Saturday 30 January 2010

Ultimate mobility, must-have looks and blazing performance: New VAIO Z Series - unprecedented power


When only the very best will do, the breathtaking new VAIO Z Series of ultra-mobile notebook computers from Sony is your ultimate travel companion.
The slim, exquisitely styled new Z Series doesn’t compromise on mobility, looks, connectivity or stamina. What’s more, it delivers shattering performance to rip through your business computing needs – saving precious time and boosting your personal productivity.
Alongside up to 6GB of RAM to handle your applications, The Quad solid state drives can write data in parallel on a maximum of four SSDs, making process at incredible speeds. Smaller and lighter than conventional HDD arrays, it’s tearing through file transfers up to 6.2x faster (compared with HDD 5400 rpm) to save precious time when every second counts.
Graphics performance is often sacrificed on ultra-portable notebooks – but not with the new VAIO Z Series. The integrated NVIDIA® GeForce® GT330M graphics chipset with 1GB GDDR3 VRAM makes light work of media-rich documents, presentations, movie playback and more. A new Dynamic Hybrid Graphics System intelligently optimises performance to match your workflow. As an alternative to manually selecting graphics modes, AUTO mode detects usage conditions, switching automatically between STAMINA and SPEED modes to suit the task at hand.
Weighing below 1.45kg, the all-new VAIO Z Series is crafted to the highest standards in weight-saving yet durable carbon fibre and aluminium for maximum portability and robustness. Enhancing the notebook’s beautiful design, the tough yet light palmrest is precision-machined from a single thick slab of aluminium.
Whether you’re fine-tuning a presentation or enjoying your personal media collection, you’ll get a better picture with the Full HD 1920 x 1080 (model VPCZ11Z9E) VAIO Display Premium. Measuring 33.3cm (13.1”), this high-efficiency screen with LED backlighting offers exceptional brightness, clarity and contrast. An exceptionally wide colour gamut of 96% Adobe RGB coverage ensures rich, vibrant reproduction of Full HD video and still images.
Extreme performance and mobility doesn’t come at the expense of business-class comfort. A built-in ambient light sensor detects when ambient surroundings are dark, automatically switching on keyboard backlighting for accurate typing while dimming screen illumination to save power.
For extra convenience and peace of mind, a front panel-mounted ASSIST button gives one-touch access to VAIO Care. This easy-to-use new programme helps maintain, diagnose and troubleshoot your VAIO with just a few clicks.
Productivity is expanded further with VAIO Everywair 3G mobile broadband, connecting you to high-speed networks while on the move.
Powered by the latest generation of power-efficient Intel® Core™ processors, every new VAIO Z Series model is shipped with Genuine Windows® 7 Professional for best-ever business productivity.
A full range of add-ons includes a dedicated docking station, leather cases, mice and extended batteries. You can pre-order the new VAIO Z Series from Sony Style (www.sonystyle.eu) and enjoy a range of exciting options including noise-cancelling in-ear headphones and 8GB of memory. There’s also a choice of exclusive case patterns that add a luxuriously distinctive touch to your VAIO.

Sarah Chang: Brahms, Theofanidis and Franck


Date: 12/02/2010, 7:30pm
Venue: Barbican Centre, Silk Street London EC2Y 8DS
Tickets: £9 / £13 / £17 / £22.50 / £28

When still in her early teens, Sarah Chang was described by Lord Yehudi Menuhin as “the most wonderful, perfect, ideal violinist I had ever heard.”
Since making a name for herself as a young child prodigy Sarah Chang has emerged as one of the most mature and engaging violinists of her generation.
In February she gives her Great Performers debut in a concert that demonstrates her acclaimed mastery of Romantic violin repertoire.
The programme, which contains violin sonatas by both Brahms and Franck, also marks the UK premiere of Christopher Theofanidis’s Fantasy.
The American composer has collaborated with Chang already in the past seasons, having recently written a violin concerto for her.
Sarah Chang is joined by pianist and fellow Juilliard School-graduate Andrew von Oeyen.
In the last decade or so Sarah Chang has emerged from being an astonishingly talented child prodigy into one of today’s most gifted and engaging violinists.

This evening’s programme sees her perform two of the most lyrical sonatas in the Romantic repertoire.
Brahms’s D minor Violin Sonata was the last of the composer’s three violin sonatas, and the only one in four movements.
Franck’s substantial Violin Sonata is a beguiling piece of chamber music, with a final movement that offers one of the most delightful pieces of violin/piano dialogue in the repertoire.
The work is arguably as well known today in its cello version–as performed on the Barbican stage last season by Yo-Yo Ma – but the original is every bit as sublime.
The programme also features a UK premiere by the American composer Christopher Theofanidis, a musician with a special affinity with Chang’s playing, having recently written a concerto for her.

