2024/09/21 09:32

FROM EDITOR

The Pink Cow - cool place, yummy food!   THE EVENT IN SEPTEMBER 

FROM EDITOR
The Pink Cow - cool place, yummy food!   THE EVENT IN SEPTEMBER 
pinkcow-en.JPG

The Pink Cow is a restaurant, art bar and funky space located near both Shibuya and Omotesando Stations where you can enjoy homemade international dishes, a wide selection of wines and beers, art and music and fun events in a relaxing setting. We are a community responsible business, supporting the arts, music and community charities and we encourage all of our friends and customers to join us in the fun!


http://www.thepinkcow.com/NewHome_e.htm

*The September Cow*

Tues., Sept. 1st – Poker and Games Night – Cigars OK!
(every tues)
Tuesday night chill out with card games! Bring cards, games, chips and friends for good old fashioned fun! Beers & Burritos as always! For these nights we will let people relax with their cigars as well:)




Thurs., Sept. 3rd – PCC Night
Pink Cow Connections (PCC) #65
Tokyo's Coolest Networking Event!
Business Networking and Learning in English
Date: September 3, 2009 (Thursday)

Doors open: 19:00. Presentations start at 19:30.

Topic: "HOW TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE" - Tips & Tricks for Building and Monetizing a Website for Non-Techies

Our presenter, Honor Dargan, first became interested in website building back in 2005 when she set up her first website about one of her favorite holiday destinations - Bali. It was an ambitious idea but hard to bring to fruition, and after about 6 months she gently laid her first site to rest. However, Honor didn't give up at that stage, but learned from her mistakes and is now the busy owner of successful website TokyoTopia.com. TokyoTopia is a website dedicated to short-term and long-term visitors to Tokyo. The goal of Honor's website is clear: "Tokyo Made Simple".

Honor declares herself a non-tecchie, but is passionate about helping others learn how they can use the web to grow their own online businesses without having to be a tech guru.

In this presentation Honor will be sharing information about some of the services available to build a website as well as looking at ways to earn income from your efforts. Some of the key points that Honor will be addressing during her talk will be:

1. The key differences between online and offline businesses.
2. How to build a website that works.
3. An overview of the various monetization options available.
4. The affiliate marketing model and how it works.

After her presentation Honor will spend time taking questions from the audience and addressing specific topics as requested.

If you've ever wanted to make money online by building and monetizing a website but didn't know where to start, be sure to attend PCC #65 on September 3rd at the Pink Cow!!

Entry: ¥2,000, includes light food.
Doors open at 7pm.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=72101140281

Email questions to: ajblick@gmail.com

Please register and feel free to post messages, comments or questions on our facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=72101140281
Live webcast if you can’t join us at: http://www.ustream.tv/thepinkcow

=== SPONSORS ===

The Pink Cow - cool place, yummy food!
http://www.thepinkcow.com
AP Promotions - Talent & Event Management, Promotion, and Marketing http://www.appromotions.net
CVP http://hq.andrewshuttleworth.com/

***Fri./Sat. Night amazing buffet as always. ¥2,800pp, 7-10pm. Great for Birthday parties or other special occasions!

Sat., Sept., 5th – Pink Cow 9 Year Anniversary Party and the Family B-day Bash!
Come join us in celebrating 9 whole years of Cowness! It will also be the b-days of some of our most illustrious Pink Cow family, Naoya, Eain and Faii:) oh so much to celebrate and so much fun to be had! We will have lots of great music and entertainment to enjoy free!

Yummy Buffet Avaialble7-10pm 2,800yen
Rsvp for dinner at cowmail@thepinkcow.com

Sun., Sept. 6th – COW JAM!
Monthly gig & live jam session!

Come and hang with the herd!
Listen to those dulcet moos and rockin' improvs from regularly appearing cowhands!
Randomly including:

Sorcha
David
Missing Scene
Guitarpan
And Guests

If you wanna show us your moosical talents, email David at cowjam@thepinkcow.com
to join in the shindig! If everyone brings 5-10 friends for dinner we will all have a good audience!
Limited time slots are available so sign up soon.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25053175956

Regular & Guest acts are followed by a live jam at the end of the evening.
The JAM is on toast from 7pm, but come early for the fabulous Pink Cow grub and the best seats in the barn!
Rock'n'moo Tokyo!
7pm - No Music Charge


Tues., Sept., 8th – Poker and Games Night – Cigars OK!
(every tues in Aug)
Tuesday night chill out with card games! Bring cards, games, chips and friends for good old fashioned fun! Beers & Burritos as always! For these nights we will let people relax with their cigars as well:)

From 7pm until far too late for our own good I am sure!

Wed., Sept. 9th – Don’s Bike Night
Bike Night with the Half-fast Cyclists:
If you travel on two non-motorized wheels in this city, whether those wheels are mountain, road, recumbent, mama-chari or any combination thereof, you’re invited to the continuing meetings of the Half-fast Cyclists. Share your experience and experiences, meet other cyclists, arrange rides & races, trade stuff, learn stuff, join a club, and of course quaff a few beers or grab some grub. Ride your bike! halffastcycling@hotmail.com
http://halffastcycling.com/

From 7 or 8pm, or whenever they show up – NO CHARGE!

Thurs., Sept., 10th – AITEN Film & Live Music
Amnesty International Tokyo English Network (AITEN) Public Meeting

Tuesday, 10th September 2009 from 7:00 pm (Doors open 6:30 pm)

The Pink Cow, Shibuya, Tokyo www.thepinkcow.com

One-hour documentary film with introduction and discussion led by Arudou Debito, (blogger www.debito.org, Japan Times columnist, and author of Japanese Only and Handbook for Newcomers)

SOUR STRAWBERRIES
JAPAN`S HIDDEN »GUESTWORKERS«
A FILM BY TILMAN KÖNIG & DANIEL KREMERS

Shot in March 2008 by a German-Japanese film crew in Tokyo. The movie shows migrants from China, Brazil and elsewhere fighting for their rights as workers and citizens. The persons concerned are always at the centre of interest. While describing their situation, they are the protagonists of the movie.
(ENGLISH & JAPANESE SUBTITLES)

A 500 yen donation will be collected at the door.
Come early for dinner and the best seats!
Great Pink Cow food and drinks available to order at the bar!

Watch the movie trailer: http://www.vimeo.com/2276295
Read more about AITEN: www.aiten.org

PLUS!
From 10 pm, live music by Australian singer/songwriter Steve McLeod!
www.myspace.com/steviemyspace

From Melbourne, Australia, Steve McLeod - singer, songwriter, guitarist, got hooked to music at 4 years old after seeing a Prince video. He began studying classic piano. By his early teens his love and understanding of music had grown, wanting to learn more instruments and styles. The guitar became his main focus, then the drums, bass and songwriting.

