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The World Book Design 2008-9
Books prized at the Leipzig Book Fair in 2009 for being superbly bound, and other nicely designed books will be showcased. Enjoy over 240 beautiful books from Europe, China and Japan.
Until Mar 7, 9am-8pm (closed Mondays), free admission. Nara Prefectural Library. Tel: 07-4234-2111. Nearest stn: Nara, bus to Kenritsu Toshojohokan.
Exhibition of Orchid
Held at one of the largest greenhouses in Japan, the 67,000m2area of the Awaji Yumebutai Onshistu, 2,000 varieties of orchid will be on display in an all-new layout. In particular, the depiction of an Edo-era town is a must.
Until Mar 7, 10am-6pm. ¥1,200 (adults), ¥700 (high school students),¥600 (junior high school students), \300 (primary school students). Awaji Yumebutai Onshitu, Hyogo. Tel: 07-9974-1200. Nearest stn: Sannomiya.
Night of the Milky Way Railway
A moving, poetic and beautiful book written by Kenji Miyazaki has been adapted for animation by Studio Kagaya, the pioneer of digital painting. Fantastical images will be projected on the domed ceiling of the Osaka Science Museum’s planetarium.
Until May 30, 3pm (closed various days). ¥600 (adults), ¥450 (students), ¥\300 (under junior high school). Osaka Science Museum, Osaka. Tel: 06-6444-5656. Nearest stn: Nakanoshima.
Machinami Hakurankai
This large event will serve up 27 exhilarating attractions throughout the month of March. Some interesting tours include the tuna market, a visit to some hot springs and massage tours, a fancy dress parade, playing with dolphins, and several other events held in venues across the town.
Mar 1-31, various times, locations and prices. Nachikatsuuracho, Wakayama. Nearest stn: Kiikatsuura. Tel: 07-3552-5311. www.nachikan.jp/machinami.pdf
Tayumai
Women dressed as Tayu, the highest rank of the extravagant Oiran (an olden-day Japanese courtesan), will dance to the accompaniment of Japanese traditional instruments.
Mar 1, from 11am.¥600 (adults), ¥300 (children). Hokyoji Temple, Kyoto. Tel: 07-5451-1550. Nearest stn: Imadegawa.
Ikenobo Ikebana
Japanese ikebana artworks created by Ikenobo artists under the theme of “a path to the future” will be on display at depato Takashimaya. Don’t miss this flower-arranging exhibition from Japan’s oldest ikebana school.
Mar 2-7, various times. Takashimaya, Osaka. Nearest stn: Namba. Tel: 07-5231-4922.
Osaka Asian Film Festival 2010
Asian films screened in venues across the city. This is a golden opportunity to view a wide range of Asian cinema. All works will be subtitled in English.
Mar 6-14. Venues throughout Osaka. Tel: 06-6373-1225. www.oaff.jp/english/index.html
Evening at Oyamazaki Villa
A lecture and tea party held at the café in the Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art. The museum’s curator, Kyoko Kagawa, will talk about the French realist Barbizon school of painters. Bookings made by fax: 07-5957-3126.
Mar 20, 5pm-6:30pm.¥1,000. Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art, Kyoto. Tel: 07-5957-3123. Nearest stn: Yamazaki.
Japan International Poetry Society
The Japan International Poetry Society’s second meeting will be held in Kyoto and will feature special guest Mr. Jerome Rothenberg, an internationally renowned American poet.
Mar 22, 6pm-9pm. ¥1,000. Heartpia Kyoto,Conference room #3. Tel: 05-6626-2548. Nearest stn: Marutamachi.
Moriyama Omandoro Densetsu
This newly established event takes place to commemorate a girl, Oman, who was the heroine of a tragic love story. Japanese taiko drumming will be performed in front of ten large flaming torches, while a market selling local produce and cuisine should get your mouth watering.
Mar 27, 11am-8:30pm (subject to change in case of rain). Free admission. Pieri Moriyama. Tel: 07-7582-1131. Nearest stn: Moriyama.
NYNY
Enjoy a fashion-, music- and art-filled evening down at Osaka event space Unagidani Sunsui. The energy-filled band MacArthur A Contti will be providing music, with DJs Naorock and Kappa spinning the wheels of steel. Various local fashion designers will be showing their latest stuff, while homemade curry, a VJ, and an interesting candle space produced by young artists should make for one trendy evening.
Mar 3, from 6pm. ¥2,000 (adv),¥2,500 (door), foreigners free. Tel: 06-6243-3641.
Bus Tour to Tomo no Ura
Ikebana International Kobe Chapter will hold a field trip to Fukuyamashi. Please make a booking by March 5 (the first 40 people will be accepted).
Mar 26, 8:10am.¥8,500 including lunch and other expenses. Kobe City Hall. Tel: 090-3949-0743. Nearest stn: Sannomiya. |
Hina-matsuri, which takes place across the nation, gives families the opportunity to pray for the happiness and prosperity of their daughters. It is traceable to the Heian Period; however, hina dolls became more prominently displayed throughout the Edo Period. Hokkeji Temple, which is the headquarters of all Japanese Buddhist convents, has carefully preserved a collection of stunning hina doll examples, and exhibits them annually. Around 100 dolls including several goshoningyo (dolls modelled on a plump, naked infant that represent happiness), and also windup dolls, will be showcased. 
Some of the cream of classical music performers, including Japanese pianist and composer Taku Kuno, will team up with the world-renowned Czech chamber ensemble The Wihan Quartet. This compelling collaboration between Kuno (whose repertoire spans baroque to contemporary jazz) and the Wihan Quartet will offer you a unique classical music experience. Book early to avoid disappointment for a range of performances including Haydn, Mozart, Chopin, and Schumann.
