ojiyachijimi - JAPAN QUALITY REVIEW

6
2011June
vol. 02
FREE
QR［Quality Review］
SILKY DRY
Calorie Scan
［FEATURE］
A Gift from Winter
to Summer
A Registered
UNESCO Intangible
Cultural Heritage
OJIYACHIJIMI
QUALITY REVIEW
SPECIAL
Refined Uchikake
for the 21st Century
eng.jqrmag.com
C O N T E N T S
June 2011(distributed 5.7, 2011)
COLUMN
03 World View of Japan
Photography/Tomoki Futaishi
New Opening
04 Hotel Niwa Tokyo
［FEATURE］
A Gi ft fr o m W i n te r to S u m m e r
05
A Registered
UNESCO Intangible
Cultural Heritage
13
OJIYACHIJIMI
Fascinating Japan:
A Conversation with Foreign Residents
21 Commuter Trains
QUALITY REVIEW 1
SILKY DRY
25
15
17
QUALITY REVIEW 2
Quality Japanese Inns and Hotels
Nikko Kanaya Hotel
［CINEMA］
Calorie Scan
27 Children of that City
QUALITY REVIEW SPECIAL
28
Theatre version
In Praise of Fine Sake
Senkin
Shozo Izuishi Selection
Refined Uchikake for the 21st Century
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Jun Shinozuka
Syozou Izuishi ［Fashion Critic］
JQR editorial department
Editors
Jun Nakaki
Editorial Committee
Tanehide Egami ［Executive Producer, Ecole De Cuisine Egami］
Kyoko Ohtsu
Shinichi Hanawa ［Joint Representative Director Ramsar Network Japan］
2-1-14 Sarugakucho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 101-0064
03-3518-2270
Maki Taguchi
Ryuichiro Matsubara ［Economist, Professor at the University of Tokyo］
Humio Maruyama ［High-Tech Industry Innovation Agency］
Web Director
Tokuhisa Maruyama
Designer
Wakako Kawasaki
Yumi Yamaguchi ［Travel Writer］
JQR advertising department
2-1-14 Sarugakucho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 101-0064
03-3518-4488
Additional Editing
High-Tech Industry Innovation Agency
Advertising
Integral Corp.
eng.jqrmag.com
2 011 Juin
02
01
Mitsuru Sato, a fisheries owner in
safety after the earthquake. Confirmation
Onagawa, led Chinese trainees to a safe
came, four days later, when new photos
location only to be swept away in the
of Kagoneko were posted on the blog.
tsunami, never to return. Reports showing
Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter,
his older brother saying, “I will wire
was flooded with comments. “It’s amazing
everyone’s salaries to China, once things
that he’s not even ruffled by an
settle,” moved everyone to tears.
earthquake.” “He is indeed therapeutic!”
Japanese Program Newscaster,
Chinese Radio International
The media also reported on the 50
An illustration of two cats hugging
nuclear plant employees who stayed
captioned “Ganbare, Nihon (Hang in
On March 11 the media was
behind to bring the situation under control
there, Japan),” which was probably
concentrating on covering the annual
even after the hydrogen explosions.
created by a Kagoneko fan, went viral.
National People’s Congress and the
Labeled the “50 heroes of Fukushima,”
One news article I wrote on this
Chinese People's Political Consultative
they are lauded as models of courage
movement for the Chinese Radio
Conference. However, after the
and duty.
International web site received over
earthquake the state-run television
Unfortunately, the slow response to the
100,000 page views. Users from both
station, China Central Television,
prolonged problems at the nuclear power
countries still post comments on the
promptly switched programming to the
plant later destroyed this positive image.
article. Kagoneko, Japan’s “healing
NHK live feed with simultaneous
The inefficient and negative image Japan
phenomenon,” is the bond between China
interpreting. Newscasters were
has gained due to the uncertainty
and Japan.
unanimous in stressing, “This was a
surrounding the vertical divide and where
disaster for all mankind.”
responsibility lies is an unfortunate
The Chinese media often showed scenes
outcome.
of the calm response and perfect order of
Meanwhile, an intriguing movement arose
the Japanese. “The women still wear light
in the virtual world.
make-up despite being forced to live in
A cat known as Kagoneko (Basket Cat)
evacuation centers!” wrote one writer
in Japan and as Maoshu (lit. Uncle Cat)
friend, who could not hold back her
in China is quite popular on the Internet.
surprise. The Japanese were also praised
Since Kagoneko lives with his owner in
for their high morale.
Iwate, everyone was concerned for his
From Beijing
The Great East Japan
Earthquake in the Chinese Press
Wang Xiaoyan
World View of Japan
from Canada
02
most efficient producers of hydroelectric
energy in the world. http://www.
hydroquebec.com/transportation-
Electrifying Quebec
John Tate
Image Creator
electrification/index.html
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV pilot project will
start in the town of Boucherville, which is
just south of the island/city of Montréal
News of the earthquake, tsunami and
Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant appeared
daily on the front pages.
>>>NIPPON
REVIEW
02
interest in these vehicles amongst the
Québec population. Although there is still
a gap between interest, availability, and
use these gaps will start to diminish in
the coming years as the goal is to have a
viable plan for 2013/2014.
(the largest city in Québec and the
second largest city in Canada) and will
Finally the future of electric cars seems
be used to evaluate the performance and
to be gaining ground in Canada.
feasibility needs for these types of
Mitsubishi Motors and the government
vehicles on Québec roads and in Québec
owned utility Hydro-Québec announced a
conditions. Both of which can sometimes
pilot project this winter to evaluate the
be extreme. Initial projects for these
needs for an electric car infrastructure in
types of vehicles have often been located
the province. Along with a previous
in more moderate climate areas but in
understanding with Nissan, Québec is
Québec where the temperature can go
attempting to take a leading role in the
from over 30ºC in august to under -30ºC
development and implementation of these
in January / February it is more of a
new technologies in North America. This
challenge. This project is offered to a
is not surprising as Japan has always
small group of eligible businesses in the
been at the forefront of innovation while
town to allow for real life information to
Québec has been at the leading edge of
be gathered for the next phases of the
many technologies and is considered one
electrification of transport in the province.
of the greener minded provinces/states
As well, these vehicles are soon
in North America with reduced emission
becoming available in limited amounts to
goals that exceed most on the continent.
the general public through their
Québec is also one of the largest and
dealerships in Québec. There is a high
In Quebec , Electric vehicles are required
to be capable to be used in the extreme
condition. Images are EV from
Mitsubishi(above) and Nissan(below)
2 011 June
03
This Month’s New Opening
Hotel Niwa Tokyo
Photography/Satoru Naito, Text/Hayato Nakatsuki
ROOM
Seismic Isolation System
Gentle light shines through the paper screens in guest rooms
harmonized with a Japanese style theme throughout the interior design,
from the fittings to the tea utensils. The rooms are equipped with a
liquid crystal high-vision television, a spacious bathroom, comfortable
beds, and a well sound-proofed door. Regular prices for a twin room
start from 23,000 yen.
The seismic isolation system in the basement is basically composed of
a giant cushion on which the building rests. This reduces the sway
caused by a strong earthquake to one-fourth or one-fifth of what it
would normally be, making the building more resilient. It is also
reassuring because the entire building would sway evenly and slowly,
with less chance of damage in the rooms.