After high-school, Steve started experimenting with original compositions. His love for jazz found him in Los Angeles at Richie Kotzen's recording studio, recording a solo jazz-instrumental album.Whilst working on this material, Steve was working on productions and songwriting for various Australian bands and singers. One demo even caught the eye of EMI's Executive Director, who encouraged Steve to take a more rock, vocal direction - closer to his initial experimenting.

In 2006/07 Steve moved to Los Angeles where he attended the Musician's Institute, furthering his musical landscape. During this time studying and working on his album, Steve wrote and produced music for Emmy Award winning TV in the U.S.

With his debut album "Human Uniform" now completed - Steve wrote, produced, arranged, sang all vocals, played all instruments on this album. It was recorded in various studios in Los Angeles and Melbourne. For interviews and clips go to myspace.com/steviemyspace.

500 yen donation at the door, from 6:30, come early for dinner and the best seats!

***Fri./Sat. Night amazing buffet as always. ¥2,800pp, 7-10pm. Great for Birthday parties or other special occasions!

Fri., Sept. 11th - Middle Eastern Buffet Night
As a variation of our super yummy weekly buffet, Chef Andy will be preparing our wonderful buffet featuring special middle eastern dishes including Raisin, Honey & Almond Couscous, Yougurt Navarin, Kebabs and Curried Lentils.

Come early for a delicious dinner and stay for DJs and a special belly dance performance!

RSVP for buffet dinner at cowmail@thepinkcow.com 2,800yen

Sat., Sept. 12th – Buffet & DJ Party!
Description : DJ's Guillaume and Etienne are bringing to The Pink Cow the Shonan summer heat for a fun DJ night.
Alternative pop, rock, electro and dance music.

Dinner from 7-10pm – RSVP for dinner cowmail@thepinkcow.com
Music from 9:30, No Music Charge!

Sun., Sept. 13th – Pink Cow Art Blender & Artist Reception Party!
Please welcome Sept. featured artist: Scott Larson
Yoyogi Daze Faced

For the last few years Tokyo photographer Scott Larson religiously spent every warm Sunday evening in a hazy state of blissful inebriation at those free outdoor trance parties in Yoyogi Park. Those parties have sadly been shut down by the mayor of Tokyo. For the month of September The Pink Cow will be exhibiting Scott's photos in a tribute to those late, great parties. Taken with 2-3 second shutters and motion blur his photos exemplify the spirit of those now defunct free and harmless dance parties. OPENING RECEPTION SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13th. DJ's, live music, free entry.

Plus – Pink Cow Art Blender, a chilled-out gathering of video artists, Vjs, Djs, animators, filmakers, live music, artists, projection & performers. To perform, present, show work, enjoy and meet new people or have any new ideas just mail us at cowmail@thepinkcow.com

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53076113124&ref=search&sid=642166393.996571833..1

From 7pm – NO CHARGE!
wwwthepinkcow.com

Tues., Sept. 15th – Poker and Games Night – Cigars OK!
(every tues)
Tuesday night chill out with card games! Bring cards, games, chips and friends for good old fashioned fun! Beers & Burritos as always! For these nights we will let people relax with their cigars as well:)

From 7pm until far too late for our own good I am sure!

Wed., Sept. 16th – Improv A Go-Go!
(usually) Every 3rd Wednesday
join the facebook group!
Love improv comedy? Love performing it even more? We’re providing a
venue for anyone with a yen for non-scripted comedy can not only come to
hang out and see some awesome comedy, but also the chance to come up on
stage and perform with us whenever you feel like it! Took one class?
Been doing it for seven years? It’s all good, and more importantly its
all good fun, so come on down to the Pink Cow to rock out with us,
air-guitar style.

And we’re not just hosting improv comedy. The TCS Players will be on
hand to perform sketch comedy.Two forms of comedy for the price of FREE.

Grab some food, jump on stage, and perform with some of Tokyo’s best
comedians.

Those interested in performing improv with us can just show up and play.
However, it’d be even better if you emailed ogata.atsushi@gmail.com or jzzmn49@yahoo.com
We even have a mailing list. We’re powerful.

Free Improv and Sketch Comedy Night at the Pink Cow, brought to you by
the Tokyo Comedy Store.

8pm – NO CHARGE!

Thurs., Sept. 17th – The Vegan Club
Vegan Club:
Calling all vegetarian friends (or non-vegetarians who like good food and meeting new people)! The Tokyo Vegan Meetup group is holding their monthly dinner once a month. To reserve, please go to: http://vegan.meetup.com/389/ > . Join us for a delicious and healthy meal and meet a diverse and lively group of food and animal lovers! If you are curious, vegan = no meat, no fish, no egg, no dairy. Bring your friends!!

Dinner at 8PM - all you can eat buffet menu ¥2,800 (drinks separate)
For maps and more info please check www.thepinkcow.com

Sun., Sept. 20th - Japanese Lounge Night #5!
Come join us to enjoy and learn and experience more about Japanese instruments in a fun, relaxed way. We love to have music fans, learner for Japanese/English language and Japanese culture, loves Kimono but needs a place to go in it...that means you, your friends and family. Meet new people and enjoy great food and drinks! It's also a open mic event, please bring your talent if to perform with our instruments!

http://www.thepinkcow.com/
(MAP http://gmap.jp/shop-912.html?&uid=197621 )
If you're interested in performing, please let us know!
JLN page on Kumiya's: http://shamisen-sensei.com/jln.aspx
Article on Nekkei BP net http://www.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/column/20090630/163977/?P=4
You must log in but we also have a group page on mixi.
http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=4425492

Would you like to sneak peek at the event on online video? http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1841806

Featured Guest Performers:

Daisuke "John" Kaminaga(Shakuhachi) http://web.me.com/apochromat/
plays not only Japanese classical but also a variety of collaboration music with the guitar, the Piano, poem, play, dance, live painting, ethnic music like karimba and so on.
and Mizuho (Koto)

Shinya "Chu John" Yamazaki (Shakuhachi)

Masafumi Saitou from Aragehonzi(Yokobue, Guitar)
a gutarist and Japanese transverse bamboo flute player with Ming-yo style basement songs. http://aragehonzi.com/ >

Kumiya- Shamisen (Hosozao. Hauta, Kouta & Ming-yo) Sensei of Shamisen lesson for beginners and tourists in both Japanese and English. http://shamisen-sensei.com >
Plus special guests and students joining the fun!


From 7pm - NO CHARGE! Come early for dinner and the best seats!

