Revolutionary Industries Kyoto
ROHM Co. Ltd.

　　Many of the world-renowned high-tech companies based in Kyoto can be divided into two broad categories: those which have developed steadily over time having started out as a pioneer in their field, and those which have entered an existing market and grown rapidly over the past few decades. ROHM Co., Ltd. (ローム株式会社) falls into the latter category.
ROHM began as Toyo Electronics Industry in 1954, a small manufacturer of carbon film resistors for electronic equipment. The founder, SATO Ken, obtained a patent for a new type of resistor, which he then began developing and marketing. Over the next fifty years he built the company into one of Japan's largest and most successful semiconductor manufacturers. Today the company has capital valued at almost \87 billion and annual sales have grown to \400 billion. While ROHM's outstanding success and solid foundations are the result of a timely entry into the semiconductors field in 1965, there is no doubt that Sato's efforts to provide high quality products have helped the company gain it's worldwide reputation.
　　Today ROHM manufactures a wide range of products: monolithic integrated circuits (IC's), power modules, laser diodes, printheads and capacitors etc. It is also the largest producer of transistors and diodes in the world. If you know your electronics you are probably fine with the above terminology, however, some of you may be feeling a little lost. For the most part we are not even aware of it, but semiconductors affect almost all of us in some shape or form, be it improving lifestyle, work, or communications with others. Equipment such as televisions, videos, mobile phones, computers and car navigators, all utilize IC's, large scale integration (LSI's), transistors, and light-emitting diodes, for which semiconductors are essential elements. This is the bread and butter of ROHM, with semiconductor related sales accounting for 90% of total product sales.
　　 Considering the pervasive use of semiconductors in electronic equipment today, it is expected that the company will continue to grow for many years to come. Another secret of the companies success lies in the wise decision to develop customized products rather than just becoming a subcontractor for a few influential manufacturers. For example, when other companies develop new products, ROHM is often called upon to develop semiconductor devices responding to their needs and to offer complete technical solutions and support. In fact many of their clients and partners are also their competitors; as of course each global high-tech enterprise is vying for greater market share in an ever-evolving technology field.
　　The headquarters of ROHM, located in the southeast of the city, is a huge complex of modern buildings, including state-of-the-art research and development (R & D) facilities and product show rooms. Coming up with new and improved products while maintaining an edge on competitors is of paramount importance to any company in any industry, and especially in ROHM's case. This is why it comes as no great surprise to find out that 40% of ROHM's employees are solely devoted to R & D. The company boasts 28 base offices for development, production and marketing in Japan alone, not to mention another 29 offices overseas.
　　ROHM is also keenly involved in activities on a social and community front. The "ROHM Music Foundation", was established to contribute to the music culture by organizing classical concerts and nurturing talented young musicians. And for the past six years the company has earned the praise of locals by decorating all 35 trees on its Kyoto premises with sparkling lights during the Christmas season. Every year this attracts more and more townspeople who come to enjoy the spectacular illumination composed of more than 300,000 bulbs. It helps foster a sense of community spirit and a wonderful Christmas atmosphere. The illumination is scheduled this year from late November to December 25 from 16:45 to 23:00 (confirm times).
To get to the ROHM headquarters, walk one block west along Gojo Street from the intersection of Nishioji-Gojo, or walk for 15 mins. to the south along Nishioji Street from Hankyu Saiin Stn.

Address: 21, Saiin Mizosaki-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8585, Japan
Tel: (075)311-2121
Homepage: http://www.rohm.com/index.html (English)

T. Fujii and S. Sakae

Kyoto Art Center

　　Do you like cafes? Do you like art? There is a place in Kyoto where you can experience both, the Kyoto Art Center. The Center opened in April last year and is one the main public institutions promoting the arts in Kyoto. The building was previously the home of Meirin Elementary School (明倫小学校), which was forced to close its doors in 1993 due to amalgamation. The building, however, retained the name "Meirin" (明倫).
　　As the prewar structure has significant cultural value, when it was remodeled the exterior was left largely untouched. The interior, however, was redesigned for artistic pursuits of every genre, with exhibition, studio, workshop and rehearsal facilities installed. In this way local artists can hold private exhibitions / events etc and promote their own work. Young artists can apply for support through grants and free use of facilities. Foreign artists have also been invited to Japan through the "Artists in Residence" program organized by the Center.
　　The Center is seen as a space where the legacy of Kyoto's traditional arts culture can meet in harmony with new and emerging artistic styles. Many of the exhibitions held change on a regular basis, and different themes are adopted each month. At the time we visited there was an exhibition with the theme 'clothing'. It featured various types of clothes and utilized an interesting lighting setup and accompanying music. It was very impressive and we had lots of fun wandering around.
　　Please make use of these facilities or at least go and check them out. For further information about events and so on, refer to the Centers homepage:
(http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/org/meirin-a/English page still under construction) or the magazine "Ticket PIA'.

