Metropolis 1071

Oct 3-16, 2014 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine www.metropolisjapan.com

SAKE SOUL GET YOUR NIHONSHU HIT THIS FALL

無料 PRICELESS

SURVIVING SAKE

WAFU HANGOVER CURES

MAKING WAVES

HOKUSAI CRASHES INTO UENO

RAISING A STINK FUMING ABOUT SMOKE

FIND POULTRY POWER

IN TOKYO CLASSIFIEDS

BE WITH MR. BIG

CHECK OUR TO-DO LIST

CHECK OUR SAKE SPECIAL

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES FOR TV?

Looking for English & Chinese speakers Also Japanese, Spanish & French speakers

日本初上陸！

NOW IN JAPAN!

TOKYO CORRESPONDENT Fashion One broadcasts original programming to over 300 million people in 44 countries.

We’re now looking for a Tokyo correspondent to join our worldwide operations.

No fashion experience needed—just the right personality! Send your CV, cover letter, photo and/or video application, plus a link to any on-camera work to: http://www.fashionone.jp/casting

日本人テレビリポーター を募集しています！

日本初上陆！

我们正在面向全球招募中 文流利的电视台记者！

ファッション ワンは世界44ヶ国、3億人以 上に発信している番組です。

你好，美女！想成为一名记者吗？

履歴書と、 プロファイル写真一枚を送って 下さい。

只要你拥有一副可爱的容貌，那就快快

もしあなたが映っている動画やリンク先 があれば、是非一緒に送って下さい。

你只需要给我们发送你的简历和照片。

http://www.fashionone.jp/casting

http://www.fashionone.jp/casting

我们会是你的第一选择！ 加入我们这支年轻的队伍吧！ FACEBOOK等个人网页也欢迎!

BE SEEN. BE THE SCENE. metropolis.co.jp/fashionone

inside

OCT 3-16, 2014 • #1071

EDITOR’S LETTER

Welcome to our 2014 fall sake special! This special edition is full of insights into how to get the most out of the seasonal nihonshu flavors that hit the shelves as the temperature drops—as well as advice on how to reduce the damage after you’ve successfully done so.

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On the Rocks: How sake can beat a dwindling market.

In the grand spirit of inebriation, we’ve also made things harder to find. Upfront is now way at the back, and everything else isn’t quite where you left it. But unlike when your sadistic roommate did it in college, this shift has a purpose: it caps the redesign we began back in August. So glasses up and kampai—our new look is done!

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Sake Secrets: Hiya-oroshi is the sip of the season.

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Global Rock: American roots run straight from Oz.

Cover design & photography Kohji Shiiki. Models (L-R): Miho from Sakebu.org, Stacey Frisbey and Jun Okuma from Oboro Sake Shop. Photographed at Higasaamagasa in Yotsuya San-chōme.

GET PRINTED!

IN FOCUS

SEND YOUR “CREEPY SCENE” PHOTOS FOR THE OCT 17 ISSUE. DEADLINE OCT 6

metropolis.co.jp/features/photo

Gate to Tokugawa Ieyasu’s tomb in Nikko Toshogu shrine, by David Jurenovic

Search over 30 million photos 8F Nishi-Azabu Sonic Bldg, 3-2-12 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031 Tel 03-4588-2277 Fax 03-4588-2278 • www.metropolisjapan.com METROPOLIS is Japan’s No.1 English magazine, founded in 1994 and published for Japan’s international community.

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CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Neil Butler EDITORIAL Mike Kanert (Managing Editor) Martin Leroux (Editor) Wendy Nguyen (Editorial Assistant & Social Media Manager) Anna Cock Gibson (Proofreader) Momoko Mochizuki, Nina Janezic (Interns) CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Dan Grunebaum (Entertainment) Don Morton (Movies) C.B. Liddell (Arts) Samuel Thomas (Fashion) DESIGN Kohji Shiiki (Art Director) Davi Azevedo (Graphic Designer) WEB Minh Douangprachanh (Webmaster) James McGuire (Web Developer) PRODUCTION Helen Langford (Production Assistant) ADVERTISING Akane Ochi (Director of Sales) Karl Nakashima, Niki Kaihara (Sales Managers) Yo Takahashi, Maya Oishi (Sales Executives) Ai Hosokawa (Sales Assistant) ADMINISTRATION/ACCOUNTING Jeanette Komatsu (Office Manager) Michiko Anezaki (Adminstration/Classifieds), Keiko Adachi (Adminstration) IT Guilhem Malfre (It/Web Developer)

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upfront Photo: 123RF

SCENE AROUND TOWN

LINGOIST SAKE SPECIALIST “Kudasai” is a good general word for making requests. But it’s also the simplest of the many Japanese request expressions, making it childish in some situations, and downright rude in others. By contrast, the phrase “onegai shimasu” shows a greater sense of nuance. “Negau” means to hope or wish, so the phrase might be taken to literally mean, “I make the honorable wish.” And what better situation for nuanced honorable desires than ordering a cup of sake—better referred to as nihonshu. Give these phrases a try when asked how you’d like your drink.

Sep 20: Tokyo Game Show at Makuhari Messe, Kaihin Makuhari

How Would You Like That?

JP EN

JP EN

Hiya de onegai shimasu.

I’d like it cold.

EN

Atsu-kan de onegai shimasu.

I’d like it hot.

EN

JP

JP

Nuru-kan de onegai shimasu.

I’d like it lukewarm.

O-kaikei (wo) onegai shimasu.

I’d like the bill.

Lesson by Alpha Japanese Language Institute. Learn hiragana and katakana free online at www.alpha.ac.jp/mob/ebooks/hirakata/

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Sep 26: Metropolis Getsumatsu party at Sporcaccione, Nakameguro

A 1

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A

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し

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C

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Down 1. Heart, 2. Accident, 3.

Composition, 5. Drinking party, 6. Blanket, 7. Quiet

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4 B

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Across 1. Operation, 4. Book, 5.

Seaweed, 6. Application or request, 8. Crab, 9.

Hangover

7 D

8 A

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Solution: Sep 28: Moshi Moshi Nippon at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, Sendagaya

ANSWERS AT meturl.com/kanacross

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Metropolis Members Club THIS WEEK’S WINNER! Esther Maraite won a Peeling Facial voucher courtesy of Elana Jade

UPCOMING PRIZE One lucky MMC member will win a 50-Minute Golf Lesson courtesy of Cool Clubs

Sep 28: Knight Wars at Futsal Connection Shibaura, Hamamatsucho

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Register for prizes & discounts www.metropolis.co.jp/club

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TO-DO LIST

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TOP

concert

beer

cosplay

NOV 10

OCT 11-13

OCT 12-13

Mr. Big

Oktoberfest 2014

Cosplay Festa

’80s rock group from Los Angeles. Nov 10, 7pm, ¥8,300-9,300. Nippon Budokan. Kudanshita. meturl.com/big14 Tickets on sale now!

Hosted by Kumazawa Brewery, brewers of Shonan Beer and Tensei Sake. Oct 11-13, 11:30am-9pm, ¥4,000. Kumazawa Brewing Company. Kagawa. Tel: 0467-52-6118. ja-jp facebook.com/beerfes

With over 6,000 attendees each year, this is the world’s largest event dedicated only to cosplay that can be enjoyed by veterans and newbies alike. Oct 12-13, 10am-9pm, ¥2,100 (adv)/ ¥2,300 (door). Tokyo Dome City. Korakuen or Suidobashi. Tel: 0570-000-777. http://www. cosplayfesta.com/

Photo: Pedro Arnay

EDITOR’S PICK NOV 1-2 FESTIVAL FUKUSHIMA! Led by punker/activist Michiro Endo (of The Stalin) and avant-garde musician Otomo Yoshihide along with poet Ryoichi Wago, Project Fukushima! was set up following the 2011 Tohoku tsunami. Now a festival version of the project sees Ikebukuro come to life with a giant furoshiki cloth on the ground, big band music and original Bon dancing. The festival also serves as the launch party for the 2014 edition of Festival/Tokyo, Japan’s largest performing arts event. Dan Grunebaum Nov 1, 3pm-8pm, free. Nov 2, 11am-5pm, free.

Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park. Ikebukuro. http:// www.festival-tokyo.jp/14/en/

WHALES, STORIES OF GIANTS An innovative 3-D dance performance inspired by legends and stories from Latin American tradition.

Oct 18, 11am & 2pm, ¥1,500-2,500. Setagaya Public Theatre. Sangenjaya. Tel: 03-5432-1515. http://setagaya-pt.jp/ Photo: Anita Kan - © MORI ART MUSEUM All Rights Reserved.

UNTIL JAN 4

OCT 18

LEE MINGWEI AND HIS RELATIONS The first overview of the conceptual Taiwan-born, New York-based artist who emphasizes audience participation. Until Jan 4, 10am-10pm, Tue 10am-5pm, ¥500-1,500. Mori Art Museum. Roppongi.

Tel: 03-5777-8600.

UNTIL OCT 5

Lee Mingwei, The Mending Project, 2009.

CHESS, THE MUSICAL Courtesy of Hostess Entertainment

NOV 2-3

HOSTESS CLUB WEEKENDER The latest edition of promoter Hostess’s thrice-yearly indie rock fest is headlined by Kaiser Chiefs and Team Me. Nov 2-3, ¥13,900.

Studio Coast. Shinkiba.

Tel: 03-6809-1070. http://ynos.tv/ hostessclub/

A Cold War musical from the hit-makers of ABBA about love, politics and chess—really! Oct 3-5, 7pm, Oct 4 & 5, 1pm. ¥4,000 (adv)/¥4,500 (door). Theater Sun Mall.

Shinjukugyoenmae. www.tokyoplayers.com

NOV 1

DIRT CREW Peter Gijselaers’ Dirt Crew are rekindling the Berlin house scene, and transferring some of the warmth to Tokyo. Nov 1, 10pm. ¥3,000. Origami.

Omotesando. http://origamientertainment.jp/

CHECK FOR MORE EVENTS ON P.22 05

cover

SAVING SAKE Local producers must choose between going abroad and going extinct

BY RICHARD P. GREENFIELD

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123RF

T

he three “s” words roll off the tongue, and are, of course, associated: sake, sashimi and sushi. But of the three, sake is the most intrinsically bound to Japanese culture. Better termed nihonshu, sake was already being brewed at the time of the Crusades.

It’s mentioned several times in the Kojiki, the first written record of Japanese myths and customs compiled in 712 A.D., and like wine, sake has religious associations arising from its use in certain Shinto ceremonies. From the 12th to 15th centuries, temples and shrines became its principal producers.

This long and distinguished history may, conversely, be part of the reason why in recent decades younger people have turned away from sake in favor of other alcoholic beverages.

Domestic sake consumption has fallen to well less than half of its peak of 1.4 million kiloliters in 1973; a spike resulting from efforts to support sake-producing regions hit by the 3/11 earthquake won’t permanently reverse the trend.

Japan’s population skews old. And members of the older generations, of whom there are fewer each year, drink sake.

For younger drinkers, it’s anything goes.

Without breaking a sweat I can find, at several local emporiums, absinthe, advocaat (Dutch egg liquor), Pernod and even Spirytus from Poland (98 percent rectified alcohol—when I was growing up we called that kind of stuff “torpedo juice”).

Of course, drinks always come in and out of fashion. In the late ’70s and early ’80s it was impossible to avoid a Tequila Sunrise. Jägermeister, now a staple of any well-stocked bar, also went through a long slump where it was dismissed as old-fashioned. Rye whisky has even been making a comeback after several decades in the dark.

Much of this is marketing. When a new product comes out, brewers and distillers aren’t going to pitch it to drinkers who’ve had decades to develop their tastes—they’ll pitch young, hoping to catch the hearts of consumers who will line their pockets for decades to come. The fad mentality is only accelerated in Japan, where even beer, candy and soft drinks have seasonal variations, putting a stable perennial like sake at a permanent disadvantage.

J

apan lives or dies as a trading nation, and this has a direct effect on sake.

Sake is brewed from one of over 80 specialized types of rice, and not just a little of it: the quality of the finished product is largely determined by how much of the grain is polished off prior to brewing. For high-end ginjo sake, that means at least 40 percent of each grain is milled away—or 50 percent for top-quality daiginjo.

With very high tariffs on imported product, rice is arguably the most protected industry in Japan, leaving the home sake market all but impervious to foreign incursion. As a result, sake brewers, with a few exceptions, never had to think beyond their local markets. A few forward-thinking brewers cultivated overseas ties in the ’90s, but the main sake exports, handled by a few big breweries, were to Japanese restaurants abroad.

Yet it’s not impossible to imagine sake gaining general acceptance abroad in the same way sushi already has, found as it now can be in the food court of any Western shopping mall. There’s a market for it outside Japan, both for being drunk unmixed and used as a mixer (sake mixes well, as the legendary Saketini has proven).

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Importing the Water of Life How Nikka sailed from Scotland to Japan

BY IAIN MALONEY

Nikka Whisky / Asahi Breweries

began to learn to distinguish between the different types of sake when living in Berkeley, California, where the first U.S. sake was being brewed. They were far ahead of their time: in the early ’80s, they were already touting sake in mixed drinks, such as hot spiced apple cider. In ’90s New York, some friends and I even discovered a sake bar near the United Nations. Frequented by U.N. delegates, its location under a large parking garage made it a perfect place for informal discussions.

It also happened to stock close to 200 varieties of sake—far more than any of us realized existed, with a tasting menu that rotated constantly. While these are isolated examples, they may also represent a blueprint for the future.

Craft beer and some artisanal liquors have found both domestic and foreign markets. Top-tier Japanese whiskey is now as prized as that of any of the other prestige market (Don’t believe me? Check the companion piece). So why can’t sake achieve the same specialization?

Sake makers, particularly the smaller breweries, have for years been doing the same thing as artisanal spirit makers: 850-year-old Sudo Honke Shuzo brews from a unique strain of rice that dates back 20 centuries; Kamoki Sake Brewery in Hiroshima produces a reddish sake from completely unmilled rice, flouting tradition. And among real sake lovers, the water used for brewing alone is indicative of the taste particular to a region, every bit as much as the French will claim terroir for particular wines. The nansui (soft water) of Hiroshima and Fukushima gives very different results from the mineralheavy kosui (hard water) favored in the rest of the nation.

The hardest part will be for the smaller, more innovative breweries to get their product into that elite group of ingredients that mixologists and even chefs reach for when they need something that is pure, distinct, and adds just the right notes to a drink or sauce. The Japanese government is using programs such as the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to do just that. It means accepting adaptation and innovation: sake and steak, sake and tacos, sake infused with vanilla or pepper—even rediscovering classics like what was called tamagozake, or Japanese eggnog. It will mean being part of a very different ecosystem than exists in Japan. And it will also mean survival.

Known in Scottish Gaelic as uisge beatha—the water of life—whisky has long held a special place in the hearts of Japanese tipplers. And just as we see Japan’s iconic drink making broader and deeper forays into the world at large, it may be time to recall how a certain Scottish drink established its own legacy in the land of the rising sun.

On September 29, NHK began broadcasting Massan, a 150-part series centering around Masataka Taketsuru and his Scottish wife, Jessica Roberta Cowan, better known as Rita.

Born outside Hiroshima in 1894, Masataka was the third son in a family of sake brewers.

His taste, however, was for Scotch whisky. He traveled to Glasgow both to continue his study of organic chemistry and to learn about the distilling process, taking apprenticeships in distilleries and learning from master blenders.

Rita was born in 1896 and lived with her family in Kirkintilloch, just northeast of Glasgow.

Her fiancé died in Damascus during World War I, and her father suffered a fatal heart attack in 1918. When the Cowans sought a lodger to help make ends meet, it was Masataka who moved in. The two fell in love and were married in 1920, then traveled to Japan via New York and Seattle.

Masataka was hired by Yamazaki distillery in Osaka, where he quickly quarrelled with his boss over the finer points of the whisky production. The couple then moved to Yoichi in Hokkaido, a location selected for its close resemblance to Scotland, and the promise that the water would offer a mineral content suitable for whisky. It was there they founded the Dai Nihon Kaju distillery—later renamed Nikka Whisky, retaining the Scottish y-only spelling of the spirit.

Business was initially slow, but the outbreak of World War II provided an unexpected boon:

with imported Scotch unavailable, the Imperial Navy turned to Nikka to keep its sailors supple.

Categorized as a protected war industry, the company posted its first profit in 1940. While the whisky prospered in the war years, Rita suffered ostracism, abuse and frequent raids on her house as the authorities wrongly suspected her of being a spy, and children threw rocks at her in the street.

Rita survived the war, dying of natural causes in 1961. Masataka passed away in 1979. The two are buried in the hills near the Yoichi distillery, with a museum now devoted to their memory.

Nikka Whisky has continued to prosper.

While high-minded Scotch drinkers may look askance at Japanese malts—and buyers of izakaya highballs and conbini cheapies might easily be forgiven—Nikka has quietly continued to rack up international awards. In 2008, Nikka’s Single Malt Yoichi 1987 was selected as the World’s Best Single Malt Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards, announced at the World Whiskies Conference in Glasgow, no less. In Scotland, quality Japanese single malts are even displayed and served alongside elite local malts.

Meanwhile, Rita’s story—or something like it—will continue to unfold in 15-minute segments on NHK. Following an audition that emphasized her singing voice, American actress Charlotte Kate Fox has been cast in the lead female role, and in addition to the studio’s stated plans to take liberties with history, Rita’s name has been changed to Ellie. Nonetheless, Fox represents the first non-Japanese female lead in an NHK series, starring alongside Tetsuji Tamayama, who played Daisuke Jigen in this year’s live-action film adaptation of Lupin III. The series airs every weekday and Saturday at 8am—perhaps a touch too early to be enjoyed with a nice glass of whisky.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SAKE

SUMIBIYAKI DINING ABEYA

AKITA PURE RICE SAKE BAR

JOY OF SAKE

Yakitori is the ideal dish to accompany a Nakameguro good cup of sake, and Sumibiyaki Dining Abeya has you covered on both counts. This Nakameguro eatery offers real charcoal-grilled vegetables and yakitori, including rare dishes you’ll seldom find in other shops. Try the chicken thigh and white liver skewers, or savor charcoal grilled wagyu beef—the recommended selection changes monthly, and there’s always more to be found on the menu. As you dine, take a moment to explore the over 50 varieties of sake and shochu available on-site. The recommended sip for fall is hiya-oroshi, an incomparably delicious sake that’s only available at this time of year.

5F Nakameguro Kangyo Bldg, 1-22-4 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku. Tel: 3-6452-3140.

Open 5pm-midnight daily. Nakameguro.

Mention Metropolis to get a free tasting set of 3 types of sake

Akita Pure Rice Sake Bar comes ready with Tokyo a so m m e l ier w ho carefully selects the best sake for you. The sips on hand are all prepared without any additives— hence, pure rice sake. Take advantage of the tasting set to enjoy a variety of flavors without putting a dent in your wallet. Sake brewed in the spring matures over the humid summer months, and as the temperature drops, it brings out a distinct, mellow flavor. No sake exemplifies this transformation better than hiya-oroshi, the perfect drink for the fall season. You can complete the experience by nibbling peach and mozzarella as you sip, or why not try cream cheese with iburi-gakko, an Akita smoked pickle dish?

Whatever your taste, you won’t be disappointed!

1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-62560518. Open 11am-11pm daily. Tokyo Blind sake tasting set (selected by the sommelier): 4 types for ¥1,000

The world's biggest sake celebration makes it s anGotanda nual Tokyo appearance on November 6 at the TOC Building in Gotanda.

The event features an amazing 370 sakes in peak condition, all available for tasting by guests. Chefs from 13 of Tokyo’s top restaurants serve Italian, French, Japanese, Chinese and Spanish appetizers–the food alone is worth the ticket price. Live Hawaiian music and hula help create an elegant, relaxing ambience. Don’t miss this once-a year celebration of sake and sake culture.

Tickets available online.

13F Gotanda TOC Bldg, 7-22-17 Nishi Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku. Nov 6, 6-9pm. Gotanda (shuttle bus available). www.joyofsake.jp/ tokyo When ordering online, enter the promotion code SAKETYO for 10% off the ticket price (regular ¥8,500)

Nakafuku serves authentic Japanese cuisine along with its signature original dishes, with an extensive sake selection, bar menu and wine list on hand to fully enhance your evening. Red wine may not match with fish and white wine may sit poorly with steak, but Japanese sake brings out the best of any dish, be it surf or turf. And for the fall season, hiya-oroshi is the top sake to savor.

Brewed in spring and matured over summer, it’s best enjoyed as the temperature just begins to drop each year.

1F Tomizawa Bldg, 2- 4 Hachiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6416-3389. Open 6-11pm daily. Shibuya, Daikanyama. www.nakafuku.tokyo.jp Mention Metropolis for a free aperitif of the recommended sake of the day

At Sakeoh, not only can you enjoy sake and shochu from all over Japan—you can taste the different varieties for free. The shop manager is a qualified kikizakeshi, a specialist in matching sake to dining selections and explaining the nuances of sake taste and fragrance. Let him serve you up a variety of sake with an explanation in English. If you have any questions about sake, feel free to contact the shop through email, twitter, facebook, or even by phone. And look out for monthly tasting events. You can even order online.

3-19-10 Kanamachi, Katsushika-ku. Tel: 035876-6595. Open 11am-9pm (Sun & Hols until 8pm) closed Tuesdays & 2nd and 4th Mondays.

Kanamachi. http://meturl.com/sakeoh Instead of the usual 3-5 sake sampler, mention Metropolis to sample 15 types of sake for free

Specializing in shabu-shabu and steamed dishes, at Ginza Yoshi No Sasa you can boil up beef, pork, duck, chicken and vegetables from all over Japan. Be sure to try the seiro mushi, a delectable selection of meat and vegetables steamed in a bamboo basket, or the tokujo wagyu, composed of top-quality Japanese beef. Sake forms an exquisite marriage of taste with any Japanese dish, and the selection here is no exception.

12F Maronie Gate, 2-2-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tel: 03-5159-1287. Open 11am-3:30pm daily (lunch); Mon-Fri 5:30-11pm, Sat-Sun & hols 5-11pm (dinner). Yurakucho. http://meturl. com/yoshinosasa Mention Metropolis when you make your reservation and receive one cup of Hiyaoroshi seasonal sake per pair of customers

NAKAFUKU Shibuya

SAKEOH Kanamachi

YOSHI NO SASA

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food&drink

¥¥¥¥

Seasonal fall drinks are en pointe for foodies, and Suntory’s are no exception. Their -196℃ Chu-Hai (¥141) offers two seasonal flavors that make their return this year. Aki Ringo (fall apple) contains San-tsugaru apples from Aomori, a hybrid between Golden Delicious and Jonathan apples. Aki Nashi (fall Japanese pear) uses kosui pears harvested in Ibaraki.

Most striking is the can design, with momiji (red leaves) and ginkgo leaves on a black background. If nothing else, it’ll look good on your kitchen table.

Coffee time goes to the birds at Kotori Cafe, a quirky new shop in the heart of Omotesando that draws inspiration from the serenity of birdwatching. On the menu are cakes (¥800) and other bird-themed nibbles from noted pastry chefs, all served in birdcages. There’s also a selection of soothing herbal teas and Hawaiian coffee (¥800), each coming with a bird-shaped cookie. With another branch in Kichijoji, Kotori could be the remedy to a cuckoo day.

6-3-7 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku.

Omotesando. http://kotoricafe.jp

touched with piquant meyer lemon and crowned with a tiny, mild radish salad, while the tuna tartare (¥2,200) is nothing less than Ultimate Sashimi. Arriving on a bed of avocado complemented with soy-lime dressing, this cube of tuna melts at the touch of the tongue, then finishes with a satisfying crunch of crispy shallots and endives.

Sides range from onion rings and creamy mashed potatoes (¥1,200 each) to crispy grilled asparagus (¥1,400). Mains start at lemon rosemary chicken or prime hanger steak for ¥3,800, going all the way to a 750g, 28-day-dried porterhouse steak for two (¥14,000).