Tues., Sept. 22nd – Poker and Games Night – Cigars OK! Plus Live Music!
Tuesday night chill out with card games! Bring cards, games, chips and friends for good old fashioned fun! Beers & Burritos as always! For these nights we will let people relax with their cigars as well:)

Special Cow Jam Supplemental!
Norine Braun a Vancouver Canada based singer-songwriter whose music has been called "jazzed up, funk tinged pop." Built on a solid foundation of soul, Norine's music experiments with forms from ambient pop to jazz and folk on her 7 independent albums of original music.
Tuneful and savvy her music zings to the heart of any listener. Showcase performer at Kansai Music Conference 2009 in Osaka, the first bilingual international music conference in Japan.
Winner: Artists for Literacy International Songwriting Competition,Stonewall Society's Female Musician of the Year for Now and Zen, Female Singer-Songwriter of the
Year -Jazz for song Crystallize at Los Angeles International Independent Music Awards.
Visit www.norinebraun.com >
From 7pm - NO CHARGE! Come early for dinner and the best seats!

Wed., Sept. 23rd – DR. SKETCHY 'S ANTI-ART SCHOOL
***DR. SKETCHY 'S ANTI-ART SCHOOL,
Burlesque Life Drawing only @the Pink Cow!
Sketch, Drink, Chat and have a blast!!!!!

What to bring: sketch pad, 'dry' drawing materials (no water/oil paints), friends, tips for the model, laughter, lots of money for booze!

Silly contests! Win booze by Yellow Tail and Fab Prizes from our sponsors TOKYOMADE!
www.tokyomade.com
No drawing experience necessary, just a sense of fun, sketch pad and pencil.

Doors open: 6:00PM
Laughs and Sketching start: 7:00PM
Finish up around:10:30/11PM

Entry: 2,000yen (includes model's fee+1 drink)
RSVP or more info: drsketchytokyo@gmail.com
Come early for the best spots and delicious Pink Cow food 'n drinks.

Dr Sketchy's Anti-Art School was conceived by NYC illustrator, Molly Crabapple.
Check out the NYC event www.drsketchy.com
For info on the Tokyo event www.drsketchytokyo.com
See you there!


Entry 2,000yen (includes model's fee+1 drink)

Thurs., Sept., 24th – Cow-Go! International Lounge & Live Music!
The Cow-Go! International party features groovalicious Party Monster DJ tunes and Live music by fabulous bands!

Come join us all at Cow-Go! Have fun at our monthly language & cultural exchange party that is a part of our Creative Language Network! Meet new people from all over, practice different languages and share culture over yummy food and drinks. Nomunication!

Join our Cow Go facebook group!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25053175956

Cow-Go!
Creative Language Network

Join our Pink Cow language network – a creative way
to learn and share at an affordable price!

You design your own program.
Choose the teachers, style, times and location to suit
your learning needs.
Specialized lessons available for special interests.
You tell us what you need!
1-1 Lessons & Specialized Lessons, Reasonable Prices, Experienced Teachers and monthly cultural exchange parties:) Come enjoy the fun with us! We'll have great live music & DJs and lots of fun for all! Free entrance!

email cow-go!@thepinkcow.com
for more information go to: www.cow-go.com

Sponosored by:
BORDERLESS HOUSE
International Shared Houses / Guest Houses in Tokyo!
Clean & Great Location & Reasonable Rent. Join Us!
http://www.borderless-house.com/

From 7pm - No Charge!

***Fri. Night amazing buffet as always. ¥2,800pp, 7-10pm. Great for Birthday parties or other special occasions!

Sun., Sept. 28th – Drum Cow
Shinagawa Djembe Posse presents DRUMCOW
Come join us for some great fun with African Drums! What hippies do in the park except inside!
Shinagawa Djembe Possse is a session group that centers on drum "Djembe" of Africa.
The rhythm is feelings. The groove is harmonizes and heart beat.
Vibes of Shinagawa Djembe Posse that keeps extending explodes with pink Cow on Sunday in the end of every month. The place where the generation, sex, and the race live, the religion, and the border are unrelated! Center of Japan→Shibuya in Tokyo→Gathering vibes→Music is freely expressed→Everyone is connected→The fight is lost!
Friend and important person, favorite party, and all welcome.
Let's Come join us in happy session.

********************************
Peace to the world !!!

From 6pm – ala carte menu - NO CHARGE!

Tues., Sept. 29th – Poker and Games Night – Cigars OK!
(every tues)
Tuesday night chill out with card games! Bring cards, games, chips and friends for good old fashioned fun! Beers & Burritos as always! For these nights we will let people relax with their cigars as well:)

From 7pm until far too late for our own good I am sure!


***If you do not want to receive our cowmailers please just reply with an unsubscribe in the subject area, although we milk it for all it's worth we don't want to bug anyone!









The Pink Cow restaurant for BIG FUN

FROM EDITOR
pinkcow-en.JPG

The Pink Cow is a restaurant, art bar and funky space located near both Shibuya and Omotesando Stations where you can enjoy homemade international dishes, a wide selection of wines and beers, art and music and fun events in a relaxing setting. We are a community responsible business, supporting the arts, music and community charities and we encourage all of our friends and customers to join us in the fun!


http://www.thepinkcow.com/NewHome_e.htm

*The August Cow*

***Fri./Sat. Night amazing buffet as always. ¥2,800pp, 7-10pm. Great for
Birthday parties or other special occasions!

Sun., Aug., 2nd – COW JAM!
Monthly gig & live jam session!

Come and hang with the herd!
Listen to those dulcet moos and rockin' improvs from regularly appearing
cowhands!
Randomly including:

Sorcha
David
Missing Scene
Guitarpan
And Guests

If you wanna show us your moosical talents, email David at
cowjam@thepinkcow.com
to join in the shindig! If everyone brings 5-10 friends for dinner we will
all have a good audience!
Limited time slots are available so sign up soon.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25053175956


Regular & Guest acts are followed by a live jam at the end of the evening.
The JAM is on toast from 7pm, but come early for the fabulous Pink Cow grub
and the best seats in the barn!
Rock'n'moo Tokyo!
7pm - No Music Charge

Tues., Aug., 5th – Fruits in Suits
Fruits in Suits
Description: Fruits in Suits is a once a month social networking function
for gainfully employed Gays & Lesbians in Tokyo to make connections and
friends. For details on our latest events, to network with others or to
eat, drink, discuss current topics, join our facebook group.

Email: tokyo.fruits@gmail.com
Please spread the word and bring friends!

7pm - NO CHARGE!

Thurs., Aug. 6th – Peace Day Celebration!
Presented by the Shinagawa Djembe Posse! Featuring African drums, live
music, dancing and art. Everyone will eat, drink and be merry on a day to
think about more peace and love in the world!

6pm- NO CHARGE!

Fri., Aug. 7th – Live w/ W.E.T. BAND WAGON
W.E.T BAND WAGON:
Yoppie (Bass),
Makky (Guitar),
Pete (Guitar & Vo)
Sato-Mana (Keyboard),
Andy (Djembe),
Ryotaro(Drums),
Mori (sax),
Yukki (Guest Vo) ←just 3/25

Style: funky Jazz / soul & improv. JAM band from Tokyo.

