Established and Emerging: A Fine Mix at the Tokyo International Art Fair 2016

Photo from the official website of the Tokyo International Art Fair 2016. Article was originally published in the June 2016 issue of the Filipino-Japanese Journal.

 

            The Tokyo International Art Fair (TIAF), organized by the Global Art Agency, welcomed more than eight thousand art collectors and enthusiasts during its two-day event at Omotesando Hills last May 13-14. The event allowed its visitors to enter the event for free and marvel on an exquisite collection of paintings, sculptures, photography art, illustrations and multimedia artworks by both established and emerging artists. The venue, Space-O Hall, was carefully designed to host 150exhibitors from 30 countries.

A Fine Mix of Art and Artists

            TIAF, now on its second year, was bigger and better not only because of the overwhelming turnout of visitors but also because of the amazing mix of big names and emerging artists who participated this year. Some of the familiar names were Thierry Guetta, more popularly known as Mr. Brainwash, who once collaborated with pop star Madonna; Shane Bowden, lovlingly referred to as “Andy Warhol on Steroids” and is famous for his silkscreen popart; and multi-awarded artist Michael Lam, who is known for his single stroke paintings and his work with UNICEF. Some artists from the Philippines, Sio Montero of Qube Gallery and Roberto Nolascoof KulayDiwa Gallery, also participated in the event.

NataleVallve, one of the organizers, described this fine mix of artists in an article posted on the TIAF official website, as a glimpse of what is happening in the contemporary art world. Vallve explained that artists from different countries embody different styles and concepts reflecting the places they came from. These represent different unique “personalities of the world.”

Filipino Art at the TIAF

            Sio Montero referred to his art as“process-oriented abstraction.” His experiements with industrial construction techniques and processes beautifully translate sights, sounds, interaction and experiences to canvas using acrylic and non-traditional media. Montera has spent more than a decade as a full-time Associate Professor for the Fine Arts Program of the University of the Philippines. He also pioneered community art development activities and projects with the help of some local organizations.

Another exhibitor was Roberto Nolasco, owner and manager of Kulay-Diwa Gallery. Kulay is a Tagalog word meaning “color” and Diwa meaning “spirit” or “thought.”The gallery showcased contemporary art from the Philippines and other Southeast Asian Countries. It’s aim is to foster a cultural interaction and exchanges among the countries in the region as well as with those on the other parts of the world.

Global Art Agency Awards

            TIAF capped its first day with a special paid event that allowed collectors a

first peek of the art works while sipping a glass of champagne. The second day closed with the awarding ceremony of the Global Art Agency Awards. August Vilella from Barcelona won first prize for the Global Art Award; second Prize went to Sezon Art Gallery from Tokyo; and third prize to Shingo420, also from Tokyo. The Facebook Competition winner was Babtiste Tavernier, who was chosen by the public on social media.The first prize for the Global Art Best Exhibitor Awards went to New York Art Gallery (Shane Bowden / Mr. Brainwash); second prize to Krystal Glam Gallery; and third prize to Chi Hang Wong. The Facebook Comptetition winner for this category went to Michael Volpicelli.

            Tokyo International Art Fair 2016 did not only provided a platform for both established and emerging artists to exhibit their works side by side but it also allowed the showcase of well-known art techniques as well as experimental styles in creating art at its finest. Interested art collectors and enthusiasts can check the details for TIAF 2017 on their website at tokyoartfair.com.

Green Day's American Idiot Musical in Manila!

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Toden Arakawa Line: Isa sa mga natitirang streetcar sa Tokyo

*Orihinal na inilathala sa May 2016 issue ng Pinoy Gazette

Ang Toden Arakawa Line ay isa sa dalawa na lamang na natitirang street car sa Tokyo. Ang isa ay ang Tokyu Setagaya Line na nagsisimula sa Sangenjaya at nagtatapos sa Shimo-Takaido. Ang Toden Arakawa Line naman ay tumatakbo mula Waseda hanggang Minowabashi, may habang 12 kilometro at tumatagal ng 50 minuto ang byahe. Mainam gamitin ang Toden Arakawa Line tuwing spring dahil marami itong nadadaanang magagandang lugar na puno ng cherry blossoms. Kung summer naman, nalilinyahan ng malalaking mga rosas ang dinadaanan ng tram mula Arakawa-nanachome hanggang Minowabashi.

