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Kyoto Cover?

JAPANTODAY’S PREMIER ENGLISH DIGITAL WEEKLY MAGAZINE ISSUE 05 / VOLUME 01 / AUGUST 2012

BUSINESS Wendy’s opens second store in Roppongi

FAMILY Asobono (Tokyo Dome City)

FOOD National Azabu Supermarket back in business

ENTERTAINMENT Belgian Beer Festival 2012

TRAVEL

I LEFT MY HEART IN KYOTO

“I’m standing on a narrow Gion back street, neck deep in a colorful swarm of kimono-clad women.”

Read the full story on INSIGHT: TRAVEL

http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/soukin/en/

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INSIGHT

Editor in ChiefChris Betros

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TRAVEL I LEFTMY HEARTIN KYOTOI’m standing on a narrow Gion back street, neck deep in a colorful swarm of kimono-clad women. They flow around and past me like so many butterflies, busily chatting as they make their way to their evening engagements. The hems of their passing kimono create small eddies that pick up dry autumn maple leaves and swirl them along the smooth ancient stone path behind them.

BY JEFF LAITILA

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TRAVEL

Those stones have bore silent witness to countless generations of Geisha, and will patiently remain as countless more come and go.

I smile to myself as I watch them reach a corner and slip off into the fading twilight. And just like that they are gone, and I am alone, drinking in the silence of the moment. The only evidence of their passing is an indistinct path carved into the dusting of maple leaves on the old cobbled street. I smile to myself, breathing in the cool night air that just barely covers the rich earthy scents of autumn.

Yes, Kyoto in Autumn is a special place.

With the oppressive heat of summer now gone, the cicadas silenced, the crisp notes of the approaching winter on the evening air, and the warm scent of incense coming from some unseen Temple, it is the perfect time to enjoy this ancient capital of Japan. One can spend days wandering the quiet shrines and narrow streets flanked by rows of age darkened wooden buildings. Winding your way through the city, and discovering what lies around that next corner.

Everyone who visits Kyoto takes a little bit of the place back home with them. There are just so many beautiful and mysterious places to see, one cannot but help to feel that they have experienced something special, something unique.

Each time I go to Kyoto I always return home both tired and energized. Quite a contradiction I know, but I can’t find any other way to describe it. Weary from hours of walking, but also satisfied and inspired by the beauty of the city.

Kyoto is a place that one can go back to again and again. It offers a different face for each of the four seasons, and draws people from all over the world who want to experience the traditional side of Japan. But if you do happen to become overloaded by temples and shrines during your stay, the bustling modern nightlife of Osaka is just a short train ride away.

So if you are looking for an autumn travel destination, I could not more highly recommend Kyoto. Spend a few days exploring the quiet temples, shrines, and the understated elegance of Gion in the evenings as the Maiko and Geiko make their appointed rounds.

Come see what makes this ancient city such a popular destination for people from all over the world. Just don’t be surprised if you start to miss it as soon as you leave.

American hamburger chain Wendy’s is back in Roppongi after more than 3 1/2 years. It is the American burger restaurant’s second store in Japan since its relaunch last December…and fans are loving it. More than 100 of them braved the heat to line up on opening day on Aug 17. Wendy’s enthusiasts were dismayed in December 2009 when the company did not renew its agreement with its former franchisee for Japan, resulting in the closure of 71 restaurants. However, American entrepreneur Ernest Higa, who heads Higa Industries, quickly saw an opportunity. Higa owned and operated 180 Domino’s Pizza stores in Japan before selling the business in February 2010. A pioneer of the Japanese home delivery market, Higa’s stores became known for gourmet pizza products and the use of the Internet and wireless technology to promote menu items and enhance the customer ordering experience.

Higa negotiated a new joint venture agreement with Wendy’s/Arby’s International Inc and the brand was relaunched in Tokyo at Omotesando last December. “The positive aspect of the relaunch is that Wendy’s was previously here for 30 years. Within the Japanese population, there is high brand awareness, even though they only had 71 stores,” Higa says. “The other thing is that in our market research, the brand has a good reputation

in terms of product quality and taste. When Wendy’s pulled out, there was a big outpouring of all these customers who went to the stores. It was actually on TV. Wendy’s America, in their wisdom, said they would be coming back. So that built up anticipation. As a result of that, there are about 30,000 people on social media, whether it is Twitter or Mixi waiting for Wendy’s to reopen. That means we already have a customer base, brand awareness and a good reputation even before we open our first store.”

