TJ
Travel to San Francisco & Scottsdale
Travel to San Francisco & Scottsdale
TJ’s hotel reviewers headed to San Francisco and Scottsdale to experience the best places to stay. Here are our favorites.
Volume 38. Issue #279
Contents |
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| 1. Tokyo Journal Editorial Inside this issue |
20. Travel to Yosemite Luxury European hotel |
| 2. The First Fashion Show in Cuba (二ヵ国語) Junko Koshino's international fashion |
21. Travel to Central Coast, California Paso Robles hotels, wineries, restaurants & castle |
| 3. Streetstyle Glamour Fashionistas pave the way to fashion |
22. Travel to Seattle Chic, modern, historical & luxury hotels |
| 4. Mifune: The Last Samurai Documentary filmmaker & Mifune interviews |
23. Travel to Anaheim & Chicago Hotels for convention-goers |
| 5. Actor Tatsuya Nakadai 60 years of film, television & theater |
24. Travel to Las Vegas Upscale hotels & spectacular shows |
| 6. Multicultural Model Rola From Bangladesh jungles to the global catwalk |
25. Serviced Apartments in Tokyo Furnished apartments for business travelers |
| 7. Tito Time in Tokyo Jackson brother on 50 years in entertainment |
26. Tokyo Hotels Luxury & modern hotels + ryokan experience |
| 8. DJ Steve Aoki International electronic dance music king |
27. Yosakoi Dance Festival So you think they can dance! |
| 9. Soulrocker Michael Franti Musical mission for health, happiness & equality |
28. Supermodel Jessica Minh Anh in Japan Modeling in Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukushima |
| 10. CNN News Anchor Erin Burnett From investment banking analyst to journalist |
29. Illuminate Education Altruism within the company and beyond |
| 11. Ambassador of Japan Heritage Musician Marty Friedman |
30. Steve Killelea's Groundbreaking Peace Initiative Measuring the economic benefits of peace |
| 12. Sex Pistols Bob Gruen's punk photo flashback |
31. Photo album from Cuba (二ヵ国語) Hiroyuki Suzuki's midsummer night's memory |
| 13. Barges of the Dead Donald Richie struck by seashore haunting apparition |
32. Living "As" Nature, Not "With" It Mind management for satisfaction |
| 14. David Nunan's Global Classroom Teaching to the heart and head |
33. How the Japanese build success into their products Quality in product manufacturing |
| 15. Mari's Homemade Cooking Recipes Miso-simmered mackerel |
34. Garrity's Japan From Tokyo to Soka |
| 16. Koshu Wine Uniquely indigenous to Japan |
35. Haitian Culture Various styles of Haitian art |
| 17. New American Comfort Chef Ben Ford's pork belly lettuce wraps |
36. Product Reviews for the Busy Traveler TJ's shopping recommendations |
| 18. Fig and Ham Tart Expat cucina's tasty tart recipe |
37. Tournament of Roses America's new year celebration |
| 19. Travel to San Francisco & Scottsdale Northern California & Arizona hotels |
38. Yoga Lifestyle A wabi-sabi contemplation |
Tokyo Journal's Top 10 Rankings 2016 Final
Tokyo Journal's 2016 Polling Results
What are your favorite things about Japan and Japanese culture?
Readers voted. Readers decided!
In April of 2016 Tokyo Journal announced the first ever Top 10 Ranking for the reader's favorite Japanese entertainment icons, food, pop-culture, and travel locations. Over the course of 2016 we asked Tokyo Journal readers to vote for their favorite things in Japanese entertainment, food, pop-culture, and travel locations. This first year proved to be successful with over 500,000 votes submitted by readers from all over the world. Here are the top 3 winners for each category and stay tuned for the 2017 rankings.
