Sunday, May 25, 2008
Hideki Mutoh 武藤 英紀
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Survivalphrases.com - Language Site
While there are an inordinate number of products out there, I recently came across an on-line option that is fun and easy - Survival Phrases Japanese.
The web site is http://www.survivalphrases.com/ and describes itself as an easy way to.."Learn essential travel phrases, cultural insights and travel tips that you won’t find in a traditional phrasebook."
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Roppongi 六本木 - Wolfgang Puck's Cafe - Restaurant
He is a culinary powerhouse and given credit for revolutionizing American cuisine - more specifically California cuisine.
Now Tokyo has 2 locations one in Roppongi and another more casual outlet located in Shinjuku - and he is not stopping there...with plans to significantly increase his presence with a 10 year goal to open an additional 90+ other restaurants.
The restaurant was very modern, and crowded with expats with their families, tourists and locals, so I ate at the bar counter. The menu was varied and included Puck's famous pizza options -the Salmon Pizza was delicious. I also enjoyed the Shrimp Pad Thai, which was quite good and the portion size was just right. The service was good and the staff were attentive without being overly so.
All the best....Mark
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Speed Racer - Mach GoGoGo (マッハGoGoGo)
This weekend saw the beginning of the summer movie season with the release of the Wachowski Brothers latest film - after the Matrix Trilogy and V for Vendetta - the live action adaptation movie Speed Racer.
For those who fondly remember the cartoon series which debuted in Japan in the late 60's, this film will offer a 'stroll down memory lane'. Mach GoGoGo (マッハGoGoGo) was the original title for the series and when it was distributed around the world, the name was changed to Speed Racer.
The colors, graphics and action sequences are all certainly kicked up a notch, but the core story and characters remain intact. You'll see Speed, Trixie, Mom, Pop, Rex, Spritle and of course Chim Chim.
This jacked up film was a non stop action powerhouse which purists will be pleased to know followed the original Tatsuo Yoshida storyline. The colors, race car scenes, and over the top graphics seem to combine Bollywood, Hello Kitty and the Jetsons all in one.
After a hard week of work, this film offers a nice diversion with a healthy spoonful of mental fluff to be enjoyed by mom, dad, and the kids. (At 135 minutes, its an enjoyable 2 hour + escape from reality.)
While it was panned by critics and seen as disappointing for not beating out Iron Man with box office receipts, I say head to the multiplex and cheer on Speed...come on everyone take a deep breath and say out loud - Go Speed Racer Go!
All the best....Mark
Friday, May 9, 2008
Shinjuku 新宿区 - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building 東京都庁舎
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎), designed by architect Kenzo Tange, is the crown jewel of this huge complex of buildings with a semi-circular plaza and a 48 story building that seamlessly blends both traditional and modern design. In fact when the project was originally conceived, the architect noted that the aim was to have the building resemble an electronic circuit....what do you think?
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Roppongi 六本木 - Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo - Restaurant
Quite simply, nothing comes to mind as quickly as the instiution itself...the Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo (located in Roppongi 六本木)...and since it will celebrate its 25th anniversary this July 4th, 2008 you'll certainly want to stop by. While there are other Hard Rock Cafes in Japan, for example Ueno, and Osaka, this one is the original.
The rock memorabilia, the rock and roll music blasting through the speakers, the gift shop with all manner of t-shirts, jackets, caps, as well as the menu know around the world can be found here.
Take a look at the menu and come hungry and ready to eat http://www.hardrockjapan.com/cafemenu/pdf/hrcjapan_menu_j.pdf
All the best....Mark