December 2007 X-Pat Files

The X-Pat Files - December 2007

(Brought to you by H&R Consultants)

  The X-Pat Files Community E-Newsletter provides a forum for the spread of information useful for English speakers living in Aichi. You can use the newsletter as an informational resource, and of course you can send in information you would like to share.
  This newsletter is a community service from The Japan Real Estate and Relocation company, H&R Consultants (www.japanhomesearch.com), and is edited by Sue Conolly (http://web.mac.com/conolly).

  Contents for This Edition

  1. Get Warm for Winter - Nabe
2. Using a Kerosene Heater
3. Ume no Hana Tofu Restaurants
4. Sahaj Marg Meditation
5. Skiing and Snowboarding
6. Christmas Events
  7. Hope International Christmas Gift Ideas
  8. Hairdresser
9. Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol"
10. Merry Christmas!
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   1. Getting Warm for Winter - Nabe

There is nothing easier or more delicious in winter than a big clay pot brimming with natural ingredients. Nabe, or nabemono refers to a Japanese style of one-pot cooking, typically done at the table, bringing the family together to share a warm, healthy meal. Because each person takes what they want from the pot, it is an easy meal for mothers to serve fussy children without leftover food, and basically every ingredient is a health shop in itself so it's a simple way to provide absolute nutrition to a family.

Here are some nabe highlights:

* ingredients are easily found in the supermarket, and they are cheap
* you don't need to memorize any kind of recipe if you are using a packaged nabe soup base, also available in the supermarket
* preparation is as easy as chopping and boiling ingredients
* many more ingredients are added as you go, at the table. This means that most of the preparation is a fun family effort.
* nothing that goes into a nabe isn't healthy.
* nabe warms you from the inside, so you don't have to crank the heat up in your house.
* it can be as fat free as you want it, and you drink the soup too so no nutrition is lost.
* Nabe only improves over time, so you can use the soup stock several days running, reinventing the style for variation.

Before you start your life as a nabe lover this winter, you'll need some basic preparations. Firstly and most importantly for the true nabe style, you'll need a means of cooking the meal on your dining room table. There are two ways you can do this. The more traditional method is to purchase a little one-burner gas stove which runs on cylinders of gas. You will then need a clay pot, or donabe which you can find at any home centre or department store at this time of year. A new alternative to the gas burner is an IH heater (induction heater) which runs on electricity. If you choose this method you will have to be more careful about the type of pot you use, as a common clay pot will not conduct the electricity needed for the IH heater to work. There are however special converted IH donabe that will do the trick, or you can use any pot made out of a conducting metal such as cast iron. In addition to the heater and the pot, you'll need:

* a ladle without holes for the soup
* a ladle with holes to get the food without the soup (optional)
* long wooden chopsticks for cooking
* torizara; small pottery dishes of the size you can hold in your hand, for each person eating
* large platter(s) on which to arrange the ingredients you haven't cooked yet
* oshibori - a damp hand towel for each person eating, is a good idea.

Now that you've gathered the tools, it's time to go to the supermarket. You can make your nabe out of literally anything, but it's good to start with an idea of the kind of nabe you want. If you want to take a short cut, you can start by choosing a pre-prepared nabe soup mix, which you'll be able to find in a plastic foil package in the same section of the supermarket where nabe ingredients such as fish, are sold. Here are some common nabe soups, and what they look like:

* Yose Nabe - literally means "whatever you want to put in it" nabe - a very versatile stock for all ingredients.
* Kimchee Nabe - this korean base is great for ingredients such as tofu and pork. It can be as spicy as you like it, if you add extra kimchee.
* Tohnyuu (soy milk) Nabe - great for mild tasting ingredients such as vegetables and chicken.
* Chanko Nabe - This nabe was traditionally used for sumo wrestlers and is suitable for high-protein, high calorie ingredients such as chicken drumsticks.
* Kaki (oyster) Nabe - Oysters add a wonderful flavour to the nabe, and can even be used the next day if measures are taken to make sure the oysters are OK (see below).
* Kani (crab) Suki - Crab is also a wonderful flavour for a nabe, and adds another dimension to the family meal if you use real crab legs - messy but fun!

