2005 WINTER

SPECIAL FEATURE

Sake — A Toast to Health... and Beauty Dubbed the "king of medicines," sake has been cherished by the Japanese for centuries. Today premium sake made from all-natural ingredients is a rising star on the culinary scene in the West. In time for holiday entertaining we share the latest developments in the world of sake, including sparkling happoshu, new mellow sake brewed with flower yeast, rich-flavored cooking sake, and even sake cosmetics. Introduction Sake Today: Types, tastes, and trends Sake Primer

NEW YORK

Behind New York's MoMA: Yoshio Taniguchi Where does architect Yoshio Taniguchi find his inspiration? As critics and art-lovers sample his newest creation, we interview the master to get his views on tradition, innovation, and the essence of architecture. His talent unfolds on our pages revealing recently built works, from museums to tea houses. Yoshio Taniguchi Ken Domon Museum of Photography

Discover Japan's Great Kilns Meet Today's Top Ceramic Artists Visiting historic kilns can give you new insights into the art of ceramics. Nothing brings this art of the earth to life like direct contact with the potters themselves. We introduce the most talked-about ceramic artists from all over Japan and suggest travel tips to help you get the most out of a trip to each region. Introduction Visiting Japanese Kilns Bizen Tokoname Seto & Tajimi

Kiddy Land: Tokyo's Capitol of Cute in Harajuku Kiddy Land Harajuku, five floors filled with character goods and toys, is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo. This treasure house has captured the hearts of adults as well as children.

Visionary Director Amon Miyamoto Turns Broadway on its Ear It is 150 years since the arrival of Commodore Perry's "black ships" in Japan. This pivotal event is chronicled in Stephen Sondheim's Pacific Overtures, now playing on Broadway in an entirely new staging by director Amon Miyamoto. The first Asian ever to direct a musical on the Great White Way, he brings fresh perspective to this American masterpiece. Amon Miyamoto

photo by Jason Bell

ARTS AND PERFORMING ARTS

J Horror Looms over Hollywood Some of the hottest properties in Hollywood these days are the remakes of Japanese thrillers. Their box-office success has helped coin the term "J-horror"-a genre that will intrigue you even more if you read our interviews with three key figures behind the phenomenon: director Hideo Nakata, producer Roy Lee, and author Koji Suzuki. Introduction Hideo Nakata Roy Lee Koji Suzuki Horror on the Horizon Meditating on Light James Turrell's new works in Japan In different climates and settings, installations by American light artist James Turrell present light and color in all their complexity and beauty. He describes his latest works and his passions and challenges in his own words.

SHOPPING

Souvenir Special Order Japanese Gifts for the Holidays From Japanese confections, snacks, and sundries to candles, soaps, and tableware, you'll find helpful gift suggestions to order by fax or to search out on your next visit to Japan.

FASHION

To the East with Love Jewelry born of East-West unions Western collaboration takes traditionally Eastern gems and jewelry motifs to new heights. Enjoy these exquisite pieces imbued with Oriental elegance. Niwaka: Spirit of Kyoto's Antiquarian Artistry Japanese design and deft craftsmanship are the essence of NIWAKA.

THE OUTDOORS

Hasagi, Eerie Remnants of a Bygone Era We present dreamlike winter scenes of snow, light, and hasagi (poles for drying harvested rice straw) in the countryside of Niigata, one of the leading rice production areas in Japan. Driving Different Cultures to the Green DaimlerChrysler brings cars and golfers together to promote understanding across cultures.

TRAVEL

Featuring Japanese Pleasures Aloft Continental Airlines sets a corporate strategy of Japanese-style hospitality. Revisiting Quintessential Kyoto We report on the two special events Kateigaho International sponsored for readers, bringing to life the Kyoto feature in our Autumn 2004 issue. Participants relaxed in a historic townhouse and engaged in Zen meditation.

REGULAR FEATURES

Letters / Contributors

Tokyo Hot Spot: Tokyo Bay Area
Explore the hottest spots on the Tokyo waterfront: Odaiba, Tsukishima, and Tsukuda. Go for the Ferris wheel, futuristic architecture, shopping, museums, beaches, and a veritable theme park of onsen.

Like a Bird — Animation art by Koji Yamamura
See how Karo and Piyobupto start their preparations for the New Year.

Arts & Culture
News from four cities abroad: Singapore, Paris, London, and New York
Interviews: Yayoi Kusama (artist), Shogo Tomiyama (movie producer), Makoto Shinkai (anime creator)
Plus Art & Design / Performing Arts / JPop Music / Out & About
Nine-Star Horoscope

Et Cetera