Categories
> Japanese Entertainmant
> Food in Japan
> Japanese Pop Culture
> Japan Travel
Japanese TV & Dramas
Best J-Drama Actress
1. Satomi Ishihara
2. Akari Hayami
3. Haruka Ayase
Best J-Drama from 2015-2016
1. Flowers for Algermon
2. Mysterious Thief Yamaneko
3. From Five to Nine
Best J-Drama Actor
1. Tomohisa Yamashita
2. Takuya Kimura
3. Kazuya Kamenashi
Best J-Drama of All Time
1. Nobuta wo Produce (2005)
2. Long Vacation (1996)
3. Hana Yori Dango (2005)
Best Variety Show
1. Smap x Smap
2. Momoclo Chan
3. Shabekuri 007
Japanese Movies
Best Horror Movie
1. Ring
2. Ju-On
3. Sadako 3D
Best Japanese Movie
1. Battle Royale (2000)
2. Seven Samurai (1954)
3. Godzilla (1954)
Best Japanese Movie Actor/Actress Worldwide
1. Ken Watanabe
2. Takuya Kimura
3. Takeshi Kitano
Best Japanese Film Director of All Time
1. Hayao Miyazaki
2. Akira Kurosawa
3. Takeshi Miike
Best Akira Kurosawa Film of All Time
1. Seven Samurai
2. High and Low
3. Hidden Fortress
Japanese Music
Best J-Rock Band
1. X Japan
2. The GazettE
3. Babymetal
Best Japanese Female idol Group
1. Momoiro Clover Z
2. Morning Musume
3. *C-ute
Best Japanese Female Singer
1. Miwa
2. Yui
3. Ayumi Hamasaki
Best Male idol Group
1. SMAP
2. KAT-TUN
3. ARASHI
Best Japanese Male Singer
1. Tomohisa Yamashita
2. Gackt
3. Jin Akanishi
Japanese Sports
Best Favorite Japanese Male Athlete
1. Yuzuru Hanyu (Figure Skater)
2. Kei Nishikori
3. Kohei Uchimura
Best Favorite Japanese Female Athlete
1. Mao Asada (Figure Skater)
2. Ai Fukuhara
3. Saori Yoshida
Japanese Food
Best Street Food
1. Ramen
2. Takoyaki
3. Yakitori
Best Favorite Sushi
1. Salmon
2. Toro (Fatty Tuna)
3. Tuna
Best Japanese Sake
1. Dassai
2. Kubota
3. Hakkaisan
Restaurant in Japan
Best Theme Restaurant
1. Kawaii Monster Cafe
2. Robot restaurant
3. Maidreamin Cafe
Best Japanese Fast Food
1. Mos Burger
2. Yoshinoya
3. Pepper Lunch
Best Kobe Beef Restaurant
1. Ishida
2. Houki
3. Wakkoqu
Best French Restaurant in Tokyo
1. Les Cristallines
2. Troisgros Japon
3. Joel Robuchon
Best Italian Restairant in Tokyo
1. Pizzeria Da Napolistaca
2. Elio Locanada Italiana
3. Bulgari ll Ristorante
Best U.S. Restaurant
1. Outback Steakhouse
2. Hard Rock cafe
3. Denny's
Best Izakaya (Japanese Pub)
1. Hibiki
2. Gonpachi
3. Nihonbashi-tei
Best Mexican Restaurant
1. Fonda de la Madrugada
2. La Jolla
3. El Caliente
Best Curry Rice Restaurant
1. CoCo Ichibanya
2. Manten Curry Rice
3. Curry House TIRI TIRI
Best Tonkatsu Restaurant
1. Wako
2. Maisen
3. Katsuzen
Best Craft Brewery
1. Miyashita Sake Brewery
2. Baird Brewery Company
3. Abashiri Brewery
Best Asian Restaurant in Tokyo
1. Asian Palm
2. Monsoon Cafe
3. Mango Tree
Best Kaiseki Restaurant (Japanese Traditional Multi-Course Dinner)
1. Gion Karyo, Kyoto
2. Nakamura, Kyoto
3. Ogata, Kyoto
Best Tempura Restaurant in Tokyo
1. Tempura Kondo
2. Ten-ichi Ginza Honten
3. Tempura Motoyoshi
Best Sushi Restaurant
1. Sukiyabashi Jiro
2. Sushi no Midori
3. Sushi Dai
Best Tonkotsu Ramen Restaurant in Tokyo
1. Ichiran
2. Shibaraku
3. Botan
Japanese Sweets
Best Sweets
1. Melon Pan
2. Crepes
3. Taiyaki
Best Wagashi Shop
1. Higashiya Ginza
2. Tokyo Mise
3. Toraya Tokyo
Best Bakery & Dessert Shop
1. Sweets Paradise
2. Rose Bakery
3. Ice Monster Omotesando
Best Chocolate Snack
1. Pocky
2. Choco Pie