Cooked in salt and pepper and served in a heavy iron pan, the impressive porterhouse arrives topped with herb garlic butter and a full bulb of garlic on the side. The 28 days not only reduces moisture but also allows the marbling to be absorbed into the steak’s muscle tissue,

resulting in more intense flavor and superior texture. Indeed, every bite so sufficiently suffuses the taste buds that the nine sauce options—including peppercorn, red wine, béarnaise and blue cheese—are entirely superfluous.

The ¥1,100 dessert menu offers such selections as apple cobbler, crêpe soufflé and lychee panna cotta. But BLT Steak’s signature finisher is a peanut butter chocolate mousse with banana ice cream. It doesn’t so much melt in your mouth as evaporate right up to the top of your throat, then gliding straight down to greet your stomach.

If you’re prepared for the price, the only disadvantage to BLT Steak Tokyo is its location: hidden beside the entrance to Hotel Villa Fontaine, you have to take an obscure secondary elevator to get there. But once you find it, dig in!

5F Izumi Garden Tower, 1-6-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Roppongi-itchome.

Photo by Mike Kanert

RESTAURANT

Photo by Kohji Shiiki

Photo by Nina Janezic

Your daily chocolate fix is sure to be satisfied at Meiji’s 100% Chocolate Cafe. As the name suggests, everything on the menu is chocolate: chocolate drinks, chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream and even chocolate kaki-gori (shaved ice) made with frozen chocolate. The design of the cafe doesn’t disappoint, with the ceiling made to look like bars of chocolate. Why not immerse yourself in a space where chocolate is truly the shining star?

2-4-16 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. Kyobashi. www.meiji.co.jp/sweets/choco-cafe/

EN/JP

750g Porterhouse Perfection

BY MIKE KANERT

With successful restaurants in New York, Las Vegas, Waikiki, Hong Kong, Seoul and Taipei— among others—it was only a matter of time before BLT Steak arrived in Japan.

On September 19, the classic steakhouse opened its first Japanese branch right on top of Roppongi-itchome station, replacing a former club in Izumi Garden Tower. The location benefits from high, airy ceilings on its main floor and a cozy, chestnut-colored upper level reconfigured from the old VIP lounge. Smoking is allowed only upstairs and on the narrow garden terrace, though some exceptions are made for the expansive private rooms at the back.

Dining kicks off with a crimson chicken-liver mousse in port wine sauce—creamy with just a touch of tartness. Apparently aware that its role is not to distract, the mousse only whets the appetite for the real eye-openers: the popovers. The staple bottomless bread of every BLT Steak location, these resemble nothing more than softball-sized meteorites, and arrive at the table with a silver tower of salt and a small vat of creamy butter. Crisp on the outside with a soft, cruller-like interior, each serving is accompanied by a tag outlining how to make a dozen of your own at home (stock up on 2¼ cups of Gruyère!).

The menu proper is pricey, but not prohibitively so: salads and appetizers range from ¥1,200 for double-cut smoked bacon to ¥3,800 for a lobster Cobb salad. The crab cake (¥2,400) is

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If you find yourself in the area with some spare change, head to Harajuku Gyoza Lou for some of the best (and cheapest) gyoza in town. Service is fuss-free and easy, with just two decisions required: chives and garlic or original, and whether you want them pan fried or steamed. Each serving will set you back a mere ¥290, so there’s no reason not to go. To avoid the long lines, try to get there before 6pm on weekdays, though.

6-2-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku.

Meiji-Jingumae.

SAKE

“There are too many French and Italian restaurants in Tokyo,” says Michi Takahashi, who spent 25 years in French restaurants in California. Re-opened September 12 near Gaienmae, his California Diner EAT once again offers its signature burger with thick and juicy 100-percent Japanese beef, sweet sautéed onion and demi-glace sauce combined with Thousand Island dressing (¥1,000 lunch, ¥1,100 after 6pm).

Not up for a burger? No problem: there’s also a robust tapas menu for dinner.

2-27-18 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku.

Photo by Kohji Shiiki

seasonal secrets of hiya-oroshi

YUZU KOSHŌ TAMAGOYAKI RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI

A delicious twist on the traditional tamagoyaki that replaces the sweet flavor with a hint of refreshing yuzu koshō (paste made from chili peppers, yuzu peel and salt, available at most grocery stores). Making tamagoyaki usually requires a tamagoyaki pan, but a regular pan is fine for this recipe. If you don’t have a makisu (sushi mat, available at most ¥100 shops) you can use parchment paper as a substitute.

Start to finish: 25 min (active time 10 min) Servings: 4 pieces 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

BY YUKARI SAKAMOTO

As the temperature drops, it’s a great time to enjoy seasonal sake. And if you don’t know the difference between a ginjo and a gecko, a great spot for some easygoing sake education is Oboro Saketen in Shinbashi.

On a recent visit, shop owner Jun Okuma helped us understand the finer points of hiyaoroshi, the definitive autumn sake.

“Hiya means cold, describing hi ire wa shinai—that there is no second pasteurization,” Okuma explains. “Oroshi describes the sake leaving the sake breweries and being shipped to customers.”

Hiya-oroshi is made from rice harvested the previous fall, which is then brewed in the cold winter months, left to mature in tanks through the summer and finally bottled in autumn. So while most sake is bottled in the winter, hiya-oroshi spends a few extra months aging.

“It’s a little aged,” Okuma explains, “but it also has a freshness to it because it’s only pasteurized once. It’s not too young, but not too old.

It’s very well balanced.” He also recommends looking for aki-agari, a poetic synonym for the same product that translates as “autumn rising.”

Okuma recommends we taste Yamagata Masamune Aki-Agari. “This is good with mushrooms and sanma, a silvery fish that’s at the peak of its season in autumn,” he says. He also proposes Sawa no Hana’s Michizuki Hiya-oroshi, which he describes as more mature, and very nice served

RECIPE

3 large eggs 3 tbsp corn (1 tbsp = 15ml) 1 tsp yuzu koshō (1 tsp = 5ml) 1 tbsp sake 1 tbsp mayonnaise Optional: Small amount of cream cheese and yuzu rind to garnish

DIRECTIONS

as nuru-kan (lukewarm).

Of course, hiya-oroshi can be drunk chilled like the sake of summer. But since it’s slightly aged, it often shines when served hot—perfect as temperatures start to drop. For warming up sake at home, invest in a sake thermometer to avoid overheating your sake and losing the delicate flavor and aroma. Just decant your sake into a tokkuri (sake flask) and warm it up in a hot water bath on the stove.

New sake brewed from the fall harvest will start to come to market around the end of November or early December. At that time, be sure to look for shinshu (new sake) and shiboritate— unpasteurized sake, which will be de rigeur as the year comes to a close.

1F Shinshodo Bldg No. 2, 5-29-2 Shinbashi, Minato-ku. Shinbashi.

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.

Using chopsticks or a fork, mix until the egg yolks and egg whites blend together (avoid whipping).

2. Heat the frying pan (for non-stick pans use 1 tsp vegetable oil). Pour the egg mixture into the pan and quickly mix.

3. Turn off the heat when the egg mixture starts to become half-cooked and develops a scrambled egg consistency. Tilt the pan to move the egg to one side.

4. Place plastic wrap on the makisu. From the pan, pour the semi-solid egg mixture onto the plastic wrap. Roll the makisu into a tubular shape (in a wrap, like you would roll sushi).

Leave it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

If you find the egg is still too raw when you roll it, microwave it for 20 seconds on a medium heat setting after rolling.

Rieko Suzuki Rieko blogs bilingual recipes at http://meturl.com/ruby

11

̶ Hana・Gakoi ̶

The best Sushi and Yakitori Restaurant in Aoyama.

YAKITORI,SUSHI Meiji ST.

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Lunch 11:30 ～ 14:00 Dinner 17:00 ～ 23:00 （L.O.22:00 Drink L.O.22:30）

www.failte.jp Spacious 5F terrace overlooking central Shibuya.

Enjoy our great selections of Irish and European brews.

7 Anniversary th

4 days! Oct 16 (Thu) to 19 (Sun)

• Regular Draft beer discounted! ¥700 • Selected Bottled beer discounted!

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5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya

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OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat) 3-11pm (Sunday & hols)

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12

Tokyu Plaza

tel:

03-3476-7776

Enjoy gourmet steak, fish, seafood and a selection of world-class wines with a superb skyline view.

Tokyo’s No.1 nighttime panorama Fresh fish direct from Tsukiji market High-quality Japanese steaks Selection of high quality wines from over 2,000 cellars worldwide Party & wedding catering English service & menu available 41F Shiodome City Center Bldg, 1-5-2 Higashi Shinbashi, Minato-ku

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TOKYO CREATIVE WEEKS

Mansaku Nomura

Tojiro Yamamoto

Ernesto Neto, hene yube rio jiboia gente é um sopro que atravessa a gente, 2014 Installation view at CCBB Brasilia. Photo: Joana França

Man Nomura

From traditional performances to contemporary arts, the festival presents a full palette of art experiences in one

A

s the autumn approaches, why not fall into the world of art and culture at the Tokyo Creative Weeks? The TCW is a seven-week festival celebrating traditional culture and contemporary art in various venues around the city.

The festival offers fascinating exhibits, as well as interactive programs. For the season dubbed in Japan as a time for whetting appetites, get immersed in and inspired by the creative side of Tokyo!

KYOGEN: SUPREMACY AND SUCCESSORS Kyogen is a kind of spoken drama that is based upon laughter and comedy, an art form passed down from generation to generation, for more than 600 years. It is often performed as interludes in Noh performances, another type of theater with which it shares history. The predominantly male actors have kyogen in their blood, coming from families of performers who pass on the art form from generation to generation. Of them, three particular kyogen actors are deemed living national treasures of Japan.

And will perform for the first time in the same show. Witness history in the making! Oct 28, 6:30pm, ¥2,000-6,000. National Theatre of Japan, 4-1 Hayabusacho, Chiyoda-ku. Hanzomon. www.ntj.jac.go.jp/english.html

Image from WALLFLOWER by Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak, July 2014. Photo: Rotem Mizrahi

TOKYO ART MEETING (V): SEEKING NEW GENEALOGIES— BODIES/LEAPS/TRACES In an age of uncertainty with an unclear future, people want to affirm their corporeal selves as a solid touchstone. They examine traces on their bodies to find the sources of their feelings, memories and knowledge. In this exhibition, “Seeking New Genealogies— Bodies/Leaps/Traces,” traces of the memory and knowledge that remain in the body have been put into expression across the ages, arriving at a new genealogy born from creativity, with the intention of rethinking contemporary expression. Tokyo Art Meeting welcomes kyogen master Mansai Nomura, who has

also been highly appreciated as a contemporary theater director and actor, as its general advisor. His body inherits 600 years of tradition while suddenly leaping forward to today, sharing a variety of forms of contemporary expression and creating new creative genes.

Along with new works, the exhibition displays paintings, video works and live performances as an alternative form of an installation. Audiences can appreciate and experience the multifaceted nature of performance in composite, multiple ways. Sep 27, 2014-Jan 4, 2015, ¥600-1,200. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku. KiyosumiShirakawa. www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng

SENJU PUN-FILLED MUSIC FESTIVAL: 1010 PEOPLE IN SENJU In addition to exhibitions in halls and museums, the TCW also has community events. On October 12 (Sun) from 3pm, a music festival will be held at a Senju district fish market, featuring composer Makoto Nomura and performances by 1,010 other participants. The NPO formed by the citizens and students of Adachi ward seeks to enliven their town through sounds. There will be noted musical pros, and a mixture of various styles and concepts to create beautiful and lively music. A great chance to feel the joy and beauty of music and meet people—or even fall in love. Oct 12, 3-5pm, free. Senju District, Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, Adachi Market. Kita-Senju. www.aaa-senju.com

13

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14

fashion fix

FASHION WEEK

BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR

Tokyo Fashion Week, or Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo to give the week its official title, is with us for the spring-summer 2015 season, running from the 13th to 19th of October. While the official week is the focus for many—featuring, as it does, a decent dose of heavyweight domestic luxury fashion brands as well as international hopefuls keen to break the Japanese market—there’s plenty off the official schedule to occupy

keen fashionistas. And the best thing is that these shows are often open to the general public.

If you only go to one event, make it the Shibuya Fashion Festival on the 19th, the last day of the official schedule. Far from the polished catwalks of Hikarie where the Mercedes-Benz sponsored events are held, this is a celebration of the avant-garde style celebrated on the streets.

Shiseido

ON POINT

co—opened its first dedicated flagship in Daikanyama last month, marking the occasion in style with a host of limited-edition designs and plenty of champagne. The core Orobianco line may be known for its refined Italian sensibilities across a vast range of bags and accessories, but the new Desertika line is a step into edgier territory, with designs fit for desert survival in both the practical and aesthetic sense.

Highlights from the all-madein-Japan first season include heatregulating outdoor wear that’s not only built for the highs and lows of the desert climate but could also be packed down into its own pocket-sized pouch, as well as items made out of cutting-edge textiles from Fukui-based innovators Kaytay Texinno coupled with classic Italian leather.

If you’re looking for protective gear for a trek into the great unknown—or just to keep you dry and warm on your daily commute— Desertika is definitely worth a look as the weather takes a turn for the cool. http://desertika.jp/

STREET FOCUS

Shiseido

SHOPPING STRATEGY New menswear brand Desertika—from international heavyweight Italian luggage line Orobian-

Tokyo street fashion may not be defined by its fashion tribes of late, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t identifiable looks sweeping the streets— they just don’t have the handy handle associated with the likes of gyaru or visual-kei from generations past. This season, without a doubt the most recognizable look on the street is the “soft and hard” look as seen above, broadly defined by layering soft sheer or lace layers on top of opaque fabrics, with fashion pros going for up to four or five alternating layers in a single outfit. Novices should start with a single oversized sheer layer over a close-fitting base and take it from there.

Photo by Samuel Thomas

Tokyo menswear maestro Yuichi Yoshii is bringing his Versus Tokyo event back to Tokyo Fashion Week after a season of absence.

Also the owner of cult Tokyo select shop The Contemporary Fix, for many years he’s been an architect of both Tokyo street trends and exclusive fashion destined for the VIP room, having introduced the likes of Mr. Gentleman, Phenomenon and Mastermind Japan to the city, the lattermost famously using real diamonds in its clothing tags.

The shows and events that are open to the public this season are sponsored by Shiseido’s men’s line of skincare products, with Yoshii producing a number of collaboration items to mark the occasion, including pouches for the premium line of Shiseido Men cosmetics.

The Versus Tokyo catwalks kick off during the day on Saturday, with high-profile showings planned from Toga Virilis and Facetasm. But the crown jewel comes from cult skater brand C.E (a.k.a. Cav Empt), whose runway show kicks off at midnight on the dot, followed by after-parties set to last until the early hours of Sunday.

TOKYO FASHION WEEK CALENDAR Oct 10-19 | Shibuya Fashion Week Taking the lead, the Shibuyabased festivities begin across the area with events in Marui, Parco and 109 for anyone to enjoy. http://shibuya-fw.com/

Oct 13-18 | Tokyo Fashion Week Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo kicks off on Monday with a highly anticipated show from headline brand Dresscamp.

This show is strictly invitation only, but Somarta is also having an installation in Seibu Shibuya that the public can enjoy. http://tokyo-mbfashionweek. com/

Oct 18 | Shibuya Fashion Festival Miyashita Park, exactly halfway between Harajuku and Shibuya, is home to this open-air festival of fashion, art, music and food, while the surrounding shops will be going retail crazy, offering timely deals for fashion fans of all genres. www.shibuyafashionfestival. com

Oct 18-19 | Versus Tokyo This overnight celebration of menswear starts at 2pm with a runway show from Mr. Gentleman, but goes right through the night and well into the morning. Pace yourself and enjoy the ride. http://tokyo-mbfashionweek. com/

Oct 19 | Tokyo New Age Fashion Show on Bunkamura street The hottest ticket this fashion week is open to the general public with an outdoor fashion show on Bunkamura street, just a few minutes’s walk from Shibuya station. Some of the city’s most acclaimed brands are taking part, so let’s hope the weather holds. http://shibuya-fw.com/

15

movies featured movie

BY DON MORTON

MILLION DOLLAR ARM The story’s more or less true. A few years back, sports agent J.B. Bernstein hit on the idea of launching the eponymous reality show in India to entice cricket bowlers into becoming baseball pitchers. Two hopefuls were selected and eventually offered contracts by the Pittsburgh Pirates. They were then relegated to some third-tier farm team where they performed without distinction. I think one of them won a game. Never made The Show. MLB’s cynical involvement in this blatant attempt to tap into a potential market of 1.2 billion new baseball fans is topped only by Disney’s even greater cynicism in shoehorning the story into its moldy, feel-good, sports-underdog mold in order to get 1.2 billion Indian butts into theater seats. The movie is sappy, obvious, maudlin and bloated at two hours. Jon Hamm demonstrates that his range does not extend beyond hard-bitten advertising execs—certainly not to light, fish-out-of-water comedy. It’s actually painful to watch. The hackneyed, by-the-numbers screenplay by Thomas McCarthy is a disappointment from the guy who wrote Up and wrote/directed The Station Agent and The Visitor. At no time does anyone play baseball. As sports movies go, this is strictly minor league. (124 min)

©2014「蜩ノ記」製作委員会

© IMAGE.NET

© Big Eyes SPV, LLC

eiga

movie news

cinematic underground

Writer-director Takashi Koizumi has gone on to a stellar career [After the Rain (2000), Best Wishes for Tomorrow (2008)]

By Rob Schwartz after his role as Akira Kurosawa’s assistant director for many of his later works, and ended up making his unproduced scripts and hiring much of his team. It’s a good thing Koizumi is up to the gigantic task.

Higurashi no Ki is a samurai tale told without a false note, and with much quiet intensity. Danno (Junichi Okada) is a young, highly skilled samurai who’s forced to scuffle with another of his rank on palace grounds. The punishment for such an infraction is death—but he’s spared that fate by the magistrate. Instead, Danno must watch over Toda (Koji Yakusho), an older samurai writing a history of the province who has been ordered to commit seppuku in three years due to an alleged indiscretion. When Danno goes to live with Toda and his wife (Mieko Harada), daughter (Maki Horikita) and son (Haruto Yoshida), he learns the man is truly a beacon of wisdom and justice, and has simply taken responsibility for a scandal so the province could save face. Danno attempts to clear Toda, sliding deeply into in palace politics, while falling in love with his daughter. It’s a rare Japanese film these days, realized with so much grace, insight, subtle emotion and power. English title: A Samurai Chronicle (128 min)

When two veteran actors meet on a film set, there can be a synergy between their talents. That was the situation with the action thriller The Equalizer, despite a 43-year age difference between the two leads. Based on the ’80s TV drama, Denzel Washington plays a mildmannered man who draws on his past military training when he sees injustice around him, including a teenager forced into prostitution, played by Chloë Grace Moretz.

Washington became a household name in films such as Glory and Malcom X before Moretz was even born, but the 17-year-old has been acting more than half her life and brought an intense approach to her role. “Sometimes it’s good for a role to affect you personally,” she said at a press conference during the Toronto International Film Festival. “Sometimes it’s OK to have your own emotions become entwined with your character’s.” Washington agreed, saying, “You take something of everything you do home with you.” The Oscar winner related he likes to take things slow on the first day of filming, comparing himself to a jazz musician ready to take a solo but first feeling out the rhythm. He also admitted he’s never done a film where he’s not nervous for the first take or two. His young costar had some advice for him: “We have to step back and remember it is just a job,” Moretz said.

The Equalizer opens in Japan October 25. www.equalizer.jp Kevin Mcgue

The 27th Tokyo International Film Festival will run Oct 23-31 at Roppongi Hills and other venues. One highlight will be Charlie Chaplin’s silent masterpiece City Lights, screening at the recently rebuilt Kabukiza theater on Oct 27, which the actor visited in 1932.

Tim Burton’s many fans in Japan will have reason to rejoice as the fest previews footage from his upcoming Big Eyes (pictured), starring Amy Adams as ’60s pop artist Margaret Keane. Then the major exhibition, “The World of Tim Burton,” will open Nov 1 at the Mori Arts Center. TIFF tickets go on sale Oct 11 (http://2014.tiff-jp.net/en/)... Waseda Shochiku (1-5-16 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku; www.wasedashochiku. co.jp) continues its run of affordable double features (¥1,300 for two flicks isn’t bad) this autumn with the Coen Brothers’ The Man Who Wasn’t There and Inside Llewyn Davis (Oct 11-17), as well as Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Grand Budapest Hotel (Oct 25-31)... The Sitges Film Festival in Spain is considered the world’s foremost showcase of fantasy and horror films. In case you haven’t been able to make it to the Catalan resort town in recent years, ShinBungeiza in Ikebukuro (3F, 1-43-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro Toshima-ku; www.shin-bungeiza.com) is doing an allnight screening of recent hits. KM

HIGURASHI NO KI

16

More reviews and theater details: metropolis.co.jp/movies

BY DON MORTON

NEW

FRANK An aspiring but untalented songwriter wannabe (Domhnall Gleeson) insinuates himself into an eccentric, punkish band fronted by the title character, a virtuoso/freak who never takes off his huge, papier-mâché stage head. Ever. Michael Fassbender, the actor inside the head, amazingly makes Frank a fully developed character without the use of his face—a talent that’s hard to hide. This affable oddity is funny, quirky, original and honest. It gradually deepens into an examination of the effects of social media hype on true creativity and of the thin line between genius and madness. Also Maggie Gyllenhaal. (95 min)

NEW

UNDER THE SKIN An alien in a gorgeous human body (an intense Scarlett Johansson, in a “brave” career move) drives her van around Scotland enticing young, unattached men to their doom.

This adaptation of Michel Faber’s novel is hard to call.

There’s little exposition and almost no characterization, as the film relies on nightmarish imagery, complex sound design and a menacing score to tell its tale. If you’re looking for a mainstream sci-fi/horror flick, keep looking. If you’re willing to surrender yourself to an existential, highly atmospheric and deeply creepy movie “experience,” then this is for you. Japanese title: Under the Skin: Tane no Hoshoku. (107 min)

JERSEY BOYS You probably wouldn’t think of Clint Eastwood as the best choice to adapt a jukebox stage musical to the screen.

And though he imbues the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons with palpable atmosphere, he mistakenly concentrates on the group’s dramatically inert and unremarkable rags-to-riches-to-rags backstory.

Ultimately, like most filmed Broadway musicals, this one made me wish I was watching the stage show instead. Should have been dancing in the aisles rather than slogging through another behind-the-music soap opera. Put succinctly, while mildly diverting, this ain’t no Ray or Walk the Line. (134 min)

NEW

OUT OF THE FURNACE The pragmatic Russell (Christian Bale) works when he can in a rust-belt steel mill. His Iraq-vet kid brother Rodney (Casey Affleck) opts to participate in clandestine bare-knuckle fights. He persuades bookie Willem Dafoe to get him a match in a lucrative New Jersey fight ring run by a notorious hillbilly hood, played in full sociopath mode

by Woody Harrelson. Stuff happens, and the movie morphs into a neo-noir revenge thriller with a Winter’s Bone vibe to it. Slightly predictable and sags a bit, but it’s amazing to watch what these committed actors do with their admittedly underwritten characters. Japanese title: Furnace: Ketsubetsu no Asa. (116 min)

NEW

MINDSCAPE Also called Anna. In a world where “telepathic detec tives” can poke through your memories to solve problems and/or crimes, one such mind sleuth is tasked with persuading a rich kid to eat. He’s just getting back into the game after memories of his wife’s death interfered with his work, and young Anna presents him with more than just a bratty hunger strike. Though blandly directed, this scifi psychodrama offers fair suspense but little originality.

The versatile Mark Strong is always good, and Taissa Farmiga, Vera’s 21-years-younger sister, is an actress to watch. Both deserve a better picture. Japanese title: Kioku Tantei to Kagi no Kakatta Shojo. (99 min)

RED OBSESSION For a while, this is an interesting and informative look at the Bordeaux region’s centuries-old traditions of blending soil, weather and craftsmanship to create the works of art they call wines. It then moves to a discussion of the skyrocketing prices of the best vintages, which are in effect making their top wines too expensive to drink, and leaving behind their traditional markets (the U.S.). Enter the Chinese (see clever title), who view these astounding wines rather as status symbols. Film talks with some obscenely rich collectors. One manufactures dildos. Seriously. It’s depressing. Japanese title: Sekaiichi Utsukushii Bordeaux no Himitsu. (75 min)

NEW

WAKE IN FRIGHT Thought to be lost until recently, Ted Kotcheff’s shocking 1971 Aussie film is quite unlike anything you’ve ever seen. A vacationing schoolteacher (Gary Bond) gets sidetracked in a boozy outback town and loses all his money gambling.

