nothing
Not that anyone is really reading this, but just in case...
Don't expect anything here until the 9th. I'll be away from the office so that I can take days off to show my sister around Tokyo. I think I'll also use that time to mourn the closing of BOX Higashi Nakano. (The world, she is so cruel!) The end of an era, indeed.
If you have my number, call me. If you don't, write.
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Monday, April 28, 2003
film
I am never going to shut up about the Image Forum Festival, am I?
I saw three of the shows this weekend: Decay of Fiction, the Miranda July videos, and selections from the Holland Animation Film Festival.
About the first one, I think it's safe to say that I did not get it. Seriously. (Either that or "I did not like it." That'd be a safe bet as well.) But that's experimental film for you. First there were a bunch of ghost-like images wandering around and chatting incessantly. Then suddenly there was this naked woman dancing in a cowboy hat. I went to that one alone because no one else wanted to go (go figure, heh), but I really think I need to analyze it out loud. So, note to self: do not see anymore confusing films by yourself.
The other two, I would recommend; both are playing two more times each. The animation films will be shown on the 29th and 4th at 5 p.m. Miranda July's videos (with Japanese subtitles) will be on the 1st at 5 p.m. and on the 4th at noon. You can buy tickets at the door, and it's not crowded at. all. The animated films had the biggest crowd so far, but the hall wasn't even filled. So bring a buddy. Hell, bring two.
I am never going to shut up about the Image Forum Festival, am I?
I saw three of the shows this weekend: Decay of Fiction, the Miranda July videos, and selections from the Holland Animation Film Festival.
About the first one, I think it's safe to say that I did not get it. Seriously. (Either that or "I did not like it." That'd be a safe bet as well.) But that's experimental film for you. First there were a bunch of ghost-like images wandering around and chatting incessantly. Then suddenly there was this naked woman dancing in a cowboy hat. I went to that one alone because no one else wanted to go (go figure, heh), but I really think I need to analyze it out loud. So, note to self: do not see anymore confusing films by yourself.
The other two, I would recommend; both are playing two more times each. The animation films will be shown on the 29th and 4th at 5 p.m. Miranda July's videos (with Japanese subtitles) will be on the 1st at 5 p.m. and on the 4th at noon. You can buy tickets at the door, and it's not crowded at. all. The animated films had the biggest crowd so far, but the hall wasn't even filled. So bring a buddy. Hell, bring two.
comedy
Okay, I lied. This is what I'm really doing on Tuesday. There will be no more mind-changing. No really. I swear.
I'm going to see one of the English language shows at the International Comedy Festival in Odaiba. Mind you, I could just as easily catch these same people at Tokyo Comedy Store, but my strong aversion to Roppongi severly limits my visits to the area. Anyway, my friend got me a ticket, we both have a history of being comedy geeks, and I haven't seen her in months. So there it is.
There are a bunch of shows in English, but the one I'm going to is called "English Stand-up Comedy." Acts include Spontaneous Confusion, Mister Zed, Zenjiro and Penalty. I have no idea who any of these people are except for Spontaneous Confusion. They're an improv group, and if you've ever seen The Groundlings in L.A., you'd get an idea of what they do. The games are a little different, and they're not nearly as polished or edgy, but the format is similar. I don't mean to make it sound like they're not funny. They are. Just not 100 percent of the time. (Then again, neither is The Groundlings.) When they're not being funny, they're at least being interesting. Isn't that enough?
The show starts at 7 p.m. in Hall Yellow of Fuji TV 22F Forum. Tickets are a mere 1500 yen. My friend got ours over the phone, but you could probably get them at/in close proximity to the door. Just--whatever you do--do not click on the Comedy Festival link unless you really have to. For some reason, the plethora of "wacky" comedian pics has managed to creep me out this morning.
Okay, I lied. This is what I'm really doing on Tuesday. There will be no more mind-changing. No really. I swear.
I'm going to see one of the English language shows at the International Comedy Festival in Odaiba. Mind you, I could just as easily catch these same people at Tokyo Comedy Store, but my strong aversion to Roppongi severly limits my visits to the area. Anyway, my friend got me a ticket, we both have a history of being comedy geeks, and I haven't seen her in months. So there it is.