Influences: Music that makes your head bop and your hips shake.

Description: W.E.T. Band Wagon: a 7 piece band founded on funky loose
grooves, genki vibes and the spirit of the weekend.

FOLLOWING OUR YUMMY BUFFET 7-10pm 2,800yen
From 10pm, NO CHARGE!

***Fri./Sat. Night amazing buffet as always. ¥2,800pp, 7-10pm. Great for
Birthday parties or other special occasions!

Sun., Aug. 9th - FLO Union & Artist Reception Party!
Please welcome Aug. featured artist: Ponzi & Friends!
After a six week stint in Karamea New Zealand as the artist in residency at
Rongo Backpackers and Gallery(www.rongobackpakers.com) Artist Ponzi is back
in Tokyo with a slew of new paintings. The Pink Cow in Shibuya has
graciously opened it's doors to show Ponzi's and other fine artists' work in
The month of August. Come out and enjoy some food,drinks,music,live
painting, and other art-peace to all infinitely

Ponzi will be regaling us with his live painting in combination with lots of
cool DJs, music and art with FLO Union!

Plus - FLO Union media lounge, a chilled-out gathering of video artists,
Vjs, Djs, animators, filmakers, live music, artists, projection &
performers. To perform, present, show work, enjoy and meet new people or
just join our mailing list, then
Mail to: flounion@gmail.com

From 7pm – NO CHARGE!

Wed., Aug., 12th – Don’s Bike Night
Bike Night with the Half-fast Cyclists:
If you travel on two non-motorized wheels in this city, whether those wheels
are mountain, road, recumbent, mama-chari or any combination thereof, you’re
invited to the continuing meetings of the Half-fast Cyclists. Share your
experience and experiences, meet other cyclists, arrange rides & races,
trade stuff, learn stuff, join a club, and of course quaff a few beers or
grab some grub. Ride your bike! halffastcycling@hotmail.com
http://halffastcycling.com/

From 7 or 8pm, or whenever they show up – NO CHARGE!

Thurs., Aug., 13th – Special Cow Jam Suplimemtal!!!
Welcome a Very Special Guest Artist Melinda Ortner
plus some of our other amazing Pink Cow Crooners & Jammers!


Melinda Ortner
With two recent song placements in the feature film, “I Hate Valentine’s
Day” by Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and fresh off the stage from
The Whisky A Go Go, Melinda Ortner is well on her way on her musical
journey. Melinda recently had a big shout out “tweet” from Pharrell’s band,
“Chester French” of Interscope Records. She was voted Best of 2008 and 2007
for KLAS FM Radio in Los Angeles. A semi-finalist for IMWSC, Melinda has
been building her growing fan base in the tough love trenches of Los
Angeles. She is in the midst of recording her 2nd EP and has just released
a music video for her new single “Heartbeats”.

FROM 7PM – NO CHARGE! Come early for dinner and the best seats!

***Fri./Sat. Night amazing buffet as always. ¥2,800pp, 7-10pm. Great for
Birthday parties or other special occasions!

Fri., Aug., 14th - Middle Eastern Buffet Night
As a variation of our super yummy weekly buffet, Chef Andy will be preparing
our wonderful buffet featuring special middle eastern dishes including
Raisin, Honey & Almond Couscous, Yougurt Navarin, Kebabs and Curried
Lentils.

Come for dinner and stay for djs!

DJs From 9:30pm – NO CHARGE!

Sun., Aug. 16th – Cow-Go! International Party & Live Music!
The Cow-Go! International party features groovalicious Party Monster DJ
tunes and Live music by fabulous bands!

Come join us all at Cow-Go! Have fun at our monthly language & cultural
exchange party that is a part of our Creative Language Network! Meet new
people from all over, practice different languages and share culture over
yummy food and drinks. Nomunication!

Join our Cow Go facebook group!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25053175956


Cow-Go!
Creative Language Network

Join our Pink Cow language network – a creative way
to learn and share at an affordable price!

You design your own program.
Choose the teachers, style, times and location to suit
your learning needs.
Specialized lessons available for special interests.
You tell us what you need!
1-1 Lessons & Specialized Lessons, Reasonable Prices, Experienced Teachers
and monthly cultural exchange parties:) Come enjoy the fun with us! We'll
have great live music & DJs and lots of fun for all! Free entrance!

email cow-go!@thepinkcow.com
for more information go to: www.cow-go.com

Sponosored by:
BORDERLESS HOUSE
International Shared Houses / Guest Houses in Tokyo!
Clean & Great Location & Reasonable Rent. Join Us!
http://www.borderless-house.com/

From 7pm - No Charge!

Wed., Aug. 19th - 500yen Margarita Madness Night!
It is the Middle of August and all of us still here in Tokyo deserve a
mid-summer cool-off break! Mid summer, mid week, margarita madness is the
ticket! Don you sombreros and meet us at the trough for burritos as always
and margaritas on the rocks for just 500yen!

5pm til we fall off the bar stools!

Thurs., Aug. 20th – The Vegan Club
Vegan Club:
Calling all vegetarian friends (or non-vegetarians who like good food and
meeting new people)! The Tokyo Vegan Meetup group is holding their monthly
dinner once a month. To reserve, please go to: http://vegan.meetup.com/389/
> . Join us for a delicious and healthy meal
and meet a diverse and lively group of food and animal lovers! If you are
curious, vegan = no meat, no fish, no egg, no dairy. Bring your friends!!

Dinner at 8PM - all you can eat buffet menu ¥2,800 (drinks separate)
For maps and more info please check www.thepinkcow.com


***Fri. Night amazing buffet as always. ¥2,800pp, 7-10pm. Great for Birthday
parties or other special occasions!

Fri., Aug. 21st – Special Live Dinner Show!
Artsy Jazzy Party Featuring Steve Fell, Haru Takamichi and Suiren!
Come and join us for a night of groovy jazz, belly dance and art-making! For
the price of Pink Cow’s scrumptious buffet dinner, you’ll be treated to live
performance by the super-hip guitarist and composer Steve Fell and amazing
bassist Haru Takamichi; a belly dance show by the ever-enchanting Suiren;
and a chance to freely create your very own music-inspired art!!
Steve is a naturally sought-after fixture on the Boston music scene playing
anything from free jazz and experimental, to west African and Carribean
ensembles, who will be visiting and performing around Tokyo this summer. He
will be joined by his old Berklee buddy and jamming partner Haru, who
actively performs and blows away audiences in numerous venues around town.
For the second set, you'll be invited to grab some art supplies and express
the music through you. Sound odd? Give it a try and you'll be surprised!
Come prepared to delight all of your fives senses!!!