3. ALMOND
Japanese Anime & Manga
Best Shonen Manga
1. One Piece
2. Fairy Tail
3. Full Metal Alchemist
Best Shojo Manga
1. Akatsuki no Yona
2. Kimi ni Todoke
3. Orange
Best Kawaii Cartoon Character
1. Pika-chu
2. Totoro
3. Rilakkuma
Best Studio Ghibli Movie
1. Howl's Moving Castle
2. Spirited Away
3. My Neighbor Totoro
Best Anime 2012-2016
1. Attack on Titan
2. One-Punch Man
3. Tokyo Ghoul
Best Animated Movie
1. Wolf Children
2. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
3. The Girl Who Leapt Though Time
Best Anime of All Time
1. Dragon Ball Z
2. One Piece
3. Death Note
Best Gotochi Character (Regional Mascot Character)
1. Kumamon
2. Funassyi
3. Gunma-chan
Cosplay
Best Famous Cosplayer 2016
1. Touga
2. Reika
3. Linda Le(Vampy Bit Me)
Japanese Fashion
Best Harajuku Fashion
1. Galaxxxy
2. Angelic Pretty
3. 6% Doki Doki
Best Women's Fashion Brand
1. Cecil McBee
2. Olive des Olive
3. Freak's Store
Best Japanese Fashion Brand
1. Comme Des Garcons
2. Junko Koshino
3. Kenzo
Best Female Model
1. Kiko Mizuhara
2. Mirei Kiritani
3. Rola
Japanese Video Games
Best J-RPG of All Time
1. Final Fantasy VII
2. Kingdom Hearts 2
3. Persona 4
Japanese Destinations
Best Theme Park
1. Tokyo Disneyland
2. Universal Studios Japan
3. Tokyo Disneysea
Best "Day Trip" from Tokyo
1. Yokohama
2. Kamakura
3. Mt. Fuji
Best Vacation Spot
1. Kyoto
2. Ishigaki Island
3. Nara
Best Famous Landmark in Tokyo
1. Tokyo Tower
2. Shibuya Crossing / Hachiko Statue
3. Tokyo Skytree
Best Distinctive Building
1. Tokyo Station
2. Nakagin Capsule Tower
3. Omotesando Hills
Best Area for Hot Spring
1. Hakone Onsen
2. Kurokawa Onsen
3. Beppu Onsen
Best Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Hotel)
1. Takinoya
2. Shuhokaku Kogetsu
3. Hotel Hanayura
Best Ski Resort
1. Niseko Grand Hirafu
2. Fujiten Snow Resort
3. Hakuba Happo One Ski Resort
Best Japanese Architect
1. Tadao Ando
2. Kenzo Tange
3. Kisho Kurosawa
Best Place to Visit in Tokyo
1. Harajuku
2. Asakusa Temple
3. Odaiba
Best International School
1. Tokyo International School
2. The American School in Japan
3. Yokohama International School
Best Language School
1. Sendagaya Japanese Institute
2. Akamonkai
3. Coto Language Academy
Japanese Hotels
Best Five Ster Hotel in Tokyo
1. Park Hyatt Tokyo
2. Palace Hotel Tokyo
3. Imperial Hotel Tokyo
Best Hotel for Young Travelers
1. Kyoto Guesthouse Roujiya
2. Nui. Hotel & Bar Lounge
3. Hostel Haruya Aqua, Kyoto
Japanese Leisure & Recreation
Best Place to Karaoke
1. Shidax
2. Big Echo
3. Karaoke-kan
Best Game Center
1. Club SEGA
2. SEGA GiGO
3. Shinjuku Playland Carnival
Best Japanese Festival
1. Sapporo Snow Festival
2. Awa Odori Tokushima
3. Gion Matsuri
Best Fireworks Show
1. Tokyo Bay Fireworks
2. Sumidagawa Fireworks
3. Edogawa Fireworks
Best Department Store
1. Mitsukoshi
2. Matsuya Ginza
3. Isetan
Best Shopping Complex/Mall
1. Shibuya 109
2. Roppongi Hills
3. Omotesando Hills
Best Art Museum
1. National Museum Tokyo
2. Japan Ukiyo-e Museum
3. National Art Center
Best History & Science Museum
1. Tokyo National Museum
2. Edo Tokyo Museum
3. Samurai Museum
Best Special Interest Museum
1. Ghibli Museum
2. Cupnoodle Museum
3. Sapporo Beer Museum
Tokyo Journal's Top 10 Rankings
What are your favorite things about Japan and Japanese culture?