MAP
COURT YARD
Tokyo
Dome
Ikizakashita
kizaka
Tokyo Dome City
Korakuen
←Shinjuku
Ikizakaue
Shin-i
Tokyo Dome
Hotel
Toei Mita line
Suidobashi
Station
A1 exit
Suidobashi
East exit
JR Suidoba shi Station
Sotobori-dori
Kanda River
Akihabara →
Hakusan-dori
Avenue
Misaki-cho
Hotel Niwa Tokyo
Four minutes walk from the JR Suidobashi Station and Toei Mita Line
Suidobashi Station. Eight minutes walk from Jimbocho Station on the
Toei Shinjuku, Toei Mita and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon lines. One
hundred minutes by Airport Limousine from Narita to the Tokyo City Air
Terminal in Hakozaki, then by taxi to the hotel.
A stream flows through the courtyard, which is filled with around fifty
different types of trees and flowering plants that bloom and change
color all year round. It’s a precious place that enables guests to enjoy
the changing seasons while being right in the center of the city. Soak
up the atmosphere of a Japanese-style garden or copse through the
different views of the courtyard afforded from the Western and
Japanese restaurants adjoining it.
If You’re Looking for
Reassurance and High-quality
place is the greatest service that a hotel
luxurious or business class, this is a very
can provide for its guests.
comfortable hotel that occupies a
It’s hard to call this a “new” opening,
This sense of hospitality pervades the
position in the middle. It would be perfect
entire hotel. The guest rooms with their
for women on their own, or for a long
coordinated Japanese-style interior
stay.
since May will be the second anniversary
of the hotel’s opening, but right now this
is the number one recommended hotel in
the city. One reason for this is the latest
quake absorbing device installed by the
management. They decided it would be
better to utilize the basement space for
this purpose rather than a car park. A
hotel without a car park is inconvenient,
and you would expect this to lower its
rating, but now it seems that their
decision to prioritize the guest’s safety
was spot on. To have peace of mind and
be able to sleep at night in a unfamiliar
design may not be lavish, but they are
refined, and have the capacity to
accommodate everything you might need
for your stay in just the right amount of
space. The staff always have smiles on
their faces and succeed in giving
thoughtful advice in the restaurants
without being pushy. The hotel is set
back one road from the main thoroughfare
and thus maybe difficult to find, but this
has the advantage of making it all the
more peaceful and quiet.
With most city hotels being either ultra
Hotel
Niwa Tokyo
1-1-16
Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo,
101-0061　Tel. 03-3293-0028
http://www.hotelniwa.jp
2 011 June
04
OJ I YAC H I J I M I
A Gift from Winter to Summer
A Registered UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
OJIYACHIJIMI
Ojiya,
Niigata Prefecture
Ojiya is located in a rich grain-producing region through which the Shinano
River meanders, providing the surrounding area with water. These fertile
lands also become fields of snow for five months in winter.
05
2 011 June
Plant fibers spun one by one into twists of thread are woven into cloth. It has
been called“Nature’s cloth”— a fabric that has been made for thousands
of years with astounding effort. Ojiya-chijimi is a textile with a history, and it
requires a unique process of snow-bleaching as part of its production. Tough
yet soft on the skin, this textile also exudes a refined artistic beauty.
Photography and text/ Yuko Iida
2 011 June
06
OJ I YAC H I J I M I
When winter comes the women gather inside, moving their fingers in silence. With great care they spin the ramie yarn as it grows by millimeters
and centimeters. The painstaking work continues in silence, with the great patience required by such manual labor, until in early spring the
woven kimono cloth is laid out on the snow fields in clear weather.
It was after several days of snowstorms
snow, rinsed in snow-water, and
from having to live with heavy snow.
that spring finally arrived, and the
bleached in snow. There’s cloth
No one could survive by themselves in
contrast between the blue sky and
because there’s snow…. You could say
such an environment, and the people
snow fields bathed in spring sunshine
snow is the parent of this cloth.”
have a deeply-rooted spirit of mutual
support.
was especially dazzling. Rows of
light-colored kimono cloth—finished
2 011 June
Long Months Spinning
Fiber Into Yarn
woven cloth made from thread with
(Snow Stories of North Etsu Province),
three months of painstaking effort
written in the Edo period by Bokushi
—were laid out rainbow-like on the
Suzuki, a man of letters from Shiozawa.
snow, almost like some modern art
He went to investigate Echigo province
Early morning and it is still dark. The
installation.
and the people of the snow country
paper-screen covered window is white
The final stage in producing Echigo-jofu
personally in order to write and illustrate
with a cozy brightness generated by the
and Ojiya-chijimi textiles requires
the book. That passage was also used
snow. Grandma quietly gets up so as
exposing them to snow, a process
by Nobel prize-winning author Yasunari
not to disturb the grandchildren, and
which makes use of the bleaching
Kawabata in his novel Snow Country,
goes to the living room where she
effect from ozone produced when snow
to create layers of imagery depicting
inserts feet into the kotatsu (heated
evaporates in the sun. The wisdom of
the cleanliness which the main
table) to warm up, and gets on with
ancestors has been passed on through
character—a man from Tokyo—finds so
work. With total concentration she sets
this method that removes excess dye,
attractive in the lover from Echigo
about spinning the yarn with her hands,
loosens snarls in the threads, and gives
whom he has travelled to meet.
plying them the same as she did
the cloth a light, soft finishing touch.
The people of Echigo certainly do have
yesterday, and the day before that.
a disposition that is snow-like in its
Delicate fibers of karamushi, also
purity, along with a tenacity acquired
known as choma, the plant used to
“Yarn is formed in snow, woven in
07
This is a line from Hokuetsu Seppu
2 011 June
08
OJ I YAC H I J I M I
Ojiya-chijimi, has, as the name in Japanese suggests, fine wrinkles in the fabric itself. Originally only high-quality hemp cloth was woven
in Echigo, but in the 17th century a samurai from Akashi (modern day Hyogo prefecture) arrived, bringing techniques for Akashi-chijimi
silk with him that were used to develop Ojiya-chijimi.
make the ramie yarn used in Ojiya-
sit round the kotatsu together and work,
cloth of sufficient quality to be
from judging a piece of yarn by hand,
fabrics on the skin is a blessing in hot,
mixed with weeds, but according to the
chijimi, are laid out like a spiders web
but we kept quiet and concentrated.”
recognized as genuine actually died out
until all were regained by 1989.
humid Japanese summers. Even now
Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), in
on the black cloth spread over her
(laughs)
and were lost.