Time schedule:
7:30-8:30 First set by Steve and Haru
10:00-11:00 Second set by Steve and Haru, and art-making!!
11:00-11:30 Belly Dance by Suiren
Buffet dinner from 7-10 pm. Dinner reservations required.
2,800pp, rsvp cowmail@thepinkcow.com

Sat., Aug. 22nd – Special Drum Cow Party Night!
Shinagawa Djembe Posse presents DRUMCOW
Come join us for some great fun with African Drums! What hippies do in the
park except inside!
Shinagawa Djembe Possse is a session group that centers on drum "Djembe" of
Africa.
The rhythm is feelings. The groove is harmonizes and heart beat.
Vibes of Shinagawa Djembe Posse that keeps extending explodes with pink Cow
on Sunday in the end of every month. The place where the generation, sex,
and the race live, the religion, and the border are unrelated! Center of
Japan→Shibuya in Tokyo→Gathering vibes→Music is freely expressed→Everyone is
connected→The fight is lost!
Friend and important person, favorite party, and all welcome.
Let's Come join us in happy session.

********************************
Peace to the world !!!

From 6pm – ala carte menu - NO CHARGE!

Sun., Aug. 23rd - Japanese Lounge Night #5!
Come join us to enjoy and learn and experience more about Japanese
instruments in a fun, relaxed way. We love to have music fans, learner for
Japanese/English language and Japanese culture, loves Kimono but needs a
place to go in it...that means you, your friends and family. Meet new people
and enjoy great food and drinks! It's also a open mic event, please bring
your talent if to perform with our instruments!

http://www.thepinkcow.com/
(MAP http://gmap.jp/shop-912.html?&uid=197621)
If you're interested in performing, please let us know!
JLN page on Kumiya's: http://shamisen-sensei.com/jln.aspx
Article on Nekkei BP net
http://www.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/column/20090630/163977/?P=4
You must log in but we also have a group page on mixi.
http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=4425492

Would you like to sneak peek at the event on online video?
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1841806

Featured Guest Performers:

Daisuke "John" Kaminaga(Shakuhachi) http://web.me.com/apochromat/
plays not only Japanese classical but also a variety of collaboration music
with the guitar, the Piano, poem, play, dance, live painting, ethnic music
like karimba and so on.
and Mizuho (Koto)

Shinya "Chu John" Yamazaki (Shakuhachi)

Masafumi Saitou from Aragehonzi(Yokobue, Guitar)
a gutarist and Japanese transverse bamboo flute player with Ming-yo style
basement songs. http://aragehonzi.com/

Kumiya- Shamisen (Hosozao. Hauta, Kouta & Ming-yo) Sensei of Shamisen lesson
for beginners and tourists in both Japanese and English.
http://shamisen-sensei.com
Plus special guests and students joining the fun!


From 7pm - NO CHARGE! Come early for dinner and the best seats!

ジャパニーズ ラウンジ ナイト #5
堅苦しいと思われる和楽器の音楽と楽しさをかなりリラックスした環境で紹介する月
イチ、
エントランスフリーのイベント。

自分が今どこの国にいるか分からなくなるようなおもしろい場所で、
ステージを見ると着物を着て、和楽器を奏でる人達が…
しかも話しているのは英語。

日本文化に興味のある外国出身の方や実際に和楽器を習っている各国の生徒さん、
もちろん音楽好き、英語で話したい、機会がないだけで着物でのお出かけ先を探して
いる人、おいしいお酒や多国籍なフードを楽しみたい
ゲストやパフォーマーの集まっているイベントです。
飛び入り参加も大歓迎♪日本の伝統楽器と一緒に弾きたい方は是非楽器を持ってきてく
ださいね!

8月23日日曜日7時からスタート
エントランスフリー!入退場自由!
場所;渋谷ピンクカウthe Pink Cowhttp://www.thepinkcow.com/
(携帯からも見れる地図 http://gmap.jp/shop-912.html?&uid=197621)

出演者の久美弥のサイト内のイベントページ:
http://shamisen-sensei.com/jln.aspx
日経BPネット内のイベントへのインタビュー記事
http://www.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/column/20090630/163977/?P=4
ミクシイにコミュニティーもあります
http://mixi.jp/view_community.pl?id=4425492

先にイベントの様子を見てみたい方はこのオンラインビデオ
で!http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1841806

パフォーマーリスト:
神永大輔(尺八) http://web.me.com/apochromat/
どんな音楽にも即興で合わせることを得意とし、箏や三絃との伝統的な三曲合奏にと
どまらず、ギターの弾き語り、カリンバなどの各国楽器、詩の朗読や踊り、演劇など
とのコラボレーションを展開する。2008年秋より一時、ロックバンドHeavensDustに所
属し、アメリカ・ロサンゼルスのレーベルHensley Musicと契約。韓国ツアー、ロサン
ゼルスでの活動を経て、現在再び東京に拠点を移し、フリーで活躍する
瑞穂 (箏)

山崎真夜(尺八)

アラゲホンジ齋藤真文(ギター、横笛)http://aragehonzi.com/
東北の民謡をベースとしたギターと横笛。

久美弥(細棹三味線)http ://shamisen-sensei.com

端唄、小唄、民謡。英語と日本語での初心者やツーリスト向けの三味線の先生

***Fri/Sat. Night amazing buffet as always. ¥2,800pp, 7-10pm. Great for
Birthday parties or other special occasions!

Tues., Aug. 25th – ヌヌ(Nu Nu) Music Listening Experience
The ヌヌ(Nu Nu) Music Listening Experience is a new way for artists to be
heard and receive feedback about their particular sound, style, single
release test responses, and marketability. Serious artists wishing to gain
new fans and penetrate earlobes are encouraged to submit their music. The
public is exposed to new music by premiering it in an active listening
environment that is outside of a club atmosphere, and not as demanding as
website online players and rating systems. Participants objectively listen
or passively lounge in the mood while completing a survey about a featured
selection.The venues of the Nu Nu change in order to diversify the listening
audience and atmosphere to receive artist’s music. The Nu Nu aims to be the
premiere live listening event, artist breaking channel, and greater Tokyo
Metro’s DJ and promoter import circuit.

Artists can receive information about submitting music by emailing Daisha
Hunter at:
sistasukisounds@gmail.com
or by visiting
www.DaiTime.com >

Music from 8pm but come early for dinner and the best seats!
Please RSVP for table reservations for dinner at cowmail@thepinkcow.com
NO MUSIC CHARGE!