Thursday 28 January 2010

Songs of Japan


Date
: Sunday, 7 February 2010, 4pm
Venue: Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, Pilgrim’s Place, London NW3 1NG
Tel: 020 7433 3267
Email: admin@rosslynhillchapel.com
Web: http://www.rosslynhillchapel.com
Organiser: Japanese Song Recital Series by Saori Nakazawa and Ryosuke Karaki

Saori Nakazawa, soprano and Ryosuke Karaki, pianist/ composer perform songs of beautiful four seasons of Japan and famous Japanese Art Songs.
In this concert, Saori also sings Nichigetsu-tan composed by Ryosuke Karaki, the First Prize winner of Shin Nami no Kai, one of the major Japanese song competitions in 2005.
Programme: Sakura Sakura, Sohshunfu, Yashi no mi, Natu wa kinu. Hamabe no uta, Akatonbo, Hamachidori, Hatsukoi, Sabishii kashi no ki, Sakura-Yokocho, Karatachi no hana and Nichigetsu-tan.

Discover Japan #13: Kagoshima Prefecture (THE EAST Campaign in Association with Japan National Tourist Organization London Office)


Kagoshima is the capital city of Kagoshima Prefecture at the southwestern tip of the Kyūshū island of Japan, and the largest city in the prefecture by some margin. It has been nicknamed the “Naples of the Eastern world” for its bay location (Aira Caldera), hot climate and impressive stratovolcano, Sakurajima.
As of 1 January 2005, the city had an estimated population of 605,650 and a density of 1,107.81 persons per km². The total area is 546.71 km². In 2003, the city had an estimated population of only 554,136 and density of 1,911.41 persons per km². The total area was 289.91 km².
The city’s total area nearly doubled between 2003 and 2005 as a result of five towns—the towns of Kōriyama and Matsumoto, both from Hioki District, the town of Kiire, from Ibusuki District, and the towns of Sakurajima and Yoshida, both from Kagoshima District—merging into Kagoshima on November 1, 2004.
Kagoshima is approximately 40 minutes from Kagoshima Airport, and the city features large shopping districts and malls, is served by trams, and has many restaurants featuring Satsuma Province regional cuisine: kibi (a kind of tiny fish), tonkatsu (caramelized pork, as opposed to the breaded version encountered elsewhere in Japan), smoked eel, and karukan (sweet cakes made from steamed yams and rice flour). A large, modern aquarium has been installed on the old docks overlooking the volcano. The Senganen (Isoteien) Japanese garden is just outside the city.
The St. Xavier church is a reminder of the first Christians who came to Japan.
One of the best places to see the city (and the active volcano across the bay) is from the Amuran Ferris wheel on top of “Amu Plaza,” the shopping centre attached to Kagoshima Central Train Station. The wheel has two completely transparent gondolas which give a 360-degree view from 91 m above the ground.

History
Kagoshima was the center of the territory of the Shimazu clan of samurai for many centuries. It was a busy political and commercial port city throughout the medieval period and into the Edo period (1603–1867) when it formally became the capital of the Shimazu’s fief, the Satsuma Domain. Satsuma remained one of the most powerful and wealthiest domains in the country throughout the period, and though international trade was banned for much of this period, the city remained quite active and prosperous. It served not only as the political center for Satsuma, but also for the semi-independent vassal kingdom of Ryūkyū; Ryukyuan traders and emissaries frequented the city, and a special Ryukyuan embassy building was established to help administer relations between the two polities and to house visitors and emissaries. Kagoshima was also a significant center of Christian activity in Japan prior to the imposition of bans against that religion in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Kagoshima was bombarded by the British Royal Navy in 1863 to punish the daimyō of Satsuma for the murder of Charles Lennox Richardson on the Tōkaidō highway the previous year and its refusal to pay an indemnity in compensation. Kagoshima was the birthplace and scene of the last stand of Saigō Takamori, a legendary figure in Meiji Japan in 1877 at the end of the Satsuma Rebellion.
Japan’s industrial revolution is said to have started here, stimulated by the young students’ train station. Seventeen young men of Satsuma broke the Tokugawa ban on foreign travel, traveling first to England and then the United States before returning to share the benefits of the best of Western science and technology.

Monday 25 January 2010

Folded Screen


Date: 30 January 2010
Venue: Museum of Domestic Design & Architecture, Middlesex University, Cat Hill, Barnet EN4 8HT
Tel: 0208 411 5224
Email:moda@mdx.ac.uk
Web: http://www.moda.mdx.ac.uk/
Organiser: Museum of Domestic Design & Architecture

This 2 day workshop offers a rare chance to learn Japanese folded screen making combined with Japanese woodblock printing.
Participants will be able to attach their own wood block prints to their own handmade screen.
This workshop is led by Hiroko Imada, a printmaker, painter and installation artist.
Hiroko is a member of ACAVA Palace Wharf Studio in Hammersmith since 1999.
She is a member of Japan Artists Association and International Association of Art.
Hiroko studied at the Tokyo University of Art & Design and at the Slade School of Fine Art in London.
Since graduation, Hiroko has exhibited widely in the UK and Japan.
Her innovative work in paper and printmaking draws on both Western and Japanese traditions.
Visual references will be from the Japantastic exhibition.
The workshop is suitable for all levels of experience.
All materials will be provided but please bring an apron or old shirt