Wendy’s has introduced four types of “Japan Premium” products only available in Japan, including the Foie Gras Rossini with original foie gras terrine, along with an upgraded line of long-awaited classic products, including Dave’s Hot-n-Juicy hamburgers (with square patties), premium chicken sandwiches, “Garden Sensations” entrée salads, chili and Frosty desserts.

Regular burgers cost from 380 yen to 780 yen, while the four premium burgers range in price from 780 yen to 1,280 yen for the Foie Gras Rossini. Salads cost from 480 yen to 630 yen, and baked potatoes 360 and 380 yen. At the Roppongi store, new items on the menu include the Ocean Premium Caviar & Lobster burger (1,280 yen), Lobster Surf & Turf Burger (1,280 yen) and Caviar & Lobster Salad (1,580 yen).

Higa says the key to success is adapting products for the local market. “When I did Domino’s, I did a lot of brand repositioning and product adaptation and added Internet ordering. How you adapt and what you adapt for the local market are crucial. There is no manual for that. I wanted to be sure that I was in a position to adapt Wendy’s for the local market. I wouldn’t have taken it on, otherwise. If we do the same thing as before, we’ll end up with the same result.”

Higa says that Wendy’s hopes to get to about 100 stores in Japan within 5 years. The biggest challenge is finding good locations. “You need high-visibility, high-traffic locations but they are not always available, such as two

WENDY’S OPENS SECOND STORE IN ROPPONGI

ERNEST HIGA (President)WENDY’S JAPAN

BY CHRIS BETROS

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former Wendy’s locations at Azabujuban and the one opposite Kiddyland in Harajuku. We are already looking at many different locations, talking with real estate companies and land owners.”

But with so much competition, does the hamburger market in Japan run the risk of becoming saturated? “To some extent,” Higa says. “Interestingly, the fastest growing segment in the restaurant business in the U.S. is gourmet hamburgers. There is a strong trend toward better hamburgers and I think that is also happening in Japan. In Japan, if you look at demographics, McDonald’s has a lock on the kids’ market but as you get older, you want a better burger. That’s how we are looking at it. When you are

10, what you eat and where you eat is one thing, but when you are 30, you want a different atmosphere. That is one trend.”

To finish off, we better ask Higa how often he eats hamburgers. “Maybe a couple of times a week. I like hamburgers … and not just because of the job,” he says.

Wendy’sLobster burger and

lobster salad

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BUSINESS

sujis.net

Live Music Schedule:

Aug 31: The Dead flower children

Sep 1: Kinlay

Sep 2: Poetry night & Tom Holiday

Sep 4: Open Mic/Jam Session

Sep 5: Anna & Mieko Feat. Hugh Lloyd

Sep 6: Billy Ross

Sep 7: Joe David & The Soul Trek

Joe David &

The Soul Trek

FAMILY

ASOBONO!

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It’s safe to say that with August behind us, we are officially “over the heat.” But as all Tokyoites know, we are still in for 30-degree plus temperatures for the next few weeks at least. Good indoor play areas/activities are essential for kids. One such place has been recently renovated and is proving to be a favorite place to disappear from the heat with the kids for a few hours: Asobono at Tokyo Dome City.

The home of the Giants baseball team is also home to a seriously well-equipped amusement park. There are plenty of indoor activities to discover and there certainly is something for everyone, including action hero theater, illusion museum, Magiquest role playing center, bowling alley, sauna and luxury lounge, as well as a roller skate rink.

But newly renovated last year and the real crown jewel of the site (as far as kids are concerned) is the Asobono Indoor adventure playground. The level to which this massive play area has been renovated and outfitted to is truly amazing. Even when this area is packed on a Saturday afternoon, there is always space to play and hidden areas such as the library where kids and parents can enjoy an afternoon in a cool and stimulating setting.

