In Hall A
The Tokyo International Forum Hall A hosts a wide variety of musical events from different genres, and has built up a fine reputation for its acoustic quality. We invited broadcaster Peter Barakan to talk to us here.

Bring out the Japanese flavour now that musical styles are changing.

When I first came to Japan 25 years ago, concert halls with a capacity of around 2,000 were the norm. Now, as well as massive spaces like the Tokyo Dome, you can also hear some great sounds at venues seating around 100. I'm really glad that the concept of concerts is so much freer now. The Tokyo International Forum is fortunate in having halls of varying sizes and types (for example, Hall A seats 5,012). It's also very gratifying that so many different types of concert are held here.
I feel that music itself is going through a period of overkill at the moment. It's now possible to have music turned into data and obtain it over the Internet, and this may supplant CDs in future, to a certain extent. I think even people in the industry can't tell what the future will hold in terms of listening styles or record formats. We're entering an age in which we can find any type of music we want if we look hard enough. So I think styles of promotion will also change, and there may be some surprising hits. In a way, I look forward to that.
What has interested me recently about Japanese musicians is their rock renditions of Okinawan shimauta songs, and music that has a unique sound and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. In many ways Tokyo is a cosmopolitan city, so it's hardly surprising that such music should emerge. But I think more effort should be made to bring out the purely Japanese aspects, music that foreigners could never create. If that can be done, I think it will find interested listeners all over the world.

There's a subtle harmony here, like the music of contemporary American composer Steve Reich

The Tokyo International Forum, an aesthetic space with a subtle harmony.

I like things that are aesthetically pleasing, and I find the design of the Tokyo International Forum buildings very much so. The Glass Hall Building is particularly magnificent. When I find myself with time to spare in Ginza, I often go there to read a newspaper or what have you. It's not easy to find a place where you can relax so much right in the middle of Tokyo. What's more, it's free! Some people call it a waste of space, but it's the waste that makes it what it is. Because we live in an age when leisure is at a premium. I believe Japan is better off economically than other countries, but spiritually poorer. That's why this "waste" is so necessary. It's a wonderful space for the people of Tokyo to wallow in. I'm also very fond of Hall A. Firstly, the illuminated floor of the entrance has a welcoming atmosphere and is very aesthetically pleasing. Then, inside the Hall, the rake of the seating is just right and the seats themselves are comfortable. You can sit through a long movie without feeling tired. The acoustics are superb. The louvre design on either side of the stage has a Japanese aestheticism about it. The jute flooring feels good, too. It's beautiful to look at and brings out a casual atmosphere.
If I were to describe the Tokyo International Forum in musical terms, I'd say it's rather like the music of contemporary American composer Steve Reich. His music tends to be dubbed "minimalist". To be more exact, it makes great use of repetition of relatively controlled sounds. Two melodies start out with exactly matching tempos, but then gradually go out of synch. This is by no means mechanical and could only be created by humans. It feels really great, but at the same time there's a curious sense of tension. To me, this subtle harmony is similar to what I find in these buildings.

We should be able to reach out more to world cultures

In terms of the events held here, I would look forward to further improvements in future. For example, for about the last two years I've been a member of the "Foreign Citizens' Council". There, I've been amazed to discover just how many nationalities are represented in Tokyo today. And each has its own different ways of looking at things. Japanese people often use the word "gaijin" (foreigner), and this tends to lump everybody together. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this facility could be used to let people know just how many different countries and cultures exist out there in the world. I would like it to be a place where people could reach out more to the various cultures of the world. For example, in the courtyard, you could have performances of African music not normally heard in Japan. Again, it's a bit disappointing that the so-called "Cultural Information Lobby" is used so little. I think more thought should be given to letting people know what sort of information can be found there.
Another thing I'd like to see in future is 35mm film showings. The National Film Theatre in London has a daily changing menu of classic films, new and old, that are archived in the British Film Institute. If there were a project for regular showings of old movies and rare footage in Japan as well, it would bring tears of joy to my eyes (laughs). After all, I understand there's an Audio-Visual Hall here. That would be my biggest hope for the future.