Wed., Aug. 26th – Law of Attraction Seminar
Charles Alan Ross will be returning to Tokyo this August and conducting his
popular workshop, "Using the Bad to Bring the Good". It's an interactive
workshop that explores how to use negative situations to propel yourself
towards positive changes in your life. Learn techniques to achieve your
dreams faster by shifting your paradigm. Using a Law of Attraction
framework, Charles Alan Ross, MA provides consulting services and coaching
to businesses and individuals. Charles provides individuals with tools to
achieve their personal goals, leading to an optimum and fulfilling life of
their dreams. Charles is a regular speaker at professional and social
organizations. Some of the most popular presentations include; “Dealing
with Difficult People”, “Going Beyond Expectations to Wow the Competition”,
and “How to Achieve Your Goals without Really Trying”.
Charles holds degrees in psychology, sociology, gerontology and a Masters in
social services from the University of Chicago. He has extensive experience
working in the health care field. Charles leads a health care training
initiative for a Chicago concern. Since 2006, through this program he has
helped over 100 people navigate through the Chicago College system to
achieve degrees in nursing. Charles also enjoys all forms of the written
word, whether he’s writing copy for health care brochures, screenwriting, or
blogging at lawofattractionkeys.wordpress.com. Charles has been quoted in
the Chicago Tribune, Beverly Review, and appeared on Milwaukee’s Fox 6
WakeUp News.
Charles applies the Law of Attraction to all aspects of his life, finding it
a powerful accompaniment to personal and professional development. Charles
enjoys the city of Chicago as a home base for travels and workshops
worldwide.
FROM 7PM, 3,000 door charge
Thurs., Aug. 27th – Jamaican Lounge Night!
Inna di Yaad is a night when old friends get together, meet some new friends
and take their competitive spirit to the next level!
Bring it On!!!!! Monopoly, Dominoes (Jamaican style), cards ( all the games
you can think of), Taboo and yes of course a Chess Face Off!!!!!!!!!! All
with a Jamaican Flair (Reggae and Dancehall all night long) .....Can you
handle it?
Hosted by Me Crazy Sasha....No Dancing Allowed( yeah right)

Hmm did I forget to mention Jamaican influenced food created by the Pink Cow
master Chief and Woohoo Jamaican drink specials all night long

Special Features:
Jamaican Beef Patty
Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Rice and Peas
Jerk Fish Salad with Pita Bread
Jamaican Coconut Chicken Curry with Rice
Banana Fritters


Where: Pink Cow
Date: July 29, 2009
Time: Party starts at 7 till last train
Cost: none, just your game face

Game Schedule will be on Facebook Just type in 'Inna di Yaad'

Cant wait to share the Jamaican hospitality with you!
7pm – NO CHARGE!

Fri., Aug., 28th – Special Dinner Show w/ NYQLA!
NYQLA pronounced [nai kula]
NYQLA is a crossover Jazz-Groove-Pops music band inspired by Jazz, Funk,
Soul, , Bossa-Nova, House, and Club/Dance music. Since 1995, NYQLA has
performed in restaurants, bars, live houses, and music halls in greater
Tokyo area. The band plays both original songs and popular standard songs of
Jazz, Bossa Nova, and 70's disco songs with NYQLA's own new arrangements.
Want to dance? Searching for a nice live band to fit your special dinner
occasions? Come to PinkCow to enjoy NYQLA’s entertainment!
Let’s Groove!!

NYQLA Musicians:
Mari (Vocal)
Tomoharu Shimizu (Bass)
Dasuke Mori (Guitar)
Tomomasa Yagisawa (Drums, Percussion)
Taku Hirogori (Sax, Flute)
Hideki Sano (Keyboards)
Yuki Ichida (Drums, Percussion)
Miho Tanaka (Chorus)
Tomomi Kiryu (Chorus)

NYQLA official website
http://web.me.com/tyagisawa/TY/NYQLA.html

From 7pm – Entrance with buffet dinner 2,800yen

***Fri/Sat. Night amazing buffet as always. ¥2,800pp, 7-10pm. Great for
Birthday parties or other special occasions!

Sun., Aug. 30th – August B-day Party!
Everyone welcome, ala carte menu:)

***If you do not want to receive our cowmailers please just reply with an
unsubscribe in the subject area, although we milk it for all it's worth we
don't want to bug anyone!



***カウメールの配信停止をご希望の方はメールの「件名」欄にunsubscrib』と書き込
んだメールを送信してください。***

The riches of nature right in the heart of Tokyo

FROM EDITOR
Meiji Jingu
The riches of nature right in the heart of Tokyo


photography by Tadayuki Naito / text by Kyoko Tsukada

An 80-year-old artificial woodland looks reminiscent of an ancient forest, but it was created by people with a vision for the future 100 years from now. The people of Japan have planted trees in this way since the Jomon period (10,000-300 BC).


Pass under the torii gate and you are surrounded by a world of tranquility. The deep, lush forest of Meiji Jingu makes you forget that you are in the midst of a megalopolis. The dense, broad-leafed evergreen forest, which many believe to be one of the few natural forests remaining in Tokyo, is actually man-made woodland created by 110,000 volunteers who planted more than 100,000 donated trees in 1920.

Meiji Shrine
The dense green of the forest surrounding Meiji Jingu makes it an oasis against a backdrop of skyscrapers. The gravel-strewn entrance path symbolizes purification and the evergreen trees towering above it seem to cover the sky, creating a feeling of purity and serenity.

Records from the early 20th century show that the site planned for construction of the shrine was mostly barren fields. It is clear that the Harajuku Station area, where Meiji Jingu now stands, was nearly treeless 80 years ago.

http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/index.htm

It was designed by outstanding scholars such as Dr. Seiroku Honda, the father of afforestation in Japan. He and others had a 100- to 200-year vision that the forest would pass to future generations.

The woodland must regenerate itself without human intervention. It was created as the first "eternal forest" in Japan, based on the most advanced practices of afforestation that Honda learned while studying in Germany.

In spite of the common belief at the time that a shrine forest should consist of trees such as cedar and cypress, Honda chose broad-leafed evergreens like shii (chinquapin), kashi (evergreen oak) and kusu (camphor) for the primary trees. The ultimate ideal of forest creation is natural regeneration using the conditions inherent in Tokyo. During the 80-some years since the launch of the original plan, the forest has grown more rapidly than Honda expected and has already begun to attain the appearance of a natural forest. It has been steadily growing into a state of perfection.

The shrine staff says in unison, "Rather than meddling with the forest, all we do is keep watch over the trees as they grow naturally on their own."

That the forest, left to natural regeneration, has grown to this scale in just 80 years clearly shows that Japan is blessed with a rich natural environment and mild climate. However, it is certain that the biggest reason why this forest has remained and flourished is that the area is protected by the revered shrine, with every one of its trees considered sacred and venerable.

Seiroku Honda Seiroku Honda, who studied in Germany, planned the Meiji Jingu forest using the most advanced forestry practices of his time. He designed his planting scheme based on a philosophy of "renewal of nature," and he installed trees according to a very detailed prognosis of forest development, beginning with a primary forest made up largely of conifers, through a fourth-stage forest 200 years out consisting mostly of broad-leafed evergreens.