After you've chosen the soup, walk around the supermarket and put anything in your shopping basket that takes your fancy. Some common nabe ingredients include:

* shellfish or oysters
* fish (particularly white meat fish or salmon)
* chicken (with or without bones, with or without skin)
* thinly sliced pork
* meat balls, pork or chicken
* Ito konnyaku - made from potato startch, these long black (or white) noodles are a great addition to any nabe. You can also use the non-noodle forms of konnyaku.
* Tofu products - the firmer styles of tofu will hold their shape better, but any form of tofu will add flavour and nutrition to your nabe.
* Fukuro - Fried tofu bags filled with mochi or vegetables.
* Tsumire (fish balls) and other ingredients manufactured especially for oden or nabe (you'll see the section in the supermarket)
* Hanpen - soft white cake made from ground fish and yam
* Satsuma-age - fried fish cake
* Chikuwa - tube shaped fish cake
* Sato imo - mountain potatoes have a great texture and taste wonderful. They are sometimes called "magic potatoes" in english for their healthful qualities. You can get them frozen too, if you don't want to bother with the process of peeling the hairy skins.
* Daikon - long white radish - the tops are better used grated in salads and the bottoms are great for nabe, either grated or just roughly cut up.
* Hakusai - Chinese cabbage - long, pale green leaves, this goes in any kind of nabe.
* Negi - leek or spring onion goes great in any form of nabe.
* Mushrooms - enoki, eringi, shiitake - any kind of mushroom gives flavour and aroma to the nabe.
* Anything leafy - try anything with leaves in the vegetable section of your supermarket - it's bound to be a delicious addition to the soup!

A word on keeping the nabe fresh for the next day - most of the time you will not need to refrigerate ingredients if you just boil them a couple of times before you use it again. For example, boil the nabe in the morning after you get up, and then once again that night before you are going to eat it. Refrigerate extreme perishables like oysters if the temperature in your house is high. Eat as many of the ingredients as you can the first night of the nabe, not adding unecessary ingredients you're not going to eat that night.

The wonderful thing about nabe is that it only gets better the second night, as the stock has had time to mature. On the final night, you might like to add udon noodles to the soup, or cooked rice to the soup to make delicious zosui (rice gruel). Zosui is the chosen food of sick people, because it is so mild to the stomach and is filled with nutrients, but healthy people find it just as delicious! Adding a beaten egg to this final mix and then cooking on very low heat with the lid closed will give the best finish to zosui, sticking the mixture together very nicely.

To finish off, I leave you with some other websites and blogs that will tell you more about nabe and also give you some ideas for recipes and variations (not that you need them, a good nabe makes itself!)

* About.com
* Wikipedia
* Article and recipe for Chanko Nabe
* Eaten in translation
* Tokyo Food Page
* Oishii Eats
* Japan Interactive

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2. Using Kerosene Heaters
Mayumi Kano

Kerosene heaters are a way of life in Japan during the cold winter months. But many foreigners living here have not had experience of using them. Even if you have, it is important to very cautious when using them, as misuse and neglecting basic safety precautions could result in serious damage and/or injury.

Below are a few important points to keep in mind when using kerosene heaters to help avoid undesirable situations.

DO NOTs
•    Do not use gasoline. Be sure to only use kerosene.
•    Do not block the air vent with anything like clothing, paper, bags, towels, etc.
•    Do not use the unit to dry clothing, as it might cause a fire.
•    Do not use the unit near curtains or other combustible items.
•    Do not sit in close proximity of the wind coming from the unit as to avoid dehydration.
•    Do not sit or put anything on top of the unit.
•    Do not let children operate the unit and keep them well away from the unit at all times.
•    Do not attempt to take the unit apart of fix it. Take it to a certified technician.
•    Do not use the unit;
o    in confined spaces.
o    in dusty and humid places.
o    windy places or doorways.
o    in direct sun light or high temperature conditions

DOs
•    Air out the room once or twice every hour. The newer models will turn themselves off if the kerosene levels in the air are unsafe.
•    Turn the unit off when refilling it with kerosene.
•    Refill the tank well away from any fire.
•    Confirm that the kerosene is not leaking.
•    Keep the unit clear of all types flammable gas (gasoline, benzene, thinner, etc. )
•    Regularly clean the fan filter located in the back of the unit.
•    Turn the unit off when you out or to sleep.
•    After turning the unit off, be careful not to touch any hot parts.
•    When the unit is not in use for long periods of time or when storing it, make sure the unit is unplugged and there is no kerosene in the tank.

Purchasing Kerosene and filling your tank

There are many self-service gas stations which allow you to fill your temporary storage tanks with kerosene by yourself. Each gas station has a different kind of pump to do this, so the first time you will have to have a Japanese person help you. The kerosene pumps are located well away from the regular gasoline pumps, so it's difficult to be confused, but please do confirm the first time that you are on the correct pump. The kanji in this picture is what you will need to find; kerosene is called Tohyu in Japanese. Please also see below for more useful vocabulary.