�yEvent Topics�z

Scientists propose the path we should tread in the 21st century
The forthcoming IAP 2000 Conference
The IAP (Inter Academy Panel) is a science academy forum that was set up in 1995, its aim being to provide recommendations and information on international problems from a scientific point of view to governments and international bodies. The Inter Academy Panel 2000 Conference, an international conference of the IAP, is to be held in the Tokyo International Forum from May 15th to 18th, 2000. This conference, delivering the opinions of the world's scientists to the world, will bring together some 450 representatives from about 80 science academies around the world. It will be hosted by the Science Council of Japan, the Japanese member academy of the IAP.
¥Inquiries: Information and International Section, Secretariat, Science Council of Japan
Tel: 03-3403-6291

For a spectacular start to the New Millennium...
Ideas wanted for Tokyo International Forum New Year decorations
We welcome your ideas for decorating the inside of the Tokyo International Forum to greet the New Year. There is no restriction on the method used. For example, three-dimensional displays using trees etc. would be acceptable, as would illuminations. Above all, we look forward to some unique suggestions that would befit the Forum and could only be attempted here. The design of this year's decorations will be based on the winning entry. For further details, please apply for an information pack at the number below.
¥Entries accepted: October 1st-25th, 1999
¥Contact number for inquiries, requests for information packs: "Forum Decoration Competition", Planning Section, Administration Department, Tokyo International Foundation Fax: 03-5221-9031 (Requests for information packs by fax please)

Keynote speech by Yasushi Akashi
Speech by Yasushi Akashi, former Under Secretary-General of the UN, as part of the "International Humanitarian Law Forum"
On On August 12th, the International Humanitarian Law Forum, hosted by the Japan Red Cross, was held in Tokyo International Forum Hall D to mark the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1949 Geneva Convention. First, Yasushi Akashi, former Secretary-General of the UN, gave a keynote speech on the theme "Humanitarian problems that I have encountered, and their relevance to Japan". This was followed by a panel discussion by journalists, researchers, and others, who engaged in heated debate on the spread and implementation of humanitarian law in international disputes.

Scene from the Panel Discussion

�yCommunity Information�z

Good news for music lovers
Marunouchi seats now available for "Maestro Salon"
"Maestro Salon" concerts are given once a month by the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. Now, "Marunouchi Seats" are available simply by accessing the Internet web site "The Marunouchi". For more details, be sure to visit the site. But hurry - there are only 30 seats available, on a first-come first-served basis.
¥Scheduled dates: Tues. Oct. 19th (Tadaaki Odaka), Tues. Nov. 16th (Penderecki)
¥Web site: http://www.marunouchi.com
¥Participation fee: 1,000 yen
The Japan Philharmonic Ticket Desk / Tel. 03-5378-5911

A chance for elderly and disabled citizens to enjoy live music:
M"Orchestrio Zurich Concert Performance '99"
Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd., a company with its Head Office in Marunouchi, is involved in a variety of social activities under its theme of "Coexistence with the Community". As one side of this, it organizes concerts mainly for elderly people who use special nursing and old people's homes in the company's important business areas. This brings opportunities for enjoying quality music to people who might not otherwise have the chance. On November 1st, with the cooperation of the Chiyoda Ward Social Welfare Association and the Swiss Embassy, the company will invite the "Orchestrio Zurich" from Switzerland for a concert of classical music.
* For more details, see the "FORUM Highlight" section.

