks to six-months (Little Bundles) also incorporates a parents discussion group for the exchange of ideas and information. As the children graduate through the different levels and become more physically and mentally able, they grow more independ-ent and are encouraged to take on various challenges commensurate with their age.

Every group has three My Gym Players who operate as a team, each with their own role, and a maximum of 15 children. This ensures a safe environment with close attention being given to all students. Taka emphasizes that safety is the “most important” consideration. The classes go up to age six but, says Taka, they occasionally have special classes for children between 6 and 8 years old mainly for the expatriate community.

Tokyo is not the only My Gym in Asia—there are branches up and running in Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea and new ones on the way for China and India. Parents concerned about their children’s health find all big cities have the same problems—no space to exercise, less interaction between neighbours, more fear and thus a propensity to stay indoors. Mothers of children under school age say they are keen for their children to let off steam as well as start to learn socialization skills such as turn-taking and sharing in preparation for school. All of this is available under one roof plus, once a member there is the added advantage of being able to use any of the other locations around the world.

Encouraging an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits early in life appears to be the best way to guard against disease and depression linked to self-image. The British Minister of State in 2004 said of obesity, “In the long term, prevention is the best…approach, particularly in childhood.”

My Gym is based at Futakotamagawa. For more infor-mation call 03-3700-7500 or see www.mygym.jp

