<p>If you hear the name “Roppongi”, you’re first thoughts are probably “it’s a place filled with clubs, bars and other entertainment that supports night life scene.”Despite this however, we took on the challenge of introducing you to the excitement that Roppongi in the day time has to offer.</p> <p>The place that our reporters Alisa Urahama and Tina Tamashiro covered for us today was Tokyo Midtown! Tokyo Midtown, is most famous for being a huge shopping facility filled with about 130 variety stores, but what most people don’t know, is that it is filled with an array of artistic hot spots. On top of major art spots such as the Suntory Museum of Art and variety design specialist DESIGN HUB that exist inside Tokyo Midtown, there are even more places that are filled with art work that keep popping up!</p> <p>The first piece of art that our reporters were met by was “妙夢” or “Strange Dream” in English. The girls were very eager to check out this artwork after hearing that they can peek into its big hole and be able to see Midtown from an interesting angle.</p> <p> </p> <p><img class="size-full wp-image-436 aligncenter" src="http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/japanese-jobs-production-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/19104527/All13-TOP.png" alt="" width="529" height="400" srcset="http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/japanese-jobs-production-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/19104527/All13-TOP.png 529w, http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/japanese-jobs-production-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/19104527/All13-TOP-300x227.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 529px) 100vw, 529px"></p> <p> </p> <p>The handy item that supported our girls in their endeavours today was the “Yubikitasu Communicator”, which guides visitors through the 20 different pieces of art that can be found scattered around Midtown. It not only offers guidance in Japanese, but also provides support in English, French, Chinese and Korean.</p> <p>With the help of this communicator, our girls made their rounds around Midtown. The girls were continuously welcomed with new surprises, saying “Wow there’s even art here!”, where they’d stop for a few moments to check out the art work.</p> <p>As the girls made their way outside, they were introduced to a magical spot overflowing with greenery, which you wouldn’t think would be accessible in the heart of the city. It could undoubtedly be described as an”Oasis within the city!”</p> <p> </p> <p><img class="size-full wp-image-437 aligncenter" src="http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/japanese-jobs-production-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/19104614/All13-%EF%BC%92.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" srcset="http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/japanese-jobs-production-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/19104614/All13-%EF%BC%92.jpg 600w, http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/japanese-jobs-production-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/19104614/All13-%EF%BC%92-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></p> <p> </p> <p>Even just roaming around the area feels so good. And theres no doubt that you’ll find yourself melting into the nature as you explore the art work that can be found here.</p> <p>After taking in the fresh air from outside, the girls made their way to DESIGN HUB!</p> <p> </p> <p><img class="size-full wp-image-438 aligncenter" src="http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/japanese-jobs-production-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/19104615/All13-%EF%BC%93.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" srcset="http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/japanese-jobs-production-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/19104615/All13-%EF%BC%93.jpg 600w, http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/japanese-jobs-production-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/19104615/All13-%EF%BC%93-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></p> <p> </p> <p>The day reporters covered DESIGN HUB just so happened to be at a time they were preparing for the “2015 GRAPHIC DESIGN IN JAPAN” event that was due to start from June 19th, but due to the good-nature of our girls they were ushered in to get a sneak-peak of the exhibition.</p> <p> </p> <p><img class="size-full wp-image-439 aligncenter" src="http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/japanese-jobs-production-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/19104616/All13-%EF%BC%94.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" srcset="http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/japanese-jobs-production-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/19104616/All13-%EF%BC%94.jpg 600w, http://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/japanese-jobs-production-wordpress/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/12/19104616/All13-%EF%BC%94-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></p> <p> </p> <p>At this exhibition, 300 pieces from the works listed in the magazine “GRAPHIC DESIGN IN JAPAN” be displayed via monitors, with each of these being originals. The graphic design pieces are publications from various products, product packages, symbols, logos, posters, website, videos as well as designs of shops and various exhibitions; all of which are currently being used somewhere in society today. Entrance is free until August 5th, so if you happen to be in Tokyo Midtown, be sure to stop by for a visit!</p> <p>Exhibition Information</p> <p>Venue : 5F Tokyo Midtown</p> <p>Date : June 19 – August 5</p> <p>Hour : 11:00 – 19:00</p> <p>URL : http://designhub.jp/en/exhibitions/1591/</p> <p> </p> <p>Information</p> <p> </p> <p>Tokyo Midtown</p> <p>Address : 9-7-1, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo</p> <p>Nearest Station : Roppongi</p> <p>TEL : +81 3-3475-3100</p> <p>URL : http://www.tokyo-midtown.com/en/</p>
Go for a Treasure Hunt! Tokyo’s Underrated Spots to Explore
It’s time to venture out to other areas of Tokyo to explore! Tokyo doesn’t just consist of neighbourhoods on the Yamanote Line e.g. Ueno, Ikebukuro. The captial city has many hidden gems to visit yet they are rarely mentioned about especially for people wanting to explore the traditional side of Japanese culture. The only question is – which ones should you visit?