A word on the little trucks that cruise around the streets selling kerosene in winter. This is a convenient way of getting kerosene without having to put smelly tanks in your car, but please use caution when buying kerosene via this method for the first time. Trucks with the logo of a major gasoline stand should be OK, but some very shady operators will cruise the streets and then try to charge double the price of the kerosene after they have filled up your tank. The best way to buy kerosene from a truck, is to order it through your local gas station the first time (some gas stations have this service and some do not), and to only use that trusted service provider and not just other trucks that happen to be passing by.

Once you have filled your temporary storage tanks, you will take the tanks home and put them somewhere in your house. As the tanks are smelly, you'll want to keep them somewhere really well ventolated like your genkan (entry hall), but it's better if you have a shed, or some sheltered place on the outside of your house. Please be sure to balance safety with convenience when choosing a place to store your kerosene.

To fill your heater's tank with kerosene from the temporary storage tank, you'll most likely want a hand pump like the one pictured here. Put the straight pipe into the temporary storage tank and the bendy pipe into your empty kerosene tank. When the valve at the top of the pump is closed you will be able to pump kerosene by hand. This type does not need batteries so should last as long as your stay in Japan, but there are other battery operated types available. Whichever pump you choose, make sure that you understand how it works properly the first time you use it. Kerosene heaters are widely used in Japan, so any Japanese adult will be able to supervise you the first time.

Useful Vocabulary

The following vocabulary will be useful when purchasing kerosene. Also, don’t forget to take your kerosene tank (or temporary storage tanks, or both) with you when going to get it filled.

Kerosene              Tohyu
Full Tank             Mantan
1000 yen             Sen-en
2000 yen             Ni-sen-sen
3000 yen             San-zen-en
Cash                   Genkin
Credit Cards       Kurejitto Kaado
Liters                Rittoru
Please                 Onegaishimasu

Please fill it up with kerosene.    To-yu, mantan onegai shimasu.

*You are likely to be asked whether you would like to pay by cash (gen-kin) or credit card (kaado).

I would like to pay by cash    Genkin de onegai shimasu.
I would like to pay by card.   Kaado de onegai shimasu.

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3. Ume no Hana Tofu Restaurants
(Thank you to Geri White for this submission)

For the total tofu experience this restaurant is excellent. The lunch time sets are exceptionally good, amazing what different dishes and taste comes from tofu. Food is served in wonderful Japanese surroundings, this is a great place to impress your overseas guests.

Sakae (closest station: Yaba-cho exit #1, 12F Matsuzakaya Park Place Building) 052-242-3551
Nagakute (closest station: Fujigaoka) 0561-64-0497
Toyota (closest station: Toyotashi, 9F T-Face B-Kan) 0565-37-3833

Opening hours: 11am - 4pm & 5pm - 10pm
Closed: End and beginning of year, otherwise open every day
Reservations taken for kaiseki course meals (priced from 4000 yen)
Reservations not taken for lunch specials
Lunch specials not available on weekends
List of restaurants Japan-wide
Restaurant English website: http://www.umenohana.co.jp/e/index.html
Restaurant Locator Map (Japanese)

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4. Sahaj Marg Meditation
Natsuko Kubota

Sahaj Marg translates to "The Natural Path." It is a natural, simple system of Raja Yoga meditation and spiritual practice that helps one realize the ultimate potential within oneself. Regular spiritual practice under capable guidance enables aspirants to progressively experience the sublime presence of the divine in their daily lives. The Sahaj Marg system is freely offered to seekers worldwide through the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, and is effectively practiced by individuals from all walks of life - diverse nationalities, religious backgrounds, and various social conditions.

This is about a meditation course which has sessions in Nagoya; it is absolutely free and it is not religious, so anyone can join this course even if they have a particular religion.

All sessions are carried out in English, so everyone there can speak English. There are regular gatherings and it is a good place to meet new people and make friends as well.
When I was in Europe, I met so many people who are interested in meditation and it was very popular. This can be a good chance to try and experience Asian Culture!

Here is the website:
http://www.srcm.org/index.jsp

The best way to join is to contact Sriram or Nithya
By e-mail: info@izumiconsultancy.com or nithya@izumiconsultancy.com
By phone: 090-9825-3105

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5. Skiing, Snowboarding and all things Snowy
(Thank you to Melissa Senga for this submission)

Skiing, snowboarding or just playing in the snow is a great family activity in winter in Japan. Some of the best things about it is that it's not so expensive (compared to other countries), there there are literally thousands of places to choose from and you can get to dozens of places in a day trip from Nagoya.