           

Ilan sa mga madadaanan ng tram ay ang mga sumusunod na pasyalan:

Asukayama Park. Ang Asukayama Park ay puno ng mga cherry trees na sinasabing ipinatanim pa ng shogun na si Tokugawa Yoshimune nang unang magbukas ang park noong 1873. Pero hindi lamang “hanami” ang maaaring gawin sa loob ng park, mayroon din itong tatlong museums – Ang Kita City Asukayama Museum, ang Shibusawa Memorial Museum at ang Paper Museum. Makikita rin sa loob ng park ang dalawang lumang tren, isang tram car at isang steam locomotive train na minsang ginamit sa Japan. Maaaring bumaba sa Asukayama Station ng Toden Arakawa Line upang mapuntahan ito.

Arakawa Yuenchi. Sa halagang ¥200 sa matatanda at ¥100 sa mga bata, maaari nang makapasok sa Arakawa Yuenchi at sumakay sa iba’t ibang rides dito. Siyempre hindi mawawala ang carousel at ferris wheel. Bagama’t maliit lang at walang masyadong iikutan, mainam pumasyal dito kung gustong iwasan ang matao at magulong bahagi ng Tokyo. Tamang-tama ito sa mga pamilyang gustong mag-bonding tuwing araw ng Linggo. Sa gilid ng daan papunta rito ay makikita ang maliliit na mga lumang tindahan na nagbabalik ng mga alaala ng Showa Japan. Nagbebenta ang mga ito ng “kakigori,” choco banana at ilang mga maliliit na laruan at pagkaing pambata. Arakawa-Yuenchimae ang pinakamalapit na istasyon ng tram dito.

Sugamo. Kung ang Harajuku ay kilala bilang fashion street ng mga kabataan, kilala naman ang Sugamo na tambayan ng mga “obaachan.” “Obaachan’s Harajuku” kung tawagin nila. Makikita rito ang isang mahabang kalsada na nalilinyahan ng mga tindahang nagbebenta ng mga goods na tiyak na patok sa mga obaachan tulad ng mga tungkod, mga bag na may gulong, mga maluluwag at makukulay na damit at mga murang rain boots. Makikita rin na ibinibenta rito ang mga pulang panloob na karaniwang isinusuot ng mga obaachan bilang pampaswerte. Sa dulo ng mahabang shopping street ay makikita ang Koshinzuka Station ng Toden Arakawa Line. Sa kabilang dulo naman matatagpuan ang Sugamo Station ng JR Yamanote Line.

           

Zoshigaya Cemetery. Bagamat hindi ordinaryong pasyalan ang sementeryo, maraming dumadalaw sa Zoshigaya Cemetery hindi lang para dalawin ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay kundi para silipin na rin ang libingan ng ilang kilalang tao na nakahimlay dito. Isa na rito si Natsume Soseki, isang kilalang nobelista na nagpasikat ng mga nobelang “Kokoro,” “Botchan” at “I am a Cat.” Dati rin nakalagay sa likod ng ¥1,000 bill ang kanyang mukha bago ito palitan noong 2004. Nasa tapat lamang ng sementeryo ang Toden-Zoshigaya Station.

Minowabashi. Dito matatagpuan ang Joyful Minowa, isang mahabang shopping street kung saan tila makakabili ng kahit ano – mula sa mga murang gulay at prutas, tinapay, tsaa, at mga Japanese snacks, hanggang sa mga damit, sapatos, gamit sa bahay tulad ng mga pang-luto at plato, mga sariwang bulaklak at marami pang iba. Hindi kalayuan sa Minowa matatagpuan ang estatwa ni Yabuki Joe, ang kilalang boksingero na bumida sa manga na “Ashita no Joe” na isinulat ni Ikki Kajiwara at iginuhit ni Tetsuya Chiba. Nagkaroon din ito ng live action noong 2011 kung saan gumanap ang kilalang idol na si Yamashita Tomohisa, mas kilala sa tawag na YamaPi, bilang Joe. Mayaman din sa kasaysayan ang lugar na ito dahil dito matatagpuan ang dating execution grounds noong Edo Period na ngayon ay natabunan na ng sala-salabat na riles ng tren. Minowabashi ang huling istasyon ng Toden Arakawa Line.

