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Mars 2009

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Prudence & Arthus

Tokyo families founded by Carin Smolinski & Allan Wilson, is published monthly by Centimax China Corp. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed herein are those of the respective authors and not necessarily those of Tokyo Families. If you wish to receive Tokyo Families at your home, school, embassy or business, please email [email protected]. If you would like to receive information on advertising, please contact us at [email protected].

Publisher: Joy Saison

Editor-in-chief: Carl Williams Art director:

Bérengère Crépon Account managers:

Lisa Sid Susan Meyer

Melinda Jones-Honda Contributors: Mark Ainley Heather Day

Stephen Lebovits Kerry HarperJulie Wilson

Martin Leroux Karen Pond

Maria Ahlgren Quynh Anh Trihn Xuan

Robert WilliamsJeff Libengood

David Arzouman

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The tribe

Our reader' s shots

ContentsValent ines warms things up over the coldest part of the year with a touch of romance. Give chocolates (homemade is best!) and watch out for flying beans as the evil spirits are driven away in ‘Setsubun’. We look at the International Schools that help make our own little devils into Young Global Citizens and visit Tokyo's lowlands for some thrills. Snow fever, Hayfever and a touch of Carnival fever joins us this month. So turn up the heat as we say goodbye to winter.

Don't be shy!Send your pictures to:

[email protected]

Matthias Philippine

Adrien

Darius

Aglaé

Carl WilliamsEditor-in-chief

The editor' s corner

EVENTReport Card

EssentialsCalendar

On the Tube On the Screen

LIFESTYLECelebrity Chat

Family FortuneRecipes

Restaurant reviewActive

WellnessHome Base

He says, She says

ESCAPEAdventures Abroad

Around Japan

COMMUNITYFocus

HumourTop of the Class

ParentingAsk the Expert

KidsKids

March MadnessSpring SurprisesThe Month aheadTV Guide Film Guide

Happ-InésLaying FoundationsSensational SaladsMasterful MoleculesBeat the FlabBurn Baby BurnSpring CleaningGreat minds

Going Awol in GuamStrawberry Fields Forever

The Letchfords shed some lightKitchen ConfidentialA Home Away From HomeSurviving the Big SneezeFrugal FunParty in StyleEinstein & Minato,The Imagineers

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EVENT CalendarMarch 2009March 2009

10 11www.tokyofamilies.com

4 (7pm)

Sarah BrightmanLet the soothing songstress’ vocals induce you into a classical nirvana.

Nippon Budokan. ¥13,000-¥15,000. Tel: 0570-04-7777.

2-4 (7&9:30pm)

Sheena EastonYou don’t need to take that morning train to enjoy this Scottish popstress’ hits live!

Billboard Live Tokyo. ¥7,500-¥9,500.Tel: (03) 3405-1133.

11-12 (7&9:30pm)

Air SupplyBask in a night of romance as this soft rock duo proves they’re not quite all out of love.

Billboard Live Tokyo.¥9,000-¥11,000. Tel: (03) 3405-1133.

10 (7pm)

Gym Class HeroesThe famous New York funk band brings their catchy hooks and fresh rhymes to Tokyo.

Duo Music Exchange in Shibuya. ¥5,500. Tel: (03) 5456-4888.

9-10 (7&9:30pm)

13 (7&9:30pm)14-15 (6&9pm)

20, 28-29 (7pm)

Brian McKnightLove is in the air with the smooth vocal stylings of the legendary R&B balladeer himself.


OasisThe rockers from Manchester are here with a show that won’t have you looking back in anger.

Makuhari Messe Kokusai Tenjijou. ¥9,000. Tel: (03) 3444-6751.

Springroove ‘09With T-Boz & Chilli of TLC, John Legend, Craig David, and T-Pain. 1pm, Apr 4 at Makihari Messe. ¥11,000-¥20,000. 0180-993-050. www.springroove.com

WickedDiscover the darker side of the magical land of Oz as exists in the life story of the Wicked Witch of the West. Various times, all month at the Dentsu Shiki Theater Umi (Sea). ¥3,150-¥10,500. 0120-489-444.

Kanto Plains Choral FestivalThis choral concert features choirs of the international schools in the Tokyo area. The festival will be held at Ricketson Theater of The American School in Japan, March 12, 1:30pm. Admission Free. Nearest station: Tama Stn, Seibu Tamagawa Line. 1-1-1 Nomizu, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0031, www.asij.ac.jp (click “About ASIJ” for map & directions)

9-11 (7&9:30pm)

Ronny JordanGet a taste of jazz with the guitarist noted for heading the recent acid jazz movement.

Cotton Club. ¥7,500-¥9,500. Tel: (03) 3215-1555.

12 (7pm)

19 (7&9:30pm)20-22 (6&9pm)

Of MontrealIndie pop band pleases the crowd with their versatile style and catchy tunes.

Duo Music Exchange in Shibuya. From ¥5,500. Tel: (03) 5456-4888.

Cheryl LynnWhat you’d find to be real is a night of dance fever with disco royalty.


The Greatest Show on EarthThe Nikulin Moscow Circus brings a touch of good old fashioned razzmatazz to the big top. The Yuri Nikulin Circus, named after Russia’s most famous clown and the former circus director, returns to its traditional roots and features clown acts and tomfoolery as well as an excellent range of acrobatic and gymnastic acts. The family can’t help but love the greatest show on earth. Various

Salvation Army Bazaar9am-2pm, every Saturday at the Family Store Japan Territory in Wada. For more information, visit http://familystore.salvationarmy.or.jp/english/

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24-25 (7pm)

Bruckner SerenadeEnjoy some fine beverages with classical music provided by the Tokyo Sinfonia, as part of an Austria-Japan friendship event.

Oji Hall in Ginza.¥6,000 per individual; ¥5,500 per head in groups of two and more.Tel: (03) 3588-0738. [email protected].

BeckLet one of modern rock’s most creative musicians take you on a aural ride.

NHK Hall. ¥7,800. Tel: (03) 3444-6751.

The Script7pm, Apr 18, 20-22 at Shibuya Club Quattro. ¥5,800. (03) 3444-6751.

Snow WhiteBallet for kids. 2pm, Apr 4-5 at New National Theater. ¥2,100. (03) 5352-9999.

Paul Weller7pm, Apr 3 at Club Citta in Kawasaki. 6pm, Apr 4 at Studio Coast Shin-Kiba. From ¥7,500. (03) 3462-6969.

Punkspring ‘09With Sum 41, NOFX, Less than Jake, Marky Ramone, and much more. 1pm, Apr 5 at Makuhari Messe. ¥8,500. 0180-993-040. www.punkspring.com

Swan LakeThe classic ballet piece is brought back courtesy of the Tokyo Ballet. 1pm, Mar 14 at U-Port Hall in Gotanda. ¥2,000-¥5,000. (03) 3791-8888.

Kanto Plains Honor Choir ConcertThis choral ensemble is comprised of top international school high school students of Tokyo, directed by guest conductor Henry Leck. The annual Honor Choir concert will be held at Ricketson Theater of The American School in Japan, Friday, March 13, 7:00pm. Admission Free.Nearest Station:Tama Station, Seibu Tamagawa Line, www.asij.ac.jp(click “About ASIJ” for map & directions) . 1-1-1 Nomizu, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0031

16-17 (7&9:30pm)

Mos DefBrooklyn MC who has graced airwaves and silver screens alike now graces Roppongi.


Blue Man GroupSee the blue men in action! For a visual and aural extravaganza like no other, look no further than these three performers and their rhythm-based antics. Various times, Mar 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-31 at the Invoice Theater, Roppongi. ¥7,500-¥8,500. (03) 5414-3255. http://blueman.jp/

World Cup QualifiersCatch Japan’s match against Bahrain at 7:20pm, Mar 28 at the Saitama Stadium. From ¥3,000. 0570-02-9966.

12 (1:30pm)

17 (7pm)

Kanto Plains Choral FestivalThis choral concert features choirs of international schools in Tokyo.

Ricketson Theater of the American School in Japan. www.asij.ac.jp

DuffyThe budding British diva’s soulfully blue-eyed pop will have you begging her for mercy.

Shibuya AX. ¥6,000. Tel: (03) 3444-6751.

Cirque Du Soleil presents CorteoLiven up and join the festivities of a clown’s fantasy celebration as they come true. Various dates and times, until May 5 at the New Big Top in Harajuku. ¥8,000-¥12,000 on weekdays; ¥13,000 on weekends and holidays. (03) 3498-9999. www.corteo.jp

Fuji Rock Festival ‘09Jul 24-26 at Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture. ¥16,800-¥42,800. www.smash-uk.com/frf09/index.html

Katy Perry7pm, May 28-29 at Duo Music Exchange in Shibuya. ¥5,500. (03) 3462-6969.

11 (7pm)14 (7pm)

Rod StewartStill rocking forty years after his debut, “Rod the Bod” proves himself to be forever young.

Saitama Super Arena. ¥7,000-¥16,000. Tel: (03) 3475-9999.

Cirque Du Soleil presents ZEDExperience a world where reality and dreams collide through the eyes of Zed for a night that’s sure to be out of this world. Various times, all month at Cirque Du Soleil Theatre in Tokyo Disney Sea. ¥7,800-¥18,000. 0570-02-86666. www.zed.co.jp

Dweezil Zappa & Ray White7:30pm, Apr 7-8 at Shibuya O-East. (03) 3444-6751.

Eddie Levert of O’Jays6 & 9pm, May 6, 9; 7 & 9:30pm, May 7-8 at Billboard Live Tokyo. (03) 3405-1133.

The Hives7pm, Apr 3 at Shibuya-AX. From ¥6,300. (03) 3462-6969.

16-17 (7pm)

The FratellisSpend a night with the unique Scottish rock band that’s storming up charts worldwide.

Shibuya O-East.¥6,000.Tel: (03) 3462-6969.

CatsAfter a successful 25-year run, T.S. Eliot’s Broadway classic closes its curtains in Japan this April for the last time. Be sure to catch a show beforehand! Various times, all month at Cats Theater in Gotanda. ¥4,000-¥8,800. 0120-489-444.

