Misuzu Opened the Watch Shop in Kichijoji (3)

 Prior to the grand opening, Misuzu held a pre-opening event at the Kichijoji Daiichi Hotel, a short walk from the new shop, on Oct.26.
 Former and current Miss Japan representatives and other models, including one from Malaysia, walked Misuzu's watches and jewelry on the catwalk at the event. A person dressed as Hello Kitty, former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and world-renowned super model Naomi Campbell were invited there as special guests. 
 Key is also an official ambassador for Jaermann & Stubi. He and Dr.Handa held a discussion on timepieces at the event. 

 Dr.Handa founded Misuzu in 1978 as the operator of Misuzu Gakuen cram schools, and the company established its watch business in 1979, distributing more than 140 watch brands, as well as its own designs, in Japan. 

Misuzu Corp President Dr.Handa(third from left) and guests,
including Vice President of the Liberal Democratic Party Masahiro Komura (second from left),
cut the ribbon to open HANDA Watch World Kichijoji Universe Watch Shop in Tokyo,
OCt.28.

Yoshiaki Miura
 

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Nov.10, 2017）

Misuzu Opened the Watch Shop in Kichijoji (2)

 After the toast, Dr.Handa led journalists into the shop to show them the space and speak about the watches on display.
 He said, "The theme is 'universe' and 'tightly packaged,' There are so many watches in such a small space. It's fun to visit and see so many watches. People can easily spend a whole day here without getting bored."

 On the third floor, customers who intend to spend more than 1 million yen can enjoy night sky views of their birthday constellations in a planetarium. 

  More than a hundred people were waiting in front of the shop before it officially opened.
 First in line was 32-year-old salaryman Tomohiro Shibata. He lives in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture. He stayed at his friend's place the night before to make sure he arrived at the shop at 6:30 a.m.
 He said, "I'm excited as the new shop has so many watches from overseas that you can't find anywhere else in Japan."

Watches displayed in the shop

Yoshiaki Miura

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Nov.10, 2017）

Misuzu Opened the Watch Shop in Kichijoji (1)

 Misuzu held a grand opening ceremony on Oct.28 for the HANDA Watch World Kichijoji Universe Watch Shop. 
 Misuzu, a trading company dealing mainly in high-end watches, recently bought Swiss luxury golf watchmaker Jaermann & Stubi and Misuzu President Dr.Haruhisa Handa also serves as the president of that company. 
 The new shop has three above-ground floors, as well as basement, each boasting a huge selection of fine timepieces.
 The first floor has casual models that appeal to the younger generations, while the second and third floors have higher-end models. The basement serves as a showcase for rare models.
 Special guests came to cerebrate the opening, and one of them was Masahiko Komura, vice president of the Liberal Democratic Party, who lives in the Kichijoji area. 
 Komura said, "Let's pray for Kichijoji to florish further," in making a toast in front of the new shop.


(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Nov.10, 2017）

Elegant watches showcased

 Misuzu Corp. held a Handa Watch World Fair at Tokyo Daiichi Hotel on Sept.12. It showcased high-end Swiss timepieces and other watches. 

 Misuzu, the watch dealer, which also operates the Misuzu Gakuen, a chain of cram schools that work to prepare high school students to enter university, invited Swiss watch craftsman Antoine Preziuso and his son Florian to the fair for a panel discussion with Dr.Handa, president of Misuzu Corp.

 Preziuso's elegant watches were displayed at the fair, together with other watches that Misuzu has the exclusive rights to sell in Japan, including Jaermann & Stubi, Roberto Cavalli by Frank Muller and Candy Time by Madison New York. 

 Misuzu recently bought Jaermann & Stubi, a Swiss luxury golf watchmaker. Dr.Handa, alias Misuzu President Haruhisa Handa, was named the president of the company. 

 The first 500 guests at the fair received a free welcome drink to enjoy while taking in the elegant timepieces. 

