editorial
about culinary and other secrets

samurai special
yamaoka tesshu
hirouki sanada
the last samurai

coors light mountain jam

tokyo ground zero
birthplace of a boom

pick a fight
a look at tokyo｡ｯs karate clubs
pick a fight

daimind yukai loose lips
what the japanese are saying

lost in translation
diamond yukai

japanese lacquerware
the perfect gift for all occasions

lonely planet
born under a wandering star

marriott hotels
enjoy a rewarding stay
tokyodining

introduction

elysees hikaru
innovative french cuisine

vegetarian treats
skip the meat

akasaka ninja
sneaking up on your tastebuds
akasaka ninja

dvd reviews tokyokaleidoscope

events calendar

cd reviews

dvd reviews

tokyo classifieds

film reviews

book reviews
front art gallery
interview

tokyo faces
ravine life in araki-cho

free gifts
books, shirts, keitai straps & more

horrorscope
predictions and predilections
tokyo faces

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EDITORIAL

about culinary and other secrets

Alert readers will have noticed that we have been running historical features for
some time now. Like the inside story on famous samurai who threw their weight into
the political balance and helped shape the fortunes of modern Japan. One wonders
what these brave men had for lunch, and in all likelihood it is only a matter of
time before we can find out for ourselves when, one day, someone decides to open
a samurai-themed restaurant.

There are several theories that the world is actually ruled by a secret society.
Some finger that society to have its headquarters somewhere in Rome, others point
to the Freemasons. What most of us don｡ｯt know, however, is, that BEHIND these
groups is one even more secret group that is the most powerful of them all.
It's where the real power resides these days. It｡ｯs the mother of all secret
societies. So secret in fact, that nobody knows anything about it. It｡ｯs much
like that nth planet in our solar system. Science tells us it is there, but
nobody has seen it yet.

It｡ｯs a bit different with the ninja. Though stealthy by definition, it is no
secret that they exist. Yes, exist. As in presence tense: ｡ｰNinja are among us
right now as we speak.｡ｱ Their numbers might have dwindled, but they are
definitely here to stay. Next time you come to Akasaka you can check them
out ｨC and sample a few ninja dishes as well. Turn your attention to our dining
section for details.

Of course TJ wouldn't be what it is if we were only running old samurai and new
cuisine stories. That's why we also feature the temporary and contemporary - and
everything in-between. Like the scoop on the latest bonsai craze - read it fast,
before it becomes old hat. Or our roundup of some of Tokyo's better karate schools.
Or our how-to guide to watching Japanese movies with English subtitles. And, and, and.

Well, what can I say. Now you have the secret in your hands,
we hope that you enjoy this issue.

Stephan Hauser