Nearly all areas are family friendly with most having a roped off area for small children to build snowmen and sled as well as some having child-minding. All rent everything you could ever need for a day in the snow though if you intend to go skiing more than 3 or 4 times it's probably worthwhile buying your own skis (especially for children). A set of ski gear (skis, boots and stocks) rent for about 2,500 yen a day.

All areas offer lessons for all ages (starting at about 3 years old) up to expert level. Prices vary depending on whether group or private but a child's 2 hour group lesson is usually about 5000 yen. If you are new to skiing a few lessons are a great idea and as most of the lesson is visual very basic Japanese is all you need to get the hang of it. I know that Heavens Sonohara, the ski area closest to Nagoya, have lesson booking forms in English and some staff members who speak basic English.

The other thing necessary to skiing of course is a ski lift. A one day adult lift ticket (which includes the gondola if there is one) is usually about 4500 yen. Children are a bit cheaper and some areas offer family discounts. If you are going for 2 days it's cheaper to buy a 2 day pass. Most areas also have some kind of members club so if you find an area you like and think you'll be going there a few times it's probably worthwhile to become a member for a nominal fee and get discounts on lift tickets and notice about special days such as days when children are free.

Some personal thoughts and observations about my favourite ski areas are -

Heavens Sonohara - (ski only - no snowboarding) as mentioned the closest ski area to Nagoya. About 1 hour on the Chuo Expressway (to Exit 26). Very close to the expressway and unless there has been a heavy recent snowfall no winter tyres or chains needed. Being close this area is very popular with families and gets very crowded - especially on Sundays. On some Sundays children are free. Kitty-chan is the symbol of this area and there is a seperate play area for families with kids who can't ski yet. Parking is free and you catch a gondola up to the ski area.

Kiso Fukushima - (ski only). Turn off the Chuo Expressway at Nakatsugawa. Go along Route 19 and follow the signs. Total time about 2 1/2 hours. Along this road you will also see the turn off for several other areas that are located on Mt Ontake. Ciao Ontake is free for elementary age children. Most Mt Ontake areas are ski and snowboard. Kiso Fukushima is my personal favourite area. It rarely gets crowded and there are a variety of runs from beginner to expert.

Blanche Takayama - (ski only) As well as having all the usual facilities this area specialises in back-country skiing. You can rent telemark and cross-country skis and have telemark lessons in English or Japanese or Slovenian. ( www.millers@yahoo.co.jp   Ph 0268 600123)

Northstar Lodge at Norikura Kogen (http://www.ridenorthstar.com/about/) Not a ski area but a wonderful place to stay next to a great ski area. This is a totally bilingual lodge at the base of Mt Norikura. There you can just stay and hang out, jump on the big trampoline in the foyer, climb the climbing wall, eat their fabulous meals and play board games in the warm and cosy living room. Or you can go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoe walking or back country skiing. You can go yourself of make use of their excellent bilingual guides and outdoor program. They cater for all kinds of groups and have gear for everyone from elementary school age. If you book this Christmas anywhere between the 22nd and 25th of December and mention "HOPE", you'll also be donating 5% of the price to disaster efforts in Bangladesh - a double Christmas bonus for your family and a family in need.

The best resource for skiing/ snowboarding in English in Japan is http://www.snowjapan.com/e/index.php. This lists all areas in Japan, has maps, resort information as some accomodation information, is updated daily for snow conditions and has links to the homepages for the ski areas. Another resource you might find handy is http://www.welovesnow.com/eng/index.php.

I hope to see you on the slopes this winter.

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6. 'Tis the Season to be Jolly - Christmas Events

The 2007 ACCJ Christmas Cheers Time / Nomumication

Date: Monday, December 3, 2007
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Venue: Nagoya Hilton Hotel, 4F Fujinoma Room
Cost: Members 3,000 yen & Guests: 3,500 yen
Registration Deadline: noon, December 3

Well it's that time of year again. Year End meetings but best of all Season's Greetings. Just before you finalize all those Christmas plans, the ACCJ is holding one last event to help send off Jack Frost and welcome in St. Nick. That's right, you guessed it! CHRISTMAS CHEERS!!

On Monday Dec. 3 we will be holding a casual Christmas party at Shooters Sports Bar & Grill. There will be Christmas Music and delicious food and Cheer to help everyone get ready for the New Year.

Remember it is the last event for this year so it will be a good chance for us all to pass on Season's Greetings and Best Wishes as well as business cards. Also, please feel free to contact other business organizations or friends that may wish to come - guests are more than welcome - they are encouraged!

