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2009/6/28
The 'Jackson 5' holds a press conference before their concert on May 7, 1973 in Tokyo
In Tokyo's bustling Shibuya district, a woman makes a beeline for the Michael Jackson display on the second floor of the HMV music store. Crying under her green knit cap, she reaches for "Visionary," a black box of video singles from the King of Pop and a few of the Michael Jackson boxed figurines on display. Sho-ma — a dancer whose first exposure to Jackson was the album "Off the Wall" when she was in the third grade — said she first heard the news of Michael Jackson's death at 8 a.m. at her home in Tokyo. Another fan in the shop, 23-year-old Toshiki Nakamura, pulls out his iPhone and scrolls through a long list of Jackson albums. "I was so shocked when I heard," he says. (See pictures of people around the world mourning Michael Jackson.)
As the news of Michael Jackson's sudden death dominated Friday morning television programs in Japan, Tokyo music stores didn't miss a beat. The singer's death has already spurred album sales worldwide. The HMV display was hastily set up in the Summer Sale section with more than ten of Jackson Five and Michael Jackson solo albums. A sign read: "MICHAEL IS FOREVER. R.I.P. JACKO." (See Michael Jackson's top 10 songs.)
Around the corner Tower Records blasted music outside from "Bad," Jackson's seventh album, and had also set up three displays devoted to the his music inside. Fans started trickling in when Tower opened at 10 a.m.; a die-hard fan dressed like Jackson in his "Billie Jean" video even entered the store and flipped through the albums. Tower's clerks said they had been fielding calls all morning asking about Jackson's albums in stock, and expected more as the news spread. Masayuki Ikeya, 30, says he first saw and heard Michael Jackson when his parents showed him a videotape of Moonwalker. "I was really young and when I saw him, I knew he wasn't Japanese," he says. "But by the way he danced, I didn't think he was human — he was unbelievable."
Jackson's fan base in Japan started to grow after the Jackson Five's first tour here in 1973. Sales of "Off the Wall" (1979) reached 500,000, followed by 2.5 million copies sold of "Thriller", which sold an estimated 105 million copies worldwide. The star did a scooter commercial for Suzuki Motors in 1982 — the year "Thriller" came out — in which he says "Love is my message" and winks. (See TIME's 1984 cover on Michael Jackson.)
And unlike some corners of the globe, where tabloid infamy and legal troubles started to make inroads on his ticket sales, Japan proved to be a more forgiving audience for Jacko. In 1996, two years after he paid some $22 million to the family of a child he was accused of molesting, he performed eight sold out concerts at Tokyo Dome. In 2007, Jackson hosted about 300 of his loyal fans who each paid more than $3,500 for a buffet dinner and concert by Japanese Jackson impersonators — with the main attraction being a 30-second private meeting with Jackson. Jackson seemed to reciprocate the love of his Japanese fans. Before that trip, he had said, "I love Japan...It is one of my favorite places in the entire world." Footage taken during the visit shows Jackson referring to it as a "second home."
On Friday, even Japanese government officials were saddened by the news of Jackson's death. Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Tsutomu Sato told reporters, "I feel sad as I had watched him since he was a member of Jackson Five." And Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada has credited him with building a generation with his music. Back at HMV, using her scarf to dab her eyes now and again, Sho-ma says that she wasn't completely saddened when she heard the news. "I felt relieved for him," she says. "I think he was kind of a true angel."
Godiva Japan will release a seasonal drink called “Chocolixir white chocolate mango passionfruit” on July 1. Chocolixir is an exquisite combination of mellow-sweet white chocolate and fresh fruits
Sightseers walk across a bridge on the Kurobe Gorge railway line in Toyama Prefecture. 2009/6/26
Anyone for vodka cola?
Kirin Brewery Co will release Kirin Cola Shock, a cocktail with a blend of cola and vodka. The product will come in 350ml and 500ml cans.
Kirin said its data research showed that among sodas, Coca-Cola beverages are the most popular, and that among adults, Coke is often consumed along with an alcoholic beverage at night. Kirin said these points showed that a drink with a cola base has a potential for growth within the RTD (Ready to Drink, or low-alcohol beverages drinkable on-the-spot) market. Kirin Cola Shock will offer a “highly stimulating” and “refreshing” addition unlike anything else available on the market, the company said.
With a blend of more than 15 natural essences with vodka and an increased level of carbonation, Kirin Cola Shock provides consumers with a “stimulating, but highly quaffable experience.” The advertisements will feature actress Meisa Kuroki.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor taxis past a C-17 Globe Master at Kadena U.S. Air Force Base in Okinawa. Four of the aircraft, based in Langley, Va, are being deployed in the region for four months. 2009/6/25
Some 2,000 candles, including 900 with messages written on them by children and visitors, were lit up at “Candle Night at Tokyo Midtown” this week as part of a joint effort with the ongoing Candle Night, an environmental movement that takes place during the summer and winter solstices. 2009/6/20
World's oldest man dies at 113 in Japan
TOKYO (AFP) — The world's oldest man, Tomoji Tanabe, died at his home in southern Japan on Friday at the age of 113, according to a local official.