Discover Japanese Food #10: Kabocha no nimono: simmered pumpkin in ginger soy sauce (THE EAST Campaign in Association with Atsuko’s Kitchen)


Kabocha is a Japanese name of pumpkin which has rich and nutty texture and had a natural sweetness also high in beta carotene.
Now a days you can find a Japanese kabocha in the supermarket.
This recipe is a very quick and basic type of stewed dish. Add a ginger is great idea to help to warm your body temperature.
When you simmer it, it is nice to leave the skin on to not to break into pieces and enjoy the rich texture and contrast of the colour.
Just slice some part of the skin to penetrate the flavour to it.

Ingredients: serve 4 as a main
500g Kabocha (Japanese pumpkin), A finger sized piece of ginger, 8 Sugar snaps
Seasonings: 300ml Kombu dashi, 1 tbsp Sake, 3 tbsp Mirin, 2 tbsp Shoyu (Dark soy sauce )
For thick sauce: 2 tsp Katakuriko, 2 tsp Cold water
*mix together before cooking

Preparation
1. Peel the skin of kabocha randomly, dice into 3cm cube.
2. Peel and slice the ginger, cut into juliennes.

Method
1. Place the kabocha skin side down and ginger in the medium sauce pan then pour the kombu dashi.
2. Bring it to the boil.
3. When it starts boiling reduce the heat, add sake and mirin, then simmer with low heat until kabocha becomes soft which will take about 12 mins.
4. Add shoyu last, cook slowly with low heat for 5mins.
5. When the seasonings penetrated to the kabocha, take the kabocha out then place on the dish.
6. Reheat the seasonings then add sugar snap, stir in the katakuriko and water mixture to thicken the sauce.
6. Remove from the heat then pour the sauce on the top of kabocha.


Saturday 23 January 2010

Exhibition of Artwork by Chisami Tsuchiya


Date: 18 January - 18 February 2010
Venue: Fairfields Arts Centre, Council Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 3DH.
Phone: 01256 321621

E-mail: enquiries@fairfields.org
Organiser: Fairfields Arts Centre

Fairfields Arts Centre is very pleased indeed to curate and bring you this solo exhibition of very beautiful work by this amazing young Artist who lives in Japan. Chisami Tsuchiya’s work combines the beauty of 'ukiyo-e' with the excitement of modern manga and anime.
A bold claim, but not undeserved in this case. And by using computers instead of woodblocks, she has made Japanese Prints for the 21st Century. Her beautifully detailed and colourful illustrations draw primarily on Japanese stories and culture, but also on ‘Alice in Wonderland’.
We will be showing both these themes of her work in this exhibition. We have exhibited some of her work here in the past in the last two 'UK International Manga Art Shows’ we curated, and it was greatly admired by the public. Her work has started to be published both in the UK and Japan, and there is already an international fan club for her work. Chisami Tsuchiya’s work is much more than just illustration though, and each piece is a very beautiful piece of art in its own right.

Asiana Airlines Onboard Services voted best in the word for six consecutive years


Asiana Airlines (President: Young-Doo Yoon) was awarded the “Best Onboard Service & Flight Attendants Award” for six consecutive years, and was awarded the “Best Airline in North Asia” by U.S world renowned travel magazine “Global Traveler.” The award ceremony was held on the 21st of January at 8 p.m. in New York’s Andaz Wall Street Hotel located in Manhattan, NYC.

Asiana Airlines along with 3 other winning companies will also sponsor the (The Mentor Foundation) charity event that provides education for third world children.

The awards are given to the airlines that scored best in the readers’ survey executed by Global Traveler Magazine. This year, Global Traveler surveyed 31,500 people, through inserts to subscribers and online, from January to August. The Global Traveler survey includes not only the airline category, but also ranks hotels and tourist spots and gives out 55 prizes to the best airlines, hotels and tourist spots of the world.

Asiana Airlines has excelled in the category of onboard service & flight attendants for years due to the innovative and unique in-flight services such as magic shows, make-up service, onboard chef service along with the upgraded cabin facilities and customer oriented service are examples of the differentiated and high-class characteristics of services which Global Traveler Magazine highly recognized.

Thursday 21 January 2010

Yasujiro Ozu at BFI Southbank + Late Autumn in cinemas nationwide


Date: Now until 28 February 2010
Venue: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, Waterloo, London SE1 8XT
Tickets: 020 7928 3232
Web: http://www.bfi.org.uk/ozu
Organiser: BFI

Celebrating Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu, the BFI will release two of the Japanese master’s greatest films, Tokyo Story and Late Autumn, in cinemas nationwide in January 2010.
Throughout January and February there will be a complete retrospective of Ozu’s work at BFI Southbank.

