Table of contents for Issue 283 in Tokyo Journal

http://bingoya.ne.jp/ Beautiful Gardens and Buildings Along Mountain Slopes Since its establishment in 1914, Bingoya has been a favorite accommodation of writers and artists, earning it the nickname of “Tamashima’s back parlor.” The nine guest rooms were built as holiday homes. For example, Koshinkaku, a two-story wooden building with four rooms, including one with 12 tatami mats, is great for large groups. All the buildings are surrounded by ubame oak trees on the mountain slopes overlooking the Tamashima Harbor. You can take in even better views when you climb higher up the mountains. You can also enjoy a beautifully arranged Japanese full-course meal using seasonal ingredients from Okayama. To end your day, the chartered open-air baths made of umbrella pine will soothe your mind with their woody and relaxing scent. 山の斜面を生かした美しい庭園と離れ…

https://en.kifunosato.com/ A Soothing Hot Spring with a Long History and Fresh Seasonal Food After a busy day of sightseeing, you can relax in these hot springs rich in history. KIFU NO SATO is located in Yunogo Onsen, a region with 1,200-year-old hot springs known for their therapeutic benefits. Guests have reported cuts and scratches disappearing after just two baths. You will most definitely feel rejuvenated. You can also enjoy private open-air baths in the suites. The hotel has plenty of options for meals cooked using seasonal ingredients from the surrounding area, which is located between the Seto Inland Sea and the Japan Sea. It is recommended to visit in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, or autumn when the leaves are full of color. 歴史ある温泉に癒やされ 、 旬の食材に舌鼓…

https://uno-hotel.com/en/ Relax with a Beautiful View of the Seto Inland Sea If you’re looking to treat your mind and body, UNO HOTEL is ideal. The hotel has baths like the open-air SAWA NO YU and TANADA NO YU to enjoy the beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea as if they were ink paintings, all while basking in the sea breeze. They also have a salt sauna detoxing service. This involves scrubbing salt on your body and taking an “enzyme bath,” a process that enhances your immune system through the fermentation heat of hinoki cypress powder. The guest rooms are decorated with local motifs based on the blue of the sea and denim, a local specialty. The French-style meals made with plenty of local ingredients are excellent. The hotel tries…

Yuji Sakamoto was only 19 years old when he won the first Fuji TV Young Scenario Award and 23 years old when he wrote the screenplay for the manga Tokyo Love Story. He went on to write the screenplay for Monster, a film directed by award-winning director Hirokazu Kore-eda. Sakamoto racked up a number of successes in 2023. He won the Best Screenplay award at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival for Monster and signed a five-year collaboration deal with Netflix. Tokyo Journal Editor-in-Chief interviewed Yuji Sakamoto following a screening of Monster at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood to find out more. TJ: Do you prefer writing for television or film? SAKAMOTO: I’m better at writing for a TV series rather than a two-hour movie, but I wanted to challenge…

Sumo wrestling is one of the oldest sports in the world, dating back nearly 2,000 years. Despite its long history, the martial art faces stereotypes and misconceptions outside of Japan. Konishiki, a former sumo ozeki (champion), has been working hard to break these misunderstandings. Few people carry his weight and prestige in the sumo world. Formerly known as Saleva’a Atisano’e, this colossal figure transcended the boundaries of the sumo ring to become an iconic symbol of strength and resilience as the first non-Japanese wrestler to reach the esteemed rank of ozeki, the secondhighest rank in the Japan Sumo Association. Hailing from Hawaii, Konishiki began his journey to the upper echelons of sumo in the late 1970s when he moved to Japan to pursue a career in the sport. Debuting professionally…

OUR FAMOUS BENTO BOX: CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE INGREDIENTS (Serves four) • 2 whole eggs plus 2 extra yolks• 88g unsalted butter, plus more for greasing• 85g 70% dark chocolate, finely chopped• 100g brown sugar• 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon corn flour• Icing sugar for dusting METHOD 1 Beat the whole eggs and egg yolks together, and then set aside at room temperature. 2 Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat without burning. Turn off just before the butter starts to froth. Set aside. 3 Place the chocolate in a medium mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and whisk together until the chocolate melts. Then add the brown sugar and corn flour, and mix. Finally, add the beaten eggs and mix quickly before straining the mixture through a sieve. 4 The soufflé…

