Weekly Japan agenda: Eco-Manufacture 2009, Beaujolais, FILMeX

A selection of events coming up this week and a look forward to the next ones in Japan: Manufacturers showcase green businesses, Beaujolais is back, FILMeX opens doors, masterpieces of the wood-block...

Emperors' treasures on display
November 12-29
Tokyo/Japan

To mark the 20th anniversary of the enthronement of Emperor Akihito, the most comprehensive display ever of items from within the palace are being revealed to the public at the Treasures of the Imperial Collections exhibition. The items will be exhibited at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno and will include works of art, musical instruments and personal items owned by the Imperial family. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and until 6 p.m. on weekends and national holidays. Tickets are Y1,300 for adults and Y700 for students. For more information:  http://www.bihana.jp/  

Manufacturers showcase green businesses
November 18-20
Tokyo/Japan

The Eco-Manufacture 2009 show, at the Tokyo Big Sight convention centre is the only event on the calendar that supports manufacturers' efforts to reach a balance between management and the environment. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Tokyo Big Sight Inc. 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063 Tel: +81-3-5530-1111 Entrance is Y1,000.  http://www.jma.or.jp/ecoma/en/index.html  

Beaujolais is back
November 19
Japan

Beaujolais Nouveau goes on sale across Japan.

FILMeX opens doors
November 21-29
Tokyo/Japan

The alternative film festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, with 10 new movies by some of the most talented emerging film-makers from across Asia competing for the Kodak Vision Award and the first prize of $8,000. Tokyo FILMeX, Yurakucho Asahi Hall, Tokyo. Advance tickets from Y1,300, but Y1,700 on the door.  www.filmex.net  

Masterpieces of the wood-block art world
November 21-January 11
Tokyo/Japan

One of the most traditional and enduring forms of Japanese art has been the "ukiyoe" wood block print, made famous by the likes of Hiroshige and Utamaro. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets are Y300 for adults and Y150 for students. Tobacco and Salt Museum, Jinnan 1-16-8, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 150-0041
Phone: +81 3 3476 2O41  www.jti.co.jp/Culture/museum  

The low down on riding low
November 22
Chiba-city/Japan

Classic cars that have been reassembled so that their bodies barely clear the road will be on display, with entrants in the competition showing off their souped-up suspension as well as their lines. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with ticket Y4,000 for adults and Y1,000 for children. At the Makuhari Messe Convention Centre, 2-1, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-city, 261-0023 Japan Makuhari Messe, Inc. TEL +81 43 296 0001. Lowrider Office Japan Inc., 4-5-21-705 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062. Tel: +81 3 3583 4000 http://www.lowriderjapan.net/  

Robots of the future
November 25-28
Tokyo, Japan

The very newest robot technology goes on show at Big Sight, demonstrating the latest advances and future possibilities - as well as all the weird and wonderful robots that inventors in Japan and around the world can create. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tickets Y1,000 per person. International Robot Exhibition 2009, Tokyo Big Sight, 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063 Tel: +81-3-5770-5581. http://www.nikkan.co.jp/eve/irex/english/index.html  

Songs for Human Rights
November 26
Tokyo, Japan

Musicians and DJs from around the world - including Maia Barouh and Assane Diabaye - perform at the intimate SuperDeluxe club to raise awareness of human rights issues for Amnesty International. Doors open 6:15 p.m. Advance tickets Y3,300, Y3,500 on the door. SuperDeluxe, Nishi Azabu 106-0031. Tel. +81 3 5412 0515. www.super-deluxe.com/2009/11/26/  

Classic car cruise
November 28
Tokyo, Japan

Close to 100 classic automobiles from around the world - including former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida's Rolls Royce - will take part in a car festival in Tokyo's Meiji Jingu Gaien district. The cars will include an 11 km-rally through Tokyo's up-market Ginza district. 10 a.m. to 4p.m. at the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, Meiji Jingu Gaien, 1-1 Kasumigaoka-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Admission is free. http://www.meijijingugaien.jp/english/  

Japan Cup
November 29
Fuchu city

Thanks to the strength of the yen, the Japan Cup is now the world's richest turf horse race, with Y533 million (US$5.65 million) up for grabs at the Tokyo Racecourse. The 12-furlong race is the most prestigious race on the Japanese calendar and attracts jockeys, trainers and spectators from around the world. Admission is Y200. The Tokyo Racecourse, Fuchu. http://japanracing.jp/course/j01.html  

Cute cuticles
November 29-30
Tokyo, Japan

For anyone involved in the fingernail industry - the Tokyo Nail Expo 2009 is the place to be. Everything and anything "nailists" require - from care to design and the latest fashions - at their fingertips. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tokyo Big Sight Inc. 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063 Tel: +81-3-5530-1111 Entrance is Y2,000. http://www.nail.or.jp/nailexpo09/index.html