As you enter from the reception, the first place you will come upon is the Adventure Ocean -- a huge ball pool room with treasure ship, multiple slides, bouncy castle and treehouse. This space has been well thought out, offering plenty of seats in and around the ball pool for parents to watch and join in.

This gives way to the Pleasure Station room, sponsored by toy manufacturer Takara Tomy Co. It is a large room filled with building toys: train sets, plenty of tracks and construction toys such as Lego -- probably more appealing to the boys.

Next comes Colorful Town, a kids pretend café and supermarket area popular particularly with girls. With no shortage of props, kids relish the role-playing nature of the space, weaving in and out of the various buildings in the town.

FAMILY

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The Toy Forest area, comprises some smaller rooms and hideaways filled with more intricate toys, board games, doll houses and a small library offering older children some mental stimulation.

The younger crawlers are not forgotten either as there is the Hi-hi Garden, an enclosed area with smaller ball pool, soft toys and foam shapes - all to be explored without any infraction from the older kids.

A rest area and drinks corner provides a reprieve from the activities, particularly for the adults, while their kids are off exploring. Also worthy of note are the excellent baby changing and nursing facilities.

Weekday RatesKids up to elementary school: ¥1,500 (for a day pass)Adults: ¥900

Weekend RatesKids up to elementary school: ¥900 for an hour (¥400 per 30 minutes after that)Adults: ¥900

Getting thereConveniently located in the center of the city, take the JR or subway to Suidobashi Station (Mita line) or Korakoen (Namboku line). Parking is available on site, but can get congested and be expensive for longer stays.

Tel: +81 3 5800 9999Web: www.tokyo-dome.co.jp

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FOOD

As most folks know National Azabu Supermarket in Hiroo is happily back in the game.

The supermarket founded in 1962 had serviced the international and globally minded Japanese community for 50 years but closed down after the earthquake in 2011. The decades old building was a victim of quake damage and the news made quite a stir especially to Tokyo expats. The closing was even covered by CNN with the eye-grabbing headline “National mourning: Tokyo pays tribute to an expat institution.” But now the home away from home for foodies and deli fans has reopened - same location but fabulous new building.

The soft opening earlier this month has been a success and the grand re-opening is this Friday 8/31, with terrific specials and sales to celebrate and thank the loyal and returning throngs.

On my walk through this week I was so happy to see all the great foods and exotic ingredients arranged in a gorgeous, updated, modern format. The cheese section has expanded and in general all the display space is more user friendly. New additions include a built in rotisserie in the deli filled with delicious roasted chickens for take out. There is a more clean and organized second floor of housewares and toiletries. And old favorites like Baskin Robbins continue to be a part of the national family, now included right in the front of new building.

Some other highlights include:• An extensive craft beer, and international wine selection• Fresh ground organic peanut butter station• Freshly ground coffee from Brooklyn NYC• A full service florist• The famous “radiation map” of japan for help with produce purchases• Terrific fresh fish and an onsite butcher• Spices, and ingredients for making your own comfort foods from around the world.

National is convenient to the Hibiya subway line but valet parking is still available and there is an additional large sel spaid parking lot behind the building in a side street.

The popular and friendly Dale Toriumi has returned as store manager and the staff remains helpful, professional and welcoming.

We are all happy to see National Azabu back in the community and look forward to watching how they expand their products and services in their second 50 years!

Though it is not yet listed on the National homepage we are told opening hours after 8/31 will be 7 DAYS A WEEK 10:00-23:00.

TRUE TASTE TOKYO VOL.4 BY LAUREN SHANNON

BACK IN BUSINESS

Point card functions are resumed and there is also an online shopping option delivery service available.

National Azabu Supermarket, HirooAdjacent to Arisugawa Park4-5-2 Minami Azabu, Minato-Ku, TokyoTel: 03 3442 3181

Closest train station: Hiroo, Hibiya Line

And if you are interested National Azabu is also hiring full-time, contract, part-time employees.

www.dri.ne.jp/english/index.html

ENTERTAINMENT

PILSNERThe most common beer type in the world. A bottom-fermented hoppy lager brewed according to the production process invented in the 19th century in the city of Pilzen, Czech Republic.