He falls in with a vicious band of hard-drinking, kangaroo-massacring sociopaths (including Jack Thompson and the ever-creepy Donald Pleasence), and discovers depths of depravity within himself he never dreamed existed. This intense examination of the ephemeral nature of “civilization” is not an easy sit, but it’s compellingly watchable. Made me want a drink. And a shower.

Japanese title: Koya no Chidoriashi. (116 min)

FRANKIE & ALICE Frankie is a black ’70s go-go dancer who suffers from multiple personality disorder, sharing her body with a precocious seven-year-old nicknamed “Genius” and, get this, a vicious southern racist called Alice.

Stellan Skarsgård is the psychologist who diagnoses and documents her disorder. Halle Berry, trying perhaps a bit too hard for a second Oscar, does what she can with the bland material (based on a true story, etc.) but never really disappears into the role(s). As a whole, the movie is mildly interesting, frequently lurid, a tad cartoonish and never truly engaging. (101 min)

LE WEEK-END On what was to be a n o s t a l g i c a t te m p t to celebrate 30 years of complex but affectionate marriage, Brits Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan (never better) travel to Paris to revisit the scenes of their honeymoon. The trip reveals both their strong bond and some halfburied fissures. As movies about the gently aging go, you could view this as an antidote to fluff like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It’s well crafted, intelligent, mischievous, melancholy and even profound. A memorable dinner party scene in which things come to a head is alone worth the price of admission. Also a superb Jeff Goldblum. Japanese title: Weekend wa Paris de. (93 min)

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY With no less than two H an S o l o t y p es , t hi s irreverent, self-satirizing space romp has rebel swagger to spare. One’s a raccoon (voice by Bradley Cooper). The other, played by career goofball Chris Pratt, is a self-mythologizing space rogue who listens while doing his banditry to a ’70s mix tape on a vintage Walkman. He and a surrogate family of misfits come together to stop the villain from taking over the universe, etc. They comprise a blue Zoe Saldana, a literalminded Dave Bautista, and the voice of Vin Diesel as an Ent-like tree creature. It’s self-aware, silly, funky and thoroughly enjoyable. (121 min)

FRANCES HA Noah Baumbach’s (Kicking and Screaming, The Squid and the Whale) tale of a 27-yearold woman struggling with impending maturity (now termed a “quarter-life crisis”) stands way out from a seemingly endless parade of Gen-X dreck. Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote with the director, brings along her gifts for physical comedy and off-kilter timing. An aspiring dancer, Frances misses social cues, ignores advice and talks too much.

Her complacent life is derailed by the impending marriage of her roomie Sophie (Sting’s kid Mickey Sumner; great). Exuberant, poignant, wryly funny and offbeat without cynicism. It’s honest. (86 min)

TIME IS ILLMATIC A perk of reviewing films is watching music document aries ab ou t performers and genres y o u d o n’ t , u m , c o m monly follow. This one is about one of hip-hop’s most intellectual artists, Nasir “Nas” Jones, celebrating his influential debut album 20 years back. Man’s a poet.

Using archival footage (helpfully subtitled) and talking heads, the film links what was happening in the recording studio with the politics and policy at the time of being black in America. It’s brisk and stylish, and avoids hagiography. Fans will love it, and neophytes can learn something. I did. Still don’t like hiphop. Japanese title: Nas: Time is Illmatic. (73 min)

NEW

NEW

Out of the Furnace: © 2013 Furnace Films, LLC All Rights Reserved; Frank: © 2013 EP Frank Limited, Channel Four Television Corporation and the British Film Institute; Under the Skin: © Seventh Kingdom Productions Limited, Channel Four Television Corporation and The British Film Institute 2014; Jersey Boys: © 2014 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND RATPAC ENTERTAINMENT; Million Dollar Arm: © 2014 Disney Enterprise, Inc. All Rights Reserved.; Mindscape: Stills photographs by Quim Vives - Copyright © 2013 OMBRA FILMS, S.L.; Red Obsession: © 2012 Lion Rock Films Pty Limited; Wake in Fright: © 2012 Wake In Fright Trust. All Rights Reserved.; Frankie & Alice: © 2009 F&A PRODUCTION SERVICES INC. All Rights Reserved.; Le Week-End: © 2013 Free Range Films Limited/ The British Film Institute / Curzon Film Rights 2 and Channel Four Television Corporation.; Guardians of the Galaxy: © Marvel 2014 All rights reserved.; Frances Ha: © Pine District, LLC.; Time is Illmatic: © COPYRIGHT ILLA FILMS, LLC 2014

17

city life

Face it: in Japan, the ratio of available seating to time spent waiting just sucks. Smartphone games and apps help kill the time, but what will rescue your poor aching feet? That’s where the ingenious Book Stool from Going Furniture sweeps in to save your soles. This 5cm-thick portable “book” fans out in a flash to become a stool that can support up to 80kg of weary bones. Available online at Amazon (¥3,240), it can be stored in your bookcase when at home. At 1.62kg, it’s a little hefty (think coffee table book), but it’s a fair trade if you consider that it will support you (and your reading material) in return. http://meturl.com/bookstool www.goingfurniture.jp

HANGOVER HELPER Local secrets for beating the blaggggghs

BY MARTIN LEROUX

There’s no escaping alcohol in Japan. The spirited beverage—which since the dawn of time has acted as stimulus for many a celebration and scapegoat for as many bad choices—has embedded itself so deeply into Japanese socioculture that just about any gathering results in a nomikai (drinking party).

But where there is drunkenness, there are hangovers. Sleep, bread and lots of water are the general go-tos in combatting these painful reminders of an evening spent a little too well. But every country has its methods for a more immediate recovery, and Japan is no exception.

Ukon—the Japanese word for “turmeric”— is a perennial favorite. Known primarily as an ingredient in curry, turmeric is believed to help detoxify the liver, among its other benefits, and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The Japanese seem to believe this too: most convenience stores stock turmeric-based

18

Reminiscent of U.S. women’s retailer Anthropologie without the clothes, Jiyugaoka’s Timeless Comfort is one of those home shops where you covet everything in sight. The first floor has colorful, useful kitchen items including cast-iron cookware and the usual accoutrements, plus a café ensconced at the back where you can get bagel French toast for ¥702. Floor two offers cozy, quality furnishings—a bit pricey but not ridiculous—while the basement boasts organic products from soaps to fabrics. Any purchase will surely give your home a fashionable, friendly touch!

2-9 -11 Jiyugaoka, Meguro - ku (also in Shibuya). www.timelesscomfort.com

Ever want to make the airport luggage carousel look like a kaiten-zushi conveyor belt?

Parco now offers nylon suitcase covers that will turn your travel bag into a massive piece of maguro (tuna), ebi (shrimp), tamago (egg) or salmon sushi. Priced at ¥3,024, they’re available at Shibuya Parco Part-1 and Omise Parco on the fourth floor of Narita Airport Terminal 1—though the tamago style is only available at the airport. Or just order any of the four styles online at http://meturl.com/sushicover. Made from polyester, they’re sized for 70-liter bags (42.5 x 30 x 64cm), so monster sushi is for the moment off the menu. Just don’t try to eat your luggage when you’re jetlagged and hungry.

drinks, of which Ukon no Chikara (“The Power of Turmeric”) is the most recognizable. Many izakaya are equipped with ukon in powder form, while the Okinawaoriginated ukoncha (turmeric tea) is also popular in some circles.

Whatever its form, locals take ukon before and after alcohol.

Another ingredient with supposed remedial superpowers is umeboshi. The notorious pickled plum found in many onigiri rice balls and obento boxes is said to ease stomach pains and slow the body’s processing of alcohol if consumed before drinking (at the very least, the sourness should temporarily distract from the headache!).

Sports drinks are also a standard remedy.

The unfortunately named Pocari Sweat and its myriad salty, vaguely grapefruit-flavored counterparts help rehydrate the body and get the

toxins out of your system. Some people even use sports drinks to help with stomachaches and fevers.

If none of those are your cup (of whatever), grab a bowl of miso soup with clams—known to be high in amino acids that could help with stomach pains and other hangover symptoms.

SAKE SURVIVORS When drinking sake, the key is hangover avoidance. Drinking water or soda as you sip—a process that even has a name, “yawaragi mizu”—will usually keep you in the clear, and has the approval of nearly all the contributors to our sake special, including Sumibiyaki Dining Abeya and Yoshi no Sasa. However, some of our specialists had a few additional hangover remedies of their own: ⊲⊲ Nakafuku recommends umeboshi, a sauna and “mukai-zake” (hair of the dog). ⊲⊲ Akita Pure Rice Sake suggests that drinking warm sake (e.g. atsu-kan) or pure rice sake will reduce the likelihood of developing a hangover in the first place. ⊲⊲ Sakeoh advises eating soba one noodle at a time—and taking your time with it.

in person

THE GO-TO MAN OF TOKYO Fox’s Dan Smith snares the stars TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MIKE KANERT

People are Dan Smith’s business—specifically, entertainment people. As creator and producer of Fox Backstage Pass, his goal isn’t just to get the biggest celebrities onto his weekly entertainment program: it’s to get those stars to look at what he can offer and definitively say, “Yeah, let’s do that.”

“There are a lot of things we do that are different,” Smith says in his seventh-floor office just south of Harajuku. “But, in all honesty, I had to do those things because I had to do something where we stood out.”

It was Smith who leveraged his experience as a former U.S. Air Force public relations superintendent to get Will Smith (no relation) on a Blackhawk helicopter ride from Nishi Azabu to Yokota Air Base and back to promote I Am Legend in 2007. At the time Smith was producing entertainment segments for Japanese networks with his independent Access Television LLC, and the stunt caught the attention of Fox. Smith subsequently got the principal cast of 2012’s Battleship onto an actual U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, and when Tom Cruise came to promote Edge of Tomorrow, the Japanese distributor naturally approached him to find out what he could do to help promote the film.

The feather in his cap was when the promoter for Michael Jackson himself sought Smith out to cover what would have been the King of Pop’s final Japanese tour. “That's when I started thinking, oh, maybe I'm kind of successful at this,” Smith says.

Now his only problem is the high bar he’s set. “I've got to make it better than what people would expect,” he says of his centerpiece show. “That's the challenge that comes with me, and that’s the challenge I stress for our series: let's not make it good; let's make it greater.”

That can only get harder as Fox Backstage Pass approaches its 300th episode in 2015. While the show has had a few hosts since Gow and Suzuki shooting Fox Backstage Pass. first airing in 2009, it’s presently He’s currently fired up about Fox’s impendfronted by Matthew Ireton, Ryohei Suzuki (star of Tokyo Tribe), and Maria Theresa Gow, better ing Halloween creep-fest, the Walking Dead known by her stage name, Gow. “We made a Horror House, planned for October 10-12 at conscious decision with Ryohei, Gow and Mat- Obaken Haunted Mansion near Honancho thew that we wanted to upscale it a bit,” Smith station. Last year, Smith enlisted nearly every says, noting that he offered Suzuki the show as student at Yamano College of Aesthetics to a vehicle for expanding his own personal brand. orchestrate a 1,000-zombie invasion of Tokyo While the hosts introduce each broadcast in Tower that went viral around the world. “We Japanese, 70 percent of the program is actu- don't just think of it as a TV program,” Smith ally in English, and even Japanese stars prefer says. “We think of it as our communicative tool to display their multilingual chops when in the to everybody out there. It's our stamp. It says who we are.” interview chair—or limo, or helicopter.

As big fans of Halloween, we’re hoping he It’s that variety that keeps Smith going. “I get up every day excited that I am never going to can raise that bar yet again.

Fox Backstage Pass premieres Saturdays have the same day—never,” he says. “It's never going to repeat itself. That in itself just gets me at 1:30am on Fox Japan, with repeats Sundays charged up to go out there and kick some ass. at 8:30am. It also airs on Fox Movies Premium I love that aspect about my job, and I love that and the Fox Sports and Entertainment channels. http://tv.foxjapan.com aspect about my programs.”

19

arts&culture COMMUTER GAMER

A FRESH SLICE OF HORROR GAMING

BY ADAM BOLTON

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Clock Tower game franchise, and Hifumi Kono, the creator of the largely successful horror series, has decided to team up with famed horror director Takashi Shimizu (known for the Ju-on—or The Grudge—film series) to create a spiritual successor of the Clock Tower games.

The initial targets are iOS, Android and mobile platforms, but there is promise of porting to consoles later on.

Working under a limited budget, Kono and his newly formed studio, Nude Maker Inc., are

taking on the project with a liberated indie spirit.

Cryptically entitled Project Scissors and set for release in 2015, players will find themselves cast as a character taking passage aboard a cruise

The Great Wave off the Coast of Kanagawa from the series “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” (ca. 1830-34), Museum of Fine Arts Boston

ART

HOKUSAI FROM BOSTON

ist of the Edo period is back in town with this reasonablysized exhibition of around 140 of his works at the Ueno Royal Museum.

Adding extra poignancy is that the works are not mere pieces collec ting dust on Japanese museum walls, but from the collection of the Boston Museum, a pioneer in collecting and promoting Japanese art in the West.

It may seem strange that Boston has such a wealth of Japanese art, but it comes as a result of Japan’s particularly close ties with

Surfing on the tsunami of Japan’s greatest artist

BY C.B. LIDDELL

Tokyo hasn’t had a big exhibition on Hokusai for a few years—possibly because, after the 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami, the image of a large wave might have been a little hard to sell.

Finally, Japan’s greatest acknowledged art-

20

ship, where a spate of gruesome murders begins to take place. Eventually, the ship becomes immobilized and adrift in the ocean, leaving the player tasked with investigating the murders while protecting the remaining “innocents” who have survived.

Shimizu is slated to take the role of creative producer, and is also tasked with directing a live-action teaser for the venture. Masahiko Ito, creature designer for the venerated Silent Hill franchise, has also signed on, and other gaming industry partnerships are set to be announced as things further develop.

With the recent announcement that Guillermo del Toro and Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima will be working together to revitalize Silent Hill, Kono and Shimizu have taken similar steps to let fans know that Japanese horror—and more importantly, the indie spirit of gaming—are still alive and well.

19th-century New England. New England’s whaling industry brought first its schooners to the northwestern Pacific, but the relationship between both nations developed through missionaries and professionals such as Ernest Fenollosa and William Sturgis Bigelow—the latter a doctor who donated 40,000 Japanese works to the Boston Museum.

Hokusai is a Japanese artist known the world over, thanks to pieces such as the iconic The Great Wave off the Coast of Kanagawa from the “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” series.

What is striking is Hokusai’s lack of artistic integrity—a trait that is refreshing when most modern artists obsessively strive for a distinct style, such as Kusama Yayoi’s dots or Takashi Murakami’s geek-chic aesthetic. Hokusai, on the other hand, was content with trying his hand with any subject, and his methods and style frequently changed—as did his name.

Some of his works seemingly imitate Chinese styles. Others mimic the perspectives and other characteristics of Western art: View of Noboto Beach at Low Tide from the Salt Beds of Gyotoku was even printed with a brown edge replicating a Western painting frame. He was a polymorphous artist of the people—a master of popular tastes.

With art covering the seven decades of Hokusai’s career, there’s plenty to appreciate and enjoy from the man whose creativity was like a tsunami: picking up different things and creating ripples extending around the world.

Until Nov 9, ¥400-1,500, Ueno Royal Museum. Open Sat-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm.

1-2 Ueno Park. Ueno. www.ueno-mori.org

It’s a testament to the power and universality of American roots music that it can take in the suffering of an Aboriginal Australian.

“That song is influenced by indigenous stories I’ve heard of cultural disenfranchisement,” Aussie singer-songwriter John Butler explains about the track “Cold Wind” from his new album Flesh & Blood.

“Having your land and culture taken away from you, things that have happened in my country… There was one story that broke the camel’s back: a friend from Uluru who was taken away from his family; that inspired that song.”

Butler says from his home in Fremantle in Western Australia that the American roots revival scene spearheaded by the likes of Ben Harper and Jack Johnson had a big influence on Aussie musicians. “I was busking on the streets around the time Ben’s first or second album came out,” he recalls. “In Fremantle, there was a whole acoustic thing going on—something called the Moody Tuesdays down at a bar called Mojo that my future manager ran, and that’s kind of where I cut my teeth.”

The fact that the American roots revivalists also tended to be surfers and/or skaters may have helped the music find favor in Australia. Butler himself was aiming to be a pro skater before music took him on a different path. Debuting in 2001 with Three, the John Butler Trio have notched up three number-one albums in Australia and become a fixture of the worldwide festival scene, including this year’s Fuji Rock Festival.

MUSIC

moon—but we can’t hold each other’s hands. We can create life but we spend most of our time destroying it. I find it strange that we have so much potential but use so much of it to destroy things.”

Butler says the best songs are a mixture of epiphanies and hard work. “Often, you have to scrape away the dust to reveal the skeleton of the song,” he muses. “It’s kind of like archeology. You use all your craft and art to bring the skeleton out of the ground without breaking the pure idea that it began with. You hone it and distill it and sharpen it into focus, but often the nucleus of the song is a wild, untamed thing.”

A cocktail of hard work, inspiration and being in the right place at the right time have brought Butler to a position of worldwide acclaim. But the onetime would-be pro skater is philosophical about the life of a public entertainer.

“I started skateboarding at about 12, and was obsessed with getting sponsored,” he remembers ruefully. “When I realized that wasn’t working out, I began to focus on music, and now I skateboard for the fun of it.

“That experience taught me early on to enjoy the journey more than the destination. I try not to get too obsessed with achievements over craft.

Always love your craft more than the achievements that result from it.”

Oct 22, 7:30pm; Oct 23, 7:30pm, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Ex Theater Roppongi. Roppongi or Nogizaka. Tel: 03-5720-9999. www. smash-jpn.com

THINK LOCAL, ROCK GLOBAL John Butler’s roots rock branches worldwide

BY DAN GRUNEBAUM

“Japan has always been a special place for us,” the reedy-voiced singer observes. “It’s a different market—there’s so much J-pop that Western music holds a different position. No matter how big you may be elsewhere, when you come to Japan you’re part of an underground scene—and that’s kind of cool. You’re part of a noncommercial scene that loves music, and our fans often notice the small details of what we do—the extra things we do on guitar. The crowd really appreciates that.”

While vexed with the larger state of the world, Butler seems mostly content with life in Fremantle, and is quick to point out that Western Australia isn’t a music backwater, but a place that’s produced the likes of INXS and, more recently, Tame Impala. When Metropolis reaches him, he’s taking some days off touring, spending time with family (his wife is also a professional musician), and writing new compositions.

“There’s a new song loosely called ‘Why Don’t We Use Our Wings to Fly,’” he says. “It grapples with the frustrating situation that man has put himself in. He’s so intelligent, we can get to the

21

agenda

WATCH LIST Concerts POPULAR

(adv) +1d. Club Quattro.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.smash-jpn.com Boston

Buzz the Bears

Fuzzy punk rockers. Oct 3, 7pm, ¥2,800 (adv) +1d.

O-West. Shibuya. www. creativeman.co.jp Nature Airliner Presents Vol. 8

Punk with The Complaints Department, Die by Forty and Sorcha Chisholm. Oct 3, 7pm, ¥2,000. Crocodile. Shibuya. tinyurl.com/kmk94jc Tomomi Kahara

Controversial J-pop singer.

Oct 4, 5:15pm; Oct 5, 4:15pm, ¥6,800 (adv). NHK Hall.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-3465-1751. www.kyodotokyo.com Mariah Carey

Singer, songwriter, diva. Oct 4, 5pm, ¥9,000-18,000. Makuhari Messe. Kaihin-Makuhari. meturl.com/3z. Oct 6, 7pm, ¥9,000-18,000. Yokohama Arena. Shin-Yokohama. Tel: 045-474-4000. meturl.com/3z Raster-Noton Japan Tour 2014

A German electronic music record label's tour, featuring Diamond Version, Emptyset, Kyoka and Ueno Masaaki. Oct 4, midnight, ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,000 (door). Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-5459-8630. meturl.com/ rasternoton2014 Night Ranger

‘80s rock band from San Francisco. Oct 5, 5pm; Oct 6, 7pm, ¥7,500-8,500. Shibuya Public Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3463-3022. meturl.com/ night14 Backyard Diary

Husking Bee, Dustbox, My First Story and others. Oct 5, 2pm, ¥3,900 (adv) +1d. O-East and O-Nest. Shibuya. www. creativeman.co.jp Philippines Rock Fundraiser

Tokyo rockers The Watanabes perform for disaster relief. Oct 5, 6:30pm, ¥1,500. Akasaka Crawfish. Akasaka. Tel: 03-3584-2496. meturl.com/ philrelief02 Grant Nicholas

Lead singer of Feeder's solo project. Oct 7, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. www.smash-jpn.com Hot Chelle Rae

Nashville-based pop-rock trio. Oct 7, 7pm, ¥5,500 (adv) +1d. O-East. Shibuya. www. creativeman.co.jp Coldrain

Melodic post-hardcore from Nagoya. Oct 8, 7pm, ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,000 (door) +1d.

Zepp Tokyo. Aomi. www. creativeman.co.jp Skinny Lister

Rambunctious British folk band. Oct 8, 7:30pm, ¥6,000

22

"More Than a Feeling" and "Don't Look Back" hitmakers.

Oct 2 & 9, 7pm, ¥11,00012,000. Nippon Budokan.

Kudanshita. meturl.com/ boston14 Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra

Ukulele-playing music-comedy ensemble. Oct 9, 6:30pm, ¥3,000 +1d. Duo Music Exchange. Shibuya. musicforlife.co.jp/ neighbor/201408/wiuo.html Asagiri Jam

Music festival with artists Skinny Lister, Jeff Lang and more. Oct 11-12, 2pm, ¥15,000. Asagiri Arena.

Fujinomiya. http:// smash-jpn.com/asagiri/ New Values Vol. 1

locofrank, My Hair is Bad, Another Story and more.

Oct 11, 6pm, ¥2,500 (adv).

Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3444-6751. http://meturl. com/newvalues2014

Pierrot

’90s visual-kei band makes a comeback. Oct 24, 6:30pm; Oct 25, 4pm, ¥9,500 (adv) +1d. Saitama Super Arena.

Saitama-Shintoshin. l-tike. com Noisemaker

Emo-rock with catchy melodies. Oct 24, 7pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door).

Club Quattro. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3477-8750. www. club-quattro.com Ken Yokoyama

Japanese guitarist with guest band Over Arm Throw. Oct 25, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv). Yokohama Bay Hall. MotomachiChukagai. Tel: 03-3444-6751. www.pizzaofdeath.com

G. Love and Special Sauce

Alternative, laid-back hip hop ensemble. Oct 13, 6pm, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Liquidroom.

Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. www.smash-jpn.com Yuki Koyanagi

J-pop princess from Saitama.

Oct 17, 7pm, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Ex Theater Roppongi.

Roppongi or Nogizaka. www.yuki-koyanagi.jp Loud Park 14

Contemporary jazz. Oct 18, 2 & 3pm, ¥2,000. Softwind.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp

JAZZ/WORLD

Paquito D'Rivera & Trio Corrente

With 10-Feet and more. Oct 26, 11:30am, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Saitama Super Arena.

Saitama-Shintoshin. bowlinelive.jp

Latin jazz. Oct 5, 5 & 8pm; Oct 6, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥8,500.

Blue Note. Omotesando.

Tel: 03-5485-0088. www. bluenote.co.jp

Feelflip

Japanese five-piece ska punk band. Oct 26, 3pm, ¥2,500 (adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Ebisu.

Tel: 03-3444-6751. www. smash-jpn.com

Pat Metheny Unity Group

World tour 2014. Oct 8, 7pm; Oct 9 & 10, 6:30pm, ¥9,80010,800. Sumida Triphony Hall.

