Metropolis 1079 by Metropolis

CHECK OUR NEW WEBSITE!

www.metropolisjapan.com

無料 PRICELESS Nov 28-Dec 11, 2014 Japan’s Nº1 English Magazine

NAO’S THE TIME BAG THE BEST GIFTS THIS SEASON

FAMILY FIGURES

BABY DOLLS GROW UP

NABE NOW!

HOT POT HOT SPOTS

SOCIAL SAVER

PUA COUNTER-PUNCH

LILY ALLEN’S HOT OUT HERE SEE THE WATCH LIST

FIND A CURLY-HAIR CURATOR IN TOKYO CLASSIFIEDS

STOCKING STUFFERS SEE OUR HOLIDAY GIFT SPECIAL!

www.akaiclinic.com

Cosmetic Surgery Laser Treatment Skin Care rejuvenate yourself with the best in beauty technology

NEW

VAMPIRE LIFT A “Vampire Lift” may sound unnatural, but it’s the newest trend in rejuvenation treatment that utilizes your own blood—the origin of life—as a source of nutrients to sustain and prolong youth. Now you can experience it at Akai Medical Clinic. All humans have so-called “growth factors” in their body, the generic name of a protein that promotes the differentiation of specific cells. Unlike surgeries, the “Vampire Lift” uses that particular growth factor in the blood and special cells in the fat to regenerate tissues. The biggest feature of this treatment is that it has a natural rejuvenation effect. Where it is injected, wrinkles and sagging will lift naturally, the overall quality of skin will improve and your skin will gain back its natural elasticity. Rejuvenating the skin using laser, plasma, radio or ultrasonic waves causes damage through heat, and although the treatment induces activity in the growth factors, it is not enough. The “Vampire Lift” does not use heat and is a process of actively injecting growth factors to particular parts, improving blood circulation, increasing collagen and repairing tissues.

AKAI CLINIC CAN PROVIDE TREATMENTS COMBINING THREE TECHNIQUES TO SUIT YOUR SYMPTOMS AND NEEDS. 1 Using the “Vital Injector,” we will inject the growth factors into the skin or a little below the skin, to rejuvenate the skin as a whole. 2 Direct injection of growth factor to circles under your eyes, sagging cheeks, laugh lines or mouth area to rejuvenate the skin and improve looseness wrinkles. This treatment uses blunt needles when injecting, causing less bleeding under the skin and bruises. Together with the “Vital Injector,” this will rejuvenate your face. 3 Injection of fat & stem cells with growth factors simultaneously. This treatment provides the maximum effect for regenerative medicine. The reason skin loses its lustre is due to shrinking fat and surrounding cells. This type of injection is called a face lift that does not cut the skin.

DR. HIDEMI AKAI is a board-certified plastic surgeon and an associate professor of the department of plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery at Tokyo’s Showa University. Dr. Akai trained at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital before amassing over twenty-five years of experience.

DR. KEIKO AKAI is also a board-certified plastic surgeon, and a dermatologist. The Akai Clinic offers a range of cosmetic-surgery procedures, laser treatments and skin care, using state-of-the-art equipment and the latest techniques.

Additional fee for anesthesia is required. Please contact the clinic for more information.

Other cosmetic procedures available. For fees and detailed information services, please refer to our homepage.

We welcome email and phone inquiries.

Omotesando

KNK Bldg 3F 3-5-17, Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo. 1-min walk from Omotesando stn, A3 exit. Tel: 03-5771-4114 Email: amc@akaiclinic.com Clinic hours: 11AM~8PM (Mon~Sun)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Dermatologist

Yokohama

Quadrifoglio 4F 5-14 Kinkocho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama. 1-min walk from Yokohama stn, North East exit. Tel: 045-620-5745 Email: amc-skincare@akaiclinic.com Clinic hours: 11AM~7PM (Tue~Fri) & 10AM~5PM (Sat & Hol)

inside

NOV 28-DEC 11, 2014 • #1079

EDITOR’S LETTER

’Tis the season to be giving with Metropolis! From 3-D printer/ scanners and bleeding-edge robots to ornery soaps and sweaters for dads, we’ve got all the swag to put the swagger in your stocking this season. Any while you’re at it, why not invite some creepy-cool dolls to join the fun? (Seriously—check p. 7!)

Photo by Julio Shiiki

Present Palooza: Slick stocking stuffers for the season.

With World AIDs Day on December 1—and Christmas being the day for love in this country—we’ve also got a festively furtive guide to getting checked for STDs, plus some notes on an alternative method for taking control of your holistic health. Get your jingle on and get the most out of this festive time of year!

X Marks the Spot: X Generation re-gifts the ’80s.

Gift of Music: Alfie Silas sings for Tohoku.

Cover design & photography: Kohji Shiiki. Cover models: Kaede Matsui and NAO. Shot at Aldebaran Atelier Omotesando, 1F Alteka Plaza, 1-1-3-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku.

GET PRINTED!

IN FOCUS

SEND YOUR ILLUMINATION PHOTOS FOR THE DEC 12 ISSUE. DEADLINE DEC 3

metropolis.co.jp/features/photo

Matchlock gunners at Culture Day festivities in Meiji Jingu, by Mance Thompson

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.

✓ 10 free starter credits with registration ✓ 25% credits bonus on purchase Promo Code: Metropolis

www.123rf.com/metropolis

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Neil Butler EDITORIAL Mike Kanert (Managing Editor) Martin Leroux (Editor) Wendy Nguyen (Editorial Assistant & Social Media Manager) Momoko Mochizuki (editorial assistant) Anna Cock Gibson (Proofreader) Nina Janežič (Intern) 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 (Digital Manager) James McGuire (Web Developer) PRODUCTION Helen Langford (Production Assistant) ADVERTISING Akane Ochi, Karl Nakashima, Niki Kaihara (Sales Managers) Yo Takahashi (Sales Executive) Ai Hosokawa (Sales Assistant) ADMINISTRATION/ACCOUNTING Keiko Adachi (Administration) Michiko Anezaki (Adminstration/Classifieds) IT Guilhem Malfre (It/Web Developer)

Metropolis Magazine

@MetropolisTokyo

MetropolisTokyo

editor@metropolisjapan.com

Reach over 60,000 Metropolis readers. Advertise: sales@metropolisjapan.com; http://metropolisjapan.com/advertise 外国人集客なら６万人の読者を持つNo.1ブランド・メトロポリスをご活用ください。詳しくは：03-4588-2277 © Copyright 2014 Japan Partnership Inc. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to edit or delete any advertisement without notice.

upfront SCENE AROUND TOWN

LINGOIST Photo by Mike Kanert

HOLIDAY GIFT PLANNING With Christmas officially less than a month away, it’s probably smart to start planning your holiday gift list to avoid a present shopping stress-induced meltdown on Christmas Eve. Instead of trying to pick up on subtle hints from your friends and family about what’s on their wish list, use the phrase “-ga hoshī desu ka” to cut to the chase and become a gift-giving guru.

123RF

Christmas ni wa nani ga hoshī desu ka? EN What do you want for Christmas? JP

Nov 16: The Pirates of Tokyo Bay rock improv at SuperDeluxe, Roppongi Photo by Mike Kanert

JP EN

MacBook Air ga hoshī desu. I would like a MacBook Air.

Tanjōbi ni nan-no cake ga hoshī desu ka? EN What kind of cake do you want for your birthday? JP

JP EN

Nov 17: Behind the cover at Aldebaran Atelier Omotesando, Harajuku

Chocolate cake ga hoshī desu. I would like chocolate cake.

Photo courtesy of Tokyo Artistic Theatre Ensemble

お

2 A

Down 1 . To p u sh , 2. Stu d y abroad, 3. Year or age, 5. Reception desk, 6. Pores, 8. Absence (from home)

3 E

Nov 22: David Auburn’s Fifth Planet at Trance Mission, Sangubashi Photo by Nina Janežič

Across 1. Present or gift, 4. Wrapping paper, 7. To walk, 9. Eggplant, 10. To lose

10 C

ANSWERS AT meturl.com/ kanacross

Solution: A

Metropolis Members Club THIS WEEK’S WINNER! Zak Elliott won a Premium Quality Kitchen Knife courtesy of Zwilling

UPCOMING PRIZE One lucky MMC member will win a ¥10,000 gift voucher courtesy of adidas

Nov 24: Fall colors at Showa Memorial Park, Tachikawa

TOP

illuminations

Photo by Minn Htike

TO-DO LIST UNTIL FEB 15

UNTIL MAR 31

UNTIL FEB 15

More than 1 million champagne-gold LEDs illuminate 1.2km of Marunouchi. Until Feb 15, 5-11pm, free. Marunouchi Naka Dori. Tokyo. Tel: 03-5218-5100. http://meturl.com/ marunouchiillumination

Two million LEDs create a magical atmosphere with the them of “Shangri-La.” Until Mar 31, 4-8pm, ¥500-2,000. Country Farm Tokyo German Village. Anegasaki. Tel: 0438-605511. http://meturl.com/germanillumination

Produced by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, 3 million colorful LEDs are set up throughout an extensive park. Until Feb 15, 4-8:30pm, ¥500-1,000. Yomiuri Land. Yomiuri Land. Tel: 044-966-1111. http://meturl.com/ jewellumination

Marunouchi Illumination

Tokyo German Village Illumination

Jewellumination

NOV 29-30

BERLIN X TOKYO A bevy of German and Japanese artists and innovators fete 20 years of partnership between Tokyo and Berlin. Nov 29-30, 10am-11pm, ¥500-1,500. Tokyo City View. Roppongi. Tel: 03-6406-6652. Nov 29, 11pm-8am, ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,500 (door). Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. http://meturl.com/ berlinxtokyo2014

NOV 28-29, DEC 5-6

EDITOR’S PICK DEC 22

VISION THIRD ANNIVERSARY

UHNELLYS LOOPHOLIC RELEASE PARTY Avant-garde rap-rock duo Uhnellys welcomes special guest Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her for what looks to be one of the season’s best live music nights. With guitarist, rapper and samplerextraordinaire Kim at the mic and the lovely—and dead solid—Midi on the drums, Uhnellys is consistently one of Japan’s most energetic and imaginative rock outfits. Aggressively philosophical, the band celebrates the release of its latest live outing, Loopholic, on December 22 in Daikanyama. Dan Grunebaum Dec 22, 7pm, ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door). Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. http://meturl.com/uhnellys2014

Four mega DJs help Tokyo’s endless basement club, Vision, celebrate three years of beats. Nov 28-29; Dec 5-6, 10pm, ¥3,500. Vision. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5728-2824. http://www.vision-tokyo.com/ Ken Ishii

DEC 6

KOYO NO KAI 光のボールでオーケストラ © チームラボ 2013

Butoh dance troupe Torifune Butoh Sha is joined by a traditional kyogen comic for an outdoor performance. Dec 6, 3 & 5pm, ¥500. Torifune Outdoor Stage. Oiso. Tel: 0463-60-1008. www. torifune-butoh-sha.com

DEC 4-7

LITTLE WOMEN

NOV 29-MAR 1

LEARN AND PLAY! TEAMLAB FUTURE PARK Explore an interactive ”future park“ with digital art produced by teamLab, an “Ultra Technologist” organization that merges science, technology, art and design. Nov 29-Mar 1, 10am-5pm, closed Tue, ¥900-1,800. National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Fune-no-Kagakukan. Tel: 03-3570-9151. http://meturl.com/teamlabfuturepark

An original adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel performed by the Tokyo International Players. Dec 4-7, various times, ¥2,500 (students)/ ¥4,000 (adv)/¥4,500 (door). Echo Theatre. Ebisu. www. tokyoplayers.com

CHECK FOR MORE EVENTS ON P.22! 05

Blazing Saddles: The Sexiest Soap Ever, USD$9

feature

THE WEB GIVETH Import prezzies with pop BY RICHARD P. GREENFIELD Scottish Shetland Wool Sweater - Bright Striper, USD$210

OUTLAW SOAPS Danielle Vincent didn’t start out to be a soapmaker. As she tells it, on her honeymoon she and her husband stopped at a country store in Northern California that was making its own soap. “It just hit me,” she tells Metropolis. “Why don’t I try that?” These aren’t your granddaddy’s soaps—though they may be the ones he wished he’d had: Hair of the Dog, Blazing Saddles (even a new flask with “Excuse Me While I Whip This Out” written on it) and Unicorn Poop for kids (don’t let the name fool you—kids love it), plus some local California pine and sage botanicals. With Japan’s bath culture, you can surprise your friends or treat yourself—or both. www.outlawsoaps.com Want to get some free? “Like” Outlaw Soaps on Facebook, then send your name, email address and physical address to editor@metropolisjapan.com for a chance to receive a trial pack of soaps from Outlaw!

VVEGO Sport Coat - Harris Tweed - Navy Herringbone, USD$895

Irish Poplin Necktie Regimental Stripe - 4-7th Dragoon Guards, USD$110

O’CONNELL’S Ethan Huber isn’t the founder of O’Connell’s; he’s the second generation in his family, which bought the original store more than half a century ago. O’Connell’s is about much more than price and selection (though only someone with an oligarch’s closet space could run out of items of interest on the site)— it’s also about working with a sales representative who has a network of trusted providers, many of whom are themselves second- or even third-generation owner/managers.

O’Connell’s can and does ship to Japan and other countries in Northeast Asia, and they carry both classics and the styles of the season. www.oconnellsclothing.com

Robert Porter was a pilot, but he took a wrong turn into his own imagination—and the result is what you can see at Vvego.com. Porter tells Metropolis, “When you work in aviation, you see a lot of unusual materials used in unusual ways, and a lot of designs— some of them futuristic, some of them anachronistic. I found myself looking at objects made from this or that material and wondering what kind of wallet, or key chain or cufflink it would make. Eventually I had to stop wondering and start making.” www.vvego.com

Warlock Carbon Fiber Money Clip & Key Fob System, USD$119

Baseball Glove Vvault Front Pocket Wallet, USD$175

Vvego is giving away one Warlock Carbon Fiber Money Clip & Key Fob System. To enter, “like” Vvego International on Facebook and send your name, email address and physical address to editor@metropolisjapan.com.

Gifty Goods Hidden in a quaint alley in Kagurazaka, Atelier Akari offers traditional candles (wa-rōsoku)from all over Japan. Made from the nuts of the gobi tree, these handcrafted botanical candles are great for adding atmosphere to a meal—or just become entranced by the swaying of the flame. 1F Maison de Gardenia, 6-73 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku. Tel: 03-6280-8573. Open Sat-Sun 1pm-7pm. Kagurazaka. http:// akarikagurazaka.web.fc2.com

The creative possibilities offered by 3-D printing could make for the artist’s perfect gift this Christmas, allowing users to print unique 3-D objects in their homes or offices. Taiwanbased XYZ’s new da Vinci 1.0 AiO (¥64,800) is the first low-priced 3-D printer that incorporates 3-D scanner capabilities, so objects placed in the device can be scanned and duplicated in a range of colors and materials. http://us.xyzprinting.com

Photos by Cassie Lafferty

“Hoshimi”

The future is NAO: A miniscule humanoid robot that’s taking the world by storm. Capable of communicating in 19 languages, the 58-centimeter-tall machine-man was designed to be a domestic companion and programmed to recognize, listen to and communicate with humans. If you haven’t got close to 1 million yen lying around to buy one, Aldebaran Atelier Omotesando is offering to let interested Metropolis readers program NAO to deliver a personal holiday message you can then record for free—or even join in with NAO to deliver it together! Email inquiries in English or Japanese to atelieromotesando@aldebaran.com. Allow about 30 minutes for setup and recording. Aldebaran Atelier Omotesando, 1F Alteka Plaza, 1-13-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Meiji-Jingumae. http://meturl. com/naorobot

Indie urban apparel store Mynority Classics shakes things up this season with its Hip Hop Subway Calendar (¥1,500), which takes Tokyo’s complex railway system and revamps it into a social graph of hip-hop greats: Akasaka Mitsuke is now Run D.M.C., Tupac takes residence in Kudanshita and Public Enemy is located in Nagatacho, site of the National Diet Building. www.mynorityclassics.com

Mujjo’s Refined Touchscreen Gloves (€20.62, shipping available to Japan) will allow you to keep warm while still obsessing over Candy Crush this winter. Offering an elegant design with a leather wrist closure and cuff, the gloves also feature a soft layer of integrated fleece lining. In addition to your fingertips, you can use your knuckles, your palm or even the heel of your hand—just don’t expect the gloves to help you get past level 99! http://meturl.com/mujjogloves

WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE Ball-jointed dolls in the family BY THALIA HARRIS

The world of Asian ball-jointed dolls (ABJDs) maids with tails, some are centaurs with is one of pop culture entwined with fantasy. horse bodies.” “They’re works of art, essentially,” says A single doll can run anywhere from Cassie Lafferty, a collector from Sydney, ¥10,000-100,000. Sizes vary as well, with Australia. “If you think of it as a writer creat- Volks’ Super Dollfie line ranging anywhere ing a story or film writer directing, the story from 26.5-60cm in height. And the possiis there—and I enjoy having an embodiment bilities for customization are endless: Wigs, of character.” clothes and even hands and eyes are interLafferty became interested in changeable. ABJDs while studying abroad Laf fer t y’s f irst doll was in Osaka in 2010. While she Aithne (pronounced ahninitially wrote them off as yah), designed as a fourcreepy surrogate children, year- old girl with red a chance to play with a hair. Lafferty put a lot of pair of dolls back in Auseffort into deciding her tralia changed her thinkname (which is Gaelic for ing—so much so that she “little flame”), as well as now owns 11 of her own. her backstory. In addition Byakkomaru and Aithne What separates ABJDs to having an older brother, from other collectible dolls is that Takeo—who in turn has a girlfriend their ball-and-socket joints are strung with named Yuri—Aithne has an otherworldly elastic, giving them an exceptionally wide friend named Byakkomaru, a white tiger range of lifelike poses. The style is inspired spirit with anthropomorphic ears, a tigerby Hans Bellmer’s German ball-jointed dolls striped face and cat eyes. He’s a shy and of the 1930s, expanded upon through the curious child, and only Aithne can see him. exquisite Japanese doll tradition, then in The creation of such storylines is a very turn inspired by elements of modern anime. common aspect of the hobby, with the dolls ABJDs debuted in the late 1990s by way taking on real-life personae. of Volks, a Kyoto-based model kit manuFor those less interested in micro-cusfacturer. Since then, the dolls have been a tomization, Volks and other makers such huge hit across the world, with the majority as Luts (www.eluts.com) offer ABJD sets of customers found in Japan, South Korea featuring popular anime, manga and mascot and China, and a growing fan base in the characters—including perennial favorites West as well. like Hatsune Miku—due to frequent col“I’ve always enjoyed creative process- laboration with entertainment-related comes, so for me, this is a whole collection of panies. These dolls are available at such creative industries meshed up into one,” providers as Tenshi-no-Sato in Harajuku and Lafferty tells Metropolis. “The dolls them- Volks Doll Point in Akihabara. selves are hand-sculpted and then molded Whether considering Asian ball-jointed and sent to the person who buys them. The dolls as a hobby simply as a gift, there’s no faces are all painted by hand … you can put question that these dolls open up a world of [on] customized hands, legs and feet. Some imagination and artistry. Volks says so itself of them have wings, some of them are mer- in its motto: “We seek creativity.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING

GET YOUR “WA”—AND “WAH!”— FOR THE HOLIDAYS WEBSITE

HARBOR CIRCUIT

PRICES • Admission: ¥500 • 1 ticket (7 min): ¥2,100; 3 tickets: ¥5,200; 5 tickets: ¥7,800; 8 tickets: ¥10,500 • Group race package (over 12 years old, 5 people or more): Mini Grand Prix ¥4,700 per person; Sprint Grand Prix ¥6,000 per person HOLIDAY DEALS • Mention Metropolis and get admission free! • Christmas campaign: ¥6,000 yen for 4 races (offer valid until Dec 20) 2F Harbor Circuit, Chiba Sports Plaza, 13-26 Dezuminato, Chuo-ku, Chiba 043-441-3243 mail@harbor-circuit.com Mon-Fri, 2-11:30pm, Sat & hols 10am-11:30pm, Sun 10am-9:30pm Chiba or Chiba-minato www.harbor-circuit.com

Looking for an exciting present for Chiba your kids or friends this holiday season? Give them some thrills at Harbor Circuit in Chiba, where you can all pile into go-karts and race away your pent-up family (or friendly) feuds. No driver’s license needed and full safety guidelines are explained before each heat, so beginners have no need to be nervous. If you’re going in a group, five or more people can choose a Group Race and burn up some rubber competing against friends. There’s also the simpler Mini GP option and even a final 35-lap race—with five different plans to choose from. To hone their skills, drivers can also prove themselves against a real-time ranking system. No matter how crowded it gets, you’re all guaranteed four rides. After the race, everybody can relax around the circuit with snacks and still be part of the fun race-day atmosphere. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be screaming for more!

WEBSITE

HOLIDAY DEALS • Christmas sale Dec 6-7: • 30% off all online items • Special sales display atz the Jazzy café; free coffee and gifts for visitors REGULAR DEALS • Free shipping within Tokyo’s 23 wards 1-8-2 Umejima, Adachi-ku 03-5888-5869 contact@jazzy-japan.com Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm Umejima http://jazzy-japan.com/

JAZZY

This holiday season, why not find a space to give a beloved toy or traditional piece of furniture a new home? Jazzy deals in distinctive Japanese goods that have been given up by their original owners as their children grow up or their homes simply run out of space, providing traditional dolls, ornaments and furnishings at affordable prices to foreign residents and visitors looking to buy a keepsake of their stay in Japan. Perfect for the gift-giving season, Jazzy also offers vicarious auction services. Feel free to drop an email to inquire online. Don’t feel like a purchase? Just stop by for a casual sip or a snack at the on-site café. Adachi-ku

LINGO BOX

Present yō de onegai shimasu. (プレゼントようでおねがいします) = Please wrap this as a gift.

MORE SPECIALS ONLINE →

WEBSITE

KAMATA HAKENSHA (KAPPABASHI) HOLIDAY DEALS • Mention Metropolis when you make a purchase over ¥10,000 to receive a free large nail clipper MENU • Japanese 17-layer-steel 2-knife set, hard case, ¥17,400 • Carbon steel 2-knife set, hard case,¥23,300 • Carbon steel Wa-santoku, ¥9,800 • 17-layer stainless steel small knife with Japanese wooden handle, ¥7,500

2-12-6 Matsugaya, Taito-ku 03-3841-4205 10am-6pm daily Asakusa or Tawaramachi www.kap-kam.com/index_english.html

Asakusa Established in 1923 with a history spanning four generations, Asakusa cutlery maker Kamata Hakensha knows how to slice it. The company’s 800-strong product lineup includes top-grade handmade knives as well as factory-made ranges. These blades have made repeat customers of some of the world’s finest chefs, thanks to stringent quality checks and a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee. All the knives are designed by the owner, created by skilled craftsmen, and individually edged. Free engraving and an inexpensive sharpening service seal the deal on a fine gift idea. They can engrave your name for free on any selected knife in just three minutes. Perfect for a Christmas gift or souvenir of your stay in Tokyo.