Nowadays progress has been achieved
jofu and chijimi textiles are produced
693 the Empress Jitou issued an
knees. Spine straight and eyes
It felt good to concentrate like that she
In 1955 Echigo-jofu and Ojiya-chijimi
not only for kimono cloth, but also for
during the snowy months from
imperial edict stating that that the
narrowed, she focuses her
explained. Her face looked dignified,
were designated Important National
the crimped cloth that is used for
December to March, as they always
people were encouraged to cultivate
concentration on her fingertips. She
filled with a Zen-like presence. If there
Intangible Cultural Properties, but there
interior decoration or making western-
have been. Natural materials don’t
this plant.
takes the threads from a thick
weren’t such ties between people,
were five conditions that had to be met
style clothing which is close to hand-
respond well in environments where the
Since ancient times cloth made from
telephone directory where they have
Echigo cloth would not exist.
to be awarded this recognition. The
worked, and has been woven making
temperature is artificially controlled by
ramie has been the standard, used not
ramie yarn should be spun by hand, the
free use of delicate machines.
air conditioners, since ramie itself is a
only for Echigo-jofu and Ojiya-chijimi
living thing.
textiles, but also for Noto-jofu, Omi-jofu,
been carefully pressed and,
occasionally putting them into her
mouth to apply moisture, fastens them
together. She joins another thread to
09
T h e w e f t ( c r o s s w i s e ) t h r e a d i s g i v e n a s t r o n g t w i s t a s i t i s w o v e n , a n d f i n a l l y t h e f a b r i c i s r u b b e d b y h a n d i n h o t w a te r to
m a k e t h e c r i m p s a n d b r i n g o u t t h e d i s t i n c t i v e t e x t u r e . I n r e c e n t y e a r s m a n y b o l t s o f f a b r i c a r e ma c h i n e -m a d e , w i th th e
rubbing in hot water being the only manual process.
A Lost Tradition Revived
in the Heisei Era
threads used to make the kasuri
Lifestyles have changed too, and the
splash-dye pattern should be hand-tied,
fact is that the traditional kimono is not
“If the humidity is not right the thread
Nara-sarashi, Miyako-jofu and
the weaving loom should be a type that
worn by everyone at important
snaps and gets offended,” said one
Yaeyama-jofu textiles. Its history in
the end, puts it on the loom and forms
The Echigo-jofu and Ojiya-chijimi
is operated while seated on the floor,
ceremonial occasions such as
weaver. A true child of the snow
Echigo-jofu is said to go back 1200
the thread. The only sound in the room
textiles were designated as UNESCO
the crimps should be made by hand-
weddings and funerals anymore.
indeed!
years. The medieval text Azuma
is the ticking of the clock. All is quiet in
Intangible Cultural Properties in 2009.
rubbing or foot-trampling in hot water,
However, younger generations are now
Ramie yarn is made from Boehmeria
Kagami (Mirror of the East) records that
the faint light of dawn. Snow absorbs
It was the first such recognition of a
and finally, it should be snow-bleached.
revaluating traditional clothing, since it
nivea, the scientific name for choma, or
Echigo cloth paid as tax in kind during
the noise of the world, and only the
Japanese textile. That honor
These were strict conditions.
is a part of Japanese culture that does
false nettle in English. This thrives in
the Nara period (AD 710-794) was
sound of silence rings through the
undoubtedly gave great pleasure to
In an age when cotton yarn and
indeed advantageously display the
hot, humid summer weather. Since far
stored at the Shoso-in, the treasure
bracing air.
these modest snow country people,
machine woven cloth were taking over,
Japanese figure and style of manner.
back in the Jomon period (about
house belonging to the Todai-ji temple
“Karamushi breaks easily when there’s
who are unskilled at self-promotion.
and demand for kimonos was dwindling,
in Nara, and that the Court nobles of
no humidity,” she murmurs as her
However the path to achieving this
it had become difficult for artisans to
there was any cotton in Japan, this
Kyoto were pleased to receive it as a
long-practiced hands fasten the
recognition was not an easy one. For a
find opportunities to practice their cloth-
plant fiber was used for many other
gift, under the name Eppu, during
threads.
time the kimono cloth production
making skills. All in all it took seven
Natural Fabrics are
Pleasant Because of Their
Gentle, Cool Touch
10,000 to 300 BC) in the days before
purposes besides clothing. Nowadays
medieval times. “In the past four of us women used to
methods that produced Ojiya-chijimi
years to revive all the stages, starting
The cool, pleasant touch of natural
you can see it growing everywhere
Kenshin Uesugi, a daimyo during the
2 011 June
2 011 June
10
OJ I YAC H I J I M I
Cool to touch in summer, chijimi is used not only for kimono fabric, but also adds a
pleasant touch to daily life in summer when used for bed linen and other household
items.
Warring States period (1467-1568),
eventually pushed his enemies to
cultivate choma, sending it as a gift to
Kyoto, selling it and making an
enormous profit when its high quality
was acclaimed in the capital. It was
highly prized because of its resilience
to sweat and thus used as a lining in
armor and helmets. It also did not let
arrows penetrate and was used for
camp enclosures. Showa-mura in
Fukushima prefecture, the only place in
Japan where choma is produced, also
has deep ties with Kenshin Uesugi.
A Land that Produces Cloth
Whenever Winter Comes
The skies in Echigo are wide and the
mountains towering. In summer green
ears of rice bend in the wind and
enormous bursts of fireworks rise up at
11
2 011 June
the local festivals. In autumn the golden
heads of rice droop heavy. When the
abundant harvests are over, cold fronts
start arriving from Siberia. Thick clouds
cover the sky and soft white snow
comes dancing down. Eventually the
entire landscape is swallowed up by
the snow. Thus does winter come to
Echigo time and time again. And every
time winter comes, more fabric is made.
“Is the snow heavy this year?”
To spin the yarn and weave the cloth
during the snows of winter, while
wishing for the coolness of summer, is
women’s work. To sweat while splitting
wood in silence during midsummer, so
that the whole family will be safe and
sound when winter comes on, is men’s
work. Ojiya-chijimi is the ultimate gift
from winter to summer, born out of the
Echigo people’s mutual care support
each other.
A piece of Ojiya-chijimi kimono fabric designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property. Only a few pieces of this are completed each
year, as every piece of this first-rate hand-made fabric must pass through many stages of production.
Yuko Iida
Member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society. She has been covering manual
labor and craftwork in her travels around Japan and overseas for 25 years. Her lifework has
been to photograph indigenous natural surroundings and the culture connected to it in the
islands of Oceania and the Pacific Rim, Asia and Europe. She is the author of Fiji no Maho
(The Magic of Fiji) (Chihaya-shobo), and has held numerous exhibitions.
http://yukoiida.main.jp/
● Inquiries
Mizuta Co., Nuno Gallery
Telephone 0258-82-3213
http://www.kinuito.com/
Email: [email protected]
2 011 June
12
QR 1
SILKY DRY
Silky Dry’s pliancy is obvious when hung over a round table. From left, Silky
Dry, 100% polyester, and 100% cotton.
Functional innerwear
Silky Dry
Photography/Satoru Naito　Text/Kei Nakamura
Men's innerwear
gives cool relief on
sultry summer days
Seeking this functionality, Uniqlo
introduced its HeatTech range in 2003
– an explosive hit two winters ago – and
last summer began selling its Silky Dry
men's innerwear range,.
Uniqlo and textile manufacturer Toray
Industries collaborated to develop Silky
Dry fabric. Made from a superfine
Japanese summers are muggy. Last
microfiber using cationic dyeable
summer, Japan experienced scorching
polymer with 10 percent polyester and
days with temperatures higher than
10 percent urethane, this lustrous, light,
30ºC for over two months, and the
smooth fabric offers superior drying
average humidity in Tokyo exceeded 70
action.
percent. In contrast, Japanese winters
Toray and Uniqlo also used Toray’s
are cold. The Japanese coast of the
LYCRA® fiber technology to produce a
Tohoku region, where more than two
stretchy fabric. LYCRA® fiber, which
meters of snow can accumulate, has
quickly stretches to seven times its
one of the highest snowfalls in the
original length and springs back when
world. Hokkaido’s maximum winter
released, provides a comfortable fit
temperatures are sub-zero. In contrast,
without feeling constricted. Unlike
areas to the west of Tokyo have little
cotton t-shirts, Silky Dry T-shirts do not
snow.
bunch when worn under business shirts.