So sign up soon and sign up many! Let's bring some Jingle to the Bells of Nagoya! Sign up online, or print out and fax the form below to 052-222-8272. You can also e-mail the form below to Noriko Kato at nkato@accj.or.jp.

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Name: ____________________________________________ID#: _______________

Company: ____________________Phone: _________________ Fax: _______________

Guests: _______________________________________________________________

NOTE: Cancellations MUST BE RECEIVED by November 30th. If you cancel after the deadline, you will be charged in full.

The 2007 ANZCCJ Chubu Christmas Party

Date: Friday 7 December
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (reception from 6:30pm)
Venue: Nagoya Hilton Hotel, 4F Fujinoma Room
Cost: Members 4,500 yen, Guests 5,500 yen
RSVPs close: Wednesday 5 December 2007

Japan is a land of traditions and festivals. Christmas is one of the transplanted traditions that we can all relate to and enjoy even in Japan.

Christmas at the Hilton is, for the ANZCCJ Chubu Chapter, a tradition we are proud to once again uphold, and thanks to the Hilton, you, your friends and business colleagues will enjoy a standing buffet including any number of Aussie/Kiwi Christmas delicacies, drinks (wine / beer / vodka / cocktails) and all the traditional attractions the season has to offer.

Don't be a Grinch, fill your wallet like a Christmas stocking and take part in the auctions and great games too!

Reservations can now be made online at www.anzccj.jp/events.php or by email to events@anzccj.jp. Please register: Name/ Company/ Tel / E-mail / number attending (member/guest)

‘No shows’ and cancellations after 5th December will be invoiced.

please remit payments by COB Wednesday 5 December to the following account:
Shinsei Bank
Head Office (400)
Account Number: 6129675
Account Name: ANZCCJ CHUBU
Account Type: Ordinary (Futsuu)

Door payments accepted.

The 2007 Meet and Greet Christmas Lunch

Are you new to Nagoya? Do you want to get out and meet new people? Or do you want a nice lunch where you can chat with new and old friends? Meet & Greet lunch is held on the second Tuesday of the month at Shooters Sports Bar and Grill in Fushimi.

Date: Tuesday, 11th December
Time: 11:00 am
Place: Shooters Sports Bar and Grill, Fushimi (http://www.shooters-nagoya.com/)
Price: 2500 yen for Christmas lunch and champagne or wine toast!
            500 yen for children over 5
RSVP: to Helen Braithwaite at helenjbraithwaite@gmail.com (e-mail RSVPs are easier to count) or phone 090-2186-3717 as soon as possible but by Saturday 8th December at the latest. If you RSVP for another person please give their name to avoid double bookings.

* 2500 yen for Christmas lunch and champagne/wine toast
* 500 yen for children over 5
* Bring your friends, bring your children, bring your children’s friends!
* Santa will join us (BYO present for Santa sack)
* Bring good quality used clothes, toys or books to sell
* Bring a dessert to sell (Divinity fudge? Christmas pudding? It doesn't have to be Christmas, just delicious!)
* Bring lots of loose change!
* Christmas Charity Raffle
* Proceeds go to Washinkan Children’s Home in Nagoya - so you are helping others while giving yourself a big dose of Christmas spirit!

Shooters has a relaxed atmosphere and is closed during the day except for our event, so we have the run of the place. This means that it is a VERY easy event for mothers with babies or small children. It also means, however, that I must ask for an RSVP so that Shooters can cater for the correct number of people.

Note: For those coming by car there is a relatively cheap option, Toyo Parking for 110 yen per half hour, down the street from Kinkos which is walkable from Shooters. For those with car navigation, the phone number of the parking lot is (052) 231-3550. If you need a map, please ask Helen.

The 2007 ACCJ/Meet and Greet Washinkan Christmas Party

Date: Sunday, 16th of December, 2007
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Venue: Shooters Bar and Grill , Fushimi
Cost: 2000 yen for adults and teens, 1000 yen for children under 10, and free for 3 and under.
RSVPs close: Monday the 10th of December, please RSVP to Helen Braithwaite at helenjbraithwaite@gmail.com.

Washinkan Children's Home, which has been operating for more than fifty years in Moriyama Ward in Nagoya, cares for about 45 children at any given time. The kids are divided roughly into seven groups or "families", each with one trained staff member carrying out a motherly role and one filling a fatherly role. Until this year the facilities at Washinkan have been getting very shabby and outdated, so in December this year the entire orphanage is temporarily relocating to a school baseball dormitory, while the old facilities are knocked down and a new building constructed on the site. The plans have been in the works for a long time, but in order to make this move as smooth as possible on the children and so that they can continue to attend the same school while their new home is being built, it was necessary for temporary accommodation to be found and secured close to the area.