WEBSITE

OMOTESANDO 5-10-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku Omotesando GINZA 3-4-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku Omotesando or Ginza SHINJUKU 3-34-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Shinjuku

MOKUMEGANEYA

Mokumeganeya creates jewelry through the traditional Japanese metalworking technique of mokumegane. Roughly 400 years ago, master metalsmith Denbei Shoami developed an exquisite technique in which differently colored metals were layered, then painstakingly carved and forged to create beautiful patterns in the style of wood grains. Top Japanese jewelry maker Mokumeganeya is one of the few brands in the world to specialize in mokumegane. The brand uses processes that have been handed down since the Edo period, and which have grown and developed over time to add more and more variations to this ancient technique. Your jewelry will be made by highly skilled smiths whose hand-crafted techniques ensure that each wood grain pattern is unique in the world. You’re welcome to drop in any time and check out the jewelry collection at any of the 16 Mokumeganeya stores across Japan. Let the concierges help you find the unique jewelry style that’s right for you! Ginza, Omotesando, Shinjuku & Yokohama

YOKOHAMA MOTOMACHI 1-20-2 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Yokohama. Motomachi Chukagai 03-3408-7863 english@mokumeganeya.com Open Mon-Sun, 11am-8pm www.mokumeganeya.com/e/

Happy Hour All ¥500!! Mon-Fri (except Public holidays) Open-7pm. Heineken 1 PINT, The Premium Malt’s 1 PINT, Glasses of wine, Cocktails Enjoy our great selections of Irish and European brews.

Spacious 5F terrace over looking central Shibuya! Tokyu Plaza

More details

http://failte.jp

5F, Sede Bldg. 1-5-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya OPEN 5:30pm-2am (Mon-Sat) 3-11pm (Sunday & hols) tel: 03-3476-7776

food&drink Photo by Wendy Nguyen

Japan’s Christmas paradigm seems to dictate that Christmas cakes be present in every household this season. Doing its part to ensure that happens is toy and video game giant Bandai, which is selling cakes themed after its roster of popular superheros, from Pikachu to Kamen Rider and the warrior girls of Pretty Cure. Choose from chocolate or vanilla, both with fruit in cream. At ¥4,104 a pop, they don’t come cheap—but they might win you some points with the kids. Available to order at http:// meturl.com/bandaixmas (in Japanese).

Too adorable to eat but at the same time too delicious not to, Nature Doughnuts is definitely the choice if you have an affinity for all things cute—even when it pertains to food. This doughnut chain caters to the health conscious by using less sugar and additives than you’ll find in your average cruller, and the kawaii aesthetic rivals that of most regular doughnut joints’s Christmas offerings. Prices range from ¥130240, with an assortment of adorable flavors available. For locations, visit www.naturedoughnuts.jp

looking to maintain their sexy beach bods. There are lots of greens and fruits, and the establishment is one of the few places in Tokyo with whole-grain bread and rice. The fried sweet potato sticks (¥850) come with honey and sour cream, which merge surprisingly well—the tangy sour cream provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the honey and potato. But the grand menu is the star attraction. The grilled salmon (¥1,300), which comes in a light broccoli cream soup, is cooked perfectly:

flaky but not dry while rich with flavor. Another winner is the “salmonburg” steak—essentially a juicy salmon Salisbury steak ser ved with creamy mashed potatoes, fresh salad and hollandaise sauce. For dessert, try the whole-wheat French toast, which comes drenched in maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar, yet still manages to not be overly cloying. On the side is a choice of maple syrup, honey, chocolate or caramel sauce, or a seasonal fruit compote. Also of note are the tofu pancakes, which can be garnished with a healthy layer of fruit for an extra ¥500. Hungry diners will find an assortment of pastas, flatbread pizzas and (whole-grain) sandwiches. The eggs Benedict and the açaí bowl—a mélange of açaí purée, apples, bananas, berries and granola—are also popular choices. Although the main menu is quite reasonable with everything under ¥1,500, the drinks and appetizers, though delicious, are a bit overpriced. The deep-fried potato wedges with sweet chili and sour cream dipping sauce are ¥800, while a glass of iced tea comes in at ¥600. Be sure to make a reservation—and at dinner, prepare for a 25-30-minute wait for food. But the service is friendly and the presentation and high quality make it well worth the wait. Barbizon 70, 5-15-9 Minami-Azabu, Minatoku. Hiroo. Non-smoking seats available until dinner. http://bondi-cafe.com

Photos by Amanda Taylor

Sushi-Bar Numazuko Ginza 1st is a step-up kaiten-zushi/sake bar perched atop the upscale (and recently opened) Kirarito Ginza department store. While only the sardines and sakuraebi come from the actual Numazu Port area, the rest of the menu is as fresh as anything sourced in Suruga Bay: The salmon (¥220) are delectably soft and the chūtoro (¥520) appropriately melty. The uni (¥520) is the hot item to grab off the track. Another branch in Shinjuku; English menu available. 8F Kirarito Ginza, 1-8-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku. http://meturl.com/numazukoginza

RESTAURANT

¥¥¥

EN/JP

Surf’s Up at Bondi Cafe BY AMANDA TAYLOR

Bondi Cafe, with branches in Hiroo and YoyogiUehara, recreates beachside dining in the heart of Tokyo—all that's missing are the surf and sand. Following Tokyo’s rich tradition of themed restaurants, the Hiroo branch mimics the beach cafés of Australia and the U.S., with open-concept seating and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors inviting in lots of light and giving the appearance of a laid-back beach shack. Umbrellas, wood paneling and low-tempo reggae grooves in the background complete the illusion. Close your eyes and you can practically hear the waves and seagulls. Bondi’s menu offers plenty of healthy options, perhaps catering to surfers and diners

RESTAURANT

Photo by Davi Azevedo

Photo by Nina Janežič

People & Things looks like a simple clothing store, but a closer look reveals the spacious wooden interior of a café in the back. While the shop is dedicated to everyday items and kids’s and women’s clothes, the family-friendly café offers delicious teishoku (set menus) at reasonable prices (¥980-1,420), as well as Maruyama coffee, tea, juice and cocktails. Sweets range from New York cheesecake and chestnut tart to chocolate brownies (¥650-960). Stroller parking available. 2-13-6 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino-shi. Kichijoji. www.people-things.jp

Looking for some appley sips this holiday season? Nikka Whisky offers a pair of tipple-tastic options with its apple wine and lighter Nouveau Sparkling apple cider, both a treat at just ¥1,045 each. Only 2 percent alcohol by volume, the cider pops as a light after-dinner drink, while the barrel-aged wine presents more than the label suggests: In addition to apple-based wine, it includes a blend of fruit juice and brandy, offering a woody 22-percent punch. Available online at Rakuten Global Market, as well as major liquor shops and department stores.

RECIPE TOFU EGGNOG ICE CREAM RECIPE AND PHOTO BY RIEKO SUZUKI

For many, custard eggnog is the quintessential taste of the holiday season. This recipe puts a spin on the yuletide favorite, turning it into eggnog ice cream with tofu—though you won’t notice the latter. If desired, this can be served as custard eggnog if you skip the freezing. It tastes great either way!

Photo by Nina Janežič

¥¥¥

EN/JP

Start to finish: 4h 15min (active time 15 min) Servings: 4

Royal Garden Cafe

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

BY MOMOKO MOCHIZUKI

Created with the intent of becoming an integral part of a “sustainable community,” the Royal Garden Cafe in Aoyama isn’t your average trendy Tokyo hot spot. Its aspiration seems to permeate much of what the cafe/restaurant does, as great care is taken in providing food that not only looks and tastes good but also does good for the community and the environment. Located about a 15-minute walk from Omotesando—where trudging through throngs of eager shoppers can leave you feeling drained—the Royal Garden Cafe and its surrounding area offer a refreshing change of pace, as time here seems to quietly recede into oblivion. The encompassing greenery adds to the calm atmosphere: The famous 300-meter-long Icho Namiki (ginkgo-lined avenue) leading to the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery begins here. The restaurant’s outdoor terrace seating is the perfect spot for people- and scenery-watching, made even better when the colors of ginkgo leaves vivify toward mid- to late November. The Cafe’s interior is cozy and lodge-like, made so by the dark, woody furnishing. The open kitchen adheres to the eatery’s aim of providing “visible food,” or food with a transparent process of preparation and sourcing: The day’s freshly picked vegetables, for example, are listed on a blackboard along with their region of origin. The menu spans a wide range of Eastern and Western dishes, with mains from ¥1,200-1,700.

100g kinu (silken) tofu 180ml milk or soy milk 100ml heavy whipping cream 2 egg yolks ¼ cup (60ml) sugar 30-50ml dark rum 1-2 pinches nutmeg powder

DIRECTIONS

The vegetables are mainly organic, and, while not wide in range, some vegan options are also available. Starters include the rich and creamy gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese sauce (¥650), and the grilled prawn with cilantro sauce (¥1,150). Mains include the seafood bouillabaisse with seasonal vegetables and baguette (¥1,700) starring scallops, clams and mussels, as well as the basil sauce penne (¥1,200). Although the latter is a bit bland, the bouillabaisse is hearty and flavorful. For dessert, the crème brûlée (¥780) hits the sweet spot just right, with the bottom layer of rich chocolate cake perfectly balanced by the tart berry sauce. The bread is baked in-store using French wheat, and is available for purchase at the bakery with pastries and focaccia, among other options. Definitely a hip location with a great, comfortable vibe—but what truly stands out is the care visible in the Cafe’s service toward customers, the community and the environment. It’s a feel-good visit. 2-1-19 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Gaienmae or Aoyama-itchome. Branches in Shibuya and Tama Plaza. www.royal-gardencafe.com

1. In a bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar, milk and tofu. With blender and whisk, blend to smooth. 2. Microwave mixture without cover on high (800w) for 2 minutes. Mix well and microwave for 1 more minute. Mix again and microwave for another 40 seconds. Add dark rum and mix well. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes. 3. Whip the heavy whipping cream in a different bowl until firm peaks form. Add the mixture from step 2 and mix well. 4. Pour the mixture into a zip-lock bag or container and freeze for 2 hours. Take it out and mix the half-frozen ice cream with a large spoon. Put it back in the freezer. Repeat this process 1-2 more times to make the ice cream fluffy and easy to serve. Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg powder. See the Dec 12 issue of Metropolis for a set of holiday favorites you can prepare using a Japanese stovetop—no oven required!

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

MIFUNE

japanese restaurant www.mifune-project.com

The samurai spirit lives on at this izakaya modeled after the traditional taverns seen in films like The Seven Samurai and Rashomon.

welcome to the samurai world japanese restaurant ←to N

ishia

D/5:00pm-12:00am[l.o.11:30]

03.6804.5548

MIFUNE

zab

u Rop

pon

gi st

Roppongi Hills

1F Utsumi Bldg. 7-18-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku,Tokyo

Oedo Line ROPPONGI Sta.

Meiji-ya .

Hibiya Line ROPPONGI Sta. Azabu Police Sta. Almond st.

L/11:30am-2:00pm[l.o.1:30]

aka

Mon-Sat

Im oa raiz

MIFUNE

ROPPONGI to T

ame

ike

→

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION NABE

HOT POT HEAVEN

With the temperatures dropping, winter is the Japanese time for hot pots, or nabe as they’re locally known. So why not join in this seasonal tradition? Gather ’round the bubbling broth and dip some delectable delights in your favorite choice of flavor!

IWAKAMUTSUKARI Hiroo

MIFUNE Roppongi

NIDAIME UOYAMACHI Tamachi

Just opened on October 2, Iwaka-Mutsukari is a Japanese restaurant that focuses on natural food. The vegetables are sourced directly from farms, the pork and poultry are raised drugfree and even the brown rice is germinated right at the restaurant. The top-choice herbed pork hagoromo shabu-shabu puts a fresh spin on nabe by wrapping the dipping pork in raw vegetables for a brand-new taste experience. 1-4-10 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-6277-0248. Open Mon-Sat 5-11:30pm. Ebisu. www.iwaka-mutsukari.jp Reservations for four or more people will receive their first drinks free

Take off your shoes beneath the glowering image of Toshiro Mifune and enter a dojo-like world of hanging banners and wooden swords, where all of the dishes aspire to recreate the simplicity and excitement of the food the great actor once loved. The top pick is the appropriately powerful Spicy Japanese Shabu-shabu Hot Pot, a red pepper dish that will have you coming back for more. Finish it off with free noodles or rice to complete the experience. 1F Utsumi Bldg, 7-18-7 Roppongi, Minatoku. Tel: 03- 6804 -5548. Open Mon-Sat 11:30am-2pm (lunch), 5pm-11:30pm (dinner). Roppongi. http://meturl.com/mifunenabe

Operating in a renovated Taisho-era house, the first floor of Nidaime Uoyamachi is an open kitchen with counter seats, while the second floor consists of private rooms. Be sure to try the pork shabu-shabu nabe in bonito broth, and the mild-tasting Uoyamachi original maewari shochu is a must-try. Enjoy izakaya food at affordable prices in a cozy atmosphere. 5-24-12 Shiba, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-64350 47 7. O p en M on - Fri 11 : 30am -2: 30 p m (lunch), 5pm-midnight (dinner); Sat 5pmmidnight. Closed Sun. Tamachi. www.labrea-dining.com/uoyamachi

ROBATA JINYA EBISU

SABAKUROU EBISU

SETOUCHI SUIGUN

Ebisu

Enjoy country cuisine at Robata Jinya, a little restaurant with an atmosphere full of happy energy. The oyster and boned chicken mizutaki nabe is a must-try. Enjoy it down to the last bite by adding rice and finishing the nabe off as a porridge. The straw-grilled katsuo is also a shop specialty, its scent of burning straw giving the dish a unique and delicious aroma. 1F Maison 115, 1-15-4 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3443-0577. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am2:30pm (lunch), 5pm-midnight (dinner); SatSun 5pm-midnight. Ebisu. http://meturl.com/robatajinya

Ebisu

Created with the image of a mirage in the desert in mind, Sabakurou has a reputation for creative Japanese cuisine with a hint of Cali flavor. The top picks are the tomato bouillabaisse seafood nabe and the shrimp toast: the latter’s Jengastyle interweaving of crispy fried bread and plump shrimp is also popular at Sabakurou’s award-winning Hollywood branch. B1 Maison 115, 1-15-4 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3441-5877. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm (lunch), 5pm-midnight (dinner); Sat 5pm-midnight. Closed Sun. Ebisu. www.la-brea-dining.com/sabakurou/

Tamachi

Setouchi Suigun provides pirate-themed cuisine with fish shipped fresh from the Seto Inland Sea, which was terrorized by various pirate groups— or suigun—during the Warring States period. The nabe was traditionally eaten before battle, its octopus ensuring victory over enemies on all sides. Or warm your shivered timbers by the fireplace as you scarf a whole sea bream with rice. 1F Hioki Bldg, 5-24-3 Shiba, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3451-3977. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am2:30pm (lunch), 5pm-midnight (dinner); Sat 5pm-midnight. Closed Sun & hols. Tamachi. www.la-brea-dining.com/setouchisuigun/

movies

BY DON MORTON

featured movie

FURY

I’m not sure yet about David Ayer. He wrote the acclaimed Training Day, and wrote and directed the excellent End of Watch. But he’s also responsible for the iffy Schwarzenegger vehicle Sabotage. Fury is not quite Saving Private Ryan, but it comes close, and it can take its place confidently in the pantheon of classic World War II combat movies. Brad Pitt disappears into the role of the tank commander nicknamed “Wardaddy,” Shia LaBeouf (welcome back!) is a revelation as “Bible,” Jon Bernthal is scary as the wardeadened “Coon-ass” and Michael Pena’s the Chicano “Gordo.” The story progresses through the eyes of clerk/typist-turned-gunner Logan Lerman, who’s too green to have a nickname. Their Sherman M4 tank becomes isolated behind German lines during the last days of the war, where they’re outnumbered and outgunned by vicious and desperate enemy forces. The action scenes are terrific, but it’s during the down times that the film shines. One 15-minute sequence, involving a pair of women hiding in an apartment, is the best thing in the movie, brimming with suspense, dread and an unexpected sensitivity. Then it’s back to the daily business of not getting killed. Intense, visceral and unpredictable. And muddy. Very muddy. (134 min)

NEW

DAMNATION Eco-doc notable mainly for the fact that it was funded by the Patagonia outdoor clothing company. Its main argument is that the Native Americans and salmon would be happier if tens of thousands of dams hadn’t been built during the last century. The photography is gorgeous (like something you’d see in an outdoor clothing store), but with whom is the film arguing? There’s a general lack of focus and political balance. Most interesting bits: singer Katie Lee, still feisty at 94, describing her memories of pre-dam Glen Canyon, and a graffiti artist who makes his point for dam demolition writ very large. (87 min)

NEW

INTERSTELLAR On an ecologically d o o m e d , n e a r- f u t u r e Earth, a NASA pilot must travel through a wormhole to f ind humanit y a new home, but it means he must leave behind his beloved daughter, likely to never see her again. By the way, she sees ghosts. While it’s a science fiction movie, the science is viable, which makes the fiction more believable. While Nolan’s films can be cold and emotionless, in this surreal yet grounded movie, he manages to effectively balance spectacle and emotion, the cosmic and the intimate. Call it science with a soul. This must-see film will stretch your mind. Big screen, please. (169 min)

OPEN WINDOWS The desktop kind. This inventive, gleefully manipulat i ve techno t hriller op ens w i t h a nerdy blogger (Elijah Wood) waiting for a dinner date he won with the actress object of his fanboy obsession, when a menacing, allknowing voice from his computer starts telling him what to do. The found footage-ish gimmick here is that the entire movie takes place on his laptop screen. It’s compulsively watchable for a while, but ultimately the clever plot twists stack up to the point where the gimmick becomes unsustainable, and I found it difficult to maintain the desire to keep up. Final twist almost insulting. Japanese title: Black Hacker. (100 min)

RUNNER RUNNER An Ivy League kid (Justin Timberlake) online-gambles away all his education money, so he takes the only-in-the-movies step of flying to Costa Rica to confront a notoriously dangerous online-poker mogul and get his money back. He does, as well as a lucrative job with the guy, apartment, car, girl, etc. But when he realizes he wants out, well, go watch The Firm again, because that’s what this flaccid crime opus is ripping off. It gets worse—said mogul is Ben Affleck, acting like he did a decade ago (badly). Zero suspense, rushed and pointless. You’d be a chump to gamble ¥2,000 on my being wrong. (91 min)

THE LAST DAYS ON MARS A crew of scientists looking for life on Mars finds it. Problem is, it turns everyone it touches into SPACE ZOMBIES! (This could explain why life has had such a hard time evolving there.) A lot of badly choreographed fights in space suits and helmets, which makes it hard to tell who’s who (or care). There are actually two mysteries here: Why would the talented Liev Schreiber be involved in this totally generic space horror flick? Or for that matter Elias Koteas or Olivia Williams? And two, how the hell did this trash get shown at Cannes? There’s no life here. Or entertainment value. (98 min)

BOYHOOD Richard Linklater filmed, a lit tle each year, 12 years in the life of young Mason, from age six to 18, so during the film’s nearly three hours, we literally watch the lad grow up. This would scream “gimmick!” if there weren’t so much more going on. Mason’s sister goes through her own changes, as do actors Patricia Arquette (terrific) as Mason’s longsuffering single mom, and Ethan Hawke as his nice-guy but inconsistent dad. You can even see the director’s style evolve. Bottom line, this is as close as one might come to capturing on film how people remember growing up. Absolutely unprecedented. Japanese title: Rokusai no Boku ga Otona ni Naru Made. (165 min)

NEW

Fury: © Norman Licensing, LLC 2014; DamNation: © 2014 DAMNATION; Interstellar: © 2014 Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.and Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.; Open Windows: © ATRESMEDIA CINE, APACHES ENTERTAINMENT, SAYAKA PRODUCTIONS, LA PANDA PRODUCTIONS; Runner Runner: © 2013 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.; The Last Days on Mars: © 2013 Qwerty Mars Movie limited and The British Film Institute; Boyhood: © 2014 boyhood inc./ifc productions i, L.L.c. aLL rights reserved.; The Double: © Channel Four Television Corporation, The British Film Institute, Alcove Double Limited 2013; The Guest: © 2013 Adam David Productions; Short Term 12: © 2013 Short Term Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved.; Sabotage: © 2013 DEA Productions, LLC All Rights Reserved.; Paranoia: © 2013 PARANOIA PRODUCTIONS, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; Devil’s Knot: © 2013 DEVILS KNOT LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

More reviews: metropolisjapan.com/movies

THE DOUBLE In a s t y lized, sci - f i adaptation of an 1846 Dos toyevsk y novella, Jesse Eisenberg plays an office worker so unremarkable that he barely exists. His daily routine of being almost universally ignored by his coworkers and pining for the pretty girl in the copy room (Mia Wasikowska) is suddenly derailed by the appearance of a new recruit who’s his exact double, except he’s aggressive, charming and upwardly mobile. This little brainteaser from Richard Ayoade (channeling Gilliam, Kaufman, Lynch and even Kafka) works best as an acting exercise, watching the talented Eisenberg effortlessly switch between the two. Japanese title: Warau Bunshin. (93 min)

THE GUEST Director Adam Wingard and screenwriter Simon Barret t’s (You’re Next) films take familiar horror setups and tweak them just enough to keep me guessing. A man appears at the Peterson home claiming to be an Army best-bud of the family’s dead-in-combat son. This manipulative, magnetic character is disarmingly polite and has the uncanny ability to be what he needs to be for each family member. But he’s a brooding time bomb. Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens absolutely nails the complex and subtle title role. It’s a fascinating slow burn with a subversive political subtext and hints of the violence to come. (99 min)

SABOTAGE M e m b e r s of a n e l i te but ethically questionable DE A undercover unit made up of toughguy clichés (played by overqualif ied ac tors and headed by Arnold Schwarzenegger) are being killed off in a variety of cinematically grisly ways. This sloppy, ultraviolent whodunit from David Ayer (End of Watch) is so pointlessly gory I call it “action torture porn.” Though it’s Schwa-chan’s most “serious” performance in recent memory, the film, which is not without its scuzzy merits, might have worked better with a less iconic has-been. There’s a difference between intriguing plot twists and just being jacked around. (109 min)

SHORT TERM 12 “Wow,” I said as I left the screening of this meticulously crafted little miracle. Rarely have I been so effortlessly and unpretentiously moved. This is an unforced, character-driven and emotionally authentic look at the lives of those who undertake the day-to-day care of institutionalized, selfdestructive kids between psychiatric appointments and foster homes. Subject doesn’t thrill you? Go see it anyway. The central character is Grace (a breakout role for Brie Larson), who handles her charges with skill and perspicacity while hiding her own mounting problems. This movie will make you a better person. Japanese title: Short Term. (96 min)

PARANOIA Ambitious hotshot tech genius (a charisma-free Liam Hemswor th, aka “Mini-Thor”) is fired by a highly competitive cell phone manufacturer, but rehired to infiltrate a rival company and steal a high-tech thingy. The film’s main hook is the participation of both Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman. Can that be bad? Fagheddaboudit. They’re just there to chew some scenery and collect a paycheck. Air Force One this ain’t. And why ask the guy who makes fluff like Legally Blonde and The Ugly Truth to direct an industrial-espionage action-thriller? Pointlessly constructed, dreary, contrived and vapid. Japanese title: Power Game. (101 min)