From north to south, the Japanese
You can forget you are wearing one,
archipelago experiences extreme
because it feels “like you’re wearing
temperature fluctuations over the year,
nothing.”
and the Japanese have developed
Imagine wearing a long-sleeved shirt,
functional clothing that can handle hot
necktie and a long-sleeved woolen
and cold weather.
jacket. Walking five minutes in 30ºC
* Until June 26, Uniqlo will donate 100 yen to earthquake relief efforts from each Silky Dry sale at the Silky Dry &
Sarafine specialty shop in the Uniqlo Pop Up Store, Ikebukuro Branch.
Enquiries:Uniqlo Co., Ltd. http://www.uniqlo.com/
13
2 011 June
heat with 70 percent humidity, you are
certain to be working up a sweat. Body
odor products fly off the shelves in
Japan every summer. Women are more
sensitive to odors and criticize men who
neglect their body odor of poor etiquette.
This year, Uniqlo added anti-odor
functionality. The Silky Dry fiber is
sprayed with colored ammonia, which
eradicates colors and odors in an
instant, to neutralize aging-body and
sweat odors. With Silky Dry, your skin
will be smooth and dry, even if you
sweat, with no worries about unpleasant
odors.
Wear Silky Dry innerwear this summer
to reduce CO2 emissions and save
electricity.
A skin-tight fit – soft and elastic-like.
Short-sleeved T-shirts (V-neck, crew
neck), no-sleeve shirts, boxer briefs,
and other styles. All 990 yen.
2 011 June
14
QR 2
Quality Review
Calori Scan
Press the Display button to switch from the total
energy consumption display to the step count
and distance display and other measurement
displays.
A handy dieting aid
“Calorie Scan”
Photography/Hiroyuki Kiseki, Text/Jun Nakaki
burned over 24 hours and calculates
Activity monitors
make walking fun and
aid dieting
your basal metabolism from your weight,
height, age and gender. Of course, you
do not need to wear it while sleeping.
Omron collaborated with the National
Institute of Health and Nutrition to
develop movement-identification
“Aim to walk 10,000 steps a day for
technology and a workout energy-
your health.”
consumption calculator for medical and
We have been hearing this for who
research institutes, and applied this
knows how long. Walking everyday
technology to create “Calorie Scan” for
develops our muscles, is good for
household use.
dieting, and is said to stimulate brain
The energy consumption counter starts
activity. Simple and free, we can start
at midnight and calculates how much
walking any time.
energy is burned, for example, while you
Even though most people realize this,
are working during the morning. Check
buying a pedometer is a different matter,
the counter to adjust your calorie intake
because the results are not immediately
at lunch, or every meal.
obvious. Also, people associate
This activity monitor not only displays
pedometers with the elderly.
your total calorie consumption
No more excuses with the Omron
calculated from your basal metabolism
“Calorie Scan HJA-306” activity monitor.
and workout energy, but also the
Slip this extraordinary product into your
workout energy, burned fat, and step
pocket to count your steps and see your
count and distance. The memory
daily energy consumption. Train motion
function stores this information for seven
and other noise are eliminated from the
days.
signal detected by the internal three-axis
If you are dieting, you will be more
acceleration sensor. The step counter
motivated to walk further when you see
distinguishes between walking, jogging,
how many grams of fat you have already
cleaning, deskwork and other daily
burned. If you are walking for your
activities and movement. “Calorie Scan”
health, you can enjoy the counter like a
shows you how much energy you have
game and check the distance display to
see how far you have walked.
Despite having all these functions,
“Calorie Scan” is simple to use and only
10 mm thick. The corners are rounded,
so you will not hurt yourself when the
counter is in your pocket. This compact,
stylish counter has only three buttons
and comes in six colors.
Since commuting times are longer in
Japan than in other countries, having
fun walking is important. If you are intent
on dieting this year, start by slipping
“Calorie Scan” in your pocket.
The 10mm-thick “Calorie Scan” is not bulky in
your trouser pocket and has a clip.
Enquiries　Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd. Tel: 0120-30-6606　http://www.healthcare.omron.co.jp/
15
2 011 June
“Calorie Scan HJA-306” is available
in 6 colors: red, pink, white, gold, mint
green and brown. Open price. (The
market price is around 4,000 yen.)
2 011 June
16
QR
A M I
U C H I K A K E
SPECIAL Selection
The Shozo Izuishi Selection No. 3
Top quality garments woven in Masuda, Shimane Prefecture
Refined Uchikake for the 21st Century
Photography/Tomoki Futaishi
17
A famous costume contest was held in
The true star of this Genroku fashion
robe or mantle.
Kyoto in the late 17th century.
contest was the kosode short-sleeved
As Kitamura Nobuyo explains in his
This period, known as the Genroku era
kimono—the kimono style worn today. A
book, Kiyu Shoran (1830):
(1688–1704), was the apex of Edo
discussion on the uchikake kimono robe
“Samurai class women draped
Period culture under Tokugawa
is incomplete without first looking at the
[uchikakeru] a kosode over their
Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun,.
kosode.
garments instead of outdoor wear and
Three wives of wealthy merchants from
Before the kosode was worn as an outer
held [kaidoru] the hems of the folds.
Kyoto, Osaka, and Edo paraded around
kimono in the early 16th century, it was
Hence this garment came to be known
Higashiyama, Kyoto, wrapped in their
an undergarment. Modest for the times,
as an uchikake or a kaidori.”
finest garments. The wife of Osaka
it had short sleeves—as the Japanese
As you can see, whereas one kosode
merchant Nambaya Juemon1 wore a
name implies—and was suited to being
was sufficient in ordinary situations as
scarlet kimono with famous scenes from
worn in layers. During the Heian Period
an everyday garment, another kosode
Kyoto embroidered in gold and silver
(794–1185), when noble women wore
—called the uchikake or kaidori—came
thread. The wife of Edo merchant
multilayered garments, the kosode was
to be worn on top as a robe for more
Ishikawa Rokubei wore a kimono
worn first, followed by the unlined hitoe
formal situations.
covered in a sacred-bamboo design
kimono, multiple uchigi inner kimonos of
As the name implies, the uchikake flows
embroidered with pieces of red coral
shorter lengths to show their edges, the
unbound and draped over the kosode.
representing berries. The wife of Kyoto
uchiginu kimono to support and stiffen
The wearer must hold the front folds,
merchant, Nakamura Kuranosuke, wore
the outer robe, the uwagi top kimono
called tatezuma, when standing, sitting
a black habutae-silk kimono over a pure
and the karaginu coat. As you can
and walking. The fact that the uchikake
white under-kimono tied with an
imagine, these garments were enjoyed
must be held gives the wearer
imported gold-brocade obi sash.
for their intricacy and delicacy.
composure and grace, and even dignity
Without deliberation, everyone decided
Once the kosode became a garment in
and glamour.
the simple beauty of Nakamura’s black
its own right, it became more decorative
When wearing the uchikake, the wearer’
on white with gold brocade outshone the
and was completed with an obi tied
s hands are not free for everyday
others. Her husband was a silver mint
about the waist, as it is still seen today.
household chores. Her hands holding
owner in Kyoto at the time and the
The unbound robe worn over this outfit
the folds, her fingers’ shape, and her
patron of painter Ogata Korin, who
is called an uchikake. The uchikake
shoulders’ movement would have set
actually coordinated the costume.
swings freely and resembles a western
men’s hearts aflutter, a thousand years
2 011 June
T S U R U BA R A
つ る 薔 薇
The uchikake has a lingering
charm, leaving one with a deep,
indescribable impression. The more
a lady tries to hide her figure, the
more harmonious the elegance and
charm she exudes.