Kinshicho. Tel: 03-56085404. www.triphony.com

Anvil

Canadian metal band. Oct 26-27, 7pm, ¥5,000-6,500 (adv)/ ¥6,000 (door). Shinjuku Loft. Shinjuku. www.loft-prj. co.jp Dinosaur Pile-Up

West Yorkshire lads play alternative rock. Oct 28, 7pm, ¥3,500 (adv) +1d. Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. www. creativeman.co.jp The Royal Concept

Alt rock from Sweden. Oct 28, 7pm, ¥6,000 (adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Ebisu.

Tel: 03-5464-0800. www. creativeman.co.jp

The Gazette

With Happy Family, The Singapore Cane and more. Oct 18, 6pm, ¥500. SuperDeluxe.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-54120515. www.super-deluxe.com/ room/3760/

Visual-kei rockers. Nov 7, 6:30pm, ¥6,480 (adv) +1d.

Club Citta. Kawasaki.

Tel: 044-246-8888. www. clubcitta.co.jp

HibiChazz-K

Happy sax hit express and release memorial live. Oct 9, 7 & 9pm, ¥5,000-26,000.

Motion Blue. Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp Jazz Promenade 2014

Jazz festival turns all of Yokohama into a stage. Oct 11-12, various times, ¥4,300 (single, adv) / ¥8,000 (pair/adv) / ¥8,000 (single, two-day adv) / ¥5,000 (at the door) / ¥1,000 (middle/high school students).

Yokohama City. Minato-Mirai or Yokohama. Tel: 045-2210219. jazzpro.jp

CJ Ramone

Energetic and eclectic J-pop duo. Nov 8, 6pm, ¥5,400 (adv) +1d. Ex Theater Roppongi.

Roppongi or Nogizaka. www.ex-theater.com Back Drop Bomb

20th anniversary performance. Nov 9, 7pm, ¥3,000 (adv). Shelter.

Shimokitazawa. Tel: 03-3444-6751. http:// backdropbomb.jp/

Panland Steel Orchestra “Cheers!!”

Japanese steelpan orchestra plays pop to Caribbean. Oct 11, 2 & 6pm, ¥2,000 (adv) / ¥2,500 (door). Asahi Art Square.

Asakusa. Tel: 090-91185171. www.panland.info Akane Matsumoto Piano Solo Live

Jazz instruments. Oct 12, 2 & 3pm, ¥2,000. Softwind.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-68087337. www.softwind.jp HZettrio

First performance at Billboard Live. Oct 13, 4:30 & 7:30pm, ¥4,000-6,000. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. www.billboard-live.com Jazz Clarinet Ensemble

Stok with Triángulo and Mina Suzukita. Oct 14, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,000-22,000. Motion Blue.

Bashamichi. Tel: 045-226-

Blue Mountain Boys

Jazz fusion. Oct 15 & 16, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥7,500. Blue Note.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Classic country and western and bluegrass. Every third Sat, 6:30 & 7:30pm, free, Cafe Sepia. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3406-1300. www. nagaremono.com/sepia

Yoshiko Kishino

Platina Jazz Orchestra

Birthday live 2014. Oct 17, 7:30pm, ¥5,400. JZ Brat.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-0168. www.jzbrat.com

Presented by Rasmus Faber.

Nov 4 & 5, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥6,500-8,500. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. www.billboard-live.com

Sadao Watanabe Orchestra

Energetic Japanese jazz band.

Oct 19, 4:30pm, ¥3,00010,000. Sagami Green Hall.

Sagami-Ono. Tel: 042-7492200. www.hall-net.or.jp Cedric Hanriot Grooovematic

Japan tour 2014. Oct 20, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,000-22,000.

Motion Blue. Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp Chris Botti

Jazz trumpeter. Oct 20 & 21, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥10,500-12,500.

Billboard Live. Roppongi.

Tel: 03-3405-1133. www. billboard-live.com Rabbitoo

Modern jazz band. Oct 22, 6:30 & 9pm, ¥4,800-6,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-32151555. www.cottonclubjapan. co.jp Double Rainbow

Yosuke Onuma and Takana Miyamoto with special guest Keizo Nakanishi. Oct 24, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,500-24,000.

Motion Blue. Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp Minako Kikuchi Piano Solo Live

Jazz piano. Oct 26, 2 & 3pm, ¥2,000. Softwind. Roppongi.

Tel: 03-6808-7337. www. softwind.jp Brothers 5

Puffy

British indie band from Bath.

Oct 21, 7pm, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Liquidroom. Ebisu.

Tel: 03-3444-6751. www. smash-jpn.com

Nao Suzuki Piano Solo Live

Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Korn and others. Nov 15, noon; Nov 16, noon, ¥14,000 (1 day, adv)/ ¥27,000 (adv, 2days). Makuhari Messe. Kaihin-Makuhari. www.knotfestjapan.com

Bowline 14

Meah! Japan Tour

The Heavy

Knot Fest Japan

Salsa jazz orchestra. Oct 2 & 3, 7 & 9:30pm; Oct 4, 5 & 8pm, ¥8,800. Blue Note.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp

Former bassist and sometimes vocalist of the Ramones goes solo. Nov 4, 7pm, ¥5,800 (adv) +1d. Club Quattro. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3477-8750. l-tike.com

With Steve Aoki and others.

Oct 19, 3pm, ¥9,800 (adv).

Makuhari Messe. KaihinMakuhari. www.smash-jpn. com

Snarky Puppy

With Fake Face, Egg Brain, Super Beaver and more. Oct 26, 3pm, ¥3,130 (adv) +1d.

Studio Coast. Shin-Kiba. meturl.com/sabbat13

Dream Theater, Manowar, Arch Enemy and others. Oct 18 & 19, 10:30am, ¥14,500-16,500 (1 day, adv)/ ¥26,000 (2 days, adv). Saitama Super Arena.

Saitama-Shintoshin. www. loudpark.com/14

Fatboy Slim

Originally a movement of progressive bands united in their opposition to the music industry that refused to recognize their music, feat. artists Picchio Dal Pozzo and Present. Nov 15-16, 3pm, ¥14,000 (seated)/ ¥10,500 (standing). O-East. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-3444-6751. www. rockinopposition-japan.com/

Eddie Palmieri

An Evening of Rush

Outbreak presents: An Evening Of RUSH with 2112. Oct 12, 6pm, ¥2,000 (adv)/¥2,500 (door). Outbreak. Yotsuya.

1919. www.motionblue.co.jp

Sabbat Night

Juju

New York-based jazz singer.

Oct 12, 4pm, ¥7,900 (adv) +1d. Saitama Super Arena.

Saitama-Shintoshin. www. creativeman.co.jp

Rock in Opposition Japan 2014

Premium live. Oct 27, 6 & 8:30pm, ¥8,000-10,000.

Cotton Club. Tokyo.

Tel: 03-3215-1555. www. cottonclubjapan.co.jp

Tommy Campbell

Japan tour final. Nov 6, 7 & 9pm, ¥4,200-22,800.

Motion Blue. Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp Seiji Igusa

Acoustic guitar solo live. Nov 8, 2 & 3pm, ¥2,000. Softwind.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-6808-7337. www.softwind.jp CLASSICAL Bach Collegium Japan

With pianist Masayuki Nakaji.

Oct 3, 7pm, ¥3,000-15,000.

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp.

J.S. Bach Concert

Starring pianist PierreLaurent Aimard. Oct 4, 3pm, ¥2,500-6,000. Saitama Arts Theater. Yonohonmachi. Tel: 048-858-5500. www.saf.or.jp Pierre-Laurent Aimard

Solo pianist performing Bach. Oct 4, 3pm, ¥2,5006,000. Saitama Arts Theater.

Yonohonmachi. Tel: 0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jp Munchener Bach Orchester

Bach-only program conducted

by Hansjorg Albrecht. Oct 4, 1 & 7pm, ¥6,000-8,500.

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp.

Oct 5, 1:30pm, ¥6,000-8,500.

Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall.

Minatomirai. Tel: 045-6822020. www.yaf.or.jp.

Asia Orchestra Week 2014

Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra. Oct 6, 7pm, ¥1,0305,000. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp Asia Orchestra Week

Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band

Jazz orchestra. Oct 28 & 29, 7 & 9:30pm, ¥8,000. Blue Note.

Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. www.bluenote.co.jp The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra

Big band jazz. Oct 30 & 31, 7 & 9:30pm; Nov 1, 6 & 9pm, ¥6,800-8,800. Billboard Live.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-34051133. www.billboard-live.com Carlos Kanno Tropical Superjam

Latin jazz. Nov 2, 5:30 & 7:30pm, ¥4,500-24,000.

Motion Blue. Bashamichi.

Tel: 045-226-1919. www. motionblue.co.jp

Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra. Oct 7, 7pm, ¥1,0305,000. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp Yoe Miyazaki

Violin concert Japan tour.

Oct 8, 7pm, ¥2,000-6,000.

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra No.541

Subscription concert. Oct 9, 7pm, ¥3,600-7,200. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome.

Tel: 0570-55-0017. www. suntory.com/culture-sports/ suntoryhall

hot tickets

NOV 5 NOV 8&9 NHK Symphony Orchestra Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Concert

Conducted by Toshiaki Umeda. Nov 5, 7pm, ¥3,000-5,000. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku.

Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp Tickets on sale now!

De Montréal

Symphonic orchestra. Oct 10, 7pm, ¥3,000-22,000.

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.

Ikebukuro. Tel: 03-53912111. www.geigeki.jp/english Takashi Kako

Solo concert 2014. Oct 11, 3pm, ¥4,500-7,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. com/culture-sports/suntoryhall

Pop princess of super kawaii proportions. Nov 8, 5pm; Nov 9, 3pm, ¥6,500 (adv) +1d. Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Meiji-Jingumae. l-tike.com Tickets on sale now!

Oct 23, 8pm, ¥3,000-5,100.

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp The 88th Subscription Concert

Conducted by Mikhail Pletnev.

Oct 24, 7pm, ¥6,200-7,700.

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp Quator Mosaïques

Les Vents Français

Performance by the superstars of wind instruments. Oct 12, 5pm, ¥2,000-6,000. Saitama Arts Theater. Yonohonmachi.

Tel: 048-858-5500. www. saf.or.jp Rei Tsujimoto

Award-winning solo cellist. Oct 13, 2pm, ¥4,500. Toppan Hall.

Iidabashi. Tel: 03-5840-2200. www.toppanhall.com/en Valery Gergiev

With Nelson Freire on piano and The Mariinsky Orchestra. Oct 14 & 15, 7pm, ¥5,000-1,9000.

Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory.co.jp/suntoryhall

The essence of Viennese music 15. Oct 25, 5pm, ¥3,000-11,880. Toppan Hall.

Iidabashi. Tel: 03-5840-2200. www.toppanhall.com/en Shirogame Philharmonic Orchestra 23th

Regular concert. Oct 26, 2pm, ¥1,000. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Kawasaki.

Tel: 044-520-0200. www. kawasaki-sym-hall.jp The 83rd Music Competition of Japan

The final selection of vocal section. Oct 27, 5pm, ¥2,0003,000. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp

La Venexiana

L'incoronazione di Poppea. Oct 15, 6:30pm, ¥5,500-10,000.

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp Thomas Zehetmair

Australian violinist. Oct 17, 7pm, ¥3,000-6,500. Toppan Hall.

Iidabashi. Tel: 03-5840-2200. www.toppanhall.com/en Chamber Orchestra Sagamihara

Performing Mozart and Beethoven. Oct 18, 2pm, ¥2,500-5,000. Mori no Hall. Hashimoto. Tel: 042-775-3811. www.hall-net. or.jp/02hashimoto Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra

The 61st afternoon concert.

Oct 19, 2pm, ¥2,100-5,700.

Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku.

Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity. jp91st

NHK Symphony Orchestra No.1792

Conducted by Tatsuya Shimono.

Oct 29, 7pm, ¥3,600-8,800.

Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory.com/culturesports/suntoryhall Autumn Exhibition of Contemporary Music 2014

Concert of JSCM members.

Oct 30, 6:30pm, ¥4,000.

Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall. Shinjuku or Hatsudai.

Tel: 03-5353-9999. www. operacity.jp Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall & Tokyo Symphony Orchestra

102nd masterpieces complete works. Nov 1, 2pm, ¥3,0006,000. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Kawasaki.

Tel: 044-520-0200. www. kawasaki-sym-hall.jp Music Academy Tokyo 77th Message Concert

Subscription concert no. 776.

Oct 20, 7pm, ¥2,500-6,500.

Suntory Hall, Roppongi.

Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017

Performed by The Pupils and Lecturers of Music Academy Tokyo. Nov 2, 1pm, free (adv).

Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory.com/culturesports/suntoryhall

The 853rd Subscription Concert

AAR 35th Anniversary Charity Concert

Conducted by Mikhail Pletnev.

Oct 21, 7pm, ¥6,200-7,700.

Suntory Hall. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory.com/culturesports/suntoryhall

Mihoko Fujimura’s mezzo-soprano special recital.

Nov 3, 2pm, ¥5,000. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. operacity.jp

Jonas Kaufmann

The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma

Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra

Japan tour 2014. Oct 22, 7pm, ¥14,000-26,000. Suntory Hall.

Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. com/culture-sports/suntoryhall Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra

The 4th enjoy classic series.

15th anniversary year. Nov 4, 7pm, ¥7,000-22,000. Suntory Hall. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 0570-55-0017. www.suntory. com/culture-sports/suntoryhall

NOV 15 & 16 Knot Fest Japan

Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Korn and others.

Nov 15, noon; Nov 16, noon, ¥14,000 (1 day, adv)/ ¥27,000 (adv, 2days).

Makuhari Messe. Kaihin-Makuhari. www.knotfestjapan.com Tickets on sale now!

Symphony Hall. Kawasaki.

Tel: 044-520-0200. www. kawasaki-sym-hall.jp

DEC 10 & 12 Art Garfunkel

Folk artist, poet and one half of legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel.

Dec 10, 7pm; Dec 12, 7pm, ¥9,00010,000. Shibuya Public Hall.

Shibuya. Tel: 0570-09-3333. meturl.com/garfunk14 Tickets on sale now!

OCT 11-17, 10AM-7PM

for free

OCT 11 Kounosu Hanabi Taikai

Boom Factor: Over 15,000. Oct 11, 6pm, free. Along Arakawa River.

Kounosu. http://kounosuhanabi. com/

NOV 1 (SAT), 11PM

Stage A Chip in the Sugar (Benefit Performance for TELL)

Alan Bennett’s funny and moving monologue.

Reservation required. Oct 3, 7pm, ¥7,000 +1d. SuperDeluxe.

Roppongi. Tel: 03-5412-0515. event@telljp.com Yama

Folktales from Yamagata brought to the stage by theater group Doubtful Sound. English with Japanese subtitles.

Oct 8-10, 7:30pm; Oct 11 & 12, 2:30 & 7:30pm, ¥2,500 (student)/ ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Tiny Alice. Shinjukusanchome or Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3354-7307. doubtfulsound. asia

The Room Hisen Japanese Doll Exhibition

Experience the fascinating world of dolls from Edo, with 100 stylish dolls embodying elegance and affection produced by artist Koike Hisen. With support from the Shiki Theatre Company, operated by Biken International. Oct 11-17, 10am-7pm, free. 2F Phoenix Hall, Ginza Phoenix Plaza, 3-9-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku.

Ginza. http://hisen.jp/ of Tetsuya Kumakawa. Oct 9-26, various times, ¥6,00018,500. Bunkamura Orchard Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-53539522. www.bunkamura.co.jp

Mon Père, Giacometti

Contemporary performance group Akumanoshirushi performs a piece about a fatherand-son relationship. With English subtitles. Oct 11 & 12, 1 & 6pm; Oct 13, 1pm, ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Kanagawa Arts Theater. MotomachiChukagai. www.kaat.jp/english

L.A. Dance Project

Modern dance by artistic collective based in L.A. Nov 8 & 9, 3pm, ¥2,000-¥6,000 (gen) / ¥3,600-¥5,400 (members). Saitama Arts Theater. Yonohonmachi. Tel: 0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jp The Sleeping Beauty

Parsifal

Richard Wagner's last completed opera. Until Oct 14, ¥1,620-32,400. New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt.jac. go.jp/opera Don Giovanni

Operatic portrayal of a playboy’s inhibited and philandering life. Oct 16 & 24, 6:30pm; Oct 19, 22 & 26, 2pm; ¥4,320-23,760. New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt.jac. go.jp/english Wonderful State Q

Butoh dancer Temmetsu escapes into his imaginary kingdom. Nov 1, 7:30pm; Nov 2, 1:30 & 6:30pm, ¥2,900 (adv)/ ¥3,200 (door). Theater Samsa.

Asagaya. Tel: 090-85166005. http://www.temmetsu. com/ Once

Tony Award-winning musical about true love found on the streets of Dublin. Until Dec 14, various times, ¥13,000.

Ex Theater Roppongi.

Roppongi or Nogizaka. www. once-musical.jp

New production of a classical masterpiece arranged by artistic director Noriko Ohara.

Nov 8, 9, 13, 15 & 16, 2pm; Nov 11, 6:30pm; ¥3,240-16,200.

New National Theatre Tokyo.

Hatsudai. Tel: 03-53529999. www.nntt.jac.go.jp/ english Swan Lake

Performed by the Bolshoi Ballet and the Bolshoi Orchestra. Nov 20, 7pm; Nov 24, 5pm; Nov 26, 1 & 7pm, ¥6,300-¥21,000 (members) ¥7,000-¥22,000 (gen).

Bunkamura Orchard Hall.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5353-9522. www.bunkamura.co.jp

Clubbing FRIDAY 3 Ageha

Agepa. All mix: DJs Irwan, U5, etc. From 11pm, (m)¥3,000, (f)free. Shinkiba. www. ageha.com Air

Leftfield. House, techno: DJs Kza, Maeda, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,000. Shibuya. www. air-tokyo.com

Don Carlo

Verdi’s operatic tale about politics, religion and a father who steals his son’s girlfriend.

Nov 27 & Dec 3, 6:30pm; Nov 30, Dec 6 & 9, 2pm; ¥3,24021,600. New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai. Tel: 03-5352-9999. www.nntt.jac go.jp/english

Dance

Rainer Kühl

Carmen

Violin recital. Nov 6, 7pm, ¥3,600-4,000. Muza Kawasaki

Retelling of Bizet’s opera in ballet form, under the direction

R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and more. From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after 10pm). Roppongi. www. matrixbar.jp

DJ Mag Party Halloween

@ ageHa. Headliner: Dantz, Adam Saville. Live: Chill, Sam Rhansum. Lineup: TinyDucks, Daijiro, Jeseph, Takuyatokyo.

Entrance Fee: ¥3,500.

Adv&Member: ¥3,000. Wear a full body costume and entry fee ¥2,500. Address: 2-2-10 Shinkiba Koto, Tokyo. Tel: 03-5534-2525. facebook. com/djmagpartyjapan Shinkiba

Womb

06s. Drumnbass: DJs Camo, Krooked, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp THURSDAY 9

Osawa, Uemura, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.com T2

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs Various DJs. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/2d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com The New Matrix Bar

Matrix Friday. Old-school hip-hop, west side, south side, mix. DJ Ykk and more. From 6pm, ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm).

Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp The Room

Breakthrough. Hip-hop: DJs Jin, Ladi Dadi, etc. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp

T2

Happiness. World mix: DJs Various DJs. From 10pm, (m)¥2,500 w/2d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54288692. www.t2-shibuya.com Womb

Pop Girls. EDM: DJs Saori5, Merry, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥1,500, (f)free. Shibuya.

Tel: 03-5459-0039. www. womb.co.jp FRIDAY 10 Air

Infinity Dub Session. Dub, techno: DJs Deadbeat, Paul St. Hilaire, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. www. air-tokyo.com Ruby Room

Womb

Sterne. Techno: DJs Paul Ritch, Ishino, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp SATURDAY 4 Ageha

The Wonderland. Trance, techno: DJs Paul Van Dyk, Astrix, etc. From 11pm, ¥5,000.

Shinkiba. www.ageha.com Air

Cats. House, techno DJs Sebastian Mullaert, Kawasaki, etc. From 10pm, ¥3,500. Shibuya. www. air-tokyo.com Daikanyama Unit

10th Anniversary. Industrial DJs Alpha & Beta: Live: Diamond Version and more.

From midnight, ¥4,000.

Daikanyama. www. unit-tokyo.com Origami

Lab Sound. From midnight, ¥3,000 +1d (door) / ¥2,500 +1d (w/F). Shibuya. www. amrax.jp/schedule/event. php?id=1675

Leaves featuring Delano Smith. From midnight, ¥3,500 (door)/ ¥3,000 (Origami members). Omotesando. Tel: 03-6434-0968. meturl.com/ origami1004

Daikanyama Unit

Sound Museum Vision

3floor Underground. DJs Fake Eyes Production, Sugiurumn, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,000. Daikanyama. www. unit-tokyo.com

Edm Union. EDM: DJs Chris Lake, Matsushima, etc.

From 10pm, ¥3,500 w/1d.

Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo. com

Sound Museum Vision

The New Matrix Bar

Rad. Electro, techno: DJs

Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop,

Amrax

Especial Records Session.

Jazz, house. DJs Yoshihiro Okino(Kyoto Jazz Massive), Yukari, etc: Live: Mark de Clive-Lowe. From 10pm, ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Punk: DJs Timutaku, Francois, etc.

From 7:30pm, free. Shibuya. www.rubyroomtokyo.com Sound Museum Vision

Girls Festival. Hip-hop: DJs Kaori, Kango, etc. From 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)free.

Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo. com The Room

Destination. Broken beats, deep house: DJs Oka, Sayuri, etc. From 11pm, ¥2,000 w/1d.

Shibuya. www.theroom.jp Womb

Edm Music Festival. EDM: DJs Daishi Dance, Komori, etc. From 11pm, ¥3,500.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp UPCOMING Air

Acid City. House, techno DJs Emma, Ken Ishii, etc.

Oct 11, from 10pm, ¥3,000.

Shibuya. www.air-tokyo.com Daikanyama Unit

Cabaret. Techno, house: DJs Daniel Bell, Isherwood, etc.

Oct 11, from 11pm, ¥3,500.

Daikanyama. www. unit-tokyo.com Sound Museum Vision

October Fest. All mix: DJs Mitomi, Habanero Posse, etc. Oct 11, from 10pm, (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥3,000 w/1d. Shibuya. www.visiontokyo.com

23

Womb

Cocoon. Techno: DJs Mathias Kaden, Ilario Alicante, etc.

Oct 11, from 11pm, ¥3,500.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb.co.jp

Exhibitions AKASAKA/ROPPONGI 21_21 Design Sight

Image-Makers. Mixed media portraying a world of images and fantasy. Until Oct 5, ¥500-1,000. Open Mon & Wed-Sun 11am-8pm, closed Tue. 9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku.

Nogizaka. Tel: 03-34752121. www.2121designsight.jp Mori Art Museum

Jacob Kirkegaard. Sound and video installation on Fukushima by Danish sound artist. Until Jan 4, 10am-10pm / Tuesdays 10am-5pm, ¥1,500 (general) / ¥1,000 (uni/high school) / ¥500 (4 years-junior high). Open Mon & Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue 10am-5pm.

6-10-1 Roppongi. Roppongi.

Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.mori. art.museum Mori Arts Center Gallery

The World of Tim Burton.

Widely regarded as one of cinema's most imaginative and visual filmmakers. Nov 1-Jan 4, 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun 11am-11pm, ¥800-1,800. 52F Roppongi Hills Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi. Roppongi. www. tim-burton.jp Nanatasu Gallery

Sansui. Photographer Kohei Fukushima captures the wildness of nature with a three-piece mountain waterfall, recreating the raw power of a natural scene. Until Oct 12, noon-7pm, free. Open daily noon-7pm. 3F Ogura Bldg. 2-12-4 Nishi-Azabu.

Nogizaka. Tel: 03-64197229. www.nanatasu.jp Suntory Museum of Art

Koyasan 1200th Anniversary: Treasures of the Sacred Mountain. Figures carved by some of Japan' most celebrated Buddhist sculptors, including Unkei and Kaikei. Oct 11-Dec 7, ¥800-1,300. Open Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun-Mon & hols 10am-6pm, closed Tue. 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku.