Sa halagang ¥400 ay maaaring makabili ng one-day unlimited pass sa Toden Arakawa Line na magbibigay ng pagkakataon sa pasahero na bumaba sa kahit anong istasyon at tuklasin ang sulok ng downtown Tokyo na tila nagbabalik ng mga alaala ng Showa Japan.

Where to Eat in Tokyo: Cafe Chopin

Counter seats at Cafe Chopin

Cafe Chopin is a small cafe near the Tokyo Sky Tree. It is five minutes away from the station by foot. It is easy to miss the cafe even though it is along a main road because it is a small place amidst a residential area and its window blinds are often down because of the scorching sun in the afternoon. 

An piano organ on display inside the cafe

As the name suggests, it is music-themed cafe. It got it's name from (surprise!) Chopin, a Polish composer and pianist. The staff told us that the owner of the cafe is a big fan of Chopin. You can hear classical music playing when you enter the cafe. On the second floor of the same building is a music school where the owner teaches piano. The interior of the cafe is simple yet stylish. It has black and red for its theme - tables and chairs and things on display included. There is also an old piano organ on display on the far end of the room. I wonder if someone plays that sometimes. The place is kind of minimalist but even without its elaborate decorations, it is able to provide a relaxing and calm ambiance for people who are looking for a place to chill and relax, may it be in the middle of the day or in the late afternoon.

Green curry lunch set with potato salad

Though the cafe mostly offers coffee and tea, they also have a lunch menu that costs around Y1000. They have a green curry lunch set for people who would like to eat rice for lunch and a pasta set for those who would prefer otherwise. 

For those who would like to shun the crowds at the Tokyo Sky Tree, try roaming around the streets outside the station and you might surprisingly find small cafes like Cafe Chopin who could offer an alternative to the crowded cafe inside the mall. 

Fujigaya Taisuke Leads the Cast of Take Five 2

Take Five 2 is the sequel of the Take Five franchise, which ran at the Akasaka Act Theater from May 4 - 25, 2016. The first stage play was staged in 2015 with Fujigaya Taisuke (lovingly referred by his fans as "Taipi") in the lead role. This play was based on a drama that was first aired in 2013 with Karasawa Toshiaki as Homura Masayoshi. This year, Taipi reprised his role as Homura and also portrayed another character, Mamiya, who came from the future to save the former from impending harm. This year's production was top billed by other experienced TV and stage actors such as Yamamoto Yusuke, Suruga Taro, Shinkawa Yua, Asakura Aki, Kozuda Yasuto, Nekoze Tsubaki, Yasoto Yuichi and Aran Kai. 

The Akasaka ACT Theater after the show

My thoughts after the curtains closed and the lights on stage turned off: I had so much fun watching Take Five 2! Though I cannot really say that it was a GREAT show because of the bland acting, it had its moments too. Yusuke was so hilarious especially when he was imitating Kisumai's dance steps! Taipi did not stand out but at least his performance was consistent - not awkward, not overacting, just calm and cool the whole time, enough to send a fangirl home with a smile.  For the first half of the play, I thought it was "okay" but not amazing, but when Taipi did his short dance sequence in the middle of the play, I thought, "Okay, I already got what I came for." I almost screamed and cheered for him, almost forgetting that I was watching a play, not a Kisumai performance!

Promotional poster with the cast

If there was anything that amazed me that night, it was probably the stage production. The interactive screens were so cool I felt like I was watching a stage play one instant and spying on the whereabouts of the "real" Taipi the next. It was the first time that I watched a play that successfully merged traditional sets and interactive screens, not to mention a hologram in one of the scenes where Taipi was talking to himself! It created a "believable" world within an unbelievable one

.

The stage after the show

The stage before the show

Take Five 2 was a play worth watching for the entertainment value it offered. It was the kind of play that did not require a showcase of acting prowess, but rather targeted the satisfaction of the audience. And yes, it did a pretty good job in staging lovable moments with satisfying fan service. After watching this show, I finally ticked my bucket list to see Taipi on stage. I even saw him after the show waving goodbye from his car. So I guess, I got more than what I have asked for. 

Kichijoji: Hanami at iba pa

Orihinal na inilathala sa April 2016 issue ng Pinoy Gazette

Simula 2004, nangunguna ang Kichijoji sa mga taunang poll ng mga lugar na pinakamainam tirahan sa Tokyo – hindi kamahalan, maganda ang lokasyon at maraming maaaring puntahan at pasyalan. Kilala rin ito sa mga jazz bars, street musicians, at mga hiphop dancers na matatagpuan sa iba’t ibang sulok.