Nezu
Visiting Nezu and you’ll get a peaceful feel of the area. The neighbourhood is predominately quiet as there is an abundance of residents and the area represents an atmosphere of historical Edo mostly because of the nearby Nezu Shrine. It is a must to visit this shrine as every Spring, there is a Bunkyo Azalea festival held every year. The taiyaki store nearby is very popular as there is usually a queue going outside the door.
Sendagi
While it is very close to Nezu, Sendagi has its own charm. Nezu actually connects with the areas, Sendagi and Yanaka (YA-NE-SEN) with their own attraction spots. Sendagi is famous for its shopping street, Yanakaginza which has a range of shops selling a variety of food such as dango and the well known ”Genki Menchi Katsu” (minced meat cutlet) that many Japanese people buy as side dishes with their dinner. Just like Nezu, Sendagi is a peaceful neighbourhood and would be nice to stay around in.
Ikenoue
It is a primarily residential area but Ikenoue is gaining more attention for it’s range of old style cafes and being a peaceful neighbourhood. Although it is still close to major areas such as Yoyogi and Shibuya, there is a less modern aura to this small town in the Tokyo wards as Ikenoue has more of a countryside feel.
Nishi-Ogikubo
Nishi-Ogikubo has an odd charm about it. While it appears to be a reserved area, the surrounding areas boast this neighbourhood to have a lively presence. There is a range of recommended restaurants and small bars especially ramen shops. One recommended ramen shop is Papapapapa Pine which is famous for pineapple ramen. Small shopping malls are spread north and south of the area with large pink elephants hanging from the ceilings. It is said that they are mascots and are deeply loved by the locals.
Sugamo
Sugamo is known for being a popular spot in the Toshima ward because there is a lot to see. The Koganji temple nearby is also famous and is home to the Togenuki Jizo statue. Just a 10 minute walk away from the station, Sugamo’s famous Jizo Dori shopping street is possible to visit. It is also known as ”Old Ladies Harajuku” as the traditional food and style of clothing (signature red underwear is also what Sugamo is known for) is mainly marketed to the elderly.
Nakameguro
What Nakameguro is most famous for is it’s cherry blossoms by the Meguro River. If you go in the Spring, you get to see them at full bloom by the bridges. Apart from this, it is a very dense urban neighbourhood with a distinct youth subculture of vintage shops surrounding the area. The narrow streets of Nakameguro show it’s popular nightlife with an abundance of restaurants, bars and izakaya to go to.
Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is quite close to Ikenoue (one stop away on the Keio-Inokashira Line) but has a lot to offer. Commonly known as ”Shimokita,” Shiomkitazawa is known for its range of entertainment places to check out such as live-houses, theaters and bars. Vintage is all over Shimokitazawa. There is a range of self-owned cafes, record and clothes shops with their own atmosphere and a variety of sellable items. Every Feburary, they have a month-long theater festival where eight theaters play a variety of plays if you are interested.
その他、日本語求人などの情報については Japanese-jobs.com（https://jp.japanese-jobs.com/ja）をご覧ください。
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