Best Flea Market10am-4pm, Mar 8 at the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho. Will be cancelled in case of rain. Nearest station is Yurakucho by JR or subway (exit A4B). Contact by fax at (03) 5805-1093.

13 (7pm)

23-24 (7&9:30pm)

Kanto Plains Honor Choir ConcertTop international school high school students in Tokyo comprise this choral ensemble, directed by Henry Leck.

Ricketson Theater of the American School in Japan. Free admission. www.asij.ac.jp

Sheila E.Shake things up with this drumming diva and all-around musician extraordinaire. 7 & 9:30pm, Mar 23-24 at Billboard Live Tokyo. ¥6,500-¥8,500. (03) 3405-1133.

The Lion KingRelive the trials and tribulations of Simba through song as he reclaims his deceased father’s kingdom from his villainous uncle. Various times, all month at the Shiki Theater Haru. ¥3,150-¥10,500. 0120-489-444.

Yokohama Marine Tower MarketHeld at the Marine Tower, one of the tallest inland lighthouses in the world. 11am-5pm, Mar 8, 15, 22, and 29 at the Yokohama Marine Tower. Nearest station is Motomachi-Chukagai on the Minatomirai line.

8 (6&9pm)

Average White BandGet funky to the sounds from these Scottish masters of groovy soul and disco.

Billboard Live Tokyo. ¥6,500-¥8,500. Tel: (03) 3405-1133.

7 (5pm)

New Found Glory, Forever the Sickest Kids, anberlin & TOTALFATPunk-pop lovers rejoice!

Studio Coast in Shin-Kiba. ¥6,800. Tel: (03) 3462-6969.

March 2009March 2009

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Ticket Pia0570-02-9966t.pia.co.jp

Billboard Live Tokyo(03) 3405-1133www.billboard-live.com

Lawson Ticket0570-084-003

Udo(03) 3402-5999www.udo.jp

Contact for tickets

EVENT Calendar

TOKYO families March 2009

JT Taylor of Kool and the GangThe lead singer from one of disco’s greatest bands provides good times to celebrate. Come on!

Billboard Live Tokyo. ¥7,500-¥9,500. Tel: (03) 3405-1133.

EVENT On the Tube

TOKYO families March 200912 www.tokyofamilies.com 13

On the screenOnthescreenOnthescreenOnthescreen

REALITY

Don’t Tell My Mother I’m In...Host Diego Buñuel travels to reportedly dangerous, war-torn countries to look into the everyday lives of its residents. 8pm, Saturdays from Mar 21 on National Geographic Channel. (ch. 741)

American Idol - Season 8The fab 4 judges including the latest addition Grammy-Nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi, put on the pressure as things heat up when the golden-ticket winning singers move onto Hollywood week. See the fate of ‘Bikini girl’ and the performers. Who will make it into the coveted Top 40. 9pm, weekends on FOX. (ch. 722)

Hammerhead HighwayThe Hammerhead has more survival mechanisms than most sharks; yet how will they survive a decline in population? 9pm, Mar 7 on National Geographic Channel. (ch. 741)

Hippos: Africa’s River BeastHippos have long been noted for their calm exterior. Behind that, they conceal a surprisingly violent demeanor. 10pm, Mar 7 on National Geographic Channel. (ch. 741)

Naked Science 5Unveil the truths about the Stone Age, time travel, America’s discovery and more in this HD documentary series. 10pm, Mondays from Mar 2 on National Geographic Channel. (ch. 741)

So You Think You Can Dance? - Season 2Aspiring dancers from all over America gather for the ultimate dance off in hopes of claiming the prime top spot. 12:30am with reruns at 7pm, daily from Mar 10 on FOXlife. (ch. 283)

Super PigsNarrated by a fairy pig of Chinese folklore, discover little-known facts about the creatures that enchanted Taiwan. 10pm, Mar 29 on National Geographic Channel. (ch. 741)

Wild Dog DiaryA filmmaker struggles to bond with a family of dholes. Will he win the trust of the Indian forest’s most mysterious predators? 10pm, Mar 21 on National Geographic Channel. (ch. 741)

ACTION

City of GhostsWhen a con man’s scam goes awry, he hop on a plane to Cambodia to investigate. Little did he know what he was getting into. Matt Dillon, James Caan. 10:35pm, Mar 13 with reruns all month on FOX Movies. (ch. 318)

Dexter - Season 3Dexter’s seemingly great life is shaken up once again when a criminal victim slips from his fingers. 11pm, Saturdays from Mar 28 on FOX Crime. (ch. 723)

Series 7: The ContendersA reality show strands six fame-hungry contestants on an island with weapons. The last one breathing wins this game. Brooke Smith, Marylouise Burke. 12am, Mar 15 with reruns all month on FOX Movies. (ch. 318)

Smallville - Season 5Enter the town of Smallville, Kansas, which is home to a young man named Clark Kent with big muscles and superhuman abilities. Series 5 sees the krptonite gang heading for college and adulthood. 9pm, Wednesdays with reruns all week on AXN. (ch. 725)

Supernatural - Season 3As demons break loose on Earth, the Winchester brothers fight to prevent an impending apocalypse. 10pm, Tuesdays with reruns all week on Super! Drama TV. (ch. 360)

Tru Calling - Season 2Tru’s life experiences some changes as she starts medical school, but her gift to save lives is still in high demand. 12:30am, Saturdays from Mar 7 on FOX Crime. (ch. 723)

COMEDY

11:14Five individuals’ lives change in seconds as a car crash reveals the gruesome details that connect them all. Hilary Swank, Patrick Swayze. 10:25pm, Mar 6 with reruns all month on FOX Movies. (ch. 318)

Alf - Season 1An extra-terrestial adapts to life on Earth as part of the family that takes him in. 7pm, Mondays on NHK. (ch. 3)

Desperate Housewives - Season 2A suspicious family moves into Wisteria Lane, prompting its resident ladies to investigate. 10pm, Saturdays with reruns all week on LaLa TV. (ch. 372)

Entourage - Season 3With a superhero movie under his belt, Vince Chase is the hottest new actor, and his buddies tag along for the ride. 8pm, Saturdays from Mar 14 on FOXlife. (ch. 283)

Full House - Season 7Experience the ups and downs of life in the ‘90s alongside the Tanner family. 7pm, Tuesdays on NHK. (ch. 3)

Kitchen ConfidentialA once high-profile chef is given a chance to redeem himself when a hot spot honcho makes an intriguing offer. 10:30, Saturdays from Mar 14, on FOXlife. (ch. 283)

Samantha Who?A woman with car crash-induced amnesia takes her accident as a sign to change her previously evil ways. 9:30pm, Sundays with reruns all week on AXN. (ch. 725)

Sex and the City - Season 4Enter New York, where four close women go through life and love’s ups and downs with a cocktail in hand. 11pm, Saturdays with reruns all week on LaLa TV. (ch. 372)

Ugly Betty - Season 1Geeky, gold-hearted Betty with the most famous braces on tv, lands a chaotic job at an upscale fashion magazine and has to balance work, home and a romantic life. 1:20am, Saturdays on NHK BS2.

DRAMA

Charmed - Season 5The Halliwell witches all face dilemmas in their career and relationships while more magical mayhem enters their lives. 9pm, Tuesdays with reruns all week, on AXN. (ch. 725)

ColumboLieutenant Columbo, who many judge as slow and fumbling, is the man brought to solve complex murder cases. 8pm, Saturdays on NHK BShi.

CSI - Season 6The crime scene investigators of Las Vegas struggle to solve the most puzzling crimes they’ve ever witnessed. 12am, Fridays with reruns all week on AXN. (ch. 725)

Gilmore Girls - Season 3Rory prepares for college life at Harvard while Lorelai’s love life undergoes a few trials. 11pm, Fridays with reruns on Saturdays on LaLa TV. (ch. 372)

The Listener - Special PreviewA young paramedic’s already busy life borders on chaotic when his telepathic abilities take a toll on him as he realises that with his powers come responsibility. Toby , the twenty something hero injects a little humour into his emotional and intellectual adventures. 10pm, Mar 2 with reruns all month on FOX. (ch. 722)

The OC - Season 1A troubled teen moves in with his public defender’s family amidst the glitz and grit of Orange County. Join the action as Ryan, Seth, Summer and the gang deal with the drama of growing up. 9am, with reruns at 7pm, weekdays on Super! Drama TV. (ch. 360)

Veronica Mars - Season 1A high school girl’s life turns around when her best friend is murdered, intensifying her side-job as a private investigator. 9pm, Mondays with reruns all week on AXN. (ch. 725)

KIDS

Baby ChefA singing chef teaches three culinary toddlers how to cook up simple dishes that your own can make at home. Between 7-8am daily on BabyTV. (ch. 343)

Bim and Bam in the Animal WorldExplore the animal world through stories, songs, and rhymes guided by these two cute, playful puppets. Between 12-1pm daily on BabyTV. (ch. 343)

Egg BirdsThese egg-shaped birds sure love dressing up! Have the kids join them guess what their friends’ costumes are. Between 8-9am daily on BabyTV. (ch. 343)

Hannah MontanaMiley Stewart is an everyday high school girl. When school ends, she transforms into a teenage pop sensation. 6pm, daily on the Disney Channel. (ch. 730)

The Suite Life of Zack & CodyMayhem is the norm at the Tipton Hotel, where troublemaking twins Zack and Cody live. 7pm, weekdays on the Disney Channel. (ch. 730)

Wizards of Waverly PlaceThree siblings juggle life as wizards in training with one as kids, amidst daily magical mishaps. 6:30pm, Fridays; 5:30pm, Sundays on the Disney Channel. (ch. 730)

On the tubeOnthetubeOnthetubeOnthetubeOnthetubeOnthetubeOnthetub

Photo Credits:1.Baby Chef © BabyTV > 2.Naked Science 5 © Granada > 3.Dexter © Showtime Networks Inc. > 4.Tru Calling © 2004-2005 20th Century Fox Film Corporation > 5.Wild Dog Diaries © Krupakar Senani Features > 6.Bim and Bam © BabyTV > 7.The Listener © Shaftesbury Films > 8.Egg Birds © BabyTV > 9.Hippos © Beverly Joubert / National Geographic.