Antoine Preziuso(center), his son Florian(center left)  and
Dr.Handa(center right) posed for photographers with other guests.
Misuzu

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, online edition, Sept.21, 2017）

The 18th International High School Arts Festival (2)

 International award winners were also invited to the ceremony, with embassy officials and others presenting certificates of merit to high school students from Belarus, Britain, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel. Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and Vietnam.
 Other prizes given from the minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology and governors of Aichi, Chiba, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Iwate, Miyazaki, Nara, Okayama, Osaka, Tokyo and Yamaguchi. There were also pries from the National High School Calligraphy Association, the Japan Association of High School Arts and Crafts Education and other organizations.
 IFAC chairman Dr.Handa told the audience at the award ceremony that the art festival, which focuses on its openness to any high school students and the criteria of the awards are the untested potential of youth. 
 He said, "This festival focuses on the emerging talents of the art world. Prizes are awarded to works that display illustrious sensitivity, character and talent, even if the artists are still a little rough around the edges...I would like Japanese high school students to have exchanges with their peers from around the world . Every year, IFAC organizes entertainment programs among the Japanese and overseas high school students it invites to the awards ceremony, including a trip to Hakone to enjoy spending time with their newfound friends." 
 At the end of the ceremony, as headmaster of Misuzu Gakuen, a chain of cram schools for students who prepare for university entrance exams, Dr.Handa said to Japanese high school students as follows: "You do not have to decide now what you want to do in the future. You will decide what you want to do after meeting many people and having many different experiences. Who decides that you go to just one university or have just one field of focus?" 

Japanese and international high school students
at the awards ceremony 


IFAC 

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Aug.18, 2017）

The 18th International High School Arts Festival (1)

 The 18th International High School Arts Festival was held in Tokyo, Aug.9. The festival is one of the largest international art exhibitions for high school students. This year, students from Japan and 18 other countries entered 14.936 pieces, including fine art and calligraphy. 500 pieces of work were exhibited at the National Art Center, Roppongi, Tokyo. 
 At the awards ceremony held at The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo, 31 Japanese students received special awards. 
 This year, top Prime Minister Awards went to Motoki Nakamura, a senior at Nara Prefecture's Clark Memorial International High School in the fine arts division, while Kazuha Iwasaki, a senior at Kohnodai High School in Chiba Prefecture, won the calligraphy prize. 
 Nakamura said, "I' really grateful to have received such a distinguished award. I would like to express my appreciation for the people who inspired my creation."
 His work, titled "Space Seed," drew its inspiration from the big-bang theory, the large explosion that gave birth to the universe. 
 Iwasaki said, "It is my great honor to be presented with the Prime Minister Award. I am truly grateful." His work is a copy of a masterpiece titled "Wu Changshuo Calligraphy in the Style of Stone Drums" by Wu Changshuo, an artist prominent in all genres of art during China's Qing Dynasty.

International Foundation for Arts Culture Chairman
Dr.Haruhisa Handa (center), poses with the winners
of the Prime Minister awards
at the 18th International High school Arts Festival in Tokyo on Aug.9.

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Aug.18, 2017）

Misuzu buys Swiss watch company (3)

 Misuzu established its watch business in 1979, distributing more than 140 watch brands, as well as its own designs in Japan since then. It is the exclusive importer in Japan of several international brands such as Roberto Cavalli by Frank Muller, Catorex and Candy Time. 
 In April, ISPS held the ISPS Handa Jaermann & Stubi Owners Cup, which invited amateur golfers who own Jaermann & Stubi watches to play golf with professionals, including Jumbo Ozaki, in the Hakone resort, Kanagawa Prefecture. 

Dr.Haruhisa Handa and models display their Hysek watches.

MISUZU

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Aug.8, 2017）

Misuzu buys Swiss watch company (2)

 Others who attended this ceremony include Jumbo Ozaki, the Japanese golf giant, and pro-wrestler Kenji Muto. They strutted the runway with their gleaming Yaermann & Stubi watches while they displayed them prominently on their wrists. 
 Besides, former Japan representatives of Miss Universe, singer Akira Nishikino and others wore Hysek watches to let those in attendance see the high-end timepieces.