Hanami sa Inokashira Park

           

Kilala ang Inokashira Park na isa sa mga paboritong puntahan ng mga tao sa Kichijoji lalo na kung spring season. Makikita ang magagandang cherry blossoms na nakapaligid sa isang maliit na lawa kung saan mayroong mga pinaparentahang mga bangka. Mainam itong pasyalan para sa buong pamilya sa kahit na anong panahon sa buong taon. Kung autumn season naman, napupuno ng naglalabang kulay dilaw at pula ang mga puno sa paligid ng parke.

Sa halagang ¥400 ay maaari nang bisitahin ang dalawang zoo na nasa loob ng parke. Kasama sa koleksyon ng Inokashira Zoo ang ilang species ng mga hayop na matatagpuan lamang sa Japan. Sa isang bahagi ng zoo makikita ang duck sanctuary at sa isang bahagi naman ang iba pang hayop kabilang na ang kinagigiliwan ng mga bata na si Hanako, isang Thai Elephant. Huwag rin kalimutang bisitahin ang Benzaiten Shrine na itinayo para sa Japanese Buddhist goddess na si Benzaiten. Dahil napapaligiran ng tubig at cherry blossoms, litaw na litaw ang ganda ng matingkad na pulang kulay ng shrine.

Sa hindi kalayuan, makikita ang Ghibli Museum na nagpapakita ng mga likha ng isa sa mga pinakapopular na animation studios sa Japan, ang Ghibli. Kung fan ka ni Totoro o ni Princess Mononoke, mga karakter na pinasikat ni Hayao Miyazaki, tiyak na ikatutuwa mong makita ang malaking estatwa ni Totoro sa labas palang ng museo at ang replica ng cat bus na matatagpuan naman pagpasok.

Shopping galore

Matatagpuan sa paligid ng istasyon ang magkahalong malalaking malls tulad ng Marui at Isetan at maliliit na mga independent boutiques at vintage shops tulad ng Ragtag. Katabi ng train station makikita ang dalawang mall, Atre ant Kirarina, na may kanya-kanyang floors para sa mga damit, gamit pambahay, sapatos, at mga specialty stores.

Pero higit sa mga karaniwang tinda sa mga malls na ito, mas magandang tuklasin ang mga maliliit na tindahan sa paligid ng istasyon na nagbebenta ng mga kakaibang bagay tulad ng mga gamit para sa mga alagang aso, stationery shops at iba pang hobby shops na doon lamang makikita sa Kichijoji. Kung maswerte, makakabili ka ng mga branded second hand items sa napakamurang halaga.

Murang kainin

Ang Harmonica Yokocho ay unang nakilala bilang isang flea market matapos ang WWII pero ngayon ay mas kilala na ito sa mahabang linya ng mga yakitori restaurants na nagsulputan noong 90s. Mayroon din itong mga specialty shops na nagbebenta lamang ng mga Japanese delicacies tulad ng yokan at taiyaki. Makakakain din ng masarap na pizza sa Kichijoji sa halagang ¥500.

Bagamat nakatago sa isang maliit na iskinita, puntahan ng mga tao ang Garage 50 dahil sa Roman-styled thin crust pizza nito. Maganda rin ang ambience ng restaurant kahit maliit dahil sa VW camper na ginawang kitchen ng may-ari kung saan inihahanda niya ang order ng mga customers. Ang Village Vanguard naman, mas kilala bilang American goods shop, ay mayroong restaurant sa Kichijoji na naghahain ng burger at beer.

Masarap na kapihan

Kung miss mo na ang mga duyan sa Pilipinas, isa sa mga relaxing café na pwede mong puntahan ay ang Mahika Mano Hammock Café. Sa halip na mga ordinaryong upuan, mga duyan ang nasa loob ng restaurant. Hindi nga lang maaaring magtagal masyado rito kahit mapasarap na sa pagkakaupo dahil may time limit lamang na dalawang oras ang bawat stay dito. Hindi rin maaaring magsama ng maliliit na bata dito.