(quoted from the website http://int.kateigaho.com/spr05/forests-meiji.html)

life in japan

FROM EDITOR
Multicultural Delivery⑦

Food analyst report from Beijing

AMMS International help you to find suitable room for you

Comfort Brazilian restaurant “Carioca”

Multicultural Delivery 6

English Teacher Urgently Needed

Multicultural Delivery5

Enjoy Pub, “HUB”

Popular Japanese Restaurant among Foreigners

Multicultural Delivery4 Korean woman Poor at communicating?

Interior-Conscious, fashonable Hippo House

Interview a foreign student at Lakeland University-Japan!

Foreign fellows in Japan

Multicultural Delivery Chinese Woman 

Popular among Overseas Students

J&F(Japanese & Foreigner)GUEST HOUSE

Aizuya Inn: Reasonable Accommodation in Asakusa

the Cleanest rag collector company in Japan

International Free Papar 10

Do you have any idea how hard for foreigners to find a room?

Suzuki Law Office

JO-JU NET is going to have an Offline meeting!

Tempo Next

Okubo,a city regarded as the synonym for internationalization,

Okubo Bar

LUCIAN Shinjuku Italian Restaurant/Party/Tokyo

Globe Theatre, the Place Where Shakespeare Was Active

yokosojapan Asia Superstore

A company specializing in Indian tours: Air Crystal

Since when did Tenrijihosha come to existence?

Tokyo MS Co., Inc.Medic Service

This is no doubt a guest house revolution!

Korea Plaza, the store that has the biggest selection in Japan

All for the sake of students.

korean valley

LOBROS Co., Ltd.  

"Deep-Fried Chicken Wings Specialty Restaurant 

Advertisement Production Bargain Price Printing 

Just Travel

Easy Japanese cooking

Shinokubo Ethnic Restaurant:

Mr. Takada

Experiences of a Japanese Teacher

International events

FROM EDITOR

International Marriage & Celebrities

FROM EDITOR

地方の時代が到来 多民族国家日本

FROM EDITOR
日本人のルーツを探れー人類の設計図

聖徳太子は「日本人」ではない

日本国の伝統

地方の時代が到来
ひとつの日本からいくつもの日本へ

 

      ミトコンドリアDNA

 NHKスペシャル、「驚異の小宇宙・人体」が放映されたのは、1989年だった。コンピューターグラフィックを用いた映像のすばらしさに感動した。1992年、NHKスペシャルは「脳と心」を放映した。
当時、学問の先端部分として、「脳」が注目されていた時代だ。そして、1999年「遺伝子・DNA」のシリーズを放映した。世の中に「バイオ」という言葉があふれ出し、バイオビジネスが脚光を浴びだした時代だ。その「遺伝子・DNA」全6回シリーズの3回目、「日本人のルーツを探れー人類の設計図」は、衝撃的な内容だった。

DNA.JPG

 
 「遺伝子・DNA 3-日本人のルーツを探れー人類の設計図」(NHK出版)の解説書によれば、日本列島に存在した縄文人と弥生人の関係について、大別すると3つの説があったという。「混血説」「置換説」「移行あるいは転換説」である(P88)。
 縄文人と弥生人が混じり合ったというのが「混血説」。大量の弥生人渡来により縄文人は駆逐され、「日本人」というものが縄文人から弥生人に「交代した」とするのが「置換説」。さらに弥生人は後からやってきて稲作などの技術や文化は伝えたが、数としては日本列島における少数で、遺伝的にはほとんど影響を残さず、長い間に縄文人が小進化して現在の日本人になったとするのが「置換あるいは転換説」だ。
 
 細胞の中にミトコンドリアという細胞小器官がある。これはもともと呼吸に関係し、酸素を用いてエネルギー(ATP)をつくる器官だ。このミトコンドリアは、その中に独自のDNAをもっている。核のDNAが、父方から半分、母方から半分を受け継いでいるのに対して、ミトコンドリアDNAは、母方のものが子供に受け継がれる。このミトコンドリアDNA中の塩基配列(A,T,G,Cの並び方)を比較することによって、それぞれの人々の近縁関係を類推することが出来る。
 国立総合研究大学院大学の宝来博士はミトコンドリアDNAを用いて、日本人のルーツを研究した。宝来博士の結論は次のようだ。
 「縄文時代に日本列島を担った『縄文人』には、アイヌの人々の祖先と沖縄の人々の祖先、少なくとも2つの集団があった。また、アイヌと沖縄の人々の祖先集団とは別の、おそらく日本列島中部に暮らす別の縄文人集団を想定することができ、それぞれの集団どうしで交流があった」。すなわち「縄文人は多様な集団から構成されていた」(P86)。
 さらにミトコンドリアDNAの分析で、東アジアの集団に大きく5つの遺伝集団が区別できる。「本州の日本人」「アイヌ人」「沖縄の人」「韓国人」「中国人」である。宝来博士はこの5つの遺伝集団が、実際の「国」の集団の中でどのような比率で存在しているかを調べた。その結果は、かなり衝撃的だ。
 本州の日本人集団では、「日本人固有のDNAタイプ」をもつ割合は、わずか4.8%にすぎない。一方「韓国人タイプ」と「中国人タイプ」をあわせた割合は約50%に達した。「アイヌ人タイプ」と「沖縄の人タイプ」をたした割合は約25%になる。
 

 

 
 
 宝来博士は述べる。「本州の日本人集団が、遺伝的にあまり特徴がなく、むしろ大陸中国や韓国の人々の持つ特徴が非常に多く含まれること、つまり多様な大陸系の集団から成り立つことが判明し、決して遺伝的に均一な集団ではないことが改めて確認されたわけです」(P88)。
 このように現代の日本人は決して単一な集団ではなく、中国大陸や朝鮮半島の人々と深いつながりをもっていた。さらにひとつとこれまで思われてきた縄文人や弥生人も多様な集団であったことが、判明してきた。
      
     聖徳太子は「日本人」ではない  
 1996年、NHK人間大学のテキスト「日本史再考」を読んだ時「ああ、そうだったのか」という感慨をもった。この本の副題は「新しい歴史像の可能性」で、著者は網野善彦氏だ。
 「日本史再考」の第2回「『日本』とは何か」では、「聖徳太子は『日本人』ではない」とある。
 「702年に遣唐使が唐の皇帝の質問に答え、『自分は日本の使いである』といったのが、対外的に日本という国号が使われた最初です。当然、それ以前に日本列島の内部ではこの国号は決められていたはずで、・・・7世紀後半より前には遡りません」。
 「日本という国の名前が決まった時点こそが、日本国誕生の出発点であり、それ以前にはこの地球上に日本は存在しなかったし、日本人もいなかったという事実です」。
「したがって『聖徳太子』とのちによばれた人も『日本人』ではない、・・・この人の派遣した遣唐使は『倭王の使い』といっており、『日本の使い』とはけっしていってはいません。・・・『倭人』はおそらく主として日本列島の西部にいる人びとで、いまの関東にいた人びとのことも倭人とよんでいたかどうか疑問です」(P18、19)。
 言われてみれば、極めて明快だ。2000年前には「日本国」は存在しなかったので、この列島に住む住人は「日本人」とは言えない。
 