Tokyo Story
The film that made Ozu's reputation in the west (it was also a big hit in Japan) is plotted a little more schematically than most of his masterpieces but is nonetheless one of his most emotionally piercing films. An elderly couple leave their rural home in Onomichi to visit their married children in Tokyo. But their son and daughter are too preoccupied with their own domestic affairs to have much time for them (they pack them off to the Atami hot springs to get them out of the way), and it's only the widow of their elder son who is truly hospitable and welcoming. With Ozu's formal strategies now in full play, the film explores the spaces between what's said and what cannot be said, finessing a keen sense of life's disappointments. But the film's emotional truths are underpinned by a real topicality: this is also a sketch of social and moral changes in defeated, post-war Japan.

Late Autumn
Made near the end of his life, Late Autumn is one of Ozu’s most bittersweet movies, a half-comic drama about parenthood, 'difficult' children and marriage prospects. The radiant Setsuko Hara, her sensuality coming into play only in the closing scenes, plays Tokyo widow Akiko, whose grown-up daughter Ayako seems determined to stay single. The film’s plots, full of Ozu’s characteristic echoes and symmetries, turn on the efforts of various well- meaning friends of the family to get both women married. Three male friends (two businessmen and an academic) first target Ayako and then her mother; a woman friend of Ayako’s initially disapproves of their meddling but later agrees to help them. Ayako gets the wrong idea that her mother plans to remarry, and mother and daughter quarrel. There are further droll misunderstandings, most of them caused by the child-like adult men, who have 'problem' children of their own. Ozu's visual style and patterning was never more playful.

Discover Korean Food #21: Dr. Sook-Ja Yoon's "Tteokguk", Sliced Rice Cake Pasta Soup


Tteokguk is a soup made of diagonally sliced rice cakes simmered in beef broth, garnished with pressed meat, and fried egg white and yolk strips. People enjoy tteokguk made with sliced garaetteok on the first day of the year. Garaetteok is a rice cake rod that pulled it into a long rod. It is eaten in hopes of expanding one's property like the rice cake rod.

Ingredients & Quantity
600 g white rice cake300 g beef (brisket·shank), 1.6 kg (8 cups) water
Fragrant seasoning : 20 g green onion, 10 g garlic seasoning sauce : 3 g clear soy sauce, 1.1 g (¼ tsp) minced green onion, 1.4 g (¼ tsp) minced garlic, 0.1 g black pepper
6 g (1 tsp) clear soy sauce, 6 g (1½ tsp) salt
20 g green onion, 60 g (1 ea) egg, 1 g shred red pepper

Preparation
1. Clean blood of beef with cotton cloths. Wash the fragrant seasoning cleanly.
2. Put the beef and water in the pot, heat it up for 7 min. on high heat. When it boils, lower the heat to medium, simmer it for 30 min. Add the fragrant seasoning, simmer it for another 30 min.
3. Shred the white rice cake 4 cm-long, 0.2 cm-thick diagonally.
4. Wash the green onion and cut it into 2 cm-long lengthwise diagonally.
5. Pan-fry eggs for yellow/white garnish and cut into 2 cm of diaper shape
6. Cut the shred red pepper into 2 cm-long.

Recipe
1. Filter the simmered broth (1.4 kg) through cotton cloths, rip up the beef along with the texture (160 g).
2. Pour the broth in the pot, heat it up for 5 min. on high heat. When it boils, add the sliced rice cake, boil for 3 min. When the rice cake float on the surface, season with clear soy sauce and salt, add green onion, bring it to a boil once more.
3. Dip up the soup in a bowl, garnish with beef (80 g), egg and shred red pepper.

*Simmered ox knee bone broth, or brisket and shank may be an another choice for the broth.
*Pan-fried skewered beef garnish may be an option.

Tuesday 19 January 2010

An Evening of Okinawan Music


Date: Wednesday, 20 January, Wednesday, 27 Januray, Friday, 29 January 2010
Venue: 20 Jan - Asia House, 63 Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LP /
27 Jan - Asian Music Centre, 1-2 Bradford Road, London W3 7SP /
29 Jan - SOAS, Room G2, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG
Tel: 0207 307 5430 (Asia House) / 020 89749 9584 (Asian Music Circuit) / 020 7637 2388 SOAS
Web:
http://www.amc.org.uk/

Discover the beautiful classical music of the Okinawan Sanshin with Kise Shinjin, one of the foremost exponents of Ryukyuan classical music.

Shinjin Kise
Japanese musicial Kise Shinjin is a leading exponent of the sanshin, a three-stringed plucked lute from the islands of Okinawa. Although similar instruments are found in China and on the Japanese mainland, the sanshin is particularly associated with the music of the kingdom of Ryukyu which flourished between the 14th and 19th centuries. In a series of lecture-recitals, Kise Shinjin discusses the history and cultural context of this instrument with performances of the beautiful classical music of the erstwhile Ryukyuan court.