Roppongi. www.suntory. jp/sma The National Art Center, Tokyo

The Birth of Impressionism— Freedom in Painting: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay. Impressionist masterpieces from Paris. Until Oct 20, ¥800-1,600. The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition. Featuring Japanese and Western paintings, sculptures, applied fine arts and writing. Oct 31-Dec 7, 10am-6pm, closed Tue, ¥700-1,200. Masterpieces from the Kunsthaus Zurich.

Japanese exhibition of one of the best art museums in Switzerland boasting a world-class collection of modern art. Until Dec 15, 10am-6pm, closed Tue, ¥800-1,600. Open Wed-Thu, Sat-Mon 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm, closed Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi. Nogizaka. www. nact.jp GINZA/KYOBASHI/TOKYO Bridgestone Museum of Art

Willem de Kooning: From the John and Kimiko Powers Collection. Dutch-born American artist and one of the founders of abstract

24

expressionism. Oct 8-Jan 12, ¥500-800. Open Tue-Sun & hols 10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-10-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku.

Tokyo. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.bridgestone-museum. gr.jp Idemitsu Museum of Arts

National Treasures of the Munakata Shrine: The Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Holy Treasures from the Shrine.

Historical items from a sacred island in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Until Oct 13, ¥700-1,000.

Ninsei, Kenzan and Crafts of Kyoto. Featuring the ceramic works of artists Nonomura Ninsei and Ogata Kenzan.

Oct 25-Dec 21, Mon-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm, closed Mon, ¥700-1,000.

Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm, closed Mon. 9F Teigeki Bldg, 3-1-1 Marunouchi. Tokyo. www. tokyo.mae.lu/jp/node_19876/ hana-hito-tokyo Nagoya Commerce and Industry Center

The Mirror Ginza. The true nature of the coming era reflected in artwork. Oct 16-Nov 9, 1-9pm, ¥1,000 (lecture is extra) / reservation only. 1-9pm. 4-3-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Ginza-itchome.

National Film Center

Le Monde Enchanté de Jacques Demy. Behindthe-scenes photographs from works by French New Wave director known for The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and other films. Until Dec 14, ¥70-210. Open Tue-Sun 11am-6:30pm, closed Mon. 3-7-6 Kyobashi. Kyobashi.

Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. momat.go.jp The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

Hishida Shunso: A Retrospective. Works by a Meiji period painter and innovator of nihonga. (Note: In the Sep 5-18 edition of Metropolis, this exhibition was erroneously listed as ¥300-1,400. It should have read ¥400-1,400 as below).

Until Nov 3, ¥400-1,400.

Celadon Now: Techniques and Beauty Handed Down from Southern Sung to Today.

Modern ceramic art. Until Nov 24, ¥300-900. Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-8pm. 3-1 Kitanomarukoen. Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.momat. go.jp HARAJUKU/AOYAMA Laforet Museum

Chasing The Sun: Oasis 1993-1997. Photos, artifacts and memorabilia from Oasis’s early years. Oct 25-28, 11am-9pm; Oct 28, 11am-6pm, ¥1,000-1,200 (adv)/¥1,2001,400 (door). Laforet Harajuku 6F, 1-11-6 Jingumae.

Meiji-Jingumae. www. laforet.ne.jp/index.html Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art

Utagawa Kunisada: 150th Anniversary of His Death.

Collection of prints by one of the great ukiyo-e masters.

Until Nov 24, ¥700-1,000.

Open Tue-Sun 10:30am5:30pm, closed Mon. 1-10-10 Jingumae. Harajuku. www. ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp UltraSuperNew Gallery

RetroMoto. Lust-worthy selection of hand-crafted motorcycles. Oct 3-19, 10am-7pm, Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, closed Sun and Hols. 1-1-3 Jingumae.

Harajuku. ultrasupernew. com/projects/ultrasupernewgallery SHIBUYA/EBISU

11-Dec 14, 9:30am-5:30pm, closed Mon, ¥800-1,600. 8-36 Ueno Park. Ueno. www. tobikan.jp

Visual Deception II: Into the Future. Art that plays tricks on the spectators’s eyes. Until Oct 5, ¥500-1,500. The Dream of French Paintings: From Impressionism to Ecole de Paris. Select works by Monet, Chagall, Cézanne, Foujita and more. Oct 18-Dec 14, ¥500-1,400. Open Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. 2-24-1 Dogenzaka.

Shibuya. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.bunkamura.co.jp SHINJUKU/IKEBUKURO Hiromart Gallery

Ritsuko Sato solo show "momo." Vivacious, colorful paintings done especially for the exhibition. Until Oct 12, 1-7pm, closed Mon and Tue, Free. Open Wed-Sun 1-7pm, closed Mon-Tue. 1-30-7 Sekiguchi, Bunkyoku. Edogawabashi. www. hiromartgallery.com Sompo Japan Museum of Art

Normandie: L'Estuaire de la Seine—L'Invention d'un Paysage. Paintings by Eugène Boudin, Raoul Dufy and others.

Until Nov 9, ¥700-1,100.

Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, closed Mon. 42F Sompo Japan Bldg. 1-26-1 Nishi-Shinjuku.

Shinjuku. Tel: 03-54058686. www.sompo-japan. co.jp/museum Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery

Zaha Hadid. Iraqi-British architect, and first female recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004.

Oct 18-Dec 23, 11am-7pm, closed Mon, ¥1,000-1,200.

Open Tue-Thu 11am-7pm, Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. 3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku. Hatsudai. www.operacity.jp/en/ag UENO Edo-Tokyo Museum

Tokyo Olympics and the Bullet Train. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Until Nov 16, ¥670-1340. Open Tue-Fri & Sun 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat 9:30am-7:30pm, closed Mon & hols. 1-4-1 Yokoami.

Ryogoku. Tel: 03-36269974. www.edo-tokyomuseum.or.jp The National Museum of Western Art

Ferdinand Hodler: Towards Rhythmic Images. Paintings by one of the best-known Swiss artists of the 19th century.

Oct 7-Jan 12, ¥800-1,600.

Open daily 9:30am-5:30pm.

7-7 Ueno Park. Ueno. www. nmwa.go.jp Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Art as a Haven of Happiness.

Mixed media. Rich harmonies and vibrant colors by artists born with Down syndrome.

Until Oct 8, ¥400-800. The Renaissance Golden Age: From Botticelli to Bronzino.

About 70 works by the great Renaissance masters, courtesy of the famed Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Oct 11-Dec 14, ¥1,000-1,600. Uffizi Gallery.

An exhibition tracing the development of Florentine art from the 15th to the 16th century through works from the collection of the world-famed Uffizi Gallery. Oct

Tokyo Gallery + BTAP

OTHER AREAS

Jin Sha Solo: Salute to Masters.

Featuring 15 works of Chinese paintings, prints and sculptures

by Chinese artist Jin Sha. Oct 18-Nov 22, Tue-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-5pm, closed Mon & Sun, free. Tue–Fri 11am–7pm & Sat 11am–5pm, closed Sun, Mon & Hols. 7F, 8-10-5 Ginza.

Shinbashi. Tel: 03-35711808. www.tokyo-gallery.com

Hakone Museum of Photography

Sports

Tokyo National Museum Bunkamura: The Museum

042-691-4511. www.fujibi. or.jp/en

National Treasures of Japan.

Artifacts gathered across various genres and periods.

Oct 15-Dec 7, ¥900-1,600.

Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-5pm.

13-9 Ueno Park. Ueno. www.tnm.jp

Mt. Fuji. Katsura Endo’s portrayal of the ever-changing symbol of Japan. Permanent exhibition. Until Nov 4, ¥300-500. 10am-5pm, closed Tue (9am-9pm Sat from May to August). 1300-432 Goura Hakonemachi, Ashigarashimogun, Kanagawa.

Gora. Tel: 046-02-2717. www.hmop.com Hara Museum of Contemporary Art

Art Scope 2012-2014: Remains of Their Journeys. Results of a Daimler Foundation-created artist exchange between German and Japanese artists.

Until Oct 13, ¥500-1,100. Open Tue-Sun 11am-5pm, closed Mon. 4-7-25 Kita-Shinagawa.

Kita-Shinagawa. Tel: 03-3445-0651. www. haramuseum.or.jp Hoki Museum

Hito Omoi, Hito Omou.

Painting. Lifelike portraits by contemporary artists. Until Nov 16, ¥900-1,800. Hiroshi Noda. Living to Paint: Realism from the Entire Psyche. Nov 21-May 17, 10am-5:30pm, closed Tue, ¥900-1,800. Open Mon & Wed-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm, closed Tue. 3-15 Asumigaokahigashi, Midori-ku.

Toke. www.hoki-museum.jp Masataka Contemporary

Planet Jam. A group show with artists Saki Fujikawa, Ryoko Kumakura, and Kinoko portraying how the world each artist inhabits meet, intersect and merge, creating an interesting environment for expression. Until Nov 8, Tue-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Sun & Mon, free. Tue-Sat 11am-7pm, closed Sun & Mon. Sansho Bldg. 3-2-9 Nihonbashi Chuo-ku Tokyo 103-0027.

Nihonbashi. Tel: 03-32751019. www.masatakacontemporary.com/en Miraikan

Toilet!? Human Waste & Earth’s Future. A playful explanation on “what goes in, must come out” and how it affects the environment. Until Oct 5, ¥600-1,200. 2-3-6, Aomi, Koto-ku. Telecom Center station. Tel: 03-3570-9151. www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en The Container

Change Room. Canadian artist Robert Waters’s exhibition. Until Nov 16, Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm, closed Tue, free. Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun & hols 10am-8pm, closed Tue. Hills Daikanyama, 1-8-30 Kami-Meguro.

Naka-Meguro. www. the-container.com Tokyo Fuji Art Museum

Genius and Ambition: The Royal Academy of Arts, London 1768-1918. Oil paintings by Turner, Constable and others.

Until Nov 24, ¥400-1,300.

Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mon. Yano-machi 492-1 Hachioji. Hachioji. Tel:

24, 7:15pm, ¥700-3,500.

Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Sendagaya. Tel: 03-5474-2112. 0180-993-589 BOXING Dynamic Glove

Oct 4, 5:45pm, ¥4,000-20,000.

Korakuen Hall. Suidobashi.

Tel: 03-5800-9999.

Dangan112

Oct 10, 5:45pm, ¥4,00010,000. Korakuen Hall.

Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.

FIGURE SKATING

AMERICAN FOOTBALL Carnival on Ice X League

●●All Mitsubishi Lions vs. Bulls Football Club. Oct 4, 11am, ¥1,100 (adv)/ ¥1,300 (door).

Kawasaki Stadium. Keikyu Kawasaki or Kawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931. ●●Fujitsu Frontiers vs. IBM BigBlue. Oct 4, 2pm, ¥1,100.

Kawasaki Stadium. Keikyu Kawasaki or Kawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931. ●●Lixil Deers vs. Taiyou Cranes. Oct 4, 10:45am, ¥1,100. Amino Vital Field.

Tobitakyu. Tel: 042-4400555. ●●Nojima Sagamihara Rise vs. Meiji Yasuda Pirates. Oct 5, 5pm, ¥1,100. Kawasaki Stadium. Keikyu Kawasaki or Kawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931. ●●Obic Seagulls vs. Asahi Beer Silver Star. Oct 5, 2pm, ¥1,100.

Kawasaki Stadium. Keikyu Kawasaki or Kawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931. ●●Tokyo Gas Creators vs.

Hurricanes. Oct 5, 11am, ¥1,100. Kawasaki Stadium.

Keikyu Kawasaki or Kawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931. ●●Bulls Foot Ball Club vs.

Taiyou Cranes. Oct 18, 11am, ¥1,100. Kawasaki Stadium.

Keikyu Kawasaki or Kawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931. ●●IBM BigBlue vs. Hurricanes.

Oct 18, 2pm, ¥1,100. Kawasaki Stadium. Keikyu Kawasaki or Kawasaki. Tel: 044-244-2931. ●●Asahi Beer Silver Star vs. All Mitsubishi Lions. Oct 19, 5pm, ¥1,100. Yokohama Stadium.

Kannai. Tel: 04-5661-1251. ●●Meiji Yasuda Pirates vs.

Tokyo Gas Creators. Oct 19, 11am, ¥1,100. Yokohama Stadium. Kannai. Tel: 04-5661-1251. ●●Obic Seagulls vs. Lixil Deers. Oct 19, 2pm, ¥1,100.

Yokohama Stadium. Kannai.

Tel: 04-5661-1251. ●●Fujitsu Frontiers vs. Nojima Sagamihara Rise. Oct 20, 7pm, ¥1,100. Todoroki Stadium.

Musashikosugi. Tel: 044-722-0303.

BASEBALL

Oct 4, 7pm, ¥6,000-24,000.

Saitama Super Arena.

Saitama-Shintoshin.

Japan Open

Oct 4, 1pm, ¥4,000-23,000.

Saitama Super Arena.

Saitama-Shintoshin.

GOLF JGTO

Bridgestone Open. Oct 23-26, 8am, ¥1,000-3,000.

Sodegaura C.C. Sodegaura Cource. Kamatori. Tel: 043-291-1111.

JLPGA

●●Fujitsu Ladies. Oct 17-19, 7:45am, ¥3,000. Tokyu Seven Hundred Club. Toke. Tel: 043-294-0700. ●●Morinaga Ladies. Oct 31-2, 8pm, ¥5,400. Morinaga Takataki Country Club. Goi. KARATE All Japan Championship

Oct 25, 11am, ¥4,000. Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.

Sendagaya. Tel: 03-54742112.

MMA Pancrase 261

Oct 5, 2:30pm, ¥6,500-10,500.

Differ Ariake. Ariake-tennisno-mori. Tel: 03-5500-3731.

PRO WRESTLING Big Japan

Nov 22, 7pm, ¥3,150-6,300.

Korakuen Hall. Suidobashi.

Tel: 03-5800-9999.

Wrestle-1

Oct 8, 7pm, ¥4,000-7,000.

Korakuen Hall. Suidobashi.

Tel: 03-5800-9999.

Dragon Gate

Oct 9, 6:30pm, ¥3,240-7,560.

Korakuen Hall. Suidobashi.

Tel: 03-5800-9999.

Noah: Great Voyage

Oct 12, 5pm, ¥4,000-10,000.

Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium.

Kannai. Tel: 045-641-5741.

Central League

●●Yomiuri Giants vs. Yokohama DeNA Baystars. Oct 3-4, 6pm, ¥300-12,400. Tokyo Dome.

Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999. 0180-993-589 ●●Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs.

Yokohama DeNA Baystars.

Oct 5-6, 6pm, ¥500-4,600.

Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium.

Gaienmae. 0180-993-589 BASKETBALL National Basketball League

●●Toshiba Brave Thunders vs.

Link Tochigi Brex. Oct 10, 7pm, ¥1,000-5,100. Todoroki Arena.

Musashi Nakahara. Tel: 044-798-5000. 0180-993-589 ●●Hitachi Sunrockers vs. Chiba Jets. Oct 11, 3pm, ¥700-3,500.

Yoyogi National Gymnasium.

Meiji-Jingumae. 0180-993589 ●●Hitachi Sunrockers vs.

Toshiba Brave Thunders. Oct

New Japan

Oct 13, 4pm, ¥4,500-10,500.

Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Ryogoku. Tel: 03-3623-5111.

Michinoku

Oct 18, 7pm, ¥3,700-5,000.

Shinkiba 1stRing. Shinkiba.

Tel: 03-3521-1015.

DDT

DDT. Oct 26, 12pm, ¥3,0005,000. Korakuen Hall.

Suidobashi. Tel: 03-58009999.

RUGBY Japan vs. New Zealand

Nov 8, 2pm, ¥500-10,000.

Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3401-3881.

Top League

●●Ricoh Black Rams vs. Toyota

Verblitz. Oct 19, 11:40am, ¥300-3,600. Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. Gaienmae.

Tel: 03-3401-3881. ●●Suntory Sungoliath vs. NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.

Oct 19, 2pm, ¥300-3,600.

Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. Gaienmae. Tel: 03-3401-3881.

AAYTP Halloween Costume Party for Charity

Costume party, entertainment and raffle.

Oct 18, 7:30-9:30pm, ¥3,500. Bistro Maffick.

Omotesando or Shibuya.

Tel: 03-6418-3500. http:// meturl.com/aaytpcostume1 Stitch-n-Bitch

Festivals Sakura Fall Festival

Kanto's biggest mikoshi shrine parade, dashi dolls from the Meiji period and yatai. Oct 10-12, 3-10pm, free. Sakura Shinmachi.

Sakura. Tel: 043-486-6000. www.sakura-maturi.jp/ Narita Hanabi Taikai

Boom Factor: 10,000.

Award winning fireworks for their unique designs and performances. Oct 11, 7pm, free. Inbanuma area (Chiba).

Narita.

Fukuro Festival

Mikoshi shrine parades, taiko drum shoes, lion dance performances and more.

Sep 27-Oct 12, all day, free.

West side of Ikebukuro Westside. Ikebukuro. www. yosakoitokyo.gr.jp Local Hero Festival

Meet local heroes from all over Japan, and enjoy yatai food and live performances of hero songs. Oct 12, 10am-8pm, free. Harbor City Soga. Soga. Tel: 03-34464588. http://yatsutama.com/ localherojp/ Oeshiki Festival

Commemoration of the anniversary of Saint Nichiren's death. Sacred lantern procession and more.

Oct 11-13, from 6pm, free.

Ikegami Honmonji Temple.

Ikegami. honmonji.jp Hagi Festival

30-meter long tunnel of bush clover grown on a bamboo frame is in full bloom. Sep 13-Oct 19, all day. Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden. Higashi Mukojima. Tel: 03-3611-8705. teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en Kiba no Kakunori

Square log-rolling event on water. Until Oct 19, various times, free. Kiba Park. Kiba. meturl.com/kibakaku1 Kamogawa Tanada Night Festival

10,000 LED lights illuminate the Kamogawa tanada (terrace), one of Japan's 100 tanadas chosen by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Oct 24-26, 4-8pm, ¥500.

Ooyama Senmaida.

Awa-Kamogawa. Tel: 04-7092-0086.

Community

Meet fellow knitters, crocheters and sewers to talk, share ideas, eat, drink and create. Every first and third Tue, 7pm, free, Cafe Respekt. Shibuya. www.meetup.com/ TokyoStitchandBitch Half-Fast Cyclists

Bicyclists of all treads meet for slide shows, lectures, ride-planning, etc. Every second Wed, 7pm, free, The Pink Cow. Roppongi. Tel: 03-6434-5773. cowmail@ thepinkcow.com Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School

Burlesque models pose for artstars and sketching newbies alike with arty socializing. Every third Wed, 7pm, ¥2,000 w/1d. Studio and Space IVVA. Meiji-Jingumae or Harajuku. www. drsketchytokyo.wordpress. com Sunday Spin

Hula-hoop it up in Yoyogi; no need to bring your own.

Drop in/out at any time.

Every fourth Sun, Yoyogi Park. Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081. meturl.com/ hoopinginjapan

Learning Russian Music Mystery

Lecture on Russian solfeggio method with Natalia Yurkanova. Oct 6, 11am-12pm, ¥1,500. Gakken Holdings. Gotanda.

Tel: 03-6431-1001. www. facebook.com/gakken.music SCBWI Japan Translation Day 2014

Event for translators of Japanese children’s literature into English. Oct 18, 9am-5pm, ¥4,000 (members) / ¥5,000 (non-members).

Yokohama International School, The Loft.

Yamate or MotomachiChukagai. japan.scbwi. org/events/scbwi-japantranslation-day-2014/ Cider Seminar

Tasting of five French ciders, coupled with seminar on historic background. Oct 19, 4pm, ¥2,500 (members)/ ¥3,000 (non-members).

Brasserie Ripaille Motomachi.

2F Wistaria Motomach, 4-179 Motomomachi.

Ishikawacho. www. institutfrancais.jp TCS Improv Workshop

FEW's 18th Biennial Career Strategy Seminar

Make new connections and turbo charge your career.

Open to all self-identified women. Oct 4, 10am-5:30pm, ¥10,000 (members & non-member students)/ ¥12,000 (guests)/ ¥15,000 (door). Compass Offices. MG Meguro Ekimae Building, 2-15-19 Kamiosaki. Meguro. www.fewjapan.com

The weekly Tokyo Comedy Store In the Moment improv workshop, all levels welcome.

Beginner intensives on weekends throughout the year. See website for more details. Every Wednesday, 7-9pm, Our Space Studio.

Hatagaya. Tel: 03-57707401. www.tokyocomedy. com/improv_comedy_ workshop

OCT 8 - DEC 10

Grief Support Group You don’t need to be alone when grieving the death of a loved one; we are here for you. Interested in joining us?

Every Wed 7-8:30pm, Wesley Center, Minami Aoyama.

Omotesando. Email: training@telljp.com details on flexible class times, 4B Maruoka Bldg, 5-49-7 Jingumae. Meiji-Jingumae. www.mariatanikawa.com Pause Talk

Open forum where creatives can get together and discuss projects, ideas and cultural currents. Every first Mon, Cafe Pause. Ikebukuro.

Tel: 03-6912-7711. www. pausetalk.org

Other Events Lush Life Park 2014

Handmade cosmetics company Lush's 100 percent natural energy fueled event with live performances and free Lush Spa treatments.

Oct 4, 10am-7pm; Oct 5, 10am-6pm, free. Tokyo Midtown. Roppongi.

Tel: 03-3475-3100. www. lushjapan.com/llp2014/ The Walking Dead: Halloween Charity Haunted Basement

Charity event for Japan Red Cross-Hiroshima Landslide victims. Oct 24, 10am-4pm; Oct 25, 10am-3pm, Free, but donations encouraged.

Sundai Gaigo Sogo Gakuin.

Ochanomizu. www. sundaigaigo.ac.jp Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Chrysanthemum Exhibition

100th anniversary of one of Tokyo's most well known flower forums. Decoration flowers, bonsai and more.

Until Nov 23, all day, free.

Hibiya Park. Hibiya. Tel: 03-3501-6428. meturl.com/ tokchrys1 Yokohama Triennale 2014

Art event with the theme "voyage into the sea of oblivion." Until Nov 3, various times, ¥500-2,400. Various venues. Minatomirai and Basamichi. www. yokohamatriennale.co.jp Department-H

Underground party hosted by drag queens. Every first Saturday night of every month.

BYOB. Until Dec 5, 12am, ¥3,000(dress code)/¥4,500 (w/flyer)/ ¥5,000 (door). Tokyo Kinema Club. Uguisudani.

Tel: 03-3874-7988. department-h.com Shibuhouse Party

All-night house party with the Shibuhouse residents on the 22nd of every month, 7pm-7am. ¥1,000 w/ food & drink. Contact shibuhouseinfo@gmail.com for address/directions. Shibuya. www.shibuhouse.com.

Nihonga Class Blessing of Animals

Special blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Oct 4, 2pm, Free. Franciscan Chapel Center. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3401-2141.

Regular classes and one-day workshops on basic Japanesestyle painting techniques.

All classes in English and Japanese. Weekdays 6pm, Sat 11am & 3pm. Email for

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Exit 4, Nagatacho stn Supreme Court

Aoyama Ave Akasaka Mitsuke stn

Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu

National Diet Library

608 Kitano Arms 16-15, Hirakawa-cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-ku ,Tokyo, 102-0093

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26

Imperial Palace

Metropolis and its subsequent Classifieds section are printed every other week. The upcoming publication dates and corresponding deadlines for print are as follows. This does not affect the online Classifieds, where ads are visible immediately after they are approved.

1 AT YOUR SERVICE 1.1 HEALTH I N N E R BALANCE. Tr a d i t i o n a l oriental treatment of acupuncture a n d moxibustion.

Also body massage a n d r e f l e xo l o g y. M o b i l e ser v ice to your home or of f ice. Email Takahito at innerbalance123@gmail.com or see http://tmasuda.wix. com/inner-balance.

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH COVE R AG E FOR E XPATS, D I PLO M AT S , TE AC H E R S .

Inpatient and outpatient care, emergencies, surgery, meds, checkups, dental, lab tests, MRI and more. Thirty-day m o n e y - b a c k g u a r a n t e e.

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SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY (physical therapy) care in Hiroo.