There are a bunch of shows in English, but the one I'm going to is called "English Stand-up Comedy." Acts include Spontaneous Confusion, Mister Zed, Zenjiro and Penalty. I have no idea who any of these people are except for Spontaneous Confusion. They're an improv group, and if you've ever seen The Groundlings in L.A., you'd get an idea of what they do. The games are a little different, and they're not nearly as polished or edgy, but the format is similar. I don't mean to make it sound like they're not funny. They are. Just not 100 percent of the time. (Then again, neither is The Groundlings.) When they're not being funny, they're at least being interesting. Isn't that enough?
The show starts at 7 p.m. in Hall Yellow of Fuji TV 22F Forum. Tickets are a mere 1500 yen. My friend got ours over the phone, but you could probably get them at/in close proximity to the door. Just--whatever you do--do not click on the Comedy Festival link unless you really have to. For some reason, the plethora of "wacky" comedian pics has managed to creep me out this morning.
Friday, April 25, 2003
classical music
From May 18th to the 24th, the Tokyo Opera City Cultural Foundation will be holding Composium 2003 around the works of internationally renowned English composer George Benjamin. It begins with a "talk" with Benjamin on the 18th, along with a showing of the documentary Towards Antara (admission free), based on what is considered to be one of his most important works. This is followed by performances of the composer's chamber music on the 20th (with Benjamin on piano) and his orchestral music on the 22nd (with Benjamin conducting). He will also be holding a free workshop on the 24th and judging a composition competition on the 25th, with the five finalists coming from four different countries. All events take place at Tokyo Opera City, in either the Recital Hall or Concert Hall. See the calendar for details.
I'm not a composer nor a classical musician, so the workshop doesn't really grab me, but I'm particularly interested in hearing the orchestral works since not only will three of those pieces be seeing their Japan premiere, but soprano Yukari Nonoshita will be singing one of them. And I'd like to see the concert for the competition finalists just because I'd like to know what's out there. Ah, young minds. Why can't it be me? Bastards.
The admission fee is quite reasonable compared to anything else you'd see at Tokyo Opera City, and you'd get exposed to a big famous not-dead composer guy to boot.
I'm totally going by myself, aren't I?
From May 18th to the 24th, the Tokyo Opera City Cultural Foundation will be holding Composium 2003 around the works of internationally renowned English composer George Benjamin. It begins with a "talk" with Benjamin on the 18th, along with a showing of the documentary Towards Antara (admission free), based on what is considered to be one of his most important works. This is followed by performances of the composer's chamber music on the 20th (with Benjamin on piano) and his orchestral music on the 22nd (with Benjamin conducting). He will also be holding a free workshop on the 24th and judging a composition competition on the 25th, with the five finalists coming from four different countries. All events take place at Tokyo Opera City, in either the Recital Hall or Concert Hall. See the calendar for details.
I'm not a composer nor a classical musician, so the workshop doesn't really grab me, but I'm particularly interested in hearing the orchestral works since not only will three of those pieces be seeing their Japan premiere, but soprano Yukari Nonoshita will be singing one of them. And I'd like to see the concert for the competition finalists just because I'd like to know what's out there. Ah, young minds. Why can't it be me? Bastards.
The admission fee is quite reasonable compared to anything else you'd see at Tokyo Opera City, and you'd get exposed to a big famous not-dead composer guy to boot.
I'm totally going by myself, aren't I?
misc
Hey, look. Metropolis featured that Shinjuku Loft anniversary without telling you that it's been sold out for weeks (per Loft's website). They also keep reading Yurayura Teikoku as Yurayura Tengoku. A little research, folks.
You know what I find helpful at times like this? The Tokyo Gig Guide. Never underestimate something just because it's on GeoCities. According to the site, there are also worthwhile (albeit very different) shows that night at Nest in Shibuya (incl. hartfield, sleepy.ab and peak77) and at Cave-Be in Shimokitazawa (incl. salt water taffy, treeberrys, and Nudge'em All). The Gig Guide is fabulous and probably much better thought-out than anything I could come up with on my own.
Barring that, there are still four other events listed for the 29th on my calendar. But don't let all the planning fool you. I'll probably just end up cleaning my apartment and playing videogames that day...minus the part about cleaning my apartment.
Hey, look. Metropolis featured that Shinjuku Loft anniversary without telling you that it's been sold out for weeks (per Loft's website). They also keep reading Yurayura Teikoku as Yurayura Tengoku. A little research, folks.
