News & Notices

2010 Tokyo Marathon

Sunday, February 28---It was rainy and the cold weather returned after we had started to see the signs of spring approaching in previous days.  Rain was not welcome, especially for those who wanted to make their efforts bear fruit on the day.  It was Tokyo Marathon race day!

Nippon Television was broadcasting the Tokyo Marathon race live from 9am onwards and, like the Olympic Games marathon or Hakone marathon relay, they were exclusively covering the leading group which left the rest far behind.  It is interesting to watch these elite athletes running, but there is another way to enjoy the Tokyo Marathon.  So I decided to see ‘the real Tokyo Marathon’ and rushed to the race course!

 

I arrived at Nihonbashi, which was around the 30 km point.  It was drizzling and some runners were starting to show fatigue.  This was the third time I had gone to watch the Tokyo Marathon, and I had noticed that from this 30 km point onward it becomes challenging for most of the runners, and even those who responded to the cheers of spectators at Ginza seemed to want to save energy for the rest of the course.  I noticed some people starting to walk for a while, going down to the toilets of the subway stations to ease some discomfort, as in this area particularly, aid stations were busy and bustling to ease the runners’ fatigue.  The stream of runners were grabbing snacks and drinks as they passed, and so the volunteers were kept busy putting chocolates in the trays, passing drinks to runners, and even peeling bananas to make it easier for participants to eat them!

 

It was interesting to see ordinary runners striving for a best time, to which we were easily able to relate, but there is more to it than just the running.  It was hilarious to see some runners wearing peculiar costumes, and every year we see Super Mario, cartoon characters, samurai, and others that are ‘unclassifiable’. This year a Japanese girl-group dressed like Michael Jackson added to what struck me as fancy dress parade.  Moreover, if you are media-savvy you can also spot celebrities in the crowd such as Japanese comedians, actresses and high-profile politicians such as the governor of Miyazaki (a former comedian) and Muneo Suzuki, an LDP politician.  Furthermore, if you are really lucky, you might spot Michael, the president of Australia Society as well!

                                                   

 

                       

The snowy rain and low temperature of 5 degrees in the morning made the 2010 Tokyo Marathon more challenging for everyone but, nevertheless, the overall result was a good turnout.  Out of 32,080 starters 30,182 runners finished the full marathon (94.1%), and of all the disabled runners entering 100% finished.  With the number of applicants increasing every year, there were 311,441 applicants in total for both full and 10 km marathons this year and draw ratio was around 8.9 times.  With the increasing interest in running in Japan, the Tokyo Marathon is likely to be more spectacular next year!

 

              

 

                                 

2010 Australia Day Ball Report by Kiren Richardson

 

                              

 

 

Dressed to kill, scores of Tokyo’s finest turned out for the annual Australia Day Ball, with a Bond-esque “From Down Under with Love” theme, on Friday, January 29.

 

Around 270 guests mingled over martinis (shaken, of course), Champagne and canapés and looked over auction items as the evening of intrigue and entertainment kicked off at the Grand Hyatt’s Grand Ballroom in Roppongi.

 

As they moved into the stylishly decorated dining room, Sydney-based cover band Jelly Bean Jam set the mood with a 007 theme medley. Renowned Japanese belly dancer Huyela delighted the crowd and whet appetites with a sultry performance before the first course was served.

 

 

The meal featured an array of mouthwatering dishes, including gold-speckled risotto and succulent beef, accompanied by a selection of outstanding wines. A pear and kiwi pudding drew the courses to a delicious close.

 

Guest of honor Alistair Murray McLean OAM, Australian Ambassador to Japan, gave a brief welcome and led a lively rendition of the Australian national anthem. Lucky door prize winners were drawn, followed by the raffle winners. More than 700 raffle tickets were sold, raising an estimated ¥700,000. A wonderful spur of the moment gesture, initiated by one of the ball guests, of collecting spare change in his top hat, led to another ¥20,000 in donations for this year’s charity, local orphanage Fukudenkai (www.fukudenkai.or.jp)

 

 

After dinner, the live auction created a whirl of bidding competition across the room over several fabulous one-of-a-kind items, which were showcased by the glamorous, golden Bond girls. After the final item was sold to the highest bidder, guests danced the hours away to popular hits played with gusto by Jelly Bean Jam.