DEVIL’S KNOT I n 1 9 93 , t h re e e i g h tyear-old boys were murdered in the Tennessee woods. Though three te e na g e r s we re co n victed (wrongly, and released in 2011), the crime remains unsolved. It has already been the subject of four documentaries and a book or two. So the real mystery is why gifted Canadian director Atom Egoyan (Exotica, The Sweet Hereafter) would feel the need to make this detailed yet shallow, police-procedural dramatization. Despite the presence of Reese Witherspoon, Colin Firth and Alessandro Nivola, and a nice Southern Gothic ambience, this remains an inert, unsatisfying effort. (114 min)

eiga

Based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Mitsuyo Kakuta, this thriller is flat, lacks character development and is riddled with By Rob Schwartz false notes. Set toward the end of the Bubble era in 1994, former sexy starlet of the time Rie Miyazawa plays Rika, an assiduous and focused forty-something bank employee. Despite feeling her husband (Seiichi Tanabe) is too wrapped up in work, Rika prides herself on her careful, detail-oriented job performance. After she brilliantly convinces an ornery elderly customer (Renji Ishibashi) to invest in bonds, Rika inexplicably throws herself at his grandson Kota (Sosuke Ikematsu), and starts embezzling millions of yen from her bank to shower him with gifts and five-star hotel stays. Needless to say, things spiral out of control and the hardly believable ending leaves an even worse aftertaste. In addition to the lack of motivation and abrupt shifts in character, this period piece badly flubs the details. Among other things, Rika is constantly using credit cards in cute little cubby-hole bistros in a time period when charge cards were unused outside of huge hotels in Japan. The work is indeed a pale imitation of a thriller. English title: Pale Moon. (126 min)

KAMI NO TSUKI

movie news

French film director Jean-Pierre Jeunet has legions of Japanese fans thanks to a certain film he made back in 2001. “I know this because I live near the café used in Amélie, and ever y day there are so many Japanese girls there,” Jeunet said during a recent visit to Japan. The director explained how a poster from the film hung behind his favorite table is a popular photo op. On more than one occasion Japanese tourists have asked him to get out of the way of their cameras, not realizing they’re speaking to the man who made the film. To the delight of his Japanese fan base, Jeunet brought his first Englishlanguage film, The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet, to the Tokyo International Film Festival last month. The tale follows a boy inventor traveling alone from his family ranch in Montana to the Smithsonian. “It is an American film, but it is a fake American film,” the director said. “The funding came from Canada and France.” The director came to the festival with 10-year-old star Kyle Catlett, who displayed his martial arts skills for the audience before saying he was thrilled to be in the land that gave birth to karate. The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet is now playing. Kevin Mcgue

cinematic underground

The latest cinema to face the wrecking ball is Shinjuku Tokyu Milano (1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku; www. tokyucinemas.net), which opened in 1956 and will run its projectors for the last time on New Year’s Eve, bowing out with 35mm screenings of the biggest hits from its long history starting December 20. The lineup includes E.T., which ran for half a year back in 1982, The Towering Inferno and The Matrix. In better news, Shinjuku will be home to an Imax-equipped Toho Cinemas set to open in April … The Swedish biopic Waltz for Monica explores the life of Monica Zetterlund, a telephone operator and single mother who sojourned to the jazz clubs of ’60s New York to hone her singing chops, then returned home to prove jazz could be sung in her native tongue. On from November 29 at Shinjuku Musashinokan (3-2710 Shinjuku; http://shinjuku.musashino-k.jp) ... The Israeli thriller Big Bad Wolves, which won international accolades from Quentin Tarantino and others, is currently screening at Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho (2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku; www.ht-cinema.com) ... Love Japanese films, but your nihongo isn’t up to scratch? The new website Tokyo Filmgoer (http://tokyofilmgoer. jimdo.com) is publishing info on screenings with English subtitles. KM

city life

THE X FACTOR Talkin’ ’bout my Generation BY WENDY NGUYEN

“What happened to people our own age? They disappeared,” says Randy Alford, co-founder of X Generation Tokyo. “People used to dress up when they went out. What happened to those people?” These questions led Alford and co-founder Daniel Pellet to embark on a mission to serve the party-goers left behind by the current, electronica-inclined, often rowdy crowd of the modern generation. X Generation Tokyo aims to create an ambience directly catering to the generation of people born from the ’60s to early ’80s who still want to go out and have a good time—but want to do it dancing to music they grew up with, much of which has moved out of typical club rotation. Alford and Pellet aim to get music lovers “into the groove,” so to speak, by playing ’80s classics to early-’90s dance gems, providing a venue for people to be startin’ somethin’ on

ASK METROPOLIS ANYTHING

Dear Metropolis, I have had sex with many partners in the past year but now am looking to settle down into a relationship. Before I can become physically intimate with my new partner, I would like to make sure I'm completely free of transmittable diseases. Last time I checked, I was clean—but since coming to Japan, I have had trouble finding out where I can get checked for STDs, VDs and HIV in English that isn't too costly, and I'm not comfortable asking people I know. Where can I go to get checked?—Worried Dear Worried, Finding out about services, medical or otherwise, in a foreign country is never easy; finding people willing to talk openly about sexual health can be

the dance floor to the likes of Michael Jackson while hanging ten and reminiscing with friends both old and new. The pair aim to provide a venue that’s, upscale, elegant and exclusive. Prospective attendees undergo a screening process, with admission on an invitation-only basis, ensur-

ing that everyone who gets through the door makes the most of each event. Pellet says that while age is important, the key is guests see themselves fitting in with the crowd and savoring the atmosphere that defines the spirit of Generation X. http://xgenerationtokyo.com

even more challenging. STDs are as common in Japan as in most other modern countries, but often less acknowledged, or the need for safe sex practices discussed. It’s great to hear you’re taking both your and your partner’s sexual health seriously. The good news is that there are numerous options for getting tested for HIV and a range of STDs in Japan that vary in cost, degree of anonymity and level of English support. In Japan, the word for STDs is seibyō, and most public health centers (hankenjo) test for a range of these for free. Additionally, STD tests are frequently tested through urologists (for men) or OB-GYNs (for women)—however, these may vary in cost and degree of anonymity. It’s also important to check which STDs are offered for testing as not all tests are commonly run.The Tokyo Metropolitan Testing and Counseling Office in Minami-Shinjuku is a good choice. They offer free confidential and anonymous testing for HIV and a number of STDs, and foreign-language support is available on Saturdays. Another thing to consider when making an appointment to get tested is the “window period.” Most HIV tests measure antibodies; these are produced by anyone who has been infected by HIV, and are the body’s way to try and fight against the infection. However, it takes time for these antibodies to show up in sufficient numbers. Most people will develop antibodies that standard HIV

tests can detect within eight weeks. But there is a chance that some people will take longer to develop antibodies, and the World Health Organization recommends 90 days following your last sexual activity that was unprotected. So, if you had unprotected sex with a person who has HIV or whose HIV status is unknown, you would need to wait 90 days to ensure an accurate result, or have more than one test. For example, if you had unprotected sex last night, you would need to wait 90 days for an accurate HIV test result and one to two weeks for many of the STDs. However, you could have one test now for both HIV and STDs, and that would tell you your HIV and STD status for the period 90 prior to your last sexual activity. You would also need to take another test after those three months have passed in case the first test occurred during your window period. Our Lifeline counselors can talk you through all of the options in more detail, along with places available in your location, and any questions you may have about the various STDs and window periods. Answer courtesy of TELL. If you need to talk, they’re here to listen. Call the TELL Lifeline at 035774-0992 from 9am-11pm, 365 days a year. Or visit their website at www.telljp.com If you want to “Ask Metropolis Anything” about life in Japan, send your questions to askanything@ metropolisjapan.com and we’ll find the most appropriate people to answer your queries.

body&soul

REFLEXUAL HEALING The Grinberg Method offers new ways to treat old pains BY LISA WALLIN

Whatever our dreams might be, humans are also creatures of habit, and plans for personal development can often be subsumed in daily routines. Karen Carmeli, practitioner of the Grinberg Method, believes our bad habits physically manifest themselves as back pain, headaches, fatigue and emotional imbalance. “Most people try to tackle problems intellectually without fully understanding the true origin of behavior or physical discomfort,” she says. The Grinberg Method proposes a balance between what’s learned intellectually and what is learned physically and corporeally. Developed from roots in reflexology by former paramedic Avi Grinberg in the early 1970s, the Method endeavors to holistically teach the use of movement, physical pressure and breathing exercises to increase awareness and create change in the mind and body. The objective is to increase one’s attention to what’s going on inside—and why we do what we do. Of several practitioners around the world, Carmeli is the only one in Japan. Carmeli begins her craft with a series of oneon-one sessions in which she asks her client a number of questions, from personal goals or

struggles to physical discomforts or emotional disorders. The idea is to establish what the subject needs and touch on the originating source of any problems. The essence of why subjects answer a certain way leads to a greater understanding of how they can change for the better. This is followed by elements akin to massage, with Carmeli even examining the soles of clients’s feet as she searches for painful points in the body and works to remove them. “This is no normal massage, and it’s not a time to relax and take it easy,” she explains. “The client must also work to pinpoint and remove these painful areas by counteracting the practitioner’s physical pressure.” The technique is frequently painful at first, owing to what Carmeli describes as built-up muscular tension and energy. These aches and pains,

she says, are manifestations of vices developed over years of bad posture, stress, nervous habits and poor management of emotional experiences. By counteracting this pain and learning to prevent its creation by dealing healthily with physical and emotional stress, subjects can achieve a state of continual development. The Grinberg Method is an individual process, and the number of required sessions varies greatly from client to client. Some learn quickly; others need more time to recognize and end longstanding habits. “The most important thing is that clients want to learn how to improve themselves emotionally and physically,” Carmeli says. They can then use this knowledge on their own and live life with a greater freedom of movement and expression. Having undergone a series of sessions, I can say it was often an agony unlike anything I’ve ever experienced: sharp and deep, like being repeatedly impaled by a dagger. That’s not to say the pain I experienced was a bad thing. I was left physically exhausted, yet surprisingly refreshed, relaxed and with a sense of clarity. I became acutely aware that although I’m generally healthy, there’s a lot more I could proactively do to improve my wellness. I was told that clients can report raised energy levels, reductions in physical pain and the removal of repetitive negative behavior. Whether you think this sort of thing is spiritual mumbo jumbo or right up your alley, all I know is that I had the most effective massage therapy of my life. ¥5,000 per session. Open Mon, Thu & Sat, 11am7pm (reservation only). Tel: 080-3273-0773. karencarmeli@softbank.ne.jp. www.grinbergmethod.com

check it out

VILLAGE VANGUARD BY MARTIN LEROUX

The sign greeting guests at Village Vanguard declares the establishment to be an “exciting book store”—but in reality, it is so much more. The Vanguard is a superstore stocked with unique and kitschy products: Intelligently designed stationery and desk supplies, quirky kitchenware, cute kiddie toys and downright bizarre stuff—like coffee mugs with dogs and cats dressed as celebrities and curry bowls shaped like toilets. There is, naturally, a huge selection of memorabilia, from Peanuts and The Simpsons to Back to the Future and E.T. When in search of gifts, stop the shophop—there’s something for everybody right here. Find a Village Vanguard near you at www. village-v.co.jp

FASHION CALENDAR Do you have what it takes for TV?

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

FROM NOV 28 Nike x Liberty London Sportswear giant Nike is getting classy in time for Christmas with a floral collaboration with iconic London department store Liberty. The capsule collection dives into Liberty’s extensive textile archive for a series of sneakers and exercise gear in vibrant florals. http://meturl.com/nikejp

NOV 29-DEC 15 Tokyo Monsters in Parco Museum Artist Asami Kiyokawa presents a retrospective of ’90s fashion in collaboration with street fashion bible Fruits magazine. Known for her elaborate embroidery, Kiyokawa has selected 60 of her favorite street snaps from the magazine’s illustrious history and then stitched over the subjects’s faces to create a series of “Tokyo Fashion Monsters” that encapsulate the extroverted spirit of the era. http://meturl.com/fashionmonsters

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

日本初上陸！

日本人テレビリポーターを募集しています！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。履歴書と、プロファイル写真一枚を送って下さい。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。 http://www.fashionone.jp/casting

日本初上陆！

FROM DEC 1 Bao Bao Issey Miyake Goes Platinum Issey Miyake is set to release a new series for its instantly recognizable geometric bag line Bao Bao. The new designs are rendered in a highly reflective platinum foil that makes for a very bold statement piece in any wardrobe—while also pushing the price point right up to over double the original line, coming in at ¥120,000 plus tax for the basic tote. www.isseymiyake.com

FROM DEC 5 Miharayasuhiro Opens Atelier Internationally celebrated menswear brand Miharayasuhiro is opening an atelier space in the heart of Harajuku, which will not only shine a light on its ever-inventive footwear lineup but also allow customers to see how the shoes are made in a live workshop setting. The atelier will also be taking custom orders and offering long-soldout archive pieces for sale once more. www.miharayasuhiro.jp/splash

我们正在面向全球招募中文流利的电视台记者！你好，美女！想成为一名记者吗？

FROM DEC 6

我们会是你的第一选择！

Temporary Tattoos from Hyde x Hiromu by Roen Japanese rock legend Hyde has teamed up with designer Hiromu Takahara’s clothing label Roen for a series of easy-to-wear basics based on Hyde’s own tattoos. The core T-shirts literally replicate both the placement and design of the rock star’s body art, allowing you to temporarily borrow his cool without dedicating your own skin to the cause. www.roen.jp

只要你拥有一副可爱的容貌，那就快快加入我们这支年轻的队伍吧！你只需要给我们发送你的简历和照片。 FACEBOOK等个人网页也欢迎! http://www.fashionone.jp/casting

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

fashion fix

FESTIVE FASHION BY SAMUEL THOMAS, FASHION EDITOR

The plunging temperatures and hearty food of the festive season allow no time to let the fashion side down. Moreover, this is one of the few times of year when you can get away with wearing or even gifting the ironic ugly sweater—although I for one would like to propose a memorandum on pairing one with an ironically-worn jaunty Santa Claus hat. There is only so much irony one can take.

ON POINT Not all news is good news: This month sees a particularly bad blow to the Harajuku fashion scene with the closure of Avantgarde, t he legwear emporium that single-handedly launched the fauxtattoo tights boom of 2011, the asymmetric tights boom of 2012 and a whole host of others that anyone with their finger on the pulse of Harajuku’s backstreets couldn’t have failed to notice. However, Avantgarde’s success came at a cost—namely that its original designs were ripped off faster than they could be made, with big online retailers that specialize in copies—as well as local Harajuku chains that should know better—taking advantage of the creativity of the tiny basement boutique. Manager and all-round trend-setter Kazuhiro Watanabe has had enough and pulled the plug on the shop, leaving the fakers floundering for inspiration. Those who’ve yet to have their fix of the Avantgarde tights formula have until the end of November to swing by the store, and we can only look forward to seeing what Watanabe turns his hand to next.

Those looking to make themselves the centrifugal force of a party can look to the likes of Forever 21, which has affordable ¥2,480-plus-tax options featuring dancing reindeer and the like. But those willing to brave the vintage shops of Koenji or Shimokitazawa can easily find an authentic ’80s example just like your grandmother used to make—although you will pay a shade more for the real deal.

STREET FOCUS

SHOPPING STRATEGY

Observers of Japanese street fashion often ask just how its most flamboyant ambassadors can function within what clearly is among the world’s more conservative societies. Well, the simple answer is that aside from students, many are actually working in the city’s expansive fashion industry, or else advertising their own brands—as with this issue’s street snap star spotted selling her very first collection at November’s Design Festa Vol. 40.

Photo by Samuel Thomas

19-year-old Tama Art University design student Gomi Hayakawa has been the talk of Tokyo town of late, with her Campfirecrowdfunded lingerie line exceeding its initial funding target of ¥250,000 by some 565 percent. With so much more cash on-hand than she needed to produce her first collection, the young creator not only expanded on her original concept but also staged a fashion show in Shibuya for her eager contributors. The concept of her Feast brand is to provide fashionable bras in sizes AAA to A, which is a realm currently mainly catered to by overly childish or else frankly dull designs.

At any rate, there’s clearly a gap in the market for what the designer herself dubs “Cinderella bust” bras, not only statistically, given that most studies will agree some 8-10 percent of Japan’s adult population require an A or smaller cup size, but also by sales, with the entirety of Feast’s first collection selling out within 24 hours of release. A new collection is planned in time for Christmas and will be available online. http://hayakawagomi.com/feast

arts&culture thousands, some still suspect they’re—ahem— the same person. Why did your Japanese parents decide to adopt a Caucasian American? In the mid-’70s, Japan had a big booming economy and it was popular for Japanese families to adopt American babies. Kind of like how American celebrities such as Madonna and Angelina Jolie adopt babies from other countries. What was it like growing up as a white Japanese person in rural Shimane? I lived in a very small village high in the mountains with a population of under one hundred people. Everybody had known me since I was a baby, so nobody treated me any differently than any other boy in my town. How is your search for your birth parents going? It is a difficult journey, but I will never give up. What inspired you to begin making videos? I met a person when I first came to Los Angeles who suggested that YouTube would be a great way for me to share my story. I had never heard of YouTube before and I had never made a video. But my friend had a camera; he showed me how to work it and how to upload videos. It’s been seven years now since my first video. Tell us why Asian stereotypes make your videos funny.

POP LIFE

STEREOTYPE SMASHER

Ken Tanaka subverts racial conventions on both sides of the Pacific BY DAN GRUNEBAUM

Metropolis tracked down Ken Tanaka, the Caucasian-Japanese star of numerous YouTube shorts parodying Asian stereotypes. Tanaka says he was adopted by Japanese

parents in the ’70s, and was only recently reunited with his long-lost twin brother, Californian actor/comedian David Ury. Despite their side-by-side appearances in videos seen by

Images courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

ART

AGRARIAN ART A peek into peasant life through Millet BY C.B. LIDDELL

A lot of art is about liking what you’re supposed to like, not what you actually like. You could call this the “Emperor’s New Clothes Syndrome,” with casual art viewers terrified of being taken for idiots because they can’t see the purported genius of the works before them. While this idea seems to have found its particular vogue in contemporary art, it has a much longer history, as can be seen in full at the exhibition now on at the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum. The sacred cow presently on display is JeanFrançois Millet, one of the perennial idols of French art. Now, Millet is not such a bad artist— but he’s not particularly good either. Luckily, the show—“Millet, Barbizon and Fontainebleu”— has lots of other less famous but better artists to compensate for Millet’s mediocrity. However,

The Young Shepherdess, 1870-73, Jean-François Millet

the central question has to be addressed: Why is Millet so famous? The best-known painting here is The Sower (1850), which, through repeated appearances in art histories and encyclopedias, has become

something of an icon. It shows a peasant striding across a landscape scattering seed. Looked at up close, however, it seems unremarkable: you see the muddy colors, the drabness, the rudimentary face—most of it in shadow, which makes the figure seems cold and anonymous. Another famous painting is The Young Shepherdess (1870-73). Here, the face looks like a papier-mâché mask with slits for eyes. Elsewhere, Millet’s figures seem rather blob-like, as if he were designing plastic molds for cheap toys to be included in packets of cereal. The blobbiness not only robs them of character and individuality but also of movement. The Sower seems at first to stride purposefully across the landscape—but he’s essentially a statue made from congealed oil paint. Compare Millet’s peasants with those painted by the other artists on display here and you see the difference. Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot’s The Reaper with a Sickle (1838) is a much more human presence, as are the figures in the paintings by Julien Dupré, such as his Children Feeding Geese (1881). So why are Millet’s paintings of blob people so highly esteemed? The reason seems to have more to do with 19th-century French class politics than artistic genius.