Inside the Center
　　The Center also functions as a valuable source for information on the arts, providing an information corner and a library with over 1000 books on art.
Library Hours: 10:00-20:00
　　When you feel like a break, you can drop into "Maeda's Coffee", a coffee shop on the 1st floor. The wood interior gives the place a warm yet spacious feel, and you would never realize it was once a classroom. Both the coffee and food are very good. Check out the dish below, looks pretty delicious doesn't it? And you can't complain about the volume either, good value at just \600.
Open: 10:30-21:30

Upcoming Events Jasmine Exhibition 1 Jul. (Sun.) 〜 22 Jul. (Sun.）10:00-20:00, Free admission Note: Closed 14〜16 Jul. Shimin-yose (Public Storytelling) 26 Jul. (Thu.) 19:00- Admission: \1,500, \1,800 Songs of OKINAWA 11 Aug. (Sat.) 19:00- Admission: \1,500, \1,800 K. Naka & M. Kushida

SHIN-PUH-KAN
A Breath of Fresh Air

　　Modern, colorful, and spacious, Kyoto's newest shopping space, SHIN-PUH-KAN (新風館), literally "House of Fresh Air", is becoming a popular destination for Kyotoites since its opening in January this year. Utilizing an old retro style building dating back to 1926, the designers; NTT facilities, Richard Roger Partnership of Paris and UCHIHARA Satoshi design office, collaborated to create a totally new architectural space whilst preserving the buildings original exterior.
　　Shin-Puh-Kan is a great example of how to effectively blend the old with the new. Together with a very open style layout this makes Shin-Puh-Kan not only appealing to the eye, but also puts new life into an otherwise cluttered urban environment. Inside the complex are numerous shops, including well-known overseas fashion and interior chains (ie. Diesel, George's) plus a host of cafes and restaurants (ie. Italian, Chinese) for those with insatiable appetites and bottomless pockets. Seating and tables for rest and recovery are also dotted around each level.
　　Let us take a closer look at some of the shopping/eating treats, many of which have their own individual concepts. Take for example TAWAWA Restaurant (French), where they are very particular about their ingredients, mainly using locally produced fruit and vegetables. Bagel Cafe 212 stands out for its simple decor, relaxed atmosphere and delicious New York style bagels imported directly from the Big Apple. You can't go past VILIDZ Vaega:d, a unique bookshop selling imported snack foods and assortment of nick-knacks besides books and magazines. NTT's showroom, NTT West Karasuma Cafe Clarte, is the place to go for information (no coffee).
　　Complimenting the atmosphere of this shopping mall is the large inviting center stage area called Re-Cue Hall (see below). Here up and coming talent in each genre; music, drama, art design and traditional art and culture, have an opportunity to express and display their skills and ideas. There is room for limited seating directly in front of the stage, and including the standing space from the galleries of the second and third floors SHIN-PUH-KAN has an potential audience capacity of around 1500 people. Besides this main stage there is another event space, Trans-Genre, on the 3rd floor, where various exhibitions are held.
　　According to the SHIN-PUH-KAN management team, the targeted age of users of the facilities is between 18 and 35, although this not to say that it holds no appeal for people outside this age bracket. On the contrary, people of all ages and nationalities are sure to be attracted to these facilities, particularly given the mix of shops, events and an old meets new architectural approach. Here is a peak at what is coming up, be sure check it out, I know I can't wait!