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Yes manJim Carey returns to the screen playing surprise, surprise, a guy whose life is going no where in a dead end job and signs up for a self help program based on the simple rule-Just say yes to everything. The power of YES transforms his life and love ensues with Zooey Deschanel. Carey contorts himself into a range of comical poses in his return to his pure comedy roots. The movie is based on the true story of a British humorist Danny Wallace who really did say yes to everything for six months. This is typical Carey territory, giving a good dose of humour with a touching love story.Released March 20th

Dragon ballWhat will Hollywood do when it runs out of comic books to adapt? Akira Toriyama’s famous Japanese manga gets the big screen treatment as this mega bucks action blockbuster for spring hits the screens with martial art fist cams, computer graphics galore and high expectations from the studio executives. ChowGoku played by Justin Chatwin goes on a journey to find Master Roshi and gather the seven mystical Dragon Balls. The animation series has million of fans the world over just waiting for this movie to flop. The track record of comic book adaptions doesn’t bode well but this one could prove the exception to the rule.Released March 13th

Madagascar:Escape 2 AfricaHere we are back in the bush but this time the city slickers crash in a game reserve on their way back to the big apple. Full of the familiar pop culture original so popular with both kids and parents. It stars the voices of Ben Stiller, as Alex the dancing lion and Chris Rock as his zebra sidekick Marty, along with Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer and Sacha Baron Cohen. The zany New York crew mix with their own kind for the first time and discover what the wild is really like.Released March 14th

Marley and meAfter K9 and Beethoven, do we need another dog movie? Apparently yes. Starring Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson and Marley, billed as the world’s worst dog. Based on the best selling memoirs of John Grogan, this touching and funny movie chronicles the trials and tribulations of a young married couple and you guessed it, their dog. A feel good movie for the family to shed a tear and laugh; sweet, sad, sentimental and destined to be a family favourite. The Devil Wears Prada’s David Frankel directs this slick adaptation with a great performance by Alan Arkin and a cameo by Kathleen Turner as Marley’s dog trainer make this movie top dog.Released March 27th

Bedtime StoriesA family comedy about a lowly handyman played by Adam Sandler whose life changes when the bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew start to magically come true. This is definitely one for the kids; Adam Sandler does the usual Adam Sandler faces and funny voices but perhaps even the youngsters can see through this one. It’s harmless enough. Light relief for any adults that have to sit through the movie, is provided by the notorious Russell Brand.Released March 20th.

EVENT On the Screen


LIFESTYLE Cekebrity Chat


Having just returned to Tokyo from her recent family vacation on Boracay Island in the Philippines, Inés Ligron is back in action – full throttle. Around her meetings are taking place, interviews are

being conducted and photos are being snapped while phones ring and computer screens flicker in the background. She sits casually, speaking with us from her offices located on the 5th floor of a non-desrcript building along chic and trendy Omotosando Dori, on top of the Oriental Bazaar, while unsuspecting passers-by meander down the fashionable, tree-lined street below.

For Ligron, 46, it’s really just another day as the National Director of Japan’s Miss Universe Organization, a position she’s held since 1998, and an operation co-owned by both New York real estate mogul Donald Trump and NBC Universal Inc.

Since coming on board at the request of ‘the Donald’, Ligron has, along with her team, produced three top 5 finishes in the Miss Universe pageant within a span of four years, beginning with Miyako Miyazaki finishing 5th in 2003, Kurara Chibana finishing 1st Runner-Up in 2006, and most recently, with Riyo Mori winning Miss Universe 2007!

Not bad for an expat who admits that pageantry never really interested her!

But it’s also another day for her as mom to her sons Ben Phillipe, 25, Noa Bleu, 8 and Luca Kei, 7, as a wife to her loving husband Ken, not to mention as a friend to all the other people she cares about.

This is just who she is - a power-working, sociable, confident woman with an instinctive talent for both fashion and style. And this is the way it’s always been, for as long as she can remember.

“My parents always joked that I was born wearing high heels... because I always loved fashion, and did everything 10 years earlier than anyone else,” she reveals.

And while she tried attending fashion college, she hated it because it bored her. “I am creative, with huge attention-deficit disorder... my body was at school but my mind was in Hollywood-land!” she declares. But her drive and determination was evident at an even much earlier age.

“When I was 10 I started to clean dishes, serve clients, clean the floor and the toilets. I would do anything to get money because I hated my mom's (fashion) taste and this way I could buy myself clothes that I liked. I even bought my first motorcycle at 15... working crazy hours during my summer holidays while my friends were playing on the beach!” she recalls, pausing, then continuing...

“And ten days after my third son was born, I was organizing a 11,000 person gala in Tokyo,” she admits, suprisingly even to herself.

Suffice it to say that Ligron is not one for standing still, at least not for too long. At 18 she was married for the first time, at 21 she had her first child, and then at 21 started her own highly successful, beauty center and spa, which she then sold 6 years later for a healthy profit.

In 1995 she became the Asia/Pacific Director of IMG Models in Hong Kong introducing to Asia such world-famous supermodels as Tyra

Banks, Milla Jovovich, Stephanie Seymour, Caroline Murphy, Liv Tyler and Angela Lindevall.Then her name came up in a conversation with Donald Trump, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Now, 11 years after first arriving in Japan, she admits that things have slowed down, but only just a bit.

She is still first to arrive at the office everyday at 8:30, after doing her own hair and make-up because no one does it quite the way she like it. And while she does sometimes leave early to spend more time with her family, either roller-blading, playing in the park, reading, watching the Discovery Channel, listening to music,

taking photos, kissing, racing cars or riding a Harley, she also has no qualms about pulling all-nighters to get her job done. She eats well, her favorite food being unagi, avocado and spinach, and she exercises, either at home or at the Ritz Carlton gym, where she like bumping into the odd celeb.

So what's her secret? How does she keep it all together?

Balance, love and some really good help.

“My family is my treasure. I have three beautiful sons... who are so well behaved and such loving boys because of Até Juliet (our nanny) & Até Remy (our tutor), the two stars at home teaching our kids these values while I work,” Ligron confides. She also extolls the virtues of her loving husband, who “... writes me love messages on the mirror in our bathroom everyday and treats me like a princess. I know that he loves me crazily and it makes me love him even more. Every day we cherish being partners in life and we love the concept of being together forever,” she beams.

And beams she does, confiding that now more than ever she is genuinely content.

“There is nothing else I would like in my life now. I feel I have everything!”

And how can you feel the same as Ines Ligron, no matter who you are and what you do, especially if you are a Japanese woman. Simple really...

“Be proud to be a woman and send that message to the people around you. Think big for your life. Be confident about who you are. Love and respect yourself always.”

Fantabulous advice from someone living it, no?! u

Happ-Inésby Stephen Lebovits

LIFESTYLE Cekebrity Chat

16 TOKYO families March 2009 17www.tokyofamilies.com

LIFESTYLE Family fortuneLIFESTYLE Family fortune

Wealth Building and Protection

A s the global economy continues to flounder, now more than ever it’s a pertinent time to review professional and personal goals. Equally important is a financial plan which if achieved, will eliminate

professional concerns and provide a stress-free personal life in retirement. Professional, personal and money lives are inextricably linked and are equally important for ‘thirty-somethings’ or those in the autumn of their careers.

Aside from the lucky few who achieve financial independence at a sufficiently young age to enjoy their wealth, the majority devote entire working lives to achieving financial goals. For people in their 30’s, wealth building and the management of wealth is essential in realizing objectives. For those in their 50’s, protecting accumulated wealth is usually the priority.

For younger people, wealth building is a process of identifying, implementing and monitoring financial objectives, but common mistakes can be made :-

Robert Williams is Branch Representative of IFG Asia, part of the IFG Group plc, with offices in Tokyo. www.ifg-asia.com / [email protected]

by Robert Williams

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des ign

•Sol id teaKwood, intr icate

workmanshipmade to last

•Quic k del ivery

•Competent maintenance

serv ice system

•Onl ine shopping

•Foreigner-fr iendly

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM!Open every day 11am-8pmClosed Thursdays

3-8-17 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Tel:03-3401-0886

RLC Preschool18 mths ~ 4.5 years old

Welcome to your child's first classroom! Come visit our positive, friendly school where children learn, play and socialize.

1.Neither establishing objectives nor implementing a plan. “People don’t plan to fail, they just fail to plan”

2.Consideration of two risks;

3.Ignoring portfolios during adverse market conditions when it is important to adapt to changing dynamics.

4.Procrastination.

Many people regret delaying financial decisions but taking steps towards financial security should not need a decision. Delaying the commencement of a retirement plan by a few years can mean that contributions would need to double to achieve the same income for later years. The chilling alternative is the postponement of retirement.

For late-career individuals, wealth has usually been achieved through savings, investments and inheritance. The nest egg needs to be protected but many invest in higher risk assets like stocks and mutual funds without paying attention to performance during volatile periods. People within 5 years of retirement should meet regularly with their financial planner to ensure that risk is minimized and wealth is protected. Some unfortunate people within touching distance of retirement were too exposed in 2008 and now face many additional working years.

Younger people in the early stages of wealth building should take five fundamental steps to achieving financial goals:-

For those in the wealth building phase of life, developing and managing a financial plan is vital once they have swapped Mortar Boards for Bowler Hats. A 30 year-old wishing to comfortably retire at 60 only has 360 paydays in which to achieve it! Conversely, those who can virtually smell the fresh sea air from the balcony of their retirement villa, must have a coherent strategy to gradually reduce portfolio risk as the final years of working life come into view. If the foundations for wealth-building and protection are in place a more financially secure future can be achieved. u

•Identifying objectives and when they should be achieved.•Quantify risk tolerance to identify suitable assets. •Check experience and qualifications if engaging a financial planner, and the safety of the product providers being used. What is the exit strategy if needed ? •Develop a realistic plan and implement it without delay. •Monitor progress regularly.