You know what I find helpful at times like this? The Tokyo Gig Guide. Never underestimate something just because it's on GeoCities. According to the site, there are also worthwhile (albeit very different) shows that night at Nest in Shibuya (incl. hartfield, sleepy.ab and peak77) and at Cave-Be in Shimokitazawa (incl. salt water taffy, treeberrys, and Nudge'em All). The Gig Guide is fabulous and probably much better thought-out than anything I could come up with on my own.
Barring that, there are still four other events listed for the 29th on my calendar. But don't let all the planning fool you. I'll probably just end up cleaning my apartment and playing videogames that day...minus the part about cleaning my apartment.
Thursday, April 24, 2003
music
This is more for me to remember than for you.
[note to self] See The Hot Crews when they come to Tokyo in July. They'll be playing at Club Phase [map] in Takadanobaba on July 1st and Shibuya DeSeO [map] on July 2nd. Sara says the drummer's pretty hot. He was born in the 80s...In fact, they were all born in the 80s.
Remember how you used to babysit kids born in the 80s? Yup. I hope that senility doesn't set in by the time they get here and that you remember to go. [/note to self]
This is more for me to remember than for you.
[note to self] See The Hot Crews when they come to Tokyo in July. They'll be playing at Club Phase [map] in Takadanobaba on July 1st and Shibuya DeSeO [map] on July 2nd. Sara says the drummer's pretty hot. He was born in the 80s...In fact, they were all born in the 80s.
Remember how you used to babysit kids born in the 80s? Yup. I hope that senility doesn't set in by the time they get here and that you remember to go. [/note to self]
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
event
Can't get out of Japan for Golden Week? Afraid to travel due to the current political climate? Misguided SARS paranoia getting you down? Don't look so glum; the 4th Annual Thai Food Festival is coming to Yoyogi Park next month! Huzzah.
From May 9th (Fri) to the 11th (Sun), Yoyogi will be packed with all things Thai, weather permitting, thanks to the Royal Thai Embassy, Thai Airways, the Tourism Authority and friends. With live performances, hands-on cooking lessons, just over a hundred food booths, about as many shop stalls and a very popular massage booth, this festival promises to be all things to all senses. I can't even think of a reason not to go. Well, except for the fact that I hate crowds. But it's Thai food! Who doesn't love torturously good Thai?
That's what I thought.
Can't get out of Japan for Golden Week? Afraid to travel due to the current political climate? Misguided SARS paranoia getting you down? Don't look so glum; the 4th Annual Thai Food Festival is coming to Yoyogi Park next month! Huzzah.
From May 9th (Fri) to the 11th (Sun), Yoyogi will be packed with all things Thai, weather permitting, thanks to the Royal Thai Embassy, Thai Airways, the Tourism Authority and friends. With live performances, hands-on cooking lessons, just over a hundred food booths, about as many shop stalls and a very popular massage booth, this festival promises to be all things to all senses. I can't even think of a reason not to go. Well, except for the fact that I hate crowds. But it's Thai food! Who doesn't love torturously good Thai?
That's what I thought.
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
audition
I just got this forwarded to me from TIP's webmistress. No guarantees, but go ahead and contact him if'n you're interested. (The letter has been proofread by me. I just couldn't resist.)
Dear sir/madam
I saw your website.
I am a Japanese independent filmmaker currently working with an American filmmaker, and I'm looking for a western female actress for
my new film project. It is a short film on Haruki Murakami (about 30 minutes long). If you would be so kind, can you let me know if anyone in your group is interested?
Thank you
Hiro
hirooda[at]yahoo.co.jp
I just got this forwarded to me from TIP's webmistress. No guarantees, but go ahead and contact him if'n you're interested. (The letter has been proofread by me. I just couldn't resist.)
Dear sir/madam
I saw your website.
I am a Japanese independent filmmaker currently working with an American filmmaker, and I'm looking for a western female actress for
my new film project. It is a short film on Haruki Murakami (about 30 minutes long). If you would be so kind, can you let me know if anyone in your group is interested?
Thank you
Hiro
hirooda[at]yahoo.co.jp
Monday, April 21, 2003
music
It's about time I go to another Asian Kung-Fu Generation show. A lot of comparisons have been made between AKFG and Weezer. And okay, granted, most of those comparisons have been made by AKFG themselves, but still. They're an excellent live band with a strong sound, and the singer is kind of cute in that geek boy/music snob sort of way.
