Berlin Summers: Hot on Beer and Ruins!

1.Internationales Berliner Bierfestival

For a beer lover like me, Berlin is paradise. Especially from spring to summer, when beer festivals pop up all over the city. My personal favorite, which I haven't missed a single day of (!) since moving here three years ago, is the "Internationales Berliner Bierfestival." I adjust my work schedule every year to attend the entire event. Why so dedicated?

It's hard to describe its charm in just a few words, but I guess it comes down to drinking beer outdoors from midday. The "International" aspect means over 300 breweries from 90 countries set up stalls along a 2.2-kilometer tree-lined avenue. Of course, all of them serve draft beer. If you find a beer you want to try, you can sample it for around 2 euros for a 200ml glass. I can't get enough of the chance to discover beers from places like Kenya or Ethiopia, which I rarely encounter otherwise.

Internationales Berliner Bierfestival
Dates: August 7 (Fri) - 9 (Sun)
Hours: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Midnight) *First day starts at 12:00 PM
Admission: Free *Beer mug and beer costs are separate
Venue: Karl-Marx-Allee
10243 Berlin, Germany

http://www.bierfestival-berlin.de

2.Breakfast Market

There's a bit of a ruin boom happening in Berlin right now. Not in the sense of ruin-tours, but rather a movement to find value in old buildings. Young people with unique ideas are transforming former derelict structures into event spaces one after another.

"Markthalle Neun" is one such place. This building, with over 200 years of history, was once a wholesale market with more than 300 stalls. It lay dormant for a long time but has recently been transformed into a gourmet hotspot attracting Berlin's trendsetters. My favorite is the "Breakfast Market," held on the third Sunday of every month. You can enjoy breakfast from around the world, from eggs Benedict to congee, all day long. On weekends, people sleep in and enjoy a leisurely meal with friends and family. You might just get a taste of the Berlin way of starting the day here?

Breakfast Market
Dates: Third Sunday of every month
Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Admission: Free
Venue: Markthalle Neun
Eisenbahnstrasse 42-43, 10997 Berlin, Germany

http://www.markthalleneun.de

3.Jazzy Berlin

Another popular event space utilizing a former industrial building is "Neue Heimat." From flea markets to food events and concerts, they offer a variety of entertainment. A key feature is the outdoor terrace seating, perfect for enjoying a beer in the summer evening breeze. It's open until the early morning, making it a great option for those sleepless nights due to jet lag.

My top recommendation is "Jazzy Berlin," held every Friday. For just 2 euros, you can experience the latest in jazz, all performed live. Musicians from around the world, from established stars to emerging talents, entertain Berlin's jazz enthusiasts. If you're a musician yourself, why not join the jam session (advance registration required)? It's the perfect way to experience Berlin's nightlife.

Jazzy Berlin
Dates: Every Friday
Hours: 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Admission: 2 Euros
Venue: Neue Heimat
Revaler Straße 99, 10245 Berlin, Germany
http://www.neueheimat.com

http://www.jazzclubsinberlin.com (Jazzy Berlin)

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豊田裕｜TOYODA Hiroshi
Photographer. After working in studios and advertising agencies, he moved to Berlin in 2012 and now works as a freelance photographer, specializing in food photography. He loves beer.
http://www.hiroshitoyoda.com

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Page 02Amsterdam's Summer: All About the Parades?

Amsterdam's Summer: All About the Parades?

1.Amsterdam Gay Pride

My personal favorite is "Gay Pride," an event celebrated city-wide from late July to early August. It's one of Amsterdam's most characteristic events, a festival dedicated to promoting the social standing of LGBT people. You might have seen similar events in cities like New York, Berlin, Sydney, or Paris?

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Amsterdam edition, which takes place in the UNESCO World Heritage canal district. Its picturesque setting contributes to its popularity, drawing LGBT visitors from around the globe. The highlight is undoubtedly the "Canal Parade" held mid-event. Participants decorate their boats and parade along the canals. What's unique to Amsterdam's event is the enthusiastic participation of not just private groups, but also the police, military, political parties, and even government officials. Their proud expressions convey a national commitment to LGBT rights. For the best view of the parade, find a spot on one of the bridges spanning the canals along the route.

