Battle of Study. It’s a curious name, but a fun, energetic jazz event hosted every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm by Kamome, one of Yokohama’s premier jazz venues. It’s a ‘battle’ because musicians compete for a cash prize and a ‘study’ because the younger artists are seeking to learn from some of the veterans on stage. The series is the brainchild of Motoharu, a Yokohama native, Berklee College of Music graduate, and the sax player for the internationally acclaimed jazz group Soil & Pimp Sessions. He’s joined on stage by bandmates Akita Goldman (bass) and Midorin (drums), as…
Author: Seasider
Suzuki Kiyoshi was my advisor my first year of photography school. My first encounter with Suzuki, however, reaches back to elementary school–I think to when I was in third or fourth grade. There was a sign company in the neighborhood I lived in that produced hand-written calligraphy and illustrated signs. A young man that worked there taught me drawing and also helped with my summer assignments. I grew to love drawing because of him, and I remember my grades in arts and crafts being good. Some time after I was in middle school, he was just suddenly gone from the…
Many international residents see great potential for building a better life in Japan, but there are hurdles to working or establishing residency here. Rules and regulations can be hard to navigate, even for those who are proficient in Japanese. Kasama Yumiko has been working hard to help individuals with the immigration process since she established her office in nearby Kawasaki in 2013. Kasama is very passionate about immigration and the protection of human rights. She explains, “After graduating from university I devoted ten years of my life working in social sectors like international humanitarian aid to protect the rights of…
It’s been a while since we discovered a cafe as good as Ragout & Whisky House. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s as much a lunch cafe as it is a classy spot for boozing in the evenings. It even has breakfast hours. We visited for lunch (more than once) and found the service excellent, the ambience pleasant, and the food delicious. The portions were quite large, too, making for a good cost-performance lunch. Lunch plates are ¥1000 and the selection is varied. Four of our staff stopped in, each choosing a different entree. All were pleased with their…
It’s so rare to find a bar with both great beer and sake, but we found one in Bashamichi with McGuffin. This fairly new establishment is warm and friendly, with excellent tapas-style food to pair with your drinks. Whether you’re stopping by for a meal, a snack or just some beverages, we’re confident you’ll be satisfied. The drink menu is not extensive but offers a decent range of good libations. McGuffin has two draft selections with Heartland (¥500) and Coedo (¥800 glass/¥1100 pint), one of Japan’s best craft breweries. There is also a selection of bottled craft beer from Coedo,…
Opening the huge wooden door and stepping into the high-ceilinged bar area, you’ll first see a small space for performances directly in front of you. The next thing that catches your eye is a giant vintage stained glass window on your right. When you take a closer look around the room, you’ll find a calliope sitting in the corner. With up-tempo jazz music in the background and all kinds of unique antiques around the room, L’oeuf draws you willingly into its mysterious atmosphere. The music conjures up images of a car full of clowns pulling up in front and spilling…
Compared to most countries, Japan has an excellent social welfare safety net, but there are gaps where family is expected to pick up the slack, or individuals are expected to deal with problems on their own. Over 25,000 people die by suicide in Japan every year, which represents a significant decline from the over 32,000 of five years ago, but nonetheless exacts a terrible toll on society, and on the family, friends and colleagues of the victims. In 1973, TELL was founded as an English-language lifeline for Japan’s international residents, many of whom found it difficult to access mental health…
Craft beer bars have been sprouting up throughout Japan over the last few years. Yokohama has seen its share recently, too, and that’s something that puts smiles on our faces. Craft Beer Bar Living, which opened in May, should put big smiles on the faces of many Yokohama residents. It has broad appeal, with good food and beer, an attractive interior and a capable owner. If you are alone or like chatting, grab a seat at the rather long bar (seating for 10-12) and bend the ear of owner/bartender Jun Arai, a veteran of the cafe/restaurant business in Yokohama. His…
Looking for a gift? Or maybe just something special for the home? Motomachi has long been known as the shopping district of Yokohama. Its many boutique stores offer plenty of variety and quite a range of price (though high-end goods are in no short supply). Corner’s Field is one place we recommend for both tourists and residents alike. It specializes in traditional tableware, whether ceramic, lacquer or wooden. The prices are quite affordable, too. You could set the entire table, from elegant chopsticks to hand-crafted bowls or plates, for under ¥10,000 if you browse carefully enough. And trust us: this…
In June, I presented images of the Yakushi Nyorai (“Medicine Buddha”) statue at Tokozenji. This month, I’d like to introduce the Twelve Heavenly Generals. These figures are guardian deities of Yakushi Nyorai that correspond to The Twelve Vows (on attaining enlightenment) and wear armor that reflects their respective roles of protection. The number twelve also corresponds with points of direction and the zodiac. They’re just like twelve avengers! There’s a story behind each general, though none are simply transient heroes. They’re rather deep stories, actually, that wouldn’t be so crazy to turn into Hollywood movies. Kids these days are obsessed…