2010 Autumn / Winter Issue

[Special Feature]

14 Sake at the Summit
-Savor a sublime realm of rice and pure waters
Trends in the world of Japanese sake are rousing interest and curiosity. The
sake of today has become more diversified and mellow, perfect for enjoyment
at home and on a sojourn to noted sake-making districts. To understand sake
is to understand the essence of Japanese culture. Join us on a journey through
the profound and yet-undiscovered realm of sake traditions.

20 Getting to know the taste of sake
Thousands of varieties of sake are produced throughout the Japanese archipelago.
It is nearly impossible to know them all. We ask a sake journalist and professional
tasters at hotels and restaurants all over the country to tell us which brews they
would most like us to try today.

30 A polished sake starts with the rice
Super-premium Dassai sake is extremely popular both in Japan and abroad. We
visit its home, the Asahi Shuzo brewery in Yamaguchi prefecture, to learn the
secrets-from selection and handling of rice to the painstaking brewing method.

42 Enhance the pleasure of sake with today’s tableware
Tableware designers are suggesting new ways to delight in sake. They are coming
up with very individualistic and contemporary sake bottles and cups. Their new
pieces are just the thing to inspire a sake party at home.

50 Touring the sake breweries of snow country
Niigata prefecture, in the Hokuriku region of northern Japan, is noted for its deep
winters and heavy snows. The sake produced there is drawing the attention of
connoisseurs around the world. We travel to 11 small breweries and find ourselves
enraptured by the beautiful landscapes and exquisite sake of Niigata.

[Features]

63 A Tribute to the Turning Year
Noted interior decorator Yoshiko Kanroji presents design ideas for welcoming the
New Year. They combine traditional warmth and hospitality with contemporary settings.
This is decor that can turn any room into a space for celebrating hope and
happiness with family and friends.

72 Kyoto Crafts
-Try your hand with the help of Kyoto’s finest artisans
Some artisans of time-honored crafts are opening their studios to visitors. You can
watch the masters at work, receive instruction, and create traditional pieces with
your own hands. This is a whole new way to enjoy Kyoto. You’ll enter a world that has,
until now, remained hidden behind closed doors.

100 Bathing Bliss
Japan is blessed with thousands of hot springs and nearly as many ways to experience
them. Some offer scenic outdoor soaks and dining on delicacies of the
region, while others add in the luxuries of a resort hotel. Choose a quick getaway or
a lengthy stay. Either way, our selections exemplify contemporary hospitality.


9 Works-Reading Art and text by Toko Shinoda

10 Ban’ei Horse Races
On Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido, photographer Hiroaki Ota captures
on film both the beauty of powerful draft animals, pulling heavy iron sleds, and
the character of the hearty people who live with them.

58 Toko Shinoda-With the artist’s brushstrokes, the spirit of Japan comes
alive in the Capitol Hotel Tokyu
A painting by renowned calligrapher Toko Shinoda deeply impressed the Beatles
when they stayed at the hotel 44 years ago. Now the rebuilt hotel will welcome
guests with a new work by Shinoda, which you can preview on our pages.

81 Guide to the KIE Digital Magazine and Online Japanese Texts

82 Koshu -Premier cru Japonais
An indigenous variety of grape in Japan, Koshu is a distant cousin of the European
Vitis vinifera strain used for wine making. This autumn, Koshu wines will begin selling
in London, introducing the world to Japan’s own refined white varietal.

90 Mighty Morsels-22 recipes for crunchy croquettes
Croquettes are a mainstay of home cooking in Japan. The basic recipe, using potatoes
and ground meat, is very simple and accommodates endless variations.

96 Basara-istic-Sleek new tools for the way of tea
Collaboration by meisen textile artists and aluminum-processing specialists in
Ashikaga, Tochigi, has created a casual yet refined outdoor tea-ceremony set.

115 Artist Interviews
・Motohiko Odani: We offer a rare look at the work and life of this up-and-coming
artist, who says that for him, sculpture is about creating shadows.
・Akira Minagawa: As this designer seeks to make timeless textiles, we look into his
future, projected through his work for the fashion brand mina perhonen.

118 Art & Entertainment: 16 upcoming exhibitions, films, and events
Aichi Triennale 2010 / Setouchi International Art Festival / The World of Buddhist
Kasaya / Ukiyo-e Homecoming / Nabeshima Ceramics / The Illustrated Handscroll
of the Tale of Genji / Sugimoto Style / Tokyo Art Meeting / Baachan / Tamasaburo
Bando in The Peony Pavilion / Elevator to the Gallows-a Remake / 13 Assassins / 30
Years of Japanese Fashion / Tokyo Performing Arts / Kodo / The Art of Manga

122 List of Book Shops and Contributing Companies

123 Subscription Information

125 KIE Partner Hotels

130 Preview of the Next Issue