Amsterdam Gay Pride
Dates: July 25 (Sat) - August 2 (Sun)
Admission: Canal Parade is free. Check the website for other events.
Venue: Theater Amsterdam, Homomonument, Paleis van de Weemoed, Paradiso, etc.
http://pride.amsterdam

2.Miffy Art Parade

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Miffy (Nijntje)! To celebrate this milestone, an exhibition project called the "Miffy Art Parade" is underway. Sixty creative teams from the Netherlands and Japan have each created artworks on a blank Miffy statue, which are being exhibited in five cities in the Netherlands and around seven cities in Japan.

Twelve of these Miffy statues are on display at Museumplein, Amsterdam's premier tourist spot. The styles range from cute to surprisingly eerie. After the exhibition, these artworks will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to UNICEF. If you're visiting Amsterdam this summer, be sure to take a commemorative photo with a 60-year-old Miffy.

Miffy Art Parade
Dates: May 1 (Fri) - September 30 (Wed)
Admission: Free
Venue: Museumplein Square, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Conservatorium Hotel, etc.
http://www.miffy60-exhibition.jp/art-parade/

3.Artis Zoo: ZOOmeravonden

Artis Zoo, one of Europe's oldest zoos, extends its opening hours until sunset from June to August on Saturdays. While sunset might be late in the Dutch summer, it means the zoo stays open quite late (past 10 PM in June, past 9 PM in August – check the zoo's website for exact times). You can observe the animals' nocturnal behavior, and there are plenty of events, including live music, workshops, and guided tours.

As the evening cools down, locals gather in the zoo for picnics and barbecues. Occasionally, the distant howl of wolves can be heard over the live music. Giraffes and elephants begin to settle down for the night, and baby chimpanzees sleep soundly in their mothers' arms. The atmosphere is a unique blend, perhaps like a mini summer festival combined with an urban safari. The zoo also has a large planetarium, so if you find yourself wanting to gaze at the stars on a long summer evening, this is the place to go.

ZOOmeravonden
Dates: June 6 (Sat) - August 29 (Sat) *Every Saturday
Hours: 9:00 AM - Sunset
Admission: Free for children up to 2 years old, €16.50 for ages 3-9, €19.95 for ages 10 and up
Venue: Natura Artis Magistra
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam, Netherlands

http://www.artis.nl

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ユイキヨミ｜YUI Kiyomi
Photographer/Writer. Moved to Amsterdam about 20 years ago. Works as a freelancer, primarily for lifestyle magazines and design-related books.
http://kiyomiyui.com

http://www.studiofrog.nl

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Page 03New York Summers: Packed with Free Cultural Events!

New York Summers: Packed with Free Cultural Events!

1.Summer Exhibitions at Socrates Sculpture Park

Socrates Sculpture Park is a park located on the western waterfront of the East River in Queens, an area currently gaining attention. It serves as a recreational space for local residents and also functions as an "outdoor museum" with art installations displayed throughout. The backdrop of the Manhattan skyline adds to its appeal. Originally a landfill site, it was transformed into its current state about 30 years ago through the efforts initiated by sculptor Mark di Suvero.

I personally recommend the open studio events held during the summer. Each year, emerging sculptors come here to create their works during a residency. All the completed pieces are then available for viewing free of charge. This year features a collection of masterpieces, including Agnes Denes' giant pyramid made of plants and I-K Studio's whimsical tower constructed from plywood.

Summer Exhibitions at Socrates Sculpture Park
Dates: May 17 (Sun) - August 30 (Sun)
Hours: 10:00 AM - Sunset
Admission: Free
Venue: Socrates Sculpture Park
32-01 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11106, United States

http://socratessculpturepark.org

2.SummerStage

This is a major music festival I look forward to every year – "SummerStage." From May to October, concerts spanning every genre imaginable, from jazz and classical to rock, R&B, and hip-hop, are held daily. And the best part? Most of them are free!

The stages are set up throughout New York City, including a special stage in Central Park, as well as venues in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, and the Bronx. This year marks the 30th anniversary, with an even more impressive lineup of performers than usual, so don't miss out.

