Osaka Auto Messe 2004

Feb.6-8

The 8th motor show featuring — gadgets, baubels and accessories to make your car unique — is back again in Osaka.

You will find the hottest line-up of rims, body kits, tires, exhaust systems, tuner parts and audio/video systems from all the top brand names. Vendors will hold on-the-spot sales there as well. The custom car exhibition will feature the newest tuned-up, dressed-up and AV equipped cars. Check out the newest navigation systems to boost your car looks. The latest systems include 5.1 channel DVD systems, LCD displays and MP3 players and look out for the latest car accessories that might only be available at the event. For the kids, a variety of shows, events and presentations will be held. There will be well known racers, popular singers, dancers and giveaways. Don’t forget to fill out a survey to win one of many fantastic prizes!

INTEX OSAKA (International Exhibition Center, Osaka)
Open: 9am-6pm
Admission: ¥2500 (¥2000 advanced tickets) Elementary School Students and younger: Free
Tel: 06-6458-3199 (OSAKA AUTOMESSE ASSOCIATION )

Paul Winter —
Valentine Concert

Feb.14

Award-winning saxophonist, bandleader, composer, explorer of the world's musical traditions and founder of Living Music, Paul Winter, will perform in Japan again, after an absence of six years. For the past thirty years he has been unwaveringly motivated by the vision of a musical-ecological community. This has resulted in his unique 'Earth Music', a vital celebration of the creatures and cultures of the whole earth.

Paul's musical realm embraces the traditions of many of the world's cultures. Also he interweaves diverse instruments and elements together with the extraordinary voices of, "the greater symphony of the Earth". This symphony of the earth includes wolves, whales, eagles, and several dozen other species of 'wilderness musicians.'
He will be joined by fellow musicians, Eugene Friesen on Cello. Glen Velez on percussion. Dorothy Papadakos on the organ and Paul Sullivan on the piano.

Biwako Hall, Shiga Prefecture, Otsu City
5 min by bus from Otsu JR Stn or 3 min walk from Ishiba Stn on Heihan line. By car: 5-min drive from Otsu Interchange on Hanshin and Meishin Expressways (accessible from Osaka Umeda in 40 min)
Time: Begins at 18:00 • Ticket: ¥3,000
Tel: 077-523-7133

Pioneer Kyoto 21
Program for foreign residents

Feb.6

Kansai is a major industrial center, a place where new businesses have flourished since the Meiji Restoration in 1868. To keep pace with the ever changing world of industry, there has been a shift from heavy industries to those in the advanced technological field. The Kyoto Prefectural International Center has created a program aimed at foreign residents who are eager to know more about the progressiveness of companies that put Kansai at the cutting edge of Japan's new economy. The Center has organized a visit to KYOCERA, a company involved in a variety of businesses, and tours of the Kyocera Museum of Art and the Kyocera Museum of Fine Ceramics.

Kyocera Corporation Head Office, Kyoto
Time: 13:15-16:30 • Entry: ¥500
www.kpic.or.jp/
Tel: 075-342-5000

Lake Forest Resort
Week Day Free Choice Plan

A deluxe resort hotel located in the green countryside of Kyoto, Lake Forest Resort is a luxurious complex comprising of a golf course, a choice of sporting facilities, swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor. With the introduction of their 'week day free choice plan', for the sum of ¥3,000 guests can choose to spend the night in the royal Suite Room, the Western style twin room, traditional Japanese room or a picturesque Canadian cottage, including the unlimited use of hot spring facility, sauna and jacuzzi. Although meals are not included in the price, the Viking lunch is reasonable at ¥1,500.

Price: ¥3,000 (for one night and use of hot spring facility)
Getting there: From Nara Kintetsu station, take a free bus to the resort.
http://www.lfr.co.jp/
Tel: 07439-4-0131 or 07439-4-0331

Events compiled by Mylene Oishi

Kansai Event Listings