-Investment risk; inadequately quantifying attitude to investment risk and targeting unrealistic returns. -Personal risk; Failing to insure against premature death or long term sickness.


LIFESTYLE RecipesLIFESTYLE Recipes

Spring is in the air and what better way to welcome the

season than with these delicious combinations of crispy, crunchy vegetables. Bright, bold

and so healthy.

Sensational Salads

Italian Lentil SaladFor 4servings

kidsGOOD FOR:

budgetCOST:

it's okKIDS CHOICE:

in a jiffy

PREPARATION:

healthy

SWEET TOOTH

naughty but nice

family dinners

every day

like it

under an hour

over the top

parties

special occasion

love it!

over an hour

Ingredients

• 400g of cooked lentils

• 4 preserved baby artichokes, preferably char-grilled, quartered

• 1 red onion, halved lengthways and cut into fine slivered wedges

• 150g of gorgonzola spicy (blue cheese)

• a handful of mixed fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil,marjoram, snipped chives

Preparation

1.In a soup pot put the lentils and cover with water, lower the heat and simmer until the lentils soften.

2. Let them cool down and drain in a bowl, then add the vinegar, oil and pepper.

3. Add the artichokes, onion and gorgonzola cheese, black olives, then toss gently.

4. Add salt and pepper to taste, then serve, sprinkled with herbs.

note: No need to soak lentils before cooking and, like beans, don‘t salt them until towards the end.You can also add aromatics such as onion or garlic to the cooking water.

Italian dressingIngredients

a pinch of sea salt (taste the lentils first in case they‘re already salty)1 tablespoon red vinegar3~4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

freshly ground black pepper

Recipe on this page by : Vittorio of Sin Minami Aoyama

Sin Minami Aoyama is a stylish family friendly Italian dining located in the chic area

of Omotesando. Its warm ambience, fine cuisine, exquisite pastries and selected

wines are worth the visit.

Tel. 03-6419-3838 http://sin-tokyo.com


Italian Grilled Pepper salad

Preparation

1. Grill the whole peppers.

2. Cook them on all sides until charred. Remove from the heat,

transfer to a saucepan and put on the lid(this will help steam off the skins).

3. Let them cool, drain the juices into a small bowl. Scrape off

and discard the charred skins.

4. Cut the peppers in half lengthways and scrape out and

discard the seed and

membranes, adding any juices to the bowl.

5. For the dressing, put 2 tablespoons of the juices into

another bowl with the olive oil. Beat with a fork. Add salt and

pepper to taste, and extra pepper juice if you like.

6. When ready to assemble the salad, tear the mozzarellas

apart into big shreds - about 4 pieces each - and put on 4

chilled plates. Add a handful of rocket and 2 pepper halves to

each plate. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and cracked pepper

and serve.

note: Don‘t slather the balsamic over the salad. Use it as

seasoning, not a dressing.

For 3servings

Ingredients

• 4 large red peppers

• 2 mozzarella cheeses,

(preferably mozzarella di bufala)

• 4 handfuls of wild rocket

• 4 tablespoons of high-quality cold

-pressed extra virgin olive oil

• balsamic vinegar

• sea salt and freshly grinded

black pepper

Gorgonzola sheese


LIFESTYLE Retaurant GuideLIFESTYLE Retaurant Guide

Sin Minami AoyamaA fusion of contemporary and traditional Italian cuisine. Modern decor. Great place to hold parties. Wide selection of fine wines. Ideal place to dine. Located in Omotesando. Cool Ambience.Friendly people. Great food.

TEL. 03-5419-3838http://sin-tokyo.com

Good Honest GrubGHG relocated between Shibuya and Ebisu offering great pastas, sandwiches and brunch. Lunch, Mon-Fri. 11:30am - 3pm. Brunch on Sat., Sun., and National Holidays 10:30-4pm. Private parties at night with set menu. Full catering services!!

2-20-8 Shibuya, Higashi, Tokyo 150-0011. Tel./Fax. 03-3797-9877http://www.goodhonestgrub.com

SorrisoSpacious, resort-like ambience.Warm, family atmosphere.Undeniable Italian gourmet pizza.Wide array of Italian wines.Just 1 minute walk from Iidabashi station.

3-1-15 Kagurazaka,Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0825Tel. 03-3235-4477www.carmine.jp

NapuleAuthentic Napoli ambience, warmth, spacious table settings.Pizza prepared by World Pizza Champion 2007.Napule Pizzeria and TrattoriaLunch 11am-2pm (last order)Dinner 5-11pm (last order)

1st floor Tokyo Midtown Garden Terrace D-00117 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku Tel. 03-5413-0711www. bellavita.co.jp/napule/tmt/

CarthagoOwned by globe trotter chef Hatanaka, this cozy restaurant specializes in North African, Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisines. Located a few minutes’ walk from Nakano station.

3-34-3 Nakano, Nakano-ku, TokyoTel. 03-3384-9324

Hard Rock CafeStandard American family menus in hearty helpings.Unique local menu also available.Rock n’roll memorabilia adorn each corner.

5-4-20 Roppongi, Minato-kuTokyo 106-0032 JapanTel. 03-3408-7018 http://www.hardrockjapan.com

You will find here a selection of our favorite restaurants.

S ome say life’s joys can be found in the little

things. The same goes for cuisine. Tapas Molecular Bar puts aside the concept of conventional dining in favor of a gastronomic trek. Award-winning star chef Jeff Ramsey creates a menu of over 25 courses, each an intricate, lavish bite-sized dish presented sushi-bar style, and prepared before the eyes of visitors. Needless to say, the dining experience here is like no other. As such, the innovative venue only seats seven at a time.

The food itself is quite unique. The offbeat combinations of unlikely ingredients would raise eyebrows at first. Foie Gras and Cotton Candy? Carrot Caviar? Surprisingly, they work! The marriages are not only in the flavors but also in the culture. Tapas has its own twist on the popular Japanese niku-jaga (meat and potatoes) and Pesto Spaghetti. Finally, there is the delectable dessert in the form of Caramel Corn. A feast for the taste buds indeed!

Jeff Ramsey is the mastermind behind Tapas. Previously a sushi chef, Ramsey has won many awards, including Sushi of the Year. He has worked with famed Spanish chef José Andrés in Washington DC; their collaboration inspired the concept of the bar. u

Great Gourmet in small servingsBla bla bla...

38th floor Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi-Muromachi, Chuo-ku.

Call 03-3270-8188 to reserve in advance. (9am-9pm)

email: [email protected]

Menu in Japanese and English. Non-smoking restaurant.

Mitsukoshimae station by Hanzomon line, exit A7.

Greek Salad Caramel Corn

Miso Soup

Masterful

Molecules


LIFESTYLE WellnessLIFESTYLE Active

Let‘s be honest. You‘ve seen the advertisements for weight loss pills - you know, the ones with those amazing before and after pictures - and you‘ve wondered to yourself... do they work?

Diet pills are everywhere, they tempt from store shelves, from infomercials and from glossy magazine pages. You probably know someone who is dabbling with diet pills or maybe you‘ve tried them yourself. Have you ever wondered how they work?

Weight loss pills can be broken down into 3 basic categories:Appetite Suppressants: These work just like it sounds. The appetite-regulating region of your brain (the hypothalamus) is tricked by blockage of the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. As a result you feel like you‘ve just eaten a big meal, so you‘re less likely to overeat.

Stimulants: These types of weight loss pills used to contain a combination of ephedra and caffeine to raise energy expenditure (thermogenesis) while also reducing appetite. You‘re probably aware that these pills were proven in some cases to be deadly, so ephedra was taken off the market. Stimulant pills now contain other ephedra-like substances, vitamins and caffeine. The idea is to increase energy and boost metabolism.

Fat Blockers: These pills inhibit the action of the enzyme lipase, which is responsible for breaking down fat during the digestion process. The goal is to prevent a percentage of the fat you‘ve eaten from being absorbed into your system.

So we return to our burning question. Do the pills work? Here‘s what the diet pill companies say:

„You‘ll lose 30lbs in 30 days“ „Achieve rapid weight loss results“ „Burn calories and fat 24 hours a day“ „Fights fat and delivers rapid weight loss“

Those claims are amazing. Too bad they are just that - claims. It‘s so tempting to imagine that those benefits could be gained just by swallowing a pill. Tempting enough to make diet pills a multi-billion dollar-a-year industry. Hmm, makes you wonder that if that many diet pills have been taken then why don‘t we all look like swim suit models yet?

While diet pills showcase a few star subjects, none of whom live on your block, the world is full of real people who have lost weight and improved their lives with exercise and healthy eating. Check out these proven benefits of exercise: Increased Weight Loss, Improved Sleep Pattern, Raised Self Esteem, Feel Younger Than Ever; the list goes on.

A pill may slightly increase your metabolic rate for a time or may

Jeff Libengood

Baby Burn!Burn

Jeff Liebengood, Founder of Jeff‘s

Fitness, has been serving Japan and the

expat community for 20 years. If you want

results look no further than Jeff email

[email protected]

Do you have

LOW BACK PAIN?Need to

LOSE WEIGHT?Want to get fit at

BOOT CAMP?Need

REHABILITATION?

Specializing in:

Personal Training, Low Back Pain, Corrective Exercise, Boot Camps, Weight Loss, Over 40 Fitness, Flexibility Programs, Nutritional Help, Deep Tissue/Trigger Point Massage

www.jeffsfitness.comE: [email protected], 090-3903-6390

Contact Jeff, “The Fitness Doctor” Now!Contact Jeff, “The Fitness Doctor” Now!

Tone up with Taiko

Looking for a fun and exhilarating way to get fit ? How about an activity where you can learn about a traditional Japanese art form and improve your health? Then follow the beat to your nearest Taiko drumming class.