Of course, I can't go to the Mother Music Listen@Loud event because, even though it's free, you have to register, and I'm afraid they'll make me speak bad Japanese to them over the phone. But if you don't have the same irrational fears, you might want to try it yourself. The show features five up-and-coming Tokyo bands and The Back Horn as special guest. If you win a pass, you can bring a friend! ::cough::me::cough::
To be a little more realistic, I think I'll just see them at Club Que in Shimokitazawa on the 2nd of May (meaning I'll have to see the Image Forum Documentaries on the 29th instead). The show starts at 7:00 with Lunkhead and Tsubaki; advanced tickets are 2000 yen each.
My sister will be in town, and I think she'll get a kick out of it. Wanna come? They say she's cute. (Ahem. I'm not really pimping my sister for company. That was a joke...but she has always been "the pretty one.")
It's about time I go to another Asian Kung-Fu Generation show. A lot of comparisons have been made between AKFG and Weezer. And okay, granted, most of those comparisons have been made by AKFG themselves, but still. They're an excellent live band with a strong sound, and the singer is kind of cute in that geek boy/music snob sort of way.
Of course, I can't go to the Mother Music Listen@Loud event because, even though it's free, you have to register, and I'm afraid they'll make me speak bad Japanese to them over the phone. But if you don't have the same irrational fears, you might want to try it yourself. The show features five up-and-coming Tokyo bands and The Back Horn as special guest. If you win a pass, you can bring a friend! ::cough::me::cough::
To be a little more realistic, I think I'll just see them at Club Que in Shimokitazawa on the 2nd of May (meaning I'll have to see the Image Forum Documentaries on the 29th instead). The show starts at 7:00 with Lunkhead and Tsubaki; advanced tickets are 2000 yen each.
My sister will be in town, and I think she'll get a kick out of it. Wanna come? They say she's cute. (Ahem. I'm not really pimping my sister for company. That was a joke...but she has always been "the pretty one.")
theatre & audition
Tokyo International Players will be closing a relatively successful season with Dial "M" for Murder at Sun Mall Theatre in Shinjuku from May 16th to the 18th. The only actress in the show is making her TIP debut, having won the role over dozens of other qualified performers, while all the male roles have been filled out by familiar faces.
The big complaint this past season was that, while there are a lot more women in the group than men, there were only six female characters in all of the shows combined (not including the non-speaking roles in Amadeus and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown). Meanwhile, it was difficult to get enough men to audition for the shows. So, that in mind, next season promises a lot more opportunities for the women in the theatre community.
It starts off with Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit in October (five female roles, two male). Auditions will be held by appointment on May 14th and 15th (5-7 p.m.) at Sun Mall Theatre, while they're setting up for Dial "M". If you can't make either of those days, a third audition will be held at Tokyo American Club on the 24th. Check here for details. (With "Blithe" spelled wrong. ::cough::)
To see what you're getting yourself into, why not check out this next show? You can reserve tickets online and find a map to the theatre via TIP's website. If you want to come with me, I'll probably have to go to the Friday night show because I'll be having Japanese visitors that weekend.
Tokyo International Players will be closing a relatively successful season with Dial "M" for Murder at Sun Mall Theatre in Shinjuku from May 16th to the 18th. The only actress in the show is making her TIP debut, having won the role over dozens of other qualified performers, while all the male roles have been filled out by familiar faces.
The big complaint this past season was that, while there are a lot more women in the group than men, there were only six female characters in all of the shows combined (not including the non-speaking roles in Amadeus and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown). Meanwhile, it was difficult to get enough men to audition for the shows. So, that in mind, next season promises a lot more opportunities for the women in the theatre community.
It starts off with Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit in October (five female roles, two male). Auditions will be held by appointment on May 14th and 15th (5-7 p.m.) at Sun Mall Theatre, while they're setting up for Dial "M". If you can't make either of those days, a third audition will be held at Tokyo American Club on the 24th. Check here for details. (With "Blithe" spelled wrong. ::cough::)
To see what you're getting yourself into, why not check out this next show? You can reserve tickets online and find a map to the theatre via TIP's website. If you want to come with me, I'll probably have to go to the Friday night show because I'll be having Japanese visitors that weekend.
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