¥26,0004/1 - 25 DAILY ¥47,000

4/1 - 23 Mon - Wed, Fri, Sat¥29,0004/1 - 24 Mon - Fri

¥53,0004/12 - 24 Sun, Tue, Thu, Sat

14 days fix20 days fix 21 days fix 10 days fix

MANILABANGKOKHONG KONG LAX

PARIS

DENPASAR BALI

SEOULSEOUL HONOLULUHONOLULUTAIPEITAIPEI LONDONLONDON¥175,000¥81,000¥222,000¥242,000

~~~~

¥25,800

¥57,000

¥29,000

¥67,000

¥42,000 ¥44,000

¥67,000

¥50,000

¥156,000 ¥81,000

April departure

TORONTO/MONTREAL ROM/MIL/FRA/MUC BUE/LIM/SAO MEXICO CITY/CACUN LAGOSNEW YORK CITY

¥55,000 ¥129,000

April

The fun to be had at My Gym

SPORTS

Come�On�and�Get�PhysicalKids�Join�The�Gym.�By�Louise�Nakanishi-Lind

Phot

o co

urte

sy o

f My

Gym

.

Mar. 21 – Apr. 03 2008 Vol. 39 No. 06 19

I ’m starting out this column on February 29 on the out-door terrace at Hiroo Segafredo. It’s a beautiful day and

really nice not as cold and windy as it has been. That new black, white, and red building across the street that took the place of the Nathan’s hotdog shop is called Comrade and will serve Chinese and Italian cuisine. My Italian friends, some of the top chefs in Japan, are looking for-ward to seeing what’s on Comrade’s menu. Me too.

There are lots of changes coming up in Roppongi Hills soon. Ethnic Dining president Vivek Kothari who runs what most consider to be the top class Indian restaurant in Tokyo, Diya, (B1 floor in the huge complex) tells me about sixty of the shops and restaurants there will be changing. Our city always has something to look forward to.

I, like most people I know have really been looking forward to spring, with it’s warm weather and full calen-dar of cultural, musical and sports events. Sakura (cherry blossom) time is almost here and that’s always very spe-cial. If you’d like to celebrate with a beautiful international crowd, drop by the New Lex on Saturday, March 29 for the Sakura Party.

Our good friends at Min-on Concert Associate just never slow down and the number of international cul-tural events they bring to Japan is absolutely amazing. To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and China, they brought the truly amazing and awesome China National Acrobatic Troupe. The 51-member contingent performed their show ‘Legends of the Dragon and the Phoenix’ in 12 cities throughout Japan. Wherever they went there was thunderous applause after each act and standing ovations at the remarkable sense of balance, flexibility, timing and perfect teamwork. It was easy to see how the troupe has

won 40 first place awards all over the world.After the show we had the opportunity to meet and

mix with the dynamic young performers at a reception. It’s no secret about the strict discipline and rigid training that’s a dominating factor in their lives, but even so, they’re out-going, laugh a lot, and seem to enjoy using the little Eng-lish they know. Each and every member gives so much of themselves both on and off stage. They, and China, have a great deal to be proud of. Kudos to all concerned for a show you must see, if you have the opportunity.

I almost didn’t go to the concert by the Indian fusion band ‘Ocean,’ but sure am glad I did. The blend of Indian folk and classical music, jazz, rock and reggae, as well as the people there, made it a truly laid-back enjoyable and very special evening. This was one of the many events in the India-Japan Friendship Year 2007 Festival of India.

The grand finale of the festival was on December 10 when Indian Ambassador Hement Krishan Singh hosted the closing ceremony—a reception and cultural program of Kathak and Rajasthan dances choreographed by Ms. Kumudini Lakhia. It was a great year-long celebration of Indian culture. Congratulations to all concerned.

As I mentioned, another of the diplomatic corps most popular couples have left Japan. Pakistan Ambassador, Kamran Niaz and his beautiful wife Nuzhat, returned home on March 4. Prior to their departure there were all kinds of sayonaras in their honor. I was really sorry I had to miss Turkish Ambassador Sermet Atacani’s dinner for the outgoing couple in his tange-designed home, to say goodbye (and thanks) to Kamran and Nuzhat.

I’m sorry I wasn’t in Tokyo for any of the French Am-bassador Gildas and Christiane Le Lidel’s sayonara parties. They were in Japan from January 2006 and are now posted

Grand�Opening�Party�at�the�Prestigious�Peninsula�Hotel

Bernard and Tamiko Cendron.

Sloval Ambassador Peter Vrsansky and his wife Eleonora, Min-on Concert President Hiroyasu Kobayashi with Chinese perform-er Li Jiaojiao.

