Defected celebrates a decade on the dance floor
In the decade since Defected Records released its first single, Soulsearcher’s “Can’t Get Enough,” the label has become a byword for soulful house in Britain and has grown to be one of the biggest independent record labels on the international dance scene. On April 28, the label will bring some of its top artists to Tokyo to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a night of uplifting, classic and funky house at superclub Ageha. Perhaps the secret of the label’s success lies in its business model: None of the artists represented by Defected are actually signed to it. The label simply buys selected tracks by artists and releases them — meaning the only risk to the label is that head Simon Dunmore loses his ear for a great tune. Over the last decade, that hasn’t happened. With nearly 200…

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05/23-06/01. Hibiya Oktoberfest 2008 in Hibiya Park.
No, it’s not October yet, but this big ten-day festival will feature plenty of imported German beers, German, German wines, plus live musical entertainment from German bands….

When a girl just refuses to commit
Let me tell you what’s wrong with most chick flicks: They’re hard on real chicks. Here we are, overworked and stressed, between relationships or roughing one out, jilted and depressed or stable and bored. What we want is a little excitement, some peace and maybe a tiny bit of vindication. And granted, the chick flick typically gives us all that — but usually all that does is make things worse. What with all those thin, gorgeous characters and their spacious apartments, idealized (if eventually unfaithful) boyfriends and clever sidekick girlfriends, not to mention the kind of wardrobe (size XS of course) that Lindsay Lohan would steal in a flash, you wind up feeling more damaged than healed.

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Review - Tanyu Kurumaya: Shiodome
Cochin - the free-range chicken that’s the pride of Nagoya - is the bird of choice at this friendly yakitori shop, but there’s plenty more here to attract the discerning diner. Explore the menu and you’ll be rewarded with great little regional dishes from around the country. Oysters from Miyajima, kiritampo stew (made with mushrooms and grilled rice) from Akita, Berkshire pork from Kyushu, and some excellent oden, one of Tokyo’s own specialties. There are nice udon noodles, kamameshi rice, and premium filet of beef grilled right at the table. Plus beautifully fresh and flavorful sashimi to start things off, and some well-chosen regional sake to wash it all down….

Review - Spice Cafe: Sumida-ku
Oshiage, in the northeast corner of Tokyo, isn’t exactly a food-lover’s destination, but we think it deserves a spot on the gourmet map simply because it’s the closest station to Spice Cafe. The chef here is a veteran of a hotel restaurant in Kerala, India, and he prepares authentic, first-class curries in this cozy little hideaway. Word is out, though, and most tables are reserved for both lunch and dinner every day….

New - 82 Ale House: Akihabara
Very close to Akihabara station, this bustling bar from the ubiquitous Hub chain is a convenient place for a casual drink and snack after a day of electronics shopping or manga browsing….

Brews News #88
Reviews of Cafe Flower (Yokohama), Kobe-area bars part 2 in the September/October issue of our Japan beer newsletter.

Review - Nagamine: Ginza
Vegetable kaiseki is the unusual specialty at Nagamine, a relatively new restaurant in Ginza that’s run by a long-established vegetable wholesaler based in nearby Tsukiji. With no meat or seafood to distract one’s attention, the vegetables really stand on their own merits, and Nagamine showcases the most beautiful and most flavorful produce of the season. At Y5250, the vegetable menu offers a chance to experience a different take on kaiseki at a very reasonable price….

Brews News #93
Reviews of Brusca (Kagurazaka), and IPAs at Popeye in the June/July issue of our Japan beer newsletter.

Brews News #92
Reviews of Berg (Shinjuku), Grande Biere report in the April/May issue of our Japan beer newsletter.

Article - Cat cafes in Tokyo
It all began in 2004, when the first cat cafe opened its doors in Osaka. Since then, the petting zoo/coffee house hybrids have invaded Tokyo, and business is booming. Last year alone saw a dozen new shops, each with its own unique atmosphere. After removing your shoes and washing your hands, you can relax or play with the cats and kittens while you have your drink. Prices are reasonable, and the rules are simple: no flash photos, no grabbing tails or waking sleeping kitties. 2008 may have been the year of the rat, but 2009 is poised to be the year of the cat.

Review - Aotea Rangi: Ebisu
Tucked into a quiet Ebisu back street, Aotea Rangi is one of the few places in town where you can experience the charms of genuine New Zealand cuisine. At first glance the small restaurant looks like an Italian trattoria with terrace seating, but once you’re inside the atmosphere seem more like a casual cafe-bar. The lighting is soft and the mood is relaxed. Service is attentive, and the friendly staff are more than ready to help you negotiate the extensive New Zealand wine list….

Brews News #98
Reviews of Minoh Double IPA, and Beer Rock bar in Shimo-Kitazawa in the January/February issue of our Japan beer newsletter.