You vote. You decide!
Entertainment
Pop Culture
Food
Travel
Vote for the 2022 Tokyo Journal Top 10 Readers' Choice Rankings: Coming soon!
Tokyo Journal readers will be able to vote once a day for their favorite things in Japanese entertainment, food, pop-culture, and travel locations.
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Japanese National Tea Ceremony
Japanese Nagtional Tea Ceremony
Treasures Displayed in L.A.
THE 92-year-old Daisosho (Grand Master) Dr. Genshitsu Sen XV visited the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) on May 24, 2015 to showcase the museum’s March 29 – June 7 exhibition Raku: The Cosmos in a Tea Bowl. The exhibition of 100 ceramic tea ceremony objects spanning five centuries was the first of its kind in the U.S. free of the items were Japanese national treasures, two of which were tea bowls made by the earliest Raku potter Chojiro and lent to LACMA by the Daisosho out of the Urasenke Foundation’s collection.
Cosplay Conventions
Cosplay Conventions in Tokyo and Los Angeles
Samurai Spirit
Virtu in Japan
Samurai Spirit
Tetsuro Shimaguchi, known for his samurai choreography and appearance in the Quentin Tarantino movie Kill Bill, is the founder of the sword performance group Kamui, as well as the creator of Kengido, a fusion of martial arts with performing arts that delivers the beauty of the samurai. Samurai are well-known warriors of feudal Japan, who fought for their clans and their country. However, Tetsuro believes samurai were artists more than warriors who followed a strong ethical code. If we define a samurai as an artist, rather than a warrior, what makes a strong samurai? What strength are they are pursuing? According to Tetsuro, the key is shingitai (心技体). Shingitai is a term often used in Japanese martial arts. Shin (心) stands for the mind or heart, gi (技) is skill and tai (体) means body. Combined, shingitai is the balance of the mind, skill and body — and you may notice that mind comes first in this word. Tetsuro is spreading the samurai ’s sense of respect to the next generation and to the world through his workshops. He also arranges photo shoots of people in samurai armor at Sengoku Photo Studio Samurai in Yoyogi, Tokyo. Nanami Chinatsu spoke with Tetsuro Shimaguchi to learn more about the samurai spirit.
Travel to Hokkaido
Travel to Hokkaido
The northernmost of Japan’s four main islands, Hokkaido offers an unparalleled view of the country’s magnificent natural wonders. Many travelers and adventure seekers visit the island to witness its splendid landscape of mountains and trees. Hokkaido is a winter wonderland for snowboarders and a spring and summer escape for hikers to wander through its gorgeous greenery. Its powdery snow, rolling hills, fresh air, blue skies and fantastic food make Hokkaido a desirable destination for both Japanese and non-Japanese tourists.
The Heroes of the Himalayas
Heores of the Himalayas
The Sherpa: Mountaineering and Trekking Guides
We hear stories about mountaineers achieving incredible feats and overcoming the most challenging circumstances. However, none of this would be possible if it were not for the Sherpas, the Himalayan people living on the borders of Nepal and Tibet with superior mountaineering and trekking skills. These silent heroes serve as guides working behind the scenes to make the ascents of the Himalayan mountains possible. While climbing one of the lower Himalayas, Island Peak, Ron John Ostlund sat down with his climbing team leader and senior Sherpa to find out more about these world-class mountaineers.
The Chaotic Contrasts of Kathmandu
The Chaotic Contrasts of Kathmandu
KATHMANDU is a sprawling nightmare. A million people live within the city’s labyrinth streets. Buddhist and Hindu temples are peppered throughout the city, their crumbling ramparts propped up with timber and hastily constructed retaining walls. Ancient buildings lean threateningly to one side; the adjacent buildings are sometimes the only obstacle delaying their catastrophic collapse. Incredibly, people still live in these dilapidated structures. Some inhabitants squat, cooking their meager meals over open ames. Others wash themselves with buckets of water on crumbling second-storey balconies, unconcerned with the potential avalanche surrounding them.
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