In the Fukuoka Airport, there are nine ramen restaurants side by side to choose from. However, it is Ramen Dora that serves the original Itoshima ramen made with ingredients from Itoshima, such as vegetables, seafood, and eggs laid by hens raised with chosen feed and natural water. The pork is barbecued with concentrated umami, giving it a soft texture and sweet grease. For many travelers, the unique taste of this ramen is well worth waiting in a long line for. After Ramen at the airport, we recommend making the short trip to Itoshima to experience its picturesque beaches and food culture firsthand. Ramen Dora is run by a young manager who is considering branching out to Tokyo after the success that the shop has had in Fukuoka. Open/10:00~21:00 Shop holidays/None…

At the heart of Japan, Okayama Prefecture is home to one of the country’s most iconic and intriguing cultural events: the Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri, or the Okayama Naked Man Festival. Rooted in traditional Japanese New Year’s events, the festival is a vibrant celebration that draws participants and spectators from far and wide. The Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri has a long history and cultural significance for the local community. Historical Roots: The Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri traces its origins back to A.D. 751 when the Saidai-ji Kannonin Temple was founded in the Nara Period. Anryu, the first head priest of Saidai-ji Buddhist temple, introduced the New Year’s grand prayer created by Jicchu, a holy priest and leading disciple of Rouben Sojo of the Tōdai-ji Temple. For the first 14 days…

https://www.tsuyama-bettei.com/en/ Relax in a Location Rich in History THE SHIROYAMA TERRACE TSUYAMA VILLA is located in the center of Tsuyama, a castle town full of culture and history. The nearby ruins of the Tsuyama Castle have been chosen as one of the 100 best spots for viewing cherry blossoms in Japan by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association. In spring, visitors are welcomed by cherry blossoms in full bloom. The hotel has a spa and open-air bath fed by the Dodo hot spring, which is thought to help heal muscle pain and sensitivity to cold, as well as beautify skin. From the hot springs, visitors can enjoy a good view of the castle ruins, especially from sunset to 10 p.m., when the ruins are illuminated. In Yurou, an executive suite, you…

http://yoshii-ryokan.com/en/ An Inn Full of Old Hospitality The Yoshii-Ryokan hotel, housed in a private home built in the late Edo era, has preserved its authentic hospitality for over a century since it was opened in the Meiji era. Six rooms named after plants are designed intricately and inspired by Japanese architecture. The Maple room attracts a lot of attention, as it was often used by Ryoma Sakamoto, a samurai who influenced the modernization of Japan. The hotel’s hospitality is evident in its meals, such as the beautiful Seasonal Kaiseki, which is made using local seasonal ingredients that can be savored with the five senses. The Kouyamaki bath, made of hinoki cypress, is great for healing the fatigue of travel. This hotel is great for those who want to relax in…

ATARASHII GAKKO!, known as Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders [New School Leaders] in Japan has emerged as a symbol of individuality and freedom, inviting audiences to challenge conventions and championing the essence of individual expression. During the first half of 2023, the group had the highest number of views on TikTok (3.6 million+). ATARASHII GAKKO! mixes elements of pop, jazz, hip-hop, rock and more, choreographing their own dynamic and expressive dance routines and fusing the intensity of Japanese butoh dance with elements of heavy metal headbanging and street-style hip-hop. The group formed in 2015 and debuted in June 2017 under Victor Entertainment with the single “Dokubana.” On December 7, 2023, the group entered the U.S. music scene with their dynamic “Tokyo Calling” performance on the TV talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”…

The Home of Tonkotsu: A Guide to Fukuoka’s Ramen Scene Tonkotsu ramen is one of the most popular types of ramen among foreigners visiting Japan. Fukuoka is acknowledged as the land of its origin, and even Japanese tourists who visit Fukuoka on vacation or business never forget to eat tonkotsu ramen while there. In this article, we look into the unique food-stall culture and friendly nature of Fukuoka. This guide will not only make you hungry, but it will inspire you to add Fukuoka to your list of cities to visit, along with Tokyo and Kyoto. とんこつ発祥の地 ： 福岡のラーメンガイド 訪日外国人に最も人気があるラーメンの １ ジャンル 、 「とんこつラーメン」 。 日本人のあいだでも「本場は福岡」と認識さ れており 、 旅行や出張で福岡に行った日本人も 、 とんこつラーメンを食べて帰ることは忘れない 。 実は福岡のとんこつラー メンは 、 お店ごとに味が異なるだけでなく 、 営業形態もさまざま 。 独自に発展した屋台文化と 、 福岡県民ならではの人懐っ こい気質とともに紹介する 。 「東京と京都のほかに 、 どこに行くか ？ 」と迷ったら 、…