SummerStage
Dates: May 18 (Mon) - October 4 (Sun)
Admission: Free *Excluding some events
Venue: Central Park, Marcus Garvey Park, Highbridge Park, Clove Lakes Park, etc.
http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/

3.Bryant Park Yoga

Bryant Park, located in the heart of Manhattan, becomes a gathering place for yoga enthusiasts, both locals and tourists, during the summer. Free yoga classes are held every Tuesday morning and Thursday evening. The hour-long sessions are led by professional instructors from "Yoga Journal." Watching hundreds of people perform the same poses in unison, following the instructors' cues, is a sight worth seeing even if you don't participate.

While many outdoor free classes require participants to bring their own mats, here they offer free mat rentals. It's convenient and accessible, allowing you to join without any hassle.

Bryant Park Yoga
Dates: May 19 (Tue) - September 24 (Thu) *Every Tuesday & Thursday
Hours: Tuesdays 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Thursdays 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Admission: Free
Venue: Bryant Park
41 W 40th Street, New York, NY 10018, United States
http://www.bryantpark.org

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柳川詩乃｜YANAGAWA Shino
Photographer. After living in Andalusia, Spain, she moved to New York in 2004 and works primarily in advertising and editorial photography. In September, she will hold a photo exhibition "Finding Dante" at New York University, focusing on racial issues.
https://shino-yanagawa.squarespace.com

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Page 04Experience Singapore's Cultural Melting Pot This Summer!

Experience Singapore's Cultural Melting Pot This Summer!

1.National Day

The streets are adorned with red and white national flags, and the national anthem blares from speakers. This is Singapore's "National Day," a celebration commemorating its independence from Malaysia, held every August.

I personally look forward to the spectacular air show held on a special stage floating in Marina Bay. The Air Force performs acrobatic maneuvers for about 40 minutes. Many locals also anticipate the weekly rehearsals held every Saturday leading up to the event. The fireworks that conclude the show are equally impressive. This year marks the nation's 50th anniversary, so it's sure to be more spectacular than ever.

National Day
Dates: August 7 (Fri) - 10 (Mon)
Admission: Free
Venue: Padang, Marina Bay, Gardens By The Bay, Esplanade, etc.
http://www.ndp.org.sg

2.Hari Raya Haji

"Hari Raya Haji" celebrates the auspicious day marking the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). It is one of the two major Islamic festivals, alongside "Hari Raya Aidilfitri," which celebrates the end of Ramadan fasting. It is observed for three days, 70 days after Ramadan.

After the traditional religious observances, Muslims visit the homes of parents, relatives, and friends to share meals and hold celebrations. For non-Muslims like myself, the best place to experience the festivities is Geylang Serai or Kampong Glam. During the festival period, these areas are adorned with traditional decorations, and bazaars spring up selling everything from carpets and ethnic clothing to crafts and food. The exotic atmosphere is definitely worth experiencing.

Hari Raya Haji
Date: September 24 (Thu)
Venue: Geylang Serai, Kampong Glam, etc.
http://www.yoursingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/cultural-festivals/hari-raya-haji.html

3.Hungry Ghost Festival

The "Hungry Ghost Festival" is a large-scale traditional event celebrated by the Chinese Singaporean community around August each year. Its significance is somewhat similar to Japan's Obon festival. Various performances, including Wayang (Peking Opera), humorous comedies, singing, and acrobatic pole dancing, take place throughout the city. These "getai" performances are believed to appease the spirits of ancestors.

What I find particularly striking are the drum cans placed outside homes. People burn paper effigies of money, symbolizing the desire for the deceased to have ample wealth even in the afterlife. In areas with large Chinese populations, such as Chinatown, Redhill, and Geylang, white smoke billows from morning till night as these offerings are burned.

Hungry Ghost Festival
Dates: July 27 (Mon) - August 24 (Mon)
Venue: Chinatown, Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple, etc.
http://www.yoursingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/cultural-festivals/hungry-ghost-festival.html

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原隆夫｜HARA Takao
Photographer. Born in 1976. Moved to Singapore in 2002 and established LUXPHO PTE LTD in 2013. Works mainly in advertising photography.

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Page 01Berlin Summers: Hot on Beer and Ruins!