Tanabe, passed away with his relatives at his bedside, said an official at Miyakonojo City, where he lived.
"Mr Tanabe was a symbol of Miyakonojo... and cheered up many residents," making the town a byword for longevity, said Mayor Makoto Nagamine.
When Tanabe turned 113 on September 18, he said the secret to his longevity was a big appetite.
Tanabe, who lived with a son and daughter-in-law, had eight children, 25 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Japan has one of the world's highest life expectancy rates, attributed in part to a diet traditionally rich in fish, rice and vegetables.
Japanese buy into Trump
The Aloha Kai and Trump Tower neighbor each other in Waikiki. Trump Tower is a new Waikiki condotel scheduled to be finished during the fall of this year.
More than half of the buyers of suites in the 463-unit Trump Waikiki have ties to Japan
The Trump International Hotel & Tower in Waikiki, which developers say is still on track for completion this fall, will have an Eastern sensibility.
More than half of the buyers of the 463 luxury suites are Japanese, according to Jason Grosfeld, a principal of Los Angeles-based Irongate, which is developing the property in partnership with Trump.
"We were specifically targeting that market," said Grosfeld.
The buyers are either Japanese nationals or residents with ties to Japan. The demographic of the other buyers is from the West Coast, other international destinations and local families.
The Web site for the project is in both English and Japanese.
In November 2006, all units in the 38-story luxury tower were sold out in eight hours for more than $700 million. The sale took place simultaneously in Japan and Hawaii.
Buyers put down 20 percent to reserve the units, which ranged from studios to three-bedroom penthouses priced between $460,000 and $9 million.
Grosfeld said he's confident that those buyers will follow through for a target sales closing date of Sept. 1.
"We've spoken to almost every single buyer at this point," said Grosfeld. "We are confident that well over 95 percent of our buyers are moving toward closing."
As for the other 5 percent, he said the team had no confirmed data, but that some might be in personal financial distress, given the downturn in the economy.
The Trump Waikiki, currently under construction at the corner of Saratoga and Kalia roads, is being marketed as an ultra-luxury project that will offer a spa, a fitness center, a sixth-floor waterfall, an infinity pool and the signature services of Trump Attache.
All of the units will be furnished with custom furniture, according to Trump managing director Scott Ingwers. Besides granite and marble countertops and travertine floors, the gourmet kitchens will be outfitted with Wolf, Sub-Zero and Bosch appliances.
Pantries will be stocked with glassware, silverware, and cooking accessories, such as rice cookers and toasters.
"All you need to do is show up with your toothbrush and you're ready to go," he said.
Grosfeld said that though the real estate market has shifted since the units were first sold three years ago, he's feeling confident in the project because of several key factors — location, location, location — and that the value of the condos will still hold.
The Trump Waikiki will occupy what he calls a "golden quadrant" that includes the Halekulani.
The completion of the Outrigger's $535 million redevelopment of Waikiki Beach Walk also has added to the value of the location, he said.
The tower isn't expected to open until the end of the year, but about a dozen units are being offered for rent by Ohana Beach Rentals Hawaii, a luxury rental company, for $350 to $700.
The Trump International Hotel & Tower in Waikiki, which developers say is still on track for completion this fall, will have an Eastern sensibility.
More than half of the buyers of the 463 luxury suites are Japanese, according to Jason Grosfeld, a principal of Los Angeles-based Irongate, which is developing the property in partnership with Trump.
"We were specifically targeting that market," said Grosfeld.
The buyers are either Japanese nationals or residents with ties to Japan. The demographic of the other buyers is from the West Coast, other international destinations and local families.
The Web site for the project is in both English and Japanese.
In November 2006, all units in the 38-story luxury tower were sold out in eight hours for more than $700 million. The sale took place simultaneously in Japan and Hawaii.
Buyers put down 20 percent to reserve the units, which ranged from studios to three-bedroom penthouses priced between $460,000 and $9 million.
Grosfeld said he's confident that those buyers will follow through for a target sales closing date of Sept. 1.
"We've spoken to almost every single buyer at this point," said Grosfeld. "We are confident that well over 95 percent of our buyers are moving toward closing."
As for the other 5 percent, he said the team had no confirmed data, but that some might be in personal financial distress, given the downturn in the economy.
The Trump Waikiki, currently under construction at the corner of Saratoga and Kalia roads, is being marketed as an ultra-luxury project that will offer a spa, a fitness center, a sixth-floor waterfall, an infinity pool and the signature services of Trump Attache.