Native English -speaking therapists specializing in sports injuries, p o s t - o p e r a t i v e rehabilitation, back/neck pain, running related, headaches, orthotics, ergonomic consultations and women’s health. w w w.tokyophysio.com 03-3443-6769

1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES

LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI (next to Tokyo), member o f t h e Yo k o h a m a B a r Association. Legal service in English for traffic accidents, divorce, inheritance, bankruptcy, business cases (contracts, establishing a company, trademarks, etc.) and other legal problems.

Email: web@smkw.biz www. sumikawa.net/ VISA COUNSELING: female immigration lawyer handles your visa case.

Permanent residency,

naturalization, eligibility (inviting your spouse/ children/workers from your country), extension/ change of visa status.

Consultation ¥5000. OFFICE LIFE (Miho Fujibayashi).

Te l : 0 9 0 - 8 3 3 0 - 0 6 70 Email: mailto@officelife.jp Website: http://officelife. jp/en/ CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists in branding, web design, photo/ v i d e o p ro d u c t i o n . D r a w ing A Crowd: a new approach in design.

Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd. co

1.8 GENERAL SERVICES

SMILE STAND: Japan’s first and only stylish rental photo booth. An exciting addition to any party, event, etc., and the best way to get crazy, fabulous, professional photos.

With this ad ¥55,000~. info@ highland-tokyo.com https:// vimeo.com/44976943 www. smile-stand.com

FURNITURE RENTAL. Create customized furnished apartments with our furniture rental ser vice.

Furniture packages arranged by our qualified interior designers to accommodate various sizes and styles. We also of fer ap ar tment leasing consultation. Please call 0120-957-520. www.smartrental-tokyo.com

2 FIND A PLACE 2.1 GUESTHOUSE

CREA-UN UENO. Furnished p r i v a te r o o m s , w/d i g i t a l locks, near Asakusa, Ueno, Skytree. Safe area, femaleo n l y, r o o f to p g a r d e n w / nice view, BBQ space, free bicycle. From ¥56,000/m.

Utilities included. No key money/guarantor. crea-un. sakura@ko-bo.com http:// w w w. s akura - ko - b o.com 03-6912-0692 GREAT LOCATION & SUPER CLE AN. Private furnished rooms in Roppongi, Akasaka, Azabu-Juban and

Blog post

the official metropolis classifieds blog

http://metropolis.co.jp/classifiedblog With the days getting cooler and the bugs finally starting to disappear, October provides the perfect weather for festivals (or even fireworks). From traditional Japanese festivals to international festivals like Diwali in Yokohama, there’s something for everyone. Find your festival at http:// meturl.com/octobermatsuri.

FRI, OCT 17 ISSUE Deadline: Oct 8, 3pm

Kounosu / Wikimedia Commons

FRI, OCT 31 ISSUE Deadline: Oct 23, 3pm

Think the Classifieds is just ads? Think again! Visit the blog for saucy ads of yore, ideas to make your ads pop, updated prices (hello, free vehicles ads!) and plenty more Classifieds goodness. http://metropolis.co.jp/classifiedblog

Minami-Shinagawa, all 2min from stn, ladies-only floor available, weekly cleaning service, free i n t e r n e t , a i r co n , f r i d g e .

From ¥ 49,0 0 0/m. No key money/guarantor/agent fee. 090 -2405 - 0022 mail@bauhousetokyo.com

KANAMACHI GUEST HOUSE. Brand-new furnished share rooms, separate male and female floors, all rooms w/d i g i t a l l o c k s , a i r co n , fridge, 1min walk from Kanamachi stn, Chiyoda line ¥40,000/m. room@ airay-apartment.net 03-5876-4575 www.airayapartment.net/

2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000

ICHIGAYA, IN CENTRAL TOKYO. Furnished, 25sqm, w/south and north balconies, cherry blossom trees in Japanese garden, sunny and quiet, 5 -7min from Akebonobashi a n d U s h i g o m e -Ya n a g i c h o subway stn, very convenient to Yotsuya/Shinjuku by bicycle ¥100,000-. Tel/fax: 03-33417875 itto@itto-jinnai.com w w w.itto -jinnai.com/green/ greencorp.html

ICHII CORPORATION. Over 600 affordable, qualityfurnished apartments in central Tokyo locations. No key money/guarantor/agent f e e r e q u i r e d . N e w, c l e a n apartments, simple contract system, full English support.

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PRIVATE FURNISHED A P A R T M E N T S .

Odakyu line: MukogaokaYu e n / Yo m i u r i - L a n d - M a e , 20/30min from Shinjuku.

Keikyu line: Hatcho-Nawate, 15min from Shinagawa.

1K~2LDK ¥58,000/ m~¥120,000/m. Tel: 044-9337000 Email:mh@minowagroup. jp w w w.minowagroup.jp/ minowahomes

together for a chat or latte around the Tokyo area. Also speak Chn, Sp. xiongjia@ hotmail.com

SERVICED APARTMENTS in a quiet residential area of Hiroo. Studios and suites.

4min from Hiroo stn. Rates: Daily ¥7800. Weekly ¥6850-/ day. Monthly ¥5700-/day.

Over three months ¥5130-/ day. Tax, utilities included. frontdesk@azabucourt. com w w w.azabucour t . com/ 03 -3446 -8610

English and Japanese. Hi, I'm an AsianAmerican male, 30. I'd like to improve my Japanese for use at work. I'm seeking someone who can meet weekdays (morning/afternoon) on the west side of Tokyo. italybird@live.com English and Japanese. A gaikokujin walks into Pronto for lunch and asks for hentaiko spaghetti. The staff looks at him strangely. He looks back at the staff, puzzled. That gaikokujin was me.

Welcome to strange life in Japan, me! mentaikospaghetti@outlook.com English and Japanese. Well-educated single black American guy, 35, 180cm, seeking E/J language exchange. Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama. eddywillson33@ hotmail.com

BRIGHT PRIVATE ROOM IN LARGE LUXURY RESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ASAKA, 14min to Ikebukuro, huge bathtub, big TV, etc., free furniture available ¥48,000/m. Utilities, internet, cable included. No key money. villa. asaka@yahoo.com 09063491296 YOKOHAMA APARTMENT, private, large 2DK in quiet suburban area, all appliances included, easy access to Yokohama, Futamatagawa, Totsuka, Shonandai, Ebina ¥66,000/m. No key money, no agent fees. Pets ok. robhoey.c17@gmail.com

2.3 RENT OVER ¥200,000

THINKING ABOUT ADVERTISING WITH METROPOLIS? Platinum ¥ 32 ,4 0 0. G o l d ¥ 27,0 0 0.

Silver ¥21,600. Prices include one photo. Bronze ¥20 0 0 (photo + ¥20 0 0).

Prices are for 40 words, one print issue, two weeks online. For details, v isit the Tokyo Classifieds blog - ht tp: //metropolis.co.jp/ classifiedblog/ - or email us at commercial@metropolis. co.jp.

0 TOKYO APARTMENTS. Your one-stop housing solution throughout Tokyo. Providing s e r v ice d , fu rni s h e d a n d unfurnished apartments, for both long- and shortterm stays. Also providing relocation services, furniture rental, property m anagement and sales.

Please call 0120-957-920. www.tokyoapartments.jp

3 EDUCATION 3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE Chinese, Spanish, English, Japanese.

Hey, John from the US. Don’t have much chance to use J at my company. Let’s get

English and Japanese. Black American male, 32, seeks Japanese for language exchange. povic2010@hotmail.com English and Japanese. I'll be in Tokyo (Narita) soon. I'm seeking someone to show me around Tokyo. In exchange, we can practice speaking E. Hope to hear from you soon. arnoudvliegt@ gmail.com English and Japanese. I'm Andrew, a native English speaker, 30s, with writing (I write exam material), editing and teaching experience. I'd like to learn J pronunciation mainly, and some vocabulary and expressions. Daytime preferred. Shinjuku/Takadanobaba/ Kok ubunji / Ikebuk uro prefer re d. andrewnagai2014@gmail.com English and Japanese. Japanese male, 42, seeks native English speaker.

I like music and am interested in vegetarianism and macrobiotics. I hope we can learn from each other. blackstar777@excite.co.jp English and Japanese. Hi, I just moved to Tokyo from California. Hoping to meet a fun person to exchange J and E. I'm 35, Asian-American and very genki.

Let's meet at a cafe or bar and have fun. tokyoguy01@gmail.com English and Japanese. I'm working on a game to learn E and am seeking some people to play with. Let's study and play at the same time! 遊びながら勉強！ shimotown@gmail.com English and Japanese. MJF, 40s, seeking an English exchange partner. I am fluent in E, and would like to keep it. I'd prefer a female partner. Takatsu, Kanagawa area to Shibuya preferred. naoko.hz55@tbz.t-com.ne.jp English and Japanese. Group language exchange every Wed, 7:309:30pm, at coffee shops around Ginza.

Most members are 20s and 30s. We switch languages every 30min. Fun events on weekends. Free to join. ando. andy@gmail.com English, German, Portuguese, Japanese. JF, late 30s, working in an art field, does drawing by herself in free time, waiting for English, German or Portuguese speakers. In/around Tokyo.

Art-minded people very welcome! ck.bridgewater@gmail.com French and Japanese. Fr and J daily exchange in Otemachi. winds_fr@ hotmail.com German and Japanese. JF seeks Ger/J language exchange partner. Seit Sechs Monaten lerne ich Deutsch aber ich spreche Englisch. F/M ok. If interested, drop me a line. gardenstate2005@ hotmail.com

Italian and Japanese. Would like to learn basic It from a native speaker who wants to practice J. Possibly near Shibuya on weekday evenings after 7pm. unicornio@nifty.com Korean and Japanese. Japanese male, 41, seeks a native Korean speaker for Kor/J exchange. I like music, reading, cooking. I hope we can learn from each other and have some fun. astralsky@ excite.co.jp Spanish and Japanese. Soy un varón japonés, 26, viviendo en Tokio, buscando una mujer y los compañeros españoles por hacer intercambios de idiomas.

Hablo japonés. Quiero aprender español.

Entiendo un poco español. riku_hiroxx@ hotmail.com

3.9 TEACH ME! English lessons. JM, 30s, seeks native English teacher for reasonably priced lessons at a cafe in central Tokyo or along the Odakyu line. umek2002jp@ yahoo.co.jp Female web designer. Foreign male seeking web designer. Nonsmoker. Meet in Ueno/Tokyo/Shinagawa area, two or three times/month. In return, I’ll teach you English and pay ¥1000/meeting.

Strictly professional, so don’t worry! jj08@drivehq.com Teach me English conversation. I'm a JM, 31, seeking a native English teacher.

I can meet along the Seibu Ikebukuro line from Ikebukuro to Tokorozawa. I can pay ¥2500/h at the most. kazu.iwamo@ gmail.com Tutor needed for standard Japanese junior high subjects for J/American boy, 14, near JR Meguro stn. Will pay reasonable rate. cliffworks@gmail.com 090-7729-1195 Want to learn Italian. I studied back in high school for a very brief time, and I do speak English and French, which might help. I know basic Italian words. Want to learn more now. assassin.wolves.films@ gmail.com Wine teacher in Tokyo. Teach me about French wine in Tokyo on weekends.

Prefer a native teacher with teaching experience and a wine qualification. Will pay for your time. frenchwinetasting@ hotmail.com To advertise in Metropolis, Japan’s No.1 English magazine, log on at www. metropolis.co.jp/classifieds or email your commercial ads to commercial@ metropolis.co.jp.

4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS Armchair, w/matching foot stool, light blue. New ¥7000. Sell ¥2000. Pick up Tamachi. mailtojamie@gmail.com http:// goo.gl/NZHecc 090-7229-2332 Desk, office (135x70cm), in very good condition ¥10,000. Ikea bed, for kids, extendable, w/new mattress, in very good condition ¥10,000. Pick up Yoyogi. karthikmg@yahoo.com Furniture sale! Ikea sofa, w/extra cover, in great condition ¥4000. Ikea white storage cabinets ¥1500. Large bookshelf ¥2000. Chest of drawers ¥1500. Matching desk, desk chair: free. ledche@gmail. com Sofa, seats three, cream, leather, w/ two pillows, in good condition. New ¥100,000. Sell ¥20,000. Pick up Tamachi. mailtojamie@gmail.com http://goo.gl/ NZHecc 090-7229-2332

27

Sofabed, strong (L2m), w/classic style and new cover ¥5000/obo. Pick up near Kiyose, Seibu Ikebukuro line. talpinator2010@gmail.com

4.2 APPLIANCES

Surfboard, Canvas (5’2x20.5x2.38), San Clemente, California, hand-shaped by Ryan Engle, mini-Simmons design, panel V bottom, twin keel glass on fins, w/soft bag ¥45,000. jroughan@yahoo.com

5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT Acoustic guitar, Aria. Best offer. hatoh16@gmail.com

Rotisserie cooker, Rotisol Grand Flame, for commercial use, w/three splits, can roast up to 12 chickens ¥500,000.

Negotiable. bakachan80@ yahoo.com 080-6723-3446 Washer, Toshiba AW-607W, 7kg, hardly used ¥10,000. Pick up near Denenchofu stn. raymondspencer@hotmail.com 080-4736-2647

4.3 SAYONARA SALE Sayonara sale! Leather sofa; twin beds, w/bedding; seven-piece dining; office items; metal shelving; small electronics; lighting; curtains; etc. Pick up only AzabuJuban. rmjapan@mc.rosenet.ne.jp 090-6481-5107 Sayonara sale! Vacuum, new garbage bin, small electric heater, cordless phone, various kitchen plates, bowls, etc. ¥5000/all. hatoh16@gmail.com Sayonara sale! New Sharp Aquos TV, w/internet, several m/o ¥33,000/obo.

European-style sofa set, w/two sofas and four cushions, nine m/o. New ¥320,000.

Sell ¥80,000/obo. Leather sofa, tables, etc. takecareletsgo@yahoo.com Sayonara sale! Dining set, w/one table and two chairs; light metal shelf; plastic case; nine m/o ¥1000. Pick up only Kanagawa-ku. Photos available. persy-p3@excite.co.jp

4.4 TV & HOME THEATER DVD player, Pioneer, DVD-Audio and SACD compatible, Super VCD, 24-bit/192KHz DAC, built-in Dolby, HDMI and optical output, MP3, WMA, DivX, and JPEG, E/nscreen display. New ¥15,000. Sell ¥1000. Pick up Tamachi. mailtojamie@gmail.com http://goo.gl/ NZHecc 090-7229-2332 LCD TV 55", LG 55LW6500, full 3D 1080p HD, LED, internet, stream video from PC or smartphone to TV, includes three 3D glasses. New ¥160,000. Sell ¥65,000.

Tamachi. Can deliver. mailtojamie@ gmail .com ht t p: //goo.gl / NZHecc 090-7229-2332

4.6 FOR KIDS Baby bath chair, Aprica, w/reclining back, in very good condition, hardly used, folds for easy storage ¥3000. Pick up Nishi-Kasai. shelly_gupta@mail.com

4.7 FOR FREE Household items. NEC Speax32-TA fax/ phone; office chair, w/adjustable height/ lean angle and arms; four plastic chairs; aluminum table suitable for kitchens or outside; small ironing board. Pick up Tamachi. mailtojamie@gmail.com http:// goo.gl/NZHecc 090-7229-2332

5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 5.1 CAMERAS Digital camera, Canon PowerShot C1, as new, only took 50 shots and then stored it away, w/all cables, manuals etc., carrying bag ¥6000/obo. Pick up Tsurumi. rsd91750@nifty.com 0455064415

5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT Kickboxing, judo, ski wear sets.

Kickboxing set: gloves, bandage, leg protectors, two pairs of short pants ¥1000.

Adult judo set, suitable for around 175-185cm ¥1000. Ski wear set, suitable for around 170180cm ¥2000. yannu@hotmail.com Snowboard equipment. Burton Motion snowboard, 154cm, 15 y/o, in good condition; Burton boots (25cm); bindings ¥5000. kevjdunn@gmail.com

28

Musical instruments wanted. Peace Boat, an NGO headquartered in Tokyo, is collecting donations of new and used musical instruments for youth in Soweto and Brazil. We’ll deliver them directly during our 86th Global Voyage for Peace.

Nov 1 deadline. pbglobal@peaceboat. gr.jp www.peaceboat.org 03-3363-8047

8 COMPUTERS

Amp, Fender BXR 15 Combo Bass, 15W, 8" speaker, three-band active EQ section, Deltacomp w/19dB compression range, headphones and external speaker jack. Best offer. Pick up Tamachi. mailtojamie@gmail.com http://goo.gl/ NZHecc 090-7229-2332

Keyboards and mouse devices.

Wireless Logitech k400r keyboard, in excellent condition, J/characters ¥1200.

Two wireless Logitech M705 mice ¥1500/ each. thewalkingbox@gmail.com

Drum set, Roland TD-4K2-S, electric, w/mat, one m/o. New ¥125,800. Sell ¥30,000. raymondspencer@hotmail. com 080-4736-2647

Laptop, HP notebook, English, Win 8.1, Intel Core i3-3110M processor 2.4GHz, 6GB DDR3 SDRAM system, 500GB HD ¥48,000. main@jc-i.jp 09024782317

Electric-acoustic guitar, w/amp, stand, case. Best offer. hatoh16@gmail.com

Laptop, gaming, Asus N53JQ, 15.6, bought '11, i7-740QM 1.73GHz Geforce GT425M 1GB, 640GB HD, 4GB memory, Blu-ray player, Bang & Olufsen SonicMaster, Win 7 Home Premium.

New ~¥140,000. Sell ¥40,000. Tokyo/ Kanagawa. thewalkingbox@gmail.com

5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD Language and guide books. Japanese study books, French and English books, guidebooks, etc. List available. yannu@ hotmail.com Rei Shimura series, by Sujata Massey, six books ¥1000. Pick up Shinjuku or Nakano. Can post for +¥500. gracekishino@gmail .com ht tp: // shinjukugaragesale.wordpress.com/

6 VEHICLES 6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Mamachari, standard, 27x1 3/8 wheels, six-speed, one y/o, light use. New ¥20,000. Sell ¥9000. Pick up Noborito area or other nearby train stations. thewalkingbox@gmail.com Racing bike, Felt F55, 56cm frame, approximately 5000km, 8.1kg, carbon fiber forks/seatstays, Shimano Ultegra groupset, Mavic Aksium race wheels, compact 50/36 crank, carefully maintained, in excellent condition. New ¥220,000. Sell ¥80,000. Pick up Tamachi. mailtojamie@gmail.com http://goo.gl/ NZHecc 090-7229-2332

7 GENERAL 7.1 PHONES iPhone 4s 16GB, AU, in great condition ¥10,000. bakachan80@yahoo.com

7.2 FASHION Dress, Heaven and Earth (Shibuya 109), gray, w/chain detail and matching gray tank top, Japanese free size, in great condition ¥500. Pick up Koto-ku or meet central Tokyo. larajuku1997@gmail.com Dress, Jenevi (Shibuya 109), mini, black, w/blue detail, Japanese free size, in great condition ¥500. Pick up Koto-ku or meet central Tokyo. larajuku1997@gmail.com Sandals, women’s, beige, w/silver studs, rubber platform (3.5cm/1.25”), size Japan 25.5/EU 40/ US 9, very soft, in good condition ¥500. Pick up Koto-ku or meet central Tokyo. larajuku1997@ gmail.com

8.2 HARDWARE

10 HELP! 10.1 HELP ME Help me file taxes. Can anybody out there help me fill out the 2555ez tax form.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you. bakachan80@yahoo.com

info@peersupporttokyo.com www. peersupporttokyo.com Infertility support group. TTC Tokyo is an infertility support group that provides informal opportunities for women and men experiencing infertility to connect with one another. Please visit website for more info. admin@ttctokyo.org www. ttctokyo.org/

11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES

WRITE A MESSAGE FOR YOU R S PEC I A L SO M EO N E !

Write any thing, from bir thday messages to proposals, and so much more! Contact us through our website at http://classifieds. metropolis.co.jp.

12 SOCIAL SCENE 12.1 LET’S PARTY

10.2 SUPPORT

THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a d ay, f ro m a ny w h e re, a b o u t anything. From emergency assistance to simple questions.

Visit www.jhelp.com/ and press “help,” or call 0570 - 0 0 0 -9 11 .

To volunteer or support, please contact team@jhelp.com. www. jhelp.com/

J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L HALLOWEEN PARTY. Sat, Oct 25, 6:30-9pm, Devi Fusion (Roppongi). Japan’s biggest international par t y. 250 people expected. All-youcan-drink and free snacks.

Japanese men: ¥ 4000.

Others: ¥3000. Mobile: http:// getyourfriend.com/mobile/ jiparty@hotmail.com http:// w w w.get your frien d.com / 090-1735-5405

J O I N TH E B I G G E S T, B E S T, M O S T P O P U L A R I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y !

Great people, drinks and food! Meet new friends and party with nice people in a friendly atmosphere.

E ve n t s i n To k yo (G i nz a , Azabu, Roppongi) and Osaka. ¥1500- ¥2000. http://english.gaitomo.com/ info@gaitomo.com

7.3 MISCELLANEOUS A p r o n, b r a n d - n e w, l i n e n k n i t (L76xW40cm), various colors, w/pocket inside ¥800. Pick up around ToritsuDaigaku or Jiyugaoka stn, Toyoko line. boureyxx@aol.com Cleaner, for pet fur, dani, futon, sofa, etc. ¥500. Pick up or chakubarai.

Photos available. housetsu@gmail. com File folders, size B1, three available, w/cute designs ¥ 750/all. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com Rug, Ikea (80x150cm), almost new ¥1200. Delivery possible depending on location. broadmind@gmail.com http:// goo.gl/eYFyuc

7.4 ITEMS WANTED Bicycle sought for a reasonable price. 自

転車を安く売ってくださる方を探し ています。umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp

WEST PAPUA: ONE SOUL, ONE PEOPLE . Fif t y- one years ago, West Papua should have been an independent country. Since 1969, West Papua has been invaded and the people robbed of their rights, culture and country. Help support West Papuans’ desire to be free. http://tapol.gn.apc.org/ markhelp2@gmail.com ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TOKYO. If you have a problem with drinking, we can help. English-speaking meetings daily. 03-3971-1471 inquiries@aatokyo. org http://aatokyo.org HIV Peer Support group and workshops.

Get together with people in the same boat as you, who understand. Held in a safe, considerate, 100% confidential setting to discuss what’s on your mind, ask questions and make new friends.

13 CLUBS & INTERESTS 13.1 SPORTS

I N T E R N AT I O N A L PA R T Y AT LEAFCUP. Come join us and have fun. Men: ¥3000. Foreigners/ women: ¥2000. All-you-candrink-and-eat. Iidabashi and Yokohama: Oct 4 and 18.

Shibuya: Oct 11 and 25. www. leafparty.com SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS A N D N E V ER M ISS A N ISSUE .

O ne year (24 is sues) ¥ 360 0 (corporate subscribers, 7-100 copies ok ¥22,560). Half year (12 issues) ¥1800 (corporate subscribers, 7-100 copies ok ¥12,000). Bank transfer or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners

Basketball in the Yokohama area.

Want to play b-ball in the Yokohama area? Mostly Japanese players play intermediate games every Mon and Wed night at a local school's gym. Feel free to come. Please contact for further details. satoru.nicolas@gmail.com Don's Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@ hotmail.com

11 MESSAGES

神主を探してます. 英国大学院 の学院生は神道の神主を探してま す。awoollock01@qub.ac.uk

N E E D T O TA L K ? W e ’ r e h e r e to listen. TELL LIFELINE: free, anonymous English counseling daily from 9am-11pm by trained vo l u n te e r s: 03 - 57 74 - 0 9 92 .

TELL COUNSELING: affordable multilingual p s yc h o t h e r a py by a cc re d i te d Western-trained professionals, a CIGNA International Provider: 03 - 4 5 5 0 -1 1 4 6 . T E L L w e b s i te: w w w.telljp.com. Follow us o n F a c e b o o k a n d Tw i t t e r @ TokyoLifeLine.

Club). Details at http://metropolis. co.jp/subscription.