�yStore and Facility Information�z

nformation center for foreign visitors (the International Tourist Promotion Association's Tourist Information Center)
Supporting travelers from all over the globe
A comprehensive information centre offering support for foreign tourists. As well as having a full selection of English-language pamphlets on the main tourist attractions around Japan, it also offers a variety of information on tourist spots, accommodation, transport, theatre, shopping, culture, industry, lifestyles, and so on. Some of the information is available via computer, providing quick answers to inquiries. The English-speaking staff, including some volunteers and part-timers, awaits your visit with kind and careful attention.
�œ1F Basement �œOpening hours: 09:30-17:00 Saturday: 09:00-12:00 (closed on Sundays, public holidays, and New Year)

Forum Book Shop (Yaesu Book Center)
A full collection of books on art!
Apart from business literature, literary works, independent publications, and pocket editions, one of the store's characteristic points is that about 40% of all its books are connected with art - for example, pictorial art, music, architecture, photography, and performing arts (film and theatre). Many of its customers are foreigners, and the "Books on Japan" corner, featuring books in English on Japanese culture and tourism, is popular. A unique feature is the "Tokyo" section, and the store also has a lot of cultural and historical works such as guidebooks. A special feature section is used to display books that coincide with the seasons and events being held in the Halls.
�œPlaza 1F�œOpen: 10:00-20:00

Sanuki udon noodle dishes / Sanbei
The true taste of Sanuki!
This is where you can taste real Sanuki udon noodles. The restaurant prides itself more than anything on its homemade noodles and stock, with rigorous attention to taste and quality. The exquisite harmony of firm noodles and richly tasting stock is the true taste of Sanuki. And there's plenty of variety on the menu: Kama-age udon (600 yen), Kizyoyu udon (600 yen), famous Kamaten udon (a combination of Kama-age and Tempura: 1,200 yen), and the popular Setouchi (a combination of seaweed udon and mini tendon: 1,000 yen), to name but a few. The restaurant also has a good selection of dishes a la carte, recommended especially for those dropping in for a quick drink and bite to eat on their way home from work.
�œB Block Basement�œOpen: 11:00-22:00

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am/pm
Convenience Shop
8:00 - 23:00
Phone: 03-5252-5100
D block 1F basement

Tokyo International Forums Shops & Restaurants

ROYAL CAFETERIA Restaurant/Cafe 8:00 - 22:00 Phone: 03-3211-2205 A block 1F basement	SANBEI Sanuki Udon 11:00 - 22:00 Phone: 03-3214-2260 B block 1F basement	Trattoria Papa Milano Italian cuisine 11:00-23:00 Phone: 03-3211-0606 B block 1F basement
Wakanae Japanese cuisine/Zendokoro 11:00 - 23:00 Phone: 03-3218-1131 C block 1F basement	UCC El Patio Coffee shop/food 8:00 - 23:00 Phone: 03-5252-5045 D block 1F basement
KINKI NIPPON TOURIST CO., LTD., Travel Agency 10:00 - 20:00 Phone: 03-5252-4388 C block 1F basement	FORUM BOOK SHOP YAESU BOOK CENTER 10:00 - 20:00 Phone: 03-3282-0780 Plaza 1F	FORUM ART SHOP Graphic Station 10:00 - 20:00 Phone: 03-3286-6716 Plaza 1F
JTB TRAVELAND, Inc. Travel Agency 10:00 - 20:00 Phone: 03-3283-1320 Plaza 1F	CAFE WIEN Cafe 10:00 - 22:00 Phone: 03-3211-3111 Plaza 1F	GARDENIA FLOWER SHOP 10:00 - 20:00 Phone: 03-3215-4187 Plaza 1F
PALM GARDEN TRICOLORE Cafe/Western cuisine 10:00 - 22:00 Phone: 03-3287-2533 A block 2F	Espresso Americano Cafe 8:00 - 18:30 Phone: 03-3218-1117 A block 1F	Cafe de Mor Cafe & bar 8:00 - 21:00 Phone: 03-5223-2332 C block 1F
TOU-TEN-KOH Chinese cuisine 11:30 - 22:00 Phone: 03-3211-1015 Glass Hall Bldg.7F	KISSHO Shabu-shabu/Japanese cuisine 11:30 - 22:30 Phone: 03-3215-1811 Glass Hall Bldg. 7F

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