You’re probably referring to our videos, “What Kind of Asian Are You?,” “But We’re Speaking Japanese,” and “Asian Stereotype Police.” These are all videos that question assumptions about race and identity. When we write these comedy sketches, we look for common but absurd situations that we think people will be able to identify with. How does the response to your videos about Asian stereotypes differ in the West and Asia? For “What Kind of Asian Are You?” we got a lot of comments from Caucasian people who were sure this could never happen in real life—and then a lot of comments from Asian people who said they experienced this kind of situation often. I think people in the West generally are more sensitive about these kinds of comedy videos. What do you have in mind for your next video? We just released a new video where David and I discuss Japanese jokes and David tells some jokes that I have heard from many Japanese language learners. Tell us about your new book. Earlier this year, my brother and I collaborated on a new book called Everybody Dies: A Children’s Book for Grown-Ups. It’s an illustrated picture book that can help grown-ups cope with the inevitable fate that awaits us all. It includes fun activities like “match the corpse to the cause of death” and a last will and testament that you can fill out. It’s fun for the whole family. More information on Ken Tanaka, his work and his books can be found at www.kentanakalovesyou.com

In the period of the Third Republic, following France’s defeat by the Germans in the FrancoPrussian War (187071) and the fall of the Emperor Napoleon III, Millet’s paintings of peasants—which look like they might have been painted by actual peasants— The Sower, 1850, Jean-François Millet became symbols of a new egalitarian France, keen to unify its urban and rural populations in a process of national healing. The indistinctness of Millet’s figures, with their blurred and unreadable faces, gave them just the right kind of everyman quality for the age, while also making them seem like outgrowths of the landscape. This made them ideal totems to reassert the idea that France was its land and its people, and was, as such, eternal. Come to this show for the Millets if you must, but stay for the works of the other painters. Until Jan 12, 2015. Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum Tokyo, 2-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku.. Nijubashimae or Hibiya. http://mimt.jp/millet

SOUNDS OF SILAS

Alfie sings for Tohoku BY JETT EDWARDS

Tohoku residents are still feeling the effects of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the region in 2011, forcing people into temporary housing where many still live. With the holidays around the corner, Alfie Silas is determined to lift their spirits through the gift of song. Silas—a noted soul singer who’s worked with Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand and Whitney Houston—revisits Japan for her 1st Annual Christmas with Alfie Silas temporary housing benefit concert series, which starts De-

DRAWN TOGETHER

The Watanabes release third EP BY LAURIER TIERNAN

Tokyo-based alt-rockers The Watanabes lean toward the folk-rock end of the genre, à la Crowded House—and like the Aussie group, The Watanabes are fronted by two brothers: Duncan and Selwyn Walsh. Until the fall of 2014, their credits included two albums, a placement in an ad for Triumph motorcycles, as well as airplay on the BBC and CNN. This September, the launch of Draw What You Like—their latest EP—added a new page to the band’s already impressive resume. With five new songs, the

cember 1 with five shows in Kanto before heading north from December 8-11. The spectacle—which will include holiday favorites in addition to music from The Lion King, in which Silas was featured—is a follow-up to a concert series she performed in 2011, where she was met with generous local gratitude. “There were many tears and hugs— which I was told does not happen very often in Japanese culture,” Silas tells Metropolis. She was particularly moved when, after a performance in a temporary housing recreational room, a man yelled out, “Now I can go on!” Silas is also thankful for being able to share her passion. “At times, music can be used as a great tool for healing our broken hearts,” she says, adding, “We already feel successful in this endeavor, having set up several concerts around Japan—also being blessed by God to do what we love to do.” Christmas with Alfie Silas kicks off Dec 1 in Nerima and ends Dec 11 in Sendai. ¥2,500. Reserve at www.alfiesingsjapan.com, call 022-217-4611 or mail parismedia@hotmail.com

release recalls The Watanabes’ familiar, relaxed vibe while reaching new heights in songwriting and musicianship. Producer David Naughton, who has worked with the likes of Belle and Sebastian and Teenage Fan Club—as well as The Watanabes on their second album, You’re Dancing I’m Absorbed—stretched the band’s sound by including new instrumentation such as sax and cello. Draw opens strongly on its first three tracks. Despite its gloomy title, “There’s Something Wrong” is a bouncy clapalong; slightly less cheery is “28 Years,” whose protagonist wonders if he should “have some kind of plan by now.” “Make Things Better” starts off acoustic and stripped as the subject renews his belief in hope, stating, as the EP title proclaims, you can “draw what you like.” The closer, “Drench You in Sun,” pales in comparison to the other compositions, however, making for a weak finish. But with solid instrumentation and haunting writing almost all the way through, Draw What You Like is definitely worth picking up. Draw What You Like is available on iTunes and at Tower Records. For more information on The Watanabes, check out www.thewatanabes.com.

agenda

WATCH LIST Concerts POPULAR

Tsutaya O-East. Tel: 03-54584681. http://meturl.com/ tingtings2014 SoundWitch

Fact 15th Anniversary: Rock-O-Rama

Japanese rock band with a post-hardcore/melodic hardcore sound, feat. supporting acts by Her Name in Blood, Loyal to the Grave and others. Nov 29, 11:30am. ¥6,900. Makuhari Messe. Kaihin-Makuhari. http:// meturl.com/fact2014 The Three Degrees

American female vocal group known for their major hit, “When Will I See You Again.” Nov 25-29, 6:30-8pm. ¥8,000-10,500. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-32151555. http://meturl.com/ threedegrees2014 Richard Pinhas

French experimental rock icon with Japanese noise-rock legend Tatsuya Yoshida. Dec 1, 7:30pm. ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,000 (door). Tsutaya O-Nest. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3462-4420. www.richard-pinhas.com Deerhoof

Punk-rock band whose erratic style veers between pop, noise and classic rock and roll. The band’s live shows are known for their minimal gear, maximal volume and surrealist banter. Dec 2, 7pm. ¥3,800 (adv). Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-5459-8630. http://meturl. com/deerhoof2014. Dec 16, 7pm. ¥3,800 (adv)/ ¥4,300 (door). Shindaita Fever. Shindaita. Tel: 03-63047899. http://meturl.com/ deerhoof22014. Dec 17, 7pm. ¥3,800 (adv)/ ¥4,300 (door). WWW. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-7685. http://meturl. com/deerhoof32014 Priscilla Ahn

American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music is grounded in folk, country and pop. Dec 3, 7pm. ¥8,500. Meguro Persimmon Hall. Toritsudaigaku. http:// meturl.com/ahn2014 Steel Panther

American glam metal band known for their profane and humorous lyrics as well as their exaggerated on-stage personae that parody the stereotypical view of lifestyle in the 1980s. Dec 3, 7pm. ¥7,000. Tsutaya O-East. Tel: 03-5458-4681. http://meturl. com/panther2014

A night of heavy rifts and enchanting vocals for your aural pleasure. Dec 5, 7-10pm. ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Club Crawl. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3498-3113. http://meturl. com/soundwitch2014 Country Yard

Japanese punk-rock group who have been supporting acts for bands No Use For A Name, The Get Up Kids and Rufio. Dec 6, 1pm. ¥2,800(adv) +1d. Yokohama Bay Hall. Motomachi-Chukagai. Tel: 045-624-3900. http://meturl. com/countryyard2014 The Drums

American indie pop band from Brooklyn. Dec 8, 7pm. ¥6,000. Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://meturl. com/drums2014 Enter Shikari

English four-piece rock band known for their crossover style incorporating post-hardcore and various heavy metal sub-genres with elements of various electronic genres, creating a very distinct sound. Dec 8, 7pm. ¥6,000 (adv). Astro Hall. Meiji-Jingumae. Tel: 03-3402-3089. Dec 10, 7pm. ¥6,000 (adv). Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-5459-8630. http://meturl. com/shikari2014 American rock band from Anaheim. Dec 8, 7:30pm. ¥6,600 (adv). Tsutaya O-East. Tel: 03-5458-4681. http:// meturl.com/buckcherry2014 Tahiti 80

French indie pop band. Dec 9, 7pm. ¥6,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://meturl.com/tahiti2014 Sam Lee & Friends

British folk musician whose album Ground of its Own was nominated for the 2012 Mercury Music Prize. Dec 11, 7pm. ¥3,000. Mt. Rainier Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54595050. http://meturl.com/ samlee2014 Keith & Tex

Jamaican rocksteady duo best known for their 1967 hit “Stop That Train.” Dec 17, 8:30pm. ¥4,300 (adv)/ ¥5,500 (door). Astro Hall. Meiji-Jingumae. Tel: 03-3402-3089. http:// meturl.com/keithtex2014 H Zett M

American comedy rock duo composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Jack Black and lead guitarist and vocalist Kyle Gass. Dec 4, 7:30pm. ¥6,000. Studio Coast. Shin-Kiba. http://meturl.com/ tenaciousd2014

Japanese keyboardist and producer formerly part of the jazz instrumental band Pe'z. Dec 20, 2 & 7pm. ¥4,000. Mori no Hall. Hashimoto. Tel: 042-775-3811. www. worldapart.co.jp/hzettm Glory Gospel Singers

British pop duo known for their hit “That’s Not My Name.” Dec 5, 7pm. ¥6,000.

Ryoji Ikeda

Japanese sound artist whose music is concerned primarily with sound in a variety of “raw” states, often using frequencies at the edges of the range of human hearing. Dec 21, 5-7:30pm. One performance ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door), both performances ¥5,000. Laforet Museum (Harajuku). Tel: 03-5413-3072. www. laforet.ne.jp The Stylistics

R&B/soul vocal group's Christmas special. Dec 18-21, 6:30-9pm. ¥8,400-14,900. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http:// meturl.com/stylistics2014 Loopholic Release Party

With Uhnellys, an indie-band from Tokyo and special guest Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her. Dec 22, 7:30pm. ¥2,500 (adv)/ ¥3,000 (door). Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. http://meturl.com/ uhnellys2014 The Ska Flames

Japanese ska band who has performed with legendary musicians such as Prince Buster and The Skatalites. Dec 23, 5:30pm. ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥3,800 (door) +1d. www. skaflames.jp

Buckcherry

Tenacious D

The Ting Tings

Ross, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. Dec 21, 2 & 6pm. ¥2,000-7,000. Shibuya Public Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3402-9911. www.tate.jp

New York-based ensemble who have performed at Carnegie Hall and have appeared on stage with Diana

Countdown Japan 14/15

Featuring Japanese artists Back Drop Bomb, Sanbo Master, Scandal and more. Dec 28-30, 1-9:30pm; Dec 31, 3pm-5am. ¥10,50031,000. Makuhari Messe. Kaihin-Makuhari. http:// countdownjapan.jp Clean Bandit

English electronic group known for their UK chart-topping single, “Rather Be.” Jan 6, 7pm. ¥6,000. Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://meturl. com/cleanbandit2014 Klaxons

English indie rock-electronic band known for their singles “Magick” and “Golden Skans.” Jan 6, 7pm. ¥6,000. Club Quattro. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-8750. http://meturl. com/klaxons2014 The 1975

English indie rock band consisting of members Matt Healy, Adam Hann, George Daniel and Ross MacDonald. Jan 7, 7pm. ¥6,500. Zepp Tokyo. Aomi. Tel: 03-3599-0710. http://meturl. com/19752014 G.I. Orange

British new wave and pop band formed in the mid-1980s. Jan 11, 7pm. ¥6,000 (adv). Koenji High. Koenji. Tel: 03-53780382. http://meturl.com/ orange2014

Ásgeir

Icelandic solo singersongwriter whose music is described as melodic folk. Jan 12, 6pm. ¥5,800 (adv). Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://meturl. com/asgeir2014 Alt-J

English indie rock band whose debut album “An Awesome Wave” won the 2012 British Mercury Prize. Jan 13, 7pm. ¥6,000. Tsutaya O-East. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681. http://meturl.com/altj2014 The Script

Irish pop rock band with hits “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” and “Breakeven.” Jan 16, 7pm. ¥6,500. Akasaka Blitz. Akasaka. http://meturl. com/script2014 Cyndi Lauper

American pop icon and winner of Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards. Jan 20, 7pm. ¥10,50012,500. Nippon Budokan. Kudanshita. http://meturl. com/lauper2014

Tokyo. Aomi. Tel: 03-35990710. http://meturl.com/ vamps2014 At the Gates

Swedish death metal band with a melodic death metal sound. Feb 9, 7pm. ¥7,000 (adv). Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://meturl. com/atthegates2014 Mötley Crüe

American heavy metal band known for their genre-bending music, a mix of anthemic choruses, stadium-sized riffs and punk rock and melodic power. Feb 14-15, 5-4pm. ¥13,000-30,000. Saitama Super Arena. SaitamaShintoshin. http://meturl.com/ motley2014

with a music set inspired by Dixieland Jazz. Dec 3-4, 7-9:30pm. ¥7,000. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http://meturl. com/fukuhara2014 Martin Taylor

British jazz guitarist best known for his solo fingerstyle performances. Dec 6-7, 5pm. ¥6,600-9,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://meturl.com/taylor2014 Martin Taylor and Alison Burns

British jazz guitarist Taylor with jazz singer Burns. Dec 6-7, 8pm. ¥6,600-9,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://meturl.com/taylorburns Chico & The Gypsies

OK Go

American alternative rock band known for their often quirky and elaborate music videos. Feb 17, 7pm. ¥6,000 (adv). Tsutaya O-East. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681. http://meturl. com/okgo2014 JAZZ/WORLD

A French musical formation of rumba catalana, flamenco and Latin pop and rock tunes led by Chico Bouchikhi, one of the founders of the Gipsy Kings. Dec 5-8, 7-9:30pm. ¥8,800. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://meturl.com/ chico2014

Royal Blood

British hard rock duo whose sound is rooted in modern garage rock and blues rock. Jan 21, 7pm. ¥5,500. Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://meturl. com/royalblood2014 FKA Twigs

English singer-songwriter, producer and dancer whose album LP1 is one of the nominees for the 2014 Mercury Prize. Jan 22, 7:30pm. ¥5,500 (adv). Liquidroom. Ebisu. Tel: 03-5464-0800. http://meturl. com/twigs2014 Swans

American experimental rock band led by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Gira. Jan 27, 7pm. ¥6,000 (adv). Tsutaya O-East. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681. http://meturl.com/swans2015 Catfish and the Bottlemen

Welsh rock band who recently released their debut album The Balcony. Jan 28, 7pm. ¥5,000 (adv). Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-5459-8630. http://meturl. com/catfish2014 Tycho

American ambient music artist and producer, whose music captures the sound of 1970s analog media while remaining both progressive and futuristic. Jan 29, 8pm. ¥6,000 (adv)/ ¥6,500 (door). Tsutaya O-East. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5458-4681. http://meturl.com/tycho2014

Tokyo-Manila Jazz & Arts Festival

A concert merging jazz and original Philippine music, with Noel Cabangon, Boy Katindig and others. Nov 28, 6:30pm. ¥4,500. Shinjuku Ushigome Tansu Civic Hall. Ushigomekagurazaka. Tel: 03-3260-3421. Thanksgiving Jazz Concert for the benefit of young musicians’s education and scholarship funds, with Tetsuro Kawashima, Tots Tolentino and others. Nov 30, 6pm. ¥2,000. Akasaka Civic Center Civic Hall. AoyamaIchome. Tel: 5413-2711. http:// tmjaf.tokyo/

American jazz singer and pianist and brother of musician Nat King Cole. Dec 8-10, 6:30-9pm. ¥7,500-9,500. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://meturl. com/cole2014 Salena Jones with Friends

American jazz and cabaret singer who won the amateur night at Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater at the age of 15. Dec 11, 6:30pm. ¥7,500-9,500. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://meturl. com/jones2014 Heavyweight Sessions

Bebel Gilberto

Brazilian popular singer often associated with bossa nova. Nov 28-30, 7-8pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://meturl.com/ gilberto2014 Tokyo Big Band 2014: The Last

Pianist-arranger Jonathan Katz leads a 19-piece ensemble. Dec 3, 7:30pm. ¥4,000 (adv)/¥4,500 (door). Akasaka B Flat. Akasaka. Tel: 03-55632563. http://bflat.biz Sarah Àlainn

Violinist and singer who has performed alongside world-famous opera singers such as Yvonne Kenny and José Carbó. Dec 4, 6:30pm. ¥6,000. Sakura Hall. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3464-3251. www.sarahalainn.net

Richie Kotzen

Guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer with an instantly recognizable and immediately striking style. Feb 1, 5pm. ¥8,000. Akasaka Blitz. Akasaka. http://meturl.com/ kotzen2014

Laila Biali

The Vamps

Miho Fukuhara and The Mardi Gras Combo

British pop boyband. Feb 5, 7pm. ¥6,000-7,000. Zepp

Freddy Cole

Award-winning Canadian Jazz pianist, vocalist and songwriter. Dec 2-4, 6:30-9pm. ¥6,600-8,500. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://meturl.com/biali2014

Japanese singer-songwriter,

With Japanese jazz trio Cro-magnon and Hex from the Jazz label Blue Note. Dec 11, 7pm. ¥3,500 (adv)/ ¥4,000 (door). Daikanyama Unit. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. http://meturl.com/ cromagnon2014 Clémentine

French singer-songwriter based in Japan who has also appeared regularly on the entertainment segment for NHK Educational TV “French TV.” Dec 12-13, 7-8pm. ¥7,800. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://meturl.com/ clementine2014 Till Brönner

German jazz musician, trumpet player, singer, composer, arranger and producer. Dec 14-16, 5-9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http:// meturl.com/bronner2014 Tito Jackson

Original member of The Jackson 5, recently better known as a talented blues artist. Dec 17-19, 7-9:30pm. ¥8,500. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://meturl.com/ tito2014

hot tickets

JAN 4 Electrox

New Year’s dance music festival with artists DVBBS, Klaxons, Don Diablo and others. Jan 4, 2pm. ¥12,00024,000. Makuhari Messe. KaihinMakuhari. www.electrox.jp Tickets on sale from Dec 6

Edda Magnason with Niels Lan Doky Trio

An “Homage to Monica Zetterlund,” Sweden’s legendary jazz singer/actress. Dec 20-21, 5-8pm. ¥8,000. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-5485-0088. http:// meturl.com/magnason2014

JAN 27 Lily Allen

English singer’s concert for her third studio album Sheezus which has been praised for its lyrical content, social commentary and outlook. Jan 27, 7pm. ¥8,000. Toyosu Pit. Shin-Toyosu. Tel: 0570-00-3337. http://meturl.com/lilyallen2015 Tickets on sale now

Sarah Brightman

English classical crossover soprano singer. Dec 1-12, 7pm. ¥13,000-15,000. Tokyo International Forum Hall A. Yurakucho. http://meturl. com/sarahbrightman

The Stylistics

Yutaka Sado & WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne

R&B/soul vocal group's Christmas special. Dec 18-21, 6:30-9pm. ¥8,400-14,900. Billboard Live. Roppongi. Tel: 03-3405-1133. http://meturl. com/stylistics2014

Performance of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony.” Dec 18, 7pm. ¥5,000-16,000. Tokyo International Forum Hall A. Yurakucho. http://meturl. com/sado2014

Dee Dee Bridgewater & The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra

Three-time Grammy Awardand Tony Award-winning American jazz singer. Dec 22-25, 6:30-5pm. ¥10,800. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://meturl.com/ deedee2014

“Ave Maria” in Christmas

St. Petersburg Chamber Ensemble Divertissement performance feat the three major “Ave Marias” by Bach, Schubert and Caccini. Dec 22, 2pm. ¥4,500. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-3828-2111. www. koransha.com

FEB 6 Michael Bublé

Grammy awards-winning Canadian singer and songwriter. Feb 6, 7pm. ¥9,500-18,000. Nippon Budokan. Kudanshita. Tel: 0570-00-3337. http://meturl.com/buble2015 Tickets on sale from Dec 13

¥3,500. Shibuya. www. vision-tokyo.com

A beloved staple on the New York City jazz scene and world-renowned as a multi-faceted concert hall and symphony performer. Enjoy a special Christmas dinner course. Dress code: Something red. Dec 21-25, 5:30-9:15pm. ¥18,500-22,000. Cotton Club. Tokyo. Tel: 03-3215-1555. http://meturl.com/kole2014 Kool & The Gang

American jazz, R&B, soul, funk and disco group. Winner of two Grammy Awards, recently chosen as a recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for 2015. Dec 26-29, 7-8pm. ¥13,800. Blue Note Tokyo. Omotesando. Tel: 03-54850088. http://meturl.com/ koolgang2014 Blue Mountain Boys

Classic country and western and bluegrass. Every third Sat, 6:30 & 7:30pm, free, Cafe Sepia. Shibuya. Tel: 03-34061300. www.nagaremono.com/ sepia CLASSICAL New Japan Philharmonic

The Brahms Program conducted by Michiyoshi Inoue. Nov 29, 3pm. ¥2,000-6,000. Saitama Kaikan. Urawa. www.saf.or.jp Seiya no Trumpet

Trumpeter Wim Van Hasselt accompanied by pianist Vital Stahievitch perform pieces by Bach, Chopin and Rosso. Dec 6, 6:30pm. ¥4,000. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-5353-9999. Dec 9, 2pm. ¥4,000. Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. Minatomirai. Tel: 045-682-2020. Dec 11, 7pm. ¥4,000. Omiya Sonic City. Omiya. Tel: 048-647-4111. www.koransha.com Milan Cathedral Choir

Christmas concert conducted by Claudio Riva. Dec 9, 7pm. ¥5,000. Tokyo Cathedral. Gokokuiji. http://l-tike.com

Violinist who has appeared as a soloist with the world’s greatest orchestras including the London Symphony, Czech Philharmonic and more. Jan 10, 2pm. ¥1,5004,000. Saitama Arts Theater. Yonohonmachi. Tel: 0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jp Alexander Romanovsky

Ukrainian classical pianist who has been invited to perform a Mozart concerto for Pope Benedict XVI. Jan 17, 3pm. ¥1,000-3,500. Saitama Arts Theater. Yonohonmachi. Tel: 0570-064-939. www.saf.or.jp Nobuyuki Tsujii

Conducted by Vasily Petrenko with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Jan 22, 2pm. ¥14,000-21,000. Omiya Sonic City. Omiya. Tel: 048-647-4111. http:// meturl.com/tsujii2014

Clubbing FRIDAY 28 Ageha

Vivid. EDM: DJs Vivid, Tours, etc. (m)¥3,000, (f)¥2,000. Shinkiba. Tel: 03-55342525. www.ageha.com

Jazzbrothers on the Corner. Jazz: DJs Yama, Takehana, etc. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

The New Matrix Bar

Matrix Friday. Old-school hip-hop, west side, south side, all mix: DJ Ykk and more. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm). Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs Shu, Vivid, etc. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. t2-shibuya.com

The Room

Club Asia

Champ. Funk, jazz: DJs Tominaga, Oibon, etc. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp

Cream. Electro, hip-hop: DJs Otoguro, Shodai, etc. (m)¥3,000, (f)free. Tel: 03-5458-2551. http://asia. iflyer.jp

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs Shu, Ikezawa, etc. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. t2-shibuya.com

Womb

Club Asia

SUNDAY 30

New Dive. Techno, bass: DJs Rs, Raymond, etc. ¥3,000. Tel: 03-5458-2551. http://asia. iflyer.jp/venue/home

The Yes.House, techno: DJs Osawa, Surkin, etc . ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp

The Room

Liaison. Deep house, jazz: DJs Harajuku, Kat, etc. ¥1,500. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Womb

Weaves.Progressive house, tech house DJs Mendo, Uichi, etc. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5459-0039. www.womb. co.jp Social Club Tokyo

Metropolis November Getsumatsu. Time to get freaky with two floors of fun at Social Club Tokyo in Shibuya! Free, ¥500 drinks. Shibuya. Tel: 03-6826-8438. http://meturl. com/november

Global Allmix Party. All mix: DJs Shu, Murasaki, etc. (m)¥2,500 w/1d, (f)¥1,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. t2-shibuya.com Womb

EDM Sunday. EDM: DJs Sone, Loose, etc . (m)¥2,500, (f) free. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp FRIDAY 5

SATURDAY 29 Ageha Ageha

Treasure Hunters. EDM, trance: DJs Alex Kidd, Yoji, etc. ¥3,500. Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.ageha. com

Agepa. All mix: DJs Ami, Shintaro, etc. (m)¥3,000, (f)free. Shin-Kiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.ageha. com

NOV 29-DEC 25 Christmas Market in

Yokohama Akarenga Soko

Shop for Christmas items and indulge in delicious German food. Nov 29-Dec 25, 11am-10pm, free. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Bashamichi and Nihon Odori. Tel: 045-227-2002. www.yokohamaakarenga.jp

The Room

Breakthrough. Hip-hop: DJs Jin, Ladi Dadi, etc. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www. theroom.jp T2

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: Various DJs. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. t2-shibuya.com Club Asia

The Block Party. All mix DJs Taku, 80kidz, etc. ¥3,000. Tel: 03-5458-2551. http://asia. iflyer.jp Womb

Sterne.Techno: DJs Chris Carrier, Ishino, etc. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp SATURDAY 6

Rezonanz. Media art, electronic: DJs Cajak, Kikiorix, etc Live: Max Loderbauer and more. ¥4,500. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-5459-8630. www. unit-tokyo.com

Ruby Room

Sound Museum Vision

The Wonderland. EDM, house: DJs Mitomi, Ryukyudisko, etc. ¥3,500. Shinkiba. Tel: 03-5534-2525. www.ageha. com

12th Anniversary. DJs Timutaku, Special K, etc. ¥1,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-3780-3022 (evenings) / 070-6969-4816 (daytime). www.rubyroomtokyo.com

Utopia. Techno: DJs Sunahara, Ken Ishii, etc. ¥3,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo. com Origami

Social Club. Deep house, nu disco: DJs Seb Zito, Groove Patrol, etc. ¥3,000. Omotesando. Tel: 03-64340968. http://meturl.com/ origamiclub

Innervisions. House: DJs Kristian, Alex from Tokyo, etc. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. www. air-tokyo.com

Sound Museum Vision

The New Matrix Bar

Ed Banger. Electro, techno: DJs Busy P, Boston Ban, etc.

Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop, R&B, reggae: DJ

Asobinite. Electro, house: DJs Nakata, Tanaka, etc. ¥3,000. Shinkiba. Tel: 03-55342525. www.ageha.com Daikanyama Unit

Lost Decade. DJs Tofubeats, Wildparty, etc . ¥3,000. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com Air

Dj Jazzy Jeff. Hip-hop: DJ Jazzy Jeff and more. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-57843384. www.air-tokyo.com Sound Museum Vision

Girls Festival. Hip-hop: DJs Komuro, Kaori, etc. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)free. Shibuya. www.vision-tokyo.com Origami

Developer, Annie Hall. Techno: DJs Developer, Annie Hall, etc. ¥3,500. Omotesando. Tel: 03-6434-0968. http:// meturl.com/origamiclub The New Matrix Bar

Matrix Friday. Old-school hip-hop, west side, south side, all mix: DJ Ykk and more. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm). Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp

Sound Museum Vision

Big Groove. Hip-hop: DJs Krush, Muro, etc. ¥3,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.visiontokyo.com Origami

Fasten Musique Label Showcase. DJs Vlad Caia, Yoshitaca, etc. ¥3,500. Omotesando. Tel: 03-64340968. http://meturl.com/ origamiclub

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs Various DJs. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. t2-shibuya.com Club Asia

Jumper. EDM: DJs Mad as Noise, Hikaru, etc. (m)¥3,000, (f)free. Tel: 03-5458-2551. http://asia.iflyer.jp

The New Matrix Bar

Womb

Saturday Night Fever. Hip-hop, R&B, reggae: DJ Ykk and more. ¥1,000 (after 10pm). Roppongi. www.matrixbar.jp

Boysnoize Records. Electro, techno: DJs Boys Noize, Edjotronic, etc. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp

Especial Records Session. House, crossover DJs Yoshihiro Okino, Yukari, etc. ¥2,500 w/1d. Shibuya. www.theroom.jp

Air

The Tour. House, techno: DJs Nobu, Sodeyama, etc. ¥3,000. Shibuya. Tel: 03-57843384. www.air-tokyo.com

Shibuya Mixx. EDM: DJs Various DJs. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-8692. www. t2-shibuya.com

The Room

Sound Museum Vision

Dance Chantecler Tango

Tango musical set in 1940s Buenos Aires at the luxurious Chantecler Cabaret performed by the Mora Godoy Tango Company. Dec 4-7, various times. ¥6,500-10,500. Theatre Orb. Shibuya. Tel: 03-34779999. http://meturl.com/ chantecler

Club Asia

Tremor. Hip-hop, rock: DJ Meme; live: Dry & Heavy and more. ¥3,000. Tel: 03-54582551. http://asia.iflyer.jp

Origami

Dense & Pika. Techno: DJ Dense & Pika and more. ¥3,500. Omotesando. Tel: 03-6434-0968. http://meturl. com/origamiclub

Womb

The New Matrix Bar

SUNDAY 7

Matrix Friday. Old-school hip-hop, west side, south side, all mix: DJ Ykk and more. ¥1,000 (after 11:30pm). Roppongi. www.matrixbar. jp

FRIDAY 12 Ageha

Air

Vortex. Trance: DJs Masa, Yuta, etc Live: Blue Planet Corporation and more. ¥3,000. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-5459-8630. www. unit-tokyo.com

Artifact. Electro, techno: DJs Erol Alkan, Osawa, etc. ¥3,500. Shibuya. www. vision-tokyo.com

8692. www.t2-shibuya.com

Ageha

Daikanyama Unit Daikanyama Unit

Artemis. House, techno: DJs Yasu, Nehan, etc. Live: Lowtec. ¥3,000. Daikanyama. Tel: 03-54598630. www.unit-tokyo.com

Justin Vandervolgen. House, disco: DJ Justin Vandervolgen and more. ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5784-3384. www. air-tokyo.com

The Room

12th Anniversary. DJs Hata, Izpon, etc. ¥1,500 w/1d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-37803022 (evening)/070-69694816 (daytime). www. rubyroomtokyo.com

Air

Ykk and more. ¥1,000 (after 10pm). Roppongi. www. matrixbar.jp

Robag Wruhme. Electronic: DJs Robag Wruhme, Hyota, etc. ¥3,000. Omotesando. Tel: 03-6434-0968. http://meturl. com/origamiclub

Ruby Room Daikanyama Unit

Seven-time Grammy winning songstress. May 5-6, 6pm. ¥9,50033,000. Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999. http://taylorswiftjapantour.com Tickets on sale from Dec 13

Origami

Yuzuko Horigome Special Christmas Nights with Hilary Kole

MAY 5-6 Taylor Swift

for free

06s. Drum‘n’bass: DJs Dc Breaks, Aki, etc . ¥3,500. Shibuya. Tel: 03-54590039. www.womb.co.jp

Christmas Special Classics

Kiev Ballet performs segments from The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker accompanied by the Ukraine National Opera Orchestra. Dec 24, 7pm. ¥5,000-8,500. Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Hatsudai or Shinjuku. Tel: 03-53539999. www.koransha.com The Nutcracker

Global Allmix Party. All mix: DJs Various DJs. (m)¥3,500 w/1d, (f)¥2,500 w/2d. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5428-

Performed by the K-Ballet Company. Dec 20-26, various times. ¥11,500. ACT Theater. Akasaka. Tel: 03-3589-2277. www.k-ballet.co.jp/company

Ends Dec 31

Stage DEC 14, 18, 19, 20, 21 & 23

Choreographed by Ikko Tamura. Dec 13-21, various times. ¥2,500 (adv)/¥3,000 (door). Dairakudakan Kochuten. Kichijoji. Tel: 0422-21-4984. www. dairakudakan.com

Exhibitions NOV 28 (FRI)-DEC 14 (SUN) Ballet: Cinderella

Ideal for the Christmas season. Performed by the National Ballet of Japan. Dec 14, 19, 21 & 23, 2pm; Dec 18, 7pm; Dec 20, 1 & 6pm, ¥3,240-10,800. New National Theatre Tokyo. Hatsudai (Keio New Line). Tel:03-53529999. www.nntt.jac.go.jp/ english DEC 2 &19-23

Kodo One Earth Tour 2014: Eternity

Taiko performance. The third work directed by artistic director Tamasaburo Bando. Dec 2, 6:30pm, ¥6,500. Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall. Kawasaki. Dec 19, 7pm; Dec 20-23 2pm; S-seats ¥7,000, A-seats ¥5,000, students ¥3,000. Bunkyo Civic Hall Dai-Hall. Korakuen or Kasuga. Tel: 0259-86-3630. heartbeat@ kodo.or.jp. www.kodo.or.jp Tokyo Theater for Children presents: Dick Whittington

A hilarious take on the classic British children’s tale. Nov 28-30, various times. ¥2,5003,500, kids two and under free if sitting on parents’s laps. Theatre Bonbon. Nakano. Tel: 03-3381-8422. http:// tokyotheatreforchildren.com

ONGOING Le Monde Enchanté de Jacques Demy

Behind-the-scenes photographs from works by French New Wave director known for The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and other films. Until Dec 14, ¥70-210. National Film Center. Open Tue-Sun 11am-6:30pm, closed Mon. 3-7-6 Kyobashi. Kyobashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. momat.go.jp The Dream of French Paintings: From Impressionism to Ecole de Paris

New Winter

Faces concealed by masks, these mysterious men are not heroes and leading actors, but villains and secondary characters. Artist Kenichi Obana tells their tales in wood carving and oil painting, exploring their hopes, dreams, simple joys and fears. Nov 28-Dec14, free. Open daily noon-7pm. 3F Ogura Bldg, 2-12-4 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku. Nogizaka. Tel: 03-6419-7229. www. nanatasu.jp ENDING SOON Ryan Su: New Paintings

Showcasing Taiwanese painter Su’s black and white portraits of animals. Nov 11-29, 11am-7pm. Free. Megumi Ogita Gallery. Ginza. Tel: 03-3248-3405. http://meturl.com/su2014 Sadie Rebecca Starnes: Given

American painter whose works are influenced by family histories of Native Americans, diasporic literature and alizarin crimson. Nov 14-29, noon to 7pm. Free. Megumi Ogita Gallery Showcase. Tel: 03-3571-9700. www. megumiogita.com/index.html

Select works by Monet, Chagall, Cézanne, Foujita and more. Until Dec 14, ¥500-1,400. Bunkamura: The Museum. Open Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. 2-24-1 Dogenzaka. Shibuya. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www. bunkamura.co.jp The Beauty of Chanoyu Kettles

Explore 400 years of Chanoyu Kettle history. Until Dec 14, 10am-4:30pm, closed Mon, ¥500-800. Sen-Oku Hakuko Kan. 1-5-1 Roppongi-itchome, Minato-ku. Roppongiitchome. Tel: 03-5777-8600. The Renaissance Golden Age: From Botticelli to Bronzino

About 70 works by the great Renaissance masters, courtesy of the famed Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Until Dec 14, ¥1,0001,600. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. 8-36 Ueno Park. Ueno. www.tobikan.jp 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, ¥800-1,600. Open Wed-Thu, Sat-Mon 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm, closed Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Nogizaka. www.nact.jp

Natural Base The Umbrella Goes West

Solo butoh performance by Kudo Taketeru. Dec 2-3, 7:30pm. ¥3,000 (adv)/ ¥3,500 (door). Space Zatsuyu. Shinjuku. Tel: 090-88465379. www.kudo-taketeru. com

Oil and watercolor exhibition by Claudia Ahlering. Oct 24-Nov 30, 1-7pm. Free. Hiromart Gallery. Edogawabashi. Tel: 03-6233-9836. http://meturl. com/naturalbase2014 Berlin x Tokyo

Tao Drum Rock: The 33 Samurai

Drum entertainment spectacle from Tao, a team of highly trained athletes and highly expressive artists. Dec 9-10, 7pm. ¥5,200-7,200. Bunkamura . Shibuya. Tel: 03-3477-9111. http://meturl. com/drumtao Once

Musical about love on the streets of Dublin; winner of eight Tony Awards, based on the 2007 Academy Award-winning film of the same name. Nov 27-Dec 14, various times. ¥13,000. Ex Theater Roppongi. Roppongi or Nogizaka. Tel: 03-64062222. http://once-musical.jp Japanese Classical Dance with Orchestra Vol. 2

Nihon Buyo dance performance with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra produced by Jusuke Hanayagi. Dec 13-14, 6:30 & 3pm. ¥3,200-12,300. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Ueno. Tel: 03-38282111. www.t-bunka.jp/en Dairakudakan Butoh Performance

Ojo-Tokuro-sama.

Two-day design, art, culture and music exhibition. Nov 29-30, 10am-11pm. ¥1,500. Roppongi Hills. Roppongi. www.berlinxtokyo.com

Ninsei, Kenzan and Crafts of Kyoto

Featuring the ceramic works of artists Nonomura Ninsei and Ogata Kenzan. Until Dec 21, Mon-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm, closed Mon, ¥700-1,000. Idemitsu Museum of Arts. Open Tue-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-7pm, closed Mon. 9F Teigeki Bldg, 3-1-1 Marunouchi. Tokyo. www.idemitsu.co.jp/museum Zaha Hadid

National Treasures of Japan

Artifacts gathered across various genres and periods. Oct 15-Dec 7. ¥900-1,600. Tokyo National Museum. Ueno. www.tnm.jp The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition

Featuring Japanese and Western paintings, sculptures, applied fine arts and writing. Until Dec 7, 10am-6pm, closed Tue, ¥700-1,200. The National Art Center, Tokyo. Open Wed-Thu, Sat-Mon 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm, closed Tue. 7-22-2 Roppongi. Nogizaka. www.nact.jp Koyasan 1,200th Anniversary: Treasures of the Sacred Mountain

Figures carved by some of Japan’s most celebrated Buddhist sculptors, including Unkei and Kaikei. Oct 11-Dec 7. ¥800-1,300. Suntory Museum of Art. Roppongi. http://suntory.jp/sma

Iraqi-British architect, and first female recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. Until Dec 23, 11am-7pm, closed Mon, ¥1,000-1,200. Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery. Open Tue-Thu 11am-7pm, Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. 3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku. Hatsudai. www.operacity.jp/en/ag Lee Mingwei and His Relations

Mixed media artist with an interactive style. The completion of his works relies on the participation of his audience. Until Jan 4, ¥500-1,500. Mori Art Museum. Open Mon & Wed-Sun 10am-10pm, Tue 10am-5pm. 6-10-1 Roppongi. Roppongi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.mori. art.museum

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

Sun 10am-5pm, closed Tue. 3-15 Asumigaokahigashi, Midori-ku. Toke. www. hoki-museum.jp

The World of Tim Burton

Ryoji Arai

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

Japanese illustrator who won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award from the Swedish Arts Council in 2005 for his contribution to “children’s and young adult literature in the broadest sense.” Ginza Graphic Gallery. Dec 3-25, 11am-7pm, closed Sun, free. Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm, closed Sun & hols. 1F Ginza Bldg, 7-7-2 Ginza. Ginza. http://meturl.com/ craftsofkyoto2014

Ferdinand Hodler: Towards Rhythmic Images

Paintings by one of the best-known Swiss artists of the 19th century. Until Jan 12, ¥800-1,600. The National Museum of Western Art. Open daily 9:30am-5:30pm. 7-7 Ueno Park. Ueno. www. nmwa.go.jp Willem de Kooning: From the John and Kimiko Powers Collection

Dutch-born American artist and one of the founders of abstract expressionism. Until Jan 12, ¥500-800. Bridgestone Museum of Art. Open Tue-Sun & hols 10am-8pm, closed Mon. 1-10-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku. Tokyo. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.bridgestone-museum. gr.jp The Fab Mind: Hints of the Future in a Shifting World

Focuses on the aspirations and activities of those who seek to understand and resolve social issues through design. Until Feb 1, 11am-8pm, closed Tue, ¥500-1,000. 21_21 Design Sight. Open Mon & Wed-Sun 11am-8pm, closed Tue. 9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Nogizaka. Tel: 03-34752121. www.2121designsight.jp Born Here, Yet to Be Born Here

Showcasing the various artists who have gathered at the Nakamuraya Salon over the years. Until Feb 15, 10:30am7pm, closed Tue, ¥300. Nakamuraya Salon Museum of Art. 10:30am-7pm, closed Tue. 3-26-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Shinjuku. www. nakamuraya.co.jp/museum Hikari Exhibition

Featuring the relationship between light and space, the earth and humans, showcasing the beautiful world of light. Until Feb 22, 9am-5pm, until 8pm on Fri, closed Mon, ¥600-1,600. National Museum of Nature and Science. Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-8pm, closed Mon. 7-20 Ueno Park. Ueno. Tel: 03-3822-0111. www.kahaku. go.jp Narahara Ikko: Domains

One of the leading photographers of post-war Japan. Domains focuses on human beings in a monastery in Hokkaido and a female prison in Wakayama, both isolated from the external world. Until Mar 1, 10am-5pm, closed Mon, ¥130-430. The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. Open Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-8pm. 3-1 Kitanomarukoen. Takebashi. Tel: 03-5777-8600. www.momat. go.jp Hiroshi Noda

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

Living to Paint: Realism from the Entire Psyche. Until May 17, 10am-5:30pm, closed Tue, ¥900-1,800. Hoki Museum. Open Mon & Wed-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri-Sat 10am-7pm,

UPCOMING

Micro Salon 2014

Showcasing microworks by up-and-comers and veterans. Dec 6-27, Tue-Fri, 11am-7pm; Sat, 11am-5pm; closed Sun, Mon & hols, free. Tokyo Gallery + BTAP. Tue–Fri 11am–7pm & Sat 11am–5pm, closed Sun, Mon & hols. 7F, 8-10-5 Ginza. Shinbashi. Tel: 03-35711808. www.tokyo-gallery.com James McNeill Whistler

The leading art figure of Japonism. Dec 6-Mar 1, 10am-6pm, closed Thu, ¥600-1,500. Yokohama Museum of Art. Fri-Wed 10am-6pm. 3-4-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku. Minato Mirai. www. yaf.or.jp/yma

Sports BASKETBALL

11am-10pm. Free. Sengakuji Temple. Sengakuji. http:// meturl.com/gishisai Hagoita-ichi

Vendors sell wooden paddles to “bounce back evil.” Dec 17-19, 9am-9pm. Free. Sensoji. Asakusa. Tel: 03-3842-0181. www. taitonavi.jp/enjoy_detail. html?no=78 Oji Kitsune-no-Gyoretsu Fox Parade

Hatsumode inspired by tales of foxes masquerading as humans. Dec 31-Jan 1, 10:30pm. ¥1,000 (parade participation fee). Shozoku Inari-jinja Shrine. Oji. http://kitsune.tokyo-oji.jp

Forums & Expos Eco-Products 2014

Showcasing environmental technologies and environmentally-friendly products and services. Dec 11-13, 10am to 6pm. Free. Tokyo Big Sight. KokusaiTenjijo-Seimon. http://meturl. com/ecopro2014 Antique Jamboree

The largest antique event in Japan with a vast variety of items with different tastes and styles including Japanese, European and American antiques as well as collectible toys. Jan 9-11, 10am to 5pm. ¥800 (adv)/ ¥1,000(door). Tokyo Big Sight. Kokusai-TenjijoSeimon. http://meturl.com/ antiquejamboree

Basketball Japan League

●●Yokohama B-Corsairs vs. Bambitious Nara. Nov 29-30, 6pm (doors open at 4pm), ¥1,000-9,500. Hiratsuka Gymnasium. Hiratsuka. http://b-corsairs.com. ●●Yokohama B-Corsairs vs. Gunma CraneThunders. Dec 6-7, 6pm (doors open at 4pm), ¥1,000-9,500. Sky Arena. Sobudai-mae. http://bcorsairs.com. ●●Yokohama B-Corsairs vs. Oita Heat Devils. Dec 27-28, 6pm (doors open at 4pm), ¥1,000-9,500. Hiratsuka Gymnasium. Hiratsuka. http://b-corsairs.com. PRO WRESTLING Big Japan

Nov 22, 7pm, ¥3,150-6,300. Korakuen Hall. Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999. DDT

●● Nov 30, 12pm (opens at 11am), ¥3,000-5,000. Korakuen Hall. Suidobashi. Tel: 03-5800-9999. ●●“Boyz.” Dec 10, 7pm (opens at 6pm), ¥3,000. Shinjuku Face. Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3419-0536. SOCCER Kawasaki-F vs. Hiroshima

Nov 29, 2pm. ¥800-2,300. Todoroki Arena. Musashi Nakahara. Tel: 044-798-5000. www.j-league.or.jp/eng F-Tokyo vs. Yokohama F-M

Dec 6, 3:30pm. ¥600-6,200. Ajinomoto Stadium. Tobitakyu. Tel: 04-24400555. www.j-league.or.jp/eng

Monster Hunter Festa

Calling all fans of the “Monster Hunter” video games, with official “Monster Hunter” competitions, stage events and merchandise. Jan 18, 10am to 5pm. Free. Makuhari Messe. KaihinMakuhari. http://capcom. co.jp/monsterhunter/festa15

Bazaars & Markets Swedish Christmas Bazaar

Swedish food, drinks, handicrafts and folk music. Nov 30, noon to 4pm. ¥500. Swedish Embassy. Roppongi-itchome. Tel: 03-5562-5050. http://meturl. com/swedishchristmas Midtown Christmas 2014

Illuminations, Marché de Noël and other Christmas events. Nov 13-Dec 25, 11am to 9pm. Tokyo Midtown. Roppongi. Tel: 03-34753100. http://meturl.com/ midtownxmas2014l Tokyo Skytreetown Dream Christmas

Nov 1-Dec 25, 11am to 10pm. Free. Tokyo Skytree. Oshiage. http:// dreamchristmas2014.jp Shinagawa Intercity Flea Market

More than 120 vendors. Sun & hols. Nov 15-Jan 1, 9am-3pm, free. Shinagawa Intercity. Shinagawa. http://meturl.com/shinflea Iidabashi Ramla Market

Festivals

Every first and third Sun, 10am-4pm, Iidabashi Ramla. Iidabashi.

TRADITIONAL

Umi no Koen Flea Market

Gishi-sai

Commemoration of the 47 akoroshi who avenged the death of their master. Dec 14,

Every third Sun, 10am-4pm, Umi no Koen. UminokoenShibaguchi. rinpodan@ umino-kouen.net Tel: 03-3226-6800.

Best Flea Market

Every second Sun, 10am-4pm, Tokyo International Forum Hall C. Yurakucho. Tel: 03-32266800. Hanazono Shrine Market

Every Sun, 8am-4pm, Hanazono Shrine. Shinjukusanchome. Tel: 03-3200-3093.

Stellato. Shirokanedai. Tel: 03-3442-5588. http://meturl. com/monthlywine Reiki Training Course

Nihon Reiki Do training in English and Japanese. Nov 28. ¥45,000. Shakti Studio. Horikiri-Shobuen. Tel: 03-6822-3269. www. nihonreikido.com

Ibaraki-ichi

Farm-fresh veg from the north. Every Sat, 7-9am, Roppongi Hills East Court. Roppongi. Tel: 03-6406-5285. Nogi Shrine Market

Every second Sun, 5:30am3pm, Nogi Shrine. Nogizaka. Tel: 03-3478-3001. Oedo Antique Fair

Japan’s largest outdoor antique market. Every first and third Sun, 8am-4:30pm, Tokyo International Forum Hall C. Yurakucho. Tel: 03-58051093. Aoyama Marché

Organic farmers market. Every weekend, United Nations University. Omotesando. Tel: 03-3456-0960. Yasukuni Shrine Antique Market

Since 1949

今年は"にほんごをもの"にする

Every Sun, sunrise-sunset, Yasukuni Shrine. Kudanshita. Tel: 03-3261-8326.

EVERGREEN LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Fudaten Jinja Market

JAPANESE PROFICIENCY TEST N1, N2, N3, N4 ST

Shinjuku Central Park Market

D A I LY CO N V E R S AT I O N A N D B U S I N E S S J A PA N E S E

UDEN VISA T

* One month intensive * 2 & 3 days a week * Private & Corporate * Business Japanese

www.evergreen.gr.jp YUTENJI 03-3713-4958 JIYUGAOKA 03-3723-4785

Registr a April 2 tion for 015 NOW O term PEN!

Free trial lesson for groups info@evergreen.gr.jp

03-3713-4958

Every second Sun, 10am-4pm, Fudaten Jinja. Chofu. Tel: 04-2489-0022.

Local produce stalls, workshops and live performances. Every Sat, 10am-4pm, Shinjuku Central Park. Tocho-mae. Tel: 03-2504-2128. http://meturl. com/shinjukuparkmarket Yebisu Marché

Organic fruits and vegetables. Every first and third Sun, 11am-5pm, Ebisu Garden Place. Ebisu. www.facebook. com/YEBISUMarche

Community Grief Support Group

Hosted by TELL every Wednesday. For more information, contact training@ telljp.com. Oct 8 - Dec 10, 7pm to 8:30pm. Free. Wesley Center. Omotesando. Tel: 03-6427-4696. http://meturl. com/griefsupport2014 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. www. thepinkcow.com Stitch-n-Bitch

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

Multicultural Cafe 2014: Let’s Make Fillings of Monaka

Making wagashi, Japanese sweets, while exchanging culture. Nov 19-Jan 31, six various times between Nov and Jan. ¥1,000 (one time). Shinjuku Bunka Center. Higashi-Shinjuku. Tel: 03-3350-1141. http://meturl. com/multicultural2014 TCS Improv Workshop

The weekly Tokyo Comedy Store: In the Moment impov workshop, all levels welcome. Beginner intensives on weekends throughout the year. See website for more details. Every Wed, 7-9pm, Our Space Studio. Hatagaya. Tel: 03-57707401. www.tokyocomedy.com

Film

Don’t miss an issue!