Kise Shinjin is Professor Emeritus, Okinawa Prefectural University of the Arts, master of the Nomura and Tansui Schools of sanshin performance and Special Advisor for Cultural Exchange appointed by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Overview of Honda Exhibition at Tokyo Auto Salon 2010


Honda Access Corporation, manufacturer of genuine Honda aftermarket parts and accessories, announced that it will feature a new Modulo concept vehicle and new styling study models in its exhibition at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 with NAPAC, to be held from Friday, January 15, to Sunday, January 17, 2010, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.
Leveraging the Insight hybrid vehicle’s advanced aerodynamic performance and fun, comfortable driving, the Insight Sports Modulo Concept expresses the joy of driving with the theme of “Exciting Eco.”
With its advanced styling featuring chiseled lines, the Modulo concept vehicle demonstrates the new value that Sports Modulo customization has to offer a next-generation hybrid.
In addition, Honda Access will display highly customized Freed and Life styling study models, as well as the Step WGN and other automobiles that feature Honda's latest equipment.
The exhibition will also present the Gathers Advance next-generation car navigation system concept model, genuine Honda parts and accessories.

Sunday 17 January 2010

STILL WALKING (Aruitemo, Aruitemo), A film by Hirokazu Kore-Eda


Date: 15 - 29 January 2010
Venue: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, Waterloo, London SE1 8XT
Tel:020 3178 7096
Fax:020 3178 7096
Email:
info@newwavefilms.co.uk
Web: http://www.newwavefilms.co.uk
Organiser: New Wave films

The celebrated director Hirokazu Kore-eda (AFTER LIFE, NOBODY KNOWS) returns to the forefront of world cinema with his new highly praised film STILL WALKING (Aruitemo, Aruitemo). A delicately detailed family drama that shines with warmth and understanding the film has been described by Tony Rayns ‘this feels as piercingly true as some of the great “home dramas” of the past - such as Ozu’s.’ One of the most critically acclaimed works from last year’s international film festivals, the film is lushly photographed, and with an expert script that incorporates elements of director Kore-eda's personal experience. With its sincerity and humour STILL WALKING is a delightful and finally affecting pleasure unlike any other recent film.

Fifteen years ago, Junpei, the youngest son of the Yokoyama family died while rescuing a boy from drowning. On the anniversary the family come together and over the course of one day, we follow the family as new relatives become acquainted, stories are told with the inevitable squabbles and regrets, and an elegant graveside ritual is performed for Junpei. Kore-eda shows complete mastery of his characters in this universal, deeply felt portrait of a complex, but ultimately loving contemporary family.

Asiana’s Lounge Recital Receives Popularity


“It was a great opportunity to see the fantastic recital at the Asiana Lounge before travelling. I think the recital gave a good impression towards all passengers before leaving Korea and especially for the foreign passengers gave a good impression of Korea. I would like to participate in the recital later on when opportunity allows me to.” Comments from Ms. Da-Eun, Jung passenger of OZ743 Incheon/Bangkok 10th of January.

“I stopped by the lounge every time during transfer and all I heard were people talking. This year is the best that I experienced in the Asiana Lounge. A great and comfortable concert was conducted so professionally by the local music school students.” Comments from Mr. Tse Chiwun, passenger of OZ222 Incheon/New York 12th of January.

Asiana Airlines (CEO: Young-Doo Yoon) in welcoming last year’s Christmas and year end holiday seasons, hosted the event at Incheon International Airport’s Asiana Airlines Business Lounge. The recital which lasted 4 weeks came to a close with receiving large popularity among customers.

The recital event started on the eve of Christmas and lasted till the 15th of January (23days) at Asiana’s Business Lounge located in Incheon International Airport. Customers were given the privilege to perform their own recital in which a variety of participants ranging from winners of music competitions, famous music clubs, and even 9 year old elementary school students participated. 51 participants (29 teams) participated in playing a variety of instruments ranging from Piano, Clarinet, Gayageum (Korean zither with twelve strings) and much more in performing high quality performances.

Especially on the 4th of January when sudden heavy snowfalls grounded many flights and many passengers were at the lounges than the ordinary, 2nd grade Elementary school student Ms. Yae-Jin, Hong performed a very cute recital in which the performance soothed the fatigue of the long waiting passengers. Even during other performers’ mistakes, customers at the lounges cheered the participants and showed remarkable support after each participant finished their recital by giving them a standing ovation.

The Asiana Lounge not only provide events like this but a Korea/France painters exhibition, Piano performance services, and Ensemble performance services are provided in bringing maximum comfort towards our customers. Also Asiana Lounge is a cultural area that brings our customers and airliner as one.