 

Midnight struck and, as other parties across town packed up and guests headed for last trains and taxis home, the Aussie Ball remained in full swing. Guests refueled with a special late-night snack of meat pies, sausage rolls and sweets brought in from Australia.

 

The merriment finally concluded around 2 a.m., with a handful of energetic partygoers heading out to other venues in the neighborhood.

 

The Australia Society Tokyo would like to offer its heartfelt thanks to primary sponsor Qantas, platinum sponsors Allied Pickford, American Airlines, ANZ Banking Corporation, Grand Hyatt, ANA Intercontinental Tokyo, Meat and Livestock Australia, National Australia Bank, Peninsula and Sin Den and all the others who generously supported this fundraising effort and other regular events throughout 2009 and the start of this year. The ball raised more than ¥3million for Fukudenkai.

 

 

The Australia Society's Annual Ski Weekend by Michael Marlay

  

The Australia Society's Annual Ski Weekend was held over a wonderful sunny weekend in February, providing a great escape from the daily grind of Tokyo for those that attended. With the Phoenix Hotel as our host, Australia Society members travelled to the mount village of Hakuba, just outside of Nagano, and home to the Winter Olympics in 1998.

Families and friends enjoyed near spring ski conditions during, many skiing for the first time and making use of the excellent English ski instruction available through Evergreen and a number of other tour operators. By the afternoon on Saturday, most were up skiing and exploring some of the 200+ ski runs available.

After returning to the comfort of the Phoenix, most enjoyed a relaxing Japanese bath with views onto the snow cover wilderness. While the children were taken care of at a special early dinner seating, most adults gathered in the bar to start drinking their way through the hotel's excellent Aussie inspired wine list. Once the kids were tucked in, the adults tucked into a outstanding meal prepared by Chef Michael Newby, enjoying the evening until the wee hours. Those not too heavy headed, managed to make in back for more lessons and more skiing on the Sunday, while some, including the Pres decided a leisurely breakfast and plenty of coffee were in order.                                      

We do it all again next year, bigger and better than ever!

Cheers MICHAEL

 

 

                         　　　　　　　　　　　　　　   Special offer for members of the Australian Society!

                                                 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　   

This month  “Feel like a true Diva at Boudoir Day Spa with our “Glamour puss” beauty package and get 9,200 yen worth of FREE treatments and products!”

Let our Boudoir Professionals pamper you from “Top to Toe” with this wonderful beauty package, guaranteed to make you feel like a Queen!  This package will commence with our Rescue Remedy facial.  This fantastic facial treatment starts with a glycolic peel, this will help to revive tired winter skin and bring back forgotten radiance. 

This package also includes a…

Complimentary shape and paint of fingernails and toenails and

A free pair of diamante tweezers.  These Tweezers, favoured by the world’s top salons and make-up artists are a must have for every gals beauty bag! 

Total value 24,200 yen.  

Your price 15,000 yen.  

Mention the Australian Society newsletter and receive and extra 2000 yen off our “Glamour Puss” beauty package!

This offer is valid until March 31^st 2010

 

Counting sheep?

 

 

If you’re having problems sleeping and catching the zzzzz’s then this article is for you.

Going from Night Owl to Early Bird -Start a sleep schedule.  Who says bedtime is just for kids.  Force yourself to be in bed at an earlier time.

Skimping on a Good Bed -A good mattress will cost you anywhere from $500 to over $3,000. Consider it money well spent. A decent mattressundefineddo your homework! undefinedwill give you a more restful sleep. The same is true for quality bedding and pillows. Opt for a soft pillow if you’re a back or stomach sleeper. Buy a firmer pillow if you sleep on your side

Bringing Books to Bed - Reading before bed is a habit for many. Problem is, your body has likely adapted to that routineundefinedit won’t go to sleep until you’ve logged a couple chapters. Retreat to a comfy couch or window nook instead for your literary fix. The bed should be off limits for anything other than sleep or sex.

Face booking into the wee hours - The brightness of your computer screen stimulates the brain. Plus, it’s difficult for your mind to stop fretting about your digital to-do list, even once you’ve logged off. Avoid late-night surfing and shut down your computer. Give yourself time to wind down without any electronics.