840,000 yen (incl. tax)
編打掛
2 011 June
18
ago. The train from behind, too, was
no doubt an elegant sight.
Author Sakae Tsuboi (1900–1967)
wrote in her novel, Uchikake (1955):
A M I
U C H I - K A K E
“In particular the shuchin uchikake
with embroidered pine, bamboo and
plum trees fascinated the poor
villagers. The village girls who
inspected the garments were
overawed by the uchikake with its
turned-back red shioze-habutae hem
headman Fukumotoya Hachiroemon,
hanging on the kimono rack and had
and from the late Edo Period onwards
no chance to feel it. Owning one was
was inherited by at least five generations
a distant dream. ‘I want to tear off
of women.
some habutae silk lining; it’s so hard
Kanami Saito, the third-generation
to come by,’ was all one could say.”
designer at Toyoko Saito’s Elance
Shuchin is a satin-woven silk cloth.
Corporation, launched a revolution in the
Habutae is traditional Japanese silk
history of the uchikake—an elegant
woven from unspun wefts and warps.
garment embodying refinement. Saito
Shioze-habutae is thick, ribbed,
was inspired to weave an uchikake
habutae silk. Nothing was more
using Elance’s original thread, while
extravagant than using habutae silk as
retaining the uchikake’s beauty.
lining. When used as a kimono lining,
Accomplished weavers take many days
a three-centimeter portion of the
to carefully and slowly knit one uchikake
habutae silk is turned on the front,
using this traditional method. Delicately
hence the turned-back hem on the
knitted, the uchikake is thick and heavy,
uchikake. In most cases, cotton is
draping beautifully over the shoulders.
inserted into these hems to fill them
Knitwear is soft, so these splendid
out. Uchikake robes are white, red, or
uchikake robes, shown here, can be
black, and decorated with nature
folded and easily carried without
motifs. This uchikake was red.
creasing.
The uchikake itself has over 1,000
These uchikake can be worn as bridal
years of history, but one uchikake is
robes or even evening robes. With some
elegant perfection, and can be worn
adjustment, a bridal uchikake robe can
for one or two hundred years. The
be altered into a dress for any occasion.
uchikake featured in Sakae Tsuboi's
The 21st century uchikake is born.
novel belonged to local village
Born 1944. Joined the fashion industry
in 1964. Izuishi has forged a career as
a fashion designer, consultant and critic.
Author of numerous books including
Otoko wa Naze Nekutai wo Musubu no
T S U BA K I
U MOR E BA R A
椿
“Behold! A camellia falls/Spilling a
埋もれ薔薇
ka (Why do Men Wear Neckties?)
(Shinchosha) and Bruu Jiinzu no
Bunkashi (Blue Jeans: a Cultural
History) (NTT Shuppan). His recent
jewel of water.” The camellia casts
“A large red rose may unexpectedly
a vivid, fresh light and its vibrancy
bloom in crimson,” wrote tanka
touches everyone, as shown in
poet Hakushu Kitahara. The rose
this haiku by famous haiku poet
symbolizes beauty, love and
instructs men on how to wear a suit and
Matsuo Basho. Interestingly, in the
passion. There is a provoking grace
language of flowers the Camellia
expressed by these dazzling roses,
has attracted favorable reviews.
Japonica means “unpretending
which cover the entire uchikake.
excellence.”
840,000 yen (incl. tax)
work, Suutsu no Hyakka Jiten (An
Encyclopedia of Suits) (Banraisha),
840,000 yen (incl. tax)
19
Shozo Izuishi
Born 1944. Joined the fashion industry in 1964. Izuishi has forged a career as a fashion designer, consultant, and critic. Author of numerous
books including Otoko wa Naze Nekutai wo Musubu no ka (Why do Men Wear Neckties?) (Shinchosha) and Bruu Jiinzu no Bunkashi (Blue
Jeans: a Cultural History) (NTT Shuppan). His recent work, Suutsu no Hyakka Jiten (An Encyclopedia of Suits) (Banraisha), instructs men on
how to wear a suit and has attracted favorable reviews.
● Enquiries　Elance Corporation　http://www.saitotoyoko.com/counseling.html
2 011 June
20
Commuter Trains
apan
J
t
u
o
b
A
Talking
ッ
二
話
ン
ポ
そ
う
Commuter Trains and
the Train Situation
●
Alison Watts
Chen Ye
Elena Harlamova
nts
ign Reside
with Fore
nversation
A Co
を
A Conversation
with Foreign
Residents
le
ree peop
h
t
e
s
e
h
T
!
eir views
h
t
d
e
r
a
h
s
Station attendants shove limbs poking out from doorways back inside,
trying to squeeze just one more passenger into the already overfull train cars…
The foreign media often use this image of commuter trains as symbolic of Japan,
portraying it as some strange rigorous test of endurance.
We spoke with three foreign residents from Australia, Russia and China with actual
experience of Japanese commuter trains, asking them what they thought of them
compared with the situation in their home countries.
GOOD!
BAD!
Do Japanese commuter trains get a thumbs up　, or a thumbs down　?
MC: Please tell me about the commuter
about. At peak times you might be
Shanghai had no subway until 1995.
train situation in your home countries.
unlucky enough to have to wait for two
The only forms of transport before then
or three trains before you can get on.
were buses and the famous bicycles.
Alison: Well Sydney, for example, is
Another thing is that in Tokyo the
There weren’t many cars either. Back
the most populous city in Australia and
mornings and evenings are extremely
then if you got on the bus at seven in
it has a large rail network, but more
congested, but other times are
the morning it was incredibly crowded,
people commute by car. That’s why if
comparatively uncrowded. In Moscow,
and if you trod on someone’s foot or
we talk about a commuter rush in an
however, there are certain peaks but it’s
bumped into them it soon turned into a
Australian context, traffic-clogged roads
generally crowded all day long.
fight because Shanghai people are
would spring to mind more than trains.
quick-tempered. In those days there
I'm from Adelaide, the state capital of
MC: Do passengers behave in an
wasn’t even a word for something like
South Australia, and I didn’t have such a
orderly manner inside the train cars?