 Yaermann & Stubi was founded by golf lover Urs Yaermann and master watchmaker Pascal Stubi to create precision Swiss watches which can record golf scores. The company only produces about 1000 watches a year and all are handmade. Golf irons used by famous golfers such as Ian Woosnam and Seve Ballesteros have been melted down and are used to make some of the watchcases.

 Hysek rose to prominence in 1997 when its Kilada models attracted much attention for their bold and innovative designs. The company expanded its sales channels to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America as it went on to release its first tourbillon and grand complication models.  


(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Aug.8, 2017）

Misuzu buys Swiss watch company (1)

 Misuzu Corp., a trading company dealing mainly in high-end watches, recently bought Swiss luxury watchmaker Jaermann & Stubi. Mizumu held a ceremony on July 26 to announce that Misuzu President D.Haruhisa Handa took office as the president of the Swiss watch company. 
 Also, Misuzu announced that it has started distribution of watches from Hysek, another Swiss watchmaker within Japan. 
 Misuzu has been the exclusive distributor of Jaermann & Stubi watches in Japan, and now it has taken on the global responsibility for the high-end watches. 
 Dr.Handa, president of Misuzu, said at the ceremony at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, "We are the only  company in Japan --- maybe in the world --- that does both watches and golf. It is very meaningful to acquire the only watch brand specifically meant for golfers." 

Misuzu President Dr.Haruhisa Handa (fourth fro left),
golf legend Jumbo Ozaki(third from left),
and other guests show off their Jaermann & Stubi watches at a ceremony
to announce Handa's appointment as the Swiss watch company's president
in Tokyo on July 26.

MISUZU


(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Aug.8, 2017）

Jaermann & Stubi Owners Cup (3)

 During the two days' tournament, 40 professional and 30 amateur golfers competed for the grand prize of 1 milllion yen, a kabuto samurai helmet and a green haori jacket. The total amount of prize money was 10 million yen. 

 On Apr.24, Takashi Miyoshi carded a 9-under par to win the championship, followed by Tsukasa Watanabe, at 8-under. Third place was shared by Michael Hendry, Kiyoshi Murota and Hirofumi Miyase and Ryosuke Kinoshita. They all finished at 7-under. 

 On Apr.25, Kazuhiro Shimizu and Hiroshi Makino were co-winner at 7-under, with Shintaro Kai carding 6-under for third. 

 Hirofumi Miyase hit a hole-in-one and was awarded 100,000yen for the feat.

From left; Professional golfer Michael Hendry, former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key,
ISPS Chairman Dr. Handa and professional golfer Hiroshi Makino

ISPS



(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, May 2, 2017）
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/2017/05/01/special-supplements/amateur-golfers-get-rare-chance-play-professionals/#.WS98WIVOLIU

  

Jaermann & Stubi Owners Cup (2)

 When making a toast at the award ceremony, Key said, "Let's have a toast for the ISPS-Handa family, Kanpai(cheers)." Key added that he would like to invite Japanese golfers to play at The Hills, Millbrook Resort, in Queenstown, where the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open golf tournament was held this March. Michael Hendry, a New Zealander who won tournament in New Zealand, also played in the Hakone tournament this April. 

 Jumbo Ozaki, who is a Jaermann & Stubi and an ISPS ambassador, said in the ceremony "I decided to become part of the ISPS this year. I expect something good to happen this year."

 The sixty amateur players have bought at least one Jaermann & Stubi watch. Their watch range in price from about 300,000 yen to several millions of yen. Jaermann & Stubi is a brand which Urs Jaermann, a golf lover and Pascal Stubi, a watch master found in 2007 to create precision Swiss watches which can record golf scores. 

 The company only produces about 1000 watches a year and all are hand-made. Melted irons belonging to famous golfers such as Ian Woosnam and Seve Ballesteros. 