Taiko is an ancient sacred practice that first began as a form of communication. Different drumbeats were played to signal a good harvest or bad weather, to frighten away enemies, to communicate between villages or to send messages to the battlefield. Over time, Taiko continued to develop into what it is today: a visual spectacle of skill and stamina. By incorporating multiple drums, speed, and theatrics, modern Taiko moved from the world of warriors to the world of performing arts and now to the world of fitness.

Aerobic workout & muscle toningIf you have ever watched this artistic and dynamic performance, the health and wellness benefits are immediately apparent. Taiko is more than a rhythmic medley of traditional and modern sounds—it is indeed a workout! In an active Taiko session, you work out the legs, abdominal muscles, arms, back and shoulders. Powerful strokes are needed to create the correct sound and resonance. A strong lower body stance is essential because Taiko is usually played while standing. In addition to lots of swinging arm movements, many Taiko drumming pieces also include energetic moves, trading places and acrobatic leaps.

Therapeutic exerciseNeed to release tension after a tough day? Then grab a “bachi” (drum stick), jump around and yell! The dramatic, exhilarating pounding away is guaranteed to help release any pent up emotions and to boost your mood! In addition, because ensemble drumming requires precision, focus and teamwork, drummers also find Taiko to be a fun, exhilarating and soulful experience.

Easy to try Taiko is great for men, women and children of all abilities who want to make some noise! To start, all you need is enthusiasm—no previous percussion experience is necessary. So, whether you have an interest in a traditional Japanese art, the desire for a new way to get fit, love music, want to meet new friends or just enjoy having fun, check out your local Taiko drumming class—it’s guaranteed to energize and empower! u

Beat the Flab by Karen Pond

Preserve a cultural tradition and get fit with Taiko! For more details, check out these

Japanese and English sites:

Wadaiko-ryu: www.wadaiko-ryu.com/taikoen.htm

Waraku Daiko: www.wakon.biz/english/kyositsu.html

Tokyo American Club: www.tokyoamericanclub.org

Miyabi Arashi Taiko School: Director Moko Igarashi; 03-5442-3368

Taiko Shudan Amanojaku: http://english.amanojaku.info/profile/index.html#globalnavi

Studio Hougaku Academy: www.e-hougaku.com/06.html

Weight-Loss Pills: the plain truth

25

LIFESTYLE Home base

Spring Cleaning Feng Shui is a way of recognizing the impact your environment has on your life experience. If you’re looking for things to be fresh and inspiring, best to first turn to your home base. Cleaning can be not only therapeutic but can also help to bring about profound shifts in all areas of your life. While cleaning should be more than an annual occasion, Spring Cleaning allows you to harness the season’s natural cycle of growth and expansion as you get things polished up.

General When doing a Spring Cleaning, pay particular attentions to any areas that might not have received regular cleaning throughout the year. Enlist some muscle and get furniture pulled away from its regular position so that the areas behind and underneath can be properly cleaned. Give your photographs and artwork a good dusting and clean frame glass well so that you can see your favourite images more clearly (don’t forget the top of the frame).

EntranceYour entrance is particularly important as it speaks to how you interface with new situations. Clean the entire area thoroughly, including the surface of the door itself. Open the entry closets and take everything out and review what you will be wearing as the weather changes – put what you can into storage. Leaving enough space for guests to hang their coats will help you welcome new people and situations into your life.

MirrorsAll reflective surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned. Mirrors represent how we see ourselves in the world around us, and anything that hinders a clear reflection should be cleaned away. As with framed pictures, be certain to clean the frame itself, paying particular attention to dust accumulation on the top.

FloorWhat lies beneath our feet represents the foundational grounding of our understanding (literally ‘under standing’) and should be regularly cleaned. As Spring is the time that snow melts and grass grows, giving the floor a thorough cleaning is certainly called for. Pay particular attention to the areas where the floor meets the wall, as well as the tops of any baseboards.

KitchenWhere you prepare your food has a huge influence on your well-being and how you nourish yourself in all ways. Ensuring that every part of the kitchen is clean and working well is essential. Pull away all major appliances and clean the inside, outside, and surrounding areas thoroughly. Chipped plates, bowls, and mugs are best disposed of.

ClothesThe change of season is an ideal time to review what clothes you wish to wear – as Nature changes how she presents herself, so do we. Decide which items will stay in the closet, which will go into storage until colder times return, and which should move on to another home. As much as it’s easy to accumulate clothes that we like, it is important to let go so that we can acquire other things we like just as much or even better.

LIFESTYLE He Says/She Says

www.tokyofamilies.com

He says ... She says ...

How did you meet?

What keeps you together?

What does you yourspouse do that bugs you?

What bugs your spouse about you?

What do other couples do wrong?

What’s hard about living in Tokyo?

What’s great about living in Tokyo?

How about your children?

How do you handle child discipline?

How about food?

What interests do you share?

A message to other ex-pats?

March madness brings out the best in our couples.

This month Spencer and Saouri

join the mix and share their thoughts

about life in their mixed up world

We‘d love to get your perspectives. To join in the mix just send your thoughts before

the end of the month to He says..She says c/o [email protected]

We went to college together and dated off and on for several years after that.

You know, we just take one day at a time.

My wife here is a one-woman entertainment committee. Nothing against kids, but weekends are like Six Flags around our place.

She’s probably got a list. Toenails. Either that, or my snoring.

Don’t worry too much about stuff you can’t change. Take problems as they come.

Driving. I got this sweet little car, but on these roads I barely get out of second. Traffic out here is terrible. The language is hard, too.

It’s Tokyo! One of the greatest cities in the world. We’ve got everything, here.

That’s another thing; I don’t have to worry about my girls as much in Tokyo. I think they can relax a lot more, here.

That’s not really a problem. We’ve got good girls. Maybe it’s their Japanese school.

I couldn’t be happier, we finally got Burger King. Now if we could just get some good deep-dish Chicago-style pizza.

We both like traveling. That’s one of the best things about Japan. There are so many places we can get to easily.

Learn the language.

Yeah, then I told him to put up or pack up. Put that in there for all the girls!

So long as he behaves himself, we’re good. Lately he’s really been walking the line.

He snores, and that’s no secret. Our neighbors are just too polite to say anything. He snores loud. I know he can’t help it…I love him, anyway. Everything bugs him about me, he needs to just get over it. I am perfect, and that’s all there is to it.

Don’t keep quiet. I’ve got all these Japanese girl friends who put up with way too much. If You let it go, and it just gets a lot worse.

Grocery Shopping. Maybe if I learn to read Kanji or something. Sometimes I open up the packages just to make sure what’s inside (don’t tell anyone) and I wish Sony Plaza had more stuff.

He’s got a great job opportunity, here. And it’s a great place for our kids. Our two girls go to public school, and they like it a lot more than our schools back home.

We’ve got two beautiful little girls and they can both speak Japanese. You should hear them. They learned more in six months than I ever will. They translate everything for me.

I hand them over to their father. The Enforcer, I call him.

I like to eat out when we can, but once you have kids there’s limits to where we can go. We got T.G.I.Friday’s and Outback and that helps a lot.

Yes, we like traveling and our girls do, too. We never used to travel this much back home.

Living in another country can be tough…look for the good in everything…get out more.

Cleaning might seem a chore to most people, but it has huge benefits. When you consider the impact it has on your mood and the reverberations that this sends out into your life, it is well worth the effort. A thorough cleanse of your home space will bring about a fresh perspective on how you experience all aspects of your life. Happy Cleaning! u

It’s time to refresh so whip out your duster

and polish up your life

by Mark Ainley

24 TOKYO families March 2009

Mark will visit Tokyo in April to give Feng Shui workshops and consultations. To contact

at [email protected] to arrange a consultation.

27www.tokyofamilies.com TOKYO families March 200926

ESCAPE Adventures Abroad

S upermarkets and coral reefs are a peculiar combination. Pacific ambience and American convenience make up Micronesia’s Guam. Home to a friendly mix of lavish resort hotels, long sandy

beaches, stunning inland waterfalls and the world’s biggest K mart, it’s a GI Joe’s and Jane’s playground. Blessed with a rich cultural legacy and spectacular natural beauty, the island’s name comes from the ancient Chamorro word ‘Guahan’, meaning “we have” and Guam certainly has all you could possibly need for that perfect stealth mission holiday.

The ‘drop’ is quick and easy and it’s only a three-hour flight. Set up camp and before you can ‘jump to attention’ you can be ensconced by the pool. Yep! It’s hard to shake the military feel here, with parks named after Generals and statues dotted round the island commemorating the islands’ history of invasions and occupations. These days, outsiders are welcomed with open arms and open registers.

GOING NATIVE The tourist hub of Tumon holds no surprises. A heavy dose of Americana, mixed with a smattering of the duty-free malls and Japanese noodle bars. As the shopping frenzy takes place, just minutes away on the other side of the street ‘fish are jumping and the living is easy’. Hotels couldn’t be more family friendly with the big boys of the pacific weighing in strong: Outrigger, Sheraton, and the Hyatt hotels amongst others, all providing ideal barracks and super water parks. The island is small and exploring is a simple exercise. From Tumon with its stretch limousines, bypass the Anderson military base and it’s armoured Hummers, and head south for the true spirit of Guam, where the locals just hum! Eco tourism is on the increase and the local Chamorro culture is thriving. Grab a piece of the action! Sleepy villages, pristine beaches, war memorials, ancient Chamorro burial grounds, and remnants of 333 years of Spanish occupation are all around.

The mountainous volcanic interior of the south, with its remote beaches and swaying palms are all a far cry from the karaoke bars and K marts. Collect star-shaped sand from Gun beach for the perfect omiyage and snorkel in the clear, turquoise waters of Taga’chang beach. Then head for the living museum of ‘Gef Pa’go’, a Chamorro cultural village. Located on the shores of the village of Inarajan, crafts people and folkways practitioners keep the native spirit alive. Guam even has it’s own ‘lost’ island, Cocos Island, about 3 kms off Guam’s southern tip. Surrounded by a vast barrier reef and blessed with good beaches and lagoons, it’s great for a chow down. Catch the ferry or commandeer your own vessel. If you tire of the park beaches, move inland for a spot of what the locals call “boonie stomping” and venture off the beaten track (but you don’t have to go too far), to the waterfalls and fresh water pools at Talofofo Falls.