“molester.” It was all anyone could do
good impression of the commuter trains
21
just to ride the bus so nothing else was
there. They seemed dirty and sometimes
Elena: In Japan people give way to
possible. (laughs) Maybe it's because of
even unsafe, so I preferred not to use
each other as they board the trains but
the economic development over the last
them if possible. Most places you can
Muscovites act as if the subway belongs
ten years or so, but people have become
reach easily enough by car so there’s no
to them. (laughs) Unlike Japan it’s a very
more relaxed and seem to have calmed
need to use the train.
big country, so the way many people think
down quite a lot. The first subway line
Elena: I’m from Moscow and even now
is, if you don’t like it go somewhere
was completed in ’95, and the thirteenth
I go back there every two months. The
else. When you get people like that in a
line is due to finish in 2012. Shanghai
Moscow subway is quite different to the
confined space like a subway, it’s not
people seem to be more concerned with
Tokyo trains. First, in Japan the
easy! They talk in loud voices, and
making money than quarreling nowadays
passengers line up in an orderly fashion
sometimes fights break out. There’s
(laughs).
on the platforms, because they know
nowhere to run to, so everyone joins in.
where the door will open when the train
Riding the subway in Moscow really uses
stops. In Moscow the mood of the driver
up energy (laughs) .
decides where the train will stop, so
Chen: China used to be like that too. I
passengers waiting on the platform mill
travel to Shanghai every month, but
2 011 June
MC: A country’s economic development
seems to be reflected inside its trains.
What do you think are the good points
of Japanese trains?
Elena Harlamova
Comes from Moscow and has lived in Japan for 23
years. Elena is a Russian interpreter and translator
specializing in fields ranging from travel and
computers to politics and history. She also
interprets and coordinates for TV, newspaper and
magazine interviews and reports, and sometimes
works as a travel consultant as well.
Alison Watts
Is a Japanese to English translator from Adelaide,
Australia. She has lived in Ibaraki prefecture for 24
years. In addition to her work she is kept busy
raising a 15 year-old son and 10 year-old daughter.
Her hobbies include rodoku and music. She loves
the natural scenery of Japan, and enjoys hiking in
the mountains whenever she can.
Chen Ye
Was born in Shanghai, and has spent 23 years in
Japan. After working in a design company in Tokyo
for six years, he established Lexis Creative Inc., an
advertising design company that supports
Japanese companies wanting to enter the Chinese
market. Chen is the company President, and leads
a busy life dividing his time between Tokyo and
Shanghai. His hobbies include travel and
photography.
2 011 June
22
Commuter Trains
Elena: Well, to begin with they are very
The stations are spacious and clean,
gotten worse and the streets were dirtier
something but are too embarrassed to
bright. In places where the Yamanote
MC: Can you use mobile phones inside
and you can do shopping there, or have
compared to ten years ago. Even so,
make the first move because they don’t
line and Keihin-Tohoku line overlap, I
the trains?
a meal. You could spend half a day
things are still good. Everyone’s well
want to stand out—maybe it’s that kind
inside a station just doing that. I really
mannered, and as Elena said earlier,
of psychology.
do think it’s wonderful. I mean, subway
they have in common a spirit of giving
Alison: When it comes to greetings,
subway lines in Shanghai, and talking is
stations in Moscow don’t even have
way to each other
there’s a big difference between the city
A l i s o n : Japanese trains are very
permitted. Everyone talks on their
toilets! I’d like to ask the Mayor what
Alison: On the subway platforms you
and country. I live in Ibaraki, where
attractive and clean inside. I love riding
mobiles as usual.
we’re expected to do when we want to
see posters that teach manners, things
everyone greets each other, Japanese
the trains. The advertising posters are
Elena : Isn’t that noisy?
go to the toilet.
like not spreading your legs wide when
and foreigners alike. Whenever I see an
an important information source for me. I
Chen : It is if someone has a loud
Chen: It’s a question of being service-
sitting, or being careful not to let too
unknown foreigner I’ll say “Hello.” In
read headlines from the latest magazines,
voice, but hardly anybody cares. It’s
minded, isn’t it? There used to be
much sound leak from earphones, and
Tokyo I always want to do that too, but
learn new words, and find out what
handy because I can phone my wife
very few public toilets in Shanghai.
so on. But I feel that there isn’t much
then I think ‘Oh, I can’t do that here.’
exhibitions are on at the museums. You
from inside the subway to say “Come
Nowadays there’s one in each station,
consideration for the elderly or pregnant
(laughs).
can even find out the weather forecast
and pick me up from the station.” I think
but it’s hard to say that’s enough. This
women—people don’t actively give up
Elena: In the city everyone’s a stranger,
from the monitor screens above the
that maybe Japan is over-controlled.
too is probably where the Japanese
their seats for them. If anything they’ll
aren’t they?
doors(laughs). I never get bored.
Don’t do this and don’t do that—it’s too
quality of service manifests itself. I
make healthy children with no infirmities
Alison: I think when there were no
Elena: You're right, Japanese trains are
much. That’s why progress has ground
believe that high-quality service, along
sit down instead. It’s very strange, but
mobiles or iPods people were more
full of information. I like those English
to a halt.
with delicious food and wonderful
what can you do?
conscious of those around them,
lessons that play on the screens. It’s
Alison: Mobiles are okay to use in
products, are Japan’s leading strengths.
Elena: It’s a difference in culture I
including on trains. Sometime you’d
good for getting local information too,
Australia too, but I like the way it’s done
You get a sense of that when you ride
suppose. In Russia young people will
exchange a few words… But nowadays
since the ads are different depending on
in Japan. When you’re on a train you
the trains too, don’t you?
immediately stand up and offer their seat
everyone listens to music or sends
the line. The information systems are
can’t move somewhere else to get away
A l i s o n : That’s right. The station
when an elderly person boards the train.
emails, and even though they’re
wonderful. Every subway station exit has
from it, and I like to pass the time as
attendants are polite and kind regardless.
It’s like a reflex. But maybe in Japanese
surrounded by other people, they’re in
a distinct number so there’s no making a
peacefully as possible.
No matter how busy things are they will
culture it’s thought best to respect
their own worlds. I feel that this has
mistake. It’s a great help, especially to
Elena: In Russia everyone talks on
always politely give you directions. I
others privacy and not break into that.
changed human relations, and might be
people who can’t understand Japanese.
mobiles as well. It’s awful when
don’t know how many times they’ve
Instead, it could be considered a little
one reason for an “alienated society.”
Chen: From the information standpoint,
somebody’s close by and speaking in a
helped me (laughs).
rude.
Elena: But if you go to the country it’s
Shanghai is several stages ahead.
loud voice. On that point I’m a fan of the
There are monitor screens all over the
Japanese way too. Commuter trains in
MC: Speaking as a Japanese person, I
people don’t make any kind of
always speak to you. People in the
place. In the subways of course, but
Moscow are simply a means of getting
feel that manners have become worse
acknowledgement when you ride an
cities, and in commuter trains especially,
there are also screens in taxis and
from A to B. You put up with it because
recently.
elevator t o g e t h e r . B u t i f I s a y
don’t have the same leeway to do that.
elevators, forcing information onto
it’s just for a short time. But you feel like
“Konnichiwa,” then they will usually
If you don’t shut out everything to a
people. I feel it’s a bit too much.
you want to escape from there are as
Chen: When my mother came to Japan
return the greeting. Japanese people are
certain degree you get exhausted.
Personally I suppose I’m half in favor of
soon as possible into a wide space!
for the first time in a long while, she said
shy. Maybe it’s not just a question of
Alison: When I first came to Japan I
it and half annoyed by it.
That’s what it feels like. But in Japan?
that Japanese people’s manners had
manners. They have the desire to say
used to commute on the Joban line
purposely choose to ride the Yamanote
Chen: You can get reception on all
line, which has a brighter interior.