(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, May 2, 2017）
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/2017/05/01/special-supplements/amateur-golfers-get-rare-chance-play-professionals/#.WS98WIVOLIU

Jaermann & Stubi Owners Cup (1)

 The International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS) held the ISPS HANDA Jaermann & Stubi Owners Cup in the Hakone resort area of Kanagawa Prefecture on April 24 and 25. The tournament invited amateur golfers who own Jaermann & Stubi watches, and the worldly famous professionals.

 One of those world-renowned professionals is Jumbo Ozaki. 

 Also, John Key, former New Zealand Prime Minister was invited. He was in office from Nov. 2008 until Dec.last year and became an ambassador for the ISPS in Feb.

 Dr.Haruhisa Handa, ISPS Chairman as well as president of watch distributor of Jaermann & Stubi watches, known as "The Timepiece of Golf", said at the awards ceremony, "I've been in the watch business for 40 years an playing golf for 28. As a person who does both, I decided to sign an exclusive contract." 

Takashi Miyoshi, wearing a kabuto samurai helmet and greeen haori jacket,
is joined by ISPS Chairman Haruhisa Handa at the awards ceremony following Miyoshi's win
on the first day of the ISPS Handa Jaermann & Stubi Owners Cup at Hakonekohan Golf Course
in Kanagawa Prefecture

ISPS



(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, May 2, 2017）
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/2017/05/01/special-supplements/amateur-golfers-get-rare-chance-play-professionals/#.WS98WIVOLIU

Modern Da Vinci's birthday performance (3)

 In addition, famous politicians were in attendance; Shizuka Kamei, Jiro Hatoyama, Kenko Matsuki and others.

 Mr.Kamei said, "Dr.Fukami is often said to be today's Da Vinci. While some people say that is an exaggeration, I truly think he is a modern dda Vinci." 

 Then Dr.Koji Kunitani, honorary professor at the Tokyo Unversity of the Arts, said, "I learn every day from Dr.Handa's energy and the strength of his heart."

 Finally, Dr.Handa greeted them and the audience to thank for coming to enjoy the 17th birthday exhibition. "I would like to keep trying new things. The way you feel a year is long is to do something you have never done. If you do the same thing as you did last year, the time passes really quickly."

 Then, he did live calligraphy performance. He wrote kanji character haru (春、spring) with a brush the size of a broom on paper the size of a table tennis table.

 After the calligraphy demonstration, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was done to open the exhibition. 

Dr.Handa, John Key and other guests of honor prepare to cut the ribbon at the exhibition.  

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, March 27, 2017）

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2017/03/27/general/modern-da-vinci-celebrates-birthday-art-exhibition/#.WNnREm-LSM8

  

Modern Da Vinci's birthday performance (2)

 Many guests made their congratulatory speech to Dr.Handa. First speaker was former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, who was in office from November 2008 until December. Last month, Key accepted a position as ambassador for the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS), wihch is chaired by  Dr.Handa. In front of hundreds of attendees who aimed to see Dr.Handa's work, he said, "On behalf of people in New Zealand, I wish you a very happy birthday."   
 The ISPS was the sole title Sponsor for the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open golf tournament, which was held earlier this month. The ISPS is a major supporter of blind golf, as well as the internationalization of the Japanese golf industry, and promoter of other sports.  

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, March 27, 2017）

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2017/03/27/general/modern-da-vinci-celebrates-birthday-art-exhibition/#.WNnREm-LSM8

   

Modern Da Vinci's birthday performance (1)

 Dr.Handa, a.k.a. Haruhisa Handa, held an opening ceremony for a solo exhibition of his own painting and calligraphy works in Tokyo on March18. The exhibition, titled "Toshu Fukami's 17th Birthday Exhibition",  celebrates his 66th birthday. 
 The venue was Izumi Garden gallary in Minato Ward in Tokyo. The exhibition displays more than 182 works of Dr.Handa's. Among these, nine paintings were recently completed, 23 created earlier this year. 
 The ceremony began with greetings and speeches by guests, including well-known politicians.

Left: Dr.Handa performs calligraphy at the opening ceremony of his painting and calligraphy exhibition.
Right: Former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key delivers a speech at the ceremony. 