The shop’s name appears in white letters on a bright blue sign and upon entering, the first thing you notice is the celebrities’ signatures who have visited all over the walls. The owner, who trained in a locally famous food stall, opened this restaurant in 2004, and it quickly became popular. It is so popular in fact, that no matter the time of day, there is a long line of people waiting to get in. Celebrities taking to social media to share their love for Shin Shin has undoubtedly contributed to the increase of foreign tourists in Fukuoka. We recommend their tonkotsu-based soup with the chicken oil flavor and a very thin noodle. Following the food-stall style, which is the basis for Fukuoka ramen culture, you can enjoy your ramen…

At Educational Corporation The Akademeia 21st Century (Former Name; Adachi Gakuen), a lot of students around the world have been studying very actively, toward their dreaming futures. The Akademeia 21st Century supports to realize your dreaming futures. What kind of educational institution is the Akademeia 21st Century? The Akademeia 21st Century manages and runs 17 professional training colleges and 1 Japanese language school, in areas of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Tokyo area has the largest number of students, where 5 professional training colleges are running. And, in Tokyo area, approximately 1,600 international students are studying every year. Because supporting systems and environments are well prepared for further education and employment, international students can study without worry, aiming to acquire new technologies for working in Japan and their home countries,…

https://www.okayama-resortglamping.com/ Glamping in Nature GLAMPING VILLAGE IBUKI NO SATO opened in the summer of 2023 in Niimi, an attractive city with hot springs and great views of Okayama and the mountains. In a large dome-shaped tent measuring seven meters in diameter, you can enjoy a high-class, airconditioned private space with a dining area and a bathroom. The other options include four-bed tents for groups or families and tents for visitors with their dogs. They serve superb meals using local ingredients grown in the rich soil with the high-quality water in the area. A great option is Chiya beef cooked on a barbeque with a view of the picturesque mountains (the barbequed meals cost extra). In autumn and winter, they serve hot dishes, such as sukiyaki and soba with wild vegetables.…

https://turugata.jp/ A Relaxing Atmosphere Surrounded by History Ryori Ryokan Turugata is a hotel in the house of an old merchant family. Built in 1744, the house is famous for its history, much like the nearby buildings in this area of Kurashiki, a historic city in western Japan. Inspired by Japanese architecture, the hotel has a range of rooms. The Achi room has a beautiful garden with a 400-year-old pine tree. The hotel serves a full-course Japanese-style dinner using seasonal ingredients from the surrounding mountains and sea. After your meal, take a walk along the streets lined with beautiful willow trees and historical buildings. A great experience is taking a rowboat on the Kurashiki River. 歴史に囲まれた穏やかなくつろぎを 古い街並みそのものが保存されている 、 「倉敷美観地区」の中心部に建 つ「料理旅館 鶴形」 。 1744 年に建てられた商家を宿泊施設として利用 しており 、 同じ地区で重要文化財に指定されている建物と並んで 、 由緒 正しい建造物として知られている 。…

Hirokazu Kore-eda is an award-winning film director, producer, screenwriter, and editor. He cites his love for movies coming from his mother, with whom he used to watch movies. After studying literature at Waseda University in Tokyo, he joined the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), where he worked on various documentaries. He eventually directed on his own. As he felt he was subject to aggressive management while working on the documentaries, he encourages a happy work environment on the set. Hirokazu Kore-eda’s humanistic approach and attention to detail have earned him a reputation as one of Japan’s most respected contemporary filmmakers, receiving acclaim for his films at major film festivals worldwide. He won a Golden Osella Award for Best Cinematography for Maborosi at the 1995 Venice Film Festival, and went on in…

White bulb lights, the steaming warm aroma, slightly drunken laughing, and the pleasant atmosphere of Hakata Yatai Tsunatsuna brighten the road at night. The youngest food stall owners in Fukuoka, 25-year-old Tatsuya Ogawa and Rentaro Tanaka, run the shop. With the most popular offal stew in Fukuoka, they aim to create an atmosphere of “a food stall which can enhance connections.” Since they wanted to serve a Fukuoka-like dish, they decided to offer fried ramen, a kind of tonkotsu ramen born from Fukuoka’s food stall culture. This excellent dish, which they perfected after much trial and error, is characteristic of a complexly flavored soup combining tonkotsu and chicken broth, and the texture of red ginger and wood ear mushroom. It has been highly praised by customers. If you are looking…