Meanwhile, Asiana Airlines announced that it will be showing the G-20 PR Video inside the cabins for all Asiana flights inbound to Korea. The airing of the G-20 PR Video inside the cabins is performed in support of Asiana’s best wishes of successfully hosting the G-20 summits in Korea this November.

The G-20 PR Video will show images of the representatives from the G-20 nations in meetings and Korea becoming elected as the host for the G-20 summits this year. The video will have a one minute and 27 seconds in running time.

Asiana will extend the showing of the PR Video to all of Asiana’s international flights starting from the 1st of February, in which Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese subtitles will be included inside the video for our foreign passengers.
In addition, Asiana Airlines enlisted as a member of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) last year’s 16th of December. Asiana plans to lead the way in promoting Korea of its social contribution to the international society and aid the G-20 summit’s successful hosting.

Asiana’s Lounge Recital Receives Popularity




“It was a great opportunity to see the fantastic recital at the Asiana Lounge before travelling. I think the recital gave a good impression towards all passengers before leaving Korea and especially for the foreign passengers gave a good impression of Korea. I would like to participate in the recital later on when opportunity allows me to.” Comments from Ms. Da-Eun, Jung passenger of OZ743 Incheon/Bangkok 10th of January.

“I stopped by the lounge every time during transfer and all I heard were people talking. This year is the best that I experienced in the Asiana Lounge. A great and comfortable concert was conducted so professionally by the local music school students.” Comments from Mr. Tse Chiwun, passenger of OZ222 Incheon/New York 12th of January.

Asiana Airlines (CEO: Young-Doo Yoon) in welcoming last year’s Christmas and year end holiday seasons, hosted the event at Incheon International Airport’s Asiana Airlines Business Lounge. The recital which lasted 4 weeks came to a close with receiving large popularity among customers.

The recital event started on the eve of Christmas and lasted till the 15th of January (23days) at Asiana’s Business Lounge located in Incheon International Airport. Customers were given the privilege to perform their own recital in which a variety of participants ranging from winners of music competitions, famous music clubs, and even 9 year old elementary school students participated. 51 participants (29 teams) participated in playing a variety of instruments ranging from Piano, Clarinet, Gayageum (Korean zither with twelve strings) and much more in performing high quality performances.

Especially on the 4th of January when sudden heavy snowfalls grounded many flights and many passengers were at the lounges than the ordinary, 2nd grade Elementary school student Ms. Yae-Jin, Hong performed a very cute recital in which the performance soothed the fatigue of the long waiting passengers. Even during other performers’ mistakes, customers at the lounges cheered the participants and showed remarkable support after each participant finished their recital by giving them a standing ovation.

The Asiana Lounge not only provide events like this but a Korea/France painters exhibition, Piano performance services, and Ensemble performance services are provided in bringing maximum comfort towards our customers. Also Asiana Lounge is a cultural area that brings our customers and airliner as one.




Meanwhile, Asiana Airlines announced that it will be showing the G-20 PR Video inside the cabins for all Asiana flights inbound to Korea. The airing of the G-20 PR Video inside the cabins is performed in support of Asiana’s best wishes of successfully hosting the G-20 summits in Korea this November.

The G-20 PR Video will show images of the representatives from the G-20 nations in meetings and Korea becoming elected as the host for the G-20 summits this year. The video will have a one minute and 27 seconds in running time.

Asiana will extend the showing of the PR Video to all of Asiana’s international flights starting from the 1st of February, in which Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese subtitles will be included inside the video for our foreign passengers.
In addition, Asiana Airlines enlisted as a member of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) last year’s 16th of December. Asiana plans to lead the way in promoting Korea of its social contribution to the international society and aid the G-20 summit’s successful hosting.

Friday 15 January 2010

UK green - Japanese green RYUTARO IKEDA Exhibition

Date: 6 - 29 January 2010
Venue: CANARY WHARF Window Gallery (Art gallery1,2 Canada Place opposite Waitrose), Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB
Email:
mail@ryu-taro.com
Web: http://ryu-taro.com
Organiser: Public Art Canary Wharf

I am pleased to present my oil painting exhibition of the UK and Japanese green landscapes at Canary Wharf Window gallery. Two large oil paintings, one of a Japanese wooded landscape and one of a green avenue of trees in the UK will be exhibited. It is essential for me to place my body directly in the space I am painting. Therefore I set up my easel in the location of the object of interest and create my work through the relationship of body and space. I think that with this exhibition you can fully appreciate the differences between the UK and Japanese landscapes that may not be observed unless they are in a painting.

