Masatoshi Shimbo has always felt more than a bit paternal toward the changeling Roppongi district, the inner-city neighborhood where he grew up and his family made its real estate fortune. But Roppongi often breaks his heart, over the decades turning from a U.S. servicemen’s haunt into a respectable business district and then back to disrepute — the gentle women in kimonos giving way to mobsters and drug dealers. Good or bad, in this famously safe city, Roppongi stands out: elegant one block, seedy the next, a multicultural meeting spot known …

In Japan, a good restaurant will display replicas of what’s on the menu. Craftsmen perfectly reproduce the food – it takes as much skill as the real thing. Now, if only they dusted these every now and then once they were in the windows.

Domestic whiskey is expected to see its first volume increase in 11 years, mostly due to the recent popularity of whiskey and soda, or highball, among younger generations attracted to the retro cocktail culture and because it is an affordable alternative to beer and other similarly priced tipples.

Domestic whiskey consumption has been stagnant for a long time, with shipping volume on a taxation basis either staying level or even going down since 1989–except for 1997 and 1998 when the tax on whiskey was reduced.

Standing Bars are not only for middle aged men any more. They once were as they were used by salarymen to drop in after work. They would drink, perhaps have an appetizer, and talk there around the big barrels discussing what ever it was that happened to be happening around the office. That was yesterday. Not today. Today standing bars are a lot more hip and diverse.

For a stylish Standing Bar near Azabu Juban Station, try the Bistro Juban Stand. It is open …

Earthquakes are an every day occurrence in Japan, but every 80 years it is predicted that Tokyo will be hit by a really huge earthquake. And now there’s a new anime about to be released with just that doomsday scenario as its premise. The anime draws its inspiration on the statistic that there is a 70% or higher possibility that a magnitude 7.0 earthquake will occur in Tokyo in the next 30 years.

His private visits to the Yasukuni shrine provokes the ire of many Asian countries. Why does Prime Minister Koizumi visit the Yasukuni shrine? I didn’t know. As it so happened, I had moved to Shinjuki and was living within walking distance of the shrine. So, one April morning, I made my way there to find out.
In my mind’s eye, I had thought the shrine itself would be larger and more imposing than it was. I was struck by its simplicity. I had double checked with one of the security guards …

The story of Hachiko, the Akita-ken who symbolizes loyalty, devotion, and friendship has been brought to the screen recently in a new movie, Hachi (also called Hachiko- A Dog’s Story). It was released in Japan on 8/8 (to correspond with ‘hachi, hachi’), and will be out in America on December 18. Whether or not you know the story of this inspiring canine who waited for his master at Shibuya Station everyday for over ten years, I recommend Hachiko Waits, by Leslea Newman, to fill you in. Leslea’s book is faithful …

It’s summer and time to get out and meet new friends. This time the party is in prime partying territory, Roppongi! This is a joint party hosted by Hirosuke and Dave Faulkmore.

Different DJs will spin their favorite genres, so expect a mix of music.

Are you tired of exploring parks, temples, or nice restaurants in Tokyo with your partner? Then, I recommend trying something a little different like the Meguro Parasitological Museum.

This museum is literally showing specimens of parasites. You will hardly and hopefully never get the chance of ever seeing these specimens in your normal everyday life…Well unless you are in Meguro, Tokyo or you are scientist or researcher.

For the first time ever the Tokyo Film Center will be holding an International Film Festival which will be screening short films made by talented filmmakers who come from different parts of the world. The event will be held on Sat 25th and Sun 26th of July.
So, if your asking yourself “Is this one of those movie buff festivals where they’re just after your money?”, I have to say YES, we are movie buffs but not after your money because it’s a no charge event, yes you got it …