Grand Antique Fair
 Kobe
Sept. 3-5
This antique fair is the largest in Japan. It
all started in Kyoto, and now regularly takes place in Osaka, Kobe
and Tokyo. Three hundred antique dealers from all over the country
come together to exhibit and sell more than one million items. Everything
is here at this amazing fair, ranging from ancient fine arts to
art nouveau, with a selection of antique kimono and other apparel.
Even if you don't buy anything, you will find this an exceptional
window shopping experience.
Kobe Fashion Mart, Rokko Island
Time: 10:00-17:00 (Sun till 16:00)
Getting there: In front of Island Center station
Admission: Free
Z Gomokudo 077-522-2307
Uneme Matsuri
 Nara
Sept. 28
Uneme shrine is unusual in that we can only see
the back of it. That this matsuri is also known as the Festival
to Console Uneme gives some idea why the shrine's back faces the
Torii gate and Sarusawa Pond. Legend has it that Uneme, a beautiful
woman committed suicide by drowning herself in the pond after her
lover, the emperor, found a new lady friend. After this the shrine
was built to console the spirit of Uneme, it is said, out of sadness
for the suicide, the shrine simply turned its back on the pond.
To celebrate this miraculous feat — no one ever came forward
to admit to the deed — children and 'Uneme' girls carry a big
flowered fan decorated with the seven autumn flowers. Later, a dragon-headed
boat sails on the pond carrying the fan, which is laid
down to rest on the waters.
Sarusawa Pond
Timings: Parade starts at JR Nara station and arrives at Sarusawa
Pond by 18:00, Boat sails on the pond at 19:00.
Getting there: 10 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara station
Tel: 0742-22-3900
SEPTEMBER SKY
International Outdoor Festival
Osaka
Sept. 12
• WORLD MUSIC, DANCE, CULTURE, FOOD AND DRINK
• FLEA MARKET
• ART AND CULTURAL EXHIBITIONS
• CUSTOM BIKE SHOW
• FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
What started off as a monthly live event showcasing
local talent has evolved into an annual festival celebrating international
culture, art, music and much more. This year's September Sky takes
place on Sunday, September 12th at Minatomachi River Place in the
heart of Nanba. That's right; an outdoor festival in downtown Osaka!
In addition to the eclectic mix of music, which
is sure to have everyone dancing on the boardwalk beside the river,
there are many more things to do and see. Local area restaurants
and bars will have stalls set up and with the variety of flavors
on offer there certainly won't be anyone going home hungry. (Probably
not sober either.) Also on the menu: Dance performances and demonstrations,
a flea market in which to find that bargain, an art gallery featuring
local and international artists, and a cultural center where you
will be able to try your hand at things like Japanese flowe rarrangement.
There will even be a custom bike show with some very nice examples
of that American cultural icon, the Harley-Davidson. All this and
much more — family fun for everyone. Be sure not to miss this
delicious way to end the summer!
MINATOMACHI RIVER-PLACE (NANBA)
Timings: 12.00-21.00
Admission: Free
Tel: 06-6538-0601/090-2598-9795
Porgy & Bess
Shiga Sept. 11-12
Fans of Porgy and Bess will be thrilled to hear
that a performance of the beloved George Gershwin-DuBose Heyward-Ira
Gershwin musical is to be performed by the New York Harlem Theatre,
here in Kansai. Now recognized as a classic American opera, it tells
the sad tale of love won and lost. Poor Porgy wins beautiful Bess
away from the murdering Crown, only to lose her to the gambler,
Sportin' Life and the vices of the big city. Featuring the triumphant
return of Alvy Powell, as Porgy and Marquita Lister as Bess, singing
those unforgettable songs, Summertime and 'It ain't necessarily
so.'
Although this theatre group began in 1981, it
has already played in most European cities; Rome, Vienna, Frankfurt
to name but a few. In all places, the smart directing, the elegant
production stunningly performed by a musically powerful cast of
performers has taken the audience by storm with long, long standing
ovations.
Biwako Hall, Shiga
Time: Doors open 13:15 • Entry: From 9,000yen
Getting there: From Otsu station, 5 mins ride to 'Biwako Hall Mae'
Tel: 077-523-7136
Events compiled by Mylene Oishi
Kansai Event Listings
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September 1- 4
NEXPO Osaka 2004
Ideas for an environmentally friendly earth in which we can
all live in safety and in harmony with nature. Featuring recycling
technologies, how to prevent air and soil contamination, ecologically
friendly goods, energy saving devices. You get the gist.
Intex Osaka
10:00-17:00 (till 16:00 on the 4th)
Adults ¥1,000
Osaka Nanko Cosmo Square
Tel: 06-6265-9106
September 4-5
Musical: Cabaret
The musical begins in the seedy Kit-Kat Klub, in Berlin. The
first person to greet us is the camp and entertaining Emcee,
with the unforgettable line:'Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome
... im Cabaret, au Cabaret, to Cabaret !' This musical has
been entertaining theatre-goers since its first production
in 1966.