Last year the Meet and Greet team along with members of the ACCJ joined the kids for a Christmas party at Washinkan, but this year because the orphanage is being renovated this will not be possible. For this reason, we are planning to host a party at Shooters on the 16th of December. Shooters will provide the venue, service and food for the orphanage kids and staff for free, and The Meat Guy is donating the turkey. We will be singing a couple of Christmas Carols at this event, so bring your carol singing voice and your Christmas spirit!

Santa will also be there, bringing with him gifts for the orphanage children which are generously donated by the ACCJ (American Chamber of Commerce in Japan). For those wishing to add their own children's gift to Santa's bag, please bring a small gift, preferably from Uniqlo with an upper limit of 1000 yen. The ACCJ presents to the children will be from Uniqlo, so this will keep the presents more even for our own kids. You can locate your nearest Uniqlo shop on this interactive map (just zoom and scroll).

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7. HOPE International Gift Catalogue - Gifts that Change Lives
(thank you to Lowell Sheppard for this submission)

Dear Friend of HOPE

I trust you are enjoying the wonderful colors of autumn in Japan.

Among other things it reminds us that the winter gift giving and Christmas seasons are soon upon us.

For those occasions we are pleased to present to you the HOPE Gift Catalogue in which you can find a variety of inspired gifts. You can buy in your own name or in the name of a loved one or friend.   By purchasing a HOPE gift, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your gift will bring joy and dignity to a child, mother and family struggling to survive and climb out of poverty. If you choose to buy in someone else’s name, we will be happy to send a special card with a message from you explaining the gift and why you chose to buy it in their name.

To view the many items in the catalogue please click here.

Also, you may be interested to know that HOPE has been in Bangladesh for over 30 years and we are currently working hard to end the suffering of those affected by the recent cyclone. For a gift of 20,000 yen we are able to provide a survival kit to help with immediate needs of a family. Please view the Disaster Pack item in the Catalogue for more information.

Thanks and have a wonderful Autumn and Gift buying season.

Lowell Sheppard Asia Director / HOPE International Development Agency And Erin Sakakibara, Chairperson HOPE Japan.

HOPE International Development Agency in Japan
Address:    Maison Nenohana 302, 2-8-7 Nenohana-cho
Owariasahi-shi, Aichi, Japan, 488-0002
Map to HOPE Office
Download Gift Catalogue and Order Form

TEL:    0561-54-5560
FAX:    0561-51-4660
Email:    info@hope-international.jp

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8. ETPIRKA Hair and Makeup Salon
(Thank you to Azarel Herr for this submission)

Tel 052-761-7218

Open 10:00 am to 7:00 pm - Closed on Mondays

English speaking stylist: Toru Kawano

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Unless you are George Clooney or Anderson Cooper whose gray hairs make them interesting instead of old I suggest you get them coloured.

I'm in the age where gray hair starts to show- I like my hair colour and was afraid that by dying my hair it would change. Especially in Japan... How can you tell the stylist what you want?

Luckily in Ikeshita station right across from exit 2 and next to "Hello Beauty Nails"� (another great spot to visit) is a hair salon called Etpirka with parking on the corner and Toru-san speaks English. The first time you go, print out this coupon for a 20% discount.

Talk about attention to detail! Toru-san first cut my hair, took some samples from the trimmed hair made 4 little piles and coloured it with different tones until he obtained the colour closest to my original hair colour!! I must say he did an amazing job. My hair is now growing and you can barely tell the root from the growing hair. He's also good with children's and men's hair cuts.

Prices:

Haircut                                    4725 yen
High School Student cut         3780 yen
Elementary School cut            3150 yen
Little kids cut                        2625 yen
Fringe trim                              1050 yen

Perms             from 7875 for a point perm to 10500 yen

Colouring        from 4725 yen for a root colour to 5250 yen

Set                                           4725 yen
Shampoo & Blow               2625 yen
Eyebrow Cut                            525 yen

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9. Live Theater in English - A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Come along and support your local English theatre group! Last minute tickets still available for all shows, come early for good seats!

What: Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, presented by The Nagoya Players
When: 1st and 2nd of December (Saturday and Sunday).
Times: 2pm and 7pm on Saturday the 1st of December, 2pm and 6pm on Sunday the 2nd of December.
Where: Meito Playhouse in the Kamiyashiro Station building, tickets also available at the door.
Cost: Ticket prices at the door on the days of the performances are ¥3000 for adults, ¥2500 for students, and ¥2000 for children (primary school or younger). Ten percent of the profits will be donated to the Nagoya YWCA.