BACK AT CAMPThere’s no end of activities for the family to do around Tumon Bay. Kayaks, good old fashioned snorkelling and even a shooting range for the ‘Top brass’ (questionable holiday fun!). Spend an afternoon at the The Pacific Islands Club with its swim-through aquarium and maze of waterslides. Thrill seekers can fall from the sky, plunge to the depths of the ocean, even stroke baby sharks at ‘Underwater world’s’ petting zoo, all within walking distance of the hotel.

As for rations, keep the platoon happy with an endless supply of super–sized pizza, pasta, burgers and umpteen Japanese chain noodle and sushi bars and yes, a new Cold stone creamery! Local cuisine has a heavy Spanish influence; ‘red rice’ and ‘kelagven’ ( a spicy, sweet chicken dish) are the local specialities and of course the fresh seafood is always a winner. As Spring break draws closer, get a taste of Chamorro hospitality, give the family it’s marching orders and go native in Guam. u

ESCAPE Adventures Abroad

Going AWOL}Lost in Guam!

by Carl Williams

Native Inhabitants: Chamorro

Official Languages: English and Chamorro

Access: Approx 3 hours from Tokyo

Time difference: 1 hour

Currency: A very friendly US Dollar

Climate: Generally warm and humid, Dry season

(January to June), rainy season (July to December) with

an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius

Airfare flights: from around ¥40,000

Info

ESCAPE Day Out

www.tokyofamilies.com 29

ESCAPE Day Out

28 TOKYO families March 2009

Strawberry picking is gaining momentum and has muscled it’s way into one of those essential seasonal activities in Japan, alongside cherry blossom viewing, and autumnal foliage watching. However

rather than being a passive pastime, it’s a great family activity, doesn’t require a lot of planning and feeds the rabble to boot.

Japan’s strawberries are superb, you only have to wander into to your local supermarket to see the box fresh perfect strawberries arranged like the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Sheer, luscious perfection from another world with a price to match. Why pay exorbitant prices for the privilege when just over an hour away you can be in Chiba’s strawberry fields, home to the world’s best berries, picking your own.

FIELDSForever

GROUND RULESBack in the home country more often than not, one takes a punnet or two and spends a few hours meandering around the open fields, choosing the finest specimens from a motley bunch of saplings, occasionally sneaking the odd sample out of sight of the farmer- ‘ Just to test, you understand’. Without washing and wary of insects, pesticides and dirt; we’d only eat the odd berry whilst on the go. One would imagine this to be the actions of pickers the world over. Wrong! Japan likes to do things differently.

Japan specialises in the “Ichigo-Tabehoudai”. Translations differ from “all-you-can-eat strawberries” to “stuff yourself senseless with strawberries”. This is a no holes barred bout, 30 minutes to devour as many of the succulent beauties as you see humanly fit. 30 minutes to ravage the beautifully cultivated strawberry plants. Primed with a flimsy plastic container, ready, set, go. Choose your lane and start gobbling. Everyone is looking for that strawberry Eldorado, that untouched row of plants where the fruit has just that second ripened; it makes the ‘fast pass dash’ at Disneyland seem like child’s play. These pickers are serious and time means strawberries, it’s contagious. Watch the parents stroll in, within minutes they are reduced to salivating wrecks, running to the next lane in search of the scarlet bounty.

by Chiba’s Jammy deal

STICKY FINGERSAfter all that stuffing, what’s the damage? Strawberries are healthy no doubt there. eight medium sized strawberries contain the same amount of vitamin C as an orange. Of course gluttony can get the better of us and the initial 10 minute spurt can induce other kinds of spurts! Go lightly and keep an eye on members of the crew whose eyes are bigger than their tummies. At the end of the 30 minutes you have to vacate the premises. It’s a strawberry eat strawberry world out there and once your time is up, out you must go.

Smaller farms offer only the frenzied greenhouse picking style but the larger centres offer the outside field picking option as well; an altogether more civilised affair, more reminiscent of back home. No loafers or high heels here, take your boots and spend as long as you want in the fields. Strawberry folk are always happy; in many ancient cultures strawberries were believed to bring happiness and are still thought of as “happy fruit”. Spread a bit of that happiness, indulge the family with the great taste of strawberry and jam those berries in while you have the chance.

Strawberry facts to impress the kids on the way to the fields1. Strawberries are a member of the rose family.2. “Strawberry” is the second most popular natural flavour, second only to “chocolate”3. Strawberries are low fat, low calorie; high in vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, potassium4. The average strawberry has 200 seeds.5. Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside. HAPPY PICKING! u

We stuffed ourselves silly at Kawatsura Strawberry farm, Sammu City,

Chiba www.chiba4u.com/1583/e/index.htm

Date: Open between Mid. December and Early May.

Hours: Weekday : 10AM - 3:30PM and weekends and holidays from

8:30AM until the strawberries run out.

Cost: 30 minute “Ichigo-Tabehoudai” Adult (over 7 years) ¥1,300,

Child(over 3 years ) ¥1,000, Child (under 3 years) ¥500.

Access: By car - it takes approximately and hour and a half travelling

from the Tokyo metropolitan area when using the highways.

By train - it takes and hour and 10 minutes from Tokyo station using the

“Shiosai” express train.

Info

Get your fingers sticky and explore Chiba’s jammy deal

TOKYO families March 200930 31www.tokyofamilies.com

Geoff & Rebecca Letchford, the husband and wife photography team shed some light on their craft.

COMMUNITY Focus

To find out more about Letchford & Letchford visit www.letchford.com.ai

COMMUNITY Pick up Points

TOKYO .......................................

≥ AKASAKAHomat Viscount ResidenceAux BacchanalesOakwood Premier Tokyo MidtownOakwood Residence AkasakaPizzeria Trattoria Napule Tokyo MidtownSun RealtyLloydsTSB BankWho Ga Hair SalonAkasaka Animal HospitalHotel New Otani

≥ AOYAMADaimaru Peacock SupermarketTokyo English Life Line Business OfficePizzeria Trattoria NapuleInter HouseWomen’s Clinic Minami-AoyamaEyelash SalonAkai Clinic

≥ AZABU (JUBAN/AZABUDAI)Nissin World Delicatessen SupermarketDaimaru Peacock SupermarketRelo JapanOakwood Residence AzabujubanSuji’s Restaurant & BarCentury 21 SKY RealtyMitsubishi Tokyo UFJ BankAzabu Orthopedic ClinicDr. Ohnogi Psychotherapy & Counseling Clinic

≥ DENENCHOFU/OKUSAWANational Den-en SupermarketBookstore Fiona

≥ EBISUThe Westin Hotel TokyoMeguro International Friendship Assosiation(MIFA)

≥ HACHIOJICarpet Doctor

≥ HARAJUKU/OMOTESANDOOakwood Residence Aoyama

Aoyama Book Center Main StoreFujimamas RestaurantPizza ExpressDesign FestaSin Den Hair SalonDr King Medical ClinicO’Rose FurnitureStudio Mon Katsura

≥ HIROONational Azabu SupermarketSmash HitsJ’s KitchenTokyo Lawn Tennis ClubBeaute AbsoluteA’cross Travellers BureauDaktari Animal HospitalKato GalleryHikkaduwa Interiors

≥ IKEBUKURODubliner’s Irish Pub Ikebukuro

≥ JIYUGAOKAAoyama Book Center

≥ KANDA Books Sanseido (Kanda-Jinbocho)

≥ KICHIJOJIShizen Yoga Studio

≥ KORAKUENCalifornia Pizza Kitchen (Tokyo Dome)

≥ MARUNOUCHI/GINZA/YURAKUCHOForeign Correspondents’ Club of JapanAmerican PharmacyYaseu Book CenterMaruzen BookstoreAoyama Book Center (Marubiru)FunrootsMercure Hotel Ginza Tokyo

≥ NAGATACHOAux Bacchanales

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TF is published for the International families and is available at the following establishments:

≥ ROPPONGIAoyama Book Center Roppongi HillsAoyama Book Center RoppongiGrand Hyatt HotelSeijo Ishii Select SupermarketFranciscan Chapel CenterZest CantinaRoy’s Tokyo Bar & GrillSomerset Roppongi TokyoTony Roma RestaurantRoppongi Hills ResidenceKen CorporationOakwood Residence Roppongi T-CubeSanta Fe Relocation ServiceAP RelocationsRelocation Service NetworkPizzakayaOakwood Residence Roppongi CentralRoyal Dental Clinic

≥ SHIBAKOEN/SHIBAURADaimaru Peacock SupermarketTokyo Tower Wax MuseumTokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic

≥ SHIBUYATower RecordsTokyu HandsGood Day BooksTokyo British ClinicWest Park Cafe (Yoyogi Uehara)

≥ SHINAGAWA/TAKANAWATokyo American ClubAux BacchanalesApartments 33Oakwood Residence (Shirokane)Crown Relocation/Crown Worldwide

≥ SHINJUKUBooks Kinokuniya (South& Honten)Isetan Department Store (I-Club)Good Honest GrubH.I.S. No. 1 Travel

≥ TAKADANOBABABlue Parrot BookstoreBen’s Cafe

≥ TORANOMONWelcome Furoshiki/Oak AssociatesAsian Tigers Premier Worldwide MoversAlpha Language InstituteTokyo Orientation

KANAGAWA ..............................

≥ YOKOHAMAMotomachi Union SupermarketThe Bluff ClinicYokohama Country & Athletic ClubCalifornia Pizza Kitchen (Lalaport)

≥ KAWASAKICalifornia Pizza Kitchen

≥ ZAMACamp Zama Library

CHIBA ..................................