Lydia Carriedo, acrobats Zhao Hanlong and Wang Xue, Samir Naouri, Nadina Joyce Lefe-bvre, Drago Stambuk, Alejandro Basanez and Mohamad El-Harake.

Honduras Ambassador Nadina Joyce Lefe-bvre, Colombain Ambassador Patricia Cardenas with her son Juan Felipe and her daughter Daniela.

Phillippines Ambassador Domingo Siazon and his wife Kazuko (‘Kay’).

Jordan Ambassador Samir Naouri, Cheng Zhenni and Chen Yun.

Min-on President Hiroyasu Kobayashi, Chinese Minister-Counsellor Zhang Aiping and his wife He Jing.

Polish Ambassador Marcin Rybicki, his wife Adrianna, and two young performers Xu Ge and Zhou Jinyue.

PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY

Henry Scott-Stokes and his son Harry

Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels’ Executive Di-rector Peter Borer, Chairman Michael Kadoorie, CEO Clement Kwok, Deputy Chairman Ian Boyce and Malcolm Thompson, General Man-ager of The Peninsula Tokyo.

At�Min-on’s�China�Acrobatic�Troupe�Show

NATIONAL AZABU SUPERMARKET4-5-2 MINAMIAZABU, MINATO-KU, TOKYO

National Azabu’s Exclusive ItemKashi Cereal/Granola Bar

Start the day off right, Kashi cereals are with whole grains, and have no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, or preservatives. Kashi has put in lots of

nutritious ingredients in their granola bars so you can have a snack you’ll feel good about.

AVAILABLE ONLYat National Azabu

and Den-en

Tatjana Destribats, Rosanna Kubodera, Ritz-Carlton General Manager, Ricco DeBlank and his wife Virginia.

Mitsuo and Lilo Maruyama, and Francoise Morechand.


in Madagascar. In a nice note I received from them they mentioned that construction will start on a new French chancery here this year. As I so often say, here in Tokyo, the beat goes on.

There is a lot of movement on the hotel scene as well. As most of you know, Xavier Destribats, legendary General Manager of the Grand Hyatt recently became vice-presi-dents of Panorama Hospitality which is owned by Morgan Stanley, and has 28 hotels throughout Japan.

On January 17, the Grand Hyatt held a VIP. packed reception to introduce their new General Manager, Rog-er Lienhard, and to express their gratitude for the many guests’ loyal patronage over the years.

Roger is a well-known figure in the hospitality industry and brings a wealth of experience and keen understanding to his new appointment. He started his career with Hyatt International in 1998 as Executive Chief of Hyatt Regen-cy, Perth. Later he moved to Grand Hyatt, Melbourne. In 2001 he assumed his first General Manager posting at Ary-aduta Jakarta Hotel. From 2005 to 2008, he was General Manager at the Hyatt Regency, Delhi. There’s not enough space to cover all the highlights of his career, but believe me, he’s worked with the best.

Guests at the reception included diplomats, business leaders, airlines VIPS, and the cream of Tokyo society. With Roger’s professional skills and outgoing personality, he cir-culated among the crowd, and made friends with everyone there. It was a beautiful evening perfect for the occasion.

Shortly after Andreas Trauttmansdorff took over as the General Manager of The Westin Tokyo, the hotel held their awesome Austrian Festival. Andreas is from Austria and he and his staff went all out to make it the best festival yet. I had dinner there with the Ireton family and visiting celebrity psychic Ron Bard, and we all agreed the buffet was superb.

Back to the hotel scene, honorable Sir Michael Ka-

doorie, the chairman of Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotel Ltd. and the board of directors, flew in to join the prestig-ious Peninsula Hotel Tokyo’s General Manager Malcolm Thompson and his staff, for the Grand Opening Gala of the hotel. I heard 2000 people were invited that evening and from the looks of the crowd, that was probably true.

I started out the evening with friends in the Hei Fung Terrace Chinese restaurant where we tried the peking duck. From there we moved up to the Grand Ballroom for the buffet, which featured an endless supply of first class caviar. I then dropped by the luxurious spa for a poolside pop violin concert, and then up to Peter’s trendy restau-rant where the 16-year-old superstar Taichi Saotome was performing his geisha number.

When I went back to the lobby I relaxed with Fran-coise Morechand and Mitsuo and Lilo Maruyama listening to the latin beat of a big band, The Tokyo Cuban Boys. They’re hot. Or at least their music is.