The Nagoya Players are a well-known English-language theatre company with more than 30 years of experience in entertaining Nagoya audiences. Founded in 1975, The Nagoya Players represent a mix of natives of the Nagoya area and the local foreign community. They have been featured in print, both locally and nationally, and on radio and television. The Nagoya Players have presented a range of genres. For more information about the theatre company, visit nagoyaplayers.info.

A Christmas Carol takes place in the early 1800’s in London. Ebenezer Scrooge (Cameron Smith), a miserly greedy man, has lost his connection to humanity and the spirit of Christmas. The play begins on Christmas Eve in Scrooge’s office. Scrooge and Bob Cratchit (Hiro Hirashiki), Scrooge’s ill-treated clerk, are busy at work. Disgusted by the Christmas atmosphere, Scrooge reluctantly allows Bob to take off on Christmas day. While preparing for bed after having eaten dinner alone, Scrooge notices a strange noise echoing throughout his house. He soon realizes that the noise is coming from his long-deceased partner, Marley (Michael Kruse). Marley gives Scrooge a chance to alter fate by informing Scrooge of visits by 3 ghosts: Christmas Past (Prisca Molotsi), Christmas Present Present (Ben Backwell), and Christmas Yet to Come (Brice Antoine). In one night, the ghosts show Scrooge events from his past, present, and future. Scrooge is reminded of how he used to be happy and full of life. He is also shown how he has affected those around him, namely Bob Cratchit and his crippled son, Tiny Tim (Kento Kishida).

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10. Merry Christmas!
Sue Conolly

Christmas in Japan, in the context of living in Nagoya, is a blank slate. Away from your home town, away from all that is familiar about Christmas, you are free to invent the Christmas of your dreams. It may be sad for some to be away from family and friends, but looked at another way, Christmas in Nagoya is a grand opportunity for originality - you can be the author of your own perfect Christmas.

The At Home Christmas

Shimojima is a great shop near Marunouchi or Fushimi Station, that sells christmas wrapping paper, santa bags, and all your gift-wrapping needs such as ribbons and fillers. In addition to this, they have a large range of Christmas trees, as well as a good selection of reasonably priced lights. They also have novelty items such as dancing santa, blow up santa and dancing santa. While they are certainly not the only place in town with Christmas fare (Jusco has a cheaper range of Christmas trees for example), it is certainly a one-stop shop for Christmas decorations, wrapping and cards. Shimojima has an English website, and three stores in the Nagoya region. The website also has a detailed explanation of some very cool gift-wrapping techniques so that you can wrap like a pro!

Shopping for a Christmas feast, try Sapore in Mizuho-ku for a great range of import foods, wines, cheeses and specialty Christmas items. Open from 10am to 9pm daily, the phone number is 052-837-3000. Or, plan ahead and you may be able to shop for your Christmas feast online:

The Meat Guy - for Christmas turkey, Christmas ham, and anything else that is meaty.
Foreign Buyers Club - anything you can buy from home, delivered to your home in Japan.
The Flying Pig - cheap imports from Costco, delivered to your door.
Tengu Natural Foods - for a healthy Christmas.
Village Cellars - wine from Australia and New Zealand delivered to you, or to someone else as a gift from you.
Alcotrade - wine from other parts of the world.

The At Church Christmas

If a religious service is part of the Christmas that you want, then there are several English language services in the Nagoya region. Contact churches directly to find out when special Christmas services are taking place:

List of churches that offer foreign language services: http://kikuko.web.infoseek.co.jp/english/church-list.html
Nagoya International Center List of Churches
Catholic Church: Mikokoro Center
Nagoya Union Church: http://www2.gol.com/users/fsappjmo/Union.html
Meito Church: http://www.meitochurch.com/
The Orthodox Church in Nagoya: http://www.orthodox-jp.com/nagoya/english.htm

The Twinkle-Light Christmas

If getting away from work and home would be bliss this Christmas, then why not plan a small trip? Christmas Day is on a Tuesday this year, so how hard would it be to take a really long weekend that would include Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

Japan is filled with big cities, and big lights. The X-Pat Files last month gave you a list of cities around that boast winter illumination displays (Sapporo, Sendai, Niigata, Osaka, Kobe, and Hiroshima), why not choose one of them for your Christmas spectacular? Combine Tokyo lights with Disneyland, or Kobe and Osaka lights with Universal Studios Japan for some extra kitch this Xmas.