All of the units will be furnished with custom furniture, according to Trump managing director Scott Ingwers. Besides granite and marble countertops and travertine floors, the gourmet kitchens will be outfitted with Wolf, Sub-Zero and Bosch appliances.
Pantries will be stocked with glassware, silverware, and cooking accessories, such as rice cookers and toasters.
"All you need to do is show up with your toothbrush and you're ready to go," he said.
Grosfeld said that though the real estate market has shifted since the units were first sold three years ago, he's feeling confident in the project because of several key factors — location, location, location — and that the value of the condos will still hold.
The Trump Waikiki will occupy what he calls a "golden quadrant" that includes the Halekulani.
The completion of the Outrigger's $535 million redevelopment of Waikiki Beach Walk also has added to the value of the location, he said.
The tower isn't expected to open until the end of the year, but about a dozen units are being offered for rent by Ohana Beach Rentals Hawaii, a luxury rental company, for $350 to $700.
Today I found a hotel plan on Rakuten Travel for an amazing 5 Yen (5 Cents)! I think my roommate Yuzu must be magic for real! As you know I am obsessed with hotels and probably stayed at almost every hotel in Tokyo at least once if not more. Recently, I have been staying at cheaper and cheaper hotels as there is an abundance of budget hotels under 5,000 Yen ($50) springing up all over Tokyo partially due to the recession here. The hotel is The Edoite Hotel located in Morishita, Tokyo. This hotel is not normally this cheap, averaging between 6,000-7,000 Yen ($60-$70) a night, but they are running a surprise campaign plan for 5 Yen! The room is small but there is free internet, refrigerator, television, bed and toilet and bath with a pretty nice view overlooking the skyline of Central Tokyo too! The original Rakuten Travel Reservation Confirmation Mail is shown below, notice the total price is only 5 Yen!...
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予約確認メール |
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| 村木 スコット 様 |
| この度は『楽天トラベル』をご利用いただき、誠にありがとうございます。以下の通り、ご予約が完了いたしました。 | |
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| １部屋の料金 |
2009-06-20 |
お食事：大人： 朝食別夕食別 食事選択不可
料金は(サービス料込・消費税込)
[大人:5円×1＝5円]
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5円 |
食事選択
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5円 | |
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2009/6/19
ANA and Boeing officials celebrate the start of the assembly of the first 787 Dreamliner for commercial flight at Boeing’s plant in Everett, Washington, this week. ANA became the launch customer of the 787 program in April 2004, when it placed 50 orders for the aircraft. The first 787 is set for delivery to ANA in the first quarter of 2010. The Dreamliner has 865 orders from 56 airlines, making it the fastest-selling all-new jetliner in aviation history. 2009/6/17
The new E5-type bullet train, which has an elongated nose to reduce air resistance, is shown to media at Rifu in Miyagi Prefecture, on Wednesday. It can travel at a speed of 320 kilometers per hour, and cover the distance between Tokyo and New Aomori Station (currently under construction), in 185 minutes. The E5 will go into service in March of 2011.
Wins by a nose: The new E5-type bullet train, sporting an elongated nose to reduce air resistance, arrives at JR Sendai Station late Monday after a test run.
East Japan Railway Co. started testing a bullet train capable of reaching 320 kph, the fastest ever.
JR East held test runs from late Monday to early Tuesday starting at Sendai Station.
The new train will be able to link Tokyo and Shin-Aomori stations in three hours and five minutes starting at the end of fiscal 2012. The run currently takes three hours and 59 minutes from Aomori to Tokyo stations via conventional and bullet trains.
The new E5-type train features an elongated nose to reduce air resistance.
JR East wants to have 59 10-car E5 trains running by the end of fiscal 2015, a spokesman for the carrier said in Tokyo.
The E5 will first start operating between Shin-Aomori and Hachinohe stations, both in Aomori Prefecture, in December 2010. 2009/6/15 Nikko, City of History and Nature
Potpourri of Scenic Beauty and Historic Architecture
Nikko Toshogu shrine.
Nikko is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. It is famed above all for its historic temples and shrines, but the surrounding area also offers hot springs, scenic lakes, and even theme parks. With its rich blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, including foliage that takes on fiery hues in the fall, Nikko has long been loved by both domestic and foreign travelers.
Majestic Monuments
The city of Nikko is located in Tochigi Prefecture, in the north of the Kanto region. Only about two hours from Tokyo by express train, the city began its history in the eighth century when the temple currently known as Rinnoji was erected there. Nikko developed as a pilgrimage destination, being home not only to Rinnoji but also to the glorious Nikko Toshogu shrine, and a highway was laid from Edo (present-day Tokyo) to Nikko to make it easier for pilgrims to travel there from the capital.
