With summer squarely gone and autumn unfurling as the changes of colors and temperatures become apparent, a robust abundance of ghoulishly good times are offered throughout Tokyo in the month of October. Beyond the expected citywide celebrations Halloween weekend, the prior weeks hand out a bountiful amount of choices no matter what you consider a trick or treat, rubbish or royalty. From celluloid to community affairs, from outdoor sports to metal heaven, all of these international sweets deliver in full.
While some conflict logistically or time wise, one can be sure that you duly imbibe and savor a couple at least to add to the sweets you will have at the end of the month.
4th UNHCR Refugee Film Festival
OCTOBER 1-8, 2009, Tokyo
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4 Screening Locations:
GOETHE-INSTITUT JAPAN
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ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI CULTURA DI TOKYO
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INSTITUTO CERVANTES DE TOKIO
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GLOBAL FESTA JAPAN 2009
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Begun in 1951 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) continually has the daunting mission of providing protection and assistance to the millions of the world’s refugees displaced through a host of reasons. In addition to helping refugees, the UNHCR also addresses the needs of asylum seekers, stateless people and those internally displaced within their own lands. And according to the 2009 UNHCR Global Trends report, over 42 million people are suffering in one of the above inhumane conditions.
In understanding the depth of persuasive power of both film and music, The Refugee Film Festival in Tokyo has become an annual staple since its launch in 2006. With Refugee Film Festival Director Kirill Konin at the helm since day 1, all in attendance have a rare opportunity over 8 days to screen films produced by Australia, France, Greece, Italy, USA, Israel, Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand, Cambodia, Denmark, Spain, Norway, Poland, Japan, Canada, and Korea. At this truly international gathering of tribes, most films are being screened twice with some featuring guests in a following Q&A session. This rare opportunity is made possible through the generous support of many sponsors and supporters in numerous ways, shapes and forms.
*Please note that doors open 30 minutes prior to each screening and that seating is on a first come, first serve basis. There will be limitations in seating in all venues except that at Globa Festa, an outdoor event located in the historic Hibiya Park. Admission is free while donations are most appreciated.
For more information about the 4th UNHCR Refugee Film Festival:
Organizers:
UNHCR Representation in Japan:
Japan Association for UNHCR:
INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL FRIENDLY
JAPAN vs. SCOTLAND
Saturday, October 10th
Nissan Stadium, Shin-Yokohama
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It has been 7 years since Japan co-hosted World Cup 2002 alongside the Republic of Korea, but ever since, a steady global proliferation of its players has become an inspirational reality. Starting with now retired Hidetoshi Nakata and continuing on since, especially with an explosively successful Shunsuke Nakamura, they have paved the way for countless other Japanese footballers whom you see now taking to the pitch in both the UK and Europe, created a strong soccer fervor in this land where once baseball was unrivalled.
As next year’s historic World Cup in South Africa approaches, this international friendly between Japan (FIFA ranking #40) and Scotland (FIFA ranking #30) is a must for any footballer or fan. Japan has already qualified in its Asia Group 1, 2nd to Australia (FIFA ranking #14), but Head Coach Takeshi Okada’s side has plenty to play for after a 4-0 education from the undefeated Dutch (FIFA ranking #3). He, defender and team Captain Yuji Nakazawa and the rest know they have plenty to sort and execute against a much more seasoned and hungry Scotland side that is still contending for one of the remaining slots in its Europe Group 9. This will also mark a sort of homecoming for Nakamura as he previously played in Scotland for Celtic, but the glad tidings will certainly be saved for afterwards.
Played at home on the same pitch that Brazil capped their victory at World Cup 2002, you can expect to see a Pacific Ocean-sized swell of Samurai Blue jerseys and flags throughout the 65,000-seat capacity Nissan Stadium. And however in smaller numbers, Scotland’s famed Tartan Army will not disappoint and duly make their presence known in backing Head Coach George Burley’s side with midfielder Captain Darren Fletcher leading the way.
