This Week in Tokyo – 14 September 2021

Welcome to ‘This Week in Tokyo’, a review of the Maction Planet week that was and a look ahead to what’s coming up in the city. Hosted by Mac, our Founder and Lead Guide, you can check out photos from our tours and read insights into our explorations as we get under the skin of the World’s Greatest Metropolis, and beyond! This week: Sushizanmask; Tokyo is Yours; KARE Aoyama; The Essence of Suntory Whisky and Unlocking Japanese Whisky with Aqvavitae.

Featured image – Sushizanmask: Kiyoshi Kimura is the CEO of Sushi Chain Sushizanmai and Japan’s self-proclaimed “Tuna King.” Outside many of his stores, he’s placed a statue of himself. This one is outside the original flagship store in Tsukiji, where Tokyo’s fish market used to be. Despite the mask, his eyes and arms wide open are as welcoming as ever.

Tokyo is Yours: Beginning in 2014, an anonymous graffiti artist started tagging ‘Tokyo is Yours’ around Tokyo – on vending machines, on walls, under highways and down alleyways. This colourful example is in Kudanshita. Tokyo is Yours. Can’t wait to share it with you all again.

KARE Aoyama: Urban living Living House have a sub-brand called KARE. This person is always there to greet you, rain or shine, outside their Aoyama branch. The scene looking in evoke the kind of hyper-stylised Tokyo seen through some photography filters, but with no filter needed. Because, Tokyo.

The Essence of Suntory Whisky: Suntory released The Essence of Suntory Whisky Volume 5 on 31 August 2021, featuring two limited-edition Yamazaki whiskies made with different malts. Do they deserve the hype? We put them through stringent Kanpai Planet taste test standards and then put them head-to-head!. How are they, and which Yamazaki wins? Watch the world’s first English language video review of The Essence of Suntory Whisky Volume 5 to find out!

Unlocking Japanese Whisky with Aqvavitae: I was honoured to be the guest on the weekly vPub hosted by the inimitable Aqvavitae. Together, we walked through some affordable and readily available Japanese whisky to discover if there are viable options for overseas drinkers to reconnect with this charismatic and alluring, but lost to many, whisky category. The vPub ran for three hours, but to me it was over in the blink of an eye. The community was incredible in their curiosity and support. Pour yourself a dram and check it out. Sláinte, Cheers and Kanpai!

Maction Planet runs bespoke Private Tours and Experiences in Tokyo, and beyond. To book yours, or to purchase a gift card, contact us at info@mactionplanet.com

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