Dahil showroom din ang café na ito ng Hammocks2000, isang kumpanya na nagbebenta ng mga duyan, maaaring bumili mismo sa café na ito ng kaparehas na mga duyan kung gugustuhin mo. Ang Deva Deva Café ay patok naman para sa mga mahilig sa healthy food. Naghahain sila ng vegetarian at vegan dishes.  Hindi rin mawawala ang cat café sa Kichijoji. Mayroong 15 pusa sa Cat Café Calico na maaaring mong laruin habang nagkakape. Bawat oras ay nagkakahalaga ng ¥1000 at ¥150 naman ang mga inumin.

Makinig sa jazz

Ang SOMETIME ay unang binuksan noong 1975 at hanggang ngayon ay paborito pa rin itong puntahan ng mga jazz enthusiasts. Kilala ang Kichijoji na jazz town noong 60s-70s pero sa paglipas ng panahon ay marami na rin nagsarang mga jazz bars sa paligid nito. Isa ang SOMETIME sa mga matatag na naiwan sa mga ito. Halos bawat gabi ay mayroong live music dito. Ang pinakahighlight ng lugar ay ang malaking grand piano sa gitna ng bar.

Across Regions: The Best Hanami Spots in Japan

            Not only weather is forecasted in Japan, even the blooming time of the cherry trees is. Every year, the sakura forecast is anticipated by locals and tourists alike who are eager to schedule their trips to the best spots in the country for hanami. The cherry blossoms usually start to bloom from the West of Japan gradually going up to the East. People can view the cherry blossoms as early as the first week of March in the Western end and as late as May on the other side. Japan is composed of five islands divided in eight regions, each region boasting itsperfect spots for hanami:

            Goryokaku Park, Sapporo.This park is a star-shaped fortress completed in 1864. It was constructed by the Tokugawa Shogunateto protect the Tsugaru Strait from a possible Russian invasion. Around 1, 600 cherry trees line the park that highlight its beautiful shape even more. A stroll around the park would be nice in a breezy Spring day, but a good view of the island is best seen from the 107-meter observation deck of the Goryokaku Tower.            

Hirosaki Park, Aomori.Castles are popular hanami spots in Japan, Hirosaki Castle, built in the 17^th Century, being one of them. There are more than 2,500 cherry trees planted around the castle. These are said to be hundreds of years old already. There are also other areas of interest around the castle such as the Nakamichi Buke-Yashiki or the old samurai houses, the Choshoji Temple, and the Saisho-in Temple that houses a five-storied pagoda.

            Chureito Pagoda, Yamanashi. Built only in 1963 as a peace memorial, this pagodaoffers an amazing view of Mt. Fuji, somehow making the cherry blossoms just an added bonus. Sitting on a hill, it takes 400 steps from the main buildings of the ArakuraShengen Shrine to climb up to this beautiful spot. It may be tiring, but its definitely worth the sweat.

            Takato Castle Ruins Park, Nagano. There are around 1,500 cherry blossoms planted around the park including kohigan cherry trees, which are said to have been planted as far back as 1875 when the park was first opened to the public. The Onkyo Bridge, found at the center of the park, is one of the most famous spots to view the cherry blossoms. After a stroll, the Shinshu Takato Art Museum, found at the southern part of the park, is another option to see.

            Himeji Castle, Hyogo.This Unesco World Heritage Site, fully re-opened again to the public after five years of restoration, is not only rich in centuries of history but also an eye candy for cherry blossoms fanatics. It is considered as one of the top three best castles in Japan.During peak seasons, the number of visitors allowed to enter the main castle keep are limited. Better check the people forecast (yes, they do have it!) on their website to see which dates are expected to be crowded.  

            Miyajima, Hiroshima. Though famous for its giant torii gate that seems to float on water during the high tide, this island is also good for cherry blossoms viewing. On this island, you can see the World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine, with around 1,900 cherry blossoms lining the island. 

            Mt.Shiunde, Kagawa.Viewing the cherry blossoms with the Setoinland sea in the background would definitely be priceless. Climbing up the mountain, which is 352 meters high, may take around an hour, but the view is worth the hike because the spot gives an unobstructed view of the island and the surrounding waters. On a clear day, you might catch a glimpse of the tip of Honshu.

Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto. This castle, built in 1607, is surrounded by 800 cherry trees. Together wih Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle, it is regarded as one of the top three castles in Japan. Its beauty exudes a different charm in autumn and winter, but the cherry blossoms in spring add a layer of elegance to its famous stone walls called Mushagaeshi and the long wall called the Naga-bei.

Inokashira Park in Spring