When you just can’t fall asleep, it’s useless to stay in bed. If you’ve been trying to fall asleep for more than 30 minutes then do something mundane, like balancing a checkbook, reading or watching TV. An activity that demands marginal brainpower will lull your mind. Before you know it, you’ll be crawling back into bed genuinely tired.

Sweet dreams…

Boudoir Day Spa 03 3478 5898

www.boudoirtokyo.com

Australia Society Tokyo eNewsletter December 2009  Information From Australian Embassy: Pandemic (H1N1) Influenza 2009 and Australian Passport The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare have advised that foreigners in Japan who are defined as a designated priority group are eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccination.  If you are interested in receiving the H1N1 vaccination, please contact your local public health office or your primary care physician to inquire about vaccination eligibility and availability.  Read more>>>  From Boudoir: An Article and Special Offer for the Members As much as you may hate to think about it, Christmas is edging closer and once again the mad rush for finding the perfect gift begins.  Another CD…? A new perfume…?  All women love to be pampered and to feel special.   Read more>>>   Events Upcoming Events: From Downunder with Love Gala Ball, January 29 2010 Celebrate Australia Day in “007" style at the annual Australia Society Gala Ball - From Down Under with Love. Join us at the Grand Hyatt for a wonderful and fun filled evening of delicious food and drinks... Read more>>> Aussies do Hakuba in Style, February 19-21 2010 Join your friends from the Australia Society Tokyo for a night, or the entire weekend, as they travel to Hakuba for a family friendly weekend of skiing, fine food and fun.  Adults Y12,000 all inclusive with breakfast per night  Read more>>> Past Events: The 2009 Melbourne Cup Report by Tony Scimonello The Melbourne Cup is a 149 year old Australian Icon, it is the race that brings every corner of the nation to a stop.  This year The Australia Society Tokyo’s 8th annual Melbourne Cup Event was held at The Grand Hyatt Hotel Tokyo attended by 165 guests...Read more>>> Thanks to Our Melbourne Cup Sponsors Melbourne Cup 2009 was a great success and we would like to thank and acknowledge our Melbourne Cup sponsors.  Read more>>> Children's Christmas Party Report by Bindi Codrington Another huge success, the Australia Society Children's Christmas Party was held on Sunday 29 November at the embassy.  This well attended and popular event was enjoyed by all with lots of fun, laughter, games and a visit from Santa.　　Read more>>>   What's on in Japan Quick and Easy Recipe: Ozouni---New Year’s Mochi Soup   Japanese people cook and eat ‘Ozouni’ during the New Year period, in addition to ‘Osechi ryourii’, which is another typical New Year’s food.  While Osechi ryouri can be a little complicated to prepare, it takes only 10 minutes to cook Ozouni.   Read more>>>      Seasons Greetings    We wish you all a safe and happy festive season    and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.                ~Australia Society Tokyo  Steering Committee~

 

 

2009 Melbourne Cup Report

                                          

                                                                                                             By Tony Scimonello

 

 

 

The Melbourne Cup is a 149 year old Australian Icon, it is the race that brings every corner of the nation to a stop.

 

This year The Australia Society Tokyo’s 8^th annual Melbourne Cup Event was held at The Grand Hyatt Hotel Tokyo attended by 165 guests, organisers Jodie Riley and Tony Scimonello had the day kick off at 11.00 am.

 

The Ball room of the Grand Hyatt hotel was like being back home at the races, ladies dolled up to the nines wearing stylish hats and outfits, men in suits with yellow rose button holes the traditional flower for the Melbourne cup and this year being a public holiday we saw more men attending at the event which is normally held on a working day.

 

 

    

 

Chef Budde and his culinary team at the Grand Hyatt had guests dining on Confit of Hokkaido salmon, Pearl barley risotto of seasonal mushrooms and the main course of slow cooked lamb shank on creamy mash potato and lentils.  Dessert was a decadent macadamia nut tart and ice cream, topped of with mini lamingtons and coffee.

Beverages where free flowing with Domain Chandon sparkling wine, Cape Mentelle   Sauvignon Blanc Semillon and Green point shiraz, 

  

The race was telecast via the internet, courtesy of Jim Edstein from DSTVASIA  www.dstvasia.com.