I had tried the Peninsula hand-made chocolates on early visits there and needed some energy so ripped open my omiyage box as soon as I got in a taxi. I have to ad-mit I was a bit disappointed when I discovered my box of chocolates was a book. But I soon got over that as I leafed through a really well done book on the building of the Peninsula Tokyo. The chocolates would be long gone, but the book brings back great memories of the Gala Opening of the Peninsula Tokyo.

Bahrain Ambassador Dr. Khalil Hassan and his wife Dr. Salwa Almahroos hosted a beautiful reception at the Impe-rial on the occasion of their country’s national day. Kha-lil, a pediatric surgeon, was Bahrain’s Minister of Health. Salwa is a specialist in diabetes. I’ve gotten to know them throughout their help with my orphans’ parties. They are truly a kind and compassionate couple—the kind of peo-ple everyone should have the good fortune of knowing. It was a relaxed, warm and enjoyable evening. In addition to

Park Hyatt General Manager Robert Barker, Grace Saito and Colombian Ambassador Patricia Cardenas and Iceland Ambassador Thodur Oskarsson.

Grand Hyatt’s Ellie McFatridge, Argentine Ambassador Daniel Dziewezo Polski, Co-lombian Ambassador Patricia Cardenas, Roger Lienhard, Mexican Ambassador Miquel Ruuiz-Cabanas,Xavier Destribate.

Jan Vulevich (U.S. Embassy), Clsa’s Aviva Duncan, and Grand Hyatt Resident Manager Mark Holmes.

Architect Paul Tange, International Trad-ing President Louis Vigden and Longreach Groups’ Philip S. Carmichael..

Quantas Airways Regional General Manager Masashi Ogino, Tokyo American Club Gen-eral Manager Michael Bumegardner, Russian Ambassador Mikhail M. Bely and Dr. Eugene Aksenoff.

Global Hyatt’s Steve Haggerty visiting from Chicago, father Martin and President of Ja-pan Hyatt, Chikami Koga.

Panorama Hospitality V.P Xavier Destribats, Mori Hospitality Corps Kanji Ohashi and Roger Lienhard.

Morgan Stanley CEO and Director Jonathan Kindred with United Airlines V.P. Pacific Mark R. Schwab.

Bvlgari President Stephanie Lafay, his wife Sadami and Park Hyatt General Manager Robert Barker.

GE President and CEO Mark Norbom, Mori Hospitality Corp. President and CEO Kanji Ohasi, Roger Leinhard and Mori Arts Cent-er General Manager Monique Dekker.

Grace Saito, Kyoko Spector and Venezuela Ambassador Seiko Ishikawa.

German Minister Bernd Fischer and Tri-umph International Japan President Chris-tian Thoma.

PARTYLINE WITH BILL HERSEY

VIP.�Packed�Welcome�New�Grand�Hyatt�General�Manager�Roger�Lienhard

Mar. 21 – Apr. 03 2008 Vol. 39 No. 06 21

the many beautiful floral, tributes, there was an illuminat-ed ice carving of Bahrains national emblem and a lavish buffet of Arabic, Japanese and Western foods. Traditional music was provided by two young ladies who had been flown in from Bahrain for the sincerest of congratulations to Khalil, Salwa, and the people of Bahrain.

Pop star Hilary Duff was just in town to do a series of commercials for Softbank’s new Disney Mobiles line. A few weeks earlier I had met U.S. product endorsement licensor Vahan J. Vartanian at an after-concert party I did for the Backstreet Boys at the New Lex. He told me he’d be in To-kyo in a few weeks with the actress, pop singer, songwriter and entrepreneur, and would bring her to the club. Va-han kept his word and it was great meeting and getting to know this much-awarded, fun, outgoing and very talented young lady. In addition to films, TV, stage and music, the

Houston-born celeb has her own fashion, jewelry and a perfume line; ‘With love…Hilary Duff.’

Hilary is involved in a great deal of charity work, and we talked about that. The only thing we disagreed on was Paris Hilton. I like her, but Hilary doesn’t. Oh well, that’s life. Whatever, I really enjoyed meeting this great girl.

I’m also happy I had the opportunity of working with and getting to know another great girl, former Weekender editor, Helen Bottomley. Helen, from the UK, the epitome of all things good, is intelligent, kind, caring, and fun and was always there when I needed her.

I’m happy she met a guy (an architect) who she really likes, and who really likes her. They’re in England now, and I pray it all works out. Believe me, Helen deserves all the good things that come her way. Her many friends here, like me, will really miss her.

Bahrain musicians Amina and Shavna.

Kyoko Spector, Jasmine Ashraf (Bangladesh), Dr. Salwa Almahroos (Bahrain), Nadia Trad (Saudi) and Amal Ketrandji (Algeria).

Honduras Ambassador Nadina Lefebvre labro, Amal Ketrandji (Algeria) and Nadia Khoj Trad (Saudi).

Kuwait Ambassador Abdul-Rahman Al-Otaibi, Bahrain Ambassador Dr. Khalil bin Ibrahim Hassen.

Saudi Ambassador Faisal H. Trad, Bahrain Ambassador Dr. Khalil, U.A.E. Ambassador Saeed Al-Nowais.