UPCOMING EVENTS SABASABA Fashion Art Festival 7 Jul. (Sat.) 15:00-15: 30, 17: 00-17: 30 Fashion show by the fashion culture course students of Seian Formative Junior College (SFJC). Place: Center Stage (Re-Cue Hall) Sydney 2000 Photo Report 14 Jul. (Sat.) 〜 9 Aug. (Thu.) 11: 00-23: 00 Photo Exhibition of the 2000 Sydney Olympics by FUKUYAMA Masaharu (Actor/Singer). A special Olympic program summary will also be aired. Place: 3F TRANS-GENRE Yukata Show 14 Jul. (Sat.) 18:00-20: 00 Place: Center Stage (Re-Cue Hall) Jazz Westerners 20 Jul. (Fri.) 20:00- Jazz, Bossa Nova Live by Soul band "Westerners" Place: Re-Cue Hall Admission: Free

Location: a few minutes walk north along Karasuma-dori from the Sanjo-Karasuma intersection.
Subway Access: Take Exit 5 from Karasuma-Oike Subway Station.
Inquiries: SHIN-PUH-KAN Com.
Tel: 075-213-6688, Fax: 075-213-6633
Homepage: http://www.shin-puh-kan.com/light/lighttop.html (Japanese)
A. Tara

Water-World Series
The Power of Water

　　Think of an island and you immediately think of water. In Japan, a country surrounded by ocean and criss-crossed by lakes and rivers, it comes as no surprise that water has played various roles in Japanese life, custom and culture. In Kyoto we can see examples of its influence in all of these areas.
　　Firstly, we could not enjoy many of this area's tasty delicacies without the use of good quality water. Local natural water is essential in achieving the unique flavor and quality of famous Kyoto food and drink such as tofu, yuba (dried bean curd) and sake. While some producers have stopped using natural water and switched to city water, many say that it is vital to use water from local wells to maintain their product's original taste. This is why some have resisted switching to city water and made every effort to maintain their supply from local wells.
　　On the other hand, Japanese people also relate to water spiritually. You have probably noticed that all shrines have a place to wash your hands and mouth with water. This is meant not only to clean your body but also to purify your mind, which is considered even more important. In many traditional rituals for purification water is used to wash away evil spirits and cleanse people. Another example is sprinkling water around the gateway to your home or shop to purify it for the coming guest as a show of hospitality.
　　When thinking about such attitudes in regard to tradition, I couldn't help but imagine how much effort people in the past must have gone to in order to procure water, unlike today's convenience of running tap water. In those days perhaps people had a more earnest appreciation of and respect for nature than we do nowadays.
　　I would like to introduce a few places in Kyoto well known for their natural water. They still use water retrieved from a well which some believe possesses special healing powers, helping all who drink. How about visiting and seeing for yourself? While I hope you may attract some mystical reward, more importantly, I want you to appreciate the delicious taste of natural water without thinking of the bottled sort bought from a convenience store.

1) OTOWA-NO-TAKI (音羽の滝)
at Kiyomizu temple (清水寺)
Kiyomizu temple gets its name from this waterfall, which means "pure water". You will see people waiting in lines to drink the water using a long ladle (see right). It is said that the water helps you to live longer and fulfil your wishes.

2) SOME-NO-I (染の井) at Nashinoki Shrine (梨の木神社)
It is said that this water was used to dye cloth for the imperial court in the late 9th century.

3) GO-KO-SUI (御香水) at Gokogu Shrine (御香宮神社)
In the Heian period (8 - 10 C) Go-ko-sui (御香水) or "fragrant water" was retrieved from here. In more recent times, water from this well was selected by the Federal Department for Environment to appear in a guide of Japan's best natural water.

4) KIBUNE Shrine (貴船神社)
Kibune Shrine is located on the upper reaches of the Kamo-river and enshrines "divine water" or shinsui (神水). Many rituals praying for it to rain or to stop raining were held there by the imperial court. You can try omikuji, a kind of lucky dip in the form of a fortune written on a piece of paper, whose message emerges after soaking the paper in the devine water.

5) KAME-I (亀井) at Matsuo Taisha Shrine (松尾大社)
Matsuo Taisha enshrines the sake god, or the power to procure good sake. Still today many people, particularly sake producers, come here to pay their respects. The water from Kame-i supposedly ensures long life and assists with making sake. It is said that a divine message told of these benefits after a spring was found in the shrine in the 8th century.

M. Yoshioka