Chen: R e c e n t l y m o r e a n d m o r e
Maybe too
confined
for
Russians
Interview
participants
wanted!
23
2 011 June
different again. The local people will
I love the trains
because they’
re so clean
every day, crammed in with all the
Hitachi Company employees going to
work. I was amazed at how they could
ride the train like that, squeezed tight
against each other, since Japanese
people usually keep a physical distance
from each other in everyday relations.
MC: Is there anything you’d like to see
on Japan’s commuter trains?
Alison: I’d like to see a lot more
universal design incorporated. I feel
there are still many places that are
difficult for the elderly and disabled to
use.
Chen: I couldn’t ask for anything more.
The trains are a great help to me
because they run late at night so I don’t
have to use a taxi when I do overtime.
(laughs).
Elena: My wish is for more temperature
control. Don’t you find that in winter,
when everyone boards the trains wearing
thick coats, the temperature inside is
much higher than necessary? One starts
to suspect it might be intended for the
conductors in their uniforms. (laughs)
But as for the rest, I’m very satisfied.
The trains are bright and safe, and there
are lots of attractions in the station—so
from my perspective they are just like
Disneyland!
Nowadays
Shanghai
is more
advanced
JQR is looking for foreign residents in Japan to take part in this three-way talk series. We welcome
applications from anyone who can conduct a conversation in Japanese and would like to talk about
Japan. Contact us at [email protected]
2 011 June
24
We asked travel writer Yumi Yamaguchi about
Quality Japanese
Inns and Hotels
tay
S
l
a
c
stori
i
H
Japan
[No. 2]
Mt Nantai
Photography/ Yuko Iida Text/ JQR
Futarasan
Shrine
Q
Irohazaka No.1
Lake Chuzenji
Kegon Falls
Toshogu
Shrine
Shinkyo Sacred Bridge
Rinnoji
temple
Irohazaka No. 2
Nikko Kanaya Hotel
I’m looking for somewhere to revitalize
myself both physically and mentally…
(Food products company employee)
With the earthquake and all the extraordinary
events that have occurred since, I’ve been short on
sleep and rest for a month now. But the factory
lines started working again so at last it looks like I
can take a break this weekend. Is there somewhere
close to Tokyo that’s quiet and relaxing, where I
could revitalize myself physically and mentally for a
complete change of mood?
JR
The current lobby entrance
was dug out by hand and
built during the Showa era.
Yukio Kikuchi, the general
restaurant manager, is a
veteran of forty years who
knows many interesting
stories about the hotel.
Rainbow trout has been a Nikko specialty
ever since Thomas Glover released trout into
Lake Chuzenji at the end of the Meiji era.
Rainbow Trout a la Kanaya is sautéed with
a sake flambé. The exquisitely patterned
Baccarat wine glasses were imported during
the Meiji era.
Tobu-Nikko Station
Nikko
Station
A
I recommend the
Nikko Kanaya Hotel (Yamaguchi)
The Kanaya Hotel is a historical hotel very close to the
Toshogu Shrine. Isabella Bird described its original
appearance in her book Unbeaten Tracks in Japan. Helen
Keller, Albert Einstein and Frank Lloyd Wright have also
stayed there. It’s the perfect place for a change of mood; you’
ll feel calm and relaxed in its classic, tasteful surrounds, and
the Toshogu Shrine is also within close walking distance.
was gently illuminated by floor level
Nikko is the oldest surviving Western-
electric lighting. Old photographs
style hotel in Japan. It had its beginnings
displaying the hotel’s history decorated
in 1873, when Zenichiro Kanaya
the walls. The bell-boy showed me into
established the Kanaya Cottage Inn as
a twin room, and when I opened the
a guest house for foreigners at the
windows it filled with the fresh scent of
suggestion of missionary Dr. James
Travel is always such a busy affair. I
trees. I lay down on the bed, letting my
Curtis Hepburn. In 1893 Kanaya opened
always have some objective that drives
mind clear of everything for a while,
the present Kanaya Hotel as a proper
me on, sightseeing and looking around
then set off for the dining room.
Western-style hotel in a different
without rest. But since I was feeling not
After dinner I dropped by the Dacite Bar
location. With a century and a half of
just physically but also mentally
in the main building. Rumor has it that
history behind it, the hotel is a
fatigued, I decided to return home in
Frank Lloyd Wright designed the igneous
designated National Tangible Cultural
search of the luxury of doing nothing.
oya-stone hearth where burning logs
Property. You can actually sense how
So I left the city and sped up the
fuelled a warm fire. I sat there in the
the entire hotel itself is a repository of a
Tohoku Expressway for two hours,
warmth listening to the jazz music that
vast store of knowledge.
turned left just before the Sacred Bridge
played, taking small sips from a scotch.
The next morning I crossed the Sacred
and went up a sloping road. After
The bar has a record collection that you
Bridge on my way to the Toshogu
parking, I took my bag in one hand and
couldn’t find anywhere else these days.
Shrine. I wonder why it felt so bracing to
entered through the wooden revolving
If you have a special favorite of your
be standing in that magnificent space
door, finding myself being greeted by a
own you can take it along to play. Ever
created by trees hundreds of years old,
smiling receptionist in a lobby with a
since arriving in this place a wonderful,
gazing at the beautiful shrine pavilions.
retro atmosphere.
peaceful feeling had slowly crept over
Just to be at the Kanaya Hotel and the
After completing the check-in a bell-boy
me. The furnishings throughout the hotel
Toshogu Shrine—places that been
led me down a corridor from the main
were old-fashioned, which was somehow
through times which we cannot know
building to the new wing. Well, they call
soothing. It truly was a classic
—made these two days fully satisfying.
it “new,” but it was built in 1901. The
atmosphere through and through.
red-carpeted corridor with a high ceiling
Little wonder, for the Kanaya Hotel in
The Mystery of Feeling
Part of the
Passage of Time
25
2 011 June
There are a variety of rooms due to the rebuilding, extensions and renovations over the years. Pictured is a deluxe room in the main building. It’s a spacious arrangement
suitable for an extended stay in a resort.
The elegant Dacite Bar is a popular spot.
Some people coming to stay at the hotel
bring their own records. Even now the
lounge in the main wings has old-style desks
for writing letters.
Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Kamihatsuishi-machi 1300, Nikko-shi, Tochigi
Telephone: 0288-54-0001
Weekdays twin room from 17,325 yen
(tax and service inclusive)
http://www.kanayahotel.co.jp/
［Access］
● Spacia train from JR Shinjuku Station to Tobu-Nikko
Station (110 minutes)
● Spacia train from Tobu-Asakusa Station to Tobu
Nikko Station ( 110 minutes)
● Tohoku Shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station, transfer
to the JR Nikko line and arrive at JR Nikko Station
(100 minutes)
● Tobu bus from the JR and Tobu-Nikko Stations to
the Shinkyo Sacred Bridge (10 minutes)
Travel Writer. Author of Teikoku Hotel・Wright kan no nazo (Mysteries of the Imperial Hotel and Wright Buildings), Shueisha Shinsho; Kieta
Yumi Yamaguchi shukuhaku meibo~hotel ga kataru senso no kioku (A Register of Vanished Hotels: Memories of War that Hotels can tell us), Shichosha; Tabi
no mado kara (Window Scenes from my Travels) Chihaya Shobo, and others.