If you really want to stay close to home, there are many twinkling lights in the Nagoya area, but one notable addition just this year is the "Pottery Light Road" (Touki no Akari Michi) at and around the Seto Marotto Museum ("Seto Marotto Museum" means that the whole area around the station is in itself a museum) in front of Owari-Seto Station on the Meitetsu Seto Line, open every night until Christmas Eve.

The Away-From-It-All Christmas

There can be no more beautiful Christmas experience than sitting quietly in an outside bath, snowflakes quietly fluttering down on the face. For the hot bath experience, there are several onsen guides in English, including www.myguidejapan.com, and the onsen section of Outdoor Japan. For onsen that are suitable for day-trips, as well as many you can go to for free, see the Hot Springs Michelin page and Jolsen's Introduction to Hot Springs page. My absolutely favourite onsen inn for the purpose of an "away from it all" Christmas is Sugishima in Gifu Prefecture (it almost pains me to list this information in the X-Pat Files as this little inn is my best kept secret...that I have given my secret up is my Christmas present to you!).

If hot baths aren't your thing, you'll still be able to get away from the rat race by going to a town like Matsumoto. The cobbled streets and beautiful little shops lend themselves to the Christmas feeling. It is almost European and yet quintessentially Japanese, especially if you stay in a Japanese Inn such as Marumo Ryokan (ph: 0263-32-0115).The ancient owner of this establishment informed me in cute English that this is the oldest standing residential establishment in Matsumoto, which I could really believe. Walking from the inn, which is along the banks of the Metoba River, towards the magnificent Matsumoto Castle, I found a lovely children's book shop, an excellent bakery with tables outside on the cobbled street, and any number of gift shops in which all of the merchandise is hand-made.

Takayama is another place you could get away to. Both Matsumoto and Takayama are more popular in summer months, so going there in winter gives you a better shot at having the place to yourself. Takayama has the added advantage of being relatively high in the mountains, making a white Christmas more probable. The snow-covered Nakabashi and Miyagawa River area is illuminated at night, and in the Shin-Hirayu hot spring area, mineral water flowing between rocks forms icicles which are also lit up at night (called Taruma Kanekori). Maps in Japanese are available for different areas in Takayama City and in the Hida District, that will be lit up this Christmas season.

Japan Travel Phone is a nationwide telephone service for those in need of English language assistance and travel information. Dial 0088-22-4800 (toll-free outside Tokyo and Kyoto). Service hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For detailed timetable information please see the Hyperdia website.

Christmas With a Twist

When you're in a land where everything seems unfamiliar, why not do something totally out of the ordinary for Christmas? If you've never ever skiied before, Christmas this year would be a great time to start. If you've never been nude in the snow, why not try an outside bath? Here are a few twisty activities to give you some ideas...

Michi Travel has options for all parts of Japan, but in their current newsletter Shiretoko in Hokkaido and Matsue in Shimane Prefecture look oh-so appealing. The Ryokan in Matsue is the height of Japanese culture - literary giants have stayed here and enjoyed the tea ceremony and hospitality on offer. Shiretoko in Hokkaido is registered as UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage site, and an experienced English-speaking guide will help you through the silvery landscape hiking or snowshoeing. You might encounter the wild animals, as well drifting sea ice Okhotsk Sea.

Closer to home, how about a Snow adventure that the whole family will enjoy? Northstar Lodge at Norikura Kogen at the base of Mount Norikura (http://www.ridenorthstar.com/about/) is staffed with frienly bilingual people to help you celebrate Christmas in wintry style. Indoors you can jump on the big trampoline in the foyer, climb the climbing wall, eat their fabulous meals and play board games in the warm and cosy living room. Outdoors you can go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoe walking or back country skiing. The lodge is only ten minutes from the chair lift and cross country trails start right at the front door. You can go by yourself or make use of their excellent bilingual guides and outdoor program. They cater for all kinds of groups and have gear for everyone from elementary school age. If you book this Christmas anywhere between the 22nd and 25th of December and mention "HOPE", you'll also be donating 5% of the price to disaster efforts in Bangladesh, brightening someone elses hopes for Christmas as well this year. Also, at only 6,800 yen per person, this might be one of your more affordable options this Christmas.

How about an onsen experience with a big twist? Hazu Bekkan in Aichi Prefecture is a beautiful onsen ryokan, where the guests decide how much to pay for their experience, as they check out! It sounds too good to be true, but that's their claim to fame - you won't find prices for an overnight stay on their website anywhere because they want you to decide how much to pay for your own experience. Bookings can be made between 8am and 10pm, on 0536-32-1211. It's just 85km from Nagoya IC, and for people travelling from the Toyota/Toyohashi area it's even closer.

Wherever you find yourself this season, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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