JAPAN NOW! - Hot Off the Wire
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YoshinoyaYou may have heard of Yoshinoya, or even eaten there, as this international chain has locations in cities like New York, Hong Kong and Singapore. Open 24 hours, its main dish is "gyudon,h or beef bowl. Gyudon is tasty, affordable and quick to prepare, and is, without doubt, one of the most famous Japanese fast foods.

YoshinoyaIn 2004, Yoshinoya decided to stop selling gyudon because of the BSE issue. On the last day that beef bowls were available, fans waited in long lines for one last bowl. Since then, Yoshinoya has been serving pork bowls, but many gyudon fans have been waiting for the day that beef bowls would return. Now, that wait is over - gyudon is back!

YoshinoyaIn December 2006, Yoshinoya started serving beef bowls during lunchtime, and from March 2007, serving hours were extended to midnight. Although they are still only available during limited times during the day, this is great news for gyudon fans!

The basic gyudon dish is 380 yen, and it can also be enjoyed with a topping of egg. Be sure to pop into Yoshinoya and try this genuine Japanese fast food.

The vibrant neighborhood of Roppongi has become a cultural hotspot where the latest trends can be found. This year has seen the opening of two important art museums - The National Art Center, Tokyo, and the Suntory Museum of Art. Along with the Mori Art Museum, which opened in 2003, these three institutions are known as gArt Triangle Roppongih and have agreed to cooperate to promote a greater appreciation of art in Japan.

The National Art Center, Tokyo (URL)
The National Art Center TokyoDebuting in January 2007, The National Art Center, Tokyo, boasts one of the largest exibition space of any Japanese museum.
It aims to break new ground by hosting educational activities and organizing exhibitions that focus on modern and contemporary art.


Mori Art Museum (URL)
Mori Art MuseumSince its opening in 2003, the Mori Art Museum has been the cultural center of Roppongi Hills.
Its goal is to inspire visitors by presenting mainly contemporary works in new ways and new frameworks.
The museum also offers a variety of educational Public Programs. Located on the 53rd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, the view from its adjacent observation deck, Tokyo City View, is not to be missed.


Suntory Museum of Art (URL)
Suntory Museum of Art
Suntory Museum of Art
Suntory Museum of Art
Founded in 1961, the Suntory Museum of Art relocated to its current home in the upscale Tokyo Midtown complex in March 2007.
The famed museum's concept is "Art revisited, beauty revealed,h and its goal is to bring the joy of art to a wider audience. Featuring a shop, a cafe, and a Japanese tearoom, the museum plans to host a variety of events and activities mainly at its hall and even at its Japanese tearoom.
A handy map of Art Triangle Roppongi can be found at the museums and other locations in the area. Pick one up and explore Tokyo's new art hub!
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