Former Indian Ambassador Proffessor Aftab Seth and his wife Nilima.

Outgoing Pakistani Ambassador Kamran Niaz, his wife Nuzhat and Indian 2nd Secre-tary/Head of Chancery P.K Gautam and his wife Jyoti.

Indian�Fusion�Band�‘Ocean’�Concert

Moti Restaurant President Satbhag S. War-raich, Yog Kapoor (Samrat Restaurants Presi-dent) and Aps Mani (Covansys Ltd.).

Muna Al-Ansari (Qatar), Maali Siam (Pales-tine), Lamia Lecheheb (Morocco).

Segafredo�Zanetti�Espressowww.segafredo.jp��www.segafredo.it

In�and�Around

National�Day�of�Bahrain�Reception

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER

www.legalfutures.com

FINANCE | COMPLIANCE | LEGAL

YOUR CAREER PARTNERSwww.waysimmons.com

EIRE SYSTEMS K.K.Tokyo Address: Suruga Bldg., 3-24-1 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0014, Japan

Tel: +81-3-5484-7935 Fax: +81-5484-7934 http://www.eire.co.jpTOKYO SINGAPORE HONG KONG DUBLIN

INFRASTRUCTUREDESIGN

IT HELPDESK

TECHNOLOGYIMPLEMENTATION

RELOCATIONPLANNING

German Counsellors Thomas Schroder and Stefan Profit.

Across Travel’s Junya Hosaka, his wife Miyu-ki and their daughter Rina..

International Models Carol (Brazil-Japan), Anna (Hungary) and Lars (Germany).

Image to left: Dinner congratulat-ing Dr. Aksenoff on government award Humanitarian in Medical. (standing left to right): Akiko Takano, Yasuko Nishida, Nicolas and Netsuki Aksenoff, Mieko Ya-mada (seated) HIH Princess Hi-tachi, Dr. Eugene Aksenoff and his grandson, HIH Prince Hitachi, and Keiko Aksenoff. Akiko, Yasuko and Mieko are the Prince’s Sisters. Bill Hersey and Hilary Duff at the New Lex.

ww

w.is

tock

pho

to.c

om/V

iorik

a Pr

ikho

dko

ww

w.is

tock

pho

to.c

om/T

odd

Bate

s


SCHOOL’S OUT

For more information see www.partypalace.co.jp

Across 1. Strangers in a strange land (abbrv) (6) 4. Those who got away (8) 9. Goal (6)10. On a hike (8)12. Indigenous Japanese (4)13. Lucky Number (5)14. Cafe list (4)17. Excursion Vehicle Operators (5,7)20. Permission Papers (7,5)23. The ... University Studies (4)24. Toss (5)25. Amaze (4)28. Social Customs (8)29. Arts or artifacts place (6)30. Polygot (8)31. Entertains (6)

Down 1. In door (8) 2. Of mother or father (8) 3. Dinosaur Type (4) 5. Hawker (12) 6. Egyptian circle top cross (4) 7. Sent Away (3,3) 8. Enroll (4,2)11. Funfair big wheels (6,6)15. Anarchy (5)16. Skill (5)18. The nine to twelve- year-olds (8)19. Tidal Waves (8)21. Abort (6)22. Hot? (6)26. Ballet wear (4) 27. Western Pacific US island (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10

11

12 13 14

15 16

17

18 19

20

21 22

23 24 25

26 27

28 29

30 31

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

Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu, International Clinic, Prince Hotel, Tameike Tower Residence, Aoyama Daiichi Mansions, Austrian National Tourist Office, Aux Bacchanales, Canadian Embassy Library, Hotel New Otani, Moti, Ritz Carlton, US Embassy Aoyama TELL, Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd., Kinokuniya, Samrat Azabudai H&R Consultants/

ReloJapan, Suji’s, Tokyo Lease Corporation Azabujuban Magellan, Nissin World Delicatessen, Oakwood Residences, Paris Miki, Temple University, UFJ Bank Chofu American School in Japan Ebisu Good Day Books, Happy Days, My Lebanon, Samrat, Segafredo, The Footnik, The Westin, Va Tout, What the Dickens Ginza Ash Hair-Essensuals, Nissan

Hanzomon British Embassy Hiroo Across Travel, Kato Gallery Frame Store, Meidiya, National Azabu Supermarket, Samrat, Segafredo, Tokyo Lawn Tennis Club Jingumae Gold’s Gym, Sin Den, The King Clinic Kamiyacho 911 (Mad Mulligans), American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, Asian Tigers, Atago Green Hills Residence, Dubliners Shinagawa, Dubliners

Toranomon, Hotel Okura, Town Cryer Meguro Party Palace, Minami Azabu Hiroo Intl. Clinic, Karl Che, Work Out World Mita Australian Embassy, English Studio, Mutti Moto-Azabu Global Kids Academy, Gymboree, Nishimachi Int’l School Nishishinbashi Town Cryer Nishi Azabu Nottinghill Cakes, PAL International School, Pheres, Samrat Omotesando Beacon,

Fujimama’s Roppongi Allied Pickfords, Aoyama Book Center, Azabu Dai-ichi Mansions, Bernd’s Bar, Bourbon Street, Dance Studio, Devi Fusion, Grand Hyatt, Hotel Ibis, International Clinic, Nakashima Dentist, Oakwood Roppongi T-Cube, Paddy Foley’s, Roppongi Hills Club, Roppongi Hills Residence C&D, Roti, Roy’s, Samrat, Santa Fe, Tipness, Tokyo Midtown

