Look what's Happening in Tokyo
Issue: September 2005

Public Holidays in September
19th is Keiroi no hi - Respect for the Aged Day in Japan.
23rd is Autumnal Equinox Day - On this day many Japanese will pay their respects to their dead ancestors by visiting the family grave.

Festivals, Moon Viewing, Globetrotters and Sumo.
The 2004 September Grand Sumo Tournament. 11th - 25th September
Tickets can be bought in advance or you can choose to watch it in the comfort of your own apartment when it is shown daily on NHK television. The tournament is held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
For more information visit the Sumo homepage: www.sumo.or.jp/eng/
To get there: Take the Sobu line to Ryogoku Station

Harlem Globetrotters - JAPAN GAMES 2005 30th September
Since being formed in 1927, the Globetrotters have impacted the sport of basketball around the world. The Globetrotters were instrumental in the development of the fast-break offense, the slam dunk, the development of a scouting system to recruit players, and introduced the figure-eight "weave" offense. They are back in Tokyo after a 9 year absence and we are sure their acrobatic skills will amaze you. See them at the National Yoyogi Stadium

Fukuro Festival and Tokyo Yosakoi 24th ~25th September / 1st - 2nd October
The Fukuro annual festival started in 1967 and has become the largest festival for this area of Tokyo. Over the two week period there are plenty of events going on but the climax of the festival is the popular event known as Tokyo Yosakoi which is a dance competition held in the street. This year the event will be held on October 2nd. Groups from around Japan gather to compete against each other with only two competition rules, all groups must use a traditional dancing song and they must perform while holding clappers, which make a sound similar to castanets. Apart from that the teams are free to wear whatever costumes they like and any style of dancing is allowed. This year nearly 100 groups will participate.
To get there: Take the JR Yamanote line to Ikebukuro station. (West exit)

Otsu-ki-mi - Moon Viewing
Put it down to space and lack of clear views but Moon Viewing is not as popular in Tokyo as Cherry Blossom viewing, which is a shame because the moon at this time of the year is the truly spectacular. Traditionally O-dango (rice ball sweets) will be placed on a window ledge next to a vase containing autumn grass and this is where the family will gather to eat while admiring the moon. Bureau Information recommends two parks for Moon Viewing. (Both parks open till 21:00, gates close at 20:30)
* Mukojima Hyakkaen 17th - 19th a chance to participate in the tea ceremony while watching the moon. 150JPY entrance fee
To get there: 8-minute walk from Higashi-mukojima Sta. on the Tobu Isesaki Line
* Sankeien Gardens 15th - 19th in Yokohama is a beautiful park landscaped with trees, flowers, ponds and historic buildings. 500JPY admission fee charged.
To get there: JR Negishi line to Negishi St. Then take any bus from the #1 bus stop to Honmoku bus stop. (5 min. walk from there) or 20min. by No.8 bus to Honmoku Sankeien-mae bus stop from Sakuragicho Sta.

Coming up in October
AIG Japan Open Tennis Championships at the Ariake Colosseum October 4th - 10th
Japan Graphic Art Show at the Big Sight October 4th - 8th
18th Tokyo International Film Festival in the Shibuya area. October 22nd - 30th

by Sarah Yamada