Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2012
Budo Demonstration
A one-off Japanese Budo Demonstration will be held on August 11 to commemorate the reopening of famed martial arts arena the Tokyo Budokan. The event will present the Japanese traditional martial arts, and the dynamic and spellbinding presentations will be juicy viewing for any enthusiasts of the disciplines. Among the skills on display will be tameshigiri—the testing of a sword. Just don’t jump up on stage or you might lose your nose. Also witness the finest practitioners of judo, kendo, kyudo, karatedo, aikido, Shorinji Kempo, naginata and jukendo, along with a special salute with antique muzzle-loaded arquebus rifles.
For a special seat at the side of the stage, pre-registration is required, and is limited to the first 100 people. See the website for more information. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, so get on it right away so you can see the fists and blades sing through the air from just the right vantage point.
If you’re content with a spot on the bleachers, just turn up on the day—and lest you doubt—be aware that admission is absolutely free. The demonstration will start at 10am (doors open at 9am) and go on until 11:30am, leaving you energized and inspired to enjoy your summer Saturday. Bring slippers as shoes are strictly forbidden in the venue.
Main Budojo, Tokyo Budokan, 3-20-1 Ayase, Adachi-ku. Nearest stn: Ayase. www.budo-demonstration.com
MBprints T-shirt Printing Shop
Trying to figure out how to stay cool and still look stylish in the cloying summer heat? Sure, you’ve worn t-shirts before. But in extreme circumstances—not just any t-shirt will do.
MBprints is your printing connection in Japan. School or company having an event? Traveling home and want to give unique gifts from Japan? Working as a musician, DJ, or event organizer? Pretty much any conceivable situation can be improved with a quality, custom t-shirt. That’s the philosophy of MBprints, and it has served the company well over the years.
But don’t limit yourself to torso-covering garments. Enshrine your memories on anything from tank-top to hoody—even on underwear for those kinky bedtime moments.
Founded in Nagoya in 2006, MBprints came to nationwide prominence when it raised more than one million yen for Tohoku last year. Their friendly and helpful staff is bilingual, making orders, designs, and deliveries a breeze. Furthermore, since the actual silkscreen printing is done in-house rather than being farmed out to a separate factory, MBprints can quickly adjust or modify an order so you get exactly what you want every time. Orders are delivered right to your door, and customers on a budget can check out special offers online or by phone. “Like” MBprints on Facebook for even more discounts!
MBprints, 301 Marutomi Bldg 1-7 Kosaka-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya. Nearest stn: Fukiage. Tel: 052-846-7192. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, noon-5pm Sat. Email: info@mbprints.com. www.mbprints.com
Rental Bike Kizuki
As of July 21 you’ll be able to pick up a motorbike around Japan at any one of numerous highway service areas. This is a handy new limited-period collaboration between the Central Nippon Expressway and Rental Bike Kizuki to make renting a bike and dropping it off as easy and fluid as possible. What’s more—the first ten customers to make a reservation will get a 50% discount.
For folks not keen on the long-term financial commitment of owning a bike—and who don’t have the garage space; those planning a road trip around spectacular landscapes; or for those who want to try different models—everyone can rent a bike with minimum fuss and maximum reliability through Rental819 Kizuki.
Launched in 2007 as a motorbike vendor, five branches soon transformed into 97 franchised shops. Today, Rental819 Kizuki rents bikes from Hokkaido to Okinawa, and has garnered extensive media coverage.
Only the latest models are on offer, and with all safety equipment for rent. Foreigners need not worry about insurance or annoying bureaucracy with Rental819 Kizuki. Just bring your international driving license, national driving license, passport, and credit card, and one of their constantly maintained bikes will be purring under you in no time. Rental 819 are happy to answer English inquiries via emails. For information on the rental process, required documents and insurance fees, see www.japantourist.jp/view/rental-819-kizuki.
Head Office: 1-6-11 Sakura-cho, Kawaguchi, Saitama. Tel: 0120-819-147. Open 10am-7pm (variable by shop). Email: info@rental819.com. www.rental819.com/english