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. http:// meturl.com/hoopinginjapan

Learning For the cost of postage get Metropolis on your doorstep—and have ransom note material for decades.

http://metropolisjapan.com/subscription 26

Mini-salsa lessons and awesome performance. Nov 30, 5:30-11pm. ¥2,500 w/1d (adv)/¥3,000 w/1d (door); under 18 free. Trescalini Tokyo. Osaki. Tel: 03-54375550. http://meturl.com/ salsaparty2014 Festivin 2014

Japan’s largest natural wine festival. Nov 30, 4:30-8pm. ¥7,000 (adv)/ ¥8,000 (door). Ebis303. Ebisu. Tel: 03-54204371. http://festivin.com Evening Musings 31: Remember, Remember! The Wordsmiths of November!

Monthly explosion of words and lyrics in verse and prose. Nov 30, 7:30-9:30pm. Free. Jamrock Cafe. Harajuku. www.facebook.com/ writersbloctokyo Art Rink

Ice skate while enjoying art. Until Feb 22, sunset until 10pm, ¥500; skate rentals ¥500. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Minatomirai.

A film festival known for presenting cutting-edge, attention-grabbing films. The 2014 program includes Journey to the West, Next to Her and others. Nov 22 - 30, 4:10pm to 6:20pm. ¥1,3001,800. Yurakucho Asahi Hall. Yurakucho. Tel: 03-32840131. http://filmex.net/2014

Ballet Gents Christmas Dinner Show

From Shinjuku Milano Cinema, With Love

Baccarat Eternal Lights

The Shinjuku Tokyu Milano Cinema, which opened in 1956, will be closing its doors on New Year’s Eve, and will be holding 35mm screenings of the biggest hits from its long history including E.T., The Towering Inferno and The Matrix. Dec 20-31, 11am-1pm. ¥500. Shinjuku Milano Cinema. Tel: 03-32021189. http://meturl.com/ milanocinema

Other Events

Enjoy a nice dinner and a performance by the K Ballet Company’s top dancers. Dec 15, 6:30pm, ¥25,000-30,000. Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo. Mejiro or Edogawabashi. Tel: 03-3943-3908. http://meturl. com/gentschristmas Ebisu Garden Place Christmas illuminations. Until Jan 12, 12-11pm. Free. Ebisu Garden Place. Ebisu. http://meturl. com/baccarateternal Department-H

Underground party hosted by drag queens. Every first Sat 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. http:// department-h.com Shibuhouse Party

Festivin’s Eve Party

Enjoy a night of music, food and a selection of natural wines from all over the world, with performances by Higurashi Toshiro & Steel Made Crew, Hamaguchi Yuji and others. Nov 29, 5:30-8:30pm. ¥4,000 (adv)/ ¥4,500 (door). Ebis303. Ebisu. Tel: 03-54204371. http://meturl.com/ festivinseve2014 Le G.A 3 Year Anniversary Party

A night packed with the hottest dancers, DJs and luxurious prizes. Nov 29, 11pm. Ladies free/ Gentlemen ¥3,500 +1d. LE G.A. Roppongi. Tel: 03-6459-2520. www.le-ga.jp A food court-style annual event with around 100 food stands and shops providing various vegefood related foods and goods, including environmentally friendly products. Nov 29-30, 10am-4:30pm. Free. Yoyogi Park. Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081. http://meturl. com/vegefood2014

Bordeaux Wine Seminar

Wine tasting with a Frenchstyle gourmet dinner. Nov 28, 7:30-10:30pm. ¥11,980 (adv).

Family Salsa Party in Osaki

Tokyo Filmex 2014

Tokyo Vegefood Festa Sunday Spin

Spanish music and delicious paella. Nov 29-30, 10am-8pm. Free. Yoyogi Park. Harajuku. Tel: 03-3469-6081. spainfes. com/

Fiesta de España

Explore Spanish culture with flamenco performances,

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. Japan Idol Festival

With Links, Chu-Z, Ultra Girl and more. Jan 25, 3pm, ¥4,500. Shinjuku Blaze. Shinjuku. Tel: 0570-550-799. www. kyodotokyo.com/JIF Nitro Circus Live

A wild, action-fuelled stunt show using motorcycles, bicycles, skateboards and more. Mar 7, 5pm; Mar 8, 2pm, ¥7,000-15,000. Tokyo Dome. Suidobashi. Tel: 0570-550799. http://nitrocircus.jp

MORE LISTINGS ONLINE → HTTP:// METURL.COM/ LISTINGS

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.

FRI, DEC 12 ISSUE Deadline: Dec 4, 3pm FRI, DEC 26 ISSUE Deadline: Dec 18, 3pm

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. Thirtyday money-back guarantee. Quick, easy application; convenient payment options. Enroll today! info@e ar thhe althcare.jp w w w.ear thhealthcare.jp 078-351-7300

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

STRESS REDUCTION. Stressed? Seeking relief? Develop coping skills in the eight-week Stress Reduction and Wellness Program. Begins Jan 18, ‘15. Learn mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and more. Free orientation sessions Dec 14 and Jan 11. tokyostressreduction@ gmail.com tokyostressreduction. org 080-3662-7844

T H I N K I N G A B O U T ADVERTISING WITH METROPOLIS? Platinum

¥32,400. Gold ¥27,000. Silver ¥21,600. Prices include one photo. Bronze ¥2000 (photo + ¥ 20 0 0). P r i ce s a r e f o r 4 0 wo r d s , o n e p rin t i s s u e, t wo weeks online. For details, v i s i t t h e To k y o C l a s s i f i e d s blog—http://metropolis.co.jp/ classifiedblog—or email us at commercial@metropolisjapan. com.

1.2 HAIR & BEAUTY

CU R LY H A I R S PE C I A LI S T IN TOK YO. Englishsp e aking K iyoko, highly experienced in NY’s cu rly h a i r s a lo n s , t a ke s care of curly hair at her salon, Nepenji, in Ebisu. R e s e r v a t i o n s : 0 3 -3 7 93 2357 or info@nepenji.net http://english.nepenji.net/ index_en.html

MEN’S BARBERSHOP IN ROPPONGI WELCOMES FOREIGNERS. Englishspeaking assistant will get your haircu t right . H aircu t s ¥ 4 8 0 0. W i t h s h a v e ¥ 5 8 0 0. Kids’ haircuts ¥4000¥ 4 4 0 0. F i r s t- t i m e d i s co u n t ¥ 1 0 0 0 . h t t p : //o a z o . b i z / t o p 0 3 - 5 5 4 5 - 7 7 9 7 o a z o7 7 9 7 @ yahoo.co.jp

1.7 BUSINESS SERVICES

LAW OFFICE IN KAWASAKI (nex t 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@smk w.biz w w w. 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/

I M M I G R AT I O N L A W Y E R AT N I P PA S H I O F F I C E s u p p o r t s visa and naturalization applications, company establishment and branch off ice installation, including commercial regis tration, as well as inheritance procedures in Jap an. Fre e co n sul t at io n available in English, Español and Japanese. Tel: 03-6264 8446 np@nippashi.com http:// nippashi.com CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. Specialists in branding, web design, photo/ video production. Drawing A Crowd: a new approach in design. Get in touch. info@drawingacrowd.co

2.2 RENT UNDER ¥200,000

Tokyo or Saitama accommodation sought. Very responsible, clean, quiet Canadian male, 46, university lecturer, seeking accommodation in the Tokyo or Saitama area. Under ¥100,000 preferred. mjstoneb@gmail.com

ICHIGAYA, IN CENTRAL TOKYO. Furnished, 25sqm, w/south and north balconies, cherry blossom trees in Jap anese garden, sunny and quiet, 5-7min from Akebonobashi and UshigomeYanagicho subway stn, very convenient to Yotsuya/Shinjuku by bicycle ¥100,000-. Tel/fax: 03-3341-7875 itto@itto-jinnai.com w w w.itto -jinnai.com/green/ greencorp.html

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

1.8 GENERAL SERVICES

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

S E RV I C E D A PA R TM E NT S in a quiet residential area of Hiroo. Studios and suites. 4 min from Hiroo stn. Rates: Daily ¥ 7800. Weekly ¥6850 -/day. Monthly ¥5700-/day. Over three months ¥5130-/day. Ta x , u t i l i t i e s i n c l u d e d . frontdesk@azabucourt. com w w w.azabucour t . com/ 03-3446 -8610

2 FIND A PLACE 2.1 GUESTHOUSE

CREA-UN UENO. Furnished private rooms, w/digital locks, near Asakusa, Ueno, Skytree. S a f e a r e a , f e m a l e - o n l y, rooftop garden w/nice view, BBQ space, free bicycle. From ¥56,000/m. Utilities included. No key money/guarantor. crea-un.sakura@ko-bo.com http://www.sakura-ko-bo.com 03-6912-0692

2.3 RENT OVER ¥200,000

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 0120-957-520. www.tokyoapartments.jp

2.4 HOUSE SHARE

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/

area of Chiba on Jan 1, and I am seeking an apartment. Thanks. japan@ roughsmoke.com

HOUSEMATE FOR NISHI-AZABU/ ROPPONGI. Seeking a new male housemate for my sunny flat in Nishi-Azabu, 2min from Roppongi Hills, two floors, balcony, fully f u r n i s h e d , av a i l a b l e D e c /J a n ¥90,000/m. Utilities extra. na_ka_ to@hotmail.com

2.5 PLACE WANTED Apartment required in Chiba. Hello, I am starting a new job in the Kobukecho

3 EDUCATION 3.5 LANGUAGE EXCHANGE

a line! miffpaayear@gmail.com English and Japanese. Hello, I’m seeking a new friend around my age to improve my English. I’m 27, female, new to the Kanto area, easygoing, love traveling around the world and taking photos. a0y4u0m9i@gmail.com English and Japanese. Japanese male, 34, seeking a language exchange partner who can teach me E in the Shinjuku area. I’m gay, so I hope you will understand this. blackpeter_2004@ yahoo.co.jp

Danish, German, Japanese. Hej and ‘N Tag! JF, 30s, seeks Danes and Germans to help her with languages in Tokyo/ Kanagawa through fun conversations over cups of coffee or just hanging out. Please be nonsmokers, late 20s-30s. codename107113@live.com

English and Japanese. JF, 40s, seriously seeks language exchange partner or English conversation partner to brush up her E. Can anyone help me? Of course, I would be happy to help your Japanese if you like. Serious only, please. daphneodora@hotmail.co.jp

English and Japanese. Hi there, I’m seeking language exchange partners around central Tokyo on weekends. I can speak reasonable English, but recently, I have little opportunity to speak it. I’m a Japanese female, 40s. Serious only— but should be fun! hydrangea2008@ gmail.com

English and Japanese. I’m a Japanese guy, 40, E/J language exchange expert with eight years’ experience. I live in central Tokyo. I need a native English speaker’s help to make my English more natural. hiki4se7ga0@yahoo.co.jp

English and Japanese. Canadian guy, 31, seeks a Japanese person who can teach me a little casual J and help me write a J blog. I’m into sports, traveling, drinking. M/F ok. Azabu area. Tell me about yourself. togoshiblue@ yahoo.com English and Japanese. Hi, I’m Shogo, male, 22, living in Shibuya. My character is mild. I want to practice speaking E and become friends with someone who wants to learn J. Shall we teach each other? Take it easy. shogo9130@gmail.com English and Japanese. Japanese seeks native English speakers around the Soka area. Not sure how to do a language exchange. Let’s talk over coffee at a coffee shop. Prefer female. Friendship and chat. language_exchange3@ hotmail.com English and Japanese. I love joking in E and playing with words. I want to be able to do the same in J. So far, my Japanese is as funny as day-old ramen. You must be open-minded! uk84@ outlook.com English and Japanese. Japanese female, early 20s, seeking a language exchange. Nihonbashi area after work preferred, but open to weekends, too. lovin2012_life@yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. JF, 40, seeking a language exchange partner or English conversation partner to improve my English for work. I would like to help your Japanese (casual or formal). We can meet up around Narita. Serious only. luvinusarah@yahoo.co.jp English and Japanese. Japanese female, 40s, seeks an English exchange partner. Weekdays during the day near Kawasaki stn. tome.haruka-soushi@ ezweb.ne.jp English and Japanese. Japanese male seeking language exchange friends who can meet at a cafe around Shinjuku. Native English speaker with teaching experience preferred. I have good skill and certification for teaching Japanese to speakers of other languages. inoue. language.exchange@gmail.com English and Japanese. Native English speaker is sought by Japanse male in Kokubunji. Weekday evenings or anytime on weekends. I would like to talk with you at a cafe or via Skype. Serious but fun. seigow@hotmail.com

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 French and Japanese. Fr and J daily exchange in Otemachi. winds_fr@ hotmail.com French, English, Japanese. Frenchman seeking a language exchange partner to improve his Japanese. I can teach you Fr or E in return. Beginners/advanced welcome. Let’s enjoy sharing our cultures and interests. dhalexisfr@gmail.com French, English, Japanese. Hello! I’m a native Russian speaker, 23, working as an E/Fr teacher, seeking a Japanese speaker to help me improve my Japanese. I’m a beginner. Not far from Ichikawa-shi, Chiba. julia_ kuzhnetsova@mail.ru 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 Italian and Japanese. Seeking a casual friend to study J. I can teach you It. I’m 43, in Shibuya, can teach you at your place early mornings until 10:30am. Let’s meet to get to know each other. maxtokyo@ rocketmail.com 090-6486-9050 Italian and Japanese. JM, 40s, interested in Italian cars, art, culture and food, is seeking a language exchange mate in Tokyo. I work on weekdays, so weekends/holidays are convenient for me. youdidntsaythat@yahoo.co.jp 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 Mandarin and English. Chinese female, well-educated, friendly, seeking a native English speaker available to meet after 7pm on weekdays around Shinjuku stn. Serious study only. language88exchange@gmail.com

English and Japanese. JF seeking a language exchange partner and longlasting friendship. I can teach you J in return. Around Yokohama is better on weekdays, but I can go to Tokyo on weekends. from.kaori0113@gmail.com

Russian, English, Japanese. Hello, I’m a native Russian speaker. I arrived in Tokyo to study Japanese at a language school, but I want to improve my Japanese more. If you’re learning Russian, I can help you, too. segasf@ rambler.ru

English and Japanese. JF, 30s, seeking an English conversation partner to improve my English. We could meet at cafes around Ginza. I like to travel abroad. yoshicom9@gmail.com

Spanish and Japanese. Native Spanish speaker (Latin American preferred) sought for language exchange. Meet in Tokyo area once/week. Serious learners only, please. tempstadesjp@gmail.com

English and Japanese. Hey, I’m a JF keen to expand my English vocab while helping you with J. We can use movies, music, TV skits, etc., to refine our language skills. Feel free to drop me

S p a n i s h , E n g l i s h , J a p a n e s e. Hi, American male, 31, seeking practice with spoken J. E is my native language, and I also speak Sp fluently. joseph.d.perkins@gmail.com

3.6 LEARNING: GENERAL

wood, attractive ¥4500/obo. tripeler@ yahoo.com Sofabed, deep blue (L178xW90xH30cm) ¥4500/obo. tripeler@yahoo.com

4.2 APPLIANCES

IKEBANA (JAPANESE TRADITIONAL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT) is a powerful means of self-expression. Trial lesson, including all materials ¥4000. No Japanese necessary. Certification, diploma can be earned. Three classroom locations in Tok yo. Website: www.atelier-soka.com/english/ index.html Email: smile@mikaotani.com

3.9 TEACH ME!

Appliance sale! Washer, 4.6kg; Elabitax fridge, 85L; dryer, 5kg; microwave oven; ceiling lamp; stove, city gas. Can help with delivery. frodo.baggins.tokyo@ gmail.com Fan, tower ¥500. Pick up Hiroo stn. hiroovilla@gmail.com Fridge/freezer, Sanyo SR-B18J, 175L (fridge 123L, on top; freezer 52L, in three drawers), silver, ‘05, good for one-two people, in excellent condition ¥10,000. View Shinjuku. Can arrange delivery for extra cost. metropolisclassified@ jungletelegraph.net Laminator, w/pouch film ¥4500. tsuneokobayashi@hotmail.com

4.3 SAYONARA SALE

Chat in Japanese with coffee. I'm a scientific researcher seeking people to practice Japanese in Machida or SagamiOno. Can pay ¥1000-¥1500/h + coffee. In return, I can also teach you English for free. heirolls2@gmail.com

Sayonara sale! Ski set, violin 1/2 and 1/4, baby seat. Pick up Hirano area, Koto-ku. Photos available. zhaoan@ yahoo.com http://www.flickr.com/ photos/30249643@N07/

Expert Python/C++ programmer (local). Can pay ¥1000/h, plus coffee. Must be fluent in English or Japanese. Master’s or PhD student (engineering) is ideal. Must be able to meet in Tokyo. yatri_in_town@yahoo.co.jp

Sayonara sale! Sharp Juicepresso; bread maker; rice cooker; washer/dryer; 55” TV; oven; Nespresso machine, w/cappuccino maker; toaster; kettle; steam mop; vacuum; Apple TV. anaherrerahernandez@ gmail.com 09088571974

Help me, please. British man, my Japanese is awful. I can’t speak and it’s making me unhappy. I want a strict Japanese teacher. I don’t want a language exchange. Two hours/ week. Can pay about ¥1000/h. helpmyjapanese@outlook.com

Sayonara sale! Sharp Aquos TV 32”, Sanyo rice cooker, humidifier, Ikea lamp and boxes, heater, curtains, etc. mabmpchan@yahoo.co.jp

Hjaelpe mig med dansk! Leder efter dansker i Tokyo eller Kanagawa. Jeg taler lidt dansk og vil gerne laere mere! Jeg kan hjaelpe dig med japansk. JF, 30s, ikke-ryger. b2jw13@hotmail.co.jp Khmer teacher wanted. Seeking native Cambodian speaker to teach me conversational Khmer once/week. I can pay ¥2500/h or ¥3000/90min. tnbms16@ yahoo.com Native English speaker wanted who can play with my 4-year-old son in English. He understands English a little bit. I’d like him to study in a natural setting. Female university students preferred. I’ll prepare rewards. rieko818jp@yahoo.co.jp 080-5071-5723 Reasonable English lessons. Japanese male, 30, seeks native English teacher who could teach me on weekends along the Odakyu line. Please introduce yourself. umek2002jp@yahoo.co.jp Teach me martial arts or yoga. I’m a Japanese man in Tokyo. Please teach me for free. Hope to hear from you soon. kamikaze_vibe@hotmail.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

4 HOUSEHOLD GOODS 4.1 FURNITURE & FITTINGS Bed, air, full-sized double (approximately H60cm), built-in air pump, w/remote, inflates in 3min ¥4500/obo. tripeler@ yahoo.com 080-6581-4724 Cork flooring, two carpets available (260x350cm/six-tatami), one y/o, in great condition, minor marking ¥5000. Pick up only Meguro-ku. markintray@ hotmail.com Furniture sale! Single wooden bed frame and mattress, wooden dining table. salenohanashi@gmail.com Furniture sale! Ikea table (L119xW73xH74), four chairs, one bench ¥15,000. pacmbox@gmail.com

Sayonara sale! Kids’ bunk beds, w/ detachable ladder ¥10,000. Front-loading washer/dryer ¥35,000. Kitchen cupboard, dining set, TV and Blu-ray DVD and speaker stand set ¥40,000. Miscellaneous items. Pick up TX line before Dec 15. dechlan@ hotmail.com Sayonara sale! Large and small plants, tables, sofas, chairs, beds, small fridge, wine fridge, etc. Central Roppongi. kizayaro@gmail.com 090-6013-1396 Sayonara sale! Wooden bed frame, double ¥35,000. Dark brown sofa ¥20,000. Sharp 32” TV ¥10,000. Coffee table ¥1000. Ceiling light fixture ¥1000. Metal floor lamp ¥1000. Three-level metal bin ¥4000. jeromeholder@hotmail.com Sayonara sale! Ski wear set, Christmas tree decorations, futon mattress and sheets, plant pots, digital photo frame, waterproof boots and suit, cordless phone, Japanese study books, PlayStation Portable and games. Details available. yannu@hotmail.com Sayonara sale! Washer/dryer. New ¥200,000. Sell ¥120,000. Fridge, 345L ¥16,000. Desk, drawer and chair ¥19,000. Stove ¥18,000. Rinnai ¥35,000. Power Mac G5 ¥65,000. And more. oxbow@i. softbank.jp

4.5 AUDIO & MP3 Music system, Bose Wave Version I, w/iPad/iPhone (up to 4s) dock, remote ¥25,000. Cash only (no electronic transfers). No shipping. i.mobile. pizzaman@gmail.com

4.6 FOR KIDS Car seat, Stokke iZi Go X1 by BeSafe, w/ISOFIX, bought ‘12. New ¥60,000. Sell ¥25,000. Details available. svend. haakon.kristensen@gmail.com Crib. Mamas & Papas, turns into a toddler bed, w/changing table and under-cot storage, adjustable to three different heights, sturdy, high quality, no mattress ¥20,000. lennyraskin@hotmail.com 090-2419-9289 Karate gi, used, for ages 3-12 ¥600¥2000. tsuneokobayashi@hotmail.com

Garden furniture. Wooden table for six, w/two chairs and one hammock, same material, four additional brown garden chairs ¥18,000. anaherrerahernandez@ gmail.com 09088571974

Various items. Kids’ toys, bike, guitar, piano, tent, mattress, flannel and normal bed sheets, winter coats and clothing from Italy and Spain, books, shoe rack and coat holder. By Dec 9. fanaherrerahernandez@gmail.com 09088571974

Hutch, w/shelves, drawers, glass-door cabinet (W170xD45xH73cm), light tan

Windbreaker, Puma, size 130cm, black, in good condition ¥1000. Pick up or

chakubarai. Photo available. housetsu@ gmail.com

4.7 FOR FREE Analog TV 14", w/remote. Pick up Tokyo area. Photo available. acapulco58@ hotmail.com

leather seats, Exon lights, aluminum wheel, 120,000km, shaken until May ‘16, all taxes paid ¥695,000. Firm. No dealers or auction sites. alinjap@ yahoo.com

6.3 BICYCLES, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES

Case, plastic (L73xW40xH20cm), for wardrobe, books, etc., in good condition (one plastic fastener missing). Pick up Gotokuji or Kyodo, Odakyu line. e-ri-no@ excite.co.jp

Bikes. Two adults’ bikes and one child’s bike, w/child seat s and h e l m e t ¥ 3 0 0 0. A r o u n d M e j i r o. anaherrerahernandez@gmail.com 09088571974

Clothes, for baby: white jacket, size 50-80cm ¥300. Pink jacket ¥500. Baby clothes. Pick up or chakubarai. Photos available. housetsu@gmail.com

Mountain bike, GT Timberline LTD, aluminum frame, 24-speed, Shimano, new tires, upgraded seats, w/lock and pump ¥20,000. hiroovilla@gmail.com