JUST A 3MIN WALK FROM ROPPONG I HILL S, Club 360 is a large and modern health and fitness club. No membership or joining fees. Personal training, physiotherapy, f itness classes, b oxing, kickboxing, massage. info @club3 60.jp w w w. club360.jp 03-6434-9667

Football /soccer players. Tokyo Redstar, Setagaya League 2, is s e ek ing s occer player s for al l positions. Practice almost every Sat/ Sun in Tokyo. Attendance must be over 60%. Players in a spirit of fair play welcome. saito987@hotmail.com http://tokyoredstar.com/ Futsal in Tokorozawa. Sun night futsal? Mostly 30-45 year olds play every Sun evening. Non-league, but fairly competitive. Come and play for exercise and fun! Any age ok. futsalintokorozawa@gmail.com Futsal players wanted by a very friendly international team. Practice is in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp

AMERICAN FOOTBALL. N ihon Unis ys B ulls , X league Central Division, seeks fit players w/ US college football experience for all positions. Practice every Sat/Sun from 10am-3pm (including meeting) in Tokyo/Saitama (time & v e n u e s u b j e c t t o c h a n g e) .

Attendance at practice must be ove r 6 0% . Pl e ase co nt ac t fo r tryout info and send your profile to team admin. bullsxleague@gmail. co m h t t p: // w w w.u n i s y s .co. j p/ football/ A L L - N AT I O N A L I T Y TO U C H FOOTBALL. Non-contact tag rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby League players.

We play ever y Sat from 1 0am in Tatsumi. M/F and beginners welcome! Good exercise and fun!

Many other activities, such as BBQs and drinking parties! Email for details. tokyorugbyleague@ hotmail.com ht tp: //ameblo.jp/ tokyo13warriors A M AT E U R R U G B Y L E A G U E PLAYERS. Japan ANZACS Rugby League team is seeking Rugby Le a g u e p l aye r s f o r J a p a n e s e Ru gby Le a gu e of f icial g ames from Apr to Sep. Everyone welcome. Contact for more details. japananzacs@gmail.com FUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Join us for social or competitive touch rugby ever y Sat at 2:30pm by Ariake stn, Yurikamome line. Any age, sex, level ok. Please email for details. funwithtouch@gmail.com ht tp://w w w.funwithtouch.com/ where-we-play/ P L AY R U G B Y. T h e To k y o Crusaders are a friendly but keen international rugby club.

D evo te d to t h e g a m e a n d i t s social side, the “Cru” welcomes all players and supporters.

Established in 1990, the Cru plays in the Shuto League 1st Division. http://www.facebook.com/tokyo. crusaders www.tokyocrusaders. com TA M B O U R E L L I . U n i q u e n e w s p o r t f ro m S cot lan d . Usin g a tambourine-like instrument as a racquet, players hit a shuttlecock.

We play two or three times/month on weekends in Meguro with many socials. Join us! More details: www. tamjapan.org/en/ info@tamjapan. org All-level tennis group in Tokyo.

Serious and motivated tennis players sought by active tennis group to join their weekly sessions in central Tokyo.

We have advanced and intermediate groups on weekday evenings. Beginner and low-intermediate also welcome.

No entrance or membership fees.

Reasonable participation fees. tokyo. tennis@yahoo.fr

Futsal team. Intermediate futsal team in Tokyo seeking people who can enjoy the game with others. Please introduce yourself (age, nationality, where you live, whether you belong to another team). umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp Interested in tai chi? Then why not start now? Take a step to counter the stresses of daily living. Practice is in Toyama Park on Sun mornings, near Takadanobaba stn. chifact@gmail.com Jogging Yokosuka. SJM seeking friends to jog 3-5km in Yokosuka, mornings preferred, but depending on the day, other times could work, too. ジョギング仲間募集横須賀 . elsalvadorjapan@yahoo.es

13.2 LEISURE MACARTHUR HEIGHTS. Ta ke a b r e a k w h e r e G e n e r a l Douglas MacArthur did! One hour from Tokyo by car or direct train. Beautiful cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping. housinginjapan@yahoo.com Free Japanese home cooking.

Japanese housewife offers free home cooking (washoku) lessons in English at her house near Kawasaki stn during the day on weekdays. You pay the cost of ingredients. tome.haruka-soushi@ ezweb.ne.jp

13.3 ARTS Love Shakespeare? Amateur group in Tokyo, meeting once/month to celebrate our love of the Bard. Come to read, or just to listen. All nationalities welcome, no experience necessary! rchrd_schwartz@ yahoo.com http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/Shakespeare-sama/

13.4 MUSIC English singer in Japan. English singer performing hits from the '40s to present (standards, country, retro, reggae, pop), in Japan Nov 3-21. Would like to meet musicians. stevelrich. cmg@gmail.com Jazz musicians sought in Tokyo. Let's play jazz standards. I'm a Japanese guitarist and sometimes play jazz at a bar. If you have some jazz standards you can play, contact me. k.chiba106@ gmail.com VJ wanted by two JMs in a band. Image is Pink Floyd's Storm Thorgerson - we need a visual artist on gigs. Are you a photographer or film artist? Let's play.

We love organic, not digital visuals. tokyolocalize@hotmail.com

13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT Diamond Way Buddhism Tokyo. Do you want to explore your own mind? Guided Buddhist meditation every Sun, 6pm, near Azabu-Juban. International practitioners, beginners welcome, Japanese spoken.

Please call 090-3598-3072 for more information. daginia@gmail.com http:// www.diamondway.jp/

Iro-Do Cafe meeting. Volunteer healing meeting in Tokyo. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need help. winds_fr@ hotmail.com Tibetan Buddhist meditation in Tokyo.

Part of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. This school puts special focus on meditation practice. Regular guided meditations Sun from 7pm. findlay65@ gmail.com http://www.meetup.com/ Tibetan-Buddhist-Meditation-In-TokyoJapan/ 080-4389-8818 Tokyo Dialogue. We have been meeting in the heart of the concrete jungle called Tokyo for 10 years to create an oasis of calm reflection and listening. findlay65@gmail. com http://tokyodialogue.wordpress.com/ Zen meditation (Zazen). You’ve always thought it would be interesting to try it - why not now? Join us Fri evenings at Tokuun-in in Ueno. Make arrangements in advance by email, and check our home page. tokyozazen@jcom.home.ne.jp www. wgthorpe.com

13.6 RELIGIOUS Seeking a Baptist church without judgmental people, many English speakers, and where everyone is in normal clothes? Contact me and let's meet at Higashi-Shinjuku stn, exit A2, Sun at 10:30am. paytyt@gmail.com 08041554200

13.8 PROFESSIONAL Tokyo Traders Club. International club for traders and investors. Discuss opportunities in stocks, commodities and forex. Many regular events, including FX trading workshop. New to trading? No problem: beginners also welcome.

You can also learn to trade. Join free! info@tokyotraders.com http://www. tokyotraders.com/ 080-5681-1321

13.9 INTERNATIONAL Intercultural activities. JII (Japan Intercultural Institute) is a non-profit, member-run organization that sponsors activities (seminars, cultural events, conferences) for those wanting to further develop intercultural competencies and meet other interculturalists. yuko. bolick@japanintercultural.org www. japanintercultural.org Nihongo 倶楽部いんたぁなしょなる.

Nihongo Club International is a volunteer group to help foreign people learn Japanese at the Tokyo Volunteer Action Center in Iidabashi. Every Thu, 7-9pm. nci_tokyo@yahoo.co.jpPERSONALS

14 PERSONALS 14.1 FRIENDS Art friends here? JF, late 30s, working in an art field, seeking someone to explore art galleries, museums, films and cafes with in and around Tokyo.

English, German and little Portuguese possible. ck.bridgewater@gmail.com Crossdressing guy, tall, white, goodlooking, in Tokyo, seeks female friend. chrischrisjapan34@yahoo.com Don't contact me if... you want English practice... you think every foreign guy wants to sleep with every woman... you're very crazy (a little crazy is ok). Do contact me if you're still reading, 20s. titanislander+yes@gmail.com Email pal. Japanese seeks native English speakers to be penpals. Let's talk in Japanese and English. Friendship and chatting only. Where are you from?

No sexual emails, please. language_ exchange3@hotmail.com English guy seeking new friends. I'm relaxed, easygoing, like music, comedy, travel, going to wine bars and Belgian bars. I speak Japanese, but prefer people who can speak some English. Any nationality/age ok, just be non-psycho.

Thanks! m3_3m@outlook.com Fellow Japanese learners. English guy in Tokyo learning Japanese. I'm seeking other people who are also learning Japanese to hang out with, share language tips and resources, and share occasional frustrations. My Japanese isn't great (yet!). vint.snap@ gmail.com

Jazz-playing friends in Tokyo.

Japanese male seeking jazz players for fun in the Tokyo area. I've been playing the alto sax for a couple of years. Still amateur, but want to play with others. yossynet@ra2.so-net.ne.jp Jogging partner wanted for weekend jogs around the Palace. WM, 40s. simonjfch@docomo.ne.jp New here. Feels weird to try finding friends online, but with work, study (Japanese), exercise, I thought this could be a way to meet new people. I like going out, travel, photography, and have a very English sense of humour. onzeetop@gmail.com Seeking career friends. 転活中の 30 代（前半）女性です。Sincerely seeking friends who are purchasers, marketing professional s, or job consultants to gain knowledge about the industry. deep-ocean@hotmail.co.jp Seeking penpal. Hello, I'm seeking a penpal who is an honest English speaker. M/F ok. I can help your Japanese, and you can help my weak points. longsnows.elk@gmail.com SoftBank friends. European man, 42, is seeking friends near Tama-shi who are SoftBank users. I like running and cycling, am free on weekends, speak French and Japanese. wasabi70@ yahoo.fr Spanish, English, Japanese. Hi, there.

JM, 40s, seeking English or Spanish speaker for language exchange. I'll teach you traditional and easy Japanese. norihito1@gmail.com Strolling through Tokyo. JF seeks English speakers who are interested in strolling with me around Tokyo (especially unknown towns and places). Shall we have friendship (not romance) through exploration? Nonnative speakers also ok. Nonsmokers, punctual, under 35 preferred. gbsrs@ hotmail.co.jp You and some friends? English guy looking to meet a group of friends after work for drinks. If you want to talk English and Japanese and enjoy some beer or wine, contact me. 日本語も大 丈夫. uk84@outlook.com 中央線. 中央線のビール友達を 探してる。僕がイギリス男です。 日本語でも英語でも大 丈 夫です.

e.rolpxei@gmail.com

横浜金沢シーサイド. Are you a member of Costco Kanazawa Seaside who goes to shop sometimes? Japanese male, fluent in English/Spanish, wants someone with whom to enjoy shopping, chatting or jogging. elsalvadorjapan@yahoo.es 日系人English/Japanese 交換し たい - 昼間. Asian-American male, fluent in English, wants to make new friends in Tokyo. F/M ok. Please teach me Japanese. Prefer to meet during lunchtime. gariben2@gmail.com

14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN SUBMISSIVE SJM, 36, cute, is seriously seeking a woman who is into, or interested in, dominating men. I am so submissive, with seven years’ experience, that I am happy to take whatever and serve you in any way. slaveintok yo@ gmail.com American apple pie, 38, consultant, from Culver City (near Beverly Hills), now in Mita, Minato-ku, loves restaurants, suits, colored handkerchiefs and ties, dancing, R&B, hip hop, reading, art. You: live/work in central Tokyo. Try something new? oohansel@yahoo.com American seeks wife. Business owner, Christian, healthy and in shape. I have so much to offer the right woman. I love to travel, cook, laugh, go out to dinner and a movie. Send me a note and let's talk. animalloverlj@outlook.com Would you like a nice, relaxing aroma oil massage? Amateur masseur seeks mature massage partners to practice on. I can meet anywhere in central Tokyo. I speak English and Japanese. amamassage@hotmail.com American WM, 46, fit, blue eyes, seeks long-term relationship. Currently married with kids. Would like to

explore friendship outside of marriage with a JF. Love eating out, movies, exercise, hanging out. Nihongo mo ok.

GreenMini596@aol.com Artist seeks woman in Tokyo. Artist from Paris seeks true companion. I design music. I make photography. I connect with nature. I am building an eco project in Tokyo. I am building my success in Japan. art234871@hotmail.com Artistic American guy, 38, born in America, lived near Santa Monica, my father spoke German. Now near Tokyo Tower. Very athletic, love artistic expression, restaurants, fashion, R&B. Please be athletic, live or work in Tokyo, open-minded. tokyotwr10@yahoo.com Attractive SJM seeks a nice Western or Japanese female for friendship and possibly more. Nonsmokers preferred. I am confident that I can create fun times for you. If you are ready, email me. cioinjapan@gmail.com British-Australian gentleman.

Hello, I am an Oxbridge-educated British-Australian gentleman seeking a single Japanese lady for friendship and marriage. I will be in Tokyo and Kyoto in Nov and would like to have an email exchange beforehand. stjdavid@ googlemail.com

Strong, beautiful, flexible Transform your body & soul at BASI PILATES!

Calm, gentle JM seeks someone special for a serious relationship leading to marriage. I am 42, nonsmoking, don't drink. Any nationality ok. If interested, please contact me. Let’s start with a cup of coffee. olympia127@yahoo.co.jp

Offering you “Authentic Pilates” Metropolis Campaign

Admission Fee: ¥15,750 ¥0 Trial Machine Private Lesson: ¥10,000 ¥8,400

Caring and cute SJM seeks attractive, hearty, nonsmoking Western female for friendship. I simply would like to share fun, interesting, great experiences with you. If you feel the same way, just drop me a line. You won't be disappointed. jinzaixyz@yahoo.co.jp

Package 3 Machine Private Lessons

¥30,000 ¥18,000

Machine Private Lessons available at our Roppongi studio Lessons in English available Studios in Roppongi, Ginza, Nakameguro and more

Caring for each other. JM, 44, slim, young-looking, seeks a Western female for a love-filled relationship. I promise you respect and understanding. Let's start from friendship, then see how it goes. Sincere, decent personality required. toshinoris1012@yahoo.co.jp

03-6425-7054 • roppongi@basipilates.jp www.basipilates.jp/english/

Daytime passion? Attractive North American WM, 30s, clean and safe, seeks attractive lady, 20-49, for passionate hotel encounters weekdays/weekends during the day. Ikebukuro-Shinjuku areas preferred. You will feel good.

121quantum@gmail.com Discreet and passionate lady wanted.

Seeking MJF for a discreet and intimate relationship. I'm a kind, respectful, welleducated MWM, late 40s, nonsmoker.

Please contact me and let's see if we connect. Thank you. theroyaljoker@ yahoo.com Down-to-earth SJM, not handsome or rich, clumsy, early 40s, seeking woman of a similar age for romance or marriage.

Kanagawa preferred. elsalvadorjapan@ yahoo.es English and Japanese. I'm a JM, 40s, seeking a female language exchange partner. 0327yano@gmail.com Exciting daytime fun. Generally happy MWM seeking similar MJF for daytime fun. Marriage has many great features, but we deserve to feel sexually alive, too.

I’m tall, fit and smart - hope you are, too. bdtguy@hotmail.com

M for entio FR n M EE e AD trop MI oli SS s ION

I want to grow old with you. I seek a serious and honest lady I can grow old with. Please send me a message so we can get to know each other. Thank you. waynebrad11@aol.com Is this you? I am tall, British, 30s, working in a proper job, living in Japan permanently. 日本語もできる. You are Japanese, around 165cm, slim or medium weight, relaxed, happy, working but have free time. uk84@outlook.com Is visiting art museums your passion, too? European bachelor, visits Japan every year for about two months at a time. I'm coming on another visit quite soon. I just love exploring art museums and seek an interesting companion. jvanvuren@ntlworld.com Kissin’ the moonlight. In an open relationship and seeking a female kissing friend. I want to go to a place in the park or another place. riku_hiroxx@ hotmail.com

THE RACE IS ON!

Groups of 4 or more can compete with each other Admission 1 ticket (7 min)=¥2100, 3 tix=¥5200, 5 tix=¥7800 ¥47,000

29

Many more Classified ads online! Please visit classifieds.metropolis.co.jp

JOBS CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED

BY LEAFCUP in Tok yo, Iidabashi, S h i b u y a , Yo k o h a m a . S e e k i n g enthusiastic, prof icient English, French, Spanish and/or German speakers who can teach and lead lively conversations. ¥1,000-¥1,500/h.

A p p l y o n l i n e : h r @ l e a f c u p .co m www.leafcup.com/job.php EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT sought by foreign-owned company in Tokyo.

Requirements: fluent in English/ Japanese, previous EA/secretary/ office experience. Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm.

Competitive salary. Please send CV to smkkbjtokyo@gmail.com.

Don't waste time and money

on so-so dental care.

Invest in the best.Your teeth deserve it.

3-2-1 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo Clinic hours: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Closed: Thu, Sun and National Holidays

03-6435-0993

www.tsuruki-mita.org/english Now You Can Recharge in Roppongi 24/7/365

Language exchange with benefits.

Haven’t got time to sit down at your desk and study Nihongo? I can teach you in bed. I’m a Japanese guy, AKA, a sleeping dictionary! You will learn more effectively and quickly. tcnsncymtd@ gmail.com

Hotel IBIS Soba shop

Tel: 03-3796-2411 relaxtokyo.com COURSES Body care 30 min: ¥3,150 60 min: ¥6,300 (Early bird 6am-2pm ¥5,250) 120 min: ¥12,600 Oil massage (daytime only) 60 min: ¥8,400 120 min: ¥16,800

Metropolis Promo

60 & 120min courses now ¥1,000 off 30min course ¥500 off

Mos Burger Almond

METROPOLIS is seeking motivated bilingual (E/J) sales executives, support staff and interns to join its advertising and marketing team. Send E/J resume to jobs@metropolis.co.jp.

Takoyaki shop Police box Roppongi-dori

Life is short. British man, 35, seeks Japanese lady to share chats, drinks and hopefully more. In a relationship, but without physical intimacy. Life is short.

I am not seeking a one-night stand, but rather an ongoing relationship. happylamp@hotmail.co.uk London calling. Here from London.

Will be staying in Japan for a while.

Want to meet new people to hang out with, enjoy drinks, do new things. I'm not the Roppongi type, so no Roppongilovers, please. Nonsmokers only. englishmobile@outlook.com Lunch friends. English guy seeking lunch friends near Otemachi. I already have a busy social life in the evenings, but if we get on at lunch maybe the occasional afterwork hangout could work, too. No marriage seekers/smokers. scottish1_@ outlook.com Married gentleman seeks love with married gentlewoman. Is it possible?

Maybe not. vbcfgt@hotmail.com Married needs help. Friendly Caucasian MWM in central Tokyo seeks discreet and sincere JF for romantic and intimate encounters. I am mid-40s, well-educated, respectful, nonsmoking.

Please contact me and let's see what happens. theroyaljoker@yahoo.com Mature and sophisticated Japanese, some have said charming, seeking an elegant, passionate, kind SWF. I dream about wild nights as well as sharing the simple pleasures of love. Is that you? imak1_2_3@yahoo.co.jp Meet me in Hawaii. Married, early 40s, seeking an attractive single or married woman for fun on your vacation in Hawaii. I'm financially secure, 170cm, 70kg, athletic, speak Japanese. Let's exchange photos and email and go from there. Aloha! lifeofadventure69@ yahoo.com Nice gentleman seeks a mature Japanese woman, 50+, to enjoy special

30

To advertise: commercial@metropolis.co.jp

03-4588-2277

WAIT STAFF, aged 25 -35, sought for oyster bar and restaurant, The Cave de Oyster Tokyo, at Tokyo stn. Requirements: proper visa, E/J fluency, team-player attitude. Any nationality ok. From ¥1,000/h. www. theoyster.tokyo qjin@humanweb.co.jp 03-6667-6606 OPERATION MANAGER NAQUINGS has an operation manager position open.

The employment scheme includes three stages: 1. Provide us with your resume. 2. Display your readiness to work for NaquinGS at the interview with our managers. 3. Show your best professional and personal skills and prove you are the best candidate for us. If you have any questions related to employment, contact our managers in the HR department. NaquinGS.com

sweet moments together, with respect and good manners. vbcfgt@hotmail.com

and talk a lot. Let's go out together. opentheuniverse@hotmail.com

Non-Japanese Asian. Title says it all: seeking a girl from Asia who isn’t Japanese. I’m from England, but have lived in several countries in Asia. Love travel, music, open minds. ero.lp.xei@ gmail.com

Seeking beautiful woman, up to 40.

Hello, I am seeking a nice, beautiful lady for dinner or a good time for both of us either in Shibuya or Ikebukuro. I can host. mariochintao@yahoo.com

No English? 銀行で働いてるイギリ

ス人が日本の女の子探してる。英 語分からない女の子欲しい。 vint.

snap@gmail.com

Older Japanese women are so beautiful. As Japanese women age, they become more and more beautiful. I love ladies in their 50s and 60s. vbcfgt@ hotmail.com Outgoing black male seeking attractive girlfriend, 20-55, over 160cm, who is fun and seeking intimacy in the Tokyo area. I'm 36, smart, 183cm, shaved head, athletic, from NY, working in IT, living in Ota-ku. Please send photo! goldfinger726@gmail.com Pretty black/African woman sought for a long-term and passionate relationship full of pleasure. I am a well-educated professional, currently working at a well-known international company, with a caring and loving heart. karlimarko@ yahoo.co.jp Professional, educated, outgoing, handsome, looking to date. White American guy currently staying in Tokyo.

Would like to grab some coffee or lunch together to start off with and then take it from there. I am really mature and openminded. brdt7465@hotmail.com Proposal for SWF in Tokyo. Attractive SJM seeks attractive, spiritually mature, thoughtful SWF for a meaningful relationship. Shall we begin to talk? I think this opportunity will be a great one for us. followupforme14@gmail.com Romance with an older lady. Very nice and sexy gentleman seeks an older, or much older, woman to have nice dates and a romance. feeltokyo@yahoo.co.uk Seeking a mature SWF. Fun and easygoing SJM, 57, living in Tokyo, into reading, movies and swimming, seeking a Caucasian lady, 50s, for friendship.

Would like to explore Tokyo together

Seeking chubby, serious JF. European guy, 40, open-minded, easygoing, honest, faithful, seeks a JF who can meet up soon (not too many emails) for a long-term relationship. Let's meet up over coffee and talk. niman429@ yahoo.com Seeking chubby/big, beautiful, funloving Japanese woman. Fun-loving, successful, nonsmoking, well-traveled married male is seeking a chubby/BBW Japanese woman for a passionate relationship. enjoylife_321@yahoo. com Seeking companionship from a Japanese or foreign woman for exploring Tokyo. Maybe leading to something more serious. I'm Caucasian, 43, 194cm, nonsmoking, social drinker, fun guy. I live near Machida, Odakyu line. 日本語 ok. pisces030771@hotmail.com Seeking friend. The weather is cooling off and I think I'd like to have a picnic!

Are there any young women, 20s-30s, out there who like soul music and French food? Tattooed Caucasian, early 30s, seeking a friend. vlvowhore@gmail.com Seeking fun. SWM, 32, French, seeking people who want fun like me. My life is stable, but boring and stressful. I need excitement for my mental health balance. If you feel the same way, contact me. Take care. r.ould07@i. softbank.jp Seeking Japanese girlfriend. I am an IT engineer from India. I've been living in Tokyo since 2012. I am doing programming. I am single, nonsmoking, 4 1. S e ek in g Jap ane s e wom an. aimtjap2k12@gmail.com Seeking large Japanese girlfriend.

Canadian guy, 40s, open-minded, gentle, romantic, positive, seeks overweight girlfriend for long-term relationship in Tokyo. Serious only, please. bbalajan@yahoo.com

Seeking married JF. Nice guy, 40s, gentle, romantic, open-minded, seeks to share great time with a married JF in Tokyo. First, let's meet up over coffee and talk. benjaminbenjamin12@yahoo.com

Seeking comfort. Female, 28, works under extreme pressure. I don't have much time to meet up, but I need someone to comfort me.

Looking forward to your message. butterfly. saya0324@gmail.com

Seeking mature SWF. Serious, fun, easygoing SJM seeking a Caucasian lady, 50s, for friendship. I'd like to explore Tokyo together and talk a lot. I'm into reading, movies and swimming. Let's go out for coffee. opentheuniverse@hotmail.com

Seeking Frenchman for serious relationship. I'm a SJF, 30s, interested in France, seeking a relationship with a sincere and intelligent Frenchman, 25-50.