 

This year’s Fashion Show by up and coming Australian designer Leanne Yew www.tokyokaleidoscope.com was sponsored by Tokyo Physio.

 

Andrew Dunlop the MC had people bidding for the Calcutta, followed by “Our Bookie” Rick Bower that had punters keen to place a bet on the race.   Fashion on the Fields best dressed lady was Laura Greenshields, Best dressed male was Stephen Greenal.

 

 

 

Kerry Raftis of Kesyshots photography captured the day’s events busily snapping away.  Please check out the photos at: http://keyshots.smugmug.com/Events/2009-Events/Melbourne-Cup-Grand-Hyatt

 

 

The Australia Society Tokyo would not be able to bring you this fabulous event or other events which raise money for charity if it were not for the support of our sponsors.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following:

 

 

 

Qantas                               Allied Pickfords                    ANZ

Grand Hyatt Tokyo            ANA Intercontinental            American Airlines

The Peninsula                   Sin Den                                  Banner Japan

Phoenix Hotel                    Oakwood                               Boudoir

Tokyo Physio                     Gold Salon                            Beaute Absolue

National Azabu                                            

 

 

                                           

                                                                Kids Christmas Party Report

                                                                           By Bindi Codrington

Another huge success, the Australia Society Children's Christmas Party was held on Sunday 29 November at the embassy.  This well attended and popular event was enjoyed by all with lots of fun, laughter, games and a visit from Santa.  We would like to thank our sponsors Boudoir and Keyshots and hope to see all our members in 2010 at the Easter BBQ.  Until then, the family committee wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday and a very merry Christmas.

 

                                                                                                      

 

Quick and easy recipe: Ozouni---New Year’s mochi soup

 

 

Japanese people cook and eat ‘Ozouni’ during the New Year period, in addition to ‘Osechi ryourii’, which is another typical New Year’s food.  While Osechi ryouri can be a little complicated to prepare, it takes only 10 minutes to cook Ozouni.

 

Ozouni has regional variations: Square rice cakes (‘omochi’ in Japanese) and dashi soup are the common Kanto-style, whereas round rice cakes and white miso soup are typical Kansai-style.  With the New Year’s holiday just a month away, now is a good time to learn how to cook Ozouni! Since we live in Tokyo, here is the recipe for the Kanto style. Hope that you enjoy the Ozouni and welcoming the New Year like the Japanese!

 

Quick and easy recipe:

 

Ingredients  【serves 4】

 

Rice cake	4-8 pieces (one or two pieces per serving)
Chicken	150g  Cut into bite-size pieces.
Komatsuna*	200g  Cut into 4 cm lengths
Kamaboko	Cut into 1cm wide.  Optional
Dashi soup	5 cups
Soy sauce	2 tbs
Salt	1/2 tsp

*Komatsuna is a kind of dark green leafy vegetables.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Method

 

 

1.  Grill the rice cakes in the toaster oven or the grill until they are lightly

      brown.

 

 

 

2.  Heat the dashi soup in a pan and add soy sauce and salt.  Add chicken

     and komatsuna and simmer for a few minutes.

 

 

 3.  Put baked rice cakes into dashi soup in the pan and simmer for a

      minute.

 

 

 

Pour into a cup, and garnish it with a slice of kamaboko.  Voila! Done! Bon Appétit!

 

 

Attention: Please be careful when eating rice cake, especially children and the elderly.  Every year, we see in the news that a few people have choked to death eating rice cake. 

 

 

 

 

Melbourne Cup 2009 was a great success and we would like to thank and acknowledge our Melbourne Cup sponsors.  

Ball tickets are now on sale and for a limited time we are offering free membership to non-members when you buy your ball tickets.

Reserve and pay for your ball tickets by Monday 14^th December and receive one year free membership to the Australia Society Tokyo valid until December 2010. Ball tickets for non-members cost Y30,000 each.

Visit the Events page for more details on the ball.

To book tickets, complete the Ticket Reservation Form and send it via email to balltickets@australiasocietytokyo.com
or post to Bianca Russell, 2-15-4 Apartment 201, Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0062