Of course, if unable to reach Nissan Stadium in its full glory among other mad footballers and fans, then be sure to either make it to your favorite sports bar where a most boisterous company will be ensured or if you have the space, then throw a Samurai-Tartan party at home, catching it live on NHK’s BS1 channel. No matter which you choose, this is not a match to be missed and the way you move is up to you.
Tickets (In Japanese Only):
*Please note you can get tickets at most convenience stores such as LAWSON, SEVEN-ELEVEN and FAMILY MART-just ask one of their respective clerks for their kind assistance.
*Tickets also available on-site if not sold out. It is highly recommended to get tickets beforehand.
Access to Nissan Stadium:
Transportation Guide:
Additional Helpful Links:
JAPAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (JFA):
SCOTLAND FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (SFA):
FIFA:
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Football Rankings (Men):
*Next update to be 16th October 2009
Current 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Qualifiers:
Current 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Group Standings:
NHK:
LOUDPARK ‘09
THE HEAVIEST METAL FESTIVAL IN JAPAN
Saturday & Sunday, October 17th & 18th
Makuhari Meese 9~11, Chiba, Tokyo
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Before delivering a massively successful 3-day 10th Anniversary SUMMER SONIC Festival, CREATIVEMAN PRODUCTIONS planned accordingly to get ready for fall in a full metal jacket form, showing no mercy. That being said and creeping ever so near to the hands down best holiday for metal heads and thrashers that is Halloween, CREATIVEMAN are again about to produce truly THE heaviest metal festival in Japan known as LOUD PARK. A two-day affair ensuring all of your senses are engaged, deeply and fiercely resonating in your bowels beyond, this head-hammering gathering is just as international as its more eclectic summer brother. Yet while the hallowed grounds remain the same, the song definitely does not the song.
Assembling heavyweights JUDAS PRIEST, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ROB ZOMBIE, CHILDREN OF BODOM, ARCH ENEMY, ANTHRAX and FAIR WARNING, amongst others, this IS the UN Security Council of metal. As it will bleed heavily throughout the 2 days, a documentary of it all should be shot and pushed out on DVD and Blu-ray Disc™, not only just featured later on Japan’s SPACE SHOWER TV channel.
As with any happy family, each one in this heavy one has been fruitful and multiplying in their own productions as well as spawning legions of others across the globe. With each of the above artists on the back of their savory new creations or ones still on the table in their laboratory, all and the others operating over 3 stages these 2 days roast you in their respective fires. Rest assured, no matter the weather outside and the sheer expanse of the vast Makuhari Meese complex, the temperatures in these hallowed halls will be likened to Hades with faces being magnificently melted by the sustained searing heat. And while the famed one in Munich is finished, this is one Ocktoberfest demanding your attendance to taste each electric eye.
FULL LOUDPARK 09 LINEUP:
10.17 Saturday
ULTIMATE STAGE
BIG ROCK STAGE
SANCTUARY STAGE
10.18 Sunday
BIG ROCK STAGE
ULTIMATE STAGE
SANCTUARY STAGE
Access to Makuhari Meese:
Transportation Guide:
Vital info on tickets and times:
Both days doors @ 10:00/ starts @ 11:00
2-day 25,000yen/1-day 13,500yen (advanced),16,000yen (door)
24-hour ticket line: 0180-993-040
TEL: 0570-04-8899
TEL: 0570-02-9557
*Please note you can get tickets at most convenience stores such as LAWSON, SEVEN-ELEVEN and FAMILY MART-just ask one of their respective clerks for their kind assistance. ****IMPORTANT UPDATE: 2-day tickets SOLD OUT!****
For additional armor and education for the arms to be wielded:
Ocktoberfest 176, September 19th-October 4th):
All opinions expressed by Michael Lara are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of Stay Thirsty Media, Inc.