 さらに次の指摘は、大変重要だ。「天皇の称号も同様であり、王のなかの有力な王としての『大王』(おおきみ)という称号を『天皇』に変えたのは、日本国という国号を定めたのと同じ浄御原令(689年)だといわれています。いまでも教科書のなかに『雄略天皇』などという表現が出てきますが、この人の生きた5世紀には『天皇』という称号はなかったのですから、・・・これは誤りです。正確にいうのであれば、『のちに雄略とよばれた大王』と表現するべきではないかと思います」(P21)。
 当時この列島には多くの小国があり、それぞれ「王」を抱いていた。その中で「権力」を握り拡大していった「王」のひとりが後の天皇につながっていった。これも、言われてみれば、自然に理解できる。
 
 第3回の「日本国の支配領域」では、「7世紀から8世紀にかけての日本国の支配下にある地域のなかには、北海道と沖縄はもちろん入っていませんでしたし、本州、四国、九州のなかでも、現在の東北、新潟県の北部、九州南部は日本国の支配領域のなかには入っていなかったのです。日本国は8世紀から9世紀にかけてこれらの地域を侵略し、征服しました。・・・当時の日本国の支配者は、東北の人々を蝦夷(えみし)、南九州人を隼人(はやと)とよび、異種族と考えていました」。(映画「もののけ姫」にも蝦夷が出てきたなあ)
 「東北の最北部、岩手県の北部から青森県の下北・津軽の地域は、11世紀の後半ごろまでは日本国の支配に入っていません」(P26)。
 「明治に入って日本国は、北海道、千島を領土としてアイヌを支配下に入れ、初めて現在の日本国の領土、日本列島全体がその支配下に入ったことになるのです
」(P35)。
 つまり7世紀後半に「日本国」を作った勢力が、日本列島を北へ、東へ、西へ、南へと征服地域を広げていって、とうとう今から150年前にやっと日本列島全体を支配することとなったわけだ。
 これらの指摘を初めて読んだとき、私が高校までに習ってきた「日本歴史」のイメージと随分違うと感じた。私が教えられたものは、はるか昔から「日本」という国が存在し、日本列島全体に日本国の支配が最初からすみずみまで行き渡り、昔から天皇が存在し、民族の交流もあまりないという天皇中心の「皇国史観」「単一民族史観」「単一国家史観」だった。
 
      日本国の伝統

 東北学を提唱する赤坂憲雄は「東西/南北考」(岩波新書)で、簡潔にこう指摘する。
 「国家としての『日本』が『天皇』と対になって登場したのは、古代7世紀の末であった。そこに成立したヤマト王朝は、みずからの国家的アイデンティティを賭けて、北の蝦夷と南の琉球にたいする征服支配の欲望を表明した。眼前にはあきらかに『いくつもの日本』があった。弧状をなす列島の、南/北のはるかな彼方には、マツロワヌ異族の土地=異域が茫然と広がっていたのである。ヤマト王権の誕生以来の千数百年の歴史は、それら異族と異域を征討し、『ひとつの日本』の版図の内に治めるために費やされた時間でもあった。むろんこの『ひとつの日本』への欲望が成就されるのは、明治以降の近代化、国民国家としての日本が生成を遂げてゆくプロセスにおいてである」(P54)。
 こうみてくると、「日本国」の「伝統」は「征服と侵略」といえるだろう。明治維新後「富国強兵」がなった後、朝鮮半島や中国大陸への侵略は、「日本国」の伝統にとって、決してまれなことではなかったことがわかる。
 
 「産声をあげたばかりの東北学はこうして、いくつもの東北をめざす。・・・東北はむしろ、多元的な種族=文化が交わる、南/北の地平へと豊かに開かれたカオスの土地である。この弧状なる列島の民族史的景観そのものを根底から変容させてゆく。それはさらに『日本』という国家の版図を踏み越えて、眼差しをアジアへと広げてゆかねばならない必然を孕んでいる。・・・いくつもの東北から、いくつもの日本へ、そして、いくつものアジアへ」(P189)。
 
     独自な個性 

 講談社が「日本の歴史」シリーズを2000年10月から刊行している。その第1回配本が、網野善彦の「日本の歴史00 『日本』とは何か」だ。これは、先に述べた1996年のNHKの「日本史再考」を、より詳しく展開したものとなっている。うれしいことに、売れ行きはなかなかいいようだ。 
 この本の中で、網野は再度つぎのような見方を虚像と指摘している。「日本は周囲から海で隔てられ、孤立した『島国』であり、・・・日本人は均質・単一な民族となったので、他民族からはたやすく理解され難い独自な文化を育てる反面、・・・・閉鎖性を身につけることになったという”常識”」。
 この常識に対して、網野は次の地図を示す。これは、「環日本海文化」に早くから注目した富山県が作成したものだという。
 この地図からうける印象は、私たちが普通慣れ親しんでいる地図から受けるものとは随分異なる。
 
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この地図を見ると、5万年前から1万2千年前までの最後の氷河期に、海水面が現在より100m前後下がったため、日本列島周辺の海が陸地になり、北海道や本州、四国、九州は一つにつながっていたことが実感できる。九州と朝鮮半島は本当に大陸とわずかな海に隔てられていたのみであり、結氷すればサハリンと大陸とは歩いてわたれる事が、理解できる。
 また、現在「日本海」と呼ばれている「海」はむしろ大きな湖のような「内海」と呼ぶ方が正確であり、弧状の日本列島や南西諸島は、海を通じて大陸や遙か南の島々と結びついていた事が理解される。
 
 網野は指摘する。「海を通じての東西南北の諸地域との、長年にわたる人とモノの活発な交流を通じて、列島の諸地域にはそれぞれ独自な個性が形成されてきた。とくに列島の東部と西部、フォッサ・マグナの東と西では、社会の質が異なっていると考えられるほどの差異がある。『日本の社会が均質である』などというのも、まったく根拠のない思いこみといわなくてはならないのである」(P25、26)。
 
 網野や赤坂の文を読んでみて、自分の中に「中央集権的な国家観」が、根強く存在していることに気づく。今まで地方の独自の力や自律性をあまり考えてこなかった。しかし、ここ百年あまりで刷り込まれた「単一民族神話」と決別し、事実に基づいた「日本国」の成り立ちを理解することで、21世紀、地方の時代を本当に豊かなものとして築き上げられることができる気になっている。