Clinic, Tokyo Skin Clinic, Va Tout, Volvo, Wolfgang Puck, Zest Setagaya Sakura Int’l School, Seta International Preschool Shibakoen Tokyo Gifted Academy & Rivendale, Tokyo Surgical & Medical Clinic, Shibaura Japan Times Shibuya British School Tokyo, No1 Travel, Tower Records, Shimbashi Irish Times Shinjuku Hilton Tokyo, Live In Asia, No.1 Travel, Park Hyatt, Samrat,

Dubliners, Tower Records Takanawa Samrat Tennoz TY Harbor Brewery Uchisaiwaicho Imperial Hotel Yokohama Saint Maur International School, Yokohama Country and Athletic Club Yoyogiuehara Child`s Play Yurakucho Press Club outside of Tokyo Nagoya Lease Japan Ibaraki Windsor Park Golf & Country Club Chiba BMW

CROSSWORD #23

N o matter what age you are, birthdays are occa-sions hard to pass by without notice. Whether

you dread the day in hand or have a party planned out weeks in advance, chances are the occasion will be marked by doing something a little different to the usual routines of daily life. For kids however, birth-days are a whole other ball game. One of the year’s most important dates, this is an occasion which ab-solutely must be marked with some kind of over-the-top, colorful and noisy celebration; the birthday boy or girl must be the center of attention and what’s more; this party must be better than the rest.

Well that’s how we remember it, but here in Japan, Yumi Urakawa, founder of Party Palace Inc. tells me that birthday parties ‘have never traditionally been a part of the culture’. In the States, where she grew up, she no-ticed that parties with presents, cakes and games are big events, and now she plans to bring this kind of culture to Japan with the party planning company she founded over a year ago. She also hopes that kids in the interna-tional community are not missing out on parties they would have experienced had they been in their home country. Indeed, since the eighties when roller booting, ten-pin bowling and ice-skating parties became fashion-able and today with TV programmes like the American Sweet Sixteen, which shows rich teenagers holding par-ties that could rival royalty in some poorer countries of the world, these days birthday parties are big business.

Party Palace Inc. specializes in organising parties for corporate or personal events. For busy parents and to take all the stress out of organising a party for your

child, Yumi and her team will provide ideas to match your children’s requests.

Each party has a theme, so for girls think belly dancing, flower arranging, nail painting, and for boys there are magic shows, clown carnivals or maybe even football. After deciding the theme, Party Palace Inc. will prepare everything needed to throw the party from ca-tering, decorations, plates and cutlery, balloons, table-covers and streamers, all in your preferred color or ani-mated character. You don’t need to do anything apart from wait for the doorbell to ring. And then, after the party, they will clean everything up for you.

Each specialist dancer, magician, or beautician sent out to facilitate the theme of the party are professionals who can speak English and one of Party Palace Inc.’s organisers will also be at the party who can speak both English or Japanese. Photographers can also be arranged and even getting the right kind of band to play at your party will all be taken care of. Cakes are custom-made (think hearts or Mickey Mouse-shaped) and so can cater for any dietary restrictions. If your home is not ideal for large groups of children other sites can easily be recom-mended. And of course, it doesn’t have to be just birth-days—from sweet sixteen or graduation parties, celebra-tions all year round can be remembered for years to come.

It really is simple and with parties like these, old games of ‘pass the parcel’ and ‘pin the tail on the donkey’ will no doubt soon be long forgotten.

A�Party�Fit�For�A�King.�By�Marie�Teather

Mar. 21 – Apr. 03 2008 Vol. 39 No. 06 23

for healthyair travel

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

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

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

attitude and accompanying comfort. Combine this with a

decisive action-orientated team that allows you the freedom

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

that you can have a better experience wherever in the world

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

Asian Tigers Premier Worldwide Movers

Tel: 03-6402-2371 Email: [email protected]

www.asiantigers-japan.com

Offices throughout Asia

Nick Masee, Managing Director

THE ANNUAL SCHOOLS' SPECIAL

Documents

Transcript of THE ANNUAL SCHOOLS' SPECIAL