(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, March 27, 2017）

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2017/03/27/general/modern-da-vinci-celebrates-birthday-art-exhibition/#.WNnREm-LSM8

   

Tokyo Verdy's sponsor: ISPS HANDA (3)

 In 1981, Tokyo Verdy created NTV Beleza, a woman's soccer team. The team, together with NTV Menina, its sister team, produced many Olympians. 

 Dr.Handa said, "We would like to express our genuine admiration for Tokyo Verdy's efforts to enhance soccer's popularity in Japan."

 During the news conference, Tokyo Verdy announced new team members, as well as other corporate partners. 

 The new members are: Hideo Hashimoto, a midfielder from AC Nagano Parceiro in the J3 League, Mitsuru Nagata, a defender from Urawa Red Diamonds in the J.League, Hiroyuki Takeda, a goalkeeper from Serezo Osaka U-23, Keisuke Naito, a goalkeeper from FC Machida Zelvia in the J2 League, Ryota Kajikawa, a midfielder from V-Varen Nagasaki in the J2 League, Tatsuya Uchida, a defender from Gamba Osaka U-23 and Kota Watanabe, a midfielder from Tokyo Verdy Youth. 

Misuzu Corp., of which Dr.Handa is the president, is also one of the partners other than ISPS.


(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Janary 24, 2017）
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/01/24/general/improved-social-welfare-sought-sport-promotion/

Dr.Handa, center, poses with Tokyo Verdy players.

ISPS

Tokyo Verdy's sponsor: ISPS HANDA (2)

 Dr.Handa said, "Soccer can also save children from loneliness and the temptation to get involved in illegal drugs and other harmful activities."
 Before being one of the partners with Tokyo Verdy, the ISPS will be the main partner with New Zealand Football in March. It has already become the main sponsor for the Chatham Cup, which was founded in 1923. 
 The ISPS has been very active in getting involved in soccer outside Japan. It has also been looking to enter into partnerships in Japan. 
 Dr.Handa is much impressed with Tokyo Verdy's efforts to train young players. The club focuses on training soccer players from elementary school through high school to find talented, young, potential star players .  In fact, Tokyo Verdy is the first club in Japan to employ such a system to identify and train excellent players. The club, one of the J.League's original ten teams founded in 1992, established youth, junior youth, and junior teams. It has established many branches across Japan to promote soccer even before 1992. 

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Janary 24, 2017）
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/01/24/general/improved-social-welfare-sought-sport-promotion/

Dr.Handa poses with Tokyo Verdy players and staff.

ISPS 

  

Tokyo Verdy's sponsor: ISPS HANDA (１)

 The International Sports Promotion Agency (ISPS) has entered into a corporate partnership with Tokyo Vedy, a soccer club in the J2 League. NOw, ISPS comes to be a uniform sponsor of Tokyo Verdy. Its uniform has a large "ISPS HANDA" logo across the chest of its member. 
 On Jan 4, Dr.Handa, chairman of ISPS, said in a news conference at the Keio Plaza Hotel, "Soccer is a great sport that can beat poverty and other social problems. a ball is all that is needed to play soccer. The young players will form friendships with their teammates and learn sportsmanship." 
 The ISPS  is a supporter of Fives Futbol, a movement to make soccer fields in cities and promote soccer in Africa. It has been a main sponsor for the Mpumalanga Black Aces, F.C.,which is now FC Cape Town. 
 He said that through such experiences, ISPS has realized the great potential of soccer as it teaches various important lessons, such as the importance of following rules, bettering communication skills to create strong teamwork, self-improvement training by setting high goals and nurturing human relationships through exchanges with fans and supporters.

(source: THE JAPAN TIMES, Janary 24, 2017）
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/01/24/general/improved-social-welfare-sought-sport-promotion/

ISPS Chairman Dr.Handa speaks at a news conference
held to announce soccer team Tokyo Verdy's new sponsors and team members
in Tokyo on Jan.14. 

ISPS