5 HOBBIES&INTERESTS 5.1 CAMERAS Bag, Crumpler Karachi Outpost, previous model, size M, some scuffs but otherwise in excellent condition ¥5000. Firm. Cash only. Pick up Shibuya, Shinjuku or Harajuku areas. i.mobile.pizzaman@gmail.com DSLR and lens. Nikon D7000, in excellent condition, w/battery, charger, cap ¥40,000. Lens, Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 D, in excellent condition, w/protector and polarizing filter ¥10,000. pradeepks@ gmail.com 09099727392 Lens, Canon zoom EF-S 18-55 1:3.55.6 IS, in excellent condition ¥8000. deshayes.g@gmail.com

5.2 SPORTS EQUIPMENT Skates, roller, size 8, hardly used ¥2000. Pick up Hiroo. hiroovilla@gmail.com Ski wear set: pants, coat, goggles, suitable for around 170-180cm ¥5000. yannu@hotmail.com Treadmill, Ignio, bought from Rakuten, speed setting 1-16km/h. salenohanashi@ gmail.com

5.3 MUSICAL EQUIPMENT

7 GENERAL

Mobile phone, SoftBank, prepaid ¥4500. tsuneokobayashi@hotmail.com

7.3 MISCELLANEOUS

File folders, size B1, three available ¥750/all. Pick up or chakubarai. Photo available. housetsu@gmail.com

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

8 COMPUTERS 8.2 HARDWARE

Sound module. Roland MKS-50 analog synthesizer sound module, in very good condition ¥29,000. Pick up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@ gmail.com

M o n i t o r, w i d e s c r e e n ¥ 3 0 0 0. tsuneokobayashi@hotmail.com

Japanese learning materials, Ultimate Japanese Course, w/eight CDs, 528 pages of text ¥2000. Pick up Hiroo stn. hiroovilla@gmail.com

10 HELP! 10.1 HELP ME Female models wanted for art project. Seeking open-minded female models for photo project in Tokyo. No experience needed. Any race/age/proportion welcome. Honorarium, free headshots or prints in return. Great opportunity to be part of an art exhibition. alcove2009@yahoo.co.jp

Japanese study books, nine available, basic, 2-kyu and 1-kyu preparation, 1000 kanji cards, etc. ¥3000/all. yannu@ hotmail.com

PlayStation Portable, w/five games (French) ¥2500. yannu@hotmail.com Wii console, hardly used, w/game set (Super Mario Bros, Mario Party 8, Super Mario Galaxy 2), in excellent condition, original packaging ¥20,000. masui41@ live.com

5.6 COLLECTORS Beer glasses, from various Japanese microbreweries, new, collection of 12 ¥5000/all. ¥500/each. Krombacher Pils glass boot, 1.5L ¥2500/obo. tripeler@ yahoo.com

6 VEHICLES 6.1 CARS, PARTS, & ACCESSORIES Benz C180 Wagon Kompressor, Avantgarde limited edition, black, ETC,

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 H I V Pe e r Su p p o r t g ro u p a n d 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. info@peersupporttokyo. com www.peersupporttokyo.com Infertility support group. T TC 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 MESSAGES 11.1 PERSONAL MESSAGES

5.5 GAMING PlayStation 3, Japanese version, 60GB, games use Blu-ray discs as media format, powerful cell processor, dynamic RSX graphics chip, backward compatible to original Sony PlayStation ¥25,000. Photo available. tokyogriff@gmail.com 090-6013-1396

THE JAPAN HELPLINE, 24 hours a day, from anywhere, about anything. From emergency assistance to simple questions. Visit www.jhelp.com/ and press “help,” or call 0570-000-911. To volunteer or support, please contact team@jhelp.com. www.jhelp.com/

Christmas tree, multi-colored, fiber optic (120x55cm), in excellent condition, w/AC adapter, extra lamp, ornaments, decorative lamp chains (two 32-bulb, one 100-bulb chain boxes) ¥9000. mamad15@excite.com

Laptop, Latitude E6400, 250GB HD, 8GB RAM, Win 7 Pro, w/Japanese backlit keyboard, DVD-R/W ¥20,000. nrad_bob@ hotmail.com

Electronic dictionary, Sharp PW-A8200, Japanese, in good condition ¥4000. Pick up Hiroo. hiroovilla@gmail.com

NEED TO TALK? We’re here to listen. TELL LIFELINE: free, anonymous English counseling daily from 9am-11pm by trained volunteers: 03-5774-0992. TELL COUNSELING: affordable multilingual psychotherapy by accredited Western-trained professionals, a CIGNA International Provider: 03 - 4550 -1146. TE LL website: www.telljp.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @TokyoLifeLine.

7.1 PHONES iPhone 5 64GB, SoftBank, black, in very good condition, battery replaced at Apple Store. forinetmail@gmail.com

Sound module, Korg TR-Rack, in good condition ¥20,000. Pick up Senzoku stn, Tokyu Meguro line. deshayes.g@ gmail.com

5.4 BOOKS/CD/DVD

10.2 SUPPORT

Kei jidosha expert sought. Buying a kei minivan to use as camper. Any kei fans/experts who can advise me which is the roomiest model for a tall person to comfortably sleep in? tokyophoto1@gmail.com

WRITE A MESSAGE for your special someone! Write any thing, from bir thday messages to proposals. http:// classifieds.metropolis.co.jp.

12 SOCIAL SCENE 12.1 LET’S PARTY

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@ metropolisjapan.com.

SUBSCRIBE TO METROPOLIS AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE. One year (24 issues) ¥3600 (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, D in e r s Club). D e t ail s at http://metropolisjapan.com/ subscription.

INTERNATIONAL PART Y AT L E A F C U P. C o m e j o i n u s a n d h a v e f u n . M e n: ¥ 3 0 0 0. F o re i g n e r s / wo m e n: ¥ 20 0 0. A l l - y o u - c a n - d r i n k- a n d - e a t . Iidabashi and Yokohama: Dec 6 and 20. Shibuya: Dec 13 and 27. www.leafparty.com

13 CLUBS & INTERESTS 13.1 SPORTS

AMERICAN FOOTBALL. N ihon Unis ys Bulls , 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 & venue subject to change). Attendance at practice must be over 60%. Please contact for tryout info and send your profile to team admin. bullsxleague@gmail.com http:// www.unisys.co.jp/football/ A L L - N AT I O N A L I T Y TO U C H F O OT B A L L . N o n - c o n t a c t t a g rugby (OZ tag) and Rugby League players. We play every Sat from 10am 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 League p layer s for Japanese Rugby League of f icial games from Apr to Sep. Everyone welcome. Contact for more details. japananzacs@gmail.com

Professional oil massage wanted. Seeking a professional or student masseur. Can pay ¥7000/90min or exchange English or Italian. Serious only. No shiatsu—only aroma oil massage. Thanks. alinjap@yahoo.com Sponsorship. Ten years’ experience in cafe/bar work, including working at international hotels. I’d like to open a cafe/bar, but need sponsorship. Individuals and companies are welcome. Please, if interested, let us come to an agreement. samueladonkor@gmail. com 090-6152-6274

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

J A PA N I N T E R N AT I O N A L CHRISTMAS PARTY. Sat, Dec 20, 6:30 -9pm, Bar Quest (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

FUN WITH TOUCH RUGBY! Join us for social or competitive touch rugby every Sat at 2:30pm by Ariake stn, Yurikamome line. Any age, sex, level ok. Please email for details. funwithtouch@gmail.com http://www. funwithtouch.com/where-we-play/ PLAY RUGBY. The Tokyo Crusaders are a friendly but keen international rugby club. Devoted to the game and its 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 sp or t from S cot land . Using 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 Don’s Half-Fast Flash-Mob Weekend Urban Bicycle Rides. halffastcycling@ hotmail.com Futsal players wanted by a very friendly international team. Practice is in Tokyo and Kanagawa on Sat. Details available. fkkyn468@ybb.ne.jp 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

Tokyo Snow Club. A ski/snowboard club for anyone living in, or visiting Tokyo. We go on big group trips every weekend in the winter. Powder, live music events, and parties in snow. Membership is free! info@tokyosnowclub.com http://www. tokyosnowclub.com 050-5806-5616

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 Bassist wanted. Danish female singer seeking serious bassist. Rehearsals in Ikebukuro, minimum three times/month. We do covers and originals. Live gigs, serious debut plans. Pop/rock. 日本語大丈夫. liuwina@gmail.com www. soundcloud.com/liuwina 080-4374-2109 Blues rock band seeks bassist and drummer. I've been playing in pubs/bars in Tokyo. Seeking a bassist and drummer who can play gigs once/twice a month. I am an English-speaking Japanese. Let's have fun after work. mr.ardun@gmail.com

New players sought, especially goal keeper and strikers, for regular futsal, 11-a-side, socials. Any nationality ok. kantocelts@gmail.com www. kantoceltsfc.com

Drummer wanted to complete a fourpiece band in Tokyo. Original material; a compound of folk, Joy Division, Neil Young, Dostoyevsky. We’re all in our late 40s, but there’s plenty of life in us. No Keith Moons. jbchanning@gmail.com 08056594286

Quality football. Interested in playing football at the weekend and training midweek? Want to enjoy a few beers after a good run out? If you consider yourself a quality player, please drop us a note. bfcvagabonds@gmail.com

Japanese drummer seeking musicians. Guitar and bass player sought for rock, dance, pop, blues, jazz, etc. Melody is important. Hopefully, we can have gigs so everybody can dance! kosuke1016@ hotmail.com

Samurai and ninjutsu martial arts. Seeking people interested in training in old-style Japanese fighting arts. Effective and intelligent, but safe training approach. rootarty@gmail. com Table tennis in Minato-ku. Hi, our international team is seeking experienced players. You need to be living or working in Minato-ku and commit to play ten times/year on Sundays (all day). No beginners, please. fgrideau@gmail.com Women’s football club. Five-aside, 11-a-side, on grass fields. Two or three practices/matches on Sun. All nationalities, experience levels, beginner s welcome. Happy and friendly club! We have many socials. djnorio@hotmail.co.jp

13.2 LEISURE SKIING AND BOARDING IN HAKUBA. Snow package: Dec 19-Mar 31; departs Ikebukuro Fridays at 7:30pm (11:30pm arrival); t wo night s, one dinner, t wo breakfasts, round-trip private bus, two-day ski pass, live music party ¥26,900. 0261-75-5155 info@more-resort.com http:// hakuba-hotel-accommodation. com MACARTHUR HEIGHTS. Take a break where General Douglas MacArthur did! One hour from Tokyo by car or direct train. Beautiful cabins on the ocean, w/onsen, beach, shopping. housinginjapan@yahoo. com Japanese home cooking. Japanese housewife offers washoku home cooking at her house near Kawasaki stn on weekdays during the day. The lessons are free; you just pay the cost of ingredients. tome.haruka-soushi@ ezweb.ne.jp Tokyo ET contact group. Join us beneath the stars as we endeavor to make contact with ET visitors and their craft. nakanosky@ g m a il .co m h t t p: // w w w.m e e t u p. com / Tokyo - E T- Contac t- Group / events/193113322/

13.5 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT KAROL SLECZEK: “INTRODUCTION TO TI B ETA N BU DDH I S M A N D MEDITATION.” Karol Sleczek started prac ticing Buddhism 35 years ago. He is highly respected for the depth of his wisdom and incisive teachings. Sat, Nov 29, 5:30-9pm, Yoyo gi H achiman C ommunit y Hall. findlay65@gmail.com www. d iam o n d w ay. jp/ in d ex- e n . h t m l 080-4389-8818 Reiki events. This group is for people who are interested in Reiki and spirituality. For more details about our upcoming events, please visit our webpage. info@reikibyyuko.com http:// www.reikibyyuko.com/reiki-events.htm Tai chi in Yoyogi Park. Yoyogi Park is open again. Come learn and practice Guang Ping Yang Taiji Chuan with likeminded people. Early morning practice is best. ddh@gol.com www.gpytcjapan. com 03-3487-3011 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 色ー度カフェ. ボランティアヒーリング。任意の助けのための私に連絡してください。 winds_fr@ hotmail.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

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.jp

Build a Smarter Body

14 PERSONALS 14.1 FRIENDS

Build a flexible and healthy physique and enjoy eating, work, hobbies and sports more than ever before.

Aerial partner. Anyone want to study aerial silks or ring together as training partners? We can exchange conditioning techniques, work out together. Dance, yoga, gymnastics, or ballet background would be great to help me increase my flexibility. kokoryta@hotmail.com

PERSONAL TRAINING STUDIO

American gentleman seeking friends. I can speak Japanese, enjoy various activities and dining out. I'm openedminded, 5'9", 175lbs, have dark blond hair, blue eyes. tommtgyi@gmail.com

4F Laguetto Aoyama, 3-14-2 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Anyone from Denmark? JF, 30s, lived in Denmark before, wants to learn more of the language and culture. Is there anybody who can meet somewhere in Tokyo? Nonsmoker, late 20s-30s preferred. Glaeder mig til at hoere fra dig snart! codename107113@live.com

03-6440-0505 bodydirector.com

WRITE FOR US!

Coffee in Machida. Would anyone from Western countries (especially northern Europe) like to have a cup or two of coffee together with an English-speaking JF, 30s, in/around the Machida area? Please be nonsmokers, late 20s-30s. b2jw13@ hotmail.co.jp Diving buddy. JF, around 40, is seeking a scuba diving buddy. I've been into it since I saw a big turtle at the Great Barrier Reef. Just registered for my OWD license (very beginner). Let's explore Izu, Fiji, Guam together! mahavidya111@gmail.com Expand my horizons. JF hopes to meet English speakers (including nonnative) who can share nice friendships. I’d like to expand my horizons through new points of view from foreign people. Shall we have some tea? Nonsmokers, under 35 preferred. polkadots.1466@ gmail.com

✓ Feature stories ✓ “The Last Word” ✓ Food & Drink ✓ Tech ✓ Interviews & Community Profiles Prior experience and strong industry contacts a must. To apply, send letter of introduction, CV and relevant clips to

editor@metropolisjapan.com

In Tokyo. JF, 34, seeks English speakers who like to see streets and architecture in Tokyo. If you're interested in friendship with me, please contact me. Non-native speakers also ok. Nonsmokers, punctual people preferred. shipyard212@yahoo. co.jp

Due to the high volume of correspondence we regret that we can’t respond to every query. No calls please.

J-STAR PATENT, TRADEMARK & IMMIGRATION OFFICE

Let's be friends. Hello! I'm seeking friends in Tokyo. I'm Asian, but anyone is welcome. I'm 22, like to hang out with different kinds of people. Just message me—I'm always available! aguilarjohn93@gmail.com

Reasonable prices. Free first time consultation We can support you with: Visa and immigration

Seeking friends in central Tokyo. JF, early 30s, seeks friends to hang out with in central Tokyo. atkm92@ yahoo.co.jp Seeking illustrator friends. Tokyobased children's story writer from Canada seeks illustrator friends for possible collaboration. My influences include Kenji Miyazawa, Nankichi Niimi, St. Exupery and Oscar Wilde. Let's work together to get published in Japan or overseas. Japanese ok. androgoner@ gmail.com Seeking non-Japanese friends. JF, 40, lived/worked overseas, fluent in E/J, seeking non-Japanese, business-minded, preferably Mandarin/Cantonesespeaking friends. Strictly friendship only. Sex doesn't matter as long as you love to talk about business ideas. yurinyc@ yahoo.com

Intellectual property rights (Patent, trademark, copyrights) Establishing a Company & Branch office Other Legal & Business matters Hiroshi Oogai,

Patent attorney Immigration lawyer

www.j-star.jp

Exit 4, Nagatacho stn Supreme Court

Imperial Palace

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

Tel: 03-5216-6890 Fax: 03-5216-6891 Email: hiroshioogai@j-star.jp

WADA Legal & Administrative Office We can help you with:

Snowboarding buddy. French guy, 39, seeking a snowboarding buddy for the upcoming season. lancos@web.de

• 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

14.2 MEN LOOKING FOR WOMEN DISCRE ET E XCITE ME NT WITH HANDSOME MAN. I’m a married British man seeking a special lady for casual romance in Tokyo. I’m tall, slim, handsome, mid-30s, just looking to spice up my life. Mail me and tell me about yourself. mwmlove@outlook.com 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. slaveintokyo@gmail.com

Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka

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

Adventure awaits. Creative and lighthearted film/documentary maker from London, 34, seeks someone to swap stories and start new adventures with. I can be serious or playful, and so can you. Where’s the best country you’ve been? simonbrewer777@softbank.ne.jp American male seeking girlfriend. I’m really into music, dancing, BBQs and exploring new places. I’ve traveled to a lot of cool places in the world. I love living here. amerdavd@gmail.com Artist seeking friend or more. Artist seeks Japanese female artist to go to parks, etc., to sketch together. 白人画家は日本人の画家の彼女を探しています。 analogderez1@yahoo.co.jp

Asian seeking experience with white or black woman. Hello. New here. I’m Asian and have never made out with a white or black woman, so I want to experience it. I hope I’ll get lucky. よろしく！ badwin0931@gmail.com Attractive and exotic JM seeks romance. Adorable, caring, movieand classical music-loving Japanese, 36, working for an international firm is seeking a long-term relationship with a kind and sincere woman of any nationality. Serious inquiries only. evanescence0222@gmail.com Attractive, exotic JM seeks significant other. Adorable, bilingual, caring JM, early 30s, in Tokyo, is seeking a nice, sincere lady for romance leading to a long-term relationship. I enjoy sports, movies and classical music. Waiting for your reply. evanescence0222@ gmail.com British male, 31, friendly, tall, slim, seeking a nice girl to hang out with. Nationality/race unimportant, but should be 20-35 and have a nice personality. Interested in music and film: you should be, too. shiodomebye@ gmail.com Chinese guy in Tokyo. Hello, I am a Chinese guy working in Tokyo. I’m courteous, patient, optimistic, like most indoor and outdoor activities. Please drop me a line and let’s get to know each other. reuterswang@yahoo.co.jp Cute, interesting JM for SWF. Seeking attractive Western female with a nice smile. If you are interested in chatting over coffee or nice food, please contact me and let me know. I am looking forward to your message. Just try once. juniperten2013@gmail.com Debu-san. Japanese man, 40s, gentle, open-minded, romantic, seeks chubby girlfriend for a long-term relationship. Any age, nationality ok. Please do not hesitate—you are a lovely woman. tsuneokobayashi@hotmail.com European seeking young Japanese lady. I’m European, 40, living in Tokyo, seeking you—a JF around 30 or younger—to stay with in Japan or elsewhere. You’re creative, openminded, adaptable, modest, slim and neat. lovepassionfree@gmail.com Frenchman seeks woman. French gentleman, smart, funny, handsome, seeks woman. I'll love you like no man has ever before. I live in Minami-Azabu. Write me—you won't be disappointed. dhalexisfr@gmail.com Ginza/Otemachi. Seeking a sparkling personality to match mine. A woman with interest in the UK preferred, 26-31, nationality irrelevant. Only contact me if you have time to meet weekdays around 7pm in Ginza/Otemachi. englishmobile@ outlook.com Girlfriend. Japanese man, 45, decent, cultured, with a good sense of humor, seeking a lady around my age (35-55), Japanese or foreign, to enjoy friendship, fun and relaxation. tsuneokobayashi@ hotmail.com Handsome American man seeks Japanese lady. I'm an American gentleman, 5'9", 175lbs, dark blond hair, blue eyes, seeking a sincere, loving relationship with a special lady. I can speak Japanese. tommtgyi@gmail.com Handsome, sexy man seeking hot older woman in Tokyo or Yokohama. I love mature ladies (40s, 50s). A nice, tall, handsome gentleman is waiting, hoping to meet you. 日本語可能です。 maldonado_4649@yahoo.co.jp

Handsome, sweet, smart Japanese man seeks WF who seeks secret happy events in her spare time in Tokyo. Single/ married ok. Shall we begin to talk? I think this opportunity will be a great one for us. followupforme14@gmail.com Italian or Spanish? British guy seeking Italian or Spanish woman living in Tokyo. Have drinks, some fun. Send me a message and tell me about yourself. summerfunk@googlemail.com Japanese male seeks new friend. Is anyone seeking a good relationship here? I don’t want affairs; I want a real relationship with a special female. I’m a SJM, cool and honest, not a party animal, love freedom. getloud999hello@yahoo.co.jp JF wanted. Hi, young white guy, 28, is seeking a good-looking young Japanese woman. strikamrad@gmail.com JM seeking foreign girl. Hi, I’d like to make friends with a foreign girl. I’m easygoing and I want to do fun things. I play music and I work in real estate in Tokyo. I like to shop, drink, etc. kosuke1016@hotmail.com Joint adventure. Reasonable-looking Englishman, 50, with much to offer, seeks attractive English speaker who’s into nature, art, travel, healthy living, in a homely but active environment in Kanagawa. If you have time, conversation and desire, we could go far. travelmanuk@hotmail.com Let’s create happy memories together. I hope to find that special lady with whom to create beautiful memories; a lady I can be free with, play like kids; a lady who will love me for who I am. rioehlen@outlook.com Let’s meet. SJM, mid-40s, attractive, sincere, open-minded, slim, seeks someone special. It would be no less than a miracle to find someone, but suppose I give up searching? Then, there will be nothing. That is why I’m here. toshinoris1012@yahoo.co.jp Life is nice. British man, 35, single, seeking a nice Japanese woman for casual dating. I enjoy onsen and sake. I hope we can share some fun and exciting times together. happylamp@ hotmail.co.uk Long-distance relationship with a SJF. Seeking a SJF who wants a serious relationship leading to settling down with a family and kids. If you're interested, please reply. No gamers. Serious only. And if you're racist, don't write me. pjoseph74716@hotmail.com Married Caucasian man for married w o m a n. G e n t le m a n, l a te 4 0 s , attractive, cultured and polite, seeks similar woman. vbcfgt@hotmail.com Married needs help. Fr iendl y Caucasian MM 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 Massage for curvy lady. Tall, elegant, refined Caucasian businessman, fit, mature, experienced, offers deep, relaxing and sensual full-body massage with aromatic oil to curvy Japanese lady. Totally safe and discreet—just relax and enjoy—followed by dinner. teton001@hotmail.com Me, you and our secret. I'm married, 30s, white. I love my wife as I'm sure you love your husband, but sometimes we need some extra love. Let's meet and see what happens. maxtokyo@ rocketmail.com MWM seeking MJF. Caring, educated, good-looking MWM, 40s, seeks married woman for relaxing relationship. If romance is lacking in your marriage and you're sincere and mentally/ emotionally stable, please get in touch. kimonalex4@gmail.com

our desires privately and enjoy physical pleasures. Please be clean, serious. Meet first. ghobatic@yahoo.com Passionate Canadian man seeks romance. Loving single Canadian, 44, seeks passionate lady for friendship or more. I am into motorcycles, travel, road trips, etc. nekobot14@gmail.com

JOBS

Pocchari JF? I'm an African currently residing in central Tokyo. I'm seeking a pocchari Japanese lady for a serious relationship. No jokes, please. Serious emails only. Age is not a problem—it's just a number. strike4me@yahoo.com Questions! Are you seeking a tall guy? Are you too stressed and in need of some fun? If yes, reply to me. jsn334@ gmail.com Secret dating for enjoyable moments. Married Scandinavian WM seeks JF for discreet relationship in Tokyo. Wish to share enjoyable moments, a stressfree time for both of us to enjoy. I am a nonsmoker, charming, fit, good at sensual massage. lifeistobeenjoyed@ yahoo.com Seeking awesome lady. A big happy hello. Seeking SJF, 30s, for a long-term relationship if we are happy together. I’m a SWM, early 40s, from Canada. I love to chat and explore new places in Tokyo. Let’s meet soon! blue_sky20@ outlook.com Seeking companionship maybe leading to something serious. I’m Caucasian, 43, tall, nonsmoking, social drinker. My likes: travel, surprises, music, books, hikes, last minute plans, open minds, spontaneity, going out (but also staying in), sharing, simplicity... Reply w/photo. pisces030771@hotmail. com Seeking female swimming mate. I seek a female swim mate for occasional practice after work and on weekends. I am a JM, 40, working in central Tokyo. Western female under 45 preferred. youdidntsaythat@yahoo.co.jp Seeking friend. SM foreign business executive working in Tokyo, 32, is seeking a warm relationship with a SJF/ JF/married woman, 30-50, for a discreet relationship. Let’s enjoy conversation. Looking forward to your response! dralexphan@gmail.com Seeking heavy girlfriend. WM, early 40s, kind, sweet, passionate, seeks a warmhearted, heavy lady for romance. 太った女性を大好き. 私は日本語を少し話す. nihon4eva@gmail.com

CHAT HOSTS AND TEACHERS WANTED BY LEAFCUP in Tokyo, Iidabashi, Shibuya, Yokohama. Seeking enthusiastic, proficient English, French, Spanish and/or German speakers who can teach and lead li vel y 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 ART MODEL NEEDED. Nude model sought for sophisticated art project. Willing to offer attractive modeling fee. Serious only. This is not porn. Privacy is 100% respected. Mail: strikeapose@nifty.com

Serious relationship. SM, mid30s, 180cm, living in Tokyo, loves movies, music, travel, seeks a serious relationship. 日本語大丈夫です. lafranceatokyo2013@gmail.com Serious, long-term. SWM, 34, welleducated and traveled, with a stable job, seeks true love. If you are 20-30s, warm and caring, and seeking a serious long-term relationship, then please drop me an email. Serious only, no games. No Roppongi girls, please. Lasagna5577@yahoo.com Single, handsome, caring and witty JM seeks a nice Western or Japanese female for friendship and possibly more. Nonsmokers preferred. If you are interested in exciting and happy times with me, email me now. cioinjapan@ gmail.com

Seeking serious relationship. European guy, early 40s, positive, easygoing, gentle, romantic, lots of hobbies, seeking female, 35-55, openminded, easygoing, enjoys simple things. Speak Nihongo. No busy people, please. bbamian@yahoo.com

Travel to Tokyo often. I visit Tokyo about once/month. I would like to meet someone for dinner/conversation. I love to discuss travel, food and life. I am American, 44, attractive, with blue eyes. Let’s meet and enjoy time together. enjoytokyolife@gmail.com

Seeking serious relationship. Hi, I’m half-Caucasian American, halfJapanese, 29, from Hawaii. I speak Japanese. Living and working in Tokyo as an English instructor. I’m seeking a serious girl. Thank you. julianhoward1995@gmail.com

Weakness is all that we humans are about, I guess. Especially when it comes to being alone. I’m a black guy seeking a JF in the same situation. I guess I’m not alone. Serious only, please. strike4me@ yahoo.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@ metropolisjapan.com.