No language exchange or games, please.

Serious only. framboisier@inter7.jp

Seeking Parisienne. Affluent and excellent Japanese architectural engineer is seeking an attractive Parisienne who can speak English. I visited Paris last Dec and would like to learn more about the city. Give me the hot info on Paris now. imak1_2_3@yahoo.co.jp Seeking romantic relationship from any woman interested in my ad. Email w/photo. smartguy@i.softbank.jp Serious relationship. SM, 30, 180cm, living in Tokyo, loves movies, music, travel, seeks a serious relationship. 日本語大丈 夫です. lafranceatokyo2013@gmail.com Singaporean, Chinese, Indian...? British guy, 30s, seeking non-Japanese women to hang out with, maybe more. It may seem obvious, but please only contact me if you have time to meet. No Japanese seeking marriage with a gaijin, please! greenteais. yummy@gmail.com Single Italian seeking JF. I’m an Italian professional, in the wine business, seeking a JF for a serious relationship leading to marriage. Hope we share interests: art, travel, dance, opera, wine, dining, concerts, etc. kyrwa@rocketmail.com Tattoos or piercings? Seeking a woman with tattoos or piercings, 20s, able to meet in Tokyo. I'm a man from England. 日本語でも英語でも大丈夫. uk84@ outlook.com Tea or beer in the park. Seeking some people to spend a sunny Sat/Sun in the park. Japanese/foreigners welcome. I’m English. I hang around guys at the office, so just want to chill with some female company. superspicy@outlook.com Tender nights. Are you seeking a warm, affectionate Caucasian man, early 30s, tattooed, to touch you in all the right ways?

Let's meet. vlvowhore@gmail.com Tired of being lonely? Hi, average white guy, 44, seeking girlfriend in Saitama. martin_coman@hotmail. com UK lady. SJM, 30s, tall, slim, lover of books, films, and music, seeks an attractive British lady with the same interests. hurryondownboy@yahoo.co.jp Western guy seeking JF. Hi, I'm a handsome, open-minded Western guy, 38, seeking a lovely JF up to 35. Casual dating. I hope to hear from you soon.

Tokyo/Narita. arnoudvliegt@gmail.com WM in Tokyo seeking a pretty girl, 18-35. I am tall, white, with blue eyes.

I speak Japanese. chrischrisjapan34@ yahoo.com Young Swiss in Tokyo for older JF. Single white Swiss male living in Tokyo, 32, sensitive, obedient, tall, rather handsome, seeking a (much) older JF to spend time together, ideally leading to a relationship. firkenknecht@hotmail. com 逗子海岸or三浦海岸. バチャ ータとメレンゲ、サルサしたい女 性 歓 迎 ～ 私（ 男性 ）は 基 本 o k 。 elsalvadorjapan@yahoo.es

14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN

S I N G L E S - O N LY D AT I N G EVENTS EVERY FRI NIGHT for foreign men and Japanese women. Leave the event with a new date! Always more women than men. FREE if signing up in advance!

Otherwise, ¥2,000. info@ exeo-international.com www. exeo-international.com

LAVISH DATES AND INDULGENT NIGHTS - WE CR E ATE O PP O RTU N ITI E S for elite foreign males to meet elegant Japanese females.

Start with a luxurious dinner date,take the night where you w a n t i t t o g o. Fr e s h , y o u n g women join our club every day.

Tr y our free one - month trial offer: first date is on us! 0120675 - 858 (E ) international@ universe-club.jp http:// universe-club.jp/en Are you... a European professional who likes living in Tokyo? Are you 30s and seeking a serious relationship leading to marriage? If yes, please email me. I'm a SJF seeking the same. happyflower735@ gmail.com Asian beauty. Long sleek hair, fine skin, toned yet with a very feminine frame and curves. SJF, overseas-educated, brainy, mid-40s, mature with a baby face, bilingual, loves Shania's songs. You: single, articulate, funny, international, professional. American, older preferred. lemon_somehearts@yahoo.co.jp Autumn leaves and snow. If you love snowy mountains, we might have a chance.

I live in a log home in an upland forest. Late 40s, fit, spiritual, artistic, relaxed, seeking a long-term relationship with an interesting man. oriontopleiades@gmail.com Casual but respectful partner? SJF seeking a man, late 40s or over, for having fun. Hopefully, it’ll become a long-term relationship. I am 30s and have a kid. I want just one respectful partner. bluemermaiduk@yahoo.com C'est la vie. Men disappoint women; women disappoint men. Will there come a time when we won't disappoint each other?

My friend told me at 64, men and women can finally see eye-to-eye. What do you think? marikok08@gmail.com Discover fun things in Tokyo together?

Travelers welcome - I can show you around!

Let's discover nice things: dining, spas, music, vacation, etc. JF, late 30s, friendly, slim, tall, seeking a classy, intelligent gentleman for dating. amynakagawa@ outlook.jp German language and Japanese.

Open-minded, slim, long-haired SJF, 30s, seeks a German friend. My interests include cultures, classical music, sports, philosophy, the arts, dining out, wine.

Age, nationality, marital status do not matter. Nonsmokers only. bw2classical@ yahoo.co.jp Japanese woman living in Tokyo, 29. I got divorced. No kids. I’m seeking someone serious. I’m very interested in American and British culture. I have always liked listening to music from the ‘60s-’80s. khatruyuasa@ kdr.biglobe.ne.jp Japan-loving French guy. SJF seeks a French guy who loves living in Japan, 30s, for a serious relationship leading to marriage. I am caring, curious and openminded. Serious only. vinrouge735@ gmail.com Love traveling. Attractive, feminine, bilingual, professional JF, enjoys traveling, scuba diving, music, reading, dining out, finer things in life, seeking a mature, sophisticated gentleman, 35-45, for a meaningful relationship. Would love to multiply happiness by sharing! icedcoconutmilktea@hotmail.com Model, artist, director, musician? SJF seeking a cool single artist, fashionable, tall, slim, living in the Aoyama, Akasaka or Roppongi area. Prefer British, French, European. Let's party, listen to rock and roll, enjoy autumn in Tokyo. tokyolive1@ gmail.com Rare discovery! Warmhearted, attractive, positive, slim SJF, enjoys cooking, hiking, working, art, seeks gentle, attractive, successful Caucasian in central Tokyo who wants to raise a loving family.

What's important is trust, respect and stimulating each other. Photo necessary. sorosoroaitai@yahoo.co.jp

SJF seeking casual dates in Tokyo. Simply seeking friendship. Me: nonsmoker/drinker, 50-ish, likes European movies, museums, shrines, gardens. You: 50-70, in Tokyo, free for a few hours on weekends. altoids301szka@yahoo.co.jp Tall American man, professional, 35-45, sought for nice dinners and fun. Anybody out there? sreiko751@gmail.com Teach me. Bored woman seeking someone to teach me something new. Tell me what you can teach me and include a photo. hanaenaka55@gmail.com The special one. Seeking a SWM for a serious relationship, and if possible, marriage. I’m a SJF, 30s, sweet, caring, honest, positive. Please mail me your details, photo. Let’s go eat something nice together! rykya614@i. softbank.jp This is it... SJF, mid-30s, open-minded, loves to laugh, listen to music (especially R&B), chill out indoors, seeking a boyfriend.

I hope we can be serious. Black man preferred. happylovemusic0808@gmail. com

PAccounting • Auditing • IPO Consulting • Due Diligence

KASAI CPA 042-401-0342

We can help you with: • Visa & Immigration Procedures • Mixed Marriage, Naturalisation and Refugee Status • Establishing a Company & Branch Office • Accounting Services, Acquiring Business Licences • Preparation/Translation of Legal & Business Documents • Other Legal & Business Matters

14.4 GAY & LESBIAN

14.5 ESCORTS ESCORTS have gone online.

To f i n d a l o v e l y l a d y co m p a n i o n , v i s i t h t t p: // classifieds.metropolis.co.jp/ category/personals/escorts.

14.6 AND OTHERS Happening bar? European man seeking a nice lady to enjoy happening bars in Tokyo/Yokohama. My schedule is flexible, so we can go during the day if that's best for you. Married or single, Japanese or foreign - all ok. threesomejapan@hotmail.com Seeking fun girl for happening bars.

Aloha! Hawaiian guy, 30s, living in Tokyo, seeking fun ladies of all ages to explore happening bars in Tokyo. I'm fun, relaxed and easygoing, so you should be, too. Mahalo. tokyoguy01@gmail.com

15 JOBS 15.1 JOB WANTED NEED A BABYSITTER? My name is Merinda Masuda. I’m 16, great with children and give them 100% attention.

Trustworthy, responsible, loving, can do housework while children sleep.

Seeking work in central Tokyo.

Availab le mos t evening s , S at evenings and Sun. merindababysitter@gmail.com

Takashi Kasai CPA Firm 4-1-2-302 Honcho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo support@kasaicpa.com www.kasaicpa.com

WADA Legal & Administrative Office

You will enjoy my class, intelligence, beauty, and lots of love. Sensible yet playful, 40-ish, nice figure, overseaseducated, seeks a single business professional, up to 60s. I won’t disappoint you if you’re what I’m seeking. Trust me. bluecolt_liholiho@yahoo.co.jp

Seeking Asian shemale. European guy, 40s, good-looking, kind, open-minded, positive, seeks Asian shemale in Tokyo.

Let's share great times together. solivan. solivan@yahoo.com

PVisa Attorney • Establishing a Company & Branch Office • Corporate Services • Immigration Services

More Than Twenty Years Experience

Weekend date in Yokohama. Let's spend nice time together in Yamashita Park, Chinatown, Minato-Mirai, etc. Mature SJF, warmhearted, gentle, generous.

But if you just want a bed buddy, I am not qualified. Serious only, please. haketa9@ yahoo.co.jp

Gay Spanish man seeks GJM. Hello, I am a lonely Spanish man, 44, seeking a GJM (not bi or hetero) for a serious relationship. I live in Spain. pedroefe123@yahoo.es

PTax • Tax Preparation • Tax Consulting • US Tax Filing • Accounting Services • Payroll Services

For information: Tel: (03) 3345-7977 FAX: (03) 3345-5377

http://www.wada-lats.com/ E-mail: info@wada-lats.com 3-5-3-1402 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023

FUTUROPOLIS METROPOLIS HALLOWEEN GLITTERBALL

OCT 30, 7-11PM

meturl.com/halloween 31

25.9 percent of Japan’s population aged 65 or older—a record, according to the internal affairs ministry

LINGO BOX Kakusu (隠す) = to hide Shujutsu (手術) = operation Jōkyaku (乗客) = passenger Shinzō (心臓) = heart Mōshikomi (申し込み) = application or request

the small print

BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN

PUNCH LINES THAT PEOPLE FIND HILARIOUS ARE THE SAME IN JAPAN AND OVERSEAS.”—Katsura Sunshine,

1,109,600 Number of foreign visitors to

a Canadian rakugo performer

FOREIGN INTRIGUE ⊲Prosecutors ⊲ in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou have asked a court to consider the death penalty for a Japanese politician who was caught with more than 3 kilograms of meth at the local airport last October. ⊲Officials ⊲ at the defense ministry are miffed at a Swedish company that developed an app allowing users to track the movements of planes carrying the prime minister and Imperial family.

TEEING OFF ⊲A ⊲ Tokyo court acquitted three gangsters of fraud for hiding their identities so they could play golf at a course in Okinawa that prohibited members of the yakuza. Which raises the question: There are golf courses that don’t ban gangsters? ⊲Authorities ⊲ in Hyogo suspect foul play in the case of a rare giant salamander that went missing from a local river and turned up on a roadside some 50km away in Osaka.

stats

⊲In ⊲ the first operation of its kind, Japanese doctors used a patient’s own blood vessel to patch up an interrupted heart artery. The procedure was carried out on a newborn girl in Kyoto.

SURVEY SAYS… ⊲Researchers ⊲ at the World Health Organization compiled their first-ever report on global suicide patterns. They found that the average suicide rate for all countries is 11.4 per 100,000 people, but in Japan it’s 18.5 per 100,000. ⊲Only ⊲ Lithuanians, Russians and South Koreans kill themselves at a higher clip. ⊲Meanwhile, ⊲ officials at the OECD say Japan ranks dead last among 32 member nations in terms of public spending on education, as reckoned by a portion of GDP. ⊲At ⊲ the same time, the country ranked 13th in education spending per student.

MOVIN’ ON UP ⊲Kinki ⊲ University in Osaka has overtaken Meiji University in Tokyo as the school that receives

Japan in August—a record for the month, according to the JNTO

58.6

Percent of Japanese men who are oblivious to the “maternity badge” carried by pregnant women to make people aware of their condition, according to the Cabinet Office

the most applications from students hoping to take its entrance exams. ⊲Meanwhile, ⊲ Softbank chief Masayoshi Son ($16.6 billion) has surpassed Fast Retailing Co. Chairman Tadashi Yanai ($16.2 billion) as Japan’s richest man. ⊲In ⊲ a bid to help depopulated communities, government officials have proposed the establishment of so-called on-demand transportation systems, which “will allow passengers to reserve and share small buses and taxis.” ⊲And ⊲ authorities at the education ministry are set to debut a “teleclass project” for students in underpopulated areas.

HERE & THERE

at a glance

BY ADAM GARWOOD

⊲J-pop ⊲ songstress May J. was among the performers at the inaugural RockCorps Japan, an offshoot of the U.S. concert series that offers free entry to people who perform volunteer work. The show was held in Fukushima. ⊲Authorities ⊲ at the agriculture ministry are dealing with a pressing problem ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics: how to provide enough fresh-cut flowers “for use on podiums and along the marathon course.” ⊲A ⊲ Tokyo-based photographer says he has located and taken pictures of the Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer Oite, which was sunk in February 1944 by U.S. forces north of the Chuuk Islands in Micronesia. ⊲Bottom ⊲ Story of the Week: “Mainichi Reporter Takes Test Ride on U.S. Osprey Aircraft” (via Mainichi Japan)

Small Print Updated Weekly → METURL.COM/SMALLPRINT Compiled from reports by AP, Japan Today, The Japan Times, Jiji, The Tokyo Reporter, The Mainichi, The Japan News, AFP, Reuters and Kyodo

32

RELATIONS GOOD OL’ TEXAN SAKII

BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA

The first time I drank sake was, surprisingly enough, in Texas. I had managed to go an entire year of living in Japan without trying the curiously strong rice wine, instead opting to taste my way through Japanese beers and mixed drinks during marathon nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) parties. My then-boyfriend (now husband) wasn’t particularly attached to any of the various nihonshu at the supermarket, either, so a bottle never managed to make its way into my apartment. In fact, the first time I consciously remember drinking sake was down in Texas while we were visiting my parents. My father produced a large bottle of sake (or “sakii,” as he pronounced it) from the pantry in an effort to make my husband feel more “at home.” It worked beautifully.

テキサス州での「サキ」 私が初めて日本酒を飲んだのはテキサスでのことでした。私のその時の彼氏（現 在の夫）も私と同じように好んで日本酒を飲むことが無かったため、自ら日本酒 を買った事は一度もありませんでした。実際、私が初めて日本酒を飲んだ記憶は テキサスの両親の家に遊びに行った時のものでした。父が私の夫ともっと仲良 くなりたいがために大きな日本酒の瓶を買い、皆で飲みました。（父はテキサ ス特有のなまりで、正しく「さけ」と言えずに「サキ」と言っていました。） ■ Grace Buchele Mineta is an author who blogs and draws comics about her daily life in Japan at www.HowIBecameTexan.com.

horoscope

BY CATHRYN MOE

♥ Love ¥ Money ♣ Luck

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

May 20-Jun 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣

Jun 21-Jul 21 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Now that you’ve taken the time to balance your thoughts and checkbook (or have you not?), Mercury the messenger can show you the way—backward.

This planet moves retrograde on Saturday.

Deliberating about a very important life choice?

You might rather sit in the middle of a park and pull on universal energies as they amp up this autumn. If you’re in a relationship, someone may want you to make a commitment. Funny—if you can find them.

Do you speak up this week, or keep your thoughts to yourself ? Trick y, that. Just so, because Mercury, the messenger, goes retrograde on Saturday.

Communications queue for a bit of a roller coaster ride, with interpretations being anyone’s guess. You’re in line to receive or be gifted with an unusual opportunity. Whether it’s material, emotional or financial, do enjoy yourself. It’s meant to be, and you can finally breathe in a deep sigh of relief.

Here, and then gone again: You’re likely to feel this in matters you’ve put on the shelf, whether it’s in the kitchen or the legal department. Living by intuition isn’t always easy, but with logic bottled up

by Mercury’s retrograde movement Saturday, you’ll do just as well to move forward when you like—and sit and dream when you don’t. If thoughts are things, weed your garden, let the leaves fall, and prepare for a wonderful bumper crop that matches your personal rhythms.

Just when things were moving forward, they started to go the other way. That’s right, Mercury transits retrograde on Saturday, and it’s zodiac-goround again. Like an old-fashioned game of musical chairs, you’re willing to get up and walk in a circle, but you’d appreciate somewhere to sit afterward. The universe is offering a game of its own—“patience without a plan”—because what you thought was happening has a mind of its own. And it’s a saving grace you’ll enjoy.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Sep 22-Oct 22 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣ Scorpios are famous for being private.

You can’t really help it, because of your mysterious nature. Born for power, people are attracted to you, and if they haven’t dealt with their own, they might be intimidated by the charisma you naturally radiate. All the more true this week! Mercury moves retrograde on Saturday. You’re likely to see beyond the beyond. Just don’t set the ink to dry quite yet.

Hold out for the final flourishes and a bonus top-off.

Mar 20-Apr 18 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣

Jul 22-Aug 21 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Apr 19-May 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Aug 22-Sep 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

CANCER

You’re not finished with a big project yet. In fact, in many ways, you have just begun. There’s not a lot you can do to change others, which is a lucky thing this week. Mercury moves retrograde Saturday, so keep conservatorship over your own energy. While others look at their motives and long-range plans, you can sit down and enjoy the inner peace you have worked so hard to achieve. Romance is on the cards, if you want it. Honestly. Do you?

Changes in routine can bring on nerves—not that you haven’t had your share of shake-ups. But what you get used to is the new normal streaming through your subconscious—until a turn is taken. Mercury, your ruling planet, goes retrograde on Saturday. Knowing this in advance, or even after it has begun, puts a logic stamp on the weird and wacky. Hopefully you’ll like it.

Enjoy the differences you’re being shown now: they’re about choice—creeping up on you.

Since Scorpios have been dealing with Saturn in their sign and you’re off the hook, don’t you think it’s time to believe it? One building block at a time, one pebble per day—that’s not you! You’re more likely to negotiate what you desire—necessary or not, it doesn’t matter. Then you can watch others do your bidding (don’t feel guilty, you deserve it!). Mercury moves retrograde on Saturday. It probably feels cool to watch others become tongue-tied while you are exempt.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Jan 20-Feb 17 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

Feb 18-Mar 19 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

This is your year for romance, true love and travel. It’s a time of great change and possible upheaval if you have a lot of ballast. Instead of trying to do everything at once and then gallop off (which the Centaur loves to do), why not choose a healthy stance and watch how things play out? Sometimes the wisest thing to do is nothing at all. This can be especially true with Mercury, the messenger, moving retrograde on Saturday. Star in your personal play or film, and feel the happy ending.

Hold on to your hat. And your sanity.

Just when you thought everything was going one way, it could turn around and march off in another. Of course, that’s half the fun. Reality has a need to change and stay alive, just like you. You simply do not have to make up your mind yet. Mercury goes retrograde on Saturday and it’s perfectly permissible to just stay in your pajamas and read the paper. Or your kindle. Or the telepathic waves that are starting to float above you.

If your career is moving slowly or seems submarined, look to your future travels. Interestingly, motivation on the physical and emotional levels come from clearing up a few connections. Whether you think of this as making amends or spiritual growth, or don’t think of it at all, what you change on the inside is matched by what you receive on the outside. Mercury moves retrograde Saturday.

If someone isn’t making sense, ask them to repeat what they just said.

Partners are in a position to gift you. With Venus gracing this sector of your chart, you would do well to accept. Work is about to go large, with you seeing through the red tape and acting on instinct.

Mercury goes retrograde on Saturday. Move forward or jump back and wait for the next train. Delays are known to happen with Mercury retrograde, of course. You absolutely can sign on the dotted line. Just know that there will be unforeseen surprises if you do.

Nov 22-Dec 20 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Dec 21-Jan 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

PISCES

33

the last word

Smells Like Nicotine Spirit WHEN OTHERS’ SMOKING SENDS YOU FUMING

BY DAVE GUTTERIDGE

WANT TO HAVE THE LAST WORD?

erage 16th-century European citizen.

Japanese people, however, have long held cleanliness in high regard, and still do. Look into the bathroom of a lot of women—and more than a few men— and you will see an array of products with delicately concocted scents. Your average socialite emerges for a night on the town with all of a human’s naturally unappealing odors washed away and replaced with finely crafted appealing scents. Then, within minutes of arriving at their destination, that effort is completely negated as they bathe in eau de ashtray.

Whether or not Japan legislates smoking like other nations might become irrelevant, as the future seems to be in “vaping”—using small electronic “e-cigarettes” to create water vapor infused with various scents and flavors, tobacco being one of them. I haven’t been around enough people who “vape” to be sure if the water vapor imposes the same clinging odor as regular tobacco, but I’m not looking forward to the experiment of standing in a room where everyone has a different smell and seeing how the combination ends up making me stink in an infinite variety of combinations.

E-cigarettes are supposedly healthier than regular cigarettes, but that, to me, is solving the wrong problem.

Usually, when people complain about smoking, they focus on the health issues: the secondhand smoke, the cost of medical care for lifelong smokers and that sort of thing. I don’t care about any of that. I don’t care if any of your hobbies result in your prolonged miserable death or not. Your body, your choice. I just don’t want you to make me smell like your crappy habit. The same way that I don’t care if you urinate—but I do care if you urinate on me.

Illustration by Christi Rochin

Imagine walking into a restaurant, taking out a small stick of pleasantsmelling incense—and not even a very strong-smelling one—placing it on the table, and lighting it. As the subtle smell waf t s from table to E-CIGARETTES table and people noARE tice, eventually there SUPPOSEDLY will be complaints, and HEALTHIER the staff will come over THAN REGULAR and tell you to put it out.

CIGARETTES— H o w eve r, i f yo u BUT THAT, TO hold it in your mouth, ME, IS SOLVING then it’s fine.

THE WRONG That’s basically the PROBLEM.” logic behind smoking.

It doesn’t matter if you think it smells good or bad, or if you’ve smoked to the point you’ve forgotten that it even has a smell. It’s a smell the people around you didn’t choose. When you smoke, you not only make people smell it—you make it so they walk away smelling of it.

Smoking is more obnoxious and yet somehow more forgivable than farting.

Spend a night in a club or at a party, and over the course of that night, everyone in there will probably have released silent but deadly fumes at least once.

You may or may not happen to smell it when it happens, but you won’t go home, pull off your shirt, and be struck Send your article to: by how the smell of other people’s gas is editor@metropolis.co.jp now infused into the fabric, forcing you

to throw it into the wash. With smoking, somehow that has become an acceptable standard of going out at night.

It’s a strange exception that exists—or has existed—the world over, and is especially odd in Japan, which lags developed nations in curtailing the degree to which a stranger can sit beside you and make you smell. Tokyo has more Michelin three-star restaurants than any other city, but also more opportunity for that food’s flavor to be seasoned with a hint of burnt tobacco.

A few places, such as Starbucks or microbrew specialty bars like the Taproom or Goodbeer Faucets, don’t allow smoking because it affects the taste of their products. The converse must also hold true: that any place that allows smoking

doesn’t care about the taste of its food.

Think about that when you’re sitting in the nonsmoking section, which is every bit as effective as a non-peeing section in a pool.

It’s especially odd in Japan, which has historically valued bathing and cleanliness. The first Europeans to arrive in Japan were in the habit of bathing about once a week, and it might even have been preferable to smell a little more like nicotine than your av-

■ Dave Gutteridge is a standup and improv comedian who can be seen performing with the Tokyo Comedy Store.

The views expressed in “The Last Word” are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of Japan Partnership Co. Ltd. or its partners and sponsors.

NEXT ISSUE 34

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