≥ NARITAThe Barge InnAmerican Airlines Primer Service Desk

How did you get started with photography and design, respectively?Geoff: I originally was heavily involved in fashion and commercial photography. I realized it was the people I loved to work with most and creating artistic compositions that captured there relationships and personalities. Rebecca, worked in graphic and interior design and was similarly restricted by her role, she wanted to do something original and more creative. Now her final works of my photos sit next to Monet’s and a

stunning feature pieces in people’s homes. Tell us your favorite part of the job.Geoff: Seeing families grow and change. Being invited back regularly to update the family photographs. It’s an amazing experience, getting to know their personalities, their likes and dislikes and using that knowledge to portray them with a depth way beyond just superficial looks. When you get that photograph that everyone says “Wow, you have really captured exactly just who they are”, there is satisfaction beyond words. Rebecca: Definitely the individual creation. I don’t like any of my clients to have the same thing; if they do I’m not doing my job! I love the design pursuit of the piece that is going to be a one off just for that family. How do you contribute to each other‘s work?Geoff: Even though we have our own very defined roles in the business, mine is photography and Rebecca is design, our synergy is what originally brought our work together. When I am photographing, Rebecca plays the role of artistic director and

constantly stimulates/pushes my imagination to find the absolute best in every photo-session. When it comes to the design part I push her hard to make the best from my images. Rebecca: Geoff is incredibly talented at doing what other photographers can’t, taking an image of a person/family that truly is them as an individual and a group, all the while keeping the composition of the photograph, unposed and “real” like a scene in a beautiful painting.

What are your favorite subjects to photograph and why?Geoff: I love photographing kids. This is a hard question to answer without sounding cliché, but it’s true. Kids are honest subjects. They don’t give you anything you don’t deserve. If you don’t genuinely connect with them they will let you know, and it will show. I think in some ways I am actually probably more of a psychologist, than a photographer, because I love working with people, and understanding what they are thinking and wanting. It’s definitely all about the people. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?Geoff: We both love art, and in particular paintings. I really love renaissance paintings and would endeavor in an artistic way to emulate the thought, composition and depth that the painters of this period gave to their subjects. Rebecca: Traveling is a big part of what we do and that in itself is inspirational. Whether it be the 100’s of places, sights, smells even moods we interact with when we travel, often we will draw an idea even if it’s just a color we love or a scene we see – we madly jot it in one of our note books and inadvertently the idea will show up in one of our pieces.

Why did you start focusing on family portraits?Geoff: I started doing some shoots for commercial clients families and friends as a favor. To my surprise I actually started liking it, which isn’t cool where I come from. I intuitively just seemed to know how to make people feel comfortable, look good, and enjoy the process. Fifteen years later, I enjoy it 10 times as much as I did then. What makes your work unique and loved?Geoff: We make it so easy for our clients in the two main parts of the process. Easy for the client at the photo-session equates to relaxed, happy subjects which makes for much more real photographs. Easy in the design process means listening to the clients ideas, and then doing all the work before showing them the perfect answer to all they wanted. People say our work is genuine art, and could hang in peoples homes even if they weren’t the ones in the image. I love that, because I genuinely believe done right, family photographs can be the most personal art, and warmth to a home. u

PeopleIt’s all about the


COMMUNITY Top of the ClassCOMMUNITY Funny Experience

Honey, what are you doing?” my husband asked me. “Um,” I said. “I’m just

texting….”“You took a picture of that Japanese cereal box, didn’t you?”

OK. I admit it. I’m addicted to taking pictures of grocery store items. I wasn’t always like this.

In fact, when we first moved to Japan, I entered my local grocery store with money and a list. After walking around the store, I returned home empty-handed.

“Where’s the food?” my sons asked me. “Apparently,” I said. “I need more yen. And, a #2 pencil and a calculator.”

The Japanese grocery store stumped me. I went to buy meat and instead found myself faced with a complex word problem. The meat was so small, so thinly sliced, so metric. How much is 200 grams? How many grams can I carry home? How many slices does it take to smoosh together to create a hamburger for a hungry teenager? If one train leaves the station at 9 AM going 45 mph carrying a bushel of apples and the other train leaves station B at 11:30 going 60 miles per hour....

“Hey, Mom,” my son said when I returned home. “What’s for dinner?”“TACO KIT,” I said as I held up the box. “And, you will wash it down with POCARI SWEAT. Maybe you’re supposed to drink it when you are sweaty, but if nothing else, it will build character.”

OK, I admit it. Until I could read the Japanese labels, I decided the best survival strategy was to buy anything that was in English.

Kitchen Confidentialby Karen Pond

Down in the Lab something stirs.....

For more information regarding PAL please go to www.pal-school.com

AwayA Home

from HomePlaying And Learning at the

Bilingual and Intercutural Education Pre-School, PAL

“

NICThe most reasonable Japanese lesson fee in Tokyo!

A Z A B U - J U B A N S C H O O L , Y O U R O F F I C E , O R H O M E

WE MAKE JAPANESE LANGUAGE LESSONS FUN!WE MAKE JAPANESE LANGUAGE LESSONS FUN!

Excellent English speaking

instructors with plenty of

experience!

No registration fee!

Free trial lesson

Contact us for details: tel. 03-3454-5002 email: [email protected] seconds walk from Azabu-Juban Station

w w w . n i c j a p a n e s e . c o m

Private and Class lessons held at Azabu School

“Hey, Mom,” my son said the next night. “What’s for dinner?”“Dinner,” I said as I showed him the small box I bought earlier at the store. I had no idea what it was, but the label said DINNER so I bought it.

“Hey, Mom!” my son said after his first bite. “My lips are on fire! DINNER is too spicy!”“DINNER is making me sweat!” said another son. “Pass the POCARI!”

It was after this DINNER incident, I decided it was time for a better strategy to improve my shopping success in Japan.

“Isn’t that the milk the boys like?” my husband asked me one day. “Oh, yes, it is,” I said. Click!

I admit it. I started grocery shopping with my mobile phone. For me, the phone camera was the ideal way to record the Japanese grocery items my family liked and did not like. I might not be able to read Katakana, but I can snap a photo.

“Work with me. Work with me,” I said to the package of our favorite bread, snacks, noodles and soy sauce. Click.“Smile, Tony the Tiger,” I said to the cereal. “I’m filing your photo under GGRRREAT.” Click.“You,” I said to the puffed pastry while shaking my head. “You surprised me. You are not puffed pastry. You are some kind of bean-filled bun. I’m filing your photo under BUYER BEWARE.”

OK, I admit it. I have learned that shopping in Japan with a mobile phone camera can very helpful, but it does not necessarily make you a better cook.

That’s why I have a new strategy now: I’ve renamed my kitchen. It is now referred to as “The Lab.” u

What is PAL International School?PAL International School is a warm, loving and nurturing pre-school/kindergarten established in 1998. We provide early childhood education in an international setting for all children as well as providing cross-cultural experiences in Tokyo. PAL provides a rich, stimulating, and safe environment where a child can feel comfortable and accepted.

What are the programs for pre-school and kindergarten?At PAL, the social, emotional, intellectual, cultural and physical selves are enhanced through hands-on experience during daily activities. We encourage problem solving, experimentation, observation, communication, and listening. We strongly seek to educate the whole child to be a life-long leaner in preparation for the changing world.

How do children relate to the school’s environment and teachers?Our teachers‘ many combined years of working in international schools has resulted in the development of highly successful learning environment. PAL’s curriculum is child-centered. Our individualized programs ensure our students leave this school with the confidence to succeed no matter what future challenges they may face. Depending on student interest, a side project may be undertaken at anytime during the year. Through project based learning, the children more thoroughly understand concepts.

Do you offer any special services or lessons?We offer a variety of fun afternoon classes such as the Awesome Ants Class. An afternoon pre-school / kindergarten mixed-aged class from 1:30-5:00pm whilst our Afternoon Enrichment Club is a 45-60min class. The content and style changes from semester to semester. This school term, we offer drama, cooking, music and Japanese language / culture. We provide a delicious and nutritious homemade lunch 3 days a week and offer an extended child care system that is available until 5:00pm.

What sets PAL apart from other pre-schools?In comparison to surrounding schools in the area, our school offers one of the lowest student teachers ratios, assuring that your child always gets the individual attention that they deserve. One of our parents‘ favorite features is our school‘s homey feeling in our three-storey house. Children always feel comfortable and relaxed. Our school is like a home away from home. We also strive to maintain a multi-cultural environment. Festivals and traditional activities are integrated into our curriculum to ensure our students have the opportunity to fully experience Japanese culture. u


COMMUNITY Parenting

Living as we do in one of the most expensive cities in the world can easily put a dent in the family‘s budget. Don‘t sink into doom and gloom with money concerns. Take stock of your situation and act. TF offers some super homemaking tips to help save the pennies and enjoy life!

1. Bring lunch to work instead of eating out.

2. Cut-out coupons from newspapers, magazines and take advantage of special offers.

3. Being accustomed to buying goods or products from home only because they‘re in English can be costly. Toiletries, laundry detergents, sold locally are a lot cheaper and equally efficient.

4. Get your weekly dose of meat from Niku no Hanamasa at wholesale price. http://www.ginza9.com/En/shop_Guide3/3_006_hanamasa_en.htm (Check other stores too)

This time of year the pharmacies are rubbing their hands together whilst we are rubbing our eyes, that is if you are one of the 20 million plus sufferers of Hayfever here in Japan. For families throughout

the country it‘s the start of the nightmare season where we are reduced to snivelling, crying wrecks and households tissue expenditure increases ten fold. Boys, girls, men, women, even the monkeys here in Japan are prone to the pollen invasion.

Hay fever or Kafunsho occurs when your immune system overreacts to ‘allergens’. Don’t underestimate these normally harmless airborne particles, every year they cause school exams to be failed and companies to falter.

Thanks to a combination of massive mismanagement of Japan‘s forestry and global warming, huge forests of cedar trees covering 15% of Japan are now pollinating at an increasingly rapid rate. Add to this the affect of agrochemicals and our change in diet, now the number of suffers is rising faster than the yen. No one really knows why but when we encounter these protein packages of pollen via our respiratory system, our bodies tend to overreact.

A visit to the doctor will get you a pocketful of antihistamines that block the histamine receptors and thus suppress our allergic reactions.

