Volume 39, Number 03
Things To Do
Saturday, February 2
Hurry down to MARUCUBE in Marunouchi before tomorrow to see science exhibit Miracle of Mammoth ‘LYUBA', featuring a 37,000-year-old baby female mammoth. www.mammoth2008.jp
Sunday, February 3
Visit Housenji Temple to see 100 men, born in this zodiac year, dress up as armed pirates and form a parade. At 3:30pm, free. www.housen.org
Monday, February 4
Have a day of culture at the Mori Art Museum as they present Art Is for the Spirit: Works from The UBS Art Collection through Apr. 6.
http://www.mori.art.museum/english/contents/art/index.html
Tuesday, February 5
Learn about Tsuchida Hiromi's Nippon at the Metropolitan Museum of Photography through Feb 20.
www.syabi.com
Wednesday, February 6
Cheer on Japan's national soccer team as they try to qualify for the FIFA World Cup by playing Thailand at 7:30pm in Saitama Stadium 2002, tel. 048-834-5300.
Thursday, February 7
Learn about ‘the other side' of The Phantom of the Opera when you watch stage-show Phantom, based on the book by Arthur Kopit. At Aoyama Gekijo, ¥9,000–¥12,500, tel. 03-3498-6666.
Friday, February 8
Examine courtly treasures at an exhibit of the Konoe Family Collection at the Tokyo National Museum through Feb. 24. www.tnm.go.jp
Saturday, February 9
Travel to Yamanashi for a celebration of African- American History featuring Gospel singer Alex Easley and a short presentation on life in Japan as an African-American exchange student. Starts at 1:30pm at Yamanashi International Center, tel. 055-228-5419.
Sunday, February 10
Take in the Berlin Ballet as they perform A Gift From Malakhov at U-port Hall in Gotanda at 3pm. ¥5,000–¥16,000, tel. 03-3791-8888.
Monday, February 11
Enjoy the indie groove of 10- piece pop orchestra The Arcade Fire tonight at Shinkiba Studio Coast, 6pm, ¥6,500. Tel. 03-3462-6969
Tuesday, February 12
Learn more about Northern Ireland with a film festival featuring films such as Tom Collins' Kings at the Shibuya Eurospace, Feb. 9–15. www.niff.jp.
Wednesday, February 13
Rock out with Sting and The Police at 7:30pm in the Tokyo Dome. ¥8,500–¥13,000. Tel.
01-8099-3717.
Thursday, February 14
Take your sweetheart to Tokyo Disney Sea to celebrate with all of the other happy couples. Cinderellabration: Lights of Romance and Grand Finale! is on through Mar. 14. www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp.
Friday, February 15
Head to Outback Steakhouse for a taste of home, and while you're there, pick up the newest issue of Weekender, due out today. This issue is all about weddings and getting married—a must for all those who received proposals yesterday!
Oxfam's Trailwalker Japan—Sign Up Now!
Walking for a cause
by Danielle Tate Stratton
Hoping to bolster your fitness regimen with a solid goal? How about planning to walk, in a team of four, from Odawara City to Lake Yamanaka? From May 16–18 of this year, Oxfam will be holding the Trailwalker Japan event, which they bill as “The World's Greatest Team Challenge.” The events have taken place in five countries around the world and according to Oxfam, there are three main benefits to completing the challenge. Firstly, there is the satisfaction of completing a 100km course in 48 hours. Secondly, there is a team aspect, as each member must complete the course together, so everyone helps and supports each other. Thirdly, the commitment each team must make to raise ¥120,000 before the challenge leads to a sense of personal satisfaction in knowing that you have helped thousands of the poorest citizens of the world. Over 80 percent of the money raised through Trailwalker Japan goes to relief projects in Sudan, Darfur, South Africa, India, and even here in Japan, where money is allocated to advocacy and lobbying.
Although the walk doesn't occur until May, teams should register online now. If you'd like to help in a less strenuous way, Oxfam is also looking for volunteers to take care of a number of roles during the event. If you are interested in putting together a team, volunteering, or making a donation to the cause, visit www.trailwalker.jp/en for more information.