2 011 June
26
CINEMA REVIEW
>>>TITLE
“Sono
Machino Kodomo”
その街のこども
Children
劇場版 of that City
Theatre version
あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき
We cannot truly understand the fear, pain and suffering of
disaster victims. Sharing their feelings of despair is difficult.
くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ
Yet it is important nonetheless to try to get closer to
おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ
understanding them. This movie portrays the lives of young
いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく
people still living with the emotional wounds of the Kobe
earthquake. You should watch it as soon as possible.
撮影／内藤サトル　文／中月隼人
From China
from ロンドン
Liu Linai
Flight attendant
Ken
Fung
★ ★ ★
★★★★★
★★★★★
Eduardo Lopez
Ken Fung
Translator, NHK World Spanish radio presenter
貿易会社　マーケティングマネージャー
貿易会社　マーケティングマネージャー
Although the Kobe earthquake was a different
kind of disaster than the Great Eastern
あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき
Earthquake which is still fresh in our memory,
this movie is invaluable for children bearing the
くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ
emotional wounds of that earthquake because
おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ
they can share their feelings.
Watching this movie in the midst of continuing
aftershocks from the great earthquake made
あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき
me realize anew how much a huge disaster can
cause long-lasting physical and emotional scars
くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ
that are difficult to heal.
いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく
いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく
60W 〜 70W くらい
From Venezuela
from ロンドン
60W 〜 70W くらい
おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ
★ ★ ★
★★★★★
From Japan
from ロンドン
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★★★★★
Isa
Pierron
KenIchikawa
Fung
Volunteer activist
Yuka
Hoshino
Ken Fung
Shop attendant
It brings home the fear and other emotions and
the tragedy that victims of disaster must carry
あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき
with them. But at the same time it also casts a
くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ
ray of hope into the darkness. Life continues,
the city is rebuilt, and people search for ways
おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ
to heal their lingering wounds.
The hard road that each of the pair has traveled
since the earthquake is revealed little by little
あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき
from their casual conversation. While being
くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ
drawn into the mystery as the story unfolds, I felt
that this film taught us a little of the things we
おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ
should know about in the immediate present.
貿易会社　マーケティングマネージャー
60W 〜 70W くらい
いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく
貿易会社　マーケティングマネージャー
60W 〜 70W くらい
いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく
“Sono Machi no Kodomo”
(Children of that City)
Theater version
Outline
They enter a bar and begin talking about
あいうえおかきくけ●あい
Yuji is on a business trip headed for
earthquake.
あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき
『その街のこども　劇場版』
an announcement on the train's electronic
Yuji to walk the streets with her until the
［出演］
Mirai Moriyama, Eriko Sato,
森山未來　佐藤江梨子　津田寛治
Kanji Tsuda
［Staff］
［スタッフ］
Script : Aya Watanabe
脚本：渡辺あや
Music : Yoshihide Otomo
音楽：大友良英
Theme song : Fuyumi Abe
テーマ曲：阿部芙蓉美　Director : Tsuyoshi Inoue
監督：井上剛
Hiroshima by Bullet train when he notices
their mutual experiences of the
Mika misses the last train and convinces
くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ
あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき
おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ
くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ
anniversary of the earthquake,” and
いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく
slowly and haltingly, they each speak
Mika has decided that she’ll finally attend
いうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきく
Kobe in such a long time; Yuji was
かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい
a memorial gathering and comes back for
け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお
hounded for profiting hugely from the
うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ
かきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あい
●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか
うえおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ
きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう
●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおか
walking together to Sannomiya.
えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●
wounds are still not healed. Arriving at the
different to them after such a long time.
えおかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●
both begin walking their own paths again.
くけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえ
signboard that “Tomorrow is the
おかきくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あ
impulsively gets off at Shin-Kobe Station.
the first time in 13 years. The two meet
by accident, discover that their
circumstances are similar, and end up
きくけ●あいうえおかきくけ●あいう
The city of Kobe looks completely
27
★ ★ ★
From北京
Spain
from
from ロンドン
2 011 June
memorial gathering begins. Along the way,
け●あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえお
about why they haven’t been back to
post-disaster special procurements, and
Mika lost a dear friend. The city has been
reborn in appearance but the emotional
あいうえおかきくけ●あいうえおかき
venue for the memorial gathering, they
［Cast］
Awarded the 36th Hoso Bunka
Foundation Prize
第36回放送文化基金賞受賞作品
© 2010 NHK
ⓒ2010NHK
DVD sales start in July
7月にDVDが発売予定　For
further information see
詳しくは　http://sonomachi.com
http://sonomachi.com
39
Sake to Drink From a Wineglass
In Praise
of
Vol.
Fine Sake
2
Senkin Company Limited
Address: Baba 106, Sakura-shi, Tochigi
Telephone: 028-681-0011
http://www.senkin.co.jp/
● Alcohol content: 17~18%　● Seimaibuai (rice milling percentage): 55%
● Nihonshu-do (Sake Meter Value +dry, -sweet ): -3
● Acidity: 2.1　● Rice type: Hitogokochi
● Volume: 720ml　● Price: 1,450 yen (tax inclusive)
Junmai Ginjo from Senkin — A Clear, Unfiltered Raw Sake
Text/ Kaori Haishi (sake sommelier) Photography/ Susumu Nagao
A New Taste that Returns to
the Origins of Sake
Usui is attracting notice as a young
depth, you will also find irresistible the
brewing ace.
way it clutches at every pore of your
My choice this time was a Senkin
being. It slips smoothly down the throat
The culture of brewing in Japan began
Junmai Ginjo (a grade of sake made
all the way, and feels rounded and
back in the distant Jomon period, which
from rice milled to at least 60% of its
matured. There is no tiring of the mellow
lasted from 14,000 to 300 BC.
original weight), an unfiltered,
flavor, which is one you can stay with
Amazingly, traces remain of alcoholic
unpasteurized sake that is taken from
for a long time. Even after you finish
drinks that were apparently made from
the clear midstream when processing
drinking, it leaves a poignant impression
fruit. This just goes to show how much
the moromi (mash mixture). The first sip
over the whole tongue that invokes
the Japanese love their alcohol.
of this sake gave me the feeling I had
admiration.
fallen in love for the first time again.
The perfect seasonal accompaniment
brewers produce their product using
Maybe it was the distinctive
would be firefly squid dressed with
enamel tanks and the conveniences of a
bittersweetness that did it. It was a
vinegared miso, or a marinade of fruit
computerized civilization. The Senkin
flavor that somehow pulled at my heart.
tomato and new onions. Fruity foods
Company, however, went against the
The aroma was suggestive of Thailand
matched with vinegar are a good
times when it began making sake in a
or Bali, and the sweet smell of flowers
complement to the pleasant, expression-
classical wooden barrel under the label,
after a tropical downpour. Don’t chill this
softening acidity. This sake is one to
“Return to Origins.”
sake too much, in case you let the
drink while nursing inexpressible
Senkin is a progressive brewery in
sweet, flowery fragrance escape. While
bittersweet memories of first love.
Tochigi prefecture, the second oldest
adoring the fresh smell reminiscent of a
one in the region, and is where Kazuki
clear stream that is concealed in its
In the twenty-first century most sake
28
2 011 June
2 011 June