WHITE BEERA refreshing beer traditionally made with a mixture of wheat and barley. Traditionally it includes herbs like coriander and orange peel, giving it a fruity sweetness.

TRAPPIST BEERA beer that is brewed in a Trappist monastery by monks. Worldwide only 7 monasteries are making trappist beers, 6 of which are in Belgium.

ABBEY BEERA top-fermented beer that is made according to old recipes and brewing methods of a monastery, but produced today at a modern brewery.

LAMBIC BEERA traditional wheat beer only brewed in the southwest of Brussels by spontaneous fermentation. Lambic beers ferment by exposure to the wild yeasts native to the region.

FRUIT BEERRefreshing beer made by adding a variety of fruits during the brewing process. Easy-to-drink dessert beer with a fruity taste.

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Since its first edition in 2010 at Roppongi Hills, the Belgian Beer Weekend has grown into one of the most popular beer events on the Tokyo calendar with also stops in Osaka and Nagoya.What began 700 years ago as a more sanitized drinking option to water, under the watchful eye of the monasteries in Belgium became a mecca for brewing, developing techniques that are still used to this day.

What wine is to France, beer is to Belgium.

Belgium has more than 140 breweries producing more than 800 different kinds of beers. At Belgian Beer Weekend 2012, 77 different beers will be available. The most famous of these include pale ales such as Hoegarden and Pilsners like Stella Artois.

The event last year drew over 50,000 revelers and this year is set to even top that with live performances from Belgian top bands Arsenal (not the English football team), PJDS (AKA beuzak) and Roland.

Of course, it is all about the beer and food; 77 different types of beer will be available along with Belgian food beer delicacies such as sausages, cured meats and, of course, Belgian waffles.

Tokyo EventRoppongi Hills ArenaSeptember 5th-9th, 2012

For more information visit:http://belgianbeerweekend.jp/en/2012/tokyo/home

Here are 10 types of Belgian beer to get you started, all available at

the festival!

ENTERTAINMENT

GOLDEN ALEA top-fermented beer with a beautiful golden color. Traditionally a beer with a higher alcohol content and a slightly fruity taste.

RED BEERA unique top-fermented beer matured in large oak barrels giving it a special red color and a sour yet fruity taste.

SAISON BEEROriginally a refreshing, low-alcohol beer brewed seasonally in farmhouses in the South of Belgium.

SPECIAL BEERRegional beers that cannot be put in one of the above 9 categories.

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Stella Artois (Pilsner)

One of the most famous beers in the world, the taste is crisp, clean and has hints of citrus followed by a pleasant bitterness.

Belle-vue Kriek (Fruit Beer)

Unique Belgian ‘lambic’ beer naturally fermented from wild yeast. Added cherry gives the beautiful ruby color and sweet-sour refreshing taste.

Hoegaarden (White Beer)

Its enjoyable light taste is recommended as for the first Belgium beer. This beer also goes well with many types of foods.

Duvel (Golden Ale)

The perfect balance between a fine aroma and subtle bitterness makes Duvel an excellent thirst-quencher.

Westmalle Double (Trappist Beer)

A dark, reddish-brown beer with a complex aroma and rich flavour, herby and fruity with a fresh-bitter finish. The soft feel in the mouth and long lasting, dry aftertaste guarantee a superb taste experience.

Duchesse De Bourgogne (Red Beer)

Fruity, ruby red beer with a sweet and freshly sour aftertaste.

Leffe Blond (Abbey Beer)

It is elegant, smooth and fruity, and it has a spicy aftertaste with a hint of bitter orange.

Saison Dupont (Saison Beer)

The Saison Dupont is a top fermentation beer with fermentation taking place in the bottle. A fine aroma and a strong bitterness transform this beer into a thirst-quencher with no equal.

Cantillon Geuze (Lambic Beer)

Its characteristic, sour taste is appreciated all over the world, making it the best selling beer of Cantillon brewery.

Gouden Carolus Classic (Special Beer)

“Emperor beer” is brewed with dark malts and Belgian hops. The unique combination of caramel and aromatic malts creates a special beer that combines the warmness of wine with the thirst-quenching freshness of beer.

http://www.ecentral.jp/after7