14.3 WOMEN LOOKING FOR MEN

Seeking soulmate. I am seeking a lady with whom I can spend the rest of my days. I seek love and I hope I’ll find it here. andremenandes@ outlook.com

Nice Japanese for nice woman. Japanese man, 40s, 175cm, gentle, calm, kind, caring, decent, with a good sense of humor, seeking an attractive woman of any nationality living in Japan. kissynamio@excite.co.jp

Serious long-term relationship sought by attractive JM. Adorable, caring, movie-loving Japanese, 36, working for an international firm, is seeking a kind, sincere woman of any nationality. Serious only. evanescence0222@gmail. com

Only the lonely. Western man, blond, green, 183cm, fit, 80kg, seeking a secret relationship with a lonely JF. Let's share

Serious only for a lon g -ter m relationship. Any age, nationality ok. montamula@yahoo.com

03-4588-2277 METROPOLIS, JAPAN’S NUMBER ONE ENGLISH-LANGUAGE MAGAZINE, is seeking motivated bilingual (E/J) sales assistants, executives, support staff and interns to join its advertising and marketing team. Send E/J resume to jobs@metropolis.co.jp. M ETROPOLIS I S S E E K I N G A N E /J BILINGUAL INTERN to join the most successful English-language advertising team (Restaurants & Bars) in Japan. Great opportunity to learn about advertising in an exciting environment. No pay, but transportation provided. Please fax your E/J resume to 03-4588-2278 or email knakashima@metropolisjapan. com.

Serious relationship with SJF. Seeking a SJF who wants a serious relationship leading to settling down with a family and kids. If you’re interested, please reply. No gamers. Serious only. pjoseph74716@hotmail.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 serious, chubby 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

To advertise: commercial@metropolisjapan.com

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

Serious relationship in Tokyo. SJF is seeking a serious relationship (not a bed buddy) in Tokyo. I’m 40s, positive and open-minded. If you’re interested, please email me with your photo. aubin-euclid@ softbank.ne.jp

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 want it to go. Fresh, young women join our club every day. Try our free one-month trial offer: first date is on us! 0120-675-858 (E) international@ universe-club.jp http://universeclub.jp/en Elegant yet natural. Woman, who values trust and love, seeks a longterm relationship. Educated, healthy, charming European or North American preferred. We all want a bit more warmth in life. I’m mid-40s. Singles only. nikitaeleon@yahoo.co.jp European man for serious relationship. I’m a SJF, 30s, seeking a European gentleman as I’m interested in the culture. Email me for more info. Serious and genuine people who know how to introduce themselves only. framboisier@ inter7.jp Friends first. Divorced Japanese woman in Kanagawa, early 40s, seeks educated, hardworking gentleman around my age. Must be a dog-lover and sushieater. Let’s be friends first and hope it leads to something more someday. line07312014@yahoo.co.jp Japanese MILF seeks French gentleman. Sensual JF, mid-40s, seeks single French gentleman, 40-60, over 175cm, preferably living in Tokyo. Let’s see if we have chemistry. tama123_123@ yahoo.co.jp Rare discovery! Warmhear ted, 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 Seeking boyfriend. SJF, 30s, 160cm, black medium-length hair, slender, seeking relationship in Tokyo. If you are smart, tall, gentle, muscular, speak English or Japanese, please write me back. I like nature, eating out, drinking. nijinijiniminimi@gmail.com

Sexy apron, lovely dish gloves and pretty face. Got your attention? Fit Japanese, educated, great cook, reaching mid- 40s, seeks single professional, late 30-mid-60s, native English speaker, up for nice dishes, laughs and sharing your world with me. enfant7bythesea@yahoo.co.jp Speechless. Did you listen to the comet singing that was picked up by Rosetta? I was enraptured by its sound. Fewer words—just chemistry speaking for itself. Could we really find such a relationship? I wish to find one. oriontopleiades@ gmail.com “Thinkers” welcome. European girl seeking someone sophisticated, with a deeper insight on life. I love to talk about philosophy and have a weakness for well-spoken people with a bit of wit. dysaesthetic@aim.com This is it... SJF, mid-30s, openminded, loves to laugh, listen to music (especially R&B), chill out indoors, seeking a boyfriend. I hope we can be serious. Cat-loving black man preferred. happylovemusic0808@gmail.com

14.4 GAY & LESBIAN Friends and fun. Japanese guy, 27, 170, 65, good-looking, seeking friends and fun in/around Tokyo. Please reply w/face photo and stats. kcv@hotmail.co.jp

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.

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

“Tokyo’s premier multidisciplinary rehabilitation center” • Assessments and treatments Club 360 is a multidisciplinary health performed by a team of and fitness center, which also offers internationally trained, registered and personal training, group classes, experienced physiotherapists. boxing and kickboxing. • Private treatment rooms • Large, fully equipped rehab gym • Central location 3 min walk from Roppongi Hills • Consultations available in English and Japanese

Special offer Gel Nail from ¥4,980 ALL SERVICES 20% OFF (First time visitors only) *except Gel Nail.

Sports injuries

Manicure..........¥5,500 Pedicure...........¥6,500 Shellac Hand....¥5,980 Shellac Foot.....¥6,980

Musculoskeletal and spinal conditions (neck and back pain) Ergononomic and postural assessments Gait assessments

Appointment by:

ﬂorir.nail@gmail.com http://ﬂorir-nail.com 03-3403-5570

Rehabilitation programs

Address: B1 CMA3 Bldg, 3-1-35 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku • Nearest stn: Roppongi Hours: Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-9:30pm, closed Sun • Tel: 03-6434-9667

Open hour: weekdays 12:00~21:00 Sat, Sun & hol: 11:00~20:00

No.2 Sanken Bldg. 3F 4-1-19 Roppongi Minato-ku

Strong, beautiful, flexible Transform your body & soul at BASI PILATES! Offering you “Authentic Pilates” Metropolis Campaign

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

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

Now You Can Recharge in Roppongi 24/7/365

Hotel IBIS Soba shop

Tel: 03-3796-2411 relaxtokyo.com

Metropolis Promo

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

Mos Burger Almond

Takoyaki shop Police box Roppongi-dori

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

RELATIONS KURISUMASU EVERY DAY BY GRACE BUCHELE MINETA

Japan and America are rather different when it comes to gift-giving. On one hand, gift-giving seems to be a year-round thing in Japan: My husband and I have a box full of pre-wrapped American goodies in the closet in the tatami room so we never show up to a coworker’s house empty-handed. On the other hand, I still have the urge to toss presents at all my friends and family around Christmas time. It just doesn’t seem like “Christmas” if shops aren’t trying to make me buy stuff I don’t need for people I like. Japanese gift-giving culture definitely costs more—but I do like not having to scramble two days before Christmas trying to gather X number of presents for my close friends.

毎日がクリスマス贈り物に関しては日本とアメリカの間で違いが多くあります。私は同僚の家に行く際に贈り物をいつでも渡せるように、常に和室のクローゼットの中にアメリカのお菓子をあらかじめ包装したまま箱の中に完備しています。一方、日本では贈物は年中のイベントのようです。私はクリスマスの時期になると家族や友人のプレゼント選びですごく悩んでしまいます。友達の為に余計なプレゼントまでお店でついつい買ってしまい、その時に初めてクリスマスだと実感します（笑）。はっきりしているのは日本の贈り物の方がお金が掛かります。しかし、クリスマス直前に仲の良い友人のためにいくつプレゼントが必要だったか焦らなくていいのが良いですね。 ■ 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 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

I f you could jus t wave a magic wand, everything would be sorted and you could go out to play. Even though thoughts are things, it still takes time to persuade others. Don’t worry about verbal negotiations this week—you have more than enough alacrity to jump through any wit-shaping discourse that comes your way. It’s your tendency to want to travel just when the deep starts rolling in that you will want to watch.

Although Pallas Athene and Saturn will have you guessing as to what your partner is really thinking (and if you’re single, you may be hard to find just for this very reason), Mercury transits to your solar eighth house on Friday. In this position, you become a bit of a mind reader. They may pretend otherwise, but this week you can trust your instincts—in fact, you may have to, because you’ll be having fun just when you thought life had nothing new to offer.

You can take a seat and watch the dappled light patterns around you. Single or not, your heart and mind are likely to be focused on partnership—Vesta, Venus, Ceres and the Sun have been highlighting this part of your life. On Friday, Mercury factors in, and what you don’t already know you can intuit or just plain think into fruition. Don’t be surprised if you win a confrontation before it starts.

With Mars opposite your sign, you may be attracting more attention than you expected. Up until now, there may have been a bit of a learning curve with relationships and how you view them. Mars breaks through stereotyped perceptions and ways of interacting. But what do you really want to do with all your hard-found knowledge? Do you want to act on it, or view it from afar? At the moment, work has center stage—but it won’t be long until you’ll be happily distracted.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

Sep 22-Oct 22 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Oct 23-Nov 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣ Be up for the unexpected: What seems dull and dreary may be more cuddly, cozy and reliable. Stock up on warm soups and hot breads to keep your palate interested. Not all that is flash will last, and right now you may want to conserve your energy for what keeps your soul well nourished. Money could fly through your fingers as you feel unusually enthusiastic about your future. Don’t be surprised if you receive several excellent offers this week.

Mar 20-Apr 18 ♥♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Jul 22-Aug 21 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣

Apr 19-May 19 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣

Aug 22-Sep 21 ♥♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

CANCER

You may want to go back to where you were before, but retracing your steps isn’t always the quickest route. That’s because in the interim, you’ve experienced more, and your desires are tempered with ... well, yes, wisdom. Having few ties gives you a high level of flexibility, but it also could encourage you to jump before you’re ready. With the advent of Mercury entering your house of romance on Friday, you may want to give love another chance.

At the moment, your stars’s advice is not so much what to do as what not to do. Dark Moon Lilith is hovering at the beginning of your sign, just about to enter. Lilith has legendary powers and can manifest in a way so powerful that others may tremble, and that’s not what you want (or is it?). Your powers of perception are growing. The temptation to break the rules is a shortcut fix—rather, make new ones and enlist the help of your friends, or remodel your environment.

Words are likely to come trip pingly off your tongue. Vesta, Venus, Ceres, the Sun (and on Friday, Mercury) break loose in your solar third house of communication—your views are visionary at the moment. You need freedom; to the moon and back may not seem enough. Stretch yourself to your safest limits and live for now—don’t worry about your future to the exclusion of trying something new. Kicking up your heels gets you where you want to go.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Jan 20-Feb 17 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Feb 18-Mar 19 ♥♥ ¥¥¥¥ ♣♣♣

Do you want to move forward, or do you want to stay where you are? This is a big question for Sagittarians right now. You can move forward metaphorically and stay where you are geographically—but there’s a metamorphosis going on that has to do with what you recently discovered about yourself. Uranus in trine aspect to your Sun has brought you freedom you may not have known you would like as much as you do. Mercury enters your sign on Friday to help you talk about it in a logical manner.

Capricorns are great friends and excellent builders of what needs to be done. What you have started will pan out, although it may take a different form, or be in another place altogether. Mars in the last degrees of your sign gives you the energy you need to keep going. Vesta hovers in your solar twelfth house, whispering that your dreams are just on the horizon—which is absolutely, adamantly true. You don’t have to believe it; you’ll be living it soon.

You may wish for intellectual freedom to match meteoric emotions and sensual starbursts. Getting them in alignment is rare but doable. Right now the Sun, Ceres, Vesta and Venus are in your sector of friends and group associations. On Friday, Mercury joins the party. You can have it all, but it might be exhausting—if you can, choose a few treasures of interest and allow yourself to thoroughly luxuriate rather than wearing yourself threadbare.

You can have just as much fun doing something new as you are having right now. The only question is the expenditure of energy—time, money—to get there. Mercury segues into a square aspect with your sign on Friday. Observing during this planetary alignment with Vesta, Venus, Ceres and the Sun will allow you to make your wisest choices yet. If you are feeling hesitation, there’s no need to manually override it—better to look at it closely, with compassion.

Nov 22-Dec 20 ♥♥♥ ¥¥¥ ♣♣♣♣

Dec 21-Jan 19 ♥♥ ¥¥ ♣♣♣

PISCES

A research team led by a professor at Keio University has proven that “pigeons can recognize themselves in a mirror.”

LINGO BOX Kagami (鏡) = mirror Ryūgaku (留学) = study abroad

the small print

Kōgi suru (抗議する) = to protest Saiban-in (裁判員) = lay judge

BY STEVE TRAUTLEIN

Han tero (反テロ) = antiterrorism

stats

THE QUESTION IS WHETHER CYBER-ATTACKERS FIND LOOPHOLES FIRST, OR WE FIND THEM FIRST AND CLOSE THEM.” —Akitsugu Ito of Tokyo-based software company Cybozu, Inc., which is offering bounties to “good-willed engineers” who can find security flaws in its programs

ONWARD & UPWARD ⊲Officials ⊲ at the Japan Tourism Agency are urging hotels to prepare for emergency situations by stockpiling “necessities” for foreigners, including halal food and Bibles. ⊲The ⊲ organizers of the Eiken English proficiency test have an eye on the international market—they’ve signed a study-abroad agreement with education authorities in Australia. ⊲About ⊲ 1,000 demonstrators attended a rally last month in Shibuya to protest the state secrets protection law.

THE SENSITIVE TYPES ⊲It ⊲ was reported that an increasing number of courts around the country are limiting the display of graphic photographs in trials attended by lay judges. ⊲A ⊲ research group that includes a professor at the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University has found that chimpanzees can trace pictures but “lack the imagination to fill in missing parts.” ⊲Crown ⊲ Princess Masako, who suffers from a

stress-related disorder, appeared at a banquet to welcome King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of Holland. It was the first time in 11 years for her to attend such a function.

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT ⊲The ⊲ Cabinet has created a new ministerial post charged with overseeing preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. ⊲The ⊲ minister will be expected to handle issues ranging from “transportation networks to antiterrorism.” ⊲MSDF ⊲ officials are hoping to develop a new breed of high-speed destroyers that can also conduct minesweeping operations. ⊲A ⊲ group of fifth-graders from an elementary school in Shinagawa ventured to Asakusa to conduct interviews with foreigners in English on such topics as “what their hobbies are” and “what impressions they have of Japan.”

SPIRITED AWAY ⊲Celebrated ⊲ anime purveyor Hayao Miyazaki got a standing ovation as he took the stage

46 Percent of Americans who view China as the U.S.’s closest ally in the region

Percent of Americans who view China as the U.S.’s closest ally in the region

364,892

Cars and vans being recalled by Toyota over defects that include a faulty safety belts and cracked fuel pipes

to accept a lifetime achievement Oscar at a ceremony in Hollywood. ⊲The ⊲ Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau has accused executives at film production company Sedic International—whose hits include 2008’s award-winning Departures—of hiding about ¥1 billion in income. ⊲A ⊲ 45-year-old Japanese woman visiting the city of Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest Territories has gone missing. She was last spotted walking along a local highway. ⊲Workers ⊲ at the Genkai nuclear plant in Saga Prefecture managed to extinguish a fire that broke out in the basement of its auxiliary building. No one was injured.

AND FINALLY…

at a glance BY ADAM GARWOOD Check out Adam’s other work at http://meturl.com/adam3

⊲The ⊲ University of Tokyo placed 24th in U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of the world’s 500 top institutions of higher learning. That was the best in Asia. ⊲In ⊲ all, 17 Japanese schools made the list, including Kyoto, Osaka and Tohoku universities. ⊲Officials ⊲ at the environment ministry say they’re heartened by an increase in the number of sea turtles that have been coming ashore to lay eggs. ⊲Amazon ⊲ Japan has signed a deal with Yamato delivery company that will allow customers to receive orders at about 3,000 Yamato locations around the country.

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

the last word

The “Real” Social Dynamics Why men need to learn from women BY PETER SIDELL Illustration by Christi Rochin

NO ONE IS BORN WITH IMMACULATE SOCIAL SKILLS, AND THEY DEVELOP AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS IN DIFFERENT PEOPLE. ”

WANT TO HAVE THE LAST WORD? Send your article to:

editor@ metropolisjapan.com

My dating life hasn’t always been a roaring success. I have, in fact, had my share of failures. I once tried to charm a woman in such toweringly cack-handed fashion that it pains me to think back on it— well, actually more than once, but I’m thinking here of a particular instance when, instead of just turning me away or shooting me down, she gave me some honest and very memorably direct feedback on precisely why my approach wasn’t appreciated. Thankfully, I didn’t then go to Real Social Dynamics (RSD) for help. This is the “dating coaching company” that employs Julien Blanc, who recently made himself notorious with a video of his methods of seduction (if you can call them that)—most notably his habit of pushing womens’s heads toward his groin while saying “Pikachu,” which in his mind makes it all cute. There was an immediate response to the video. The #takedownjulienblanc twitter campaign saw protests at his prospective speaking venues, seminars canceled, his visa for Australia rescinded and permission refused to even enter the U.K. Since this happened, examples of his behaviour posted on sites such as Tinder and Twitter, where he actively and consistently cultivated an image of spiteful misogyny without any apparent irony, have exposed him as a truly odious individual, despite his unpersuasive after-the-fact apology on CNN. As the story spread, there was naturally something of a rush to judgment, and rightly so. However, in riding the wave of popular revulsion, some commentators

roundly condemned the whole “pickup” field, customers and providers alike. As reprehensible as they are, is it fair to judge an entire industry on the actions of one man? No one is born with immaculate social skills, and they develop at different speeds in different people. So naturally some of us are lacking. I see little difference between, say, an aspiring journalist investing time and money in taking courses to acquire the necessary skills, and a man with poor social skills doing the same. You might as well criticize someone who wants to lose weight for going on a diet. To my mind, what’s in question is the quality of the advice and products available for this purpose. Just as there are fad diets and no end of quackery aimed at people who want to lose weight, so the content of pick-up products varies dramatically. Some programs offer genuine insight into the psychology underpinning male-female interactions, and consist not really of “game” rules but life coaching disguised as dating advice to appeal to men who would otherwise be averse to the idea of self-help. However, there are also of course charlatans and profiteers, seeking only to rake in cash by exploiting the market. They deal not in self-improvement but in manipulation, tricks and techniques that disguise inadequacies rather than eliminating them—and some of them can plumb the depths seen in Blanc’s video. This market isn’t going to go away, though. So where are men to find the products they need?

Most seminars and courses are run by men, with males making up the vast majority of speakers. On the RSD website, all the “executive instructors” are men appointed by men and trained by men. Is it really possible to learn about the nuances of male-female interaction when you’re seeing only one side? When I got that feedback from the woman I tried to charm, it stung at the time. But in a wider frame, I found it genuinely helpful. And that’s where I think the answer lies: courses, programs and seminars for men, but envisioned, designed and presented by women. This would work for men because they’d not only acquire the skills they need—and want—but also learn the difference between irreverent and disrespectful, cheeky and coarse, acceptable and offensive. And in the face of this competition, the other players in the market would be forced to evolve, improving their product and raising standards all round. It would also then work for women because, with their own insight available directly to men, there would be no forum for people like Blanc to pass on their “wisdom,” no excuse for men to seek it out, and hopefully no men acting on it—or at least fewer. That’s how to take down Julien Blanc. Banning him would just add to his notoriety and give him the publicity he wants. Squeezing him out would make him irrelevant—and leave him assuredly behind. ■ Peter Sidell is a teacher and sometime writer and stand-up comic living in Kanagawa.

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

STOVETOP SECRETS FOR CHRISTMAS COOKING

THE MAN WHO MADE NISHIKORI

MACY GRAY TRIES TOKYO

www.dubliners.jp

Order a Jameson Ginger Lime, for a chance to win tickets to the musical

Once at EX Theater Roppongi

Join Japan's largest travel community site Share your own experiences Explore the hidden Japan Become a member and earn rewards

Shinjuku

Shibuya

Tel: 03-3352-6606

Tel: 03-5459-1736

Ikebukuro

Akasaka

Tel: 03-5951-3614

Tel: 03-3539-3615 Shinagawa

Tel: 03-6718-2834