This Month on Maction Planet – January 2025

January rounds off an incredible start to 2025 for Maction Planet! We kicked off the year hosting guests on unforgettable experiences, from sumo tournaments to shochu tastings and deep cultural explorations across Japan. We also witnessed history as Hōshōryū was promoted to Yokozuna, enjoyed Japan Rugby League One action, and explored the latest limited-edition offerings from Suntory Beer and McDonald’s Japan.

Featured image: The world has a new yokozuna! Hoshoryu is the 74th person to hold this title in history. Many congratulations to him and the Tatsunami Stable.

On Friday, 17 January, I had the opportunity to watch sumo live with Mary and her family (see below). That day, we saw Hoshoryu take on Gonoyama in a hard-fought match, showcasing the skill and determination that have now earned him promotion to Yokozuna. His rise to the highest rank is a testament to his dedication and talent, and it was incredible to witness him in action just before this milestone was announced.

On 11 January, my guests and I watched Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo defeat Urayasu D-Rocks 22-14 in Japan Rugby League One. This is my favorite photo from the match, capturing the legendary Michael Leitch rising majestically to secure a lineout catch.

On the afternoon of 11 January, I had the pleasure of attending the Aloha Whisky Shinenkai, a fantastic session to kick off the new year in style. A huge thank you to our gracious hosts, David and Stefan, for organizing such a great event—it was wonderful to catch up with everyone and share some excellent drams. The gathering was made even more exciting with the announcement of a very special event on 2 March, featuring yours truly, which sold out almost immediately on announcement!

It was an honour to host Greg and Catherine for a day of exploring in the World’s Greatest Metropolis. They came through a word-of-mouth recommendation from a guest who I guided across Japan on an art tour in October 2022. Thank you to everyone who has supported Maction Planet!

ザ・プレミアム・モルツ 〈ジャパニーズエール〉夜香る黒エール is a limited edition 6% ABV beer that dropped on 24 December 2024. A little thin for a dark beer but nonetheless, this can got crushed pretty quick. Kanpai!

On 13 January, while out with tour guests, we spotted a wonderful Seijin-no-hi photo session on one of the red bridges leading to Odawara Castle. The day is a national holiday in Japan, with young adults celebrating their Coming of Age Day, a tradition marking their transition into adulthood at the age of 20. The atmosphere was lively and filled with joy, set against the historic backdrop of the castle. Congruatulations to all.

Tony Tony Chopper looking good at the One Piece store in Omoestando… but please don’t touch!

Mary and their family are three-time Maction Planet guests. This time, Sumo was our focus this time, hence the T-shirt I am wearing, available at shop.mactionplanet.com

This group of legends was in Tokyo to belatedly celebrate Mike’s wedding… and celebrate they did! Our day together was a feast of food, drinks and laughs. One of those epic tours… but they all are in their own way. Some of these guys have already locked in tours with their loved ones later in the year!

McDonald’s Japan launched its Evangelion burger collaboration on January 6, 2025, featuring three unique burgers. The special menu includes the Zakugiri Potato & Thick Beef with Garlic Mayo, Mexican Cheese Chicken, and Cheese Double Teriyaki. Each burger has an A.T. Field-inspired bun, referencing the iconic anime series. The packaging features characters Shinji, Rei, and Asuka, and the collaboration includes a playful TV commercial with reimagined anime scenes. The burgers, priced between 490-540 yen, are available until early February. Here’s the insanely big advert for them at Metro Hat in Roppongi Hills.

Thank you Guy and Adam for choosing Maction Planet, and Steve for recommending me, and Betsy and Steve and crew for recommending me to Steve, and Jonelle for recommending me to Betsy!

On 21 January, I had one of the best meals of my life in the company of the inimitable Christine and the Ambassador of Chile. If you want to know more, reach out!

I hosted a shochu tasting on 20 January. Happy customers all round!

Sake (I am a dual verified sake sommelier), whisky (check out Kanpai Planet below), craft beer, shochu… we do it all!

The Louise Bourgeois exhibition “I have been to hell and back. And let me tell you, it was wonderful” recently concluded at the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo on 19 January 2025. This landmark exhibition, Bourgeois’s first in Japan in 27 years, showcased over 100 works across various media, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, and installations. Running from September 25, 2024, it featured many pieces never before seen in Japan, with about 80% of the fabric works making their Japanese debut. The exhibition explored Bourgeois’ complex relationships and traumas through three thematic chapters, offering a comprehensive overview of her 70-year career. It also included a selection of early paintings that have recently gained global attention. It was a devastatingly good show and top work, as always, from the team at the MAM.

And finally… a new Kanpai Planet video! Glenmorangie needs no introduction to whisky lovers. Known for its innovative approach, the distillery teamed up with visionary botanical artist Azuma Makoto to create a masterpiece inspired by Shinra Bansho (森羅万象)—the interconnectedness of all things in nature. This 23-year-old single malt is a blend of tradition and creativity, aged in ex-bourbon casks before its revolutionary maturation in Chardonnay casks from Burgundy’s Meursault region. Paired with Makoto’s exquisite 1.5-metre botanical sculpture and etched-glass bottle design, this whisky is as stunning on the outside as it is intriguing on the inside. But how does it taste? Join me, Mac, and WhiskyTube legend Vin PF from No Nonsense Whisky as we dive deep into this extraordinary whisky. From its lush autumnal nose to its vibrant and fruity palate, we’ll uncover all the nuances of this £1,050 gem. Hit play to see if this whisky lives up to its story—and the price tag. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Kanpai Planet videos!

Maction Planet runs bespoke Private Tours and Experiences in Tokyo, and beyond. To book yours, or to purchase a gift card, contact us at info@mactionplanet.com

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