Present question to 'See it' and 'See'
For me, to produce an oil painting I must actually set up my easel in the physical location of the object of interest rather than bringing the object into the studio. I wish to communicate the idea of the bigger picture. I achieve this through the relationship of body and space. It is essential for me to place my body directly in the space I am painting in order to feel the "existence of air" at the site. I need to create a relation between actual independent feeling and the object found at the site. Putting myself in a real space enables me to synthesize all of my senses in order to reach a new level of drawing. The volume of form and space are therefore depicted even on a canvas in which the focus is on a single leaf. A feeling of the space and distance between objects finds expression on the canvas. My ultimate aim is to create works that move the viewer emotionally, as if they were experiencing the exact sensations that I did in the place and time when a work was painted. For me seeing is not merely a natural act, it is still filled with the charm of the search. I chose water and forests as a place for that search. I’m trying to make a new universality through which traditional methods are reproduced; valued techniques such as the way the brush is carried for example. I want to distinguish between to 'see' and to 'see it' by drawing from an all round viewpoint. I believe in the power of paints and brushes, and I take my drawings extremely seriously.

Treasure the memories with new Handycam® range from Sony

The colourful, stylish Handycam® line-up for Spring 2010 is packed with advanced optical technologies and fun-to-use features that help you capture a lifetime of precious moments.
This season there’s a choice of ten light, compact new Handycam® models that shoot on memory card and internal flash memory for fuss-free sharing of your favourite memories. They’re joined by five feature-packed HDD models, offering extra-long recording times to store even more special moments.
The new range of Handycam® camcorders blends unique optical and technological innovation by Sony for best-ever image quality, whether you’re capturing HD video or vibrantly detailed still photos.
Premium HD Flash Memory and HDD models (CX550V, XR550V, CX350V, XR350V, CX305) feature a high quality Sony G Lens™, with enhanced wide angle capability that captures approximately 2x larger shooting area compared with previous Handycam® camcorders. Now it’s far easier to make sure nobody’s left out of the picture at parties, birthdays and other special occasions. Wide angle performance of CX550V/XR550V models is a class-leading 29.8mm for video and 26.3mm for still images (35mm equivalent) in an even smaller body than their predecessors.
Want to fit even more into the frame?
Light, compact and easy to carry, the optional Wide Conversion Lens (VCL-HGA07B) gives you an even wider view for up to 22.4mm, from expansive landscapes to tight group shots.
When you’re shooting handheld, mid-range to flagship HD Handycam® models are now more effective than ever at cutting the effects of camera shake. New Optical SteadyShot Active Mode teams optical and electronic stabilisation systems, delivering best-ever ‘3-way’ anti-shake performance from wide to telephoto end. Images are now up to 10x steadier at wide end of zoom settings. At telephoto zoom settings, you’ll still enjoy up to 2x improved anti-shake performance for clearer, more stable results.
Thanks to an improved electrical image stabilisation system, entry HD models also benefit from SteadyShot Active Mode for up to 10x shake reduction (at wide end of zoom setting) compared with standard SteadyShot.
Developed by Sony, the acclaimed Exmor R™ CMOS Sensor with 2x increase in sensitivity is now available in all HD Handycam® models, as well as the Standard Definition range-topping DCR‑SX73. An innovative ‘back-illuminated’ design ensures that more light reaches photosensitive areas of the device without being obscured by connecting wires within the sensor. This boosts sensitivity compared with sensors that use a conventional ‘front-illuminated’ structure.

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Seifu Yohei and his Contemporaries: Meiji Ceramics in the Scholarly Taste


Date: current - 25/04/2010
Venue: The Museum of East Asian Art, 12 Bennett Street, Bath BA1 2QJ


This exhibition showcases the beautiful collection of Meiji period Ceramics made by Seifu Yohei (1851–1914) and other contemporary potters and will be on display to the public until 25th April 2010.
In the mid to late 19th century Japan opened up worldwide trade relations, ending a 200 year policy of seclusion.
As a result not only were Japanese ceramics influenced by a wealth of new aesthetics, but it also exposed Japanese artists and craftsmen to international expos where their work could be showcased.
This pushed the potters to experiment with new glazes and techniques that would move on from the designs of the past which now seemed antiquated in comparison to the Art Nouveau motifs wowing Europe.
One of the most highly praised potters to emerge during this, the Meiji Period, Seifu was born to a family of Kyoto potters, eventually taking over the family business.
Despite the influences from Europe felt by his contemporaries, Seifu’s interest lay in Chinese porcelain, and early in his career he mainly produced Chinese Ming and Song-style porcelain.
Seifu’s main market was domestic, where he won many awards and became the first potter to be designated an Imperial Household Artist – the highest official accolade to be awarded to top artists and craftsmen.

Discover Japan #12: Niigata Prefecture (THE EAST Campaign in Association with Japan National Tourist Organization London Office)


Niigata Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Honshū on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The capital is the city of Niigata. The name “Niigata” literally means “new lagoon”.