However, heavy side effects such as drowsiness are common and for once dropping off in the classroom may be excusable.

Antihistamine nose sprays, steroid nose sprays, and eye drops all help but what else can we do? Well the answer my friends is blowing in the wind.

It’s hard to avoid the heavily pollenated air except to leave our asphalt covered capital and relocate to Okinawa or Hokkaido. Pollen levels are lower and the terrain naturally

prevents the pollen from being airborne. Alternatively clean the air around you. Negative ion generators are all the rage. Ions are said to reduce the number of airborne particles around you and stimulate your cilia, the little hairs that keep them out of your sinuses and nose.

Then there is Immunotherapy, better known as allergy shots, designed to help the immune system develop a tolerance to pollen by exposing the body to tiny amounts of it over time.

Blast away the cells on the lining of the nose that release histamine when they come in contact with pollen. A quick and painless operation but the smell of burning flesh from this laser treatment means it’s not for the feint hearted.

Go homeopathic and ingest the very root of the problem. By taking bee pollen and unprocessed honey, you can hit the problem head on.

Stinging nettle (‚irakusa‘) is said to slow down the production of histamine. Wash the pills down with Ten-cha, a type of Japanese tea available from the convenience store.

Increase your Vitamin C intake, this naturally lowers histamine levels and supports the adrenal glands in their production of allergy-fighting hormones.

Diet plays a part too; cut down on the family‘s saturated fat and sugar intake; eat lots of fruit and vegetables, fish, garlic, ginger and olive oil as these are anti inflammatory. Inflammation is behind most of the symptoms of a hayfever attack.

If these don’t do the trick then it’s time to gear up. Chose your weapons. Essential oils are useful for aiding de-congestion, eucalyptus, lavender, cedarwood and pine. A pair of glasses creates an barrier for those irritable eyes, and of course the mask. New specially formulated compressed paper masks, super snug fitting and emblazoned with cute designs are your best defence.

Kafunsho does not discriminate so go arm yourself, be thankful for the invention of lotion tissues and may the force be with you. u

by Carl Williams

by Miss Moneypenny

COMMUNITY Ask the Expert

5. Get your veggies from any ¥99 shops around Tokyo.

6. Schedule watching movies on the 1st day of the month when you can get in for only ¥1,000 (reg. ¥1,800)

7. Swap DVDs with other families you know instead of renting one.

8. Be creative with leftovers. With a little imagination, the previous night‘s meat sauce can be recycled into a taco filling the next day. (Shhhh... the kids won‘t know!)

9. Say no to taxis for short distance ride. Walk and live longer.

10. Travel during off season. Peak season rates are much higher.

11. Cancel cable channels you do not watch and save yourself a few thousand yen.

12. Keep bread from spoiling by putting them in the freezer. Take out only what the family consumes for the day.

13. Dilute dishwashing liquid with water.

14. Save on electricity bills. Air dry clothes, iron once a week, cook once in 3 days and stock them up in the freezer.

15. Pay for goods in cash instead of buying on credit. Many of the discount stores in Japan only accept cash.

16. Bring your laundry to the drycleaners only when they have a weekly special. Most Japanese drycleaners offer loyalty cards where you get points each visit.

17. Check out telephone carrier campaigns and sign up for the best deal. There may be language hassles here but do what it takes to sretch the family budget.

...And your done. Before you know it, your bills will be lower and you‘ll have a fistful of yen!

Big

Fun

Surviving theSneeze

Frugal


Kid’s party in style!

COMMUNITY KidsCOMMUNITY Kids

The occasion: For her 7th birthday, Christiana de Blank wished for a glamorous fashion bonanza. Inspired by the fashion shows on TV, the birthday girl’s dream was to gather all her friends and for

one day together enjoy the excitement of working the catwalk in a fashion show with all the trimmings, including a catwalk-coach, a full hair- and make-up crew, goodie-bags and flashing camera-lights.

The hosts: General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton, Mr Ricco de Blank, and wife Virginia de Blank.

The guest-list: 18 kids and their parents. On arrival, the children got the royal model treatment and were ushered into the hair-, make-up- and styling area, while parents relaxed over afternoon tea.

The venue: The Park View Room at the Ritz-Carlton. The room was divided into two – one room set the scene for the runway show, while one room served as the backstage area where a team of hair-stylists and make-up artists from the hotel’s in-house beauty salon, Hatsuko Endo, perfected the model’s looks and locks.Catwalk fashion: All clothes featured in the show came from quirky and hip Japanese kids brand Boo Foo Woo (www.boofoowoo.com). Some of the highlights included full skirts in folklorish patterns, mini-denim skirts with funky detailing, biker-boots and hippie-esque knitwear in curious colour-combos.

A glitzy fashion party complete with a runway show at the Ritz-Carlton was the setting when Tokyo’s younger socialites celebrated Christiana De Blank’s 7th birthday. Tokyo Families has the scoop from the front row.

TheScoop!

words by Maria Ahlgren

photos by Maria Ahlgren and

Quynh Anh Trihn Xuan

The look: The young models sported a light and cute makeup, such as a touch of glitter on the eyelid, rosy cheeks and a dab of lip-gloss. The hair-do du jour among the girls were princess-like ringlets arranged into ponytails and messy buns.

The front row: A crowd a proud mums, armed with cameras and encouraging cheers. In front of the catwalk a team of photographers from Ritz-Carlton’s in-house photo studio, Ekubo, snapped away as the kids swirled and posed.

The food: Finger-foods such as mini-burgers, stuffed mini-croissants and mini-sandwiches. For the more senior guests a buffet of tempting canapés kept post-show hunger-pangs at bay.The cake: After a swanky buffet of sweet treats, including macaroons decorated with rose-petals and decadent chocolate cake, guest dug in on the birthday cake; a dream of strawberry shortcake-base and decorated with colourful chocolate bubbles to create the image of a fantasy world.

The Goodie Bag: True to fashion show custom, junior guests left with a goodie bag stuffed with candy, colourful accessory and heart-shaped hair-clips. u

Spoil your child with a tailor-made celebration at the Ritz-Carlton that he or she will never forget. With themes ranging from a fashion show to a mini-Olympics training camp, each event is customised to meet the wishes of the child and parents. For planning an event, allow 3-5 weeks. For a personal consultation to discuss themes, cost and availability, please contact Yukari Sakamoto – 03-6434-8710.The buzz5 hot trends for spring seen on the party catwalk

Full skirts covered in playful prints Cropped jackets and ponchos Quirky detailing such as bows and pompomsBright candy-colours Layers in contrasting colours

Visit www.boofoowoo.com for more details and the full shop-list

The party was all about peace, love and hippy-

happiness! Pictured birthday girl Christ iana (to the

right) and friend Lovisa.

Girls go dotty in flirty Harajuku-

inspired skirts.

Boys go grungy this spring with layered shirts under a cool biker-jacket, topped of with a bold t ie .

A birthday cake worthy a princess!

Messy Minnie Mouse-buns puts the ultra-

kawaii into this bohemian cute look .

The show is over – now, where is that CAKE?!

Perfect ing the pose!

Thinking about a theme-party?


COMMUNITY Market PlaceCOMMUNITY Kids

I remember the time I saw Einstein riding on a beam of light…oh, wait, I wasn’t really there. I must’ve just imagined it. Actually, now that I think about it, Einstein never really rode on a beam of light. I don’t believe

anyone has ridden on a beam of light. Oh! There goes my whole story….

Okay, how about this one: I remember the time Minato got swallowed by a yellow whale, and inside the whale he took photographs of living dinosaurs. Albert Einstein was a famous scientist, but who, you ask, is Minato? He’s an artist. He wrote a book about his incredible experience, and did the illustrations too. He’s only 6-years-old.

By now you’re probably saying: “OK, I get it—there’s no yellow whale, and everyone knows dinosaurs haven’t been alive for...well, a long time, way before iPods. It’s all just imagination—don’t you tell any true stories?”Now I have to defend myself, and Einstein and Minato too. Better yet, I’ll save time and just defend imagination itself. We’ve all heard phrases like “just imagination” or “you’re only imagining it,” suggesting imagination is not important or real.

So what exactly is “imagination”? It contains the word “image,”, so it must have something to do with pictures. If I ask you to imagine your best friend or favorite actor, a red apple, or your bedroom, your mind will automatically create a mental picture to fit the suggestion. It may be easier with familiar things, but everyone can do this. I’d say that makes the ability to imagine very real.

Is imagination important? It doesn’t always seem so. In a difficult economy, the arts, which are excellent imagination training, usually suffer the first cutbacks. Efforts to improve education usually focus on math and science, not art. That’s understandable. The skills to paint a painting are not those needed to make computers or jumbo jets…or are they?Take a look around. Unless you’re in a remote natural setting, chances are most of the things you see first existed in somebody’s imagination. The Wright Brothers had to be wild dreamers before they could be pilots. Leonardo Da Vinci, a real “imagineer,” had ideas for new things that could not even be made in his lifetime, including flying machines.

Of course imagination alone is not enough. Practical skills are needed to make dreams real. That’s the winning combination. Engineers need math and science skills; artists need drawing and painting skills. No one would say math and science are not important. We can’t say that about art either—it excels in developing imagination. Imagination is simply an earlier, unseen stage in any creative process. It is also something that can be exercised and developed, just like physical

exercise strengthens muscles.

As Einstein and Minato knew, imagination can take you places and lead to discoveries. Einstein only imagined what it would be like to ride a beam of light, but that was enough. The insights he gained from that imaginative play opened-up new vistas in how we see the world. He was thinking like an artist, but his discoveries changed science. I’d say that makes imagination very useful, and art very important! Einstein said so too. I haven’t asked him, but I bet Minato would agree. After all, his work finally answered the age-old question: “what really happened to the dinosaurs?” u

Einstein & Minato

A tale of Art and Imagination

David Arzouman is an artist like Minato (only older).

He also writes and teaches, and has designed the

art program at the ArtLOFT Ebisu School of Art

the Imagineers

by David Arzouman

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