Lake Chuzenji
The indisputable centerpiece of Nikko's attractions is the Nikko Toshogu shrine, which was built in 1617 as the mausoleum of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who established the Tokugawa Shogunate and ushered in an long period of peace in Japan. Initially only a modest facility, the shrine was later rebuilt under the orders of Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun. Tokugawa Iemitsu brought in the top architects, artists, and craftsmen from all over Japan, and they turned it into the brilliant and lavish architectural complex it is today. An estimated 4.5 million people were involved in its construction.
A majestic air fills the shrine's extensive grounds, which include an array of structures decorated with lacquer work, vivid colors, and intricate carvings. The Yomei-Mon Gate and other buildings are carved with a total of some 5,000 sculptures, and the dazzling fusion of Edo-period (1603-1868) artistry is nothing short of stunning.
The main structures comprising Nikko Toshogu have all been designated by the Japanese government as either national treasures or important cultural properties. In 1999, moreover, the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko," including Nikko Toshogu and Rinnoji, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Natural Splendor
Since the Meiji era (1868-1912) Nikko has also developed as a summer retreat for foreign residents and visitors. Not far from central Nikko is Oku-Nikko, part of the Nikko National Park, an area of natural beauty where the fresh greenery of spring and fiery colors of fall are particularly striking. Lake Chuzenji, the highlight of the area, was created as the result of a volcanic eruption. The lake offers spectacular views - both direct and reflected in its crystal-clear water - of the surrounding scenery.
Nearby is Kegon Falls, where the water from Lake Chuzenji makes a vertical drop of nearly 100 meters. Kegon Falls are counted among the three finest waterfalls in Japan. They are also officially recognized by the government as a place of scenic beauty.
Boasting a number of trekking routes and less challenging walking courses, Oku-Nikko is the perfect place to immerse oneself in the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Fresh yuba from Nikko.
A Feast for the Senses
Kinugawa Onsen, a renowned hot spring resort, lies just a short trip from Nikko. Near the resort is Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, a theme park where the culture and lifestyle of Edo-period Japan is recreated and reenacted. Here visitors can view ninja action shows and other attractions. Kinugawa Onsen and Nikko Edomura are great places to enjoy with family and friends.
When it comes to cuisine, the specialty of Nikko is yuba, a subtle, protein-packed delicacy made by skimming off the film that forms on the surface of heated soy milk. Fresh, unprocessed yuba is called nama-yuba and is typically eaten with just soy sauce and wasabi. Flat-dried yuba, known as hira-yuba, is commonly used in soups, while deep-fried rolls of yuba, known as agemaki yuba, is often cooked in broth. Yuba can also be eaten as a topping for soba (buckwheat noodles); recently, people have even begun to make yuba sushi and yuba curry. 2009/6/11
Tokyo Tower Main Observatory is a blaze of lights for its “Milky Way Illumination” which features 10,000 blue lights. The blinking lights attached to the ceiling are thought to resemble the Milky Way, and coupled with the backdrop of the night view, the resulting scene creates an illusion of an infinite number of stars twinkling in the sky. Red lights represent Orihime (the female figure in the traditional Tanabata legend), and white lights represent Hikoboshi (the male figure). The illumination is set to run until July 12. 2009/6/6
Barbecue on a 51-foot cruiser in Tokyo Bay
If you’re looking to throw the mother of all parties this summer, how does a barbecue on a 51-foot cruiser in Tokyo Bay sound? With House Boat Club, you can do just that: the company lets you charter a luxury vessel for a couple of hours of gastronomic indulgence on the water.
Enjoy spectacular views of Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge while munching on freshly-cooked steaks and burgers, washed down with an all-you-can-drink selection of tipples including draft Ebisu, wine, whisky, shochu, cocktails and soft drinks.
House Boat Club takes care of all the equipment, drinks, cutlery and seasonings—all you need to do is bring your friends and something to cook. Pick-up is available from Kachidoki, Aomi or Etchujima, after which you and your party will be taken on a ride around the bay, mooring for an hour to allow for some quality BBQ action.
Once you’re done, they’ll drop you off again, and you won’t even have to worry about cleaning up after yourselves. It’s like being a multi-millionaire, just a whole lot cheaper.
It costs 115,000 yen (including tax) to charter the boat for up to 14 people, or 8,000 yen per person (6,000 yen for kids aged 4-12) for groups of 15 or more. Note that the service may have to be cancelled due to strong wind or stormy weather.
www.hbclub.jp 2009/6/5
British entrepreneur Richard Branson visits a sushi restaurant for lunch Wednesday in the Akihabara district of Tokyo.
Coca-Cola (Japan) Co’s newest product is Coca-Cola plus Catechin, a drink that contains extracts from green tea, and is zero-calorie. Aimed at health-conscious women in their 20s and 30s, the fizzy drink contains tea antioxidants called catechins and leaves a slight green tea aftertaste. It goes on sale June 8.
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