Festival Hall, Osaka
4th at 13:00 & 18:00.
5th at 12:00 & 17:00
From ¥6,000. Close to JR Osaka station
Tel: 06-6231-2221
September 5
A day of Rituals
Various religious rituals, Buddhist dances and sumo wrestling
by the locals takes place at one of Kyoto's oldest shrine
to petition the gods for mild weather, a good harvest and
safety in the home.
Matsuo-taisha Shrine, Kyoto
From JR Kyoto station bus to Matsuo-taisha shrine
Tel: 075-871-5016
Untill Sept 5
Blast
This musical has a cast of 68 young brass, percussion and
visual performers brought together for a unique combination
of music and theatre.
Osaka Kosei Nenkin Kaikan
13:00 & 18:30. On 5th at 13:00
From ¥3,000.
7mins walk from Honmachi station
Tel: 06-6532-6301
Untill September 5
The Copy Age
When the famous bearded picture of Mona Lisa, produced by
Marcel Duchamp (1887-1961) first appeared on the art scene
it caused a sensation in the art world. Today it is recognized
as a classic of its type. You can see it and lots of other
such classics in a new exhibit.
The Museum of Modern Art, Shiga
9:30-17:00. ¥700-¥1,000
10 minutes walk from JR Seta station
Tel: 077-543-2111
September 9
Karasu-zumo
A very distinctive and amusing festival in which Shinto priests
perform rituals in which they hop from side to side, cawing
like crows (karasu). After this, the local boys compete in
a sumo competition.
Kamigamo-jinja Shrine, Kyoto
City bus to Daitokuji-mae.
September 11
Beer in Ancient Egypt
A study lecture that raises and tries to answer questions
such as, what did beer taste like in ancient Egypt? What style
of drinking culture existed in those days.
Kirin Plaza Osaka (KPO)
11:00-14:00. ¥3,000 (Reservation only)
10 minutes walk from Namba station
www.kirin.co.jp/kpo
Tel: 06-6212-6578
September 12
Nostalgic Car Show
Calling all car fanatics! The country's biggest exhibition
and sale of nostalgia-inducing cars, parts, accessories and
related goods.
Intex Osaka
10:00-17:00. ¥2,000. Children free
Osaka Nanko Cosmo Square
Tel: 0120-750-043
Untill September 15
Cormorant Fishing
By the light of fires hanging in baskets, cormorants dive
for fish from boats on the Hozu river. This method of fishing
wherein the bird's necks are tied with a rope so that they
catch but not swallow the fish, has been practiced here since
ancient times. Enjoy the spectacle free from the banks of
the river or hire a boat.
Hozu river, Arashiyama
18:30-20:30
Boat ride: Adults ¥1,700 or charter
a boat, 16 people ¥40,000
Tel: 075-861-0223/075-861-0302
September 19
Noh
The oldest existing form of theater is enjoying a revival.
The young generation are starting to take an interest and
the introduction of simultaneous English explanation of formerly
inscrutable dramas, now attracts foreign theatre-goers. The
dramas Ikkaku-sennin and Yobi-goe will be performed with English
explanations.
Kobe Fashion Mart, Rokko Island
Doors open 17:45. Some areas free. Certain seats ¥1,000.
In front of Island Center station
Tel: 0570-02-9999
September 26
Youth Sunday Live
Many young musicians and performers fulfill their dream by
appearing on stage before a live audience. The participants
have also played a key role in the organization and management
of this outdoor event. Listen to all kinds of musical genres
and see some original dance routines.
Nara Park 12:30-16:30. Free admission.
Bus from Nara JR/Kintetsu stations to Daibutsu
http://www.pref.nara.jp/seisyonen/
Tel: 0742-27-8615
September 29
Kyogen
A unique Japanese style of comedy and a traditional performing
art. Originally from China, over the years it has develo-ped
into a unique Japanese style. Some plays date back 600 years,
but, on this day Momoyo-zuki, a new drama will be performed,
followed by Kakyu and Shimizu. All three comical dramas are
based on the folklore of Totsukawa village.
Kashihara Bunka Kaikan
Doors open 18:00. ¥3,000/¥4,000
Yagi station on the Kintetsu line
Tel: 0744-23-2771
September 30 - October 5
Burn The Floor
Featuring championship dance couples from fifteen different
countries, Burn the Floor, is a culture clash between the
elegance and sophistication of ballroom dancing and the sweaty
sensuality of rock and roll. All the way from the UK, this
show will change the way we think about ballroom dance.
Osaka-Jo Hall
19:00. From ¥6,000.
5minutes walk from Osaka-Jo Park
Tel: 06-6941-0345
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