History
The area that is now Niigata Prefecture was divided into Echigo Province and Sado Province until after the Meiji Restoration. During the Sengoku period, the Nagao clan, who were at times vassals to the Uesugi, ruled a fief in the western part of modern Niigata from Kasugayama Castle. The most notable member of the Nagao clan was Nagao Kagetora, was later and better known as Uesugi Kenshin. He unified the leaders of Echigo Province and became its sole ruler. By taking the surname Uesugi, he also became the head of the Uesugi clan and effectively brought their realm under his control. The city of Niigata is now the largest Japanese city facing the Sea of Japan. It was the first Japanese port on the Sea of Japan to be opened to foreign trade following the opening of Japan by Matthew Perry. A freighter from North Korea visits Niigata once a month, in one of the few forms of direct contact between Japan and that country. The Etsuzankai organization, led by the politician Tanaka Kakuei, was highly influential in bringing infrastructure improvements to Niigata Prefecture in the 1960s and 1970s. These included the Joetasu Shinkansen high speed rail line and the Kanetsu Expressway to Tokyo. On October 23, 2004, the Chūetsu earthquake struck Niigata Prefecture and was measured at Shindo 6+ at Ojiya. On January 9, 2006, a heavy winter storm struck the prefecture and its neighbours. At least 71 people died and more than 1,000 were injured. Also in 2006, a massive tsunami and earthquake damaged homes and caused casualties in the maritime areas of Niigata Prefecture, especially near Sado Island.On July 16, 2007, the earthquake hit the area. Niigata Prefecture hosts the Fuji Rock Festival, an annual eventheld at the Naeba ski resort. The three-day event, organized by Smash Japan, features more than 200 Japanese and international musicians. It is one of the largest outdoor music events in Japan, with more than 100,000 people attending in 2005.

Economy
The major industry in Niigata Prefecture is agriculture. Rice is the principal product, and among the prefectures of Japan Niigata is second only to Hokkaidō in rice output. The area around Uonuma is known for producing the Koshihikari variety, widely considered to be the highest-quality rice produced in Japan.Rice-related industries are also very important to the prefectural economy. Niigata Prefecture is known throughout Japan for its high-quality sake, senbei, mochi, and arare. In sake production, the prfefecture comes third after Gunma and Kyoto prefectures. The prefecture was also the place of origin of the ornamental carp known as koi. Niigata Prefecture produces the highest volume of azaleas and cut lilies in Japan, and is increasing production of cut flowers and flower bulbs. Along with Toyama Prefecture, it produces the highest volume of tulips in the country. Crude oil is produced in Niigata Prefecture, although Japan relies heavily on petroleum imported from other countries. Kerosene heaters are also produced for use in the cold Niigata winters. Kinzan, on Sado Island, was an active gold mine until it was closed in 1989. Sanjo and Tsubame produce 9 percent of all the silverware made in Japan. The two cities are second after Osaka in the production of scissors, kitchen knives, and wrenches. Niigata Prefecture may have been the first area in Japan to produce knitted textiles, although the earliest products may have been imported from China. The nuclear power plant with the highest energy output in the world is located in the tiny village of Kariwa. Much of the tourism in Niigata centers around skiing and going to onsen, especially in the alpine areas of Myōkō and Yuzawa. Sado Island off the west coast of Niigata is accessible via ferry from Niigata City.

Monday 11 January 2010

Honda Delivers FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle to 2010 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team Captain Scott Niedermayer


American Honda Motor Co., Inc., delivered a zero emissions hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle to its latest customer, 2010 Canadian Olympic hockey team captain, Scott Niedermayer. Also a team captain for the Anaheim Ducks National Hockey League team, Niedermayer is a leader both on and off the ice, promoting an environmentally responsible lifestyle and the protection of natural resources.
"My love for nature and the outdoors developed while growing up in Canada and I hope the generations after me get to experience nature as I have," said Scott Niedermayer. "Everyday actions, like driving the zero-emissions Honda FCX Clarity, will help to make this dream a reality." Honda's FCX Clarity produces electricity onboard from hydrogen via Honda's innovative V Flow fuel cell stack with water vapor as its only emission. Significant advances include exhilarating performance, futuristic sedan packaging and a driving range of up to 240 miles. FCX Clarity's fuel efficiency is three times that of a comparable, modern gasoline-powered automobile.
"The FCX Clarity demonstrates Honda's commitment to developing zero-emissions vehicles, and we believe that having drivers like Scott Niedermayer behind the wheel of a Honda FCX Clarity is a great way to reach out to a new audience of drivers," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.
"We hope that Scott's example of driving the FCX Clarity will inspire fans and other athletes to consider more environmentally responsible products."
Niedermayer and his wife, Lisa, reside in Orange County, California, with their four sons. The family enjoys the outdoors together by camping and mountain biking. Their love of nature has inspired the family to seek a greener lifestyle that includes changes such as adding insulation around the family home and installing a radiant barrier on the roof to conserve energy. Niedermayer already carpools to games with his fellow teammates and promotes a recycling program around his team's dressing room. Honda's advanced fuel cell electric vehicles have been tested and proven through a series of successful partnerships over the last seven years with various fleet users and retail customers.

The East News